Hello Again!
It feels like I just wrote y'all yesterday, but a few thing have happened since Wednesday!
To start, Wednesday evening Sister Wilson and I joined President McNabb and his wife for dinner...along with Michael! We're attempting to teach him again, and I have hope! We had dinner with the McNabbs and a daughter of theirs, as well as a granddaughter. The McNabb's daughter is about 30, and has some mental disabilities. She was so funny and sassy holy cow. She definitely entertained us haha. At one point she was talking about a comedian and President McNabb asked her how she knew who that was. Her response- "I get around Dad!"
We had a lesson with Michael after dinner. We started off by showing the video "Because of Him" and asking everyone to ponder as we watched, "What does the Savior mean to me?" And "What do I mean to the Savior?" Michael had some...interesting answers. If I'm being honest, I don't think he's all that humble anymore and he doesn't ever take our questions anywhere I would expect. It makes it hard to navigate a lesson, and/or feel like he's getting anywhere. He seems to be open to answers again though, so hopefully he becomes more humble as we go! President McNabb gave soem great insights on the different ways we can come to know the Book of Mormon is true. He talked a lot about exercising faith and living commandments to see from how our lives improve, if they are true or not. Same with the Book of Mormon, sometimes we have to begin reading it everyday and as we look back, we realize how our lives and character has improved, showing us the power of God in our lives. I thought it was a perfect point and I hope Michael really internalized it all.
The next morning we were supposed to go to institute with Michael, but he cancelled as we were outside the parking lot. He said he had a "dental emergency." Now I'm not sure about you all, but I have never had what would qualify as a "dental emergency"...all my visits have been planned and scheduled. Michael has also been known to drop us, so I was a little skeptical with this excuse. Turns out I need to repent though, because apparently, during dinner with the McNabb's, Michael cracked a tooth in half! We had enchiladas so don't ask me how that happened, but he didn't say anything! He sat during dinner and the lesson with a cracked tooth! Probably why we were able to talk so much more during the lesson than usual. Sounds like everything got fixed up as far as we know. Since we were already at the institute though we went in and helped them prepare lunches to serve and met some people coming in to eat and study(:
On Saturday we met a new investigator named Stanton! A guy in the ward had texted us earlier this week saying he had a friend who was asking him tons of questions about the church, and he was willing to meet with us! He said he is Evangelical, andis basically looking to be proven wrong or right. He believes there is one absolute truth out there and he wants to find it and be firm in it. He sees so many strong Latter Day Saints and recognizes that either we're wrong, or he is. We're excited to teach him, it will be challenging because he knows his way around the bible pretty well, but he is open.
That evening was really cool. We got to go serve a guy named Chance out in Lava and help him with his horses. I don't know how much service we really were as opposed to entertainment, but we had a good time! He had us exercise one of his horses by long lining it. Basically you run the horse in circles as you lead it with a rope to give it a warm up before taking it out to ride, or just to give a bit of exercise. It was a pretty neat experience and I think it helped him connect with us a bit and get to see that we're not robots, and are interested in his life. I'll include pictures and videos, it was a good time and he seemed more interested in coming to activities after.
We also went on another hike today! I think hiking is going to be a regular Monday activity and I'm totally not mad haha. Instead of Just Sister Wilson and I, our district came, as well as a recent convert we're teaching and a member from one of our wards. We went up the trail for about a half hour and then turned and went back. It was really pretty and we all had a good time, I'll include pictures(:
I hope you all have a great week! Thank you so much for the support you give, I love you all!!
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
Monday, August 27, 2018
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Look To Christ And Live
Happy Wednesday!
To start, we switched our pday once again! We had to accommodate for Mission Leadership Council & a Zone Conference on Monday, as well as our own Zone Conference on Tuesday. Normally we don't go to both Zone Conferences, but President wanted us to perform our musical number for the other Zone's Conference as well, to complete his presentation. So we decided to just flip our pday.
We also don't usually have MLC or Zone Conference on Mondays, (because those are ususally our pdays) but did this time because Elder Brian K. Taylor of the seventy visited our mission this week! His name may sound familiar, he gave a wonderful talk in this past General Conference titled "Am I A Child of God?" Give it a listen or re-read. I can promise as you do, you will feel the love of our Savior and Heavenly Father.
