"then cometh the time that ... he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still"

Talofa family,

On Friday, Elder Urry came to the Samoan wards with me for an exchange. I've always wanted to work with Elder Urry because people have mixed our names up several times and we've been told we look alike. He is a really solid teacher and a great missionary. It was an awesome day.

We taught Lea that night. I don't think I've written about Lea. But she is so solid. a family that I love invited her to meet with us. She had her son, Jordan, commit to be baptized in our first lesson with them. They are preparing to be baptized in September. But we taught them about Faith and Repentance. Lea understands doctrine so well. She always asks thoughtful questions and she has so much to desire to live right. 

On Thursday we had Zone conference and it was awesome as always. President Van Cott had invited us to invite recent converts to the conference to share their testimonies and conversion stories.

We invited James, who was baptized last September. We weren't sure if we should invite him at first, because he isn't that fond of speaking to large groups of people. But something told us we should invite him. He accepted the invitation. Then at the conference as he spoke, I felt an assurance that Heavenly Father wanted James there. 

Then on Sunday, James bore his testimony in sacrament meeting! He spoke about how he has felt the Spirit guide him recently. He said that when we first invited him to the conference, he wanted to tell us that he was busy or something and couldn't make it to the conference, but a little feeling pulled him to accept the invitation. He told the congregation that we do not need to fear, but rather trust the Lord. 

These words from President Monson pressed on my mind: 

Doubt yielded to faith. 

When we have the faith to do what is right, and to do good, and to do what God wants, He helps us.

On Saturday Siniva and her sister, Paris, were baptized. Her dad and several other brothers from the ward sang a Samoan hymn at the baptism, and the Spirit was strong.

Also, our pianist wasn't able to make it to the service. So I played. And I prayed. hard. Because I am really rusty. But it went well. Heavenly Father helped a lot.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that Jesus Christ is alive today and leading the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God is our Father and knows us by name. He loves us. 

I love you all! :)

Elder Judd

"And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit."

Hey family!

Today we drove out to a doctor appointment for Elder Holcomb in the desert. It was a long drive, but interesting because I've never been out past Yucaipa, which is the gateway to the desert. And we drove through Palm Springs, which is the place with hundreds of windmills. I forgot my camera, but I'll send pictures next week.

On Monday we taught Sai. He has been doing really well. He has started reading the Book of Mormon again, and has come to church a couple times too. He is visibly much happier compared to a few months ago. He is huge into music and he told us about a song that he used to know long ago called "Happy Inside". He's been thinking a lot about how happy he is. He wants to do things that will make him and his family happy inside, which are the things that Heavenly Father has asked.

On Tuesday we had district meeting. It was Elder Maynes last district meeting on his mission. He was an awesome missionary.

Also on Tuesday we felt to stop by a family in our ward. the dad is a king of an island back in Samoa and not a member of the church. We talked with him about his king name because we knew someone else with that name. And after a few minutes he invited us in! The family fed us briefly, and we were able to share a scripture from the Book of Mormon. It was awesome, especially because we have never been able to meet with this family before.

Heavenly Father answers prayers. Saturday night we taught Charles. He is atheist, but has been reading passages from the Book of Mormon that we give him. However, he has said he will not pray--he doesn't believe in prayer anymore.
All day leading up to his appointment, we prayed that God would soften his heart enough that he would be willing to pray. Then we met with him. We focused on him. We learned his mom had died of cancer 2 years ago, and it was the worst experience he's ever had. We listened, then testified of the resurrection. At the end of the lesson, we again invited him to pray. He said he would give prayer another try--that night! I was happy inside. I couldn't stop smiling all night.

Many miracles this week. The gospel is true! I know that Jesus is the Son of God! 

Love,

Elder Judd

"Marvel not that all mankind ... must be born again; yea, born of God, changed"

Hey Family!

There were so many miracles this week.

We saw Rodney again. Rodney is awesome! He earnestly searches and digs in the scriptures everyday. He tells us how he gets lost in scriptures. Right now he is searching to understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

This week we started teaching Rodney about God's commandments. He has so much faith. He talked about how he knows if God gives a commandment, and we choose to obey, we will be blessed. He talked about how in the Book of Mormon, Nephi would teach his brothers God's commandments plainly. Then his brothers would get angry and say that Nephi spoke "hard things" against him. Rodney loves the "plainness" of God. 

