Familia!
Well, it looks like my time here is up. The last 9 months of my mission have been some of the most rewarding months of my life. We have transfers this week and President Toone is sending me back out into the field, I'm STOKED! I've loved being an assistant for President. It has truly opened my eyes and deepened my understanding and conversion, but man I cannot wait to get out and just focus on my proselyting area. It'll be a blast, I'll tell you what.
I'm going back to Casa Grande! With not one, but two brand new missionaries! I'll also be serving as a District Leader. Between serving as a District Leader and training two new missionaries I'm not going to have much time to think haha but I can't think of any better way to finish my mission. Several of the people I was able to teach during the short time I was in Casa Grande are now preparing to enter the temple. It was such a blessing to be a part of their journey as they prepared for baptism and now it'll be a huge blessing as I can take part in helping them prepare to make further covenants in the temple. These people have changed my life and I know there is much more that I can learn from them.
With transfer preparation this last week plus a few other meetings we had, we weren't able to get into our area all too much, but it has been incredible to see the miracles that have happened throughout our mission. June 23, 2013 was the Work of Salvation broadcast where they talked about all of the changes going to happen. As they have several times they put more of a focus on members and missionaries becoming united in the work of our Savior. They also mentioned the different technological advances that were going to take place. They talked about a few more items, but all of it fit together under the overall theme of the hastening of the work. I remember my thoughts and feelings as I sat hearing President Monson testify of the work that was going to be taking place. Nearly two years since the lowering of the age for missionaries and a year after the world wide broadcast, I am a witness of the many miracles that have happened. Before our mission split last July we covered 34 stakes. When our mission split in July we were nearly split in a third now only covering 13 stakes. When I became an assistant in October, we sat down with President to see how we were doing as a mission. We knew that we were reaching far lower than our potential and knew that with our Heavenly Father's help, there was much more that we could do. We set some specific goals and plans to allow us to stretch and grow. When our mission had 34 stakes there were about 100 baptisms per month and about 500 lessons with a member present per week. In the year 2014 as this month came to a close we ended with 95 baptisms and over 700 lessons with a member present this week in nearly a third of the units that we had a year ago. I remember as we sat down with President discussing the potential that we had been given as a mission. I understood the vision, I understood the plans, but I could've never imagined all the miracles that we have witnessed. This is the Lord's work, of this I know and testify. As we became more united as a mission and sought to reach to the unknown, lives were affected, conversion is taking place, and more and more souls are coming unto Christ. This work has changed my life. I know as President Monson stated that the work of our Savior is hastening. Now more than ever there are people searching for Him. I'm thankful that for 6 more weeks I have an opportunity to be a full time representative of Him, to continue to help my brothers and sisters learn of his unconditional love and mercy that is extended to us all.
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Week 96: Prayer
Familia!
Sleeping on the floor, getting a flat tire, driving a trailer, finishing up zone conferences, rapping in a studio, teaching lessons, Skyping Elder Kloepfer's ward in Rupert, that about sums up my week! I would say that it was a pretty good one!
This week we finished up zone conferences which was bitter sweet for me. This round of zone conferences is the last ones that I'll be a part of since next transfer we wont have them. I think training at zone conferences has been one of my favorite things to do as an assistant. I gave my training 18 times this last zone conference cycle and pretty much all 18 turned out differently. The first couple times giving a training are spent seeing what works, what doesn't, and what gets them the most involved. After about 3 times through it, its pretty much memorized and you can just allow the spirit to direct. Its cool to see even as you do the training how the spirit is teaching you new things as well. I'm thankful for the guidance of the spirit in my life. Although His promptings are usually subtle, they are powerful.
