Ten years ago, a new set of missionaries came into our ward that really clicked with our family. We had them over a lot and as we had them in our home, I couldn't help but think about the mothers behind these missionaries. Back then, on some level, I started realizing that I should be treating these elders like their mothers would want me to treat them, because one day I would have a son or daughter out a mission as well.
One day, these Elders came to our door hungry. They literally showed up at my door saying they didn't have a dinner appointment at 5:00 pm on the dot. I got out my frozen pizza and a box of macaroni and whipped them up super horrible dinner in 10 minutes flat, but I didn't turn them away. I couldn't help but think about their mothers and the prayers they were saying everyday in behalf of their sons. I couldn't turn them away.
Now that my son is serving a mission, I look at missionaries completely different. I realize they are imperfect, struggling and needing encouragement. I realize they left everything behind and are making a monumental sacrifice of time and energy. I look at these Elders and now realize, they could be my son and now more than ever, I want to treat them with the most love that I possibly can.
I am now a mom behind a missionary serving in Lubbock Texas. I don't want his mission to be easy and it most assuredly won't be, especially when he goes to Mada. Rather, I want him to be challenged, stretched and molded into the man God intends him to be.
D&C 112:10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Come what may and Lubbock
David arrived safely in Lubbock today and is in good spirits. He got permission to talk to me on his layover in Dallas (six whole minutes) and that made this momma very happy. He's in good spirits and ready to serve in Lubbock for the next six weeks. I don't know his address, I don't know who these people are (outside of the fact that it must be his mission President and wife) and I don't know when he will be going to Mada. So, come what may and Lubbock is our new motto.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
From David to Elder Johnson
David was set apart as a missionary on July 15th at our stake president's house. President Bailey's wife, Sandy, took all the pictures and even provided a little dessert afterwards (chocolate covered strawberries) We all got to give David a little advice before he was set apart. In summary, I told him to not be afraid to share his light. Enoch told him to follow all the mission rules. Elizabeth told him that she was going to learn a lot from David's experiences. Joseph was too overcome with tears to say anything. David and Joseph are best friends and we knew it was going to break his heart to see David go. Stephen told David not to measure his success upon getting baptisms. This was such an awesome experience! My son went from David Johnson to Elder Johnson and we were beaming with pride. He's worked so hard and sacrificed an incredible amount to earn the honor of being a missionary for Jesus Christ. Also I can't forget to give a shout out to my sister who is always willing to watch Lucy, even when it means she will have to miss out on events like these. To Heather, Lucy is the special event, but she is always so selfless and giving. Thank you Heather, you are an incredible sister, aunt and best friend.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
In and Out Burger & Star Valley
This was our trip to star valley before we delivered David to the MTC. David chose his last meal at in and out burger and Joseph can be seen pulling his normal shenanigans in the background. Which in turn made me laugh and cry ...thnks Joe. I'll never forget how David held my hand in the car (I was a blubbering mess) and through my tears I was giving him words of encouragement. Although everyone in the car knew it was David consoling me. More pictures to come of the delivery, which needs it's own post.
Mission call opening - April 8, 2018
As with any Mission call opening, we were not sure where David would be called and we were so excited to find out. Once David open the envelope we were all shocked and excited to see Madagascar. I love how in this video David's mother was voicing the excitement that all of us were feeling. What an awesome moment that will never be forgotten!
Letter From David - Aug 24, 2018
Hello everyone!
Today is officially my last P day at the MTC. I am feeling mixed emotions of happiness and sadness as my stay at the MTC comes to a close. I am really grateful for all the support that you guys have given to me over the past months and weeks. I couldn’t ask for more support.
On Sunday, we had someone from the missionary department come and speak to us, which was a really spiritual experience for us. The zone leaders were released from their positions effective next Sunday as new zone leaders were called last Sunday and will start their calling this coming Sunday. I’m really grateful for the zone leaders that gave me and my district full support and love. They have demonstrated the true love of Christ and service and missionary work. I’m also very grateful for my branch president, President Adams. He’s a very loving man and he’s very stern and straight to the point, but nonetheless happy to work. His wife is nearly the same way, only a little sweeter.
On Monday we had TRC for the last time. Me and my companion taught a woman named Kristen. From my knowledge, I think she served a mission in Madagascar, but her Malagasy was just a little bit broken. She still spoke really nicely, and we still had a very nice conversation about prayer.
On Tuesday, we had the ultimate privilege of being able to hear from Elder D Todd Christopherson. His message was about the recent standards of the name of the church. He gave us new instruction to never use the word Mormon to refer to our church or members. Rather, he wants us all to refer to our church as the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, not the LDS church, not the Mormon church, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love him, and I sustain him. I also sustain president Russell M Nelson.
