Week 11-Rock Springs, WY

OK this week......

I've had a few really awesome experiences but first I'll talk about the logistics of this week. We had zone conference. We drove down to Salt Lake and listened to Elder Clarke of the 70s. He gave me some really good insight that I will strive to put into application. He talked a lot about setting goals and achieving them. This is a quote by Elder Ballard that I really enjoy: “I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life.” We went to the Jordan River Temple after zone conference. I'm pretty sure that's the temple Mom and Dad got married in. I really thought the temple was beautiful. Each time I go, I understand and learn more and more.

We had a pretty good lesson with one of our investigators named Trisha. She didn't complete her reading assignment so we read with her. We asked her to pick out a question that she has or she doesn't know the answer to.  We asked her if she believes that God will answer her question and/ or tell her what she needs to hear through the scriptures. She said she believed that, so we proceeded to read 1 Nephi 1.  After we were done we talked about what impressions we had and what we felt as we were reading. She started talking about how it reminded her of her father a lot of the stuff she was reading and how her earthly father is kind of like her heavenly father. I always love bringing the scriptures into lessons because I feel that there are few things that bring the spirit so easily and with great magnitude like the scriptures can. The cool thing about chapter 1 is that it talks nothing about what she said she got from it which is truly a testament that the scriptures no matter the chapter or where you are will tailor fit for your specific and individual needs.

Recently Elder Clark and I have been struggling a lot.... with each other. It now has been resolved but there were a few times I was pretty upset. Elder Clark, like I have mentioned before, struggles with obedience. Since we became companions, it has slowly increased to the pinnacle a few days ago. There are many, many things I could list to prove my point but it suffices me to say that he is disobedient. The pinnacle was the day after zone conference. His friends from TN were passing through and ate lunch with him a week or so ago. A few nights ago they came and stayed the night with us in our apartment. The Zone Leaders coincidentally were planning to go on splits with us a few days after that. When that happened, I was able to tell them all that I've been going through and struggling with the past few weeks. I told them that Elder Clark was my responsibility first and I had been planning to talk to him sometime about the stuff that had been going on. They encouraged me to confront him that night. Honestly, it was probably one of the hardest things that I have ever done. It doesn't sound like it's a big deal but it really is difficult considering that he's my trainer and I would be severely correcting him. Before I went into talk to him, I prayed for strength. It was extremely hard to initiate the conversation but once I did God took care of the rest. I felt like I should explain how I felt like in the Mormon message about the guy on the cruise ship who was living obviously and humorously underprivileged. I said that I knew that we could see SO much more success than we already have been having. The zone leaders a day later talked to him. We have made great changes and I can feel the spirit in a significantly greater measure when we teach than ever before. I am very grateful for the courage I received.

A miracle we had this week was putting Vicki and Evan on date. They are the most amazing couple and I feel a deep and abiding love for them. I am so grateful to God for blessing us by putting them in our care. At the end of the second lesson we taught them, we asked them to be baptized. simultaneously they responded with yes and I need to think about it because she felt like it was a rush. The next morning in church, Vicki said she had something to tell me. She asked if I remembered the question I asked her last night about baptism. Of course I did. She said that while she was talking to Evan when Evan said he felt like it was going too slow that she forgot to take her B12 shot. I thought it was funny because I thought she was going to give me this grand spiritual experience! Our next visit they said that they decided to get baptized. She said that before we met with her she'd been praying for a church and then Elder Williams and I showed up at their house. There's more but I have to go!

Elder Bass

Later Notes: Evan said it was going to be hard to give up coffee and then he said that his coffee machine broke. He said to himself ok alright ill do it.

This was a very defining point in my mission when i confronted Elder Clark. I remember to start the conversation was SUPER difficult but once i started the conversation God filled my mouth with words and the right things to say.

Here's some pictures from the last few weeks:

 my "heartburn" on trek

Moldy apartment bread

 The next four photos are of Manilla. It's a super country town; old fashioned; every one knows each other and there are feuds amongst families.

