"they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ"

Hey Family,

Every Wednesday night we have a ward missionary work night, and this week I went to see Uilisone. Uilisone is one of my favorite people. In the past, he would occasionally answer, only to speak to us through the screen door. but his heart has softened, and we were able to come inside and share a message. We talked about prayer. we asked him if he believed God listened to his prayers.

I was surprised by how sincerely he responded. He spoke about how he's prayed for his family to be provided for, and how he's relied on prayer when his family has struggled--like when he has had children pass away, or when he cannot find work. He does believe God is mindful of him.

Lea and Jordan are doing awesome. They live in Redlands, so we usually help them to find a ride for church. But right before church on Sunday,  Lea called us and told us that they were going to bike to a Redlands ward. As soon as we finished talking with her, we contacted the Assistants to the President to contact the missionaries in that ward so those missionaries would be looking for Lea and Jordan. We also prayed that they would have a good experience and that the members in Redlands would warmly welcome them and notice them. 

After church, we got a surprise call from the missionaries in Redlands. Lea and Jordan had an awesome experience. Many members noticed Lea and Jordan and smiled and greeted them. one family even invited them for dinner that day. They also had a great discussion in Sunday school.

They will probably begin meeting with the Redlands missionaries this week. It is awesome because we have been praying for a way to get them in contact with the ward out there. they will benefit so much more from a ward that speaks their language. Last week after church, Lea told us she needed Rosetta Stone. They are funny.

During Sacrament meeting yesterday, a family that I love sang a children's hymn. It was a mother and her 3 grown sons and some little cousins. The father of this family passed away years ago. The words of the song are simple and true, and I could feel it clearly as they sang.

For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I've learned this truth:
A family is forever.

I love you, family!

Elder Judd

Me and Elder Thompson, a really funny missionary that was in my zone last transfer.

Pictures from the doctor trip in the Desert.

Did you know the original Cozy Cone is in my area? The Wigwam Motel. 

"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

"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

"cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God"

Talofa lava lo'u aiga!

On Monday we started teaching Alex and Brandon, the teenage sons of Ola and Maria. The whole family has been coming to church for several weeks. They are awesome. They have us for dinner every other Friday, and will have us over again for the 4th of July. 

Alex and Brandon are solid. After teaching them about prophets and the Savior and how Joseph Smith's prayer was answered, Alex said that he felt he and his family were like Joseph Smith. They have been going to many churches for many years. Now he wants to know which is the true church. He said:

I feel good knowing that I can pray to know for myself and get an answer.

Alex is older and makes sure they read the Book of Mormon together everyday. They are awesome! I wish I could explain all the awesome things they've said and done, but it's enough to say that their faith in the Savior is sincere.

Henrietta was baptized on Saturday! She was nervous but excited all week. Her family sang a musical number, and it was a great program. 

I was talking with a member this week and he told me about his own conversion story. He said that his baptism wasn't the point that he felt a change of heart. He had met with missionaries for several years and he remembered a night when he met with new Elders who were just placed in the ward. They asked him why he hadn't been baptized throughout the long time he had met with the missionaries. He had never been asked that question. he realized it was because he had never prayed to know that it's true. He was invited to pray right then. the invitation propelled truth into his heart, the Spirit worked in him, and before even beginning the prayer, he looked up and said he wanted to be baptized. he's one of my favorite people.

It amazes me to see how the Lord prepares people to receive His gospel. He knows us by name! He knows our heart!

We were referred to a woman named Koleka a few weeks ago. When we met her, she didn't have time to meet, but we were able to give her a Samoan copy of Book of Mormon at her doorstep and invite her to read. We met with her this week and learned she is only here for a few months. She has frequent treatments at the hospital and is lonely because she has little company and speaks little English.

To our surprise, she started reading the Book of Mormon! She told us that normally, back home, she probably wouldn't make the effort to read it. But with her current situation, she reads during her treatments and also during the day with all the time she has. She enjoys our company, especially in being able to speak in her own language. And she likes what she reads. 

I do not believe she is where she is by chance. Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives.

The Spirit taught me that this is true as two faithful sisters from one of our wards sang a duet in our Stake Conference this weekend. The Savior said:

My sheep hear my voice,

And I know them,

And they follow me.

Alofa atu,

Elder Judd

Pictures:

The Julander family.

Henrietta at her baptism.

"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! :)

"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

"Have ye received His image in your countenances?"