On Wednesday, we got to teach Tony again, this time we taught him a little bit about the plan of salvation. I felt a big contrast between the lesson I gave at the beginning of this transfer to where I’m at now. I felt a huge increase in my vocabulary in Malagasy, and that couldn't have happened without the help of my District members and my teachers and the Lord. Malagasy is amazing language, and I’ve had the privilege of being able to stay here at the MTC for six weeks. I will never forget my stay here, and I will always be thinking about it the day I leave.
Yesterday, sadly, two of our fellow missionaries from my district had issues with their visas in Madagascar, and as a result, they were reassigned to the Washington Seattle mission for one transfer. We were all a little bit bummed out at first, but it turned out to be a really happy event, as not a lot of people get to say that they serve two missions.
This morning, before I wrote this email, I got the chance to perform endowments in the Provo Temple. The Provo Temple is such a beautiful temple, and I’ve enjoyed every second of looking at it from a far at the MTC. It was one of the first things that I saw as we were pulling into the MTC. I will miss the Provo Temple when I leave to go to Madagascar.
One thing to keep in mind is that I still might get reassigned to a different mission in the United States of America. Everyone is having issues with their visa right now, and there’s a high possibility that (with the exception of elder meldrum) every missionary from our district will be reassigned.
I will keep you guys posted as the time Roseanne, but I can assure you all that if I do get reassigned as where the Lord wants me to go. I will be happy to serve in the most wicked city known on earth. I would be happy to serve in a place where there is not a lot of people. I’d be happy to serve anywhere the Lord wants me to go.
I love you all and I’m sorry that I didn’t take a whole Lotta pictures this week, it was really busy. But, here’s what I took.
Love you all!
Elder Johnson
Today is officially my last P day at the MTC. I am feeling mixed emotions of happiness and sadness as my stay at the MTC comes to a close. I am really grateful for all the support that you guys have given to me over the past months and weeks. I couldn’t ask for more support.
On Sunday, we had someone from the missionary department come and speak to us, which was a really spiritual experience for us. The zone leaders were released from their positions effective next Sunday as new zone leaders were called last Sunday and will start their calling this coming Sunday. I’m really grateful for the zone leaders that gave me and my district full support and love. They have demonstrated the true love of Christ and service and missionary work. I’m also very grateful for my branch president, President Adams. He’s a very loving man and he’s very stern and straight to the point, but nonetheless happy to work. His wife is nearly the same way, only a little sweeter.
On Monday we had TRC for the last time. Me and my companion taught a woman named Kristen. From my knowledge, I think she served a mission in Madagascar, but her Malagasy was just a little bit broken. She still spoke really nicely, and we still had a very nice conversation about prayer.
On Tuesday, we had the ultimate privilege of being able to hear from Elder D Todd Christopherson. His message was about the recent standards of the name of the church. He gave us new instruction to never use the word Mormon to refer to our church or members. Rather, he wants us all to refer to our church as the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, not the LDS church, not the Mormon church, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love him, and I sustain him. I also sustain president Russell M Nelson.
On Wednesday, we got to teach Tony again, this time we taught him a little bit about the plan of salvation. I felt a big contrast between the lesson I gave at the beginning of this transfer to where I’m at now. I felt a huge increase in my vocabulary in Malagasy, and that couldn't have happened without the help of my District members and my teachers and the Lord. Malagasy is amazing language, and I’ve had the privilege of being able to stay here at the MTC for six weeks. I will never forget my stay here, and I will always be thinking about it the day I leave.
Yesterday, sadly, two of our fellow missionaries from my district had issues with their visas in Madagascar, and as a result, they were reassigned to the Washington Seattle mission for one transfer. We were all a little bit bummed out at first, but it turned out to be a really happy event, as not a lot of people get to say that they serve two missions.
This morning, before I wrote this email, I got the chance to perform endowments in the Provo Temple. The Provo Temple is such a beautiful temple, and I’ve enjoyed every second of looking at it from a far at the MTC. It was one of the first things that I saw as we were pulling into the MTC. I will miss the Provo Temple when I leave to go to Madagascar.
One thing to keep in mind is that I still might get reassigned to a different mission in the United States of America. Everyone is having issues with their visa right now, and there’s a high possibility that (with the exception of elder meldrum) every missionary from our district will be reassigned.
I will keep you guys posted as the time Roseanne, but I can assure you all that if I do get reassigned as where the Lord wants me to go. I will be happy to serve in the most wicked city known on earth. I would be happy to serve in a place where there is not a lot of people. I’d be happy to serve anywhere the Lord wants me to go.
I love you all and I’m sorry that I didn’t take a whole Lotta pictures this week, it was really busy. But, here’s what I took.
Love you all!
