Merry Christmas

Hey everyone,

I hope your Christmas was fantastic. We had the opportunity to go to a few members houses on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. It was cool to experience some different families' traditions. We also sang a lot of hymns at their houses. It was pretty fun because I've been playing the piano in District meeting and haven't been able to sing as much as I would've liked.

We had the opportunity to go to the Temple after a Christmas zone conference on Thursday. It was pretty awesome. I actually played the piano for a special musical number in zone conference. That was fun, but I'm glad it's over. We met a potential investigator over breakfast this last week at Boston College. It was a really good discussion, and he was pretty sincerely intrigued.

Skyping the family is always a great time. 40 minutes isn't long, but it is a wonderful opportunity I've been given to video call.

We also had the other elders in our district over on Christmas morning to open gifts and eat breakfast. I made crepes. It was pretty fun. I put together a list of scriptures of the prophecies and advent of Jesus Christ that we read beforehand. I wanted to have it be my spiritual thought for this week as well.

700ish b.c. Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7
600 b.c.1 Nephi 1:8-11
124 b.c. Mosiah 3:5-11
5 b.c. Helaman 14:2-6
9 mo. b.c.Luke 1:26-38
1 day b.c. 3 Nephi 1:13-15, 19-21
Luke 2:1-16

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Elder Rogers

God sent His Beloved Son

Hey Everyone,

I hope your Christmas season is going well, and that you've found unique ways to Light the World. The weather this last week has been very cold. The temperature doesn't get as low, but the wind and the humidity make it feel really cold.

We had an investigator get baptized this weekend. He's pretty awesome. If you recall my email from the week following Thanksgiving, we had dinner with him and set a baptismal date in our first lesson. He was committed, passed his interview on Tuesday, and got baptized and confirmed this weekend. It was a really awesome experience.

I like the passage from Doctrine and Covenants 123:12-14, 17

"12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—

"13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

"14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

"17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

The joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a great gift this Christmas season. I love seeing the salvation of God in the lives of those who are truly converted by the power of the Holy Ghost. Merry Christmas
Love,
Elder Rogers

Light of the World

Hello everybody,

We had some wicked snow this week. It snowed all Saturday, and we had probably about an inch stick. Elder Blotter came up from Connecticut on Wednesday, and we've been having a good time up here in Cambridge. We were waiting at a bus stop amidst the flurry of snow, and Elder Blotter stooped down and picked up an iPhone 6s. It was just chillin' on the sidewalk. So, we went to the police station and turned it in. Who knows? He could end up with a used, like new phone in 2 years for free. We'll just have to wait and see.

This week was the last week before all the students in my wards start going home. Two of our wards had fantastic musical programs. They also extended the Sacrament meetings, so we listened to like 3 hours of live Christmas music at church. There are a lot of music students that participated, so the music was absolutely astounding.

I love missionary service. I have the opportunity every day to see and talk to so many people. Teaching and testifying to the people I talk to for a few minutes on the street or on the T is really powerful. I love seeing the Spirit touch them. I love the Lord's counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 11:

11 For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness...
12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;

I've seen in my mission that these words are true. I know that Jesus Christ id the Light. As we look to the Light of the season, we'll come to find great joy

Love,
Elder Rogers

Christmas Miracles

Hey Everybody,

This week was a pretty good one. I found out my new companion is Elder Blotter, and I'm pretty excited for this transfer. He came out at the same time as Elder Leavitt did. We also got to go to a ward Elder's Quorum fireside where the Boston Temple President and Matron came and talked to us. We brought our investigator and he was a little confused, but we sorted it all out:)

I had a crazy cool experience on exchange with Elder Little this week. We had been praying to teach a lesson all day without any success. An hour before we were to exchange back, we stopped by a potential investigator. He had 15 minutes and invited the rest of his family into the living room to hear our message. The spirit in the lesson was so strong, and I experienced a great amount of joy. It was cool to see the Lord provide not only the opportunity for us to teach a lesson, but to also allow us to bring the light of the Gospel unto that family.

We had a great lesson in Elder's Quorum about being disciples of Christ. Oftentimes, we get caught up in wanting others to believe we are something rather than actually working and becoming that thing. This discussion has helped me try and actually be some of those things that I was trying to want others to believe about me. I also tried to stop focusing on what others were thinking about those things.

Love,
Elder Rogers

We decorated our own gingerbread houses last P-day.

All Saint's Day

Hey all,
Isn't it great we have a day to celebrate all the Saints in our lives?

I know that All Saints' day means something different, but Our investigator is a saint! He was baptized and confirmed this last week. He's so golden it's awesome. We're going to the temple next week so he can be baptized and confirmed for his ancestors.

We have a zone goal this month to work harder and achieve more than we previously have. I'm excited for the challenge to exercise greater faith and work with greater diligence. We've been receiving miracles of former investigators and other people getting in contact with us.

We had an awesome District Leader Council on Thursday. In my mind, I remembered that we are called to to "study, believe, love, live, and teach" the doctrines of the Gospel. I love the Doctrine of Jesus Christ and it's simplicity. Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, Endure to the End. President Uchtdorf said, "This beautiful gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime—even an eternity—of study and discovery to fully understand it." I've been trying to focus and simplify my understanding of the gospel and of my purpose as a missionary. I'm grateful for this Restored Gospel and the many blessings I've received because of it.


Love you,
Elder Rogers

In Heaven's Good Time Succeeding

Well,
The transfer texts came through and Elder Leavitt and I are staying another in Cambridge. It's a pretty cool area to be serving in, and I'm glad I get to be here for another transfer. We've had an extraordinarily warm fall, but I hope we get to see some snow this transfer Also, I had Haitian food for the first time this week. I didn't know what to expect, but it was actually pretty fantastic. I really liked the long grain black rice and lima beans with some kind of sauce.

So, we have an investigator preparing for baptism and confirmation this next weekend. He's been such a blessing to teach and see progress. It's truly a miracle to see the power of the spirit in his life as he's read and prayed about the Book of Mormon. It's always such a great opportunity to see someone make this decision.

