Well... I am soooooo tired. This week there was a seminary for all of the Jr. Companions , so they all went to Cúliacan for the week, except for me (this is because I have only been here for three weeks). I stayed in Los Mochis with my companion. Because half of all the missionaries were gone, our area was combined with another area, which was twice as big as ours. We did a lot of walking this week. All is well though, because they returned this past Saturday.
But, the big news for this week, is that I gave my first "discurso" in Spanish yesterday. If you think giving a talk in English is hard... You wouldn´t believe it, but I think that it is easier to give a talk in front of 60 people in a different language, than it is to give one in English in front of like 600 people. Anyway, I am sure that my grammar was horrible and that I pronounced everything wrong, but I enjoyed the experience. Might as well, because I´m probably going to have to give like 15 trillion more before the end of my mission. :)
You never know who God has placed in your path for you to help and lift. It is important to always be an example of the believers, in all that you do and say. This is definitely true as a missionary. People are going to look at me, and judge our church. In the white-handbook, it says that I need to maintain the highest standard of conduct, because I represent the Lord, and his Gospel.
I love you all so much, and pray for you often,
Elder Johnson
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
April 11, 2011
Hey Family!
Well, this week has been quite something. So, one of the rules in our mission (I think I already told you all this) is that we cannot go to church unless we bring with us an investigator. Well, we worked hard all last week, but we could not get a commitment from anyone! We got to Saturday, and we had 12 people planned, to go visit. We thought "for sure we´ll be able to get one of our investigators to come with us" But as the day went on, no one was home. I think of the 12 we had scheduled we taught a total of 3 people. We were running out of options. It was about 7:00, and we didn´t have anyone to go with us.
We decided to say a prayer, so we sat down on the side of the road, and prayed for us to be able to bring escogidos (God´s chosen people) to church with us. Then we went to our last two appointments. Neither one was there. So, it was 8:40, time for us to start heading home, and then we decided to try this one last house that was on our way home. This was a nice little family, that we had talked to for fifteen minutes on this past Tuesday. That is the only interaction that they had had with the missionaros before. We stopped by, sang a hymn, prayed, and invited them to church. They accepted. The Lord really did bless us. This does not happen. EVER.
I know that the Lord hears our prayers, and he answers them too. This is one of the first principles that we teach to the investigators. That is because it is so important to know that we can talk to our Father in Heaven, and what’s more, that He will answer. Now, I know that not all answers come like this one did, but I know that as I put my trust in the Lord, and have faith that he can and will answer my prayers he will bless me.
Anyway, I cannot believe that I forgot to tell you this last week, but now I look even more like Harry Potter. I have this big ole gash on my forehead. Me and my companion were walking along the sidewalk, when we saw one of our investigators. I was waving to them, when all of a sudden, BANG, I just stopped. I had run head on into one of the air conditioners, that are mounted on the side of the houses. So yeah. I was a little embarrassed, and I have the coolest scar ever. This was like my second day in my area.
Well, the address to the Mission Office is:
Río Choix #888
Col. Rosales, Culiacán, Sin.
C.P. 80230 A.P. 645
This is where all of the letters will go through.
Well, I have to go. I love you all mucho.
Love
Elder Johnson
Well, this week has been quite something. So, one of the rules in our mission (I think I already told you all this) is that we cannot go to church unless we bring with us an investigator. Well, we worked hard all last week, but we could not get a commitment from anyone! We got to Saturday, and we had 12 people planned, to go visit. We thought "for sure we´ll be able to get one of our investigators to come with us" But as the day went on, no one was home. I think of the 12 we had scheduled we taught a total of 3 people. We were running out of options. It was about 7:00, and we didn´t have anyone to go with us.
We decided to say a prayer, so we sat down on the side of the road, and prayed for us to be able to bring escogidos (God´s chosen people) to church with us. Then we went to our last two appointments. Neither one was there. So, it was 8:40, time for us to start heading home, and then we decided to try this one last house that was on our way home. This was a nice little family, that we had talked to for fifteen minutes on this past Tuesday. That is the only interaction that they had had with the missionaros before. We stopped by, sang a hymn, prayed, and invited them to church. They accepted. The Lord really did bless us. This does not happen. EVER.
