Sunday's report on Jordan in Sacrament Meeting

Before I begin my report on my Son I have a message from Elder Chase to the Ward Family.

(Message from Elder Chase)

Hermanos Y Hermanas, Quiero que todos sepan de mi apreciacion y amor por el senor y el evanjelio de nuestro Padre Celestial. Estoy muy agradecido por las cartas Y los regalos que me han mandado. Me han traido alegria en mi Corazon. No soy differente a otros misioneros en el decir que durante esta mission he estrañado mucho a mi familia y a mi amor Val. Yo se que todos ustedes mantienen a los missionneros en nuestro bario en sus oraciones . Yo siento ese amor por la inspiracion del espiritu.

Este capitulo de mi vida ha sido una gran bendicion para mi y mi familia. Estoy agradecido por las bendiciones del templo y todo lo que nos ofrece. Me ciento muy agradecido por las personas en este barrio que me ayudaron a llegar a esta gran aventura. Por favor continuen a mantener a todos nuestros misioneros en sus pensamientos y oraciones. Los amo a todos y mi testimonio se basa por el que sirvo. Les dejo esto en el nombre del Senor Jesuscristo. Amen.

As you can see I need to work on my Spanish. But, Elder Chase's is coming along very well.

Jordan is doing well, he has been in two areas since his experience at MTC in Mexico City. He has been thrusted into deeply understanding the power of the Priesthood. Being homesick, feeling ill, helping others, being blessed and exercising the power to heal and comfort others.

As a Father it has come full circle to have your Son or Daughter tell you how much they appreciate what you have taught them growing up, just to know sincerely from their heart that your work as a parent is appreciated. For the most part, you don’t hear that from your teenagers. But, again it is great to know.

Jordan has been blessed with unique opportunities in his first area. In Mattawa, he has taught mostly in Spanish. It has been interesting to see the gift of tongues come to light within my Son whom I thought would struggle speaking a different language. The people he has interacted with and the lives he and his companions have changed forever.

During his duration in Mattawa, Jordan has also done a lot of service. It was interesting to see him roofing a home and doing many other kinds of service.

We have had several members either call or email and have had the Branch Ward Mission Leader drop by to our home for a visit. And express their love and appreciation for Jordan and what he has done for them.

One in particular person Jordan and his Companions have been working is named Tina, she has been to hell and back with the life she has chosen to live and the consequences of such. It has been refreshing to me to see what they have done with her to bring her to the waters of baptism. Her life is, was so full of turmoil that any improvement would be life altering. Jordan and I have talked back and forth and through it all came the scripture from Alma Chapter 18.8-10

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Again, my son reminds me, us, of what Christ would have us be about. He was able to follow this Sister through her mourning, they were in a position to comfort and be a witness of God. This Sister has come into the fold where the saints of God have rallied around her. Buoyed her up and continually works with her to this day. He was really saddened when transfers came. It was almost like that of Ammon who desired to become one with the people of Ishmael.

Before Jordan left Mattawa, he was able to be taught by Elder Ballard where he learn the significance of one soul.

Jordan’s first week in Othello was uneventful, he and his companion had the opportunity of white washing the area. As some of you know that is not a good experience as an Elder. His next few weeks in Othello have been amazing. He has been in discussions with a Lutheran Pastor. One comment from Jordan regarding this is “If there is one thing I have learned from this when speaking of the truth, having a prayer in your heart the power of God comes from your mouth the Word of God. The Pastor noted after he had read the book of Mormon, prayed and declared of its truthfulness of the gospel. We can’t wait to see where this goes next….

He has told me multiple times that there are so many being prepared for the gospel around us that if we would see and hear with our spiritual eyes and ears we would know who they are and share the love of the Savior with them.