Hey Everyone!
Hope you're all nice and cozy in your 60-70* weather out west. Ok
maybe it's dropped to 40, my bad. Ha no I am just a bit jealous. But
the drought is probably not worth it. On our way out of the Donahue's
(part member/less active family that lives at the bottom of our area
in Conshohocken...I know, what a name. Don't worry it's nicknamed
Conshy) we slid our slick shoes along the completely iced over brick
sidewalk, just about falling and tripping and slipping down the hill
every three inches. I probably looked like a penguin on crack. To be a
little more explicit, we had a pretty bad ice storm yesterday. And
Elder Bergman let the California boy drive! I'm like, ...snow...what's
that? Ha jk. No pet peeve is when people think I can't drive in bad
weather because I'm from California. Good heavens! I don't live in a
bubble with a perfectly set thermostat! Ok, Danville is a bubble,
let's be real. But you get the point.
Where was I going with that? Some days I type like I talk. Like a
maniac. So the Donahue's are awesome. They've got their fair share of
recent convert challenges. I say that because it seems for those
individuals and families who choose to "take up their cross" and
follow the Savior into the waters of baptism, all Hell breaks loose
either right before or within a year after their baptism. Such was the
case with the Donahue's. He lost his job, she had medical issues,
their non member son Steven who we recently started teaching needed a
car for work, just everything. But in our lesson last night, we
focused on starting with the simple things: daily scripture study,
prayer, and church attendance. Often times we pray and ask for a
grocery list of things that we want God to give us, without thinking
twice about the basics of our end of the deal. Or the very "Thy will
be done" part. We invited him to repent and change and exercise faith
in Christ. Ya know, back home the word repentance felt like a naughty
word, it always seemed to imply that you had done the naughty and
needed some sort of a time out. I'm grateful that my perspective has
changed because that's really what it's all about. Change. Why do we
need faith AND works, how on earth could Christ change us if we're not
willing to work to change ourselves. Rant over.
I love Steve though, he's in his 60's and sometimes he just gets in
these moods where he's hilarious. He got talkin about judgement and
how he doesn't know how it's going to all work out. So jokingly, he
turned to his son Steven jr, and said "Repent now boy, beat the rush!"
You really had to be there, but we're still laughing at it. It's true,
why wait to change? Is sin really that appealing? Are those momentary
pleasures with the inevitable accompanying guilt and pain and
challenges that come with sin? No. I'll just answer my own question.
He knows it, and I hope that most of the people we work with do.
Kyle and Soreen, the two middle kids of the Yi family, went to the
valley forge 1st and 2nd ward youth conference. It was held at the
Freedoms Foundation center in Valley Forge park. Kind of a neat place
with statues and history. The kids just had a blast. We and the two
sets of sisters in the second ward had been asked by the YM president
in their ward, Brother Rothey, to participate in the Friday evening
activity of the conference. So we showed up a little after 6,
practically sprinting from MLC to home to change and then from there,
to the YC. Had a slice of pizza, talked to Bishop Behunin about the
work in the Ward right now, and got prepped for the activity. They had
each youth in a downstairs room where they were reading 1 Nephi 8
about Lehi's dream of the tree of life. Every 60 seconds one of the
youth's name and picture would come up with a little ding, signaling
their time to walk up the stairs to the main floor. There they were
given written testimonies from their parents, to read silently for a
few minutes. Once they were done reading they were blind
folded...you're probably thinking alright robins, where are you going
with this..pulling out the blindfolds, eh?
They were then led by the arm one by one by one of the missionaries.
Ha I wanted to see how many one by one's I could get in there while
still being grammatically correct. I think...anyway. So we each had
the chance to lead about 6 YM or YW out the doors into the 14-15* air,
down some curved steps and onto a short path toward the point of no
return. Aka the point of decision. As we guided them, tapping them on
the back lightly to turn them or make a slight course correction, we
would whisper encouraging words to them, warning them of the decisions
that lie ahead. To the right was the end of a large building with big
windows and lights and a balcony inside. Great and spacious building.
Minus the whole Jezebel character. There were youth leaders enticing
them with hot chocolate and cookies and warmth. The hot chocolate was
cocoa powder and cold water and all the cookies were crumbled. Or you
could go to the left and down a short path with candles and a rope
that led to a fire pit, unseen at the point of decision.
At the fire pit, both bishops from the wards stood there to welcome
anyone who had made the correct decision. They were then led to a
building with real hot chocolate and warmth and cookies, tree of life.
It was a stretch, but such a powerful experience for each of us. As I
acted as the Holy Ghost in our lives, guiding the children of God down
the strait and narrow, helping them avoid danger, I felt a powerful
Spirit bear witness of the divine mission of the Holy Ghost. And the
role of agency in our eternal lives. Walking down that path, the words
of I am a Child of God came to mind. "Lead me, guide me, walk beside
me..." I know the Spirit is real. I can't deny that. It's up to us to
follow that. So I guided Soreena down and tried extra hard to prep her
for the decision. She's got a learning disability, so I repeated the
phrase "don't listen to the voices..." In hopes that she'd ignore the
taunts and alluring sounds of the great and spacious. But I took the
blindfold off and she looked ahead, then back at me, then without any
hesitation she heads straight into the great and spacious. Elder
Bergman had been watching with me nearby and we threw our hands in the
air and started laughing. Soreena! No!!! Did we not just tell you
three seconds ago?! Ha it was so funny.
You know I could go on and on, but I'm going to take Jacob's advice in
the Book of Mormon. "O be wise, what can I say more?" Jacob 6:12. We
have the Spirit. Just act on it! I'm still working on it. Varsha is
still working on it, she came to sacrament meeting yesterday by the
way. And if we have slipped up, that's what the bishops were there
for. Representing Christ, the good shepherds. Bringing us BACK to the
fold. Love you all, be strong and be wise.
Elder Jacob Robins
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Under the Hands of Giants
Hey Family and friends!
Oh what a week it has been! Quite a whirlwind in fact! And sorry about
the delayed email, today is actually our P-day because of a short
notice mission conference with two general authorities yesterday in
Broomall. Elder David F. Evans is the executive director of the
missionary dept of the church and he was accompanied by Elder Steven
B. Allen. They are on assignment, with many other Seventy to go to 88
missions in Japan (look out Dallin!), Europe, and the states. 88
missions by end of May 2015. Ours was the world's first standardized
mission conference regarding Missionary Work in the digital age. Aka
transitioning from stone tablet records to ipads. So here's what's
happening, forgive me in advance for delving into this, it was just a
rather life changing day. Not to write some soap opera, but yesterday
was just incredible.
Here's what happened, the entire mission showed up to Broomall around
11, Elder Robins played some organ prelude music and bedazzled it up a
bit, as would be expected. I got to shake Elder Evans hand as I was
playing, don't ask how I did it, I can barely walk and talk at the
same time, let alone play, shake and talk, and pretend like i know
what I'm doing. Quite the accomplishment. Anyway, our current iPads
were part of the beta testing period which is officially over. They
are going to restart or reboot the entire digital device program
amongst missionaries just to get a fresh start that is uniform across
the globe. We will be getting new iPads in 1 week at zone training.
Stricter filters and screening and some improvements etc. Some people
whine and complain about the filters but below, I'll share the miracle
of what we were taught yesterday.