Then we taught about the Word of Wisdom, in which God commands not to drink coffee. Rodney had just bought a tub of Folgers. He laughed and shrugged and said that he would do it. He said:

There's God's will, and there's man's will. And I know if I make excuses and say that "this is okay" then I won't be in line with the truth.

Also, remember when Elder Holcomb and I went to a bible study a few months ago? Well, we finally got to see that family again--Peleti and Julian. They are brothers-in-law. We saw them twice this week. 

On the first visit, we taught about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They asked good questions. I remember praying for strength to know what I could say to strengthen their faith in the Savior. We testified of the Savior and of the Book of Mormon. They said they would read a chapter we gave them and pray about it. 

Our second visit was amazing. They immediately confessed that they had not read the chapter we had given. The visit became an opportunity to understand their faith more. They shared how religion and faith had played a role in their lives. I wish I could put to words everything that was felt and said, but it is enough to say that there was so much love and kindness in the room. We shared Mosiah 3:19 and spoke of the change that can happen through the Savior.

I know that we have a Creator who loves us! He is our Father! He wants us to succeed!

Love,

Elder Judd

"I give unto you to be the salt of the earth"

My family!

A lot of great things happened this week. 

It was kind of interesting this week because one of our wards had their annual ward camp at some faraway lake. So, just about every person in that ward was gone. It was funny. Then when they were back on Saturday they had a party/dinner/dance at the church and everyone was really tan and tired.

But the Lord's work carried on.

We're still teaching Taumarie, and she's still doing great. When we invited her to be baptized, she told us she's been waiting for this for a long time.

On Wednesday night we went to go see John. We haven't been able to reach John for several months, but we felt to stop by when our original plans fell through. We caught his wife, Carol, who was baptized several years ago. She was taking care of her father, who is elderly and blind and has had several strokes. Her mother died suddenly from cancer years ago. We taught them of the Plan of Salvation. 

Carol and her father told us of struggles they are facing, and I knew in that moment that Heavenly Father loved them. We testified of the resurrection and the power that the Savior has to strengthen us.

I wish I could express how much I know that is true. And I wish I could write all the wonderful things that happen each week. Things are going so well. I really love my mission. 

Heavenly Father is mindful of you!

Love, 

Elder Judd

"Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal."

Hello my family,

Transfers today! I'm staying in Samoa! And Elder Holcomb is staying too. All is well in these wards.

Lots happened this week, but not much time to write. 

We've been trying serve people more, so on Thursday we went near a busy street and picked up trash for few hours. It was awesome. I love service! And we met nice people while we were out. Several times people stopped to give us cold water that they bought for us.

We started teaching a young girl named Taumari. She is the cousin of an active family and just moved in with them. We taught about prophets and sang the song Follow the Prophet and the spirit was so strong, and Tau just has a sweet spirit. 

On the 4th of July we had dinner at Ola and Maria and Alex and Brandon's house with a few other awesome families in the ward. Ola is a great cook. And the whole family is doing really well. Someone in the ward who was good friend with Ola in Samoa 30 years ago told us that Ola said he's seen a difference in Alex and Brandon--they pray with the family now. The Gospel changes lives!

Love,

Elder Judd

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good"

Talofa lava family!

This was a great week. We saw a lot of miracles this week. 

First off, there's this guy named Joe. Some people call him "Big Joe." He's big and Caucasian and just a really nice man. He is married to a Samoan woman. He has had a lot of connections with Mormons throughout his life, and he always talks about how much respect he has for missionaries.

Well, we started teaching the gospel to Joe a few weeks ago, and on Wednesday we had another lesson with him. He had read the pamphlet we had given him, which is about the Plan of Happiness.

There was just a change in Joe. He was really excited to talk about what he read and kept asking us questions like:

Are you guys making this up? Or is this just something you share as like a sales pitch to bring people in to the church? 

