Bike Probs and Miracles, Yo.

So this week was awesome! 

Sahweeet!  It's awesome to hear that Sister Bell will soon be joining the ranks of awesomeness! 

Anywhosits what's its, we went on a hike this morning, that was fun, I have pictures, but the camera died, and I don't want to go home, so I can't send any..... My b, but you will get lots next week! 

Ok now for the juicy stuff, we have just been really focusing on obedience this week, and because of it we set a baptismal date on the first lesson with a guy named Matthew Davenport, black guy, gold watch, sweet stache,. He is super cool. 

The way we found him was a miracle, we were contacting on Colorado blvd, aka Sodom, and we talked to this kid named Matthew and got his number. The next day we tried to call him and he said he would meet us at the church.  We go to the church and sit and wait, and then Matthew texts and says he is here.  The Matthew we were expecting was a teenager with long, long hair a couple piercings and really short.  The Matthew standing at the door is a clean cut black guy.   I'm thinking "Well.....he sure changed a lot" and Elder Brown answered the door and the man said "Hey I'm Matthew."   What?  Well we taught the lesson and said "With what you now know, will you be baptized?"  And he without hesitation was like "yea"!   What?  Come to find out his whole family are members in Idaho. We were so excited!  Apparently we were texting this new Matthew the entire time. (I don't know if the other Matthew gave us a bogus number and it was another Matthew)  Weird. 

Then Bishop Hansen comes out of his office and says "Who is this?" And Matthew introduces himself and shakes his hand and then bishop says "Do you know it's true?" And Matthew says yep, and we tell bishop he just accepted baptism and bishop asked if he was committed and he said yep! So we are naturally pretty excited. He is one elect fella. 

Now for the funny story, we went on exchanges with the Spanish elders next door, and I was with the greenie, and we were biking, within an hour of leaving the house, he got hit by a car that was turning right in front of us.  He wasn't hurt so we laughed it off and fixed the not-so-happy guys mirror and went on our way.  We taught a Muslim guy who spoke little English (I kinda needed a poncho cause I got stuck in his spray zone, like wiping it on my sleeve bad). We get out and are biking and then this happens...(I wrote to this Elders parents for him because "you tell it funnier than I do") 

We were biking across a street and I went first, there was a man sitting in his car, I went past and due to the fact we had a recent run in with a car earlier that day I turned around just in time to see the guy hit Elder Lane. The weirdest thing was instead of falling over, as normal people would do, Elder Lane, who was new to English work, and didn't know that English speakers usually just fall over when hit by two ton vehicles, did a complete180.  To explain my thoughts I will use scripture "be astonished, o ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid...." Jer. 2:12!  He was hit by a car twice in one day but he was protected and came out with a wobbly bike and a big side ache for me from laughing so hard. The best part is, he picked up the license plate he had severed from the guys grill and handed it to him saying something like "I'm good, here is this" as if he had just handed him his newspaper. It's good to know that us missionaries are protected. 

So basically that sums up the week, it was hard exhausting work, we have worked so hard to get a baptism, and now finally, I think we got one handed to us on a silver platter. 

O this work, there is nothing you will do mentally or spiritually harder, than bear your soul, and have it rejected, again and again.  You will present the tree of your testimony for others to partake of the good fruit you have, and some will take it, and others will deny, and others will throw it at the trunk, still others will take a bite, and proclaim that "it's not for them" but we are made by bumps and bruises, this is a work where things rarely if ever go as planned, but it is fun! 

I love you all! Have the best week ever! 