It was rather remarkable how they were able to give the information
about the iPads and technology that will be rolling out, but they
assured us that the focus is NOT the device. Yes it helps improve our
teaching, it's a phenomenal tool in planning and communicating, etc.
But their main purpose is that these devices prepare us to re enter
the world fortified against the ever intensifying fiery darts of the
adversary. In the past, missionaries have been almost entirely
isolated from technology of any kind in hopes to "give them a break"
from the world and find solace and peace in the service of God. The
Brethren have realized that technology is the future and the present
so such an approach is no longer effective because there is no sense
in hiding from the very issues we will face when we get home. They are
more interested in building a righteous, worthy, resilient generation
of youth and future leaders. To do this, they are providing us with
mobile devices, like the one I'm currently typing on and training us
how to "safeguard" ourselves living in the digital age. So they give
us "mission rules" and the white handbook not just because they want
to give us rules, but because they want us to learn obedience to this
gospel and to Jesus Christ.
We are teaching Varsha, the brilliant and spunky young Indian girl
about Christ. Coming from a Hindu background, this is very different,
it's unusual. And we've started teaching her the commandments or the
"rules" that mormons live by, like the word of wisdom, law of
chastity, etc. The things that I was often questioned and even mocked
about in high school. No, I wasn't beat up or anything, I woulda run.
But I did have to defend my faith in high school. And that was not
easy, but when I did it I felt good. I felt like I had the smile of
God resting upon me. And that's what we've been trying to get across
to Varsha. Like I said, she's brilliant, and I don't doubt that one
day it'll all just click for her, but it's hard as a girl in college
at her age to completely live in the world, but not be of it. And
that's what I love about this training we had. How do we refrain from
being "of the world?"
Elder Evans talked about the many more secure filters they will be
putting on the new iPads we will be getting in a week, and he
reassured us that it would be more difficult to get through the
loopholes. BUT, you still can find the loopholes if you're looking for
them! And that's the point, you are your own best filter. Your heart
and your testimony are the most powerful filters out there. If your
heart is in the right place, you're not going to take that next click
to follow an inappropriate page. I will go home in just about 2 months
and may get a smart phone or some other digital device and I will be
able to access the world. I won't have mission leaders breathing down
my neck and auditing my every digital move, but it is the hope of the
Brethren that when I do go home, the habits and discipline I developed
on my mission will have been set in stone. It's not about the iPads,
it's about changing our hearts. I will surely be exposed to
inappropriate and even pornographic material during the remainder of
my mission and certainly when I get home. As will we all. It's the sad
and dark world we live in. But the habits that I've established will
be that ultimate safeguard when moments of temptation arise.
They talked a lot about Facebook in the meeting and for a period of
time, as we are retrained, the missionaries here won't be allowed to
use Facebook until we are in the Facebook training phase, which will
likely be after I return home. But just this past week I started
teaching a lady named Diatra whom I had taught down in Salisbury over
the summer. Her husband won't let her meet with missionaries in
person, so I started teaching her ️Gospel principles online. I won't
be able to teach her anymore, but I could tell from the one or two
lessons that we had that she needs the gospel. She needs the
fortification that comes from being around other saints.
Side note, Elder Bergman and I got off 2 back to back exchanges Friday
morning and he looked like he had been hit by a train. Poor kid was
green and pale and had a throbbing headache. Ha and I know how that
goes! So after serving at the food pantry, we came home and he slept.
And slept. And slept some more. I was expecting a quick nap and he'd
be good. But no. The porcelain throne became his best friend for a day
or two and wow, i think I'll leave it at that. Long story short, we're
pretty sure he ate some sketch meatballs at a members home.
#goodtoknowwhatyou'reeating
The Yi family is doing wonderful. They came to church despite the 4 or
5 inches of snow we got the night before. Ha Elder Bergman just looked
over my shoulder and said, "Geeze, you're writing an email not a Harry
Potter book" aka I'm done here. But here's a powerful insight into why
we live this life with so many trials. "Adam fell that MEN MIGHT BE,
and men are that they might have joy [IF they choose to keep God's
commandments]...and the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time that he
may redeem the children of men." 2 Nephi 2:25-26. Adam and Eve chose
to partake of the fruit because they knew there would be hope for each
of us. The only real hope comes from Christ. With all that I've
learned on my mission thus far, I know that much is true. Christ is
the way, He is the only way.
Love you all, keep working, keep smiling,
Elder Jake Robins
Oh what a week it has been! Quite a whirlwind in fact! And sorry about
the delayed email, today is actually our P-day because of a short
notice mission conference with two general authorities yesterday in
Broomall. Elder David F. Evans is the executive director of the
missionary dept of the church and he was accompanied by Elder Steven
B. Allen. They are on assignment, with many other Seventy to go to 88
missions in Japan (look out Dallin!), Europe, and the states. 88
missions by end of May 2015. Ours was the world's first standardized
mission conference regarding Missionary Work in the digital age. Aka
transitioning from stone tablet records to ipads. So here's what's
happening, forgive me in advance for delving into this, it was just a
rather life changing day. Not to write some soap opera, but yesterday
was just incredible.
Here's what happened, the entire mission showed up to Broomall around
11, Elder Robins played some organ prelude music and bedazzled it up a
bit, as would be expected. I got to shake Elder Evans hand as I was
playing, don't ask how I did it, I can barely walk and talk at the
same time, let alone play, shake and talk, and pretend like i know
what I'm doing. Quite the accomplishment. Anyway, our current iPads
were part of the beta testing period which is officially over. They
are going to restart or reboot the entire digital device program
amongst missionaries just to get a fresh start that is uniform across
the globe. We will be getting new iPads in 1 week at zone training.
Stricter filters and screening and some improvements etc. Some people
whine and complain about the filters but below, I'll share the miracle
of what we were taught yesterday.
It was rather remarkable how they were able to give the information
about the iPads and technology that will be rolling out, but they
assured us that the focus is NOT the device. Yes it helps improve our
teaching, it's a phenomenal tool in planning and communicating, etc.
But their main purpose is that these devices prepare us to re enter
the world fortified against the ever intensifying fiery darts of the
adversary. In the past, missionaries have been almost entirely
isolated from technology of any kind in hopes to "give them a break"
from the world and find solace and peace in the service of God. The
Brethren have realized that technology is the future and the present
so such an approach is no longer effective because there is no sense
in hiding from the very issues we will face when we get home. They are
more interested in building a righteous, worthy, resilient generation
of youth and future leaders. To do this, they are providing us with
mobile devices, like the one I'm currently typing on and training us
how to "safeguard" ourselves living in the digital age. So they give
us "mission rules" and the white handbook not just because they want
to give us rules, but because they want us to learn obedience to this
gospel and to Jesus Christ.
We are teaching Varsha, the brilliant and spunky young Indian girl
about Christ. Coming from a Hindu background, this is very different,
it's unusual. And we've started teaching her the commandments or the
"rules" that mormons live by, like the word of wisdom, law of
chastity, etc. The things that I was often questioned and even mocked
about in high school. No, I wasn't beat up or anything, I woulda run.
But I did have to defend my faith in high school. And that was not
easy, but when I did it I felt good. I felt like I had the smile of
God resting upon me. And that's what we've been trying to get across
to Varsha. Like I said, she's brilliant, and I don't doubt that one
day it'll all just click for her, but it's hard as a girl in college
at her age to completely live in the world, but not be of it. And
that's what I love about this training we had. How do we refrain from
being "of the world?"