I want to give some thoughts I had as we enjoyed the opportunity to listen to President and Sister Southward, as well as hear from Elder Taylor. I was really struck by the thought, "we are to obey God, rather than men." As missionaries, you feel extremely awkward sometimes because you have a tag on your chest proclaiming, "I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT CHRIST." And being in the Young Single Adult ward, teaching my peers, people my age, this can be incredibly scary. Though I've been here the past 4.5 months, I still have to get over my self consciousness a little and remmeber that yes, I AM passionate about Jesus Christ! And it can feel awkward and weird sometimes because it seems as though not many of my peers care as much about Jesus Christ, but I've been reminded that I am looking for God's approval, not mans.
With seeking God's approval, we also talked a lot about Repentance. To state things simply, Heavenly Father sent his beloved son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth and provide the opportunity for each of us to repent when we make mistakes. Jesus Christ performed the atonement, where he took upon himself our sins, pains, and afflictions and died, only to rise again 3 days later. Because of him, we will all live one day as well. And because of his willingness to take upon himself our sins, we can start again in this life each time we make a mistake. We can change through Christ's atonement and feel peace and relief as we repent of our mistakes and start again.
As we discussed repentance, Elder Taylor spoke to us as missionaries and reminded us that even Joseph Smith as a 14 year old boy, wondered if he had been forgiven of his sins. He prayed to recieve an answer to this question, and I know you all can too. If this is a thought weighing on your mind, "Have I been forgiven?" Pray. Kneel down and ask Heavenly Father his opinion of you, and I promise you will feel his loving answer.
I've got to end there with my thoughts from MLC and Zone Conference or this will become an essay. I will take the opportunity to re-emphasize my testimony from last week, that Heavenly Father answers our prays specifically, and in the timing that we need. I recieved specific answers to questions I had on my heart. Because of these answers, I can also testify that Heavenly Father calls prophets and apostles today to lead and guide this church. If these men were not inspired by God, I would not have the answers I was seeking. I heard the very question I asked God in my personal prayers Monday evening come from Elder Taylor's mouth Tuesday afternoon as he spoke to us and helped us see the answer. Your prayers are heard. Heavenly Father is listening.
Now for a few highlights from last week. Michael is back for the third time! I am hoping and praying he will be ready to truly commit this time! We will be meeting with him this evening...prayers would be appreciated!
Update on that guy I contacted over Facebook...(reminder for those that missed it, he's in Arizona, saw missionary posts, asked about them, I explained, helped him get to church down in AZ) Well, he messaged me Sunday and *drumroll* is getting BAPTIZED September 8th!! :D
It's been amazing to see the amount of people being led to us this week. School is back in session in Pocatello and Heavenly Father has many people prepared! It's going to be a fantastic transfer! I love you all, have a great week, and continue to look to Christ.
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
To start, we switched our pday once again! We had to accommodate for Mission Leadership Council & a Zone Conference on Monday, as well as our own Zone Conference on Tuesday. Normally we don't go to both Zone Conferences, but President wanted us to perform our musical number for the other Zone's Conference as well, to complete his presentation. So we decided to just flip our pday.
We also don't usually have MLC or Zone Conference on Mondays, (because those are ususally our pdays) but did this time because Elder Brian K. Taylor of the seventy visited our mission this week! His name may sound familiar, he gave a wonderful talk in this past General Conference titled "Am I A Child of God?" Give it a listen or re-read. I can promise as you do, you will feel the love of our Savior and Heavenly Father.
I want to give some thoughts I had as we enjoyed the opportunity to listen to President and Sister Southward, as well as hear from Elder Taylor. I was really struck by the thought, "we are to obey God, rather than men." As missionaries, you feel extremely awkward sometimes because you have a tag on your chest proclaiming, "I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT CHRIST." And being in the Young Single Adult ward, teaching my peers, people my age, this can be incredibly scary. Though I've been here the past 4.5 months, I still have to get over my self consciousness a little and remmeber that yes, I AM passionate about Jesus Christ! And it can feel awkward and weird sometimes because it seems as though not many of my peers care as much about Jesus Christ, but I've been reminded that I am looking for God's approval, not mans.
