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

Merry Christmas - Dec 19, 2011

Hi everyone!!

 

So not much of a report today.  Thank you for the gifts I've received and will receive.  And thank you for you letters of support as well as your prayers.  It was another trying yet blessful week.  I hope you all enjoy the christmas season.  I love you and mom and dad, I'll call after 1pm your time. Not exactly sure when because I haven't quite found a place to call from yet.  I might be calling you briefly the day/night before to ask if you could call me on christmas day. At that time I'll give you the number to call and the time.  If not look out for my call christmas afternoon/evening. I love you and talk to you agin next week!

 

Elder Watson

Dec 12, 2011

Hey everyone!

 

Hows it going!  Things are moving in the maryland baltimore mission.  It was a tough week this past week but expected since it's getting close to the end of the year and getting really close to our goal for the year.  The adversary is working twice as hard not to make things happen but we know who will win this battle.  This message is really short only because we are running short on time today.....actually everyday.  I want you all to know that I love you and miss you.  We have a missionary in my zone that is returning home with honor this coming thursday.  We had the opportunity to spend time as a zone today for pday and play volleyball.  Before we finished we got to hear Elder LaRose bear his testimony!  It's always sad to see a missionary finish their mission, especially one as he who has been such a great leader, example, and has effected the mission so much.  With him leaving and with another transfer ending I can't help but thing of the time I have left.  Less than 6 months and 4 more transfers to go.  It's gone by way to quick for me and it scares me how quickly these last 4 transfers may go by.  It makes me sad to think. Maybe you all could help!  If you so feel, please help me to stay focused on the mission and help me not to think of the end! aaaahhhhhhh.  Spiritual thoughts and scriptures are great!  Follow up on me and make sure I'm staying focused!  If you could that would be sooo awesome!  I hope all is well at home with all of you.  Please update me on Jayren and Jevin!  Are things still okay with them after the car crash?  I love you all, merry christmas and happy holiday season.  If you haven't had the chance to watch the christmas devotional from the first presidency please go watch it on lds.org.    Alrighty then.  Take care and talk to you next week!

 

Elder Jesse-James Watson

Guess What? Nov 28, 2011

So this week......I'm still tired!   hehe  We had another great week and continue to see our Heavenly Father bless us.  We are seeing miracles in the Maryland Baltimore Mission.  We are going to achieve a record this mission has never seen before.  It's pretty exciting.  As President Belliston likes to say, we are going to make this christmas a white christmas...also a wet one.  We have beautiful weather again today, warm and clear sunny skies.  What a blessing.  We have another baptism this saturday, Adam Antonelli.  A bright young man, 25, that pretty much walked into the baptism font the day we met him. It's been really cool to see our most recent converts, Patrick and Bintu, prepare to enter into the temple to do work for their family members who have passed, especially their daughter who was killed in Sierra Leone during the civil war there.  Patrick lost his mother to some robbers that broke into her home and took her life.  But they are so happy to know that they can not be a family forever!

Good stuff going on but unfortunately i have to run.  I love you all and will talk to you all next week!  Happy Holidays and Happy Birthdays to all the birthday peeps!

 

Elder Watson

Nov 14, 2011

Hey everyone!!  How is everything going?  So guess what? I said we were going to have a better week last week and sure enough it was better.  We still have a lot of work to be where we need to be at but it's sure getting there.  We got a media referral from a young man at the end of the week before last week but was not able to get in touch with him until early this past week.  He is golden!  He has a very limited knowledge about God and the gospel of Jesus Christ but he has a strong testimony of the divinity of Christ.  He was invited to go to a dance at the stake center across of the temple visitors center.  After  the dance he decided to take a tour of the Visitors center and felt that he needed to learn more.  He asked for a Book of mormon, we got the referral and contacted him.  When we met we taught him about how the church was restored to the earth and invited him to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and also invited him to be baptized!  The spirit was so strong he agreed with no hesitations.  He came to church and absolutely loved it.  He told us he was excited but nervous about the baptism which is set for Dec. 3.  We are so blessed and excited to be teaching him.  The Lord is truly preparing people all over, especially those around us. He places them in our path daily.  I like to ask myself, "Am I always looking to see if those that cross my path are the elect that Heavenly Father has prepared to accept his restored gospel?"  Most times I find that my answer to that questing is no.  So I have to repent and do better the next day.  It's amazing to see all the random people that I come across that the Lord has prepared to meet with us day to day.

