Week 71- CHURCH, PRAY, READ!

NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Sheep herdin'!

 Road to Ibapah (South of Wendover)

Family & Friends,

Living life as a missionary has been the most wonderful, rewarding and personal growing experience that I have ever had in my entire life.  It has also been one of the most frustrating.

Just yesterday, we dropped our most progressing investigator, Brad. He has been keeping all of the commitments we extend and has been doing great. But he says he doesn't or hasn't felt a difference in when he keeps our invitations and when he doesn't.  He is a very logical thinker and says he feels good whenever we meet, but he doesn't think it's the Spirit.  So we decided to try an experiment.  We are not going to meet with him for the next 2 or 3 weeks, so he can see if he can tell a difference in his day-to-day life.  It's hard to tell someone you love that you can't come back for awhile, but the Spirit confirmed to us that it is necessary. Will keep you updated on Brad.

It is heart-breaking to have someone tell you straight to your face that they feel as if the Church has nothing to offer them.  It's even worse when these individual's used to be faithful, temple-going members, who once held respectable callings. Some of these people say that they are "too busy" to do what the Lord has asked. In my opinion, it’s a pathetic excuse.  The sad part is these people honestly really do feel as if they are too busy.  Satan is so smart!  He has so much experience.  He doesn't have to do hardly anything before we as weak mortals fall into his snares. The Lord will not ask us to do something unless we were given a way to accomplish it.  If we are too busy to do what the Lord asks, then we are too busy.

The title of this email is "Church, Pray, Read."  If there is one thing that I would plead with you to do, it would be these 3 simple things. If you are not doing your absolute best to attend all of your church meetings, I invite you to do so. If are currently not praying daily, I invite you to do so. If you are not doing your absolute best to read from His word every day, I invite you to repent and do so.

*CHURCH*

"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;" (D&C 59:9-10)

*PRAY*

"But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul." (2 Nephi 32:9)

*READ*

And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search [the scriptures] diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers." (Mosiah 1:6-7)

There's a reason why the Lord asks us to do these things. I can say that it's so we don't fall into Satan's traps.  It's so our testimonies and personal conversions will be strong enough to get us through life's trials.  If you are not actively keeping the Lord's commandments in doing these things, I plead and beg you to start.  I invite because I have seen firsthand what happens when these things cease. It isn't pretty or joyful.  It's misery.  Please do them!!

We have been having a great scripture study each week with a less-active member of the church. He shared this following passage with us this week:

"I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or

popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,

regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by

patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my

way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted,

or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the

presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the

pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of

mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed

up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a

disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop,

preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My

colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the

power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)"

By Dr. Bob Moorehead

Are we this devoted to Christ? Should we be? How can we be? Here's a little hint... It all starts with Church, Pray, Read.

We must use the Atonement now, repent, and turn towards our Savior in every thought, word, and deed. There are truly no excuses. I can confidently testify that when we obey these simple commandments, we will have true joy in our life. I again invite you to do these things if you are not already, and promise you will be blessed for doing so.

I love this Gospel and I love our Savior. Without Him, none of this would be possible. We would all have to fulfill the demands of justice on our own, and trust me that wouldn't be fun. As we follow Him, and obey Him, we can access that grace. There is no other way. And in that I rejoice, for the opportunity I have to return and live with our Loving Heavenly Father, with my family forever.

Please stay close to the Lord and I promise He will bless you.

~Elder Carroll

Week 70 The Adventures of WENDOVER!

November 17, 2014

Hi Everyone!  Another great week in Paradise (aka The Mission Field)!!!

Rube Mine is Gold Hill, UT 

(Population: 4.. We literally tracted out the entire town :))

 Adventures of Wendover... 