Elder Evans talked about the many more secure filters they will be
putting on the new iPads we will be getting in a week, and he
reassured us that it would be more difficult to get through the
loopholes. BUT, you still can find the loopholes if you're looking for
them! And that's the point, you are your own best filter. Your heart
and your testimony are the most powerful filters out there. If your
heart is in the right place, you're not going to take that next click
to follow an inappropriate page. I will go home in just about 2 months
and may get a smart phone or some other digital device and I will be
able to access the world. I won't have mission leaders breathing down
my neck and auditing my every digital move, but it is the hope of the
Brethren that when I do go home, the habits and discipline I developed
on my mission will have been set in stone. It's not about the iPads,
it's about changing our hearts. I will surely be exposed to
inappropriate and even pornographic material during the remainder of
my mission and certainly when I get home. As will we all. It's the sad
and dark world we live in. But the habits that I've established will
be that ultimate safeguard when moments of temptation arise.
They talked a lot about Facebook in the meeting and for a period of
time, as we are retrained, the missionaries here won't be allowed to
use Facebook until we are in the Facebook training phase, which will
likely be after I return home. But just this past week I started
teaching a lady named Diatra whom I had taught down in Salisbury over
the summer. Her husband won't let her meet with missionaries in
person, so I started teaching her ️Gospel principles online. I won't
be able to teach her anymore, but I could tell from the one or two
lessons that we had that she needs the gospel. She needs the
fortification that comes from being around other saints.
Side note, Elder Bergman and I got off 2 back to back exchanges Friday
morning and he looked like he had been hit by a train. Poor kid was
green and pale and had a throbbing headache. Ha and I know how that
goes! So after serving at the food pantry, we came home and he slept.
And slept. And slept some more. I was expecting a quick nap and he'd
be good. But no. The porcelain throne became his best friend for a day
or two and wow, i think I'll leave it at that. Long story short, we're
pretty sure he ate some sketch meatballs at a members home.
#goodtoknowwhatyou'reeating
The Yi family is doing wonderful. They came to church despite the 4 or
5 inches of snow we got the night before. Ha Elder Bergman just looked
over my shoulder and said, "Geeze, you're writing an email not a Harry
Potter book" aka I'm done here. But here's a powerful insight into why
we live this life with so many trials. "Adam fell that MEN MIGHT BE,
and men are that they might have joy [IF they choose to keep God's
commandments]...and the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time that he
may redeem the children of men." 2 Nephi 2:25-26. Adam and Eve chose
to partake of the fruit because they knew there would be hope for each
of us. The only real hope comes from Christ. With all that I've
learned on my mission thus far, I know that much is true. Christ is
the way, He is the only way.
Love you all, keep working, keep smiling,
Elder Jake Robins
Monday, February 16, 2015
I've Done My Part
Dear Family and friends,
Well a few months ago I had the subject line of welcome to the Himalayas. Good heavens, that back then was like a day at the beach compared to this past week. No we barely got more than two inches of snow, but boy it's been cold. Turn into a popsicle after about 37 seconds. Geeze Louise. That's okay. We have a car and coats. 40-50 mph winds yesterday that brought the temps well below 0. Poor sister Byrd would have been swept away like a cat in a tornado. So attendance was a little lower yesterday. I was supposed to accompany for a musical number in Sacrament Meeting yesterday, but we found out mid Saturday that we had Stake Coordination the next morning at 8. ..so that was a no go. But it was a good meeting and we're in a great stake.
Speaking of, I saw Sister Coe in the hallway at church and she was like "Elder Robins, I've been told by my sister Kortney Myers, to keep an eye out for you. Nice to finally meet you." We got talking for a bit and now I can see a little resemblance. She gave a great talk in the 2nd Ward sacrament meeting. She talked about Love and how miracles always come when love is part of the equation of our lives of discipleship. And I can attest to that. It is so easy to go through the motions as a missionary and just do things because you know you have to. And sure you get things done, but there's no real progress made. I learned this week especially that when I stopped thinking at a million mph as I tend to do and really just focused and listened to the people I was working with, it all just kind of fell into place and felt GOOD!
Rob Howell is a recent convert of about a year. Such a good man with a sincere heart and has all the intentions of doing and being good. He is trying each day to live the gospel. And I'm pretty sure he found the church through a bbq that the missionaries were at. He struggles with smoking, but we bought him a huge bag of dum dum lollipops because the stick of the lollipop is a perfect gimmick for his mind to mistake it for a cigarette. He had a nasty fall two weeks ago, which I think I already mentioned, but with that fall he broke his upper lip bone thingy and had a concussion...and he's been feelin the symptoms of the concussion. Headaches, stuttering and slurred speech, he wants to sleep a lot etc. And I had offered him a blessing before, but he politely declined. This time I did so with a little more encouragement and with promised blessings. Well he accepted, and since people are now calling us "Batman and Robin" (BERGman and robins just in case Ya didn't catch that), he asked for Robin to do the blessing part. This experience took me back to AC when we had that crazy experience giving Mike Martinez a blessing and he stood up and walked. Rob looked up afterwards and asked if I had felt "that" and I said "feel what?" "Did you feel that going into your hands? I actually felt my headache leaving the top of my head and going into your hands or somewhere." I didn't really feel anything. But in that moment and in that blessing I felt a love for Rob that I hadn't felt before. I felt the Savior's love for him, and I think that love has the power to carry our love, however mortal and limited it may be, to a much deeper and more profound level. It was a powerful moment. The pain in his jaw subsided and he was at church the next day. Stuttering gone and everything. Nothing short of a miracle.
The Lord never ceases to teach us powerful lessons that change and refine us, IF we let them. Last night we went to the Yi's and it was Sheila's birthday so there were over 20 people there. It was a fiesta! Food, mormon friendly drinks and everything! It was fun and in the midst of it all, we were able to teach a few lessons. It was actually kind of fun to teach them all and they are just soaking it up, especially Kiwi and Kyle, 16 and 12 respectively. Kyle said to us yesterday "It's kind of weird, I understand all of this stuff better than what I'm learning at school."
"You know why that is?" I inquired. "When the Holy Ghost teaches us, we remember and understand a lot better and often faster. So the Holy Ghost is helping you get ready for baptism." It's been so much fun teaching this family. I've never taught a family quite like this, and I love it. There's nothing like bringing a family into the fold. She said yesterday that she just felt so loved and welcome and like this is where they need to be.
We taught a zone training on being smart and the STL's trained on gaining the trust of the members. So much of missionary work can be dull and boring if we get caught up in the thick of it. So working smarter will help us be more efficient and bring more of His children home. And if we have "a portion of his spirit to go with" us we will be able to do that. ️Alma 17:9
Love you all,
Elder Jake Robins
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Nervous as a Sinner at Judgement Day
Hey Everyone!
