First Week In Gaineville, Florida

Hey y'all, 

So this past week has seemed like an eternity. So much has happened, I don't even know where to begin! 

First of all, I'm loving it here in Gainesville again. I guess I'm a true Gator now! I'll most likely be serving half my mission here. I'm serving in the 3rd, and oh how different the work is here. Elder Tuft has never had such a hard time in an area. The people here are very friendly and willing to talk but seem to lack the real desire to change anything. On one side of the street we have the ghetto, boot-leg and all. For those that don't know what that is, it's where people sell all kinds of goodies out of their home, from snacks to drugs and alcohol. Don't ask me how I know that haha. Anyways, on the other side of the street you have the rich neighborhoods, million dollar homes on a plantation. You can definitely say we have diversity in this area. People say that this area is impossible to baptize in, since it's been well over a year. Part of this is the ward. It's hard at times to have trust in the members and our investigators fitting in and enjoying the congregation. About half of the ward have been residents for two years and then they are gone. It's also a very young ward. It's hard to concentrate in the meetings with the millions of crying, screaming, kids. Here in Gainesville there are so many different churches all around. Two major ones right beside our church building. Many people aren't looking for true doctrine, only looking for a Pastor that keeps them entertained, or wherever the rest of their family goes. They say that they only want to go to a church that preaches straight for the Bible, nothing else, but yet when we teach them repentance and the standards of living that Christ has set out for us, they aren't willing to change their lives. We know that the only way we will be able to bring in new converts is with the help of the ward members. Meaning getting them out with us in teaching appointments and loving these people just as Christ would. It's the only way. Brothers and Sisters of the church, the unity of members and missionaries is the only way that the work of the Lord will progress like God needs it to! Are you willing to help?

Most of our time has been contacting and knocking doors. I've tried so many contact approaches but Elder Tuft has opened my eyes on the success of asking inspired and provoking questions. Recently we've tried the approach of saying, "Imagine if you had the chance to sit down and talk with Christ, what would you ask him?" Also, "If you were to take one thing to heaven, what would it be?" And the classic, "What do you feel is the purpose of this life?" It's amazing to hear the responses people give, and right off the bat we can recognize their interest level and what they care about most in this life. Which makes it a little easier to open up a discussion. So we've been sifting through investigators left and right, finding the elect and the people with true sincere desires to serve God. 

I bare witness that I know that God lives. He knows us individually and He loves us so much that he has created a way for us to return to him again, along with finding peace and happiness in this life and the life to come. Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He is central to this plan and his Atonement is real. I am living proof that the Gospel of Jesus Christ allows us to change. "If you are in a place where you shouldn't be, then get out!," - President Thomas S. Monson. 

Have a great week and I'll talk to y'all later!

Love Elder Greenlaw

Being Transferred to Gainesville... Again!

Hey y'all,

It's been a few weeks since I've done an update, I'm sorry. There's a lot going on right now. I hope I can get it all in today. It is transfer week. I've been in Fleming Island for 6 months now so I was pretty much expecting to leave. The biggest surprise is that they are white washing his place, meaning bringing in 2 new missionaries. I'm pretty bummed because we've got a lot going for us right now. 

Last week we had the opportunity of talking to Daphne's daughter Kailey. Daphne is the postal worker we've been trying to get to church more than once for the past six months. We haven't completely given up on her but Kailey is an elect daughter of God. Immediately she recognized us as disciples of Jesus Christ and wanted to learn about the gospel. When I was on a trade off Tuesday night with Bro Delgado, their neighbor two doors down, was interested in chatting with us. I gave her an Ensign, one of many of the church's monthly magazine. She soaked it right up by reading the entire thing in a few hours. We then stopped by and gave her a Book of Mormon. We haven't even had e chance to teach her anything but when she attended a baptism of the Sisters in our ward and then church, she asked us to be baptized. We committed her for 2 weeks from now. Since both Elder Huxford and I are leaving, the other missionaries will teach her and either one of us will come back and physically baptize her. Since Huxford hasn't had one yet, I volunteered him to get in white. Haha. We are hoping through this experience her mother Daphne and brother Landan will come around and accept baptism also.

Saturday was a glorious day, Tiffany and Johnny Brown got married. They held the ceremony at the church and we got to meet a lot of their family. As we were sitting down talking during the reception, Tony, Tiffany's brother accepted a visit by us to talk with him more about the church. It was a great opportunity to share the gospel, when they were sitting right there in the church!

Back to transfers, I'm going BACK to Gainesville! Serving in the 3rd ward this time with Elder Tuft who got released as the AP 6 months ago or so. I served in the 2nd ward 7 1/2 months, and during that time I went on so many trade offs in that ward it's ridiculous! When my first two sons, Elders Tubbs and Welsh went home early during their training I had the chance to work both of these wards in a trio for 3 weeks. So I already know this Bishop, ward mission leader, and a bunch of members. I feel like I've already served here! I had a tough time
sleeping last night because my mind has been weighing on so many faces and people I know in that area already. Hopefully we will get the chance to meet them again.

