Virginia Chesapeake Mission

Virginia Chesapeake Mission

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

"Let Us Help You Move!"

Hello Everyone!

This week flew by! We've been staying busy here. On Monday we had a Zone Preparation day, so that was fun! And everything is lining up for the baptism on Saturday. They have both been interviewed. Their dad is a recent-convert of about 6 months, and he's going to baptize them! We're excited!

We were at an appointment that fell through on Saturday and a man was walking past us, so we started talking to him and sharing the gospel with him. He told us he was about to go help someone move and he didn't have time. So we asked if we could help and he let us! There were a bunch of people at the house already, but we got to help move tables and couches onto the U-Haul. It was great! Haha most of the time people won't let us help like that.

During my personal studies recently it has occurred to me the great importance of both 'heart' and 'mind'. And now both of those words (But especially heart) have been sticking out to me everywhere that I read in the scriptures. We learn from D&C 8:2 that " [God] will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." So those are the two places the Spirit speaks to us. As I pondered this, I realized how important it is to purify our hearts and cleanse our minds. It's is so important! I know that as we do, we will be more aware of God's influence. He will more easily guide our paths and give us direction. I know He truly loves us and is always reaching out to us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you! Have a wonderful week!

With Love,
Elder Rogers



Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Darkness Dispersed

Hello Everyone!

This week was wonderful! On Wednesday, we had a mission leadership meeting where we learned more of the power of prayer and felt the Spirit in great abundance. On Thursday, we taught one of our investigators a lesson on following the Prophet. That was a great experience. Friday came, and we had Zone Meeting! Our mission president and his wife were there, so we were a little nervous, but the meeting went quite well. A few hours later, we had interviews with President Baker. He is such a wonderful man. Interviews were fantastic and I learned a lot!

General Conference was also just inspiring! I was filled with the Spirit of God as His servants addressed us this weekend. What a blessing! There's also a scripture that I really love about heeding the prophet's counsel in the Doctrine and Covenants. It's section 21 verses 5 and 6. It reads, " 5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. 6 For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory." I know that the promise given here is true. As we receive the prophet's words, the powers of darkness will disperse. Light will enter our lives. We will come to know Our Father and His Son. (John 17:3) I know they live. I know they love us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you all! Have a splendid week!

With Love,
Elder Rogers





Miracles

Hello Everyone!

This week was absolutely miraculous!! The biggest miracle happened near the end of the week. I believe it was two Thursdays ago that Elder Davis and I set a goal to have a baptism on April 23rd. Last week we began teaching a 9 year old son of a recent convert. He is so smart! I haven't taught young kids too many times, but some of the answers they give are better than most of the people we teach! But anyway, this last Saturday we were going to set a baptismal date of April 30th because we thought that would be about as soon as it could happen. That didn't work for the dad, so we thought that we could do it sometime in May, but the father suggested that we do it on the 23rd! It's quick, but the ward pulled together and the baptism is practically already planned! It has been absolutely miraculous!

Yesterday we went to visit a less-active member we had never met before. She let us teach her and her teenage son. We taught and testified of the Restoration. It was apparent that they had once been very strong in the church. She said the closing prayer and it was so powerful. One of the most sincere prayers I've ever heard, and she expressed a desire to come back to the church. The Spirit was quite present, and we left feeling so good.

This week we were blessed so much by the Lord. There were many hard days, but as we pressed forward, we saw miracles. Moroni said it well in Ether 12:6. "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." I know that life can get difficult, but as we press forward with faith in Christ, miracles will come to pass. He knows us perfectly and wants what is best for us. With Christ, we can always have hope.

With Love,
Elder Rogers