Dear Family,
So, it is Tuesday morning. Like always, no emails on holidays for missionaries because the libraries decide to close at every chance they get. For today I am hanging out with the Zone Leaders. A new transfer is upon us and like aforementioned, my companion, Elder Wheeler is going home. He is now on his way to catch the transfer bus up to Lubbock where he will fly home tomorrow morning. My Spanish companion, Elder Frederick, also got transferred and left with Elder Wheeler an hour ago. So I am companionless until tomorrow afternoon, which is why I am with the Zone Leaders right now. All that I know about my new companion is that his name is Elder Pitts, he has been out for 4 1/2 months, and he is a bigger guy.
So reflecting back, 6 weeks ago, when I first got to Roswell, we (the member that gave us the ride from Hobbs to Roswell) pulled up to my new apartment and waited for 10 minutes or so for my new companion, Elder Wheeler, to show up. When Elder Wheeler arrived, the first thing he told me is to get my scriptures and come with him to an appointment that we had right then. I was surprised at the sudden notion of being put right to work the very moment I got to my new area, but wasn't about to argue. The appointment was with a single mother named Marina Cobb where we taught her the first lesson, the message of the restoration. Great story. As to why I bring that up is that on Sunday, the last day of Elder Droge's 13th transfer, Marina and her kids were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after being baptized the day before. Interesting coincidence. Meet her the first real day of the transfer, confirm her the very last. It's not very often that I get to say that. It was quite a glorious weekend seeing the Cobb family enter their new life as members of Christ's kingdom here on earth. Elder Wheeler and I stood as the 2 witnesses to the baptisms, so I got to see it happen up close. That was fun. I was invited to confirm Marina, that's the third time I've done that on my mission. Lastly, Marina's oldest son Eli, 12 years old, received the Aaronic Priesthood right after church. It's great to end a transfer with 4 baptisms. Momentum is on our side here in Roswell and now I will be assuming the role of senior companion after spending the last 6 weeks as a co-senior with Elder Wheeler. I'm hoping and praying that I will be able to continue what Elder Wheeler and I started. I could use your prayers as well as I set out on this newly opened chapter of my mission. That's all I have for this week. Peace Out!
Oh, and yes, for those people who are statistically minded and are intrigued by numbers, I am now in the double digits with baptisms. 11 is the official number. The last six years the average has been 2 per year per missionary and now look what is happening. That average is increasing dramatically as I am but one of the many to have numbers like these. The Lord has worked wonders here in the TLM. I give all the credit to him.
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Letter 8-31-09
Dear Family,
Not a whole lot of drama this week. It has been interesting being with our new Spanish companion. We get to go to Spanish church in addition to regular church. They have a one hour sacrament meeting in the chapel right after the regular block. I was hoping that I would be given the gift of tongues to help me understand what they were saying. Didn't happen. I had to force myself to stay awake for an hour. I don't think my attention span is that long, but it's all good. We've also taught a few Spanish lessons as well. I say we, but really it's all Elder Frederick. Elder Wheeler and I sit around looking pretty while Elder Frederick teaches. No gift of tongues there either. Same thing happened when I had a sign language companion in Big Spring. I always felt a little useless, but that's ok. There must be a reason I was called to speak English.
So on my mission I have talked to a lot of people from a lot of different religions and it has taught me a lot. But after all this time being out and talking to people, there is one variety of religions that I had not yet met until this past week when I was able to check it off the list. Visiting a breakoff from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When Joseph Smith died, there was a big dispute as to who would be the next prophet. When it was determined that Brigham Young was to be the next prophet, there were several people that didn't like that and went off and created their own religion. One of those peoples was James Strang. He claimed that he was to be the next prophet and when he wasn't, he went off and formed the Strangites. I had not heard of them until I met a couple here in Roswell this past week that are members. They claim that James Strang had a divine revelation/vision just like Joseph Smith and was also able to translate new scripture known as the Book of the Law. This lady we talked with offered us to look at it next time we visit, which would be very interesting. A few of the things she did mention was that they do not believe in the virgin birth of Christ. Jesus is the son of Joseph and Mary. They do not believe that being sealed is a necessary thing for entrance into the Celestial Kingdom. They believe in the Book of Mormon, but not the Doctrine and Covenants. They claim they believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but I noticed that they have strayed greatly from the things that Joseph Smith has taught. They do not have a prophet anymore. He died a while ago, so for now they go by the authority of the presiding High Priest. They believe that every prophet will be called the same exact way that Joseph Smith was called, so I don't know how soon they will get a new one. The one thing that stood out to me was that she mentioned that there is only 400 Strangites left in the world and that number is declining. Joseph Smith prophesied that this church would fill North and South America and eventually the whole world. The church that Brigham Young was prophet over is now 13.5 million strong and increasing. You'd think that would be a sign to her, wouldn't you? Oh well. We haven't started teaching yet, so I don't know where this will go, but it will be interesting.
