31 December, 2015 - Trainer Letter

31 December 2015

Wade and Marci Jewkes

                                                                345 E 450 S
                                                                Hyde Park, UT 84318
                                                                USA



Dear Brother and Sister Jewkes,

Elder Benjamin Coy Jewkes has been given the new assignment to serve as Trainer of a newly arrived missionary. He has received this assignment because of his dedication and unselfish service and because of the confidence the Lord has in him. He is a fine missionary.

The position of Trainer is considered the most important assignment in the mission, for it is the Trainer who establishes the foundation for his companion's success and the ultimate success of the mission. We appreciate his willingness to be an exemplary missionary.

We thank you for your continued support and prayers for your missionary and the work in the California Riverside Mission.

Sincerely,

John H. Mullen, PresidentCalifornia Riverside Mission

28 December, 2015 - Pictures!!!

Tumble Weed Mayhem

The ZL's put a tree in our shower!

28 December, 2015 - Christmas Week

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been an interesting week with the end of another transfer and Christmas, but it was fun and full of hard work.

Tuesday was our weekly D.D.M. meeting and lots was learned about getting investigators to church. Afterward we were able to see a few people, especially Edmundo. He is in a rough spot and I know that the church can really help him, it is just that he doesn't know that yet. He is the priority we have currently.

Wednesday had our Christmas Devotional at the Bradley Building in Menifee with half the mission. There we collaborated on our experience with reading the New Testament this transfer and had our testimony meeting. After we had a brunch, saw a slide show with pictures throughout the mission, and gathered presents for Christmas!  After we were able to pick up 2 new investigators, Angel and Daniel. They have great potential.

Thursday we had our weekly planning on Christmas Eve. It has to get done after all. Then we had our weekly Book of Mormon Study and Jeffry Allen (Inactive) is starting to get better. We had a zone activity where we did a Nerf War in the cultural hall in the stake center. It was tons of fun.

Friday was CHRISTMAS!!! I got to open the gifts my family got for me (Thank you so much by the way), I got to Skype my family at Bishop Johnson's house which was the highlight of the day, and had an excellent dinner with the Hanson's. It was an excellent day.

Saturday I got a call from President Mullen... I was called to train a new missionary who will fly in on Wednesday. My hand was shaking during and after the call for a long time. I didn't know how to react. First of all, that's a ton of responsibility. Second, That meant that I'll be having my 9th companion in 6 months. Why!?!?!? We got to see a ton of people and got to see Edmundo again with some members and they clicked so well. So I learned that Elder Moss is going to Sun City (By Menifee) Sister Cramer is also training/Sister Training Leader (Sister equivalent to Zone Leader), Elder Frost (My companion until Wednesday) is training as well. Elder Mayo is finally leaving MoVal to go to Lake Elsinore and Elder Smith (Who was also in the MTC with me) is replacing him. This has been the most normal transfer call I have seen so far.

Sunday we finally got Edmundo to church!!! We might have pulled the "I'm leaving and I wanted to say goodbye" card but you gotta do what you gotta do. After Church, Elder Moss went back to Lake Elsinore for a baptism... on our last day together. Jerk. Meantime, I was with the ZL's and Bro. Garcia from the bishopric until he got back.

Today we got to get Elder Moss out of here, touch in base with Elder Frost and plan out the next couple days until we get our greenies. I hate transfer P-days. Too much stress.

Well, I love you all and I need to get going. I miss you all and I'll write next week with information about my new companion.

Elder Jewkes

No Elder Moss got booted out. I get to train a new missionary!!! Maybe I'll be with him for longer than 6 weeks! So I guess I'll get my new "greenie" during Jeff's funeral. Way to play with an apostle present. Let's get the Jewkes Family Orchestra famous! (Hehe)

22 December, 2015 - To Jeff

Hey Jeff,

I have heard about how you are doing. It breaks my heart to hear about your pain but I know that the Lord has a great plan for you and as you endure to the end I know that you will have many blessing to come, most importantly the opportunity to be with your family forever. If I don't get to see you face-to-face again, I just wanted to let you know that I love you and I have learned many things from you. You have been a great example and I know that because of the Savior this goodbye won't be forever. I will get to see you again in the Celestial kingdom. I love you again and I hope that things will be better. Have a Merry Christmas! There should be a Christmas card coming soon from my Mom since I didn't know your address when I sent it. I love you and constantly pray for you! 

Elder Benjamin Jewkes    



Jeff passed away Christmas morning. We started off our Christmas skype with the sad news.

22 December, 2015- Christmas Week!

Dear Family and Friends,

I am SUPER SORRY for E-mailing late. The system crashed halfway through the e-mail and we got permission from the AP's to finish our e-mailing at a convenient time that doesn't affect proselyting so here is my chance to quickly tell my endeavors!

