Week 55: Time's Ticking! ⏰

This week we were able to put a lot of work in, lots of tracting. It was pretty hot last week, this week looks to be a lot cooler.

Throughout my mission, I've had trouble tracting, but recently we've been finding lots of success with just simply introducing ourselves, telling the person what we do, asking them, in succession, if they're religious, if they believe in Christ, if they believe in the Bible, then we tell about the Book of Mormon in this context:

The Bible has the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon is just Another Testament of Jesus Christ, then we explain the Book of Mormon through the front pictures. 

Then we say that we are giving copies away for free, and then try to set up a return appointment and a commitment to read the Introduction page, which tells them why this would be important to them. 

Hard work pays off! Sometimes it feels like a grind, but even the smallest points of obedience show the Lord that we want to do His work, His way. I have seen miracles in the areas that I have served in, and I attribute some of those to obedience, but I'm definitely not even close to perfect, that I can assure you of.

I hope y'all all have a chance to high-five a missionary this week, it'll probs make his/her week 

Love, 

Elder Eliason

 Big Hill Lake, KS

Sunset

Week 54: Weekly Email

This week was very good!! I feel like I'm just a broken record saying the same things, sooooo..... I will just add pictures and a short testimony.

Our mission president did interviews this week, and he instructed our zone on faith vs. fear. Most of our fears we can justify as rational. Fear of the unknown, fear of dogs, talking to people about Christ, fear of rejection, etc. Most of us have fears because of past experiences or the experiences of others. In 2 Tim 1:7, Paul talks about how God gives us the spirit of love, of peace, of a sound mind, not the spirit of fear. Fear and faith can not coexist. We must choose. I have had a hard time with finding faith, but it is so important to cast out fear, so that we can put our trust in the Lord and move mountains! The three pillars that have really helped me to cast out fear are daily scripture study, praying intently, and trying to gain more from church. I know that Christ lives, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that our Heavenly Father wants us to be faithful in all things.

Have a great week y'all!!

Love, 

Elder Eliason 

 Flour ball at an abandoned water park

 Exchanges

 Helping a member with some steers

Week 53: We Blew Up A Van

This week was lit 💣

The 4th here is so much fun!! We were on exchanges in Joplin, we went to a members house and they had barbecue, fireworks, and a good ol' missoura party!! I'll attach the pictures from it. (We didn't blow up the van, a member did) 

The work is going well in Parsons. It's cool to see how the branch president has the keys for the branch, and by following his counsel we have had lots of success. It is also cool to see how different styles of missionary work have varying levels of success in different wards and branches. It is a testament to me that God is watching over us and guiding the work individually throughout every area in the world, to hasten the Gathering of Israel.

Shout out to my dad, it's his birthday this week!! It's sorta funny because his birthday is my half birthday, and vice versa. He's a great person and I appreciate him immensely! 

Well, have a great week y'all!

Love, 

Elder Eliason

 Bass Fishing

  Elder Hutchings, Marty, me, Elder Sullivan, Elder Eggleston, Elder Rummler

 Joplin District Elders: Elder Rummler, Elder Sullivan, Elder Eggleston, Elder Hutchings, Me

Van Explosion

Week 52: Happy 4th of July Week

At first I thought nothing much happened this week, aaaaand then I remembered that I hit a year on my mission and got a new mission president, President Strong!

Other than that it was pretty hum drum. 

It's very humid, so tracting is very sticky and hot.

For my year mark we were on exchanges in Joplin, it was fun!! The 4th here is so awesome!! Last night, we were doing some companion study at the church, when we got done (around 9) we go out the door and THERE'S A ROMAN CANDLE WAR AND WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT!!! It was intense.

People here take fireworks seriously. There are at least 7 fireworks stores in Parsons, and even last Saturday there are families in the streets lighting off fireworks. We even saw two four year olds, with no supervision, lighting off firecrackers in a bucket. It was scary to watch. Independence day here is more like Independence week:) 

Well, I hope y'all have a great Independence day (or week!!) and keep cool 

Love, 

Elder Eliason 

President and Sister Strong

 Flyshooter

 No Trespassing

Temperature in Parsons, KS 06.29.2018