Talofa!

My family! I love you so much. I love the Lord. I love being a missionary.

So, on Friday  the Rialto 2nd ward had their monthly fast for missionary work. And they ended the fast with a dinner at the church. And it was really cool because I could understand a lot of the Samoan prayer when we broke our fast.

But, that's not the best part. On Sunday we had a brand new family come to church! Ronny and Karinne and their 2 sons. Their neighbors invited them to church. And they want to be baptized. so we're going to teach them starting this week! :)

Then, on Sunday night, we went to visit some families that our ward tracted into. (Oh yeah, the Rialto 2nd ward is so proactive in member-missionary work that they go tracting. They are awesome.) The first was a family that was recently baptized. The mother wasn't home, but we spoke with the daughter, Elsie at the door. Then a girl named Jordan parked and came inside while we were talking. Then Elsie's brother-in-law, Phillip walked by. We talked with everyone with people walking by the door and in and out and it was just funny. But then they invited us in. They weren't interested much at all at first, but we shared scriptures, testified, shared spiritual experiences, and it was awesome. the spirit was so strong. and they all committed to reading 3 Nephi chapter 11. We've been trying to visit them for a while, so it was awesome to finally meet them.

God hears our prayers and he answers them. Fasting with prayer brings greater understanding.  

On Saturday night we were visiting members of the Rialto 2nd ward to get to know them and to invite them to pray for a list of the people we teach. We went to the Taufete'e home. We'd never met them, so when Bro, Taufete'e answered the door and looked surprised I had no idea if he spoke English. So I was struggling the entire visit to speak completely in Samoan. It was awesome. But then just after we prayed at the end, his wife came home and he was like:

Oh, this is my wife.

In English.

Real funny. But also was a testimony to me the Heavenly Father can strengthen us to do all things. Our job is to do our best, and leave unto the Lord the rest.

Alfoa atu,

Elder Judd

Pictures: 
Editor's Note: Not sure I matched captions with the right pictures, but that's okay!

Me and Elder Pauga

Me and Deelorean, who helped us out a lot and just left for his mission in Jacksonville, Florida.

Me and Elder McCall, who just finished his mission with Elder Pauga

Me and Elder Tingey and a lady and her daughter

"the light of everlastin​g life was lit up in his soul"

Ou te alofa i le lalolagi atoa!

I am really happy. I wish the whole world could know that God's light is real. It just is.

Transfers are this week and I'm really going to miss Elder Pauga. He leaves in a few hours. I've had a lot of fun with this guy. It was a privilege to serve with him and an honor to be his last companion.

I'm staying in Samoa! Elder Tingey will be my new companion. I've been told he's extremely obedient and extremely hardworking. I'm really excited to work with him. AND we will now be covering the Rialto 2nd Samoan Ward in addition to the great Inland Empire ward! Twice the Samoans. Twice the food. Twice the fun.

Just kidding about the food.

But this week has been full of miracles. Here's a few:

Wednesday. We brought out Sone, a young man from our ward who just his mission call to Houston, TX. We visited people in Loma Linda. Nobody was home. But we had a feeling to stop by Skyler's house, even though they never really let us in. (Remember Skyler? The guy who I met in my first area many months ago and didn't know was Samoan?) A new guy answered the door. His name was Al. We found out he's from Orange county and he's Skyler's cousin. He took missionary lessons out there in November and said he had his Book of Mormon in his car. while he ran and got it, we met Starla, Skyler's sister. She said Spencer was somewhere in the complex and ran to go get him. One thing led to another, and pretty soon we were all sitting Indian-style in their place listening to them explain why they knew God loved them. It was awesome. I've been trying to get to know them for months. MONTHS. We'll be meeting with them again soon.

Whoops, gotta go. Sorry for the short email!

I love you all! The gospel is true! Jesus is the Savior. God is your Father. They love you!

Alofa,

Elder Judd

"for He worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men"

Hey people!

This week. was. spectacular. Everything is so hard, but everything is so good because Heavenly Father has been making us stronger.

Learning Samoan is so fun. This week, for the first time, I had a phone call with our Ward Mission Leader completely in Samoan. It was sweet. The whole time I wanted to give in and toss the phone to E. Pauga, but I was like, "Fa'amalosi. Fa'amalosi." which means, "Be strong."

