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

Week 24 Baptisms, Book of Mormons and Christmas!

Yet another week, the Lord has blessed us with so much!

Makenzie (14) was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by her grandfather yesterday, December 28th!! :) It was such a blessing to be a part of it. This is why I am out here--To invite others to come unto Christ by receiving the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love it! The baptism went really well! Elder Souday and I were able to sing a special music  number and she had tons of support from her classmates! When we first met with her, she didn't want to tell any of her friends, I think just because she was embarrassed. Most of her friends thought she was already LDS. But eventually she opened up about it, made invitations for a bunch of people and posted it on Twitter hahaha. Good day :)

James is stoked for Wednesday (Jan 1st, 2014) and is so prepared for his baptism! It has been a long but interesting road with him over the past (almost) 6 months! I am so excited for him, please keep him in your prayers!

Roxanne is doing good, but is out of town right now. She will be back next week and we are planning on meeting with her again soon. Please keep her in your prayers that she will have the courage to act upon the answer she has received :)

Christmas Eve and Christmas day were a blast! We spent Christmas Eve evening with a great family we have gotten to know very well, and had a great time with them :) We spent Christmas day all day with members and made this Christmas unforgettable! We actually went over to a family's house at5:30am to open presents.. it was awesome hahah :) It was fun to Skype home and see everyone, thank you so much for all who came!

Elder Souday roasting a marshmallow for the first time EVER!!

 Christmas Day with my missionary buddies, Elders Souday, Burt & Westlund!

Skyping with my family on Christmas Day!

Yesterday (Sunday) was super busy! We had the opportunity to speak in 2 sacrament meetings and teach a combined Priesthood/Relief Society 5th Sunday Class! 

So a really cool story... There are some great Ward Missionaries in one of our wards and they recently decided to take a trip around the world by plane! Pretty much just for fun. To make a long story short, their bishop found out about this and challenged each of them to place 3 Books of Mormon during their trip. One Chinese, one Japanese, and one English. They were up for the challenge and placed all of the Books during their trip! Yesterday, the bishop had them talk in their combined 5th Sunday class, and tell of their experiences. The meeting went great and they actually challenged the entire class to place Books of Mormon at the end! 

Jon (the member who's house I Skyped at and one of the guys who went on the trip) asked me about a week ago, to get a bunch of paperback Book of Mormon copies for them to pass out. I had completely forgot until he texted us Saturday night, asking if we had them ready for the next morning. Elder Souday and I had a great time calling and going to about 6 missionary apartments to gather these books--last minute notice Saturday night at like 8pm! haha :) We gathered about 50 copies!

It was an amazing experience to see these ward members come up to the front and take the Books of Mormon to place throughout the next week. Great way to do missionary work!

I am so grateful to be a missionary at this time. There is no other place I would rather be, because of the people that I've met and the experiences that I've had. I love it out here and I am so grateful for this great opportunity to serve the Lord. I know this is Christ's true Church on the earth today.  I wouldn't be out here if I didn't. 

Love you all! Hope you had an amazing Christmas with your families, and hope you have an amazing week! Stay busy, stay safe, you're in my prayers! :)

~Elder Carroll

My favorite scripture this week: 1 Tim 4:12 - "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

My favorite quote this week: "It's all about the principle." - My Uncle Kent

Week 23 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

TYPICAL MISSIONARY CAR PHOTO! LOL

 CHECK OUT THIS GIANT SNOWMAN!!

Hey Guys!

What an amazing week this has been. We have 2 baptisms scheduled for next week!! :) Miracles are truly happening.

James, who we have been teaching since i got in the mission (August 1st), is on date for Jan 1st, 2014!! We have been meeting with him almost weekly for the past 5 months! He is prepared and I am so excited for him! :) Please keep him in your prayers!

This past Monday, we get a call from one of our Ward Mission Leaders and he tells us that a 14 year old girl, Makenzie who we have been trying to reach for the past 2 months, finally wants to meet with us! Her mom went inactive in the Church, when she was 8, so she never got baptized.  We met with her on Tuesday, and had a great lesson! She asked us, "Can I get baptized this Saturday, Dec. 21st?"  My mouth dropped hahaha. We said yes!!  But after talking with her grandparents (who she lives with) they decided December 28th would work better. So we have met with Makenzie 3 times since Tuesday, and have taught her everything required for baptism!  She is prepared and ready to make this leap of faith in her life :) So the baptism is this Saturday, super excited for her!  She asked Elder Souday and I to sing a Special Music Number for the baptism, so that will be fun :) The Lord works in mysterious ways, and prepares people in his own time. What a blessing to be a part of this amazing Work. Please keep her in your prayers! :)

Roxanne, who was on date for baptism for Jan 2nd, has decided to postpone just a few weeks. She seems to be just a little afraid of whats ahead, which is completely understandable. Baptism is a big commitment! So we are meeting with her about twice a week, and I am sure that it won't be long until she sets another date. She said she is thinking mid January. Please also keep her in your prayers!

So last Wednesday (Dec 18th), we attended the 1st Annual Pajama Party for Jesus!! hahaha It was a blast!  A couple of other Elders have a great family they are working with. The only member is the grandmother who was just baptized in August and she is on fire with the Gospel! It was a great time! We watched "Mr. Kruger's Christmas" played games, sang Christmas carols and shared our favorite scriptures! The family who we celebrated with has made it clear that this new tradition is not only for their family, but for everyone!! So if you're not doing anything next year on December 18th, remember to celebrate the 2nd Annual Pajama Party for Jesus!!! 

I am so grateful for this opportunity i have to serve the Lord in His great Work. What a blessing it is to witness these miracles everyday. I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his ultimate sacrifice for me. I can truly not repay that debt. 

Love you all, hope you all have an amazing week and Christmas! :) Stay safe and stay busy!

~Elder Carroll

PS - Ephesians 4:32 - "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."

"Why should we mourn, or think our lot is hard?

Tis not so, all is right." - Hymn titled, "Come Come Ye Saints"