So that is the big news for this week. This coming Saturday, the 5th of September, Marina Cobb and her 3 kids, Eli, Lucas, and Amber, will be baptized. They are all set and ready. I am way excited to see a family come in to the church. It will be a first for me on my mission. I'll let you know how it goes. But until then, have a great week as we are fixin' to jump into Septmeber this week.
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Not a whole lot of drama this week. It has been interesting being with our new Spanish companion. We get to go to Spanish church in addition to regular church. They have a one hour sacrament meeting in the chapel right after the regular block. I was hoping that I would be given the gift of tongues to help me understand what they were saying. Didn't happen. I had to force myself to stay awake for an hour. I don't think my attention span is that long, but it's all good. We've also taught a few Spanish lessons as well. I say we, but really it's all Elder Frederick. Elder Wheeler and I sit around looking pretty while Elder Frederick teaches. No gift of tongues there either. Same thing happened when I had a sign language companion in Big Spring. I always felt a little useless, but that's ok. There must be a reason I was called to speak English.
So on my mission I have talked to a lot of people from a lot of different religions and it has taught me a lot. But after all this time being out and talking to people, there is one variety of religions that I had not yet met until this past week when I was able to check it off the list. Visiting a breakoff from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When Joseph Smith died, there was a big dispute as to who would be the next prophet. When it was determined that Brigham Young was to be the next prophet, there were several people that didn't like that and went off and created their own religion. One of those peoples was James Strang. He claimed that he was to be the next prophet and when he wasn't, he went off and formed the Strangites. I had not heard of them until I met a couple here in Roswell this past week that are members. They claim that James Strang had a divine revelation/vision just like Joseph Smith and was also able to translate new scripture known as the Book of the Law. This lady we talked with offered us to look at it next time we visit, which would be very interesting. A few of the things she did mention was that they do not believe in the virgin birth of Christ. Jesus is the son of Joseph and Mary. They do not believe that being sealed is a necessary thing for entrance into the Celestial Kingdom. They believe in the Book of Mormon, but not the Doctrine and Covenants. They claim they believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but I noticed that they have strayed greatly from the things that Joseph Smith has taught. They do not have a prophet anymore. He died a while ago, so for now they go by the authority of the presiding High Priest. They believe that every prophet will be called the same exact way that Joseph Smith was called, so I don't know how soon they will get a new one. The one thing that stood out to me was that she mentioned that there is only 400 Strangites left in the world and that number is declining. Joseph Smith prophesied that this church would fill North and South America and eventually the whole world. The church that Brigham Young was prophet over is now 13.5 million strong and increasing. You'd think that would be a sign to her, wouldn't you? Oh well. We haven't started teaching yet, so I don't know where this will go, but it will be interesting.
So that is the big news for this week. This coming Saturday, the 5th of September, Marina Cobb and her 3 kids, Eli, Lucas, and Amber, will be baptized. They are all set and ready. I am way excited to see a family come in to the church. It will be a first for me on my mission. I'll let you know how it goes. But until then, have a great week as we are fixin' to jump into Septmeber this week.
