"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

"we did put all our seeds into the earth ... wherefore, we were blessed in abundance"

Talofa i lo'u aiga,

 

It's been a great week. We had lots of miracles, like always.

 

On Wednesday we went to visit a guy named Joe but he wasn't home. We were walking back to our car and the door of a home we parked near caught my attention. I looked to Elder Tingey and he was looking at the same door. We both felt that we needed to knock this red door, so we started towards it.

 

Neither of us knew what to do or say because we've never tracted, but we prayed in our hearts that we would say what these people needed to hear. A woman answered the door. We told her who we were. She told us that she was busy taking care of her mother and she didn't have any time. So we asked if we could sing her a song. She agreed, and we sang the first verse of "I am a Child of God". The Holy Ghost was there.

 

When we finished, she thanked us and we left. We didn't know why we needed to go to that door, and we will probably never see the woman again. But I know that God knows every person perfectly because we are His children. He is always working good in us.

 

Wednesday night we were working in Loma Linda. We were trying to find an apartment that a guy named Tristan lives in. Our friend, Junior T. told us about him and his family and gave us directions. It's really fun when we get referrals from Samoans because in Samoa they don't have street names or addresses. So in the islands they give directions like:

 

Turn right when you see the 3 coconut trees.

 

Make a left at the big rock.

 

If you pass another rock by another coconut tree you've gone too far.

 

We usually get directions like that when we ask for an address, but Americanized. I love it.

 

So, we were looking for Tristan and it was dark because it was night and all we had was a few Samoan directions and a street number for a apartment complex and no street name and Loma Linda is the land of many apartments so we didn't know where to go. But we prayed that we could find Tristan. And we felt guided to go a certain way towards a certain complex. And then we found an apartment with a bunch of shoes outside (one of the many sure signs of a Samoan home). And we knocked.

 

A super nice guy answered the door. But he wasn't Samoan. But he said some big polynesian guys lived in the apartment downstairs. So we knocked at that door and found Tristan and he said we could come back this Wednesday. But the moral of the story is that God hears and answers our prayers. Even when it's something small that we care about, because He cares about what we care about. God is in the details of our lives.

 

Jesus Christ is alive today! God loves you! God speaks to us thru prophets and his prophets are speaking this weekend!

Here is a short video about General Conference. 

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/general-conference-has-something-for-you-b?lang=eng

 

Come and listen! :)

 

Alofa atu,

 

Elder Judd

"if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve Him"

Talofa family!

I love serving in both Samoan wards! I love Elder Tingey! I love being a missionary!
 
So, remember about 6 months ago when I met a family that has 6 kids and was awesome? Probably not, but I do. And because we now cover the Rialto 2nd ward, we can teach them. We re-met them last week. Their names are Diana, Jody, Kyle, Mariah, Joseph, Maria, and Kanoa. We haven't met the dad yet. We're teaching them tonight. :)

We also taught Matthew twice! He's doing so well. We taught him about baptism and the Holy Ghost. He's really funny. At the end of our last lesson we asked him what he thought about everything, and he was like:

I think it's about time I got the Holy Ghost.

It was pretty sweet, especially in a New Zealand accent.

We spent a lot of the end of the week meeting the members of the Rialto 2nd ward. along the way we met John M. I recognized his name from the Inland Empire area book. In my mind I was like:

Holy cow, I've been trying to find you for 7 months!!

But in person I was like:

It's nice to meet you.

We'll see them again this week.

We have Elder Neil L. Andersen coming this Saturday! I'm so excited to meet an Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ! :)

Love you all!

Elder Judd

"his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled"

Hey Family!

 

This week has been great, as always. On Wednesday I went on an exchange to the Bloomington Ward with E. Jex. He and I came to the mission field at the same time, so it was cool talking about all the stories we've had so far as missionaries. It was a hardworking day. Props to all the bike missionaries out there. It was a whole new world.

