This transfer has been a good one and our zone has really stepped up. Our main focus has been on desire, something that is rarely missing from a missionary. Just knowing that I am serving the Lord gives me all the desire I need.
As a zone we baptized 9 new members. Our district baptized 7 and my companion and I baptized 5. Over all it was a great month and we have some pretty good prospects coming up as well.
Each transfer I seem to find one thing to focus on. Last transfer it was increasing my knowledge and testimony of the Saviour, someone that I have come to love. This transfer I actually ended up picking a Christlike attribute I want to work on and that is Charity, the pure love of Christ. I have been reading Moroni 7, as well as Corinthians for help......it has been humbling. But hey, if I'm going to be humbled and learn what a better time and place then out here. Your prayers help so much. Thank you.
"My son," (which means the missionary I trained), is Elder H. from South Jordon, Utah. He was my last companion and he was awesome. My new comp is Elder R. from Kansas City. He is so awesome and we get along really well.
Happy birthday Chellie, Aunt Barbara Sickler., Aunt Barbara Guymon., and John, Tyler and Mckay Roe! Also a special happy birthday to my Grandpa Tebbs.
Love,
Elder Stout
August 17, 2008
August 4, 2008
August 4, 2008
Happy 20th Birthday Elder S!
We hope you have a wonderful day
and another amazing year in the mission field!
We hope you have a wonderful day
and another amazing year in the mission field!
July 27, 2008
July Photos
Elder S. at Charlotte's wedding. She is a beautiful bride!
Elder S. turned detective... finding the missing key.
Elder S. enjoying the heat!
Elder S. with the Mission President and the President's wife
Elder S. and his companion at a recent baptism
just looking cool in his shades
enjoying the 4th of July parade
Elder S. turned detective... finding the missing key.
Elder S. enjoying the heat!
Elder S. with the Mission President and the President's wife
Elder S. and his companion at a recent baptism
just looking cool in his shades
enjoying the 4th of July parade
July 16, 2008
June 30, 2008
The work here in Tracy is still going really well. This is really going to be an exciting week. We have a Baptism set up for July 5th and then we will have the opportunity to meet our new Mission President. We have a family of 4 that we hope will be getting baptized sometime in July. I'm so excited.
I can't believe I have been serving for 12 months. My companion Elder H is on his second week in the mission field and is a pretty amazing missionary.
Our old apartment was so crappy we had to move. Our new one has some issues like the dryer squeaks super loud and we discovered while trying to bake brownies that the oven doesn't work. But we will survive! We went grocery shopping today so at least we actually have food now.
My mission is going great. I can not only notice a huge difference in my life, but in the people I'm able to teach. I know the Lord needed me to serve in this area and if I just put everything I have into serving, I'll be blessed. I believe strongly in Alma 26:12. (That's my favorite scripture.)
Keep reading the Book of Mormon!
Love, Elder S
I can't believe I have been serving for 12 months. My companion Elder H is on his second week in the mission field and is a pretty amazing missionary.
Our old apartment was so crappy we had to move. Our new one has some issues like the dryer squeaks super loud and we discovered while trying to bake brownies that the oven doesn't work. But we will survive! We went grocery shopping today so at least we actually have food now.
My mission is going great. I can not only notice a huge difference in my life, but in the people I'm able to teach. I know the Lord needed me to serve in this area and if I just put everything I have into serving, I'll be blessed. I believe strongly in Alma 26:12. (That's my favorite scripture.)
Keep reading the Book of Mormon!
Love, Elder S
July 11, 2008
July 9, 2008
Elder S. and his companion went over to a member's house to mow the lawn and plant new grass in the 106 degree weather. After they finished they went inside to cool down. Elder S. wanted to learn to play the piano and ended up teaching himself the first 3 pages of a beginner book. He was pretty proud of himself (and Sister Larson got a good laugh).
Thank you Sister Larson for the FUN update and taking care of our Elder S.
We love and miss him so much!
Thank you Sister Larson for the FUN update and taking care of our Elder S. We love and miss him so much!
July 5, 2008
July 5, 2008
We are so pleased to inform all of you that we received two letters from Josh's Mission President. In the letters it announces that Elder S. is now the District Leader in Tracy. President H. said that he is "grateful for the example that Elder S. is to the other missionaries in the district and that the position is one of trust and responsibility." Elder S. will work in close association with all the missionaries in his district to find, teach and prepare individuals for baptism.
