Transfer 2, week 1

Transfer week is super crazy. I am still in Paola with Elder Dastrup. We lost one of our Zone Leaders, and our District Leader. Even though it didn't really impact me directly it still sucks to adjust to their way of doing things. It's definitely inspired though. I have learned a lot already from the new guys. We had a really cool week though, we were able to teach our investigator Paul. We are trying to help him quit smoking, it has really tested my patience, but I have been able to see it his way. He is doing really well, he had set his own goal to be Baptized on the 7th of March, but he couldn't come to churchSunday because his friend tried to end his own life, so we will have to push it back until the 14th, No big deal it just helps become more solid. 

Osawatomie is literally the worst place in the U.S. no joke (Americas Top Meth Sales), I have never seen so many drug dealers and crazy people in my life. We helped someone move from Osa the other day, they weren't members, just neighbors of a member. I couldn't believe how run down that house was, I could hardly be inside without wanting to toss my cookies. But, the people really appreciated our help, and we were able to get them our number and a Mormon.org card. Hopefully they call us. I never realized how humble the circumstances are of some people. I really just want to give them a big hug, and tell them it's okay. Which is weird because I wasn't a fan of the whole lovey dovey garbage before I left. The Lord has taught me how to love people. Elder Greenburg learned a valuable lesson so far.   

I have enjoyed being able to lead in the lessons this week, and I am excited to continue throughout this transfer. My door approaches are getting a lot better. The other day in companionship study, we took each point and really tore it apart, and then came up with a good way to teach them simply. It has helped me be more confident when teaching others. When I am challenged by someone who has a lot of questions on a subject, I make it my personal goal to study and get as much knowledge as I can on the subject. It has really helped me grow in my knowledge. 

When we were tracting the other day in Paola we came to this guys door and he said he has met with missionaries before. But was offended at the fact that we believed that there was an apostasy, and that we believed that Joseph Smith could hold up Christ's church better than Christ himself. Obviously that was completely false doctrine that he heard, (probably anti garbage) anyway, we were able to clear up the confusion as we told him the bible verses and other evidence that we have (Amos 8:11, 2 Nephi 13). He was very interested that we had bible verses to back it up. We were able to give him a Book of Mormon, and invited him to read and pray about it. We also gave him the link to a documentary called "A new day for the Book of Mormon" he was a crazy history fanatic and we thought he would really like that video. Hopefully he reads and prays, It would be sweet to start teaching him again. 

It has been crazy cold out here lately. I can feel it straight to the bone! Nothing I put on my body blocks it out. It just cuts straight through. I can't wait for Tornado season though! I am stoked! I guess Paola hasn't seen a Tornado for 3 years now. So, it's possible we will see one. Not even sad about that! I didn't know that the sky turns green! That's flippin sweet!

Anyway! This week has been great, I have learned a lot on my mission thus far. It kinda scares me to think that i'm an adult living on my own. Yes, the kid that once lit his butt on fire, and has done many other extremely stupid things, is living on his own. If that doesn't scare you, nothing will.

Take care, Keep the Faith, Remember who you are, Love ya'll   

-- 

-Elder Greenburg

Missouri Independence Mission

The pink Tie, is one that I (momma) picked out.. it takes a real man to wear pink!

 I Tried on momma's pink tie

Jared was invited to a 7 year olds birthday party!

I sure do miss this kids face!

YAY! Elder Dastrup and I got super sick this week! Being sick on the mission has never made me feel so wasteful in my life! Such a giant waste of space! This week was super slow because we couldn't get out, our Zone Leaders made us stay home. But, I am fine now so I am pumped to get working! It is my 6th week in the field so that means I get to start leading discussions, super pumped about that! I like to view teaching as a team effort. Missionaries, Investigator, The Lord, all striving to achieve 1 goal. Helping them come closer to Jesus Christ through the restored gospel. When this occurs it shows the Gator that we really do strive to help them see salvation, and that we really do care. It isn't about getting the baptism so that you can show it off to everyone, but to really show them that this is their salvation that's on the line, and that through the Doctrines of Christ they can see celestial glory. As we sit down with these investigators we can strategist with them what we need to do to accomplish this goal, what are road blocks that might occur? What are some hang ups? From that point we can set goals and make plans to help them achieve them. This is something that has been drawing on my mins all week, and I can't wait to use it. I really think it will help us with teaching, and showing investigators what real intent is all bout.  It's super sick! Anyway, I don't have much to write about this week.  

Here is a picture of me bumming around apartment.

Hope all is well!

-- 

-Elder Greenburg

Missouri Independence Mission

 Being Sick Brings about Missionary Probs! And sexy boots obviously

He is super Glad I sent him his boots!

Road Blocks

Hello!

