{3.30.15} ya tu sabes, chico!

 drawing on our Planning board!

Okay so to start off, I've got a funny story from this week. Last sunday, a really really less active showed up to Church.. Hasn't been to church since he was 8. He's the epitome of a starving artist. He's been struggling with everything and he said he felt really impressed to come to church. We've been meeting with him 2-3 times a week since, and it's really funny because he has this strong desire to come closer to Christ but he has lived a very wordly life. For starters, he is covered from toe to neck in tattoos. His art wasnt selling, so he became a tattoo artist. He also swears more than anyone I've ever met so its really interesting when we go visit haha. Anyways, we've been sharing scriptures and re-teaching him the doctrine, and he loves loves to pray. He's been making a ton of progress and never misses church. This week he had a flat tire and walked to church, only to make it to the last 10 minutes. But, as we were praying with him one day, he says in his prayer, "You know Jesus, dude, you're like All-State.. or Triple A. You're always there!" and "Man, I just want to thank you for like.. your spirit. Youre kinda like the internet, and the Holy Ghost is kinda like wifi." hahaha That analogy is actually pretty solid.. I may steal it.

Finished work

He also has been trying to avoid tattooing or drawing anything demonic, and he's doing a ton of stuff with Jesus Christ in his work. He entered this tattoo contest, and the guy wanted him to do a sleeve half-demonic/half religious, with the demonic half already done. He said he told the guy his demonic tattoos were already done, and asked if he could cover them and do the whole arm Religious. The guy agreed, and so the LA tattooed the a face tattoo of Christ on this guys upper arm. I'm not a huge fan of tattoos of peoples faces on bodies, or of tattoos really, but what he did on this guys arm was actually beautiful. It was so detailed and emotional. I would personally prefer it on a piece of paper hahah, but you could tell he was really proud of it and he said it helped him understand the atonement better. He also prayed to Jesus that he "was honored to be able to tattoo his face on another man, and that everyone was so happy with it." All that matters to me is that he's continuing to grow and come closer to Christ, even if it's a really unusual way to me. He says he wants to talk to the Bishop about tattoos and we encouraged it, so we'll see how that goes.

 

This week we found a super solid family from Cuba! They've never been religious before, but they hate Jehovah's witnesses and love us! hahah there's a lot of JW's down here. We found them in an area where everyone was slamming doors in our faces and yelling at us too. So it was a super solid experience.

sidenote: it's so latin here, I had someone yell out the window of their car at me to "go back to my own country!" This is america??? hahah we just laughed. We know it was at me because Elder Gomez is mexican.

In an even worse area, we found TWO different people. No one would even talk to us, and I'm pretty sure this one lady told me I was the devil but I'm not really sure because her accent was really cuban. But we found a single woman that says she's been looking for the right Church for over 15 years and that she's really excited to come this Sunday. The other as an older Lady that was baptist and we were talking to her about Priesthood authority, so we're tlaking to her about it tonight.

Speaking of tonight, we've had a ton of miracles today. Our investigators have been super inconsistent and we've had to reset a ton of baptismal dates. BUT through a lot of miracles and prayer, we might be having TWO different baptisms tomorrow.  I dont have time to explain the details, but it really is nothing short of a miracle. Elder Gomez and I were so stoked last night, we didnt even want it to be P-Day today because we want to go out and see our investigators, interview them, and lock it down for sure! but we have them at 8 tonight so I'm pretty sure we're cherry.

Well, that's pretty much it. Its good to hear from everyone! The mission lost our mail key, so if you've sent any letters I may not get them for awhile.

Also, if missionaries ask your to do stuff. Please do it hahaha. Some members are so good but some members are so frustrating. Give them references! even if its a long shot.

Love,

Elder Johns

{3.23.15} First Week in Miami

Elder Johns with his Mission President

So my first area is called Fountainebleau North! My zone is in Hialeah, which is a really cuban/latin part of Miami. There's two zones that are known for being almost entirely latin.. and Im in one of them hahaha. So Everybody speaks spanish. about 50% speak only spanish, and 50% know english but if you show any sign that you can speak spanish they willl chose to speak spanish. Some of those who can speak English are really nice and help me. I cant understand anything cubans say, and theres tons of different countries here so everyone speaks spanish differently. Its really confusing. Like for example, Cubans just say "gracia" and "buena" when they greet you and it sounds like they have a golfball in their mouth.

Despite my difficulties in the Language, my trainer is a boss. I definitely got lucky. Hes a solid missionary and his Spanish is awesome. His name is Elder Gomez. Despite his name, he actually didnt speak Spanish before his mission. Hes from California. His trainer was from Mexico tho, and so he spoke entirely in spanish his first two transfers. So guess what im doing? hahah solo espanol, toda de la dia. I know it will bless me and I'll be able to see Miracles from his guidance and training.

