Lower Slower Delaware (LSD)

Hi Family and Friends,

 

What a week it has been! I'll try to be short, but uhh don't count on it. So yes, I have been transferred to Smyrna, Delaware. My companion is Elder Rabe from....take a wild guess...UTAH! And it has been quite the adjustment for me, but I'll get into that in a bit. So Monday and Tuesday Elder Timmerman and I stopped by former investigators and investigators as well as members that I wanted to say goodbye to.

 

We had been working with an inactive woman named Pat, helping her see the need for coming back to church. So we would take one of our pre-missionary priests over, James, to have the 3 of us "practice" teaching the Restoration to her. She was stubborn and almost standoffish at first, but she has since then softened up and agreed to look for a dress to wear to church, so the Spirit has wonderfully been working on her.  

 

I also got to say bye to my very first investigator, Frank, and introduced him to Elder Timmerman. He is humble and recognizes the need to change and sees that the Atonement can do that. So I've come to realize this: No, I did not baptize anyone in Wilmington, I did not see any less-actives I worked with go to church, I did not teach any individuals brought by members. But, I worked hard all day, every day to invite the people of Wilmington to come closer to Christ.

 And the wonderful Anderson family in my ward, saw them on Tuesday, they prayed and prayed and fasted to be able to give away 1 Book of Mormon by 9/15. And they were NOT able to do it, but Sister Anderson looked me in the eyes and said, "Elder Robins, you have changed our family. We are all continuing to pray every day for the opportunity to give away a Book of Mormon, you really have inspired us all. So thank you." I mention this not to brag, but because it was one of the marvelous workings of the Spirit of which I have been a part. "That I may be an instrument in His hands.."

 

It is people and families like that that have made this whole "transfer" process pretty difficult this past week. I grew to love the members and non members of Wilmington so much that it felt like I was leaving home, yet again. I wrote a paper winter semester at BYU-I called "The Heart of a Nomad" talking about these nomadic years of life where we don't have a set home for an extended period of time. What I am coming to realize is that what makes home feel like "home" is the people that are there and the love and Spirit that is shared. It's a miracle that Heavenly Father puts people in our lives to not only love us, but to assisst us in this process of change in our lives. Changing to return to that God who created us.

 

I switched places with Elder Seeley, he came from Smyrna to Wilmington, me vice versa. Smyrna is a little less than an hour south of Wilmington, and the first day I felt really weirdly homesick for the crazy city I had just come from. It is much smaller down here. Completely flat. Like not a hill in sight. Just trees. A lot of farmland with pivots (learned something in Melba last summer!) and such. The Smyrna ward was split Smyrna North and South, sisters up north. And it covers from the eastern delaware border to the chesepeake in Maryland. There are a number of members in Maryland, so we will probably spend some time over there this transfer. Elder Rabe has been out over a year and knows his stuff. He's a bit quieter, but I like him and he works hard. 

There are two different members in this ward who Elder Taylor and I visited and gave blessings to up in Wilmington, so it's been nice to catch up with them and get to know them here. I could literally go on for days. But to save time and words and your attention, if I didn't lose it the first sentence, I'll introduce Bill and Jackie. They live in a trailer park in Smyrna, 91 year old uncle living with his 74 year old neice. He is very hard of hearing. I've never shouted the First Vision so loud in my life. After Bill was trying to remember the name of a family member, Jackie confirmed the name and muttered to us, "I thought I saw a little smoke." Sooo funny. They are wonderful and humble and hopefully prepared. Love em already. 

Epilogue (to go along with my novel)

Last night, we had dinner at a member's home and I sensed that these members were exhausted from the day-to-day grind of raising their 4 grandchildren. I turned to chapter 24 of Mosiah where Alma is talking about the oppression Amulon puts Alma and his people under. These people would be killed if they prayed allowed. But they prayed in their hearts for deliverance from God. 

"Lift up your heads and be of good comfort...I will ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders...and the Lord did strengethn them that they could bear up their burdens with ease and submit CHEERFULLY to all the will of the Lord." (Mos. 24:12-16). 

The hard part of this mortal journey is that life just plain stinks sometimes. It may just seem like nothing is ever going to work out. Or what about those times when the tough just don't want to get going? You're down to your last straw. I testify that Jesus Christ alone is the answer. There is no counselling or money or any worldly possession that can ease your burdens and give you the strength to endure as the Atonement of Jesus Christ can. I may be a mere 19 years old, but I HAVE felt the power of the Atonement strengthen and enable me to live my life as He would have me live. 

Love you all, Be of Good Cheer, 

Elder Jacob Robins

Blurry me and Enock (hopefully getting baptized soon)

Me and James from the ward, from Liberia, waiting for a mission call

The Anderson Family, minus Brother Anderson

Off "I" Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder

Family and Friends,

 

How are you all? (respond in your head and continue reading) The subject line..I think we just found ourselves singing the Air Force anthem this week and I remembered it from choir with Sister Brown. Well first things first, rumors are true, I am getting
transferred!!! We usually find out Friday night, but one of the assistant's had an appendicitis, so that delayed things. I won't know where I'm going 'til weds though. I trust that Elder Timmerman and his new comp will further the flourishing work in this area. And yes, I was at Bishop Condie's house when he made that phone call home, obviously I didn't talk though. But I appreciated his willingness to do that.

