One Year Older...And Hopefully Wiser

Happy Easter Family and friends!

What an awesome time of year it is. The trees and flowers are in bloom
after a long, dreary winter. AC isn't quite up with the times,
spring's a little behind, but that's ok. It's in the near future.
Actually, strike that, I saw a few Cherry blossoms and smiled today.
Almost as good as the wonderful birthday letters and gifts from family
and friends!

I can't tell you how much it made me smile and tear up a bit just
reading the letters and thoughtful gifts from my cousins aunts and
uncles, siblings and my outstanding parents. Public shout out to Glen
and Laurie for being the dynamic duo and best parents I really could
ever ask for! With all sincerity they are truly some of God's choicest
and I thank My Heavenly Father often for them. So thank you mom and
dad. It has been a wonderful birthday and never would've guessed that
I'd celebrate a birthday in NJ....hehe but my companion and others
have made it fun. The Johnson's, senior couple down in Cape May drove
up and took us out to lunch because I turn 20 (Alli did a good job of
making me feel ancient...halfway to 40...geez. Ha) and Elder Facuri is
getting transferred tomorrow!!!! What?!? I didn't see it coming, but
he is needed elsewhere. I'm going to miss him and his happy go lucky
state of being that so frequently cheered me up and kept me going this
last transfer.

I've probably learned the most with him so far and I got similar
advice in a few letters, and that is to just be myself. Why would
people want what I have if I'm being anything other than myself. There
was a quote by President Uchtdorf that Dallin sent in his letter that
says, "While the Atonement is mean to help us all become more like
Christ, it is not meant to make us all the same." How true that is!
I've had the chance to witness that changing firsthand in my own life
and in the lives of those we are working with.

Joe Ruple for example, (husband of a spanish member...who speaks
english and attends the english branch) is a very confident, pretty
successful hard working guy who is actually a former pro wrestler and
current fitness body building guru. He has posed this question in a
more polite, inquisitive manner than I"ll make it sound, "Why would
someone successful and happy like me need anything more (the gospel)
in my life?" He's not the typical guy that we meet on the street who
NEEDS the church, but rather the Church NEEDS him and his Christlike
service and love. Clayton M. Christensen talks about that in his Power
of Everyday Missionaries book; when the winds of prosperity blow,
people want to feel needed. And slowly but surely I think Joe is
coming to understand that with the gospel in his life, he can do so
much more good than he's already doing. How could it possibly hurt to
have the Son of God as your personal guide through the windy "Klamath
Rivers" of life...#highadventure. This next transfer we will set a
date for him to get baptized. He's pretty ready, just doesn't know it.

I went on 2 exchanges with Elders in the district this past week,
Elder Self on Thursday name Elder El-Bakri on Friday. Back to back
exchanges are exhausting, especially when you're trying to figure out
how to help the missionaries and their areas. But The Lord sustains
us. Elder Self was here in AC and we taught Joe Hicks a great lesson
on receiving revelation for himself. He tells us this is the church
that he's been searching for much of his 81 years of life. But he
needs that reassuring witness. So we used Elder Bednars video
describing Patterns of Light and the Spirit of Revelation to help him
understand how his answers will come. He described his situation as
being at the edge of a cliff and he has to jump across the river to
the other side. He knows he's going to do it and the fire coming
behind him is coming quickly, he can feel the heat. But he's still
just got to ACT and jump! The leap of faith is often the hardest part.
I'll admit it must be tough for them coming into the church, seeing a
support group of about5-6 active English speaking members...when they
could go to another church in AC with a congregation of 200+. But if
the truth is worth it to them..

Elder El-Bakri is from Utah but his grandpa is from Baghdad, Iraq.
Kinda rare! He's a good elder with a great work ethic. And we have a
similar sarcastic sense of humor. We taught a lesson or two in Spanish
and I loved how the Spirit helped me to speak the words that I needed
to speak. Nope, I wasn't called to speak another language, but why not
help The Lord further His work by developing and using that gift?!

As Facebook missionaries, we're called to teach, find and help others
come unto Christ using the digital resources we've been given to
fulfill our purpose. Some of you may have noticed that I'm now friends
with my parents on FB. We can be friends with parents and siblings now
for the sole purpose of their helping our investigators build and
strengthen their testimonies. And the church has launched the
pre-Easter #BecauseofHim initiative to tell the world that we have
hope and light and joy because of our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. And
they can have that too.