Speaking of Miracles, we have two baptismal dates! turns out Fort Lauderdale is the number 1 baptizing mission is all of North America. And I can see why: everyone is super humble and prepared to receive the Gospel, to the point that we only teach the very "elect." Most the people we end up teaching are already ready and willing to be baptized. Its just our job to find them and deteremine who is prepared.

While knocking, we prayed about where to knock. As we prayed, I saw a yellow mobile home with a mom and two kids inside. So we went into the trailer park and knocked all the houses (especially the yellow ones hahha) but we didnt find anyone willing to listen. Then, it was late, and we hadtime for one more house. I remembered a small strip of trailers from earlier, and we went to knock it on our way home. There were 3 yellow houses, and we picked one and knocked it. And we found the family! Her name is Markelli. Shes really really shy, but was open to our message. Weve gone by twice, and she has told us that her Grandfather (who recently passed away) is telling her she needs to go to church. The lord prepares people!

Also, a recent convert named hermano roberto, who is probably the coolest guy ive ever met in my life, invited us to teach his two cousins visiting from Venezuala. As soon as we walked in the door, I felt like I already knew these two men. We taught an awesome first lesson, and they were very open and accepting of the Gospel. Hermano Roberto, who was baptized in January, bore his testimony probably a dozen times and its amazingly powerful. Both the cousins accepted baptism in two weeks! Unfortunately, one is going to New York, but he came to church and wants to go back next week and says he will look up the missionaries in new york and stay in touch with his brother while he takes the discussions. The brother, staying here until July, is super excited for baptism but he says he wants us to teach him as much as possible before next weekend. Hermano Roberto told us that he comes from a very, very wealthy family in venezuala, and that they have over 5 homes throughout the world. But from talking to him, he just seems like a polite, humble young man. The Lord definitely blesses the humble and prepares the elect to hear the gospel.

All in all, I love it here in Miami! and I really love Latin people. Theyre sweet hahah. I hope all is well back home. Mom, thank you for the package! I already ate ALL of it hahha. Id say im gonna get fat here, but we ride our bike every where, all day and all night, and I sweat all day every day as well so Hopefully I'll stay lean. Also, we have an awesome gym in our apartment!... that we cant use. Mission president made a rule that we cannot lift in public gyms... so for now its pushups, pull-ups, dips, and sit ups. Its better than nothing!

Love,

Elder Johns

{3.16.15} Leaving tomorrow!

I don't have a ton of time, but I leave tomorrow! I couldn't be more excited and anxious to leave. Im all packed and ready to go. We have to leave the CCM at 2:30, but im in charge of waking everyone up so i need to be ready by 1>30 and I also have to be at the shuttle at 1:45 before everyone else. Kinda stinks haha so we will see if I get any sleep tonight.

The CCM has been an awesome experience and I've been able to grow so much! I can honestly say that even if I came home right now, I would already be changed permanently. Which I never thought would happen, and I always said I would be the same person when I came home from my mission. And I will be.. but I've already changed in ways I never imagined and its already beginning.

Im really excited to get new companions. Hahaha I hope that's not bad to say. I love my companions, they're great friends and brothers.

My spanish is.. hopefullly good enough hahha. I've been praying for my trainer and hopefully he is exactly obedient, because I know that is the only way to be the best missionary possible and receive the gift of tongues. If he isn't.. it will be a challenge but I plan to stand my ground a insure that he knows my purpose and intent of being exactly obedient. This is not my time anymore, and I have a strong conocimiento and testimony of this. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done so much for me and its my turn to pay him back by helping out my fellow man.

Im gonna miss my district so much, but luckily ill get to see half of them at least a few times throughout my mission as they're serving in the same one! Im especially close to Hermana Scadden and Hermana Anderson (In a very appropriate, missionary way I PROMISE haha). They're extremely hard workers and Im excited to get to see them progress and grow in Fort Lauderdale with me.

I know this church is true, and Ive never been more excited than I am for tomorrow. I cant wait to get to finally meet the people the Lord has prepared for me, and get to share the knowledge that has made have true joy, peace, and knowledge of what is to come for them if they come unto Christ.

Love,

Elder Johns

{3.11.15} Last Week in the CCM

It continually blows my mind how much I grow each week. I keep expecting it to slow down eventually, but if anything it just grows even more exponentially.

Without getting into too much detail, I´ve always struggled with a certain aspect of my faith. Its not an overwhelming aspect, but its just something Ive always questioned. This week, through a lot of prayer during my weeks here, Ive received a small but significant answer that was extremely direct. It strengthened that weak part of my faith. The spirit I get to have as a missionary is so strong, and it teaches me every day. I know itll continue to teach me and not only grow this aspect of my faith but all aspects.

This week I set a district goal for our entire district to speak solo español the entire week, except for the first and last hour of the day in our casas. Its been extremely challenging, but its helping so much. Each day our spanish gets better and better.