Elder Johnson
Letter From David - Aug 17, 2018
Hello everyone! Week 4 nearly done and in the bag! I’ve had such a great time here at the MTC learning and growing in the knowledge of the gospel and in the language of Malagasy. I have had a blast with my district and have enjoyed every fleeting moment of happiness with them. They are so amazing to me and I love them to pieces.
On Sunday, Elder Kearon of the seventy and his wife Sister kearon spoke about missionaries and how stressful it can be being one, and the benefits that come from being one.This coming Sunday I have the opportunity to play the piano for sacrament meeting for the first time. On that same day, I will also have the privilege of giving a special musical number. It will not however be my first musical number by any means. On this stay alone, this will be my sixth musical number that I give. I’m truly blessed to be able to share my musical gifts to other missionaries to inspire them to continue their work in righteousness. Everyone in my district is on pins and needles right now, because every Sunday the branch president asks someone with no future notice to come up and give a talk in their mission language. Right around this time, there are a lot of missionaries trying to put together a talk in their mission language. I haven’t given one yet, but that might soon change.
On Monday we had another TRC session, and this time it was over Skype. Our instructors told us that we had a strong possibility of teaching someone that was actually from Madagascar. Unfortunately, I did not teach someone from Madagascar. But, the man I taught over Skype was still a great guy, and I still had a great conversation with him in Malagasy. Not a whole lot happening this Monday, other than we did a lot of Malagasy and not much else.
On Tuesday I gave another special musical number, which was a portion of a song from a play. I don’t remember the name of the play, but the name of the song was “someday we’ll understand”. I accompanied the song on the piano while another elder sang the song beautifully. We played this song for a branch presidency dinner, and it was a real privilege to be able to meet everyone there that was important. Again, a lot of Malagasy but not much of other things.
On Wednesday I thought Tony again, and I gave him the entire first lesson in preach my gospel in Malagasy. My instructors are very pleased with me and my comrades. I’m very proud of them, and how much they work on Malagasy and memorizing. I don’t remember a whole lot from Wednesday other than I thought and I ate drink and slept Malagasy.
On Thursday, which was yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting some people from China. They’re very friendly and open people. I asked them if they could teach me a little bit of Mandarin Chinese, and they taught me how to say a few things in mandarin other than hello. They taught me to say my name is, planet, tiger tooth, and food. It’s not a whole lot, but I’m hoping that in the distant future I can learn Mandarin. I also met someone from the Ukraine. He has so many crazy stories because he was in the middle of the battles between the Ukraine and Russia. He told me the story of how he was sleeping in the bank with his family because there is no running water in his house, and they were trying to help elderly people get money, but they were not connected to the Internet and you need the Internet to get money. In the middle of the night, he said he heard a bombshell come in and hit the ground and explode. It woke everybody up and they never knew where it came from, but the only thing they did after that was run back. I’m so grateful that I live in a country that’s protected by strong loving courageous men.
So tomorrow is a very special day, which reads on the calendar August 18. On July 18, I arrived here at the MTC. This day signifies the one-month marker Of my mission. I cannot believe this much time has whizzed past so fast. It’s indescribable, the feeling that i have been away from home for this long, makes me finally feel grown up.
Next week is the last week that I will email you guys before I head out to Madagascar. It will be the last time that I will be emailing you in coherent times zones. After that, I will always be nine hours ahead for the next 23 months. Right around that time, don’t be surprised if you get an email at around 2 o’clock in the morning.
I’m sorry, I did not take a lot of pictures this week, but I will do better next week. Also, just to put it out there, my parents anniversary is today, so be sure to wish them happy anniversary. I’m so grateful for all the packages, the love, the mail, and all the support that has been given to me during this part of my life. It’s really inspiring and helpful to me as a missionary, and I know God will bless you for those things.
On Sunday, Elder Kearon of the seventy and his wife Sister kearon spoke about missionaries and how stressful it can be being one, and the benefits that come from being one.This coming Sunday I have the opportunity to play the piano for sacrament meeting for the first time. On that same day, I will also have the privilege of giving a special musical number. It will not however be my first musical number by any means. On this stay alone, this will be my sixth musical number that I give. I’m truly blessed to be able to share my musical gifts to other missionaries to inspire them to continue their work in righteousness. Everyone in my district is on pins and needles right now, because every Sunday the branch president asks someone with no future notice to come up and give a talk in their mission language. Right around this time, there are a lot of missionaries trying to put together a talk in their mission language. I haven’t given one yet, but that might soon change.
On Monday we had another TRC session, and this time it was over Skype. Our instructors told us that we had a strong possibility of teaching someone that was actually from Madagascar. Unfortunately, I did not teach someone from Madagascar. But, the man I taught over Skype was still a great guy, and I still had a great conversation with him in Malagasy. Not a whole lot happening this Monday, other than we did a lot of Malagasy and not much else.