We sang hymn #106 this week in a missionary meeting. It's a pretty simple tune, but I was struck at the depth of its message. I attached it so you can read it. I love the reality of its focus. We often have great zeal in doing the Lord's work; however, it's guaranteed that we'll fail. As we rely on God, he'll help us succeed.

I was further intrigued by a verse in Alma chapter 18:5

"Notwithstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right;"
I've seen that oftentimes I and others "suppose" or justify that whatever we do is right instead of really repenting. In reality, we're precluding God's ability to help us improve. It's so imperative that we rely on Christ and his love. I've been trying more when I fail to "fail with glory." By relying on God, so much more potential is available to us.


Love,
Elder Rogers

Now to heav’n our prayer ascending,
In a noble cause contending,
Be our zeal in heav’n recorded,
With success on earth rewarded.
Be that prayer again repeated,
Ne’er despairing, though defeated,
Like the great and good in story,
If we fail, we fail with glory.
Patient, firm, and persevering,
No event nor danger fearing,
Pains, nor toils, nor trials heeding,
And in heav’n’s good time succeeding,
God speed the right.
God speed the right.

Autumn Leaves

Hey Everybody!

I hope you all had a fantastic fall week! Unfortunately, I've been feeling a little under the weather this week, but I should feel better soon. We have transfer texts this Friday. I think I'm staying in Cambridge, but I might get a new companion. We also had zone conference this week. I always love hearing from President and Sister Miller.

We had a miracle with tracting this week. It is a little bit different than a normal tracting miracle, though. We were going to get on the T (the subway), and it was backed up. It took a half hour for a train to get to us. In the meantime, I went through our phone deleting duplicate contacts. (Elder Leavitt accidentally duplicated the whole sim card.) Consequently, I found some former investigators that neither of us had ever seen before. I texted them, and one of them was interested. Hopefully, we'll get to meet with him soon.

We had the blessing of having Elder Neil Anderson coming to our Stake Conference. He gave a really good talk about having faith. He said that we first need faith, then we get testimony.

'6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.'

I've definitely seen the blessings that come after faith. I know that God answers prayers.

Love,
Elder Rogers

I got to touch the toe of Mr. Harvard (apparently that's a thing)

How Rare an Experience

Wow,

What a great week. The weather over here once again never ceases to amaze me. Most people complain about New England weather being much worse than anywhere else. Our average last week was 76 degrees... 'Nough said. Anyway, a cool story is that this Wednesday, October 11th marks my one year of being out here in New England. On Thursday, October 12th I handed out my first Book of Mormon as a duly authorized representative of the Savior. I attached a picture of the place where I handed it out, because it's in my current area (which is a huge blessing). Here are my words one year ago:

Then we actually went out into Boston to contact people. Two other Elders and I were dropped off on Broad Street, and we walked around there and Milk Street. I don't know if you'll be able to find it, but there was a sort of monument on Milk Street (I think) where we talked to some UPS drivers. Anyway, they were eating lunch, so we talked to them about the church and stuff and one of them seemed really interested and I gave him a Book of Mormon and a pass-along card. It was the first awesome experience I had with missionary work.

This experience and others I've had this last year in the field have been amazing. I'm so grateful for a fantastic trainer who helped me along the way. Those were days never to be forgotten. I'm also so grateful to my Savior Jesus Christ who is responsible for every good thing that I've been able to be. I know I have a lot of shortcomings, but I love this work.

21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.

22 And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

I know this is true, and I love all of you I'm very excited for the rest of this next year to be full of growth and hard work.


Elder Rogers

Bounce Back

Hey everybody,

A lot happened this week. We had exchanges and conference. It was pretty fantastic. The weather is starting to turn a little bit colder, and I hope the leaves turn soon as well.


I had a funny story tracting this week. We stopped by a big apartment complex. They usually have an intercom we can use to try and talk to people. When we walked in this guy was leaving, and he held the door open for us. I took it and made our way to the highest floor to begin knocking. We tried floor 5 first, though, to see what it was like. One lady wanted us to leave, but it was otherwise good. So, then we went up to the 8th floor and started working our way down. Like a fool, I forgot which floor we started on and thought it was the 6th. So we skipped it and started on 5 again. The same lady yelled at us, and I thought she was going to try and make us leave. She, didn't and we were able to finish the building. Moral of the story: I don't know... We're all weak, and I'm grateful we're allowed to make mistakes. We can always bounce back too, and the Lord will qualify our efforts. We met a Chinese lady after my mistake, and passed her off to the Chinese Elders. So, hopefully they can teach her.


My favorite conference quote was "the Book of Mormons thin pages are thick with doctrine..." Just kidding, but it made me do a double take and chuckle for a moment. I can't say if I had a favorite talk. I loved how the conference was focused on humility, and testimony. I also liked the following quote from Elder Eyring concerning a deacon who was dragging his feet to visit a less active boy in his quorum. "I'm not sure if he knew it then, but he had faith that he was on the Lord's errand." I really connected with this because sometimes, it's easy to feel that our faith isn't enough. Our effort however, is a strong act that shows how much faith in the Lord's work we really do have.


Love,
Elder Rogers

Working Together

Hello all,

I hope your week was fantastic. We had a pretty busy week over here in Cambridge. Also, My year mark was on Thursday. It's amazing to reflect on the last year. I'm so grateful for every moment I've spent out here (even the bad ones because they just turn into funny stories). We also had a miracle with another guy just showing up at church. Blessings.

Anyway, we got a phone call this week and I was asked to play the piano at a funeral. It was all good, except the service was entirely in Portugese. At one point, they announced that I was going to play after a speaker. Not understanding anything besides my name, I just started getting up to play. One guy who spoke Portugese and English came and explained to me what was going on. So, I just sat at the piano during the eulogy, then I played. It all worked out:) We got some good Cape Verdian food out of it, too.

This week is General Conference. I love hearing the inspiring messages of the modern-day prophets and church leaders. Sometimes I think, we feel burdened down because their words ask much of us. They are however, intended to increase our faith and raise our vision. I found a quote in the Cambridge Common a few days ago. (I'll also attach the picture.) Speaking of the troops gathered from the various colonies by the Continental Congress for the defense of all the colonies, George Washington said the following:

"They are now the Troops of the UNITED PROVINCES of North America; and it is hoped that all Distinctions of Colonies will be laid aside; so that one and the same Spirit may animate the whole, and the only Contest be, who shall render, on this great and trying occasion, the most essential service to the Great and common cause in which we are all engaged."