Another week already?! That's crazy. And Elder Eldredge is already
gone and in fact he went to the place I was born as a missionary,
Wilmington 2nd Ward! I was going to request to die there, but I guess
not anymore. Whatever happens happens. He was bummed to leave. So at
transfers Elder Eldredge was about as nervous as a sinner at Judgement
Day. It's so nerve racking for some reason. But I got to transfers and
walked out to the center of the gym when my name was called, then
Elder Bergman's picture came up on the screen, we hugged, Sister
Anderson took our picture, and we walked back into the crowd. Switch
and done. That's how we do. So Elder Bergman was a district leader in
my last zone for 3 transfers, then we both got transferred out. He's a
good, funny kid and was happy to have a "normal companion" for a
change....little does he know..ha. It's been fun.
Guess what!! We're going to the Yi's tonight to teach a lesson and
have dinner, and since she's Puerto Rican she said she'd make us some
Puerto Rican food! How have I not gained weight here! Who knows. The
kids are progressing well towards their baptisms in March. It all
started with the oldest, Kiwi, who is 16, she is a good leader for her
brothers and sister and they for the most part follow her example.
Which is good. Shiela, the mom, gets exhausted by the fuss they often
put up about going to church. But when Kiwi leads out it helps a lot.
They are all very energetic and each have their own mental issues like
ADHD or slight autism etc. So we decided yesterday to start teaching
the 4 kids one by one because together it's like trying to herd cats.
We had a lesson with Nicole, who we met at the food pantry, on
Saturday at the Sorenson's home. Again, I knew the Sorenson's in
Philadelphia 1st Ward, but they have a stake calling that takes them
to that building every week even though they live in our ward
boundaries. It was a very insightful and spiritual lesson, unlike any
I've ever had. We addressed some concerns of hers and ate good
homemade warm bread. I may not see her full conversion process, but
she already knows two good families in the ward and she has a sincere
desire to grow closer to God so I don't doubt that eventually she'll
come to find and accept the truth she's looking for.
Oh so Elder Bergman is from Tremonton, UT but his family is currently
residing in Chicago. He is also 2nd of 6 kids, like me. Pretty big
farm, hunting family. With a California boy. Makes for a fun
companionship! He's such a hard worker and I'm glad to have him here.
You're probably wondering about the weather, to be completely honest,
it's been pretty pathetic this year. All these super storms and
everything turned out to be rain or light light dustings that melt
within half an hour. Kinda disappointing in a way. But it's good cause
we work whether or not the weather will not. Did that make sense? Oh
well if it didn't.
One thing I love about transfers is that I get to see past companions
or missionaries from past areas and often it's a joy to catch up. I
was always worried I would just be a socially inept missionary
standing in the corner, but I wouldn't want anyone to feel alone like
that. So transfers are fun now because i see some of those people who
I've come to know and love. I echo Alma as he got transferred to a
different land and "Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren;
and what added to his joy, they were still his brethren in the
Lord...and...they taught with power and authority of God." -Alma
17:2-3
There's something joyous about returning to family and loved ones and
finding that they are still strong if not stronger in the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. That is how I would hope to find each of you. I love
this gospel I love the truth and the way it's changing so many lives.
Have a wonderful week!
Elder Jake Robins
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Another week already?! That's crazy. And Elder Eldredge is already
gone and in fact he went to the place I was born as a missionary,
Wilmington 2nd Ward! I was going to request to die there, but I guess
not anymore. Whatever happens happens. He was bummed to leave. So at
transfers Elder Eldredge was about as nervous as a sinner at Judgement
Day. It's so nerve racking for some reason. But I got to transfers and
walked out to the center of the gym when my name was called, then
Elder Bergman's picture came up on the screen, we hugged, Sister
Anderson took our picture, and we walked back into the crowd. Switch
and done. That's how we do. So Elder Bergman was a district leader in
my last zone for 3 transfers, then we both got transferred out. He's a
good, funny kid and was happy to have a "normal companion" for a
change....little does he know..ha. It's been fun.
Guess what!! We're going to the Yi's tonight to teach a lesson and
have dinner, and since she's Puerto Rican she said she'd make us some
Puerto Rican food! How have I not gained weight here! Who knows. The
kids are progressing well towards their baptisms in March. It all
started with the oldest, Kiwi, who is 16, she is a good leader for her
brothers and sister and they for the most part follow her example.
Which is good. Shiela, the mom, gets exhausted by the fuss they often
put up about going to church. But when Kiwi leads out it helps a lot.
They are all very energetic and each have their own mental issues like
ADHD or slight autism etc. So we decided yesterday to start teaching
the 4 kids one by one because together it's like trying to herd cats.
We had a lesson with Nicole, who we met at the food pantry, on
Saturday at the Sorenson's home. Again, I knew the Sorenson's in
Philadelphia 1st Ward, but they have a stake calling that takes them
to that building every week even though they live in our ward
boundaries. It was a very insightful and spiritual lesson, unlike any
I've ever had. We addressed some concerns of hers and ate good
homemade warm bread. I may not see her full conversion process, but
she already knows two good families in the ward and she has a sincere
desire to grow closer to God so I don't doubt that eventually she'll
come to find and accept the truth she's looking for.
Oh so Elder Bergman is from Tremonton, UT but his family is currently
residing in Chicago. He is also 2nd of 6 kids, like me. Pretty big
farm, hunting family. With a California boy. Makes for a fun
companionship! He's such a hard worker and I'm glad to have him here.
You're probably wondering about the weather, to be completely honest,
it's been pretty pathetic this year. All these super storms and
everything turned out to be rain or light light dustings that melt
within half an hour. Kinda disappointing in a way. But it's good cause
we work whether or not the weather will not. Did that make sense? Oh
well if it didn't.
One thing I love about transfers is that I get to see past companions
or missionaries from past areas and often it's a joy to catch up. I
was always worried I would just be a socially inept missionary
standing in the corner, but I wouldn't want anyone to feel alone like
that. So transfers are fun now because i see some of those people who
I've come to know and love. I echo Alma as he got transferred to a
different land and "Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren;
and what added to his joy, they were still his brethren in the
Lord...and...they taught with power and authority of God." -Alma
17:2-3
There's something joyous about returning to family and loved ones and
finding that they are still strong if not stronger in the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. That is how I would hope to find each of you. I love
this gospel I love the truth and the way it's changing so many lives.
Have a wonderful week!
Elder Jake Robins
Monday, February 2, 2015
Clocks on our Foreheads
Dear Family and friends,
No! I'm not getting transferred! But Elder Eldredge is! We knew one of
us would be getting transferred, we both die together so it was kind
of inevitable. But I haven't trained so we thought it'd be me. Elder
Eldredge was hoping to just die here, and that would have been 5
transfers for him here. But 1, 2, 3 strikes you're out of the old ball
game. Or valley forge. I know, it doesn't really go with the tune. Oh
well. I'm really going to miss him though, well rounded kid, fun to be
around and solid missionary. And he plays guitar which helps me keep
my cool Haha.
At our last zone conference, president took all the zone and district
leaders and we had a wrap up meeting. He began the meeting by saying
something like "Gosh, I look at all of you and it's as if I see little
clocks on your foreheads, just counting down the minutes til you all
go home". Most of us in there had 6 months (or less?) left. Elder Eldredge and
I reached our 21 month mark just the other day. But I plan on doing
what is expected of me and giving the last my absolute best. I am glad
to have another transfer here. I would have left feeling like I hadn't
really found my purpose for being here in Valley Forge. And I've felt
I had a purpose or person in each area so far. I'm so proud of the
members here. They are the salt of the earth, and they're so willing
and ready to help us out with anything. Trust means so much in
missionary work, and I think if we were to let the clock show, some
members might lose that trust. There seems to be the idea that
missionaries just "check out" when they've got only a few months left.