Tuesday was like any other Tuesday with D.D.M and whatnot. Certain highlights include picking up an investigator named Carol who we contacted 6 weeks ago but never got a hold of. After a few tries we are told to stop because at that time it is wasting our time. So that is what we did. However, there were Spanish Sisters walking into our area and ran into Carol and set an appointment. Since Carol was now considered a referral, we got to try stopping by again and we actually got in and began teaching. It was one of those great miracle stories.

Wednesday was fun. We had some time to do service for Salvation Army. It had been a while since we were able to serve them and it was fun making certain packages for needy families. We always have fun with that. This week had been crazy because we got 12 referrals from some Spanish sisters Saturday night for the Sunday appointments and Sunday night for the rest of them. More miracles...it's that time of year I guess.

Thursday we were on exchanges. I stayed in my area with Elder Lanley who had only been in the field for 5 weeks. It is still kinda weird because he is 23. His trainer is 18. I think some days are awkward for them. While we were doing our weekly Book of Mormon Study, Jeff Allen, a Less-Active was being down on himself since his mom died about 2 or 3 weeks ago. We decided to stop by on Friday to help lift up his spirits. It was an awkward experience for Elder Lanley since he never met the guy. The exchanges were a great learning opportunity for me.

Friday was our weekly planning. We haven't have a regular planning session at the regular time all transfer since things kept popping up. We were able to meet with Jeff and we convinced him to come to all 3 hours of church for the first time in years since he was in a time where he needed Christ in his life. We also ran into another Less-Active who originally told us he didn't have time for a message, changed his mind after we were about to mount on our bikes and go home for the night. It was a touching and spiritual day for us.

Saturday was a good day. We had found a PMF (part member family) and the husband isn't a member but said he would be willing to be baptized. The wife and son-in-law living there are Inactive and won't get much support from them, but he seems interested. Maybe he can get the rest of his family back into activity. This week has been full of miracles. I love it.

Sunday was church. We as a mission had a special fast for the work and it kinda sucked because the one time the Gospel Principles teacher brought treats, we were fasting. At least we got to bring them home for later. Also, Jeff came to the whole 3 hours of church. He looked really good. Jeff isn't in a good financial situation and he didn't have the best of clothing but a member took him to the Bishop's Storehouse and got him some nice church clothes and a haircut. He was really happy to feel like he could worship like everyone else in nice clothing.

Monday was P-day. I was able to get my birthday present (a new camera) since things were busy with ZL's moving around and whatnot and we never got the time to do so. A P-day is a P-day. Not much more to say.

Today we just had our weekly D.D.M meeting and had lunch and got to Emailing. On the agenda, we got a few people to stop by and one set appointment with a Recent Convert. 

Whew, got it in. It felt like a lot of stuff to talk about but it was all good. This week has been a blessing for me in many ways that I can't count them on my hand and my companion's hands combined. I love you all! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and whatnot.

Elder Jewkes  #ASaviorIsBorn




 That sucks about Jeff. That is super cool that a General Authority (if not an apostle) got to visit! Wow, that TV is huge! Did you watch the BYU/UoU football game on it? All the members are talking about it here. For the Skyping, Elder Moss and I will be doing that at Bishop Johnson's house at noon our time. (or around 12:00pm) I wish the ZL's could be there too, but they are going to Skype elsewhere. I don't have the address on me, but I can get it to you on Friday. Yeah a few of us are getting sick as well. Luckily I am fine and I do not want to get sick on Christmas for many reasons. The crazy thing is that the very next day are transfer calls! The ZL's are joking that Elder Moss and I will get doubled our and the ZL's will cover the whole ward. They are just jealous that we have ghetto. (Don't worry, it's better than Hemet )  I am SUPER excited to Skype on Friday!!! See you soon!

Pictures

Myself, Elder Battaglia (the other Elder that got sick), Elder Moss (my companion), and Elder Foy.

The Redlands Temple

Redlands Temple with Elder Cornia, 2nd of 8 companions.

Myself and Elder Moss

14 December, 2015 - Holiday Greetings!

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a Holly, Jolly season so far in Moreno Valley. No snow but it's still alright. It has been a good week.

Tuesday We had a special training by Elder Puskas about Bike Safety and Car Safety. It was good. There were videos on safety and maintenance. It was also ZDM this month and it was really good. It focused on obedience to mission rules and to feel the spirit and help others feel it as well. After ZDM, we tried to visit some members to show the new Christmas Video and did the usual things

Wednesday we had a lot of appointments that fell through, but we were able to set up some new ones with people we probably wouldn't have met otherwise. We also tried visiting some Less active members and potentials. We learned that one of our recent converts was moving to San Diego and we got his new address so we can send his records there. We also had dinner with my favorite members, the Nunley's. We always have fun there.

