Tender Mercies of the Lord

Hi Family and Friends!

We had a beautiful weekend with high 50s and 60s, which we are hoping
is more than just a teaser of spring! It's been quite the winter, so
the sunshine and warmth has been readily welcomed! I went on exchanges
twice this past week, so it feels like i didn't even have a full week.
Tuesday I went on exchanges with Elder Spackman (zone leader) in
Dover. Their ward and area is doing well, so we had appts all night.
He's from the San Diego, so we talked about surfing and I told him I'm
pretty much a pro..except not really since I've only been like thrice.
But he and I talked a lot about what could potentially be done to help
Smyrna. We know this ward fast in March will bring about many miracles
in terms of missionary work here. But for the time being we continue
to exercise faith and strive to do the Lords will in bringing His
children to the truth.

On Thursday and Friday I went on another exchange with an elder in the district, Elder Rigby, from Idaho...no not Rigby Idaho. He's a solid
missionary, just has a companion going home in a week and getting married soon after...so in such a situation it's a struggle not to get trunky. All of his appointments fell through too, but the next morning
we were 5x5ing a former investigator, and I said a silent prayer that we'd be able to find a new investigator for these Dover elders. I looked down both ends of the street and saw a white honda in a
driveway and for some reason I felt to go knock that door. So we did, a tall black man answered and allowed us to share a quick message
about God calling prophets because He loves His children. He accepted
the Book of Mormon and a return appt. We prayed together in gratitude
for being led to him. The Lord does recognize and bless us for our
efforts, even when everything seems to be in vain.

Last night, we had another great lesson with Megan (our one current
progressing investigator) and Michael and Bro Bailey (Michaels dad).
We helped her understand and recognize that she has felt the Spirit,
when she meets with us, reads the scriptures, goes to church or is
around the Bailey family. I've really seen the miracles of Member
missionary work with the Baileys. The Lord works through the members,
missionaries just teach. Elder Bowen recently commented in a stake
conference that members are really the full time missionaries, because
they've got their whole lives to bring Gods children home.
Missionaries have a short two years. So that is the Lords way of doing
His work! We also stopped by the Baileys neighbor, who they're good
friends with, and he let us in and invited us to come back and teach
him and his friend more about the church. Miracles!

Elder Allred and elder Tarry felt prompted to knock the next door
neighbor of the sweetest 92 year old member you'd ever meet. He asked
the Elders where they're from and they said The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. He said, "oh Well I'm Mormon. Actually, I'm not
Mormon, but I'd sure like to be! My neighbor is and I've met her home
teacher, ken, (the ward mission leader). " So he was ecstatic when
they told him they're Mormon missionaries. Our return appt fell
through, but it's just another witness that he Lord is preparing the
hearts of His children through those that already have the truth!

I love witnessing the tender mercies of The Lord throughout the day,
just the little things that keep my spirit going and let me know He
cares. Things like the smile of a stranger, a pretty sunset, or a
letter from a loved one. Our Heavenly Father does indeed bless through
other people often times. I want to strive to recognize and show more
gratitude for those blessings. "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto
you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he
hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the
power of deliverance." (1 Nephi 1:20)

Smile and know someone loves you!


Love
Elder Jake Robins

Jake's Update

Dear Family and Friends,

What a wonderful week it's been. Crazy weather, new technology, and a

wonderful Spirit, blessings from above that "denote that there is a God." I made the mistake, no not the mistake but I guess the decision to pray for patience, because I'm so patient I just decided I wanted a little more...umm nope, that's a lie. But patience is something I think most of us

could use more of. Anyways, I prayed for it, and boy did I get it. We were told Wednesday that our Thursday Zone Conference would be moved toSaturday. Normally I'd be like, oh whoop dee doo. But we knew we were getting our new mobile devices. So just like little tykes at Christmas we were a little impatient to receive these new devices. And Thursday came around, and it hit starting with heavy ice then turning into wet snow. We found out that this was a very unusual storm called a nor'easter from Canada and a storm from Atlanta met in the De PA MD area. 8 inches that night then the next day was slush that froze soon after. Needless to say, my patience was tested, but we got through it. 