We seriously meet some of the most awesome people here in our area. I told you all last week about David and Paul, the football players that come to our ward. This week we were able to have our first lesson with them. David told us in passing on Sunday that he had a little studio they were getting started. Thursday he asked if we could meet at his studio.....its not very little. Its a two story studio, essentially has a 70 inch iPad they do all their mixing on and its just an all around sweet set up. We taught our lesson on couches with speakers inside of them. We met David's friend Charles who was the other owner in the studio. Charles got involved in the music industry right after finishing up playing football for ASU. He was able to get with some well known producers and actually signed with a couple of them. As he was getting into the industry though, he just saw how terrible things were. He told us that even some of the songs you think are so innocent and good have some of the most terrible meanings behind them. He decided after getting mixed up in all of those things that he needed to step out and get a fresh start on it all. He became a leader in their Christian music group at the church that he goes to and then started to pursue his dream of opening up a studio with David. It opens in two weeks and we're going to go over and finish up some of the painting with them. Its awesome to meet people like this that want to make a change in the world. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what allows change to go from temporary to permanent. They are both seeking for more guidance and answers and I know as we continue meeting with them that those answers will be found through diligent study and prayer.
I have such a strong testimony of prayer. I know that we truly have a Father in Heaven that is there eagerly waiting for us to communicate with Him. Our mission has been focusing on prayer a lot more lately and it has been amazing to see the miracles happen not only in the lives of those we teach but in each missionaries life as well. Prayer has come to mean a lot to me as I have sought answers and to understand God's timing more fully. A few weeks ago Jasmine asked us if there was one individual in our lives that we wished could come to know Christ better, who that was and then told us she would pray for them. We then asked her and she told us about her sister. We've been praying for Jasmine's sister ever since and yesterday Jasmine told us that her sister went to church with one of her friends that is a member. I've seen prayer work miracles. There truly is no limit to the power that a prayer of faith can bring. I know that as we seek for understanding, guidance, or help in our lives, through prayer each of those things can happen. I'm thankful that any moment we want, we have a Father in Heaven we can communicate with. Those moments of communication are some of the moments that I cherish most.
I love you all. Thanks for all you're doing. Enjoy your time that you have together the next couple days!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Monday, June 16, 2014
Week 95: The Week of Weeks
Familia!
And they're off! Zone Conferences have officially started and all of the time I didn't have is still gone. It is crazy how much can be done in one day, but I'm thankful to have so much to do.
This week we started Zone Conferences in Casa Grande, Maricopa, Yuma, and Mesa. Its always such a blessing to be able to go back to old areas and hear of the people that you have been able to help come to know the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel. While we were in Casa Grande, the sisters told me about one in particular, Andreas, who was baptized a little over a year ago. The sisters had several investigators at church for fast and testimony meeting and Andreas got up and bore powerful testimony directly do them. He told them that over a year ago he was in their same shoes and an Elder Grandote (Thats what they call me, essentially it means giant haha) came and started teaching him and talking about all of these new and different things. He told them at first he wasn't sure about it all, but then he decided that he would put it to the test and truly come to know. The sisters told me that he bore testimony of the miracles and changes he had seen in his life since that point and promised each of them the same blessings he had seen as he turned his life over to Christ. I'm thankful to be able to be a part of some of the most incredible people's lives.
On our way to Yuma from Casa Grande as we were driving President asked, "Do you want to go to Hyder?" Hyder is home to about 5 families and 15 packs of coyotes. In the past Hyder had a lot more going on and the church thought it was going to grow a lot larger and so they actually built a chapel out there. So, with President Toone's day old Tahoe we headed out to the middle of the desert. You literally drive on a dirt rode in the middle of no where and when you come to a fork in the rode there are always signs that say "LDS CHURCH" and point in the direction to take. So after about 15 minutes of dirt roads we finally arrived. Two weeks ago they had a baptism out there and performed it in a horse trough. Arizona truly has it all.
Yuma proved to be just as interesting as the ride down there. Several months ago the Stake President felt very inspired to reach out to the Native American Reserves. He knew that in the past there were members out there, but that was about all he knew. As he felt prompted to reach out to the Native People, he called President Toone to see what they could do. Neither was really sure as what to do, whether to send a companionship out to the reserve or to just work through the members, but shortly their prayer was answered. Later that week President Toone received a call from Salt Lake informing him that a couple had recently submitted their papers requesting to work with Natives and wondered if our mission could use them. Well, long story short the couple came to our mission and so many miracles have occurred since then. Today there are over 20 members out on the reserve and miracles are continuing to happen. For our lunch at the zone conferences, about 15 Indians from the reserve cooked us a native meal and performed song and dance for us. It was incredible.The Gospel is for all kindred, tongue, and people. They know their Savior Jesus Christ and it was incredible to see as they intertwined their testimonies with their culture. After we finished up Zone Conference we went to Mexico.... Ya, MEXICO! Well my hand did anyway. We drove down to the boarder and I stuck my hand through. As close as I will get to going while being on my mission I guess. We then went to California to see the sand dunes and finished it off drinking a cactus milk shake with President Toone. A successful trip I would say!