I know that the Lord hears our prayers, and he answers them too. This is one of the first principles that we teach to the investigators. That is because it is so important to know that we can talk to our Father in Heaven, and what’s more, that He will answer. Now, I know that not all answers come like this one did, but I know that as I put my trust in the Lord, and have faith that he can and will answer my prayers he will bless me.
Anyway, I cannot believe that I forgot to tell you this last week, but now I look even more like Harry Potter. I have this big ole gash on my forehead. Me and my companion were walking along the sidewalk, when we saw one of our investigators. I was waving to them, when all of a sudden, BANG, I just stopped. I had run head on into one of the air conditioners, that are mounted on the side of the houses. So yeah. I was a little embarrassed, and I have the coolest scar ever. This was like my second day in my area.
Well, the address to the Mission Office is:
Río Choix #888
Col. Rosales, Culiacán, Sin.
C.P. 80230 A.P. 645
This is where all of the letters will go through.
Well, I have to go. I love you all mucho.
Love
Elder Johnson
April 4, 2011
Greetings from MEXICO!!!
Yes, that is correct, I made it to the land of hot weather alive. If I were to describe Mexico, I think that the word that would best describe it would be HOT. It is the first of April, and I´m pretty sure that the temperature is in the 90´s all the time. Everybody says this is the nice season. Ohhhhh joy, I can´t wait for August. A saying here in the mission is, "If you can love someone in the heat, you can love anyone." I believe it to.
My companions name is E. Cope, and he is the Lidre de Zona. (Zone Leader) So, basically, it is always busy, and I am in good hands. He has been out here for 20 months, and has the language down pat. He doesn´t speak English to me, except when I say "Comó se dicé....." or Qué signífica...." Which basically means, how so you say...? or what does..... mean? I can basically understand most of what is being said, the most frustrating part is that I cannot say what I want to say. It is extremely important for me to learn this language so that I will more effectively in bringing the gospel to the people of Mexicó,... Especially Los Mochis, which is where I am right now.
Another side note, apparently our mission is what is known as a baptizing mission, I didn´t truly appreciate what that meant, until this Saturday, when two investigators of ours were baptized. Their names were Roberto, and Yihydia (ju-hyd-a). It was quite the experience. And, I was only able to watch two sessions of conference, because the rule here is, you have to bring an investigator with you, or you don´t go. That was quite an eye-opener for me, along with the fact the it was in SPANISH! Ahhhhhh everything here is in Spanish, Including this computer I am using right now. Anyway, that is about the extent of my week. Oh, I forgot, I have probably walked about 2,000,000 miles or close to it in this past week! Ha ha, it is quite fun.
My mission president is such a Spiritual-Powerhouse/Giant. I really look forward to the opportunity of serving under his direction, and his wife is such a sweet lady. Anyway, I am sure that these next two years are going to be quite interesting. T here have already been so many experiences that I shall never forget. I have been so blessed to have been born in the United States, to a loving family. We are teaching a family, who lives in a house that is smaller that our living room. They have 9 children who live with them, they don´t have much work, and because of their poverty, none of their children can read. They do not have any access to water, and their power is going to be shut off soon, because they cannot pay the bill. I pray so hard that they will accept the gospel, so that they can experience that Joy and Happiness that accompanies it. It is such a blessing to know that if they make good decisions, get baptized, and endure to the end, they will be able to find a home in one of the Mansions that our Father in Heaven has prepared for them. My eyes have really been opened this past week, and I am sure that I still have more yet to learn.
I love you all so much, and am so grateful for your patience with me, and your faith. You are in my prayers continually.
