2nd Week in the Field

 

Wow...what a week. I'll have to apologize now and say that I probably won't be able to include all that I want to say, but I'll do my best.

 

So I'll start with last monday. I left the mission home last monday night. Elder Z. still had his bandages on, but he'll be okay. We went to an FHE activity in a singles ward because we had an investigator going there. This investigator is from West Africa and speaks french and very little english. We've met with him twice for a sit-down lesson, but both times I was gone, either on a split or maybe at the mission home. We usually use translators when we teach with him, but he definitely knows more English than I know portuguese haha.

 

Portuguese is kind of a tender topic for me haha, because I can feel myself losing it. Elder Ramos said he even noticed it too. But we only have an hour a day, and that hour sometimes gets booted for a lesson, which is good, it just means that I often don't have a chance to study at all. Here's a really cool thing though! Elder Ramos is over the whole Portuguese branch, so it allowed me to witness this miracle. There is this girl. I don't know if we're supposed to use our investigator's names, so I'll call her Maria. Maria was taught by missionaries over a year ago, but she told them to stop coming because she wasn't going to be baptized until she knew the Book of Mormon was true. The only problem was that she didn't really want to know if it was true, and she didn't read it in the way that Moroni asks us to. She stopped reading. 

 

That was until about two weeks ago, when she got ahold of our number and called us. She had read the Book of Mormon. The whole thing in a week. And she told us that she had received an answer to her prayer. She knew it was true, and she wanted to be baptized. I didn't know Maria before she received her answer, but let me tell you, there is a light in her eyes now. It's almost as noticeable as her hair color. She smiles all the time. She was baptized last saturday. The whole service was in Portuguese and I was able to say the closing prayer. I was able to catch bits and pieces of some really incredible conversion stories. Like I said last week, luckiest guy in the world. Also, on Sunday, I was able to stand in as she was confirmed in the Portuguese branch. It was so stinking cool.

 

As I type, I keep thinking about all of the things that I could say and all of the things that I wish I could express. The truth is that I just can't get it all out. I can't even do it in my journal, which is frustrating. I think I say something like this just about every week, so I'm sorry for that, but just know that serving a mission is even more....how should I say....adventurous, than my emails let on.

 

I'll write a little bit more about Sunday (yesterday) since it's fresh in my mind. I realized that yesterday that because I was in the mission home last sunday and in the MTC for many sundays before that, yesterday was the first time I took the Sacrament in a chapel since I gave my farewell talk. Let me tell you, sundays are crazy as a missionary. Elder Dodge's driving is usually pretty exciting, but on Sundays, when we have like 7 wards to go to, and sometimes 2 or 3 at the same time, he is even more fun to ride with. Side note: our companionship covers 2 stakes, which is about 17 wards, including the port. branch and two YSA wards. So as you can imagine, we are busy on Sundays. But I absolutely Loved it! Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the mission so far! Elder Dodge and E. Ramos were asked (before I came into the mission) to speak in a certain ward, so when we showed up with three, we went up to the stand and E. Dodge leans over to one of the ward's leaders (I'm still trying to figure out who everyone is) and tells him that he wants me to speak first. We had actually showed up late to this meeting, because we had to be in another ward in another building a few minutes before, so E. Dodge tells this man, and simultaneously me, that I'm speaking, and about 45 seconds later, I'm standing in front of a lot of people I don't know and I start speaking. Family, you know me, you know that I tend to worry, you can imagine how nervous I was. And you can imagine all you want, because the truth is, I wasn't nervous. I don't say that to try to sound arrogant, I say that because that moment was evidence to me that the Lord is blessing me. It was evidence to me that the calling of a missionary is very very real, and if I do what is right, if I work hard and if I'm obedient, God blesses in very powerful ways. You all know how powerful that blessing would need to be to dispell my worries, well let me tell you, that's exactly what happened. It was a miracle. It was a very simple miracle, but it was a very appreciated, a very powerful blessing. Oh, and I forgot to mention, one of the Presidents of the Seventy was also on the stand. It was his home ward. I got to shake his hand after the meeting. Luckiest guy in the world. I mean me, not him haha. But I'm sure he's blessed too.

