Monday November 24, 2014

I have decided that writing out my journal almost word for word takes too long, so I will be condensing my emails a bit. Hopefully they are enough for you Mom! :)

 This week has been good! We were fed a lot so that was awesome. Early in the week it snowed like all day every day so we went out shoveling people's driveways a lot. 

On November 19th, we went to the Nazarene Church that Mark and Susan attend because Susan invited us to come to their Wednesday night worship which consisted of a program called "Teen Challenge" which is the same program that these kids that we saw outside of Walgreens were representing and we gave them a Book of Mormon! So we went, and it was good! There were a ton of addicts there who were testifying about how they accepted Jesus into their life and how He is a big part of them now. It was an uplifting meeting (and they had a rock band), but something was missing. Everyone expressed their gratitude for our Savior's crucifixion, but no one testified of the application of Jesus Christ's Atonement in their own life. Many of them had a life-changing experience where they "came to know Jesus" and that is so wonderful! But not a single person talked about applying the Savior's atoning sacrifice into their life. It seemed like that quality of faith accompanied and strengthened by works was lacking, and although all of those people were trying to lead good lives, that knowledge of how to apply the Atonement was not there. That is why I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon, which contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Acknowledging that Christ is our Saviour is a step, but it is just the first step in receiving forgiveness of our sins. Anyways, I am grateful to have the Bible AND the Book of Momon because together we find the true doctrine of Jesus Christ that he established during His Earthly Ministry. Then with that knowledge, we can recognize that His Church is in fact restored upon the Earth today, built upon the foundation of Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. I know that testifying that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only Church that has it all, and is the very same Church that Christ Himself organized on the Earth is a lofty claim. But I know, without a shadow of a doubt that this is true. Some may take offense, but that is not the intention of such a declaration. The intention is to invite every single person to find out for themselves if these things are true. And there is only one way to do that: Pray, and ask Heavenly Father with sincerity, and He will answer. This is my testimony, and it's why I'm out her in the Michigan Detroit Mission for 2 years giving up school, family, friends, girls, and all other things. To invite others to come unto Christ by acting on their own faith.

  On Thursday the 20th, we met at Mark's house at 5:45 because he was driving us to a devotional which was located at the Church building right next to the Detroit Temple in Bloomfield Hills. It was really good! Mark asked us this question: "What kind of commitment needs to be made in order to get baptized into the LDS Church?" Then he told us that he just doesn't know if he could just walk away from the church he goes to now because that would be very difficult! He is torn between 2 worlds, but I know that as he takes a step of faith, that his decision will be confirmed to him through the blessings that come from living the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and participating in ordinances under the direction of power and authority from God. Opposition will rise against him, and his faith will be tested, but if he holds fast to his foundation, who is Jesus Christ, he will not fall.

The rest of my week was pretty good, we worked hard and we got a few appointments set up for next week so that is really good! On Sunday (the 23rd) Mark came to Church with us and stayed for all 3 hours! He really enjoyed it. Then after the block was over, this kid named Nathan came up to us and said that he wanted to start taking the discussions from us!! He has been coming to Church for years with his Mom who is a member and his older brother who is on a mission now, but his Dad won't let him get baptized until he turns 18. I don't know why his dad won't just let him get baptized, it's kind of frustrating! It definitely makes me value the opportunity I had to get baptized when I turned 8, having supportive parents as well.

I love you all, thank you so much for all of the support and love I feel from you! I've already started to get letters and packages for my birthday and stuff and I'm so grateful for all of you who support me. Remember to share the Gospel whenever you can! 2 Nephi 2:7-9 is a great scripture, it talks about how blessed we are to have the knowledge of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and how great the importance it is to share that message with everyone we can.