The second letter made us aware that Elder S. is also a trainer for new missionaries, which is extended to trusted and effective missionaries. The role of trainer has more influence on the future success of a missionary than any other single factor. President H. informed us that Elder S. was given this responsibility because of his "outstanding example of faith, diligence, and his ability to teach the gospel."
President H. also asked that as a family we continue to send letters that uplift and inspire Elder S. in this important work.
The second letter made us aware that Elder S. is also a trainer for new missionaries, which is extended to trusted and effective missionaries. The role of trainer has more influence on the future success of a missionary than any other single factor. President H. informed us that Elder S. was given this responsibility because of his "outstanding example of faith, diligence, and his ability to teach the gospel."
President H. also asked that as a family we continue to send letters that uplift and inspire Elder S. in this important work.
June 30, 2008
June 22, 2008
Poor Elder S. got punched in the nose!
Just kidding.
It's just a nose bleed... but a bad one at that!
Don't worry, it's not as bad as it looks...
Isn't he so cute-- no matter what?!Josh is doing great and working hard.
It's getting really hot in Sacramento and he tracts many miles.
We are so proud of him.
Thank you Sister Larson for the pictures!
(More exciting news to come soon!)
June 2, 2008
May 28, 2008
We taught 14 lessons last week. It was pretty awesome and we have a lot of cool investigators. We have an investigator getting married on May 30th and then the next week she is getting baptized along with her sister.
We tracted into this really sweet family last week. We taught them 3 lessons in just one week! They have a lot of questions, but we are praying that it will all go well. They make us great desserts whenever we go over.
We have some really good cooks in our teaching pool. Speaking of food.... today we were grocery shopping and this man came up to us and started talking. He is from San Jose and his son is in the same mission as my friend Tanner. He then just paid for our groceries! It was so sweet! My dad did that for missionaries once... you will never realize how much that means to us.
I saw Elder B. at zone conference. He is now a zone leader in Stockton. It was great to get the chance to hang out with him again.
Our zone has a goal to baptize 14 and we are well on our way. We could baptize 8 just here in Tracy. So awesome... We are truly being blessed. There has never been so much activity in Tracy and I am so excited to be a part of it!
Love,
Elder S.
We tracted into this really sweet family last week. We taught them 3 lessons in just one week! They have a lot of questions, but we are praying that it will all go well. They make us great desserts whenever we go over.
We have some really good cooks in our teaching pool. Speaking of food.... today we were grocery shopping and this man came up to us and started talking. He is from San Jose and his son is in the same mission as my friend Tanner. He then just paid for our groceries! It was so sweet! My dad did that for missionaries once... you will never realize how much that means to us.
I saw Elder B. at zone conference. He is now a zone leader in Stockton. It was great to get the chance to hang out with him again.
Our zone has a goal to baptize 14 and we are well on our way. We could baptize 8 just here in Tracy. So awesome... We are truly being blessed. There has never been so much activity in Tracy and I am so excited to be a part of it!
Love,
Elder S.
May 25, 2008
Determination
Last year at this time, Josh and his track teammates were setting state records in the 1600 Medley at the state track competition. Josh was very passionate about running track and was able to do it with some of his best friends. You can see the determination in Josh's face in these photos.
It's the same determination that Elder S. is using throughout his mission to be successful. The pictures are more powerful than I can put in to words....
It's the same determination that Elder S. is using throughout his mission to be successful. The pictures are more powerful than I can put in to words....
May 23, 2008
One Year Ago...
....Josh was at his high school graduation and looking forward to receiving his mission call just a couple weeks later. He headed to the MTC in August of 2007. Josh loved high school and was a friend to everyone. He excelled at anything he set his heart on-- just like his mission. He loves his mission and all of the people he has met and had the opportunity to teach.
The mission call
Josh was very excited to get his mission call to Sacramento. He knew he was going to a great place with wonderful people. Here he is with the map... all the way to beautiful Sacramento!
May 9, 2008
May 9, 2008
I have received a couple letters from Josh this week and am excited to post some current news with you. So look for an update really soon!
In the meantime, enjoy these awesome pictures of Josh from one year ago this month. :) We love you Elder S. and are so proud of the decision you made to serve a mission!
