Week #96 - MIRACLE SZN

Howdy y'all!!!! 

I hope that everyone is having a great Christmas season and enjoying the extra focus on Christ. I know that I definitely am loving the Christmas spirit and everything that comes with it. Texas was eventful as always this week which is great because I've come to expect nothing less. Time just keeps on going and I love every second of it.

SO to start off with some miracles and updates ... Our friend Kayla really needs some prayers right now. She wants to be baptized so bad but is having some outrageous family opposition. She has a strong testimony but may lose her entire family if she joins so prayers would be great appreciated for her. Our other friend Jon is doing great. He came to church all on his own and told us that it's just normal for him now. He is reading the Book of Mormon every day and can't wait for his baptism at the end of the month. God is for sure loving and taking care of these people. I'm grateful for His helping hand. 

Funny story for y'all: on Saturday night Elder Tebbs and I were out tracting when we met this super nice lady that was cooking in her garage. We walked up to say hi and saw that she had an entire fish, scales and all, just frying in a pan. She was cooking so she had no where to go but to listen to us! We shared the Christ Child video and at the end looked at us and asked, "How can I find peace in my life?" It was powerful and we were able to teach her about the Book of Mormon and how God has a plan for her. The highlight of it all was definitely the 5 pound fish frying though!

We also met a super nice lady who opened the door and said, "Nope, I'm Baptist" to which Elder Tebbs responded, "So?" Usually that doesn't work the absolute best, but with her it did! She then poured her soul out to us about the trouble she was having with her son and kept asking us how we were so strong but so young. We shared with her that the gospel blesses us to do the right things and teaches us principles to live by. She told us she was moving in a week so we told her we would be back to help and she broke down crying. She then explained how the past two weeks God has put all things together for her and her last step was to find someone to help her move but she couldn't afford it. It was a straight up miracle!

Other than that this week was pretty full of meetings and headaches. We got two special Christmas surprises from our mission president this week which were super fun. We had the opportunity to go and have a private tour of Minute Maid Park with a guy who runs the Astros that President knows. We saw the locker room, the boxes, and even got to go down on the field. It was an absolute blast! Then I was able to go back to Huntsville for an event called "Journey through Bethlehem" which is like a live Nativity. It was so fun to see former people I knew and I even ran into a family I helped baptize that told me they are getting sealed in June!!!! I love Huntsville.

Jesus is the Christ. His grace is overwhelming. No matter what happens or what struggles we face, He will guide us through it. As a nice southern Baptist lady once told my companion and I, "He led me to it, He'll lead me through it." Grateful for the opportunity to serve here in Texas. I love my Savior and the work He has given to me. 

Love y'all and God Bless.

Week #95 - THANKFUL . . .DREAM'N OF A "WHITE" CHRISTMAS

Happy December!!!!! It's crazy how fast time is flying by. I feel like I just got to Texas sometimes and now I'm already at my second Christmas season. Sometimes I wish it would just slow down, but I'm doing my best to soak everything up. I love being a missionary so much. These past months have been some of my happiest times in life and I'm grateful for all the opportunities that I have. God is good. 

I'm doing pretty good down here in Texas. Our friends Kayla and Jon are doing great. Jon accepted a baptismal date this week and said it just makes sense to him. He's pretty golden. We are definitely going to need some Christmas miracles to make all this happen but I know that God's got our backs. Plus, everyone loves a white Christmas ;)

A super cool miracle we saw this week was when we were out finding one night. Elder Tebbs and I have really been trying to focus on finding a family in our family ward that we can teach and bring into baptism. One night we were out knocking and talking to people when it felt like nothing was going to happen. We knocked two entire streets with hardly anyone even relatively interested then we met our friend Areclia. She's is a super sweet mom who was in her garage cleaning up. We stopped by, introduced ourselves, and were able to share a message with her right then. She was super excited we stopped by and her eyes lit up when she saw the Book of Mormon. There's power in that book. Anyways, we are pumped about her family and should be meeting her husband this week so prayers for that. 

