Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Road kill & a word of wisdom pamphlet!

Hello hello my friends and family!   WOW where to begin??????
This week has been FANTASTIC. I'm sorry I haven't been able to email yinz very well. The life of a missionary is pretty jam packed! But let's start with Monday! We were referred a family to go and visit. We tried them a few weeks ago and they basically told us to leave, but fortunately we were able to receive an invitation to come back sometime.
We went back Monday and MIRACLES happened. We went and tried this family, the dad came out. He told us to leave, but we kept talking and didn't give up, soon enough the wife came out as well, and began asking questions. She was truly concerned about her daughter dating a Mormon. So she wanted to know all about our church. She thought we didn't celebrate holidays and had ten wives and a whole bunch of other funky stuff. Anywho, eventually we somehow ended up inside. and taught them all about the Book of Mormon. It was a really powerful lesson. Their hearts had truly changed.

They began to accept the restored Gospel. They knew Christ lived. We read 3 Nephi 11, when Christ comes to minister to the Nephites. They said "There's no difference at all between the Book of Mormon and the Bible!" As we began to leave we both noted how much they had changed. In the beginning, they wouldn't even let us in or talk to them. In the end, the Spirit had testified that Christ does live, and His church is real. They both said they Loved the Book of Mormon and wanted to read it and come to church! It was so cool!!!

I testify my Brothers and Sisters, that Christ really does live and love us. Heavenly Father does live. They both love us and are working so hard to help us all come unto them. I know this Gospel is true. and I TOO, love the Book of Mormon and know it to be the very word of God. I invite all of you, as does the Introduction to the Book of Mormon, to read it, ponder the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the Name of Christ, if it is true! I love this Gospel, I love this Restored Church. Christ does live :)  Elder Johnson

Friday, April 11, 2014

It is in the Book of Mormon you don't read that is sitting in your living room as household decoration!

"Hello hello hello!
HOLY COW! General Conference was AMAZING. I learned sooo much. I'm so excited to begin implementing the things I learned. This last week was fantastic! We are really trying hard to become more like the Savior. We are trying to find with Faith, and Listen to the Holy Ghost in how we should go about serving the Lord's Children here in the Berwick Ward. I sure have loved serving here with Elder Andersen, and I am so very very excited to be serving with him for another transfer. I really love him, and I want him to succeed here.

I really have had many prayers answered concerning Elder Andersen. We really want to work hard here. Which is something I love and cherish. Elder Andersen has a powerful desire to serve with all of his heart. Which has truly helped me to seek knowledge, to be knowledgeable, and then to apply. I sure love serving here with Elder Andersen. I am very privileged to be serving with him for another transfer. I love him.
Heavenly Father has truly answered so many of my prayers. I love Him, especially for the answers I do not see yet. I love Him.

Our area has been making slow progress, but better progress. We really want to focus on Less Actives and finding new Investigators through formers and potentials as well as contacting 10 new people each day. We have not done terribly well at it, but we will repent and do better.

I love the Lord, I know He truly Lives. We have had many Spiritual blessings in helping others come unto Christ. I learned that we must be COURAGEOUS and bold. We must Love in full discipleship.

Last night we went to contact a former investigator, Her friends were home, Christine and her husband Derren. They listened in a little as we spoke briefly. Little did we know that Christine was the daughter of a preacher and has a vast knowledge of the Savior. We kept speaking with her. Elder Andersen began leaving the door, but I knew better than leaving without an invitation left. I stood my ground and


stayed. We began speaking a little longer, and I brought up General Conference, feeling prompted to do so. Immediately the conversion became Gospel related, and It was so easy talking about Christ and His Gospel. Everyone participated in this Gospel discussion. The longer we stayed, and harder we tried to live our purpose, the more receptive their hearts became.

Later that night while leaving, we had placed 2 Book of Mormons, and received their willingness to learn more. We didn't give up even after that, we stayed a little longer. We ended up talking about the Lord, and the need for missionary work. We almost received 2 referrals that night. Only held back because of her own unsurety of her parents receptiveness. It was beautiful, miracles do happen. I know it. We just need to be courageous, and stick around long enough to let people have a chance at the Gospel.

Brothers and Sisters, The Gospel is true. The Plan of Happiness is REAL. We have the Gospel again! The world 's cure for it's darkness and lack of pure love, Is here. It is with us. It is in our love for others, it is in our love for the Savior, It is in those 3 hours of church, and in those hours we use to serve and perform our callings. It is in the Book of Mormon you don't read that is sitting in your living room as household decoration. You heard me, read it ;) haha.

The Gospel of pure joy, love and peace is HERE! WE HAVE IT! Oh goodness! How happy and joyful I am that we get to listen to the Lord's Prophet and His Apostles, and Teachers. HOLY COW I love this Church. I love it sooooooooooooooooooo much. I want to work my butt off and forever live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I love Him, and I want to make Him Proud. I love you all : Thank you for your prayers and encouragement and love. I'm praying for you all, that we may succeed, and that we will not be sifted as wheat in the "whirlwinds of this world" :) As humbly, as I can possible muster. I testify, that the Lord Jesus Christ, lives and he loves us, may we all remember this beautiful truth. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Elder Johnson"


Here's some pictures! I love conference, and this is what we look like when Elder Andersen drives!