January 26. 2010

Hello.
I'm sure you're wondering who this is from. What's up with the email address. lol. Not really, 'cause it's not hard to figure out. My email is WAYYY to obvious, but I didn't pick it this time. They just assign it. . . Anywho, it's your favorite missionary in the AZ Mesa mission! And we FINALLY got rid of MyLDSmail!!!! Yay!!!! Gmail is sooooooooooooooooooo much better. I can even format the text! (Yeah, that was overboard, but I'm excited. ) So anyway, this is my new email address. The old email should forward to this one, but just in case it would be better to update your address books.

So this week has been pretty good. Something REALLY crazy happened. This liquid stuff was falling from the sky! I don't know what on earth it was, but the clouds (I think that's what you call those fluffy things that pop up in the sky from time to time) were dark and wet, clear stuff was falling from them. It reminded my of the joke: "A man once prayed 'Father, please send us some rain. Not for me, because I saw rain once. But for my 15 year old son, 'cause he's never seen rain.'" Something like that.

We got tons of rain, it was awesome. Except when we had to bike in it-- which was all last week. We got soaking wet. I don't know how much more my black suit can handle. :-p And yeah, like the news there said, there was some crazy wind, but over all it was no different than the storms I remember back home.

So, other than that, we found a new family of five or so to teach this week. That was pretty exciting. I haven't taught them yet, as elder Dursteler and I were on exchanges at the time, but I'm excited about it. We also found two other individuals to teach this last week, so that was really good. Blessings for going out in the rain, no doubt.

The people that we found last week are really great, too. We taught Robin and Serena lesson one, which is the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and they liked it a lot. When the lesson was over, Serena said that it was really nice, but she really wanted to know how she could serve in the church. They are more concerned about what they can give than what they can get. Wow. I've never had an investigator like that. they also read 3 Nephi 11 (the reading suggestion that we left them) several times. Robin really loved reading another account of Christ visiting his people and teaching them. It was a really neat thing to see the excitement and enthusiasm they have.

We have three baptisms scheduled for February 6th, one of them is a definite, two are kinda if-y at this point. We'll see what happens. I've noticed that these wards aren't as enthusiastic about missionary work as my last area. I'm not entirely sure why that is, but I'm trying to think of ways we can get people-- especially the ward leaders-- more excited about the work. There really is a lot going on. It's a great area.

Anyway, I don't have a whole lot of time.
I love you all and hope all is going well.
Elder Jason Mace

January 19, 2010

Hey family!
How's life going? Good I hope. I got like 50 emails this week! :-) How exciting! I don't have a whole lot of time today, because one of the emails that I got was a letter informing me that it is time to start getting ready to switch over to the Gmail version of MyLDSmail. YAY!!! The actual switch will happen next P-Day (I may get a new email address, but it will forward this email address to the new one if I do). For now, I just have to make sure all the info is correct and my accounts ready to be moved.
DAD IS THE WARD MISSION LEADER?!
"The most important callings in the ward are:
1st Bishop,
2nd Ward Clerk,
3rd Ward Mission Leader."
Guess who said that? Only Elder L. Tom Perry of the 12 apostles. :-) so no pressure.

The best ward mission leader I've ever had was Matt, in the singles ward in Mesa last year. The reason I like him so much was because, if we didn't call him and ask for him at least once during the week, he would call us and ask us to please let him help. He really wanted to do everything he could to make sure our needs were covered.
The best organization I've had is where, in Ward Coorilation (spelling?) all the ward missionaries are there, someone from every auxilary (RS, EQ, HPQ, Primary, etc.) is there and assignments are made for members to go with missionaries to appointments.
Anyway, I'm excited for you!

