Dear Family and Friends!
Happy Easter! How'd you celebrate it? Tell me all about it! I love it here in University Park! My companion Elder Geisler and I get along really well and are having a blast! I'm really excited for this transfer! Miracles are coming! Let me tell you! In fact we saw a huge miracle this week but first I'll tell you what we did for Easter!
Easter was great and the members took really good care for us! Church was amazing! There were some beautiful musical numbers! We then got invited to lunch and had a huge feast! We spent the whole day trying to find people to teach! We talked to a ton of people! We then had another huge dinner feast! The members here and just amazing! We talked to a few people and then set some goals and with the other missionaries in the district! It was a really great day! Best of all I got to testify of my Savior! He lives and I get to be His representative. There is no better way to spend Easter!
The miracle was a member in the ward brought a nonmember friend and they want their whole family to take the missionary lessons! I am stoked! We have been praying for a family to teach for so long! I can testify that as we ask God we do receive according to his time and will! I love this gospel! I know and testify to you that our Savior Lives! Make Him the center of your lives and you will find joy!
I love you all so much!
Elder Tracy
Monday, June 25, 2018
Week 39 | April 10, 2017
Dear family and friends,
Well everyone I'm leaving Winter Garden! After 6 months I'm headed to University Park to finish training Elder Giesler! I am so excited but, It is bitter sweet to leave all of the many friends I made here in Winter Garden! I didn't realize how much of an effect I had on people until I left! Or I guess the effect that they had on me! I love these people and the memories I've made! I may not have baptized anyone or done this and that but there is more to the Lord's work then that! I loved the people and did my best! I simply bring this up because I think too many of us get discouraged when we don't see exactly what we set out to do and see! I want to testify to you all that our Father in Heaven has a plan for us! He can do more with our lives than we can! If we do our best and place our trust in God then God will do more with our lives than we could ever do for ourselves! Winter Garden will always hold a place in my heart but I'm excited for the new challenge!
This week has been absolutely amazing and we have definitely seen many miracles! We did 12 hours of service this week and it was amazing! We got to participate in a huge event at the camping world stadium called 'He Got Up' it is a huge event that helps the homeless get back on their feet and find jobs! It was amazing to see the strong force of members come together to serve our fellow man! Service brings us joy! Take a minute and stop thinking about ourselves to help those around us!
We also got a referral from some sister missionaries in the Rochester New York mission. We cruised down a pretty rough road and met this guy named Quin! He is a really cool guy and we are very excited for him! He has a copy of the Book of Mormon and he has already seen blessings from reading it and knows it's true! He expressed a desire to be baptized the first visit meeting with him! God is truly watching over all of us!
Lastly we had stake Conference and Elder Parker of the area Seventy came and spoke to us! He has a southern baptist background but converted later in his life! He spoke so powerfully of Christ's love for all of us! He gave all who could hear his voice a blessing and it was amazing to be there and feel the power of the Holy Ghost that radiated as he spoke! At one point he addressed all those who weren't members! He urged them to not wait! The gospel brings us blessing we can't even imagine and challenged them to be baptized that very night! One lady in the congregation felt that God was talking directly to her and decided to be baptized! The missionaries worked with the mission president and she was baptized last night! It was amazing! I want to testify of the power of the priesthood! God's servants are truly on the earth ministering to God's children just like Christ would if he was on the earth!
The church is true! Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet! Christ lived, died, and lived again! He rose from the tomb and overcame death! He loves us and his hand is outreached to both you and I! All we have to do is take his hand and follow him!
So much love from your Easter loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
Well everyone I'm leaving Winter Garden! After 6 months I'm headed to University Park to finish training Elder Giesler! I am so excited but, It is bitter sweet to leave all of the many friends I made here in Winter Garden! I didn't realize how much of an effect I had on people until I left! Or I guess the effect that they had on me! I love these people and the memories I've made! I may not have baptized anyone or done this and that but there is more to the Lord's work then that! I loved the people and did my best! I simply bring this up because I think too many of us get discouraged when we don't see exactly what we set out to do and see! I want to testify to you all that our Father in Heaven has a plan for us! He can do more with our lives than we can! If we do our best and place our trust in God then God will do more with our lives than we could ever do for ourselves! Winter Garden will always hold a place in my heart but I'm excited for the new challenge!
This week has been absolutely amazing and we have definitely seen many miracles! We did 12 hours of service this week and it was amazing! We got to participate in a huge event at the camping world stadium called 'He Got Up' it is a huge event that helps the homeless get back on their feet and find jobs! It was amazing to see the strong force of members come together to serve our fellow man! Service brings us joy! Take a minute and stop thinking about ourselves to help those around us!
We also got a referral from some sister missionaries in the Rochester New York mission. We cruised down a pretty rough road and met this guy named Quin! He is a really cool guy and we are very excited for him! He has a copy of the Book of Mormon and he has already seen blessings from reading it and knows it's true! He expressed a desire to be baptized the first visit meeting with him! God is truly watching over all of us!
Lastly we had stake Conference and Elder Parker of the area Seventy came and spoke to us! He has a southern baptist background but converted later in his life! He spoke so powerfully of Christ's love for all of us! He gave all who could hear his voice a blessing and it was amazing to be there and feel the power of the Holy Ghost that radiated as he spoke! At one point he addressed all those who weren't members! He urged them to not wait! The gospel brings us blessing we can't even imagine and challenged them to be baptized that very night! One lady in the congregation felt that God was talking directly to her and decided to be baptized! The missionaries worked with the mission president and she was baptized last night! It was amazing! I want to testify of the power of the priesthood! God's servants are truly on the earth ministering to God's children just like Christ would if he was on the earth!