Thursday we finished up Zone Conferences for the week and I was exhausted. When we all got home that night we got ready for bed and we were out. I woke up in the middle of the night to hear Elder Kloepfer screaming, "OUCH! FREAK! OUCH!" over and over again. I asked him if he was ok and he didn't respond. I asked him again and he said, "The Bugs! They're coming down!" My response was, "Man, that must be an awful dream." Right away he said, "Its not a dream! Its real!" and went back to bed. The next morning he didn't remember a single thing, but oh was he right! They're back.... We have bed bugs again..... These critters, they just can't stay away from us! We sprayed everything down again, so hopefully we've taken care of them.
It was tough being out of our area for so long this week, but there were still miracles that happened. In the couple days we had to work in our area we received 4 referrals which are all very interested learning more. Two in particular are Paul and David. They are brothers from California, they're also Brothas from California. Paul is playing football for ASU he is 6'9" and huge and then David is about 6'5" and was going to enter the NFL draft this last year. The Raiders, Cardinals, and 49ers were looking to pick him up in the later rounds of the draft, but right before the draft he received a pretty big shoulder injury. So, David is coming off that injury and is looking to enter next years draft. Paul is headed to Florida for a few days this week, but we are meeting with David tomorrow and then both are going to come play basketball with us Saturday morning with our ward. Its awesome to see the desire that they both have to come unto Christ. We were talking with David and he said that football used to be his everything until he received that injury and realized that there is more to life than just this game. He knows that God is guiding him in his life and hopes to be able to find why God gave him another year to train here in AZ. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ answer all of life's questions and I'm excited to begin to meet with these two.
Every month we have what is called the Mission President's Devotional. At the devotional, two recent converts speak and share their story and then President Toone takes some time to speak to everyone there. Yesterday we had one and it was one of the most powerful ones I'd been to. I feel like the overall message was the ability that we have to change for the better through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have seen it time and time again in my life. Often times in this life we fall short, we can be inadequate for what is ahead, but with Christ all things are possible. I know as we turn our lives to Him, He will mold and shape our lives. Through Him, we will become who we were meant to be. It was powerful to hear the testimony of these two recent members of the church and see how Christ has molded and shaped their lives.
I hope everyone has incredible weeks!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
And they're off! Zone Conferences have officially started and all of the time I didn't have is still gone. It is crazy how much can be done in one day, but I'm thankful to have so much to do.
This week we started Zone Conferences in Casa Grande, Maricopa, Yuma, and Mesa. Its always such a blessing to be able to go back to old areas and hear of the people that you have been able to help come to know the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel. While we were in Casa Grande, the sisters told me about one in particular, Andreas, who was baptized a little over a year ago. The sisters had several investigators at church for fast and testimony meeting and Andreas got up and bore powerful testimony directly do them. He told them that over a year ago he was in their same shoes and an Elder Grandote (Thats what they call me, essentially it means giant haha) came and started teaching him and talking about all of these new and different things. He told them at first he wasn't sure about it all, but then he decided that he would put it to the test and truly come to know. The sisters told me that he bore testimony of the miracles and changes he had seen in his life since that point and promised each of them the same blessings he had seen as he turned his life over to Christ. I'm thankful to be able to be a part of some of the most incredible people's lives.
On our way to Yuma from Casa Grande as we were driving President asked, "Do you want to go to Hyder?" Hyder is home to about 5 families and 15 packs of coyotes. In the past Hyder had a lot more going on and the church thought it was going to grow a lot larger and so they actually built a chapel out there. So, with President Toone's day old Tahoe we headed out to the middle of the desert. You literally drive on a dirt rode in the middle of no where and when you come to a fork in the rode there are always signs that say "LDS CHURCH" and point in the direction to take. So after about 15 minutes of dirt roads we finally arrived. Two weeks ago they had a baptism out there and performed it in a horse trough. Arizona truly has it all.