Sometimes members tell us that towards the end of a meal. :)

Last night the youth had a "Youth missionary Night". They all dressed up as missionaries and wore "Future Missionary" name-tags and went out with the leaders in small groups and visited a bunch of people. They had us make a list of the people to visit, and we shared a brief message from Preach My Gospel about talking to people. We role-played. The youth were excited. WE were excited. It was one of the best experiences of my mission.

On Friday we stopped by some apartments that several families in our ward live in. We were going to pick up a Brother to come out with us, but he was busy. As we started back to our car, we passed a guy that looked Samoan. He turned his face away and turned around an apartment as soon as he saw us. We kept walking. But I had a pressing feeling that we needed to go talk to him. So we quickly turned around and found him.

His name is Sa'olotoga. He is the less-active brother of Young Womens' President in the ward. We've been trying to meet him for months. He said he's had plenty of visitors, but he doesn't really like being visited. But he said we could stop by if we wanted. We told him we'd be back in an hour, after an appointment. We returned and just talked with him. He told us of how he's been looking for a job. We told him of a lady that could help him at the church. We shared some scriptures from Mosiah. The room felt so still. The Spirit was working on Sa'olotoga--I could feel it.

Quietly, he said:

Yeah... it's time... I feel like... I've just been chasing something... I don't know. But it's time.

He told us he would definitely be at church. He told us we could come by any time.

This Sunday, Sa'olotoga was at church. The first time in years. :)

We also found a new family! To'esea and Myriam. Our good friend Poe told us about them. To'esea is Samoan and Myriam is half Jamaican, half German, and grew up in Germany. We met To'esea outside his house and talked with him. He told us they've been looking for a church to go to. We've already had 2 visits with them. When we introduced the Book of Mormon to them, we read part of the introduction with them, which promises us that if we read the Book of Mormon, ponder upon its message, and pray to know if it is true, the Holy Ghost will tell us that it is true.

To'esea finished reading and was like: Whoa.

Whoa is right. This week, I was able to finish the Book of Mormon again. From real experience, I have been able to come to know that the promise of the Book of Mormon is true.

In the middle of this last week I was having a tough time feeling the Spirit and finding happiness. But while reading in Moroni, a verse hit my heart:

My beloved son, I write unto you again that ye may know that I am yet alive... and I am mindful of you always.

I knew that my Father was there, and is there, and will always be there. I felt refreshed, and I understood His plan for me. Those feelings come only from the Holy Ghost. That's how I know the book is true.

Love,

Elder Judd

"then will I make weak things become strong"

Hey my people,

Here's a cool story:

Recently, it was announced that California (or, at least SoCal) was officially in a drought. Soon after it was announced, the First Presidency asked the Stakes of Southern California to have a special fast for rain on the first Sunday of Fepuali. So we did. That was yesterday. And as we drove from visit to visit yesterday evening, the sky was totally soaked with clouds and storm.

So, to all the folks who need divine help (which is e'erybody), try fasting. And because fasting is not complete without sincere prayer, try praying too. When you call upon the Lord, He listens and answers.

Anyway, this week was fantastic.

We had a lesson with Moli and her family on Wednesday. We had a good discussion with her about faith and keeping commandments. She's been reading solidly from the Book of Mormon, but she hasn't been coming to church. She told us that she believes the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but has struggled to believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior's church. She is so close to baptism, but we're not sure what is holding her back. Please keep Moli in your prayers.

We also met the Mama family this week. They are members that are semi-active in the Samoan ward in Moreno Valley, but live in Loma Linda. Bro. Mama acknowledged that he hasn't been living how he should, and he is interested in being able to baptize his son in the next few months. We're excited to help them.

Gotta run! The Gospel is true! God answers prayers! He loves us! Ou te alofa ia Iesu Keriso! :)


Alofa,
Elder Judd

"surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God"

Hello family!

I never want to stop being a missionary. I love it.

I'm so grateful for Pres. Van Cott. We had interviews with him this week, and I walked away filled with purpose, direction, and a determination to do and be better. I firmly believe that in many cases, it is not so important where a missionary serves his mission, but who his mission president is.