The church is true! Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet! Christ lived, died, and lived again! He rose from the tomb and overcame death! He loves us and his hand is outreached to both you and I! All we have to do is take his hand and follow him!
So much love from your Easter loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
Week 38 | April 3, 2017
Hey Everyone!!!!!
I am so blessed and so happy! I'm healthy! The sun is shining and God is forever good! I was able to attend the house of the Lord, we put one of our investigators on date for baptism, and listened to the prophet of God! I have learned so much! What else can I ask for? This week was absolutely amazing! How was your week? How'd you like Conference? If you didn't get a chance to watch it! It's not too late! Go do it! Let it change your life!
I learned countless things over the past 7 Days but the one thing I want to focus on is peace! As described in John 14:27 Jesus describes one of his greatest gifts. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." There are so many things that call for our attention! There are so many things that cause us stress, grief, pain, or confusion. Life gets hard and no matter how much we try not to we will eventually become overwhelmed! The solution is the peace that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ! Over the past few days I have felt an overwhelming about of peace and love! I know our Father in Heaven loves us all! He wants us to be happy! He has given us the key and it's simple! Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end! Make the changes you need to be more obedient and follow Christ more faithfully!
Have an amazing week everyone! I love you all!!!
Your mission loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
P.S. Go watch the #Prince of Peace video on gospel library!
Semiannual Temple Trip
Second Harvest Food Bank
I am so blessed and so happy! I'm healthy! The sun is shining and God is forever good! I was able to attend the house of the Lord, we put one of our investigators on date for baptism, and listened to the prophet of God! I have learned so much! What else can I ask for? This week was absolutely amazing! How was your week? How'd you like Conference? If you didn't get a chance to watch it! It's not too late! Go do it! Let it change your life!
I learned countless things over the past 7 Days but the one thing I want to focus on is peace! As described in John 14:27 Jesus describes one of his greatest gifts. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." There are so many things that call for our attention! There are so many things that cause us stress, grief, pain, or confusion. Life gets hard and no matter how much we try not to we will eventually become overwhelmed! The solution is the peace that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ! Over the past few days I have felt an overwhelming about of peace and love! I know our Father in Heaven loves us all! He wants us to be happy! He has given us the key and it's simple! Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end! Make the changes you need to be more obedient and follow Christ more faithfully!
Have an amazing week everyone! I love you all!!!
Your mission loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
P.S. Go watch the #Prince of Peace video on gospel library!
Semiannual Temple Trip
Second Harvest Food Bank
Week 37 | March 27, 2017
My family and friends!
I hope you had a fantastic week! Is it still cold in Utah? Things are starting to warm up down here in the sunshine state! Bike week was a doozy! I got a nice watch tan line! Haha! My love for this area continues to grow day by day! This has been one of the best weeks here in Winter Garden! So we have been struggling to find people to teach while I've been in this area. So last week I knelt down and prayed! I asked God what he needed me to do rather than requesting things I wanted to receive! His answer was simple! RELY ON ME!!! I needed to stop relying on my own strength and wisdom and trust in God! So going into this week that was my charge! Stop doing it by myself!
The result of this simple change made a huge difference! MIRACLES EVERYWHERE!!! Normally we find about 3 new investigators but we found 7 this week and had 3 people come to church! All 7 were found over the two exchanges I had! I was able to learn from Elders Hatch and Creer! I learned so much!!! In 1 day we had four different people try to feed us, 2 of which weren't members! It was like God was making a statement! I definitely learned my lesson! I hope you can learn from my experiences as well! When we rely on the Lord we will find success! Council with the Lord day in and day out through prayer! "The Lord is Good!" Rely on Him!!! I love you all so very much! Keep smiling and loving life! There is so much to be grateful for!
Your loving life missionary,
Elder Tracy
Our investigators Fred and Francesca at church
A sign Elder Hatch and I found on exchanges
My companion Elder Larson!
Sorry I don't send more pictures! I'll do better!
Watch general conference! It's going to be awesome!
I hope you had a fantastic week! Is it still cold in Utah? Things are starting to warm up down here in the sunshine state! Bike week was a doozy! I got a nice watch tan line! Haha! My love for this area continues to grow day by day! This has been one of the best weeks here in Winter Garden! So we have been struggling to find people to teach while I've been in this area. So last week I knelt down and prayed! I asked God what he needed me to do rather than requesting things I wanted to receive! His answer was simple! RELY ON ME!!! I needed to stop relying on my own strength and wisdom and trust in God! So going into this week that was my charge! Stop doing it by myself!
The result of this simple change made a huge difference! MIRACLES EVERYWHERE!!! Normally we find about 3 new investigators but we found 7 this week and had 3 people come to church! All 7 were found over the two exchanges I had! I was able to learn from Elders Hatch and Creer! I learned so much!!! In 1 day we had four different people try to feed us, 2 of which weren't members! It was like God was making a statement! I definitely learned my lesson! I hope you can learn from my experiences as well! When we rely on the Lord we will find success! Council with the Lord day in and day out through prayer! "The Lord is Good!" Rely on Him!!! I love you all so very much! Keep smiling and loving life! There is so much to be grateful for!
Your loving life missionary,
Elder Tracy
Our investigators Fred and Francesca at church
A sign Elder Hatch and I found on exchanges
My companion Elder Larson!
Sorry I don't send more pictures! I'll do better!
Watch general conference! It's going to be awesome!
