OH!! That was GOOD!! 06/15/15

Every baptism is speacial, but Dominick's was something else. His whole family came, including his Apostolic aunt, grand mother, and great GREAT grandmother. I was just waiting for a "HALLELUJAH!" to come out of the back row haha They have been waiting many years for this day, and were so excited to see it come to pass. They told us that if we could baptize him, we could baptize any one! I think the most excited one of them all was Dominick... He is usually a way quiet and reserved guy, but as he came up out of the water he shouted, "OHHH!! THAT was GOOD!" We all couldn't help but laugh. That smile of his for the rest of the service was so beautiful! Love this guy!! 

The week itself can be summed up in what went down yesterday. Dominick was confirmed, which was awesome, and Sarah and Janell came to church. Both of there dates for baptism were pushed back, but both are still way excited. Now I come to Sarah. We picked up her daughter Tiffany as a new investigator, and she had some incredible questions. They say that you are sent on a mission to your area because there was someone there that only you could touch. I am usually not a fan of that philosophy, since I sincerely believe God could do it without me, but the night of that lesson, something they said changed all that. The said the feel a special connection with me that they can't explain, and I responded that I could promise that it wasn't me, to which she said, "Doubt it. God is great and I feel you were hear for a reason deeper than you know. When you talk, we feel God strong." I don't think I can possibly receive a better compliment than that. I remember opening my mission call, and thinking "Seriously?", but I thank my God daily that I was called to serve in the Michigan Lansing Mission. There is nothing like being told by an investigator that you were called to an area to find them. 

Sarah Quote of the week:

"I have been watching the funeral of Elder L. Tom Perry (1st off, what investigator does that? haha ). Pretty deep... I can feel the love and the spirit so deeply... I honestly feel that being a Mormon is the way to go! Never felt this way. I have a lot going on lately. Almost didn't go to church, but the Holy Spirit said I must go, and I did. He talked to me through church today." There are no words. 

Janell is still way solid. We had a small anti scare, but she breezed through it. She came to church and out of the blue texted us afterwords saying "Church was great!" She wants to slow things down, but for a good reason. She came to Dominicks baptism and loved it. I look forward to her continued progression and conversion. 

Over the last few weeks, I have had the wonderful opportunity to give multiple blessings, and I wanted to share a couple of the experiences. We administered to a Sister Ware, a less active in the ward who has been plagued with infection, dementia, and addiction, and has been in the hosptial for 5 weeks without many visitors. The sister missionaries preceded the blessing with a beautiful spiritual thought on the Faith to be healed. While giving the blessing however, I felt strongly that I was not to promise healing. Rather I felt to comfort her with the knowledge of her near future freedom from this body and her forthcoming glorified body awaiting at the resurrection. The sisters were very surprised at the blessing, but notified us yesterday that she will probably pass away this week. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Saturday we were called to administer to a new born baby, who had air pockets in both lungs, and had contracted pneumonia, and was in the Neonatal ICU. It was a very sacred experience, in which I did feel impressed to promise healing, and yesterday we recieved word that the blessing worked, and the child was doing great. 

We don't do it enough as men, but I wanted to express my gratitude from the priesthood, and for our Heavenly Fathers incredible trust in giving it unto men. I know that it is real and was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

I really hope my joy in the work does not carry me away unto boasting, for I know that the Lord can do all of this and much much more without me. I am just so thankful and overjoyed that he has chosen to do this portion of the work through me. 

Love you all!

Elder Wheat

Dominick Lassiter Everybody!

6/8/15

I never thought I would have said it 5 months ago, but I love being a zone leader. The love I feel for the missionaries under my stewardship causes much anxiety to my heart, but I strangely love the feeling. I pray that every missionary could learn to love their mission. I pray that every missionary will feel joy and satisfaction in there work. What could I do to help them love what they do, and do it with diligence. Much of my thoughts this week have been spent on how to help the missionaries in my zone. Most of them are doing wonderfully, but there are a few who are very discouraged, and that hurts me. I have been anxious about converts, missionaries, and investigators to the breaking point this week, but I trust that they are in the Lords hands. I just have to trust that he will take care of them. Notwithstanding all these things, I will do what I can cheerfully and leave the rest to the Lord.