 

We taught our investigator Megan on Saturday night and we had taught her about the Restoration last week but she has a catholic past, but has since become agnostic. We focused just on God as our loving Heavenly Father and tried to help her feel the Spirit testifying of God's love for her. We committed her to pray to know if God really does exist. E. Allred said "now don't get off your knees until you get an answer. Well come Sunday morning at church, we asked how it went. She broke down in tears as she told us that she had been on her knees the night before for 2 hours straight then she fell asleep frustrated and emotional. She woke up every little while and would pray again, still with no apparent answer. We were heartbroken at her description of her night after we left. So we told her we'd meet with her after church. 

Michael (her member bf), Megan and us walked into a small primary room shortly after the end of the block. We shared some scriptures, thoughts and experiences with her as well as testifying of how prayers are answered. It's tough when we don't understand why God waits to answer our prayers or why He answers them in a specific way, but if we trust in Him all things will work out for our good. 

Then we asked Michael to offer the closing prayer. This was a most sacred experience which testified powerfully of Heavenly Father's plan for us. "Heavenly Father..." And then he continued. He said no more than a sentence, but there was much contemplating, many tears, and an incredible Spirit that kept us all speechless as he expressed our desires that her prayers be answered. I can't fully express this experience, but I am forever grateful for it in making my time here in Smyrna something to love and remember. 

Saturday was a very long Zone Conference and they insured us that we were not here to receive iPads, but that through these devices it is hoped and expected that we will better fulfill our purpose as missionaries, bringing souls unto Christ. So every missionary in the mission received an iPad mini and in the different conferences were trained on them. The iPads are pretty restricted, the mission president gets an email if we try to go onto an unauthorized website or download an app that didn't come preloaded. It is truly a blessing to have this device. We are told not to use paper planners anymore and the hope is that all the area book records etc will be digitalized within a few transfers. We can skype and FaceTime people outside of the mission to teach them, including non member friends back home, with permission. 

I know that The Lord is hastening His work "I will hasten my work in it's time." D&C 88:73 This is part of that prophecy. We have been entrusted to find and teach His lost sheep and bring them back to the fold. I apologize in advance for the fonts and jumbled manner of the email...still trying figure it all out. Haha well I love you all. Seek opportunities to help others and I promise your own struggles and pains will be "swallowed up in the joy of Christ."

love, 

Elder Robins 

You're a ROCKSTAR!

Wonderful Family and Friends,

 

What a relief it was to hear of all the rain CA received this past week. The power of fasting and prayer is so real. We are planning a ward fast the upcoming month of March where different families or individuals sign up to fast each day of the month. We did this in Wilmington in the Elder's Quorum and saw many miracles, so we're hoping it will help end the spiritual drought here in Smyrna.

 

Last Monday we went to visit our ward mission leader's Less active son and his "baby mama" (for lack of a better term) and their adorable kids. They have a 7 year old girl named Jacqueline and 9 year old son named Aaron jr. Both are whiteish blonde and you'd think they're straight from heaven. Big smiles, polite, kind, just everything good. A few weeks ago when Grandpa Mcvicker (WML) brought them to church, I went up to Jac. and called her by her name. Her face lit up and she was like, "You remembered my name!" I wanted to say, Yeah I know, I'm surprised too! Short term memory loss...not my best friend. Aaron jr. has not been baptized, so we hope to spend more time with them and help him ask his daddy and hopefully something will come of the whole situation. It may sound creepy, ha , but kids are just the best! They are literally heaven-sent and they carry such power to change lives and change hearts. There are several such kids and youth in the ward that I have just grown to love.

 

One of them, Andrew, has down syndrome and he's about 11. He'll run up to his primary teacher jump up and wrap his legs around him. Makes you want to laugh, smile, just everything good. And the youth can be wonderful too....some of them that is. We've been doing basketball Saturday mornings and volleyball in the evening. We've had several non-members or less actives show up which is a good, non-threatening venue to still help them feel the Spirit in the church.