On the mission, I've found that we work better together when we have an attitude of serving on the same team. As a companionship puts all their efforts into the common cause of salvation, miracles occur. I know the same is with conference. As our only goal is to follow Jesus Christ, we'll come to see that the words spoken will get us there. They are not trying to burden us with more to worry about. They are seeking to help draw closer to God, and find peace and happiness in ways that they know work. When we work together to come to God, we'll see that were successful.


Love you all,
Elder Rogers

Park the Car

Hey everyone!

I'm very excited to be emailing you from Cambridge, Massachusetts today. It's a super awesome place to be. Anyway, my new companion is Elder Leavitt, and he's pretty cool. On my first day, we took a run over into Boston for morning exercise, and watched the sunrise. This Thursday marks 1 year that I've been serving the Lord on this fantastic mission. I can't believe how the time has flown, but it has been the most amazing experience.

We have 3 awesome single adult wards. We cover the MIT, Northeastern, BU, Harvard, and many other college campuses. We've had two miracles since I've been here with member missionary work. We picked up a new investigator last night that a member met at the Harvard dining hall. We went over to Harvard Yard last night and actually taught him in an empty lecture hall. It was pretty cool, but this guy is very committed. It was awesome to find such a prepared investigator.

The scriptural thought this week came from a talk given at one of the sacrament meetings yesterday. A brother quoted Romans 2:1 which says,

"1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."

I love this thought because in reality, we are all imperfect. This reminded me of a quote I came across a long time ago. "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." These quotes have helped me understand more about patience.

Love you all and have a fantastic week.

Elder Rogers

Mass. Email

Hey everybody, 

I found out on Friday that I'm getting transferred to Cambridge Massachusetts to cover 3 singles wards there. And it's a walking area. I'm super excited to go but it feels weird to leave Ellington. It's been a pretty awesome time. This next transfer will be my year mark. I can't believe how quickly it's all gone, and I'm so grateful for how much has happened.

We saw a few miracles this week with finding new investigators. One man as we taught him felt the spirit and said he knew God answers prayers. It was cool to see the difference in him in just a short lesson. He remembered all the good experiences he's had with God in the past, and desired to try to bring God back into his life. We also talked to a man who told us he'd been searching for a church who could baptize him correctly. He's investigated extensively other churches and knows quite a bit about the Bible.

I've been trying to work on patience recently. Some days it's hard to knock doors for 1-3 hours. Especially when it's raining. 

 Preach My Gospel says:
"Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious."
I've always thought I'm pretty good at the enduring part. It's the "without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious" part that I really need to work on. Anyway, I have seen how I've been able to be helped by Jesus Christ so many times in my mission with this and other attributes already.

Love you all,
Elder Rogers

Spiritual Power

Hey everybody,

 I hope your labor days all went well. Ours was pretty good. We've been enjoying some upper 50 degree weather lately. It's getting me ready for the fall season. I'm so excited. Anyway, transfers are next week, so we'll see if I've finished the work I need to do in Ellington, yet.

I'm kind of short on time, but we had a good week. We moved another person, which had got to be my 14th move in this ward. At least most of them are move-ins or move-closer-to-the-church ones. Anyway, we had a dinner with an investigator family. That was really cool, and they have good questions. (and the food was way good.)

We had interviews and zone conference this week, and both were awesome. 

One of the trainings at zone conference was from a senior couple that talked about an equation:

([faith+ sacrifice+ obedience]xAction) /( fear + doubt) =Power = Miracles = f(x)

I attached this to a calculus principle that helped me grasp the concept better.
The lim. f(x) as [(fear + doubt) --> 0] = ∞. In other words, our power becomes limitless and so do our Miracles as we leave our doubt and fear.

I know that we can all bring the power of Jesus Christ into our lives as we trust him and live his teachings,
Love you all,
Elder Rogers.

Every Member a Missionary

Hey everybody,

I'm just so grateful this week.The weather's beginning to settle down into fall, and the days have been gorgeous. I'm so excited for the wonderful fall and winter season. Anyway, we had a pretty cool week. Last night, we had a fireside on member missionary work. We've been working closely with our ward mission leader to get it set up. The focus was on helping the youth become better member missionaries, and they seemed to enjoy it. I also went on exchange with a great elder that was in the MTC at the same time as me, and we had a blast.

We also had 6 people come to church that normally don't yesterday: 2 less actives we've been working with, 1 less active that just showed up, 2 nonmembers that were invited by friends, and 1 investigator that moved into our ward. It was such a miracle!

I recently read the following in the Book of Mormon, and I loved it. We also had a bunch of focus on and miracles from member missionary work this week which was really applicable. A little background is that Nephi is explaining the words of Isaiah to his brothers.

"7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.

8 And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.

9 And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed."

The marvelous work is the Book of Mormon, and the nourishment of the seed of Nephi is missionary work. Work that we're here to do. I love this because the Book of Mormon has been a great miracle to me, and I get to be a part of this great missionary effort.


Love you,
Elder Rogers

Birthday Week

Hello all,

The week's been good. It's flown by. In fact, 11 months ago today, I put on this black nametag. It's gone by so quickly. I'm also turning 19 this week. I'll be able to spend my entire time and efforts while I'm 19 to serve the Lord. I'm so grateful for the blessings I've already experienced and know I will get to experience a great many more miracles.

We moved a bunch of people last week, and we're moving two more this week. Also this week, we're picking up a new car to drive around. I'm pretty stoked about it. We had stake conference yesterday, and we had a man come to watch it. It was a miracle to have someone that we've talked with show his faith by coming to church.

Our zone is having a week-long "feast" on the Book of Mormon. The challenge is to read all of it in 7 days. It should be good.

