6.27.11- Last Blog Post for Elder J

Hello Family & Friends:

So Jessie's baptism happened!  =D ...a week ago it seemed like it would be difficult if not impossible to make it all work, but it did. Truly the answer to a fast earlier on in the month. It was a nice service and we had 3 investigators that attended (!) which is awesome because of the special spirit that is always felt at a baptismal service. I performed the ordinance. Its just a great thing to be able to do...can't wait to do it for my own children several years down the road.

 

We had an experience where we gave a member a blessing and the non-member family members joined us. Afterwards the spirit was thick and i felt like we should sing the Spirit of God. I pushed the thought out of my head-- thats ridiculous c'mon...you'd never think like that Elder Johnson. That's when i realized that it wasn't me but the Spirit talking. My comp and I sang a nice lil duet.  It was a prompting for sure because ours were the only dry eyes in the room.  (but only because we needed to finish that beautiful hymn :) 

 

Crazy that kyler is home....he went in just a lil before i did....that means im done soon too. Not just like a few months type soon...but a matter of days at this point. Wow!

 

It was a crazy week but it all worked out well :)  I actually got a call from an old Elder (one of my favorites...Elder Lam...he's from Palos verdes actually). He was here for a sealing of some people in WNY that he taught. It was crazy hearing from him, very unexpected thats for sure. We were together back when i was young and now im leaving...super weird.

Wow, I hope Elder Matthews gets feelin better. Thats crazy stuff. That sorta thing would be hard on any mother. Consider a prayer tossed heavenward in his behalf.

See you....soon!

Love to All,

Elder Johnson

***** Excerpt from Ben's last letter to President Bahr *****

If we are really working our most recent area will become our favorite area. I felt like that was not going to be possible here in Freehold with only 2 transfers to actually work. What could be done in just 2 transfers? Especially with the zero amount of missionary work that was happening when I arrived. But I have truly grown to love Freehold, the people and the ward. I am terrible at picking favorites so I cannot say it is my favorite because I have absolutely loved everywhere I've served (WNY, Elizabeth, Newark and Freehold). I very strongly feel that although I was only here for a short while I was able to make a difference on the ward and our investigators. In just a few short months I was able to find, teach and baptize.  It was a very sweet moment when Sister Yanes came up to me at church and very sincerely said, "thank you for baptizing my son" ....or even the less active who hasn't come to church in years said that I will be sorely missed. I feel like I have been able to connect with people here just as well as, if not better than in other areas, in about half the time.

Things are on the horizon. Both for me and for Freehold. My being sent here was truly divinely inspired.  I am forever grateful for the change that has been wrought on my heart as I have been guided by the inspiration you have received, even if at first I was like Nephi, not really knowing beforehand what to do...or how to do it. Interestingly enough, when we follow the keys things work out and miracles happen. In my patriarical blessing, I am promised that I would see miracles in my mission but it would take love and patience. I feel like all of my areas have tried my patience and my capacity to love has increased so much. It was especially evident for me here in Freehold how the miracles truly came from patience and love. I exercised more patience than ever here in Freehold, not only with others, but with myself.  And I can look back and see the miracles.

   

I have a heart full of gratitude for the repentance, or change of heart and mind, that has taken place with myself over the last 2 years. If for nothing else, that makes the sacrifice worth it. ...not to mention the eternal relationships forged, lives changed and families blessed.

I love you and Sister Bahr for having been the caring parents of a far-from-home boy. Now I will be returning to California, but no longer will be a boy. I will be a disciple, homeward bound for the mansions of my Father.

Elder Johnson

Freehold NJ - Last Area

Elder Johnson was transferred to Freehold, a town in the southern part of New Jersey.  

He has about 3 more weeks until his release on June 28th. 

He will report to the ward on: 

Sunday, July 17th at 1:00 p.m.

Please plan on joining us!

***** 

I'm now serving In Freehold New Jersey.  It's a smaller town, very unlike the inner cities of Newark and West New York. It's a nice area but there's work to be done.  It's the first time on my mission to work with people from Mexico and I'm excited. I'm reminded of a scripture that mentions "for i have suffered you to come to this area for thus it is expedient in me for the salvation of souls" ...which is pretty epic to think of. I know that Freehold is where the Lord needs me. 