With seeking God's approval, we also talked a lot about Repentance. To state things simply, Heavenly Father sent his beloved son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth and provide the opportunity for each of us to repent when we make mistakes. Jesus Christ performed the atonement, where he took upon himself our sins, pains, and afflictions and died, only to rise again 3 days later. Because of him, we will all live one day as well. And because of his willingness to take upon himself our sins, we can start again in this life each time we make a mistake. We can change through Christ's atonement and feel peace and relief as we repent of our mistakes and start again.
As we discussed repentance, Elder Taylor spoke to us as missionaries and reminded us that even Joseph Smith as a 14 year old boy, wondered if he had been forgiven of his sins. He prayed to recieve an answer to this question, and I know you all can too. If this is a thought weighing on your mind, "Have I been forgiven?" Pray. Kneel down and ask Heavenly Father his opinion of you, and I promise you will feel his loving answer.
I've got to end there with my thoughts from MLC and Zone Conference or this will become an essay. I will take the opportunity to re-emphasize my testimony from last week, that Heavenly Father answers our prays specifically, and in the timing that we need. I recieved specific answers to questions I had on my heart. Because of these answers, I can also testify that Heavenly Father calls prophets and apostles today to lead and guide this church. If these men were not inspired by God, I would not have the answers I was seeking. I heard the very question I asked God in my personal prayers Monday evening come from Elder Taylor's mouth Tuesday afternoon as he spoke to us and helped us see the answer. Your prayers are heard. Heavenly Father is listening.
Now for a few highlights from last week. Michael is back for the third time! I am hoping and praying he will be ready to truly commit this time! We will be meeting with him this evening...prayers would be appreciated!
Update on that guy I contacted over Facebook...(reminder for those that missed it, he's in Arizona, saw missionary posts, asked about them, I explained, helped him get to church down in AZ) Well, he messaged me Sunday and *drumroll* is getting BAPTIZED September 8th!! :D
It's been amazing to see the amount of people being led to us this week. School is back in session in Pocatello and Heavenly Father has many people prepared! It's going to be a fantastic transfer! I love you all, have a great week, and continue to look to Christ.
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
Monday, August 13, 2018
Hillside Miracle
Hello hello all!
This week was pretty fantastic. I wanted to take the time to share an experience Sister Wilson and I had as we were out tracting Friday evening.
Sister Wilson and I were planning Friday morning and had a pretty big chunk of time open that evening. She was plugging in people to visit and suggested we go knock doors at an apartment complex in our area that houses a lot of students, the Hillside Apartments. My immediate inward reaction was "fun...." I think knocking doors for an hour just mentally sounds tiring. But, I also felt like "yeah we probably should, it'll be a good opportunity to find people." So we did! And let me tell you, when we truly set our will aside and do the Lord's will, miracles happen.
We knocked doors for about 20 minutes, and then knocked on the door of a guy in one of our wards, who we knew had been struggling lately. We knew he lived at that complex, but didn't know exactly which apartment. It was pretty amazing. He was a little skeptical that it was by accident, but he was also glad to talk. We sat on the grass outside his apartment and he really opened up to us. As members, I think we see people struggling in the ward and think "yeah they're struggling right now, but I don't know what I can do, and we aren't that close so..." And just don't do much with it. Holy cow, find something to do!!!! As we started talking with him, he began with "I mean, I'm pretty sure God exists..." He was really REALLY struggling! He was at the point of just talking to anyone made him feel better. He cried as he spoke with us, he felt so lonely, abandoned, and unanswered by God! Sometimes, all someone really needs is a listening ear.
The following Sunday, we sat in sacrament meeting for his ward, and I was amazed as I listened to the speakers. Heavenly Father was so incredibly aware of this individual's needs and questions. Each talk specifically addressed what he asked us about. After sacrament meeting, I went over to him and shook his hand. He smiled at me and said "that was a really good sacrament meeting." And I could tell, he had felt the love God had specifically for him that day.
I know Heavenly Father hears our prayers. I know he answers them, each of them, in either the way we ask, or in a much better way, meant to lead us to further happiness. He is mindful of us, and he loves us each so much. I hope you all are aware of the blessings filling your lives, and the answers you are receiving.