 

On Wednesday we had a rather empty day, which is soo daunting when it comes to planning session. But, we went to a volunteer service meeting at the local Smyrna Opera House which is connected to the library. We walked in and said we wanted to volunteer, they literally gave us a standing ovation...we sat down, blushing, having no idea that we'd be so welcomed when most other places won't have much to do with us. We found that we could help put programs together, be ushers or clean or set up or really whatever they needed us to do. It's a nice little venue, similar i guess to the Village Theater in Danville. And several people mentioned members of the ward and asked if we were from their church, so already we're getting good publicity and the people are just the nicest.

 

I think I mentioned in my short vignette last week that we'd be teaching Michael's (active member) girlfriend, Megan. I was on exchanges with an Elder Wasden in the district and we helped her set up some furniture in her 400 year old house. (not joking there).! We stripped a few of the screws, silently screamed at the cheap Ikea nightstand kit, then voila we finished! I went to put the top drawer in, slid it in and it was completely crooked. They were chuckling under their breaths as I put my face in my hands and sighed. I guess I'll have to hire for the handyman work, or I need a lotttt more training. Then we taught her the Restoration and found out that she is agnostic and has been atheist. Good.!...no wonder the whole lesson went over your head! So we will start from square one next time, with God is our Loving Heavenly Father. She has read up to Mosiah in the Book of Mormon (all on her own with Michael and his parent's help) and comes to church just about every week. AKA dream investigator. 

 

She knows that temple marriage is important to Michael (who has four young kids from a bad previous civil marriage) and so she has been looking into the church. She sees things analytically, because she's a scientist, so we're having to take a different route, but that's what the Spirit is for!

 

Joseph (Liberian living with the Gibson family) has been coming along, missed church yesterday, but he has good questions. There's a tiny bit of a language barrier because his stinkin' Liberian english accent is thick as molasses. He's got a sweet spirit though, and a great family to guide him. I gave several Priesthood blessings this week to ward members for various health issues and a few of them non-members were present for.

 

After a great Zone Training on Thursday, the Assistants came up to me, Elder White put his hand on my shoulder and said "You're a ROCKSTAR, Elder Robins! Thanks for all the work you're doing." I felt loved and appreciated. He asked how the district was doing and how I have been doing. I told them I am just exhausted. Reaching what they call "perma-tired" (aka always tired). And slow missionary work doesn't help. But we still work and pray and have faith. They expressed their trust and love for me and I was glad to have humble, concerned leaders. Too often leadership goes to the head!

 

I appreciate the love, support and prayers in my behalf. I hope I can magnify this sacred calling that I hold for these 2 short years. I've been reading in the war chapters in Alma, which i used to despise. But now I love it, maybe cause I understand it now and am able to find the doctrine. In Alma 50, Moroni and the Nephites strengthen their cities and are blessed as they keep the commandments of God. "But behold, there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi." Alma 50:23.

 

Life happens, and it's not going to be perfect, they didn't have it "perfect" but if you choose to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, you can be HAPPY. I testify of this because I've seen it in my own life and in my own family. We aren't perfect, life will never be perfect, but we're happy. And that's just the way God wants it to be.

 

Love,

 

Elder Robins

The real letter

Family and Friends!

 

California got rain!! Isn't it a miracle to witness the power of fasting and prayer, especially when the Lord's Saints and people come together in humility, asking for His hand to bless their lives. Well on Tuesday we went looking for service around the Smyrna Clayton area. We went to really old folks hangouts, I mean Senior Centers, the Smyrna Opera House, libraries etc. looking for anything and everything we could do to get into the community and keep from knocking doors. It was a balmy 13 degrees with a nice wind chill that brought it probably to 1 or 2 degrees. Boy was that a joy walking around in! Let's just say my jaw froze up and I felt at home like in Rexburg.

 

Wednesday we took the whole day to spend time in Maryland, which is at least a third of our area. It's 32 miles out to the Chesapeake and when we got out there, we were a tiny bit disappointed. The stinkin' Chesapeake Bay was all ice chunks and it looked like a snowy mess. We got gipped, but the little beachtown of Betterton, MD had a nice little beach, so we decided to go for a polar bear plunge! I'm just kidding...Wouldn't do that even off the mission. We planted many seeds in MD, tried contacting several less actives and visited Miguel on his chicken farm. It was a long cold day, but we needed to testify out there, so it was good.