Let me tell you about Sarah! If there is anything I am sure of its that the adversary is real. That being said, we have power to overcome. She is being hit hard from everyside and is frustrated that she isn't changing as fast as she wants to. Her family is hard on her for the decisions she is making but she is not letting it stop her. Her significant other is not as enthused as she is, so the marraige has been pushed back, as well as the baptism, but she is just as on fire as ever. In one of our lessons, she needed to vent about everything going on, and we read Mosiah 4:27 with her which reads, "See that all these things are done in wisdom and order, for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize." After the lesson she posted on facebook:

"Had a meeting earlier with some very awesome people ,, I swear you two have something real special . I. Am ever so thankful you have entered my life ... The script you read to. Me has set in.. I keep hearing those words of not running a marathon just sprint ..." Gotta love it :)

This week she brought 3 of her daughters to church, 1 of whom is her 20 year old daughter Tiffany. She was previously against the church totally but now she is very interested. She felt a little lost at church but must have loved the feeling. Last night she told her mom "Ma what if the real reason they came into our life is to bring me to God? For me to believe in God because I have soooo many questions and always have." I swear we did no missionary work on her!! It was all Sarah! We should be picking her up this week as a new investigator :) 

I think I am just going to start a quote of the week from her haha this was my favorite from the week. She posted:

"Went to church then had a meeting with the Elders , they know how to make a person feel sure about themselves and comfortable ... I have made so many changes in my life but the best one is deciding to find the lord And incorporate him into my everyday life ... Amazing what prayer and reading scripts and going to church can do to your life ..."

Dominick will be getting baptized this weekend barring any tragedies. He is so awesome. He doesn't open up to much, so a lot of people are questioning his real intent, but he has such a heart of God. He texts us multiple times to make sure we have a way to get him to church and when he got out of a members car yesterday, he just says, "I am so excited for my baptism." Nuff said :)

Now, let me tell you about the biggest miracle of the week. We picked up a new investigator on Monday named Janell. She is turning 18 this week and just graduated High School last week. She got super into church last year, but became curious about other religions, so she requested herself twice on Mormon.org, because the first time we weren't fast enough. It was probably the best Restoration of my mission, and at the end we put a Book of Mormon in front of her and invited her to read and pray. She said, "I mean.. I'll do it, but I already know it's true... Is that weird?" We asked her how she knew and she put her hand on her chest and said, "When you put the Book in front of me, I just had this feeling that gave me chills, and I know it's truth." Ummm... What? She will be baptized on June 27, and here's the kicker. She asked how the missionary thing worked, and we told her that young women go at 19, and she said, "You mean I have to wait a whole year???" Yea... never in a million years did I think I would commit someone to serve a mission in the first lesson. I love her!!!

You know.. as I read through these emails, I realize that people who read them must think I am insane. I may sound happy and full of joy all the time in my emails, but I must say that missionary work is crazy difficult. Between sending these emails, there is a lot of sweat and tears shed. There are heartbreaks and stressors everyday. It is the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I am thankful that the Lord blessed me to get excited about little things, like a post on facebook from an investigator. No one may feel or see the significance of these small moments, but they mean everything to me. They carry me from day to day. I love the little things, and I am so grateful the Lord helps me see them.

6/1/15

Well... I have the impossible privilege of writing about my week. The night before Elder Jeppson gave me a blessing in which he prophesied that the Lord was allowing the adversary to work on me to prepare me for the great work that was about to take place in Lansing. Let me tell you about how that is coming to fruition.

Now... So much has happened in Sarah's progression, that I cant really tell you the whole story, so I just want to quote some messages she sent us this week.

Her significant other was just rushed to the hospital where he almost died. She spent all night there, but the next day sent us a text saying, "I wanted to say with everything going on in my life lately I wanted you to know I made time to read a chapter from the Book of Mormon. I enjoyed it... You have no clue but you guys may have saved my life. I'm being honest." Her family has expressed opposition at first, but her previously anti-religion mom is now reading the Book of Mormon and is coming to church when she comes to visit. Her mom was so excited she already picked out a dress. Her daughters come with her every week and her son expressed that he would like to come too. 

She isn't married to the man she is living with, and we haven't taught the law of chastity, and so we wanted to try something. Our commitment to her was going to be to have her pray and ask God one thing she can do to help her prepare for baptism, hoping the spirit would teach her the commandment first. The problem was, before we could extend the commitment, she wrote us saying, "I have another question after everything me and " well my spouse " has been proven our love for each other I want to know after I get baptized I want to take the next step to get married ..how and what do I do ?? Or do you know ??" We talked about it in our next lesson and an hour later we got a text from her saying, "My husband said he wants to go ahead and get married... I told him what you guys said and he said lets do it." I swear we are not doing a single thing... I am first hand watching the Lord change a life, and it is spectacular to watch. No word can express, nor tongue explain how she is progressing and how it feels to witness. My testimony has been so strengthened by her. A few minutes ago, she wrote to me, "I ended up reading to chapter 9 last night could not put it down .. I wanted to read father but my eyes started feeling so heavy ... Hahaha" I love my mission!!!!