On Tuesday I gave another special musical number, which was a portion of a song from a play. I don’t remember the name of the play, but the name of the song was “someday we’ll understand”. I accompanied the song on the piano while another elder sang the song beautifully. We played this song for a branch presidency dinner, and it was a real privilege to be able to meet everyone there that was important. Again, a lot of Malagasy but not much of other things.
On Wednesday I thought Tony again, and I gave him the entire first lesson in preach my gospel in Malagasy. My instructors are very pleased with me and my comrades. I’m very proud of them, and how much they work on Malagasy and memorizing. I don’t remember a whole lot from Wednesday other than I thought and I ate drink and slept Malagasy.
On Thursday, which was yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting some people from China. They’re very friendly and open people. I asked them if they could teach me a little bit of Mandarin Chinese, and they taught me how to say a few things in mandarin other than hello. They taught me to say my name is, planet, tiger tooth, and food. It’s not a whole lot, but I’m hoping that in the distant future I can learn Mandarin. I also met someone from the Ukraine. He has so many crazy stories because he was in the middle of the battles between the Ukraine and Russia. He told me the story of how he was sleeping in the bank with his family because there is no running water in his house, and they were trying to help elderly people get money, but they were not connected to the Internet and you need the Internet to get money. In the middle of the night, he said he heard a bombshell come in and hit the ground and explode. It woke everybody up and they never knew where it came from, but the only thing they did after that was run back. I’m so grateful that I live in a country that’s protected by strong loving courageous men.
So tomorrow is a very special day, which reads on the calendar August 18. On July 18, I arrived here at the MTC. This day signifies the one-month marker Of my mission. I cannot believe this much time has whizzed past so fast. It’s indescribable, the feeling that i have been away from home for this long, makes me finally feel grown up.
Next week is the last week that I will email you guys before I head out to Madagascar. It will be the last time that I will be emailing you in coherent times zones. After that, I will always be nine hours ahead for the next 23 months. Right around that time, don’t be surprised if you get an email at around 2 o’clock in the morning.
I’m sorry, I did not take a lot of pictures this week, but I will do better next week. Also, just to put it out there, my parents anniversary is today, so be sure to wish them happy anniversary. I’m so grateful for all the packages, the love, the mail, and all the support that has been given to me during this part of my life. It’s really inspiring and helpful to me as a missionary, and I know God will bless you for those things.
Letter From David - Aug 10, 2018
Hello once again everyone!
I couldn’t be more grateful to be serving here as a missionary in the MTC. It’s such an honor to be able to represent Jesus Christ in Madagascar.
On Sunday, Jenny Oakes Baker (Dallin H Oakes’ daughter) came and spoke to us about her experiences around the world. She’s an excellent violin player, and her whole family plays at least one instrument as well, which they also play very well. They are performed special musical numbers and it was very spiritually uplifting. We didn’t realize that she was Dallin H Oakes’ daughter until she said that her dad was an apostle. Here at the MTC, we get to choose a movie to go to. Now, When you think of a movie in this case it is not like in a movie theater. Instead, it’s when an apostle or someone really important in the church speaks through a video that had been taken at the time they’re speaking. This Sunday, a lot of our district chose to go to “one by one” by David A Bednar. This message was very spiritually uplifting about missionaries and their purpose. His grandchildren performed afterwards. Looks like a lot of leaders have really amazing families!
On Monday, we had TRC again. This time, me and Elder Ashford felt a lot more prepared in stead of feeling like we’re scrambling to put something together, with a few rough edges here and there. In other parts of our district, however, some elders didn’t feel like they had repaired adequately enough. One of the elders accidentally cussed in Malagasy while giving their lesson. Me and older Ashford were the last ones to teach because the person volunteering to discuss our lesson with us was 15 minutes late, and Brother Soper decided to substitute. Brother Soper is a really funny guy, and whenever me or Elder Ashford messed up he would just laugh and correct us.
On Tuesday, Jean B Bingham came and gave a wonderful speech during our weekly devotional. It was really a special time, because general authorities in the church really don’t come that often to the MTC. I don’t exactly remember what she spoke to us about, because there was a lot of talking going around where our district was sitting. One of the rules in the mission field is that the elders are not allowed to flirt with sisters and vice versa. However, this rule has frequently been broken even by the people who are in charge of those rules. I haven’t broken this rule, and I at least try to make conversation with sisters short, but I never talk about anything inappropriate with any sister. While I was trying to listen to Sister Bingham, There were probably three or four elders from the district who were talking to sisters in a manner that I was not comfortable with. I decided to just plug my ears and focus on the speaker. That helped me a lot to feel the spirit even though I couldn’t hear anything.