In the meantime, enjoy these awesome pictures of Josh from one year ago this month. :) We love you Elder S. and are so proud of the decision you made to serve a mission!
April 18, 2008
April 7, 2008
I am in Tracy now. I miss Elk Grove, but am excited for a new experience. It is a lot cooler here so that has been really nice, but it's really windy!
One of my first days here we were picked up by a lady named Charlotte. She's so sweet and she is set to be baptized April 26th. She came to conference on Sunday and really enjoyed it. Her daughter joined the church about 3 or 4 years ago and is an active member. So that has been a really good influence. Charlotte has about 13 cats. haha. She's so funny. One is about 20 years old and the other one is 19. Can you believe she has cats older than me?
I would have to say about 40% of the people here speak Spanish. At times it is frustrating, but at least my Spanish is improving. That's always a good thing.
I will be sending pictures soon. I'm excited for the transfer, but I miss Elk Grove so much. I love the people there, just like I am sure I will love the people here. As I get settled, I will write more.
Love,
Elder S.
One of my first days here we were picked up by a lady named Charlotte. She's so sweet and she is set to be baptized April 26th. She came to conference on Sunday and really enjoyed it. Her daughter joined the church about 3 or 4 years ago and is an active member. So that has been a really good influence. Charlotte has about 13 cats. haha. She's so funny. One is about 20 years old and the other one is 19. Can you believe she has cats older than me?
I would have to say about 40% of the people here speak Spanish. At times it is frustrating, but at least my Spanish is improving. That's always a good thing.
I will be sending pictures soon. I'm excited for the transfer, but I miss Elk Grove so much. I love the people there, just like I am sure I will love the people here. As I get settled, I will write more.
Love,
Elder S.
March 31, 2008
Looking Back
Josh has been recently transferred and doing great. While he is adjusting to a new companion and area, I thought it would be fun to take a walk down memory lane when there is not much else to update you on...
Isn't Josh the cutest little boy? We like to call him "a big, handsome kid."
Isn't Josh the cutest little boy? We like to call him "a big, handsome kid."
March 15, 2008
March 14, 2008
March 10, 2008
The work is going so well right now. I have an awesome comp named Elder B. He is from Spring City, Utah.... I have no idea where that is. March is going to be a busy month for us, it seems there may be a baptism once a weekend as of right now. It is honestly amazing what you can do when you put EVERYTHING you have not only into your mission, but into the Lord. He will make everything possible, and we have been really trying to do that and have been blessed for it.
One of our investigators, Preston, was a member of a gang. Well we are teaching the lady that he lives with, and he showed up to the lesson and ended up crying and loved it. He has been to church twice, and has an interview to be baptized. I really can't wait. He has been such a blessing for me to work him. His Mom doesn't even have a bed. Working with these people makes me realize how blessed I have been.
I hope all of you are doing well. Work hard, the only way to true happiness is the harder you work...I know each of you will be blessed.
Love,
Elder S.
One of our investigators, Preston, was a member of a gang. Well we are teaching the lady that he lives with, and he showed up to the lesson and ended up crying and loved it. He has been to church twice, and has an interview to be baptized. I really can't wait. He has been such a blessing for me to work him. His Mom doesn't even have a bed. Working with these people makes me realize how blessed I have been.
I hope all of you are doing well. Work hard, the only way to true happiness is the harder you work...I know each of you will be blessed.
Love,
Elder S.
March 10, 2008
March 3, 2008
This will be short because I haven't been feeling very well at all. I am so thankful for the Priesthood and the blessings that come with it.
I'm really excited to share my mission with my friends and family. I think the blog is a great idea and I think it will be a great way for my family and friends to keep up with me.
I love Sac-Town. There is no other place I'd rather be.
Love,
Elder S.
I'm really excited to share my mission with my friends and family. I think the blog is a great idea and I think it will be a great way for my family and friends to keep up with me.
I love Sac-Town. There is no other place I'd rather be.
Love,
Elder S.
February 28, 2008
February 25, 2008
The work here is going extremely well. One thing I have noticed is the harder I work the happier I am. The happier I am, the more I baptize. I have really tried to put that into my mission, because it's totally true.
I am still serving in Elk Grove with another companion, Elder B. He is from Spring City, Utah (wherever that is?).