Flaming Gorge

The distant Flaming Gorge and I

"M" for Manilla

 These last two are McKennon:

It's a sea dragon in someone's yard

Week 10-Rock Springs, WY

It sounds really exciting all thats going on! I'm happy Jesikah was able to have a good 16th bday party! I was playing the piano at an old couple's house and they wanted me to play what they called a "really popular song". I had never heard it in my life! It was a really old blues song with really weird timing. So I wasn't able to play it! To answer your questions... I get enough to eat! I've gained about 20 pounds or so. I get 4 course dinners every night and every meal if I desired. 

Anyways my week! My district leader Elder Page wanted me to go out to Manilla and Mckennon with his companion. So I spent the majority of the week there. They are two microscopic towns that are very LDS based. Everyone knows about the church and is either active or inactive. Very few nonmember families. Most non members are kids whose parents are inactive. I would send you pictures but I left my camera in Elder Page's car. Manilla has about 200 or so population count. Mckennon has even less. It is remarkably beautiful out there. I really can't describe it in words and the pictures don't do it justice. Since it took so many miles to get out there we walked pretty much the entire time we were there. It was a relief getting away from Elder Clark and being able to be exactly obedient. We did have some pretty cool experiences. We ran into a guy who said he's felt lost ever since he left the church. So we hopefully gave him a little motivation. We actually ran into quite a few families like that. We visited all the house's Elder Page gave us the first day, so we weren't sure what we were gonna do for the other days. We were walking to some houses and a guy asked if we wanted lunch. They took us to the senior center there and we had lunch with all of them. We helped them do dishes afterwards. We ended up getting a bunch of referrals and different older couple took us around to some people afterwards and introduced us to some potential investigators. The Lord always has stuff for us to do. I really feel like every encounter was meant to happen. I feel like there aren't really any coincidences as a missionary. We didn't really have a plan with who we were going to stay with before hand. So, we had to completely have faith that the Lord will provide a place for us to stay; which he did. 

We had an awesome lesson with Vicki and Evan this past week. We taught them the plan of salvation. We give them a passage to read and they read the entire book. For example, Vicki has now read the BoM three times, Our Search for Happiness, Gospel Principles twice, and the Joseph Fielding Smith Manual. We just gave her Jesus the Christ haha. I know that they know it's true. Its only a matter of time now. I can only say the highlights. We are expecting about 6-7 baptisms this transfer. I really feel like we don't deserve the success we've received. Thank you for the prayers. Some days I can feel them. I love you all very much!

-Elder Bass

Later Notes: Manilla in the summer is absolutely beautiful.

August 13,2014 in my missionary journal i vented quite a bit about Elder Clark and disobedience.

It was good for me to go to Manilla and be independent. We walked around and talked to people.

We stayed with a LA guy. We slept on his couch and shared the shower. He was very kind. He seemed to have a difficult life.

Wisdom from Journal:"Being a missionary is hard and out of my comfort zone. That means its good for me."

To be more specific about the lesson, We read the account of Christs baptism in Mathew. I said,"after we have answered many questions of yours, we have a question for you. Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God?"

Week 9-Rock Springs, WY

I remember the days when I started driving! I guess for some it's learned and for some it comes naturally! Its hard dealing with people. Most people have little things that really get to them and that they really have problems with!

We had an awesome week with everything that happened. We had a few really cool lessons! Vicki and Evan are people that we found when I was on exchanges with Elder Williams. They are so amazing and prepared! They started donating to charity organizations when their church accepted gay marriage and they left. They have no word of wisdom problems. They don't even drink caffeine! They keep commitments and they came to church this week! We already have 3 people on date for the 23. With Vicki and Evan it would be 5.