A "hidden" Book of Mormon up on "Pride Rock" in Wendover that missionaries sign when they go out there. This (the Book of Mormon) is our main weapon in taking over all of Satan's temples. Don't ask about my apparel...I wasn't prepared to go on a hike at 6am in 20* weather, so I had to mix and match borrowed clothing! haha :)

The time I have left to serve the Lord full-time here in Utah, in the eternal perspective, is unfortunately so short.  I know I just have to make the most of it.   I'm even grateful for  the opportunity the Lord has given me to learn and grow as much as I have and to serve his children 24/7 for the past months.   So much joy, happiness  and self-growth comes out of serving others.  I love it!

This past week, I had the great opportunity of going with one of the District Leaders in the zone out on companion exchanges out to Wendover!   If you don't know where Wendover is, it's the most western side of the mission into Nevada.  Almost a 2 hour drive from all civilization! This is where people in Utah (because it's illegal) go to gamble.  There are 5 casinos in the small town of Wendover.

It's a very wicked place.  I noticed that all the casinos are open 24/7.  It made me think... If Satan's temples (casinos) are working restlessly, then there is no excuse for us to as well!  The feeling in Wendover is so weird and eerie.   The people who live in Wendover are either teachers at the local schools or work at the casinos.  They are slaves to the casinos.  They come from Mexico seeking work and then get stuck working 36 hours a week at 2 or 3 of the casinos.  They don't make enough to move away, so they are trapped.  Satan's main purpose is to tear us down to where he is.  He is miserable and wishes us to be eternally miserable as well.

"And thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell." (Alma 30:60)

He’s doing a pretty good job of this in Wendover.  His temples (casinos) are meant to tear families and individuals apart.  And they work very well.  It's so sad.

"Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world." (3 Nephi 6:15)

I've said it many times, and I'll say it again: The adversary has so much experience.  It would be such a mistake to underestimate him.  He is the father of all lies, all contention and all sin.

We can overcome him.  We can crush his head.  How?  Well, funny you should ask! Haha  It's a little something us missionaries like to call CPR! :) Church, Pray, Read. (The "primary answers")

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matt. 24:24)

Since I've been here in Utah, I've run across a handful of those "elect" who have fallen away.  Former Relief Society Presidents, Young Men Presidents, Young Woman President, Primary Presidents.  Mostly all still great people, but who have totally been blinded by the "mist of darkness."

"And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea,even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost." (1 Nephi 8:23)

While do they fall? Well usually is starts a lack of scripture study.  Then prayer ceases.  Then church meetings become less and less appealing.  Or any combination of that formula.  And usually some Anti-Mormon material gets studied within that time.  We must stay strong and steadfast in the in the faith. And remember that the adversary only wants to "speedily drag us down to hell."

This past week we have met a family who fosters kids.  They are currently fostering 3 boys.  All around ages 16-17. One from Mexico, one from Kongo, Africa and one from Afghanistan!  They are awesome! Francisco (from Mexico) is a baptized LDS member (not active), we are currently teaching Toto (from Africa), and Mosin (from Afghanistan) doesn't speak a lick of English so we're having to wait off on him. haha

"Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?" (2 Nephi 29:7) It's true!

The Book of Mormon is the power in which we help others around us become truly converted unto the Lord and His Gospel.  Coming out in the field over a year ago, I thought I was so clever and smart.  I did all I could to learn the Bible and expected to convince people using the Bible.  Man was a mistaken.  The power to help others become converted is the Book of Mormon.  It has the FULLNESS of his everlasting Gospel and is the only way man can be led to Salvation at this time in man's existence.

"It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that.  It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too.  But there is something more.  There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.  You will find greater power to resist temptation.  You will find the power to avoid deception.  You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path.  The scriptures are called "the words of life" (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance." -Ezra Taft Benson "Ensign", General Conference Issue Nov. 1986

If you have never read the Book of Mormon, or are not currently studying it daily, I invite you to do so. Your life will be easier.  Not because the challenges and struggles will be easier, but because you'll be stronger.  If we aren't willing to study the scripture and knowledge that our loving Father has already given, he sure as heck won't give us anymore!  It's so priceless.

