Weekly Update July 19th, 2006

July 19^th, 2006

  Sorry everybody, no time. I have to go before I get kicked off.

  This last week was fun. We had a rollercoaster ride with some of the people in our teaching pool. We thought some of them were dogging us and intentionally avoiding us and stuff but then, just yesterday, my companion and I were both elated to discover that that wasn't the case at all. We really did have our faith tried; and because we endured and continued to exercise faith, the Lord blessed us.

  Just in case I haven't mentioned them before. We were led to a Family on July the 4^th. The Kessel family. They were the ones we thought were avoiding us but really weren't. They are so excited to see us and we are both really excited to teach them. So, feel free to say a little prayer for them and us.

  We've also been blessed with a few more people to teach and we're praying for them and hoping that all goes well there.

  Since transfers, there's been... it sounds kinda weird but a little empty feeling insde fo me. I LOVED the last district. I actually miss elder Wilson and his companion, elder Jackson. Elder Wilson has, so far been my favorite distrcit leader... Hands down. There's nothing wrong with the new district leader. But I really enjoyed the other two. Oh well, that's what modern technology is for. I'll keep track of them. (Look out! I'm keeping track of you. And if you think you're going to pull a quick one on me, then I have one thing to say to you... "Get back in line...")

  Well, I have to go. I love you all.

 

~Elder Garn M. Penrod

Weekly Update - July 12th, 2006

July 12th, 2006
Oh my WOW! It’s been nine months to the day! I have no idea how this last six weeks went by so fast. It’s mind-boggling!

Well, I have to make this quick. Like I mentioned last week, (I think I mentioned it last week??? And if I didn’t, I’m mentioning it now.) transfers was this week. We got the call last night and we’re both staying here in Derby!!! Yeah! That’s shat I wanted. I’m so excited to see what’s going on here. I’ve been blessed to be a part of the work here and I really think that I’ll be blessed to see some of the fruits of the labors being performed here. The family that I told you all about before, the Kessel family, are wonderful. We’re seeing them tomorrow morning and I can’t wait! You can tell that they want to learn about the gospel. I’m so glad we’ll get to teach them.

Last week, we found a “lost sheep” while tracting. His name is Jason Robinson. He was baptized a member of the church and grew up in an active family but went inactive a while ago. He told us that he’s been thinking a lot about God and Church and then we showed up. As we were speaking with him you could tell that he really wanted to come back to church. We told him when the Church services were held and where the meeting was. And we saw him on Sunday! That was awesome. We’re going to be praying for him quite a bit and doing what we can to help him feel welcome again. It’s just like the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible. I love that story because the Father, as SOON as he sees his repentant son, RUNS to receive him with open arms! It shows the love that our Father in Heaven has for us and that it’s never too late to change in this life. I love it. He’s making necessary changes in his life and I know that God will bless him.

Well, I have to wrap this up and send it off. I’m about to go spend the last P-Day we’ll have together with Elder Wilson and his companion, Elder Jackson. They’re both getting transferred and I’ll miss them very much.

Take care. I love each of you and hope that life is treating you well.

Your Son, Brother and Friend;
~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

Weekly Update - July 5th, 2006

July 5th, 2006

Holy cow! Where has all the time gone?! It's already July! Well, I don't have much time, so I'll snap to it.

 

As far as the work is going, that's a fun story. I'm so excited to be here in Derby. I just know something wonderful's going to happen here! How do I know? Because there's opposition in all things! And as of Tuesday night, we had no one left to teach! No one! All of our baptismal sets and all of our investigators have either dropped off the face of the planet or have dropped themselves. (Grr!) But I can happily report that neither elder Shinkle nor I were discouraged. Instead, we went out and started to tract like crazy! And we did it on the 4th! And as a result, the Lord blessed us greatly! We were led to a few people that we're really excited to teach and the part that I think is  most exciting is this: A family! The Kessel family to be more particular. They were pulling into their driveway when we saw them and we decided to talk to them (even though people getting out of their cars is a little awkward sometimes... okay, most of the time) and they were not only polite, but they offered us a drink and invited us in!!! We were so happy! They want to come to church and it sounds like everyone, except the mom can make it. She's got work. BUt the father and the seven kids should be able to come. That's right, SEVEN! As in, more than my family! But at any rate, I hope and pray that they will accept the gospel! It will bless their family SO much! Just like it has mine. So, feel free to say a prayer for us and them if\when you get the chance.

 

In other news, we went paintballing again today. Nothing new, but lots of fun. I enjoy going with the other missionaries and the ward memebers. Matt Cox came today and he had fun. I'm glad he's doing so well. I got trashed pretty bad today, though. I got hit a lot and I think it had quite a bit to do with the Suit coat I was wearing (Yeah. A suit coat.). When I had it on, I honestly couldn't feel a lot of body shots. So, I took it off because there were people telling me that they "were SURE they'd hit me!" and I wanted to be fair. I don't want poeple thinking I'm a poor sport or a cheater. So, off came the jacket and a lot more hits and pain entered the equation. But it was fun, nontheless.

 

My brother's a district leader in his Mission! I'm so proud of him! When he told me, it really didn't surprise me. I know he'll do well with that calling. (ZL SHAUN! HERE IT COMES!!!)

 

Well, I think I'm going to take off for the day. I love you all and I love hearing from you! I hope you're all doing well and I want you to know that I love you!

 

Your Bother, Son and Friend:

~Elder Penrod

 

P.S. She's a missionary now!!! She's in Brazil!!! WOO HOO!!!

P.P.S. Thank you mom for writing me. I love getting mail from you!

Dad: I love you so much! I hope you're enjoying the whole work thing, because you won't do that forever... RIGHT??? *wink*

Angelique: I didn't forget about writing your seminary class. It just occured to me that seminary's out, huh? I realized that when I went to do it a few weeks ago. So, that I may keep my promise, let me know when it starts again, okay? I'll do it then. How are those chickens? I love you so much! You are a sweet daughter of your Father in Heaven! NEVER forget that! and act accordingly. *smile*

Gaelen: I love you ! Keep on strumming away, okay? I'll sing with you when I get back home and we'll have fun. Sound good? Hey, have you started reading those "Liberty" books yet? You should!!!

Miriam: Keep on singing, smiling, laughing and dancing. Such is the dream of adults. Hang oun to that, cutiepie!