Yesterday was the Primary Program during Sacrament meeting, but before the 50+ little kids started their parts. I was asked on the spot to bare my testimony, so it was a little rough, but I testified that we are each children of a loving Heavenly Father. And as such, we have divine potential to live with Him and become like Him. The theme of the program was "I am a Child of God" and this group of kids may have been the best sounding primary I've heard in a while (sorry Danville 1st!). Most of the primary population is junior age too. One of the songs they sang was "A child's Prayer" with about 7 moms and their daugthers. "You are His child, His love now surrounds you." And I felt that love surround me as they sang. It sounds cheesy, but music can really provide a beautiful vehicle through which the Spirit can testify of truth and can strengthen us spiritually. Enock did not make it to church, nor did anyone else that we invited, despite our best efforts.

 

We invited Rod (police officer) and his family, daughter Amelia, and wife Angela, but their schedules conflicted way too much. Rod assured us that once his wife got on board, he would be "easy pickin's" to be baptized. And Amelia was jumping up and down about going to church and meeting girls her age. Literally a missionary's dream. But, Angela wants to check out a unitary church this week or something. Yes we are trying! But, we are praying and trying to fit into their busy schedules. So I guess I will find out 2nd hand how that all turns out.

 

Elder Bowen from the first Quorum of the Seventy and his wife visited the mission last weekend. They did several zone conferences, ours being on Saturday in Newark. And there were some intelligent missionaries eating during the conference and kind of talking during Sister Anderson's talk. Sooo, Elder Bowen got up and chastised us for taking lightly sacred opportunities to learn. Seems a little harsh, but totally makes sense that if the Spirit is going to teach us, He wants our full attention, not split  50/50 with some Nature Valley granola bar. He also reproved us for a general lack of faith in the mission but assured us that he was "showing forth afterwards an increase of love towards him whom thou hast reproved" (D&C 121:43). And he did. So we talked about some doctrines such as the Abrahamic Covenant, Gathering of Israel,  and how we are fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant as we live our baptismal and temple covenants.

 

A few things that stuck out to me as he taught and discussed (it was more like a classroom setting w/ a chalkboard and 45 missionaries or so):

-The hymn Redeemer of Israel (p.6) says "How long we have wandered as strangers in sin, and cried in the desert for thee." So the concept that we are not at home on this earth, we are but wanderers, struggling to find our way through this dark and dreary world. We are trying to find our way home. Jesus Christ is that way home and is the literal light of the world, lighting the path back to God. We as members and missionaries are instruments in sharing that light with all of God's children.

-One of the things he focused on was the Priesthood. In Abraham 2:9-11, Abraham was promised "that in their (our) hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood to all nations. And I will bless them through thy name (Abraham); for as many as receive this gospel shall be called after thy name."

 

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we hold that Priesthood power of God, the same power that Christ used to create the earth. Think about that. Powerful stuff, God has entrusted us with His literal power. Wow. You'd think everyone would be running to us if they understood that. I know that the Priesthood is real because I have felt its power in my life and have seen it bless the lives of others. Quite frankly, it is by the power of the Priesthood that I am alive today.

 

This whole meeting was physically and mentally exhausting, as spiritual experiences tend to be. So the rest of the week has kind of blurred for me, but a wonderful man named Reggie sang us a beautiful song with his guitar, about Christ and the work we are doing. He told us that we are working in a spiritually very dark community, but we are providing the light to those who will receive it. Very kind man. On wednesday I went with Elder Shepherd on exchanges, and miraculously, we saw Xavier in his area. He gave me a hug and said he wanted to meet again and get baptized. But...he didn't keep his appt that we set for Saturday, so we're a little confused as to his commitment level...but hope he comes around. We were called off the street to help a member's neighbor move a couch. Looked reasonably doable at first. Then he decided to take it upstairs, and I saw what a ridiculous feat we had agreed to take on. Both men left the stairwell at different points, leaving me and Elder Timmerman to shake and shimmy and heave the couch up the stairs, much of it on our own. One of them named Greg is from Philippines (told him about Cody in Laoag) and insisted he pay us for our service. We told him we just want to teach him and help him more.

 

I have struggled most of my life to say that I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and did indeed restore the fulness of the gospel. Many experiences and even Restoration videos have blessed me again and again with that unwavering witness that he was indeed a Prophet. Making the Book of Mormon the word of God. If the Book of Mormon is true, then as the Introduction says, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Kingdom once again established on the earth." I know this is true.

 

Love you all, here are some pics,

 

Elder Robins

Alli and Tyler Selder (Amy and Taylor Jackson's relatives) Tyler is 5 Alli is 11

Mama Fist, member from Bulgaria, kinda the mission mom

Me, Bishop and Sister Condie

September 9, 2013

Hi Family And Friends,

 

It seems to be that some of our craziest events during the week happen right after p-day ends and after I've already emailed home. Last Tuesday, we met with our investigator Robert ( the one who had drug problems most of his life and has cancer and stuff). And he started talking and telling us how offended he had gotten the week before when we met with him. At that meeting, I had asked him to pray and told him how we as Latter-day Saints pray with the introduction and ending; while still accepting the way he prayed. He just made a lot of preposterous jabs at us and Joseph Smith and the church. I felt an argument brewing, so I apologized for saying anything that might have offended him, including making him feel judged, which I know I do sometimes. Then we both testified that if he would pray about it the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart, he would come to know it is true. We left with a feeling of tension, but peace at the same time after having born solemn testimony.

