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
Monday, June 16, 2014
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
Monday, May 26, 2014
Week 92: Memorial Day
Familia!
Well that was the fastest week of my life. Monday, departing missionaries. Tuesday, arriving new missionaries. Wednesday, transfers. Thursday, a second to breathe. Friday, new missionary meeting. Saturday, baptism. Sunday, Church.
It was good to be able to spend a couple of days with Elder Oscarson before he was transferred to Yuma on Wednesday. I spent 24/7 with him for the last 7 1/2 months, its weird to have him gone. I updated our voice mail last night and had to redo it like 5 times because I kept saying "Hello, you've reached Elder Jurgensmeier, Elder Oscarson........." and then realize what I've done. He will sure be missed, that guy taught me a lot and I'm thankful for the time I was able to serve with him. Its great to be serving with both Elder Kloepfer and Elder Forson. We've already made some key strides with Elder Forson here. Listen to this, Saturday Morning basketball with the Elders. Its going to be epic. He played for Snow College and a lot of members in our ward play as well. They just got done with their church ball season and there were tons of non-members that were on the teams. To continue to develop relationships with all the non-members we're going to start playing every Saturday morning. Pretty good idea if I do say so myself. Basketball and missionary work, gotta love it!
For the last several months we've started a training program in our mission that is really beginning to take full affect. This transfer President Toone has implemented a new focus in our mission. Each missionary companionship has been assigned another companionship in the mission. Throughout this transfer, we are to pray and fast for the success of the other companionship. Its been incredible to see all of the miracles that have come from just barely getting this started. The very day after transfers this guy came to the mission office. He was searching for help and guidance in his life. I talked to him for a bit, got his address, and guess what?! He lived in the area of the elders that we had been assigned to pray and fast for. Its incredible the miracles that can come as we become one in purpose.
A few days ago we were in an apartment complex and there was this guy skating around. We walked over to him and started talking to him. His name was Josh. He wasn't super interested and just kind of blew us off. We continued to the apartment we were planning on going to and on the way we saw this lady. She only spoke Spanish and she seemed very interested and so we got her information and sent it to the Spanish Sisters over that area. Well, yesterday we got a call from the sisters. They went to contact the Spanish referral, knocked on the door and a guy came to the door with crutches. They asked if the lady was there and he told them that she didn't live there. They started to talk to this guy and found out his name was Josh, yep the same Josh that brushed us off a few days earlier. He asked if they knew us and asked if they could send us back to visit him. Apparently as we left and he continued to skate he wrecked pretty bad and messed up his ankle. He told them that he took it as a sign we were sent from God and he needed to meet with us. I'm not totally sure that's why he wrecked...but hey, I'll take it! Anything to be able to teach about Christ right? haha
Isn't technology amazing? This week we were able to have two lessons with Jasmine over Skype. She's doing incredible. She sent us a message the other day and said, "Guys!! Isn't it amazing that someday I will actually be able to go inside the temple instead of just looking at it!?" New York has been a huge blessing for her. I think it has really solidified the things that she has come to learn. It'll be such an incredible day when she is able to be baptized.
This week we had the baptism of Christian. That kid is a stud. We've been meeting with Christian for about two months now and it has been awesome to see the changes that he's made. Christian has 3 friends that he lives with and because of him and his example all 3 of them are interested in the church. One of the coolest things to see with people who are recently baptized is the fire within them to share the gospel. They are so grateful for the restored gospel and how it has helped them come closer to Christ and they are so eager to share it with those who are important to them. I'm grateful for the chance that I have to share this gospel with them. Each and every one of them has helped me come to understand the Gospel at a much deeper and personal level.
I love you all!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Well that was the fastest week of my life. Monday, departing missionaries. Tuesday, arriving new missionaries. Wednesday, transfers. Thursday, a second to breathe. Friday, new missionary meeting. Saturday, baptism. Sunday, Church.