He told us he thought the plan was too good to be true. He said:

When I read this, it made sense. It gave me hope--that even a guy like me has purpose or can do great things. Like I am somebody.

He went on to explain things like the Fall and the Atonement and Judgement just made sense to him. He said he felt like he had a new light. And he said he wished someone had shared this with him many years ago.

I can't put the whole visit into words, but it was one of the happiest moments of my mission. The Holy Ghost touched Joe's heart. I know the Holy Ghost is real.

We also saw this guys name Charles. we met Charles a few weeks ago. He is the son of a referral we were given. We have been over to his house a few times to try and get in contact with Charles' dad, but we just keep running into Charles. He has told us he doesn't believe in God or prayer. But we were able to convince to try out a chapter of the Book of Mormon. And we're scheduled to see him this week to see how he liked Alma 32.

In other news, Henrietta will be baptized this Saturday! We're so excited because we love Henrietta and her whole family. it will be a great week.

Family, I am really grateful for you. and I know Heavenly Father is there. And I know that He appeared with the Savior and spoke to Joseph Smith. And I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. And there is so much power that can come into our lives if we read the Book of Mormon. It's all true.

Alofa atu! :)

Elder Judd

"whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely"

Talofa Family,

It's been a great week. So much happened, but I can't cram it all into one email.

So here's a miracle from Saturday: 

In the morning, I remember we prayed that we would be an answer to somebody's prayer that day. In the evening, we went to see John, an investigator. He wasn't there. But while we were in that complex, we ran into Al and Starla. 

Remember back when Elder Pauga was here? We had a great lesson with Al and Starla and Spencer. Then we pretty much lost contact and Al went back to Orange County. He was their cousin, just visiting. But, he was actually meeting with missionaries back home.

Well, Al was visiting again just for the weekend. And just that morning he had asked Spencer if they ever saw us again. Then we showed up. We talked about faith and the Book of Mormon and the Holy Ghost and it was an awesome, brief lesson. The Spirit seemed to fill our mouths with words to say. And I felt so much love for Al and the whole family. We told them we had to get running, and he was like:

No. Jesus is telling you to stay! 

I asked if he had a phone. He did. I asked if we could grab it. He was like:

You can't have my phone, but you can have my number.  

He smiled. We all laughed. I was embarrassed. It was just funny.

I know that there is a God. He is the Father of every person who exists, who ever has existed, and who ever will exist. He watches over his children and listens to the deepest desires of their hearts. He answers prayers prayed to Him in the name of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. 

Alofa atu,

Elder Judd

"for it is by faith that miracles are wrought"

Malo soifua!

All is well in Samoa. Heavenly Father has been so good to me.

We taught Rodney again. He is doing so well. He has still been studying the Book of Mormon every day, and he tells us that everything just makes sense. And he keeps telling us about all these things he wants to do better. We read a few scriptures in the Book of Helaman with him:

Ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth ... and are led to believe the holy scriptures ... which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—

Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith.
I am a witness that the Book of Mormon changes hearts. If any person will read the Book of Mormon and pray sincerely to understand, faith in Jesus Christ increases. Faith leads us to repent. When we repent, we come to Him.

Here's a miracle: The past couple weeks we've stopped by to see a family a member took us to. They hadn't been home. Just a bunch of huge dogs barking. We went again this week. Dogs barking again. A guy came to the door and we talked through the screen door. The first thing he said was, "Hey, I have your book" (referring to the Book of Mormon in my hand). The guy, Ed,  told us a friend from work gave it to him and he's been reading. Said we could come by next week to teach him more. We realized he was definitely not Samoan. So we gave his info to the English missionaries. Turned out we were at the wrong place that looked just like the house we were looking for, but a few streets away. 

On Friday, a member family that I love asked me to baptize their 8-year-old daughter on Saturday. It was an incredible experience that I can't really put into words. The spirit was so sweet. I know that the power of the Priesthood of God is real. 

I hit my year mark this past week, and it almost felt like a mini-mid-life crisis. I had a really great prayer that night. I know God hears our heart. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be here. I love my mission. 