 

It's really sad that a week in between visits is plenty of time for the adversary to work on these people, to twist their thoughts and ideas and to pull them away from God. We assume something similar happened to Steve who we had been teaching a few weeks ago. No contact has been made with him or his usually welcoming mom for two weeks now.

 

Wilmington Crime Special for the week: We went to visit a 19 year old less active named Pedro on Tuesday. A member drove us to the apartment complex in between Newport and Wilmington. Lots of Hispanics and Puerto Ricans, etc. live in this neighborhood. Anyways, we drive up and notice a helicopter with a spotlight shining down, flying right above us. So we park the car, pass the Spanish Elders who had just seen 4 cops chasing a man up some stairs. 8 other cops were walking around with a few police dogs and the whole neighborhood was out. It was like a big family/ neighborhood "get together" with everyone and their dogs..literally. So Pedro told us that there were two men who had drugs and firearms.  So the cops caught the men (they could run but they really couldn't hide i guess) but didn't find the drugs or weapons. Friendly family neighborhood. The member said, " Did we just drive into the Lion's den?"

 

On Thursday, we met the Dalton's at Sheena's, said a quick prayer and knocked on her door. She is always so warm and welcoming, let me try some "lavender" flavored soda...it was uhh, interesting. She always has her notepad and her quill-like pen to take notes during the lesson. We discussed the Restoration and throughout, she would make these disgruntled faces that kind of shocked the Dalton's and felt intimidating. It's Sheena's way of saying, "I don't get it." She is very much a thinker and needs to see things logically, but at the end of the lesson she also said she just needs to receive that witness, that the Holy Ghost is real and all is true. She wasn't baptized into her other church because she takes baptism very seriously, as do we. She slipped us a card which we opened in the car. They thanked us for sharing our faith with them and included $20 in the card. Not to write us off, but just to help out. That should give you a sense of the wonderful people she and her family are. Her son Brighton puts the CTR ring we gave him in his keepsake box and wears it when he's feeling sad or doesn't know what to do. Such a cute kid.

 

We teach ESL at the Latin American Community Center every Friday for 3 hours in the morning. Usually the class was from 3 -7 people. This week, many people came in late, but we ended with 18 people. I have noooo teaching experience besides what the mission has given me so far. 5 students is much different than 18 or 30 or more. I have a lot more respect for my spanish teachers in high school. But I love doing it, love teaching and seeing these people succeed. We use Facebook about 4 days a week, depending on how busy our schedules are. We use it to find referrals from mormon.org or other sources or to get in contact with less actives, active members, or investigators. But sorry, I can't be friends with anyone from home.! Xavier actually messaged me on FB a week or two ago and set up an appt, which is helpful bc he doesn't have a phone. So technology can really be a blessing when used as the Lord would have us use it.

 

Enock made it to church and is still progressing towards baptism. He just seems happy which is awesome. We gave a Restoration pamphlet to the door man named Corey at this fancy, huge apartment building downtown. We went over it and he said it made sense. When we returned a few days later he asked if we had his copy of the Book of Mormon. He freaked out when I joked that it was $20 per copy, but took it gladly for free. So we will see where it all goes with him. I was reading in chapter 21 of 1 Nephi, and I love verse 16 which says "I have graven you upon the palms of my hands." Cheist knows AND loves us each individually. All we need to do is come unto Him in humility and we can feel His love and the wonderful healing power of His Atonement, as shown in His hands. Continue in the faith and know He is always there for you.

 

Love,

 

Elder Jacob Robins

Jake's Latest

Hey Family and Friends,

 

Happy belated Labor Day! And Happy Birthday Mom! How was it? So I'll actually start with Wednesday, mom's b-day. Boy that was a rough day. Hope it was better for you mom, but I was on exchanges with Elder Hanshew from my district. He and Elder Shepherd cover the Wilmington 1st ward which is the northeast most part of Delaware.. I remember writing a book in like 1st Grade called Jake's No Good, Very Bad, Terrible Day (or something like that). Wednesday kind of reminded me of that book in that it rained almost the entire day except for an hour or so and every appt fell through. So we walked every where just to walk is what it felt like. They got their car taken away so we walked EVERYWHERE. As we walked the Primary song "Pioneer Children Sang as the Walked" came to mind, but I found myself singing "we missionaries sing as we walk and knock and walk and knock...annnnnd walked." Most missionaries would agree I'd imagine. Now I feel incredibly blessed to have a car with A/C, wonderful members, and just to be in this area. So what did I learn from this? Patience. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has a wonderful Mormon Message called "Good Things to Come" Please take the time to watch it. The trials that each of us go through are not for nothing. We just don't see the whole picture as God does. I see now that it takes patience and faith to trust in His will and blessings will come. Including blessings for walking and trying to find people to teach!