I also got to go on an exchange with a zone leader in the Tomball Zone named Elder Johnson. He's been out almost a year now and it was fun because I was his first zone leader all the way back in my Conroe days. It was fun to see how much he has grown and become more like the Savior. That's truly one of the best parts about a mission. Anyways, we were just knocking away that night when we met a super nice guy named John. He offered us sandwiches after he opened the door so we accepted and then he brought the stuff out. I've never had a white bread, cheese, and tomato sandwich before and I probably won't ever again but our boy John is elect. He told us he just wants his family to be stronger. We read out of the Proclamation for the Family and then talked about the temple. His eyes were lit up because of the spirit he felt. It was a powerful lesson and I'm thankful Heavenly Father lead us to him. 

Thanksgiving was good. Stopped by tons of people, taught some lessons, ate way too much (since everyone we stopped by insisted they needed to make us a plate) and felt the love of our Savior while doing His work. AND I got to talk with my whole family so all in all it was a pretty great Thanksgiving. I love holidays as a missionary. 

I absolutely love being a missionary down in Texas. I just feel so much joy. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and redeemer. I know He knows each and every single one of us personally. I'm thankful for His grace and mercy. Texas is a holy place and a special land. This is His work and His glory. Grateful for every opportunity He's so freely given me. All of this work is true. Love y'all and God bless!!! 

PS: Elder Tebbs and I are sending out Christmas cards so if you want one email me an address :)))) 

THANKSGIVING WITH OUR MAIN GUY PRESIDENT PETERSON

Someone brought a HUGE cake to the office, and we caved!

OFFICE BUDDIES

We definitely bought matching sunglasses ...

Late night protein!

Week #94 - HAPPY!

Life is good down here in Texas. I'm happy down here and the work is going well. Happy to be serving Him. 

The area is going well. We have some awesome YSAs we are teaching that are doing super good. We are pumped for them and it's fun teaching the young ones. They are definitely the elect. We also have some people in our family ward that we are hoping will catch fire this next couple weeks but we'll see. On Sunday, a girl named Kayla that we are teaching was fasting about getting baptized and the Stake President spoke in sacrament meeting. He spoke exactly what she needed to hear and after we talked about taking a faithful leap in her life. Miracles are everywhere. 

I read a quote from Bruce R McConkie this week that said, "I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way." 

Think about it though. He testifies of the Savior so intently and strongly. The last part is what's amazing. When he says that, he shall not know any better then that I know now, even when he'd be face to face with the Savior his knowledge would be the same. How on earth can we get to that point??? I have been thinking about that and realized that it comes from living the gospel and relying on His grace. When we give Him our heart, and almost just as important, our mind, He will work wonders with us. I hope to someday have the same testimony that He has of the Savior. It's comes from giving and growing.

I'm so greateful for all I have. Jesus Christ is the Savior of us all. God is so great and His gospel is the light of the world. I love this gospel.

Love y'all and God bless.

Elder Pinster

Elder Tebbs, President Peterson and Elder Pinster

Taking Elder Hitchcock to the airport on his way home to OREGON!

Week #93 - TEXAS TOWED

Happy Mid November!! This week was full of so many miracles and blessings. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve and do His work. It's transfer week so it's gametime, but I love it. Crazy to think I only have two more transfers left. I love my mission so much and am thankful for everything He gives me. 

On Monday we got a referral from a member living close to us about a guy he works with named Jon. Jon is pretty elect to say the least. We met with him and he told us that he is looking for structure and for a relationship with God. He even committed himself to find out what is true and what will help him the most. It's crazy how Heavenly Father will always provide. Sunday he came to church and loved it too. 

Our friend Kayla is also doing great and is fasting for help with her baptism. We are praying so hard for her. It's alright though because this is a work of miracles and He will always give them. We even had a new friend named Justin come to church yesterday so we are feeling pretty blessed with everything right now. 

I also got to go up to Huntsville this week and even got my car towed! It was an eventful week to say the least. I love that country town so much. Also got to go on two airport trips so that was pretty fun. 

Other than that life is good and God is great. I love the ability to serve Him and for His grace. I've definitely felt Christ's ability to help us move on and do the things He wants us to do. His grace gives the ability to continue on everyday. I love the gospel and the people of Texas.

Love y'all and God bless.

Elder Pinster

Week #92 - RIGHT ABOVE IT

This week was another blessed time to live in the great state of Texas serving our Savior. I feel like every week out here just goes by faster and faster. It's finally getting colder and I love it. I just love being a missionary. 