Alofa atu,

Elder Judd

Pictures:

Lahaina and Me

Lahaina's family. Surprise! They aren't Samoan! :)

"the power of Heaven [shall] come down among them; and I also will be in the midst."

Hey family!

This was a really great week. We see so many miracles.

Here's one: 

On Saturday we planned to be in one area. The plans fell through. But while we were in that area, we felt to go to Uilisone, a man who we haven't seen in months and who hasn't been to church in years. He was home. And we did the usual: stand outside and talk to him through the screen door. But this time we were more persistent in asking if we could come in to share a message. He said he'd check something and walked deeper into his house. 

While he stepped away, another guy came walking from the street toward the door. SAMOA was written on his chest. He smiled, called out to us, and let us into the home. Found out he is Amerika, Uilisone's brother. It was an AWESOME visit. We read Mosiah 2:41. The spirit was so strong. I know God's hand guided us to them.

On Wednesday, we saw Rodney. He's a man that hasn't been to church since 1990. We taught him the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been reading the Book of Mormon everyday, very carefully, comparing in depth with other research he's done. He has literally been searching and digging to know the truth. But he told us that he noticed that as he's read the Book of Mormon and prayed to understand, questions he's had just stop. While his questions used to take him deeper and lead to other questions, now, answers come simply and clearly. There is a visible change in Rodney's countenance. 

The Holy Ghost teaches us truth! The Book of Mormon change lives!

In other news, we found out one of our potential investigators is a king.

Alofa atu! :)

Elder Judd

picture: Elder Holcomb and Me

"God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled."

Hey Family!

Transfers are this week. And I'm staying in the Samoan wards! Elder Holcomb is staying too. It will be a great transfer. 

It was a great week.

I am always amazed at how much Heavenly Father has been working here. We see miracles daily. We have been trying to plan with greater faith.

Last week, something told us to plan to be in an area in Riverside that we don't visit often. So, on Firday, we were there at the time we planned. We found that the family we went to see are actually members of the Church and attend an English ward. But, they pointed us to a Samoan family down the street (a family we had tried to find months ago, but never found). We went immediately. We knocked and knocked, with no answer. But, at the moment we decided we had knocked enough and turned around to return to our car, the family pulled into the driveway. We shared Talofa's. They were home only for a moment to switch their car. But they gave us a time that we could return to share our message.

God prepares the way. I have learned that the Lord has not lie when we promised:

I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (Doctrine&Covenants 84:88)

I know this is the work of Jesus Christ and He leads us personally through a prophet today, Thomas S. Monson.

Alofa atu,

Elder Judd

"the Lord ... doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him"

Hey family,

Solid week.

Funny moment: 

We stopped by our Bishop's house and as his 8-year-old daughter opened the door she immediately did a jumping karate kick at us. She landed and said:

Oh! Sorry. I do that when I think it's a stranger at the door. [turned inside] It's the Elders!

She has good parents.

On Wednesday we went to see Phillip, who we met about a month or 2 ago. He's in his early 20s and he's just a genuine guy. He recently moved from San Bernardino to Riverside, where some of his family lives, but we haven't been able to catch him there. When we got to the apartment, we found out he wasn't there, but in the red car in the carport. He seemed slightly shy to see us. He told us he is homeless right now. And his phone has been off. He's been having hard times.

We talked with him. we told him of the savior's love. My heart hurt for him, and I could feel through the Holy Ghost that God knows and loves him. We shared Helaman 5:12:

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I know that there is a God. He is our Eternal Father and He is in the details of our lives. He will never forsake us.

On Saturday, Bro. Moleli spent pretty much the whole day visiting people with us. the last folks we visited were Ola and Maria. The Tongan missionaries found them a few weeks ago and told us about them. And their awesome. They're funny and they're just family people. They had a son pass away years ago. We had a solid visit with them, and they said they would read 2 Nephi 2. I know that's not much info about them, but just know that I really love these people and I'm just excited to teach them more of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love you all! :)

Elder Judd

"and He shall heal them, and they shall have peace with Him"

Talofa family!

It's been a solid week. 

