4/23/212

Well, I've officially hit the 4 month mark!! And what a week it has been to celebrate it!

I guess, I really just want to say that right now, we have the most people in our Teaching Pool then we have ever had before, which is currently at 17! That's way awesome!! 2 are part member families, 4 of them are from referrals, and the rest are from our own efforts! We are super happy to be having such success here. We continue to have a huge opportunity to help so many people who need it, and I really can't express how much better it is to have the opportunity to serve them! 

First, I just want to get my excitement out about the new car...It's awesome!!! As you see in the pictures it is a red Toyota Corolla, and is brand new(2012). I'm a bit worried about the red color, because it makes it look pretty sporty so we have to be extra good drivers so that we don't get pulled over(I'm not too worried). Anyway, the car is way nice! We were very fortunate to be able to get it :)

Yesterday, we had a crazy experience that I wanted to share...because it was crazy!!!! We received a referral from the ward, that was called in last week about wanting to know more about the church. Well, it turns out they didn't want to learn anything about the church, so we ended up getting preached to. Don't worry, it wasn't bad. Actually, we listened intently to what he had to say, which he gave very involved in his sermon, and then flipped it and turned it into a teaching opportunity and they were extremely impressed with the things we taught(It reminds me of how the people were impressed by the things taught by the apostles in Acts 2 on the day of the Pentecost)...Although, he wasn't converted from the very expression we made, he declared he was wrong in his actions and asked if we would teach more. It was weird but crazy! Haha, actually it was a lot of fun. They were nice even though they tried to preach to us, and he was way apologetic for trying to take advantage of the situation. We will probably teach them again, this week...I'll let you know how it goes :)

Another cool experience we had, was teaching Mikah Larson, who is a Non-Member husband to an active member. He was studying to be a preacher about 10 years ago, and so since a lot of doctrines are so different then the modern Christian stance, he struggles trying to put it all together. We taught the Articles of Faith, and went over the first 4 articles, which he completely agreed with. On the Fourth one, he asked about the laying on of hands, and said he never heard of this ordinance. I then shared with him Acts 8, where Philip, a man ordained as a priest to teach the people of Samaria was baptizing the people of Samaria that developed faith and repented of their sins. Simon, a Samaritan, believed the things taught and partook of the first ordinance of the Gospel, baptism. When Peter and John heard about the success of Phillip, they came down to Samaria, with their authority in the Melchizedek priesthood, and bestowed by the laying on of hands, the Gift of the Holy Ghost of all those who were baptized. Simon, after receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, desired to have the power to give this gift to others(in otherwords, he wanted the Melchizedek priesthood). Peter denied his request and told him that he needed to repent of his unworthy desires(which were to use this power as a way of making others marvel in his presence). This scripture describes that the office of Priest in the Aaronic priesthood, is lower then that of the Melchizedek priesthood, and that the laying on of hands is an ordinance that falls only under those with the correct authority. It also shows that the ordinance is a required ordinance in Christ's gospel. He was incredibly impressed by this scripture, and although there are several other scriptures that demonstrate this very principle as well(that baptism by water is different then baptism by fire, and that this is described through separate orders of authority), it was very clear that this resonated very strongly with him, after we read it. It was way cool!

Anyway, I wish I could share every experience that happened! A lot of amazing experiences for sure, but unfortunately, we have a lunch at a famous place in Murphysboro called 17th Street Bar and Grill, which we need to get going to(I'm pretty excited! It's good food!!!) Anyway, I love you all! I know that this gospel of Jesus Christ is the higher law of God and that it is authorized and presided over by a prophet called of God. This is a requirement in God's government that has been everlasting, since the first and the last, alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, and it is how God governs all his work. I am grateful that God has authorized that men, who have followed His Gospel, can be worthy of holding this priesthood and that we have leaders who have been magnified in their calling by God, and that they lead His church through the authority in which man has been given. It's a beautiful and perfect system, and it is all possible through Christ's atonement! 

I know these things are true, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen

Good luck to you all this week!.

Elder Tyler Robinson

 

Here's the pictures of the brand new Toyota Corolla! It's pretty sweet :DDDDDD I didn't take any pictures of the inside, but I should have. Pretty much, everything is stock, so nothing real special, but we are lucky enough to have BT handsfree in the car, so now when we get in the car, our phone pairs up with the car automatically. The one thing I miss about the old car, is that it had automatic light detection, which allowed for the car to turn the lights on automatically, based on how dark it was. I now have to get in the habit of turning the lights on haha! I'm not complaining though...It's way nice!!!

