Being Old in Youngstown

  Dearest Family and Friends,

                                           It is with great excitement I write you all this week! This week has been a roller coaster. On Thursday I felt impressed to call our investigator Leisha during lunch so I made the call there at the table. Dan (room-mate) picked up the phone and barley able to make out his words told us that there was an emergency; that the house had caught fire and that everyone was leaving! I told him to stay calm and that we would be there within the hour. Elder Payne was on exchange so I took another Elder from my district to there house as fast as we could put our clothes on and bike over. As I pulled up the house I was overwhelmed with sadness as I saw that black smoke stains had breathed out the upper windows and men were already there boarding them off. I have been at this home almost every day for the last two months; all the people inside have grown to be like family to me. I walked in the back door and there was nothing but darkness and sad faces. The house was uninhabitable and all of our friends had to leave. I just started to ask everyone if they were all right. Dan nearly broke down as I tried to encourage him and give him a hug. After speaking sometime with him outside I walked into the house and Mary just fell into my arms sobbing. The whole scene was awful and amidst it all Dan and Mary decided to part ways and not be married. It felt like our entire vision and goal was being removed faster than we could look. Over the course of the weekend we did all we could to rally the members around them and help get them on their feet while also trying to salvage whatever we could from the ravaged house. Both of these couples who we have been working so diligently with split ways and two moved out of our area. Still I kept my spiritual focus and refused to ask God why, but rather "what now"?

 

                                  I cannot help but bear witness that God has had his hand in this incident. Two days before the fire happened Leisha called us and told us that she had decided she was going to live the law of Chastity and move in with her parents so she could be baptized; this provided her extra incentive to leave and she has still decided to stay true to her decision. The relationship between Dan and Mary came into focus alot for us over this whole ordeal. There was so much going on that we were not aware of and I feel strongly that Mary getting out of that environment with the kids was the best possible thing; and despite her very stressful weekend she still managed to wake up Sunday morning and get all of her kids ready for three hours of church. I am so proud of her. I have truly come to love these two women with all of my heart. They are living the gospel and acting upon what we share with them. All of this has brought us closer together and the church's support has been amazing and endeared Mary and Leisha to their ward family. Things don't always going according to our plans but the Lord has answered our prayers and through a tragedy strengthened our investigators and essentially sifted them from the wheat. Mary and Leisha are working on being baptized in the coming month. Leisha is now living in the Ashtabula ward and will be being taught by two sister missionaries in my district; they will be a perfect fit!

 

                                 Tomorrow is transfers and will conclude my  12 week training of Elder Payne. On Wednesday I had my final infield interview with President Vellinga which was very hard for me. He and I were fighting back tears the whole time. It was hard for me not to be somber the rest of the day; even though the interview was great and full of laughs I still haven't accepted that my mission truly is coming to a close. He asked me if I would like to stay in Warren which I said I would. I told him that I would love to baptize as many people as I can into this ward before I leave after he asked me what my vision was of the next six weeks.  On Saturday morning President Vellinga called and asked if he could speak to me alone (gulp); I always know he has something up his sleeve when this happens. He asked me if I would accept the assignment to be a Zone Leader for my final transfer in the same zone I am currently serving in. Somewhat shocked, I told him I would gladly do that. I was very surprised be assigned to be a district leader this late in the game so to be assigned a zone leader for my last six weeks was unexpected. I am pretty sure he is trying to work me into pulp before I go home ;). So my final transfer I will be serving as a Zone Leader along side on of my favorite missionaries in Ohio; Elder Chapman. In mission terms Elder Chapman is my grandson. My trainee, Elder Crosland trained Elder Chapman. I really love him alot and have always wanted to serve with him. It will be a very happy ending. I will be serving in the city of Youngstown, Ohio for these last 6 weeks and I am excited to leave it all in Ohio. I know that alot of exciting things lay in store for the future but I am here and focused on the people of Ohio until my final minute just like my trainer Elder Martinez set the example for me. I am so excited to do whatever the Lord and my mission President expect of me.  I am going to work my hardest for the next transfer and I can't wait to see what miracles the Lord has in store. It was hard to say goodbye to the people I have come to love so much in the last 3 months. Warren will always have a place in my heart. I am going to miss Elder Payne and I am also excited to announce that in the same phone call President asked Elder Payne if he would train a new missionary! He is worthy and willing and the Lord will qualify him! He and I have been through so much together in these last three months; I love him like a brother and will never forget our time together.