-Elder Goff

 

                        Elder Redd and Elder Goff at the "I'm a Mormon" Christmas Devotional

Monday November 17, 2014

I won't do my every day recount today because I don't have enough time, and not a whole lot happened this week! We had specialized training on Tuesday down in Ann Arbor and that was great! I learned a lot. On Wednesday we went to Mark and Susan's home and we read 1 Nephi 8, and talked about the importance of it and how we can apply it in our lives. I think Mark knows what the right thing to do is, but he is nervous to make a decision because he doesn't want to hurt people! So we are praying for him a lot. He is planning on taking us to this devotional next Thursday, so that will be great! On Thursday we talked to some kids that were out in front of Walgreens for some program for recovering addicts, and we gave them a Book of Mormon! That was cool. Friday was a day of work! Haha we stopped by lots of people, and tracted quite a bit. Saturday was Pauline's baptism! She is 82 years old and she was baptized while sitting in a chair! I got to confirm her in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and that was an amazing experience. I continued on with the blessing after the confirmation, and I felt the Spirit so strongly testifying to me that what this sweet lady had chosen to do is correct in God's eyes, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints truly does have the Priesthood Authority necessary to perform saving ordinances, and that what I am doing out here in the mission field is what God wants me to be doing. I'm really sorry it was so short this week! I'll make it up to you this next week :)

I love you all and thank you for all of your support! I'm so happy to be out here in the mission field. Mission life is the best. I'm looking forward to everything that God has in store for me out here in Michigan.

-Elder Goff

The bike!

Missionary food!!

 

November 10, 2014 - Two months since the drop off day!!

November 3rd, 2014

Today was the shortest P-Day I've had yet! In the morning we went to Brother Edward's house to help him rake his HUGE backyard of leaves. Then after that, he and his wife took us out to Outback Steakhouse for lunch, it was super good! I heard a song on the radio in there that was so catchy! Hahaha it makes me miss music like that a little bit but I'll be able to listen to it all in a couple years :) After that we went emailing, which left about 15 minutes for grocery shopping which isn't enough time! So we just got some Graham crackers and hot dogs for our District Activity. We had a little campfire in someone's backyard and made smore's and stuff so that was good! She had a really nice trampoline too so I got to throw some rodeos, mistys and corks, I was a little rusty! Haha. Then after that we had about 30 minutes to do all of our grocery shopping because we had a Dinner appointment at the Schreibers at 7:00pm. We got done there at about 8:00pm and went back to the store to finally finish shopping! Then when we were at the store, Sister Welling called and asked if we could come over and assister her husband in giving their 2-year old son Dalton a blessing because he was about to be taken to the ER. He cracked a back molar super badly from falling on his face, and the nerve was exposed, which is really dangerous because if it gets infected, he would definitely have permanent damage from the incident. So we gave him a blessing, and then finally ended up at home! It was a busy day to say the least. Oh, I forgot to mention, when we were raking leaves with Brother Edwards, Sister Edwards did ALL OF MY LAUNDRY FOR ME! So that was super nice of her.

November 4th, 2014

Today in the morning we went to Sister Price's and mowed her lawn for her. Then we went to the Jone's for dinner at 6:00pm, we had chicken pot pie and it was so good! Then at 7:00 we went with Brother Quenneville to go home teaching. We ended up meeting his assigned family at Dairy Queen and we visited with them there for a while. This morning at like 6:45am I heard a car sound, like it was trying to start but the batter was dead or something so i went out to see if I could help anything. This guy named Deon's car was dead or wouldn't start for some reason, so I offered him our Jeep to jump start his car but he said he was pretty sure the problem wasn't the battery, so we didn't try. But he was grateful that I offered to help. Then later that day, his brother Dominick came and helped him out. They ended up just jumping it and it worked though hahaha. So we talked with Dominick for a while, and he said he wants to sit down with us and hear what we have to say! So that's an awesome miracle right there. if I hadn't went out there to see if I could help in the morning, we wouldn't have talked to Dominick! That was a cool experience today.

November 5th, 2014

In exactly a month from now, I'll be 19! That's crazy to think about. Today we tried to stop by a TON of less-actives. Only a couple of them answered, but we're going back to teach one of them and her husband tomorrow night so that's good! Tonight we went to Mark and Susan's! Susan wasn't there, but we got to teach Mark! We watched the "Great Apostasy" DVD about Wilford Woodruff and his search for Christ's Church on the Earth. It was super good. I felt the Spirit really strongly during the video and as Mark offered the closing prayer. it was a great lesson. Mark opened up to us about the main reason why he is hesitant to get baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He said he doesn't want to hurt people or relationships that he has, especially with his wife Susan. Those are all very understandable concerns, and I know if he trusts in the Lord, He will help Mark through them. Then we left him with a talk called, "What Is The Blueprint Of Christ's Church?" by Elder Tad R. Callister. He is going to read that, AND watch the hour-long Restoration DVD with Susan this week.