Week 36 | March 20, 2017
My family and friends,
I hope you have had a fantastic week! I hope you all haven't forgot that first I LOVE all of you, and second, I love being a missionary! I love serving others and I love learning more about his amazing gospel!!! This week was a wild one! We had some amazing lessons and some crazy ones as well! Definitely an emotional roller coaster trying to deal with some of these people but oh how we still love them and spend our days trying to help them! This week we visited a ton of members and gave them copies of the Book of Mormon and extended the assignment from our stake president to have them give it out to a friend! There were many really cool experiences as we talked with each member! We also had Ward Conference and Zone Conference this week! And we had an awesome lesson/lunch with Melinda and her old Disney roommates!
The two biggest things that impacted me this week was something President Clark taught us at Zone conference and and something one of our investigators said. So first we had a pretty rough lesson with one of our investigators! They were a wreck when we got there! We heard a lot about their struggles and pains! When we were leaving they broke down and begged us not to go! They pleaded with us that all they wanted was a friend and to feel loved! It was pretty heartbreaking! It made me start to think of those in my life, people I went to school with, worked with, or lived around... etc etc how many of them felt the same way?! If I would have just payed a little more attention I know I could have help many more! So my challenge to you is find those you see every day and just make sure that they know that you care about them! Smile! Give them a compliment! It's really easy but it could change someone's day!
Second, the Zone conference powerhouse talk by President Clark! So he started out by reading Malachi 3:8 but he switched a few words. "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In [tithes-your time] and offerings." He than called us all to repentance! How often do we rob God with our time? Where are our priorities? Are we trying to serve and love others or are we focused on ourselves? Are we reading our scriptures or are we too tired? As we give god a small portion of our time, and as missionaries all our time, he will bless us and "open the windows of heaven!"
I love you all so much!!! Have an excellent week!!!
Your more time conscious missionary,
Elder Tracy
Week 35 | March 13, 2017
My family and friends,
This week not too much happened! We had some illnesses we were fighting so that took up most of our week! We got out this weekend and knocked a ton of doors! We met some pretty crazy people but it was a lot of fun and we found two new investigators! We are super excited to see them this week! We had two investigators that came to church and I got the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting! I talked about following the prophet! The biggest take away for me is the fact that the prophet tells us what we need to know, not what we want to hear! The truth is the truth and it doesn't matter what we think about it! God's word is law and He speaks to us through His living prophet! We promised to follow the prophets! Let us not break our promises! As conference approaches prepare yourselves and your families to hear the word of the Lord! What a great opportunity for all of us!!!
The other big take away from this week also came from church! So one of our investigators vented to the relief society about her problems and may or may not have used a few cuss words and shared too much detail! Well, some ladies of the ward didn't take it too well and made a few comments that offended our investigator. She stormed out after church! A few other members explained how they wouldn't be giving them rides to church anymore because "they feared for their kids." The reason why I explain this isn't to speak negatively of our ward because it is an amazing ward and there were only a few that acted poorly! Everyone else has been amazing to help and fellowship our investigators! The lesson I hope we all take from this is that we all become a little more Christ like in helping those who are struggling! Church isn't only for perfect people! In fact I wish I heard accidental cuss words and had the smell of smoke in the halls more often, of course we need to act appropriately and respectfully, but to have individuals seeking help from our Lord at His church! I hope we all look at others less harshly! Speak more kindly! And see others the way the Lord sees them! My challenge to you is to find those who are struggling and help them feel comfortable! Show them love! I promise you God will bless both of you and fill you with joy! God is Good! I love you all so very much! I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Your accepting and loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
This week not too much happened! We had some illnesses we were fighting so that took up most of our week! We got out this weekend and knocked a ton of doors! We met some pretty crazy people but it was a lot of fun and we found two new investigators! We are super excited to see them this week! We had two investigators that came to church and I got the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting! I talked about following the prophet! The biggest take away for me is the fact that the prophet tells us what we need to know, not what we want to hear! The truth is the truth and it doesn't matter what we think about it! God's word is law and He speaks to us through His living prophet! We promised to follow the prophets! Let us not break our promises! As conference approaches prepare yourselves and your families to hear the word of the Lord! What a great opportunity for all of us!!!
The other big take away from this week also came from church! So one of our investigators vented to the relief society about her problems and may or may not have used a few cuss words and shared too much detail! Well, some ladies of the ward didn't take it too well and made a few comments that offended our investigator. She stormed out after church! A few other members explained how they wouldn't be giving them rides to church anymore because "they feared for their kids." The reason why I explain this isn't to speak negatively of our ward because it is an amazing ward and there were only a few that acted poorly! Everyone else has been amazing to help and fellowship our investigators! The lesson I hope we all take from this is that we all become a little more Christ like in helping those who are struggling! Church isn't only for perfect people! In fact I wish I heard accidental cuss words and had the smell of smoke in the halls more often, of course we need to act appropriately and respectfully, but to have individuals seeking help from our Lord at His church! I hope we all look at others less harshly! Speak more kindly! And see others the way the Lord sees them! My challenge to you is to find those who are struggling and help them feel comfortable! Show them love! I promise you God will bless both of you and fill you with joy! God is Good! I love you all so very much! I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Your accepting and loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
Week 34 | March 6, 2017
Hello Everyone!
