Week 30: Love One Another

Love these guys!

Hello!

The Lord is GREAT! I am so thankful for him and for the infinite sacrifice he has made for me and for everyone.

We have recently been trying to fill our afternoon's with visiting the High Priest's (old men haha) in our 2 stakes and have recently had an amazing experience with one of them. We made an appointment with him and were just planning on visiting and sharing a short message. When we got there, he said "I hope you like pepperoni!". He ordered a pizza and fed us lunch! After eating and talking for a bit, he told us that he had been married for 45 years, until his wife divorced him about 5 years ago. He had been inactive most of his married life, but has recently returned after his divorce. I am so proud of him. He lives alone in a tiny home and says he is very lonely most of the time. We read a chapter from the Book of Mormon before we left, Alma 5. This chapter and it's doctrine have never stood out to me so much than at this time. We had a great and very spiritual read with this great man and have scheduled to come back every week to read from the Book of Mormon with him. He bore a beautiful testimony to us (without realizing it) and expressed his love for our Savior and His Infinite Atonement. If you get the chance, read through Alma chapter 5, and answer the questions that Alma asks the people, for yourself.

The Lord's Atonement is and INFINITE ATONEMENT. Infinite in: Power, Time, Coverage, Depth, Suffering, LOVE, Blessings, and Divineness. There is never something to big that we have done, that the Lord has not already paid the price for. Use the Atonement. Use His love. D&C 18:13 - "And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!"

This past Saturday, one of our bishops took us to his warehouse of 48 antique cars. FORTY-EIGHT! He took us around to literally every single car and told us everything he knew about it. There were some 16 yr old priests with us also, and one of them asked how much a certain car costs.. 1.3 million!! Crazy. Got some sweet pic's of his 1983 DeLorean (with the world record of only 300 miles on it!!) and his 1967 Lamborghini! :)

Boston and Jaxon are still both on date for this Saturday and next! :) Also, Cari is back on date for March 15th! She was originally on date for November 16th, but it fell through because of her smoking habit. Along with them, we are currently teaching 6 other individual people! Pam and her less-active husband Jeff have been to church 2 weeks in a row! Pam told us that her and Jeff stayed up one night till 1am reading the Book of Mormon! She is awesome! The Work is great :) Please keep Boston, Jaxon, Pam, and Cari in your prayers!

Yesterday at church, the congregation sang the hymn "Love One Another". The lyrics have never stuck out to me more plainly and touched my spirit so greatly than at this time. I have no idea why.. This Gospel is truly amazing. 

"As I have loved you,
Love one another.
This new commandment:
Love one another.
By this shall men know
Ye are my disciples,
If ye have love
One to another." - Love One Another

I invite you this week, to take a specific time out of your busy schedule, and do something out of your way to help serve a fellow brother or sister. I can't tell you how much I have come to love serving other, and serving our wonderful Father in Heaven. The Lord will bless you, and touch whoever it is that you serve.

Thank you for the emails and letters that you have sent, it means the world to me! Always fun to know whats going on back home :) I love you all! You are in my prayers! Stay busy and stay safe :)

Much Love,

~Elder Carroll

My favorite Scripture this week - Romans 5:19 - "For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

This photo is for my buddy, Elder Andrew Johnson :)

Week 29: Transfer is half over!

Hi all!

January has come and gone! And this transfer is already half over!!

The Lord continues to bless us with success. Boston and Jaxon are still both on date for February 15th and 22nd, respectively. We are so excited for them both! They are sharp kids and have it down!!

We have not been able to approach Boston's dad (a non-member) about taking on baptism for himself, but hope to do so this week! He is an awesome guy and even says the opening and closing prayers for the lessons! He is fully supportive of Boston's baptism. He was raised LDS, but was never baptized. We will work on it and pray for the best!

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to take Pam and her husband Jeff to Temple Square! We watch "The Prophet of the Restoration" movie about Joseph Smith and his life, and then had a great private tour with a set a Sister Missionaries serving on Temple Square! It went really well, and Pam and Jeff actually came to church for the first time yesterday, which is awesome! We are making progress! :)

Chris is still praying to know if the Book of Mormon is true, we are going to check up on him tonight!

Autumn continues to come to church and loves it! Our last visit, we told her we could get her her very own copy of the Book of Mormon. She was so excited! We didn't have any with us, so we told her we would get it to her in the next few days. The next day, we get a call from her dad, he told us she had been bugging him ALL day about getting her own book, and begged us to bring it that day. hahah so we took it over that day. Yesterday at church, she brought her Book and carried it with her the whole day :)

Please keep Boston, Jaxon, Pam, Autumn and Chris in your prayers! :)

Covering 18 wards, we have the opportunity to go to 3 sacrament meetings every Sunday (and probably more, if time would allow!). And with yesterday being Fast and Testimony meetings, we had the opportunity to share our testimonies 3 times total in those meetings. The Spirit that comes with sharing what you believe with others, is amazing!

