TRANSFERS!!!

I was in denial basically the whole week that transfers were coming. I did NOT want to leave. And I did NOT want to get a new companion. I mean obviously whatever happens its the Lord's will and will be good for me... but I was not ready to leave Cheney 2nd ward yet.

Well it worked! I'm staying! And so is Elder Leavitt! Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. This area is the best! I love the ward! I love the investigators! I love my district! I love my Zone!

Here is a picture of my district. The two sister companionships have been in a trio for the last transfer. This coming transfer two of the sisters will be gone though.

Don't ask me what I'm doing in this picture. I don't really know.

Miracles from this week:

Sebastian and Janita came to church!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally! They've been saying they were going to come for weeks! Its been mind blowing to see how hard Satan tries to get people to not get to church. They came and they loved it! They are both basically ready to be baptized except they still have to get married. They want to be married but they want to have their family come and they probably won't be able to till March. But we're expecting that as they continue keeping the three commitments we keep giving them, Church Pray and Read, I think their desire to be baptized will increase and they will make it work out so they can be baptized sooner.

The Smiths are really working hard for these next two weeks to quit coffee and Tobacco to be prepared for their baptism coming up. Please pray for them.

This week we were riding our bikes to an appointment and we decided to cut through a parking lot. We saw a guy outside smoking so we went and talked to him. He is super elect! His name is Mark. He said that just yesterday his buddy got out of prison and came and talked to him about how he found Jesus and it changed his life. Mark has really been humbled for the last few years of his life. He has some pretty strong addictions that he is trying to conquer. He has never been religious but is interested in learning about how Christ can change his life. He was eager to come to church and read the Book of Mormon. We'll contact him soon to teach him more.

Report on Mormon Channel Challenge:

Brian and Clint both did the challenge. I will be using the words "Quintillion" (1 with 18 0's after it) and "Juxtaposition" in my next lesson. I will report on it next week. The challenge is still standing so I encourage you to invite someone to watch a video on Mormon channel and send me a creative word.

Love you guys!

-Elder (Andre) Johnson

The Lord has a plan

I've found that the fact that this church is true really helps me out when I'm teaching. Yesterday Elder Leavitt and I were teaching a lady who was baptized 2 years ago but fell away. The lesson was very scattered. We both struggled to explain our thoughts. But the funny thing was that she totally felt the spirit! At the end of the lesson she said, "ya that makes a lot of sense, I need to start praying". It was super weird because Elder Leavitt and I both felt the spirit during the lesson even though we really struggled to find her need and teach simply. After we got out of the lesson we were like, "well its a good thing that God wants her to accept the Gospel because that would have not turned out so well if he didn't." 

Ya lately I have really seen how the Lord has a plan for everyone of his children and he knows what he is doing. Last week the Smith family "fell off date" for baptism. We weren't sure why this was part of God's plan. But ever since then the ward has been reaching out to our investigators way more! Its sweet! Its good for not only the Smiths but also for the members that get to do missionary work. And now the Smiths are back on date again!

Unfortunate continuous phenomenon/Test of my manliness:

We share a car for half the week with the Sister Missionaries here in Cheney. And for the last 3 weeks without fail it has been great weather everyday that we have the car. And the day we give up the car the weather goes fowl again. This last time we gave the car up things were looking pretty good outside. But turns out the moment we parked and turned the car off it started to rain outside and continued for the entire day. Ha ha I guess God is just giving me opportunities to get more Man Night Points. (Ask John Packer what Man Night Points are) .

Did any of you invite someone to watch a video on Mormon Channel? I invited 2 over email so far. 

If you didn't read the challenge last time I'll write it here again so you can do it.

Its super important that every person on this earth has the opportunity to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ by exercising Faith, Repentance, Ordinances, Feeling the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End. One great way to do this is to invite somebody to visit mormonchannel.org and watch one of the inspiring videos. I invite you to invite someone (nonmember, less active, or active) to visit mormonchannel.org this week. If you do this write me an email that says you did it a long with an unusual word ie. (gargantuos, or majestic) and I will commit to say that word in my next lesson. I promise you that if you make the smallest effort to share the gospel the Lord will increase your confidence and ability to share the Gospel. He will also trust you with more of his children. As you make a small effort again and again you will become like Alma and Ammon who were the means by which thousands of people accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Love you!

-Elder (Andre) Johnson

Zone Quest

The Smith Family is coming along. The ward is really starting to reach out and bring them into the fold. Satan is definitely working his hardest on them though. They could really use some prayers right now. Especially Sister Smith who is trying to quit smoking.  

Zone Quest Miracle!