Anastasia was confirmed by Elder Eldredge yesterday and she was just
beaming with joy and the Spirit. We had a lesson and dinner with her
and the Koch's on Saturday and we talked more about family history.
She doesn't yet know her grandparents first names... So she's working
on getting that info so we can all go to the temple to do baptisms for
the dead with her. My recent convert Dottie from Atlantic City is also
getting ready to go to the temple this month. It's so exciting to have
solid people who are ready to not only make sacred covenants, but KEEP
them.
So we shall see.
So every Friday or Wednesday morning, we volunteer at a food pantry up
in Schwenksville (sounds pretty "Schwenky" I know, like hoity
toity...sounds like a word mom would say to describe Piedmont or
something.) Anyway, we got there and there was this younger woman
dressed in casual attire. Her sleeves were rolled up, exposing some
pretty cool looking tattoos, and we began bagging food for families
that would come for pick up the next morning. As we got talking, we
learned that her name was Nicole. She had come to the food pantry out
of a sincere desire to serve outside herself. She said she enjoys how
it makes her feel to focus on others. She asked us where we're from
and how long we've been on our missions. Then she asked us if we knew
a Tom Sorenson, one of her really good friends who is currently
serving a mission in Portugal. I knew the Sorenson's in Phila so it
was cool to make that connection. Well it was her first time at the
food pantry, so we helped her out along the way, kind of showed her
the ropes. But she continued asking questions which was awesome, so
often people see the tag and run either literally or figuratively. She
went to one of the philly wards for a comparative religions class a
few years ago and she said she just loved it and it was a beautiful
experience for her. So as we were packing up to leave, I asked, "Well
would you be interested in doing a little study with us where we can
help strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ?"
"I would" she replied simply.
"Awesome" I said with a giddy smile like a kid in a candy shop.
I prayed the night before and that morning that the Lord would lead us
to someone whom we could teach. So we brought a returned missionary
Named TJ and taught her at the church the next day. She has quite the
experience with the world and with religion and is really just still
searching for that relationship with her Heavenly Father. We taught
her the whole Restoration and to be honest, she was a bit overwhelmed.
But we reassured her that we'd go at her pace. She had all the right
answers and insights and she's just got so much potential! Is it bad
that in the back of my mind I still fear the persons like this
dropping us? I've seen it enough that it haunts me sometimes. Yes
faith and not fear, but that doesn't mean their decisions don't still
take a toll on us. Missionary work is a lot more emotionally demanding
than it's often given credit for. I wouldn't trade even the difficult
experiences for anything though. I just want to help her and so many
like her find that true joy.
Tuesday night, I felt to call Elder Clark to follow up on a commitment
he had made during an exchange a week or two before. It was about
10:19 pm and I almost didn't call. Thank heavens I did. The poor kid
has been struggling a lot and he really just needed to talk and have
someone listen to him that night. Then we asked if they'd like to do
exchanges the next morning and they agreed. The crazy part is that MLC
was supposed to be the next morning on weds and we have a weekly set
appt with a recent convert. Both fell through, so our day was open. I
love opportunities to lead and guide the Lords children. I know in
those moments that it's not me. I know when the repentance process
begins in our lessons with investigators, it's not me. Even when I
play the organ and people feel the Spirit, heaven knows I get
butterfingers and butterfeet when I'm in front of more than 2 people,
it's not me.
Elder Jake Robins
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No! I'm not getting transferred! But Elder Eldredge is! We knew one of
us would be getting transferred, we both die together so it was kind
of inevitable. But I haven't trained so we thought it'd be me. Elder
Eldredge was hoping to just die here, and that would have been 5
transfers for him here. But 1, 2, 3 strikes you're out of the old ball
game. Or valley forge. I know, it doesn't really go with the tune. Oh
well. I'm really going to miss him though, well rounded kid, fun to be
around and solid missionary. And he plays guitar which helps me keep
my cool Haha.
At our last zone conference, president took all the zone and district
leaders and we had a wrap up meeting. He began the meeting by saying
something like "Gosh, I look at all of you and it's as if I see little
clocks on your foreheads, just counting down the minutes til you all
go home". Most of us in there had 6 months (or less?) left. Elder Eldredge and
I reached our 21 month mark just the other day. But I plan on doing
what is expected of me and giving the last my absolute best. I am glad
to have another transfer here. I would have left feeling like I hadn't
really found my purpose for being here in Valley Forge. And I've felt
I had a purpose or person in each area so far. I'm so proud of the
members here. They are the salt of the earth, and they're so willing
and ready to help us out with anything. Trust means so much in
missionary work, and I think if we were to let the clock show, some
members might lose that trust. There seems to be the idea that
missionaries just "check out" when they've got only a few months left.
Anastasia was confirmed by Elder Eldredge yesterday and she was just
beaming with joy and the Spirit. We had a lesson and dinner with her
and the Koch's on Saturday and we talked more about family history.
She doesn't yet know her grandparents first names... So she's working
on getting that info so we can all go to the temple to do baptisms for
the dead with her. My recent convert Dottie from Atlantic City is also
getting ready to go to the temple this month. It's so exciting to have
solid people who are ready to not only make sacred covenants, but KEEP
them.
So we shall see.
So every Friday or Wednesday morning, we volunteer at a food pantry up
in Schwenksville (sounds pretty "Schwenky" I know, like hoity
toity...sounds like a word mom would say to describe Piedmont or
something.) Anyway, we got there and there was this younger woman
dressed in casual attire. Her sleeves were rolled up, exposing some
pretty cool looking tattoos, and we began bagging food for families
that would come for pick up the next morning. As we got talking, we
learned that her name was Nicole. She had come to the food pantry out
of a sincere desire to serve outside herself. She said she enjoys how
it makes her feel to focus on others. She asked us where we're from
and how long we've been on our missions. Then she asked us if we knew
a Tom Sorenson, one of her really good friends who is currently
serving a mission in Portugal. I knew the Sorenson's in Phila so it
was cool to make that connection. Well it was her first time at the
food pantry, so we helped her out along the way, kind of showed her
the ropes. But she continued asking questions which was awesome, so
often people see the tag and run either literally or figuratively. She
went to one of the philly wards for a comparative religions class a
few years ago and she said she just loved it and it was a beautiful
experience for her. So as we were packing up to leave, I asked, "Well
would you be interested in doing a little study with us where we can
help strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ?"
"I would" she replied simply.
"Awesome" I said with a giddy smile like a kid in a candy shop.
I prayed the night before and that morning that the Lord would lead us
to someone whom we could teach. So we brought a returned missionary
Named TJ and taught her at the church the next day. She has quite the
experience with the world and with religion and is really just still
searching for that relationship with her Heavenly Father. We taught
her the whole Restoration and to be honest, she was a bit overwhelmed.
But we reassured her that we'd go at her pace. She had all the right
answers and insights and she's just got so much potential! Is it bad
that in the back of my mind I still fear the persons like this
dropping us? I've seen it enough that it haunts me sometimes. Yes
faith and not fear, but that doesn't mean their decisions don't still
take a toll on us. Missionary work is a lot more emotionally demanding
than it's often given credit for. I wouldn't trade even the difficult
experiences for anything though. I just want to help her and so many
like her find that true joy.