This Gospel is truly amazing. I love it. I wouldn't rather be anywhere but here, in good ol' Utah! The Lord has blessed me with this calling to serve and teach His Gospel, and I am eternally grateful for this marvelous opportunity.

I invite you to go out of your way this week, to tell someone else what you believe in. Or why this Gospel makes you happy.

Thanks to everyone for the letters and emails every week! Hope all is well at home, you are in my prayers!! Stay busy and stay safe :)

Much Love,

~Elder Carroll

My favorite scripture this week - Joshua 1:9 -"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

My favorite quote this week: "Sometimes the Lord has to bring us low, before he can lift us higher." -The Prophet Joseph Smith

VIDEO

Elder Souday wanted to learn an "American" song.

Week 28: I am grateful for the Gospel!

Distant cousin Elder Chase Carroll 

leaving on his mission next week to Puebla Mexico!

Elder Souday said, "Do a scary face!" lol

Family and Friends,

I LOVE MY MISSION! So many amazing things continue to happen!!

The other day, we get a call from a Ward Mission Leader, letting us know that a young boy named Jackson is ready to take the missionary discussions! We have been trying to meet with Jackson for the past 7 months, since I got in the mission and area!  Anyways, we met with Jackson for the first time last night, and he is now on date for February 22nd! His grandfather will be baptizing him :)

Boston is still solid on date for Feb. 15th! I am so excited for him, and for his father also! We have been focusing the commitments on Boston alone, but are actually going to start to extend the invitations the read and pray, to his father as well! I have high hopes for him :)

This past Wednesday, we were invited by an amazing investigator, Pam, to go with her and her husband to the Leonardo Museum in SLC to see the Dead Sea Scrolls! :) It was awesome and a great experience for Pam and her husband Jeff :) We are continuing to meet with them weekly!

For the past 6 months, we have continued to have a weekly Book of Mormon scripture reading with an investigator Chris. We read with Chris's family, our Stake President's family, and a few other families in the neighborhood. This past Monday, we had the opportunity to meet with just Chris alone. We had a great discussion, and have invited Chris to pray with a sincere heart, to know if the BoM is true... He has been challenged by other missionaries before, but accepted nonetheless. Please pray for Chris to have a firm confirmation of the truth of the Book of Mormon!

We are continuing to meet with the 10 year old girl Autumn. She surprised us last night when we met, at how much of the lessons she has retained! I don't think it will be long before a baptismal date will be set! :) Her dad is very supportive and has been coming back to Church for the past few months every Sunday. Please pray for Autumn and her dad!

I love this Gospel. I love the love that it brings. The joy and happiness. I wouldn't be anywhere else but here at this time in my life. I love it. I am so blessed to be a part of our Heavenly Father's miracles, everyday. God truly does work in mysterious ways, I can testify of that. But I can also testify that is always the right way. I have come so close to my Heavenly Father, and have realized how much for granted I have taken his love and Gospel. For that reason, I am eternally grateful for Jesus Christ and his Atonement. His endless mercy.

I invite you to pray for opportunities to share this Gospel. Ask sincerely to have people be put in your path and act on these answers to prayers (Because I can promise you that He will). I can promise you that you will be blessed, and that the people you come in contact will as well.

I love you all, thank you so much for your emails and letters!! I hope you are well at home, you are in my prayers. Stay busy and stay safe! :)

Much Love,

~Elder Carroll

My favorite scripture this week:  Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my wayshigher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

My favorite quote this week: "When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation.  And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart." - Hymn "How Great Thou Art."

Week 27 It's been 6 months!

Missionary Tradition:  At 6 month mark, burn a tie!

Great things continue to happen!!! I love my mission :)

Roxanne (the French intern) was baptized this last Saturday, January 18th and confirmed on the 19th!! :) It has been quite an amazing experience working with her. As I have mentioned before, I know 100% without a doubt and  truly believe that my companion Elder Souday, was put in this area for Roxanne. Him being able to teach some of the lessons in French was amazing to witness. To be able to see her so much better comprehend the doctrine when taught in French!! It was a blessing to be a part of :)

More great news! We have come in contact with an 11 year old boy named Boston, who told us during the first lesson that he wants to be baptized! We have set a date for February 15th! We are excited for him. But... We are more excited for his father, a non-member. He sat in on the lesson, and gave his full support to Boston being baptized. His mom also was there, and is a less-active but coming back to church! :) I am anxious to see what happens with his father, because he made some interesting positive comments during the lesson. Will keep you updated! Meeting with them again today!

