7 November, 2016 - A great Week!

Us with Vicky!

Zone Picture. When I first got here our zone was 10 missionaries... now it's 17!

Us at the baptism with the Little Lake sisters who originally found her.

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been amazing! Lots of good happened and many things learned and new things experienced as well as miracles witnessed. Anyways...

TUESDAY- was a great DDM! The amazing thing happened afterwards. So flashback to when Elder Briggs arrived. That night we were to drop off a car for the Little Lake Sisters and the other Elders drove the truck with everyone's bikes home and we were to meet up afterwards. During that time while the other Elders were unloading a companionship, Elder Brigg's bike was stolen . Some guy cut the tie-down used to keep the bikes and only took his. Anyway, today we saw someone riding a bike that looked a lot like his, so we followed him and called the cops and long story short, it was his bike!!! He also had a receipt so that we can prove it and went home with his bike! Miracles!!! Then later that day we found a new investigator, Joyce, and had a good night of work. The other miracle of the day because we didn't get out until 5pm that day.

WEDNESDAY- we had a luncheon with the stake president and went seeking until it was time to fill the font for Vicky's baptism! It was a super amazing experience! That was basically the day.

THURSDAY- we did our weekly planning and then we did service at the Historic Hemet Theatre again. I spent 2 hours vacuuming seats. Not the funnest thing we did. Then we went out and about and had a slow leak so the night was cut a little short but that's ok,it was still a good day.

FRIDAY- us DL's had a DL training in Riverside so we were there for most of the day, but afterwards we had dinner at Jack-in-the-Box and went out with our ward mission leader for the rest of the night.

SATURDAY- we had service putting up 1,776 flags at Gibbons Park for Veteran's day Week. Then we finalized Vicky's record to send in on Monday. The bad part was that we had to drop an investigator because he got hung up on super deep doctrine that he didn't agree with, which is always frustrating. He knows the Book of Mormon is true but he's afraid to act on it. Then we had dinner at a High Priest Group Activity...I wasn't the youngest one there, Elder Briggs was. Then we got another flat so we got a ride home.

SUNDAY- was great! Vicky got confirmed, her non-member husband was there. I think he enjoyed the classes. Kiah and Jaime were also there. Kiah is so close to baptism, just one more lesson and an interview and he'll be baptized in a week or two! Then we went seeking and had Jumbaliah for the first time. It was good! So was the shrimp. The only problem was that Bro. Herterich shared a story of how he got food poisoning from bad shrimp then he fed us shrimp. Didn't get sick so that was good.

TODAY- we played soccer at a park and played a 10-person game of Uno or two or seven. Now we are going to E-mail and eat lunch and play more games until dinner. 

This week was amazing! I love you all!

Until Next Time,

Elder Jewkes

Yummy Cookies!

Historic Hemet Theater is the Business of the year...and it's being renovated...

2 November, 2016 - Christmas package letter

2 November 2016

Dear Brother and Sister Jewkes,

The year is passing quickly and the Christmas season will soon be here. This is a wonderful time to do missionary work.  People’s hearts are turned to the Savior. They are thinking of others and their hearts are softened. A new video will soon be released by the Church, giving members and missionaries alike an opportunity to share with others thoughts about the Savior. Many people are looking for guidance in their lives and your missionary has light to bring to them.

Thank you for supporting Elder Jewkes through emails, letters and your prayers. Your love and support mean so much to him. We will write about Christmas phone calls in a future email, but it is time to share some guidelines about sending Christmas gifts to your missionary. Will you please share these with family members and friends who may also be mailing gifts?

Please remember that a mission is a time of consecration for missionaries. Gifts that do not distract them from the work are best: clothing, restaurant gift cards, pens, scripture marking items, personal grooming items, appropriate music or art (that which draws their thoughts to the Savior), family pictures. Two items available through store.lds.org would also make good gifts: “The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos, 50 scenes from the Gospels,” and “Gospel Art Book” ($5 and $3.50 respectively. These are also available at Distribution Centers). Please do not send: books not in the approved missionary library, dart boards, bow and arrow sets, etc. (think apartment damage), knives (not allowed for missionaries), games that take more than a half hour to play (they can only use them on preparation day), things that will disturb other apartment dwellers (think noise).

 Please mail packages to the mission office:  5900 Grand Ave., Riverside, CA 92504

 * This prevents packages being stolen from beneath apartment mailboxes.

* It also prevents packages from getting lost when missionaries must move.

Important:  All packages will be delivered to missionaries as they arrive.  (This is a change from last year!)

Please mark Christmas packages DO NOT OPEN UNTIL CHRSITMAS so that your missionary will know which ones to save for Christmas day.

 Packages that arrive after December 20th CANNOT be delivered until after Christmas.

