The Life of Jason...: February 3, 2009

Phone Calls from Arizona

This last weekend (June 19 & 20) we received two phone calls from Jason's mission. The first came on Saturday. It was from a ward mission leader in the Young Adult ward, where Jason served. He told us how much he truly enjoyed working with Elder Mace. He said that when Elder Mace first arrived in Mesa, he was a little worried as Elder Mace seemed really shy and he couldn't believe Jason had been out as long as he had. But he said, the more he got to know Jason, the more he learned that he really was not shy, but instead just gave all the credit to his companions. He told us that he knows of times when Elder Mace would come up with something, but instead of taking the credit would say, "Oh, it was nothing." Or, "Elder..... had the idea too". When Elder Mace's companion was transferred, that was when the Mesa ward really saw Elder Mace step up and take leadership. They were really pleased with his leadership skills and how he was an example to all.
Bro. Ross told us that Elder Mace was always thinking "outside the box". They were teaching one Young Adult who had known all the discussions inside and out, but because of a certain situation, was not able to be baptized. In most situations, the other missionaries would have just kept going over to visit. But Elder Mace and his companion decided to give him a "Preach my Gospel" book, and every week, this Young man would "teach the missionaries". Bro. Ross told us what a great learning experience it was for this young man.
He said there were other examples as well, of Elder Mace thinking "outside the box".
He told what a great testimony Elder Mace had and thanked us for raising such a fine young man. That he could tell that he came from a strong and loving family. He told us that we would be VERY proud of Jason! He also thanked us for allowing Jason to be there.
It was wonderful to hear such great things about our son. I informed him that Jason was called to be a district leader in Snow Flake and Bro. Ross said that Elder Mace never mentioned that. But said that did not surprise him, as Elder Mace never bragged about anything. He said that most Elders make announcements about their new callings and accomplishments, but never would Elder Mace.
The next day, Elder Mace's mission President called. Every year President Bassett calls the fathers of his missionaries to wish them a Happy Father's day. He does not think it is fair that only the mom's get phone calls for Mother's day. But because the missionaries are not able to call, he takes the time to call each family and give them a report on their missionary. We actually missed the phone call, but he left us a very nice message. He wished Rick a Happy Father's day, and told us what a wonderful son we had. And how well he was doing. That he was a dedicated missionary... I can't remember everything, but it was great to know that our son is out serving the Lord and doing everything he has been asked to do!

Christmas 2009 Phone call

Christmas Day we were able to Chat with Jason by phone for the 3rd time since he has been away on his mission. For those that don't know, missionaries are only allowed phone calls to immediate family twice a year. (Christmas Day and Mother's Day).
Jason sounded really happy and it was great to hear his voice. He told us that they had their baptism interview with Donaldo and he will be baptized when he returns from his trip. He has been really busy with the Christmas lights at the Mesa Temple and will find out Saturday if he will be transferred. If he is transferred to another area, transfer day will be on Tuesday.
We are so proud of Jason and the sacrifices he is making to serve our Father in Heaven and teach the people in Arizona about our Savior Jesus Christ. He truly loves the people in Arizona and I'm sure is a great example to them.
He had breakfast with a family in their ward and opened his gifts on Christmas Eve with another set of missionaries. We are excited that the time is going by quickly and look forward to Jason returning home the 1st of September!

Mother's Day Phone Call

This afternoon we got our Phone call from Elder Mace. I was in Idaho, with Kassie and Kellie, and Rick and KD were at home in Texas. So we conference called it.
Jason sounds really good. He told about a baptism that is scheduled for next Sunday. And another "Family of 4" baptism scheduled for the 24th. And a guy in his last area, (that was stabbed) is scheduled for baptism as well. He is REALLY excited about the baptisms. And loves seeing the people change their lives. The one baptism sheduled for next week, was originally set for the 24th, but the guy called them and said that he was afraid Satan would tempt him to much and so he wanted to show Satan and get baptized a week sooner. Phoenix area is very busy. He teaches 17 - 18 discussions a week. He is very tired, but loving the work.
He has learned some new missionary words such as everything is "Intense" and "Holy Bible".
He bore his testimony on Enos and the Atonement and thanked us for what we have done. (yes, I cried).
We are so proud of Jason. He's an excellant example to those he comes in contact with and has really grown in the gospel!

Jason definitely had to much time on his hands this week.