November 6th, 2014 

Today we tried to stop by a handful of Potential Investigators and less-actives but we didn't get to talk to any of them! Either someone else answered the door and told us that the person wasn't home, or no one would answer the door. Then for dinner we went to the Welling's. After dinner Brother Welling took us to a teaching appointment, it was with an inactive woman who married a non-member so their family doesn't really have religion as a part of their life. So we taught the Restoration mainly to her (the husband was eating Taco Bell in another room for most of the lesson), but we could detect very easily that she didn't have much of a desire to learn about the Gospel again. We invited her to pray consistently and ask Heavenly Father if the things we taught her are true and she said she would, so hopefully she keeps her word. After that we went back to the Welling's and had Brownies and Ice Cream!

November 7th, 2014

Today we tried to stop by some less-actives and potentials like yesterday! We talked to one less0active and two potentials but we didn't get to teach any lessons. All three of them were busy at the moment, but said to come back sometime next week. The other ones didn't answer today. We went tracting for an hour today as well and used the survey once! Then we went to the Aeschbacher's for dinner and we had Jet's pizza, it was so dang good! Then I shared my mission scripture (3 Nephi 21:24-29) with them for a quick thought afterwards. We tried a couple more less-actives and potentials after dinner but no luck! So we came home and prepared for tomorrow! I know that Heavenly Father will bless us if we continue to serve Him faithfully. our work doesn't go unnoticed by Him. Even if we don't get to teach a ton of lessons in the day, we are showing Him that we love Him and will be obedient to all of His commandments and specific guidelines given to us as missionaries and servants of Him.

November 8th, 2014

It's 8:10am right now and it just started snowing really heavily! it looks so awesome outside, snowstorms are my favorite. My first real sight of snow in Michigan! ------ Now it's 10:00pm and there's definitely no evidence left that it snowed this morning! haha. Today we went to follow up with about 9 people, but only 1 of them answered the door! We are going to go to his house sometime next week instead because he was just leaving when we got there today. So we still need to contact a few people this next week so that will be nice with filling our schedule. We may or may not end up singing in church tomorrow, but regardless, mark and Susan will be coming to Sacrament Meeting! So that is awesome!! I got 3 pieces of mail today so that made me feel special.  I'm disappointed that Mongo's is closing!! That really stinks. I'll actually have to look for a job when I get back now hahaha :( 

November 9th, 2014

Today was an amzing Sabbath day. I got to study a lot of material in Personal Study this morning. We did end up singing in Church today! We didn't know if we were or not until we sat down at the start of the meeting though! We did pretty well I think, so that's good! Mark and Susan came to Sacrament Meeting and definitely felt the Spirit! It was great. Then after Chruch we went and saw a few potentials, and taught a lesson on faith to a less-active lady. it was really good, and she said the closing prayer so she showed her faith to Heavenly Father in that way! Tomorrow will be our first P-Day with Elder Varner in our District instead of Elder Dorsey, he is a really cool guy, so it should be fun!

That was my week! My testimony of the Book of Mormon and the divinity of its origin is growing continually. Every time I sincerely study and ponder the words I read in that book, I feel the Spirit and I am edified and uplifted. I know that ANYONE can receive a witness through the Holy Ghost to know that the Book of Mormon is true. I trust in the promise of Moroni 10: 3-5. I am so grateful that I have had the Gospel in my life since I was a little kid! How fortunate I am, to already understand God's plan for me at 18 years old. I know that I was blessed in this way for a reason, and that is to share the knowledge and testimony that I have of the reality Gospel of Jesus Christ with every single person I come in contact with. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I love you guys! All of your support means so much to me. If you want to write me letters or something, my address is:

 615 Flint Rd Apt #1 Brighton, MI 48116

-Elder Goff

 

District Meeting

 

 

The Jadeite Cabbage

I looked up the story Elder Goff referenced in this weeks letter and loved it!  Thought I would share!

