Family,
For Jessi, I want to tell her up front that as far as Physics 1 goes, it's all about the equations. Or at least it was for me. Just do your best to figure out what type of problem it is and match that up with the equation they want you to use. Keep on keepin' on and have a great spring break!
I survived transfers and I'm staying in the same zone. My companion is headed out though, so I'll have a new one this week who doesn't know the area. But I love it here, so it won't be a problem.
Way to go, Mom, with your prayer at Belinda's party. Yes people pray during our prayers as well. That happened just last night actually. At first I thought that people were just repeating what we said in a whisper so they learn how to pray, but they are really offering their own. So much for unity, haha.
This coming weekend one of our investigators is being baptized and confirmed. It has been a source of joy to know and teach him. He really wants to learn and is willing to put his life in harmony with Christ's teachings. He has felt a difference in his life and wants to make the Christian covenant and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It's a blessing to watch him grow. And the Book of Mormon has really been a key factor (as it should be) in his decision. There is power in the book that invites the Spirit into our lives. It has recently made a bigger difference in my life as well. About two weeks ago someone told me of a challenge that Elder Bednar extended with regards to the Book of Mormon, and it has four parts. 1. Commit to read in the Book of Mormon every day for the rest of your life. 2. Every time you read, pray before and after to receive a witness of its truthfulness. 3. Apply what you read. 4. Share what you learned. So I started doing what Elder Bednar suggesting and it has significantly improved my study. In chapters that I would have passed over before, I have found powerful principles and thoughts. It invites the Spirit into my study and prepares me for the day ahead. I invite you to improve your study of the Book of Mormon through the items mentioned by Elder Bednar.
Update on the tracting success from last week: She canceled the following lesson (by her absence) and when we visited again, her husband saw us and said, "Aqui vienen los hermanos!" and pushed the door closed. We'll try back, but most likely the husband will be a barrier to her progress. That happened to us again later on this week. It's so sad. But there are still people out there waiting to hear the Gospel. I know there are. I know that Christ lives and that he is our Savior and Master. He is the source of all goodness and loves us beyond belief. May you all feel His guiding influence in your lives this week. I love you!
Elder Joshua Gathro
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Happy Birthday Ben!
To my eternal family,
Thank you for your encouraging words, Dad. I don't get down on myself too much or very frustrated with the work. My companion and I are getting along great. He's actually pretty quiet and doesn't say much (so I end up rambling a lot), but when he does it's usually really funny or good input. He's from Santa Clarita, CA, been out for 15 months now. The members say that they can sense our unity as well. Oh, I never told you, but his favorite chocolate milk is DairyGold as well. That says it all!
It was a good week we had. We had some really good lessons and great interactions while cruising the streets of Chandler. A highlight I should have mentioned last week from a lesson was when our investigator was asking us about a living prophet. He seemed to feel that our prophet is just a man who has lived a good life and learned correct morals and thus with the interest of the Church in mind, gives us his best advice. It was a blessing to have the confidence in telling him that the guidance our prophet gives us is more than the advice of a man; it comes from God himself. What a blessing to know that God is the one who really leads us while we're separated from Him for a time. I'm really excited to listen to the prophet's voice in 4 weeks and bring investigators to feel the power of his words. We had another lesson with that same investigator this week. Before we had even said the opening prayer he said, "So what do we need to do for me to be baptized on March 24?"...jaw drop...huge grin! It has been pure joy seeing him make changes and feel the Spirit improve his life. So we are working toward the end of this month and really excited.
This Tuesday my companion got sick so I went with another missionary to one of our lessons. It was my first time in a Spanish lesson without a Spanish companion. I was a little nervous but it went great. I even used past subjunctive :) The Lord helped me on that one for sure.
Last night we went out to visit some members that we have yet to meet and one man opened his door extremely bothered. He said he would file a court order (whether he can or not) if "the Church" knocked on his door again. Well I know it's never personal but it's not a great feeling when someone says that. So I was a little nervous when we visited another member home and we didn't know if they were active or anti. But it was such a great relief when the sister opened the door and said, "Elders! How are you doing?" If missionaries knock on your door this week, you should give them a similar greeting. They will love it :)
For Jessi, you can find a lot of good advice online (like from Andrew Skurka) but it doesn't have to be complicated. Plan out your trip, wear some comfortable shoes, carry water, and go for it. Fort Clinch has nice trails and most places in Jacksonville are enjoyable. Sorry I don't have great advice, but maybe you could dig around a bit in a Boy Scout handbook. It varies from person to person based on your likes. You'll learn as you go.