I have been reading the Book of Mormon rather regularly since Elder Bednar visited us. It is amazing to me how true the promise is that the Lord will give more to him that is feasting upon the word, and those who do not use it will lose that which they have. I have been consistently finding new things, deeper meanings, types/shadows and more in depth examples of gospel principles as I have been reading through the Book of Mormon for the second time since Elder Bednar's 26th of Feb visit. I want to shoot for finishing it four times before June 28th (about 1x a month). I can only imagine what sorts of "hidden treasures" are waiting to be found in my 3rd and 4th time reading Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

I know that the Book of Mormon changes lives. I know this for myself, but I have recently seen it in the life of Alberto, a formerly non-religious Cuban. A few weeks ago (back in Newark) we commited him and his wife to begin reading the Book of Mormon from the start. He had been reading a bunch (he was already in chapter 14 of 1st Nephi), and then we didn't have great contact with him for a few days and the next time we see him he mentions to us "...its kinda like that story in the Book of Mormon...who was it in the prison again? Oh yeah, Alma. And what was the other guy's name. I can't remember..."  I interjected, "Amulek?"  "Yeah Amulek!  Its like how they had to be there but then because they were faithful to God they came out of what held them bound."  Well, we were kind of shocked really...so amazing. Alberto is great and now instead of being the one getting pushed by his wife to go to church, he is the motivating force. And as if that wasn't enough, just yesterday we were led to go by their house (even though we literally had 0 time to visit...literally like 5 minutes). Turns out a friend of theirs who is very interested in the church was there and we taught her a super simple restoration lesson. And then Alberto, with a light on in his eyes asked, "Do you think that the next time you come by you could get her her own copy of the Book of Mormon?" ...the excitement you could see in him-- that their friend gets the same book was enormous because he knows that it is true. Such a great family.


Elder Johnson

Elder Johnson's Mission Report

Ben's Report in Sacrament Meeting will take place on 

~July 17th, 2011~  

You are invited to join us!  

Our meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. 

McBean Parkway Church

This date supersedes any previous date given.  

Updates: April 4th and April 11th

April 11th, 2011


Hi Fam:

Well it sounds like general conference went well back at home.  We watched it in English on Saturday and Spanish on Sunday. For our Saturday English sessions we went to Elizabeth so that was fun to see a bunch of people in that area again. I was also in North Newark on an exchange the day before and got to see some old friends--including a lady we helped move in like 1 year ago.  She's not a member and we were in that building and I thought, Wait! we have to go try this lady.  We walked up to the already open door--very Dominican, and knocked.  They, all like 10 people shouted, come on in, which is also very dominican.  I love it.  We walked in and I asked her if she remembered me... she paused and then said, "You're the one that helped me move in last year! Its been forever, where have you been? Sit down!"  We then talked with her and she really is looking for how to help her kids stay on good paths. We gave her a copy of the book of mormon and taught her about how it is the story of a family in her situation and how this father helped his kids to follow God. it was sweet :) So a week of visiting old areas and it was pretty cool stuff.  Also Elder Zierenberg is still in Elizabeth so it was cool to hang out with him again. One cool thing about conference that I loved is that both 70's that have recently visited the New Jersey Mission--Elders Paul V. Johnson (talk) and Elder Kevin Pearson (prayer) participated during the sessions. I really liked all the talks too. Gotta admit I was a little bummed that some of my favorite speakers were on Sunday and we watched that session in Spanish.  It was good, but it just isn't the same.  If only I had DVR...ironically I hated when we'd pause and rewind during conference, but now I'd give anything to do that!  LOL. But the Ensign will come out soon enough. A very cool thing is that 8 of our investigators saw at least one session of conference :) Soooo nice. I'm excited to see what they took out of it what they will share with us this week.

