Christlike Wanderers

Yesterday Elder Lindner (one of the North Elders) and I read through the last few verses of Jacob. He is such an incredible missionary. Every person you see has already chosen not to rebel against God's plan once. That makes it easier right! Don't be afraid to invite. That is all people need sometimes. This last week we had so many investigators at church. They are all going through some extremely tough and individually difficult circumstances, but they "know in whom [they] have trusted" (2 Ne 4:19) TJ (one of our investigators) is so amazing because he always opens up his home to his friends who need some help. We haven't been able to see he and his family at church, but I know they can make it with your prayers. He has this saying: "It's better to eat hot dogs with friends than steak alone." I love TJ. He really gets it. We keep running in to these people who are begging us to read The Book of Mormon. It is amazing how prepared these people are, and I know they are just as prepared where you are. We got to play some "wiffle" ball while we taught our twin 9 year old investigators Kylan and Keith. They love baseball and remind me so much of Connor. Please keep them in your prayers. Love y'all!

Elder King

Elder Jaron Hoani King: "Shutting the door on angels"

This last week was fairly normal until the weekend. Holy cow this weekend was emotional. On Friday we were out street contacting (which is just the best, we get to talk with people everyday who have no idea what they are missing) and there was no one outside but little kids. It was too hot for any sane adult to be outside, but the kids were out, so we talked with them. There was this little girl who said her mom really needs a prayer. She was about 5 and we followed her to her house. Her mother was less than pleased to see us, but as we were walking away we heard the little girl say, "You just shut the door on angels." It is incredible that little children can recognize us as official representatives of our Savior. They understand so much about life. This life really isn't intended to be complicated. The devil convinces us to make it too hard. If you have 30 seconds, give God 30 seconds. Read one verse. Even if it is just reciting 1 Nephi 2:15 or Jacob 6:12 in your head, I know that our Father in Heaven will be so proud of you and your decision to walk by faith and follow His Son's example. On Saturday we were biking around and literally NO ONE was able to meet with us. We were seriously wondering what we were going to do because we hadn't had any water in a few hours, and we still had a few hours before dinner. We felt impressed to visit a former investigator who lived pretty far away, but on our way we saw a Rams decal on a truck... We took a chance. We biked up and asked for water. Fred and his wife offered us water and pineapple, and as far as I am concerned, saved my life. It was incredible because they said they aren't interested in our message, but they were more than happy to help. Please keep an eye out for people who need your help. They are everywhere. They probably won't be as easy to recognize as missionaries drenched in sweat, but God will lead you to them as you keep a prayer in your heart. Tangie was baptized and wow what a beautiful service. President and Sister Clark were able to attend, and the Spirit was incredible. Their family is so close to their Savior. If I can be half the man that Tangie's husband Maurice is, then I know I will be doing fine. I know this church is true. I know God loves you. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement.

Elder Jaron Hoani King:New Mission President and the 4th

Fresno isn't quite the most "comfortable" place I've ever lived, but there sure are some amazing people who live here. This week was filled with so many wonderful, lasting experiences. On Thursday we got to have a meet and greet meeting with President and Sister Clark. They are such amazing people. We got to spend a couple minutes with each of them just talking. Elder Bryner and I got to spend the fourth with the Recias family. They are so amazing, and sister Recias' sister (say that ten times fast) is one of our investigators! We played monopoly with them and I couldn't help but flash back to those fun times in Midway with Gretchen and Sean. Yesterday we ran in to a man who once took discussions from the missionaries before, but he wasn't able to be baptized at the time because of his circumstances. It was interesting to see that his only problem with the church was one bad experience. He talked about how he knows the church is true, but he just won't be baptized. "Wow," was the only thought that could run through my mind. We ask people everyday to take a step of faith and just talk with us, but this man knew what he needed to and chose not to act. We cleaned the temple this morning with our ward, and that was such a glorious experience. The Spirit taught me a lot, and I know He will teach you as well. Just ask. I love you so much and pray for you everyday.

Elder King

Elder Jaron Hoani King: Transfer

It is super funny to get a transfer call. Late Saturday night, Elder Moss and I
had finished planning, I was ironing and we were just talking. We were 90% 
sure we were staying together. The branch is doing amazing! We have 50 to 
60 each week, and at least 5 nonmembers each week. The Lord is doing such 
great work here. Anyway, we got the transfer call, and the Lord has other plans
for me. I will be headed down to Fresno to serve in the Riverside Ward. From 
everything I have heard, it is one of the hottest areas in the mission, as well as 
one of the largest biking areas! So... all those years of hating biking may finally 
be paying off! I am so grateful for the Lord's trust. As I am contemplating the big 
change I keep thinking back to Nephi's example in 1 Nephi 3:15. We always talk 
about 3:7 where Nephi talks about how he will "go and do," but often we lose 
sight of what happens 8 verses later. They were rejected. The Lord commanded 
them to do something; and they weren't able to do it. But that isn't the end of the 
story. Nephi doesn't let it end like that. I know that the Lord needs to teach me 
something in this new area with my new companion. I did have one super quick 
story to tell though: I was on an exchange in the Spanish area again, and strug-
gling through a lesson. It was with a less active member of the group who is the 
only member of her family. She lives with her husband, daughter, and grand-
daughter (all nonmembers). It was crazy because we felt prompted to have her
write her testimony down and put it on the fridge. The Spanish Elders said they 

saw her at church on Sunday! Too often we lose hope in people. During testimony
meeting yesterday one of our members said "you can live weeks without food, 
days without water, but only hours without hope." 
I promise that is true. The Church is true! He lives! He loves you!