I can't believe another week has come and gone! This week was mostly spent trying to familiarize ourselves with the south part of the area! We spent a lot of time with members doing a Book of Mormon Initiative which the stake is doing! Basically it's a challenge for all active members to give a Book of Mormon to a friend, family member, or coworker within 2-3 weeks! I am very excited for all miracles that will come from it! So, two things I'd like to share! First was an analogy that a member came up with while baring his testimony on the importance of sharing the Book of Mormon! He explained, "Missionaries are really just the clean up crew. They pick up the low hanging fruit or the fruit that has fallen to the ground. Members are the ones with the tools, with the friends, with the ladders or relationships to reach those who are at the top and are hard to reach. Members are the only means in which these individuals with receive the gospel!" His testimony was so powerful and then he gave us pizza so he is basically one of my favorite members in the ward! Hahaha
The other thing I wanted to share is a quote from Ezra Taft Benson! "The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to "sweep the earth as with a food, to gather out [his] elect." (Moses 7:62.) This sacred volume of scripture needs to become more central in our preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work...The time is long overdue for a massive flooding of the earth with the Book of Mormon for the many reasons which the Lord has given. In this age of electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. We have the Book of Mormon, we have the members, we have the missionaries, we have the resources, and the world has the
need. The time is now!"
Isn't that so powerful? The Book of Mormon has changed my life! Within its pages contains the answers to all our problems! It is the key to find happiness in this life and the life to come! I love you all! I encourage you to take the time and ponder what the Book of Mormon has done for you in your life! Then share your testimony with just one other person! I know that you will see blessings and experience joy from this challenge! I hope you all have a fantastic week! Love you so much!!!
Your Book of Mormon loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
I can't believe another week has come and gone! This week was mostly spent trying to familiarize ourselves with the south part of the area! We spent a lot of time with members doing a Book of Mormon Initiative which the stake is doing! Basically it's a challenge for all active members to give a Book of Mormon to a friend, family member, or coworker within 2-3 weeks! I am very excited for all miracles that will come from it! So, two things I'd like to share! First was an analogy that a member came up with while baring his testimony on the importance of sharing the Book of Mormon! He explained, "Missionaries are really just the clean up crew. They pick up the low hanging fruit or the fruit that has fallen to the ground. Members are the ones with the tools, with the friends, with the ladders or relationships to reach those who are at the top and are hard to reach. Members are the only means in which these individuals with receive the gospel!" His testimony was so powerful and then he gave us pizza so he is basically one of my favorite members in the ward! Hahaha
The other thing I wanted to share is a quote from Ezra Taft Benson! "The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to "sweep the earth as with a food, to gather out [his] elect." (Moses 7:62.) This sacred volume of scripture needs to become more central in our preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work...The time is long overdue for a massive flooding of the earth with the Book of Mormon for the many reasons which the Lord has given. In this age of electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. We have the Book of Mormon, we have the members, we have the missionaries, we have the resources, and the world has the
need. The time is now!"
Isn't that so powerful? The Book of Mormon has changed my life! Within its pages contains the answers to all our problems! It is the key to find happiness in this life and the life to come! I love you all! I encourage you to take the time and ponder what the Book of Mormon has done for you in your life! Then share your testimony with just one other person! I know that you will see blessings and experience joy from this challenge! I hope you all have a fantastic week! Love you so much!!!
Your Book of Mormon loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
Week 33 | Feb. 27, 2017
Hello Everyone!
I can't believe another week has come and gone! It is going pretty quick! This week is transfers and I'm staying another transfer here in Winter Garden with Elder Larson! It is such a great opportunity to learn and grow and I'm so excited for the miracles we will see! This weeks email is going to be a short one but I just wanted to leave you with one thought!
The Church is true! It's Christ's church and He loves us! In fact He loves us so much that He died and lived for us! Now the question is: How do you show God and your Savior that you love them?
If we focus on these very basic principles the purpose of life comes to focus! Everything He asks of us begins to make a lot more sense! Everything He does is because He loves us! When we are obedient and serve others it shows Him we love Him and all that He has done for us! That is my challenge for us all! Love and serve a lot more!
I love you all so very much!
Elder Tracy
Week 32 | Feb. 20, 2017
Hey Everybody!
What has been the best part of your week? I hope and pray that you are all doing well and enjoying each day and enjoying the blessings God has given you! I sure have been trying to look at things more positively and it has helped out so much! This week has been an excellent one and we have been able to get out and work hard! We did 10 hrs of service on Wednesday and we found another 3 investigators this week! It has been a great week! I could go on and on about all the things I'm learning and doing but I've narrowed it down to three!
The first experience was early on in the week after knock a good 30 doors, it doesn't seem like that many but that usually takes us 1.5-2 hours! So you know our knuckles are sore and our patience had been tried! We were pretty tired and were about to leave but had a feeling to keep knocking a few more doors! You know the routine...first door nothing. Second door nothing. Third door and a lady named Christina opens the door! We teach her a brief restoration and she explains her back story! She moved from Michigan after countless years of searching for the right church! We were able to testify to her of the power of the priesthood and Christ's restored church! She wanted us to come back later in the week and discuss the pamphlet we left! Unfortunately she is a care taker and her client had to go to the hospital but we will see her this week and follow up on what she read! It was another amazing experience and testimony builder! As we follow the promptings of the spirit we will always be lead to the situations at can help us and other grow!