I know that as we all work together to bring this light to our
brothers and sisters, we will surely fulfill the promises that Alma
made to the people at the waters of Mormon. Our hearts will be "knit
together in unity and in love one towards another." Mosiah 18:21

Go out this week and find the ONE. Find the one, who will find the
one, who will find the one. And one by one, we will fulfill our
Savior's commission to spread His gospel and truth and bring God's
children home. 10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight
of God; "(D&C 18:10) so what will you do this Easter to remember our
Savior?

Well I feel ancient now. 20 already? Hope that doesn't make you
feel...actually ancient mom and dad...no you're not that old...yet.
Have a great week!


Love always,


Elder Jake Robins

Sent from my iPad

Ps when we were out with the senior couple a little old black lady,
nicely dressed came up to me and asked if it was my birthday, bc she
heard them singing Happy Birthday. I said yes and she started singing
to me. And told me she was on Broadway....but wouldn't tell me her
name. Probably won't ever get that again! Former broadway

Rock of Our Redeemer

Hey Family and Friends!

Sorry about the kind of heart stopper last week.! I had no intentions
or plans to do any sort of prank until I was writing the weekly email
and the thought came to mind. Glad it worked out though! Nope, I'm not
coming home. And Happy Graduation Jess and Wil!!

First of all, is it just me or does General Conference just keep
getting better and better?!? I guess it makes sense since we are
getting closer and closer to the Second Coming of the Savior. It is an
exciting time to live! We had a Zone Training on Thursday and part of
the time, the  Cherry Hill Sister Training Leaders talked about family
history work. I'll be honest, usually in the past, I would tune out
whenever someone talked about indexing or Family History Work or
genealogy...it's all for grandma and grandpa anyways, right?? Nope,
someone needs to help em out! Show them how to use a computer...hehe.
Love ya gramps! But I felt the powerful Spirit of Elijah as we
discussed how this work is the very work that will link us to
generations past and future. And living. The church must be true. Why
else would be doing all of this? Just for fun?

A man drove up next to us when we were walking on the street south of
AC in Margate, NJ( still on the island). I was so sure he'd just start
bashing us or telling us that soliciting is illegal. But he rolled
down the window with his shades on, looking a bit swag, but in his mid
50's. He asked if we were Mormons, "Yeah, we are!" we exclaimed. "How
can we help you?"
"Well a lady from the FBI called me recently and told me I'd find my
answers in Utah. Mormons are in Utah, right?"
"Yeah that's where church headquarters is located...but what answers
are you looking for?" Intrigued by his unusual introduction, no name
given initially.
"Well, my dad was adopted and I have no idea who my grandparents are
because my dad was part of the CIA so there are absolutely no records
that I've found past him. Can you guys help me out?"

Naturally..we told him about family history. And why he would have
been directed to Utah. Then he got intrigued when we told him we'd
love to help him find his family( wanted to quote the not at all
cheesy youth song "Find our Cousins"...but I refrained). So he kept
talking about how he might be related to a prophet, etc. So we'll see
what we can find. The Spirit of Elijah could most definitely touch his
heart in all this.

We had great lessons with Pam and Joe this past week, both with
members. Pam is a "chatty kathy" if you will...she goes on the longest
and most irrelevant tangents. But she's got a heart of gold and a
yearning for the truth. We are trying to help her have a personal
experience with the Atonement, so she'll feel it for herself. She's
got some family trials going on, so extra prayers in her behalf would
be helpful! Francis Reh, the oldest of one of the Burmese families,
came and watched General Conference with us on the iPad yesterday. The
members reached out to him and he was smiling the whole time. We are
going to start teaching the families basic English with some materials
the church provided.

This past Wednesday, Elder Facuri and I took an hour and a half bus
ride to Cape May where Elder and Sister Johnson( incredible senior
couple in the district). They drove us to an appt with a disabled less
active sister, who was so grateful for our visit that just lifted her
spirits. We went onto the Cape May Coast Guard Base with special name
tags and everything to deliver some copies of the Book of Mormon for
some who had been interested in learning more. We also participated in
a Book of Mormon study class that the sisters have been doing for
investigators and members. It was so cool to hear the growing
testimonies of some of their investigators. The light just filled
their eyes as we discussed the truths of the gospel. It was a fun,
productive, but very very long day.