Well it's sad to leave Fleming Island. I have gained so many friends and become part of some great families.( I've pretty much been adopted) at the same time I'm glad to get a fresh start with an area I know pretty well and a new companion. I'll fixin to send my new address to y'all soon.

Take care, and remember The Lord in all things.

Elder Greenlaw

Elder Greenlaw helping someone move!

Elder Huxford and Elder Greenlaw literally glowing! 

Miracle Week

We had a great miracle this week! We were finally able to contact our former investigator, Daphne Godwin, and her kids Kelsey and Landon. To our surprise when we showed up at their house, Kelsey was attempting to use the lawn mower so we helped finish her lawn. Our dinner had been cancelled previously that night and so she invited us to eat. She was cooking a pot roast.. Mmmmm tasty! She is a fabulous cook. 

The Godwin's had a friend recently move in with them. We didn't catch her name but she just moved here from Tennessee because of health issues. She has already taken a few of the missionary discussions. She has a copy of the Book of Mormon from the 1950's and already has a testimony and wants to get baptized. As we were talking about the subject of baptism, Kelsey stands up and says she wants to be a part of our church and learn more! How great is that! This Sunday they weren't able to make it to church but this next Sunday they committed. Elder Johnson and I found this family a while back and knew they were golden. There had problem after problem in order for us to work with her. One being her surgery, second her boyfriend hated us for coming over and doing service. We never met him but he was real jealous of us and thought we were only flirting with her. She ended up breaking up with him because of the matter. Daphne got her job back at the post office and has been working all day, every day. It seemed like we could never meet with them because they were so busy. But NOW, after the Lord has continued his incredible plan for them, removing obstacles and walls that have kept them from learning of the restored gospel, I believe this is the time. Much thought and prayer have gone into this family, I have grown such a great friendship with them. 

We have a few people that aren't progressing right now. Hopefully, this week, we can get in and meet with them. 

Until next time, 

Elder Greenlaw

New Companion

Hello everyone!

My new companion is Elder Braiz Huxford, he is awesome! Like I told you last week, we've known each other for a while now. Back in the good old days, when I use to be skinny, we played intense basketball every P-day in Gainesville! He comes from the great city of Las Vegas. His original call was to Belen, Brazil but he's been waiting for his visa for 7 1/2 months now... Poor guy. His last area was in Chiefland, Florida. I Doesn't get any more southern than that. haha He's been telling me of stories about being out in the sticks where he ran into the most racist people and how he ate squirrel and other dirty meat all of the time. He also had the opportunity of trapping and cutting the head off of a gator with a butcher's knife haha. We have a lot of similarities and we get along great. 

On Saturday we had the chance the play some flag football with a bunch of members from the YSA Branch and a lot of their friends that aren't members! I can't even begin to tell you how sore I am. We can barely walk haha. It was so worth it though. 

Tiffany and Johnny Brown have decided to get married on March 29th and Tiffany will get baptized that same day! How great is that! After a lot of prayer on her behalf, Daphne, our former investigator, quit her weekend job working at the Drag Strip in Green Cove. She works full time at the Post office still but is now able to come to church and get baptized! This week we will set a date for her. It will be this month or next. 

This last week has been very difficult quite honestly. It seemed like every set appointment we had fell through. We weren't able to teach very many lessons. We have a good size teaching pool but for some reason everything has been on hold right now in their progression. Hopefully this week we will be able to meet with them.

As for the missing bikes, our sister missionaries decided to get back at us for all the hard times we gave them and they hid our bikes from us! We left them outside of the church and they had hid them behind the building in some bushes. Completely out of sight! For three days we didn't have them! By the time they decided to call and tell us where they were, I had already bought a hybrid beach cruiser from another missionary. Funny thing is, if I had not bought a new bike, Elder Huxford wouldn't have had one to use. God had a divine plan for everything I guess haha. 

Until next week,

Elder Greenlaw

Baptism Day!

Hey y'all!

This week has been absolutely amazing!! Until this morning when we got our bikes stolen....  We left them over night hidden behind some bushes right outside of the front doors of the church... We are very sad. 

The transfer call was last night and we found out Elder Johnson is leaving the area to a place not to far from here, Orange Park Florida. My new comp will be Elder Huxford who I actually know pretty good already! When I was in Gainesville he would come up from Ocala and play some intense basketball with us every P-day. We almost ALWAYS played against each other because we are so evenly matched. He's a very chill easy going guy but has a strong desire to work hard which is great. I already know I'm going to love 'em!