Our friend Kayla unfortunately wasn't able to get baptized due to some family opposition but things will work out. She was asked to meet with leaders of other Christian denominations to sway her faith. Well, it actually did the opposite because after the meeting she called us and said that her testimony was only stronger now. The truth is always the truth and that won't change. I love that this gospel allows us to have answers and that we don't have to just wonder. Truth is truth!!!

Other than that our week was pretty full of conferences and meetings. It was fun to see all the missionaries again. 

We had a cool finding experience on Tuesday night while we were out at an apartment complex. We only had like 30 minutes until our next appointment so we rushed from door to door to talk with everyone. Anyways, we met a super cool guy named Lamar who gave us pizza and let us talk about Jesus. I love the south.

I also realized that a lot of the time we do things in the gospel like study the scriptures, serve, etc and to help ourselves grow, but in reality the very acts don't have us grow. The thing that helps us grow is acting in a way like the Savior. We grow when we become like Jesus Christ. Growth will come when we give part of ourselves to become more like the Savior. It's always growth season down here in Texas and I am so grateful for it. I love my Savior and I love this work. There's no where else I'd rather be. 

Love y'all and God bless. 

Elder Jarrett Pinster 

Week #91 - MONTH 21

I'm so thankful for the opportunity I have to serve my Savior everyday here in Texas. God is good and I'm so glad that I have the ability to share the light of Jesus Christ with all of those around me. 

This week was a busy one and I felt like I never had a second to breathe but I wouldn't want it any other way. I always feel exhausted but He always makes up the difference. Grateful for all I have. 

This week I studied a ton of how we can come to know our Savior more. I read in Matthew 16 where the Savior and Peter speak to one another. The verses go as follows, 

"Matthew 16: 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."

I love this verse because it teaches us that we can receive a witness of Christ the same way Peter did. He walked with, talked with, and witnessed the Savior physically but when asked how he knew who Jesus really was, it was because of personal revelation. Peter received a witness from the Holy Ghost which is the same way we can receive a witness ourselves. We can have the same witness as Peter of the Savior. How special is that. I know that because of what the Savior did for us and because of the spirit we really can behold Him. Grateful for the ability we have to not just know He is real but feel He is real. Jesus is the living Christ.

The rest of the week was full of miracles and zone conferences. We gave trainings on the Book of Mormon which yet again strengthened my testimony of the truth in that divine book. I have no idea where I'd be if I didn't have the Book of Mormon. Grateful for the truth we have. 

I'm thankful for all I have. I'm thankful for my Savior and for His infinite Atonement. The option I've had to serve Him has changed my life. Grateful for all I have. 

Elder Jarrett Pinster

Week #90 - UP THERE

Yet again it was another blessed week in Texas. The weather is finally getting cooler and I love it so much. The sweaters are back and the gospel is still being preached. 

We saw lots of miracles this week and I was able to grow my relationship with my Savior even more. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to serve Him and do His work.

This week we were able to have some sweet miracles. One night we felt prompted to stop by a former person we found a few weeks ago. We never really got in contact with him but on Wednesday when we by he answered. He was excited to see us and told us he had already read half the Book of Mormon. We were shocked. He told us it was helping him out so much. It was a super sweet miracle and we are excited to see where he will keep going.

On Sunday we had our ward primary program. We really tried to focus on having members invite their friends to it and they did!! A little girl ran up to us at the start of the meeting and was sooo excited to tell us her friend was coming. She definitely played it down because her family brought 7 friends with them!!!! It was crazy!! We were able to meet all of them and will hopefully start teaching them soon. Members can be miracle workers ;)

Our friend Kayla is doing super good. She's having some family opposition so any prayers would be greatly appreciated. Other than that she's doing great and sooo ready for her baptism. We are so excited!!!

I've been really thinking about how to grow our testimony of the Savior and how we can grow that. I read a quote from Dieter F Uchtdorf which was "We must not 'see' Jesus but we must Behold Him." I loved that. When we behold Him we apply all that we know and feel to Him and how we can become better. When we behold the Savior we come to know of His grace. Jesus Christ can and will fix everything we have. I'm so grateful for Him and for all He does for me. I love Him so much.