So, we had a few interesting things happen this last week. All of our baptisms got pushed back to Feb 6th. Sister Tsosie missed her interview (she was sick) so we pushed hers back, Bervena we haven't met with enough, and Russel had a family thing come up. lol. In just two days, all of our dates got moved to Feb 6th. They are all still on track, though.
In the past week we have found two REALLY amazing people that are searching for truth. There are so many places that offer some good things and some truth and really help people to find God, but they don't have everything we need as children of God.
Robin and Serena felt that way. They had friends that were members, and so they were curious. They searched online and found Mormon.org and started looking at what we believe in. They liked what they found, and had more questions, so they did more searching and found LDS.org. They finally referred themselves on mormon.org and we came by. They said they now understand what we do and who we are, but they are confused about WHY we are the way we are. We didn't have much time, but I tried to explain in 30 seconds what the Plan of Salvation is, and how it changes our outlook on life. (Speaking of, I've been studying the Plan of Salvation, and about how we lived with God before we came to earth, and I really like Titus 1:2 in the new testament. I think it says everything.) They are an amazing family.
The gospel changes lives. You can't hear it's message and not be changed one way or the other. The message of the restoration brings the gospel into people's lives like no other thing on earth can. With Elder Callister and Elder Holland in the last conference, I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that the Book of Mormon is true. I love you all and hope everything goes well for you this week.Oh, and I guess welcome Rebecca. :-) I asume that's the same one that wrote me from DearElder.com?

Oh, I forgot. Here is a funny story for you.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE Holy Ghost! That's the moral of the story, lol.
We were teaching a guy named Josh. Elder Dursteler had been teaching him for a while, and this was my 2nd time teaching him. We talked about what we needed to do for him, and we decided we should set a baptismal date. So we start to teach the plan of salvation. The lesson is going alright-- not the best lesson I've taught, but it's going okay-- and we start talking about the Atonement of Christ and how that can overcome our sins if we believe in Christ, repent, are baptized, and live His commandments. The spirit was there, and so I felt like I should set the baptismal date. Often times, inviting someone to be baptized can be a shocker for them. "You want me to do what?" So I like to ease into it. Sometimes I ask something like "Have you ever been baptized before?" If yes, "How did you feel?" (They usually say good, and I explain that that is God's way of telling us we did something right. To keep those good feelings, they need to be baptized by the proper authority.) So, with Josh, I had an impression I needed to start by asking if he had been baptized before. But I thought, "nah, I'll just invite him. It'll be fine." I gave him my testimony of the atonement and baptism, promised him the blessings that come from it, and asked if he would be baptized. . . . He looked shocked. "I'm already a member, I thought you knew that. I just haven't come in a while." WHAT?! lol. My companion afterward said "Oh, yeah. I do remember him telling me that." :-P How do you forget that?! lol. Oh well, that's now straightened out. lol.
Oh, and Joe finally sent a letter! YAY! Tell him thank you for me.
Love you all,
Jason

January 12, 2010

ok, so I thought I would put in part of our "chatting" emails so you could see just how much fun we have weekly with our missionary....