In my interview with President Anderson, he actually asked if we had
gone down to Cape May to help the sisters out with the booming
missionary work they have to do. We also talked about the district and
my area. He gave me some sound advice and just listened, which I
needed. We are meeting with the Atlantic County director of Family and
Social services to look into service opportunities at food banks,
helping with food stamps, soup kitchens, etc. They have been more than
helpful in aiding us as we look for volunteer opportunities. Good way
to get in to the community.

So a theme that I got out of all of this marvelous General Conference
was that of courage amidst  persecution. Many of the apostles made
spoke in a way that warned us of more frequent and intense persecution
for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it's members.
Nope, I haven't had mashed potatoes thrown in my face, but we've
gotten our fair share. So what is all for? Just a good church with
good members? That doesn't seem like reason enough to me. This is
something we fight for. Why? Because we have a common faith in our
Heavenly Father. We have felt His love. We know that as we build our
"foundation upon the rock of our Redeemer who is Christ, the Son of
God" we CANNOT FALL (Hel. 5:12).  I love being part of this hastening
of he work of salvation in the way that I am. It really has been the
toughest experience of my life. But I have felt the sweet assurance
from my Savior that this will all be worth it. Even if it doesn't seem
so in the moment. If you are wavering in testimony or conviction, if
you fear sharing and living your faith, get on your knees tonight and
pray. Seek His hand in your life. I promise it will come. This church
and gospel is true. I know it.

Love you all so much,

Elder Jake Robins

Our "Christ-like love will change the world." Jeffrey R. Holland

No caption for this one. Another great blurry pictures thanks to his "Barbie Digital"

Elder Facuri snoozing? No caption again. 

Fishers of Men

Dear Family and friends,

Well, I've had a rough week and really it's been a rough experience
all together. I'm going to talk to President about coming home early.
I think I've had enough.






April Fool's!! Ha no in all reality it was a pretty tough week, lots
more rain and winds of adversity. What's with this east coast weather?
Or really everywhere's weather. Signs of the times, I'm tellin' ya. We
had a day or two where we were walking around most of the day just
soaking wet. Cold. Not too happy, but still willing to work hard.  But
we powered through it. Christ went through so much more for each of
us, can't we endure what little personal Gethsemane's come our way? It
was a tough week but a great week in terms of the work.

On our way home from North AC one night, the same day the shooting
happened earlier downtown...awkward...no mom, I didn't get shot. Yes
we were walking home, but no we probably weren't in any danger.
Anyways, while we were walking a lady walking in front of us turned
and asked if we were Mormons, so we replied in the affirmative and
walked away. No, ha we jumped on the opportunity to talk and invite!
Another lady and her 10 year old daughter named Dayanna were walking
near her too, and the daughter asked "what is a missionary!?!" So when
we told her, she started jumping up and down and said " I wanna hear a
message about Jesus!" So we set up a day and time for this week to
meet with her and her mom Diane.

Klawmey Meh (clue-may), the mom of one of the Burmese families, came
to church again this Sunday. She said her husband and kids didn't feel
well and that's why they weren't there. But she is such a trooper, she
can't understand a lick of English, let alone the Spanish that is
being thrown around in top of that at church. We really are taking
this one step at a time, with a small branch presidency that's willing
to help and fellowship, but just as lost in terms of how to
communicate! The members that we skype in to our lessons also
translate for GC, so we showed her one of the 5 or 6 talks from last
conference that was translated in Burmese. We're all exhausted by the
end of church. We had invited and confirmed that about 10 of our
investigators and one less active would be showing up. Only Klawmey
came....but that's how it goes.
I want so badly for these people to progress so that they can be truly
happy in the gospel. But it seems that my timing is rarely the Lords
timing. Our other investigators are doing well and we have a busy week
ahead of us teaching, doubling in to Cape May sisters area, etc.