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Monday, August 24, 2009
Letter 8-24-09
Dear Family,
Good news for this week. First off, Friday was a very good day. It was the day we celebrated Doubling Baptisms. The whole mission got together in Lubbock. Because of the large area that we cover in this mission, that was the first time the TLM got together like that. We took a professional picture in front of the Lubbock Temple. All of us will get a copy. That will be a great memoir. It was really good to see all the missionaries that I haven't seen in a while. One of the highlights is when our MTC district, the 4 of us that came to Texas anyway, was reunited for the first time since the first day out in the field. It was also the last time because Sister Moyes, our MTC-TLM sister finishes up her mission in two weeks, having just hit 18 months last week. I still refuse to accept the fact that I've been out a year and a half now, so we just won't talk about it. Almost all of my companions have gone home now, so I wasn't able to talk with them in Lubbock, but that's ok. I visited with the ones that are still alive.
So, moving on to the next day, no freak accidents happened to Shameka Hill this week. She was baptized into the church on Saturday. It is always a great feeling to witness one of your investigators coming closer to Christ through baptism. The pinnacle of missionary work. For those interested in knowing how many that is now, I know Joe was curious about that in his letter. Shameka was number 7 for me. Before this transfer is up, I will also be getting numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11. Marina Cobb and her three kids, Eli (12), Lucas (11), and Amberly (8) have now been taught everything and were interviewed for baptism yesterday and passed. We were going to do it this week, but some of her family requested to do it next Saturday, September 5th, so they could have some time to prepare and get everyone there, so that is what we will do. I could also get number 12 sometime soon. Charlie Harper, the guy who broke his leg, could potentially get baptized soon. We've heard stories here recently of people getting baptized with a broken leg. One guy a few months ago got baptized with no legs, so it is possible.
So, before I sign off, two small items of news. Last week I sent another photo CD - Eastland part 4. If it isn't there already, it should get there today or tomorrow, so keep your eyes open and contact the Droge household in Bountiful to see the pictures. Last item of news, Elder Wheeler and I were given a new companion. Elder Andrew Frederick of Los Angeles, California has joined us for the remainder of the transfer, which is two more weeks. He is a spanish missionary that was serving in the other side of Roswell, and ran into a rough situation with his own companion, so is now with us until he gets a new one at the beginning of the transfer. It'll be fun. He is very analytical like myself and very detailed and eloquent in the way he does things. Both Elder Wheeler and I get along with him very well. Elder Wheeler even served with him for a transfer a few months back. So that is all for now. Peace Out All!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Good news for this week. First off, Friday was a very good day. It was the day we celebrated Doubling Baptisms. The whole mission got together in Lubbock. Because of the large area that we cover in this mission, that was the first time the TLM got together like that. We took a professional picture in front of the Lubbock Temple. All of us will get a copy. That will be a great memoir. It was really good to see all the missionaries that I haven't seen in a while. One of the highlights is when our MTC district, the 4 of us that came to Texas anyway, was reunited for the first time since the first day out in the field. It was also the last time because Sister Moyes, our MTC-TLM sister finishes up her mission in two weeks, having just hit 18 months last week. I still refuse to accept the fact that I've been out a year and a half now, so we just won't talk about it. Almost all of my companions have gone home now, so I wasn't able to talk with them in Lubbock, but that's ok. I visited with the ones that are still alive.
So, moving on to the next day, no freak accidents happened to Shameka Hill this week. She was baptized into the church on Saturday. It is always a great feeling to witness one of your investigators coming closer to Christ through baptism. The pinnacle of missionary work. For those interested in knowing how many that is now, I know Joe was curious about that in his letter. Shameka was number 7 for me. Before this transfer is up, I will also be getting numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11. Marina Cobb and her three kids, Eli (12), Lucas (11), and Amberly (8) have now been taught everything and were interviewed for baptism yesterday and passed. We were going to do it this week, but some of her family requested to do it next Saturday, September 5th, so they could have some time to prepare and get everyone there, so that is what we will do. I could also get number 12 sometime soon. Charlie Harper, the guy who broke his leg, could potentially get baptized soon. We've heard stories here recently of people getting baptized with a broken leg. One guy a few months ago got baptized with no legs, so it is possible.