A few days ago the quest for the day was to find a couple and make them new investigators. So that day Elder Leavitt and I visited all the couples that we had met before that we had addresses for. We tried a few and they were either not home or not interested. Right before dinner we stopped by Damien and Brooklyn. I had talked to them a few times in the parking lot since I've been in Cheney but they were never that interested so we could never talk for very long. Whenever we would know on the door they wouldn't answer. But this time they answered! It was snowing inside and I think they felt bad for us so they let us in. Turns out they are super Elect! We taught them the Restoration and they loved it! It was basically the classic lesson that you think of when you think of missionary work. Usually it doesn't run so smooth. Usually they have concerns about the first vision or the Book of Mormon. But Damien and Brooklyn loved it. They were super focused during the lesson. They had a one year old boy that was walking around messing with stuff in the house and usually when that happens the parents are constantly chasing the kid. But during this lesson they just let the kid go and were paying very close attention to what we were saying. After we finished reciting the first vision they said, "Wow I have never heard of that before. Thats amazing!... Thats so cool that you guys came by today because we have been looking for a church". The spirit was super strong during the lesson! I'm super excited to go back and see them again. They accepted a baptism invite and are preparing for the beginning of February!

Recently the Sacrament has become much more meaningful to me. Yesterday we had church down in Sprague where only 18-25 people attend. The Spirit was super strong as I listened to a recent convert who was baptized in June bless the Sacrament. I really felt strengthened as I realized the significance and simplicity of taking upon you the name of Christ and receiving a remission of your sins when you take the Sacrament. I know that participating in this ordinance weekly is mandatory to our spiritual progression. I know that while it is simple it has a profound impact on our lives.

Its super important that every person on this earth has the opportunity to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ by exercising Faith, Repentance, Ordinances, Feeling the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End. One great way to do this is to invite somebody to visit mormonchannel.org and watch one of the inspiring videos. I invite you to invite someone (nonmember, less active, or active) to visit mormonchannel.org this week. If you do this write me an email that says you did it a long with an unusual word ie. (gargantuos, or majestic) and I will commit to say that word in my next lesson. I promise you that if you make the smallest effort to share the gospel the Lord will increase your confidence and ability to share the Gospel. He will also trust you with more of his children. As you make a small effort again and again you will become like Alma and Ammon who were the means by which thousands of people accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Love you guys!

-Elder (Andre) Johnson

Epic Picture of Elder Leavitt and I walking into Cheney from our house.

Its been snowing a lot lately which has made life "fun" because we have to walk half the week. Actually it is pretty fun sometimes. So for some reason in all the Spokane area they believe in having the worst roads on the entire earth. One way they achieve this goal is by not doing any sort of plowing on the roads during the winter. So basically the snow just packs down and turns in to ice. But it can be pretty fun because you can slide super far on it. And their are some pretty steep hills in Cheney and you can slide from the top all the way to the bottom with out stopping. Its awesome.

So right now our mission has a goal of doubling its baptisms in 3 months. So right now each zone, district, companionship, and missionary is setting goals and plans to achieve that. In our zone we started doing something called the daily quest or mission. Right now we are focused on inviting people to be baptized so the quests are always tied into that. The daily quests are creative ways to inspire you to do something. And they are super fun. Te first day we had to Invite someone to be baptized over the phone. It was sweet! We turned a former investigator into a new investigator and we also found two people that want a Book of Mormon. The next day we had to invite a neighbor to be baptized. This one was kinda hard for us because we only have 1 neighbor besides the cows next door. So we went and talked to our neighbor. He said no to being baptized but he was super nice and invited us back to visit with the person who actually owns the house. The next day we had to invite someone to be baptized who was walking their dog. "I Stood all Amazed!" God put dogs in our path. We were talking to one of our investigators and her neighbor came out with his dog so we quickly started talking to him and now he is an investigator. Then later we were walking and we saw someone who brought their dog out to make yellow snow so we invited her to be baptized and she said yes. Right before we were going to go her roommate came out with his dog! Its like God was telling us, "You need to invite him also". It was sweet. Anyway the quest thing is pretty fun and it seems to be working pretty well. Tonight after P-day we have to invite someone to be baptized by first complementing them on their shoes. 

Love you people!

-Elder (Andre) Johnson

p.s. Last night I had a dream I came home. I was happy to see all the family. But I was also pretty devastated. Sorry I'm not ready to come home yet. But I still love you!

Christmas was Awesome!

Well Christmas was Awesome!!!!!! Thank you for all of the Gifts! Unfortunately I don't remember who gave me which gifts. I really appreciate the GPS, the mini scriptures, and the Book of Mormon Action figures. And all the other stuff I got. Even though I don't know exactly who to thank for what, I hope this generic shout out will warm your heart with my gratitude.

This week we had church up in Cheney in the morning. Then in the afternoon we had Sprague church. It was a really cool experience. There are only about five people there that live in Sprague and the other 8 or so live in Cheney. The service was short and simple but powerful. Almost every Sprague member recently returned to activity. The spirit was very strong there. I feel super motivated to get more Sprague people to go to church now. For some reason down in Sprague a tiny town of about 300 people there are tons of Less-Active members of the church that haven't been affiliated with the church for years. We just keep finding them. I don't know why. But it seems that got has a plan for every one of his sheep that left the 99.

