Bojangle's!

Hey Everyone!

  So there's this fast food place down here called Bojangles, and

it's real good! They have chicken and biscuits and this week I had my

first (and definitely not the last!) Boberry biscuit. It was

delicious! It's basically a biscuit with blueberries inside and

frosting on top. Mmmm! I would send a picture of it, but I didn't take

one...so I'll just send a picture of Bojangles.

   We had the opportunity this week to do some service, so that was

nice! We helped one of the ladies in the ward move. We moved a couple

fridges, a washer, a dryer, and almost flooded the house! Well, I

guess it wasn't that  bad. We disconnected a water hose from the back

of one of the fridges and water just started spraying out! After about

ten minutes of trying to shut off the water and a few buckets full of

water, we were able to turn it off. So that was fun! We were also able

to help out at a soup kitchen where they prepared food to give to

people that couldn't provide for themselves. We also washed off trays

and did some sweeping. I always feel good when I'm serving others.

Service is a wonderful way to show our love for others and our love

for God.

  On Saturday, we did something called Walk 'n' Talk where we just go

to somewhere where people are and walk and talk! (Like the title

suggests!) It was cool to just talk with others about the gospel and

their lives and how we can come unto Christ. The people in Kinston are

very religious and there are a lot of different churches around here.

Although our beliefs may differ, I have loved to see the faith which

so many people have in Christ. No matter where you are or what

religion you are, a firm faith in Christ and His teachings will help

you through life.

  This week was great and I love it here! I'm really excited for

General Conference this weekend! To be able to hear the words of a

Prophet of God is truly a blessing! I invite all of you to listen to

or watch General Conference this weekend! I know that there will be

talks that are specifically for each one of us and that can help us

with our lives right now. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and it

brings true happiness! I hope everyone has a terrific week!

With Love,

Elder Rogers

One Month!

Hey Everyone!

   As the subject of this email suggests, I've been out for a month! It's crazy how time flies when you're busy! It's been great though! And now I've only got 23 months left! But who's counting? Haha but anyway, this week was good!

   On preparation day, we played a little football! That was really fun! And then later in the week, we were all sore...but it was a good type of sore! The work here in Kinston is going well! My companion and I have been staying really busy each day, teaching the wonderful truths of the gospel. Being on a mission has really made me realize how simple the gospel is. And also, the many blessings which come from living it. When our lives are centered on Christ, we can find joy amidst any trials we may be facing. We can have hope for the future through our afflictions. (See Alma 31:38)

   The ward I'm serving in is wonderful! They are all so kind and we are fed basically every night! No matter where you are on this earth, the gospel of Jesus Christ and His church is the same. It is one church and one gospel. That is such a blessing!

   This week we had zone conference! The theme of the conference was found in Doctrine and Covenants 6:36. "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." I love how simple that phrase is! As we look unto Christ in all we do, our lives will be blessed. Our perspective on things will be brightened and our relationships with those around us will be strengthened. Christ lives and loves us. He has overcome the world. He has already performed the Atonement. All we need to do is look unto Him and trust in Him. This week, I invite you to look unto Him in all you do. I know that as you do this you will see a difference in your life. I love you all and hope that everyone has a fantastic week!

With Love,
Elder Rogers

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Hello Everyone!

   This week was great! I'm starting to get used to being a missionary! Like I don't mind wearing church clothes all the time! This week was full of adventure! I had the opportunity to go on two exchanges, (Basically where you switch companions with another companionship for a day), tried my first Southern food, and one of the days, we biked somethin' like 15 miles!

   During my first exchange, with Elder Garcia, I got to drive the car! He's been on his mission for 3 months, but I guess he hasn't filled out the paperwork or something...either way, it was pretty fun to drive the car! It had rained a ton the day before, and we went to a trailer park with puddles which were quite large! We almost got stuck in one to the point where we would have had to call for help, but luckily, we didn't! (See pictures at the bottom) But don't worry, we took a few minutes and washed it later in the day! Elder Garcia is a Spanish speaking missionary, so we talked to a lot of people that I couldn't quite understand...but those two years of high school Spanish helped out a little! We did a lot of tracting, so that was good!

   On Wednesday, we didn't have the car to use, so we went biking. Our surroundings were so beautiful! I would've taken a picture, but I thought that would be a bad idea at the time!

   The work has been good here! All of our investigators are really nice, and they're progressing! Deanna talked about how she loved that The Book of Mormon is so clear and simple. So that was awesome when she said that! And it's true! The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ in such a simple and powerful way!

   In 1 Nephi 16:28 it teaches about the Liahona, and how it gave them direction "according to the faith and diligence and heed" which they gave it. This same principle can be applied to our lives. As we give God faith, and diligence, and listen to His words, He will guide us in our lives. When we live righteously, we qualify ourselves for direction and guidance from Him. I invite you to take a moment and think of the direction you have in your life. Where is it headed? Life can get busy, but I know that if we put God first, things will always work out. I know that as we pray for strength and direction, willing to do what God asks of us, He will direct our lives and we will be happier in this life and in the life to come.

With Love,

Elder Rogers

P.S. Here are some pictures of our district and my companion and I! Have a great week everyone!

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First Area, Kinston, NC!

Hey Everyone!

   I'm in North Carolina! I'm serving in Kinston, and almost everyone

has accents, so that's nice. This past week has been a rollercoaster!

On Wednesday, we woke up at 2:30 to catch our plane! Along with the 2

hour time zone change, I'm still a little tired each day! But I'm

adjusting.

   My trainer is Elder Stika. He's from Pleasant Grove Utah, and he's

been out for 22 months! He's really cool and we've been getting along

well. The people here are really nice, and we've been really busy! The

humidity is...moist, but it's not as bad as I was expecting. It's

really beautiful here, and it's green everywhere! It'll probably be a

while till I adjust to being a missionary, but it's been going well.

   My first Sunday was fast Sunday. I was gonna go up and bear my

testimony, but there was no room. At one point, there were about 10

people on the stand waiting to bear their testimonies! It was a good

meeting. For dinner, we ate at one of our investigators homes. The

Wade family.

   It's nice here! It's definitely a change, but I know this is where

I need to be. The scriptures bring so much comfort in guidance! In

Alma 31:5 it talks about how the scriptures have such a powerful

effect to lead us to do that which is good. And it's true! The

scriptures will help us in all aspects of our lives and draw us closer

to God and Jesus Christ. I know that they are true and that studying

them with real intent and then acting upon the things they teach will

bring true joy.

Have a wonderful week!

With Love,

Elder Rogers

MTC Fun!

Hey Everyone!

   Second week in the MTC was great! And now that I'm getting used to

it, it's time to head to Virginia! We leave on Wednesday Morning! I

can't wait! Nothin too crazy or extravagant happened this week. We

basically just had classes each day and learned a bunch! During gym

time on Saturday I was able to play some beach volleyball! That was

pretty great! I've been trying not to be too intense in any sports

during gym time, because last week some Elders sprained their ankles a

few days before going to the mission field!

   Life's been good here! Last night we had a devotional that was

about the importance of keeping a study journal. I never thought that

would be so important, but it is. If we write down the promptings and

revelation we receive from the Spirit, we will be more likely to act

upon those things. We will be more aware of the promptings we receive,

and we will grow closer to God. Another thing I learned is the

importance of Faith. Faith leads to action, and righteous action

brings us closer to Christ. This gospel is true and I love it!

   Next week, I'll be writing from Virginia!! Until then, have a great

week everyone!

With Love,

Elder Rogers