We understand that missions are expensive and that a family’s circumstances can change quickly. It would be our joy to help your missionary receive Christmas gifts if you are unable to send them. Let Sister Just know by calling 951-788-9690.

With love,

President John Mullen and Sister Jana Mullen

31 October, 2016 - Happy Halloween Everybody!

Me with Elder Briggs. Our ward mission leader is photobombing our pic

us trainers doing the duck face with Pringle chips on the way to Riverside.

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been a good one! From 4 investigators to church to a baptism coming up on the 2nd. We are super excited! So this is how the week went...

TUESDAY- we went to Riverside to pick up the new greenies! We had a lot of fun! There were 3 of us training from Hemet so we all rode together! We had a lot of fun. My new greenie is Elder Briggs. He is from Burley, Idaho and is 6' 4"! The only bad thing was that Elder Briggs' bike got stolen the first night in Hemet , but he has a bike to borrow until he can get a new one.

WEDNESDAY- we had our weekly DDM. It was about having the faith to baptize converts. It was a good one. My district now has the Spanish Trio so our district went from 4 missionaries to 7! WE almost doubled in size! After lunch we went to get Elder Briggs some food since he didn't have any. Then we started teaching Zackary and Julie. They seem sincere but hard to catch. Then we went to the ward Trunk-or-Treat. It was a lot of fun! We had an investigator and a Part Member Family attend so it was a good missionary opportunity.

THURSDAY- we had our weekly planning and had a lesson with Vicky. She is doing awesome! She is getting baptized this Wednesday! (Nov 2) It is super exciting! Then we had dinner with Bishop Minor and went out with our Ward Mission Leader and saw Eric. The lesson ended up in a bash about how the Fall was part of the Plan of Salvation and that it needed to happen. Eric didn't think so... but he said he'll come to church.

FRIDAY- we updated our referrals after studies and tried some people before lunch. Afterwards, we tried some people before we went to service. We went to a old folk's home and helped run a Fall Festival. We were in charge of the Cake Walk. The prize was a whole cake! Not a piece, not a single cupcake, but a whole box! It was crazy! A table full of diabetes! Then we had dinner with the Gonzalez Family which is always fun!

SATURDAY- we went to see Zack and Julie...they weren't home. After lunch we found Davion who is on date for  baptism. We asked him why he wanted us to come back and he said that something told him to invite us back. I think it was the spirit.... We also had a lesson with Kiah, our other golden investigator ready for baptism. The lesson was short since he didn't have time but it was still good. After that our ward mission leader took us to Hometown Buffet! Super good...until I literally ate too much and threw up...so we stayed in the rest of the night.

SUNDAY- was amazing! We had 4 investigators to church...FOUR! It was fabulous! Kiah, Vicky, Eric, and Jaime all came! We were super excited! Vicky also had her baptismal interview and she is all good to go. Then we went out with Scotty to see some people but no one was home. Then we had dinner with President Minor from the stake presidency. They always feed us right! Then we reported our numbers planned.

TODAY- we had breakfast, did laundry, played some board games with other elders and we are E-mailing right now. Then we will shop, play more games, eat dinner and have a zone activity for the whole night since it's a holiday! Super excited!

Well, that's the life in Park Hill (Hemet)! I miss you all, Happy Halloween, and Happy Holidays (they are just around the corner after all)

Until Next Time...

Elder Jewkes

24 October, 2016 - A new transfer, same area, new greenie

Me chillin' with the mission map...each tag represents a transfer and each one has my companion's name on it...

Dear Family and Friends,

So another transfer is under way in the California Riverside Mission. So, Elder Rose got transferred to Riverside and I am staying put here in Hemet. I will be training a new missionary...again...for a 3rd time. I must be good at it or something. Any way the week went like this...

MONDAY- was any other typical P-day. We played Ultimate Frisbee at a park in San Jacinto and played card games with the Diamond Valley Elders and the Valle Vista Elders. It was a ton of fun. Then we had dinner and tried some people with no luck.

TUESDAY- we had a great DDM. I had Elder Rose give the training and he did a great job! I don't know why he is always so down on himself. But afterward we tried people with no luck. Dinner was Carl's Jr ( we had members give us money) at the end of the day.

WEDNESDAY- was an alright day. Elder Rose had an appointment in Riverside so I was with the Valle Vista Elders for a few hours. Then we helped a member pack up some boxes of books, and by boxes I mean a ton of boxes! This lady had 1000's of books collected over the years. We spent like 3 hours boxing them up...and we were only half way done. Then we went seeking and had dinner at the end of the day since our dinner cancelled.

THURSDAY- we did service at the Historic Hemet Theatre again. It was fun finding old posters from the good ole days. Then we saw our golden investigator, Vicky. She is super ready. Hopefully she will be baptized next Wednesday. Then we tried some other people with not as much luck. Then we had more money to eat dinner at McDonalds. We just haven't been in member's homes to eat this week but this next week is packed so we're good.