 

On Thursday we were driving home from downtown and a fight was brewing up and they decided the middle of 2nd street would be the best place to have it, apparently there are these two families that just do not get along. We also taught our online referral, Robert  and he had questions about what makes us different. So we popped in the Restoration video. 20 minute clip, pretty good. But as Joseph walked into the grove of trees I got the overwhelming feeling and assurance that he indeed was a prophet of God chosen to restore the full truth and Priesthood to the earth. Through a humble young man that most important Priesthood power and authority to act in God's name was restored to the earth. We explained to him that that is the very reason we ask people to be rebaptized even if they have been baptized into another church. We hold that Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He mauled it over for a minute and in wonderful faith, told us he would spend time praying and pondering and reading. Cause he wants to know for himself if this is true.

 

Friday was Zone Conference in Dover and President Winn, (just released as UT SLC Mission President in July) drove us down. He was delighted to go to a Zone Conference and just revels in talk about missionary work. He met President Anderson and they had a nice chat about the work. President Anderson is such a loving and humble man and his wife has got spunk and is just as loving. They are awesome people. We were taught about the need to invite people to be baptized. Similarly to teaching the gospel, if they are not invited to take action, then how could they possibly choose to do it or not? Sister Anderson commented on the need to show these people the Love we and our Heavenly Father have for them. Then in the car ride home, President Winn and I had a nice discussion about a Zone Conf he had recently in Salt Lake. He used Mark 10:21 with the story of the rich young man. The key part he said, was "Then Jesus beholding him, loved him and said unto him..." So Christ loves us first. And He shows that love in many ways, such as His Atonement. THEN He invites us to follow Him. So Love+the power of the Spirit = Solid invitation.

 

Yesterday (going out of order) a police officer named Rod took us to lunch at Subway. He was in uniform, so were we, so people gave us some funny looks. We felt safe though. I think I've mentioned him before. Really nice guy, gave us his number to call if we ever get in a tiff or anything. I asked how his day had been so far and he responded, " Oh not too bad, just a few stabbings and ya know, the usual mayhem." Oh ok, yeah totally normal...He told us there are 10 hard core real thugs in the city, the rest are just nutcases. And the majority of the homicides happen because people don't know how to shoot straight. Ya had to be there, but it was funny. He seems exhausted with the city work. So during the lunch, he actually brought up the church and asked for some pamphlets for his wife to read up on. "I'm easy pickin's, but my wife just wants to know more about that whole Joe Smith thing." We laughed, seeing that he would be willing to be baptized and handed him a Restoration pamphlet. Then he said, "My daughter's 8 and you guys start baptizing people at 8 right?" We grinned in excitement at the prospect of a golden investigator. So he and his family may come to the upcoming primary program and we'll see where it goes from there.

 

I got a pretty nasty head cold but got over it in a few days.Enock was sick most of last week too so we didn't teach him. But he still wants to progress. My scriptural thought for the week was sparked by Brother Hooper and a long talk he had with us a few days ago. In the Sacrament prayer and in 2 Nep 31, we learn that when we covenant with God, we are showing a willingness to follow Him and remember Him always. Brother Hooper had the thought to pray for God to keep His end of the bargain. If we do our part and really do our best, then God is required to keep His promise as well. "That they may ALWAYS have His Spirit to be with them." That struck us. Not just on Sunday, not just as missionaries or at efy. But always. You may not always have that "burning in your bosom" feeling, but you are entitled to His constant help. I love that. I am so imperfect, but through the Holy Ghost, we can all change.

 

Also there is a new Intro to Mormons video. Any non-member questions, answers it right there. 10 minute video. Watch it if you can. On Mormonnewsroom.org

 

Well, I love you all, Hope all is going well.

 

Love,

 

Elder Robins

 

View of Wilmington from a member's apt. 

Another view

Week 15- more pictures!

Wonderful Family and Friends,

 

How's it going? Good. Well it's going great here. A lot has happened and continues to happen every day. But that is just part of the beauty of God's Plan of Happiness for His children. Each day is a new opportunity to learn a little bit more, to make mistakes and experience, and to allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change our lives and change US. And I think that is the greatest miracle I witnessed this week.

 

So I mentioned Steve last week I believe. He is the neighbor to a less active in Elsmere. He came to church on Sunday and Brent, the less active, didn't. So we joked that Steve should bring his "member" friend to church with him next week...haha, ya had to be there. In our first real lesson with Steve about 2 weeks ago, he just seemed depressed and he cried his eyes out as he described his situation. Without going into details, in and out of prison, drugs, the works. He has a cute 6-year-old, rambunxious as Tyler son also named Steven (the mother left them). He is living with his disabled mom, dad, grandpa and sister. He wants to change and he sees what Christ and the Atonement can do for him and has thus found peace in knowing that we are here to help him come unto Christ. He reads the scripture assignments we give him, he's been praying and at church he felt shy, but he was well-received and welcomed by the ward members. During the Sacrament, babies were crying up the wazzoo (sp?) and I was praying hard that he would still be able to feel the Spirit. Later last night after church, we stopped by and met with him and his mom. He told us he enjoyed church and he just seemed happy. So it has been amazing seeing the Atonement of Jesus Christ take root in his life and change his very countenance in a matter of a week or two.

 

And one thing I've realized this week is that my faith is not dormant. Though I struggle and have to fight to push myself to keep going sometimes, I am still able to do it. And it's only because I do in fact have the faith that I never thought I had. So I prayed that Steve would get to church, recognizing my faith in the will of God, but also recognizing that these people have agency. I can't force them to choose to follow Christ. I can help guide them toward that decision, and show them how it has blessed my life though.