Yuma proved to be just as interesting as the ride down there. Several months ago the Stake President felt very inspired to reach out to the Native American Reserves. He knew that in the past there were members out there, but that was about all he knew. As he felt prompted to reach out to the Native People, he called President Toone to see what they could do. Neither was really sure as what to do, whether to send a companionship out to the reserve or to just work through the members, but shortly their prayer was answered. Later that week President Toone received a call from Salt Lake informing him that a couple had recently submitted their papers requesting to work with Natives and wondered if our mission could use them. Well, long story short the couple came to our mission and so many miracles have occurred since then. Today there are over 20 members out on the reserve and miracles are continuing to happen. For our lunch at the zone conferences, about 15 Indians from the reserve cooked us a native meal and performed song and dance for us. It was incredible.The Gospel is for all kindred, tongue, and people. They know their Savior Jesus Christ and it was incredible to see as they intertwined their testimonies with their culture. After we finished up Zone Conference we went to Mexico.... Ya, MEXICO! Well my hand did anyway. We drove down to the boarder and I stuck my hand through. As close as I will get to going while being on my mission I guess. We then went to California to see the sand dunes and finished it off drinking a cactus milk shake with President Toone. A successful trip I would say!
Thursday we finished up Zone Conferences for the week and I was exhausted. When we all got home that night we got ready for bed and we were out. I woke up in the middle of the night to hear Elder Kloepfer screaming, "OUCH! FREAK! OUCH!" over and over again. I asked him if he was ok and he didn't respond. I asked him again and he said, "The Bugs! They're coming down!" My response was, "Man, that must be an awful dream." Right away he said, "Its not a dream! Its real!" and went back to bed. The next morning he didn't remember a single thing, but oh was he right! They're back.... We have bed bugs again..... These critters, they just can't stay away from us! We sprayed everything down again, so hopefully we've taken care of them.
It was tough being out of our area for so long this week, but there were still miracles that happened. In the couple days we had to work in our area we received 4 referrals which are all very interested learning more. Two in particular are Paul and David. They are brothers from California, they're also Brothas from California. Paul is playing football for ASU he is 6'9" and huge and then David is about 6'5" and was going to enter the NFL draft this last year. The Raiders, Cardinals, and 49ers were looking to pick him up in the later rounds of the draft, but right before the draft he received a pretty big shoulder injury. So, David is coming off that injury and is looking to enter next years draft. Paul is headed to Florida for a few days this week, but we are meeting with David tomorrow and then both are going to come play basketball with us Saturday morning with our ward. Its awesome to see the desire that they both have to come unto Christ. We were talking with David and he said that football used to be his everything until he received that injury and realized that there is more to life than just this game. He knows that God is guiding him in his life and hopes to be able to find why God gave him another year to train here in AZ. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ answer all of life's questions and I'm excited to begin to meet with these two.
Every month we have what is called the Mission President's Devotional. At the devotional, two recent converts speak and share their story and then President Toone takes some time to speak to everyone there. Yesterday we had one and it was one of the most powerful ones I'd been to. I feel like the overall message was the ability that we have to change for the better through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have seen it time and time again in my life. Often times in this life we fall short, we can be inadequate for what is ahead, but with Christ all things are possible. I know as we turn our lives to Him, He will mold and shape our lives. Through Him, we will become who we were meant to be. It was powerful to hear the testimony of these two recent members of the church and see how Christ has molded and shaped their lives.
I hope everyone has incredible weeks!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Monday, June 9, 2014
Week 94: June. What a Great Month
Familia!
Man, June has been a good month to me. Last June I had a baby named after me, this June I'm in a rap song. Who knows what next June holds.... Our friend Julius who we have been teaching and was just baptized this last week is a musician and man is he good. He has a new hit single about is journey this last month or so. I can see it, straight to iTunes top 100, and my name is in it. Pretty sweet!