We also had another really cool lesson. Trisha has been going though a lot. This week we stopped by. Going in we had a plan of teaching her lesson 3. But it was very clear once we had been in for a few minutes that we needed to teach lesson 2! I really didn't want to follow the prompting because I really wanted to teach the 3rd one and commit her to be baptized. I followed it and it turned out really well. The spirit was definitely there. She had a lot of questions and I felt like we really helped her. We asked her to be baptized but she said she wasn't quite ready. I know she will come around soon. I really don't think things would have gone well if we would have taught the other lesson. It would probably be too confrontational or something. I don't know I'm definitely glad I followed the spirit. I'll keep you updated! Love you all
-Elder Bass

Later Notes: In my journal, I told of an experience teaching Vicki and Evan. It was hard to initiate the spiritual stuff for me at that time. I did and we talked about the spiritual stuff for a second and then vicki started on another story. Elder Clark kept encouraging her. I felt anger. I looked at a picture of the savior in the front of the Book of  Mormon. I felt peace and kept myself composed during the lesson. At that time it was beyond all reason to "small talk" that long we were missionaries after all.

This week Elder Clark told me his trainer and him would go to the library and look up Mormon messages. We did that and Elder Clark started emailing his girlfriend. We did this quite a few times. Every time without fail, he would email his girlfriend. I got acquainted with the Mormon messages there were a few times that i also checked my email.

I had an experience with the enabling power of the Atonement where i thought i was failing and being disobedient. I prayed and expressed my desire to change and live differently. I felt the strength and the power to do so.

Week 8-Rock Springs, WY

Hey!

Sounds like your week was pretty eventful! I still wish Sister Taylor was my seminary teacher! Transfers are Tuesday. Elder Clark and I are both staying! I really love where I am at and would love to stay my entire mission here! Maybe switch companions though haha.... Elder Clark is tough sometimes! He doesn't like to get out and work but when he's out of the house he's fine!

 Some people we deal with are pretty high maintenance. We have to push them and push them and they only do very little. I know that faith is a principle of power and action. If you or anyone feels like things aren't happening in their life, it is probably a lack of faith and hope. It makes things happen!

Something I'm slowly changing into is someone who loves people! It is hard, I put a lot of effort into it, and I'm constantly praying and calling upon the enabling power of the atonement! It's WORKING! My heart is softening for those around me and especially my investigators! This week, I've been trying to give everything to the Lord. I read a talk and it touches on how obedient missionaries aren't necessarily changed. You have to give your heart, might, mind, and strength. I'm working on giving up my heart and my mind. It's hard but I know I will be able to see good results in my life and the lives of others.

I'm starting to love playing basketball! We do it every P-day and I'm starting to get better!

As far as investigators and experiences this week, I had a lesson that was hard. We went over to the family's house and they have two kids who are pretty crazy! We tried to teach them the first lesson and one of the kids kept leaving. We also started without one of the kids because we weren't bold enough to ask where she was at and if she could come. It is hard sometimes to create an environment where the spirit can touch people's hearts. That night I prayed very fervently to be more bold and to be able to be a better missionary and so forth. The next day, we had another lesson where I was able to be bold. The wife went in to cook and the husband was with us. So we asked if we could wait until she was done or when there was a good time. It turned out to be a great lesson so I was glad to have a learning experience!

I bore my testimony Sunday also! I talked about how the natural man is like acne, and the gospel is like acne soap. Acne happens and grows naturally. We combat it by using acne soap! On all the containers it has descriptions like bright, clean, clear, radiant skin! Use it and it will be worth it. On the back it says, apply one or twice a day! When we apply the gospel to our lives everyday like we read our scriptures and do the small things that bring us closer to God, our nature's will change and we will become bright, clean, clear,  and radiant! Unlike soaps though, The gospel is free and free for all whereas soaps are EXPENSIVE! I was happy God has helped me be bold! I owe him everything!

Thank you for the care package! I appreciated the gushers! They are very expensive and delicious and I could always use more oatmeal so I loved it! Thank you and I love you all!

-Elder Bass

Later Notes:
I remember we ate dinner with a guy named brother ketchum. He had the most amazing ribs and i couldnt stop eating and i felt like my stomach was bottomless. Another missionary at the dinner chewed with his mouth open. I still remember the jaw movements and the sounds. Im still in awe that he didnt recognize it.

This week i had some wonderful experiences with fasting. I felt actual joy  and an increased measure of the spirit which i hadnt really felt before. In previous times, the only feeling or emotion that i felt or recognized was hunger.