Again, more awesome news! :) We met with a 50ish year old lady, Pam, who considers herself Southern Baptist. She has an inactive husband, but he is fully supportive and very excited about her meeting with us! Although Southern Baptism, 95% percent of her religious views line up exactly with the LDS faith. It's amazing! After a great and spiritual lesson, we have invited her to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true. She responded by saying that she was afraid to read it because if she did, she didn't want to be held accountable if she came to know it was true!! She's already believes its true!! She is a great lady and so humble and loving. I don't think it'll be long before great things start to happen. Also, her and her husband invited us to go to Salt Lake City with them to see the "Dead Sea Scrolls" exhibit at the museum! We are going sometime this week, should be awesome :)

Elder Souday and I had yet another amazing experience this week. So we dinner with families, literally every night. That's why I've gained 25lbs.. hahaha but anyways, the other night we had a dinner appointment like normal, and they ended up canceling like 5 minutes before we were supposed to be there. I wasn't too hungry, so I asked Elder Souday what he wanted to eat. He said McDonald's, so we headed over. We walked in, Elder Souday went to order some food, and I went to sit at a table. As I was walking over, I heard the oh so familiar sound of someone whispering.. "Missionaries..missionaries!". So I looked over and said hello. It was a few teenagers sitting at a table. People here always get so giddy when they see missionaries, its quite humorous hahaha. Had a good conversation with them and one of them ended up telling us that she was LDS, but didn't feel like she was. She went to church, but she really didn't understand the church. We got their info and have an appointment with them tomorrow! :) The Lord truly does put people in our paths. He works in mysterious ways.. and it's amazing to be included them. Truly a blessing.

I love it here. The joy that sharing the Gospel bring is undeniable. I would invite you to read D&C 62:3 and also to bear your testimony this week, to someone who has never heard it from you before :) I can promise you that when you do so, you will be blessed, it will be recorded in heaven, and the angels will rejoice. And your sins will be forgiven :)

Love you all, hope all is well at home! You are in my prayers, stay busy and stay safe!! :)

Much Love,

~Elder Carroll

My favorite quote this week:  "I marvel that He would descend from his throne divine,

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine." - Hymn "I Stand All Amazed"

My favorite scripture this week:  Matthew 20:16 - "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."

NEW mailing address!!

As I mentioned in my update, I did not get transferred out of the area BUT I did move!

Here's my NEW mailing address...

Week 26: Six month mark & Transfers!!

Missionaries want to have fun too!

This transfer has come and gone!

Yesterday was a sad day.. I have been in this area (my first), for 6 months. That is almost unheard of in the mission. Saying goodbye to the friends I have made here was almost as hard as leaving home, back in July. We got transfer info about an hour ago and it turns out... I'm staying in this area!!!!!! :) 7 and 1/2 months!! I am so happy, I love this area. The people here are amazing and I know I have made lifelong friendships even in this short 6 months. Elder Souday and I will continue to be companions, which is awesome!! I love this guy! I am excited to see what the future has to bring in the next 6 weeks :)

The Darlings--One of the fun families that I've gotten close too!

We had a Zone Conference (basically a meeting with 2 zones (or groups of missionaries), with training from our Mission President last Thursday. It was a great meeting! One thing that stood out in particular to me in this meeting, is that the Lord qualifies us, when he calls us but, many are called, and few are chosen. We need to do everything we can to "magnify" our calling. I had the great opportunity to be able to sing for a Special Music Number, "I Need Thee Every Hour", accompanied by a talented Sister Tranchina of Spain :)

VIDEO: Elder Carroll & Sister Tranchina rehearse

Roxanne had her baptismal interview this week and is still super solid for January 18th! :) I am so excited for her!! We are meeting one more time this week, to go to the Stake Center and see the baptismal font and wrap up plans for the baptism :)

We have continued to meet with 10 year old Autumn, she is doing great! She is the typical 10 year old and doesn't have much of an attention span... but that is ok! :) We just have to take things slow and let the Spirit be the teacher :) If i was the teacher,  I don't think I could get anything across! haha That is why I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost and the comfort he brings me and others.

After a great lesson with Autumn!

 We had Stake Conference in on of our stakes yesterday! The adult session was Saturday night. It was a great meeting, with 2 members from the Seventy--Elder Porter and Elder Aidukaitis! The theme was "Hasten the Work of Salvation". During Elder Porter's talk, he looked right at Elder Souday and I and said "Whom ever of you is the bravest, come up here and help me." I looked at Elder Souday and his face said "There is no way I'm going up there!!" hahaha. At the pulpit, Elder Porter asked me what my purpose is as a missionary. I was able to tell him that my purpose is "To invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the Restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.".. It really hit me when those words came out of my mouth. That IS truly my purpose as a missionary and as a member of the Church-- To invite all to come unto Christ. I love this work and am so blessed to be able to be called to serve Him.