Thursday was our temple trip to Redlands. Before we left, we heard that a Less active's (Jeff's) mom had passed away early in the morning and we borrowed the ZL's car to get there ASAP. I felt so bad for Jeff. We reemphasized the Plan of Salvation with him and gave him some personal time. It was sad, the body was still there. We left before the Coroner came. It was a depressing start for the temple, but we were able to put Jeff's name in the temple. The session was great. We had Cafe Rio afterward, got home and got a few lessons in.

Friday was our weekly planning which is usually on Thursday's but the temple trip got in the way. I Don't think we had a normal planning session at the normal time this transfer. Crazy. We were able to pick up a new investigator, find some PMF"s and shown the video to a few more members. It was a good day.

Saturday we picked up 2 more investigators, met with some older ones who were struggling, and attended our ward Christmas party. It had a Polar Express theme with "railroad tracks" (Tracks made with Duct tape on the ground) which were kinda cool and the food was great. Turkey Dinner!!!

Sunday was church. No investigators came this week but hopefully next week we'll get more. We also went to a Missionary fireside, which is a Polynesian version of a farewell. It had lots of singing and food. The missionaries even had parts in the last number, for the last minute or so of the song. We also got another investigator. Hopefully, these investigators are solid and come to church.

Today we helped the ZL's to start moving out. We started with the heavy things with the whole zone and they will gradually move their stuff little by little so that they won't have a huge mess to organize. We also got some haircuts and are currently Emailing. Tonight, the Garcia's will drop off some Chinese food since our dinner appointment had to cancel and try to contact some referrals the Spanish sisters gave us yesterday.

It was a good week and this week has a lot of potential if all goes to plan. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas. I am just jealous that you guys got snow. Until next time.

Elder Jewkes

Answers:

 I can't believe Cameron changed his mind! What happened? I remember the Christmas parties! We had our ward party so far. There will be a mission party on the 23rd I believe with half the mission. Not 100% sure yet. I hope that Bro. Anderson is doing ok and that he feels better soon. I got my box on Wednesday and I enjoyed it!!! I like the little tree! So cute. Ok, for the apartment situation, the ZL's are moving out this week to their old apartment. Apparently the Jensen's (Senior Couple Missionaries) wanted the bigger apartment the mission found. We had some Elders come this morning to help move a ton (literally) of weights. Elder Foy apparently collected dumbbells, bars, weights, and 2 benches. He has his own portable Gym for 2. We'll see if I stay with the same companion. I would be totally shocked as well if that happens! Peeps are doing good. We have been finding more investigators this holiday season. When I first got here, there were no investigators and now there are 8 and counting. The temple was amazing as usual. It seemed smaller than last time, but oh well. The last time I went, I went with my 2nd companion in the field. This time, I went with my 7th in the field. In 12 weeks! I had as many companions that most missionaries have 18 months in. Something big is going to happen. I can just feel it. Elder Moss and I will Skype with the Hanson's who have a daughter on a mission and their son just left on the 2nd. Not sure the exact time yet. Will keep ya posted. I have found that a GPS is very useful, even on bike. It helps plan out your route and find member's homes. Best moment? Living with the ZL's. They like to have fun, but they help us be better missionaries at the same time. Cafe Rio was the best thing I ate. Our member who took us paid for all 4 of us. We were so so so grateful. Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 and Matt. 1:23 . I miss you already, plus the apartment will be cleaner now that the ZL's will move out.

7 December, 2015 - Another Week

Dear Family and Friends,

Things has been interesting around here in MoVal. Another missionary going home and the whole San Bernardino thing. Everything is good though.

Tuesday our weekly DDM meeting where we as a district decided to strive for 20 lessons a week during the holiday season and work on keeping dinner appointments an hour or less as stated in the handbook. Afterward we were able to get 3 lessons in today with an investigator and a Less-Active/Recent Convert. We had dinner at our Ward Mission Leader's home and talked about the work in the Lasselle ward.

Wednesday was also good. We got 4 lessons in today. We ran into one of our investigators in the street on our way to a Recent Convert who disappeared. We set an appointment for tomorrow after talking on the street for about an hour. We also ran into a less-active who used to go on team-ups with the missionaries. We asked him to come to an appointment with us but he said he wanted a week to get in shape spiritually. Also got super close to getting 2 new investigators. We showed them the Christmas video and invited them to learn more but they said they weren't at the time in their lives to look for a church. At least the seed has been planted.

Thursday we had 5 lessons which is really good. We met up with Ed, the investigator from yesterday. He is really interesting in the "Mormon". We also had our weekly Book of Mormon Study, met some members and had a lesson with Jose, who is 14. I don't think they are too interested if they ask how much longer you will be coming to his house. Also our mailbox was broken. When we went to check mail it was open and the lock was broken off. We told the front office and they said they'll work on it.