Here's something cool that happened with Elder Jex: We went to the Jensen family to drop off brownies to them to thank them for something (I don't know what). As we were heading out from their home, we saw some young guys sitting outside the house across the street. A car rolled up, bass booming. I could feel the beat from down the street. Something told me to talk to the guys. I didn't really know what to say to start talking with them so I just complimented their bass. We met Jared and Felix. Then they just started asking questions about who we were and what we do. They thought it was crazy that we didn't party or drink or even talk to our families. Jared said he remembered how missionaries used to come to his house a long time ago. We talked about faith and the power of the Priesthood. Jared asked how anyone could know what is the real truth. We taught and testified of the Holy Ghost. It was just a classic "missionary" experience. We could sense something working in both Felix and Jared as we spoke boldly and simply. They said missionaries could come back. Though I'll probably never see them again, it felt so good to hearken to the voice of the Spirit.

Back in our area, we rushed all week to get everything prepared for Matthew's baptism on Saturday. But Friday morning he let us know that he wanted to wait to be baptized in a few weeks. It was kind of a relief to us because it was all happening so quick. There was so much he needed to understand in order to be ready to make such a sacred commitment. So we're slowing down with him, and it's going great.

We also had a lesson with John, the brand-new husband of Carol. Carol is Poe's sister, and she was baptized years ago. John used to meet with missionaries about a year ago, but moved to LA for a while. Carol and John were just married a couple weeks ago, which is awesome because they have 5 kids. The spirit in the lesson was so strong. 

We explained how the complete truth was lost after Jesus and his Apostles were killed. We explained that no one could find the Gospel anywhere. John was was just like: 

Until...?

And Elder Pauga was like: 

That's where Joseph Smith comes in.  

It was real cool. Our testimonies sealed the truth we taught.

On Saturday night we met the Nu'usila family. A single sister with several young girls that go to an English ward. They lived in a tough place and the condition of their home was much less then cozy. But the spirit was the warmest I've felt in a home in a long time. For some reason, I could feel that this mother knew much of prayer and faith. Her tone of voice was kind and gentle. She just beamed with love and respect. She was genuinely happy, despite her circumstances. The experience just really impressed me.

One more thing. Thursday, we were in Riverside. We got hungry. We saw Panda Express. We ate. We started to leave. THEN, a Samoan woman and her son sat down to eat. We found out they were the Frosts. They attend a ward in Riverside. She said we could come over on Sunday. So we did.

Sunday, we go over. They have dinner ready. A man walks in wearing a tank and a lavalava. Covered in Tattoos. It's Bro. Frost. He's hilarious. Served a mission in Japan. We have dinner and discover he hasn't been to church in a long long time. But he has a testimony. We had good conversation. After dinner, instead of our own message, Bro. Frost told us he would pick a scripture, I would have to read it, and Elder Pauga would have to expound:

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. 

It was powerful. We knew we were supposed to be there. There are no coincidences. 

And little did Bro. Frost know, we had already planned to share Helaman 5:12. :)

Alofa,

Elder Judd

"because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true"

Hello aiga ma uo,

Things are great in Samoa, as always. We're working hard to find more people to teach, and I'm working hard to learn the language.

I love working with E. Pauga. This guy is great. He sings better than Bruno Mars, and he's a powerhouse teacher. He's just fun to work with.

On Tuesday, Elder Bentley and I taught Sofia the restoration. We challenged her to pray about the things we taught, and she gladly agreed. She completely believes that God answers prayers. He does! I know he does. Heavenly Father cares about what we care about. You can ask Him the questions of your soul. And if you ask "with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost." :)

On Wednesday, we had dinner with the Afutiti's, who had also invited the Otele's. It was great. Bro. Otele is doing really well and has been accepting the gospel so far. And even though I don't know most of what was said that night, I know what was felt. Lots of laughs and smiles. I'm grateful for kindness. I'm also grateful for a missionary-minded Bishop who loves the people around him.

Jerome got back in town this week! He was in Everett, WA for a while. We caught him at home Friday night. He was busy painting some rooms for his mom, so we set up an appointment for next week. On his way home for Washington, he hit Portland when he realized he forgot his copy of the Book of Mormon. So, being the stud that Jerome is, he drove all the way back to get it. He's been reading faithfully. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father guided us to Jerome and his family. I am so grateful for the privilege to teach him the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We had a lesson with Moli for the first time in months! She has been super busy. But we had a good visit with her. She feels like she's at a point where she doesn't know what more God wants here to do. She has been reading the Book of Mormon and believes it is from God, but it seems like she wants a definite knowledge of the path to take. She had been so close to baptism in August, but felt scared.