Love,

Elder King

Miraculous and Momentous Change!

Yesterday I got to talk to my sweet mom and family. They are a huge reason I am here. 

God could have accomplished His purpose by sending us down two by two, but instead 

He organized us into families. Each family is vastly different: with their differing challenges, 

members, strengths, etc.But one thing is the same: each family is ordained of God. 

     One of our investigators, Sarah, could really use your prayers. She is the most amazing sister. 

Two weeks ago she came to family home evening with a member. Elder Moss asked her 

when a time we could come get to know her better was. She said she was fine because 

she had her bible. Then the next week, after she went to the Oakland Temple Visitor's Center 

with her fellowship (Courtney), she allowed the Spirit to teach her with us. Since then she has 

been praying; She has come to a knowledge that the Book of Mormon is true; And she is

 excited for her baptism. We love her so much, and she is so valiant. Her dad is a Lutheran 

minister, and when Sarah told he and her mom that she had been meeting with us, I guess 

they had a big fight. When they found her Book of Mormon they told her that it was not allowed

 in their home. As we have been praying over and over again about her situation we are led time 

and time again to experiences in the scriptures where people are in challenging circumstances 

when it comes to their families. Cain killed Able. Animosity arose in the family of the prodigal son

 when the father shows mercy and forgiveness. Nephi's brothers tried time and time again to take 

away his life. Joseph Smith's best friends turned against him. And why do these afflicted Saints 

continue? Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. The end Romans chapter 8 has been one 

of my favorite passages ever since Caleb sent it to me while he was on his mission: "Who shall 

separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation,or distress, or persecution, or famine, or 

nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we 

are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors 

through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,nor principalities, 

nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall 

be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." I know that is pretty 

long, but Sarah knows in whom she has put her trust. 

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your example to everyone who sees you. You are a missionary!

Simple Miracles

This week just rocked! I am trying to be dignified in my explanation, but I feel like 

this is just the only way to describe this week. On Tuesday we had district meeting

and our senior couple in our zone went home. They said, "Humility isn't thinking 

less of yourself. It is thinking less about yourself." I don't know about you, but that is 

something I always worry about. I try my best to find that balance between confidence 

and humility. I realized that the blessing that we have as God's children is that we 

know who to put our trust in. To be frank, if you put your trust in yourself, you will fail. 

But if you put your trust in God, and believe in yourself enough to follow His commands, 

you WILL succeed. It is so prevalent here in the field. We have the opportunity every 

single day to see people who are going through a hard time. I know that sounds weird, 

but you know what can help anyone. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we have 

faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy 

Ghost, and endure to the end, we truly are happy. That doesn't mean hard times don't 

come, because they most definitely do. But when we take His yoke upon us, our trials

 transform us into the person that God intends us to be. And I promise you that that 

person is happy. We set dates with two investigators this week. Thomas is being 

baptized on the 18th, and Courtney is being baptized on the 25th. The Lord is so invested

 in his work, and He truly is hastening His work in its time. On Saturday a member asked 

us if we could come help her put on a car mirror. We had no idea, but, as missionaries, 

we accepted the challenge. It was amazing to see the Lord help us with the super simple 

act of helping this sister out. At branch council this last week we had an amazing training

 on why we have the ward/branch council. Someone said some profound things about 

how in this world there are "givers" and there are "takers." It just kept hitting me that the 

Lord wants us all to be givers, and Satan tries to persuade us to be takers. The funny thing 

is that by being givers we receive so much more than when we are takers. I know this letter 

was all over the place... but welcome to my mind. Next week I promise to be more organized! 

I love you so much! I am so grateful for you and all you do to strengthen your brothers and sisters.

YSA everyday!