Love
Elder Johnson
Yes, that is correct, I made it to the land of hot weather alive. If I were to describe Mexico, I think that the word that would best describe it would be HOT. It is the first of April, and I´m pretty sure that the temperature is in the 90´s all the time. Everybody says this is the nice season. Ohhhhh joy, I can´t wait for August. A saying here in the mission is, "If you can love someone in the heat, you can love anyone." I believe it to.
My companions name is E. Cope, and he is the Lidre de Zona. (Zone Leader) So, basically, it is always busy, and I am in good hands. He has been out here for 20 months, and has the language down pat. He doesn´t speak English to me, except when I say "Comó se dicé....." or Qué signífica...." Which basically means, how so you say...? or what does..... mean? I can basically understand most of what is being said, the most frustrating part is that I cannot say what I want to say. It is extremely important for me to learn this language so that I will more effectively in bringing the gospel to the people of Mexicó,... Especially Los Mochis, which is where I am right now.
Another side note, apparently our mission is what is known as a baptizing mission, I didn´t truly appreciate what that meant, until this Saturday, when two investigators of ours were baptized. Their names were Roberto, and Yihydia (ju-hyd-a). It was quite the experience. And, I was only able to watch two sessions of conference, because the rule here is, you have to bring an investigator with you, or you don´t go. That was quite an eye-opener for me, along with the fact the it was in SPANISH! Ahhhhhh everything here is in Spanish, Including this computer I am using right now. Anyway, that is about the extent of my week. Oh, I forgot, I have probably walked about 2,000,000 miles or close to it in this past week! Ha ha, it is quite fun.
My mission president is such a Spiritual-Powerhouse/Giant. I really look forward to the opportunity of serving under his direction, and his wife is such a sweet lady. Anyway, I am sure that these next two years are going to be quite interesting. T here have already been so many experiences that I shall never forget. I have been so blessed to have been born in the United States, to a loving family. We are teaching a family, who lives in a house that is smaller that our living room. They have 9 children who live with them, they don´t have much work, and because of their poverty, none of their children can read. They do not have any access to water, and their power is going to be shut off soon, because they cannot pay the bill. I pray so hard that they will accept the gospel, so that they can experience that Joy and Happiness that accompanies it. It is such a blessing to know that if they make good decisions, get baptized, and endure to the end, they will be able to find a home in one of the Mansions that our Father in Heaven has prepared for them. My eyes have really been opened this past week, and I am sure that I still have more yet to learn.
I love you all so much, and am so grateful for your patience with me, and your faith. You are in my prayers continually.
Love
Elder Johnson
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fri, Mar 25, 2011
Hey Family! In four days, I will be on a plane going to Mexico! I am sooooooo excited. The next time you hear from me, I am going to be lost in an unfamiliar country speaking a different language! It is so exciting. We have some bad news though,... My companion Elder Zabriskie found out that he has cancer, so he is going to be having surgery on this up-coming Tuesday. They say that the recovery time after the surgery is about 2-3 weeks, so he is really bummed about not getting to head out with the rest of us. We have been going back and forth between doctors for the past two weeks trying to get this all figured out. I pretty sure that the cancer is not that bad, and I just hope that he is going to be able come to Mexico. About this weather today.... So when I walked to the temple this morning, at like 7:30, it was nice and warm, maybe a little overcast. When I came out of the temple, there was snow everywhere. It was snowing very strong, and I JUST had my suit dry cleaned. Oh, well, that is life huh? Well, I love you all so much. I know that this church is the true church, and that Jesus is at the head of it. The Gospel just makes sense. I don't really know how else to put it. I love my Savior. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, called by God to restore this gospel to the earth. I am so excited to bring this message to the people in Culiacan Mexico. Love Elder Johnson
Fri, Mar 18, 2011
Dear Family, Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I was so happy to hear from you. There have been so many things that have happened this week.
This Wednesday, we received our travel plans, and that has been SOOOO exciting. We leave on the 28th, at like 6 in the morning, and arrive in Culiacan at 6 in the afternoon. I love it here at the MTC, but I am so excited to finally get out and serve the people in Mexico. It is going to be quite the experience not knowing that much Spanish. I take comfort in the fact that I am learning Spanish and not Japanese or something. And also that this is what the Lord has planned for me, and so he will provide a way for me to accomplish the tasks that are ahead of me. He is going ahead, and preparing the way for me.