 

We met with a former investigator named Enock (from Kenya) on Friday with my old roommates brother, James Dalton. Enock is quieter, but seems sincere about wanting to come closer to God. And I know I felt the Spirit as we taught and testified of the Doctrine of Christ being able to change him. After the lesson, we walked down Franklin St from the park we were at to his house one street down. Believe or not, another black woman in a black car pulled up and gave us another safety warning. "Ya'll parked around here? 'Cause there's a knife fight goin on right down the street. You best get out of here soon." It's probably not a good thing when I'm not shocked at such encounters anymore. Just evidence of the Lord protecting His servants though.

 

Oh, we were tracting around the church on Dickinson Ln and we knocked on a door and an older woman answered. We got talking and found out that she was from So Cal. So as usual, I prodded to figure out what part, being somewhat familiar with the region. She said, oh "Huntington Beach and Palos Verdes." It took my brain like 5 seconds to process the info...must have short term memory loss...then I responded, " What?! My dad grew up there and I lived there for two year." So she hadn't heard of Finecrest, but she lived on a street called Oceanford St if that sounds familiar? and Jim Bohn is her dad's name. Cool Miracle. But the best part was when I had the chance to testify of the Book of Mormon. She didn't see the need for it AND the Bible. Perfectly logical question. I felt to open up to 2 Nep. 29:8-10. (READ IT!) After reading it, I told her that, "Yes, it is blunt, but it is true. Two nations or two people testifying of the same God is better than one right?"

So I simply testified that God had told me by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is indeed true. And that along with the Bible, we can find answers to know how to get back to our Father in Heaven. With misty eyes, she thanked me for the testimony and we said goodbye. I don't know if she'll ever accept the gospel in this life, but I hope that she at least felt her Heavenly Father's love for her a little more.

 

And we met with Sheena again with a member this time. She is very intellectual and needs to see and understand things in her mind. The premortal existence concept is what kept her from getting baptized 20 years ago...which is interesting. But at the end of the lesson, I testified of the Plan of Salvation and the peace it brings to my life. I know that God has given us this plan because, believe it or not, He wants us to be HAPPY. He has given us the Bible to learn of Christ. And the Book of Mormon to learn more about Christ and about His plan for us. He loves each one of us. "God wants you to come home."

 

The Spirit bore witness to her heart that my words were true. A tear fell from her eye and she commented" That was so sweet, I'm going to cry."

 

That night I thanked my Heavenly Father for the power of His Spirit, leaving His thumbprint on her heart (as Sheena put it). I want you all to know that this is true. I know it, I live it, I love it.

 

Love,

 

Elder Jacob Robins

 The world needs more signs like these

A Buddha Ball statue in the business part of downtown, me trying to high five an inanimate object

 Franklin St. knife fight. Idk if anyone was actually hurt, just little kids running around screaming things about it. Right after a spiritual lesson. Welcome back to the world Elders, your peaceful half hour has come to an end

Week 14- Transfers and pictures

Hey Friends and Family!

Hope all is going well on the home front! The battles in this war can be pretty gruesome some days, but as the song says "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war. With the cross of Jesus going on before."

On Monday, Elder Taylor and I had dinner with my roommate's brother and his wife, first pic, and then we drove around saying his goodbyes to members. Tuesday morning we woke up early to finish laundry and packing and P-day stuff we weren't able to do. Then we headed to Broomall, PA which is about a half hour drive from here with no traffic. Transfers are at 10 am and we got to the stake center/mission office at about 8:30. Surprisingly, there were at least 10 other missionaries already there. The hallways got crowded and filled with joy and laughter. It's such a blast being with tons of other missionaries...outside the MTC. They pulled us into the cultural hall to actually do the transfers. So we sang the mission song which is "We are as the Army of Helaman" with PPM lyrics. A tad bit cheesy, but with an army of missionaries, it is powerful. The Spirit was so strong even though nerves were a bit riled up for transfers.

So the AP's lined us up with the missionaries staying in their areas on one side and those leaving on the other. They told us this was the biggest transfer PPM has ever had, kinda exciting to be part of that. Then they had a slide show with the missionary pictures pulled up and paired with your new comp and the area you would be serving in. I am in the Wilmington 2nd ward, Wilmington zone, and unfortunately, they went alphabetically, soo..I had the sweet pleasure of being the last missionary out of nearly 100 of us. But 15 new areas were created, there are over 20 companionships that had to be threesomes this transfer because we just don't have enough areas or apartments yet for all the missionaries coming in. President said that 90 new missionaries have arrived in the space of 3 transfers and a net gain of 20 this next transfer. 270+ missionaries. That is exciting. I guess most missions will be pushing that soon if not already. I love it though!

So...my new companion is....Elder Timmerman, second pic. He's from....take a guess...Draper, UT. But he is the man. We get along well and have a similar sense of humor, so he actually laughs at my pathetic jokes. And we laugh at our embarrassing mishaps...which occur rather frequently. I love the kid though. He's motivated, hard working, and fun and ready to baptize this area. It was tough to see him get discouraged after the first few days because Wilmington is quite a bit different than Cambridge, MD. Elder Taylor got transferred to Atlantic City, NJ.