One thing that had a huge impact on me was when Elder Clark said that i was Heathers missionary. I felt a great sense of accomplishment.

This week we helped the people under us move out and as a token of their gratitude for our service they gave us a huge flat screen tv. We were super excited about that and we somehow obtained the Son of God (movie that had recently came out) We got permission to watch it and we did for comp study.

One of my first few days as a missionary, i had an experience doing some list work. We talked to this guy in their yard. He had a lot of tattoos and looked like a very gruff man. We started talking to him he was surprisingly really receptive. He said that his daughter was battling an illness and would appreciate it if we came over. We did and thus began the trek with the Nye family.

This was one of the hard points of my mission experience. It was when i realized that i was staying with my trainer for another transfer.

This transfer Elder Clark hit his 6 month mark. We went up to the mountain top of Whit mountain. We burned one of his ties. On the way up we were listening to a song that talks about people cutting themselves by Imagine Dragons, I asked him to turn it off because it reminded me of someone my dad and i used to visit that cut herself. I told Elder Clark that he said that he had a girlfriend who had the same problem. He said that you never would have guessed from the outside but she was full of baggage. He said that the tie that he was burning was the same one that he was taking to the mountain.

Week 7-Rock Springs, WY

Hey!
To answer your question, I picked Justin up midway. I really did get to know him though and care for his well being. I taught him probably 3 or 4 lessons before his baptism last week.

This week I went on splits to Elder Williams area for a day. Also, we had Trek on Monday.  It was a mission-wide Trek for the whole Salt Lake City-East mission. Trek was only one day but it was still a good experience. We played ball and had a testimony meeting afterwards. It was a good time. What I realized the most is that our time here is limited. And just like our time, after we die we will be limited as well. We won't be able to influence people as much and we won't be able to act and help others as greatly as our capacity on this earth life allows us. It was a call to motivation. In the same way, after I am off my mission I won't be able to effect people as much or be able to teach and be guided by the spirit as much as I can now. I need to make the most of my time!

Elder Freebairn, Elder Clark, Elder Bass after Trek

A little update on Heather... She came to church and it really was amazing to see her change. She said that she was finally able to focus on the scriptures. She shared this story in Gospel Principles class that Elder Clark and I were teaching. She said that our last lesson she realized something. When she was younger, she had to give up some of her kids to adoption. She has one picture of each of them. She said that she realized that if she could see her son, he would look a lot like me. I believe it was inspiration; I'm not sure she realizes it yet. She was always so hesitant about baptism and unsure and after that experience she said that she knows that she is supposed to get baptized and she knows that the gospel is good. We were going to move the baptism up but she still has to work out some things. It was kinda awkward that she shared that in front of all those people. It was all good in the end though.

We had the opportunity this week to go to a BYU dance performance. Our goal from the beginning was to get some nonmembers to go with us. We worked all day making visits and stuff with no success. We had a few maybes but we didnt have much hope for them. 10 minutes before it started, we stopped by one more house. She said that she would come! We met her there and she even brought and friend! After the performance was over, we were mingling with a lot of people. We met some of the dancers and we found out that another family of nonmembers we invited showed up! It was a great feeling because both families had awesome experiences!

Here are some tips get the members more involved in missionary work: Our stake is putting on a church open house. We are part of the organization committee for it. The missionaries are giving tours around the church starting every 15 minutes or so one day. They end in the gym where members are. Each family of members has a station that further describes the classes and auxiliaries of the church. They are going big on advertisement including billboards, radio, and newspaper. We are going door to door in our area handing out flyers. Every dinner we invite the members to pray about a family to bring. The talks in church are focused on missionary work. Its a great way to hasten missionary work. I could tell you more things but I'm running out of time. Congrats on the golfing btw! I wish some members could take us golfing! Anyways, hope that helped! Love you guys!
-Elder Bass

Later Notes: Something Elder Beard (one of my zone leaders at the time) did had a very big impression on me. He is super good at basketball. A lot of his mission budies were gathered together and were playing. For one reason or another i didnt make the team that was playing. He was very eager and persistent and gave up his spot so i could play.

