Mvu!!

Hello!!!

What a great week. A little slower, but idg, still ballin...

This week went from bible bashin a guy who thinks he converted us, to our powerful investigator but sometimes procrastinating guy Mvu asking us to be baptised on friday...

so.. just an average week on mission!!

Progressing well this week are still Siya, and Greater. We spent about an hour and a half with siya, talking about how mission works, and how she can start getting ready for mission... which led to a bet with her and RC reagen on who can go on mission first. We just visit her like she is a long time member. Its sooo fun! 

Greater is also doing great! We solidified her baptismal date for the 5th of Nov. Elder slades last sunday, and also got her to commit to the word of wisdom! So that should be sweet! It was really funny talking about the word of wisdom with her. She new she had to live it, but didn't want to, and then we pulled out Mazoe... a zimbabwean drink that you can't get here.... so we said she could have it... if she lives it..

pretty good deal i think right? hahahha 

Mvu... has been coming to church for 6 months, surrendered, in his words, and is set for this friday!! random? but said his family will come. We haven't met them.. in 6 months. so we need to pray that he brings them to his baptism hard core. 

Everything else went pretty great... found some cool families, and saw miracles as we tested God's promises. I know that he loves us and that he lives. I love him so much.

Have the best week... sorry its lame email..

Elder Ivins

Ps.. madagascar got evacuated for the plague... so missionaries are coming to our mission... if i get it.. sorry

Fwd: You will lose Le Petrise

I was a little worried that we wouldn't hear from Jarod this week!! His email came in quite late!!! He is well and is super happy!!! We love him so much!

So this week was really great. again. I love mission.

Hahah the highlight of this week is Reagen Mandamba. from drc (french is one of the main languages)

Reagen is our recent convert, who comes with us everyday. His English is getting better and better everyday.. While we still try to teach him xhosa, and help him to learn how to bear testimony is English.

Well he brought to church with him 5 people! hahha our only source for having investigators at church ;)

He brought Siya, and her 6 year old sister, Mbali.

He brought Greater, and Melisa, and Sarah. All girls that stay at his flat. They are sooo sweet. Sarah is from DRC, and Greater and Melisa are from Zimbabwe. They all are so fun, and loved church. Our gospel principles class went extra long, cuz we were just having so much fun having them, on their first sunday for some, teaching class!! 

They are all progressing super well, and we hope to have them enter the waters on the 5th of November. The last Sunday for my dying comp. So lets pray extra hard they make it and feel ready ;)

We met some other super sweet people, one of which is George. He is working, and stays with his gf. we will have some fixing to do ;) hahah, but he is so powerful. We taught him the restoration, and he was so open and exciting and he accepted to baptism as well. All of these people are so powerful, and God is being super bold with us. saying here are my children that are ready, care for them. It truly is an amazing experience to see how much influence the gospel has on people's lives. Knowing that the gospel is here for us can calm anything, and bring that overwhelming spirit into our lives.

The funniest part of the week, was when we are driving yesterday after church. Reagen asks Elder Slade what he is most excited for about home. To which my companion responded to kiss a girl. (dont worry, we are still obedient) But It launched a huge, amazing, hilarious argument with Reagen about kissing girls. how he thinks 'If you kiss girl, you will lose your Priesthood!'

It was soo hilarious.  I was legit laughing so hard I was crying. remember, he is still about a 3rd grade level, max as far as the gospel goes. We speak as 5-7 year olds here with him. So we are just dying that this was happening. eish, I tried to record some of it. Hopefully it will be funny for you guys..

Love all of you so much!! Remember that God Loves you even more. Smile. It's good for you!

Elder Ivins

Fwd: Miracles and Conference

This week was full of amazing miracles! I will try to fit them in... well Yeah they were so sweet.

Siya. The first happened on Tuesday. We knocked on this door. no answer. We went down the hall, and then saw someone walk back into the flat across from this house. Knock, not interested, but heard someone making noise this time in the original house. So we knocked again, and this girl, Siya answered! We taught her the restoration, and she prayed, we waited, and she felt this overwhelming sense of peace and happiness, she couldn't describe. We put her on date for baptism on the 5 of November! 

The other miracle with her, is that we went back friday... SHE HAD READ ALL THE WAY TO 1 NEPHI 22. She explained to us more, that the other day, she had prayed to God what to do with her life.. she was confused, and needed to know the way. Then 2 hours later, we knocked on her door... If we hadn't listened to that prompting, we would've missed her completely.

Nangamso. The second happened on Tuesday. We met this girl named Nangamso. We were looking for her sister, but she wasn't home. We had other people to see, but the Spirit just said, teach her, go. So we said can we come in for a little. She gladly let us in. We taught her the restorations, and invited her to pray. We said we would sit and let her listen to the spirit for just a couple seconds after the prayer. 17 minutes later she opened her eyes. She prayed for about a minute, very short and simple, and direct about the resto. and then she sat for 16 min. We weren't sure, but the spirit was SO strong in that room. I felt like Ammon, just sitting for an hour with King Lamoni. We asked her how she felt, and she said it was amazing, peace, and joy. She accepted baptism as well, and will pray about a day.