This last week has been a very humbling week. It's been made so clear lately how blessed I am to know and meet all of these people that have come into my life during my time here on ASU. I know that the people that come into our lives are people that not only can we help, but they are sent to help us along our journey. I truly believe that each and every relationship we make in this life, no matter how big or small, has more significance than we give it. At college I met a girl named Laura. I never got to know her super well, but I knew that she was an awesome person. In my letter last week I talked about how her picture popped up on Facebook and she moved to New York. Since last Sunday, Jasmine and Laura have hung out several times and have become super good friends. I feel like there are many elements to becoming converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although much of conversion is a personal process, I've come to learn that a huge part is also support and sustainment from those around us. I know without a doubt in my mind that throughout this process Jasmine has personally become more converted to Christ, but I know that this relationship will be huge for her to continue forward. I'm so thankful how perfect God's plan is. I had no clue at the time, but Laura and I becoming friends has directly affected different aspects of my mission. I also know that this new friendship is going to be something to help deepen Laura's conversion to Christ as it has mine. I cherish the relationships that I have made throughout my life and I know that each and every one of them play a more important role than I understand.
As I talked about earlier, this week was the baptism of both Julius and Will. Christian, their roommate, was baptized two weeks ago and has been a huge example to them. It has been awesome to sees as their entire apartment has been baptized within two weeks. They are going to be such a huge support for each other. One of my favorite things to see while teaching people is the transformation that they make as they turn their life more fully to Christ. However good or bad their life may be, their life is always transformed one way or another. Julius and Will, both already with a sound understanding of the gospel, have made some incredible changes. There is a fire and a light that has grown within them that has caused them to anchor their lives more fully to the Gospel. Yesterday I had the opportunity to confirm Julius and to give Will the Aaronic Priesthood. After sacrament meeting Julius walked up to me and said, "I felt it." Not understanding what he was talking about I started to ask him some questions. He told me about when he had first come to know Christ and the feelings and thoughts that he had. The moment he had come to know Christ was truly his Savior was one of the most influential moments in his life. He then told me that those same exact feelings that he had that day he felt during his confirmation. The Gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings that we can receive in our life. To have a member of the Godhead as a constant companion to guide us, to cleanse us, and to help us in our process of becoming is not only an amazing gift, but absolutely essential for our lives. I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of the journey with both Julius and Will and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with them.
I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and love!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Man, June has been a good month to me. Last June I had a baby named after me, this June I'm in a rap song. Who knows what next June holds.... Our friend Julius who we have been teaching and was just baptized this last week is a musician and man is he good. He has a new hit single about is journey this last month or so. I can see it, straight to iTunes top 100, and my name is in it. Pretty sweet!
This last week has been a very humbling week. It's been made so clear lately how blessed I am to know and meet all of these people that have come into my life during my time here on ASU. I know that the people that come into our lives are people that not only can we help, but they are sent to help us along our journey. I truly believe that each and every relationship we make in this life, no matter how big or small, has more significance than we give it. At college I met a girl named Laura. I never got to know her super well, but I knew that she was an awesome person. In my letter last week I talked about how her picture popped up on Facebook and she moved to New York. Since last Sunday, Jasmine and Laura have hung out several times and have become super good friends. I feel like there are many elements to becoming converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although much of conversion is a personal process, I've come to learn that a huge part is also support and sustainment from those around us. I know without a doubt in my mind that throughout this process Jasmine has personally become more converted to Christ, but I know that this relationship will be huge for her to continue forward. I'm so thankful how perfect God's plan is. I had no clue at the time, but Laura and I becoming friends has directly affected different aspects of my mission. I also know that this new friendship is going to be something to help deepen Laura's conversion to Christ as it has mine. I cherish the relationships that I have made throughout my life and I know that each and every one of them play a more important role than I understand.