 

In another ward we went to it was fast and testimony meeting. Not every ward was doing that yesterday, so I was so excited to be there when I heard that we were having a testimony meeting. We were sitting in the back of this ward with an investigator (by the way, utah has some of the craziest/coolest chapels I've ever seen) and I was really enjoying this testimony meeting when Elder Dodge leans over to Elder Ramos and whispers something. Then Elder Ramos leans over and tells me that all three of us are going to bear our testimonies....I thought Sweet! This is what I've been called to do! I was a little nervous (in a good way) and I was just waiting for Elder Dodge to stand up so that we could go up there. I wonder if it looked like the FBI was storming the stage when three of us in suits walked all the way from the back to the front. It was so awesome. Elder Ramos went first, then E. Dodge, then me. I tried to keep my testimony really short and simple. I've learned in the last two weeks that one of the biggest temptations to members and missionaries alike is to speak for too long. After the meeting, actually after every meeting, we talk to the members or our investigators or anyone really. The members here are awesome. That's why the Utah Salt lake City mission is one of the 2 best missions in the world. The members are awesome. I am so grateful for them.

 

Well, I don't really have time to go through the rest of last week. But just a little note. Last tuesday E. ramos and I went on splits with Elder Bonaro, our district leader, and guess whose stake E. Bonaro works in? Alex Romney. guess which High Councilor was recently assigned over missionary work. Alex Romney. When I found this out, I wrote a little note for E. Bonaro to give to him, but I don't think he's seen him yet. Small world haha. That stake is in good hands.

 

Also, today 3 of the zones went up to Ensign Peak for p-day today. You should look up the history of Ensign Peak. It was so cool to be up there today. As I was up there just a few hours ago, that's when it really hit me. This is one of the best missions in the world. I'm the luckiest guy on earth.

 

I love you, family! You keep me strong. Thank you for everything!

 

Love,

 

E. Rogers

pics!

                                                Baptism last Saturday   : )

                                                                     MTC teacher

                                                                  another MTC teacher

                                                      with JR, a friend from BYU

First email from SLC!

I don't even know how to start this email...I'll start it like I usually do. Family, I love you so much. If you could see me right now, it's really hard for me to hold back the tears. I'm failing quite miserably actually. I love you all so much. More than last week, even though I said it wasn't possible. Thank you so much for your emails. They mean the world to me, they really do.

Ricole! What the heck! This is the coolest thing since...since....I don't know....since sliced whole wheat bread with all-natural peanut butter smothered on it. I'm so happy! I'm so happy for you! I wish I could be there! But the Lord needs me elsewhere. Oh man, I'm kind of an emotional mess right now. In a very good way though. Wow...I'm just so happy right now. Ricole and Michael, Congrats! Michael, this is for your eyes only: Come on man, why couldn't this have happened sometime before July 13th? I'm only kidding, of course. You're an awesome man, you made the best decision of your life. Ricole is one of the most amazing, incredible people in the world. You might think you know that already, just wait. With her as your wife, you have a reason to be happy every single day. Take care of her. My Dad's not the only one with a Benelli. :)

Violet, thanks for the email and the pics! As I pictured Henry running around yelling "Gog", I was smiling so big. That started the tears. Ricole's news opened the floodgates. Dad, thank you so much for the email. Dad, I think about you all the time. You are my hero. You have been for 19 years and you will be para sempre. I think about you all a lot. I've realized that there are things that you've all done for me that I've been grossly unappreciative for. Thank you Mom, Dad, Violet, Quinn, Henry, Ricole, Michael, and Mitch. Mitch, I'm sorry your name is last haha. It's nothing personal.

So let me explain where I am right now. I'm at the SLC mission home because there is an Elder who just had some surgery done and he needs a companion, so since I'm a trio that's serving really close by, I was asked to stay with him. I've been here since Saturday night. It's been a great blessing. HUGE blessing. For many reasons. First, I get the chance to get to know President and Sister Winn a little bit. They are awesome. Absolutely awesome. And I get the chance to study a lot. Those days in the field taught me that I have a lot, a lot to work on. God knows that, and He's blessed me with some extra study time.

Allow me to continue to explain why I'm the luckiest person in the world. I have the best family and friends ever. Also, I have been blessed to know some of the truths of God, and now I have the chance to serve Him, adopt His Will, and be among His beloved children.