It was good to be able to spend a couple of days with Elder Oscarson before he was transferred to Yuma on Wednesday. I spent 24/7 with him for the last 7 1/2 months, its weird to have him gone. I updated our voice mail last night and had to redo it like 5 times because I kept saying "Hello, you've reached Elder Jurgensmeier, Elder Oscarson........." and then realize what I've done. He will sure be missed, that guy taught me a lot and I'm thankful for the time I was able to serve with him. Its great to be serving with both Elder Kloepfer and Elder Forson. We've already made some key strides with Elder Forson here. Listen to this, Saturday Morning basketball with the Elders. Its going to be epic. He played for Snow College and a lot of members in our ward play as well. They just got done with their church ball season and there were tons of non-members that were on the teams. To continue to develop relationships with all the non-members we're going to start playing every Saturday morning. Pretty good idea if I do say so myself. Basketball and missionary work, gotta love it!
For the last several months we've started a training program in our mission that is really beginning to take full affect. This transfer President Toone has implemented a new focus in our mission. Each missionary companionship has been assigned another companionship in the mission. Throughout this transfer, we are to pray and fast for the success of the other companionship. Its been incredible to see all of the miracles that have come from just barely getting this started. The very day after transfers this guy came to the mission office. He was searching for help and guidance in his life. I talked to him for a bit, got his address, and guess what?! He lived in the area of the elders that we had been assigned to pray and fast for. Its incredible the miracles that can come as we become one in purpose.
A few days ago we were in an apartment complex and there was this guy skating around. We walked over to him and started talking to him. His name was Josh. He wasn't super interested and just kind of blew us off. We continued to the apartment we were planning on going to and on the way we saw this lady. She only spoke Spanish and she seemed very interested and so we got her information and sent it to the Spanish Sisters over that area. Well, yesterday we got a call from the sisters. They went to contact the Spanish referral, knocked on the door and a guy came to the door with crutches. They asked if the lady was there and he told them that she didn't live there. They started to talk to this guy and found out his name was Josh, yep the same Josh that brushed us off a few days earlier. He asked if they knew us and asked if they could send us back to visit him. Apparently as we left and he continued to skate he wrecked pretty bad and messed up his ankle. He told them that he took it as a sign we were sent from God and he needed to meet with us. I'm not totally sure that's why he wrecked...but hey, I'll take it! Anything to be able to teach about Christ right? haha
Isn't technology amazing? This week we were able to have two lessons with Jasmine over Skype. She's doing incredible. She sent us a message the other day and said, "Guys!! Isn't it amazing that someday I will actually be able to go inside the temple instead of just looking at it!?" New York has been a huge blessing for her. I think it has really solidified the things that she has come to learn. It'll be such an incredible day when she is able to be baptized.
This week we had the baptism of Christian. That kid is a stud. We've been meeting with Christian for about two months now and it has been awesome to see the changes that he's made. Christian has 3 friends that he lives with and because of him and his example all 3 of them are interested in the church. One of the coolest things to see with people who are recently baptized is the fire within them to share the gospel. They are so grateful for the restored gospel and how it has helped them come closer to Christ and they are so eager to share it with those who are important to them. I'm grateful for the chance that I have to share this gospel with them. Each and every one of them has helped me come to understand the Gospel at a much deeper and personal level.
I love you all!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Monday, May 19, 2014
Week 91: Transfers!
Familia!
Where to even start? This week has seriously been one of the craziest weeks of my life. Every single second it felt like there were 100 things to get done, but they got done! So all is well.
We're pretty spoiled, I'm not going to lie. President and Sister Toone definitely take care of us. We've been joking around with President Toone about going to the Phoenix Zoo and the Snow Flake temple for the past 5 months....it actually happened this week! President knew that Elder Oscarson or I would probably be getting transferred this week and so he wanted to make sure we got it done. So, Phoenix zoo being just 10 miles away, that was an easy one to take care of, but the Snow Flake Temple is about 3 hours away....we weren't sure we would ever make it. Luckily Elder Kloepfer came along. Before the mission split, Elder Kloepfer served up in the Snow Flake area. He had been there a little bit over a year ago and one of his recent converts had decided to go through the temple this last Friday. How convenient, right?? So, early Friday morning we all loaded up in the Toone's vehicle and headed up to the mountains. Man, AZ is beautiful. I would've never thought before my mission that I would come to love this place as I have. Going through the temple allowed me to reflect a lot on my mission and to think of those I have had an opportunity to teach. Just a few days before going to the temple we had an opportunity to be back in Casa Grande. There I heard word that a few of the people I taught are as well preparing to enter the temple. I'm so thankful to be out here serving a mission. The covenants that I have made mean everything to me and I cannot wait for the people I have come to love to be able to make these same promises.