We had a powerful lesson with a woman named Pam whom Elder Facuri
found on exchanges. We walked in with Elder and Sister Johnson (who
work in Cape May) and sat down on Pam's floor, about 10 minutes later,
half way through the plan of Salvation, Pam's friend Derrick walked in
and gladly sat in on the lesson. We had a great discussion about the
purpose of life and how a relationship with Jesus Christ will bring us
happiness. Pam had said that right as we walked in she just got this
good feeling, so she knew that what we were saying was true. It was
amazing to see how the Spirit prepared her to accept the invitation
that I extended to her to be baptized in May. But I want more than
anything for these dates that we set to be more than just a date that
passes with nothing happening, more than just a statistic. These are
GOD'S CHILDREN.!! They all deserve a chance to come unto Christ.

Christ taught His apostles apostles that if they truly wanted to
follow Him, they would have to "leave their nets" and then He could
make them fishers of men. So much joy can come from being in the
service of God and Jesus Christ, but we can be doing it just half way,
or only part of the time. Leave your nets may mean to drop anything
that is keeping you from being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ,
could be doubts, sin, worldly pleasures, there really are more
important things out there. I realized this week that I shouldn't just
obey the many rules of the mission because I have to. I should obey
because I love Him. Come, follow ME. And do it because you love ME.

18 ¶And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon
called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for
they were fishers.19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will
make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and
followed him.
(Matthew 4:18-22)

Love always,

Elder Jake Robins

Ps: Mom, blue or khaki, thanks. Happy Birthday Dallin! Big 18!!! And
happy GOLDEN birthday Ty! Eat lots of cake for me!

Becoming Me

Hola Amigos y Familia!

I've kind if been in Spanish mode the past few days. Especially after
an awesome Sacrament Meeting yesterday. Oh it was just amazing. Being
around Spanish speakers much more frequently, I've been getting better
at understanding Spanish, it's the speaking that gets me. But every
Sunday we and the Spanish elders go to the de la Cruz's from the
Branch. They speak Spanish and have 4 cute, young girls. She'll make
us spaghetti with some sort of Mexican entree like homemade taquitos
yesterday. Such a sweet family. I pulled up my El Libro de Mormon and
did my own little lesson on Helaman 5:12 building our lives on the
rock of Jesus Christ. And during church the former stake president(
and will be mission president in DR in July), Aman Corbett, gave a
powerful talk in Spanish about the Atonement.

A powerful lesson I have learned so far here is that God speaks to all
of His children the same way, no matter what language or background.
His language is that of love and the Spirit, and "The Lord go giveth
light unto he understanding...he speaks to men according to their
language, unto their understanding." (2 Nep. 31:3). I felt the Spirit
as He spoke to my heart and confirmed truths that were being spoken in
another language. With our Burmese families, the Meh's and the Reh's,
I know it will only be the Spirit testifying of truth and teaching
them that will help them progress. We found out this week that they
know each other! We saw the Reh's coming out of the Meh's after lunch
and getting into their car which was parked right in front of the
church...during church...soooo, explains why they weren't at church.
Ha, such sweet families though.

Mylta's brother passed away this past week and she has really been
struggling with that. Two appts fell through and she was crying
through the window to us. So right now we are praying for her and
giving her some space. But not giving up on her, she's just too good a
person. On Wednesday I went on exchanges with Elder Wilkes in my
district. He's a solid missionary with lots of enthusiasm and great
work ethic, but they are in a walking area that desperately needs a
car. They make do, but it's tough. So we worked on finding new people
to teach and found several potentials for them to stop by later. We
were taken out for lunch AND dinner that same day...loaded members
with generous hearts.

We had more iPad training that all the district leaders do to help the
missionaries understand how the iPads are meant to help us fulfill our
purpose as missionaries. We had a great discussion about finding
families and their is a wonderful Mormon Message you can look up
called "Families Can Be Together Forever" that talks about what we can
do to make our families eternal. I thought of my family and my future
family and how it all makes sense. God just wants us to be happy. The
gospel is how we do it, and families are what help make it happen and
where the happiness is shared. Love it. Love my family. And I know
that we can be an eternal family.