 

Other great things are happening.  We've been meeting and teaching this woman who is a relative to our recent convert.  It has been a slow process with her.  But she recently went through a scary experience in which she wasn't able to breath for some odd reason.  She was rushed to the hospital and the nurses fixed her right up but wanted to keep her for a while to monitor her a bit and make sure that whatever happened wouldn't happen again.  She had promised us weeks in advance that she would come to church with us but ended us this sunday, the one she'd promise to save for us, she ends up going into the hospital.  She called us Saturday from the hospital just to let us know she wouldn't be coming.  I had planned to go and visit her that night but circumstances didnt allow us to make it.  So Sunday night we planned to go and see her.  When we walked up to her room she lit up like a christmas tree.  She was so happy to see us.  She said that she told all her family members that she was in the hospital but not one person came to visit her.  We shared a message with her that really seemed to give her comfort.  Then before we left we gave her a blessing of healing.  She was the happiest I had ever seen.  The Spirit was soooo strong in there.  Knowing the spirit was so strong we talked about baptism, a topic she isn't very fond of.  She told us, I'm scared of water so I don't think I can do it!  We taught her about the importance of it and explained how it goes.  She finally said.  Let me prepare myself and pray about it so I can be baptized.  Once again the Lord preparing peoples hearts to accept his gospel. 

 

We have a great pool of solid investigators and we continue to help it grow by asking for referrals.  Everyone we teach have lots of friends who are in need of the blessings of the gospel.  The lessons we teach sparks a name in their mind, someone they feel could use that message.  We ask them if they know anyone who might need the blessings of the message we teach and they refer their friends to us.  They are truly inspired by God to mention them because so far, everyone referral we've met have truly been in need of those messages.  I would encourage and invite you to invite the missionaries over to hear a message.  As you listen pay attention to the spirit.  He could reveal unto you someone you know or will come in contact with that would benefit and be ready to meet with the missionaries.  President Gordon B Hinckley said, "  Do you want to be happy? Forget yourself and get lost in this great cause."  As we take the time to put some effort in this great cause of inviting others to come unto Christ we receive great happiness.

 

So that in a nut shell we are doing great!  oh yeah and it's been nice and warm here.  I think that that means it's going to be a bad winter.  Errrrg.....  We'll see.  Hopefully this is just blessings from the Lord!  I love you and thanks again for the updates.  Talk to you again soon!

 

Elder Watson

Nov 7, 2011

Hi Everybody!!

Dad- Thanks for your email.  You'll have to tell me what was good in the Stake Conference. I'd love to hear what was talked about.  It's great to hear that the Hee's are sending yet another missionary out.  We definitely need him!  I loved Elder Hollands talk in the Priesthood session calling out recruits for the spiritual war we are battling!  These are the last days and we need to help our saviour gather in his children like a hen gathers her chicks.  Anyway, It's good to hear that Amber and Jayren was able to make it to church. Amber and Jay, did you like it?  Learn anything new?  I hope so. Tell me about it as soon as you can. Well thanks for the update Dad.

So this week was a difficult week.  I don't know the area very well and I love my new companion but I think he's a bit frustrated that things are moving as quick as he would like.  He just came from a very productive area and is on fire!  But my lack of knowlege with the area is slowing down the work a bit.  So I'm working extra hard to get things into shape on my end!  Its making me push harder and stress a bit but its good.  I need to be pushed every now and then.  Help me stretch my limits.  This week is going to be much better.  I really feel great about the end of the year.  We are so close to the goal we've set for ourselves and I really hope to achieve it!  With increase faith and diligence the Lord will definitely help us to reach this goal. 

I've started to read the Book of Mormon again and I just love it.  Still finding more and more great insights and being taught a lot.  Finding a lot that pertains to the importance of parents and families....hmmm...I shouldn't be thinking of stuff like that yet but it just keeps coming?  Maybe it's for a future investigator. At least I hope. 

My new companions name is Elder Christensen, From Centerville, Utah.  Interesting fellow for sure but such a great missionary!  He comes from a family of 6 and he is the fourth child.  He has been out in the mission for a little over a year now and came out with the first missionary I trained, Elder Chandia.  Right now we have it good.  We just got a new district leader in our zone. His name is Elder Weeks. I made mention of him before, I'm sure.  He is a spanish missionary and he and his trainee (yep he's training for the second time in his 6 month in the mission and is district leading) live with us.  He's so awesome and I love serving with and around him. He's from California and we click really well.  I think I just get along with most Californians! (ie: Elder McMaster, Elder Cragun, Elder Weeks.)  They are definitely going to be lifelong friends.  Anyway, our zone is filled with great missionaries and our responsibility as zone leaders is to help each missionary achieve their fullest potential!  What a great responsibility.  I don't even think I know how to achieve my full potential!  haha.  It's fun so far as a zone leader.  But there are not so fun times as well, like teaching zone conference!  We are doing that tomorrow.  Luckily I don't have to teach it myself.  Any, it's really not all that bad. I love being able to serve in the capacity that I am.  I want to make the best of it for sure.