This week was Jasmine's last week here. It was a bitter sweet week, but I'm excited for all that lies ahead for her. We met several times this week to talk about some other questions that she has, but it has been incredible to see the strides that her testimony has made. Yesterday she went to church for the first time in New York. Her singles ward meets in the temple and so we were excited for her to be in that environment. She asked us to give her a call after church and because of meetings we weren't able to call her until about an hour and a half after her ward got out. She told us to hang on for a second because she was just finishing up a conversation with some people from the ward...an hour and a half after church had gotten out! She told us that the entire meeting was just for her. All of the sacrament talks were directed straight to her, Sunday School and Relief Society were exactly what she needed, and best of all she said that no one knew she wasn't a member. She said that she loved the fact that they just accepted her as their own. I'm sure that eventually they will come to know that she hasn't yet been baptized, but she said she was really grateful to not be known as "the investigator." I'm so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm thankful that no matter where we go, not matter where we are at in life, we have a family who is one in purpose and there to support and sustain one another. I'm grateful that Jasmine had an opportunity to experience that first hand.
So, even with a fairly busy week in our area, it was also Transfer Prep week. This transfer process was crazy. So many different changes, so many different options, but in the end it all fell together. President Toone went back and forth with Elder Oscarson and I trying to figure out what needed to happen. For a while I was staying, for a while I was in Chandler, for a while I was no where, it was crazy! Eventually President Toone put Elder Kloepfer and I back together and brought in another missionary to serve with us, Elder Forson. I have lived with Elder Forson for the past 10 months. He was originally called to serve in the Phoenix mission, but on July when the boarders changed he was switched over to the Tempe Mission. When I went over to serve in Phoenix we were both in the same house, when I got moved her to Tempe he came along with me, and no we are companions! I'm so excited to serve with him. He is honestly one of my best friends out here. He played basketball for snow college and we get along great. I'm excited to be serving with him this transfer. It has been such a huge blessing in my life serving where I have been for the last 7 1/2 months. The ward that I have been serving in, spending so much time with President and Sister Toone, getting to know and train the mission, are all things that I will forever cherish. I know that there are things that I need to learn serving here again this transfer and I look forward to all the miracles that will come.
I love you all. Thanks for everything that you do!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Monday, May 12, 2014
Week 90: Maryvale, What a Place
Familia!
Long time no see! Man it was so good to talk to a few of you last night.
I forgot to tell you one of the funniest things that happened this past week! So at about 7 on May 5th President Toone got a call from some missionaries serving in the Phoenix Zone. The missionaries started out the conversation, "President, we don't feel very well....." President asked, "Well whats going on Elders." Then he heard the other companion shout in a very slurred voice, "President! I can't even feel my legs!" So, apparently this companionship had gone to an investigators house to teach them about the Word of Wisdom. Meanwhile, they were having a Cinco de Mayo party and some of the family members brought over some Gatorade for them to drink. The Gatorade tasted a little bit off, but it was still good so they just kept on drinking. And that's probably about all that these two missionaries remember from that night. Their Gatorade had been spiked and when they called President they were both completely wasted. Luckily they were just sitting in the car and so President drove over to Phoenix to go pick them up. He said when he got there he was holding back laughing the entire time. They were both completely reclined back in their seats in a daze just staring at the sealing. He said when they saw him the got the biggest smiles and started to get out of the car. He asked them if they could walk in a straight line and they said, "Of course President!" and stumbled all over the place. Well, eventually they got them back home and they both just passed out in bed. President said that he got a call from one of them at about midnight, not even realizing he had spent a few hours previously with President, and he said, "President, I might have something to tell you. I may have broke the word of wisdom." President told the elder to just get back to bed. The elders that lived with these two missionaries said that the elder got in bed and then instantly shot up again and said, "Oh shoot! I forgot to write in my journal." He walked over to his journal and wrote, "May 5, 2014 I'M DRUNK!" and then got back in bed....Oh Phoenix, there is never a dull moment in Maryvale.