I love this Gospel and will defend the word for the rest of my life. The benefits we are able to reap from this Gospel are to be found nowhere in the heavens or on earth.

Love,

~Elder Carroll

My favorite quote this week: "True Christianity is love in action." -David O. McKay

My favorite scripture this week: " Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has be come my salvation. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth." (2 Nephi 22:2,5)

Week 69- Are We Willing To Pay The Price Of Obedience?

Hey!!!

We just got out of an always amazing session at the Salt Lake Temple!! I love the Temple!  It's because of the blessings of the Temple that families can be sealed together forever.  We must stay true and faithful in order to fully partake of the blessings that the Lord and Gospel has to offer us.

Brad is doing great, but still has not received (or recognized) an answer to his prayers.  He relapsed with coffee, but is back on track and is doing everything right.  Please keep him in your prayers.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to have some time in (almost) every day set apart for strictly studying the words of our Savior.  This precious opportunity of study and the experiences I am able to witness day to day has changed me.  The Lord has changed me.  Although I have so much more to learn and experience, I am eternally grateful for the knowledge and blessings the Lord is willing to bestow.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present and the greater the measure of obedience to God’s laws the greater will be the endowment of faith”

Or in other words:  When we are obedient, the Lord can bless of with increased faith.  Faith is so simple yet so extraordinary.  It is so essential.  The only reason miracles/blessings cease to be in someone’s life is because of "unbelief".

"And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust." (Mormon 9:20)

When we can humble ourselves as little children and accept help from our all-loving Heavenly Father, we will begin to see the blessings flow.  When we exercise (when we ACT for ourselves) that particle of faith with obedience, the Lord can start to help us.  As we continue in obedience, he can strengthen us in so many ways, just one of them being increased faith and hope to help us through the trials of this imperfect world.

How can we be obedient to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Let me share a wonderful formula once used in the Fukuoka Japan Mission:

Obedience is the price,

Faith is the power,

Love is the motive,

The Spirit is the key,

and

Christ is the reason.

[Japan Fukuoka Mission Motto, 1991–1994]

The only way we can truly benefit from being obedient and exercising faith, is if love is our motive. We must choose to be obedient not because we are compelled to be obedient, but because we want to be obedient. Being obedient leads to increased faith, which leads to increased love for others and our Savior, which brings the Spirit more into our lives. And it's because of Christ that this is at all even possible. It all fits into place. Are we willing to pay the price of obedience?

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ,

all mankind may be saved,

by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." 

- 3rd Article of Faith

I can confidently testify that it is by grace we are saved, after all we can do. It is a vain a foolish doctrine to think that we do nothing in this life and expect eternal life. Christ did not suffer for us to sit back and expect exaltation. He suffered so that we could repent. With no repentance comes no Salvation.

The Lord does not require obedience in something unless he provides us a way to achieve it (1 Nephi 3:7). Remember CPR? Church, Pray, Read. If we aren't being obedient to these "primary answers", then we need to get our priorities figured out. There's a reason we learn these simple things starting at pretty much at birth. Without these simple tasks completed, we have no foundation (Hel. 5:12). Not saying that we are perfect, and knowing that we will all have to repent every day of our lives about something. But the question is:  Do we love Him?  Do we trust Him?  If we did, or if we do, we would be more obedient because we would know that the Lord doesn't do anything unless it is for our positive benefit.

Not to drill us with more duties or responsibilities, but Joseph Smith taught that:

“A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”

The Lord expects us to obey him.  I remind us of our Temple experience.

"Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that will hold him guiltless that obeys not my commandments?  Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled?  I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing. Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh beneath, and not from above." (D&C 58:30-33)

If we're not doing all we can, our personal best (and the Lord knows our personal best) to obey him, then we aren't doing enough. And this is ultimately displeasing to Him.