FRIDAY- we did our weekly planning and tried some people like we always do. We saw golden investigator #2 Kiah. He is doing great! He had an amazing miracle. his left arm and leg were paralyzed from a stroke 8 years ago and during the 3rd hour when he stood to introduce himself he had unusual strength and was able to extend his fingers on his left hand for the first time in years which qualifies him for physical therapy! Super amazing! The gospel is changing his life. Then we had dinner with our ward mission leader.

SATURDAY- I got the call to train a new missionary @7:28 am. The rest of the day was rough, no ne was home and we cleaned up the apartment for the new missionary. Then we found out that Elder Rose was being transferred to Riverside.

SUNDAY- we had 2 people at church, had lunch with a member and his family since he was having a baby blessing. Then we went to the hospital to give a blessing, us being the elders in the area. Then we spent the rest of the day packing and having dinner with the Tanuvasa's. Everyone was shocked that Rose was leaving. Everyone was expecting me to leave...

TODAY- we said goodbye to some members and sent Elder Rose off to Riverside. Now I am with Valle Vista Elders and E-mailing where tomorrow I will pick up my greenie in Riverside.

Well that was my week!

Until next time...

Elder Jewkes

 

 

 Yeah, so I'm staying put in Hemet. After this transfer will be 9 month in Park Hill. I am training a new missionary again. Don't know why but I'll have fun with it. So I might be in Park Hill for Christmas, at least I will for Halloween and Thanksgiving. I don't know who my new companion is but I hope he's part Asian. Elder Doi is a 1/4 Japanese and Elder Rose is 1/2 Pilipino. It would be cool if the trend continues but we'll see. Look forward to that package!

 

Yeah I'm still a DL. It is just weird to train again back to back, not a lot of missionaries do that.

 

23 October, 2016 - Trainer letter from President Mullen

23 October 2016

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

17 October, 2016 - An amazing week!

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been a miracle! It has been the best week we had since I came back to Hemet! Things are looking up! Anyways...

TUESDAY- was the first day of Senior Week! We had our monthly ZDM, but first we had to run to the hardware store so that Elder Rose could get some new tubes. Everyone but me seems to have the bike problems. My bike should be named "Old Faithful" I guess. Anyway, After ZDM (and lunch) we finished our 12 week study and we went contacting until dinner with the Wallace's. They were in the middle of a carpet cleaning so the house was a mess, but that's ok. Then we went with our ward mission leader to visit some people with no luck. Then we got home and let Elder Rose take the lead in planning (It is senior week after all)!

WEDNESDAY- I was reading in the ensign and I found Hemet! Yep, Hemet was the scene of one of the Latter-Day Voices section and the Dunn's that were talked about were the Dunn's from our ward! That was pretty impressive! After studies we tried some people, ate lunch, and went seeking. Elder Rose has this fear of bees so when one flew by during a contact he freaked out. The funny thing was that the bee pursued so Elder Rose got on his bike and rode halfway down the block before he realized the bee flew off! It was pretty funny. I told him that it happened because he is such a "Rose"! Then, we had dinner at a Vietnamese place with Brother Minor. Then Elder Rose had his fresh Jalapenos soak in his soup too long and he almost died from the spice! We had to ask for more broth to dilute the spice. Then we were able to see a Part Member Family. They wanted to feed us for dinner and we happened to have a spot open for Saturday! It all works out! Then we biked home to plan.

THURSDAY- was great. We gave a member a blessing and after our studies we did our weekly service at the Historic Hemet Theater. It was great...and dirty as usual. The only thing out of the ordinary was that we got a call from President Mullen during service. I guess he wanted to meed with Elder Rose. I hope everything is alright... then we did our weekly planning and Bro. Johnson took us out to In-N-Out. He said that there should be one on the east side of town...I said they should be one in Cache Valley! He understood since he grew up in Logan actually...small world. Then we saw Tony and Jaime with Bro Johnson. It was a good day! Then we got home to plan.

FRIDAY- we drove all the way to Riverside to meet with President Mullen (we borrowed Valle Vista's car). The interview was private between Elder Rose and President Mullen. I guess he has some anxiety issues and President gave him some personal suggestions for him that will help. Please pray for him. After we got back we were able to pick up a golden investigator named Vicky. She was being taught by the Little Lake Sisters and went to their ward 3 times, but lives in our area so we took over and invited her to our ward. She really wants to get baptized! Then we tried some people and had dinner with the Gonzalez Family and Jaime and her daughter Jillian were there! It was a great dinner and gospel conversation about eternal families. Then we got home later than usual to plan.

