January 24, 2016 - Millidgeville GA

Hey Y'all!

I'm glad that all is well in Utah! It's finally starting to get colder here and I got to reunite with an old friend that I've been away from for 7 months...SNOW greeted us with it's presence! It was so nice to see a familiar face!! haha! I'm trying to stay warm haha the humidity here definitely is different than the Colorado/Utah dry cold. It may not snow here as much but it is still very brisk outside. But all is well and I'm getting accustomed to it...

This week was definitely a memorable week as far as spiritually. With everything that I was doing there was a strong, motivated purpose to go and share the gospel with people this week. 

Tuesday started off with a very unusual, yet exciting start. Elder Godwin and Elder Taggart got into our apartment and woke us up at 6:30 banging on the wall. They tried scaring us but instead we were more confused than scared. After they tried scaring us they wanted to go play basketball at the church:) I WAS SO PUMPED! So we went and play 2-on-2 and then after a few games of that we played everyone against me and I ended up winning 1 game out of three but I was close in every game but it was a good way to start the day.

Wednesday was a really inspirational day... We had a missionary broadcast that was for all the missionaries all over the world. This is the first time in about 10 years where all the missionaries listened to the same broadcast. It was a really powerful broadcast where members of the 12 apostles asked questions to missionaries about roles of the Holy Ghost and they refocused our purpose. David A. Bednar specifically talked about how important the Holy Ghost is in conversion and the things necessary to have the Spirit with you. Various apostles and members of the seventy testified of teaching repentance and baptizing converts. They also testified of how great the work is that we are doing and how much love they have for us. Later that day I went on exchanges in Gray, GA with Elder Taylor where we biked in freezing cold rain and because I was on exchanges I forgot my coat at our place so I toughed it out. We went to give an investigators daughter a blessing because she was 3 years old and was having a triple bypass heart surgery the next day. The spirit was so strong and I sealed and confirmed the blessing he commited to come to church in Gray! They said they have been working with him for a few years and couldn't get him to church but after the blessing his testimony grew.

On Friday we had interviews with President and sister Cottle. It was awesome meeting with them and telling them about whats been going on. They are amazing people and it will be sad to see them go in July. Later that night we went to Brother Fraleys house where we discussed the word of Wisdom and various of topics. Brother Fraley was one of the first African American missionaries to go on a mission. He was interviewed by Elder Christensen and hand delivered his application to the prophet. He is awesome and he said because we came over that hed come to church.

On Saturday IT SNOWED!! I reacquainted with that old friend and it was beautiful sight to see.We went to give Howe Powe a blessing and we went back and Elder Godwin burned his pants for his 18 month mark it was awesome!! I was also able to attend a basketball game for Dalin Mosley ( A recent convert) and it made me really happy and somewhat trunky haha. 

Sunday was one of the best Sundays I've had on my mission. When I first arrived in Milledgeville the ward felt really disconnected and it didnt feel like a a church should. By constant hard work and working with members the ward started to change for the better. On Sunday I've never seen so many smiling faces and the members seemed to genuinely care for each other. Maryanna one of investigators came to church with her daughter and she loved it! Not just that but 10 random people came to church and there was a sudden surge of excitement in the ward. Brother Jones also has struggled with his blood pressure and after Elder Showers pronounced a blessing upon him he doesnt have any of the side effects of his medicine. The power of the priesthood is undeniable. Then later that night we went to the Ryans home for dinner. Which ended our drought of meals. Not many members in this ward have fed us in the past but after Sunday they signed up for almost every day this week which is more meals than we've recieved in all my time here haha. The Ryan family is awesome! They have four girls that are really funny! Ate the end of the dinner apointment we all played "Dont let the balloon touch the ground" It was really funny  and it was a cool moment where I felt like we are strengthening the ward and it was special moment.

The church is true and I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

Elder Mitchell Hill

#ITSNOWED  #7MONTHS 

My Friend the Snow!!!  January 2016 Millidgeville GA

January 17, 2016 - Millidgeville GA

Hey Y'all!

This past week had alot of dynamic experiences and I'm not sure how to describe it without telling you about it. On Tuesday we had our district meeting and Elder Godwin gave a really powerful training on loving the people. He talked about how we should treat people and putting an arm around them and being their friend, instead of just being a salesmen kind of missionary but genuinely caring for the people you're teaching. It really stuck with me. Then alter that day we attended "House Church" which is a college bible study where they sing contemporary gospel songs that are SUPER repetitive. During all of the songs it's interesting seeing people worship in different ways. Some people stand up and raise their hands to the sky and scream or people are reverent and have their hands open. But their reasons for worshiping arent what they should be. It's as if they think the more they praise the better they will to their peers so its all for the social aspect  and not necessarily to praise God.  Then after the singing there is a college kid who preaches about a topic in the bible and alot of what he says is powerful compelling speeches but it just gets super long talking about the same thing.