We are working hard to find and teach families. Elder Facuri and I get
along great as we sing and laugh and have fun. He's teaching me the
ukulele and how to cook spam..ha not really, Hawaiian joke. He just
needs a good amount of sleep...walking zombies don't work well as
companions. Personal experience. Trust me. He's patient with me and
really helping me find out who I am. He's helping me in a way, become
me. I can't help people if I'm not myself. Kind of a deeper
existential issue haha, but we all go through it in some way or
another. I want to help others do the same.
32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your
places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye
know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with
full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the
means of bringing salvation unto them. (3 Nephi 18:32)

The Savior receives each of us with open arms, why shouldn't we do the same?

Love,

Elder Robins

A Mile in My Shoes

Hey Family and friends! Happy St. Patrick's day!

Quite a cold, windy and snowy holiday for us out here. 6 inches last
night, never really thought about it snowing on the ocean cause it
didn't really happen back at home. And as fun as it is to travel this
part of he country and see some cool sites and have cool experiences,
it all pales in comparison to the sweet moments I am so blessed to
have with members, non members and my Savior. Like yesterday we were
walking home from the bus station, about 4 blocks, and we saw a man
across the intersection really stumbling and fumbling with his feet,
he was clearly very intoxicated. He walked into a parking lot then
blacked out completely and collapsed like a rag doll on the ground. As
this was transpiring, I felt to run over to aid him. The natural man
in me said, no he brought this upon himself, leave him be. But we each
took an arm and propped him up. As we walked him to the Rescue Mission
less than a block away, I felt the love of the Savior for this poor
man, reeking of alcohol. I thought of the Good Samaritan, and just
wanted to help him. Some others kind of told us to sit him down until
a worker came out to get him. So much joy comes when we act as the
hands and feet of the Savior Himself.

I love Atlantic City. Parts of it remind me of Wilmington, like the
projects looking parts. But this is a walking area, so we rely heavily
on public transportation. We cover pretty much the whole island that
Atlantic City sits on, so we do have to plan travel time. So much
happened this past week that it feels like it's been a month since
last p day. And my companion has made it a lot of fun. I've been
learning the ukulele during lunches, etc. it's way fun! We've been
busy and working hard. So to start off, the English branch needs a lot
of help and work. We had 4 members at church yesterday. Excluding
leadership and missionaries. We teach Sunday school and
priesthood/relief society (always combined) and do the Sacrament and I play piano for it, so they rely heavily on us 4 missionaries. We are
going to start a Bible study class at the church for members and
non-members  to come feel the Spirit in the church.

We are teaching a really cool guy named Joe R. He is the recent
husband to a member named Sister Magaly. She talked about wanting to
get sealed in the temple and invited him to meet with us. So he has
been for a month or two, he comes to church occasionally and wants to
take it slow. But he has great questions and a big heart and sincere
desire to know the truth. Just what the branch needs. We talked on
Tuesday about revelation and watched an Elder Bednar Mormon message on
discerning light, which really helped him understand the Spirit
better.

Wednesday was fuhhreezing. Windy and rainy and wet, but we work
through, thinking of the pioneers. We taught our older investigator
Joe H. About the plan of salvation, and it was so awesome to hear him
pray to be able to make it to the Celestial Kingdom. He's had some
recent health problems but has incredible faith in God. On Thursday we
had Zone Training in Vineland, NJ and went on exchanges with the Zone
Leaders right after that. It was sweet because they speak all Spanish,
so I was forced to pull out all my Spanish. I've got a lot to work on
and study and not a whole lot of time to do it, but it can only help
in the long run.

On Saturday we had back to back appts with our 2 Burmese families.
Let's just say it was exhausting. We skyped the Dun's from the Cherry
Hill Ward into the lesson to translate back and forth. They are
actually waiting for approval to translate the Book of Mormon into
Burmese, and they are the Burmese translators for General Conference.
What a blessing it is to be able to include them in the lesson from a
distance. As far as we know, the lessons went as well as could be
expected. But even more amazing was that we were kind of freaking out
when Klawmey, (mom of the Meh family) showed up at church. There ain't
a whole lot we can do about translating all of church for her. She was
really timid, even though the members were great about reaching out to
her. So during Sunday School we watched For God So Loved the World
Bible Video depicting the life and mission of Jesus Christ. I looked
over at the end of the video and saw her wipe a tear from her eye.
It's so amazing how the Spirit can touch anyone's heart, no matter
what language they speak. Especially with universal truths about the
Savior and Redeemer of the world.