Tuesday night, I felt to call Elder Clark to follow up on a commitment
he had made during an exchange a week or two before. It was about
10:19 pm and I almost didn't call. Thank heavens I did. The poor kid
has been struggling a lot and he really just needed to talk and have
someone listen to him that night. Then we asked if they'd like to do
exchanges the next morning and they agreed. The crazy part is that MLC
was supposed to be the next morning on weds and we have a weekly set
appt with a recent convert. Both fell through, so our day was open. I
love opportunities to lead and guide the Lords children. I know in
those moments that it's not me. I know when the repentance process
begins in our lessons with investigators, it's not me. Even when I
play the organ and people feel the Spirit, heaven knows I get
butterfingers and butterfeet when I'm in front of more than 2 people,
it's not me.
Elder Jake Robins
Monday, January 26, 2015
Truth Has But One Author
Ya know I've tried adopting a few different accents throughout my
mission, and it has just been an epic failure. I should just focus on
speaking proper English. Yikes. My academia is going to be a mess for
a while haha. No me speak good English no more. But crikey, what a
wonderful week we had!
I just loved reading Dallin's email. Kind of a similar perspective I
had in the MTC. A firehose to the face. Honestly Dal, that's not
really going to stop once you get into the field. Ha but you'll learn
that soon enough. And ok yeah, it will slow down a bit. But I wouldn't
trade this experience for anything. I am so grateful to be in a
mission that has been authorized to use Facebook for quite some time.
This past week I had a cool miracle with an investigator who I have
been teaching over Facebook for quite some time now. Her name is
Pendore Louzolo and she lives in Congo Africa. She's in her teens and
has family members who have been baptized, but for various reasons she
chose not to be baptized at the same time. So I have been working with
her on and off. We hadn't talked for several months and one night
Elder Eldredge and I were at the church and we pulled up our Facebook
app. All of a sudden she messaged me out of the blue, and she asked me
why hard things happen in life or why do bad things happen to
good people? She told me that she recently lost her father, and that
she and her mom were taking it especially hard. I sent my condolences and
then using Google translate from French to English and back again, I
shared scriptures from Alma and a simple testimony. It was a powerful
experience to just be typing my testimony and being able to feel the
spirit. She was uplifted and very grateful for my simple words and I
was grateful that I was ready to respond. What a miracle it is modern
technology allows us to talk with our brothers and sisters halfway
across the world. The Lord truly is hastening his work.
Went on exchanges with Elder Child who serves in Broomall and we
discussed what it takes to have a fulfilling mission experience. And
really what it comes down to is whether or not you put your heart into
it. I've been trying to work on that a lot lately. We had a wonderful
lesson with our investigator Vicky and she loved the plan of salvation
and loves what she read in the Book of Mormon. Our investigator
Anastasia also made a very important decision to get baptized this
weekend. Her family and friends came all the way from New York, about a 4 hour drive. They all seemed to really enjoy the baptismal service
and Anastasia was in tears afterwards. I was filled with the spirit as
I realized that I have been commissioned by Jesus Christ to bring my
brothers and sisters home. Most of the people I work with, I would
never have guessed would play such an integral part in my life. But I
feel changed and blessed because of their influence and because of the
opportunities to work with them.
Oh hey! Guess what! The whole Yi family came to church yesterday! We
were busy filling the font and running around like 5 year olds with
lollipops from the bishop's office, so we weren't really looking for
anyone. But we had invited them a night or two before. And so i looked
down the hallway and see not just Shiela, but all four of the younger
kids too! She just about didn't come because the 12 year old Kyle was
fussing. But she got em all in the car and they made it. Oh we were
just so excited. We set the oldest daughter Kiwi with a baptismal date
for the middle of March. And then they came back several hours after
church to Anastasia's baptism and Kyle told us he wanted to get
baptized too! A family. We were just in shock. Still kind of are. Now
surely the hurdles and obstacles will come, but they were looking for
the gospel when the Spirit prompted us to stop by two less active
young men in the ward. So Shiela and the four kids are all nonmembers,
but she has two older sons who are less active. She was active for
four years but didn't get baptized. Oh it's all falling into place,
just in the Lords timing.
We also met a kid named Nick who is Alli's age. Good heavens, he must
be Einstien's great grandson. The kid's a wizard of knowledge.
Definitely put the two of us to shame just in our doorstep
conversation. His mom was nice but as of now doesn't want us in the
home teaching, the dad lives elsewhere and is less active and wants
nothing to do with the church. He wasn't as nice on the phone as the
lady we called a few weeks ago who knew nothing about the referral we
had gotten. I swear, I have no clue how the church gets all this info
with the individuals knowing nothing about it. They hire CIA
investigators then call the missionaries to be professional stalkers.
And if we can't get you at your door, we'll FACEBOOK stalk you! Ha too
real. But we do get some not so fun experiences, as well as some good,
like those with Nick, from referrals or visiting members that we
haven't yet met.
On Saturday Varsha came with us to the Fulop's house for a cheesecake
dessert. Can't go wrong with Cheesecake Factory. The Fulop's both have
incredibly moving conversion stories. One coming from Christian
scientists and the other from a rock bottom plummet into worldliness
and sin. The Spirit was strong and after talking about the Joseph
Smith story, we talked about truth and how man can't just make up
truth. There is no such thing as moral relativism. Truth has but one
author. And whether or not man believes in that author or the truth He
reveals, the truth and its accompanying laws and principles remain. I
love that. I love that we have absolute truth in this church. And how
do we know, the Holy Ghost. "And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye
may know the truth of ALL things." Not just some. "Believe in God;
believe that He is and that he created all things." Mosiah 4:9
believe, ask, and you can know. How true that is. Varsha walked away
feeling strengthened in her resolve to find and act upon truth.
Love you all, make someone smile every day!
Elder Jake Robins
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Monday, January 19, 2015
On the Rock
Happy Monday everyone!
Missionary weeks just seem to be packed full of action, sweat,
tears, and fun. I often just don't know where to begin. I am proud of
my comp who is sitting down at the Organ and teaching himself how to
play. My first companion who actually has an interest in the organ.
He's boss at guitar and has tried to teach me, perhaps I'm just too
impatient, I think piano is so much easier. But remembering back to
when I was seven, that probably was not the case. It has been fun to
be in a musical companionship. This past Friday at zone conference in
Broomall, there were six zones and about 160 missionaries in
attendance. I have been asked to play the organ for the conference,
but I felt to put a little more practice into it this time around. Our
mission hymn is to the tune of "We'll Bring the World His Truth" with
the first line being "We have been called to Pennsylvania, to New
Jersey, Delaware, Maryland too. Thrusting our sickle and preaching the
word, we won't go home until everyone's heard." I love it, so I spent
some time doing my infamous Jake Robins frills and jazzed up
arrangements. Oh, there goes Jake pullin out all the stops again, just
blow our ear drums why don't Ya!? Well president for some reason likes
it when I play so I spent some time on this hymn, being the closing
hymn for zone conference. It turned out to be a very spiritual
experience and with the key change and everything that I put in, I was
able to feel the Spirit as I played. Several departing missionaries
were in tears. Im not attributing that to myself, I was just happy to
be there and be a part of it. I am so grateful for the way music
touches lives and so powerfully invites the Spirit.
