2 non-spiritual requirements for an epic mission are 1. Good dog story and 2. Good cop story. I'm still working on the first, but I think I have a decent cop story now. We went to talk to a member about some top-secret missionary business, but the member wasn't home. So, we decided to knock a couple doors.
Our first door we noticed a NO SOLICITING sign and a printed out piece of paper talking about how soliciting is illegal. So we stopped to read it, and as we were reading it, the door suddenly opened and some crazy lady was inside all mad at us for being missionaries and not reading the paper and leaving fast enough. In the middle of her rant, she got a phone call and answered it. So we were just standing there while she talked on the phone, wondering if there was more to come. After a while we waved goodbye to her and knocked some more houses.
Once down the street we saw a cop car roll by and stop in front of her house and were like, she actually did it. It was sweet. After a while, the cop drove up to us and talked for a while. He had common sense so didn't do anything. Just told us to take the address down and not go back. It was nice.
It's been a crazy week besides that. I saw Elder Firth, who served in my home ward in Houston. He just drove by us, saw me and pulled over to talk to me. It took a second to recognize him, but it was cool to talk to him. While in a youth Sunday school class, I learned from a teacher, who was teaching the ten commandments to 15 year olds, that if you go to school and make money to support yourself instead of immediately having kids, you are breaking the 10th commandment, not to covet. This is why we have lesson manuals and are told not to include our own opinion as doctorine... because people are crazy.
Besides that, Elder Evensen and I have just been working hard in Clinton. We're teaching a retired Judge who is used to doing things his way and wants to learn all about the Book of Mormon before he reads it. Which isn't bad, but we could spend a whole year before he reads it and is able to pray if it's true. So, I gave him a DVD that is all about church history and told him I have more if he does his homework and reads. It's like I'm teaching kindergarten, but it's what works. Besides that, Elder Evensen is going to have a root canal in a couple days, continuing my cycle of every other companion needing surgery while serving with me. cursed much? O well, my next comp doesn't have to worry. Keep being good, and tell me of any missionary or spiritual experience yall have.
Love yall,
Elder Pearson
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
April Fools?
Odgen Temple April 6, 2010- notice the snow?
More dog stories! I met another dog named Gypsy. End of story one.
There was a dog, friendly, who followed Elder Evensen and I on our bikes for at least 2 miles. We were trying to lose him the whole time. This thing was fast! Every time he'd stop and we thought we'd lost him he fly past us like it was nothing. We eventually dropped him off at a member's home, and not exactly sure what happened to him. He's safe though.
Anywho, Easter weekend was amazing. General Conference was by far inspired. I encourage everyone to watch/ read Saturday Morning's session if you havn't yet. I can't talk about my favorite talk because they all rocked! I can't wait till I get to read over them all and let a little more of what's been said soak in. These men are truely Prophets and Apostles. The women are also inspired of God to say what they need to. Such great testimonies of Christ and what he's done for us.
I love being a missionary during holidays because we get to remember the actual reason we have them (and we get wayy more candy, hehe) We've met one new person we're gonna start teaching, her name is Stephy. She's 17 and ready to turn her life around. We're gonna hook her up with some good friends and teach her all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has a real desire to learn and change things. Her voicemail says "I'm making a lot of changes in my life right now and if i don't get back to you, you're probably one of them" It's sweet. I can't wait to teach her, there's a lot she doesn't know.
Well i'm done talking. Keep the true meaning of Easter in yall's mind, and watch/read all of conference if you can. It was amazing. One comment I will make is that about half the talks either mentioned or were entirely about families and Mothers. These two things should be the main focus of everyone! We're comming on tough times and will need strong families, children who are taught the gospel, parents who love and care, brothers and sisters who support family and friends during tough times. And the Priesthood to be a strong anchor in each home that has it. I know that through Christ, death isn't the end. Through Christ, we can repent of anything we can do. And through Christ, we can feel love that nobody can compete with, but a mother is the closest who can. I love my family, I love Christ, I love this church and all it's taught me. I love each of yall, keep up the faith during any and all hard times.
Elder Pearson
Elders Pearson and Santiago - both from TX - with Pres. Obama
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Conference Is Coming
General Conference is when we get a chance to see the prophet, President Monson, address the World. We believe we have a prophet, a mouthpiece for God and what the prophet says is the word of God.