Thank you all for your support and great spirits in your letters/emails! I love you all! I hope all is well at home, and that you are having the time of your life as i am here :) You are in my prayers, stay busy and stay safe!!

Much Love,

~Elder Carroll

My favorite scripture this week-- Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

My favorite quote this week-- "I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby; Temptations lose their power when thou art nigh." - Hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour

Week 25: Happy New Year 2014!

Davis High Basketball game!

Hey guys!

Wow, 2014!! Where in the world did the time go!?

Great things continue to happen out here!! This week has been an amazing one, to say the least. 

James was baptized by his grandfather this past Wednesday, January 1st, 2014. It has been long and enlightening experience with James, over the past 6 months (I have been lucky enough to stay in my first area for all of this time, and teach James). He was confirmed yesterday in church, by his grandfather. I cannot express through this email, how happy I am for him and his progression in the Gospel. He is a great young man and I am so blessed to be able to see his conversion process right before my very eyes. The Gospel is true and I know it. The Gospel blesses us and our families and is the key to happiness.

Baptism of James
I've had 4 companions since being in the field.
3 of them, were able to join us for the baptism :)
(left to right) Elder Allen, Elder Souday, Elder Martin

Roxanne, the French intern, who recently was scheduled to be baptized Jan 2nd, has now committed to be baptized January 18th.  She has told us that her New Years resolution is to be baptized! I asked her why she decided to make this big decision and she responded by saying that she's knows it is the right thing to do. I could tell in her voice and eyes that she was being sincere and truly does want to follow Christ by being baptized. I am so excited for he!. My companion, Elder Souday continues to teach parts of the lessons in French, which is so awesome to hear and see.  Please pray for Roxanne, that she will have the courage to stay on date for the 18th!

We were able to take 10 year-old Autumn, to Temple Square on Saturday. We watched the "Prophet of the Restoration" movie, at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, then headed over to the visitor center to get a private tour from a couple of sister missionaries! It was a good experience, but there is still much to be taught and much more to be understood before Autumn is ready for baptism.  Nonetheless, things are going well with her. She is such a sweet girl.  Her prayers are so heartfelt and thoughtful. Please keep her in your prayers :)

We were invited to sing at our Stake president (Pres. McKay) son's baptism on Saturday. Their son played the guitar and it went really well! The baptism also went very well! The Spirit was strong, and it was so awesome to see the family support and love shown to his son, Will. I love the people I have met here, and it will be hard to leave this great area.

New Years Eve was awesome! The entire mission got permission to watch animated Disney and other approved movies from 5-9pm! One of the companionships in our district has a member who offered for us to use their home and they have a 21 recliner chair in home theater! So we watched Megamind and Mulan. Mulan is a classic, I forgot how good it was!

Last week, there was a 10 year old boy in one of our stakes, who was killed in a snowmobiling accident. His funeral was on Friday, and there was so many people that attended. The whole chapel and the entire cultural hall (gym) was full. It was amazing to see these people come together to love and support his family. It was a great service, and even though I didn't know the boy (I think I met him once or twice in Primary), his life has made a huge impact on me. He has made me realize that there is no time to waste. The time to act is now. The Lord expects us to work our hardest, in every situation. And he is there to help and guide us.

Last P-day (Monday), we went to this guys house who has an in-home recording studio. It was so sick. He has like 6 guitars mounted on the wall, and when we walked in, he's like, "Pick anyone you want." So I picked up the Gibson Les Paul and had some fun with it :) Good P-day :)

This morning, we had the privilege of attending the Salt Lake Temple. It is always an amazing experience, going through the temple. The Spirit is strong and gives such peace. The Gilbert Temple is having an open house in just a few weeks! I invite everyone to go see it, and what this church is all about. I invite you to invite everyone you know, to the Temple open house and to experience the great joy and happiness that we know because of this Gospel.

Well, transfers are this next week, on the 14th. I have been in this area for my entire mission so far--6 months. It is very likely that I will be transferred. and my address will most change, so hold up on the letters for this week! :) I will let you know asap as soon as I find out my new mailing address. It is going to be hard to leave. I have become close with multiple families here, and they have been so great. I know I have made some lifetime friends here and what a blessing to know that I only live 12 hours south of here :)

Love you all, thank you so much for your letters and emails! I means so much. Hope you all have a wonderful week! Stay busy, and stay safe! 

Much Love,

~Elder Carroll

My favorite scripture this week: Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that becometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

My favorite quote this week: "If we do what's right we have no need to fear,
For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near." - Hymn #243 Let Us All Press On