Speaking of Spanish, we just learned this new form of conjugating this week, that doesn't exist in English! It has been super exciting and funny, because all of us are so lost. It will come with time though.
Probably one of the biggest things that has happened in the past two weeks, is that I have developed such a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For the past few devotionals, they have been centered around the Atonement, and we have had many WONDERFUL speakers who have edified us. Then to top all of this off, in choir this Tuesday, we sang a song called "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hand" It was so powerful, and as I have pondered the words in it, I have received such a love for Jesus.
Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands:
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
The Marks upon His side,
Then ponder who He meant to save,
When on the Cross He died.
We cannot see the Love of God
Which saves us from the Fall,
Yet know that Christ from wood and nails
Build mansions for us all.
Behold the outstretched hands of Christ,
Our God, who came to save,
Whose Love and grace redeems our souls
And lifts us from the grace.
Though bruised and battered as we stray
His guiding hands caress,
He washes and anoints with oil
Then in His arms we rest.
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
Look to your Lord and live,
He yearns to bless you with His Love
And all your sins forgive,
Oh empty is the heart of man
When it is filled with sin.
Come open wide your broken heart,
And let your Savior in!
Behold the wounded hands and feet!
Come touch and see and feel
The wounds and marks that you may know
His Love for you is real.
Then as you fall to worship Him
And wet His feet with tears,
You savior takes you in His arms
And quiets all your fears.
This is such a wonderful song. I know that my Savior lives. He loves me. He died for me. He died for us all, and that gives us such great motivation to do all that we can to live with God again. It is our responsibility to make that sacrifice is not in vain. I know that through the atonement we can live with our Father in Heaven once more. As a family. What comfort and Joy this sentence gives.
I love you all so very much, and hope that everything is doing well at home.
Love Elder Johnson
p.s. Jackie, you are the BEST!
I was so happy to hear from you. There have been so many things that have happened this week.
This Wednesday, we received our travel plans, and that has been SOOOO exciting. We leave on the 28th, at like 6 in the morning, and arrive in Culiacan at 6 in the afternoon. I love it here at the MTC, but I am so excited to finally get out and serve the people in Mexico. It is going to be quite the experience not knowing that much Spanish. I take comfort in the fact that I am learning Spanish and not Japanese or something. And also that this is what the Lord has planned for me, and so he will provide a way for me to accomplish the tasks that are ahead of me. He is going ahead, and preparing the way for me.
Speaking of Spanish, we just learned this new form of conjugating this week, that doesn't exist in English! It has been super exciting and funny, because all of us are so lost. It will come with time though.
Probably one of the biggest things that has happened in the past two weeks, is that I have developed such a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For the past few devotionals, they have been centered around the Atonement, and we have had many WONDERFUL speakers who have edified us. Then to top all of this off, in choir this Tuesday, we sang a song called "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hand" It was so powerful, and as I have pondered the words in it, I have received such a love for Jesus.
Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands:
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
The Marks upon His side,
Then ponder who He meant to save,
When on the Cross He died.
We cannot see the Love of God
Which saves us from the Fall,
Yet know that Christ from wood and nails
Build mansions for us all.
Behold the outstretched hands of Christ,
Our God, who came to save,
Whose Love and grace redeems our souls
And lifts us from the grace.
Though bruised and battered as we stray
His guiding hands caress,
He washes and anoints with oil
Then in His arms we rest.
Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands,
Look to your Lord and live,
He yearns to bless you with His Love
And all your sins forgive,
Oh empty is the heart of man
When it is filled with sin.
Come open wide your broken heart,
And let your Savior in!
Behold the wounded hands and feet!
Come touch and see and feel
The wounds and marks that you may know
His Love for you is real.