SATURDAY- after studies we visited people with no luck. After lunch we meet with Roxanne...who was pretty drunk so we kept the visit short. We went with Adam Gonzales to see Kiah and to get a ride to church organized. Then we had dinner with that PMF that we saw on Wednesday. That was a fun dinner. They are super cool! Bro. Solami served his mission in Guatemala and shared some epic stories! Then we got a ride home from them and planned for tomorrow.

SUNDAY- was the miracle...we had 3 investigators to church! Yep, 3 not one but 3!! It was great. Jaime, Kiah, and Vicky all came! Now we have some progressing investigators. The day was full of gratitude for the Lord and what He blessed us with for our efforts. Then we sent seeking and had dinner with the Ika's. Now the Ika's are Samoan and we went to their extended family, the Steven's, house and had a party...and you know what Samoan get together are like...lots of food. I thought it was a great week to celebrate and this was the way to do it. Elder Rose being part Filipino really enjoyed the Polynesian food we ate.

So that was our week. It was super great. The miracle was that most of the success happened from Thursday on...so that's why we must endure to the end. Makes sense. I love you all!

Until Next Time...

Elder Jewkes

We found a cute little egg pan! It is the perfect size for egg sandwiches!

10 October, 2016 - Week of Exchanges

 just chillin' on P-day

the two random toilets

a nice sunset in San Jacinto

 

 

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been fabulous! There were lots of good things that happened. New investigators, Training (always fun), Summer coming to an end! It just doesn't get much better than this. Anywho...

TUESDAY- we actually had exchanges! I was in Echo Hills with Elder Beigle who goes home in 2 weeks. We started with DDM then we went to Riverside because the ZL's needed a new phone because they dropped it...from a tree... after they threw it up...everything's all good, except they lost all of their contacts so they had to start all over. Then we had a late lunch, all appointments fell through and after dinner we took the member that fed us to see a Less-Active family. It was a long day. Elder Beigle had to take Benadryl so I drove the rest of the night because he was so out of it. Elder Rose and Elder Drebot found 2 new investigators: Shantel and Angelia so the day went alright.

WEDNESDAY- we had our once-a-transfer luncheon with Bob Davis. He is basically the stake mission leader. After the luncheon we went to see Manny but he was at school for the day so we went seeking in their neighborhood instead. Then we found James and talked with him for only 10 minutes, he needed to go to a rehab session to quit alcohol. He is doing great. Then we had dinner with the Brown's which is always good with blue Jello and homemade applesauce! Then we tried some potentials with no luck and went home to plan for tomorrow.

THURSDAY- there wasn't much that happened. We had studies then we went to do service for the Historic Hemet Theatre again. This time we finished the bolts so we got to sweep out the bottom of the stage. It was super bad. I was coughing for the rest of the day. Then, we did our weekly planning, went seeking and had dinner with the Gonzalez family. Super good as usual. Then we had to rush back to our apartment because the ZL's had packages for us. I got a little care package from the Hyde Park 2nd Ward Primary. It was super awesome and unexpected. They gave me a Spanish and English Book of Mormon to give. More details to come later.

FRIDAY- had not much event. We tried some old potentials and visiting Alec with no luck. After lunch we went to see some potentials in a certain area. No one was home nor outside. We now know where not to go on a weekday afternoon. We also found two random toilets on the street corner...that's Hemet for ya! Then we went seeking and while we were we got a call from the Little Lake sisters. They told us that they have an investigator for us who lives in our area and she was taught the restoration and attended church 2 times already! Blessings for diligence!! Then we had dinner and prepped for exchanges!

SATURDAY- yep exchanges again. It was my exchange this time, me being the District Leader. I went to the Spanish ward to work with Elder Lewis. We couldn't get in with anyone but we talked to a ton of people. Half of them Spanish. I was able to even give out that Spanish Book of Mormon that I got in my package! It was super sweet. After exchanges we went back to plan for tomorrow.

SUNDAY- no one came to church but it was still a good day. After church we picked up a new investigator named Gabriel. He is super cool. Then we went seeking. Right as we got the number of contacts we needed, we got a flat (Well, Elder Rose got the flat, my bike is "Ole Faithful") and we were 2 miles away from the apartment. So we called a member to come get us and 2 people offered to help us out while we were waiting for said member to get us. On the way back, Adam (member) asked if we had a Book of Mormon that he could give to a friend, so I gave him the English one I got in my package. Then we had dinner dropped off and went to see some referrals before we ended the night with reporting and planning.

TODAY- so far we played Volleyball, had lunch and E-mailed. Afterward we are going to play some board games (we got laundry done in the morning and we shop for 2 weeks worth at a time) have dinner with the Johnson's and see some Part Member Families.

So that was our week. This upcoming week is "Senior Week" where my boy (Elder Rose) gets to take over the area for a week. He took over an area twice this past week so this will be easy for him. Wish us luck and put us in your prayers.