I testify that He does live. He loves us and wants more than anything
for us to just come to Him. 3 Nephi 17 has a beautiful account of that
love as He says "Have ye any that are...afflicted in any
manner...Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion
upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy." (3 Nephi 17:7)

He is able to heal us only because He's walked a mile in our shoes. A
mile in my shoes, so when it's raining or cold or life gets stormy, I
look to Him for strength, peace and example. His arms will always be
outstretched towards us. I know it to be true.

Love you all, don't get pinched today!

Elder Robins

Geno's Steak in Atlantic City

More interesting food 

Jake and his companion in Atlantic City

Jake with the largest pizza ever. 

Fish Head 

Elder Facuri with his smug face. No that's not bling, he lost the clip
name tag so has to put his pocket name tag on a necklace. 

Like A Good Neighbor, State Farm is There!

Hi everyone!
Hope yous all (east coast saying) had a great week. It was quite
eventful for us! On Monday and Tuesday I we spent time saying goodbye
to many of the members whom I had come to love. There really are some
kind hearted people in Smyrna and I have felt so blessed to have the
kind of member support we enjoy in Smyrna. The Guessfords took us out
to lunch on Tuesday and then again to breakfast before driving us 2
hours up to transfers Wednesday morning. Hey are such awesome people
and I have found that the Holy Ghost has a way with binding people
together spiritually in a way that no other source can. It makes
relationships much more profound. But we still laugh and have fun with
each other.

Soooo, on Wednesday 180 of us missionaries stood across the Broomall
cultural hall from each other, starting to nervously sweat as we
awaited the transfers to be announced. Soon, I heard Elder Jenkins
(assistant) say "And in the Cherry Hill South Zone, serving with Elder
Facuri in Atlantic City (aka Zion of the east coast), is...... Elder
Robins!!" My jaw dropped as I ran kind of in shock to go hug my new
companion. Elder Facuri's a bit of a legend in the mission, so I never
thought I'd be comps with him, nor did I think I'd really ever serve
in Atlantic City(home of one of the world's largest pipe organs...for
you organ geeks out there...oh so few of us ha). So I was stoked. So
excited for this new adventure.

Elder Facuri is a big Hawaiian boy from Oceanside, CA (nope he doesn't
know Reed and Celeste) and he likes to surf. A lot. Kinda lives the
island lifestyle. He is fun loving, loves to laugh and work hard...oh
and he's uhh..narcoleptic....what?? I've already gotten pics of him
during studies, bless his soul he doesn't last more than 90 seconds
sometimes. But hey, At least he gets a more in depth study of Lehi's
dream.

And then..there's Atlantic City. Oh boy, let's just say they called it
Sin City's sister for a reason. The first thing I noticed as we were
driving through New Jersey and into AC, was all the casinos. Tons of
em. Not nearly as flashy as Vegas, but still sin city! So here I am
sitting on the Caesers Boardwalk mall, looking out on the AC
coastline. It's been a fun p-day exploring he city and what not with
another pair of Elders serving in our huge district.

So the Atlantic City branch we serve in has about 35 active Spanish
speaking members, and them there's an English branch tacked on to it
with the same leadership and everything, and it has about 8 active
members. Yes 8. That's with 3 recent converts. So we've for sure got
our work cut out for us. But I love it here!! There's so much
potential and I know the Lord has placed me here for a reason. I felt
to pray before transfers to be able to develop my language skills in
my next area. So it's no coinkidink that I'm here.

In terms of investigators, we are teaching a Burmese family that speak
only Burmese, except the daughter speaks a little English. So we will
skype in another Burmese family in the stake tonight on the iPads to
help us teach/translate. Technology is such a blessing! So we shall
see how that goes tonight. We're also working with a lot of less
actives on the island.

I must admit that it's not always easy to share the gospel whenever we
get the chance. We're supposed to talk to everyone. But I think of the
Apostle Paul speaking to the Romans when he says "16 For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
salvation to every one that believeth;" (Romans 1:16). I love this
gospel and I love love wearing Christ's name on my badge. Why be
ashamed? Let's share what makes us happy!