Then as you fall to worship Him
And wet His feet with tears,
You savior takes you in His arms
And quiets all your fears.
This is such a wonderful song. I know that my Savior lives. He loves me. He died for me. He died for us all, and that gives us such great motivation to do all that we can to live with God again. It is our responsibility to make that sacrifice is not in vain. I know that through the atonement we can live with our Father in Heaven once more. As a family. What comfort and Joy this sentence gives.
I love you all so very much, and hope that everything is doing well at home.
Love Elder Johnson
p.s. Jackie, you are the BEST!
Friday, March 18, 2011
3/17/2011
Hey Family!
Thank you so much for the E-Mail. I really do look forward to reading them. It is always such a Joy.
So, my Companion is E. Zabriskie. He is from St. George. The members of my district are Elders Livingston (Arizona), Gleave (Bountiful Utah), Brunner (Anaheim California), Cicon (Missouri), Webster (Las Vegas), Marriott (Ogden). There was also three Hermana's in our district, but they left for the MTC in Peru on Tuesday. Me, E. Zabriskie, E. Gleave, E. Livingston, E. Webster are all going to Culiacan! The other three are going to Monterey Mexico.
So, everything is going well here at the MTC. With this assignment of being District Leader, I have begun to realize that it is so very important to love those whom you serve. You cannot be a effective, and righteous leader, if you do not care for the people. I have noticed in myself, that when I am angry, or frustrated, I am totally ineffective in trying to be a good leader, but when I am constantly praying for the guidance of the Lord to help me know the needs and concerns of the members of my district, it is such a blessing to them, and to me.
Life is so busy, and the time just fly's. It is amazing.
So I leave for Mexico on the 28th of March. I have two and a half weeks left here in the MTC! It is super crazy. I am totally excited to get out into the field, and serve the people of Mexico, with the little Spanish that I know! Ha ha It is daunting, but I know that the Lord will bless me as I do my part. Anyways, the Spirit is the one that converts right?
I love you all so much, and miss you. Thank you all for the support you give me, and for being such great examples. I pray for you all often, but I know that this is where the Lord wants me. I know that it is so important for me to bring the gospel to the people that the Lord has prepared. Bringing them such a great gift, is a special opportunity for me. The Lord is entrusting me with this responsibility and opportunity
Love,
Elder Johnson
Thank you so much for the E-Mail. I really do look forward to reading them. It is always such a Joy.
So, my Companion is E. Zabriskie. He is from St. George. The members of my district are Elders Livingston (Arizona), Gleave (Bountiful Utah), Brunner (Anaheim California), Cicon (Missouri), Webster (Las Vegas), Marriott (Ogden). There was also three Hermana's in our district, but they left for the MTC in Peru on Tuesday. Me, E. Zabriskie, E. Gleave, E. Livingston, E. Webster are all going to Culiacan! The other three are going to Monterey Mexico.
So, everything is going well here at the MTC. With this assignment of being District Leader, I have begun to realize that it is so very important to love those whom you serve. You cannot be a effective, and righteous leader, if you do not care for the people. I have noticed in myself, that when I am angry, or frustrated, I am totally ineffective in trying to be a good leader, but when I am constantly praying for the guidance of the Lord to help me know the needs and concerns of the members of my district, it is such a blessing to them, and to me.
Life is so busy, and the time just fly's. It is amazing.
So I leave for Mexico on the 28th of March. I have two and a half weeks left here in the MTC! It is super crazy. I am totally excited to get out into the field, and serve the people of Mexico, with the little Spanish that I know! Ha ha It is daunting, but I know that the Lord will bless me as I do my part. Anyways, the Spirit is the one that converts right?
I love you all so much, and miss you. Thank you all for the support you give me, and for being such great examples. I pray for you all often, but I know that this is where the Lord wants me. I know that it is so important for me to bring the gospel to the people that the Lord has prepared. Bringing them such a great gift, is a special opportunity for me. The Lord is entrusting me with this responsibility and opportunity
Love,
Elder Johnson
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 4, 2011
Dear Family,
So, I sent the package on Wednesday, so you should get it soon, but here are a few of the things that have happened, that I wrote about.