Until Next Time,

Elder Jewkes

3 October, 2016 - The week of General Conference

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been a very interesting week. Multizones, General Conference, it was just fabulous! Anyway...

TUESDAY- after studies we went to see some old potentials with not much luck. After lunch, we tried some more current potentials with the same results. We went seeking before the Fioritos dropped off some food for us then we went to see some less actives. Then we got home to plan.

WEDNESDAY- we had our weekly planning session since we have multizones tomorrow. After that and lunch, we were able to get in with Eric. He's doing well, but doesn't seem to have the right motives to learn. We had dinner with the Dunn's and did our seeking before and after dinner to end the night,

THURSDAY- we had Multi-zones! It was great. The themes were extending the commitments throughout the lesson, contacting, dealing with Agnostics, Atheists and Antagonists (super helpful), and Deet. Yeah, free bug spray! After Multi-zones we were able to see Kiah and put him on date for baptism. He has a desire to be baptized! It's great. So for dinner we got money since Sis Scalzo was sick. With that and a coupon, I got 2 Big Mac meals. It was great!

FRIDAY- we went seeking after studies and after lunch we were able to see Naomy and Ranee, which was good because it has been a while since we saw them. Then, we went with Adam to see Ken. Ken is doing good as well. He also has a date for baptism. Then we had dinner and did some moving help for some less actives in the Valle Vista ward.

SATURDAY- was conference so we spent the day at the stake center so that we can watch the broadcast. After priesthood session, we ate dinner at Grandma Pearson's since we didn't have a dinner. Then we planned for tomorrow.

SUNDAY- we watched the rest of conference. After we went seeking until dinner with the Bishops. After we did a little more seeking until it got dark where we then did our 12 week study. And planned for tomorrow.

TODAY- we played Trasketball (picture ultimate Frisbee with a soccer ball trying to hit a large upside down trash can with a goalie) had lunch and E-mailed. After we have dinner with the De Tomaso's and have an appointment with Manny.

Well, that was our week. I love you all.

Until Next Time...

Elder Jewkes

26 September, 2016 - Rain!!

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been an awesome here in Hemet. Some good things, some learning experiences, and another week to serve the Lord. So...

MONDAY- we played soccer at the stake center and then did the usual p-day stuff: shopping, E-mailing, etc. After dinner with the Wallace's, we went to try someone and then we just walked back to our apartment and did our laundry while planning and getting ready for bed and stuff.

TUESDAY- we had our weekly DDM. Before hand, the Zone Leaders had a little training on how to improve our contacts to find more people to teach. DDM was really weird now that there are only 2 companionships. It was also short, but good. After lunch and studies we went out...in the rain. It was great. Elder Rose totally biffed while biking around. The bike slid from underneath him. It was kinda funny. Then, we went tracting. That only happens here when it rains. We talked to some cool people and found a few potentials. Then, we had dinner dropped off and tried some more people. That was our day in the rain!

WEDNESDAY- we went seeking in the morning after studies. Then after lunch we went to an old folk home and played Bingo with old people! It was awesome! I was the caller since I suck at bingo. After, we went seeking and had a lesson with Alec. We taught him everything and we are getting his baptismal interview set up. Super excited. Then, we had dinner at the Gonzale's and celebrated Ruby's 15th birthday. It was awesome. Then we got home to plan.

THURSDAY- we had service at the Historic Hemet Theatre. It was awesome. We spent 2 hours tightening bolts on the seats. That theatre is almost 100yrs old and is still functioning! After service and lunch we did our weekly planning, went seeking, had dinner with the Sorto's and managed to see a part-member family. Before getting ready for exchanges tomorrow with the Spanish Elders.

FRIDAY- So, we had exchanges with the Spanish Elders...I went to their ward...so I had no idea what everyone was saying. High School Spanish has failed me!! We still had a good day. Saw some people, had a lesson. We then exchanged back. Our area had a good day. They talked to a lot of people, had a lesson with Kiah, it was great.

SATURDAY- was a normal, but long day. We tried by some people with no luck we talked to a few people through out the day. We found a new guy named Edward and he said he was praying to get help fixing his life and to get back on the path and then we showed up. #miracles! After that we got home to plan for tomorrow.

SUNDAY- Today was Fast/Primary Program Sunday! It was sick. The little kids were awesome. Alec came to church as well! He stayed for Sunday School but had to leave after to work in Perris. Then after church we had our studies and had dinner with the Minor's. They fed us some nice stake! Our bishop was proud that our ward feeds missionaries the best. They aren't wrong. After dinner we met with Chris and Anthony&Debrah. Good lessons. Then we got home to plan for tomorrow.

TODAY- we went up to Idyllwild to go hiking on a trail called Devil's Slide. It was a lot of fun. Elder Carillo and I tried to find the Lost 10 Tribes of Israel. We were calling out "Dan!?" "Reuben!?". It was great. It took longer than we thought it would so we got back, ate quick lunch, and got here to E-Mail.

