Gas Station Guy

 

Monday, June 14, 2021

I hope everyone is doing good! Missionary life has been one for the books this week, a lot has happened and it feels like a whole year in one week!

Tuesday we were able to go to New Missionary training, what a blast, I was to be able to see a lot of people and learn things that I can be improving! 

It wouldn't be Vegas without a crazy story, not what you are thinking. Last week we found this guy at the gas station, after a good find I turned to Sister Manwaring and said I think he was flirting with me. She looked at me and said he was probably just a nice guy. Well we invited him to church, he didn’t come but then he texts us to tell us

about his day and then says to Sister Jackson "I would like to see you again in person, you are a very beautiful woman. I am not flirting with you but you are attractive." Oph barfe this dad who is married, I couldn't do it. Too many weird guys in Vegas flirting with me. I don't like it. So we called our district leader about what we should do and he said “I don't know, I am a guy I haven't ever had to deal with this before!" hehe so we texted Prez. And he said well that is a warning sign, well yep it is so we gave him to the elders and didn't say anything to him! Oph, I'm not sure how I feel about this, good thing I am in a relationship with Jesus! 

Then on Wednesday we had Zone Conference! We love seeing all of the missionaries and Prez. and Sister Rodarte. We were able to see how we can improve our

area and the people that we are teaching. In front of everyone Prez. made a joke about the man that "didn't flirt with me" I look over at my STL’s, my face red, and they are laughing and I didn't know what to do but to just answer the question. Hehe he is so funny! 

Then that night we were able to go to Centro Hispano. It is always a fun thing to be able to teach others English a lifelong skill that will bless them forever. 

We were able to have a lot of fun member lessons this week, to get to know more members and how we are able to work with them.

FRIDAY, we found out that we were getting our car taken from us. One of the elders hurt his foot, and needed a car so they were going to use ours for now. A perfect opportunity, we had to drop off the car but we also had to get Elder Ford back. I don't know if you remember so I will give a small recap. A while ago, one of the times I was moving, the elders came to help, and Elder Ford was playing with the sink hose and I took it and put it back, well he grabbed it and I looked at him and said “bet”, well he sprayed me and I was wet. I know I

said “bet” but I had to get him back. So with some help from an amazing human being I got some water guns in the mail. So I filled it and and we were on our way, we knocked and he opened it up and I sprayed him. Well he shut the door and long story short I got him pretty well. It felt so good and was so funny! Revenge is sweet! 

Then Saturday we had an amazing lesson with Gaylene, she has read the first 5 chapters of the Book of Mormon! She watched church and was excited to watch it again. She is changing so much, and is making so much progress. 

And then we had a meal with a Member. They came and picked us up and their car was covered in dog hair, it was so gross I didn't want to get into the car. And then we went to this nasty Asian restaurant, I thought I was going to barf after. I felt so bad, but people are so nice to feed us and give us a meal. 

And then surprise we found out on Friday that we had to talk in church. It was so much fun. I didn't think that I would ever say that about speaking in church. Before my mission I would stick to the script and not stray from it. But Sunday I was speaking by the spirt, I only looked at my notes a few times, I felt so good. I love what the spirit can help us with. I have been able to share what I love with more people and be confident in what I share. 

In D&C 62:3

3 “Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.”

This is a scripture that I shared in my talk yesterday and one that my awesome Father shared with me. But it is one that is so true! When we are sharing our testimony our spirit and our testimony get stronger. When we are able to be an example and to be a light people are willing and wanting to learn more. They understand that you are different but it is a good difference. They want to see why you are so happy and why you are not afraid to die. It is because the gospel of Jesus Christ is so important and it affects us all in so many good ways! We are able to change and to give ourselves to God and to align our will with His! When we do that we are able to help others know of the love that he has for them! D&C 18:10-16 "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God!" 

So share your testimony, give all that you have to others and be that example. And when you do that you are strengthened and the heavens are strengthened and they are cheering us on. They are with us and they are protecting us. D&C 84:88" and mine angels round about you" 

Remember that you are a beloved son or daughter of our Heavenly Father and he is here for us. That is why he has put certain people in our path to be able to help us learn and grow and lift where we stand. I invite you all to find a way this week that you can share your testimony with someone else. And maybe try someone who is not a part of our church and show them what they can have and what the blessings of this life and the life after can bring! I can promise you, that when you do this, you will feel your ancestors round about you bearing you up, and that you will feel the heavens cheering you on and you will want to do it again. Also, if you are reading your scriptures and praying and you have a question that you need answered it will be if you are diligent to the Lord! I love you and I love this gospel so, remember what it has done for you! And remember our savior Jesus Christ! Oh I love him, I hope you all have a wonderful week.

 

11 Jul 2021

 

To the Family of Sister Katelyn Jackson

1974 Thistle Tree Dr.

Springville, UT 84663

RE: New Leadership Assignment

Dear Family of Sister Jackson,

It is an honor to serve with your wonderful daughter in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission. I am pleased to inform you that she has been assigned to be a Trainer. This is a trusted position in a mission and comes to those who have demonstrated obedience and devotion. As a role model, she will provide leadership to other missionaries in her  assigned areas.

Sister Jackson is a sincere and dedicated missionary, truly worthy in every aspect to be the Savior's representative. I extend my appreciation to you for raising such a faithful daughter and sharing her with us.

May you and your family experience the sweet spirit and wonderful blessings that our Heavenly Father reserves for those who are called and set apart to serve Him and the Savior in His vineyard.

With all my love and gratitude,

Frank C Rodarte Jr

President

Nevada Las Vegas Mission