Hello family!
It sounds like everyone's had a good week. And by the way, I always did like Alexandra! :-D Does Elisha like Joe? (Before 'lisha answers, make sure he knows that it will affect our buddy status :-P Just joking.)
No, we aren't allowed to get onto other websites. I didn't know there even was a site or blog (or whatever it is) for the Mesa Mission. That's great! I'll have to check it out when I get home. I'm sure you already bookmarked it, but it you didn't, please do.
Our week here was pretty good. We set some baptismal dates this week, which is always very exciting. Setting dates it always so different, depending on where you are. In Apache Junction people always say yes, but in a "sure we can maybe TRY to shoot for that." Here people are a little more reluctant to set a date because they are a little more serious about it-- or so it seems to me. The two people we committed this week were both nervous about being able to acheive the date. Which, to me, is actually a really good sign. We just had to reassure both of them that they could do it.
The first was really neat. His name is Russell. His son and daughter in law are converts to the church, and for years they talked to him about the church, and for years he wanted nothing to do with it. Finally he came to live with them, and he began to go to church with them. I was in High Preist Group meeting (yeah, I know. . . . long story) and his son in law said "Elder, when are you going to come by and teach my dad? He wants to get baptized." I thought he was joking. That never happens. So I smiled. But he didn't. I realized he was being serious. After the class was over, I ran over and set up an appointment. Russell confirmed that he did in fact want to eventually get baptized after he had learned more about the church. We went over Thursday night and taught him about the restoration, and I extended a baptism date for the January 30th, 2010. I'm sure it shocked everyone there-- a date on the first lesson-- but if I ever met a prepared person, this was one. He was hesitant and said he wasn't sure he could learn everything in time. We explained that that wasn't what was important. He had the desire, and this was a goal we could help him acheive. He accepted the date and tonight we are going over to his house to calander out the date with him.
The second date was with Bervina (Bur-Vee-Nah). She has gone through a rough time financially and emotionally this past week. The bishop and the Releif society president were very helpful in helping her get things worked out. We taught her about the plan of salvation, from living with God before we came to earth (See Titus 1:1-2, it's one of my favorites) to coming to earth, to the atonement of Jesus Christ. It was a good lesson-- aside from the kids running around and yelling, lol-- and after teaching about Christ we extended a baptismal date for January 30th. She gave the same humble reaction that Russell gave-- she didn't know if she would be ready in time. We again assured her that she could be, that we knew she could be, and she accepted.
I really love the people in this area. Many have a sincere desire to follow Christ, and they humbly try to do what's right. We've seen a lot of miracles. Our next baptism is scheduled for the 23rd of January-- if Juanita quits drinking coffee. I have faith she did. :-)
So things are going well here. I'm really excited about the work. We are struggling a little bit with finding new people to teach, but we will get that going better when I figure out the area better. I still have no idea what's what here. . . . I really don't like trying to learn new areas. Hopefully I'll be here for a while.
That's the quick update on things here in Mesa, Arizona.
Love you Dad,
Love you Mom,
Love you Kassie,
Love you Kellie,
Love you Kaydee,
Lo... lo... love (got it out) you Alex,
Your favorite son/brother/missionary (I hope-- the last one might not be true, lol)--Jason

and now from Kaydee.....
hey jas!
i just read the first part of your letter, and to answer if lisha likes joe.... he just threw up everywhere when joe was watching him ;)I'm gonna go finish reading your letter now -your REAL fave sis!(the one who refuses to get married or have babies while you're gone :D)

Jason's reply....
lol. YAY 'LISHA!!! I always liked him. :-) And my little sister who doesn't break promises like other sisters do, lol.
But really, though, how's Joe? Is he pretty cool? Is he really as thin as he is in the picture? (lol)
(note: this would be the wanted poster that was posted earlier)

And now from dad...
That is very cool about Russel... Sooo what were you doing in High Priests, get a promotion, I didn't know about?

And Jason's reply....
Yup, I'm now the HP Group leader. lol. No, I had to go with the WML, cause my comp and I were on exchanges. We have two wards that meet at the same time.

And from Joe.... (the futur brother in law)
Hello this is Joe, and yes I am as handsome and good looking as my picture depicts.

And of course, Jason's reply....
Alma 13:13
which says... "and now my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God...."

I've gotta go in just a second, my time is almost up.
--Jason

**** Yes, so this is why we look forward to our weekly emails from Jason. You gotta love him!

From Jason's mission President's blog

I was just glancing through some blogs, and didn't even know this blogspot from his mission president was out there. On it, I found this letter from Jason's mission president and Jason. I hope they don't mind me sharing it. As a mom I cried as I read it and realized how much Jason is doing by following the spirit. He had told us of this story, but this posting tells it so much better.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Heavenly Father Will Let Us Know

In this post, I'll share a letter from one of our zone leaders. Note that in the beginning he says this story isn't a 'huge miracle'. I don't know if I agree with him on that point, and I think if we were to ask 'Daivd', he wouldn't think so either. There is more to the story than Elder Mace has shared, and more than he probably even knows. It involves the softening of someone's heart and an entirely different person receiving and acting on a prompting at the right time. (What does it mean to receive a prompting? Well that's a story for another time! I'll try and post some notes about that from one of our zone conferences.) The Bible Dictionary explains that miracles are manifestations of divine or spiritual power. Who else but God know our hearts and has the power to change them? And He certainly loves us enough to send others our way when we need them. Certainly, this story fits that category. Sometimes, as missionaries we see so many miracles, we don't realize just how big they are so we look harder than we need to in order to see the Hand of God. In some ways, I believe there's no such thing as a small miracle. Let's not be shy about sharing them and giving some credit when its due. Thanks, Elder Mace, for sharing this one with me!