On Tuesday we went to see Sasa'e. She is Bishop Wendt's sister-in-law and she's Catholic and she was meeting with missionaries a while back. It was awesome. She was really open with us and told us how she wants to learn, but she doesn't feel like people listen to her or understand. She explained how she's changed a lot over time. It was just a great visit, and she said she was glad we came. And we'll be meeting with her again this week.

We visited Sam again this week. We've seen him a lot lately. Sam is struggling with the load of being a father, a husband, an employee, and just in life. We've been trying to help him read the Book of Mormon, and this week he asked us text him to remind him. So we started to text him a scripture reference everyday. It's reminded me how much I love the Book of Mormon. Ezra Taft Benson said:

There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception.You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.

On Saturday we helped out with a Mormon Helping Hands service project. We helped mulch along a sidewalk. It was awesome. And I felt so good afterward. And it was awesome to serve alongside all these people in the wards that I love. I love service! 

Then we went to a baptism of some children in the Rialto 2nd ward. while waiting for the program to begin, I talked with a boy who sat next to me. His name is Maru and he is 8 years old. I asked him about his own baptism, his family, and what he like to do, etc. When I asked what his favorite scripture story was, I expected him to talk about a story of Nephi or Moroni or Noah or something like that. But he said:

The one when Jesus died for us on the cross and paid for our sins and then was resurrected.

I was surprised by how sober and sincere he was. Maru understands what matters most. I was even more surprised when he began to ask me questions. He asked: 

When did you begin thinking about serving a mission? 

Not really knowing the answer to that question, I told him:

I think when I was about your age. 

He said:

I began thinking about a mission when I was six.

The boy had a testimony. hearts are touched by the Spirit. The spirit strengthens faith.

Alofa atu,

Elder Judd

"cry unto him for mercy, for he is mighty to save"

Hey Family!

No time to write.

This week has been awesome. I love Elder Holcomb. He's super nice and he was a state champion football player.

On Monday night we taught Landy. She was somebody Elder Tingey taught in Colton that stopped meeting with the missionaries. But she was Samoan so we visited her. At the end of the short visit we prayed. We prayed specifically for her and her family and their specific needs. After we finished she was like:

Whoa. ... I just feel light.

She had felt the Holy Ghost. It was amazing. We taught her about the holy ghost and the Spirit became stronger and stronger as we taught and listened. She said she had never felt the way she did before in her life. It was better than anything she has ever known.

The power of the Holy Ghost is real. It teaches us truth. It fills us with light.

Happy Easter! Jesus lives! :)

Alofa atu,

Elder Judd

"teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ"

Hey family!

Transfers are this week. I'm staying! :) By the end of this transfer, it will be 10 months in Samoa. I love these people!

Sadly, the Spirit of the Lord has called Elder Tingey to serve in Yucaipa. I'm going to miss him a lot. He is an incredible missionary.

But, Elder Holcomb is my new companion and he's from Houston! and he was in the MTC with Elder Aguilar and Elder Tingey. He's super nice and humble and I'm excited to serve with him.

So this week was full of miracles, as always. 

First off, on Friday we went to teach Henrietta. We had arranged for a member to help us, but he couldn't make it. So once again, we went searching down the street to look for a male to be present at the visit. After trying several homes, Elder Tingey thought to try the home of a semi-active family that we don't know very well. So we did. A younger man answered the door and we asked for his help. While were we explaining everything he look confused. Long story short, his name is Pigi. And he helped us visit Henrietta. And he has not been baptized. And we are now teaching him.

We taught Moli and Sabrinna on Tuesday. It was a super short visit because we had to rush to a meeting afterwards, but the spirit made it powerful. We asked them about their thoughts about General Conference and Sabrinna talked about Elder Bednar's talk about the load that we carry. they explained some sad, complicated struggles that their family is going through. I didn't know what to say--I tried to think of something that would lift them, but it seemed like their struggles were more than I could understand.

But then Elder Tingey shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon:

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
He testified of the Savior. We testified of His Atonement. We testified of His power and love.

Because of Him, we can live again. And though I may not understand the difficulties another has faced, I am not here to testify of me. The Redeemer of Mankind understands all things and has suffered all things and He perfectly understands. He has said:

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Alofa atu,

Elder Judd