This week we also got transfer news! Drumroll....I will be staying in Poky YSA with Sister Wilson! I've realized my mission has been pretty predictable, 6 months in my first area, and by the end of this transfer, 6 months in my second! (unless they have me stay even longer!) I'm excited to stay, it'll feel like a whole new area with all the students coming in. I know there's a reason I'll be staying and I'm excited to find out what that is. I love you all, I hope you have a fantastic week!
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
This week was pretty fantastic. I wanted to take the time to share an experience Sister Wilson and I had as we were out tracting Friday evening.
Sister Wilson and I were planning Friday morning and had a pretty big chunk of time open that evening. She was plugging in people to visit and suggested we go knock doors at an apartment complex in our area that houses a lot of students, the Hillside Apartments. My immediate inward reaction was "fun...." I think knocking doors for an hour just mentally sounds tiring. But, I also felt like "yeah we probably should, it'll be a good opportunity to find people." So we did! And let me tell you, when we truly set our will aside and do the Lord's will, miracles happen.
We knocked doors for about 20 minutes, and then knocked on the door of a guy in one of our wards, who we knew had been struggling lately. We knew he lived at that complex, but didn't know exactly which apartment. It was pretty amazing. He was a little skeptical that it was by accident, but he was also glad to talk. We sat on the grass outside his apartment and he really opened up to us. As members, I think we see people struggling in the ward and think "yeah they're struggling right now, but I don't know what I can do, and we aren't that close so..." And just don't do much with it. Holy cow, find something to do!!!! As we started talking with him, he began with "I mean, I'm pretty sure God exists..." He was really REALLY struggling! He was at the point of just talking to anyone made him feel better. He cried as he spoke with us, he felt so lonely, abandoned, and unanswered by God! Sometimes, all someone really needs is a listening ear.
The following Sunday, we sat in sacrament meeting for his ward, and I was amazed as I listened to the speakers. Heavenly Father was so incredibly aware of this individual's needs and questions. Each talk specifically addressed what he asked us about. After sacrament meeting, I went over to him and shook his hand. He smiled at me and said "that was a really good sacrament meeting." And I could tell, he had felt the love God had specifically for him that day.
I know Heavenly Father hears our prayers. I know he answers them, each of them, in either the way we ask, or in a much better way, meant to lead us to further happiness. He is mindful of us, and he loves us each so much. I hope you all are aware of the blessings filling your lives, and the answers you are receiving.
This week we also got transfer news! Drumroll....I will be staying in Poky YSA with Sister Wilson! I've realized my mission has been pretty predictable, 6 months in my first area, and by the end of this transfer, 6 months in my second! (unless they have me stay even longer!) I'm excited to stay, it'll feel like a whole new area with all the students coming in. I know there's a reason I'll be staying and I'm excited to find out what that is. I love you all, I hope you have a fantastic week!
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
Monday, August 6, 2018
The Miracles of Facebook
Hello hello all!
To begin, MIRACLE STORYTIME!
Saturday night I was inviting basically everyone to like the new Idaho Pocatello Mission facebook page. I was basically just going through and inviting everyone that isn't serving here with me as a missionary. So if you got an invite, that's why, and if you haven't expect one soon. I got to about the J's and a guy from High School responded to my invite to like the page by messaging the page and asking "what is this?"
Now I really didn't know this guy well. I went to high school and knew him enough to be facebook friends, but we never talked much. Like I'm not sure we actually ever talked at all. I messaged him on messenger though and gave a quick explanation of what the page was and why I was inviting people to like it.
The conversation quickly went to religion, and he told me he recently moved to Arizona and was actually looking for a church to go to on his day off- Sunday. He expressed that he's felt very alone since his move and that it's been hard meeting people and finding his way around because he knows no one there, besides his co-workers. I took the opportunity to invite him to church Sunday, (this was all Saturday evening) and he agreed!
He sent me his address, and I found the nearest ysa ward for him to attend. Then later Sunday morning he even messaged me about what he should wear! I contacted the bishop to let him know he would be coming, and sent a referral to the missionaries. Long story short, he went to church Sunday, stayed all 3 hours, went to the ward's break the fast, and is planning to meet with missionaries this Saturday.
So basically, facebook is definitely a tool God has given us to use as missionaries. I think I doubted it's uses before, but Heavenly Father has a purpose for it. That was probably the most miraculous thing that happened this week, just because it was so incredibly unexpected. I never would have thought that would come from inviting someone to like a facebook page.