Also, if you didn't know, it's President Monson's 90th birthday today. His birthday wish: "Do something for someone else on that day to make his or her life better. Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for them. That’s all I would ask." I know most of you probably won't get my email for a few days or even a week, but I would still encourage you to help this wish come true. I'm truly thankful for a living prophet on the earth. The priesthood authority has been given to him by God. The blessing of having the priesthood active on the earth has blessed me so much in my life.


Love,
Elder Rogers

If any of ye lack wisdom,,.

Hello All,

We had another gorgeous week. The weather here has been uncommonly mild, so I'm loving it. Anyway, we took advantage of it and we tracted a ton. Which was actually enjoyable because of the beautiful weather.

While I was on exchange with one of the zone leaders we had a pretty neat miracle. I've been trying to pray more specifically, so I can receive more specific guidance and blessings. Anyway, when we went out knocking doors, we prayed and asked that we would find a family to teach. Guess what?? The very last door on the entire street was that family. It was miraculous to say the least. We're going over this Friday to teach them.

We met a guy who was trying to bash on the Pearl of Great Price. It was the first time that someone I've talked to (1) even knew what that is and (2) immediately brought it up when we tried to give him a picture of Jesus. Haha. We talked and quoted scripture, but we couldn't help him at all. The only thing we could do is invite him to read the scriptures and pray to know if they are true. That is the only sure way to know whether or not the are true. After this experience, I came across 3 Nephi 29:6:

6 Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost!

I know that the Lord still works these many miracles, especially by the power of the Holy Ghost. The witness I've received from the Holy Ghost is the only reason I know that the scriptures are true. And it came only as I asked.

Love,
Elder Rogers

Big Doors Swing on Small Hinges

Hey everyone!

This week has been a pretty awesome one. We had some pretty nice weather with two day of torrential rain. In fact, we got caught tracting about a mile away from our car when it began to pour. I had an umbrella, but I was worried because there was a lot of lightning. Anyway, some guy stopped and gave us a ride the last half mile. It was like one of those super cool mission stories. He was even related to a member in the ward, but he wasn't interested. We were still grateful for the lift. Funny enough, we actually got caught in the rain again on Saturday morning. We were stacking wood for a member. It's all good, though. Most of our clothes are dry now.

Also, We had a media referral that we couldn't get in contact with. We had left a card on her door with our number on it, and she called us back the next day. We're going to go over there tonight and teach her. I've gained such a great testimony of how the little, righteous actions bring about miracles. We did everything we could to get in contact with her, and had success!

Alma says to his son Helaman:

7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.
(Alma 37:7)


I know this is true Elder L. Whitney Clayton said, " In my experience, getting the little daily habits of faith right is the single best way to fortify ourselves against the troubles of life, whatever they may be. Small acts of faith, even when they seem insignificant or entirely disconnected from the specific problems that vex us, bless us in all we do."


I love you all!
-Elder Rogers

Gorgeous Week

Hey All,

This week went by so quickly. I hope you're all enjoying your summer so far. I found out this week that I'm staying another transfer here in Ellington. I love this ward and I think that we'll have a great transfer. There are 32 new missionaries coming out this transfer and 30 going home. The whole mission is going to change. I have some great companions going back to Utah (Yes. They're all from Utah). I'll miss them, but I'm excited to see what the next year brings.

We had a great day going to the temple in Boston. It's such a beautiful place to be. The weather this weekend was absolutely fantastic. It was mid-70s and nice and dry. We experienced a flood of blessings this weekend. It took me like a half hour to write them all down in my journal, but I'll share just one.We stopped by a member's house over 6 weeks ago. Her grandson had investigated in the past, and we wanted to know if he would be open to talking with us again. Just yesterday, she walked up to us at church and talked with us. She told us that her grandson, his mom (her Less-Active daughter), and her daughter's nonmember husband would be interested in meeting with us. Apparently, they're newly married and the husband is awesome. She said, "I wouldn't mind it if you baptized him." What a referral! Hopefully it all works out.

I've been thinking a bunch about charity recently. I love Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13.
"1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."
The reason behind our actions is as important as what we do. I've been doing a lot of reflection to make sure that my efforts are driven by love.


Love,
Elder Rogers

Duty to God

Hey everyone,

My week's been pretty much fantastic. We had exchanges, and zone conference. I'm really excited for this next week, too. On Wednesday, all the new missionaries and their companions get to go to the Temple. So, that'll be really nice. We also have transfer-texts this Friday, so I'll find out if I'm staying in Ellington. It's been a fun 3 transfers, an we'll see if I can make it 4.

I saw a miracle on exchange this week. an Elder and I stopped and talked to a guy on the street. After a good conversation, he accepted our invitation to share a message with him. We were able to go back on Friday and talk about the Restoration. He was really intrigued with our focus on families and being able to live with them forever. It was awesome.

I found a passage of scripture that struck me really hard this week. It's Alma 7:22-25. This is right after he lays some heavy doctrine on repentance down.

22 And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received.
23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
25 And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go no more out.

I love how he says that his words are intended to "awaken" us, not scare us. I think it's too easy to get depressed when we look at what we're doing wrong. The blessings promised in verse 25 are fantastic. May we all strive to fulfill our duty to God and receive these great blessings.

Love you all,
Elder Rogers

7-17-17

Hey everyone,

First off, I want to wish you a happy palindrome week. Anyway, I had a good week out here in Ellington, Ct. In the last two months Ellington has gone through a metamorphosis. Corn just showed up one day, and now it's all taller than I am.

We had a bunch of miracles this week. On Wednesday, we got a media referral for a guy. We contacted the number, but it was the wrong number. We tried stopping by, and found a crazy abandoned-looking house (see attached picture). It was right next to a huge tobacco farm, too. On Saturday morning, however, we were driving to Hartford to blitz their area, and I felt prompted to stop by again. As we did, there was nobody in the house. Outside, there were a few guys working at a barn. So,we went to ask about the man who wanted a Book of Mormon. They were really nice and tried to help us out. After a few phone calls, they found the guy we wanted. It turned out that we had the right number, but didn't have the right name. I don't know quite how that happened, but it's all good now.

Moral of the story: Persevere, and Pray. I recently read a quote from Joseph Smith. He was speaking with regards to D&C 46:8-9, "Remember that without asking we can receive nothing..." I know that God answers prayers. My conviction of that has grown immensely while on my mission. The key is real intent.