So later today we are going to try to see some people after dinner with the Wallace's and get home and do our laundry again during planning.

So that was our week. This week, we have zone conferences, General Conference Weekend (Mormon thing like Labor Day weekend) and some potential appointments. We'll see how it all goes. I miss you all. Have fun whatever you are doing!

Until next time...

Elder Jewkes

Rain in Cali!!! (+rainbow + palm trees)

Best stuff in California

I found a Limo! (kinda redneck but still a Limo)

19 September, 2016 - The start of a new transfer

Dear Family and Friends,

So this was the first week of the new transfer. I stayed in Hemet with Elder Rose (2nd time with a companion for longer than a transfer). It got hot thought out the week on bike but that's alright we had a pretty good week anyways.

MONDAY- we signed transfer journals for those who were leaving/played basketball. After E-mailing, we hung out with the Valle Vista Elders and played monopoly for hours. Then after P-day, we got in with Eric. He has a super intellect approach to the lessons but it's a start and we can see the change that is happening in him. Baptism is a concern because he was already baptized...twice. It's a process. That was it for the day.

TUESDAY- we got some free haircuts from a member of the Valle Vista ward. She had been doing that for 20 years so she is pretty pro. Then, we went seeking, had lunch, did our studies when it is super hot and no one is out. Then we tried a bunch of people from investigators to potenials to backlogs to referrals and we got in with no one! We had dinner with the De Tomaso's. That was about our day. We went home and planned.

WEDNESDAY- we had our ZDM meeting. Both districts were there of coarse. My district and Elder Porter's district. The only change of the transfer for me was that my district went from 3 total companionships to 2. Now I have the Spanish Elders in my district. YAY. After ZDM, we had lunch and finished our studies. Then we had an appointment with Eddie which fell through and then we tried other people with no luck. Then we got back to plan.

THURSDAY- I had a meeting in Riverside for all the district leader so My companion and Elder Porter's companion stayed in my area while we went to the meeting. We left at 7:40am, the meeting started at 9 and we got home at 3:30. It was a long meeting about being a District Leader. It was my 3rd time being there. After, we had an appointment fall through so we tried other people with no luck. Then we had dinner with the Gonzale's which is always super fun. It is awesome to hear Adam Gonzale's Sr.'s testimony every time and it really lifts up my spirits every time.

FRIDAY- we had our weekly planning session. We went with a member to see some people with no luck but he took us to In-N-Out afterwards so that was fun. Then after lunch, I had Elder Frisby while Elder Porter had a doctor's appointment in Riverside so we spent most of the time seeking...the 3 of us...we looked like the mafia or something. After we dropped off Elder Frisby, we tries some people with no luck and we had a late dinner since lunch was our "dinner appointment" and came home to plan.

SATURDAY- we went seeking for 2 hours to find more people to visit/teach then we had lunch. After we did studies and went to our appointments with Debra and Eddie, which both fell through...but we got to see Ken in the process so that was neat. He had some concerns about the Book of Mormon "you can't add to the bible". So we explained it and committed him to read it and to pray about it. Then we had dinner with Sister Pearson from the Valle Vista Ward since we had no dinner. After we went to the Adult Session of Stake Conference. It was neat it was about following the prophet. Then we got home at 9:30 and planned. 

SUNDAY- we had the general session of Stake Conference. We had 2 members from our ward speak: Bro. Campbell from the bishopric and President Minor of the Stake Presidency. The theme was "we thank thee O God for a prophet". After conference we had lunch and did our studies and we went to see Aaron who wasn't home so we saw Eric instead. He is making some progress and just wants to meet his Maker. He just wants to go Home. So we are helping him be ready for when it is time to go Home. Then we got home and planned for tomorrow.

This week was full of testimony builders from the Book of Mormon from teaching Ken and the Plan of Salvation to Eric. Being a missionary just gives you the opportunity to bear your testimony and to let it grow. Rather if it be a full-time missionary of a member missionary. Member missionaries get the same opportunity to build and bear your testimony. I love you all! You'll hear from me next week.

Until Next Time...

<3 Elder Jewkes 

Everything is going great! I know, heat sucks. It got warm this week when it started to get cool. Mother Nature is really playing some mean jokes right now. Nice, Ryanne chose percussion. We can Jazz out when I get back. I want a bass to play here but that will pe pretty tricky to get.  But I could use an electric shaver. That will save money and time. The suits are working great. No issues yet. We have a baptism scheduled for 28 Sept but he needs to overcome smoking first. It might get changed. By the way, I only had 1 can of Soda. I think the grossest thing I ever got was Jamaca. Some weird Mexican drink that was pretty bitter.