 

 

 

 

On my mission in Taiwan, my companion and I spent a little time during one preparation day at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. The main attraction is a piece of art called the Jadeite Cabbage. So many people were admiring it, but all I saw was a cabbage carved out of jade. It was pretty, no doubt, but there must have been something I was missing.

When we finished at the museum, I asked my companion, “What did you think of the Jadeite Cabbage?”

“I love that piece of art!”

“Why?” I asked. “It’s just a cabbage.”

“Are you kidding? The Jadeite Cabbage is a metaphor for my life!” she exclaimed.

“The cabbage?”

“Yes! Don’t you know the story?”

“Apparently not.”

She told me the story. And she was right. It became the metaphor for my mission and my life.

For a jade carving to have great value, the jade has to be one solid color. Carvings made out of perfect jade sell for high prices because it is nearly impossible to find perfect jade. The Jadeite Cabbage is green on one end and white on the other, and it has cracks and ripples. No skilled carver would waste time on such a piece of jade, until someone came along whom the Chinese call a master carver.

If this jade could talk, I can imagine the conversation it would have with this new carver. I imagine the carver picking up this piece of jade.

“What do you want?” the jade would ask.

“I am looking for jade to carve,” the carver would say.

“Then find another piece. I am of no worth. I have two different colors so intertwined that you’ll never separate them. I have cracks and ripples in me. I will never be of any worth. Don’t waste your time.”

“Oh, you silly little jade. Trust me. I am a master carver. I will make a masterpiece of you.”

How Can I See Myself as the Master Sees Me?

It’s a challenge to see ourselves as the Lord sees us. He sees us as children of God with great potential and great worth. But we sometimes focus on our shortcomings. Our Father in Heaven has not created us to dwell on our flaws but rather to become beautiful masterpieces. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we can overcome our shortcomings.

Consider reading the following scriptures to learn how the Lord uses imperfect people to accomplish His work: Exodus 4:10–12; Jeremiah 1:4–10; 1 Nephi 4:1–6; Alma 26:12; Doctrine and Covenants 35:17–18.

What makes the Jadeite Cabbage so amazing is that this anonymous master carver used the weaknesses of the jade—the two colors, the cracks, and the ripples—to make the cabbage all the more lifelike. The opaque white part became the stem of the cabbage, and the cracks and ripples make the leaves come to life. If it weren’t for the “weaknesses” of this jade, it could not have looked so real.

Because of the beauty of this piece of art, it became a gift for one of the royalties in China and adorned the halls of beautiful Asian palaces until it ended up at the museum in Taiwan.

It reminds me of Ether 12:27: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. … My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

After I saw the Jadeite Cabbage, this scripture began to take on new light. We are all like this piece of jade, except that we are still in the process of being carved. We must trust the master carver, Jesus Christ, who will take our weaknesses and make them strengths. We, in our imperfect view, sometimes focus on our imperfections and then despair because we think we’ll never measure up. But our Savior, Jesus Christ, sees us as we can become. As we allow His Atonement to work in our lives, He will shape us into masterpieces who will one day live with the King of kings.

The Lord Looketh on the Heart

“In our world, moral character ofttimes seems secondary to beauty or charm. But from long ago the Lord’s counsel to Samuel the prophet echoes: ‘The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7).”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Canaries with Gray on Their Wings,” Ensign, June 2010

Monday November 3, 2014

October 28th, 2014

We tracted for 3 hours today! No return appointments but we talked to quite a few people! Then we went to the Edward's house for dinner. Brother Edwards is the High Priest Group leader, he is getting released this Sunday though. Today in the morning when we were tracting it was pouring rain so that was fun! I had my raincoat so I didn't get wet at all. District Meeting is tomorrow and I have been assigned to give the main lesson. Brother Edwards shared this talk with us tonight: The Jadeite Cabbage by Ellen C. Jensen. It's a really cool talk about turning our weaknesses into strengths! (Ether 12:27)

October 29th, 2014

Today was good! We had District Meeting in the morning, and my lesson on "The Jadeite Cabbage: went super well. After that, we went to the Howell Elder's apartment for lunch! When we got back we went tracting for a bit, and then we stopped by Brenda's house to give her a Book of Mormon! She accepted it, but said that she feels like since she's been catholic her whole life she doesn't want to change now. Which makes sense, but I KNOW that if she reads the Book of Mormon and prays to know if it is true then she would receive an answer and she would know that this is the direction she should go. We invited her to read the Introduction and then begin the Book so at least we have planted that seed! After Brenda we went over to Brother Yockey's house and he gave us a ride over to the church for the Trunk or Treat. So then we went to that and came home. I'm about to study a talk called "His Grace Is Sufficient" by Brad Wilcox. From what I've read so far, it is amazing.