Dominick isn't far behind. We moved his date back to June 13, which we all feel good about, but he is so excited about the gospel!! I can't even begin to write about everything that has gone on this week. I haven't even written about our miracle new investigator named Corey. Hopefully I can next week when I have more time. Until then, I want to bear you my testimony that this is the Lords work. I feel like I am not doing a single thing to move it forward, but the Lord is showering his blessings. I love my converts and soon to be converts more than anything in this world. I love you all and thank you for your prayers!!

Elder Wheat

That awkward moment when you photo bomb your companions epic nature shot.

Check out this toast Elder Alley made me! What a guy!

5/26/15

Well.... What to say about this week. 

There has been a lot on my mind lately, and we have done much, but I will give you the update on our awesome investigators!!

Sarah is such a rockstar. She came accross anti-Mormon articles online and had some concerns and questions about it, but she said that she felt a voice tell her to stop looking at it, and trust what she had felt before. She reads, and has been studying this out like no ones business. Her family has been very surprised at this, and even made fun of her, but now things are changing. 3 of her kids came to church and participated in "Singing Time" during primary, (which was adorable) and her mom is now reading the Book of Mormon! She is quite the missionary already!! We asked her how she liked church yesterday, and she said, "There were a ton of deep messages.. It felt like they were talking to me." I love the Holy Ghost. If the speaker speaks and the hearer listens by the power of the Holy Ghost, all will receive a prophetic epistle directly for them. She is progressing so well!!

Dominick is being changed more and more every time we go over there. He readily accepts living commandments that he had not been keeping previously, and I wish I could record his prayers. Last time as he was praying, he paused, and said, "I love you. I love the missionaries. I love the church. Thank you for bringing me to the Mormons." Gotta love that guy!! His date is still June 6, and I cannot wait!! 

Sorry this is so short, but I love you all and I love the work!!

Elder Wheat

Michael is Baptized!!!!!! 5/18/15

Alma 31:38: And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.  

I never fully understood what it felt like to have sorrow swallowed up in the joy of Christ until this week. Sadly, Breana and Jerry were not able to be baptized this week, along with some other sad news from this week, but I want to tell you about all the things that ironically made this week one of the happiest of my mission. 

Dominick is a walking miracle. He had some Word of Wisdom struggles, so that is what we taught him this week. As we shared the 5 things we are to not put in our bodies (alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, illegal drugs, and other harmful and addictive substances), he put his head down and said, "Really? You mean I have to give all that up? Even tea?" We asked him why God would not want us to use these things, and he basically taught himself. At the end of the lesson, he prayed and said, "The missionaries taught me about these 5 things, and 4 of them I can just forget about, but drinking. You know thats something that I enjoy, but I am going to give it up. For you, and so that I can have the holy ghost." He came to us at church on Sunday and reported that he went to a party the night before, but didn't drink or anything like unto it. So proud of him!! We received a challenge as a ward from the bishop to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. He gave us a hand out to check our progress, and when Dominick got it, he looked at us and said, "I'm gonna do it in a month!" During the lesson, he asked for a pen, and began circling days to act as bench marks, and on the bottom, wrote, "I will be done in three weeks." His progression over the last 6 weeks is unreal!!

Friday was a crazy day. T-calls are in and we are staying together! Hallelujah! But we picked up 3 awesome investigators named Logan (kid with the awesome dreads from a few weeks ago), Marquell, and Sarah. Marquell is in his 30s and is the roommate of a recent convert from the singles ward. Its been a few weeks in the making to meet with him, but we finally got to. It was an unusual first lesson, but that guy is sharp. His answers and insights are remarkable. We gave him Alma 32 as a reading assignment before our next visit, and he began to read right there. He read the whole thing in about a minute and a half, then explained it all to us, and said "its all true." We asked what it would mean to him if everything we taught him was true and he paused, chuckled, and said, "You know its funny you ask that..." thought for a second and said, "It would mean everything. I feel so calloused after everything that has happened the last few years, and I would finally be excited about something again." It was an awesome lesson and we can't wait to keep teaching. 

