Elder Jaron Hoani King: Flooding the Earth...or just Oakdale

Elder Dea and I joke every single day about all the crazy things that happen in Oakdale. We always say, "now just imagine if we didn't have the best ward in the world." Our ward is chalked full of the best people I know. This last week I went on an exchange with Elder Moss, and I brought him to our area. We had so much fun teaching together again! Then we went on an exchange where I was with Elder Padilla in our area again. Elder Padilla is so great and always looking to improve. If you meet him you would wonder what in the world he could even improve! I love that missionary. To even explain a portion of what happened yesterday I have to mention that Brother Johnson called us during the week and asked if we could teach the fourteen and fifteen year-old class for him because he was going to have to finish some things up at a property he owns. Elder Dea's favorite thing is working with the youth, so we gladly accepted. We had ward conference yesterday, which meant all the stake leaders came. Our ward council was incredible and President Seibert (a member of the stake presidency) taught us that approximately 80-90% of all lightning strikes that occur annually happen to men. One contributing factor is that men tend to be out more, but they also don't come in as quickly. He taught about how it really is a wonderful thing that within the auxiliaries of the Lord's Church we have both men and women counseling together. I was reminded of all the wonderful sisters that have shaped my life. Sister Wagner from the stake also taught about how we need to be counseling together in order to use the council most effectively. Why am I telling you all this? It was super good, but you probably just had to be there. Bishop Olsen (seriously the best person in the world) also gave the most touching talk during sacrament. So... Elder Dea and I were at the church and our meeting doesn't end until 4:00 right? Well the 1st ward had a baptism at 4:30, so we decided to go and fill the font half-way while we taught, and then go fill it with hot water later just so 3rd hour can use the font room for the young men and young women... well we turn it on because we were told it took an hour to fill it. You see where this is going don't you? Someone (years ago) covered the overflow because it was too low for 1 baptism, but Brother Astle calls us during our lesson and I answered it for once, long story short, we flooded the font room, into the hallways. While we are cleaning up all the water, we get a call from 1st that their baptism canceled. I know there is opposition in all things. Elder Dea and I are so grateful for all the people around us! We couldn't do any of this without them. This Church is true! Especially when these 18 year-olds are trusted to do things as simple as fill the font. Nicolette was baptized yesterday. I love ya. Thanks so much for all your prayers! Love, Elder King

Elder Jaron Hoani King: Elder Brent h Nielsen

Elder Jaron Hoani King: MondayOnMondaywe had truly the world's greatest meeting! Elder Brent H. Nielsen and his wife visited our mission, and he and his wife are so incredible! They talked with us about how for the first time missionaries are being sent all over the world to seek out the less active members of their wards. D&C 88:72-3 is where Sister Nielsen saw the original vision where the Lord is hastening his work, and she taught us about how we are being raised up to help our wards reach out to the sheep inside the fold. Anyway, I really hope that all made sense. Elder Dea and I were teaching yesterday when a phrase jumped out for the first time: 1 Nephi 17:2 "journeyings without murmurings." My prayer is that this motto is the motto behind our lives. The Church is true! Elder Dea is on cloud nine because yesterday we got to play dodge-ball at mutual with one of our investigators, then we got to drive Sonora's truck! Our investigators Dustie and James are doing so great. Dustie's sister Nikki came to visit and she became a new investigator. Funny how people become new investigators just by visiting family huh? Our apartment is the best! The A/C is broken so it gets super super cold every night! Love ya!

Elder Jaron Hoani King-General Conference

 This last week came and went way too fast. We felt prompted to go see James and Dustie for the Saturday morning session, so we watched the first session with them. James said he has been praying for the last six weeks about the call we got late Sunday night concerning transfers. Both Elder Dea and I are staying, and James said he is taking that as his sign that God does care about him. As I have pondered that way of thinking I am reminded that God is in the details. The more we give our lives to Him, the more we can see Him in our lives. On Friday we got to go see Meet the Mormons via President Clark streaming it to the Turlock stake center. Please go see it. If it is even a possibility, make the sacrifice and see it opening weekend. It is such a cool movie about six very different members of the Church. Elder Dea was "feeling Applebee's" so we got the zone together and went to the Applebee's in Turlock... being out here, no one realized that it was Game 1 of the NLDS, so the Giants and Nats were playing and it was packed. We had to be at the stake center at 1:30and we ended up leaving the restaurant at the time! But everything worked out and we got to watch the awesome documentary. Elder Dea and I have a car which is super nice since we live just a little outside our area. We visit the trailer park on Orangeblossom about every other day, and that is where James and Dustie live. Saturday night, after Priesthood we got to go help a family move, and the Lee family was at it again. They are so amazing, and their daughter is going to the Baltic States mission (President Harding's mission)! Sister Lee was the sister I had mentioned was instrumental in Steven's baptism, and over conference weekend she and her kids went to help this family who needed to move. Monday we are receiving a training from Brent Nielsen of the Seventy! I don't think I'll be writing then, but we should write Tuesday. Conference was super awesome! Love ya!

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.