March 9, 2009 letter to Kellie & Alex

We missed chatting with Jason this week, but he did find out that Kassie is dating someone new. So he had to send this to Kellie and Alex. Maybe it might come in helpful for others...
Hello Kellie and Alex.
How are you? Good? Good. Except that we have a serious problem! I hear that You and Alex "approve" of this Joe guy. What?! Did you give him a written test cleverly designed to pull out his deep, dark past? Did you grill him for hours and hours until he finally broke down and cried? Did you give him dark glares during dinner? Be honest. I don't think you did. Before you "approve" please follow these simple (and proven) steps:
1. Invite him over (I guess you did that)
2. Don't say a word to him for a few minutes after he walks in just stare and see what he does.
3. sit down and grill him with probing questions. If you don't think he answered sufficiently, in a harsh tone ask him to answer the question again. Repeat as needed.
4. Have him sit in a dark room and take a written test
5. Repeat the verbal grilling
6. Sit in silence again for another few minutes
7. Take him to the police department for fingerprinting
8. Have him prepare a list of everyone he's ever met before in his life
9. Talk to everyone on the list (you can be nice to them)
10. Tell him you'll get back to him in 6 to 8 months
See? Now that makes more sense, doesn't it? I'm just joking. (But if you want to do that, I'm all for it). But he better turn out to be a good guy.
Love ya,
--Jason

Mesa, Arizona

Jason was transferred to Mesa, Arizona (Pueblo Zone) on December 16, 2008. He was very sad to leave his 1st area where he had grown to love his companion and the people in Scottsdale. In Mesa he was called to serve as the Senior Companion. There would be many changes made here. He would be in a new area, (a bike area at that), a new companion, and a week before Christmas. But he knew he would make the best of it.
We were able to talk to Jason for an hour on Christmas Day which was the best present we could have received. All the kids were home and thanks to cordless phones, we were all able to be on the phone at the same time to hear of his wonderful experiences. (some of which we have shared with you). It was great to hear his voice and hear how he has already grown. We are proud of Jason and look forward to hearing more of his experiences in Mesa!
*** On January 1st, the Mesa Mission was able to sing for the closing of the Chistmas light presentation at the Mesa Temple. A great experience for Jason to be a part of!

Scottsdale, Arizona

Jason's 1st area to serve was in Scottsdale Arizona. His companion 'Elder Williamson' was a hard worker and a great trainer. Jason loved Elder Williamson and they got along great. Jason has told us a couple stories I would like to share...
The first happened the 2nd day in the field. They had a baptism and while there the RS president came in and told the missionaries that there was a man in the parking lot looking for the missionaries. Jason looked at his companion knowing that sometimes missionaries like to play games.... His companion let him know it was not a trick and they almost ran to the parking lot where they found a man who was interested in taking the discussions! What a way to start a mission!

The 2nd story happened while tracting. Jason and Elder Williamson had been tracting for several hours with absolutely no luck! They really started getting frustrated. Jason said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to just let one person listen to them. The very next door, they got in. And the next and the next! Then, the next door it was Jason's door approach. A lady opened the door. Jason started with his normal door approach when all of sudden he saw a boy come around the corner and he was inspired to change the approach to Eternal families. They got in and taught the lady and her son.
That lady and her son then attended church. When the Sunday School teacher saw them walk in, he was inspired to change his lesson to eternal families. By the end of the lesson the lady was in tears..... (read the letter dated December 29th to hear the ending of the story).

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

February 3, 2009

Hi!
So, while I was with Elder Rowe I was praying really hard that I would get a really hard working, enthusiastic senior companion. Instead I got a really hard working waayyy enthusiastic greeny. :-P His name is Elder Christensen and he's from Washington State, about an hour north of Seattle. I like him a lot-- he's a really good guy. And it's nice to have a greeny with you because they seem to have all the luck. Waaaaaaayyyyyyy, waaaaaaaayyyyy, waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy back when I was a greeny ( a month ago), I had a lot of luck too. Elder Christensen is always like, "let's go talk to him" and the random person turns out to be interested. Go figure.
I've been surprised too, because I've been able to find my way around the area. I'm REALLY bad with directions, so that was probably my biggest concern about training-- not knowing how to get anywhere. But-- and I kid you not-- I'll be biking and just get a feeling that I need to turn here or there. And I somehow make it everywhere. Wow! ....

Oh yeah... And I was on exchanges with the Kingsborough Park Ward Mission Leader on super bowl sunday night, and we knocked on one door and the people inside were all excited because the Card's were winning with only two minutes left. Then we knocked on the next door and the people were almost crying 'cause the card's lost....

Anyway, it's been a pretty good week. --Jason

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