Another week up in Texas and another opportunity to serve my Savior. I love Him and I love Texas. There's no place better to be. Thankful for all I have. 

Love y'all and God Bless.

FLEXING WITH OUR NEW RAV4 HYBRID

GYM TIME WITH ELDER TEBBS

MY BOY ELDER HERRERA

TEMPLE TOUR WITH KAYLA AND PAT

Week #89 - HAPPY DAYZ

This week was another blessing. I still love Texas and all the people here. We saw tons of miracles and I still love serving my Savior. I'm so happy to be here for the people and for my Heavenly Father. 

On Sunday a family that I absolutely love got baptized and it was such a sweet experience. The Ahedo family is an elect family that I've been blessed to meet. Missions are worth every single second. 

One night while out tracting we were able to meet a guy named Keith. My man is so prepared. We knocked into him at around 8:30 and ended up talking with him for a long time but it was super sweet. Anyways, we gave him a Book of Mormon and then were able to come back the next day. He had read a ton and had so many questions which was super sweet. When we went back he just soaked up everything. We taught about the Lehi's vision and how we need to stay on the right path. I love seeing everything click and the spirit come into his home. Being a missionary is so sweet. My favorite thing is definitely when the spirit hits someone and you can see a light come into their eyes. It's a special experience. 

Our best friend Kayla is doing super good and is progressing well and is so excited for her baptism in a few weeks. She is so solid and ready to jump in. When we got to our lesson on Saturday she was so proud to tell us that she had already stopped drinking coffee on her own even though we hadn't taught her the Word of Wisdom yet. Yeah, she is pretty elect. God always does provide. 

I had some cool revelation this week too. I've just been thinking a ton about how to make the gospel of Jesus Christ more of my focus. I have realized that in order to be happy we have to live like the Savior. SO my conclusion is that happiness and Joy comes from liking what God likes. When we do that we become happier. The redeeming love of our Savior comes as we become more like Him. Progression comes even without perfection. Thankful for a gospel and Savior that provides Joy. 

Texas is my place. I'm the happiest I've ever been. I know the Savior and I know how special He is. I love my mission. Grateful for all I have. 

Love y'all and God bless. 

Week #88 - HAPPY FALL Y'ALL

Howdy friends and family!! 

Thankful for all I have. Thankful for my Savior and for the grace He offers to all. This week was one that really helped me understand and think more about how lucky I am to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and to know truth. I'm grateful for my mission and for the lessons I've been able to learn because of it. I just feel different but better. I guess that's what the Atonement does for us.

This week we had transfers so that meant tons of office work and driving missionaries around. After 4 trips to the airport, some sad goodbyes to some of my best friends, and seeing the arrival of a new group of missionaries, we finally got back to the grind in our area. 

Friday night we were out tracting and within 8 doors we found a less active family with unbaptized children, two new people to teach at the next couples doors, and we were able to just enjoy being missionaries. It was amazing. Two of the people we found were so sweet and let us right in. One of them was named Ina and she told us after we shared the Restoration with her that she just felt a "stirring" in her heart. That's the best way to describe the spirit. It was amazing.

We also had to get dinner late one night this week so we went to Arby's at like 8:45. We both for some reason felt like we needed to go inside to order, so we did. Well, inside we met Lexci who is so amazing. She was our cashier and we gave her a card and invited her to church. Well, Sunday morning we are at church and guess who walks in, Lexci. We were so pumped and she loved the service!! It was such a cool experience to have a miracle like that.

Lastly, we were able to set a date with a girl we are teaching named Kayla. She is dating a member and kept asking questions about the church. We met with her and explained some things and she said that everything just made sense. She loved the Book of Mormon and what it offers. She was even so excited that she went home and taught her mom the whole restoration and her mom even liked it. We're pretty pumped about Kayla. 

God is definitely a God of miracles. 

Anyways, this week was a blessing. Any week in the mission field is a blessing. I feel so lucky to get to share the truth that I know with the people of Texas. There is no where else I'd rather be in my life right now. Thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who puts me in places that I need to be and will continually work with me. Grateful for a Savior that lives. I love being His servant. 

Love y'all and God bless!!!