Welcome Home Elder Watson!

Today Elder Watson returned from his mission. He spent two years serving the Lord and the people of Maryland and it was a wonderful reunion welcoming Jesse back home!

Meeting Elder Bednar

What an amazing week!  Highlight?!  Elder Bednar, a living apostle of the Lord.  This past Saturday we were invited to attend a tri-mission conference with Elder Bednar.  We were very lucky because orginially we weren't invited!  We must have really needed his instruction because I'm sure the Spirit told him to make an exception.  It was three hours long and it surely didn't feel long enough.  Bishop Causse (Sp?) and Elder Snow from the Quorum of the Seventy there as well as a few others that I wasn't very familiar with.  We learned so much I can't tell everything that happened but it is enough to say that it was like being instructed by Christ himself.  As the three hours came to the end I was overcome with sorrow because I knew he would be leaving soon.  I felt like the ancient american people at the time Christ came to visit.  (3 Nephi 17:5-6)

 

5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were ^ain tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.

 6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with ^acompassion towards you.

I was hoping he would be filled with compassion toward us and stay a little longer. But if he had the work wouldnt get accomplished.  Everytime he spoke you could feel the spirit so strongly. You can just feel as he speaks that he is truly speaking the words of God. That everytime he talks it is by the spirit. Now there were times that he talked to share a story or two and you knew it was of him. But everytime he taught us a principle or doctrine the spirit was there to testify of it!  Also, it wasn't a  meeting in which we just sat and listened to him talk for three hours.  He assigned us to read a couple of talks and while at the meeting he asked us what stood out to us or what we learned from it.  As each person shared what they learned, he followed up with asking us if we applied them in our missionary work and how did it help us.  I really wish I could articulate how great the spirit was felt there but unfortunately I can't.   Anyway, Basically he taught us through example how to teach by the spirit and learn by the spirit.  One of the talks we read beforehand was about learning by faith and I would encourage each of you to read it when you get the chance. 

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith?lang=eng&query=seek+learning+faith+(name%3a"David+A.+Bednar")

Anywho things are going great I love it still! I hope all is well. mom and dad do you happen to have any word yet from bishop whether or not he know's when I'll be talk or not?  Please let me know when you get the chance or if you happen to know it by sunday tell me over the phone. I love you all and will be seeing you soon!  Take care and love you!

Elder Watson

April 23, 2012

So I'm am doing great!!  This week has been fun with my new companion!  As you know I was released as a zone leader and called as district leader again.  It's been confusing trying to transition back to district leader.  I've been all scattered-brained. I've also been called to train my new companion!  His name is Elder Hibbard. He currently lives in Lugano, Switzerland which is the italian part so he does speak italian fluently.  He's originally from Iowa so he speaks perfect English too!  He's lots of fun.  He's going to be a great missionary as well.  I must say I wasn't expecting to train for my last transfer but I'm extremely excited that I am. It's so much fun!  Anywho, the week is going well and I'm excited for this week. We have the priviledge to go to a meeting in which Elder Bednar is talking on the 5th of May! So excited!!!  I'll let you know how that goes.  Love you all and talk to you laters!

 

Elder Watson

One more transfer!   Oh the mix emotions! So last week was just awesome and this week was so trying!!! As goes missionary work.  We have been working with such choice people but because of the wonderful gift of agency and also the work of destruction of the Devils part we are no longer teaching them.  It makes me soooooo livid to see the adversary win for a time! At least we know it's just for a time.  Eventually the Lords purposes will be fulfilled.  We continue to pray for these great individuals because we love them and wish for their well being.  I must admit it was tough for me!  The Lord really tested my faith, once again. When you think your faith is so strong he shows you exactly how strong you faith is and then helps you to make it stronger if you allow him to.  So many things were taught during this experience which lasted about three days but felt like three weeks! The Lord is wonderful!  The lessons learned really helped me to open my eyes a little more and understand others, allowing me to become more humble and compassionate towards other.  Slowly by slowly I am dealing with the trials that the Lord gives me better.  Learning from it rather than giving up.  All because of the gospel I am able to do this. 