The mission has an interesting set of goals this year and with the
recent change in the rules for missionary attendance to the temple in
the northeast area, Pres. has set the goal for each missionary to get
to the temple once a month in the year 2015 with a recent convert or
returning members. I just think that is so inspired and we are working
hard to get that started with Anastasia right off the bat. So on
Saturday, remit off with Anastasia and the Koch's who drove us to
Philadelphia, where we got lunch at the Reading terminal market and
then went to the temple site for pictures and a lesson. It was a
wonderful experience for Anastasia to feel the spirit and to learn
about sacred covenants and prepare for exaltation. She is excited for her
baptism and so are we and she is preparing names to take to the temple
for baptisms for the dead.
Later on that evening, we met our Indian investigator at
the halls house. Sis. Hall is a stake Relief Society president and
both she and her husband made just awesome fellowshippers for Varsha.
They were in tears as they bore their testimonies and shared
experiences that they have had with staying true to the gospel of
Jesus Christ. Sister Hall is a white lady from South Africa and has
many incredible stories about her life there, so she and Varsha
clicked especially. For sure (there are a lot of spelling and grammar errors in this email, not sure what he means here) comes from a Hindu background her parents
are not actively living in but they still believe, so she is
struggling to find her way when she does want more troops in her life.
After dinner with the Halls we sat down and talked about how
revelation comes and how far should I need to act in order to see a
change and to know the truth for herself. She is a 21-year-old student
who has gotten into med school but is deciding which school to go to.
She is actually looking at some med school in Florida called nova
something something. Very brilliant girl who I know will go far in
life.
Exchanges with Elder Clark who is serving in Westchester. While we
were on exchanges in my area, our companions knocked on the door of a
celebrity named Bam Margera who is the star in Viva la Bam and another
show which I won't mention here. They actually didn't knock on his
door because his house was gated, but they ring in to his house and
talk to him on the phone just as awkward missionaries were due. He
answered and before Elder Eldredge finished saying The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bam hung up. But Elder Eldredge got his
fill. They got it on video to prove it too. A lot of the shows that he
does are filmed in Westchester, PA. So no, Elder Clark and I did not
meet any celebrities, but we saw some incredible miracles. One such was
when we knocked on the trailer door of a recent convert and his semi
investigator wife. Robert and Teresa are very nice people but are just
living in humble circumstances and struggling quite a bit. So our
timing that day, Wednesday, was impeccable and Rob felt that every
time we come, it's when he needs us most. I had thought to talk about
repentance and then near the end of our lesson he asked a specific
question about whether or not we need to repent every day or if it's
more of an occasional thing. He's very sincere and wants to go to
church but has not been able to get a ride lately.
Yesterday we got in her car, well before we got in her car, other
Eldridge was carrying a box to the trash and I looked back and warned
him that the walkway was slippery. No more than two seconds later I
hear him crash on the ground with papers and stuff flying out of the
box. I went back and see him laughing on the ground looking like he
had posed for a picture. Too bad I didn't get it on video. So I woke
up yesterday morning and the roads were dry and everything from what I
saw at the window. But when we got out there it was fuhreeeeeezing and
everything was iced over and rainy and wet. I remembered aunt Deb
telling me about the ice storms that the East Coast gets, but until
yesterday I hadn't really experienced one. It's bizarre; you think it
should be snow but it comes down as rain and then freezes and so it's
almost more slippery than snow. I bet you can guess who was driving.
So we get to church, Eldridge had brushed himself off and we helped
our beloved sister bird up the steps into the building. We walked in
the chapel to see no more than five people there. One of the bishopric
members came up to us and told us that they had just texted the rest
of the board to tell him that church was canceled for the day. Well
apparently not everyone got that text because we had about 30 members
still show up, minus the organist so I got to play again. We also had
five of our faithful investigators show up to church on the worst
weather day of the year so far. A little ironic in my opinion. But it
was a joy to see them there nonetheless. Varsha included.
Included in that group that came to church is a middle-aged woman
named Vicky. Now brace yourself for the story, it's a good one. Elder
Eldridge prayed one morning that he would find a solid investigator
who would accept the Gospel. This was about two months ago. Later that
day an appointment with our investigator, Kevin, fell through, so as
they were dragging their feet and disappointment to their car,
they noticed a woman who was getting groceries from her trunk. So
naturally being the diligent missionaries we're asked to be, they went
up to her and asked if they could help her carry her groceries. She
looked at them a little funny, thought about it, and then agreed to
let them help. She handed Elder Cottle a wooden box and said "careful,
those are my son's ashes." In shock, he carefully took the box and they learned that she had just come back from Texas where she
had attended her son's funeral. She was obviously distressed and in
need of comfort and help. What better time for the missionaries to
stop by?
What I love about this story is that the missionaries and their planning
had nothing to do with it, but they were in tune with the Spirit and
were in the right place at the right time. So this past week, Elder
Eldridge and I went back to Vicky's with Brother and Sister Swenson
from the ward. We talked about the Restoration, this being the first
time we could pin down a time to teach her. As we discussed the
principles of the Restoration, and watched the Restoration video clip
she was filled with the spirit and at one point she even said that
what she watched felt like déjà vu. She was able to except the point
that we have living prophet and apostles on the earth today. She said
"I always knew existed on the earth I just didn't know how to prove it
but here you guys are telling me that they do live." I sat there a bit
dumbfounded at the simplicity and beauty and miracle of the situation.
She loved what she heard and has been looking for a church that isn't
corrupted by their own endeavors and ideas. So she readily
accepted the invite to be baptized some time in March. We haven't
fully pinned down the day. She loved church and was well fellowshipped
yesterday.
At the temple site visitors center with Anastasia, we turned some time
over to the couple who have been construction directors on site for
the temple. They have a whole little demo they do where they talk
about the foundation of the temple. They built an underground parking
garage, so they dug 35 or so feet deep and hit solid granite about
halfway down. Under the granite runs some water from the DE and
Schullykill rivers, making possibly unsteady. Long story short, he
talked about how the temple is literally built on the rock and that is
exactly how the Savior asks us to pattern our lives. "O remember,
remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer who is Christ, the
son of God that Ye must build your foundation...a foundation whereon,
if men build, they cannot fall." Helaman 5:12
I know I've used that same scripture multiple times, but it has become
so real for me. Especially as I help others solidify their foundations
on Christ. And especially because the winds and rains of the earth and
hell are going to come. Holy long email! Well there would be more, but
your eyes probably hurt and I'm going to go bowling so that when Tyler
and I play again, I can actually beat him...too real.
Love you all, get on the rock, and stay there.
Elder Jake Robins
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Missionary weeks just seem to be packed full of action, sweat,
tears, and fun. I often just don't know where to begin. I am proud of
my comp who is sitting down at the Organ and teaching himself how to
play. My first companion who actually has an interest in the organ.