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, 

deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22)

"He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; 

and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, 

the same is not my disciple, 

and shall be cast out from among you" (D&C 42:5)

We must CPR daily and weekly, attend the Temple frequently if at all possible, fulfill our home/visiting teaching assignments (and enjoy them), hold Family Home Evening weekly, magnify our church callings in every way possible, and faithfully living His commandments.

This is not to be overwhelming, but to cause for a sense of urgency.  The excuse of being "too busy" is not to be an excuse at any time in our life.  If we have become so busy and caught up in the world to the point where we put the Lord's commandments on the back burner, we are far more busy than the Lord ever intended us to be.

The thing is, we'll learn that when we are obedient, our lives actually become easier.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30)

I testify of the support the Lord can give us in our everyday matters, if we will only obey Him. I know the Atonement is real and that if we use it, we may become stronger.

My love is sent out to everyone for the wonderful emails and letters! :)

Stay close to the Lord, and I promise He will bless you.

Love,

Elder Carroll

My favorite scripture this week: "Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God." (2 Nephi 9:49)

My Area...Erda, Utah

WEEK 68- The 3 D's

Woke up this morning and found this!!!

Family & Friends,

Our friend, Alissa was baptized and confirmed this past weekend! I am so happy for her and excited for her new path in following Christ. Baptism, confirmation, and receiving the Holy Ghost are so essential for each and every one of God's children. It is by these ordinances that we can come closer unto Him and be saved by His grace.

We had an amazing lesson with Brad a few days ago. He is doing awesome. We talked about the Word of Wisdom. He drinks alcohol, coffee, and chews tobacco. When we first asked him if he would live the WoW, he said, "Honestly, no."  He didn't believe that it was possible. But after a few more testimonies were borne, some blessings promised and the Spirit testifying to him, he accepted to live the WoW, cold turkey:)  Please keep Brad in your prayers that he will be able to have the strength to continue to live the WoW (he is doing great thus far!!), and that he may receive a definite answer to his prayers about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.

"I love to see the temple.

I'll go inside someday.

I'll cov'nant with my Father;

I'll promise to obey.

For the temple is a holy place

Where we are sealed together.

As a child of God, I've learned this truth:

A fam'ly is forever." -  2nd verse of I Love to See the Temple

During a leadership meeting this past week, our Mission President, President Hansen, held up his Temple Recommend in front of all of us and asked us to do the same. He does this every so often and bears a powerful testimony on the importance of the Temple. The temple is where families can go to be sealed together for time and all eternity. What a privilege the Lord has blessed us with, to be able to take part in His powerful covenants and ordinances.

So how do we get to the Temple and receive the fullness of blessings that our loving Father has in store for us? I had the great opportunity to speak on this exact topic just this a few weeks back in a Sacrament Meeting in one of our wards.  Here's a few points from that talk:

I had a wise mission companion once say, "All you need is the 3 D's. Desire. Decision. Determination." - Elder Souday (Tahiti). He's right, you know. We must first have a desire to go to the Temple. If we do not yet have that desire, there are many ways of helping ourselves achieve that desire. First, we must drop our "weapons of rebellion" (Alma 23) against the Lord. Such as pride, selfishness and disobedience. We must humble ourselves, and be meek as a child. We must submit our will, to the Lord's will. If we would all just realize that the Lord gives us commandments in order to help us live a Higher Law, to become as He is. It's all completely for our good. He knows better than we do, what is good/bad for us. We must trust Him. Through being obedient to Him, He can bless each of us with increased faith in Him.