It hasn't even been a week yet. Is that possible? Let's start at Tuesday. We got on a bus early in the morning, dropped some of my best friends off at the airport so they could serve in Mesa. Then we drove all 14 SLC "Visa Waiters" (that's what we're affectionately called haha) to the mission office. President Winn briefly met with the group and then made companionship assignments. I lucked out. Elder Dodge and Elder Ramos. Elder Dodge is really experienced and he teaches me so much. Elder Ramos is from Brasil, and he is amazing. We do language study together and talk about Elder Dodge in Portugues haha. I love these Elders. I didn't really realize that until I had to spend some time away from them while I'm here. But they've been over a little bit, and that's when I realized how much I missed them. I can't wait to be back out with them. There is work to be done.

I met Elder Bodily (Melvin's grandson) while I was at the mission office that day. That was cool, but I didn't really have time to talk, because we basically hit the field immediately. Our area is right around the office so we didn't waste anytime driving either. As I type this, I realize that I don't have the time or the words to describe this week. These 6 days. High highs, low lows. We taught an investigator that morning. It felt soo good to bear my testimony to her. I can't really talk about all of our investigators, but I do have something to say about them in general. This might make me emotional again, but it's such a blessing to work with people. There are so many people in the world who are trying to change their lives, who want to escape drugs, alcohol, sorrow, and pain. They are literally crying out for help. There aren't enough missionaries to help them. There aren't enough people to tell them about Jesus Christ, His Gospel, and the path that He has paved for every single child of God. There is so much sadness in the world. Even in Salt Lake City. People don't know that there is more, that there is salvation available. They just haven't been told yet. Even in Salt Lake City. That's why God calls missionaries. He knows His Children, He knows what we need. We all need Christ. These 6 days have really changed me. Christ's power has never been so real to me. And I testify that His power is real. I've felt it in abundance.

I'm coming to realize that despite all of my deficiencies and weaknesses, Christ is the Light that I am trying to hold up, and He is Perfect. I have a lot to learn, and practice, and develop, I'm not going to stop trying to improve my ability to do this work. But the truth is that the Gospel is where the power lies. The Holy Ghost is the teacher. I just have to try to minimize how much I stand in the way.

Well, I should probably get off now. Know that I'm being very well taken care of. (My very first lunch in the field, a lady gave us money to pay for our food haha. I started talking to her and she just served in the Kennewick mission, where she knew the Ostlers haha. Small world.) The members here are very kind. Not everyone in Salt Lake is in love with missionaries haha, but that makes it fun and interesting. I love you so much. This is amazing time for the Rogers family. Miracles are being poured out all over the place. I've never been more aware of miracles as I have been for the last 6 days. God is our Loving Heavenly Father. That statement is 100% true, and probably very underappreciated by the world. I testify that it's true. He blesses in abundance.

Do you remember Elder McLaw's homecoming talk? One of the things he said was "Christ is the Reason". I feel like there is so much meaning to that short phrase. I only know some of it. But I know it's true. Obedience is the price, faith is the power, love is the motive, the Spirit is the key, and Christ is the Reason.

I love you all. I say it a lot. But I probably still don't say it enough to express how I feel. Don't read it too quickly, I'll say it again. I love you all. You mean everything to me.

Sincerely,

Elder Jonathan Todd Rogers

P.S.

Just for your information, The address for the mission office (where mail should be sent) is:

3487 South 1300 East

Salt Lake City, UT 84106

But I have more time to read emails now, and mail only gets delivered once a week, so email might be best now. Thanks!

P.P.S.

Keep praying for the visa please. I feel like I need to be in Brasil. But also know that I am soo blessed to be here. I learn so much every single day, and the opportunities here are amazing. This reminds me of somthing Elder Zivic told us at the MTC. He asked us, Why do you think God waits for us to ask for things that He is already willing to give us? It's probably because if God just gave us things that were good and in line with His Will, but we didn't have to ask and work for them, we would forget God. That really really hit me when I heard it. It's truth. So I'm trying to let Him know that I want to go to Brasil, but even greater than that, I want to do His Will. He's in Charge. He knows what's best. I trust Him. And I love Him. We'll see if He lets me stay for General Conference. I have a feeling He Will haha.

P.P.P.S.