Love you all,
Elder Rogers


Here's section 46 if you're curious:
8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;

9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.

From Sea to Shining Sea

Hey everyone,

I had another great week in the Massachusetts, Boston mission. I hope your Independence Day celebrations were truly spectacular. Our ward shot off some nice fireworks. So, that was awesome. Apparently in Connecticut, they don't do community fireworks shows on the 4th. The 5th was when the real fireworks were shot off.

We did a ton of service this week. I've never pulled so many weeds or moved so many people in my life. haha. We must have had a record amount of moves in a week. Anyway, the work's been going good.My comp is going to take over the area for a day with one of our zone leaders. He'll do a great job.

Man, I love America. My favorite song about this great country is "America the Beautiful."

Love,
Elder Rogers

Double Rainbow

Hey everyone,

This week has been full of miracles. We had a huge rainstorm on Tuesday, and there was a double rainbow afterward, which was pretty sweet.  My new comp is doing awesome. He's adjusting to missionary work fast.

One night, we planned a bunch of stop-bys. The first 3 people that we tried to see answered the door, which never happens. It was awesome. We also had a cool experience fasting for a lady. She wanted to quit smoking, but was having trouble. So we set aside a day where we fasted from food while she fasted from cigarettes. Just before the end of the fast, her daughter got in a car accident. She said she smoked two cigarettes then, but hasn't since. Her daughter was fine, and the damage to the car was minimal. She saw the God of hand in her life, and was very happy despite her trials.

I was reminded of Helaman 5:12 because of this story.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.


When we build upon Jesus Christ, we'll find the joy in life despite our trials.


Love,
Elder Rogers

Change of Season

Hey everybody,
This week has been fantastic. I hope you summer solstice went well, mine was pretty good.A new Elder arrived from the MTC on Tuesday. He's a great guy, and we're having a grand old time so far.

Elder Foster showed us a fantastic video last week that I forgot to mention. It's part of the 2011 youth theme "We Believe." It's called "Inviting All to Come Unto Christ: Sharing the Gospel." It's on lds.org. I've seen it before my mission, but it's a great video to watch over again.

We had a cool experience meeting with a less-active brother. The last time we went over there, he told us that he didn't believe that there would be prophets after Jesus Christ came. He believed that the Bible was complete and we need no more direction. Anyway, as he was preparing for our next lesson, I don't know if he was going to bash us or what, he came across Ephesians 4:11-12.

"11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"

He said he found it a half hour before our visit. Because of this verse, he was converted to the belief that there is a modern-day prophet and wants to come back to church. We didn't do anything besides commit him to study the scriptures at our last visit and set the appointment up. He was The scriptures teach powerful truths and I know that if we let them be our guide along with prayer, we won't be misled.


Love,
Elder Rogers

Decent Week

Howdy Everyone,

This week was especially decent. That's alright, though. Elder Clare and I were absolutely wrecked Sunday morning. We spent a big chunk of Saturday moving a member across town. That in addition to bad allergies ruined us... absolutely ruined us.

One of the families we've been teaching texted us randomly Friday afternoon and said we could meet that night. They had cancelled our appointment for earlier this week, so we were really happy when they could meet. The lesson went very well and we're very excited for them.
We set a baptismal date with the media referral, and they dropped it. So, we were super excited for a few days, but not anymore. We're hoping that sometime in the near future they'll get there.

Recently, I've been studying the pride cycle in the Book of Mormon. At various times throughout the entire book God promises the people who inherit the American continent "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper." (1 Nephi 2:20 and throughout) I love this promise. As long as we keep the commandments that God has given, He is bound to prosper us. 

Youtube Missionary Work

Hey all,

This week in Connecticut was pretty sweet. I hope yours went well, too! We had an amazing experience this week with a media referral. The whole family is super interested and found us through a youtube channel they watch. I had never heard of it before, but there was a mormon.org link in the description. So, this family clicked on it and requested a Book of Mormon. They are so cool! They are willing to read the Book of Mormon and be baptized. 

Also, I don't know if anyone has ever heard of oreo cows, but they're here in Connecticut. I think they look pretty cool. A member told me that they can trace their genealogy all the way back to when they came over from Europe.

2 Nephi 2: 27 reads "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

I know that the little decisions we make to read the scriptures, pray, and go to church are the way that we each "choose liberty and eternal life" because of Jesus Christ. I've also gained a great testimony of righteous action on my mission. It's amazing how much can happen if I so choose. Especially with missionary work, God will guide our efforts. We just need to put ourselves out there.
Love,
Elder Rogers

Blessings from the Sky and People too!

Hello Everyone,


This week has been pretty awesome here in Ellington. I hope your weeks have been great! Yesterday, we had the opportunity to go to the Boston Temple. It was an hour and a half drive, but we had a pretty good time driving with the zone leaders up there. We had Interviews with our mission president this week. It's only been 3 weeks since my last interview, but it was good.

We pulled up to our apartment right before dinner, and there were like 9 people skydiving above us! It was really cool and random.

This week, I got to go on exchange with an Elder that was in the MTC at the same time as me. We had a pretty good time talking and moving a family into the ward. We had a bunch of miracles happen this week. We got 5 referrals! That is unprecedented in this area. We were able to meet with 2 and have plans to meet with the others. It's pretty miraculous.

I'm so grateful this week for the many things God has given us. Alma 30:44 says, "all things denote there is a God" Everything is so amazing and miraculous. This week, I want to challenge everyone to ponder on the amazing and miraculous things God has done. Especially those blessings that he has given you. I know that he loves us.


Love,
Elder Rogers

Service

Hey Everyone,

I hope your week has gone well. Ours was pretty full, again. We did a LOT of service this week. WE helped stack wood, remove wood shavings from 22 demolished stumps, and help out at a Kids carnival that a member of our ward ran. We also had record-breaking heat this week. It was waaaay too hot. Needless to say, we got pretty burnt. We used sunscreen a few times. However, at the Carnival it was cloudy and in the 60s at first. So, we didn't think we needed any sunscreen, but the sun came out and roasted us. Everyone at church kept calling us out on it, too.