"[The Lord] doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." (2 Nephi 26:24)

Second, we must be an agent. We must act and not wait to merely be acted upon. We must make a Decision. If we just sit around and expect great wisdom, knowledge, comfort, peace and anything else to just come to us with much or any effort, we are sadly mistaken. Just yesterday, we ran into a lady who told us she could be just as close to God while living in a life of sin (participating in fornication, drinking alcohol, smoking, speaking profanity, not attending church or partaking of the sacrament) as someone else who is striving to do their best to follow the Lord in all his commandments and repenting often. After reading Josh's "Six Points", I was reminded that we as missionaries were called to be lovingly bold in declaring absolute truths. I kindly testified that unfortunately she was mistaken and mislead, and that she could come closer to God than she was by actually living His laws. And that He gives us commandments so we can be happy, and eventually become as He is. Although she admitted that she believed Joseph Smith was a Prophet, she does not believe the Word of Wisdom was inspired. Towards the end of the conversation, she realized her points of view were slightly skewed and ending leaving the conversation by saying, "I know I'm stubborn. Maybe I just need to be humbled.".. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions and always strive to do better. It is the only way to salvation.

Lastly, we must have Determination. We can receive this strength from the Lord by actively attending our church meetings, the temple if possible, reading our scriptures, and praying to Him daily. We can receive support from our family members, friends, loved ones, and Priesthood leaders. Sometimes the trials we go through are to big to be handled on our own, we must seek help from the Lord and those around us. We must stand in holy places...The Temple, church meetings, mutual, seminary, institute, good friend groups,etc. The Lord once counseled, "My disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved." (D&C 45:32)

All in all, we must help ourselves to become more personally converted unto the Lord. "Conversion starts when we feel something" - Elder Ballard .. We must do everything we can to feel that "something"-- The Spirit.  By following these 3 D's, I know that we will all have a much better chance at feeling that something. I know that by following the 3 D's, we can all come closer to the Lord and become more converted unto Him.

Patrick Willoughby once stated, "The Gospel isn't a band-aid, it's a cure."

I know this is true and that through living the laws and partaking in the ordinances of the Gospel, we can find everlasting happiness and a cure from all the worries and tragedies of this world.

Stay close to the Lord and He will bless you.

Love,

Elder Carroll

PS  Don't forget to write!

"The Lord is my light, my all and in all.

There is in his sight no darkness at all.

He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King.

With Saints and with angels his praises I'll sing." - The Lord is My Light, Hymn #89 v. 4

My favorite scripture this week: "O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal." (2 Nephi 9:39)

WEEK 67: Become As Little Children

 Mark 15:16 

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, 

and preach the gospel to every creature."

October 27, 2014

Hey!

Missionary work is so satisfying!  Although it's not always fun and joyous happy times every second out here in the field, the good days always triumph over the bad. The days can be long, but the weeks are short.  The reward of testifying and having the knowledge of this Gospel by far outweighs any trial or obstacle that stands in our path.  I love the opportunity of challenge!

Alissa is still solid for being baptized this weekend! She has a lot of member friends that are planning on coming so there should be a great turnout for her baptism!  We are still trying to work with her Less-Active member aunt and uncle whom she lives with, but the progress is slow.  She will not be able to be baptized by her uncle, but hopefully in the Lord's time, he will have more of a desire to come back into activity.

Great news!  Brad is now on date for baptism on November 29th!  He's an honest truth seeker (probably more than anyone I have ever taught) and is steadily reading from the scriptures, praying and coming to church! So excited for him! :)

This past Saturday we were able to take Brad, his wife, Alissa, and some of her friends to Temple Square for tours and to see the Joseph Smith movie (Prophet of the Restoration).  I love that movie!  I've seen it probably 10 times on the mission and each and every time I get a greater confirmation that Joseph truly was chosen to be God's Prophet and mouthpiece.  Every single time I am able to testify of the truthfulness of Joseph's words, I can feel the Spirit so strongly.  I can testify with power and confidence that Joseph truly saw what he said he saw in the grove.  What a marvelous and life changing experience for all of us who come to a knowledge that that event truly did happen.

Alissa and her friend with us at Temple Square

I cannot stress enough, the importance of reading and pondering for ourselves, the words of Christ and His prophets.

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38)

If we would just be willing to take the time and effort to more constantly read His word, we would be so much better off, and would find so much happiness in doing so.  If we are too busy to read our scriptures, we're busier than God ever intended us to be.