Sorry, I wrote the wrong week number on the last set of pictures. It is week 15 :S

We picked the car up, in a town called Chester, Illinois, which just happens to be the Home of Popeye! The guy who was originally the one who came up with the cartoon was born there, so all over town there is characters from the cartoon, both statues and paintings. Here is the statue of Popeye, which is over by the bridge that comes across the Mississippi. I did my best to mimik Popeye...I don't think I add up! :)

Sorry, I look like a goof in the last picture, but this is the sign entering into Chester coming from Missouri. I'll be honest, I wish we could have had more time to take pictures in Chester because there is a TON of canvas' and statues like these all over town! Maybe in the future :)

The chester bridge! As you can see, the Mississippi is huge!!! :)

4/16/2012

Super special event this week! Shenika was baptized!! These pictures are from her baptism! The first picture was before the baptism, and the other 2 are from after. Her daughters name is Jaida, and she is super cute! I am so happy for them!! :) I hope you all like these :D





Whew!!! What an exciting week!!

The crowning event was that Shenika Hatcher, who we have been working with since the first day I came into this area(and has been investigating for a year), has taken the first step in her new life, by being baptized! I can't tell you how excited I was prior to her baptism(which was yesterday). She has had the desire for a very long time, but had a lot of really difficult challenges developing a testimony of the things that we taught...she wanted to be absolutely sure, that if she was accepting such a big change in her life, that she had to know 100% that what she was agreeing with was true. I've seen her change sooo much! All the concerns she has had in the past, which were huge blocks, have evaporated, and she is motivated to be the disciple of Christ, which Jesus Christ has asked all of us to be. It really has been so amazing!

Unfortunately, she won't be confirmed until the 29th of April, because stake conference is next week and they didn't want to do the confirmation outside of the sacrament meeting. We will continue to work with her during this time, so it won't be too bad, but it is unfortunate that we couldn't do it after the baptism. I will be the one to confirm her, which I am excited about!

Most of our appointments actually fell through this week, which was annoying, and Wednesday, I spent most of the day working in Cape, because of a District Leader meeting that Elder Elkington was attending. We did have a very good visit with Doug, who we have been trying to help find the faith and desire to come back to church, and fulfill his spiritual needs. He knows he needs to come back so bad, but he has been hurt really bad by some things that have happened in the past. It makes me sad to see that he has such a strong desire to get back on track spiritually, but won't because of other people. I keep praying for him, because I know he can find himself in a much better place, if he just tries, but he is dragging his feet now. He is amazing though, and I just keep showing him that we love him, and want the best for him, and that this includes wanting him to be spiritually healed.

Hmm...not a ton of other things really happened. We tracted a lot, and we are going to be required to drive to Cape, like 4 times this month, which means we are extremely low on left over miles. I'm trying to best figure out how we can get more rides from people in the ward, because if we keep driving the way we are, we won't have the miles to even make it through this week.

Today is Zone P-day, which is one of those days where we are driving to Cape. It should be a lot of fun...we are playing dodgeball, I think. I'm pretty stoked. We also have a lesson with the Wyatt's which is a Part-Member family. Our last lesson with them went amazing, and so we are looking forward to this lesson.

Anyway, I love you all! I didn't get any letters this week, which is probably good, because I won't have much writing time anyway, with Zone P-day, but I miss hearing from everyone :(

Oh and no, no tornadoes hit where I am at. I know that may have been a concern for some of you :)

Anyway, I hope everyone has a good week! I love you!
Elder Tyler Robinson

4/10/2012

My Easter basket :D

The Easter gift my mom sent me. She got me right on the dot, because I love this thing!! It's pretty much Labyrinth but in a sphere and it's awesome. I'm currently trying to make up an object lesson that would allow me to use this in teaching appointments

Elder Bassett and I with Brian Robinson; An RM who recently joined the ward. He usually is the one that goes out to lessons with us :)

he All-Blacks rugby team flag that we now have hung up in our living room! I personally think it's awesome! :)

The other pictures were at the main SIU sign, in front of the towers which are in the Background. Elder Elkington and I decided we needed to make claim of the area by taking these pictures :)

The first picture is at the Wall & Grand apartments which are super nice and right next to our apartment, which isn't even close to as nice.

Our outdoor food pantry that our neighbors left when they moved out. Since then, it has been demolished, but we thought it was funny as it was there. We never ate anything off of it.

Stack of letters that I have from since I started my mission. I was squishing them as I held it up. There is a ton(Thank you all!!!)

Tree outside of our apartment March 12th when it first started blooming

Same tree as the first picture, one week later(March 19th)

04/9/2012

What an amazing week!!!!!!! I think I say this everytime, but I will say it again, and will continue to say it! :D

The very first part of the week was interesting. On Tuesday, we had a full day of appointments which all went really well. We started it off with a lesson with a Part-Member family who has asked us to come and give the lessons. Mikah, who is the non-member, is awesome and although isn't running towards baptism, is interested in digging deep into what we believe so that he can feel like he's making an educated choice(through prayer and study of course). I really respect that, because that is how I felt as well. I did not want to feel like I was making a decision for anyone else but my self. He is a super awesome guy though, and I am really excited to start teaching him some of the lessons.