 

                                I can testify that God lives. I know that with an eternal perspective and an understanding of the plan we can endure any trial, rise to any occasion and with the help of God accomplish more than we ever thought possible. Jesus is the Christ and to He and the Father are all the praise! I love you all and appreciate your prayers! Do what is right and let the consequence follow! Love, Elder Prince

Conference Time in Ohio

Dearest Family and Friends,

                                           The sun is out and I feel that we have officially turned our backs on winter here in Ohio! Another great week has passed and I feel so empowered by the inspired messages of General Conference! Elder Payne and I had a great week this week and our investigators are continuing to progress nicely. One of them has quit cigarettes for over three weeks now! We are planning a wedding for Daniel and Mary on the 20th of April and then a baptism the following weekend! Working with Dan, Mary and Leisha has been such a testimony builder for me. I have watched them changed so much in these last few months and they are coming to know who they truly are; loved children of our Father. Please keep these good people in your prayers. They are working so hard and doing so well and these next few weeks will prove to be vital for them.

 

                                            I was so filled by the messages of our leaders this weekend. I enjoyed Elder Packers testimony of the Savior and I felt it was a great tender mercy to hear again from Elder Golden in my final session of conference as a missionary. The constancy of God's love has been so impressed upon me these last few weeks. I am so grateful for this season of the year and the promise that it brings. When autumn sets and ushers in winter the leaves fall from the trees and the green is lost in the landscape but the source of light from which they all grow has not changed; the earth moves it position in such a way that the warmth of the sun is not felt. The sun's temperature never changed, neither the light that it constantly provides for growth. When the earth changes it's position and draws nearer to the sun, the light and warmth draws nearer to it also. Though the seasons change and perhaps circumstances look and feel different in our lives; God's love remains as constant and unchanging as the sun. I hope that we may all position ourselves to feel his love. His love is there regardless of our choices; but our choices in large measure determine how much of His love we feel. I know that our Father in Heaven loves us. I hope that come what may we will always stay close to His light and warmth; it is our choice. I know He lives as does His son. I know that 177 years ago last week that the Savior Jesus Christ appeared in the Kirltand temple; one week after it's dedicatory payer; and many years after hard work and sacrifice. I know also there that Moses, Elijah and Elias restored the keys of God to commence His work for the eventual return of the Christ! May our lamps be trimmed and burning for the return of the Bridegroom!

                                                                                                              Love Always, Elder Prince

Happy Spring!

Dearest Friends and Family!

                                            Great to be able to write you all today! Elder Payne and I had such a fun and productive week and the work here in Warren continues to roll forward. I will say however that my body is just tired. I feel like an old man when I get out of bed every day. Elder Payne and I are biking roughly 15-20 miles a day and running every morning; the point of the fact is that missionary work is a different kind of tiring; it is mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically draining. Elder Payne said that 2 minutes after my prayer was over last night I was deep snoring and I never snore. The good news is that the spirit really does revive you and gets you excited for another day but I will tell you that the first thing I am doing when I get home is taking a nap. Speaking of waking up; this morning our investigators invited us over to their house to try the 2nd hottest chillis' in the world:THE GHOST CHILI. We all ate them at the same time and all I can say is that it dominated all of us; truly baptism by fire. This was about an hour and a half ago and I am still in pain but it was some good clean missionary fun!