WE went on a hike last Monday. The trees here are super cool. There are vines that climb a bunch of them, and the entire length of the tree has leaves because of it. It's so green. Also, there's this street in Enfield that always has kids playing basketball on it. We played a little... We totally won though. Otherwise, our work's picking up a bit. We're teaching more people and trying to help them keep commitments to read and pray about the Book of Mormon.

This week's spiritual thought comes from 3 Nephi 30:2
2  Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings... and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.

As I read this 2 verse chapter, I pondered why it was put in the Book of Mormon, and the last phrase really jumped out at me. As we live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are adopted into the tribe of Israel and receive all the blessings that The Lord has promised them. I thought it was pretty cool. I realized that we can always learn something new from the scriptures.


Anyway, I hope you all have another fabulous week!


Love,
Elder Rogers

Happy Mother's Day

Hey all,
This week has been absolutely amazing! I got to skype home yesterday,
and that was awesome. On Wednesday, we picked up Elder Clare and
dropped off Elder Crandall. One of the Elders in my district
accidentally took our car keys, so we had to wait for him to bring
them back before we got started. Later, I was put in the middle of
Cambridge, Massachusetts and had to drive home. Luckily, I had a GPS
this time. However, our phone got mixed up, and my District Leader
took it with him to Boston. To make a long story short, we had to
drive back up the next day and pick it up. Every time something funny
happens, I just have to one-up myself, I guess.

Elder Clare and I ran to the church during exercise and shot some
hoops. We ran about 4 miles. It was pretty fun, but it was probably
the longest run I've done since before the mission. We're going to
keep doing it, though. While we were at the church playing
basketball, the seminary teacher kept sending kids to see who was
playing basketball, but none of them recognized us. Anyway, after a
while, the seminary teacher came in with the intention of asking us to
leave. She thought that we were just some kids that didn't have any
affiliation with the church.. Anyway, as soon as she walked in, she
knew who we were. She then proceeded to chastise all her students who
didn't recognize us.

Alright this week, my mom deserves a shout out. She's done so much for
me, and it's definitely helped out a lot on my mission. I had the
wonderful pleasure to give a talk in church yesterday. I was asked to
speak on the service and sacrifice of the Savior and my Mother. It was
a great experience to offer some funny stories about how my mom
lovingly dealt with five rowdy, young boys.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said

“May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are
magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you
have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the
trust your Father in Heaven has in you.”

I hope you all had a great Mother's day!
Love,
Elder Rogers

Farm Country

Hey everybody,
This week was fantastic. So many things happened. I actually found out
on Friday that Elder Crandall is leaving. He's going to Cambridge
Mass. and Elder Clare is going to join me here in Ellington. It should
be a good time. It's going to be his last transfer. There are farms
all around our apartment. So we took some pics with a few of our
neighbors before Elder Crandall left.

We had exchanges, Interviews, found the Lego factory, and a sick
Italian coin. Anyway, it was a full week. I got to go on exchange with
Elder Steele. He's a haitian-creole speaking missionary. He's in an
English area right now, but we had a great time in Enfield for a day.
I also had an awesome interview with President Miller. He's an awesome
guy and we had a great discussion.

We had a lot of lessons with members as part of our new ward mission
plan. It's pretty good. We actually had a regional broadcast yesterday
that Elder Oaks spoke in. He gave a great missionary-minded talk and
got a lot of members to think about inviting people to hear the
message of the restored Gospel.

We had some amazing experiences teaching families the lessons this
week. Joseph smith's experience with the First Vision always brings
the Spirit into the lesson. The church recently released a new First
Vision video that's fantastic. I would encourage everyone to watch it
and ponder how it's changed your lives.

Love you all,
Elder Rogers

Full Week

Hey Everybody,
This week went great! I hope everyone else's was fantastic. We had a
full week with exchanges, service, and miracles. I got to go to
Manchester CT for a day.

 We helped the library dump a bunch of
old books they didn't want. We got to chuck a bunch of books into
bins. It was the most fun service I've done yet.

One of the major miracles we saw this week came on Thursday. We had
received a media referral on Wednesday and tried to contact them. We
didn't get any answer to our text, so we decided to try stopping by.
We had a brother from the ward come to a different appointment with
us, which canceled. So, he came and stopped by this media referral
with us. We met Gloria and were able to teach her because we had this
brother with us. It was such a miracle and we found a new investigator
through it. I know that member missionary work is a very effective way
to do God's work. There are so many different ways to do it as well.
Because of King Lamoni, many of the Lamanites were converted unto the
Lord. His efforts were key in helping spread the Gospel in his day.

20 But he caused that there should be synagogues built in the land of
Ishmael; and he caused that his people, or the people who were under
his reign, should assemble themselves together.

21 And he did rejoice over them, and he did teach them many things.
And he did also declare unto them that they were a people who were
under him, and that they were a free people, that they were free from
the oppressions of the king, his father; for that his father had
granted unto him that he might reign over the people who were in the
land of Ishmael, and in all the land round about.

22 And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of
worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires, in
whatsoever place they were in, if it were in the land which was under
the reign of king Lamoni.

23 And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and it came to
pass that he did teach them all things concerning things pertaining to
righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and
they gave heed unto his word, and they were zealous for keeping the
commandments of God.

I know that as we each do our part to spread the Gospel, the Lord will bless us.
Love,
Elder Rogers

Hartford

Hey everybody,
I hope you're week went well. The flowers have been blooming out here
and it's awesome. We had a jam-packed week. We had a great exchange
with the zone leaders in Hartford. I also had a habanero at a member's
house on Tuesday. Let's just say tear were shed...

Anyway, on the exchange in Hartford we got to go to a cool banquet for
lunch. The zone leaders volunteer at the Hartford Hospital every week,
so they were invited to an appreciation banquet. Anyway, I've never
volunteered, but I had to stay with my companion. They still let me
in, but I had to wear the other missionary's sticky nametag. So, I had
my nametag on, but I had a different name on a sticker next to it. So
people called me Garret, except those who know the other missionary.
After a little while I stopped explaining the situation to people and
just responded as best I could to "Garret." It was such a funny
experience.