The second experience happened on Saturday while I was on exchanges with Elder Adair! It was his first time leading out his area but he did a great job! We had a lot of cool experiences! Just before the sun started to set we decided to knock an apartment complex! We knocked about 90% of it, having talked to many people and having offered service to them all, when two men came walking down the street towards us! We knocked one more door and the lady flipped out and yelled at us to get out of their no soliciting neighborhood! Then the two men, the property managers, told us to get out! We tried to explain we meant no harm and weren't selling anything! After trying to be very peaceable we bid them a good evening and started heading over to our bikes! One of the men walked with us and on our way he asked, "So where are your ancestors from?" Hahah I was taken a back and then instinctively started teach him about family history work and explained family search! Hahah How ironic is that!!! God sure works in mysterious ways! Sometimes he sends us right into a dead end so on the way back we could find everything we are looking for! Simply Trust in God!!!
Lastly was one of my favorite experiences! The Zone Leaders had a baptism scheduled at the same time as the Stake Missionary Correlation Meeting! Elder Larson and I were asked to take their place! There was so many amazing things that I learned but my favorite was a little quote by the stake mission leader! Elder Lopez was explaining why there aren't as many miracles! "People are afraid! People don't have enough faith! If people had true faith they would not ask How or Why, but when do you want it done! Then with faith diligently give all they have to accomplish the task! Excuses are for losers! We need to do more" and then I came across another quote at church describing all that the pioneers accomplished! "With vision, with labor, and with confidence in the power of God working through them, they brought their faith to reality!" These few quotes have me so fired up! No matter what are goals are if we have faith and then diligently do all we can do! Our goals and dreams will become a reality! Let us all have more faith, trust in God, and follow the promptings of the spirit! We will then undoubtedly see miracles daily! I love you all so very much!!!
Your son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, who loves you!
Elder Tracy
The Winter Garden crew!
John Merencys Baptism:
What has been the best part of your week? I hope and pray that you are all doing well and enjoying each day and enjoying the blessings God has given you! I sure have been trying to look at things more positively and it has helped out so much! This week has been an excellent one and we have been able to get out and work hard! We did 10 hrs of service on Wednesday and we found another 3 investigators this week! It has been a great week! I could go on and on about all the things I'm learning and doing but I've narrowed it down to three!
The first experience was early on in the week after knock a good 30 doors, it doesn't seem like that many but that usually takes us 1.5-2 hours! So you know our knuckles are sore and our patience had been tried! We were pretty tired and were about to leave but had a feeling to keep knocking a few more doors! You know the routine...first door nothing. Second door nothing. Third door and a lady named Christina opens the door! We teach her a brief restoration and she explains her back story! She moved from Michigan after countless years of searching for the right church! We were able to testify to her of the power of the priesthood and Christ's restored church! She wanted us to come back later in the week and discuss the pamphlet we left! Unfortunately she is a care taker and her client had to go to the hospital but we will see her this week and follow up on what she read! It was another amazing experience and testimony builder! As we follow the promptings of the spirit we will always be lead to the situations at can help us and other grow!
The second experience happened on Saturday while I was on exchanges with Elder Adair! It was his first time leading out his area but he did a great job! We had a lot of cool experiences! Just before the sun started to set we decided to knock an apartment complex! We knocked about 90% of it, having talked to many people and having offered service to them all, when two men came walking down the street towards us! We knocked one more door and the lady flipped out and yelled at us to get out of their no soliciting neighborhood! Then the two men, the property managers, told us to get out! We tried to explain we meant no harm and weren't selling anything! After trying to be very peaceable we bid them a good evening and started heading over to our bikes! One of the men walked with us and on our way he asked, "So where are your ancestors from?" Hahah I was taken a back and then instinctively started teach him about family history work and explained family search! Hahah How ironic is that!!! God sure works in mysterious ways! Sometimes he sends us right into a dead end so on the way back we could find everything we are looking for! Simply Trust in God!!!
Lastly was one of my favorite experiences! The Zone Leaders had a baptism scheduled at the same time as the Stake Missionary Correlation Meeting! Elder Larson and I were asked to take their place! There was so many amazing things that I learned but my favorite was a little quote by the stake mission leader! Elder Lopez was explaining why there aren't as many miracles! "People are afraid! People don't have enough faith! If people had true faith they would not ask How or Why, but when do you want it done! Then with faith diligently give all they have to accomplish the task! Excuses are for losers! We need to do more" and then I came across another quote at church describing all that the pioneers accomplished! "With vision, with labor, and with confidence in the power of God working through them, they brought their faith to reality!" These few quotes have me so fired up! No matter what are goals are if we have faith and then diligently do all we can do! Our goals and dreams will become a reality! Let us all have more faith, trust in God, and follow the promptings of the spirit! We will then undoubtedly see miracles daily! I love you all so very much!!!
Your son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, who loves you!
Elder Tracy
The Winter Garden crew!
John Merencys Baptism:
Week 31 | Feb. 13, 2017
Dear friends and family!
Well this week has been a much calmer one! I sure hope you all have been having a good week! It was bike week and we biked SO much! We were able to find 6 new investigators that we are really excited to go back and see this next week! Hopefully we can start teaching them consistently! This week both Elder Larson and I got flat tires on our bikes which set us back a little bit because our apartment is 8 miles away from our area! It would've been frustrating but when you're doing the Lord's work there can be good found in every situation! Because of our flats we were able to get two members out to lessons and got dinner both of those nights! God definitely looks out for His missionaries! :)
We had two pretty cool experiences this week! First John got baptized! The other elders in the ward have been working with him for about 2 months and he has come such a long way! It was a great miracle how everything fell into place! The members in the ward stepped up big time to help their friend! It was amazing to see him light up as he was baptized and confirmed! I have become a good friend with him and it was such a blessing to witness this special event! It got me thinking to the convents or promises we make at baptism! How seriously do we take the promises we made? Is it something we constantly think about? Does it bring us joy daily? It should because it is the one of the greatest gifts God can give us! As we keep our end of the deal he fills us with his spirit, which leads, guides, comforts, protects, and teach us! If we want to progress daily, if we want to find joy constantly, we need to not just keep our promise with God, but cherish them!