Elder Rollins

1 Rollins 3:1

And it came to pass, that Elder Rollins reported in the third week of the reign of the Zone Lords saying; Behold, my Beloved Brethren and Sistren, I perceive that this week went well according to the will of the Lord. And now behold, I Elder Rollins have experienced much tribulation and strife, for behold, the mission is not easy. And it came to pass that I did pray mightily to the Lord in behalf of the people, and I was given courage, yea, even courage to call repentance unto the people of the land of Pasadena, and behold, I did get straight up shut down, and the people did whine, with much gnashing of teeth, yea, and they did tremble exceedingly because of fear of change, for behold, they were sore afraid of the punishment of sin. Therefore they did scorn and mock and cause much contention, but behold, I, Elder Rollins, did much laughing, for behold, I have become learned in the ways humor from my father, and behold we did suffer happily, therefore, we are alive. Yea, we did press forward and did confound strange people with our big smiles. And there was much rejoicing in the land. Yea,and  the scriptures are true, for behold Joseph Smith could not have written like the above writing for 500 pages, yea, my brain does ache exceedingly. Therefore I make an end of my writing. (like this)

Anyway, it was a good week! We are doing a 40 day fast, where we fast from certain things for 40 days, (talking about home, singing non hymns, quoting movies.. Etc.) and we have seen miracles! 

Josh at the Rose Bowl Stadium

We were walking down the street one day and the first two people we talked to had prayed for help, crazyyy, one guy even got teary eyed because he is an alcoholic and we told him that he could be freed and it was just pretty much awesome. 

Josh again at the Rose Bowl Stadium

We had a good time this week, 'twas an adventure, lots of talking to people. But the event I want to stress today, happened on exchanges with the zone leaders, I was with Elder Stinson here in Pasadena, we went out to talk to less actives, we had no success throughout the whole day, until the end, we knocked on the door and a less active opened it. We asked if we could come in. He let us in and we started sharing a message, we shared a video and asked what he thought about it and this is where it gets interesting. "It made me mad" we asked why and he went on to tell us some crazy stories about his trials, how hard his life was, all that jazz. We told him God loves him and knows how he feels. "Then where is he!?!?" He yelled at us. "And why is all the bad stuff happening to me?!" Oh man, I about smacked him. But I'm a missionary, so instead, we bore testimony. that is kind of the same thing, right? Hopefully testimonies should be stronger and you will also get completely different results.  We kept talking to him and poured on the testimony, and he started bawling, and literally gave us hugs as we left, so unfortunately I have to give another soap box. 

Please never forget that God loves you, you are a child of a loving Heavenly Father who literally gave everything to us. He is evident in every object, every person, every where. He knows. For those who wonder "why me?", which we all do, me included, this is what I have learned, to quote Elder Christofferson "I am the Gardner here". He really is!  Oh how I wish some things never had to happen but they do happen. God has given us the gift of agency and we have to choose right now whether or not suffering and trials now is worth the chance to have glory for the rest of eternity.

God wants us to be kings and queens someday and you can't run a universe with no experience so we are in a training ground.  Please don't let Satan lead you to his pity party, there are no refreshments served after that party. Life is hard everyone knows, but tests aren't supposed to be easy, and we all should desire a good grade.  The answer to "why me?" is because you can do it, and God knows you can and he will help you! I know you can do hard things too! No giving up!  There ain't no rest for the weary, experience don't grow on trees! But we keep pushin on, and We will till we're gone! 

Funny story for the week.  We were contacting and we talked to all these Christians, they asked questions and apparently we answered right, because they loved us. Then at the end they were like, can we pray for you, and i, thinking that they meant later, said, "sure!" Well then all six of them half circled around us and put their hands on our shoulders so we made a circle, and then one of them started praying, it was like a rameumptum prayer, like "ohhh please help the guys continue down their path ohh please.. etc." it was strange, and they all would be like "mmm" whenever he said something. I didn't know what to do, and Elder Brown was worrying about the fact a girl had her hand on his shoulder. Anyway, we laughed about that.

I love you all a whole lot a bunches! 

Know you are loved! 

Cause y'all are. 

Elder Rollins

How is Kai?  Great!

How is Ashley? Sick.

How is Matt? Great! 

When did you feel the spirit this week? When we were contacting, it was just flowing, we have some good potentials.