So, before I sign off, two small items of news. Last week I sent another photo CD - Eastland part 4. If it isn't there already, it should get there today or tomorrow, so keep your eyes open and contact the Droge household in Bountiful to see the pictures. Last item of news, Elder Wheeler and I were given a new companion. Elder Andrew Frederick of Los Angeles, California has joined us for the remainder of the transfer, which is two more weeks. He is a spanish missionary that was serving in the other side of Roswell, and ran into a rough situation with his own companion, so is now with us until he gets a new one at the beginning of the transfer. It'll be fun. He is very analytical like myself and very detailed and eloquent in the way he does things. Both Elder Wheeler and I get along with him very well. Elder Wheeler even served with him for a transfer a few months back. So that is all for now. Peace Out All!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Letter 8-17-09
Dear Family,
So I have to start out by warning everyone. Satan is loose. Last week, he came in the form of a horse. If you remember, last week I talked about several people that are doing well and progressing towards baptism. The first up was Charlie Harper. Charlie had his interview on Sunday and was all set and fired up to get baptized on Saturday. Well, Charlie is 85 years old and is a horse trainer. Thursday rolled around and Charlie was working with his horses and he let one out of the gate. As he was working with it, the horse slipped in some mud and fell right on Charlie's leg. It gave him a compound fracture between his ankle and knee. He went in for surgery that day and we went in and visited him Friday in the hospital. I was quite amazed at his attitude. Even though he had a huge cast on that was very bloody and couldn't walk, he still wanted to get baptized the next day. We told him it would probably be best to wait because we don't want to submerge that cast in the water and we would like to have him be able to stand a little bit. There was a guy in Hobbs, New Mexico who had no legs, but was baptized. If that is possible, we can baptize a guy with a broken leg, but it would be best to wait a few weeks. Charlie said that he thinks the Lord will understand and he will tell him in his prayers, but yet he doesn't want to wait too long because as he says, he may not have a whole lot of time left. So all is well, just a slight setback.
This week though, we do have a baptism. I mentioned Shameka Hill. Since I wrote last we talked about baptism and she committed to be baptized on the 22nd. She had her interview Sunday after church and passed and is very excited and ready. That is a great lesson. It only took her 3 weeks. That is what happens when you take us seriously. She dove into the Book of Mormon. Not just reading it, but studying and pondering about it. She says her prayers everyday and has loved going to church these last 2 days.
All is going well. Marina Cobb and family are doing well. We have taught them almost everything. They are scheduled for sometime early in september or late august. We just have to get a time planned out with her brother-in-law, who is a member that she wants to baptism them. He is always working, but has the first weekend in September off, which works well because that is the weekend before my companion Elder Wheeler goes home. Good way to end a mission for him. Anyways, I am signing off. Take it easy all!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
So I have to start out by warning everyone. Satan is loose. Last week, he came in the form of a horse. If you remember, last week I talked about several people that are doing well and progressing towards baptism. The first up was Charlie Harper. Charlie had his interview on Sunday and was all set and fired up to get baptized on Saturday. Well, Charlie is 85 years old and is a horse trainer. Thursday rolled around and Charlie was working with his horses and he let one out of the gate. As he was working with it, the horse slipped in some mud and fell right on Charlie's leg. It gave him a compound fracture between his ankle and knee. He went in for surgery that day and we went in and visited him Friday in the hospital. I was quite amazed at his attitude. Even though he had a huge cast on that was very bloody and couldn't walk, he still wanted to get baptized the next day. We told him it would probably be best to wait because we don't want to submerge that cast in the water and we would like to have him be able to stand a little bit. There was a guy in Hobbs, New Mexico who had no legs, but was baptized. If that is possible, we can baptize a guy with a broken leg, but it would be best to wait a few weeks. Charlie said that he thinks the Lord will understand and he will tell him in his prayers, but yet he doesn't want to wait too long because as he says, he may not have a whole lot of time left. So all is well, just a slight setback.
This week though, we do have a baptism. I mentioned Shameka Hill. Since I wrote last we talked about baptism and she committed to be baptized on the 22nd. She had her interview Sunday after church and passed and is very excited and ready. That is a great lesson. It only took her 3 weeks. That is what happens when you take us seriously. She dove into the Book of Mormon. Not just reading it, but studying and pondering about it. She says her prayers everyday and has loved going to church these last 2 days.