So transfers is this wednesday and I will be staying in Monocacy, Frederick, MD for my final transfer.  I have been released as zone leader which is a big relief and have been made district leader again.  I'm really happy about that!  My companion, elder Hill is leaving, sadness but all for the best. I'm excited to see what will happen. but notwithstanding, we will tear it up!  Go Last Transfer!!!!

Elder Watson!

April 9, 2012

I just loved conference, what I caught anyway. We were with investigators most of the time and they and their kids were very distracting that we missed most of the talks.  kinda disappointing but worth the sacrifice for our investigators.  Can't wait till the issue of conference ensign comes out.  Haven't heard anything about our going home times and what not but I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I find out.  I just may never get them...hmmm....wouldn't that be just great! hehe.  Work is going well.  We have another baptism coming up on the 21st of this month.  It's a family of three, Grandfather, daughter and grand-daughter.  But we are thinking only the grandfather will get baptized and we might have to push the daughter and grand-daughter back a bit.  The adversary has done a number on her and she hasn't been able to put the effort into really finding out this is true.  We'll see. Other than that all is well. Got bit by a squirrel but I'm okay.  Not going to die....I think.  At least that's what the doctor says.

Love ya and will talk to you laters!

Elder Watson

Mar 19, 2012

Hey everybody!  This week was a great week!  The Lord just poured out his blessing upon us!  Here's the scoop:

 

So we have been struggling just finding investigators that are "golden" which is the term for those people who have been prepared to just receive his gospel.  In the scriptures they are referred to as the "elect".  As Christ said in Doctrine and Covenants 29:7, "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear mine voice and harden not their hearts."  We find many that are being prepared but are not yet "white already to harvest".  We know that they are out their but we have been having a hard time finding them.  After much praying, diligence, and even fasting we have finally found one!  But it is not enough.  There are many more out their and we feel that we must work harder. Anyway, I will tell you a little about this elect.  Her name is Mimi and she has made friends with members.  A claimed Lutherin she has felt like she was lost and that her connection with God slowly dissapaited when she moved away from the church she normally attends.  Her parent being of the Jewish faith and Protestant helped little as she tried to find a church nearby to attend.  Her husband, who is athiest, suggested she try out the mormon church because he liked the mormons he once met at a lds social they were invited to.  So she decided to try it out.  After attending church three times and feeling the spirit more than she had ever felt in her life she decided she wanted to take the missionary lessons.  After teaching her the restoration she began to cry!  She said she had no idea what was going on.  She's never emotional like that. We asked her how she was feeling and she explained that at the time she heard about the joseph Smith seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ in answer to his prayer she felt enlightened. Like her mind began to open up and understanding started to come.  She felt an overwhelming feeling of Love from our father and felt that it was true.  We invited her to be baptized at the end of the month and without hesistation she accepted.  She is so awesome!  She does have a lot of opposition in her life but her faith in God is so strong.  Her only will and desire is to follow our saviour and she has recognized the spirit testify to her of the truthfulness of the restored gospel!  I love these wonderful experiences. How can you ever doubt that these things arent true!  We experience moments like these everyday of our lives as members of Christ's church, being priviledged to have the gift of the Spirit to be with us ALWAYS.    There truly are many "elect" out there and are just looking for the way back home.  We have the map, the tools to get back home.  Shall we not share it with them!  Go out and find them.  We are called to bring to pass the gathering of His elect.  As we talked with those around us and those that we love about the simple restored truths of the gospel those that are elect shall hear his voice.  Then we invite them to make the next step, MEET THE MISSIONARIES! Or whatever the spirit may direct.  Then we shall feel as Ammon in Alma 26, and rejoice in helping our beloved brethren and sisters come out of the darkness of the world into the light of our saviour! Then shall we feel the joy that comes with bringing those unto Christ, to enjoy eternal life with them in the Celestial Kingdom.