When did you laugh this week?  See above story

What advice would you teach young men who are still preparing to go? Really truly read the Book of Mormon.

What did you study this week? Pride, and repentance.

Atonement

Hellooo 

This is me, writing you, about my week. 

Before I begin, Ethan buddy, I believe it's your birth Week! Good for you! Don't grow up please! Thank you! You're one cool little man! 

Also, to my man, Alex, Happy Birthweek! If I'm not mistaken, it is your turn to get the priesthood! Good for you! I'm proud of you kiddo, you'll be one cool little deacon! You're a goofball! And I love you for it!

The funny experience of the week is when we went out with a member, this member is super goofy, and he knows it, the funny experience is when we were walking to talk to this guy who was smoking stuff, and the member walked up and asked if he had any for us. Super weird, but it did break the ice. 

Now for the serious, unfortunately, it has been on my mind, so I'm sending it home! Hopefully it helps! 

Well since the holidays are over, people are not nearly as receptive, but that's ok, agency is a gift, but it was meant to use wisely, I had an experience this week that made me think about what I was doing this thing for, but first, the experience.

Elder Brown and I went to a house where we had set up a lesson, we knocked and a little kid answered the door, we talked to him and this guy with a half drained beer and very bad breath started talking, we asked if we could share a message and they said "tomorrow, come back tomorrow" and I guess they expected us to be satisfied with that, we weren't. So we tried to set up a time, I was holding the door open and the drunk guy grabbed the door knob and yelled "THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU" as he slammed both doors

Now it didn't really do anything at first, I just laughed, because he acted like he was tough, but he was maybe 5' 4 and had more rolls than the pillsbury dough boy, we walked away and it just kept bugging me. All I could think about was how all I wanted to do was help dad gummit, but they wouldn't even give us the time of day.  Then Satan started to put doubts in my head and I being, the foolish guy I am, let them in. I was discouraged.   

Then amidst my pity party, I started humming "Ye Elders of Israel" and instead of feeling angry, it turned to sadness. That poor, poor man, he knows alcohol only makes him happy for a few hours or until he gets his next drink. It was reaffirmed to me, because I already knew this in my head, but now I know it in my heart, there is nothing better than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

But all in all, it was a good week! We taught a man named Matt Lim, and he is super close to baptism, he just is scared about taking the final step, he told us this, and I told him "somebody is going to getcha" he laughed, but he totally knows it's true, punk. Also we talked to a guy who looked normal, but as soon as we said hi, he exploded into a fifteen minute rant on I don't even know what. 

Crazy people, they just brighten your day, speaking of brightening days, we were walking down the street and we talked to this guy who was out smoking, he proceeded to tell us he has a problem with depression, and that when he saw us smiling and out "spreading the word of Jesus" it lifted his heart, he rejoiced. It was good to hear! He also told us that we make a difference. But, he had given up on himself, he said it was too late to late for him, he couldn't change now, his "goose is cooked".

People. "THAT IS A LIE!!!! Straight from the cunning mouth of the adversary!!!! Do not listen!! The word Atone translated into Hebrew means "to cover" the enabling power of the Atonement covers ALL ailments, frailties, shortcomings, and weaknesses. To quote Elder Holland "Don't you quit! You keep walking! There are good things yet to come!" Every Time  you take that sacrament covered by the white clean cloth you can start over, Nobodies goose will be fried until it is on a spit over the embers of the wicked at the Second Coming, don't procrastinate the day of your repentance! Please, please I beg of you, Do. Not. Give. Up. There is Light at the end of the tunnel! And it is the Light of Christ, his arms outstretched.   The light comes in that young Aaronic Priesthood holder who holds out that tray to you, take it serious. Your Eternal Soul is on the front line of battle every waking moment, which way do you face?