I'm excited to hear that 2 boys will be joining the gang this summer. Congrats! And I hope that Mom is having fun in NYC. Relax and enjoy yourself, Mom. I realized this week that I'm too high-strung. I learned an important lesson that when we calm down and take a breather, the Spirit can teach us a lot more clearly.
I love you all! Enjoy your week!
Elder Joshua Gathro
Thank you for your encouraging words, Dad. I don't get down on myself too much or very frustrated with the work. My companion and I are getting along great. He's actually pretty quiet and doesn't say much (so I end up rambling a lot), but when he does it's usually really funny or good input. He's from Santa Clarita, CA, been out for 15 months now. The members say that they can sense our unity as well. Oh, I never told you, but his favorite chocolate milk is DairyGold as well. That says it all!
It was a good week we had. We had some really good lessons and great interactions while cruising the streets of Chandler. A highlight I should have mentioned last week from a lesson was when our investigator was asking us about a living prophet. He seemed to feel that our prophet is just a man who has lived a good life and learned correct morals and thus with the interest of the Church in mind, gives us his best advice. It was a blessing to have the confidence in telling him that the guidance our prophet gives us is more than the advice of a man; it comes from God himself. What a blessing to know that God is the one who really leads us while we're separated from Him for a time. I'm really excited to listen to the prophet's voice in 4 weeks and bring investigators to feel the power of his words. We had another lesson with that same investigator this week. Before we had even said the opening prayer he said, "So what do we need to do for me to be baptized on March 24?"...jaw drop...huge grin! It has been pure joy seeing him make changes and feel the Spirit improve his life. So we are working toward the end of this month and really excited.
This Tuesday my companion got sick so I went with another missionary to one of our lessons. It was my first time in a Spanish lesson without a Spanish companion. I was a little nervous but it went great. I even used past subjunctive :) The Lord helped me on that one for sure.
Last night we went out to visit some members that we have yet to meet and one man opened his door extremely bothered. He said he would file a court order (whether he can or not) if "the Church" knocked on his door again. Well I know it's never personal but it's not a great feeling when someone says that. So I was a little nervous when we visited another member home and we didn't know if they were active or anti. But it was such a great relief when the sister opened the door and said, "Elders! How are you doing?" If missionaries knock on your door this week, you should give them a similar greeting. They will love it :)
For Jessi, you can find a lot of good advice online (like from Andrew Skurka) but it doesn't have to be complicated. Plan out your trip, wear some comfortable shoes, carry water, and go for it. Fort Clinch has nice trails and most places in Jacksonville are enjoyable. Sorry I don't have great advice, but maybe you could dig around a bit in a Boy Scout handbook. It varies from person to person based on your likes. You'll learn as you go.
I'm excited to hear that 2 boys will be joining the gang this summer. Congrats! And I hope that Mom is having fun in NYC. Relax and enjoy yourself, Mom. I realized this week that I'm too high-strung. I learned an important lesson that when we calm down and take a breather, the Spirit can teach us a lot more clearly.
I love you all! Enjoy your week!
Elder Joshua Gathro
lift up your eyes and look on the field
Dear Family,
Bad news first: I'm sorry to relay that our mission president says that only Mom and Dad are to email me. It's not convenient, I wish it wasn't the case, and I don't fully see the reason why I can't receive emails from my siblings, but that's the rule. If you want me to send you all stamps, I don't mind one bit. And if you notice yourself communicating to me less, don't feel bad. It is what it is. I love and thank you all for helping me obey.
A trip to NY for Mom and Dad! Have fun at Tyler's show and felicitaciones a Tyler!
Well this week had some highs and lows. The lows were just in dealing with less "results" and acknowledging that there is a need to improve. I don't feel that I personally am giving 100% and that we're giving 100% as a companionship either. However, my companion feels that we are, which makes it slightly more difficult to improve. But we went out with the most energetic, enthusiastic, and bold member (who is also British) on Saturday to go "spiritual harvesting" as he calls it. We tracted certain houses on a certain street in a certain area about all of which we prayed. It was a neat experience, and afterward the member talked to us for a long time and got me fired up to take action. He really motivated me to be a better missionary and did so with love and truth.