That brings me to the area. Boy oh boy, Wilmington. We have found ourselves praying for the area and the people to be humbled, and willing to listen to our message. Ps, the 3rd pic is a sign Drug Free Zone in one of the sketchier parts of town, near where Xavier lives. I saw it and laughed. Drug Free, my eye. There probably isn't a house down there without drugs. Speaking of Xavier, I have been a little frustrated with his situation. He told us Thursday that he loves it when we stop by and feels better when we do, then doesn't keep the next appt. We don't have the time or miles to keep "checking in" to see if he's home. He told us he "likes smoking" and is not in a good place right now. He's trying to figure out his life. I decided to be blunt so I said " I can promise you Xavier, there will NEVER be a convenient time or a good time to follow the Lord by being baptized. There will always be some excuse or some obstacle that you will have to overcome." I told him if he was serious, to make the decision and go for it. I guess he's not that serious. I think he may come around in the future when he matures a bit, as for now though all we can do is pray for him.

My miracle this week actually happened with a member. On Friday during our nightly planning session ( which you do after getting home between 9 and 10) I felt the need to see this outgoing, semi-active in the past active now, funny member named Solomon. He's black and tall with white hair and when he grows out his white stash, legit. So Saturday morning we get a text from another member and he asks us to stop by Solomon to see if he was going to go to the temple. I got another prompting to go to his house and not his mom's where he usually stays. We caught him in the knick of time. And I don't know why, but that was just a faith building experience for me.

Mosiah 4 hit me this week as I pondered on my relationship with my Heavenly Father more as a dad than some Zeus character who shoots lightening bolts at people. I would invite you to read about it and ponder your relationship with God.

Congrats Katie and Carl, wish I could be there, hope all goes well. Proud of you Wil and Jess for that baptism. And happy birthday to my wonderful sister Jessica! Love you all!

Elder Jacob Robins

 "Thrusting in our sickles" with actual sickles...Elders Taylor and Rich. 

Driving in the car on P-day. Red toyota Corolla. I'd be jealous.

Elder Taylor and I had dinner with my roommate's brother and his wife

Cicada bug (sick-ay-duh) each species lies dormant for 7-17 years then comes out for the summer, mates and dies. Loudest bugs you'll ever hear. They try to sing you to sleep at night, not too good at it.

"Drug Free zone" in Wilmington, My eye. 

Elder Timmerman & Elder Robins

Week 13- Prayer is Vocalized Faith

Hola Familia y Amigos!?

 

I started reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish, so decided to greet the same. But I feel blessed to not be speaking spanish. The Elders in the mission that speak spanish are not working with the same stalwart, wonderful, generous members that English speakers work with.

 

Starting back on Tuesday, we got a call from the Zone Leaders in Dover asking us to give a blessing to a member friend that was in a hospital in our area. The directions were kind of unclear, but after dinner at a member's home, we went out with the father to the nearby A.I. duPont Children's hospital. This hospital receives grants and is the go to children's hospital in the region, above Philly. The duPont family actually started the hospital because they inter-married so much that their kids started having deformities....sooo. Now they've got this great hospital. duPont makes everything btw. Like from the plasticish covering that goes on the outside of houses to gun powder in the past. It's headquarter's is in my area.

 

Back to the story. We met the mom down stairs, had our pics taken, and went up to the room. I didn't know what to expect, but we saw a little baby sitting up in this caged crib with a bunch of toys around her. She coughed and wheezed as she reached her arms out to her mom and brother walking in the room. So after chatting a little, I did the anointing of the oil and Elder Taylor gave her the blessing. She started screaming half way through, but before she screamed, I got the strongest impression that this sweet little daughter of God, Ashley, only 10 months old with curly black hair, would be just fine. I hope the mom felt it as well. She grew up Mormon, but is now just non-denominational Christian. Believes in the power of Priesthood blessings though. We said our goodbyes and the mom walked out of the room with us. She informed us that Ashley had been admitted to AI for pneumonia, then several tests later, they concluded that she actually has neuroblastoma and the malignant tumor on her spine has been pressing on her lungs and causing the discomfort and coughing. She will most likely need chemo and radiation, but I felt that all will be alright and that she'd get through it as well as her mother. She is in God's hands. It was a wonderful experience.

 

On Thursday, we had Zone Training in Newark, DE. Much of the time was spent introducing new "key indicators" we would be keeping track of. So the Philly mission is currently skyrocketing in terms of numbers among the North easter missions...but we've been couting them wrong. So President Anderson came in and changed pretty much everything about the way we keep track of our numbers. For example, our "other lessons taught" do not count if they are first time visits on the street, only for returning, committed investigators. So we saw a bunch of big "0"'s this week. They also checked our area binders and officially announced that we will be getting iPads this transfer. Elder Perry and Packer have said that the laptop was invented for missionaries, so we are kind of seeing the fulfillment of that technological prophecy.

 

We currently have no progressing investigators...which is awesome. Knicoma moved or was evicted or something, and doesnt' have a phone. So he disappeared into thin air. Xavier is never home when we stop by and isn't keeping commitments. It makes me sad, but I realize that maybe we need to spend our time elsewhere. I have felt the need to give the downtown part of Wilmington a break this transfer. We have been knocking on doors more in Newport, with little success, so this week will be interesting. We are hoping and praying we find new people.