This week was probably the toughest week of my mission We have had a few investigators drop us lately. We went to meet with Charles (who is on date for the 21st) and he said "I don't want to meet anymore" of course we asked why and he said: "I don't want to change, I like my church" I hated seeing this. It's a sad experience when you have literally seen these peoples hearts soften, and basically say they know it's true, and then harden their hearts. These people will listen to our message, set a baptism date, show intent by reading, and praying, and then they will go to their church's and talk to their pastures about it. Of course we know what happens next...we go to the return appointment and they have hardened their hearts against the message. 

But, all trials aside the work must go on! Josh came to church yesterday! He seemed to like it, he wants to come back with his wife next week. We will see how this one goes. Last Sunday we had a former investigator just randomly show up at the church building. He said he had some problems and didn't know where to go, so he came to us. Paul was previously dropped because he didn't show a desire to change or quit smoking. He even straight up told us he wanted to be baptized but their were too many requirements for him. We met with him on Wednesday after talking with the Elders that dropped him. They said that he was lying to them about not smoking, and reading. So we went into the lesson with Paul and just stated things as straight forward as we could, we taught him the Word of Wisdom. The Why and What for. Shared some scriptures, and even offered a blessing. I don't remember much of what I said in the blessing. But at one point I guess I had said "if you love the Lord you will throw your Cigarettes as far as you can, and that you will have a desire no more to buy" After the blessing, the spirit settled in even more so.....Paul literally walked outside, opened his car door, grabbed his smokes, and chucked them as far as he could, and then ran to kick them even further. I can't even believe that happened. 

I had the opportunity to teach Bible class this week. HOLY COW! We have been teaching out of the New Testament. Studying Christs life. I taught out of John chapter 15 and 16. Solid chapters, the comfort that Jesus left his apostles will forever be planted in my heart. What a love that he has for us. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another." This reminds me of the love that I need to have for each person I come in contact with. Having a desire to help them come "home". Helping them receive the restored Gospel. To receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, that will guide and direct them to the path that the Lord has prepared for them.7"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." 

What a great promise and Gift. WE will all be resurrected and be able to stand in whole body before our God. Now here is the question....How will you stand? Will you tremble in fear? or will you praise God forever? Live the Doctrines of Christ (Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, Endure to the End) and you will be lifted up,  and you will walk and not faint. Your Father in heaven loves you, and desires you to succeed and come home to him. Have Charity and Love for your neighbor, be long-suffering, have patience, be meek, and do this in Faith. And I testify that the Lord will magnify your efforts, and you will have everlasting joy. Yes, the everlasting Joy that man can't take from you, because it is engraved in your heart. 

I love you, and I want to thank you for being here for me. 

Keep the Faith,

Love,

--

-Elder Greenburg

Missouri Independence Mission

Another one bites the dust.

Hello!

This week was packed with Miracles! On Monday we had an appointment with our investigator Charles. He is Catholic and has been going to that religion for 5 years. We taught him the restoration about how the Book of Mormon came to be. All he could say was: "well, that makes so much more sense". Why would God have prophets all throughout the bible, and in ancient times, and then all of the sudden settle with Apostasy? He wouldn't, he loves us so much that he wants us to come back home someday. We put him on date to get dunked on the 28th of February. Hopefully he can see the waters of Baptism on that day. We were also able to put Josh on date for the 28th. He said he had been thinking a lot about baptism lately, and then two men in white shirts approached him. What a stud! hopefully he will be able to stop smoking by then. Love that guy! 

So, we were knocking doors in Paola the other day. We were working dang hard too, most of the people had rejected because they said "I have a Bible...soooo..." It was very hard for me to see them turn away. Anyway, we decided to head back to our car when Elder Dastrup had this impression to knock on one last door, the house was in very poor condition. Peeling paint, dirt patches, toys, bikes, car parts, you name it. We knocked on the door and there were two teenage girls that answered the door, we introduced ourselves and explained why we were there. The one girl said: "uh, nah I'm good" and went back in the house. The other girl said: "actually I want to talk with you guys" We asked her if she has had any interest in religion. She said "no, but I have felt this impression to start looking for one" She started tearing up, and the spirit prompted me to say: "That's why we are here, are you ready?" She listened more intently than anyone I have ever taught. The Holy Ghost bore witness to this 16 year old girl. She said she was excited to know more, and she reads the BOM every night now. We are going to go back tonight and teach her the restoration. The Lord places people in our path. He trusts us with those that he has prepared. 

I have the opportunity to teach a Bible class on Thursday night this week. I am so PUMPED! I'm teaching John Chapters 15 and 16. A lot of investigators attend bible class, it's a great fellowship opportunity. I have never understood the bible so much in my entire life! 

--

-Elder Greenburg

Missouri Independence Mission

 Random Pictures

 That's My Boy!

 Inspiration?

 BOM Shredding

 The "room"

 Food for Thought

 Shredding

 If you could High to Brolob

 Brolob

 Not a clue

 The Companion

 The Italian Stallion

 The Italian Stallion and The Duke

That's My Boy!