We had amazing devotionals this week. Definitely my spiritual highlight. My favorite was from Elder Holland in 2013. He talked about how we did something right in the pre-earth life to be missionary today.. that HE as an apostle is jealous of us. This is the generation that will see Christ ascend to his sheep. It was really powerful, and really direct. Anyone on this email who is not a member of my church, look up Elder Jeffrey R Holland´s speeches. He is a powerful man and can help anyone become better with his words and guidance.

This week I´ve also been thinking a lot and studying some of the first missionaries our church sent out in the days of Joseph Smith. I envy them, and I almost wish I could have been born in that time. They were able to go forth and be the first to declare the truth of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. How cool is that? At the same time, Im extremely grateful to preach in these final days. I have a feeling I will get to see all the prophecies of time be fulfilled in my day. 

Also, Mormon 8&9. The ancient nephites and lamanites prayed for us in our day. they need the Gospel of Christ would fall into apostasy, but their faith has made it possible for us. Also, Christ showed Mormon us. These chapters have made my testimony of the Book of Mormon rock solid.

I will get to email on monday because I fly out to Florida on Tuesday. (don't worry mom) I couldn't be more excited, and I feel as ready as I will ever feel hahaha.

Love, 

Elder Johns

{3.4.15} 2 weeks left

This week has been an amazing week. Unfortunately, I dont have too many experiences to share. I just learned a lot and felt a lot of Growth!

One of the biggest things I learned this week is relying more on the Spirit while teaching. this require doing EVERYTHING im supposed to. Ive noticed being a few minutes late to study, or sleeping in an extra ten minutes, will affect my lesson. I can still teach with the spirit, but I have to work for it more. However, when Im doing all thing things im supposed to and recommended to do, I can feel so much guidance and the questions I ask are inspired questions. We learn that inspired questions are essential from preach my gospel.

My language skills have grown so much.. but ultimately im still not happy. But ive learned from my companions everything is so much easier when you just roll with it, laugh, and have a good time. Being in a trio is so fun. Sometimes, we have to remind ourselves we are on the Lords time. but we work hard, and when we work hard we work HARD.  As ive used this approach and not stressed about my inadequacies and relied on the Lord, Ive received revelation after much prayer about how to take my spanish to the next level. I know that I need to do a better job of LISTENING in order to speak better. It makes sense to me, even if it doesn't to all of you hahah, and its been helping me a lot. Especially with identifying past tenses and when to use them.

The last 2 district of zone 9 left today this week, 9B and 9D! Now its just our district, 9c! Which is weird hahah. we are getting a new district today, but until monday when they start classes it will just be us 7! i really miss 9B, 9A (original districts in our zone who mentored and welcomed us) and even 9D, which was added later as less missionaries are coming in now and they were added from a different zone that was empty like we are now. Theres probably... half as many missionaries here now as when I arrived. I guess you could say its the slow season for mission calls.

This week, We taught a real, less active member this week who volunteered to come talk to us as a referral from the missionaries here in Mexico City. His name was hermano gasper. We talked to first 10 mins about actions movies. He LOVES mel Gibson and Bruce Willis hahahhaha. So funny. But we gained his trust as we talked to him. He told us that he struggles with attending church because of his job and high demands in his life to support his family. We were able to teach him about how the Gospel blesses families, and how if he prays to the lord he will receive guidance and help. In his closing prayer of the lesson, he began to cry and gave one of the most amazing prayers. He prayed for guidance, help, and apologize for not being more dilligent. He thanked the lord for these "bueno misioneros" and asked him to send more like them. I couldn't help but to get emotional and feel overcome with the spirit. It sucks because we wont every teach him again, but as he hugged us goodbye I wanted to never leave him.

Sorry I dont have much more to share. But this week was really good! especially the experience I just mentioned. Love and miss you all!

Alan and Jenna: thank you SO MUCH for the Dr Pepper. It was so good hahaha my companions and I always talk about the american food we miss. We plan on eating fast food 3x during our flights back to the states.

Auntie Sue: Its good to hear from you! dont worry Im doing just fine. I get to work out, eat, and I Even do my own laundry! hahaha and dont worry they dont let us leave the walls of the CCM so im safe. I wish i could tho! we joke all the time about jumping the barbed wire and sneaking out. My companions hand can testify that the barbed wire is razor sharp, tho (from trying to take a picture, not escaping)

Grandpa Hinckley: Im sorry youre having such a hard time getting an opportunity to communicate with me! hahah hopefully your internet starts working better. And i{ll be in florida in a few weeks and you can send me letter than all the time and they'll get here on time. I sure do miss you and Grandma! give her a hug for me.

Mom: we got your donuts fresh this time. They almost lasted 2 days. they were delicious! if you can, try and send them just before pday. Thats when we eat them the most because we don't want to wake up for breakfast hahha.

Love, 

Elder Johns