I'll cut to the chase. Here's some cool stories from lenei vaiaso:

Tuesday. Out working with a soon-to-be-missionary-Ben and had a feeling to visit a less active guy (Joe L.) we hadn't planned to visit. We followed the prompting, which took us to The Complex Full of Samoans. We ran into Sofia and Moe, the 2 ladies that referred us to Joe many weeks ago. We've seen them just about every week for the last several months, but this time they had a bunch of questions – about missionaries, temples, and pork. Testimonies borne. Lesson scheduled for tomorrow. :)

Friday, on an exchange with the famous E. McCall the great. Driving in Ontario between visits, we had a feeling to turn right. We keep driving. He see's an Ula (Samoan "Lei") hanging from the mirror of the car beside us. Driver: Polynesian female. We act quickly. We follow her to a gas station. We pretend to act natural and "look at which water we should buy" while we wait for her to finish in the restroom. She comes out and says, "Elders!" Her name was Audrey, self-proclaimed less-active from a nearby Young Single Adult ward. Her family name was one we've been trying to find for ages. Definitely Samoan. Definitely inspired. Definitely didn't buy any water.

Saturday. Stopped by Jake, who we haven't seen in forever. We talk about faith. Great discussion, and great inspired questions from E. Bentley. Jake started explaining a metaphor about driving toward your destination and what distractions can come. After talking about how keeping God's commandments gets us where we want to go, we ask:

"So what is your destination?"

 

He paused. He thought. He answered: "That's a good question." He told us he didn't know where he wanted to go in life. Jake has never been this open. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost, who teaches to the heart.

Later Saturday, we dropped by The Complex Full of Samoans. We found a guy named Tei chilling in the corner of the courtyard. Like Sofia and Moe, we talk to him all the time. He has a couple sons who were baptized a few years ago and moved away. He told us about his New Years' resolution to quit smoking. His kids sent him e-cigarettes to help him. We told him that the message we share could help him with that goal. Then he said:

"Well, I've met with missionaries before. And I get your thing every month."

"What thing?"

"Your magazine."

"Magazine? You mean The Ensign?" *we pull out a copy*

"Yeah, that's it. My kids order it for me. I read it every month, and I have it on my tablet for my long doctor's appointments."

Speechless. I'm still speechless. Tei reads The Ensign every month. As we left, I asked when we could sit down with him. He paused, smiled, and said "We'll see." I'm hopeful. :)

I know that God is our Father. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that They love us. :)

Love,
Elder Judd

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

Hey friends!

Malo soifua! We begin a new transfer this week and I'm staying in Samoa with Elder Browning! I'm really excited for this next transfer. I feel like we're really helping to move this ward in the right direction.

On Wednesday we had dinner with the Allen family. It was really great. Bro. Allen is less active because he works on Sunday, so it was great to get to know them better. He made really good BBQ, and they gave us so much dessert. Just about a fourth of a rectangular chocolate cake and a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream. Mega full. Anyway, our lesson with them went so well. It was probably the most I've felt the spirit in a lesson while in this area. They have 2 daughters and a son, all primary age. These kids were so smart! They asked such good questions and gave profoundly simple answers to our questions. We taught them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We asked why we have Faith in Jesus Christ and the 3-year-old son said, "so we can live with Jesus in Jesus' house."  It is so true. the spirit they had inside of them was so powerful. You could feel that they really believed what the said.

The oldest daughter later looked at us and asked in a small voice, "If Jesus was here right now and was sitting right next to you [pointing at the empty seat on the couch] what would you do?" I had to pause. I had to think. What would I do? How would I act? I felt the words of the primary song "If the savior stood beside me" come to my mind. after I moment I looked back into her eyes and told her, "I would hug Him. And I would tell him Thank you." She approved of my answer. :) There are so many kids in this ward and they all love missionaries. They call out to us by name when they see us and will rush up to talk to us. It's been hard work for me to remember all their crazy Samoan names. Haha. But kids are so sweet. I believe the Savior meant it when he taught "of such are the kingdom of heaven." 

I felt that even more when we were teaching Moli, Omar, and Sabrinna at the church on Saturday. Well, actually Sabrinna was teaching. She asked if she could prepare a leeson for her mom (Moli), and it was super cool. She taught about fear, obedience, and faith. What was extra awesome was that halfway through, the primary kids started practicing for their upcoming primary program in the chapel, and we could quietly hear the songs they sang. Oh man, I know that added to the spirit, whether Moli knew it or not. After Sabrinna taught, we really listened to Moli and her concerns. She told us she's not ready for her baptism date, yet again, and she really opened up to us. She realized that she had been reading the Book of Mormon to compare it to the bible, rather that reading it to sincerely know if it's true. So she committed to reading with an open heart. I'm really glad I'll be here another 6 weeks to see her continue to grow in her faith.