 

Many other great things have happened this week in which I don't have time to tell but I will have to share more when I get home.  I don't have my information yet as to the when's and where's and things like that.  But I don't mind not getting it at all.  I wish I could have an extention for another 50 years! haha.  But there will still be more work to do even as a lifetime missionary!  The mission is great.  There is no way that I am trunky.  I have had a couple of panic attacks lately, waking up in the middle of the nite with the realization that I only have two months left. That is still a while but in retrospect it's seems to be just a second.  I love my mission.  I'm doing fine! In the maryland baltimore mission we don't get trunky! We baptize! I love you all and hope you are doing fine!  keep your faith up! Keep it strong! Study a faith scripture everyday if you need to!  And you will see miracles happen. I know this!  I've seen it!  My faith is nothing compared to ammon, nephi, the brother of jared, or moses. But with the small faith that I do have the Lord has blessed me to see miracles! He will bless you too. I love you and will talk to you all laters!

 

Elder Watson

March 12, 2012

Hey everyone! So crazy week.  We didn't do so well. In fact, we got scolded by our president! I probably should be telling you this but this is the reason why I love my President!  He tells us like it is. When we are being slackers he lets us know. I've come to appreciate criticism.  When done the way he does it ( like D&C121:45-46) you feel the love and desire to improve!  I know that under his direction and council I will become my best!  Today is going to be short cus i want to get out their and work!!!  i love you and thanks for your emails and great experiences.  Talk to you laters!!!

March 5, 2012

So today was a great p-day after a long week!  Boy the mission is just great! hehe.  It really is though, otherwise I wouldn't be so depressed to leave.  Let me give you another examples of how great sharing the gospel really is!  Today we went on a 5 mile hike. We kinda got lost on the trail so we may have hike more than 5 miles.  Let me just tell you it took 5 hours! AHHHH. But I feel so good. Anyway, an investigator from Mt Airy took us on this hike. With the Mt. Airy district we hiked to the top and ate lunch and then came back down. There was beautiful scenery. At the top we could overlook all of the town of Sugarloaf.  We could even hear our echo as we talked.  So we decided to sing some hymns.  Mrs. Mack loved it! She totally felt the spirit. On the way back down from the top we had really great discussions about the gospel. We each had the opportunity to explain our conversion story (how we came to know the book of mormon was true and how we know that the gospel of jesus christ has been restored on the earth again), share our best experiences on the mission, and answer many questions she had.  She just loved it and so did we.  She wanted to do it again!  Needless to say we are tired, both physically and spiritually. 

 

My goodness gracious!  This gospel is TRUE! It is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life, knowing that it is true!  It has given me the most happiness and joy in my life and I will never ever give it up for anything!  ANYTHING! Mom, dad, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends, this gospel is true and if you don't know that it is, find out! Read the book of mormon with sincerity, desiring to know that it is true.  Ponder its messages of Jesus Christ.  Pray and ask God to know that it is true.  He will tell you in your mind and in your heart.  Then live it! Live his gospel! And share it with others!  It will be the best thing you will ever do. I know it!  You will not have anything better than to the knowledge that God and Jesus Christ loves you and that they have called a prophet on the earth today. They give us guidance through a living prophet today.  That you can receive happiness in this life. Happiness that you have never experienced before.  And you can receive an assurance that you will return to live with Him again in the next life with you family for all eternity.  If you choose not to find out you are refusing the greatest gift the Lord wants to give you.  I love you all and hope you are doing great.  You are all so awesome and I will be seeing you soon.  Forgive me if I'm a little awkward and different when i get back. ;) I love you!

 