Saturday, I had the opportunity to baptize Chelsie Alvarado. She's is quite the character. We have really bonded during this time of her learning the gospel. She has such a great love for the Lord and loves learning more about the restored gospel. The baptismal service was so spiritual. Her parents who we are hoping to start teach were there to support and they have seen such a change for good from Chelsie. Before they knew she was getting baptized, they asked what in the world have you been up to in the last little while. You seem so much happier! Mike and Amy Alvarado also attended church this Sunday for the first time to support Chelsie and see her become confirmed in the church and receive the Holy Ghost.

We are still teaching Tiffany and her fiance Johnny Brown. She has accepted a baptismal date for March 1, but we are thinking that it will get moved back a bit because they have to plan a wedding before hand! Tiffany told me, I'm ready to get baptized, let's do it tomorrow! haha But we told her we have more to teach her first and she has to come to church three weeks in a row. She also needs to get married! More details on that date to come. Her little girl Corinthian is the sweetest little thing. She's only 6 but she wants to get baptized real soon too.

We have done a load of service this week. We have done everything from landscaping to cleaning carpets! It's always great to help people in need. 

Well that's about it for this week. Now that I don't have a bike or car lets hope I can walk off a couple pounds or so. These pants are getting tight! haha Maybe its just another blessing in disguise I dont know. 

Love, 

Elder Greenlaw

Elder Greenlaw, Sister Chelsie Alvarado, and Elder Johnson

Baptism Day! 

It's good to be the king! 

A Week of Service

Hey y'all,

This week has been filled with service and teaching new investigators! To start off, we do service for the old woman that runs the food pantry here in Green Cove. They called us up one morning asking us to meet with them at the local shopping center. They were holding a food drive. We helped them hand out flyers and collect large amounts of food they had been given. We carried over 600 pounds of food to the Pantry and were able to sort it all out. Those Southern gals are hilarious I'll tell ya, it was a blast!

Chelsie's baptism is this Saturday! She is ready and excited! Last night we had a spiritual lesson with her and the Taylor Family about temples. We talked about how baptism is only the beginning of her journey, which opens the gates to eternal life and the many other blessings that will come throughout her life. The YSA are planning an Orlando Temple trip here pretty soon. Chelsie is expecting to tag along with them and go do baptisms for the deceased. 

The miracle of the week has been meeting the Brown Family. A Branch President referred us to Johnny Brown and his fiance Tiffany and her little girl Corinthian. Johnny was a convert in 82' and he's looking to get back into church and return to the temple. His fiance Tiffany is not a member, but she really enjoyed church yesterday and wants to be taught everything there is to know about the church and become a part of it! They have not decided on a marriage date, yet but hopefully this month or the next and she will also be baptized. 

I bare witness that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real. God is our Father and he loves us unconditionally. He has created a perfect plan in order to find happiness in this life and for our families to be together forever.

Hanging with the elders

Elder Greenlaw's Zone - With President Craig and his wife

It is Such a Small World

Hey y'all,

 So this last week has been great! Here are some of the highlights of what happened.

First of all, Chelsie Alvarado is progressing tremendously! We had stake conference this last Sunday and it was a broadcast covering all of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Elder Kapishke from the Seventy and Elder Russell M. Nelson from the Quorum of the 12 Apostles spoke. Two powerhouse speakers back to back. There was so much doctrine taught that Chelsie loved every ounce of it! She was originally planning on getting baptized on the 9th of February but in order for her family and YSA friends to attend, we moved it back a week to the 15th. Not a problem at all. We get the feeling like shes trying to get her parents more included in her steps of coming closer to Christ. We are trying to get her mother who is more receptive of the family to join in the next few discussions we have until shes baptized. Who knows, maybe her entire family will follow her example along with Christ's and get baptized soon. 

It's such a small world I swear, this week we've been going to Chili's, our favorite hot spot for dinner recently. We aren't eating with members as often as we would like. We became good friends with a waiter there named Andy. He happens to serve us every time we go. He recognized us as Mormon missionaries and has asked many questions about our "vacation" he calls it, along with questions of our beliefs. We then find out and met one night at Chili's his wife who is the sister of a member in the 2nd ward. She is also the daughter of the one and only Rodger Larsen in our ward. Rodger and I are very close because he used to live in Draper, a few blocks away from my home when it used to be all farms and pig fields. He is good friends with our neighbors (in Utah). We graduated from the same High School, GO BEETDIGGERS!! Anyways, so we invited Andy and his less active wife to church and we are continuing to befriend them and will hopefully start teaching Andy about the restored gospel. To top this story off, they live in our apartment complex and have already offered to have us over for dinner! If I wasn't on my mission he would teach me how to surf and snowboard too!

My ankle is still giving me some grief. Its been three weeks since I've sprained it. I cant workout as hard as I would like to. Luckily enough I'm able to ride my bike and walk for now. 

Well that's about it for now! Take care y'all.

Love, 

EG