Alright, other than that not much happening on my end.  You'll all have to update me on how it's going on your end.  I love you and thank you for the letters I've been getting.  Jevin thanks for your letters and Angie and Ashley.  Amber and Jay, are you mia?  I haven't heard from you in ages!  Write me.  Tara and Cody, I love you and you'll have to update me on halloween and what not!  And mom and dad, keep up the great work.  Be safe and take care of yourselves.  I love you and will hear from you next week......I hope.

Elder Watson

Happy Halloween - Oct 31, 2011

Hey everyone! Happy Halloween!!!  This is going to be an awkward day today but we'll make the best of it.  We had a great week with two baptisms, Patrick and Bintu Mbayoh!  They are just soooo amazing and their love and faith in God is incredible.  Patrick, earlier this week, has been feeling very ill.  He had a headache that just wouldn't go away so last sunday after church he went to the emergency.  The doctors ran tons of test and could find nothing wrong with him.  He decided to go to a friend for help and through the testing that they did his friend felt it might be neurological.  He made an appointment with the neurologist but in the mean time he'd have to endure the pain.  We visited him a couple times and gave him a blessing and then he rested the rest of the week.  We hadn't contacted him up to the day of baptism, this sat, so we weren't sure if he was feeling better or not.  But at 9:30am sharp he arrived with a big smile on his face and ready to jump in the water!  I thought, "Great, he made it!"  Later we found out that that morning had been the worst his headache had ever been.  He felt too sick get up and was a bit dizzy so he jumped back into bed.  But a dream that he had made him feel that he needed to be baptized.  He awoke, looked at the time and decided that if he was indeed going to get baptized today he needed to leave now!  He woke his wife and through headache, dizzyness, and with a determination to follow God he and his wife left without even taking a shower.  He said he didn't feel well but he had to do what the Lord asked him to do so that's why he was there!  They are so awesome and the baptism was beautiful.  There was a handful of people that came to give there support and the talks were perfect. 

 

I just love seeing people make that wonderful commitment. It always helps me to remember the covenants that I've made and gets me all pumped up again.  It feels like being in the temple which is great since we don't get to go there often.  I've also seen a difference in my studies again and my teaching.  The spirit has become even stronger.  I read moroni in the book of mormon today and there is just so many great things in there.  I was highlighting everything and making tons of notes.  I think I may have highlighted every single verse in Moroni! haha.  The Scriputres are just great.  Today is the last day of the month of October and I will be finished with the book of mormon once again, for the third time on the mission.  Tomorrow I will start it all over again and I can't wait.  I encourage each of you to read the Book of Mormon.  The Bible is great too and I sometimes find myself trying to look for a verse in the bible and end up reading a few chapters instead. But I encourage you to read the Book of Mormon because there is great power and knowledge in it.  It was saved to be brought about in our time for a reason.  As Joseph Smith said, we will get nearer to God by abiding by it's precepts than by any other book.  It is sooo true.  It's sole purpose is to bring us to the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and each time I read it and apply the things that I learn as I read it, I truly come to understand my Saviour more and more and feel myself come closer to him.  So read the book of mormon, from the beginning, or continue where you left off.  Make it a habit to do it daily, whether for 1 minute, 5 minutes, or an hour. And when you read it take time to ponder on the things you read.  It is during the pondering that we ask questions for understanding, and then as we listen and pray about the things we learn that the spirit answers our prayers, gives us guidance and direction.  And as you follow the promptings of the spirit your mind will be opened and your view of things will change, becoming more like our heavenly fathers.  Things that would bother you will become small in unimportant.  All this takes time but time that would be well spent. True Happiness and Peace will enter more fully in your life and many other blessing you will experience. 

 

Okay, enough of that. I'm just so excited with all the things I've been able to learn from the scriptures.  We'll I hope all is well. I am doing great.  Freezing my okole off but It's all good.   I love each of you and hope you are doing great.  Let me know how things are and I look forward to that time.  I love you!

 

Elder Watson