We recently started up a new set of zone goals. The program is called Flour - Power. Its spring time so it fits but its a pun because we're gonna have a "Flour" fight/Capture the Flag Zone activity at the end of the month. It basically just has to do with opening your mouth and talking with everyone we see. We really felt like our zone needed to dominate at finding new investigators here in the Newark Zone and as of now, its working really well. Elder Simmons and I found 7 additional investigators this last week alone.  I'm super excited to see how it grows throughout the month. The zone is pumped and miracles are comin :)

Much love,
Elder Johnson
*******************************************************************

April 4th, 2011


This week was great. ...mainly because we had a meeting with Elder David A Bednar of the 12. ...simply amazing. Huge Spirit, tons of awesome things taught and learned. Just a great meeting. What was super awesome about it all too is the fact that he was just himself--very comfortable, lots of casual discussion with tons of little jokes and "ice breakers" ...i feel as if I would get along with him great and he would simply be like an "Uncle David."  It was interesting and very cool. I remember that when we heard there would be a member of the 12 coming I had a secret wish that it'd be him.....I sure got lucky right?  It felt very intense when he mentioned that as someone with the apostalic mantle, he truly can see things when he looks into people's eyes.  That those that have things to hide don't like making eye contact with their leaders (be it mission presidents, stake presidents, and bishops as well).  The room was motionless.  Naturally he would mention this just before our zone goes to shake President Bahr's hand (our mission president), Elder Whitney L. Clayton's (from the presidency of the 70), and Elder Bednar's hands!  I could see I passed "judgement" so to speak because I felt like I could confidently look into their eyes when I shook their hands. It was a profoundly spiritual experience.   

The area is going well... we've got some good stuff on the horizon for this month. Planning on a few baptisms...and we have the people lined up for it, thats for sure. We have a sweet family of like 8 people that we're teaching... they are from Ecuador, and they are making us some Cuy tonight. Its basically guinea pig lol. I'll be sure to take pictures. We had a crazy experience over there this last week though. A had couple really good break-throughs in the lesson with  7 adults and 1 child of baptismal age.  They were all asking questions and opening up a ton, it was great.  Near the end of the lesson though, Ana, one of the adults in the group got up and left the room, obviously with discomfort and clutching the left side her chest. It was a little odd, but she was discreet about it so I didn't think to much of it.  After we finished the lesson, she came back out to say good-by, but she was obviously not in good shape. I was about to ask her if everything was alright, but then a ward member attending the lesson did.  I then heard Hna Alcivar (the member) quietly tell Ana to ask us for a blessing. Soon Ana is literally in tears because of the pain in her chest and her left arm is asleep. Not good.  Then after she shreiked out in pain all decided that it was a big deal. We gave her a blessing, in which I performed the sealing.  I felt inspired, amidst her groans and whimpers of pain, to bless her that she would be healed.  Afterwards they rushed off to the hospital and of course we went home. I couldn't help but constantly think of Ana and the promise I had made during the blessing.  I heartily prayed that I had spoken the Lord's will.  All signs pointed to heart attack.  Friday we didn't really hear what had gone on or how Ana was...though we tried to find out. We only knew that she was still in the hospital and recovering from a heart issue, thats about it. Then Saturday we found out she back at her home, going about normal life!  Then, she and a bunch of her family were at church on sunday...quite miraculous! The power of the priesthood is real. I hope Ana and her family can feel and then acknowledge that....plus the fact that they can be baptized by that same authority and be eternally happy!  We continue to pray for Ana and her family.

Hope everyone is well,

Elder Johnson

Elder J update March 2011

Hello family :)

 

Well first off this week was great. ...mainly because we had a meeting with Elder David A Bednar of the 12. ...simply amazing. Huge Spirit, tons of awesome things taught and learned. Just a great meeting. What was super awesome about it all too is the fact that he was just himself--very comfortable discussion with tons of little jokes and "ice breakers" ...i feel as if I would get along with him great and he would simply be like uncle david. it was interesting and very cool. I remember that when we heard there would be a member of the 12 coming i had a secret wish that it'd be him. ...guess i got lucky right? Kinda intense that he mentioned that as someone with the apostalic mantle he truly can see things when he looks into people's eyes... and that those that have things to hide don't like making eye contact with their leaders (be it mission presidents, bishops as well) ...so naturally he would mention this just before we go and shake president Bahr's hand, Elder Whitney L. Clayton's (from the presidency of the 70), and Elder Bednar's hands.  I can see it as I passed "judgement" so to speak because I felt like I could confidently look into their eyes when I shook their hands.  (good thing i had repented the night before ;) lol !  :)

 

transfers happen tomorrow. nobody in my apartment is leaving which is nice. it should go quite well this next transfer. I imagine after that i'll be gone and go to my last area for my last 2 transfers. ....just a guess. ...but we'll see.