Sarah is an awesome story. She is the mother of 7 who grew up in a rough home. She grew up going to church with her Grandma and has always had a very sensitive spiritual side, but became overwhelmed by the number of Christian churches and ended up confused about the truth (Sound familiar?), so she stopped going. She was praying for guidance, and the very next day, we came to her door. We taught her about the restoration of the gospel on her front porch, and before we explained the Joseph Smith story, we invited her to focus on how she felt. Listening her describe how she felt as she struggled to find the words was a more eloquent description than anything I could have come up with. Ultimately, she said multiple times, "I just can't describe it." I have told that story hundreds of times, but I never lose that feeling she had. I know that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. She came to church and had an awesome experience. Afterwards, she texted us, saying "So hi! I just downloaded an app that was suggested by a sister called Gospel Library. I was wondering do you have any good suggestions for me to read?" After a few texts back and forth, all we could say was "You're the greatest!" to which she replied, "Well I would not say that haha but with all of your help I will be a much better Sarah." I love the penitent people of this world. She reminds me so much of Amber from Houghton Lake so much. I swear she's already a member.

Lastly, the best experience of the week. Michael was baptized. Such a sweet experience, he was literally bouncing up and down with excitement. Its funny. At the beginning of the teaching process, I wasn't sure if he was ready for the Gospel, but he has become family to me. We all got to go to Red Robin after (My favorite) and spend some time with his extended family who came and it was a wonderful experience. He asked me to perform his confirmation, which is a huge honor to me. He is a special young man, and my soul loves him.

The words I write do not adequately describe nor convey the feelings associated with these experiences or the love I have for these people. Its something only a missionary can feel. I thank God everyday for my mission, but I find myself never being able to express enough gratitude for all he has done for me. The only way to truly do so is by the way that I serve.

Elder Wheat

Michael's Baptism

Loving life in the mini van #zonesoccermoms

Celebrating another transfer together with a mirror viking/hipster/celebratory brownies selfie

Makes Me Want to be a Mormon 5/11/15

I love my family. Getting to see them yesterday was one of the highlights of my mission, even if it was over a computer. Its amazing how so much has changed, yet nothing has changed. Mom is still as excited and happy as ever, Dad is still cracking jokes and saying "Now that was funny" at the end, Heidi and Kevin were making weird faces at me, and Stevo is still I far better man than I am. We talk and laugh as if I never left. I love my family so much :)

Watching the Lord work in the lives of my investigators is an amazing thing, and it never gets old. To see them change, and to watch their countenance light up with the Holy Ghost over the course of a few short weeks or months is special. I want to quickly update you on the progress of some of our investigators.

Dominick continues to come and love church. He is a 6'2 black guy with the build of an offensive lineman, with the SWEETEST afro you have ever seen. He committed to be baptized our of "curiosity," but hoping to deepen his commitment, we taught on the covenant of baptism and gave ourselves to a lot of prayer. The way he now understands the covenant is really cool. He finds the promises we make to God to actually be the blessings God gives to us. He said, "You mean if I do the little things like read and pray and come to church, I get to have eternal life, comfort those who stand in need of comfort (His personal favorite) and be a witness for God?!" Such a cool lesson haha Love that guy. We had a ward party and watched "Meet the Mormons," and afterwards we asked him how he liked it. He said, "It was.... Interesting." "What do you mean by interesting" we asked. He replied, "It makes me want to be a Mormon." Elder Alley looked at each other like, "AHHHHHHHHHH" haha. What a guy. Love him to death.

Michael also is doing soooo well. We finished his lessons this week and said, "You know Michael, you could get baptized next week if you want to." He was way excited about that and we moved his date to Saturday. So happy for him. We went over the interview questions and he passed with flying colors. He is so much happier now when we first met. Elder Alley and I have sweet handshakes with him now, so now we are on that level of progression. 

Lastly, Breana and Jerry. We sadly had to hand them off to the neighboring area, but they are so excited for this weekends baptism. There may be some complications, but the Lord will smooth them out. We had one final lesson with them, and the sweetest spirit was there. Since taking the lessons, they have not only grown closer to God, but closer to each other. I wish you all could have heard, seen, and felt their testimonies at the close of that meeting. It will be an experience I won't forget. 