Friday wasn't as good. We had our weekly planning since Thursday was busy. The mailbox got fixed, but they just replaced the lock which meant we had to get a new key. Luckily there was no charge and now I have a key for nothing. I'll keep it and call is my Priesthood Key. After that was said and done, we only had 3 hours to work before we had to report to the Stake Center for the Creche festival. It was also the night we had exchanges so we started the exchange there since Elder Olsen, the DL was there as well. I guess Elders Moss and Lanley got 2 lessons in afterward since they left with the ZL's early since there wasn't a big enough of a turn out for 6 missionaries.

Saturday I was on exchanges with Elder Olsen in the Hidden Springs Ward, It was a good day. We met with a Less-active and their Ward Mission Leader, had Lunch at Subway, like when Olsen was on exchanges with the ZL's earlier this week, met some members in Retcher Canyon on the North Boarder of the mission, got smoothies since a member just dropped $40 dollars for the both of us. The money stayed in the area. We had dinner and went back to the Festival since Olsen had investigators coming. Then, we exchanged back. Meanwhile, Elder Moss got 5 lessons in our area with Elder Lanley which totals up to 7 since we exchanged.

Sunday was church, then we had a "Break the Fast" at the Merrill's, watched the new Christmas video, and watched the Christmas Devotional...which was broadcasted at the Festival. So I went to all 3 days!!! Which was really fun because there was music also. 1 Lesson and the total was 21 lessons for the week. Goal Achieved!

Today we went bowling as a Zone, I got a 136 and a near turkey! New high score!! Then we got lunch, currently E-mailing, then we will get haircuts, shop, eat dinner at a Member's and get back to work.

This week was really good. Yet, there is always room for improvement. I am looking forward for the upcoming week. I am OK with all the craziness happening around the area. I miss you all and have a happy Holiday Season!!!

Elder Jewkes

P.S. A lot of Members in the Hidden Springs ward has connections with Cache Valley which is super cool. Some of our members do as well. Most people talk about Salt Lake or Provo. There is more Utah than Salt Lake and Provo people!!!



Answers:

 It took me awhile to register that as well. For our zone, we got a call from our Zone Leaders and they told us to continue Proselyting with extra caution. Also heard about a violent robbery in the Riverside Mall recently. The world is too crazy! Nice, my own shrine!!! Can I see a picture of it? Cookiekah is going strong then? There are some decorations up in the apartment. There are still 4 elders for at least another week. I hope they move out before they exchange with the AP's. They are kinda intimidating.  The transfer calls are the day after Christmas so I am spending Christmas in Moreno Valley. (At least it's not Hemet right?) The weather is alright. It started to warm up again. I wear a sweater at night not because it's cold, but for the stupid wind chill from bike riding. I feel like a wimp. Moreno Valley is pretty big, there are defiantly palm trees but not a ton, there are "mountains" in the area. Most of the good sized mountains are by Hemet/Idyllwild area. A little smog, 7 wards: 5 English, 1 Spanish, and 1 Samoan. I never thought of taking pictures of Church houses. Will do. A lot of our investigators are teens in high school and with finals they are really busy, but William is doing alright. There is an investigator named Edmundo Bonilla who is really stuggling: anxiety, family issues, payments, etc) so it would be great to pray for him. Is Kyall praying for my current companion or for all 8? Does she even remember all 8? I barley can. Not much from Salt Lake for now. I heard from other missionaries the Christmas contact will be via SKYPE.

2 December, 2015 - Shooting Information

2 December 2015

Dear Brother and Sister Jewkes,

We write to let you know that there has been a shooting in San Bernardino today, which is just north of the California Riverside Mission.  The gunmen are on the loose and still need to be apprehended.  We have notified all of our missionaries in northern part of the mission nearest to San Bernardino.  Other areas of the mission are at least a half hour away.  We are accounting for all missionaries in the northern part of our mission and are asking those missionaries on the north side of the mission to return to their quarters.

Rest assured that the safety of our missionaries is our highest priority.  As always, we thank you for your support of your sons and daughters as they serve the Lord here, and appreciate your prayers in their behalf.

With our love and appreciation,

President John H. Mullen and Sister Jana

President John Mullen and Sister Jana Mullen

PART  2

Dear Brother and Sister Jewkes,

With regard to the shooting in San Bernardino, the police have issued an “all clear” and lifted the “shelter in place” warning even in San Bernardino.  The police pursued the shooters into Redlands, which is also outside of the California Riverside Mission.  They shot and killed the two individuals who were definitely involved.  While they are not sure that a third person was not involved, they have detained that person as well.



All missionaries in the California Riverside Mission are safe and accounted for.

Again with our love and gratitude,