This week has been packed full. Starting with something funny that happened on Sunday. Once a month we have what's called Testimony meeting. It's when anyone is free to go up and tell the congregation things they know to be true or spiritually uplifting experiences. The Bishop of one ward went first and told everyone time was limited and to keep them to a max of 3 min. It started out with a few great ones and then an old guy came up. He spent over 10 min just talking about different sicknesses he's had over his life. Eventually the Bishop had to stand up and whisper in his ear that there was a long line behind him of people who wanted to talk. He looked at the line and said, "I guess I'm getting kicked off, I'll have to finish my story next time. Goodbye." And walked off stage. It was pretty funny, but pretty much killed the great spirit that was in the room.
On a good note, we had 4 baptisms this saturday! It was amazing. The first was a studly kid, Isaiah, who brought his friend to the baptism.
Now the friend wants to be baptized. And Isaiah is getting all his siblings to bring their friends to church. He's an amazing missionary.
Then we had Hubbie get baptized.
Hubbie has been recovering from alcholism and decided when he got a DUI that he needed to turn his life around. He's the most humble person I know. His biggest obstace was his family. Because of the drinking, his marrige was not the strongest. None of his family were members or religious. And they did not support him any step of the way. They told him they weren't even going to be at the baptism. But during the service they walked in as Hubbie was about to go up and get dunked. They made it! They even stayed after and got to know everyone. Wether they want to admit it or not, they all felt the spirit and know Hubbie did a great thing.
Next was Dakoda.
His Grandparents were his support group. His mom and older sister didn't go to church at all. But they did go to the baptism, which was great to see. We even got a pic with the whole family before the baptism.
The last baptism was another greats story. Rylee had her dad baptize her.
Rylee's dad grew up in the church, but left it and didn't do anything bad. Just wasn't religious at all. As we've taught Rylee, we've been able to teach her parents a lot as well. Rylee's mom isn't a member, but was the most supportive person to her, and very excited to see her daughter get baptized. (We're still working on the mom, she went to church this Sun!) It was tremendous to see Rylee's Dad progress so much. To get the Priesthood in order to baptize her. To see his life change as he's comming back into the church. This has been a great week.
This has been an unbelieveable 6 months. I love it out here.
Keep improving each day,
Elder Pearson
This week has been packed full. Starting with something funny that happened on Sunday. Once a month we have what's called Testimony meeting. It's when anyone is free to go up and tell the congregation things they know to be true or spiritually uplifting experiences. The Bishop of one ward went first and told everyone time was limited and to keep them to a max of 3 min. It started out with a few great ones and then an old guy came up. He spent over 10 min just talking about different sicknesses he's had over his life. Eventually the Bishop had to stand up and whisper in his ear that there was a long line behind him of people who wanted to talk. He looked at the line and said, "I guess I'm getting kicked off, I'll have to finish my story next time. Goodbye." And walked off stage. It was pretty funny, but pretty much killed the great spirit that was in the room.
On a good note, we had 4 baptisms this saturday! It was amazing. The first was a studly kid, Isaiah, who brought his friend to the baptism.
Then we had Hubbie get baptized.
Hubbie has been recovering from alcholism and decided when he got a DUI that he needed to turn his life around. He's the most humble person I know. His biggest obstace was his family. Because of the drinking, his marrige was not the strongest. None of his family were members or religious. And they did not support him any step of the way. They told him they weren't even going to be at the baptism. But during the service they walked in as Hubbie was about to go up and get dunked. They made it! They even stayed after and got to know everyone. Wether they want to admit it or not, they all felt the spirit and know Hubbie did a great thing.
Next was Dakoda.
The last baptism was another greats story. Rylee had her dad baptize her.
Rylee's dad grew up in the church, but left it and didn't do anything bad. Just wasn't religious at all. As we've taught Rylee, we've been able to teach her parents a lot as well. Rylee's mom isn't a member, but was the most supportive person to her, and very excited to see her daughter get baptized. (We're still working on the mom, she went to church this Sun!) It was tremendous to see Rylee's Dad progress so much. To get the Priesthood in order to baptize her. To see his life change as he's comming back into the church. This has been a great week.
This has been an unbelieveable 6 months. I love it out here.
(so you don't think it is all work and no play, Ryan sent this and said it was his ninja look)
Keep improving each day,
Elder Pearson
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
It's Getting Warm In Utah
To start, my uncle Steven had to leave his mission in Brazil early due to medical reasons. Some prayers are much needed and would greatly help. Thank you.