The second experience was a dinner with this member and her anti-Mormon husband! It is a super strange relationship! Anyway as we ate the husband went off on all the experiences he had and how happy these worldly substances and experience made him! He tried to convince us that if we follow the "rules" of the church we will miss so much in life! As I sat and listened I began to be so sorry for him! These experience that brought him satisfaction and pleasure in the moment have now faded and have left him very... empty! I want to testify of the countless things we miss out on when we don't follow God's commandments! Every commandment given is associated with blessings beyond measure! As we follow the counsel of our dear prophets, willingly, we find peace, joy, and success! Our families are strengthened and protected as we live the gospel! But most of all as we keep the commandments of our Lord we strengthen our relationship with Him! We invite Him to be a part of our lives! I can't imagine any greater blessing! That is something no worldly pleasure, no priceless jewel, or latest technological device could compete with! Live the gospel! Love the blessings that come! There is nothing greater! Please let us all make the changes we need to to be better followers of Christ! Love you all with all my heart!
Your proud to be a Mormon missionary,
Elder Tracy
Well this week has been a much calmer one! I sure hope you all have been having a good week! It was bike week and we biked SO much! We were able to find 6 new investigators that we are really excited to go back and see this next week! Hopefully we can start teaching them consistently! This week both Elder Larson and I got flat tires on our bikes which set us back a little bit because our apartment is 8 miles away from our area! It would've been frustrating but when you're doing the Lord's work there can be good found in every situation! Because of our flats we were able to get two members out to lessons and got dinner both of those nights! God definitely looks out for His missionaries! :)
We had two pretty cool experiences this week! First John got baptized! The other elders in the ward have been working with him for about 2 months and he has come such a long way! It was a great miracle how everything fell into place! The members in the ward stepped up big time to help their friend! It was amazing to see him light up as he was baptized and confirmed! I have become a good friend with him and it was such a blessing to witness this special event! It got me thinking to the convents or promises we make at baptism! How seriously do we take the promises we made? Is it something we constantly think about? Does it bring us joy daily? It should because it is the one of the greatest gifts God can give us! As we keep our end of the deal he fills us with his spirit, which leads, guides, comforts, protects, and teach us! If we want to progress daily, if we want to find joy constantly, we need to not just keep our promise with God, but cherish them!
The second experience was a dinner with this member and her anti-Mormon husband! It is a super strange relationship! Anyway as we ate the husband went off on all the experiences he had and how happy these worldly substances and experience made him! He tried to convince us that if we follow the "rules" of the church we will miss so much in life! As I sat and listened I began to be so sorry for him! These experience that brought him satisfaction and pleasure in the moment have now faded and have left him very... empty! I want to testify of the countless things we miss out on when we don't follow God's commandments! Every commandment given is associated with blessings beyond measure! As we follow the counsel of our dear prophets, willingly, we find peace, joy, and success! Our families are strengthened and protected as we live the gospel! But most of all as we keep the commandments of our Lord we strengthen our relationship with Him! We invite Him to be a part of our lives! I can't imagine any greater blessing! That is something no worldly pleasure, no priceless jewel, or latest technological device could compete with! Live the gospel! Love the blessings that come! There is nothing greater! Please let us all make the changes we need to to be better followers of Christ! Love you all with all my heart!
Your proud to be a Mormon missionary,
Elder Tracy
Week 30 | Feb. 6, 2017
Hey everyone!
This week may have been one of the craziest weeks yet! Everything that happened was completely nuts! I don't even know where to start because each day this week was filled with unusual events, some good and some bad, but oh how I've loved every minute! Tuesday was Zone Conference and I did exchanges with two Portuguese elders, Wednesday we did 12 hours of service and had a very interesting dinner, Thursday I was sick because of said dinner, Friday we had a crazy weekly planning and had the most insane lesson with our investigator, Saturday we did exchanges with the other Winter Garden elders, had a crazy incident leading to calling 911 and sleeping at the Zone leaders apartment, Sunday I did my first baptismal interview... it didn't go well and at dinner had a little allergic reaction and took a little visit to the ER! Don't worry I'm alright! So let's just say it was CRAZY!!!
This week may have been one of the craziest weeks yet! Everything that happened was completely nuts! I don't even know where to start because each day this week was filled with unusual events, some good and some bad, but oh how I've loved every minute! Tuesday was Zone Conference and I did exchanges with two Portuguese elders, Wednesday we did 12 hours of service and had a very interesting dinner, Thursday I was sick because of said dinner, Friday we had a crazy weekly planning and had the most insane lesson with our investigator, Saturday we did exchanges with the other Winter Garden elders, had a crazy incident leading to calling 911 and sleeping at the Zone leaders apartment, Sunday I did my first baptismal interview... it didn't go well and at dinner had a little allergic reaction and took a little visit to the ER! Don't worry I'm alright! So let's just say it was CRAZY!!!
Each and all of these were super nuts and long stories! I'll make sure to write it all down and I can go into more depth when I get home, as for today I want to share the Freaky Friday lesson with our investigator and the Sunday Night visit to the ER!