 

Elder Taylor is getting transferred and we'll find out tomorrow where he's going. Yesterday at church, the testimonies were just wonderful and many were geared towards "Hastening the Work of Salvation" and I just got a wonderful feeling inside. I had read Mosiah 18:21-22 earlier in the week and it came back to me in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. This is what Zion is supposed to feel like, "hearts knit together in unity and in love one toward another." Later in the evening, we stopped by the Anderson family in our ward. They were going on a family walk and invited us to join them. I was hesitant, feeling it would be a waste of time. But right after I had had the thought to turn back and go to the car, we walked into a guy that Bro. Anderson knew. He is a young lawyer with a daughter and wife and seemed open to maybe hearing a message in the future. Sister Anderson has also had some wonderful missionary experiences and I love that the family as a whole is working together to find God's elect. Near the end of the walk, we walked into some "asian-looking people" who were very friendly and talkative. Ellen and Stanley King (sounds Chinese right?) came from China to Michigan and then to DE. They knew many Mormons in Michigan and actually asked about the temple in DC. So we told them about the temple being built in Philly and that families can be sealed together forever. She had a question, but with a simple answer, I think the Spirit of Elijah touched their hearts. And then I felt to bring up Family History, and got them interested in coming to our local Family History Center. So we shall see. Little Miracles. God teaching us how to serve His children and how to obey that "still, small voice" when it does come to you.

 

"Prayer is vocalized FAITH"

 

Fact of the Day: Wilmington is on the nations top 10 of most unfriendly cities and has the highest violent crime rate per capita in the nation. Pretty cool...keep it up guys! And on Friday a black woman rolled up in her big Chrysler and asked us if we were preachers. We responded in the affirmative, and she said "Well ya best be gettin' cause a man over there is going to jump and there gona be some ugly shootin goin on. Soo...we stuck around, bought some popcorn and waited for the show. Nah, not really. Kinda wanted to, just to have a cool story. But...we figured God was telling us to get off Xavier's wonderfully "safe" street and go visit some members instead. So we did. And the members made us happy as they are already doing their own missionary work. Gotta love it. Idk what im forgetting, but hope all is well on the homefront. Brothers and dad, don't die on Whitney. Just pretend I'm out there Gracing you with my presence! ha Miracles are all around us if we but look for them!

 

Love,

 

Elder Robins

Week 12 & more pictures, La Vida Loca

Hi ya'll,

A lot of kind of crazy stuff happened this week. First of all, we brought Brother Martin from the ward to visit Tamara with us. We met her at a McDonald's in sketch street (not a real street, but it's sketchy) Wilmington. She loooovves to talk. Chatty Cathy to the MAX. And it's usually all on topic, she just takes 12 years to say it. And I may sound impatient, but I feel like Enos in that I "desire for the welfare of my brethren." (Enos 1:9) So we listened to her and this member is just an awesome guy. He reminds me of Brother Lewis in his mannerisms and personality. He's funny, whitty, just awesome. So Speaking of...the Lewis' moving? Yeah I heard that, but ahhh! No! Hey but at least Utah is a pretty easy spot to stop in and visit.:) Back to the story, she was talking about how she prayed that it would rain so she wouldn't have to walk to meet us at McDonalds. Then it didn't rain until after the lesson. God has a good sense of humor. She said she is having to make a decision of whether or not to move back to NY to be a scanty, promiscuous model (she needs the $$) or to drop the possible career and follow God. She knows the path she needs to take and her Mormon mom keeps prodding her to. But...she didn't make it to church nor did she return our phone calls, soo still trying to figure out where she's at. 

Xavier has ADD so whenever we go to his house, he sits us down in the front room, then we wait 10-15 minutes while he talks to his family and just dawdles around the house. Kind of rude. So last time he did that, we just got up and left, told him we had a curfew (earliest curfew on the block...oh wait, Wilmington, curfew? yeah right.) So he doesn't focus well during the lessons once he finally does sit down. He has been smoking also. And he doesn't wake up in time for the door knock that comes when his ride is there to get him. So his baptismal date keeps getting pushed further out. It's frustrating. He wants it and knows it's true and knows he needs it, but gahhh! Laziness gets the best of him. 

My roommate's brother, James Dalton, and his wife Katie are in my ward. Such a weird coincidence. Sean talked about his family all the time. And we see them all over the place on Sundays. Really down to earth, fun couple just starting out their marriage here in Wilmington of all places. 

Newsflash: as missionaries, we are like the last people to find out about anything going on like the plane crash in SF or dress standards for missionaries being changed....you think we would have been told a little sooner about that last one. Khaki pants and it looks like suits are now allowed for missionaries. And the Brethren do not want missionaries using backpacks anymore because it looks like we're going off to war (but we are!! spiritual war that is.) So only shoulder bags, business looking now. So I will need one in the near future mom, but President Anderson isn't requiring it for a while. My mission is also piloting more technology starting next transfer.