Besides that, Elder Evensen and I met a couple, Hillary and Bill, living in Clinton. Thought that was pretty funny. And I met someone related to Dan Jones. Anyone who doesn't know who he is, look at Preach My Gospel toward the beginning there is a picture of him. One of the greatest missionaries in the latter days. It is too bad the lady related to him doesn't ever go to church. But we're trying to work on it.
Not a lot has happened this week. We got yelled at by one of our investigator's dad because we expected her to continue going to church after she gets baptized. So he postponed the baptism. So we are down to 4 people getting baptized this Saturday, which is keeping us busy enough planning 4 separate baptisms in one day. Can't Wait!
One cool story for the week: we met a family last week that we are going to start to teach. There is a mom, who is baptized but doesn't go to church. A teen-aged girl who is the same. A teen-aged boy who is into Satan. A 9 year old girl who doesn't want to be baptized, and an 8 year old boy, Brandon, who does. This kid is a stud. He's never been to church. So last week we mentioned that they should go to church and we might get someone to pick them up. We honestly said it not planning on being able or thinking they would want to go. Sunday morning our 8 O'clock meeting ended early and this family's ward started at 9. So we figured we'd stop by and make them feel bad for not being ready and try for the next week. When we knocked on the door at 8:45 Brandon walks out all dressed and said he's ready to go. We asked where the rest of his family was. The mom, he wasn't sure where she was... gone. The teenagers were asleep, and the other little kid didn't want to go. It makes me think, if I were 8, would I get myself up, dressed, and head to a church I've never been to before that starts at 9 in the morning? Alone? Never! This kid is a stud! Talk about motivated. He was scared walking in, but things worked out and he loved it. That's what inspires me to be out here. If an 8 year old can go to church, anyone can! I never have an excuse not to go for the rest of my life.
Love yall. Keep up the great work. Write me,
Elder Pearson
Besides that, Elder Evensen and I met a couple, Hillary and Bill, living in Clinton. Thought that was pretty funny. And I met someone related to Dan Jones. Anyone who doesn't know who he is, look at Preach My Gospel toward the beginning there is a picture of him. One of the greatest missionaries in the latter days. It is too bad the lady related to him doesn't ever go to church. But we're trying to work on it.
Not a lot has happened this week. We got yelled at by one of our investigator's dad because we expected her to continue going to church after she gets baptized. So he postponed the baptism. So we are down to 4 people getting baptized this Saturday, which is keeping us busy enough planning 4 separate baptisms in one day. Can't Wait!
One cool story for the week: we met a family last week that we are going to start to teach. There is a mom, who is baptized but doesn't go to church. A teen-aged girl who is the same. A teen-aged boy who is into Satan. A 9 year old girl who doesn't want to be baptized, and an 8 year old boy, Brandon, who does. This kid is a stud. He's never been to church. So last week we mentioned that they should go to church and we might get someone to pick them up. We honestly said it not planning on being able or thinking they would want to go. Sunday morning our 8 O'clock meeting ended early and this family's ward started at 9. So we figured we'd stop by and make them feel bad for not being ready and try for the next week. When we knocked on the door at 8:45 Brandon walks out all dressed and said he's ready to go. We asked where the rest of his family was. The mom, he wasn't sure where she was... gone. The teenagers were asleep, and the other little kid didn't want to go. It makes me think, if I were 8, would I get myself up, dressed, and head to a church I've never been to before that starts at 9 in the morning? Alone? Never! This kid is a stud! Talk about motivated. He was scared walking in, but things worked out and he loved it. That's what inspires me to be out here. If an 8 year old can go to church, anyone can! I never have an excuse not to go for the rest of my life.
Love yall. Keep up the great work. Write me,
Elder Pearson
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Transfers! I'm Staying
Elder Pearson, Elder Evensen and The Duran Family
March 27th is going to be a big day for us. we have 5 separate people getting baptized. so we're going to spend all day at baptisms... which is fine by me. It's gonna be an amazing day.
We had a baptism this last Saturday. Brother Duran, who I talked about last week, baptized his son. It was so great! He has come such a long way to be able to do this and the spirit was amazingly strong. The room was packed too. We expected maybe 1/4 of the people that showed up, but everyone was there to support the Durans. It was definitely the highlight of my week.
We also spoke at a meeting with Emily Freeman. I didn't know who she is but apparently she's a good author and knew the scriptures well. She gave a great talk. We were kind of just the opening act.