In my journal i wrote of a time where i got up at 8am. We had personal study though my companion read Eragon. I weakly tried to initiate companionship study but Elder Clark didnt want to and my will power wasnt very strong. I slept through companionship study and Elder Clark wrote a letter to his girl friend.

Wisdom that i wrote down in my journal: After you have made the necessary preparations of planning and goal-setting, no need to worry about the future. The only worry should be doing the right thing now and the rest will take care of itself.

This week I had struggles getting along with people. I had trouble getting along with both Elder Clark and Elder Williams and had to vent about them both in my journal. I said that Elder Williams wasnt being an effective missionary. I said that Elder Clark doesnt have a desire to improve, has no self-restraint, and makes fun other missionaries just like any of the guys at school.



More Trek Pictures:

Left side middle during the sisters pull

Alex is in the back middle

Week 6-Rock Springs, WY

I can tell you've been busy! Its going well out here! So this week, we went on "greenie" splits. It was a pretty cool experience I went out with Elder Williams who was from my district in the MTC! He is pretty quiet but super obedient! And we were! Sometimes I struggle with my trainer.... He's an amazing guy and he's only been out 4 months! He misses his girlfriend a lot and he can be unmotivated but nevertheless I love him. My trainer went with Elder William's trainer and they were gone Monday- Friday!

We were lost for the first little bit but we tried to be exactly obedient and trust in the Lord! Each morning and night, we would earnestly pray for our investigators those that we came in contact with, to be more Christ-like, and to see miracles! Just a few experiences that we had....

We did some list work on our down time. The first night we set up like 4 or so appointments for the next week. It was great!  All of the appointment we set up are with part-member families!

We felt impressed this past Wednesday to knock on this one lady's door. A member that we did service for had mentioned that the people who lived there were nice but wouldn't be interested. An older lady opened the door. We got talking to her and probably talked with her for 30 or so minutes on the door step! The topic of conversation eventually turned to religion. She explained that she had been Presbyterian for the longest time but lately their church had moved out of the city. She said the Presbyterian faith had begun to accept gay marriages and changed some of their doctrine to please its members. She is very intelligent.  She saw that we were holding a Book of Mormon and said that she recognizes it and stuff. We asked her what she thought about it. She replied that she's read it three times! We set up another appointment for a few days later. When we came we talked for a while about a lot of things. We started to ask her more about the Book of Mormon and she said that intellectually she believes its true. I explained that when I was younger I felt the same way. I shared that in order to really feel and know that its true it's something different. I had to pray to know. She said she felt it was true! Such an awesome experience! This past weekend we stopped by and did some service for them! She has a husband and they are both investigators now! Tell Grandpa Ricks that his drip system stuff came of good use because that's what we did! They have a vast garden that needs watered and i was able to put my knowledge to good use! They accepted to take the lessons and so that's what we will be doing this next week.

Elder Williams and I were blessed with so much success! We had a vast amount of lessons and made a lot of progress! Our Heavenly Father truly blesses us for our obedience! I've also learned that we can never really pay him back. The more obedient we are the more he blesses us and the more we are truly behind. He loves his children SO MUCH!

Another experience briefly, we met a guy battling stage four cancer. We agreed to help him with service for his yard! It turned out good. We helped him in ways where he couldn't help himself. After we were finished, we talked a little bit and then got into the spiritual message. As I was opening to a more basic "God loves you" scripture or something like it, a scripture in Alma caught my eye. I looked at it and it talked about the judgment and resurrection. Simultaneously the thought came that everyone had different needs. I was hesitant because I didn't want to bring up death and resurrection to someone battling stage-four cancer. But I shared it anyways... He was super receptive to our message and said that he thought that he just was a spirit forever after this. It seemed to make him a little more happy or bright if that makes sense!

