Welcome Home Elder Greenlaw

Elder Greenlaw served an honorable mission. He made so many lifelong friend while he served the people of Georgia and Florida. Here are some of his homecoming pics.

Welcome Home Elder Greenlaw! 

Epic Week

This week was great! Started with an epic fishing trip that lasted all day and barely gave me enough time to write some emails. We then had a Zone Conference in Kingsland, GA all centered around the Enabling Power of the Atonement. After that I was super pumped and filled with faith. We traveled out to the boonies to contact a media referral. While doing so we knocked the entire small trailer park out, had some great conversations, taught a few lessons and found 2 new investigators. The pastor who lived across the street and lived in between his church and another wasn't too interested though... :) 

We taught a great scripture study class this week with a few less actives, 2 recent converts and our gator Jill Paul. With a class full, it lead to her bringing out a concern she had about baptism and the whole class got involved helping her. It was great! Poor lady has had 3 strokes though and is progressing very slowly. We haven't had any contact with James Jr this week sadly... He seems to not be interested anymore... He was scheduled to be baptized last week but things have fallen through and we're dropping him. We decided it would be best to give him a few months and then try again. 

Another miracle this week was while we were knocking on doors we taught a man named John and his girlfriend Makea. At first Makea was very shut off, wouldn't even make eye contact with us, 

but by the end of it she was very intrigued by the first vision and also the scouting programs for her 3 boys. We will see what happens there! 

Lastly, on our way to Stake Conference, we hitched a ride with some members and they told us how at their 8 year old son's baptism the day before. One of their friends who went and approached them afterwards asked what he needed to do in order for his three sons, 9,10, and 12 to be baptized!!!! So we got their number and will be contacting them very shortly! 

I've really enjoyed my time here in Waycross. I've grown close to a recent convert named Jason Hersey. He's made such a huge change in his life over the past year and a half. He is gay, but is now an endowed member and is the ward clerk. He goes on trade offs with us twice a week, every Saturday morning he takes us to the famous Jerry J's for grits, eggs, sausage, and biscuits! And if we ever need a meal throughout the week he takes us out to our favorite restaurant. 

'Im sure going to miss the South and being a full time missionary. It truly is an incredible experience and everyday we are giving opportunities to testify of our Lord and Savior. I know that he lives and that this is His work. No greater joy is found other than being in service of our Heavenly Fathers children.

Elder Greenlaw gets a new suit from another missionary. He still has swag. 

Less Than a Month Left

Today for P-Day we went fishing. We went fishing for almost 8 hours. Things are going well in Georgia. It is a little weird to think that I am going home soon. Lots of people we meet and teach, I won't be able to see the end results of our labors. When we are scheduling meetings and ward social that are in a month, I will not be able to go. That seems really strange. 

Our teaching pool has shrunk yet again. Our progressing investigators have either dropped us or are progressing slowly. It seems like the Lord just wants me to give it my all and hit the pavement. We talk to everyone and knocking on a lot of doors is the best way to find new people. I have gotten a lot better at this since the beginning of my mission. It takes a lot of faith and diligence to knock on doors. I don't mind it. It has been helping me stay out of my comfort zone and push through until the end. Just under 4 weeks now. 

Talk to you soon, 
Elder Greenlaw

Elder Greenlaw 24 months

Fishing on P-Day! Caught 3 fish (Brim, Bass, and a Catfish)

Great Week in Georgia

So much to say and so little time! I wish I could just Skype you again. I would be so much easier! So things of been great, but also very difficult around here. Last week I kind of talked about how the work week has been going. Howard has been pretty slow and things are kind of difficult with my companion. The highlights are that we have had some great progression with our investigators. Things are really looking up for James And Jill getting baptized next month. 

We also had a great miracle finding a brother named Mathew. We were knocking doors, and after visiting with a potential he referred us to his neighbor who's name is Ray. Hes a really old gentleman and his wife passed away just last week. We talked about the spirit world and entering into a state of rest and peace. He ended the conversation pretty short but said we could come back. As we were biking away, I had an impression to turn around. So I followed, and the Spirit told me to knock on a door down the street a bit that I had never before seen. When we did, Mathew opened it and he said that he knew God had led us there that day and that it's time for him to turn his life around and get back into church. We taught him the restoration and he loved it, especially the Book of Mormon. We will be visiting with him again shortly.I had really been praying hard to find a new solid investigator because we are pretty low on the number of people we teach. We have been focusing on talking to everyone! People aren't always walking around in the neighborhoods so it's pretty difficult, but I have already seen miracles from it. 

Love, Elder Greenlaw

First Month in Georgia

Hey yall,

First off I just want to wish y'all a Happy New Years!!! Its going to be a great one! A lot has happened here recently, it's been pretty difficult, but i know that I'm here for a reason and there are lessons to be learned. The first two weeks I got here were really rough. We taught maybe 5 lessons all week and had hardly any people to work with. My companion has been out for over a year and has been in this area for a few months, but he just hasn't been able to crack the nut on this area. Since I was new to the area, I sat back and allowed him to take the reigns and hoped he would show the area well. Sadly that hasn't happened. We have 3 investigators, 1st is Bonita who has been having surgery and all kinds of health problems so we can't meet with her. The 2nd is an 80 year old widow named Jill who has had three strokes and so she can hardly retain any info. Especially our names and the teachings in the Book of Mormon that she listens to on tape. 3rd is a brother named James who is fighting addictions and living with a girlfriend who doesn't want to get married yet. Missionaries have been working with these people for 6 months or so now and they just aren't progressing..... So basically i have come into this area starting from scratch. 