Another sweet story was yesterday we contacted a family that hasn't made it out to church for a long time. The mother was baptized about 3 years ago and when she moved to Clinton decided the neighborhood wasn't nice enough and didn't want to go to church and get looked down upon for anything. So, she refused to go. She said nobody has come up and introduced themselves to her. Right as we were outside her front door talking about that, someone who just moved into the ward came up and introduced herself! She just got off a mission from Texas and wanted to get to know the neighbors. Things turned around immediately.
We're going to a couple of these kids and get them to go to church with their new neighbor/friend.
Honestly an answer to our prayer at exactly the right time. I know that our Father in Heaven answers our prayers through other people and when we feel impressed to go do something.... DO IT! It was real cool to see this happen, and it got me thinking how many perfect opportunities like this God sets up and people just don't act. This isn't to condemn anyone, just a reminder. With the Lord on our side and the Holy Ghost helping us out, we can all be amazing instruments to help people out.
Anyone who has a good missionary or spiritual experience, whether you are Mormon or not, please send them to me. I love reading them and they help me out. Love yall,
Elder Pearson
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Great Day To Be A Missionary
Every missionary gets a cool dog story. I still haven't yet. I almost did this week. This huge dog was walking down the street unmonitored. It walked up to us all happy and I tried to pet it. Right when that happened it tried to bite my hand off and started barking and growling and running around us. We decided to just ignore it until it actually bit us. Eventually it left us alone.
Then we walked by 2 bulldogs in a backyard. The fence to the backyard might as well of not been there. Every time either of them took a step forward to bark at us it would go right under the fence and stick half way out. So they were either very dumb or obedient. In any case, I'm still waiting to get bit some time. It'll happen.
The work's been going great. Clinton has really turned around. We had about 6 people we were teaching when I first got here. 2 Got baptized. And now we have just over 15 people we're teaching. It's amazing the blessings you get when you serve and work your tail off every day. It's awesome. We have transfers on Wed. So next week I'll let yall know what's going on. I really really don't wanna leave Clinton. But I also wouldn't mind a different comp. We'll see what happens.
Something really cool happened this week, a true miracle. We're teaching a guy, Mike, in his 50's who hasn't really progressed or gone to church or even prayed... until this week. Elder Evensen was inspired to ask Brother Duran, someone who was in a complete other ward, in his late 20's, and didn't know Mike at all to teach with us. When he told me that's what he was thinking I immediately knew it was from God and we should make it a priority to bring him to the next lesson. We knew that both Mike and Bro Duran had similar backgrounds as far as dealing with gangs and things like that, so it sounded like a good idea.
Mike canceled the first lesson we planned to bring Bro Duran to. The next one we almost had to cancel but a lesson we had planned at that time fell through so we could go to the lesson with Mike. Once we got Bro Duran there he just realized he was best friends with Mike's son, who was murded in California. He bore strong testimony about how he changed from gangster to member and got Mike to pray at the end of the lesson. We'll see how the next lessons with him go, but it goes to show you that our Father in Heaven knows everyone better than we do and can inspire us to help people in ways we wouldn't of thought to.
I gotta go, but love yall,
Elder Pearson
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 2, 2010
Elders Pearson and Evensen and I don't know
Yesterday Elder Evensen and I were riding around and some guy yelled at us. We turned around to talk to him. After we introduced ourselves, he just stood there and stared at us. Then he told us to keep our helmets on. It was so funny to talk to him, crazier than any Ogdenite I've talked to so far. He told us that he has his own world. And in our world we're men but in his we're girls. And he'd get right in our face, in my bubble, and just mouth stuff. He then he told us we had nice suits, then went back to being mean and asked if we thought we were better than him. He told us it was because of him that we have helmets and can do whatever we do. He said a lot more but some I didn't understand or really wanna bring up. All in all it was the funniest and scariest few minutes of my mission.
Right after that we went to check on someone who is going to invite someone to meet with us. We were in their home talking when I suddenly hear "Are you Ryan Pearson?" Ashley Carleton, who lived in my ward a long time ago was there. She married the son of the people we were talking to. It was crazy to see her, in a Cy-Creek shirt which really was weird... I've been in Utah a long while now.
On a spiritual note, I wanna share a scripture I love about the Atonement. We always think of Christ suffering for our sins. But he did so much more for us. Alma 7:11-13 says " And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me." The atonement does so much more for us. Christ went through exactly what we go through, and knows exactly how to help us. There's always someone who we can relate to and loves us. Loves us so much he engraved us on his palms.
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