As I talked about earlier, this week was the baptism of both Julius and Will. Christian, their roommate, was baptized two weeks ago and has been a huge example to them. It has been awesome to sees as their entire apartment has been baptized within two weeks. They are going to be such a huge support for each other. One of my favorite things to see while teaching people is the transformation that they make as they turn their life more fully to Christ. However good or bad their life may be, their life is always transformed one way or another. Julius and Will, both already with a sound understanding of the gospel, have made some incredible changes. There is a fire and a light that has grown within them that has caused them to anchor their lives more fully to the Gospel. Yesterday I had the opportunity to confirm Julius and to give Will the Aaronic Priesthood. After sacrament meeting Julius walked up to me and said, "I felt it." Not understanding what he was talking about I started to ask him some questions. He told me about when he had first come to know Christ and the feelings and thoughts that he had. The moment he had come to know Christ was truly his Savior was one of the most influential moments in his life. He then told me that those same exact feelings that he had that day he felt during his confirmation. The Gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings that we can receive in our life. To have a member of the Godhead as a constant companion to guide us, to cleanse us, and to help us in our process of becoming is not only an amazing gift, but absolutely essential for our lives. I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of the journey with both Julius and Will and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with them.
I love you all. Thank you for your prayers and love!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Monday, June 2, 2014
Week 93: Dr J
Familia!
Its a good thing I want to be a doctor, I had to put those doctor skills to use this week! Thursday we had our Mission Leadership Council meeting. Its the meeting that we have at the end of each month to talk about our mission and the vision that we have for the following month. In counseling with President Toone he had a desire to get a Family Mission Plan out as a tool for us to use to work with members. So for the majority of the week during the free time we had we spent working on this new tool to implement throughout the mission. Well, Wednesday night at about 9 we finally finished up what President needed us to do and were able to focus on our portion of the meeting. We had about an hour and a half to train the next day and so we started compiling all our different ideas on the topic that we had been given. We thought of this awesome visual aid we were going to do, as we walked through it we realized it wasn't as awesome was we thought.... It involved a little ceramic angel that I found in our office and long story short the angel fell on Elder Forson's eye and split his eyebrow open. So with blood rushing down his face, Doctor J kicked in and stitched that bad boy right up. Well, not really, but I did put butterfly band aids on it. Its healing up real nice, I was proud of my work.
Other than that little incident, our week has been awesome! Definitely full of miracles. We've been teaching Julius and Will the past couple weeks along with Christian who was just baptized this last week. Julius and Will have always been fairly hesitant on making the decision to be baptized, but this week a lot of answers came. I think their answers really started with Christians baptism. There is such a powerful spirit felt during Ordinances of the Gospel. In witnessing an ordinance taking place, I think we are really able to more fully understand the connection we have with our Heavenly Father. I think that its a time and place where we can truly see a glimpse of His divine plan. I know that at Christian's baptism both Julius and Will were very moved. It was awesome to see after how everything just fell into place. The next day both had a very positive experience at church and then Julius had some pretty powerful answers to his prayers come later that night. Monday as we met with Julius, he related these experiences that he had and told us that he was ready to be baptized. We met with Will the following day and he still wasn't too sure about it all. We committed Will to take some time that night to have a heart to heart with God and to ask specifically about baptism. The next day as we met with Will he had received the answers that he needed. Friday they will both be getting baptized. Its going to be such a blessing for them all to draw upon the strength of each other as their gospel journeys continue after their baptisms. Within two weeks of each other, their entire apartment will be baptized.
Once again this week we had another Facebook miracle! I logged unto Facebook the other day to see a picture of one of my friends from college. She had a picture with her mom in central park and she posted something along the lines of, "Man, I love my new home!" After messaging for a while we found out that she was going to be in Jasmine's YSA ward. So yesterday her and Jasmine hung out for most of the day. I think its so incredible how God's plan is weaved together. I've come to see, especially being out here on my mission, how amazing God's timing is. There have been so many instances where we are placed in the perfect place at the perfect time to come across a specific individual that was seeking to strengthen their faith. Jasmine's entire journey has been this way. Piece after piece has just fallen into place and I know that it will continue to do so. Yesterday as we had a lesson with Jasmine over skype she asked us, "If there was anyone in the world that you wanted to read the Book of Mormon, like really read it because we all know what happens when you do that, who would it be?" and then after we told her and she asked about them she said, "I'll pray for them." It has been so amazing to see her faith grow over the past several months. I'm thankful for all that she has taught me.