With love,

Elder Jake Robins

Ps, we were helping move a member and there was a Muslim man helping
out. He just said yeah I saw her moving stuff so offered to help. Like
a good neighbor, this man was there.

So Long! Farewell Smyrna!

Hi friends and family!

My this storm has been nuts. Although we heard about it for over a
week and we were told we'd be getting anywhere from 3-14" ....the
weathermen have been struggling with accuracy lately, so we just trust
Mother Nature to let us know..which makes it interesting. As of this
morning, we got about four inches here in Smyrna. I'm fine with not
living in a lot of snow later in life. Ha

But we had a good week and saw many miracles. We stopped by a former
investigator whom I had never met, and she was just the kindest lady,
so thankful for what we're doing and willing to listen to a message
about Christ. She was very welcoming and it was refreshing to find
someone who listened with intent, but we shall see. Later in the week,
on Saturday, we helped move some of Megan's stuff, including an
electric organ, from her parents house to her house in the boonies of
Clayton, DE. So we got to meet her parents and siblings and found that
they live right next door to the nice former I mentioned above. Small
world. Megan has already been doing her own missionary work, even
though she hasn't joined yet.!!! Her dad has had some issues with the
Catholic Church lately, so she invited him to meet with us and
introduced a bit of what we believe in. For now, he's not too
interested, but awesome guy. And maybe when he meets more of the
Bailey family and sees how the gospel has blessed their family, her
family will come along.

And then Josh that we had worked with months ago, the man that lives
in Dover and has been taught by the Dover elders, and is GOLDEN, he
came to church with Jessica on Sunday. During Elders Quorum, he got up
and shared a missionary experience saying, "I'm not a member yet. But
I had an awesome missionary opportunity at work where a friend said
he's been looking for a good church and didn't feel welcome at the
past few he's gone to. So I invited him to come to this church with me
and he might be here next week. " He was beaming in excitement. I
wanted to say to the other quorum members, This is how you do
missionary work! Look for opportunities to share it and open your
mouth, God will fill it with the right words to say.

We did meet with Megan and discussed how God calls prophets to lead
and guide His children. She understood the concept and said she
believed Christ had called prophets and apostles in Bible times. The
Baileys love working with her and helping her in the process of
conversion. I'm excited to hear about how Megan progresses in her
gospel.

On Friday we came to a point in the late afternoon where we had names
planned, but didn't really know where to go. So we pulled the car over
and said a prayer to know where The Lord would have us go. Elder
Allred said we should go visit Brother Boynton, less active that lives
at the very west edge of our area in Worton, MD 32 miles away. So...I
was a little skeptical, but I felt a confirming witness that "he'll be
home tonight." So I acted in faith and drove. 40 minute drive later we
knocked on his door, he answered and with a big smile let us in. He is
from Ephraim, UT but has been in Worton for over 20 years. Hasn't been
to church in nearly 10, but he was oh so happy to have us there. He
and Elder Allred hit it off right away. It was such a blessing to see
how The Lord had guided us on the right night at the right time (with
the miles to do it) to one of His lost sheep. It was so awesome. We
invited him to read and pray and eventually come back to church. He
was just so thrilled that we had made it out.

And after 6 months here in good ol' Smyrna, I will be transferred to
another portion of the Lord's vineyard this weds (if weather permits).
It's bittersweet, but I have felt it's my time. 4 1/2- 6 months is a
good amount of time to spend in an area and hopefully the ground work
that I did will help future missionaries to harness the potential
here. I'm stoked for my next area though!

I've been struggling with feeling like it's all my fault that I
haven't had more success. And I've prayed a lot about really
fulfilling my purpose as a missionary. Our purpose is NOT to knock
doors, but to invite others to come unto Christ. Well I was doing a
Preach My Gospel study activity which brought me to John 15:4-5

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide
in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing.

I was brought to tears as I felt the Savior's love and realized that
that is exactly what I need to be doing. Abide in me and I in you.
This is not the work of Jake Robins. This is the work of Jesus Christ,
I testify that that is true. I need Him, you need Him, and with Him,
we can all have joy, success, and hope in then life and love to come.
With Him, we will bring forth fruit.

Love you all,

Elder Jacob Robins

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