So Friday night we had a set lesson with our investigator Francesca and Fred, the two investigators on date, but when we got their Fred was no where to be found! Francesca was persistent and wouldn't listen unless we went to go find him! So we agreed thinking we would be back in 20 mins... wrong! We start walking with her and it was absolutely insane, we ran into her drug dealer... and there was almost a fight! Haha but she worked it out in her greengo Spanish! We walked the 40 mins to the store, walk inside and everyone stops! Everyone! Like when does that ever happen? 40 people stopped everything and stared at us and our investigator while she runs to the cashier asking for Fred... he wasn't there and it was super awkward. We slowly backed our way to the doors and cruised on out of there! As we walked backed to the car we found out some terrible and completely horrifying experiences that she had and we found out the real reason why she got sucked into drugs and her biggest fears! She was desperately trying to suppress all her pain and agony! And her deepest desire is simply to be loved! She got a little confrontational as well testified of that this gospel was the answer! As the conversation unfolded the spirit guided Elder Larson and I to several different scriptures and testified of the reality of this glorious gospel! The SPIRIT WAS SO STRONG! Right there in the middle of the road we prayed, pleading with God that Francesca could feel His love! Francesca prayed with all her heart unfolding her deepest desires and pains! As she did so the spirit filled the atmosphere! It was a really cool experience, we walked back silently and left her with the invitation to pray again and ask God if this church was true! It was amazing to be a part of that experience! I bring this up because there are so many of our brothers and sister that are lost and in pain! So many anguished souls who are only seeking to be loved! We MUST love more, love more intensely, love more purposefully! Love those who you say you love! Actually show them and make sure there is no doubt in their mind that someone cares for them!
As we do we will see miraculous things! Most importantly love your Father in Heaven and let that drive you!
So Sunday night! We are having our monthly Lowe family Potluck Dinner! Ate to our souls content! Then comes dessert... I ask the baker if her cobbler had nuts in it and she assured me that it didn't! As I sat down and was about to take a bite I got a feeling that I shouldn't... Thinking I knew better and having gone to the source and took a big bite! Before I could swallow I bit down into something unusually crunchy and spit it out! It had pecans in it... we hurried out of there, took some allergy medicine, and drove to the ER! (Mom, Dad, don't get mad at me....) we got there and waited for a long time and I felt much better, took more medicine and went home! There is a valuable lesson to learn from this! There are so many things of this world that are both physically and spiritually dangerous to us! We know these things are bad, and have been taught to avoid these things at all costs! Now sometimes we come across these dangerous things and get a feelings to stay away but ignore those first promptings because it seems pleasing or because everyone else is doing it... Well even when you go to the "source" you can still get sucked into the trap! Here's the key! The spirit will Always warn you! If you listen to the spirit you will be safe! If you ignore it you must face the consequences! We think we know best, but we just don't! Once again I plead that you learn from my stories, FOLLOW THE SPIRIT!!! Also I'm totally okay so don't be worried!
Never forgot how much I love this gospel! It's true! Love you all!!!
Your "breath taken" missionary,
Elder Tracy
Week 29 | Jan. 30, 2017
Hello family and friends,
His week is going to be a short one! I got carried away with playing basketball! Hahah Oh how I love playing basketball!!! I'm excited for the rematch games when I get home! ;) This week we received some church wide news concerning missionaries and their daily schedules and a change in focus! I love this new change! This change, this modern revelation, the fact that we have a modern day prophet to lead and guide us and our families is evidence that God loves us! He has a plan for us and hasn't left us to figure it all out on our own! As we follow the prophet we will find joy! We will find success in all things temporally and spiritually!
This week we saw this gospel principle come to life! We have had more time to get out and knock doors! As we focused on the things our apostles trained us on we found several new investigators, saw them progress more quickly, and..... THEY CAME TO CHURCH! This week we put Fred and Francesca on date to be baptized on April 29, the weekend after their marriage! They have a long way to go but no matter how far we need go the atonement can save us! They both came to church and we are going to meet them tomorrow! I can testify that as we keep God's commandments, including the words of our prophets we will be blessed! Love you all so much!
Your obedience loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
His week is going to be a short one! I got carried away with playing basketball! Hahah Oh how I love playing basketball!!! I'm excited for the rematch games when I get home! ;) This week we received some church wide news concerning missionaries and their daily schedules and a change in focus! I love this new change! This change, this modern revelation, the fact that we have a modern day prophet to lead and guide us and our families is evidence that God loves us! He has a plan for us and hasn't left us to figure it all out on our own! As we follow the prophet we will find joy! We will find success in all things temporally and spiritually!
This week we saw this gospel principle come to life! We have had more time to get out and knock doors! As we focused on the things our apostles trained us on we found several new investigators, saw them progress more quickly, and..... THEY CAME TO CHURCH! This week we put Fred and Francesca on date to be baptized on April 29, the weekend after their marriage! They have a long way to go but no matter how far we need go the atonement can save us! They both came to church and we are going to meet them tomorrow! I can testify that as we keep God's commandments, including the words of our prophets we will be blessed! Love you all so much!
Your obedience loving missionary,
Elder Tracy
Week 28 | Jan. 23, 2016
Mi familia,
I sure hope your week was a wonderful one! I hope you are finding ways to stay warm! For me this week has been a very exhausting one! Few random things before I get into it! First we played this game called KUBB! It is so much fun and I know that the Olsen Family would LOVE IT!!! Look into it! :) Second I'm becoming a huge fan of this crock pot and if anyone has some recipes they'd like to send we would put it to good use!