After, we went to another Part-Member family and had Ribs, which were THE BEST ribs I have ever had! They were really good! It sounds like they may also, be preparing to take the lessons as well, which is way exciting, of course :D

Lastly for Tuesday, we went down to Francisco's house to teach them the next lesson. Francisco, unfortunately had to leave, prior to the lesson, so we ended up just teaching his parents, but it was really fun! We read 1 Nephi 8 with them in Spanish and they were really excited about the precepts that are in that chapter. We talked about how the vision that Lehi had, really applies to our lives and they talked about how they have seen these things happen in their life. Francisco Sr. has read 1 Nephi 8 twice before this lesson, and so he was clearly excited to talk about it and to ask the questions he had. It was amazing!

Now for the part that I know everyone is excited to hear. Transfers!!! Elder Bassett is going to an awesome area, first off...Like exactly what fits his personality perfectly! I'm excited for him, because he will do an amazing job. He is training and district leader, and the missionary that he is training is dealing with some problems(his whole family has passed away...not sure if it was an accident or how recent the event was). Elder Bassett will be a super hero for him, and that district :)

As for my transfer, Elder Elkington is from New Zealand...he is of Maori decent. He has an awesome accent, and is just way awesome! We have already had a lot of fun and are working really hard. Here's the best part of this transfer.....I get to drive!!! :) Elder Elkington doesn't have a US drivers license so I get to do the driving. We are also getting a new car this week! Ahhhhh I am way excited :)

We've had some way awesome lessons this week, together. We've had 3 visits with Shenika, and right now she is on track to be baptized next Sunday! There is a bit of a concern there, but we have asked her to really spend a lot of time this week really praying about what she is doing and if she is doing the right thing. We want her to have a strong testimony that what she is doing is God's will and that what we have taught is true, and so we really stressed this.

We also had a really cool lesson with a Part-Member family at the north part of our area. The husband is one of the most genuine guys I have met here. He is way awesome, and is planning on really trying to find out if the Restoration and the Book of Mormon is true. I am super impressed with his willingness, and he really asked some great questions, which shows how impressed he was of the lesson. We asked them to pray about what we taught, as well as what we asked them to read! I'm way excited for them!

Hopefully you like the pictures I sent!! We will take more, for sure :D I love you all! Keep writing me...I seriously love the letters when I get them. This week, I got a ton of letters from Shauna, and wow!! She is amazing! :D She's doing really well, for all those who don't know! One of the letters(this one is old...from January), said that the Christmas present that I asked a lot of you to participate it has really made a huge difference in her mission! Thank you all for helping me do that :D I'm really, just super excited to hear from her every time I get a letter from her :D

Anyway, until next week! I love you all! Keep up the good work! I pray for you all, every day :D
Elder Tyler Robinson

04/2/2012

Alrighty everyone! Final week of training is finally over!!!! :D We got transfer calls on Saturday night, right before the Priesthood Session of General Conference and Elder Bassett is officially being transferred to Hillsboro and being put as District Leader for the district up there.

I, on the other hand, am staying here in Carbondale and am getting a new companion, Elder Elkington, who from what I've heard is from New Zealand. If this is true, I'm pretty excited to have a companion with a New Zealand accent!! It'll be awesome :) Anyway, I know for sure that I will be here in C-Dale for at least another 6 weeks.

Unfortunately, I do not have any news to share about the Tomas family. Their appointment for Friday was cancelled because Francisco Sr. wasn't going to be there, and they are deeply desiring for their whole family to go through the experience.

Although I have no news for them, I do have news about a brand new investigator that we got! After conference yesterday, we stopped by her house(we met her tracting about a month ago) and talked to her about the Book of Mormon. I then felt prompted to talk specifically about families and expressed some of the amazing councils that were shared during conference, as well as the general goal of being able to never be separated from our spouse and children when we move on from this milestone of life. It really was amazing how in tune she was to the things we were sharing. As we expressed our love and desire for her and her family to partake of the beautiful blessings of the Gospel, she told us she was very open to it and invited us over for a second visit, which will be in 2 weeks. I have an extremely good feeling about her!

Anyway, Conference really is the big talk of the week, to be honest. I just wanted to share some things that I was impressed with during the conference talks. These are just some things I wrote down.

Sat Morning

Thomas S. Monson
-With God there is one faith, one doctrine, and one purpose. (One Lord, one faith, one baptism)
-Heavenly Father is mindful of all our needs!!