Elder Watson

Feb 27, 2012

Sorry I haven't been writing.  Our p-days have been filled with appointments that we weren't able to spend much time on the computer.  Literally only have 30 minutes so I use it to write to President and read emails. Sorry. I feel really bad. I haven't even been able to really write back to my parents.  Anyway, things going great.  Missionaries giving me headaches when they don't want to push harder and strive to do better.  And my contacts are killing me! hahaha.  But really, things are going well.  I'm having a blast in Monocacy, Frederick, MD.   We had two wonderful baptisms the past two weeks and yesterday we had a stake conference broadcast from SLC with one of the speakers being Elder Scott. He gave a great talk on the sanctity of womanhood.  He's awesome. We had a nonmember come late, just for the last hour of it. There was absolutely no room for them to sit and watch so they stayed in the foyer and just listened.  The non-member said he just loved his voice. It was soothing and she felt peaceful.  She loved the talk about the importance of women and how they should act and be treated.  She especially needed to hear that because her mom, a less-active member, is not the greatest example of how a woman should act, just up and leaving her kids behind for drugs and alcohol.  He dad is struggling but isn't the best example of how one should treat their spouse or daughter.  We got to talk with her after the conference and invited her to investigate and she vigorously nodded her head and said yes, I definitely want to.  We are excited to teach her, unfortunately we can only meet with her once a week because the rest of the week she stays with her father.  We would send the missionaries over to her there but the dad right now is not open to any members of the church in his home.  We'll see what we can do about it!  Anyway, that's whats been going on so far. My crazy 21 year old comp has personality and energy x20!  Can you imaging that!  When he's calm we get along well. haha But that happens rarely! haha.  It all good though. We came out together from the mtc. I love em.  Well I hope you all are doing well.  Tell me the scoops on your end!

Elder Watson

Feb 6, 2012

Dear Brother and Sister Watson and Brother and Sister Christensen,

It has been my distinct pleasure to know your sons while they have served in Annapolis. All of you should know what a wonderful job your sons and doing and how much we appreciate the work they do here in our ward. May the Lord bless you and your families while your sons are serving.

Regards,

Michael Madsen

Jan 30, 2012

So I'm back in the Frederick Stake which is the stake I started this mission off in.  It's weird to be back and to see people I've taught and baptized a year and a half ago. It's also great to see members from the mt. airy ward as well.  I'm serving in the Monocacy ward and my new address is:

246 Prospect Blvd. Unit A102

Frederick, MD 21701

To tell you the truth I feel weird here.  I'm excited but I just have a weird feeling hear. i can't really explain it.  Anyway, I'm serving with Elder Hill, one of the missionaries I was in the MTC with.  It's cool to see how much he's grown.  On to another adjustment.  I don't think I transition well. hehe.. I may have mentioned that before.  Anyway, that's pretty much it!  I'm seeing lots of miracles still. I haven't collected my thoughts enough to think clearly so I can write down those miracles. But I am seeing them.  Alrighty then I love you and will talk to you all laters! Bye!

Elder Watson

Another Transfer - Jan 23, 2012

So it seems that my time in Annapolis is over!  I'll be getting transferred this coming wednesday.  Bitter sweet because I have seen so many miracles here in annapolis and met so many great people. I have grown much here as well but I am very happy to be able to be at Elder McMasters going home transfer!   That in itself is bitter sweet.  But like president belliston says, thank goodness this gospel is eternal!  I know I'll get to see him again!  Hopefully in Hawaii at my homecoming!  So please don't send any letters to the annapolis address.  Please let the kealas know as well.  If anyone wants to send anything please have them wait till I get my new address or send it to the mission office.  As time goes on it just gets harder and harder.  Mayber sadder and sadder is the proper term.  Everyone is going home and my time is getting short here.  Thats okay, In order for me to not be sad I just get more immersed in the work and everything gets better.  Alright! That's all for today. I love you and will talk to you soon. 

 

Elder watson.

Jan 17, 2012

How is everything going??? I can't believe how quickly the holidays went by this year.  It didn't even feel like it came.  Especially since the weather has been real warm.  Only lately has it gotten cold.  Anyway, today I'm on exchanges with one of my favorite elders and friend, Elder Weeks.  He's a spanish missionary that lives with us.  Since he is one of the district leaders I get to go on an exchange with him. Don't worry, the exchange wasn't just so that we could hang out. I'm way happy to try to speak spanish. I know that I know a lot more spanish but for some reason it isn't coming to my head. Guess that's why I'm an english speaking missionary. haha.   It's been fun so far though.  Anyway, I hope all is well.  things are great with me.  Just the same old, working hard, constantly getting chastised by the spirit so I can repent, and feeling so tired.  But that's not going to stop me!  If I take any time to rest the adversaries going to get me! Ahhhhhh! haha.. Hope all is well. Please tell everyone I said hi and aloha!