RICOLE!!!! Again, That's so awesome!!!! I can't wait to wake up on December 30th! I love you! Congratulations! Mom....hang in there haha. Dad, have fun taking pictures haha.

P.P.P.P.S.

Mitch....bro....irmao...I love you. You are the best brother in the world. If I had to create a brother from scratch, I wouldn't have been able to make one that even comes close to you. That's why I'm glad that God made you, and I didn't. You are going to change people's lives wherever you are. You are that awesome. I can't wait to talk to you again.

Last email from the MTC!

 Wow! It's so hard to describe how I feel right now! But you know me, and knowing that today is the eve of one of the most momentous days of my life, you would think I'd be really nervous wouldn't you? Well... my response might be different tonight when I'm laying in bed, but the Lord is really blessing me right now. He knows that I tend to worry, and although worrying has it's purposes, He's keeping me at ease right now. Tomorrow! It starts! I'm so excited! I have so much to learn! So much to do! So much to fail at and succeed at! Let's get it started!

Talking to you on the phone was such an awesome blessing. I was actually really nervous about that phone call haha. It was a very fast 5 minutes. I'm sorry for hogging all of it, I barely got to hear your voices haha. There were four of us at the pay phones and even though there were 3 phones, we went one at a time because it was just so exciting, even for the people that weren't on the phone. It's amazing how things change when you've spent 2 months in the MTC. That might have been the first time I've ever used a pay phone actually...

Even though I'm feeling okay now, I've been a little scared and worried the past few days. That should be no surprise. But it's amazing how the Lord works. Just like you said Mom, Sometimes He steps in and changes our circumstances, but sometimes He steps in and changes our hearts. But I know, I know, that He ALWAYS does what is best for us. It makes me wonder what kind of miracles and changes He could work with me if I would just stop fighting Him and start trusting Him. It's something I'm working on.

When I was talking to my teacher (His name is Irmao Peterson, he's from Pueblo, CO, served in Mozambique, just for some background) he also reminded me of something. He said that we are "given" weaknesses. Of course, we learn this in Ether too, but it really sunk in a little bit more the other day when he said it. We are "given" weaknesses. That means that weaknesses have purposes. If they didn't, they wouldn't be given. That's the truth. The MTC has taught me a lot, but it's quite possible that it taught me the most about me, and how much I have to change. To be the kind of Missionary that the Lord needs and wants, I have to be a man. I'm still a boy. He needs a man. He needs someone who is humble and who has faith. He needs me to change. I hope it happens, and I hope it happens soon, because the sooner that I change, the sooner that I can be an instrument in His hands. That's what I want, because it comes down to this, is the Gospel true? Just like that one talk, "It's true, isn't it? Then what else matters?" I know it's true. I'm still "walking by faith", but I know it's true. What else matters?

There is work to be done. Work in Santa Maria, and more immediately, in the Great Salt Lake. There's work in Spokane too. Don't be afraid to open your mouth. Fear is something I continue to struggle with all the time. I might not know a lot, but I know enough. I know it's true. I might not be the best at talking to people about the Gospel and helping them come unto Christ, but this is what I've been prepared, trained, and CALLED to do. He's called me. He wants me to serve Him, and He knows I have weaknesses. He's the one who gave them to me. But He's promised me, and you, and every one of His children, that if we humble ourselves before Him, weaknesses can become strengths. I'm looking forward to that.

Family, I love you. Stay strong. It's true. I hope to have good stories next week from SLC.

Temporary Reassignment!

Jon called home last night!!  It was quite a surprise, as he had written earlier that he would call on Friday.  So when the phone rang, and caller ID said that it was a pay phone, I just thought it was some person who found a random dentist in the phone book, looking to get drugs off of Todd.  (these type of people usually call from pay phones)  Then Todd noticed it was an 801 area code, and I jumped off the couch and scrambled for the phone!

It was Jon, and I burst into tears as soon as I heard his voice.  Big surprise, haha.  It was  incredible to hear his voice.  He sounds SO good, and is doing SO well.

He will be serving in the Salt Lake City Mission, which includes downtown, and parts of Nevada and Wyoming.   It will be English speaking, though he will get an hour a day to study Portuguese. 

He leaves Tuesday, and is so eager to get out there and get started.  He is super excited about his call, and knows this is where he is supposed to be.  : )

So, let's hop on dearelder.com and send him one more letter, today or Monday!