During the opening prayer in that lesson, I had a cool moment. I opened my eyes, and looked at my name tag, and began to flash back to all the times I had gone out with the missionaries before my mission, and how I longed to be one of them. I then had a small realization. I am one of them. This is my mission. These are my investigators. I am what I have dreamed of being since I was 8 years old walking around with my "Future Missionary" name badge. How can I not be happy? Sometimes, we get so caught up with the pain and the stress of life that we get tunnel vision. We focus on the narrow perspective we have without opening our eyes to see where we are. The Lord will take care of those who serve him. There is no reason to be a micromanager in the work of the Lord, for no matter how much we do, it wouldn't be enough... without a Savior. His grace and atonement transcend not only our sins, but our everyday burdens. I see it everyday in my work. The load of being a zone leader for 36 missionaries, carrying a full proselyting load in a large city, and the personal problems and weakness we have, have been overwhelming at times, but somehow it all works. The zone is successful, the work moves forward, and I have energy sufficient for the day by some miracle far outside my own capacity. When you do your best, the Lord makes everything work, if not immediately, then over the time. May we all then broaden our vision, and we will see not only how far we have come, but the Lord's hand in our getting there. 

Elder Wheat

5/4/15

I don't think I have ever been this tired in my entire life. I remember before my mission, I used to think how wonderfully relaxing my mission was going to be, because I wouldn't have to worry about papers, or work, or relationships, just the Lord and his work. Well I was totally wrong. This has been the most mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausting experience of my life, and it seemed to all come to a head this week. I wake up feeling like I got hit by a truck, study, then go to work. I sit down for a second, then go to the Lord for strength, only to fall asleep on my knees. But I have to say that I have felt the enabling power of the atonement of Christ lift me to a higher state. He strengthens me until the task is complete, then allows me to sleep on and take my rest. Blessed be the name of the Lord. 

So as far as miracles this week, here is a few.

Like I said before, we don't use our cars on Saturdays, which is a good opportunity for us to walk around and talk to everyone we see. This last Saturday, we walked by a man working in the yard, and I called out to him, without a response so we continued walking. After a few steps, Elder Alley stopped and said, "We need to go back." We did and asked him "If you could ask God one question, what would it be?" He replied "How can I be a better follower of Christ?" What ensued was a two hour conversation about the restoration, and while he still wasn't fully on board, I know the Lord sent us back to him. We will see where it goes.

Breana and Jerry are progressing SO WELL!! We unfortunately have to hand them off to the Neighboring area, but to see the light that has come into their eyes and the healing that has occurred in both of their lives has been a special thing. Breana got up to bear her testimony yesterday and said, "We have been putting this off for a long time, but it's time to get this taken care of. We are so excited to be getting baptized." Oh man :) So cool. I cannot wait for their baptism in 2 weeks. 

On Sunday, we were sitting in church when Sister Reed walked over and brought a family to sit next to us. The mom has come before, but this time she brought her sons. Her 22 year old son Logan (Who has the sickest dread locks ever) stayed with us for the day, and really liked Church. We are hoping to start teaching him pretty soon, but pray for this family. I can see them in white already. Sister Reed reminds me a lot of my mom and dad. Always about sharing the gospel, and always bringing people to church. I love having someone just like my mom in the ward. :) 

You know, I feel like my whole mission has been a steady stream of undeserved and unearned blessings. The stories I tell in my emails may not seem like all that much, but that is because words don't fully describe the experience and feelings you have as a missionary. I am sad to say that I feel I am taking these blessings for granted. They have come so freely and so often, that I sometimes see them as common place, while missionaries pray for even one experience like the one's I have had or one investigator like the ones I have taught. I am thankful for what the Lord has allotted me. I am thankful for my mission. 

Today in my studies, I came across a story in Helaman 7 where a missionary named Nephi cries out in discouragement, "Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when my father Nephi first came out of the land of Jerusalem, that I could have joyed with him in the promised land; then were his people easy to be entreated, firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity; and they were quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord— Yea, if my days could have been in those days, then would my soul have had joy in the righteousness of my brethren." His frustration because of his lack of success lead him to say, "I wish I had his mission, because he had it easy. I wish I could go back to that time in my life when things were good. Then I could be happy." For a time he had forgotten the real purpose of his work. Plus, the Nephi he is referring to didn't have it easy either (2 Nephi 4:17, 1 Nephi 17:19, 2 Nephi 33:3). There is no such thing as an easy mission. The purpose of his ministry came to realized when the Lord told him only 3 chapters later, "And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." The blessings of a successful missionary are never baptisms. He doesn't hand them out as a prize for obedience or diligence. The blessing of a successful mission is conversion. To have your heart and will come in perfect harmony with our Father. I am the only convert I can promise on my mission, and I pray that I am delivering that which I can give. In such a course, we should not be surprised when we find the road is long and hard, but with all of you I pray, "Chasten my soul, till I shall be, In perfect harmony with thee.

Love you all

Elder Wheat