In the MTC, it is clear who teaches with spirit and those who do not do it with the spirit. Some of those elders just can’t recognize yet that they don’t teach with the spirit, and hopefully that can change soon because they won’t be successful without the spirit.
Also, Earlier Tuesday morning, me and our Ashford had to go to the doctor to check up on his health. It turns out that his cyst was still there. Me and elder Ashford were both shocked and disappointed at the news. We had to discuss what was to be done with the doctor and with his parents. We decided to go to a different doctors office that was in Layton Utah.
On Wednesday, in the morning, me and Elder Ashford went to Layton, Utah (yep, we had to leave the MTC for a few hours) to go see if he needed surgery or not. During this time, I was able to read a lot from the old testament. I really enjoy Exodus, and the story of Moses parting the Red Sea. When Elder Ashford came came out of the doctors office, he told me that he only need to meet with one more person and then he would know what to do. As we were driving back, I could see Temple Square and the Salt Lake Temple through the smog (for those of you don’t don’t live in Utah, it is very, very smog ridden in Provo. Just yesterday we couldn’t see the mountains which were in close proximity. It smells a lot like smoke). It was an encouraging sight for me, because it was a symbol of the presence of God. Sometimes our life is cloudy and dark, but you can tell when God is there to help us feel better about ourselves.
Just yesterday, Elder Ashford and I went and met with the president of our district, whose name fails to come to my mind at the moment. During this meeting, I had the privilege of meeting a couple of very nice sisters. Their names were Sister White and Sister Andrews. One of them was from upstate New York, and the other one was from Austin Texas, with a thick southern accent. I don’t remember where any of them are serving, but they seemed ready and willing to go into the field. That is the type of attitude I want to have before I go into the field. When Elder Ashford came out of the room he was being interviewed in, he told me that he needed to get surgery when his time at the MTC was done. He would go home for 6 weeks to recover, and then would fly to Madagascar to resume his mission. This meant that he would not be coming on the plane ride with us to Madagascar, which was devastating to our entire district. We all love elder Ashford and his influence on the district, and to hear that he wouldn’t be coming with us on this amazing journey was heartbreaking. I will probably be put in a trio when I reach Madagascar. I’m really hoping that Elder Ashford can stay faithful and diligent. He is an amazing elder. Later that night, I gave him a blessing of healing. It seemed to calm his nerves.
Last night, I had the chance to teach Tony again with Elder Ashford. We did not have a lot of time to prepare this lesson because of the trip to Layton and the meetings with the doctors. Brother Mack was very, very patient and forgiving, to whom I am very grateful for. He allowed us 2 hours of preparation time, which is also very forgiving. I ended up learning the entire first part of the first lesson in preach my gospel. Elder Ashford decided to teach Tony about the saviors earthly ministry. The next time we teach Tony, it’ll be about the great apostasy, the restoration, and the book of Mormon. When it was time for us to teach Tony, we went in and started to teach him. Before we teach him, we get to know him first, because it’s polite and we want to include him. I asked him how he was doing, how his work was, how his family was doing, how his health is doing, and where he bought his shoes. We then set a prayer, and when we were done I shared a scripture from Amos chapter 3 verse 7 with him. When he was done reading it, I said the first three words in the lesson I had prepared so earnestly. However, I was promptly stopped in my tracks. I had no idea how to go on in my lesson, because I did not remember a single word that I had prepared. I sat in silence for over a minute trying to figure out what to say. I became very frustrated, and I said a prayer in my heart asking for the influence of the Holy Ghost. When I closed the prayer in my heart, I open my mouth and it was filled beyond belief. I taught my lesson to the best of my ability, and brother Mack said that the type of Malagasy I was using was very eloquent and very inspiring. He said “boy, the spirit sure did fill your mouth!” After I gave my portion of the lesson, Elder Ashford gave his portion on the saviors earthly ministry, which he did a very great job on. When we were done with the lesson, and we had said a closing prayer, Brother Mack had us stay for a few minutes and told us in English how impressed he was with us. He asked me why I had sat in silence for over a minute, and I told him it was because I cannot remember a single word from my lesson, even though I had spent over two hours preparing. And then I told him about how I prayed that I would remember the words that I prepared, and how the Holy Ghost filled my mouth with the words that Tony needed to hear. He told me that I had experienced the gift of tongues. I completely and utterly witness to those reading this email that the gift of tongues is real and those who are worth and ready to receive it will experience it in its finest form. I’m really grateful that I get to learn the Malagasy language, and I’m so grateful for my teachers who so willingly and openly support me even in my mistakes. I am truly blessed to have these teachers as my tutors in this magnificent language. I love them so much, and I could’ve gone this far in the language without them.
Nor could I have gone any farther in this entire mission without any of your support.