All is going well. Marina Cobb and family are doing well. We have taught them almost everything. They are scheduled for sometime early in september or late august. We just have to get a time planned out with her brother-in-law, who is a member that she wants to baptism them. He is always working, but has the first weekend in September off, which works well because that is the weekend before my companion Elder Wheeler goes home. Good way to end a mission for him. Anyways, I am signing off. Take it easy all!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Letter 8-10-09
Dear Family,
First things first – I responded to Joe in a personal email, but I am not sure if he got it. Joe wondered if I knew his friend’s older brother, Braden Child. The answer is yes. I didn’t know him very well on a personal level, but I definitely know who he is. Small world, eh? Someone pass that on.
So the Roswell saga starts with some very good news. I am surprised at the production that we have going. I talked about the mission doubling baptisms. Well, Elder Droge has seen 5 baptisms on his mission. He credits himself with 6 because one of his investigators got baptized a week after him being transferred. Well, 2 weeks into Roswell and Elder Droge has 5 people getting baptized in the month of August, with a possibility of 6 happening. Elder Droge is going to double his own baptisms. How fun.
The first one is an inspiring story. The previous Elders were in an area and had a prompting to go to a certain house. When they walked up and to their surprise they ran into a older member who is a recent convert of 2 years out working in the barn with his nonmember, 85 year old brother, Charlie Harper. Normally older people are very hard headed and resistant to change, but not this time. They Elders started teaching him and then I came in with to continue. Charlie is very excited about getting baptized and has a strong testimony. He passed his interview yesterday and is excited for his baptism this Saturday.
Next story comes with Marina Cobb. Marina is in her early 30s. She was previously married to a less active member and had the missionary lessons several times in the past. Well, she is now divorced, but a week or so before I got there she attended the baptism of a person in her family and was inspired. The missionaries talked to her and got a return appointment. That return appointment was literally 10 minutes after I got to Roswell. I got out, the Zone Leaders grabbed my stuff, I got my scriptures, and my companion said get in the car, we have an appointment. With no arguing, I went and we taught Marina the first lesson. I don’t quite know what the difference was this time around, but she’s fully commited to baptism. Not only her, though, but her 3 kids are as well. Eli - 12, Lucas – 11, and Amberley – 8. It will be great to see a whole family come into the gospel.
Last story is a young lady named Shameka Hill. Shameka doesn’t have a baptismal date, but she is reading the Book of Mormon and came to church yesterday. From what I have seen, people who do both of those things progress quite quickly. Shameka is a friend of a recent convert of one month. Shameka moved in with that friend right after I got here and was immediately open to hearing our message. We have finished the first two lessons.
So that is the story of this week, way fun stuff. We did have another guy who was going to get baptized, but I told him that Satan believes in Jesus (true doctrine, read James 2 – Satan doesn’t have faith, but he knows that Jesus is the Son of God) and apparently he took it the wrong way and instead of bringing it up, he decided to hold it in and got angry about it when we were gone and now doesn’t want to talk with us. How sad. Oh, well, those things happen. You just gotta move on. Just like me with this letter. Peace out all!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
First things first – I responded to Joe in a personal email, but I am not sure if he got it. Joe wondered if I knew his friend’s older brother, Braden Child. The answer is yes. I didn’t know him very well on a personal level, but I definitely know who he is. Small world, eh? Someone pass that on.
So the Roswell saga starts with some very good news. I am surprised at the production that we have going. I talked about the mission doubling baptisms. Well, Elder Droge has seen 5 baptisms on his mission. He credits himself with 6 because one of his investigators got baptized a week after him being transferred. Well, 2 weeks into Roswell and Elder Droge has 5 people getting baptized in the month of August, with a possibility of 6 happening. Elder Droge is going to double his own baptisms. How fun.
The first one is an inspiring story. The previous Elders were in an area and had a prompting to go to a certain house. When they walked up and to their surprise they ran into a older member who is a recent convert of 2 years out working in the barn with his nonmember, 85 year old brother, Charlie Harper. Normally older people are very hard headed and resistant to change, but not this time. They Elders started teaching him and then I came in with to continue. Charlie is very excited about getting baptized and has a strong testimony. He passed his interview yesterday and is excited for his baptism this Saturday.