Cool Miracle this week:

I feel like I've already told you this story but oh well I'll tell you again. A few weeks ago during the crazy time when I didn't have a companion, the Sunset Elders and I spent a day working in Cheney. We saw this "rent a center" truck in front of a duplex and some guys moving some stuff in. So we went over and asked if we could help. Jeanna was the name of the lady who owned the place. She was very stand offish. And basically gave us the "why are you here" vibe. Then her husband Richard came around the corner. We asked him if he needed any help and he just held his beer up and said nope. We're good! So we gave them a He is the Gift card and were just about ready to go when he said if it really makes you feel better we have a couch in the back you could help us move. So we did. Then we left. About a week later we tried by again and there was no answer even though we knew someone was home. Well a week later we decided to try by one more time. This time they answered and let us in. After some discussion we found out that he had been taught all the lessons before when he lived in Alaska. He had already read from the Book of Mormon and prayed about it and he knows it is true. He just a few concerns. He openly admitted to us that he knows he'll be baptized some day he is just stubborn. What in heck! Then his wife chimed in and said that she was blessed as a baby in our church! What! I had about 2% faith when I knocked on their door that day but came out with 200% faith that they would be baptized! Elder Leavitt and I were shocked!

The Lord really has a plan for each of his children.

Love you guys!

Lots "O" Food

Merry Christmas!

This is Yoda Claus. My Mascot.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have had more snow than we have had because if not you'll be having a bluish gray Christmas. 

This week was awesome! Elder Leavitt is sweet! Every transfer so far on my mission I have gotten a new companion. Usually for the first few weeks there is an awkward phase where you are still trying to get to know your companion. But this transfer was different because I already knew Elder Leavitt. We have had tons of fun walking the streets of Cheney and Sprague. Oh yeah Sprague is pretty cool! I've been there twice now. Its a tiny old town. I'll send you a picture someday. This week we finally got to meet with Rick again (I've probably never told you about him). He's been ready to be baptized for a while now but he has been missing a lot of church and we haven't been able to meet with him. But he is now set with a date. That was pretty exciting. Last night our district went "He is the Gift" Caroling. Its sweet! All you do is you carol to people then give them a He is the Gift card and see if you can drop by sometime to see if they liked the video. It works great! 

This Christmas season I invite all of you to let yourself be changed by the Atonement of Christ by consistently doing the small and simple things we have been commanded to do. Prayer, Scripture Study, Church, Missionary Work. If you are already doing these things, simply do something to improve one of these things. I promise that if you do this then you will feel the spirit more in your life and you will be prompted about specific things you can do to repent and improve. You will be more happy and Christmas will be much more meaningful and centered on Christ. 

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior. I know that if we keep his commandments than he will consistently change us and mold us into who he wants us to become. 

Merry Christmas!

Love you!

-Elder (Andre) Johnson

Craziest Week of my Mission!

This has easily been the craziest week of my mission up to this point. And unfortunately I have a very limited amount of time to tell you about it. 

First. MLC last tuesday. This is a meeting that Zone leaders go to prepare them to train their zones on the following friday. Tuesday night we went on exchanges with spokane 2nd ward. I went there this time. That late that night we get a call from Elder Maguet saying that he just got off the phone with president and that he was called as the new Assistant to the President! I was happy for him but lets be honest. I'm also ticked at him. I was super excited to spend one more transfer with him. Ha ha oh well. He got picked up and taken to spokane valley the following morning. Since them I've been hanging out with other missionaries. That whole thing was a big surprise. The second big surprise was that I realized that with Elder Maguet gone, I would be giving the zone training by myself! This is only my second one! So that had me stressed out for a while. Next crazy thing. The missionaries I've been with decided to spend saturday working in my area. We went and visited lots of people. One of the families we visited was the smith family. Usually when we go over there the father is the only one that listens. But for some reason the whole family wanted to sit in on the lesson. The smiths have been investigating the church for a long time. In our lesson we talked about recognizing the spirit and recognizing whether or not they have received and answer as to whether this church is true or not. It was a sweet lesson. The next day I was able to go to my church because brother Lybbert (Ward Mission Leader) was my companion for the day. That was an interesting experience to be companions with an 80 year old. The Smiths came to church though. Halfway through Brother smith told me that he and his family would like to be baptized on the 24th of January. He said that that morning he had received his answer! I tried to act calm when he told me this but on the inside I was screaming YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS! Last crazy thing was that this sunday was transfer calls. So there were some changes in the zone with that. My new companion will be Elder Leavitt!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know if I have ever talked about him before but he is one of my favorite missionaries! He was my Zone Leader when I first came out on the mission. I am super excited about this next transfer! 

This week has been insane! But it was a really great growing experience for me.

Love you guys!

-Elder (Andre) Johnson