That's all folks. Heavenly Father loves us more than we could imagine. The Savior loves us just the same. They are always here for us, ready to help us back to them. They know our struggles. they are ALWAYS working in our lives for our good. Mm. it is true. :)

Love you lots,

Elder Judd

"hearts are changed through faith on His name"

Hello my favorite peoples!

It was a good week in Samoa. The ward is pushing along and we had another baptism!

James was baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday. He's awesome. He's 50 and married to Elisapeta, who has been a member of the Church all her life. She is Samoan, but he's not. He's really into fitness and is super active. Last week at our Ward "pikiniki", he was playing rugby with the young men. (pretty impressive, my friends) They have a son named Shaun, who is 14 and also a member of the church (Shaun reminds me a lot of Tanner Bouck. they look alike and both love basketball) . James had actually been investigating the church for about 15 years, but just before I came into the ward he accepted the invitation to be baptized. It was a great baptismal service, but what stood out to me was the confirmation during the Sacrament meeting the next day. Elder Browning and I stood in to help in the Priesthood ordinance, and Bishop Afutiti performed the confirmation. As we layed our hands upon his head, I felt the power of the Priesthood bless James. I felt so excited for him, because he's already living the faithful life he should. But the covenant he made with God is what will make the difference for the rest of his eternal life.

I love covenants! :) To me, a covenant means promised blessings from Heaven, guaranteed by righteousness. James now has the promised blessing of the gift of the Holy Ghost. A member of the Godhead will now be his teacher, guide, and comfort as long as he keeps being faithful. Man, there's nothing better! When the confirmation was over, and we returned to our seats, I could envision the eternal blessings that James' family would now receive. I could picture them living happily, progressing closer to Jesus Christ, and eventually entering a Holy Temple of the Lord to make more promises with our heavenly Father. :)

This is the last week of the transfer, so I'll find out this weekend whether I'm staying in this ward or moving. I love being a missionary. everyday I learn more about myself and about His great plan for us. Ah, it's all true. God loves us. The Savior loves us. They gave us the Book of Mormon. This is the true church of the Redeemer of Israel, even Iesu Keriso—my 2 favorite words in the Samoan language. :)

Love,

Elder Judd

James and Elisapeta after the baptism!

"I have nourished it this long time, and it hath brought forth much fruit"

Talofa sweet friends of the earth,

There have been many tender mercies of the Lord this week. On Monday we had dinner and family home evening with the Moleli family. I love Samoan families because their family home evenings are so great. Sometimes we'll sing opening hymns in Samoan, and most families will recite scriptures together. It's crazy to see kids have passages of scriptures memorized that I don't even know from memory! So impressive. And the families always give us time to share a message we've prepared. At the Moleli's we shared a lesson about the Book of Mormon. We've been teaching a lot about the Book of Mormon lately, actually. I love the book of Mormon! We taught about how the way to build our faoundation of faith on Jesus Christ is to do the little things: keep his commandments, go to church, say your prayers, and read the scriptures,especially the Book of Mormon, as a family and by yourself.

After the lesson we split into 2 teams and played Family Fued. it was really fun. :) It made me think of my own family and reminded me why I love the gospel... becuase families can be together forever! God is literally the father of our spirits and he wants us to return to live with him someday. he also wants us to live happy lives with our families on earth, which we can do by following the teachings of the Savior. :)

On Friday I went on an exchange with Elder Seright. I was on bike for the 3rd time on my mission! We had a really great lesson with a lady named Sister Doyle, who is struggling with various medical condtions. we shared the mormon message, "A Book of Mormon story" (mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1256696369001). The spirit was so strong, and we testified of the power that comes when we feast upon and apply the words of Christ found in the Book of Mormon. When we read it, every problem in our life begins to shrink.

This happened with Randall and Dana, whom I taught in my last area. I had the privilege on Saturday to go back to Redlands to view their marriage, then baptism. It was such a good experience. At the end of the baptismal service, Randall bore his tesitmony that he knew that he had found his true home. The Book of Mormon has really changed his life. When we started to teach him he told us of how they went to a cousin's birthday party and felt tempted to drink the alcohol there. But he knew that it was wrong. So they hurried home and read from the Book of Mormon. He said he just felt good whenever he read it, and he felt like all temptations started to get weaker, while he grew stronger. The power of the Book of Mormon is real! Ah, I wish everyone would read it. Everyday. It changes lives because the Savior changes lives, and the words in the Book of Mormon are his words in purity.