So, we taught her about the Savior. He knows what it's like to feel alone.

Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, Lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

There is no struggle that the Savior does not understand. Though we may not feel the fullness of His love at every moment of the day, He is there. We must learn to choose the right even when it's difficult. We must learn "to be faithful in the dark."

He lives. He loves us. The Holy Ghost testifies of Him.

Alofa,

Elder Judd

"Go to work and build"

Hey all you people,

I love California and I love the Gospel. Right now I have California and the Gospel together, so you better believe life is great.

Transfers are tomorrow! And I'm staying in Samoa! But, Elder Bentley is headed out to the desert. We've worked really hard and made a lot of good memories together, so it's sad to see him go. And my new companion will be Elder Pauga! I'm pumped to work with him. When I came into this ward, I took Elder Pauga's place, so he's actually already served here for a while! Now the Lord has called him back into this Samoan ward for the last 6 weeks of his mission. 

On Wednesday, we started teaching a man who only speaks Samoan. His family was baptized a while ago and started coming to our ward, so Bishop invited him to take the lessons with us. So we had an older couple, the Lata's, helped us teach and translated for us. We did everything we could to teach simply so that our words could be translated simply. It was amazing to feel the Spirit testify with power as we bore simple testimony.

"I know that Joseph Smith saw God. Jesus is the Christ. God loves you. When you read the Book of Mormon, you feel that love. The Book of Mormon is true. I know these things by the power of the Holy Ghost."

E. Pauga is coming a the perfect time. He's fluent in Samoan and Tongan. So, now we can play a much more active role in teaching this man. And because this is Elder Pauga's last transfer, I will likely stay here after he leaves. So, Pres. Van Cott gave me official "ok go" to study Samoan! :) 

On Sunday we had a special Stake Conference that was a braodcast for Southern California. Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke and I thought of Hermana Judd, who just saw him in person. Pres. Henry B. Eyring also spoke about reaching out to our loved ones before it's too late. 

Sunday evening we had dinner with the M. family and Chanelle, their son's fiance. Chanelle is Buddhist. We shared a Mormon Message about temples. We talked about the great blessings come from Temples and how families can be together forever. Like the powerhouse missionary he is, Elder Bentley boldly asked Chanelle, "What would you be willing to do to be with your family forever?"

She said, "Well, I feel like the first thing I need to do is get baptized. But I didn't grow up with much religion, so I just want to keep coming to church to get more understanding before I do."

My soul did a backflip. We hadn't even mentioned baptism. Furthermore, we will be beginning her lessons very soon. :)

To anyone who's reading today, I hereby challenge you to read the Book of Mormon. No matter who you are, it will change you life. Jesus Christ changes lives. This is true. :)

Love,

Elder Judd

"Unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings"

Manuia le Tausaga Fou! Happy New Year!

I love Samoans. And by that I mean, Ou te alofa i tagata Samoa, I think. :)

 You better believe I never want to leave this ward. These people have made a home in my heart. I love their food, I love their language, I love their kind spirits and smiles. I love these people.

On Wednesday we stopped by Nerissa and Ioga. We shared the story of the boy-prophet Samuel. when the Lord called to him in the night, he answered. We had a good discussion about obedience and following the voice of the Spirit. 

Remember Jerome? Whom we met a few weeks ago? And he said he was going out of town until mid January? Well, he's still out of town.

HOWEVER, we got a text early Wednesday morning: 

"Happy new years Elder Judd and Bentley" 

We realized the number was Jerome's. Highlight of my week. I couldn't stop thinking about it. 

The experience taught me this: The Spirit turns hearts. 

Jerome felt the Spirit in our visit. Something Jerome felt by the Spirit made such an impact on his soul that, weeks later, he remembered the 2 white guys that came to his house unannounced on a Friday night. The text was a miracle to me. And I'm pumped to meet him again when he returns in a couple weeks.

New years night we had to be home early. We spent to night updating records and other paperwork stuff. Pretty helpful.

Thursday was MLC, which was awesome, as usual.

Saturday, when we went to our lesson with Naia, he told us his mom had talked with him and said he couldn't live "one foot in, one foot out". She said he had to choose Seventh-Day Adventist or our church. He said he wanted to stick with what he grew up with. It broke my heart. We told him we would continue to pray for him and his family, especially that he would find a job. We also encouraged him to continue to read the Book of Mormon.