 

The area is going well... we've got some good stuff on the horizon for this month. Planning on a few baptisms...and we have the people lined up for it, thats for sure. We have a sweet family of like 8 people that we're teaching... they are from ecuador and are gonna make us some Cuy tonight. Its basically guinea pig lol. I'll be sure to take pictures. We had a crazy experience over there this last week though. We went on thursday and had a great lesson (took 3 members with us and they all basically taught everything and it was simple testimony...just amazing...one was even a recent convert of like 2 weeks and totally bore strong testimony). A couple really good break-throughs in the lesson and they all were opening up a ton with the members, it was great. Near the end of the lesson though, Ana, one of the adults in the group (7 adults and 1 child of baptismal age) got up and left the room, obviously with discomfort and clutching the left side her chest. it was a little weird but i didn't think to much of it, more than anything i felt awkward as a missionary having seen her grab her chest >.< lol. after we finished up she came back out to say by, but was obviously not in good shape. I was about to ask her if everything was alright, but then the member did it so i let them talk and I was kinda off to the side with the young kids gettin the usual bunch of 5's. I then heard Hna Alcivar (the member) tell her to ask us for a blessing. ...a few minutes later Ana is literally in tears because of the pain in her heart and her left arm is asleep. ......obviously not a good sign........ after she shreiked out in pain we decided that it was prolly a big deal. We gave her a blessing, in which I performed the sealing and I felt inspired, amidst her groans and whimpers of pain to bless her that she would be healed.... afterwards they rushed of to the hospital and we went home. I couldn't help but think of the promise I had made during the blessing and prayed that I had spoken the Lord's will. All signs pointed to heart attack. Friday we didn't really hear what had gone on or how she was...though we tried... except that she was still in the hospital and recovering from a heart issue, thats about it. Then saturday came. She was already back in the house going about normal life. She and a bunch of the family were at church on sunday... quite miraculous. The power of the priesthood is real. I hope they can recognize that, and the fact that they must be baptized by that same authority to be happy. ...needless to say, pretty crazy thursday night.   

 

wow BYU is doing super good...they may make a showing come the madness this month. we'll see how things go.

 

Much Love!

Elder Johnson

 

ps-nice use of discussion and lesson mom and dad =P  Keep me updated on how the lessons are going with your investigator.

pps-i'm going into my 6th transfer as a zone leader...thats more time than ive spent 'without' a leadership position on my mission lol. ....long time basically.

Let It Snow

hey fam & friends:

This will have to be short and quick.  First off...alot of people been askin about snow.  yes we did get a lot of snow this week.  Super impossible to find parking in the ironbound, especially in the van we drive =S its bad. but all is well...double parking is rampant and kinda alright if you've got your flashers on I guess...? thats what people do at least lol.

I have decided that stake presidents are awesome. ...i have had president carmack ever since last feb. and will continue to have him for the next lil while. he's just an amazing man and no doubt president carlson at home is nothing but the same.  Course my Bishop at home is pretty rad as well.

As for exact dates on when I get released from my mission, july 6th would be the day that i'd fly home...in other words, that'd be the day that would you would pick me up. in the morning it'd be. unless there are any unexpected changes (which, obviously, are not expected =P)

As for my companion, elder simmons, he's great.  i knew him back when i was in north newark cuz he was in the zone. so we're both already really comfortable around each other, its great. i feel totally fine opening up to him about stuff and we've had some solid conversations. He and i get along well and the work is going great here in this area. we should be having a few baptisms quite soon. elder tatro, who i replaced really left the area booming.

yeah i've been hearin' legends of BYU b-ball. thats exciting. hopefully they can keep it up-- plus going independent gets some solid people coming to play for us.

well, much love and all my best to you.