He's boss at guitar and has tried to teach me, perhaps I'm just too
impatient, I think piano is so much easier. But remembering back to
when I was seven, that probably was not the case. It has been fun to
be in a musical companionship. This past Friday at zone conference in
Broomall, there were six zones and about 160 missionaries in
attendance. I have been asked to play the organ for the conference,
but I felt to put a little more practice into it this time around. Our
mission hymn is to the tune of "We'll Bring the World His Truth" with
the first line being "We have been called to Pennsylvania, to New
Jersey, Delaware, Maryland too. Thrusting our sickle and preaching the
word, we won't go home until everyone's heard." I love it, so I spent
some time doing my infamous Jake Robins frills and jazzed up
arrangements. Oh, there goes Jake pullin out all the stops again, just
blow our ear drums why don't Ya!? Well president for some reason likes
it when I play so I spent some time on this hymn, being the closing
hymn for zone conference. It turned out to be a very spiritual
experience and with the key change and everything that I put in, I was
able to feel the Spirit as I played. Several departing missionaries
were in tears. Im not attributing that to myself, I was just happy to
be there and be a part of it. I am so grateful for the way music
touches lives and so powerfully invites the Spirit.
The mission has an interesting set of goals this year and with the
recent change in the rules for missionary attendance to the temple in
the northeast area, Pres. has set the goal for each missionary to get
to the temple once a month in the year 2015 with a recent convert or
returning members. I just think that is so inspired and we are working
hard to get that started with Anastasia right off the bat. So on
Saturday, remit off with Anastasia and the Koch's who drove us to
Philadelphia, where we got lunch at the Reading terminal market and
then went to the temple site for pictures and a lesson. It was a
wonderful experience for Anastasia to feel the spirit and to learn
about sacred covenants and prepare for exaltation. She is excited for her
baptism and so are we and she is preparing names to take to the temple
for baptisms for the dead.
Later on that evening, we met our Indian investigator at
the halls house. Sis. Hall is a stake Relief Society president and
both she and her husband made just awesome fellowshippers for Varsha.
They were in tears as they bore their testimonies and shared
experiences that they have had with staying true to the gospel of
Jesus Christ. Sister Hall is a white lady from South Africa and has
many incredible stories about her life there, so she and Varsha
clicked especially. For sure (there are a lot of spelling and grammar errors in this email, not sure what he means here) comes from a Hindu background her parents
are not actively living in but they still believe, so she is
struggling to find her way when she does want more troops in her life.
After dinner with the Halls we sat down and talked about how
revelation comes and how far should I need to act in order to see a
change and to know the truth for herself. She is a 21-year-old student
who has gotten into med school but is deciding which school to go to.
She is actually looking at some med school in Florida called nova
something something. Very brilliant girl who I know will go far in
life.
Exchanges with Elder Clark who is serving in Westchester. While we
were on exchanges in my area, our companions knocked on the door of a
celebrity named Bam Margera who is the star in Viva la Bam and another
show which I won't mention here. They actually didn't knock on his
door because his house was gated, but they ring in to his house and
talk to him on the phone just as awkward missionaries were due. He
answered and before Elder Eldredge finished saying The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bam hung up. But Elder Eldredge got his
fill. They got it on video to prove it too. A lot of the shows that he
does are filmed in Westchester, PA. So no, Elder Clark and I did not
meet any celebrities, but we saw some incredible miracles. One such was
when we knocked on the trailer door of a recent convert and his semi
investigator wife. Robert and Teresa are very nice people but are just
living in humble circumstances and struggling quite a bit. So our
timing that day, Wednesday, was impeccable and Rob felt that every
time we come, it's when he needs us most. I had thought to talk about
repentance and then near the end of our lesson he asked a specific
question about whether or not we need to repent every day or if it's
more of an occasional thing. He's very sincere and wants to go to
church but has not been able to get a ride lately.
Yesterday we got in her car, well before we got in her car, other
Eldridge was carrying a box to the trash and I looked back and warned
him that the walkway was slippery. No more than two seconds later I
hear him crash on the ground with papers and stuff flying out of the
box. I went back and see him laughing on the ground looking like he
had posed for a picture. Too bad I didn't get it on video. So I woke
up yesterday morning and the roads were dry and everything from what I
saw at the window. But when we got out there it was fuhreeeeeezing and
everything was iced over and rainy and wet. I remembered aunt Deb
telling me about the ice storms that the East Coast gets, but until
yesterday I hadn't really experienced one. It's bizarre; you think it
should be snow but it comes down as rain and then freezes and so it's
almost more slippery than snow. I bet you can guess who was driving.
So we get to church, Eldridge had brushed himself off and we helped
our beloved sister bird up the steps into the building. We walked in
the chapel to see no more than five people there. One of the bishopric
members came up to us and told us that they had just texted the rest
of the board to tell him that church was canceled for the day. Well
apparently not everyone got that text because we had about 30 members
still show up, minus the organist so I got to play again. We also had
five of our faithful investigators show up to church on the worst
weather day of the year so far. A little ironic in my opinion. But it
was a joy to see them there nonetheless. Varsha included.
Included in that group that came to church is a middle-aged woman
named Vicky. Now brace yourself for the story, it's a good one. Elder
Eldridge prayed one morning that he would find a solid investigator
who would accept the Gospel. This was about two months ago. Later that
day an appointment with our investigator, Kevin, fell through, so as
they were dragging their feet and disappointment to their car,
they noticed a woman who was getting groceries from her trunk. So
naturally being the diligent missionaries we're asked to be, they went
up to her and asked if they could help her carry her groceries. She
looked at them a little funny, thought about it, and then agreed to
let them help. She handed Elder Cottle a wooden box and said "careful,
those are my son's ashes." In shock, he carefully took the box and they learned that she had just come back from Texas where she
had attended her son's funeral. She was obviously distressed and in
need of comfort and help. What better time for the missionaries to
stop by?
What I love about this story is that the missionaries and their planning
had nothing to do with it, but they were in tune with the Spirit and
were in the right place at the right time. So this past week, Elder
Eldridge and I went back to Vicky's with Brother and Sister Swenson
from the ward. We talked about the Restoration, this being the first
time we could pin down a time to teach her. As we discussed the
principles of the Restoration, and watched the Restoration video clip
she was filled with the spirit and at one point she even said that
what she watched felt like déjà vu. She was able to except the point
that we have living prophet and apostles on the earth today. She said
"I always knew existed on the earth I just didn't know how to prove it
but here you guys are telling me that they do live." I sat there a bit
dumbfounded at the simplicity and beauty and miracle of the situation.
She loved what she heard and has been looking for a church that isn't
corrupted by their own endeavors and ideas. So she readily
accepted the invite to be baptized some time in March. We haven't
fully pinned down the day. She loved church and was well fellowshipped
yesterday.
At the temple site visitors center with Anastasia, we turned some time
over to the couple who have been construction directors on site for
the temple. They have a whole little demo they do where they talk
about the foundation of the temple. They built an underground parking
garage, so they dug 35 or so feet deep and hit solid granite about
halfway down. Under the granite runs some water from the DE and
Schullykill rivers, making possibly unsteady. Long story short, he
talked about how the temple is literally built on the rock and that is
exactly how the Savior asks us to pattern our lives. "O remember,
remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer who is Christ, the
son of God that Ye must build your foundation...a foundation whereon,
if men build, they cannot fall." Helaman 5:12
I know I've used that same scripture multiple times, but it has become
so real for me. Especially as I help others solidify their foundations
on Christ. And especially because the winds and rains of the earth and
hell are going to come. Holy long email! Well there would be more, but
your eyes probably hurt and I'm going to go bowling so that when Tyler
and I play again, I can actually beat him...too real.
Love you all, get on the rock, and stay there.
Elder Jake Robins
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