Next story comes with Marina Cobb. Marina is in her early 30s. She was previously married to a less active member and had the missionary lessons several times in the past. Well, she is now divorced, but a week or so before I got there she attended the baptism of a person in her family and was inspired. The missionaries talked to her and got a return appointment. That return appointment was literally 10 minutes after I got to Roswell. I got out, the Zone Leaders grabbed my stuff, I got my scriptures, and my companion said get in the car, we have an appointment. With no arguing, I went and we taught Marina the first lesson. I don’t quite know what the difference was this time around, but she’s fully commited to baptism. Not only her, though, but her 3 kids are as well. Eli - 12, Lucas – 11, and Amberley – 8. It will be great to see a whole family come into the gospel.
Last story is a young lady named Shameka Hill. Shameka doesn’t have a baptismal date, but she is reading the Book of Mormon and came to church yesterday. From what I have seen, people who do both of those things progress quite quickly. Shameka is a friend of a recent convert of one month. Shameka moved in with that friend right after I got here and was immediately open to hearing our message. We have finished the first two lessons.
So that is the story of this week, way fun stuff. We did have another guy who was going to get baptized, but I told him that Satan believes in Jesus (true doctrine, read James 2 – Satan doesn’t have faith, but he knows that Jesus is the Son of God) and apparently he took it the wrong way and instead of bringing it up, he decided to hold it in and got angry about it when we were gone and now doesn’t want to talk with us. How sad. Oh, well, those things happen. You just gotta move on. Just like me with this letter. Peace out all!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Monday, August 3, 2009
Letter 8-3-09
Dear family,
So I told you that some interesting things were going to happen this week. I want to start off by giving a scripture:
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he that upon the children of men? For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men." -Moroni 7:27-29
In 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley issued the commission to double the baptisms in the mission. From the conception of the Texas Lubbock Mission in 2002 through 2008, the TLM dwindled at a mere 20 baptisms a month. In November of last year, Elder Kevin W Pearson of the first quorum of the seventy paid a visited and chastised us, reissuing the commission given by President Hinckley. Many missionaries, including myself, with President Robison being the most important, were inspired and the TLM has been shooting to double baptisms ever since. We set a goal for 35 baptisms as a stepping stone for 40. If you remember, in June we topped that, hitting 38 baptisms for the month. We celebrated that and set the goal for 40. Well, last Monday, President sent an email telling us that the mission had baptized 38 people so far in July. There were 5 days left and 2 to 5 were scheduled for baptism before the months end. The goal was in sight. On Thursday, July 30th, we hit number 39. One day left. The next day, on Friday the 31st of July at 6:30 PM in Canyon, Texas, the 40th person of the month was baptized. We did it. Just as Mormon says, miracles have not ceased. Who would've thought that a mission in the belt buckle of the Bible Belt, full of a heard-hearted and stiff-necked people could ever accomplish such a great task. I am grateful to have witnessed this miracle. We have done. We have double baptized. Now the goal is to continue upward and onward.
The other interesting news of the week is that this last week was transfer week. Last Sunday in Eastland, my companion Elder Reed received his senior companion call. I pretty much knew that my time in Eastland was up and that was affirmed Monday morning. After a total of 9 great months in Eastland, I have left. I will miss that place. A lot of great memories with a lot of great people. Tuesday morning, I got on the bus and took a 5 to 6 hour bus ride where I was dropped off in New Mexico. From the transfer site I drove with a member for 2 hours to my new area. Roswell, New Mexico. The UFO capital of the United States, full of a bunch of crazy people. My new companion refers to this place as the Babylon of the mission. Drugs, crime, rape, and murder are through the roof. 8 months ago someone was killed outside our apartment complex. A few weeks ago there were 6 deaths in one weekend. Last week, we walked up to a young girl, asked her how she was. Her response, 'Not very good. I was raped last night and my homeboy doesn't even care.' Oh dear, where have they sent me? On top of that, the town is 50,000 people big with 2 wards. I'm back in a big city with a big ward. I feel lost right now. I got quite comfortable serving in small towns and in small branches for this past year. My new companion is named Elder Dave Wheeler. He is 6'7 and 300 pounds. That is big, but he started out at 420 pounds when he came out, so he is doing good. He goes home at the end of this transfer and is very trunky. He reminds me several times a day that he is going home in a month. It is quite bothersome, but I'll make it through. We are in a co-senior companionship. That I don't mind. It's nice having 2 experienced missionaries teaching. Anyways, I have to go, but I'll leave with my new address.