I read an interesting quote the other day by President Harold B. Lee. He said, "When we understand more than we know with our minds, when we understand with our hearts, then we know the spirit of The Lord is working upon us." I think that is something that I've really come to learn throughout my mission. So many times we seek to understand conceptually the things of God, we seek to know each and every detail in His plan. However to understand that it is His plan and to trust in what we do understand will always be enough. I'm thankful for all that I've come to understand. My eyes have been opened to a deeper and a more sure understanding throughout these last several months. I know as we continue to trust in God and our Savior, that understanding will continue to grow.
I love you all! You're the best!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Its a good thing I want to be a doctor, I had to put those doctor skills to use this week! Thursday we had our Mission Leadership Council meeting. Its the meeting that we have at the end of each month to talk about our mission and the vision that we have for the following month. In counseling with President Toone he had a desire to get a Family Mission Plan out as a tool for us to use to work with members. So for the majority of the week during the free time we had we spent working on this new tool to implement throughout the mission. Well, Wednesday night at about 9 we finally finished up what President needed us to do and were able to focus on our portion of the meeting. We had about an hour and a half to train the next day and so we started compiling all our different ideas on the topic that we had been given. We thought of this awesome visual aid we were going to do, as we walked through it we realized it wasn't as awesome was we thought.... It involved a little ceramic angel that I found in our office and long story short the angel fell on Elder Forson's eye and split his eyebrow open. So with blood rushing down his face, Doctor J kicked in and stitched that bad boy right up. Well, not really, but I did put butterfly band aids on it. Its healing up real nice, I was proud of my work.
Other than that little incident, our week has been awesome! Definitely full of miracles. We've been teaching Julius and Will the past couple weeks along with Christian who was just baptized this last week. Julius and Will have always been fairly hesitant on making the decision to be baptized, but this week a lot of answers came. I think their answers really started with Christians baptism. There is such a powerful spirit felt during Ordinances of the Gospel. In witnessing an ordinance taking place, I think we are really able to more fully understand the connection we have with our Heavenly Father. I think that its a time and place where we can truly see a glimpse of His divine plan. I know that at Christian's baptism both Julius and Will were very moved. It was awesome to see after how everything just fell into place. The next day both had a very positive experience at church and then Julius had some pretty powerful answers to his prayers come later that night. Monday as we met with Julius, he related these experiences that he had and told us that he was ready to be baptized. We met with Will the following day and he still wasn't too sure about it all. We committed Will to take some time that night to have a heart to heart with God and to ask specifically about baptism. The next day as we met with Will he had received the answers that he needed. Friday they will both be getting baptized. Its going to be such a blessing for them all to draw upon the strength of each other as their gospel journeys continue after their baptisms. Within two weeks of each other, their entire apartment will be baptized.
Once again this week we had another Facebook miracle! I logged unto Facebook the other day to see a picture of one of my friends from college. She had a picture with her mom in central park and she posted something along the lines of, "Man, I love my new home!" After messaging for a while we found out that she was going to be in Jasmine's YSA ward. So yesterday her and Jasmine hung out for most of the day. I think its so incredible how God's plan is weaved together. I've come to see, especially being out here on my mission, how amazing God's timing is. There have been so many instances where we are placed in the perfect place at the perfect time to come across a specific individual that was seeking to strengthen their faith. Jasmine's entire journey has been this way. Piece after piece has just fallen into place and I know that it will continue to do so. Yesterday as we had a lesson with Jasmine over skype she asked us, "If there was anyone in the world that you wanted to read the Book of Mormon, like really read it because we all know what happens when you do that, who would it be?" and then after we told her and she asked about them she said, "I'll pray for them." It has been so amazing to see her faith grow over the past several months. I'm thankful for all that she has taught me.
I read an interesting quote the other day by President Harold B. Lee. He said, "When we understand more than we know with our minds, when we understand with our hearts, then we know the spirit of The Lord is working upon us." I think that is something that I've really come to learn throughout my mission. So many times we seek to understand conceptually the things of God, we seek to know each and every detail in His plan. However to understand that it is His plan and to trust in what we do understand will always be enough. I'm thankful for all that I've come to understand. My eyes have been opened to a deeper and a more sure understanding throughout these last several months. I know as we continue to trust in God and our Savior, that understanding will continue to grow.
I love you all! You're the best!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
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