We had another cool experience on our exchange in Hartford. We were
teaching an atheist, and ended up just bearing our testimonies. He
seemed to be moved because of our conviction and knowledge. I know
that bearing our testimonies can be one of the most powerful tools.
The spirit can touch the hearts of those we are testifying to more
than a verse sometimes can.

Love you all,
Elder Rogers

A Message to Share

Howdy everyone,


This week was fantastic. We had two 80 degree days which was a little hard. This weekend was awesome, though. We had an absolutely fantastic zone conference in Groton on Friday, and we participated in a portable visitor's center event in Manchester, CT on Saturday. Of course Easter Sunday was great as well. We had an awesome dinner at a member's house.


We saw some pretty cool miracles this week. We've been having trouble finding people to teach in this area. Everyone we talked to wasn't interested or impossible to contact. Anyway, Elder Crandall and I decided to make some changes. We had an amazing experience with praying, studying and planning. We eventually set a specific goal and made plans to carry it out. Immediately after we set these in place, we've been having great success. We found 7 people who told us they would be interested. We're going to keep up with this and work to teach more people. It was such an immediate display of God's hand in our lives, and I'm very grateful for it.


Jesus Christ proclaimed to the Nephites

21 Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.

22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.
3 Nephi 9:21-22


We have this amazing gift from the Saviour to be afforded the opportunity to repent. He's provided ordinances like Baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost to satisfy justice. We can receive this through faith and repentance. Not only does He forgive us of our sins, but He provides ways for us to be exalted. If we continue faithful, I know we can live with God again. What a great message to share to the world!


Love,
Elder Rogers

6 Months!

Hey everybody,

 I hope your Spring is going well. I've now been out for 6 Months! It's been such a blast. It felt like yesterday, I got off the plane! I actually found out that I'm being transferred already! I spent only 1 transfer here on the island. I loved it though. My companion's been great and the members have been great, too. So, I'm already gathering up all my stuff and packing it back up. I'm going to be in the Ellington, Connecticut ward next. I've heard it is a beautiful place which is alright by me. We baptized a young man  this week. I don't have any pics yet, but I'll get some soon.

I had an awesome exchange this week with my District Leader and trainer Elder Nielson. We had a short but sweet time here on the Vineyard. I've learned so much while here on the island. I've been questioning why I was only here for a transfer, but the experiences I've had are amazing. As I look back, I have learned so much more about Jesus Christ, his doctrine, and what I can do to become more like him in my life.

I cannot tell you how excited I am for General Conference! I don't think I've ever been this glad that it's coming. There's so much to learn from it. "21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men... study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men" ( Doctrine and Covenants 11:21-22). I know that as we come to conference seeking to obtain God's word, we will be blessed with great treasures of knowledge.


Love,
Elder Rogers

New England Weather

Hey Everybody,

This week has been another exciting week in New England. We had a massive nor'easter hit the island on Tuesday. My companion and I went out in it for a few hours, but had to go home. We were soaked from head to toe. We also got splashed by a big truck driving by us. Elder Gardner got the worst of it,

We had a few awesome lessons this week. We've been teaching an unbaptized youth named Rafael. His mom is returning to activity and we've been teaching them for a while. He's going to be baptized this Saturday which is very cool. We also taught another investigator again, and he's been reading from the Book of Mormon. He's also read from the pamphlets we give out.

Reading from the Book of Mormon and praying about it is the best way to know if the church is true. I love how simple and individual it is. Nephi teaches us in 2 Nephi 33:10

"10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good."

I've had the opportunity to read the Book of Mormon a few times since I've started my mission. I know that it does teach of Christ and that it leads us to do good. President Spencer W. Kimball said "Sometimes it seems we take the scriptures too much for granted because we do not fully appreciate how rare a thing it is to possess them, and how blessed we are because we do have them... May we all read the Book of Mormon prayerfully, study it carefully, and receive a testimony of its divinity." Let us all remember how much the scriptures have influenced our lives and study from them every day.



Love,
Elder Rogers

Miracles on MV

Hello All,

This week was crazy. We got some more snow and wind. Daylight Savings Time always hits pretty hard, too. We had an awesome zone conference and interviews with the mission president this week.

After interviews, we ate at this restaurant called Little Sami's. I got this sandwich called El Diablo. It was pretty good and we joked that I was "frustrating the work" of El Diablo. Aside from lame missionary jokes, we had another miracle this week. We went back to teach the family that we found last week. We were kind of worried because they don't understand English very well, and we were going to try and teach the Plan of Salvation. When we got there, one of their sons and his family were there. The son was awesome and translated the lesson into Portugese. What could've been a very difficult experience was so amazing and spiritual.

The zone conference was all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It helped me remember the importance of repentance. I love Moroni 8:25:
"25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;"
The forgiveness of our sins is one the most amazing opportunities God has prepared for us.
Have a good week!


Love,
Elder Rogers

Flap Jacks

Hey everyone,

I hope your weeks were fantastic. This week in the Mission was pretty good. Elder Blum came over from the cape on an exchange and we had an awesome exchange. We made pancakes and my Dad's famous hashbrowns.

Martha's Vineyard is a really cool and interesting place. There are a lot of contractors and Brazilians. Sometimes there are Brazilian contractors, too. Anyway, It's not what I was expecting when I found out I was getting transferred here. Martha's Vineyard is supposed to be a super expensive vacation retreat. Which it is. There are just some regular year-round people here, too.

This week it got a little cold, especially on Saturday. Which of course, was the day we did the most walking. At the end of the day, though, we found an awesome family. They let us in, listened very intently, and accepted to be baptized. It was one of those fourth floor last door experiences, I guess. It is amazing how blessings sometimes come after we put in a ton of effort. This experience really topped off the week for me.

"And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." Mosiah 4:27


Love,
Elder Rogers

Island Life

It's been another great week in Martha's Vineyard. I hope everyone's week went well. We've had some good success this last week, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was warm enough to wear a short-sleeve shirt.