In other news, Michael dropped us again this week. We were expecting it though if I'm honest. It was pretty heartbreaking, but our last lesson he was incredibly arrogant and so quick to challenge us on everything. He brought up all these issues and talked for like 15 minutes on random side tangents each time he spoke. It felt like he came with the idea that he didn't want to give up some things he knew he needed too, and was there to justify why and show us why he was in the right. It was pretty draining to be in that lesson honestly. He responded to a message we sent on Sunday and politely told us he wasn't interested anymore. Maybe someday, but it didn't feel like I could do anything more for him.
Ending on a better note, we got to teach Fernando again!! He is such an awesome guy! He's really ready to listen to us and think about what we've taught him. He is from Dubois, where all the fires were happening. So he's been crazy busy the last week, running back and forth from Pocatello to Dubois to help with the fires & clean up. His family is all right though, their house was close to a fire, but didn't burn. I'm excited to continue teaching him though, he's pretty sensitive to the spirit.
We also got to participate in a Youth Conference with our Mission President. He asked Sister Wilson and I to come do a musical number. We sang "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy". I don't have a recording of it yet, but we'll do it again and I'll make sure to record it for y'all(:
I hope you all had a fantastic week! I love you all, I hope you're looking for the miracles Heavenly Father is working in your lives!
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
To begin, MIRACLE STORYTIME!
Saturday night I was inviting basically everyone to like the new Idaho Pocatello Mission facebook page. I was basically just going through and inviting everyone that isn't serving here with me as a missionary. So if you got an invite, that's why, and if you haven't expect one soon. I got to about the J's and a guy from High School responded to my invite to like the page by messaging the page and asking "what is this?"
Now I really didn't know this guy well. I went to high school and knew him enough to be facebook friends, but we never talked much. Like I'm not sure we actually ever talked at all. I messaged him on messenger though and gave a quick explanation of what the page was and why I was inviting people to like it.
The conversation quickly went to religion, and he told me he recently moved to Arizona and was actually looking for a church to go to on his day off- Sunday. He expressed that he's felt very alone since his move and that it's been hard meeting people and finding his way around because he knows no one there, besides his co-workers. I took the opportunity to invite him to church Sunday, (this was all Saturday evening) and he agreed!
He sent me his address, and I found the nearest ysa ward for him to attend. Then later Sunday morning he even messaged me about what he should wear! I contacted the bishop to let him know he would be coming, and sent a referral to the missionaries. Long story short, he went to church Sunday, stayed all 3 hours, went to the ward's break the fast, and is planning to meet with missionaries this Saturday.
So basically, facebook is definitely a tool God has given us to use as missionaries. I think I doubted it's uses before, but Heavenly Father has a purpose for it. That was probably the most miraculous thing that happened this week, just because it was so incredibly unexpected. I never would have thought that would come from inviting someone to like a facebook page.
In other news, Michael dropped us again this week. We were expecting it though if I'm honest. It was pretty heartbreaking, but our last lesson he was incredibly arrogant and so quick to challenge us on everything. He brought up all these issues and talked for like 15 minutes on random side tangents each time he spoke. It felt like he came with the idea that he didn't want to give up some things he knew he needed too, and was there to justify why and show us why he was in the right. It was pretty draining to be in that lesson honestly. He responded to a message we sent on Sunday and politely told us he wasn't interested anymore. Maybe someday, but it didn't feel like I could do anything more for him.
Ending on a better note, we got to teach Fernando again!! He is such an awesome guy! He's really ready to listen to us and think about what we've taught him. He is from Dubois, where all the fires were happening. So he's been crazy busy the last week, running back and forth from Pocatello to Dubois to help with the fires & clean up. His family is all right though, their house was close to a fire, but didn't burn. I'm excited to continue teaching him though, he's pretty sensitive to the spirit.
We also got to participate in a Youth Conference with our Mission President. He asked Sister Wilson and I to come do a musical number. We sang "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy". I don't have a recording of it yet, but we'll do it again and I'll make sure to record it for y'all(:
I hope you all had a fantastic week! I love you all, I hope you're looking for the miracles Heavenly Father is working in your lives!
Love ya,
Sister Jensen
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