As for our week though, it was awesome! We actually had quite a bit of time to spend in our area which was nice. We were able to meet with quite a few our investigators meanwhile finding a lot more to teach. We are starting to teach a couple players on the MCC football team and they are awesome. Its honestly just like hanging out with our basketball team. It has been such a blessing to be serving in the YSA ward. We get to meet some amazing people.
Jasmine is doing a whole lot better this week than she was last week. I was on exchanges on Friday and so I had her share her entire story with the elder I was with. She spent about 45 minutes talking about her experience and testifying of the truths that she had come to know in these last 6 or 7 months. It was great to see her finally back. We talked to her about this whole experience she had been through the last week or so, and she saw that it had strengthened her faith in the answers that she had received. The only problem now is timing. She is leaving to New York this Friday to work up in Manhattan for the summer. She told us she's going to be baptized, she just doesn't know when. She wants all her friends and family to be there so she is going to wait until she gets back, but who knows when. It'll be nice to continue teaching her through facebook and skype, and I know that it is all in God's hands and he will take care of everything. I know that his timing is the best timing, and as we trust in that all else will take care of itself.
I hope you all had an awesome Mothers day!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Long time no see! Man it was so good to talk to a few of you last night.
I forgot to tell you one of the funniest things that happened this past week! So at about 7 on May 5th President Toone got a call from some missionaries serving in the Phoenix Zone. The missionaries started out the conversation, "President, we don't feel very well....." President asked, "Well whats going on Elders." Then he heard the other companion shout in a very slurred voice, "President! I can't even feel my legs!" So, apparently this companionship had gone to an investigators house to teach them about the Word of Wisdom. Meanwhile, they were having a Cinco de Mayo party and some of the family members brought over some Gatorade for them to drink. The Gatorade tasted a little bit off, but it was still good so they just kept on drinking. And that's probably about all that these two missionaries remember from that night. Their Gatorade had been spiked and when they called President they were both completely wasted. Luckily they were just sitting in the car and so President drove over to Phoenix to go pick them up. He said when he got there he was holding back laughing the entire time. They were both completely reclined back in their seats in a daze just staring at the sealing. He said when they saw him the got the biggest smiles and started to get out of the car. He asked them if they could walk in a straight line and they said, "Of course President!" and stumbled all over the place. Well, eventually they got them back home and they both just passed out in bed. President said that he got a call from one of them at about midnight, not even realizing he had spent a few hours previously with President, and he said, "President, I might have something to tell you. I may have broke the word of wisdom." President told the elder to just get back to bed. The elders that lived with these two missionaries said that the elder got in bed and then instantly shot up again and said, "Oh shoot! I forgot to write in my journal." He walked over to his journal and wrote, "May 5, 2014 I'M DRUNK!" and then got back in bed....Oh Phoenix, there is never a dull moment in Maryvale.
As for our week though, it was awesome! We actually had quite a bit of time to spend in our area which was nice. We were able to meet with quite a few our investigators meanwhile finding a lot more to teach. We are starting to teach a couple players on the MCC football team and they are awesome. Its honestly just like hanging out with our basketball team. It has been such a blessing to be serving in the YSA ward. We get to meet some amazing people.
Jasmine is doing a whole lot better this week than she was last week. I was on exchanges on Friday and so I had her share her entire story with the elder I was with. She spent about 45 minutes talking about her experience and testifying of the truths that she had come to know in these last 6 or 7 months. It was great to see her finally back. We talked to her about this whole experience she had been through the last week or so, and she saw that it had strengthened her faith in the answers that she had received. The only problem now is timing. She is leaving to New York this Friday to work up in Manhattan for the summer. She told us she's going to be baptized, she just doesn't know when. She wants all her friends and family to be there so she is going to wait until she gets back, but who knows when. It'll be nice to continue teaching her through facebook and skype, and I know that it is all in God's hands and he will take care of everything. I know that his timing is the best timing, and as we trust in that all else will take care of itself.
I hope you all had an awesome Mothers day!
Con Amor,
Elder Jurgensmeier
Monday, May 5, 2014
Week 89: What a Rollercoaster!
Familia!!
What a rollercoaster this mission has been! Never is there a dull moment and rarely is there a moment to sit down, catch my breath, and think. This is exactly how this week turned out. From ups to downs to all over the place, this week was definitely an adventure.