October 30th, 2014

We went tracting for about 6 hours today! We walked for miles! Haha my feet hurt a little bit but I'm sure I'll be fine tomorrow. We talked to quite a few people, but we didn't get to teach any lessons. I'm flying through the Book of Mormon in my personal study. When I got to the MTC I was in the end of 3 Nephi, and right now I am in Mosiah 7! So I've been reading and studying a lot. I'm definitely gaining a better understanding of the scriptures. I'm also going to read the New Testament all the way through soon!

October 31st, 2014

Today was halloween! It didn't feel like it though haha! We went to an investigator named Jim's house in the early afternoon and taught him The Plan of Salvation. He was intrigued by the thought that we existed before our lives on Earth! He's a really independent guy, he didn't want us to go into too much detail about anything, but he said he would read the Plan of Salvation pamphlet and pray about its truthfulness, so that is awesome! I know that if he does so in faith, with real intent, Heavenly Father will provide him with an answer. Then we tracted for about an hour after that. We got to do a couple surveys but most people didn't answer their doors. Most of them probably just thought we were some goofy little kids jumping the gun for trick-or-treating hahaha! In reality, every day as missionaries we go door to door offering only a "treat" which is much sweeter than any candy. i thought of that analogy today! It just surprises me how many people reject a treat that tastes so sweet. Anyways, we were given direction from Sister Gerber to come home early tonight to study Preach My Gospel Chapter 5 with our companion so we did that. It reminded me a lot of my Farewell Talk, except now I have an even greater understanding of the Bible and Book of Mormon than 2 months ago! Today in my personal studies and before bed I nearly finished a book that I just started today. It's called, "Our Search For Happiness," by M. Russell Ballard. It is such a great read. I suggest it to everyone!

November 1st, 2014

Since today was the first of the month we received our allotted miles that we can drive in the next four weeks so that was awesome NOT to be on a bike today! Especially because it SNOWED last night and it was 32 degrees all day today. Nevertheless, we went tracting for about 4 hours! And we saw miracle after miracle after miracle! It was awesome. I was with Elder Dorsey today, an Elder from Howell.  I love him to death! I got to relate with him about the good old days when Pokemon was our only care in the world hahaha. We were blessed with the opportunity to talk to SO MANY people! And we obtained 3 or 4 potential investigators! I told Elder Dorsey before we started, "I have no idea where we are going to go, but I guess we'll just figure it out as we drive!" And we sure did pick the right street(s). I have definitely seen the Lord's hand in my life today, and I am grateful for all of my many blessings. We got transfer calls today!!! And I am staying and so is my companion! Elder Dorsey is the only missionary getting transferred in our District, and he goes home in January so he'll be transferred to his last area!

November 2nd, 2014

Today was a roller coaster of emotions! I have like not time left though so I can't write it all out! We got fed by the Bishop's family tonight for dinner and we had a chuck roast, it reminded me so much of home!

And today in the morning we helped Brother Edwards rake up his Acre and a half of leaves, then he took us out to Outback Steakhouse for Lunch, so that wasn't too bad! Haha. I am loving it here in Brighton! Thank you for all of your love and support that I feel from back home and from extended family, it means more than you know! I know that Heavenly Father works through OUR FAITH. I don't know how many times this phrase is repeated in the Book of Mormon and Bible: "and it shall be, according to their faith." When we show our faith to God and act on it, He promises that he will bless us. An Apostle has enlightened us with this paraphrased principle: When we are on our knees, that is great. We are showing our faith to Heavenly Father. But our answers rarely come there. They will come as we get on our feet and go to work. THEN, God has something to help us with. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Elder Goff, Elder Redd, Elder Beckstrom and Elder Dorsey

Handsome group!!