Elder Adam R Droge
112 E 23rd St #11
Roswell, NM 88201
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
So I told you that some interesting things were going to happen this week. I want to start off by giving a scripture:
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he that upon the children of men? For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men." -Moroni 7:27-29
In 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley issued the commission to double the baptisms in the mission. From the conception of the Texas Lubbock Mission in 2002 through 2008, the TLM dwindled at a mere 20 baptisms a month. In November of last year, Elder Kevin W Pearson of the first quorum of the seventy paid a visited and chastised us, reissuing the commission given by President Hinckley. Many missionaries, including myself, with President Robison being the most important, were inspired and the TLM has been shooting to double baptisms ever since. We set a goal for 35 baptisms as a stepping stone for 40. If you remember, in June we topped that, hitting 38 baptisms for the month. We celebrated that and set the goal for 40. Well, last Monday, President sent an email telling us that the mission had baptized 38 people so far in July. There were 5 days left and 2 to 5 were scheduled for baptism before the months end. The goal was in sight. On Thursday, July 30th, we hit number 39. One day left. The next day, on Friday the 31st of July at 6:30 PM in Canyon, Texas, the 40th person of the month was baptized. We did it. Just as Mormon says, miracles have not ceased. Who would've thought that a mission in the belt buckle of the Bible Belt, full of a heard-hearted and stiff-necked people could ever accomplish such a great task. I am grateful to have witnessed this miracle. We have done. We have double baptized. Now the goal is to continue upward and onward.
The other interesting news of the week is that this last week was transfer week. Last Sunday in Eastland, my companion Elder Reed received his senior companion call. I pretty much knew that my time in Eastland was up and that was affirmed Monday morning. After a total of 9 great months in Eastland, I have left. I will miss that place. A lot of great memories with a lot of great people. Tuesday morning, I got on the bus and took a 5 to 6 hour bus ride where I was dropped off in New Mexico. From the transfer site I drove with a member for 2 hours to my new area. Roswell, New Mexico. The UFO capital of the United States, full of a bunch of crazy people. My new companion refers to this place as the Babylon of the mission. Drugs, crime, rape, and murder are through the roof. 8 months ago someone was killed outside our apartment complex. A few weeks ago there were 6 deaths in one weekend. Last week, we walked up to a young girl, asked her how she was. Her response, 'Not very good. I was raped last night and my homeboy doesn't even care.' Oh dear, where have they sent me? On top of that, the town is 50,000 people big with 2 wards. I'm back in a big city with a big ward. I feel lost right now. I got quite comfortable serving in small towns and in small branches for this past year. My new companion is named Elder Dave Wheeler. He is 6'7 and 300 pounds. That is big, but he started out at 420 pounds when he came out, so he is doing good. He goes home at the end of this transfer and is very trunky. He reminds me several times a day that he is going home in a month. It is quite bothersome, but I'll make it through. We are in a co-senior companionship. That I don't mind. It's nice having 2 experienced missionaries teaching. Anyways, I have to go, but I'll leave with my new address.
Elder Adam R Droge
112 E 23rd St #11
Roswell, NM 88201
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Letter 7-27-09
Dear Family,
Well this last week there were no hang-ups with the baptism. Michael Blakeley was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We confirmed him yesterday. He will be a great addition to the Eastland Branch, which has been starving for priesthood holders. The cool thing was that his wife Melody was there to support him both on Sunday and on Saturday. I don’t think she was ever against the church, we just always went over and because Michael loves talking, I believe that she got the impression that we were there for him and not for her and always managed to dodge us. I believe that now that the spotlight in a sense is off Michael that she will follow his example and want to talk with the missionaries. Good things lie in store for this area.