Here's a funny story. We have to walk a bunch in this area. Luckily, there's a pretty good public transit system. Anyway, my companion and I were going to stop by a potential investigator after dinner one day. We got off at the nearest bus stop and started walking to his house. After about ten minutes, we realized that we had to hurry if we wanted to catch the bus to get home. Since it's still "winter", the bus isn't very frequent. Anyway, we started walking as fast as we could in the hopes that we could set a return appointment with the potential investigator and make it back to the bus stop in time. We made it to this man's house with about 15 minutes to get back to the bus. We asked if we could come by another time, but he insisted on inviting us in. It was a funny reversal of roles. Typically we're trying to get in, and they don't want us to. He eventually convinced us to come in right then, and we had a great lesson. He seems pretty interested. Anyway, we had to walk like 2 and a half miles back to our apartment after that.The both of us were absolutely exhausted from how much we walked that day.

I've learned a bunch about patience this week. I've experienced many trials on my mission so far, and it's often hard to be truly patient. I love this scripture in the New Testament. "2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into many afflictions; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (JST James 1:2-3). Patience is the ability to endure without complaint. The gift of patience has the ability to bless us so much. I've gained a great testimony of the peace that can come as we try to find joy despite our circumstances. It often helps to make our trials seem less difficult. I hope you all have a great week


Love,
Elder Rogers

Martha's Vineyard

Hey Everybody,

I had another great week, and I hope that all's well with you. Life in Martha's Vineyard is unlike my last area. I don't have a car anymore, which is actually more of a blessing. It's so much more fun to walk around everywhere, and it's less stressful than having a car. Anyway, Island life is a little different. We take a ferry to the mainland like twice a week. We go over for District Meeting on Fridays, and another time for various reasons. Anyway, it's been pretty nice weather this week. I can't imagine walking around in the dead of winter. Elder Gardner (my new companion) is pretty awesome, too.

I'm actually pretty lucky to serve in Martha's Vineyard right now. The zone just blitzed the island two weeks ago, so we have a pretty big list of potential investigators. Supposedly work is usually pretty slow on the island, but we've been pretty busy every day. We actually got to go to the Temple again today. It was pretty nice. We had to take the ferry over last night and sleep over at the District Leader's apartment.

On my mission, I've gained such a better understanding of faith. As I've studied, I've seen how simply faith can start. However, it is much more complex to live by faith. Alma questions the people in Zarahemla  "Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?" (Alma 5:15) I've come to realize that with faith, we can gain our own understanding of Jesus Christ. It's one of the most important and difficult principles of the gospel. Faith comes as we righteously study, pray, and follow through with God. It comes as we learn to trust him and strive to believe Him.
Love,
Elder Rogers

Transfers

Hey everybody,

I'm very excited this week because I found out that I'm getting transferred on Wednesday. I'm gonna get sent to the Island of Martha's Vineyard. It's just off of Cape Cod, and Nantucket Island isn't in my area. It'll definitely be a strange experience. I've never lived on an island before, but it should be pretty fun.This last week we got a bunch of snow and we couldn't drive or go outside for nearly two days. We didn't get much done, but we had a pretty fun time.

So, I found out that I was getting transferred on Friday, but on Thursday I read Jacob 5. It's all about working in the vineyard. Anyway, I thought that was kind of cool. These last 5 months on the mission have been amazing. I feel like Jacob when he says, "wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream" Jacob 7:26. It really has felt like a dream and it's been such a great learning experience. The Mission President's wife always tells us that the mission will be the best two years for our lives. I've seen that already in my short time out.

I've also had the opportunity to work with so many great people in this ward. I'm so blessed to be out here.

 
Love you all,
Elder Rogers

Block Island Blitz

Hey all,

This week has been one wild ride. We had the blitz on Block Island and it was pretty fun. We walked like ten miles and only talked to a few people. However, we did meet one man who said that he was interested in learning more. It happened at the very end of the day, too. We were absolutely exhausted, so we went to check out the beach. While we were looking for sea-glass a dog ran up to us. The owner came by to grab the dog and asked us why we had name tags on. Anyway, it led to a good discussion and he accepted a Book of Mormon and another for his friend.


Go Pats! I heard that they won, which is really good for me. Now we don't have to deal with sore fans. I got a pic with a Patriot car holding a Book of Mormon. Anyway, we didn't go out last night. We just moved our studies and stuff to then.

Also, I took a pic at the bottom of the mission on Block Island. It was the southernmost part of the island. I found a millstone this week, and it reminded me of a scripture. "42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."

 
Anyway,
Love Elder Rogers

Schedule Change

I hope your weeks have been memorable. My week was certainly busy. we had the Worldwide mission broadcast and interviews with our mission president. President Miller hinted that I might be transferred. Transfer day is on February 15, so I might be out of Narragansett before long. in the broadcast they introduced changes to the missionary daily schedule. All I know is it has been a very long time since they changed it and all my brothers are going to be jealous once they read this. They gave us an extra half hour in the morning to do whatever we want. Eat, sleep, study, exercise, you name it. We have extra time for it. Then we get another hour at night to sleep or to do whatever we want. They shortened lunch by thirty minutes, though:( We also get an extra two hours on P-day. So it's been pretty awesome the last few days.

This last week a kid named Josh walked into the church while a member was cleaning and asked two things. 1 Can I use your bathroom? 2. Can I learn more about this church? Yes! Josh is pretty cool. We taught him on Thursday and he said he would come to church this Sunday. (He was busy yesterday.) We were so blessed to meet him. Sometimes I guess, the Lord just brings people to you. My spiritual thought for this week comes from the prophet Mormon, even though its recorded in the book of Moroni. Mormon experienced the destruction of his entire nation and led them in many battles. He said "I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear." Moroni 8 :16. In times of strife we can sometimes feel that the world around us is terrible. Mormon, who experienced much much worse knows in what source he can find comfort. God's love for us is unending and perfect. With it we need not fear.

I'm super stoked this week because my district is doing a blitz on Block Island! If you look at a map of Rhode Island, it's the island on the very bottom. I took the liberty during lunch, of copying a map to my planner for reference. It's 9 square miles and 900 people who have probably never been visited by missionaries (as far as we can tell). There's no record of any missionaries going there, at least that we have.
Love,


Elder Rogers