I am without words when it comes to gratefulness and thanksgiving for the support all of you people have given to me. But love and concern that has been demonstrated for my sake is almost inconceivable. I love all of you so much and I know the Lord is going to bless you for your willingness to support me. You helped me to become the person that I am today do your simple yet very deeply meaningful gifts. Again, I express my gratefulness for all your support.
Right now, I am working to memorize a few more scriptures. In intermediate core, we have to memorize 25 Scriptures. I have only memorized 2 so far. It’s ok, though. I know that the Lord will give me more room in my brain to stuff all this Malagasy.
I’ve been trying really hard to take as many pictures as I can, and I will do it a lot more next week. These pictures were taken either at night, or when I was really bored. I will include a video of our district trying to make a beat. It was really funny, because none of us were very coordinated. You will clearly see that when you watch the video.
God bless you all, I hope that you enjoy your weekend and the next week until I email you again. Be safe, and know that heavenly father loves you. Also know that I love you.
The first picture is 1 Nephi chapter 2. The second picture is some of my TRC notes.
Third picture is the restoration in PMG. Fourth is he plan of salvation in PMG, fifth is the atonement in PMG.
I took a panoramic picture from my classroom of the mountains. My classroom is on the fourth floor of the new building.
In the last picture, you’ll see a cloud that looks kind of like Beethoven.
With love,
Elder Johnson
I couldn’t be more grateful to be serving here as a missionary in the MTC. It’s such an honor to be able to represent Jesus Christ in Madagascar.
On Sunday, Jenny Oakes Baker (Dallin H Oakes’ daughter) came and spoke to us about her experiences around the world. She’s an excellent violin player, and her whole family plays at least one instrument as well, which they also play very well. They are performed special musical numbers and it was very spiritually uplifting. We didn’t realize that she was Dallin H Oakes’ daughter until she said that her dad was an apostle. Here at the MTC, we get to choose a movie to go to. Now, When you think of a movie in this case it is not like in a movie theater. Instead, it’s when an apostle or someone really important in the church speaks through a video that had been taken at the time they’re speaking. This Sunday, a lot of our district chose to go to “one by one” by David A Bednar. This message was very spiritually uplifting about missionaries and their purpose. His grandchildren performed afterwards. Looks like a lot of leaders have really amazing families!
On Monday, we had TRC again. This time, me and Elder Ashford felt a lot more prepared in stead of feeling like we’re scrambling to put something together, with a few rough edges here and there. In other parts of our district, however, some elders didn’t feel like they had repaired adequately enough. One of the elders accidentally cussed in Malagasy while giving their lesson. Me and older Ashford were the last ones to teach because the person volunteering to discuss our lesson with us was 15 minutes late, and Brother Soper decided to substitute. Brother Soper is a really funny guy, and whenever me or Elder Ashford messed up he would just laugh and correct us.
On Tuesday, Jean B Bingham came and gave a wonderful speech during our weekly devotional. It was really a special time, because general authorities in the church really don’t come that often to the MTC. I don’t exactly remember what she spoke to us about, because there was a lot of talking going around where our district was sitting. One of the rules in the mission field is that the elders are not allowed to flirt with sisters and vice versa. However, this rule has frequently been broken even by the people who are in charge of those rules. I haven’t broken this rule, and I at least try to make conversation with sisters short, but I never talk about anything inappropriate with any sister. While I was trying to listen to Sister Bingham, There were probably three or four elders from the district who were talking to sisters in a manner that I was not comfortable with. I decided to just plug my ears and focus on the speaker. That helped me a lot to feel the spirit even though I couldn’t hear anything.
In the MTC, it is clear who teaches with spirit and those who do not do it with the spirit. Some of those elders just can’t recognize yet that they don’t teach with the spirit, and hopefully that can change soon because they won’t be successful without the spirit.
Also, Earlier Tuesday morning, me and our Ashford had to go to the doctor to check up on his health. It turns out that his cyst was still there. Me and elder Ashford were both shocked and disappointed at the news. We had to discuss what was to be done with the doctor and with his parents. We decided to go to a different doctors office that was in Layton Utah.
On Wednesday, in the morning, me and Elder Ashford went to Layton, Utah (yep, we had to leave the MTC for a few hours) to go see if he needed surgery or not. During this time, I was able to read a lot from the old testament. I really enjoy Exodus, and the story of Moses parting the Red Sea. When Elder Ashford came came out of the doctors office, he told me that he only need to meet with one more person and then he would know what to do. As we were driving back, I could see Temple Square and the Salt Lake Temple through the smog (for those of you don’t don’t live in Utah, it is very, very smog ridden in Provo. Just yesterday we couldn’t see the mountains which were in close proximity. It smells a lot like smoke). It was an encouraging sight for me, because it was a symbol of the presence of God. Sometimes our life is cloudy and dark, but you can tell when God is there to help us feel better about ourselves.