12 September, 2016 - A new transfer is about to begin

Dear Family and Friends,

This is the start of a new transfer...and I still have Elder Rose! Guys, this is the 2nd time I had a companion for 2 transfers.,,I am starting transfer#11...Elder Rose is my 13th companion. My mission has been crazy! Anyways...

MONDAY- was P-Day. We e-mailed, shopped, and played some pool at a member's house. After dinner, we didn't really get in with anyone.

TUESDAY- we had DDM. The Zone Leaders made a bet with the San Jacinto Zone that we could find more investigators than them. Winning zone got free fountain drinks. It was on! It was Elder Cressman's last one so that was a bitter-sweet moment. Then we had lunch and studies. After, we went seeking for a while we got in with Ken Wagner ( a new investigator) and put him on date for 12 Oct for baptism. After trying by potentials, we had dinner. After, we tried some people with no luck and we went to our apartment to plan.

WEDNESDAY- we went seeking in the morning, had lunch, did our studies in the afternoon, tried people, ate dinner and tried people. That was our day. No one was home or let us in.

THURSDAY- Elder Porter had another doctor appointment so we had a car for the day. Always fun, we tried so see people with no luck. We really didn't see anyone which sucks but next week will be better. After we went seeking had dinner and tried some more people before it got dark. Hemet is not a place where you want to be out at night. Then we got back to the apartments to plan.

FRIDAY- we had studies, did some service at Salvation Army. Afterwards, we had our weekly planning session, went seeking, had dinner and tried some people with no luck.

SATURDAY- we had a blitz for the Valle Vista Ward. It was alright. Then we had lunch and finished our studies. Then we went to see some potentials in a certain area to find as many new investigators as possible. Then we had dinner at a missionaries

SUNDAY- we had Alec come to church! YAY. He has gone 3 times now and is looking good towards baptism. After, we went to see Kiah with Bro. Tanuvasa and then we went on visits with the Elders Quorum Presidency and had dinner with Bro. Tanuvasa. Then we had studies and got ready for the next transfer. (By the way: we lost the bet, but the Zone Leaders had to pay for the drinks so it was nothing)

Well, that was our week and we are about to begin a new transfer. I love you all! Talk to all ya'll next week!

Until next time...

Elder Jewkes

Gift from 3yr old (kids love me)

5 September, 2016 - Another week in Hemet

Dear Family and Friends,

It feels like I just E-mailed all ya'll yesterday. Well, it has been a short week since I last e-mailed (5 days to be exact). This one might be shorter than other ones but you can see why. Anyways...

WEDNESDAY- was our temple trip as I had said last week. It was super amazing to go. We ran into some sister missionaries from the Rancho Cucamonga Mission. That was kind of fun. Then we ate at Café Rio, it being the only one we can go to. We weren't able to see anyone after that but it was still a good day regardless.

THURSDAY- we went contacting in the morning since it was cooler. Then we did our studies, ate lunch and did our weekly planning. Afterwards, we tried by a few people, got in with a Less-Active member who hasn't been to church in a while due to health issues. We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to invite the spirit in her home. Then, we had dinner with Bishop Minor which is always fun. Afterwards, we knocked on some doors with no real luck. A few doors later we get a call from a member who wanted to drop off money for dinner so we ended the day earlier than planned. Then we planned for tomorrow.

FRIDAY- we did our studies and then after lunch I got to babysit Elder Frisby while his companion, Elder Porter, was at a doctor's appointment. We had him for about 5 hours. Traffic got really bad on the way back from Riverside. We got to use their car for the day so that was fun!

We only got in with A Recent Convert, Daniel. He hadn't been to church in a while and we were just checking up on him. Then, we ate dinner at Carl's Jr with the money from yesterday. After that, we got ready for exchanges. I was leaving the area, allowing the Greenie to take over the area. He was so nervous but I knew that he would be alright. When I called the sisters that night they thought I was crazy, but I have faith in my companion.

SATURDAY- I spent the day in Valle Vista with Elder Porter. We got to see their investigator, Jeff, who was getting baptized the next day. Then we went to do some service with the sisters but by the time we got there it was all done. So we stopped by some yard sales on the way back for lunch. I found a pretty cool tie! After lunch we tried by people with little luck. We visited a few members and had dinner. Then we exchanged back. Elder Rose found a new investigator, Anthony, during the day. I knew that he was able to do it.

SUNDAY- we had MCM, then church. No one came this week. Some people just don't understand that they need to come to church in order to be baptized. Then we had a member feed us lunch. Then we did our studies and tried some people before it got too dark. We found some solid potential. I hope something comes from that.

So that was our short week. Next time, I will tell you what will happen with transfers. It will be exciting I promise.

Until next time...