There were a few more awesome experiences but I just don't have time. I love this work! This is truly the time of his hastening and I'm so thrilled to be a part of it! Jesus Christ lives and God loves us! I know it! Thank you for all the support! Please feel free to write me I want to know! I love you all.
-Elder Bass

Later Notes: One story that i forgot to mention was a person that was named Sister Mcmurtrey, We stopped by her house because it was on the part member family list. She apparently said that she wasnt interested. I didnt hear her and asked for a return appointment, She gave us a return appointment. Elder Williams told me this afterwards.

Vicki and Evan finding was a miracle and something that i will never forget and a relationship that i will always treasure!

There was a 15 year old boy that we made a lot of effort to help. We went out and kicked the soccer ball around with him. We shared a thought and a prayer with that boy.  Looking back it is something that i am very proud of and something i see and minister of Christ would have done,

We also taught a lady named Melissa watson. She also has cancer. She let us come many times while i was in Rock Springs. This particular time we were on her porch and we couldnt go inside because of the third male rule. I remember the sun on her pale face.

I forgot to mention that we are going on trek this week so that should be pretty exciting! Justin was baptized this week. The baptism was AWESOME! We had to work to get people there and stuff but I truly felt like he was welcomed into the ward. He is such a great guy and he's going to fit in so well. Please be kind and fellowship those who are new they need you! He really wants to be a good person and a man of God. It went very smoothly.

I went on exchanges this week to Green River. We lived with an older couple for a few days and did some yard and house work for them! Here's a picture of me lifting weights at their house.

Do you remember my blocks tie?Sunday we have to go to three different churches so I developed an equation to calculate the volume of the tie! It turned out to be an awesome problem!

picture of Elder Williams from the MTC

Week 5-Rock Springs, WY

Umm lets see this week...  Emailing is so time consuming. Maybe its just because I'm a slow typer haha.

We have done a lot of service this week. The National High school Rodeo is held here so we have been volunteering there! We've met people from all over the country and Canada! We got a cool tshirt and free tickets to the rodeo which we're going to be using tonight!

This is such a blessed area! We have seen so many lessons.We actually have a baptism this weekend. His name is Justin, and he's from South Carolina. He moved up here for a girl and she dumped him a few weeks later. So he was kinda stuck... He started working at Taco Bell and met us (we're trying to get him to hook us up haha). We started teaching him and he looks really thuggish but he's such a nice guy. I've really had to get over my judging barriers. Yesterday he told us a girl is moving up here from South Carolina for him. She's a not a member and he said he told her that it wasn't gonna happen unless they went to church and stuff. Such a proud moment!

Our stake leaders and bishops are awesome! It does seem to fall off a little bit at the Elders Quorum, but we're working with them. We have such a great vision for the area. I know that we can do great things with God!

Elder Clark is a great guy! We are really starting to play off each other and be good at teaching! Most of what we do is just create an environment so that the spirit can touch them. Without God and his help our effort are ineffective and virtually meaningless. We have 4 people on date for baptism in this area. We are working with 10 more or so! I love working with the members and I testify that the more they are involved the more success we have. Easily.

I am going on exchanges with a guy from my MTC district we're both really excited and it will be cool to run my area for the first time. Hopefully I dont get lost!

Super excited for tonight I'm going to try and get a belt buckle at the rodeo!

The spirit leads and guides us in all that we do! It's hard work for it to be that way though. I wish I could talk to Jared. It would be such a great experience for him. I can't think of any experiences off the top of my head so I'll try to write them down when they happen. Thank you for all the love and support! I love you all!

-Elder Bass

Later Notes:

The beginning of my mission i struggled a lot with small talk and getting people to feel comfortable around me. I think that helped me so much was the week long exchange that happened this week. It was really only about 3-4 days.

The guy i was with at the time, Elder Williams, was a great missionary. He was very timid and shy. He would almost do no talking so it was all pretty much up to me.

I remember looking forward to the exchanges that we went on. It was a time when i got to do things completely my way. A lot of the things that my trainer did were irritating to me. One of the things was he would spend along time small talking. He would talk to some people as long as they would let him. I remember listening to conversations next to him for like 40 min+.

Alex's two buddies meet in the Salt Lake City-West mission today!!  Nick picked Derek up at the airport after spending 6 weeks in the Mexico MTC.