Weekly Update - August 30, 2006

August 30^th, 2006

Okay. So I haven't written an update for a while now. Two weeks I think. It is most certainly long overdue. So, here we go!

 

In the past few weeks, quite a bit has happened:

·        I've been transferred to Olathe, Kansas.

·        I have a new companion.

·        DeWayne Kitchen (in the Park Hill Ward) was baptized.

·        I've recognized a need for change and growth on my part.

 

- Okay. First: "I've been transferred to Olathe, Kansas" - Last week, as noted in a quick little email I sent out to everyone, I was transferred from those that I had grown to love with all my heart in Derby, KS. I was sad to go, but I really do believe that it's because I was needed somewhere else. Here, in Olathe even. The work, simply put, doesn't exist here. It's like Derby when I first got there. That means that there's much to be done and quite a bit of hard, prayerful work to be done if we are going to get it up off the ground. It was such a blessing to see how the work just blossomed… exploded even, as my companion and I really worked in Derby. I'm totally willing (and able) to do that again here. It won't happen overnight, I know. (It took a few months in Derby!) But someone's got to get the ball rolling. It might as well be NOW!

  As I think about it, I'm recognizing how much easier it is to keep the work moving forward once it's already going, than it is to get it started again. That's something I've always said: "The hardest part is always starting." How appropriate it is to recognize that as we are faithful, the Lord WILL bless us. As we show faith on OUR part, God will do His part. In our case, it will be blessing us with people to teach. I'm excited to see what can be done here with my new companion. Which leads me to my next point…

 

- "I have a new companion." – His name is Elder Downard. I like him. He's from Idaho and makes sure everyone knows it. Think, " Texas pride"… Only, for Idaho! (It's actually kind of funny. *smile*) He's actually on the tail-end of his mission. (Less than three months left) So, I've got to not only keep him focused and not "trunky" (Yeah, he gets trunky really bad sometimes!) but I've got to make sure that I don't get trunky. It can be contagious if you're not careful, you know what I mean? But I know he's a good missionary! He teaches very well and I'm super-excited for the next few weeks with him.

 

- "DeWayne Kitchen was baptized!" – That's right, everyone! He was baptized last Saturday! (August 26^th, 2006) What a birthday treat!!! (Oh yeah, I'm 21 now! Crazy!!!) I just wish I could have been there. But the important thing is that it happened!!! For which, I am extremely grateful!

 

- "I've recognized a need for change and growth on my part." – Particularly my focus and effort. Not that I'm being lazy, but I need to be more diligent. Does that make sense? Kind of like how there's a difference between "bad" and "not good." Did that make sense either? I hope so. Anyways, I was thinking about the scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants that talks about being "anxiously engaged in a good cause." Well, I know I'm engaged in a good cause. There is no greater work in this life than to bring others to Christ. ("…by helping them receive the restored gospel through Faith in Jesus Christ…") But I got to thinking… "Am I ' anxiously' engaged?!," "Is there more I can be doing?" Upon recently pondering these questions, I decided that there was! I read the Book of Mormon daily, but I haven't been able (or rather, focused enough) to finish any of the books in the Missionary library. That's simply terrible. There is so much to be learned in those books and I haven't learned them yet! Grr! Sometimes I frustrate myself. I've decided to rededicate myself to doing my BEST. To being anxiously engaged in this cause. I know that as I do, Satan will do everything he can to discourage me, but I know in whom I have put my trust. And that's the Lord! Through Him, all things are possible… Even the molding of me into an honorable, dependable and faithful man.

 

I love the Gospel! I'm so blessed to be among those who are counted in His service. I hope to be one that all of you and the Lord can be proud of.

 

Thank you ALL for all you do. Please, continue to keep me in your prayers.

 

I love you!

 

Your Son, Brother and Friend:

   ~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

Weekly Update - August 9, 2006

August 9^th, 2006

  I love being a missionary! There's really not much else to say. There are certainly personal trials and things like that. But, just as promised, if they are endured well, it will be for our better. To help us grow and learn in ways that don't happen any other way than by and through experience.

 

  This week, on Monday, we challenged someone we've been teaching for a while for baptism on August 26 ^th!!! That was so exciting! He said that he would pray about it and tell us what he felt on Sunday when we see him at the Jensen's for dinner. I'm praying for him like crazy! I have faith in him. If not on the 26 ^th, I know it will happen soon!!!

 

  The blessings that come with teaching and living the gospel are incredible. If you aren't praying sincerely, really giving God some of your time, start. Your Father in Heaven misses hearing from you and talking with you. Tell him what you're thinking and how you're feeling. He will help and comfort you. Of this, I have a firm testimony! I know that God lives. That he knows each and every one of us and even CARES about us. I am proud to be found among those numbered to be in His service at this time.

 

  I love you all. Take care and know that I pray for you and think of all of you often.

 

  Your Son, Brother and Friend;

    ~Elder Garn Mosiah Penrod

August 2nd, 2006
Well, today was a whole lot of fun! We went paintballing again and
we had a lot of people there. About 20! With 20 people playing that
makes for a fun crowd. I finally got Cortez today. And it was so good!
I could have walked up to him… literally! But I chose to stay back and
just shoot him. Tons of fun! That's all I've got to say.
Moving on.
The work is moving along here. As we involve the members more, we're
seeing a lot more happen! Someone we've been teaching for a while is
"DeWayne Kitchen". I'll tell you what, he's awesome! I KNOW he'll be
baptized soon! That's so exciting! I've seen him progress in the
Gospel so much! I hope to be here when that happens!
Something that happened that was pretty neat. It happened a while
ago (2 weeks-ish), but that's okay. This Story just shows how the Lord
looks after His missionaries.

My Companion and I were riding back to our apartment from a teaching
appointment. (which wound up being, us helping Gary Bell. Replace the
water pump on his brother's car) It was late, so we were going just as
FAST as we could on our bikes. We get to the last road before we get
home and part of it is downhill. So, we're going pretty fast. I was
trailing my companion pretty close and the thought comes to me: "if he
wrecks, you'll be too close to stop." So, I let him get a little
farther ahead of me and didn't think twice about it. Not, but a few
moments later, my companion wrecks!!! He goes over his handlebars and
does a roll or two. I was able to hit my brakes and slide out of the
way. I actually shifted all my weight so quickly that my bike slide
out from under me. It all happened so fast! But, here's the part that
I want to share. Neither my companion, nor I were hurt. I didn't have
a scratch and my companion only has a bruise. But that's it! Nothing
more serious than that. After the wreck I asked him "Are you okay?" He
said he was, and then we quickly checked and found our bikes in
working order. So, I said: "Alright! We'll thank God for that when we
pray tonight. Let's go!" And we both hopped back on our bikes and rode
home.

So, I hope you all liked that story. I know that the Lord does watch
over His missionaries and His children. He knows and loves all of us
and I'm thankful to be counted among those who are serving Him and
Preaching the Gosepl.

I love you all! Take care.

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