We are having a lot of success. Not to say there are not some hard, frustrating moments, but for the most part things have been great. That's totally how the mission is-- it can be a roller coaster, but there isn't a part that doesn't end up being rewarding.
Preston is getting baptized on March 8th. I am doing that baptism and it is exactly my 7th month mark as well. He is such a stud. We teach him every single day and after each time he ask us, "are we doing this again tomorrow?" He's on fire! I love it. He has just been through so much in his life. It's hard for me to even imagine. Our trials we face (at least mine) are so small and insignificant in comparison. I am so grateful that I'm able to work with him. As of right now, we are trying to find him a bed because he sleeps on the floor.
Judy is doing okay. The smoking is really taking a toll on her and it's hard and sad to see. We love her so much. She comes to church and loves it! She loves the Relief Society and our ward has really been great to her. I know she will progress and she will be so blessed for it.
I am doing good. The work is going great. We are keeping really busy. The rain has been coming down pretty bad! That sure hasn't stopped us! I seriously love it out here. It seems like every day I learn something new-- not only in my mission life, but also in life in general. I am so grateful for that. I am so grateful for my parents, sisters and Abby that love and support me and so many friends and family as well.
We get a new mission president in 2 1/2 transfers. It's going to be so hard to see him go.
Love,
Elder S.
I am still serving in Elk Grove with another companion, Elder B. He is from Spring City, Utah (wherever that is?).
We are having a lot of success. Not to say there are not some hard, frustrating moments, but for the most part things have been great. That's totally how the mission is-- it can be a roller coaster, but there isn't a part that doesn't end up being rewarding.
Preston is getting baptized on March 8th. I am doing that baptism and it is exactly my 7th month mark as well. He is such a stud. We teach him every single day and after each time he ask us, "are we doing this again tomorrow?" He's on fire! I love it. He has just been through so much in his life. It's hard for me to even imagine. Our trials we face (at least mine) are so small and insignificant in comparison. I am so grateful that I'm able to work with him. As of right now, we are trying to find him a bed because he sleeps on the floor.
Judy is doing okay. The smoking is really taking a toll on her and it's hard and sad to see. We love her so much. She comes to church and loves it! She loves the Relief Society and our ward has really been great to her. I know she will progress and she will be so blessed for it.
I am doing good. The work is going great. We are keeping really busy. The rain has been coming down pretty bad! That sure hasn't stopped us! I seriously love it out here. It seems like every day I learn something new-- not only in my mission life, but also in life in general. I am so grateful for that. I am so grateful for my parents, sisters and Abby that love and support me and so many friends and family as well.
We get a new mission president in 2 1/2 transfers. It's going to be so hard to see him go.
Love,
Elder S.
February 26, 2008
February 18, 2008
Our zone got a lot of new missionaries. So it has been pretty tight. A lot of cool ones. Our zone is doing really well right now. We baptized 15 last transfer and right now we have 11 going into the next transfer. Me and my comp have 3 right now... but the work is still tough. The Lord is just really blessing us.
Brandon M. got baptized on Saturday. It was so so so good. I was so happy for him. We were able to bring two of our investigators there. Judy W. and also Preston. When we were there Preston was very impressed with it. So we pointed out the Spirit to him and we gave him a baptism date of March 2nd. When I was first talking to him I gave him a date of March 8th and he looked at me and said, "is there any possible way I can do it sooner than that?" haha I could not believe it. So of course we said yes!
So a lot has been going on... even though today is p-day we still have a ton of stuff we have to do. But that's the mission life and I LOVE IT!!!!
So the work is for sure going really well right now. I have a new comp, his name is Elder B.
Love,
Elder Squashy
Brandon M. got baptized on Saturday. It was so so so good. I was so happy for him. We were able to bring two of our investigators there. Judy W. and also Preston. When we were there Preston was very impressed with it. So we pointed out the Spirit to him and we gave him a baptism date of March 2nd. When I was first talking to him I gave him a date of March 8th and he looked at me and said, "is there any possible way I can do it sooner than that?" haha I could not believe it. So of course we said yes!
So a lot has been going on... even though today is p-day we still have a ton of stuff we have to do. But that's the mission life and I LOVE IT!!!!
So the work is for sure going really well right now. I have a new comp, his name is Elder B.
Love,
Elder Squashy
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