Just yesterday, Elder Ashford and I went and met with the president of our district, whose name fails to come to my mind at the moment. During this meeting, I had the privilege of meeting a couple of very nice sisters. Their names were Sister White and Sister Andrews. One of them was from upstate New York, and the other one was from Austin Texas, with a thick southern accent. I don’t remember where any of them are serving, but they seemed ready and willing to go into the field. That is the type of attitude I want to have before I go into the field. When Elder Ashford came out of the room he was being interviewed in, he told me that he needed to get surgery when his time at the MTC was done. He would go home for 6 weeks to recover, and then would fly to Madagascar to resume his mission. This meant that he would not be coming on the plane ride with us to Madagascar, which was devastating to our entire district. We all love elder Ashford and his influence on the district, and to hear that he wouldn’t be coming with us on this amazing journey was heartbreaking. I will probably be put in a trio when I reach Madagascar. I’m really hoping that Elder Ashford can stay faithful and diligent. He is an amazing elder. Later that night, I gave him a blessing of healing. It seemed to calm his nerves.
Last night, I had the chance to teach Tony again with Elder Ashford. We did not have a lot of time to prepare this lesson because of the trip to Layton and the meetings with the doctors. Brother Mack was very, very patient and forgiving, to whom I am very grateful for. He allowed us 2 hours of preparation time, which is also very forgiving. I ended up learning the entire first part of the first lesson in preach my gospel. Elder Ashford decided to teach Tony about the saviors earthly ministry. The next time we teach Tony, it’ll be about the great apostasy, the restoration, and the book of Mormon. When it was time for us to teach Tony, we went in and started to teach him. Before we teach him, we get to know him first, because it’s polite and we want to include him. I asked him how he was doing, how his work was, how his family was doing, how his health is doing, and where he bought his shoes. We then set a prayer, and when we were done I shared a scripture from Amos chapter 3 verse 7 with him. When he was done reading it, I said the first three words in the lesson I had prepared so earnestly. However, I was promptly stopped in my tracks. I had no idea how to go on in my lesson, because I did not remember a single word that I had prepared. I sat in silence for over a minute trying to figure out what to say. I became very frustrated, and I said a prayer in my heart asking for the influence of the Holy Ghost. When I closed the prayer in my heart, I open my mouth and it was filled beyond belief. I taught my lesson to the best of my ability, and brother Mack said that the type of Malagasy I was using was very eloquent and very inspiring. He said “boy, the spirit sure did fill your mouth!” After I gave my portion of the lesson, Elder Ashford gave his portion on the saviors earthly ministry, which he did a very great job on. When we were done with the lesson, and we had said a closing prayer, Brother Mack had us stay for a few minutes and told us in English how impressed he was with us. He asked me why I had sat in silence for over a minute, and I told him it was because I cannot remember a single word from my lesson, even though I had spent over two hours preparing. And then I told him about how I prayed that I would remember the words that I prepared, and how the Holy Ghost filled my mouth with the words that Tony needed to hear. He told me that I had experienced the gift of tongues. I completely and utterly witness to those reading this email that the gift of tongues is real and those who are worth and ready to receive it will experience it in its finest form. I’m really grateful that I get to learn the Malagasy language, and I’m so grateful for my teachers who so willingly and openly support me even in my mistakes. I am truly blessed to have these teachers as my tutors in this magnificent language. I love them so much, and I could’ve gone this far in the language without them.
Nor could I have gone any farther in this entire mission without any of your support.
I am without words when it comes to gratefulness and thanksgiving for the support all of you people have given to me. But love and concern that has been demonstrated for my sake is almost inconceivable. I love all of you so much and I know the Lord is going to bless you for your willingness to support me. You helped me to become the person that I am today do your simple yet very deeply meaningful gifts. Again, I express my gratefulness for all your support.
Right now, I am working to memorize a few more scriptures. In intermediate core, we have to memorize 25 Scriptures. I have only memorized 2 so far. It’s ok, though. I know that the Lord will give me more room in my brain to stuff all this Malagasy.
I’ve been trying really hard to take as many pictures as I can, and I will do it a lot more next week. These pictures were taken either at night, or when I was really bored. I will include a video of our district trying to make a beat. It was really funny, because none of us were very coordinated. You will clearly see that when you watch the video.
God bless you all, I hope that you enjoy your weekend and the next week until I email you again. Be safe, and know that heavenly father loves you. Also know that I love you.
The first picture is 1 Nephi chapter 2. The second picture is some of my TRC notes.
Third picture is the restoration in PMG. Fourth is he plan of salvation in PMG, fifth is the atonement in PMG.
I took a panoramic picture from my classroom of the mountains. My classroom is on the fourth floor of the new building.
In the last picture, you’ll see a cloud that looks kind of like Beethoven.