Some News!

Hi Family!

 

It's been such a crazy week. Thank you so much for your support! I love you! Just a quick note, I'm going to send a little package to you with some things that I want to be safe at home and I'll include a knick-knack or two for you, but the truth is that your cool souvenirs will come from Brasil and not from the MTC Bookstore. I started writing a note that I will also include, but it's not done. I'll send a couple pictures. Look at the backs of the pictures because I labeled one of them.

 

I have some questions for voces. First of all, please please keep me updated on the "Board of Review". I want news as soon as possible. Second, Dad, about C.S. Lewis, I would start with Mere Christianity, it's the classic. Some of his other books will have a similar flow/feel, but will cover other topics about religion. How's the hunting going? Elder Palmer in my district is a hunter and I want him to come up to WA to turkey hunt with us. You'll like him. Mitch, how's marching band?? And the wife beater thing...haha you are the best.

 

You asked about the language, and I love portugues. It's an incredible language. I find myself forgetting Spanish, which is good I guess, but Portugues is so fun. I wish I was more disciplined and spoke it more, but I'm trying. I feel fairly comfortable with it. Cool Story for you. There is this elder who is from Acre Brasil. His name is Elder Da Silva Nogueira. Talk about someone destined for MMA greatness right? Well, actually, he's really skinny, and he just went through an episode of appendicitis, so it might not happen. He is 22 and he was converted when he was 15. He was called to the New York Mission speaking portuguese. Since our schedule just changed, I'm on the same sschedule as him now, meaning we have gym and other things at the same time. Because of his health, he just goes up to the field and brings his book to study English. Even though he's going Port speaking, he's here for 12 weeks to learn English, and I think he's pretty frustrated with it. So when Elder Powell wants to go up to the field, I like to find him and sit with him and talk to him. Oh and by the way, it's all in Portugues. We've maybe exchanged 10 english words with each other, only when I don't know how to say something. I don't say this to brag or anything, because it's quite hard to understand him. He speaks really fast and really low, and he even admitted to doing it. The other native Brazilians are much easier to understand. But we just sit there for the whole time and talk. He has to repeat a lot, but he has an amazing story. He is the only member of his family, and he's sacrificed so much to be one a mission. He's told me about his conversion, his parents, his mom's experience with the Church (she has had a Book of Mormon since 1980, but she never showed it to him), the death of one of his family members, how he wanted to serve a russian speaking mission, so many cool things. I've told him about all of you, the grandparents, my experience of opening the call. I love Elder Noguiera so much. We don't always understand each other with our words, but I think we understand you each as people pretty well. He's amazing and I can't wait to talk to him after I know portugues. So I don't have a lot of time left, but I just can't say enough about Elder Nogueira (we're going to take apicture today, and I'll send it to you someday...) I'll do my best with the remaining 8 minutes.

 

Like, I said, what a crazy week. And to be honest, it's been tough. I'm learning that there is a big difference between knowing something in your head and knowing something in your heart. I know with all of my soul that God is aware of us and He loves us. Last Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were the toughest days since I've been here I think. And do you remember how we have a devotional every Tuesday night? Well guess who walked into the auditorium that night. There are approximately 15 people in the world who we stand up for when they walk in to the auditorium. We stood last Tuesday. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came. Mom, Dad, Mitch, you all know how I feel about Elder Holland, I don't feel like I have to explain that. In every sense of the phrase, Elder Holland was sent from God. I felt like it was a miracle, a sign from God that He knew what I was feeling and He was going to prove it to me. I think if Elder Holland had been wearing a nametag, I would have been able to read it from where I sat. I wish I had time to tell you what he said, but instead I'll tell you how I felt. I felt God's love in a very powerful way that night, even after we left the fireside. It was the beginning of a miraculous week. Not miracles in the sense of loaves and fishes, a miracle in the sense of spiritual healing. The Spirit has been teaching me frequently and powerfully this week as I've continued to struggle at times. But we have to know the bad to know the good, and this week has been very very good.

 

Quick ending. I should be reassigned on Wednesday. And I think I get to make a 5 minute phone call on Friday. Good things are coming! I'm so excited! I'm where I need to be. I love you!