Our purpose as Missionaries is to invite others to access the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Please please keep pushing! Imagine when you get to that wonderful kingdom and fall into Christ's arms and he whispers "You did it" He knows!!! I know that this is true! That hour of Sacrament meeting is the opportunity we have each week to "watch with Him one hour" this mission is not easy, it is not always fun, it is discouraging at times, it would be easy to give up, but the Atonement was the hardest thing ever done, and it is free, do not waste it, it is NEVER too late, do it now. 

I love you all! Christ is the Only Begotten Son of a loving Heavenly Father, we are all brothers and sisters. I know God lives, I Know Christ is the Son of God, and our Savior, without him I COULD NOT do this. It is impossible. Stay on the path! Smile! Take others with you! 

Elder Rollins

How is your new ward? Good! 

Are you feeling a little more comfortable there? Yes, a little I guess

Send me some pictures of your new place. Okidokey

How are Kai and Ashley? They are doing really well! I'm excited to see where they go!

When did you feel the spirit this week? I felt it during studies!

What did you do to serve this week? Did the dishes when the WML said I didn't need too, cause rebel without a reason 

Did you laugh with your companion this week?  When? Yes, we pretty much laugh all the time. No joke.

What was the most frustrating thing about this week? Getting wet in the rain, people not caring!

What did you study this week?  The Atonement

Our room, Mine desk is the one on the left. 

Our Kitchen.  In case you couldn't tell.

Living Room.  

Another Day another Destiny!

Well, the holidays are over, and I am excited for this new year! I can't believe it's 2015! I know it will be a good one! 

Well, on this special occasion I have to wish the boss of our crew, Big G, a happy birthday! You are the best! 

My week was awesome! So for New Year's Eve, we went out and contacted people sitting along the Rose parade route, there were so many people, and they were all camping out in their little spots, it looked like we had walked in on the homes for hobos convention. Packed like sardines. 

Anyway, the best part was the very first group we talked to were so cool, their names were Alexis, Ryan, Jay, Josh, Laura, Emily and Conner. They were all about 20-24 and were super cool, we even sat down with them in their spot on the street.Elder Brown even borrowed one of their blankets. Unfortunately none of them live in our mission but it is all the same work, right?! We talked for over an hour and then moved on.We contacted a few other people and went home.

Now, Rose parade/Rose bowl game day came, in the morning we went and took a picture with the people we talked too, then we went to talk to other people because there were even more of them. So many people! Nothing really happened, then a stealth bomber flew over. No big deal. Ok Pretty Awesome! 

Then the floats are coming and it was crazy, cool floats and everything.  There were a bunch of crazies yelling "repent" and they would see us and be like "Catholicism cannot save you, satanism cannot save you, Mormonism cannot save you..." But we were sitting with 150 members, so when they yelled we would be burning in a not very nice place if we didn't change, one member said "It's getting hot!!" Hehe. Mormons. 

Oh and for those into college football, you don't know pain, until one of the biggest games of the season, is within a mile of your house, and you can't do anything about it. 

After the parade it was back to work, people clear out of there quick. Things were back to normal. We taught Kai this week and he said he didn't want to get baptized without a "great testimony"  which was great to hear that he wants to have a firm foundation!  That was awesome! We taught Ashley, she said she would "No problem" read the Book of Mormon!  So that was also good! And I got dinner at the bishops house and that was awesome (no chicken feet or goat brains). So all in all this week was fantabulous.

I've noticed that the hundreds of rejections disappear in an instant when somebody just says hello back! Anyways, I hope all of your missions are going well! Because whether you like it or not you're on a mission! And remember that nothing really worthwhile comes free. Don't think that God will witness himself to you, if you don't do anything, that's not how it works, if you don't exert effort how can He? Doesn't make sense.

Remember never Check Your religion at the door, you are a Mormon 24/7 your first loyalty is to God. 

Well, life is good! I am thankful that I am alive and I am especially grateful for all of y'all, you make life good! Keep it up! God loves you! He knows you can do hard things! So like Nike just do it! The rest will fall into place, don't worry! Go team! Score that basket unit! Love you all! Stay true! Return with Honor! 

Elder Rollins