Our ward mission leader got on the Sister that was asked to do the missionary meals. So finally we have meals set up for 5 days this week. Plus there are a few members who will give us several bags of groceries every few weeks...there are perks to serving stateside. It's a miracle when we get to spend time with the members. We had a shocking experience with that same Brother Martin yesterday and afterwards he just said he loved us and that he was proud of us. It's wonderful to see the members building their trust in you as a missionary. On Wednesday we did district exchanges, so I went with Elder Shepherd to the Wilmington 1st area. We rode the bus, walked, and biked. I haven't biked at all yet on the mission, so those 10 miles of biking up and down hills were a blast for me. And the exchange made me love my area even more. Thursday, we had a very revelatory district meeting at the church. There's only 4 Elders in the district right now, but they're awesome. 

Elder Taylor shared a wonderful scripture with me yesterday. 2 Nephi 4:16-35. Nephi's psalm. My Book of Mormon teacher at BYU-I had us do an assignment where we wrote out our own psalm after reading and studying Nephi's. It can be a very personal, satisfying experience if you really take the time to write how you feel. So I would invite you to try it out. Be honest with yourself and with God. You'll learn stuff about yourself that you never knew.

Love you all,

Elder Jacob Robins 

Elder Taylor in front of our apartment

Our Wilmington English speaking district

Pictures!

Elder Taylor

Sunset down the streets of Wilmington, my district. 

The house is a member in our ward in Hockessin. That's the caliber of houses out there..

Week 11

Hola Family and Friends!

 

I've had some pretty interesting experiences this week and feel blessed to know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who knows all that is going on with our lives. First of all, we met our new ward mission leader, Marcus Stevens. He is a little soft spoken, and felt overwhelmed at the call at first, but boy is fired up. His wife is expecting and he owns a trash company, yet he seems willing to put in the necessary time to make missionary work in the Wilmington 2nd Ward most effective.  There was an older man in Newport on a street we felt we needed to tract who was getting in his car. I got the feeling that we needed to talk to him, so I ignored it the first time...Something we humans are too good at. Then we said a quick prayer before getting out to tract. He had driven off and pulled up again as we got out. So I said to myself, "Alright, I get it, we'll talk to him." So we did. And I tend to be pretty overbearing...surprise, surprise...and I just like to get a gospel principle in there, see if they'll bite the bait, and ditch if they don't. He didn't seem interested, but Elder Taylor saved it when he asked about the huge RV in his driveway. So we got talking and talking and talking. Found out he is 88, fire chief and director over like the state of Delaware for a while. He's pretty high up in the rankings. Married for 66 years then caught his wife last year sneaking out around 2 am with another man just last year. Really? 66 years...clearly she doesn't understand the whole enduring to the end concept...amidst other things. Anyways, really nice guy, practicing Quaker...kinda shocked me. I have met my first Quaker. Wanted to ask him for some oatmeal. We have a return appt this week, so we'll see where that goes.

 

I also met my first pretty legit false, or anti-christ this week. A man called us over to him. Pretty drunk, but he was saying that he is a prophet and that he is God and Christ. There is no Christ, all this bologna. (Thank you Oscar Mayer for teaching me how to spell that correctly). So it was a little frightening, but we quickly turned and went to the car and drove off.

 

I believe I mentioned Knicoma and Tamara last week, but we were teaching them last Monday and at the end of the lesson, Tamara was like, yeah I'll read and stuff and be ready for my baptism on September 16th...I paused, jaw dropped, and had to clarify what I heard. Miracles do occur. Missionary's dream to hear an investigator set their own baptismal date without even being invited yet. She knows so much about the church b/c her mom is a member in the other ward. It's awesome to see her teach. She and Knicoma got in a tiff yesterday after Knicoma got home from church, and they aren't talking for now...so we don't know how that'll all turned out. But God is a God of Miracles. So..I don't doubt that they will both come around.

 

Xavier didn't make it to church today and was supposed to be interviewed this week for baptism. So, despite our best efforts his date will have to be pushed out. But I'd rather him really be ready than jumping into the water with no idea what he's getting into. I agreed with him that this can all be overwhelming at times, but Christ is with us every step of the way. I hope and pray like nothing else that he takes this leap of faith. He knows it's true. He knows he needs it, but apathy, laziness all that take a toll on these people. I have really come to love the guy though. He has a special spirit about him.

 

We also helped clean up a less active member's house. He moved into a four story like 6 bed room house that had to be fumagated for bed bugs this week. I wanted to take pictures, but that would have been kind of rude with him there. It was sad. We swept, pine sol'd, bleached, threw out, cleaned and you still would not want to live there. The basement is dark, wet, moldy, dingey (sp?) and literally all the trash and clothes and baby car seats were wet and moldy. Probably should have been wearing masks...but it was fun anyway. He has two sets of twins and a ten year old. The twins are like 1 and 4. The mom is kind of MIA, not interested and lazy. But it was heart warming to see 8 or 9 priesthood holders working together to better this brother's life a little. We were also told by a former investigator that a guy got shot point blank in the head on Read Street where we park our car when we work at the soup kitchen's on wednesday. So that's fun.

 

But all is well. I am learning and growing and changing "line upon line, precept upon precept." Sister Cynthia Gutierrez gave a testimony that has always stuck with me and I shared it with members last night. There is space between the atoms that make up the cells of our bodies. When we are following the Spirit, making and keeping covenants, living a Christ-like life, then that space can literally, physically be filled with the light of God. That indeed may be why some people have a "glow"about their countenance. This relates to 3 Nep. 12:14-16. Let your light so shine. Don't hide it. THe world needs it.

 

Love you all,

 

Elder Robins