Sister Bassett,
This isn't a huge miracle, but to me it was neat. I thought I would share this recent one with you.
I got an impression to stop by a former investigater's house this week. His name kept coming to my mind, and I had a distinct impression that I needed to visit him. His name is David. Elder Gomez and I taught David for a long time, and he was suppose to get baptized but didn't quit smoking cigars in time. So we pushed the baptismal date back a few weeks. Then Elder Page came, and David suddenly started avoiding us. He stopped coming to church; he wouldn't answer the door for us (even when we knew he was home), and he wouldn't even answer our phone calls. In fact, he wouldn't even answer any phone calls from his friends in the church. We finally stopped trying to go by and call him because it just wasn't working.
After a while, I forgot about David. But this week I strongly felt like we needed to go back and try him again. I didn't know why, because I figured he'd still just ignore us. But Elder Seaborn and I went. Something changed, because when we knocked on his door, he warmly welcomed us and invited us in. It turns out that he will be moving to Pheonix soon because of financial problems, so it's a good thing we caught him. We can teach him a few times, get his new address, and help him find the other missionaries in Phoenix.
It was a neat experience to me, because Heavenly Father knows when His children are prepared. And He'll let us know.

Thanks,
Elder Jason Mace

January 5, 2010

Hey!
The eagle stuff is there! :-) Yay!
I did get a package from the Hanks! I'm really behind on sending out thank you cards. . . . I still need to send you all stuff as well. . . . Nathan also sent me a card for Christmas. :-) Taylor's story sounds. . . interesting. Can't say Mesa is that exciting (luckily). Glad to hear he's alright. On the bright side, that's a great story to tell later on in life.
On new years eve we sang again at the Christmas lights for the closing night. It's wierd to think that I won't be here another Christmas. Anyway, we only practiced the music for a couple of hours, so it really is a miracle that it ended up sounding good. I was singing bass (. . . . that wasn't a joke. . . . okay, you can stop laughing now. . . . ) and we only ran through the bass part a couple times, so I had NO IDEA what was going on there. Luckily Elder Christensen was on one side of me, and Elder Grigg was on the other, and both new the bass part well so I could follow them. It was really good.
Afterward we had some food until nine o' clock, and then it was time to go home. So Elder Dursteler and I planned, opened some sparkling cider, and celebrated the new year at about 10:00. lol. Then we went to bed.
I set a really important goal for this transfer: no bike wrecks! I figured that would be a really good goal to shoot for. Sadly, I already failed there. My second day I tried to jump up onto a curb. I popped my front tire up just fine-- it was plenty high enough to get up on the curb. I just did it a little to soon. The tire was coming down and I got to the curb and BAM! I wiped out. By some miracle my suit didn't rip while I was sliding on the side walk. :-P You can't even tell.
We had a baptism this week for April and Dave. I don't know a whole lot about them since I just got here, but they're really cool. The baptism went really well, except that the font didn't fill up all the way, so they had to get baptized in shallow water. Not a problem, except that Dave is a tall guy. :-) The water only went up to about his knees. lol. But he finally did get under after three tries. Anyway, they are really excited about being baptized into the church of Jesus Christ.
The area has a lot of potential as well. I'm pretty excited about it. Most people here are humble and willing to listen. (at least they don't yell like people in Apache Junction). We've had some good things happen so far. We've found some great new people to teach, and I'm anxious to see how it goes.
Oh, and Elder Seaborn made the ginger bread tree for me. I had to leave it behind in Apache Junction when I got transferred. But he made it for me and gave it to the Zone Leader's here to give to me. :-)
I gotta go soon. Bye!
Love you all,
Jason