I know God sees the big picture. God knows everything. While I'm sad we won't be teaching Naia anymore, I know God is always there for him. He will always guide him to truth.

It's the same for all of us. God knows us. He knows what is best for us. If we trust him, we will find eternal happiness. 

I am so grateful for my mission. Sometimes I just think about how good Heavenly Father is for giving me such sweet, refining experiences and I can't help but smile. I love being a missionary. :)

Alofa,

Elder Judd

"And their hearts were swollen with joy ... because of the great goodness of God"

Malo!

I get to stay another transfer in Samoa with Elder Aguilar! And I've already been serving as a missionary for 6 months! Time is going by way too fast.

On Wednesday I went on an exchange with Elder Langi. I love this guy so much. Out of all the missionaries I know in this mission, I've probably served around Elder Langi the longest. By the end of this transfer we will have lived in the same apartment for 6 months. Yeah, it's almost as if we're friends or something.

Anyway, our exchange was awesome. We brought Ross out with us and worked in San Bernardino. At the apartment complex full of Samoans that I mention all the time (which we just refer to as, "The Complex full of Samoans") we met a young guy named Satili. Just moved from Samoa. We think he's the grandson of this less active woman we've been trying to track down. But we're excited because he said we could stop by again to get to know him more. 

We also went to Loma Linda and met Spencer. Remember Skyler from a few weeks ago? Whom I recognized as soon as I met him? Well, Spencer is his brother. This family is supposed to hear the gospel, I know it. Spencer is super prepared. He's been to church many times in the past with his friend Casey, who is a member in our ward whose family started going to an English ward because the drive is too far. So basically, Spencer said we could come by again soon.

Later, we taught Nerissa and Ioga and their kids again. We were really hoping to have Sai come out with us to visit them, but we couldn't get ahold of him. We talked about covenants. It was so great. Ioga is totally warming up to us. He has so much faith in Christ. We asked him when he's felt the spirit in his life, and the moment was just sweet. It got quiet. He told us that in the moments when he's trying his best and doing everything he can during a difficult time and things still don't seem to be working out, he's felt a peace come to him and say, almost as a whisper, "Everything is going to be okay." 

It's true. The Savior has promised: "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." He will come to us as we come to Him.

Thursday was awesome too. MLC. Always the best thing ever. Then, in the evening we stopped by Sai. We found out that he had the craziest night on Wednesday, which was the reason we couldn't get ahold of him. On his long way home from work a police officer pulled him over for DUI, though he hadn't been under the influence of anything. He told the officer that he doesn't drink because he's a Mormon. the officer didn't believe him. after a breathalyzer test and everything, he proved to be clean, but the officer still arrested him. Sai told us how wrong it felt to be handcuffed, then ordered around and mocked by the officers at the station. He felt alone and mistreated and misunderstood and falsely accused. But then in a small moment during all of this, he told us, everything seemed to still as the thought came:

"This is how He felt."

He explained that more powerfully than ever before, he knew that the Savior knew him. He knew that He was there. 

I know He is there. You are never alone. I can add my personal witness to the truth the Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated:

"However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines."

I wish I could express every amazing thing that happens each week, but I'm out of time. I love you all. :)

Elder Judd

p.s. Elder Aguilar gave a powerhouse talk about covenants in Sacrament Meeting this Sunday. :)

"yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto Him"

Hey family!

 

We have transfers tomorrow! I'm staying in Samoa and I'm training! But I'll pick up my new companion tomorrow. 

 

On Wednesday we taught Nerissa and Ioga and their family again. Nerissa is less active and her husband Ioga is not a member. Their daughters, Merosa and Anetero are active in the church and are awesome. They're just a fun family. We shared a message about the Book of Mormon and shared "A Book of Mormon Story" Mormon Message. I was so hoping that the video would help Ioga, but right as it started one of their young sons started to get pouty so Ioga had to take him aside to another room. So he missed the whole thing. :( But it was still great bc he said he wanted to know more about where the Book of Mormon came from and what it's about. He's interested! :)

 

Our lessons with Briana and Valerie and Naia all fell through, but we really worked on less active members this week. Bro. M., our new ward mission leader, is so great. We fasted with him on Friday for our ward mission, and he spent 4 hours going on splits with us on Saturday. I love the great faith of this man.