With love,
Elder Johnson
Letter From David - Jul 27, 2018
Hello all!
Just another great week at the MTC! I’m fitting so much more Malagasy into my brain than I thought I ever could. I love that language, it is beautiful.
We had some rough times coming last week though. I got a little sick with a cold last week and still have it a little, and one of the people in our district left because he had medical needs. But nothing like a good trial to bring us together, right? Besides, the MTC is all about loving people. I have three Malagasy instructors. We call them rahalahy Alhstrom, rahalahy Soper, and rahalahy Mack. Rahalahy means brother in Malagasy. Rahalahy Soper is probably the most engaging of them all, and he challenges our abilities to teach by simulating conversations between a companionship and a man named Noel. (This whole conversation HAS to be done in Malagasy by the way) Noel asks us questions like “Inona no ny bôkin ny môrmôna?” What is the Book of Mormon? We have to answer with good pronunciation and enunciation. The Malagasy people always depend on accents for communication. Yesterday me and Elder Ashford gave a lesson to Noel about Moroni 10:5 and the Holy Ghost. For now, Malagasy is probably the most fun yet challenging task I have to go through at the moment. My Companion can be a stickler about some things in Malagasy but I know he’s just trying to help me out, so I brush the bad feelings out.
Here’s a few pictures I took these last few days and weeks. Enjoy!
Love you all!
Letter From David - Jul 20, 2018
Salama!
Tia ny MTC aho. Tsisy vaovao. Aho dia misiônera avy an’ny fiangonan’I Jesoa Kristy hoe an’ny olomasin’i andro farany. Tia ity aho.
Sorry, I love speaking Malagasy! Haha what I said was hello I like the MTC. I am a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I like it. Family and friends, I love you guys so much and I am so grateful for all the love you’ve sent me. I am so grateful for all the support you’ve given to me. My companions name is Elder Ashford. He is a stud. He got called to Madagascar a year ago, was dropped off at the MTC and only stayed for a half hour due to a medical emergency, and got a call later to the Philippines but had to go home under surgery and now he is in the MTC with me going to Madagascar again. I love him lots. I love the Malagasy language! It’s very fun to speak and to preach the gospel in.
There are 13 people this transfer headed for the big island of Madagascar. These are the names of the people going. I hope I got them all right.
Me
Elder Ashford
Elder Wilkes
Elder Bess
Elder Meredith
Elder Maguet
Elder Meldrum
Elder Stepan
Elder Bess
Elder Smith
Elder Allen
Elder Fjierstad
Elder Mano
Elder Mano is a great guy he’s hilarious and he is our zone leader.
When I got my name tag they accidentally gave me the name tag for another Elder Johnson who is going to Tahiti. They gave me a name tag printed in Tahitian and it looked good for the short amount of time i had it. Thankfully, I now have my Malagasy name tag.
Mom, yes I met elder Smith he’s a great guy and he knows I emailed him and we are great friends.
My p-days are on fridays for the next 5 weeks for your convenience. May god be with you and bless you for all your love and support. Veloma, mazatoa! (Farewell, stay diligent!)
Tia ny MTC aho. Tsisy vaovao. Aho dia misiônera avy an’ny fiangonan’I Jesoa Kristy hoe an’ny olomasin’i andro farany. Tia ity aho.
Sorry, I love speaking Malagasy! Haha what I said was hello I like the MTC. I am a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I like it. Family and friends, I love you guys so much and I am so grateful for all the love you’ve sent me. I am so grateful for all the support you’ve given to me. My companions name is Elder Ashford. He is a stud. He got called to Madagascar a year ago, was dropped off at the MTC and only stayed for a half hour due to a medical emergency, and got a call later to the Philippines but had to go home under surgery and now he is in the MTC with me going to Madagascar again. I love him lots. I love the Malagasy language! It’s very fun to speak and to preach the gospel in.
There are 13 people this transfer headed for the big island of Madagascar. These are the names of the people going. I hope I got them all right.
Me
Elder Ashford
Elder Wilkes
Elder Bess
Elder Meredith
Elder Maguet
Elder Meldrum
Elder Stepan
Elder Bess
Elder Smith
Elder Allen
Elder Fjierstad
Elder Mano
Elder Mano is a great guy he’s hilarious and he is our zone leader.
When I got my name tag they accidentally gave me the name tag for another Elder Johnson who is going to Tahiti. They gave me a name tag printed in Tahitian and it looked good for the short amount of time i had it. Thankfully, I now have my Malagasy name tag.
Mom, yes I met elder Smith he’s a great guy and he knows I emailed him and we are great friends.
My p-days are on fridays for the next 5 weeks for your convenience. May god be with you and bless you for all your love and support. Veloma, mazatoa! (Farewell, stay diligent!)
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