Boyd K Packer
-Children are the Heritage of the Lord; They are the light of hope
-We learn more from children then we do from our parents
-Lead your children in righteousness and not in anger or fear

Paul E Kodlike
-Missionaries come in as infants and leave as grown men(So true..I fully see myself growing up out here)
-As we seek for goodness the heavens will draw you closer to this goodness.
-Family is a pattern designed in Heaven. This pattern is put forth to help us act in the gospel and it's precepts

Dallin H Oaks
-The symbol of our faith and commitment(in contrast to the symbol of the cross) is within the sacrifices and work of the members
-Those who understand the eternal blessings of the temple; There is no cost, no time, no sacrifice that is greater then this opportunity.
-As you sacrifice for others and your children the Lord WILL bless you

Henry B Eyring
-The level of adversity can never overcome the level of blessings for which God will give, for enduring.(
-Trials give experience. Christ descended to the lowest of the low so that enduring of all things is possible and experience and knowledge can be gained
-Storms WILL come in EVERY life(I like that...very true)

Sat Afternoon
Jeffery R Holland
-This talk was on the parable of the Lord of the Vineyard. I recommend all check this out!! It was very good
-The thing God loves most about being God, Is being merciful; Especially to those who don't expect it, nor believe they deserve it

Robert D Hales
-Temple Worthiness is just living the Gospel(Faith, repentance, baptism, receive gift of Holy Ghost, Endure to the End)
-Follow  your spiritual desires

David S Baxter
-Heaven smiles upon those who sacrifice so much for their children(Single mothers and Fathers)

Ulisses Soares
-There is a well defined line between God and the Devil. If you step 1 inch on the Devil's side, you can not guarantee to make good choices
-You can't be wrong if doing right and can't be right if doing wrong.

Quiten L Cook
-Testimony must be on faith, rather then physical proof.
-Persistence is the key. Don't ever let life interuppt your persistence

Richard G Scott
-To receive revelation, you must exercise faith by reading scriptures, praying, fasting, and asking specific questions
-Write all your revelations down. It shows God you know of it's sacredness

Priesthood
David A Bednar
-There can be no divine church without the priesthood!
-To break the oath and covenant of the priesthood, is to break the commandments or to do nothing
-Men who bear God's priesthood should be different. Not better, but clearly willing to take upon him the responsibilities of the priesthood
-Righteousness is required to act in power

Dieter F Uchdorf
-The basic Gospel principles need to be the part of our life fabrics
-If we stumble, we will rise. If we falter, we will go on. All through Faith, repentance, and new beginnings

Henry B Eyring
-Thomas S. Monson is the only man who has the power to seal mariages as well as all other ordinances in Heaven
-We are responsible for the leading and gathering of Israel
-No man has the right to go forth and administer ANY ordinance without the authority of the prophet
-Things you can do to be a family patriarch
1. Gain and keep a witness that the prophet holds the sealing powers of God
2. Love your wife. Put her interest first
3. Enlist the entire family to love each other. Consistent care can only come from persistence of the parents and of God
4. Control temper and pride to have the Holy Ghost to be with you

Thomas S. Monson
-Priesthood is an everlasting principle without the end of days or beginningn of years
-Priesthood is a privilege to serve
-When God speaks and man obeys, that man will always be right


Sun Morning

Dieter F. Uchdorf-Refusing to forgive is, in itself, a sin
-Forgiveness of ourselves is a commandment
-Stop gossiping! It's bad!
-Be not overcome by evil but overcome evil with good
-The merciful will obtain mercy

D. Todd Christopherson
-A prophet is only a prophet if they are acting as such
-Not everything that is said by a prophet is instantly doctrine(because they also are human and have biases)
-Scholarship is of value, but divine revelation is the source of all understanding

Thomas S. Monson
-Lay up treasures that are in heaven. For where your treasure is, be where your heart is.
-Priorities are extremely important and should consistently be reweighed

Sun Afternoon

Tom Perry
-The Book of Mormon is a great Book!!! :)
-Both the Book of Mormon and the Bible are needed to establish correct Doctrine
-"These records shall establish the truth of the other, which is from the 12 apostles. It will establish that Jesus is the Christ"


There were others that were really good, but these were the stand out ones for me!
Watch conference if you can get the chance(Lds.org).
Also, I put up a Mormon.org profile, so you should all go check that out :D

Anyway, I am running out of time. I just want to say that I love all of you!!! I truly hope for great things at home, while great things are happening here! I pray for you consistently and love to hear the successes of each of you, in your letters!

FYI, the last email, I almost ran out of time which is why it may have looked like I was in the middle of my thought when I said goodbye. I thought it would be best if I actually sent the email ;)

Anyway, I will have pictures next week(I have some now, but didn't have the opportunity to upload in time). I bid thee all safe passage, until next week!!

Elder Tyler Stephen Robinson