Working with the YSA is SO different than working in any other area. In order to teach someone we have to ensure that they are: 1) between 18 and 31 2) not married 3) have no kids... This can be odd to establish... Shocking, right? Well regardless of if they are YSAs or not, we teach EVERYONE and we invite EVERYONE to come unto Christ. He is THE only way we can find true happiness. One thing about missions is that we base our success on the number of invitations we extend, not on the number of invitations that are accepted. Our branch is so amazing. We have about 30 active members, and I learn about our Redeemer every time I interact with any of them. We had the opportunity to do two things I had been missing this week: mow a lawn and garden. Service as a missionary is somehow twenty times better than service before you are set apart. While Elder Moss was in the garden, Andrew (one of our members' 7 year old cousins) and I went and mowed the lawn. After I had been mowing for no longer than twenty seconds, Andrew insisted on mowing. The lawn was too big for him. The lawn mower was too heavy. But he did it. I was sitting there watching and I got to feel, for a brief moment, a portion of how our Father in Heaven feels. At first he just mowed random patches with no real pattern. I had to point out the spots he missed. He was so eager to mow them again. I hope this has all made since. Eventually I began to realize that the Lord is so much more concerned with how often we go to Him then He is with how often we make mistakes. Dillon is being baptized on Wednesday and we are about to go bowling for his birthday today! Please pray for him. I know you will. Thank you for all you do.

Love,

Elder King

Easter

Easter Sunday. I am so tempted to just stop writing right now. Easter is the best, and every good thought you have about it is just multiplied when you get to wear His name next to your heart the whole day. Yesterday during personal study Elder Moss looked up and asked "So people (do what they do on 4/20) even on Easter Sunday?" We really do live in perilous times. On Sunday every Christian had a choice even more so than on any other day. A lot of people chose to follow Satan: that master of all lies. This world is a rough one, but think of the wonderful Sabbath on the other side of the veil! I know without a doubt that "numberless concourses of angels" sang "He Is Risen" yesterday. This week was very interesting. One of our investigators, A, is living in very difficult circumstances. She lives with her very abusive and constantly drunk father, so she tries to have us come when he is gone. Well the other day we came by while he was there. I was able to witness some of the promises made to the Lord's servants: we were able to speak truths and this man literally had nothing left to say to us. It is difficult seeing people in such darkness that even the smallest glimmer of light blinds them. I would be lying if I tried to say it wasn't. But that is not what our days are filled with. We get to see people come unto Christ each and every day. 

We are really struggling to find. It is hard in a YSA just because they are so [flaky] by nature. I love them! But much more importantly, the Lord loves them! If you could include Dillon in your prayers I would really appreciate it. He is supposed to be baptized this week, and Satan always works the hardest right before we make covenants with our Father in Heaven. In our mission we do something called BDAW: before, during, after, warning. It is such a powerful tool! We recognize the feeling in the room when it changes. When we can literally feel a member of the Godhead with us. The Holy Ghost is real. He ALWAYS does his part. Our privilege as missionaries is to invite him into every home we enter. I love you. Thank you for your prayers. It is a different feeling being a missionary and knowing that literally millions of people are praying for you and for your purpose. The church is true!

Love, Elder King

Funny how we learn

So we toss around a quote a lot here: "Obedience brings blessings, but exact obedience brings miracles." It is a cool quote, but think about that? It is an amazing quote. Because Elder Moss is our District Leader he goes down to meetings quite a bit, so I get the opportunity to go on exchanges and lead our area quite a bit. On one of these exchanges we had two right in a row, so I had to plan on my own. When we get in every night we plan. We don't change out of our proselyting clothes until planning is finished. On this particular occasion (the first of my two exchanges) I was with two other Elders who were also training. Right when we got in they changed, and without even thinking I changed into my pajamas and then planned. The next day went horrendously. Everyone canceled on us. We got chased by some crazy guy. I lost my scriptures. What else could go wrong? I am so grateful for this experience. Oh and to top it all off, I was with Elder Leavitt (our zone leader who has been serving for over 20 months). So I know my thoughts are random, but essential what I am saying is that God knows what we need to be happy. The Creator of the Universe and His Father are so invested in us that they gave us a plan of happiness. They tell us everything we need by sending us the Comforter. They literally send a member of the Godhead to be with us always. Life is rough sometimes. Sometimes we fall in to ruts. I promise you that if you look to the Lord you will find happiness, regardless of your circumstances. Our baptism for yesterday fell through because our investigator had some things he is still struggling with. I love him. He is such a good example of courage in the face of opposition. Weeks go by so fast out here. 

Real quick I want to type out this awesome poem that an Elder in my zone let me see:

In His Steps

"The road is rough," I said, "dear Lord;

these stones, they hurt me so."

He said, "Dear child, I understand;

I walked it long ago."

"But there's a cool green path," I said.

"I'll walk there for a time."

"No child," He gently answered me,

"The green road does not climb."

"My burden, Lord, is far too great,

how can I bear it so?"

"My child," said He, "I know its weight;

I bore my cross, you know."

"I wish there were some friends with me,

who'd make my way their own."

"Ah, yes," He said, "Gethsemane

was hard to face alone."

And so I climbed the stony path,

content at last to know,

that where my Master had not gone,

I would not need to go. 

And strangely then I found new friends,

the burden grew less sore,

as I remembered - long ago,

He went this way before.

-Leona B. Gates

If you wonder why life is hard, just remember. He is teaching you to grow. I am so grateful for your example to me, and I pray for you always.

Love,

Elder King