 

                                            Dan and Mary are continuing to do well. Mary and Leisha went to the Young Women's broadcast this weekend and they both felt the spirit very strongly. They are growing more and more excited for their baptisms this month! Elder Payne and I also set a goal of finding 4 new investigators this week and we were blessed to find 5! My goal this week has been to be more bold at door steps without being over bearing. It is an interesting thing when you step up your boldness with people because they rejection grows more severe but so does also your success in finding those who are prepared and are touched by the fact that you mean what you are saying. This weekend was great to get out and talk to people about the Risen Lord. I loved talking to people about the promises that his atonement brought mankind; many of which promises they are completely ignorant to. We also had 5 investigators come to church on Sunday which was awesome and all of them had a great experience. All is well, we are working hard, having fun and time is flying.

 

                                            My dear friends, I wish to leave you my testimony today and I would want you all to know of the hope that I have in Christ. I have tried with all sincerity to let the atonement have full sway in my heart; even so much that it was my wish to lose all desire to sin and I can truly say I know that He has changed me. The greatest miracle is a change of heart. I don;t know how he brings about these internal changes but I look back on who I used to be and I do not recognize that person. Every morning I look into framed glass picture of the Savior in my room and as I tie my tie I ask myself if I have received His image in my countenance. I am not all that good looking but I know that even my face reflects what the Lord has done for me. If I ever changed for the good in my life is was because with His stripes I was healed, by His word I was comforted and by His power I moved forward. I want you all to know that He is the reason for anything that is good in me. I pray that we may "always remember Him, that we may always have his spirit to be with us". He lives still today and I pray that we may prepare for when He returns (Alma 34:32-35). I love you all and leave you these words in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

                                                                                                             Love, Elder Prince

Happy Spring!

Dearest Friends and Family!

                                          Another fast week has passed here in the Ohio and I am still full of the wonder of what the days may bring. I wish I could adequately explain how I am feeling about the work right now; the main questions that repeat in my head are: How does Father do it? Why does He do it? I cannot say how impressed I have been with a feeling of love from Him these last two weeks especially. I feel no closer to Him than to see the people I am teaching progressing. I want to tell you all about Mary. She is the girlfriend of one of our less-active members and has been meeting with us for the last 6 weeks. Mary  has had a hard upbringing and she has raised three children from the time she was 18 with no real help from their fathers. She has such a humble spirit and such a love for her children. Over the time that we have been teaching her we have seen so much change in her; especially in her desire to do what is right. Though she struggles to read she always keeps her commitments to read the scriptures even if it means she has to re-read the chapter over and over. Despite being a 20 cigarette a day smoker she has dwindled down to only 3 yesterday! And she has been sharing the gospel with  her roommate and acting as her guide an mentor. She has banned anyone from smoking in the house anymore and has really cleaned the place up; it has done a 180 from the first time that we taught their. She and Dan are planning on getting married on April 12th and then the week following will be her baptism! It has built my faith just watching this family! When humble hearts come to know God, miracles happen! We took their family on a tour of Kirltand last weekend and had a wonderful experience. We were all joined in fasting and the Spirit was ever present.  The spirit was pured out upon us all as we offered Dan and Mary a blessing in the School of the Prophets where the Word of Wisdom was revealed. That day has been a major turning point and since they have not stopped progressing. Keep this good family in your prayers! They are going to make it!

 

                                        I am so happy to be at this place; meaning Warren, Ohio and also so happy to be at this place spiritually. Though their are yet 'mountains to climb' I know with the help of the Savior that the way is sure. Elder Payne and I have gotten along better than perhaps any companion I've had in the past. The ward's trust and love for us and the work also seems to be continuing to improve and yesterday I had the privilege of speaking in sacrament meeting. I was asked to speak on 'Unity' and was blessed throughout the week to be able receive many impressions from the spirit as to what I should say. I felt very good about the talk when it concluded and had several members comment on how the spirit was manifest to them. I love speaking in public on my mission because if you are willing to put your agenda on hold and let the spirit guide you can literally be a mouthpiece; it is hard to explain, but it is so edifying. The best part of the experience was the 70 year old lady that walked up to the stand when the meeting was over and said "Elder Prince, you have an old soul don't you?", I had to laugh at that!