So I had a weird question that was on my mind that almost disturbed me. Maybe scared is a better word, but you get the point. I remembered that everyone who enters into a degree of glory will have their sins forgiven. God is a loving God and will save as many of his creations as possible. Even those who enter into the Telestial Kingdom will have their sins forgiven eventually, after they suffer the penalty of their sins in spirit prison and later accept Jesus as their savior. With that said, I was reading through the Oath and Covenant of the priesthood in D&C 84 and I came across the scripture that said that those who break this oath shall not have forgiveness of their sins in this life or in the next. Whoa. If it says in one revelation that upon entering into a degree of glory your sins are forgiven and in this one that if you break the oath and covenant you will not receive forgiveness in this life, does that mean that those who break the oath and covenant will become sons of perdition? I didn’t find a definite answer, so I planned on asking it in email, but on Saturday we had to go fill up the font and that took a while, so we had a lot of extra time alone at the church. Well, I decided to dive into the church library to find an answer and I got it from a guy who I have decided is the smartest man in the history of the church. Joseph Fielding Smith. Doctrines of Salvation. If you haven’t read those three volumes, I’d highly suggest it. I plan on it when I get home. He talks about every point of doctrine, whether deep or shallow and simplifies it, making it very easy to understand. He talked a lot about the oath and the covenant and spent a considerable amount of time on my specific question. I felt like he was talking right to me. He said very clearly, with emphasis marked, that that scripture that stumped me does NOT mean we will become sons of perdition. It means that if we break the oath and covenant and don’t repent in this life, then we will not be able to regain that priesthood and gain a fullness of exaltation, but for everything else, we will be forgiven. That made perfect sense to me, so I thought I’d share.
But anyways, I am signing off for this week. Interesting things will happen this week in a few different matters, so make sure you stay tuned next week. Peace out All!!!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
Well this last week there were no hang-ups with the baptism. Michael Blakeley was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We confirmed him yesterday. He will be a great addition to the Eastland Branch, which has been starving for priesthood holders. The cool thing was that his wife Melody was there to support him both on Sunday and on Saturday. I don’t think she was ever against the church, we just always went over and because Michael loves talking, I believe that she got the impression that we were there for him and not for her and always managed to dodge us. I believe that now that the spotlight in a sense is off Michael that she will follow his example and want to talk with the missionaries. Good things lie in store for this area.
So I had a weird question that was on my mind that almost disturbed me. Maybe scared is a better word, but you get the point. I remembered that everyone who enters into a degree of glory will have their sins forgiven. God is a loving God and will save as many of his creations as possible. Even those who enter into the Telestial Kingdom will have their sins forgiven eventually, after they suffer the penalty of their sins in spirit prison and later accept Jesus as their savior. With that said, I was reading through the Oath and Covenant of the priesthood in D&C 84 and I came across the scripture that said that those who break this oath shall not have forgiveness of their sins in this life or in the next. Whoa. If it says in one revelation that upon entering into a degree of glory your sins are forgiven and in this one that if you break the oath and covenant you will not receive forgiveness in this life, does that mean that those who break the oath and covenant will become sons of perdition? I didn’t find a definite answer, so I planned on asking it in email, but on Saturday we had to go fill up the font and that took a while, so we had a lot of extra time alone at the church. Well, I decided to dive into the church library to find an answer and I got it from a guy who I have decided is the smartest man in the history of the church. Joseph Fielding Smith. Doctrines of Salvation. If you haven’t read those three volumes, I’d highly suggest it. I plan on it when I get home. He talks about every point of doctrine, whether deep or shallow and simplifies it, making it very easy to understand. He talked a lot about the oath and the covenant and spent a considerable amount of time on my specific question. I felt like he was talking right to me. He said very clearly, with emphasis marked, that that scripture that stumped me does NOT mean we will become sons of perdition. It means that if we break the oath and covenant and don’t repent in this life, then we will not be able to regain that priesthood and gain a fullness of exaltation, but for everything else, we will be forgiven. That made perfect sense to me, so I thought I’d share.
But anyways, I am signing off for this week. Interesting things will happen this week in a few different matters, so make sure you stay tuned next week. Peace out All!!!
Elder Adam R Droge
The DrogeMiester
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