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.”

—Marion G. Romney

Love,

Elder Judd

Here's pictures of the day it rained this week.  

second time to rain on my mission. 

Elders Langi and Seright. 

view from my apartment.

"we are made alive in Christ because of our faith"

Hello family and friends!

This week has been so great. So many blessings and so much food. The members LOVE feeding missionaries. I am learning how to feast, temporally and spiritually.

Tuesday was probably the most full I've been so far, and maybe the most full I've been in my life. We had dinner with the Fata family, whom we love. (They're awesome and have a couple of sons preparing for missions and a million kids) First, here's the lesson part of the night: Before dinner we taught about how they can "catch the wave" of missionary work like Elder Nelson taught. They committed to praying for missionary opportunities and to look for the opportunities as they go about their daily lives. I also found out that one of the sons is on the school football team with a young man named John, that I was able to teach my first day in the field back in Redlands. John was super awesome and wanted to be baptized, but was too young and couldn't get permission from his parents. But the Fata's son said he would keep inviting him to activities and stuff. The whole family is super excited about missionary work and we're excited to check up next week on how everything went.

Then, we had dinner. We had rice (which is a Polynesian staple), beef ribs, casserole, polish sausage, salad, and apple soda. Delicious. We finished and were full with food-babies. But then another son came home carrying Popeye's chicken and groceries. I was scared. I thought to myself, "be strong." They insisted that we eat some chicken, so we had a few pieces. At this point, I thinking, "okay, I can't eat any more. I can't do it." But then they brought out dessert--cream cheese croissants and mega-sized muffins. I ate a croissant, which was the smaller of the two. Then they brought out plates with 2 round ice cream sandwiches for each of us. I was hesitant. I looked to Elder Browning, who had already started one. I had to eat one now. So I slowly started and finished one. I couldn't do any more. I couldn't. I had to shamefully leave the other on the plate. I had much more than a food-baby now. I had trouble breathing. It was such good food, but just a little more than I was used to. As we left, I was so full I had a tough time reaching down to put my shoes on. I was afraid I was going to meet Ralph on their doorstep. The drive home was a struggle. Elder Browning drives, and the whole time he was making me laugh so so hard. But I survived and I'm here to tell the tale.

Elder Browning is a great missionary. He is hilarious. I don't go a day without laughing until I cry. Working with him and this ward is really great. The members are so great. On Saturday they went to a Samoan session at the temple. They had us meet them there afterwards to go do missionary work with them. we split up into teams and visited members of the ward we haven't seen at church and others that needed visiting.

Gotta go, but the work is true! Heavenly Father loves us and is so mindful of us! :)

Love, 

Elder Judd

"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for He loveth the world"

Talofa!

 

It was a great last few days in Loma Linda, but a great first few days in Rialto. I had to say goodbye to the wonderful Laura and Danny, but I may see them again soon because they are planning on being baptized this Friday.

 

On Wednesday, we had transfers and all met at the mission office. My new companion, Elder Browning is a great guy. He is the grandson of Elder and Sister Browning, a senior missionary couple who finished their mission in my ward in Loma Linda. They went home after I had been out about 2 weeks. They made good food. :)

 

On Saturday, we baptized Sabrinna, who had been investigating the church with her family long before I arrived. her sister Zharra had been a member of the church for a while, and they both bore powerful testimonies at the service.

 

I love the people of this ward. they are so sincere and kind, and they LOVE missionaries. they feed us so much. Church on Sunday is in Samoan, so it is a completely new experience. But the spirit is the same. the power of the Priesthood is the same. The power of the atonement is the same. I love that God is no respecter of persons. I also love the church building we meet at now. The sacrament table is not in the usual spot in the corner of the chapel, but is directly in front of the pulpit. It is front and center. With this, the Savior and His sacrament are the focus. I love it.

 

I love serving a mission. I know this is where I'm supposed to be. I know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us.

"The most important message any of us could receive or carry is a reminder of who we are and how we are loved by our Eternal Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. When the truth and reality of this message sink deep into our hearts, we are drawn back to Them--to Their love, to Their light, and to Their arms." --Elder Patrick Kearon

 

:)

 

Love,

Elder Judd

 

p.s. Thanks for everything and all your prayers. please keep me in your prayers, as I keep you in mine. I love you guys.