Monday = New P-day

Hi Familia,

 

Well, as you have probably noticed, my p-day has been changed to monday. The whole schedule for our district is being changed up. I think it has something to do with BYU starting. So these last 2 and a half weeks, wow, I can't believe that, these last 2 1/2 weeks will be a little different. Most important things first: I love you, family. I pray for you every single day. I miss you, but I know that we're all where we are supposed to be. You give me so much strength. Thank you.

 

I got another batch of cookies from GG. I can hardly keep up with all the goodies I get haha, but I'm very grateful for everything I receive. Will you tell G-ma thank you for me?

 

I'm sorry I wasn't able to send a letter last week. P-days are really quite busy as well. And with the new schedule, p-day ends even sooner. So I'm going to do my best to write letters, but I might not be as consistent as the last few weeks. I'm really sorry about that, but I know you understand, and I am grateful for that. This email might not have anything that is blog worthy, I hope that's okay. Sometimes I think I put pressure on myself to write something really cool for the blog and I neglect you all a little bit. I'm sorry for that.

 

Oi Mitch, golfing sounds like it will be a blast. You've got some great amigos. I hope marching band is rocking your world. (No need to comment on that hilarious pun.) When does school start up? Is your schedule set in stone yet?

 

Mae e Pai, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY tomorrow! 25 years! I love you so much Mom and Dad. Thank you so much for loving each other and for raising our family to be so close. You said you went somewhere together, didn't you? Portland? I forgot my notes for this email haha.

 

As you can imagine, the weeks start to blur together here. I really don't know how long I've been here. I just know that I leave around the 13th of September. Speaking of, I had a  dream that my visa came last night. (Sidenote: Kalli wrote me and told me that she got a job working in the MTC health clinic, which I walk by like 6 times a day. I havent' seen her yet, which is good, because I'm not allowed to participate in visits with family or friends anyway.) But earlier today I was told that I got something in the mail and it was from the MTC and they thought it might be a visa thing. My heart was pounding. I grabbed Elder Powell and we ran to see Elder Ortega who is the keeper of the mail. I saw the letter and I immediately recognized it as something just as great as a visa. A letter from Kalli! She used an MTC envelope and I recognized her hand writing immediately. It was awesome to hear from her. It's weird because since the envelope didn't have a stamp, I knew that she just dropped it off, which means she was like 30 yards from the building I live in.

 

But anyway, no visa for me or anyone in the District. We're all happy though. We're excited for our reassignments that should come in a little over a week. I heard a rumor that the Quorum of the 12 also makes the reassignments, and I don't know why that wouldn't be true. So it's pretty exciting. How stinkin lucky am I to get 2 mission calls! I can't wait. Whatever happens, I'm excited. Granted, there is also a decent dose of fear and hesitation mixed in with the excitement, but it's all good. Maybe there's something the Lord wants me to do before I go to Brazil.

 

I realized something today. I've been in mission prep for my whole life. And really, most of it came within the walls of our home. Some of the most important things that I could've worked on before I came were things that I learned from you. Of course, I'm not calling myself great at any of these things, but I have a solid foundation thanks to a great family. Like, how to be quiet when you feel like you have good reason to complain. Sometimes I feel like complaining, but I just think of Dad, and he never put up with that kind of stuff. We have way too much to be grateful for to complain about anything. Also, how to reach out to people. Mom, we all know this is your area of expertise. Some people in this world, even the MTC, are obviously not having the best day of their lives every single day. Mom, you taught me how to recognize that, but even more important, you were an example of doing something about it. I'm still quite awful at the whole processs, despite the greatest teacher in the world being my mother, but I try to be more like you. Both Mom and Dad have told me this: This life, this Gospel, is all about people, and it really is. I read one of Grandpa's poems today about the Cripple being healed by Christ. What an amazing poem. I think that if you know anything about Christ, you know that He put people before anything. And He could've had anything He wanted. But He chose to descend below all things to do something for other people. Something that we could never ever do. Mitch, I have to thank you too. You teach me how to be bold and confident when it is appropriate. When I think about how scared I might be to approach someone in Brazil (or Kentucky) I like to think about how powerfully you would do it if you were the one wearing the nametag right now.

 

Family, I'm out of time. I love you. I pray for you, but my power is nothing compared to His. Trust God

 

Love E. Rogers.