Sunday: I was called to be the District Leader for the remaining 4 weeks.
Monday: I taught the first lesson is Spanish for the FIRST time!!!!! Wow, was it difficult, but I enjoyed it.
Tuesday: I found out that my visa has gotten through, and all of the visas for those going to Culiacan Mexico. We will be leaving on time!
Wednesday: We took a ride up to the consulate in Salt Lake City, to sign some papers.
So yeah, this week has been quite the experience for me. I really have been pushed to grow so much, and I have learned that I must rely on the Lord. There will be no way for me to accomplish the things that he has planned for me. It is scary, and yet comforting.
I had a growing experience this week. I'll tell you what I wrote in my journal. "I had a marvelous experience just a few moments ago. I looked out into the corridor, and I saw this missionary sitting out on the floor. As I walked away, I distinctly remember thinking that he looked sad. I then received the impression to go back and say something to him. I promptly discounted that notion. Then it came back stronger, and I really could not stop thinking about it. I even thought, "is this the Spirit?". Yet I still fought. The reason why was unclear, though I believe that I was just scared, and didn't know what to say. When I finally decided that the Lord was trying to guide me, I was still scared, but I bowed my head, and offered a quick prayer. As I walked back, the whole way, I was praying to the Lord to help me know what to say. Heavenly Father did bless me this night. I do not know if anything I said or did will affect the life of Elder Ferrera, but my life was greatly improved by the testimony of that Elder." By following the promptings of the Spirit, I have been brought closer to Christ. This is because, I was doing what Jesus would want me to do. This experience also goes along with my purpose as a missionary. Invite others to come unto Christ.
I need to have courage to follow the promptings of the Spirit, without delay, so then Jesus, can develop a trust in me.
I'm glad to hear about all of the things at home, and greatly enjoy your letters.
I love you all so much, and I pray for you always.
Love
Elder Graeme Johnson
So, I sent the package on Wednesday, so you should get it soon, but here are a few of the things that have happened, that I wrote about.
Sunday: I was called to be the District Leader for the remaining 4 weeks.
Monday: I taught the first lesson is Spanish for the FIRST time!!!!! Wow, was it difficult, but I enjoyed it.
Tuesday: I found out that my visa has gotten through, and all of the visas for those going to Culiacan Mexico. We will be leaving on time!
Wednesday: We took a ride up to the consulate in Salt Lake City, to sign some papers.
So yeah, this week has been quite the experience for me. I really have been pushed to grow so much, and I have learned that I must rely on the Lord. There will be no way for me to accomplish the things that he has planned for me. It is scary, and yet comforting.
I had a growing experience this week. I'll tell you what I wrote in my journal. "I had a marvelous experience just a few moments ago. I looked out into the corridor, and I saw this missionary sitting out on the floor. As I walked away, I distinctly remember thinking that he looked sad. I then received the impression to go back and say something to him. I promptly discounted that notion. Then it came back stronger, and I really could not stop thinking about it. I even thought, "is this the Spirit?". Yet I still fought. The reason why was unclear, though I believe that I was just scared, and didn't know what to say. When I finally decided that the Lord was trying to guide me, I was still scared, but I bowed my head, and offered a quick prayer. As I walked back, the whole way, I was praying to the Lord to help me know what to say. Heavenly Father did bless me this night. I do not know if anything I said or did will affect the life of Elder Ferrera, but my life was greatly improved by the testimony of that Elder." By following the promptings of the Spirit, I have been brought closer to Christ. This is because, I was doing what Jesus would want me to do. This experience also goes along with my purpose as a missionary. Invite others to come unto Christ.
I need to have courage to follow the promptings of the Spirit, without delay, so then Jesus, can develop a trust in me.
I'm glad to hear about all of the things at home, and greatly enjoy your letters.
I love you all so much, and I pray for you always.
Love
Elder Graeme Johnson
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