Elder Johnson

Transfers 1.24.11

Hello family....

Well with much adieu I am finally writing. First off i must say Elder Caldaroni is awesome. He is 4 years older than me, but he's the best. In the pictures there are a couple sweet missionaries too. In the baptism one is Elder Long in white (went to west high actually dad), Elder Robertson (in my first district ever back in the day in newark...i love him. He actually has a friend who was in one of the Newhall wards not too long ago: Elder Durtschi. In the thank you card its Elder Long again (right) and Elder Pereira (left), the Elder from Portugal.  He is from Viseu but that is where Preston remembered someone gettin ready for a mission. Elder Pereira thinks he met Preston in Coimbra during conference back in the day. it would be cool to write Elder Caldaroni, he's on the left in the baptism pic, in the middle on the thank you card.  I don't think he gets like hardly any letters, but he's awesome...amazing at soccer too. But thats kinda a no brainer cuz he's Brazilian.

The translation:

3 Different Countries

3 Different Cultures

3 Different Names

But the Same Faith

And the Same Ties.

Helping all Heavenly Father's Children

With love, Elders Pereira, Calderoni, Long

***

Alright so tansfers.... drum roll please....

*Newark Spanish, Zone Leader, Senior, driver* ...so i am still senior zone leader, still a senior companion, still the driver, and back in Newark!  I am really excited cuz things have turned around in the ward since I left 6 months ago.  And get this, i'm in the area now that covers 1) the Ironbound, which is where all of the Portuguese and Brazilians are =D    2) the most dangerous areas of the mission (where we happened to find a family of 7 last night!) =D ...its super fun. 3) And then on top of all that it is one of the best apartments in the mission too. Way sweet.  One cool thing too is that it literally borders both north newark and the Elizabeth area lol. so all 3 of these areas are like right next to each other. Its gonna be a sweet few transfers here, but i dunno if i'll finish my mish here in newark. just cuz that'd mean 8 transfers as a zone leader, and thats just a really long time as a zone leader. My guess is i'll be here for like 1 or 2 and then my companion Elder Simmons (who has only been here 1 more than me) will stay for a couple after me and be a senior companion. He's great btw. He actually lived in my dorm hall back at BYU. We didn't know each other really well back then, but he lived in the room next door to where Emma stayed for EFY that one year. We're clickin well. And the cherry on top is how well this area is doing right now. There is just so much on the horizon, i'm so excited. Elder Tatro, the Elder i replaced is a great missionary and really got work done here. One really cool thing is there is a semi less active we're working with named Miguel who Elder Ward and i started teaching back in WNY.  He then moved to Newark and now he's in my area. Its been cool goin by there and gettin him set on the goal of temple marriage in June :) ...also an investigator that i set with a baptismal date my last sunday in Newark last time around passed the sacrament to me yesterday.  That was pretty fulfilling.

I really like dads input about how the Lord is finding who he can trust during these two years. ... which goes in line with "4th missionary" article, and also the spirit testified of it as i read it :) But its true that it is a testing ground of sorts. I wanna let you know now dad that i want some sort of calling when I get home, even though i'll only be home for a lil bit, i do not want to "slacken my strength" (2nd nephi 4:29) due to an all too open schedule. I want to have plenty to do because work reveals capacity...a member of the 70 told me that :)

Anyway, much love. it was great hearing from you. Sorry about the long wait to hear from me...again, it was rather out of my hands.  I felt terrible, with Monday a holiday, Tuesday transfers (didn't even get home to drop off my stuff till like 8:45 p.m., Wednesday library closed, Thursday weekly planning, Friday exchange, Saturday taking Elder Clark to the hospital (he's in a walking area so he didn't have a car) and Sunday church/sabbath...it was literally impossible. I felt terrible though, because i knew what havoc it would likely reek on the home front. Trust me thought, I did not skip by choice. But I think its great that you called sister Smith. I'll have a good chat with her about that soon, I'm sure.

Elder Johnson