MTC Week 2

Hello!

This week was super amazing! Christmas in the MTC is one I will never forget! Russell M. Nielsen came and spoke with us about the Doctrines of Christ!  The spirit was so strong and I am sick of Christmas hymns! Their are literally only like 8 hymns that you can sing. And we sang each of them at least 5 times! (insert exaggeration) However, I have gained an even greater testimony about the savior. I learned more about the life he lived and the example he set. I learned to turn outward to others, rather than focus on my needs. Elder Galvin and I decided to put this attribute to work. We picked up another TRC, his name is Theo. He is a straight up G! We met with him and could tell what he needed in a matter of minutes, and that was the savior. We talked about the savior and we believe he gained a greater understanding of him. We visited him 3 times this week, and he committed to baptism. He will be baptized in February. (too bad I'll be gone by then) I have never loved a stranger so deeply in my entire life. But by the end of our time It felt like I was saying bye to one of my Brothers. I will be leaving the MTC on January 7th! I am here another week. Elder Galvin leaves on Monday (sad face) My new companion(s) are Elder Porter and Elder Williams. They are also going to Missouri Independence. Our branch president (Pres. Moshier) said that we will be training the new Elders when they come in. 

I am singing in a group this Sunday "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing"! I love that song. We are doing a quartet acapella! It sounds super good! I found that Missionary's sing louder! I like that! The power of music brings the spirit when nothing else does. Also, It feels like I pray more and more each day, I have never prayed so much in my whole life! The spirit is so sweet, and so calming. I have found that if you live your life in harmony with the Holy Ghost, you can always have that feeling with you. No matter the situation you are in. The Gospel is that simple. The Light of Christ never escapes from us, It might feel distorted at times. But it is always with us, even when we sin! 

I can't wait to see what next week brings us! I wake up everyday praying for a spiritual experience! I love this gospel and this work. My testimony is strengthened everyday I am here. I look back sometimes on my decision, and have yet to regret it. I can't even imagine where I would be spiritually right now if I hadn't taken that leap of faith back in June. I feel this overwhelming love for others. I want everyone to have a piece of that Light that the gospel brings. I have never felt so caring towards others in my life. I hope that when I am in Missouri that I can bring this gospel to those who are ready. A lot of us carry around this unnecessary dead weight, when we don't have to. We don't have to live in regret, or in sorrow. The Savior paid our debt.  Because he loves us more than our mortal minds can comprehend. 

I had the opportunity to sing in the Choir this Christmas. Brother Egget was the Choir director! He is soooooo funny, and inspiring. He was helping us get in tune with our emotions so we could sing with compassion. We sang "Where Shepherds neatly nelt" It's about the Savior and his sacrifice for us. Anyway, Brother Egget made a good point. If Christ appeared right now we would all engulf in flames. Why? Because his light is so powerful, and so bright that mortal bodies can't withstand it. I thought that was symbolic of something. I thought "we should prepare to be immortal, no unclean thing can stand in the presence of God. But no unclean thing will ever want to the least we can do is be the best we can be, so when the time comes to meet God, we can be as clean and ready as possible". I love it! 

Anyway, I have to go now. I love you all! 

Keep the faith!

Love, Jared

Jared and his Companion

I am telling Ya, that Elder has amazing planking skills!

Jared is a bit Sadistic... don't you think?

MTC Week 1

Hello Everyone,

The MTC is amazing! I love it here! The first day was so crazy, there was literally no time to do much settling, we were all just following our schedules and going with the flow. I remember just hitting the sheets and just catching up on information. My companion is Elder Galvin. He is from Canada! He is super on point and determined to work and be obedient! Super grateful for an obedient companion! The past few days have been a little rough, but not in a bad way! I feel like the first 4 days is the breakdown period, and the rest of the time is just building us up. Last night I had an awesome experience, we were able to teach one of our TRC investigators. I gained so much love for him when we were teaching him. And my knowledge of the restoration has increased so much! I was having a hard time teaching at first, I would have a thought, and then all of the sudden just stop talking mid-sentence! But then Brother Barton (MTC Teacher) was able to help guide me into digging deeper into the hearts of those I teach. I found this awesome power of discernment. I have found that if you listen to your investigators you will be able to dig deep to find their needs, when you hit that awesome sweet spot the spirit opens up to you, and it's no longer your lesson to teach anymore. It's Gods. We related to how the savior would teach us, and that is with pure love. Elder Galvin and I spent 3 hours preparing a lesson on the Restoration and Translation of the Book of Mormon. But when we got into to teach Mike (Our investigator) we basically threw out of our plans and answered his questions. On our first lesson we felt impressed to commit him to baptism, and he accepted! Mike has been studying religions for years, and one day he ordered a Book of Mormon from Mormon.org. What he didn't know is that two Elders came with it. I feel closer to my Heavenly Father. I recognize him more in my life as I be obedient in his work. The MTC food is sooooo fattening! OH! and it tears your insides to shreds. I have probably ruined more personal study sessions than I can remember because of my need for the porcelain Goddess! In fact just this morning I walked in and some Elders from another district were cleaning the bathrooms for service. I looked at them bold faced, said I was sorry, and went about my business in wrecking their masterpiece of cleanliness. #tendermercies! Anyway, everything is going great here! I feel the spirit and firmly believe that angels really do walk these halls. My testimony has grown so much the past three days! The power of prayer has really opened my eyes as to how much I really do need my Father in Heaven. He is anxiously waiting to hear from each of his children, he wants us to ask him for help, rather than us seeking answers from the world. I know that when I pour my heart out to the Lord that he does comfort me, and he is always with me especially in my darkest hour. I hope things are going well at home.

*Mom I'm sorry that my hand written letter didn't come* 

We have been so busy lately that we just keep missing the mail box, maybe one day! 

I love you all,

-Elder Greenburg

Missouri Independence Mission

 Jared at the Temple the Day he Received his Endowments

Jared's Zone at the MTC

He is a BIG BOY

Elder Jared Greenburg leaves for the MTC

Well. It's done! We dropped our Elder off at the MTC along with several other Elders. Next to giving birth, it's the hardest thing I have ever done. Jared has always been my protector.  He has always had great love and concern for me, but I now must share that love that he has for me with others. He has a great gift and he will touch many souls. This is Gods work and Gods will. " if it so be that ye should labor, all your days and bring but one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him, in the kingdom of our father. How great shall be your joy. "