Elder Watson 

Jan 9, 2012

Hey everyone!  So this week was just awesome!  We finally are teaching more again now that everyone is back for the holidays.  They say a teaching missionary is a happy missionary. How true it is!  If we aren't teaching at least 20 lessons a week I just don't feel right.  I love being able to teach and help people understand the wonders of the restored gospel.  We had a few spiritual lessons this past two week.  Looking at the big picture, having a few spiritual lessons is pretty sad.  But I'm happy we had them none-the-less.  One was with this girl named Monica.  Monica lost her immediate family one by one from different causes.  First her dad, then her little brother, and then her mom.  Now she lives with a friend of hers, suffers through depression, and because of her troubled life believes there is no God.  Her friend and her friends family are strong Christians and try all the time to help her to recognize that there is a God.  One day we were walking around her housing complex and Elder Christensen, my companion, decided to give her a Finding Faith in Christ pass along card.  He shared what the card was about and asked her if she had a faith in Christ.  She said no. We talked a bit more and found out she didn't even have a belief in God.  We asked if we could share how we know God is real and how it can bless her life.  She thought for a bit and then agreed to meet at a later time.  When we met again the spirit was so strong.  She tried to defend her reasoning why there was no God and we just taught simple truths of God and his plan for us and bore pure testimony of how we knew it to be true.  She told us she wanted us to explain more the next time we meet and that she really wants to know that he exists.  She just wants his help and to stop feeling so depressed and alone. So awesome! 

Another was this woman named Connie. She has two daughters in which her oldest just had a miscarriage.  We taught them the plan of salvation and to see the delight and happiness the plan of salvation gave to them was just awesome.  We talked about baptism and Taimika, the oldest daughter said without hesitation that she wanted to be baptized.  Amazing how the spirit softens peoples heart and even thought they may not have a full understanding of everything, they recognize when something is right and decide to follow it!

Another great thing that happened this week was our experience to fast yesterday.  Yesterday we had the opportunity to give a fast of just thanksgiving for all of the blessings the Lord had given to us thus far and not asking for anything during the fast. Elder Christensen and I had fasted last week already because we had thought last week was fast sunday and to fast two sundays in a row in the mission, I have found, takes a great toll on your body.  But it's alright, it made it a bit more difficult to want to keep the fast but we pressed forward because of the purpose of the fast and we were blessed immensely for it.  We were desirous to find three new investigators this last week and by sunday we only had found one. It wasn't until the last hour before we were to call it a night did we find those last two investigators which was Taimika and Lakeesha, Connie's daughters that I had previously mentioned above.  Our faith was tested and the lord blessed us with that.  Also it was a goal of ours to teach twenty lessons because we hadn't been teach twenty at all and Lord blessed us with that as well.

It was just a tough, difficult, yet rewarding week for Elder Christensen and I. We are tired once again and hoping to gain out strength back during this p-day.  Playing basketball probably didn't help, but it was fun! Elder McMaster is in my zone now and we got to play basketball together.  I really miss serving with him.  I'm really sad that he's leaving in just two weeks!  But he promised to come to my homecoming so mom and dad you might need to expect a call from him asking to stay with you a few days before I get home.  Unless hi parents come then they'll probably find a condo.  They apparently visit every year and stay down in Kaanapali off of 505 front street. 

That is all for now. I love you all and hope you are doing well.  Dad, how do you feel now that you don't have so much responsiblity anymore?  Sad yet?  hehe. I'm so happy you were able to serve in the Bishopric! I never thought I would see the day......well, I guess I never really did.  But I'm happy to hear that you were.  It's always a great blessing to be given a chance to serve in that great capacity.  I've loved and enjoyed every stressful position the Lord has had me serve in on my mission.  I don't know where I would be had I not had that opportunity  and experience.  Well take care all and talk to you later!

Elder Watson