We had two great lessons with one of our investigators this week. He has really opened up to us in comparison with our first meeting. He shared with us this week that he has seen a lot of good things taking place in his life since having started meeting with us. He said he notices that after reading in the Book of Mormon, he feels happier and he is more at peace in life. I was about giddy, it was so exciting to hear what he said! There is power to change lives within the Book of Mormon. 'll keep you posted on his progress.
I looked through my MTC planners this week and found a note from one of our firesides. It was from someone quoting Elder Bednar, "I need to do everything in my power and expect nothing." If that sounds familiar to anyone and you know the real wording or the real source, please pass it along.
I love you all dearly. Que Dios les bendiga esta semana. (May God bless you this week.)
Elder Joshua Gathro
Bad news first: I'm sorry to relay that our mission president says that only Mom and Dad are to email me. It's not convenient, I wish it wasn't the case, and I don't fully see the reason why I can't receive emails from my siblings, but that's the rule. If you want me to send you all stamps, I don't mind one bit. And if you notice yourself communicating to me less, don't feel bad. It is what it is. I love and thank you all for helping me obey.
A trip to NY for Mom and Dad! Have fun at Tyler's show and felicitaciones a Tyler!
Well this week had some highs and lows. The lows were just in dealing with less "results" and acknowledging that there is a need to improve. I don't feel that I personally am giving 100% and that we're giving 100% as a companionship either. However, my companion feels that we are, which makes it slightly more difficult to improve. But we went out with the most energetic, enthusiastic, and bold member (who is also British) on Saturday to go "spiritual harvesting" as he calls it. We tracted certain houses on a certain street in a certain area about all of which we prayed. It was a neat experience, and afterward the member talked to us for a long time and got me fired up to take action. He really motivated me to be a better missionary and did so with love and truth.
We had two great lessons with one of our investigators this week. He has really opened up to us in comparison with our first meeting. He shared with us this week that he has seen a lot of good things taking place in his life since having started meeting with us. He said he notices that after reading in the Book of Mormon, he feels happier and he is more at peace in life. I was about giddy, it was so exciting to hear what he said! There is power to change lives within the Book of Mormon. 'll keep you posted on his progress.
I looked through my MTC planners this week and found a note from one of our firesides. It was from someone quoting Elder Bednar, "I need to do everything in my power and expect nothing." If that sounds familiar to anyone and you know the real wording or the real source, please pass it along.
I love you all dearly. Que Dios les bendiga esta semana. (May God bless you this week.)
Elder Joshua Gathro
Friday, February 17, 2012
This life is not about this life.
Family!
Our investigator Cesar has progressed all the way to baptism and confirmation this past weekend! That's the biggest news I have. Everything was perfect and Cesar's excitement was a joy to see. He was fully prepared to make the covenant and is now on his way as a faithful disciple of Christ.
Friday night we had a mission fireside about which we were told very little before we arrived. But the guest speaker turned out to be Sheri Dew! It was one of the best firesides so far on my mission. She spoke for at least 45 min and every word was a gem. Hers is the quote in the subject line. She also made the comment that repentance is the process of trying to become increasingly pure. It made me think about purity and its inherent power. Mom, I'm sure you would have loved to be there.
At church yesterday we read a line from The Teachings of George Albert Smith that I just loved. It's referring to the Restoration of the Gospel: "Our Father saw the futility of trying to save his sons and daughters until they could be inspired to come to him with the belief that he would hear and answer their prayers." It is really an interesting thought and a good explanation for why Father saw it fit to visit Joseph with His Son in such a grand way.
Well I love you all. Have a great week and happy Valentine's Day!
Elder Joshua Gathro
Our investigator Cesar has progressed all the way to baptism and confirmation this past weekend! That's the biggest news I have. Everything was perfect and Cesar's excitement was a joy to see. He was fully prepared to make the covenant and is now on his way as a faithful disciple of Christ.
Friday night we had a mission fireside about which we were told very little before we arrived. But the guest speaker turned out to be Sheri Dew! It was one of the best firesides so far on my mission. She spoke for at least 45 min and every word was a gem. Hers is the quote in the subject line. She also made the comment that repentance is the process of trying to become increasingly pure. It made me think about purity and its inherent power. Mom, I'm sure you would have loved to be there.
At church yesterday we read a line from The Teachings of George Albert Smith that I just loved. It's referring to the Restoration of the Gospel: "Our Father saw the futility of trying to save his sons and daughters until they could be inspired to come to him with the belief that he would hear and answer their prayers." It is really an interesting thought and a good explanation for why Father saw it fit to visit Joseph with His Son in such a grand way.