This last week I have pushed by the spirit to step up, take the reigns, and make some changes. Both with some of the habits I personally have and also with my companion and the work we do in this area.

This week has been good! Difficult, but good! We taught double the lessons we had the following two weeks and have figured out some of the things we can improve on. James missed his scheduled baptism last month so we rescheduled it for Feb 7th. Hopefully he can get married or leave the chick by then. That will be his biggest hold-up. Jill came to church and loved chatting with all the old ladies in the ward! She told us that she knows there's a reason why shes still around and that the 3 strokes haven't taken her life. She also thought it was because she might need to become a Mormon haha which we all know that's exactly why!!!! Next visit were going to invite her to be baptized again and try to set an actual date.

We've been knocking on a lot of doors. Before, Elder Andersen, did not believe it was a good idea. By doing so this week, we have talked to way more people, taught more lessons, found new people to teach, and it fills in the time where otherwise we would be thinking.... Ummm so where to next? Now we don't even ask that. We immediately start knocking after our plans fall through or we have extra time. it is great. 

It's been difficult because i have had to take charge by making the first move, and making all the decisions. Even though I hardly know anybody and know where things are. I still to this day have no idea what our ward boundaries are... I feel like I'm white washing..

Things are looking up though and I am just hoping i can leave this place a lot better When I leave then how it was when I got here. It's hard knowing that I only have two short months left and i probably wont see much of the results while I am here. 

Anyways, I know this gospel is true because it has changed me for the better and I have felt the enabling power of the Atonement of Christ. God lives, as does his Son even Jesus Christ. Their love is infinite and unconditional. Through them we may receive peace and happiness in this life, and in the life to come, if we so choose to live according to their commands. Of this I do testify, in Jesus's precious name, amen. 

Elder Greenlaw

Walking down the streets of Gorgia! 

The live band we listened to at a New Years party at the Zions Hill Methodist church. The base and mandolin players are members of our ward. It was a blast! 

Looking our best at church 

First time riding on a boat in 2 years, here at the famous Okefenokee Swamp!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas week! Cant wait to skype y'all on Thursday. I'm thinking around 1-2 is when I'll get on. 

The Mission-wide Christmas Party was great! Its always wonderful to see old comps and good friends that you don't see anywhere else. I did receive your package too. Those letters meant so much to me, thank you. I cant believe Trevor wrote a five page letter and a novel! Hes such a stud. Andrew said hes struggling with friends and wants me to be there to hang with him. Cant wait for that day.

My new comp is great, it's super easy to talk to him and we have a lot of the same interests and hobbies so I can see myself hangin' with him after the mission.

I think it's hilarious that some missionaries have a hard time becoming "Normal" again. Trust me, I will have no problem with that haha. I'm looking forward to catching up and making up for lost time with the family. My entire perspective has changed and my realization is that family is the single most important thing in this life, other than the gospel of course. There needs to be time set aside for strengthening the family.

We have three appointments for Christmas day this year. I'm new and hardly know the members at all which is hard... I wish I was still in Lake Butler in that aspect. It's great here too though. 

Merry Christmas!

Elder Greenlaw

The reason why Waycross has its name is because its the main intersection for CSX railways is in the state. There are railroad crossings everywhere around here and constantly a train going by. I just had to get a pic when we parked right on the rails at a red light. :)

My First Week in Georgia

Transfers went great! My companion Elder Robert Anderson is a stud! He's from Riverton, another close one! He's been out for just over a year now, he's such a humble, obedient, and faithful guy, I'm real happy I'm with him.

As for the work, we have 3-4 investigators were working with pretty regularly. James Williams Jr is the most solid. Hes a black brotha born and raised in Georgia. He has a baptismal date for the 27th of this month. Were hoping it will go through but hes living with his girlfriend.... We are teaching the law of chastity to him and hopefully we can get her involved in the discussions. As of right now she doesn't seem interested in the gospel.  There's another lady named Bonida who is a chef, but she has had really bad health issues lately, the reason why she isn't able to come to church and progress. She does say she wants to get baptized though along with her daughter and granddaughter that live with her!

People say the culture is different here in Georgia than in Florida, but i haven't really noticed it. I just came from a very small, country town, so I'm lovin it. There are more black people here which is great, too bad there's only 2 that are active in our ward right now... Everywhere i go it seems to be that way!...

I was hoping that I wouldn't ever have to bike again on my mission, but I got here and we have a car share, week on week off schedule. Sooooo this week we've been peddling A Lot! I'ts getting me in good share for home. I'm just trying to look at the positives haha. My first Sunday here i was asked to fill in for a young man and speak in Sacrament Meeting. They told me 3-5 minutes, but the youth ahead of me went for about 30 seconds and 3 minutes and left Bishop and I 40 minutes.... So I had to follow the spirit and drag it out a lot longer haha. It went good though. 

I seriously have a problem. This morning, out of nowhere, i got hit with a soar throat and congestion again! I went to go to the Doctor today but found that the lobby was filled and they said an hour or more wait, so we immediately left and now I'm putting up with it. Attempting to shop and play basketball haha. 

That's about it for this week! Christmas is coming up and I cant believe it! I love the Christmas spirit, and the easiness to talk about Christ with others. 

Elder Greenlaw

Elder Anderson and Elder Greenlaw

The original church in Waycross, zoom in on the plaque! They have now changed it as you can see. 

Charlie and Barbara Wiggins!

The famous Randy Thomas!

David and Bobby Williams! (Investigators)

The wonderful Cranford family in Lake Butler!