To start the week, I bought a suit! I know what you're thinking mom, don't worry, it was the deal of the century! Thursday was Elder Kloepfer's birthday, so on Monday his mom had sent him some cash to go get whatever he needed. Since we have TONS of needs as a missionary, we went to the only place we could think of, the suit store. Get this, 50% off all suits. But wait, it gets better! Elder Kloepfer drew another 50% off card out of a stack of 100 cards. It was the only 50% card in the entire stack. So, long story short, I got a new suit and its reeaalll nice. $60, I call it a steal.
And then after that, the week turned insane. Every Monday night we have FHE as a ward. This week was especially awesome because all of our recent converts were able to make it. Its seriously such a joy to see them all. One of my favorite things to see is when the entire group blessing the sacrament have recently been baptized or seeing them fulfill their church callings. Nothing gets better than seeing people you have come to know and love become so involved in the church. I read a quote earlier today from President Hinckley that talked about missionary work and it said, "Every time you bring a convert into this church you bless a life. Not one life, if he or she remains faithful, but many lives. For that which you do become the work of generations yet to come." Each of these people have directly affected my life, and its a special thought to think that for generations, their posterity will be directly affected from the decisions they've made to join the church and its a humbling experience to be a part of it.
Tuesday Jasmine had her baptismal interview and passed it with flying colors. After that though, things started to be a little bit more difficult for her. Jasmine told all of her friends that she was getting baptized and extended an invitation to all of them that if they wanted to talk to her personally about it she would love to sit down with them sometime to discuss the why's. Little did she know that nearly all of them would want to sit down with her. As a result of these meetings things have been super difficult for her. She doesn't understand all they why's or all the ins and outs of the gospel. All she knows is what God has told her to do. Meeting with friend after friend hearing the people that she loves tell her that they don't understand why she would leave her other church really started to weigh down on her. Wednesday we ran into Jasmine at the institute and we sat down with her to talk. It was hard to see as all of these doubts flooded her mind and allowed fear to creep in. After we talked for quite sometime we split ways and she gave us a call and said something along the lines of, "Don't worry, I'm still getting baptized. I will get through all of these things one way or another." Well, Thursday morning as we woke up we had a message from Marc, our assistant ward mission leader, saying that Jasmine had put a halt to baptismal preparations and he wondered if we had any further info. Due to scheduling difficulties, we weren't able to meet with Jasmine until a little bit later in the day. As we met that night, it was hard to see as Jasmine started to build walls in front of her that God had already broken down. We talked again for quite some time, focusing on all the answers that she had received, and then once again split ways. She told us that she would let us know by morning whether or not the baptism was on.
As I laid in bed that night, all I could think about was these last 7 months of my mission. Nearly from the time I got here until that day we had been teaching Jasmine. Finally I was able to get to sleep, but as I woke up a little bit later in the night I read a message from Jasmine saying that she had chose not to be baptized at this time. There I sat for the rest of the night wondering why, praying, and taking some time to think. Jasmine leaves in two weeks to an internship in New York. The entire time we have been meeting with Jasmine, everything has lined up perfectly, but that night I was left to just wonder why and what the future held. I thought back to my experience with Michael Padron in Coolidge. Michael's entire family was supposed to be baptized, but the day it came they completely disappeared. I could've never understood that day in Coolidge all the why's, but as I was able to see Michael baptized about two months later and then later able to baptize His children, it all made sense. I know without a doubt in my mind that God's timing is perfect timing. It doesn't matter what type of situation or where we are at in our lives, we can have complete and total confidence that He will provide all that is necessary, when it is necessary. I know He has for me, I know He did in Coolidge for Michael, and I know the same will hold true for Jasmine. No matter how hard situations like these may be, I'm thankful for experience in my life that remind me of this powerful truth. Jasmine knows truths, she has a testimony of the Restored Gospel, and I know that these are truths that Jasmine will always know. I have no doubt in my mind that one day I will be able to see Jasmine enter into the waters of baptism. I do not know when, but He knows and I trust in Him. I cannot wait for that day. It is a day that I look forward to with all that I am.
I love you all and hope all is well with you! Happy Mothers Day!
Con Amor!
Elder Jurgensmeier
What a rollercoaster this mission has been! Never is there a dull moment and rarely is there a moment to sit down, catch my breath, and think. This is exactly how this week turned out. From ups to downs to all over the place, this week was definitely an adventure.