 

                                       Well, I best be going! I love you all! I love the Ohio! and I love the Lord! May we all come together in unity of the faith is my inner most desire.

                                                                                                        Happy Spring! Love, Elder Prince

Another Transfer Slips Away

Dearest Family and Friends,

                                             I can't express enough how good it is to write you today. I am full of gratitude and amazement at the goodness of God! I want to first and foremost say congratulations to my brother Elder Doutre. This is yet another evidence that with a will there is a way and that God has not ceased to be a God of Miracles. Faith will always prevail; God is always faithful. I am so proud of you my brother. I know that the coming years of your life will be some of the very most meaningful. Thank you for your example. Who would've know us to little punk 7th graders from Albion Middle School would be one day builders of the Kingdom of God on Earth! I'll miss you my friend; but what is 4 years between brothers?

 

                                             Another great week has passed here in Warren! On Sunday I had the privilege of baptizing my good friend Donte Fellows! He is the son of a recent convert in our ward and we have been teaching him faithfully since I first arrived. I am so proud of this young man and all of the faith he put forth to prepare for his baptism! He felt the spirit so strong at his baptismal service and the look on his mother face was better than a thousand perfect mornings! I know this young man will be a missionary and make his mother proud. I have served 6 months in the Youngstown Ohio Stake and every soul I have had the honor of baptizing in this stake has been under the age of 20. I have served in 3 other stakes in Ohio and in all others our converts have been over the age of 20. This stake needs future leaders baldy and I have been so impressed with how the Lord is preparing for future generations to be blessed and for Kirtland to be built up again!

 

                                             We are still working with Mary, Daniel, Leesha and Adam (all roommates). We took our Bishop teaching with us this week and Dan and Mary expressed that they wished to be married! So needless to say we are going to be planning a marriage here in the next few weeks. Little do these people in Ohio know that when I am a missionary by day and a wedding singer by night! I am going to blow their minds! This group of friends has been so exciting to teach as they are all keeping their commitments and getting excited about learning. They have expressed several times how they are beginning to see the changes happening in their life! It is so exciting!

 

                                              Elder Payne and I are doing well. It is crazy how fast time is going. We are already on our 5th week of training! He is growing so much and I love to watch him get it more and more. He is catching the vision of missionary work and the magnitude of his calling is beginning to really rest upon his mind. I've also got him knocking off pant sizes between running in the morning and biking all around town all day! Things couldn't be better! I am excited to keep the pace and finish strong in these last two transfers!

 

                                               My friends I can't say enough about how grateful I am today! May we always keep the love of God in our hearts. We we stay focused on the atonement. I know that my Redeemer lives! I hope you all have a great week! Back to war in Warren!            