Well I love you all. Have a great week and happy Valentine's Day!
Elder Joshua Gathro
As in life, chill for best results.
Well not a whole lot of variance this week as far as our activities and happenings in the work. We had a lot of success in contacting investigators and less-actives that we've been asked to see. One lesson this week that I really enjoyed was with someone we met while walking past his house. He said he's tired of the Catholic church and is only interested in learning about Mormons. The lesson flowed more as a conversation, with us sharing the doctrine, and him asking questions, and then us answering him. When we taught about Joseph Smith, he said, "So then there was a prophet after him, right?" YES! It was wonderful. We're hoping and working to see him progressing.
In the middle of the previous paragraph, a man sitting beside my companion starting chatting with us. He's a really friendly guy, and he said that he has read in the Book of Mormon with his LDS neighbor before, over a period of several months. But "it didn't do anything for [him]." He said, "I have no desire or want to learn. My soul can't accept anything other than the Bible." How sad is that. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ. The Church and Joseph Smith aside, if you believe in Christ you will believe in His words. And the Book of Mormon contains His words.
This morning in my personal study I read a little bit from Chapter 1 of Preach My Gospel. It made me realize that I need to help others realize that every invitation we extend, to read, to pray, to attend church, is really an invitation to come unto Christ. We cover that up sometimes, or maybe it just seems so obvious to us, but it doesn't always to others. They need to know that Christ is the one inviting them to read, to pray, and to come to church. That's just something on my mind this morning.
Well have a great week, siguen adelante y sean de buen animo!
Elder Joshua Gathro
In the middle of the previous paragraph, a man sitting beside my companion starting chatting with us. He's a really friendly guy, and he said that he has read in the Book of Mormon with his LDS neighbor before, over a period of several months. But "it didn't do anything for [him]." He said, "I have no desire or want to learn. My soul can't accept anything other than the Bible." How sad is that. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ. The Church and Joseph Smith aside, if you believe in Christ you will believe in His words. And the Book of Mormon contains His words.
This morning in my personal study I read a little bit from Chapter 1 of Preach My Gospel. It made me realize that I need to help others realize that every invitation we extend, to read, to pray, to attend church, is really an invitation to come unto Christ. We cover that up sometimes, or maybe it just seems so obvious to us, but it doesn't always to others. They need to know that Christ is the one inviting them to read, to pray, and to come to church. That's just something on my mind this morning.
Well have a great week, siguen adelante y sean de buen animo!
Elder Joshua Gathro
I saw my first roadrunner!
Hey gang,
Well just as an update, the man who called us last Monday called us again this week and set up 3 appointments with us. We taught him once and he seems very interested and committed to read from the Book of Mormon and pray. He's already been to church several times and came yesterday as well. It's amazing. And along similar lines, a lady and her son came to our English ward yesterday with their member friend and wants to learn from the missionaries. We were at the Spanish ward during the first two hours of English services, but our ward mission leader met the lady and her son and grabbed another set of elders that were at the building and taught her the message of the Restoration. They even set up another appointment (for us). Can presents from the Lord come any more nicely wrapped? The work is moving along with haste in both of our wards. Members are handing us referrals weekly it seems. I don't really understand what qualifies us to have so many rich blessings but we're trying to show our gratitude and lead His sheep to Christ.
In conversation with a member I mentioned that I have a friend serving in Spokane WA Spanish-speaking. Afterward my companion said, "I have a friend in Spokane, Spanish-speaking. He's from Georgia." Turns out that Dominic Clarke was in my companion's district in the MTC. Crazy, huh?
Que mas...Another milagro (miracle). We set the goal of three new investigators for this past week and prayed and worked to get them. Well Wednesday night one of our already investigators called to cancel a lesson because he needed to go see the doctor for chest pain. So with the open time we then had, we visited a referral from Christmas that we've already been by several times and never had a lesson go through. But we knocked on the door and they just welcomed us in. Without having set an appointment, we had a great lesson with them and walked out having 3 new investigators - a family! The father didn't actually speak up much during our time there, which made us reflect on how the Lord had prepared us and the father. We had stopped by several times previously, and even though we didn't have a lesson, we were able to chat with him on those occasions about things going on in his life and just build a friendship. It was how the Lord wanted it to be, so that when they did let us in their home to teach, we could already have a friendship to build on despite his silence in the lesson.