"And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time." (D&C 1:28)

We must humble ourselves and put the Lord first in all that we do.  If we make time for the Lord, He will make time for us.

Yesterday in one of our wards, we had the privilege of being edified by the small children in their Primary Program. It struck me, at the short, simple, but powerful truths that were being taught and recited. The Lord once counseled:

"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 8:2-3)

We must humble ourselves, and become humble and meek and submissive to whatever the Lord see's fit to put us through. We must abandon our pride and follow Him. He'll be right there beside us every step of the way and our lives will be that much easier.

I love this work. I love the Lord. I love the plainness and simplicity that comes from His teachings. I know as we follow them, we will find so much happiness not only in this life, but in the life to come.

Love you all! Keep up the good work and stay close to the Lord in all you do!

Love,

Elder Carroll

"Press forward, feasting on the word of Christ.

Receive his name, rejoicing in his might.

Come unto God; find everlasting light." Hymn #81 v. 2 Press Forward, Saints

WEEK 66- They Are The Words of Christ!

October 20, 2014

Hellooooooo!

I loveeeeeee missionary work! The joy that comes from proclaiming the Gospel to others.. I can't even describe to you! It's marvelous.

Alissa is still excited to be baptized on November 1st! Things are going well and she is steadily progressing.

One of the new investigators we found last week, Brad, is doing super well too! He's met with missionaries in the past, but nothing ever really sparked his interest. That has completely changed now though! He is full of questions. We had a great lesson on "opening the door for Christ" to come into our lives. He completely agreed that opening that door is something he wants to do. He has been reading the Book of Mormon with his wife (an active member), praying, and he came to church with us yesterday for all 3 hours! At the end of our first lesson, before we had a chance to set up a return appointment, Brad said anxiously, "When are you guys come back??"... haha I love it!! I am so excited for him. It's amazing what the Lord can do for us, when we are willing to let him in.

So you remember Patrick? The guy I was telling you about last week, who got baptized a year ago (along with his 3 boys), and just got sealed to his wife a few weeks ago. He is freakin’ awesome!! He wants to share the Gospel with EVERYONE!  Because it's helped him  Because he knows the happiness that comes from living it. The other night we had an appointment to come visit him and his family, and when we showed up.. he had his non-member 13 year old little brother there for us to teach!! So now we're steadily teaching him! His name is Jordan and he is a super sharp kid!  Came to church with us yesterday. This work is so great!!

Patrick and his family!

The other day I had the opportunity to ask a potential baptismal candidate during her baptismal interview, why she wanted to be baptized. She responded, "I want to be happy."... That's what this life is all about people!! "..Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) That's what this Gospel has to offer--Everlasting happiness. I can testify that the happiest people I know, are the ones who learn and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it's teachings.

Can I just say... the Book of Mormon is TRUE! It's so true! It's so real. I can't express my excitement about it over this email... It's truly the word of God. My testimony echo's that of Joseph Smiths:

"The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

If we put some effort into actually reading this divine book that has been given to us for our benefit, we can find so much happiness. It is by reading the Book of Mormon that we can know individually, for ourselves, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God's true and living church. 

If you have 15 minutes, please use it to watch this powerful talk by Elder Holland on the Book of Mormon:

I know that "no wicked man could write such a book [as the Book of Mormon]; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.”

"But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good. And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light,and the life, and the truth of the world." (Ether 4:11-12)

I know that any honest seeker of truth can know for a surety of the divinity by simply reading it, and asking God if it is his word. The Book of Mormon only persuades men to do good. To follow Christ.

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ,we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies,that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26)

Some people in the world say the Book of Mormon is not the word of God. Some say it's inspired by the devil.. Well, Christ once counseled the Pharisees:

"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?" (Matthew 12:25-26)

How can the Book of Mormon be of the devil if the whole dang book's purpose is to convince people that Jesus is the Christ!? It can't. It's of God and inspired by God.