Johann. He is the husband to a member, Juliet. He has come to church with her every week for about a year and a half, and doesn't want to be rushed. (Afrikaners). Hahaha jk, but on thursday, juliet said that she was going out of town, so we would miss them at church, and he buts up. No you wont. I will be there! To all our shock, he was serious. He was dissapointed to not hear from president Monson, as were we all, but loved conference. I watched him type loads of notes. The best miracle was after conference, as we were locking up with just him and us, when he asked us, so how does the whole baptism procedure work. We realized this was his first time at church without his wife, and there was no pressure. We were sooo excited by this question. We went through it all, showed him the font, and talked to him. We didn't push him too much, but it went perfectly! We are gonna see him tuesday, and pray that he accepts a specific date! (He also caught a Cape Cobra, the most dangerous snake in Africa, in between conferences. It was a baby, and really fun to play with. It was just a small bite on my leg... hope im okay...)

As you see, these are just some of the bigger miracles we had this week. There were lots, but I am thankful beyond explanation for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That all these things are possible. I know that conference is the time for us to listen to His chosen servants. I loved all the talks, and loved Elder Rasband quoting Alma 8:19, "wilt thou give an humble servant of God something to eat." my favorite scripture to share ;) HAHA

I love the Lord, and mission. Its amazing to be here and see His hand orchestrating this work. I know He lives. Pray for these people, and Pray for rain. #capetowndrought

and always, PRAY FOR SNOW

Love you too much!

Elder Ivins

Fwd: Heritage Day

Well, Happy Heritage Day! Last year, while celebrating in Motherwell, the experience was quite different. All the mamas and sisis wore traditional clothes to church, there was fun in the streets, and it was an amazing thing to see....

Now I'm in a white ward. yeah.

But it was still a fun weekend! We had great experiences, but it was a little harder of a week. We had lots of drops. so we made the best we could. We have one investigator, who is doing really well, Towanda. She is 25 and working, and loves the BOM, and what we have to share. 

She was so excited for church but, then Satan struck. Her sister had to go to hospital. It was a dagger and we were so sad, but she even recognized it was satan. Not too worried about her, because as long as she keeps reading and praying, the gospel will stick. That is the biggest thing i have recognized. If you are sincere, the blessings will come.

Our amazing investigator Levi is still doing well. He is getting so excited for his baptism in just a couple short weeks. We told his brother, Reagan, our recent convert, that he will be able to baptise him, and his eyes shot open with excitement and It will be so amazing.

We are really excited for General Conference this coming weekend. It will be an amazing time to listen to our Leaders. I have grown to love conference so much more on mission, and especially for investigators!

This week, I have really been praying for an increase amount of Love for the people. To be able to feel the Saviors love for them... and I know Heavenly Father is blessing me with that love. It is incredible to see how no matter what happens, you just want these people to accept it. It is so trye, and they just need to recognize it. I have grown in desire to meet and tell everyone the gospel, and I love it! We actually have a white investigator who is interested!!! NO WAY!

I love you all, and am so grateful to be on mission. I am loving our P-day traditions now of volleyball for 4 hours, then buying a kitchen sink.... the biggest bowl of ice cream in cape town... and then downing a nice Dr Pepper. 

Love you all! Pray for Rain, and Pray for Snow

Elder Ivins

Fwd: Heritage Day

Well, Happy Heritage Day! Last year, while celebrating in Motherwell, the experience was quite different. All the mama's and sisi's wore traditional clothes to church, there was fun in the streets, and it was an amazing thing to see....

Now I'm in a white ward. yeah.

But it was still a fun weekend! We had great experiences, but it was a little harder of a week. We had lots of drops. so we made the best we could. We have one investigator, who is doing really well, Towanda. She is 25 and working, and loves the BOM, and what we have to share. 

She was so excited for church but, then Satan struck. Her sister had to go to hospital. It was a dagger and we were so sad, but she even recognized it was satan. Not too worried about her, because as long as she keeps reading and praying, the gospel will stick. That is the biggest thing i have recognized. If you are sincere, the blessings will come.

Our amazing investigator Levi is still doing well. He is getting so excited for his baptism in just a couple short weeks. We told his brother, Reagan, our recent convert, that he will be able to baptise him, and his eyes shot open with excitement and It will be so amazing.

We are really excited for General Conference this coming weekend. It will be an amazing time to listen to our Leaders. I have grown to love conference so much more on mission, and especially for investigators!