 

On Friday we had the privelege of going teaching with Bishop Deutsch to some less actives and our new member referral investigator from Liberia Joseph. (was that little intro phrase long enough?) We started volleyball on Saturday nights at the church and some of the members have brought their nonmember friends which creates a great opportunity to show them around and help them feel the Spirit. Last night we were teaching Miguel out in Maryland and heard that the Seahawks were just creaming the Broncos. You all know I'm a huge football fan...eehhhh, that's a lie. But my comp is! We are doing well together and seeing the miracles as the Lord blesses us for our faith and diligence. I appreciate all your love and support.

 

Lately we have been asking members simply, What is the Gospel of just Christ? Some will say the standard works, others love and kindness, or a myriad of other "good" things. But what is it that allows us to make this life worth while? Well it all starts with Faith in Jesus Christ and His power to heal us. Which causes us to repent of our sins and desire to change and follow Jesus Christ by being Baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God. The Lord doesn't leave us alone after this, but blesses us with the Gift of The Holy Ghost which helps us endure to the end along the path to eternal life. I humbly and gratefully testify that this, the Doctrine of Christ, plain and simple, this is the ONLY way we will make it home to our Heavenly Parents. Learn it live it love it. It's that simple! "And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou ME." (2 Nep. 31:10-11)

 

Love

Elder RobinsFamily and Friends!

 

California got rain!! Isn't it a miracle to witness the power of fasting and prayer, especially when the Lord's Saints and people come together in humility, asking for His hand to bless their lives. Well on Tuesday we went looking for service around the Smyrna Clayton area. We went to really old folks hangouts, I mean Senior Centers, the Smyrna Opera House, libraries etc. looking for anything and everything we could do to get into the community and keep from knocking doors. It was a balmy 13 degrees with a nice wind chill that brought it probably to 1 or 2 degrees. Boy was that a joy walking around in! Let's just say my jaw froze up and I felt at home like in Rexburg.

 

Wednesday we took the whole day to spend time in Maryland, which is at least a third of our area. It's 32 miles out to the Chesapeake and when we got out there, we were a tiny bit disappointed. The stinkin' Chesapeake Bay was all ice chunks and it looked like a snowy mess. We got gipped, but the little beachtown of Betterton, MD had a nice little beach, so we decided to go for a polar bear plunge! I'm just kidding...Wouldn't do that even off the mission. We planted many seeds in MD, tried contacting several less actives and visited Miguel on his chicken farm. It was a long cold day, but we needed to testify out there, so it was good.

 

On Friday we had the privelege of going teaching with Bishop Deutsch to some less actives and our new member referral investigator from Liberia Joseph. (was that little intro phrase long enough?) We started volleyball on Saturday nights at the church and some of the members have brought their nonmember friends which creates a great opportunity to show them around and help them feel the Spirit. Last night we were teaching Miguel out in Maryland and heard that the Seahawks were just creaming the Broncos. You all know I'm a huge football fan...eehhhh, that's a lie. But my comp is! We are doing well together and seeing the miracles as the Lord blesses us for our faith and diligence. I appreciate all your love and support.

 

Lately we have been asking members simply, What is the Gospel of just Christ? Some will say the standard works, others love and kindness, or a myriad of other "good" things. But what is it that allows us to make this life worth while? Well it all starts with Faith in Jesus Christ and His power to heal us. Which causes us to repent of our sins and desire to change and follow Jesus Christ by being Baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God. The Lord doesn't leave us alone after this, but blesses us with the Gift of The Holy Ghost which helps us endure to the end along the path to eternal life. I humbly and gratefully testify that this, the Doctrine of Christ, plain and simple, this is the ONLY way we will make it home to our Heavenly Parents. Learn it live it love it. It's that simple! "And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou ME." (2 Nep. 31:10-11)

 

Love

Elder Robins

ME and Bill, Jackie's husband

 E Allred and a sweet CA pillow

MD border

Pictures

The terrible, wonderful trio. I got nicknamed as the waterboy, hence the tea thing.

I killed my first bird!! It even mounted itself. Yes it's still in the same spot 5 days later...me and birds...mm not the best of Friends

We went searching for the mennonites/Amish in the southern parts of our area, but could only find their church. We saw quite a few in Walmart today though!