Nephi bears a powerful testimony of which I give my 2nd witness:

" Hearken unto these words (of the Book of Mormon) and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day" (2 Nephi 33:10-11)

I know these words are true and will defend them forever.

Love you all! Keep up the good work, stay close to Him, and the Lord will bless you!

Love,

Elder Carroll

Proselyting in Tooele County

Doing service in Erda!

WEEK 65- Where Do We Stand?

OCTOBER 13, 2014

Fun on the Farm

Erda burgers at the Erda ballpark!

The Great Salt Lake

Family and Frieeeends,

   Been a great week of missionary work!  Alissa is super solid still for baptism on November 1st.  We went to Temple Square this past Saturday and had a great lesson with the Sister Missionaries! We also found 2 new investigators yesterday! Both have met with missionaries in the past, but neither have read or prayed about the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith... We're gonna help them change that, and let the Lord take it from there! :)

    Over the course of the last few months of serving the Lord full-time, I have been blessed to come to a great knowledge and understanding of the importance of putting ourselves where we need to be. Or, "standing in holy places". The importance of acting. Personal conversion starts when we feel something. And if we are not putting ourselves in places where we can feel something (the Spirit), we will never become personal converted. If we are putting ourselves in "unholy" places or flirting with temptation, it doesn't take much for the Adversary to catch us in his snare. We as humans are so weak.. But with the strength of our God and Savior, we can overcome anything. If we do not take it upon ourselves to act (read from the scriptures/words of the Prophets and Apostles, ponder, pray, and attend our church meetings), we can't expect to know the things we wish to know. We can't expect to have a burning testimony of this true Church, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, or of Christ. And with that burning testimony of this Gospel, comes so much joy. I can't even begin to describe it to you.

    This past week we were at a church building and got asked by the youth group there if we would like to be in a "movie" they are making. We agreed, and they explained that they just needed to film us telling the camera "what we stand for". That really made me think. What do I stand for?

    What do you stand for? Alma asks an interesting series of questions that we can use to evaluate our own personal lives:

"And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14)

    Have we? If the answer is no to any of these questions, what are we doing about it? What will we do about it? Will we act? Will we repent and change? With the help of the Lord, we can. And trust me, it's so worth it.

    In the past couple of weeks, we have been privileged to take a Recent Convert of about a year, our on splits and visits with us! His name is Patrick Willoughby, and actually had an article in the July 2014 Ensign published about him and his 3 boys.  Here's the link

JUL 2014 Ensign Article about Patrick 

Patrick came from a rough background, but has completely turned his life over to the Lord. He is one of the most humble people that I know. He is the only member in his family (with an inactive member mom) and both of his brothers are serving lifetime sentences in prison. He's tatted up and down his whole body! haha He say's he likes to wear short-sleeved shirts to church, to help others know that it's okay to make mistakes. Patrick was baptized and was sealed to his wife last Friday! So he's on fire with the Spirit! So happy for him and his family. You should hear him pray.. it's so simple and childlike. Patrick is proof that people can change. With the Atonement, we can all change and become like our loving Father in heaven.

    If you haven't seen the new church-produced movie, "Meet the Mormons", you need to go see it now!!! Our Mission President got his hands on a copy about a month before it came out in theaters, so our whole mission was able to see it! It isn't a movie to "convert" the world, but more to help people gain a better understanding about what us "Mormons" are all about! It followed 6 LDS families from around the world, and shows their lives and what makes us as Latter-Day Saints, tick. Go see it. Take your friends to see it! I promise you will not be disappointed.

    On a closing note…one of the investigators we are currently teaching said something at our lesson yesterday that really stood out to me. She said, "Even if we never come to an agreement on our religious beliefs, I will never doubt that you two are messengers from God.".... God puts us in other’s paths for a reason, and vice versa.  We just must be willing to act upon those opportunities to serve Him and His children that we are given. Our joy can be so great if we will just act.

    Keep up the good work, and I promise the Lord will bless you! :)

Love,

Elder Carroll

"Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich." (D&C 6:7)