                                                                                                       Love, Elder Prince

6 Weeks in Warren

Dearest Family and Friends,

                                           So much to say in so little time. The highlight of my week was the confirmation of our good friend Donte. Elder Payne was voice and he did a terrific job. I am so grateful that he is having these experiences so early on in his mission and beginning already to taste the fruits of his labor! We have still been biking all over this town. It is a lot of fun to have everybody honk at you because of how much the enjoy your haircut; but the odd thing is that I am always wearing a helmet so I don't  know what all the fuss is about! ;). I was sick with a flu/cold all of Friday which was pretty interesting. I cleared out a whole case of airborne, two gallons of water, stayed knocked out in my bed with Ny-Quil and got a priesthood blessing at the end of the day and rose the next morning like nothing happened! Pretty much everybody that we teach and their dogs are sick so I figured it was only a matter of time before I got something and sure enough I did; and it only took a complete 24 hour shut down to get back to normal! So, aside from getting sick this week was great. We have been focusing on finding through our less-active members and we have had a lot of great experiences in doing this. We had two trips to Kirtland set up with investigators this week which both fell through freeing up a whole half a day of back up plans and it was amazing how many times we found ourselves in the right places at the right times. The sun is starting to come out a little and we saw the first flowers of the year peek out of the ground so I am glad to know that we are going to have some warmer weather to work with!  Dan and Mary are continuing to do well. We are trying to get their wedding plans underway, which should be very exciting. They also committed to live the Word of Wisdom this week and this Saturday we are planning on taking them to the School of the Prophets in Kirtland to give them a blessing where the revelation on the Word of Wisdom was revealed! It is such a blessing to have Kirtland here in the mission; our investigator get to experience the Restoration their; it is a place of conversion. Also, President called this week and asked if I would accept the assignment to be a district leader of the Ashtabula District. I was pretty shocked by the call to be honest as I thought my days in leadership were over but I told him that I would love to accept his assignment. I am excited to work with the Elders and Sisters in my district and I am especially grateful because now I have the right to go on an exchange to Ashtabula and return their for the first time in a year and a half. Ashtbaula is still my most favorite area and I thought I would have to wait to my release to return there and be with some of the converts! So I am looking forward to that and am hoping to travel up north pretty soon. By the way, transfers were on Thursday and this transfer saw the arrival of 29 missionaries and only 6 went home. The mission added 12 new areas! Pretty exciting times and all of this is in consequence of President Monson's announcement on the change of missionary age. I am so privileged to be able to serve in this capacity at this time! I am right where I want to be at this stage of my mission. Thank you all for your letters, your e-mails and especially for your prayers. Please keep praying that we can be lead to more people to teach and that our investigators will continue to progress! The Savior is at the helm of this work and I know that the direction we are headed has many blessing in store. I know this Church is true. Let us all be doers of the word!

                                                                                                                            Love, Elder Prince

Another Transfer Slips Away

Dearest Family and Friends,

                                             I can't express enough how good it is to write you today. I am full of gratitude and amazement at the goodness of God! I want to first and foremost say congratulations to my brother Elder Doutre. This is yet another evidence that with a will there is a way and that God has not ceased to be a God of Miracles. Faith will always prevail; God is always faithful. I am so proud of you my brother. I know that the coming years of your life will be some of the very most meaningful. Thank you for your example. Who would've know us to little punk 7th graders from Albion Middle School would be one day builders of the Kingdom of God on Earth! I'll miss you my friend; but what is 4 years between brothers?

 

                                             Another great week has passed here in Warren! On Sunday I had the privilege of baptizing my good friend Donte Fellows! He is the son of a recent convert in our ward and we have been teaching him faithfully since I first arrived. I am so proud of this young man and all of the faith he put forth to prepare for his baptism! He felt the spirit so strong at his baptismal service and the look on his mother face was better than a thousand perfect mornings! I know this young man will be a missionary and make his mother proud. I have served 6 months in the Youngstown Ohio Stake and every soul I have had the honor of baptizing in this stake has been under the age of 20. I have served in 3 other stakes in Ohio and in all others our converts have been over the age of 20. This stake needs future leaders baldy and I have been so impressed with how the Lord is preparing for future generations to be blessed and for Kirtland to be built up again!

 

                                             We are still working with Mary, Daniel, Leesha and Adam (all roommates). We took our Bishop teaching with us this week and Dan and Mary expressed that they wished to be married! So needless to say we are going to be planning a marriage here in the next few weeks. Little do these people in Ohio know that when I am a missionary by day and a wedding singer by night! I am going to blow their minds! This group of friends has been so exciting to teach as they are all keeping their commitments and getting excited about learning. They have expressed several times how they are beginning to see the changes happening in their life! It is so exciting!

 

                                              Elder Payne and I are doing well. It is crazy how fast time is going. We are already on our 5th week of training! He is growing so much and I love to watch him get it more and more. He is catching the vision of missionary work and the magnitude of his calling is beginning to really rest upon his mind. I've also got him knocking off pant sizes between running in the morning and biking all around town all day! Things couldn't be better! I am excited to keep the pace and finish strong in these last two transfers!

 

                                               My friends I can't say enough about how grateful I am today! May we always keep the love of God in our hearts. We we stay focused on the atonement. I know that my Redeemer lives! I hope you all have a great week! Back to war in Warren!            

                                                                                                       Love, Elder Prince