This week, I have really been praying for an increase amount of Love for the people. To be able to feel the Saviors love for them... and I know Heavenly Father is blessing me with that love. It is incredible to see how no matter what happens, you just want these people to accept it. It is so trye, and they just need to recognize it. I have grown in desire to meet and tell everyone the gospel, and I love it! We actually have a white investigator who is interested!!! NO WAY!

I love you all, and am so grateful to be on mission. I am loving our P-day traditions now of volleyball for 4 hours, then buying a kitchen sink.... the biggest bowl of ice cream in cape town... and then downing a nice Dr Pepper. 

Love you all! Pray for Rain, and Pray for Snow

Elder Ivins

Fwd: Steak Conference

Hello!

This week had everything great in it! We had really fun days, that just keep flying and flying by. Seeing Jonah, and Alec, and Connor home is so weird. 2 years is incredibly short, and I'm so glad I have a year left haha. 

We had really fun exchanges this week. I went with Elder Reynolds in my area. He is a Britt from England, and it felt like I was back with Elder Hawkins again. The same funny humor, and jokes, and accent. It was awesome! we started the day by knocking down a brick wall for 4 hours, with one hammer.... It was hard, my arms are dead, but we got fed TACOS after, so of course it was worth it! 

The rest of the week was spent trying to talk to everyone. Something that is hard in our zone is members giving referrals. So we have been finding a lot on our own. We have found some good people, but they are struggling to come to church, or its all new, members are the best way... so give referrals back home. Missionaries love it! 

The highlight of the week, was stake conference yesterday! We had the new area 2nd Counselor, Elder Koch of the 70, Elder Makisi, area 70, and the Joburg temple president, along with our stake president and amazing Mission president.

I loved stake conference. Listening to all the amazing talks, and more importantly, having investigators and recent converts there to hear the talks. They needed it. It was amazing to see how the spirit directed the meeting to what everyone needs. For me, a life member, for brother Mvu, an investigator struggling to commit, who has questions with the temple, for a recent convert couple, Leonard and Liona, who will be preparing to go to the temple, and Reagan, our RC who is learning English, but most importantly just felt the spirit for 2 hours straight.

I love mission. I love South Africans. I love the Lord. D&C 100:1, D&C 31. Very helpful these weeks. I love comfort from the Holy Ghost, and from being led by the Him all day every day.

Godspeed

Elder Ivins Loves you

Fwd: Up and Down

Just a little side note to Jarod's letter today. Jason's mom has had an aneurysm in her brain for several years. She was worried that it would rupture so she decided to have surgery to fix it on Thursday. During the surgery, the aneurysm ruptured and about 36 oz of blood leaked into her brain. It was a complication we were not expecting, but are grateful that it ruptured while in the capable hands of her Dr. We were not ready to have her memory to be jumbled and all over the place, but she has been very sweet as she tells us everything she thinks as she thinks it. We've heard stories from the past, present and future, sometimes all in one thread of conversation. She remembers Jim, all of her children and also all of her grandchildren. I spent the night with her last night and was able to email back and forth with Jarod while I was there. She woke up several times during the night and would first ask me if I had just come from the football game, and then if everyone was okay, calling them all by name. She asked about her missionary grandsons many times. She also wanted to get downstairs to fold the laundry. We're optimistic that this is a temporary setback, but are fervently praying as well for her to return to her old self. We love her and she has been such a good example to Jarod as he serves his mission. 

Enjoy his love from Capetown!!! He's amazing!!!
 

Well, Hello!! 

I'm so glad to hear that Grandma is progressing and doing better. It was a stressful week and lots of prayers, but I know all will be well.

A highlight was our baptismal service for Terens, Reagan, Lenard, and his wife, Liona! It was soo amazing!

Reagan has investigated for 9 years! and bang ! Its time! The rest are just amazing people. Seeing them change these last couple weeks truly is the best. I love mission so much. We had a brother of the Reagan, Levi, come to church yesterday. It was his first time at church in 6 years! And HE BORE HIS TESTIMONY! He felt is sooo much and loved it and so he got up! He said my brother is today, and I am next month! It was so cool!

A cool experience was teaching this Taiwanese family this week. We were in the lesson, and they have been struggling to commit to church and to baptism. and as he, Raymond reads the bom, he can't understand it too well. But he has started to understand the last 2 weeks. As we taught, WOW, they told us how two weeks ago they started a juicing diet, and have essentially stopped coffee. And in the pamphlet it says if you live it, you will have the Spirit. We connected the dots and he just lit up! He shared an amazing scripture in 1 Nephi 16, and said, " I know it is true." The spirit HIT me and was like baptism. He was still talking but that was all on my mind. I was like no, they aren't ready, Heavenly Father why. Come on.  So I said a simple prayer and asked Heavenly Father to stop me if Ii shouldn't say it.... and he didn't. We committed the family to baptism!!! Amazing!

This week was full of fun, full of the spirit, and full of ups and downs. Keep the faith up, and know it will all be okay! I love you all, especially Grandma!

Elder Ivins