 

So with splits, Saturday was a great day. I went out with Bro. M., and Elder Browning went out with Bro, T. and Bro. A. (our elders' quorum president). We visited every less active member we could think to visit. It was awesome. We stopped by Moli, who we hadn't seen in weeks bc she's been taking care of her mom who has to stay at home. Her mother can't have visitors, so we talked for a bit on the doorstep. Moli was just thankful for us stopping by bc she's been getting cabin fever. And her son is home from the Navy for a bit, so we're planning on having a lesson with them both this week!

 

We also got to see Sabrinna and her husband Alex. Alex stopped taking the lessons right when I came to this area. Alex is Hispanic and they live in his parents' home. It reminded me so much of Mom's family. their house just smelled like good Mexican cooking. :) Anyway, it was a nice visit. And because Sabrinna is so strong in her faith, I know Alex will come around someday.

 

We got to visit Sai twice this week, which was so so great. We saw him Saturday night, first. He's been struggling a lot with past addictions, but he's been clean for about 2 weeks! We read a chapter of the book of Mormon with him. He wanted Alma 29 because he said it's his favorite. The spirit was so sweet. There is such a visible difference in Sai from when I first met him. He's just happier and more sincere in his fight to be righteous. He was feeling so good after we read with him that he was like, "okay okay, one more chapter. we've gotta get one more in." So we read Alma 28, which isn't the happiest chapter in the Book of Mormon... but the spirit was just as warm. There's just something about the Book of Mormon that allows anyone to be enlightened by the light of Christ whenever they read its pages. Every time I feel overwhelmed by life, I know I can turn to the Book of Mormon. The Words of Christ have become a stalwart friend to me. They comfort my heart when I feel like nothing else can. I never want to go another day of my life without reading at least a verse a day of the Book of Mormon.

 

On sunday we had FHE with Sai and his family. We shared "Dalton's Legs", another mormon message. I love that video. Everytime I watch it, I am reminded of how real the Savior's love is. He is always there, carrying us through life. He will never give up on us. Mm. It is true. :)

Well, gotta go. This work is true! Heavenly Father loves you more than you can know! :)

 

Elder Judd

"They were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word"

Sweet friends of the earth,

 

This week was awesome. we had the best district meeting ever on Tuesday! Elder Browning gave an amazing training on obedience, and the spirit was so strong. every missionary walked out with a determination to stand a little taller.

 

On a different note, as missionaries, we keep records about lots of things, like lessons we teach, people we talk to, contact information, etc. each area in which missionaries work has an "Area Book" where the records are kept. It's kind of like a book of life for the geographical area. however, the records basically only give information about the people in the area that aren't members of the church. A little while ago, Elder Browning had the awesome idea of making a "member area book," where we could keep records and information about our visits with members. Brilliant! We felt so great about the idea. So, after much work, we've finally brought it to life, up and running. I love it! it really helps in this ward because it can be tough to find Samoan people to teach, so we try to focus on teaching and strengthening members. and keeping record of what we teach them and invite them to do is pretty important. I'm so excited to see how our member area book blesses missionaries who serve in this ward later on down the road. and yeah, it may seem  like a small thing to be excited about, but I know "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." :)

 

We also had a lesson with Moli at the Matapula's home on friday. And remember how I said she decided to read the Book of Mormon with an open heart? Well, boom. you guessed it. She's loving it. We talked with her and Sabrinna for a bit about reading the scriptures and how powerful the word of god can be. Moli loves what she's reading, and you can just see a brighter, more sincere thirst for truth in her eyes. We read Mosiah 5 with them. Mm. The spirit was there. Hearts are changing.

 

I know God does not lie when He tells us that our joy will be so great when we work with Him to bring souls unto Him. The joy of His work is so sweet! Sweeter and more pure than any other joy available. I LOVE being a missionary. I love preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The power of his atonement is real. The plan of happiness is perfect and true. The greatest being in the universe is our Father and loves us unconditionally. What more could we ask for? :) 

 

Love,

 

Elder Judd

 

We leave these shirts and ties as thank you notes at our dinner appointments. cool, huh?