Alright so this week we have knocked on so many doors! It's been such a blessing because it has helped me improve my teaching! I am a firm believer in repetition after this week! We have meet many interesting people and we have found a few new investigators that we are super excited for!
One amazing miracle we saw this week while we were knocking doors begins with this former investigator named Fred! Fred was taught by missionaries a long time ago! He was almost baptized but a week or so before the baptism his mother died, a few days later his girlfriend died as well! He began to question his testimony and fell off the map! Well a month or so ago with Elder Gillen we went to his home and taught him and he seemed really interested in learning again! But every time we would go back he was gone! We have been trying to find this guy for weeks now! Well anyway we were in an entirely different part of our area knocking doors! We have made it a huge effort to pray more frequently because I came across 2 Nephi 32:8-9! So we were praying before each door! Well after a good 25 empty or unpleasant doors we knocked on this door and a lady named Francesca opened the door! After about a few minutes she calls for her fiancé...... FRED!!! Crazy right? Well we taught them the entire restoration and we are really excited to go back! I know that if we consistently seek God's help through prayer He will help us! If we are diligent and continue to do what is right we will find unexpected miracles! It is not always easy though! Life gets busy and we forget to do the basics like prayer, scripture study, and family home evening! Make these things a priority and you will see a drastic improvement in your life!
Another miracle we saw this week was with one of the less actives we are working with! We were able to see him 3 times through out the week and he is making a lot of progress! The best part was that he made it to church, stayed all 3 hours, and meet with bishop afterwards! It's amazing to see how the gospel blesses those you keep God's commandments! It's a miracle to see the gift of repentance change an individual! If there is anything I'm learning on the mission, it is the glorious gift of repentance! Why are we often afraid of it? Why don't we repent every second of everyday? It is the key to being happy, the key to success, the key to living with our Father in Heaven! We have the answers it's simply applying it and becoming better from it! Rely on our Savior! Have the faith that the atonement can help you! It will not only heal you but enable you to do things you never imagined possible! Oh how blessed we are!
To finish out the week we were able to attend the Baptism of Flavio Zulick! He is a Brazilian Supermodel and one of my favorite people I have met! He came to Pday today and taught me a lot about how to get fit and put us through this crazy work out! It was so fun! Anyway, he was taught by Elder Larson and they became super close friends! The baptism was amazing! It was the result of amazing member missionary work! Once again I couldn't understand most of it but the spirit was just as strong! I love this gospel!!! It is how we find true joy! Continue to improve and find joy in the gospel!
Your tired but happy missionary,
Elder Tracy
This is Flavio! My new Best Friend from Brazil!
This is my companion Elder Larson
I sure hope your week was a wonderful one! I hope you are finding ways to stay warm! For me this week has been a very exhausting one! Few random things before I get into it! First we played this game called KUBB! It is so much fun and I know that the Olsen Family would LOVE IT!!! Look into it! :) Second I'm becoming a huge fan of this crock pot and if anyone has some recipes they'd like to send we would put it to good use!
Alright so this week we have knocked on so many doors! It's been such a blessing because it has helped me improve my teaching! I am a firm believer in repetition after this week! We have meet many interesting people and we have found a few new investigators that we are super excited for!
One amazing miracle we saw this week while we were knocking doors begins with this former investigator named Fred! Fred was taught by missionaries a long time ago! He was almost baptized but a week or so before the baptism his mother died, a few days later his girlfriend died as well! He began to question his testimony and fell off the map! Well a month or so ago with Elder Gillen we went to his home and taught him and he seemed really interested in learning again! But every time we would go back he was gone! We have been trying to find this guy for weeks now! Well anyway we were in an entirely different part of our area knocking doors! We have made it a huge effort to pray more frequently because I came across 2 Nephi 32:8-9! So we were praying before each door! Well after a good 25 empty or unpleasant doors we knocked on this door and a lady named Francesca opened the door! After about a few minutes she calls for her fiancé...... FRED!!! Crazy right? Well we taught them the entire restoration and we are really excited to go back! I know that if we consistently seek God's help through prayer He will help us! If we are diligent and continue to do what is right we will find unexpected miracles! It is not always easy though! Life gets busy and we forget to do the basics like prayer, scripture study, and family home evening! Make these things a priority and you will see a drastic improvement in your life!
Another miracle we saw this week was with one of the less actives we are working with! We were able to see him 3 times through out the week and he is making a lot of progress! The best part was that he made it to church, stayed all 3 hours, and meet with bishop afterwards! It's amazing to see how the gospel blesses those you keep God's commandments! It's a miracle to see the gift of repentance change an individual! If there is anything I'm learning on the mission, it is the glorious gift of repentance! Why are we often afraid of it? Why don't we repent every second of everyday? It is the key to being happy, the key to success, the key to living with our Father in Heaven! We have the answers it's simply applying it and becoming better from it! Rely on our Savior! Have the faith that the atonement can help you! It will not only heal you but enable you to do things you never imagined possible! Oh how blessed we are!
To finish out the week we were able to attend the Baptism of Flavio Zulick! He is a Brazilian Supermodel and one of my favorite people I have met! He came to Pday today and taught me a lot about how to get fit and put us through this crazy work out! It was so fun! Anyway, he was taught by Elder Larson and they became super close friends! The baptism was amazing! It was the result of amazing member missionary work! Once again I couldn't understand most of it but the spirit was just as strong! I love this gospel!!! It is how we find true joy! Continue to improve and find joy in the gospel!
Your tired but happy missionary,
Elder Tracy
This is Flavio! My new Best Friend from Brazil!
This is my companion Elder Larson
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