Elder Jewkes

31 August, 2016 - Release date email!

31 August 2016

Dear Elder Jewkes,

You may hear that other missioanries due for release in March through December of 2017 have received a notice of a change in their release date associated with a change in scheduled mission transfer dates.  This email confirms that no change is being made in your release date. It remains 27 Jun 2017.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Elder Just

31 August, 2016 - An extra long week

-My grandson Elder Lewis; my first born son Elder Doi; my second born son Elder Rose; Me (note the golden nametag Mom); my father Elder Manson; my brother Elder Tobiasson

 

 

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has felt a little long, probably because it has been a few days longer but our trip to the temple later today will be worth every bit of it. Again, it has been long, but it was a good week. So...

MONDAY- We had our mission cross-fit today in Menifee. It was fun. Elder Rose almost died (it being his first one). After there were three groups: those who played basketball, those who played volleyball and those who socialized. Me, being one who would rather play sports than socialize and being terrible at basketball, chose volleyball. I think I am pretty good at it. I had an Elder at one time suggest to go college level. Hmmm... I don't think I'm THAT good. Anyway, we had the regular P-day stuff and we had dinner. Bro. Sanchez brought us In-N-Out. Which is da bomb! He came 45 minutes late to drop it off so we didn't really go out tonight. Just did some advanced planning.

TUESDAY- We had our weekly DDM. The training was on how to help investigators attend church. It was good. Then after lunch we did our studies and went contacting when we found this guy who asked us for a Book Of Mormon! He isn't a member but he likes the Book Of Mormon because it is centered on America....I guess that's true. Then we had dinner and went out with a member who usually wears Bow-ties. He wore a neck tie this time. I honestly didn't recognized him at first. We found more less actives than investigators but that's good too.

WEDNESDAY- we had a super long meeting in Riverside. We left at 7:30am, got stuck in traffic got there with 5 minutes to spare when they asked to be there 15 minutes early so we were late but not Late late. It was a meeting where the Trainers and Trainees meet to talk about how the mission life is going. It was great. My trainer and my first greenie were there because they were training. So mission slang goes: Trainer=father, Trainee=son, Trainer's trainee's trainee=grandson and so forth. We got a great family picture with 4 generations. It was great. We didn't get back until 5, then we had dinner with the Dunn's and went contacting for the rest of the night.

THURSDAY- our plans were really messed up but we got done what we needed to get done. So that was good. Studies, Weekly Planning, especially Lunch. We went out with our Ward Mission Leader and saw both Ruben and Tony. We had good lessons with them. They are both excited to learn or at least willing to learn. We had dinner with the 3 Musketeer-ettes (Sis.
Long, Sis Scalzo a recent convert, and Sis Pierson from the Valle Vista Ward. Then we ended the night contacting.

FRIDAY- we had some pretty early service helping a less active member out with her garage. Then we had amazing breakfast burritos. Then we were able to meet with Alec and that lesson went well. Then we went seeking in the afternoon and then had dinner with the Gonzales's which is always fun. Then we went home to plan.

SATURDAY- we helped some members move a couch to the DI POD that was in the church parking lot that was fun. Then we had our studies and after lunch we went back out and tried to see a bunch of people and went contacting afterwards. We had dinner with Bro. Villareal and wen with him to see Tony. He hadn't read because the print of the book we gave him was too small so we promised to get him a large print Book of Mormon tomorrow.

SUNDAY- We had our Correlation meeting and Ward Council. NOBODY CAME TO CHURCH. Alec and Ruben had work and I don't know about everyone else. During the block I gave 2 baptismal interviews for Valle Vista. They are ready to get baptized next week! YAY!!! After church we went with Bro. Villareal to visit some people from the less active/no home teacher list from the high priests. Then we had dinner with the Stenzel's, gave Tony his large print and went in for the night.

MONDAY (29 AUG)- was not our P-day. But we did learn why P-day is usually on Monday's. NO ONE WAS HOME!!! It was so sad! We had dinner with the Wallace's and Bro. Wallace was wondering how we taught the "discussions" now so we showed him the pamphlets and told him about how we teach. It was good. After dinner we were able to talk to Ruben for a few minutes and set up an appointment for Friday.

TUESDAY (30 AUG)- We had DDM. The training was about how to grow our faith. After lunch we had studies and went out with our Ward Mission Leader and saw Eric and April, referrals from the Barnhart's. Eric is living with the Barnhart's until they can get back on their feet. It was an interesting lesson. There were times he literally jumped up for joy when we explained something and he would respond "That makes perfect sense!" It was an amazing lesson! Then we had the Fioritos give us money to eat dinner then we went contacting for the rest of the night.

TODAY- we just got back from shopping and are currently E-mailing. After, we will head to the temple, have an amazing experience there, and get back and have dinner with the Sorto's and try by some people before we call it a day.

Whew, that was our week. Long but good. It has been great. I love you all. Next week I'll talk about exchanges, Ruben, Alec, and much more.

Until Next Time,

Elder Jewkes