Well it was a pretty rewarding week. But don't think that it wasn't without it's challenges. Those just aren't as exciting to share :)
I love you all,
Elder Joshua Gathro
PS- Was there a presidential debate in Jacksonville this week?
Well just as an update, the man who called us last Monday called us again this week and set up 3 appointments with us. We taught him once and he seems very interested and committed to read from the Book of Mormon and pray. He's already been to church several times and came yesterday as well. It's amazing. And along similar lines, a lady and her son came to our English ward yesterday with their member friend and wants to learn from the missionaries. We were at the Spanish ward during the first two hours of English services, but our ward mission leader met the lady and her son and grabbed another set of elders that were at the building and taught her the message of the Restoration. They even set up another appointment (for us). Can presents from the Lord come any more nicely wrapped? The work is moving along with haste in both of our wards. Members are handing us referrals weekly it seems. I don't really understand what qualifies us to have so many rich blessings but we're trying to show our gratitude and lead His sheep to Christ.
In conversation with a member I mentioned that I have a friend serving in Spokane WA Spanish-speaking. Afterward my companion said, "I have a friend in Spokane, Spanish-speaking. He's from Georgia." Turns out that Dominic Clarke was in my companion's district in the MTC. Crazy, huh?
Que mas...Another milagro (miracle). We set the goal of three new investigators for this past week and prayed and worked to get them. Well Wednesday night one of our already investigators called to cancel a lesson because he needed to go see the doctor for chest pain. So with the open time we then had, we visited a referral from Christmas that we've already been by several times and never had a lesson go through. But we knocked on the door and they just welcomed us in. Without having set an appointment, we had a great lesson with them and walked out having 3 new investigators - a family! The father didn't actually speak up much during our time there, which made us reflect on how the Lord had prepared us and the father. We had stopped by several times previously, and even though we didn't have a lesson, we were able to chat with him on those occasions about things going on in his life and just build a friendship. It was how the Lord wanted it to be, so that when they did let us in their home to teach, we could already have a friendship to build on despite his silence in the lesson.
Well it was a pretty rewarding week. But don't think that it wasn't without it's challenges. Those just aren't as exciting to share :)
I love you all,
Elder Joshua Gathro
PS- Was there a presidential debate in Jacksonville this week?
Monday, January 23, 2012
el campo blanco esta ya para la siega
I hope the subject line is kosher to use. It means the field is ripe, all ready to harvest. And that is the truth. During companion study this morning my companion and I received a phone call from someone who said, "I want to take the missionary lessons." ...What?? I couldn't believe it. His friend is a member of our ward who gave him our number. We'll see what happens. There are great things taking place among the hearts of the children of God. Angels are preparing them.
We made a lot of progress this week I feel. The members are helping us forward the work as we align our goals with theirs. God is blessing us to be in the right place at the right time. The scripture D&C 68:6 has become real to me.
This week our zone had a temple trip scheduled. We forgot to ask a member to drive us there so the we had to use our car, and when we pulled out of the apartment complex at 6:45am we realized we didn't know how to get there. And I had no idea whether or not we would make it for our session. We called other missionaries and one of them gave us some help but we still felt lost and pressed for time. So it was a miracle to walk into the temple with just enough time to make it in the session. It was relaxing to feel the peace of the temple in contrast to the intense worrying just minutes earlier. I believe the Lord helped us find our way so that we could enjoy His sacred house.
I was reading in the November Ensign and found this quote from Elder Scott: "Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one's ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing." Trust in the scriptures and the powerful influence they can bring into your life.
Enjoy your week of miracles and find joy in the struggles!
Elder Joshua Gathro
We made a lot of progress this week I feel. The members are helping us forward the work as we align our goals with theirs. God is blessing us to be in the right place at the right time. The scripture D&C 68:6 has become real to me.
This week our zone had a temple trip scheduled. We forgot to ask a member to drive us there so the we had to use our car, and when we pulled out of the apartment complex at 6:45am we realized we didn't know how to get there. And I had no idea whether or not we would make it for our session. We called other missionaries and one of them gave us some help but we still felt lost and pressed for time. So it was a miracle to walk into the temple with just enough time to make it in the session. It was relaxing to feel the peace of the temple in contrast to the intense worrying just minutes earlier. I believe the Lord helped us find our way so that we could enjoy His sacred house.
I was reading in the November Ensign and found this quote from Elder Scott: "Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one's ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing." Trust in the scriptures and the powerful influence they can bring into your life.
Enjoy your week of miracles and find joy in the struggles!
Elder Joshua Gathro
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