To start the week, I bought a suit! I know what you're thinking mom, don't worry, it was the deal of the century! Thursday was Elder Kloepfer's birthday, so on Monday his mom had sent him some cash to go get whatever he needed. Since we have TONS of needs as a missionary, we went to the only place we could think of, the suit store. Get this, 50% off all suits. But wait, it gets better! Elder Kloepfer drew another 50% off card out of a stack of 100 cards. It was the only 50% card in the entire stack. So, long story short, I got a new suit and its reeaalll nice. $60, I call it a steal.
And then after that, the week turned insane. Every Monday night we have FHE as a ward. This week was especially awesome because all of our recent converts were able to make it. Its seriously such a joy to see them all. One of my favorite things to see is when the entire group blessing the sacrament have recently been baptized or seeing them fulfill their church callings. Nothing gets better than seeing people you have come to know and love become so involved in the church. I read a quote earlier today from President Hinckley that talked about missionary work and it said, "Every time you bring a convert into this church you bless a life. Not one life, if he or she remains faithful, but many lives. For that which you do become the work of generations yet to come." Each of these people have directly affected my life, and its a special thought to think that for generations, their posterity will be directly affected from the decisions they've made to join the church and its a humbling experience to be a part of it.
Tuesday Jasmine had her baptismal interview and passed it with flying colors. After that though, things started to be a little bit more difficult for her. Jasmine told all of her friends that she was getting baptized and extended an invitation to all of them that if they wanted to talk to her personally about it she would love to sit down with them sometime to discuss the why's. Little did she know that nearly all of them would want to sit down with her. As a result of these meetings things have been super difficult for her. She doesn't understand all they why's or all the ins and outs of the gospel. All she knows is what God has told her to do. Meeting with friend after friend hearing the people that she loves tell her that they don't understand why she would leave her other church really started to weigh down on her. Wednesday we ran into Jasmine at the institute and we sat down with her to talk. It was hard to see as all of these doubts flooded her mind and allowed fear to creep in. After we talked for quite sometime we split ways and she gave us a call and said something along the lines of, "Don't worry, I'm still getting baptized. I will get through all of these things one way or another." Well, Thursday morning as we woke up we had a message from Marc, our assistant ward mission leader, saying that Jasmine had put a halt to baptismal preparations and he wondered if we had any further info. Due to scheduling difficulties, we weren't able to meet with Jasmine until a little bit later in the day. As we met that night, it was hard to see as Jasmine started to build walls in front of her that God had already broken down. We talked again for quite some time, focusing on all the answers that she had received, and then once again split ways. She told us that she would let us know by morning whether or not the baptism was on.
As I laid in bed that night, all I could think about was these last 7 months of my mission. Nearly from the time I got here until that day we had been teaching Jasmine. Finally I was able to get to sleep, but as I woke up a little bit later in the night I read a message from Jasmine saying that she had chose not to be baptized at this time. There I sat for the rest of the night wondering why, praying, and taking some time to think. Jasmine leaves in two weeks to an internship in New York. The entire time we have been meeting with Jasmine, everything has lined up perfectly, but that night I was left to just wonder why and what the future held. I thought back to my experience with Michael Padron in Coolidge. Michael's entire family was supposed to be baptized, but the day it came they completely disappeared. I could've never understood that day in Coolidge all the why's, but as I was able to see Michael baptized about two months later and then later able to baptize His children, it all made sense. I know without a doubt in my mind that God's timing is perfect timing. It doesn't matter what type of situation or where we are at in our lives, we can have complete and total confidence that He will provide all that is necessary, when it is necessary. I know He has for me, I know He did in Coolidge for Michael, and I know the same will hold true for Jasmine. No matter how hard situations like these may be, I'm thankful for experience in my life that remind me of this powerful truth. Jasmine knows truths, she has a testimony of the Restored Gospel, and I know that these are truths that Jasmine will always know. I have no doubt in my mind that one day I will be able to see Jasmine enter into the waters of baptism. I do not know when, but He knows and I trust in Him. I cannot wait for that day. It is a day that I look forward to with all that I am.
I love you all and hope all is well with you! Happy Mothers Day!
Con Amor!
Elder Jurgensmeier
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