On Friday, we met with Shanita Wallace and  I contacted her back in October but we were never able to find her house because the road she lived on was really hard to find and she had a hard time explaining where she lived and we stayed in contact for two months sharing messages with her and praying we'd be able to meet her one day. This past few weeks have been answers to prayers with her because she moved from her secluded house into apartments that are very easy to find. We were able to find her and build a solid relationship with her. This past week Califf Smith, who just returned from his mission in the Arizona Mesa mission came out with us and we read through some powerful verse in the Book of Mormon paired with earnest testimony. The spirit was very strong and Brother Smith was a huge part of that. I'm really excited for her because of how promising she seems. 

Then Saturday I earned my bicycling merit badge again in that day alone haha:) We biked from various places in Milledgeville that spanded over 20-25 miles and the roads we rode on ranged from dirt roads to highways but we had no other way to reach our appointments than to trust in the Lord that everything would work out and that we would be smart in our travels. We made it back in sfaety but before we went home I saw these two guys playing basketball and I couldn't pass up an opportunity like that. So I asked if I could play them 2-on-1. They were talking trash and saying "You can't play in those work clothes" and jokingly I was like      "Yeah well it will make your loss hurt that much more"and it turns out I won 2 games to 21 21-12, and 21-15. I also ripped my soles off one of my dress shoes but it's okay cause they were the ones that had a hole in the bottom before I played them. It was awesome!

Sunday was a really cool day we listened to a stake conference broadcast from Salt Lake City talking about the importance of temple work and how we can use them more effectively. Later that day we went to the Weltz' house and they fed us REALLY good food. They never disappoint. They also did the most generous thing... they bought me 2 dress slacks and a pair of jeans. I couldn't thank them enough. They just wanted me to have what I needed and they knew my family would want me to have what I needed so they gave me that blessing. They are one of my favorite members I've met on my mission. Then later that day we met with Kenneth one of our investigators and we shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with him and after he took us over to his sisters house where Cathy really wants us to talk with her about the gospel and our church so I'm very excited for that!

All is well! I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH! 

Love Elder Mitchell Hill

#Ballinonthemission   #BringingsoulstoChrist   #Missandloveyou

 

Breakin Soles and Savin' Souls!

 

January 18, 2016, Millidgeville GA - Just some fun pictures!

Just some pics from a Facebook group:

January 10, 2016 - Millidgeville GA

Hey Guys!

I'm glad that you're all doing well and that you liked my last letter! The rain was definitely a refreshing experience and I have alot of stories from that day!  I'm loving the south. The college here in Milledgeville is starting back up again today and all four missionaries here are super exciting for their arrival cause there will be life in Milledgeville again! Exciting stuff!

I dont know how to characterize this week really, but there definitely were some touching moments this week that really strengthened my testimony that God has a hand in all of our lives. Tuesday we had a pretty unreal experience that really allowed me to realize that God puts people into our path that we are supposed to meet. So on Tuesday the other missionaries Elder Godwin and Elder Taggart met Redginal Mosley who asked them if they knew a Mrs. Jennings. They werent sure and told him that they werent sure but they would later realize that Mrs. Jennings is actually Mrs. Pressley but her husband passed away and got a name change. So later that night we had dinner in the main street of Milledgeville at The Brick. We explained the story to her and found out that Redginal Mosley is friends with sister Pressleys son, Clay. Then we found out that Clay ( Sister Pressleys son) worked in the management of Century Link and Elder Showers step brother worked at century link and found out that clay fired Elder Showers brother!!! It was pretty comical and a funny connection ,but then it gets better. We stopped at Wal-mart later that night and met Keith Jones who is friends with Mrs. Pressleys and it was just a crazy connecting line of relationships that day that blew our mind at how God puts us in places where we'd find people to teach.

On Thursday we had our zone training meeting and found out that we would have no more transfer meetings and that there would be change as to how transfers will work now so we will see what happens. But Elder Murphy gave an awesome training on the G-R-I-N-D (Grateful-Realistic-Integrity-Noble-Determined). He really made me realize the reasons for why I'm out here and really put a picture in my head about how I want to remember my mission. I also said goodbye to some of some missionaries I knew back in Waynesboro that were going home and I'll miss them.

On Saturday, there's this family that was referred to us by a member in our ward and the family has 3 younger kids that are pretty adorable if I say so myself. The little boys name is Pressley and he is super cool and the little girls name is Emmalyn and they LOVE playing with us. So one day we were playing four square with them and apparently the parents were watching us the entire time. Before this time we went over probably 2-3 times and played with them and this past week the Dad came out and Pressley went to his dad and asked him if he could go to church. It went from a plea to an all out cry! I didn't know what to do but Pressley really wanted to come to church and the Dad said they would go to church but they didn't actually come but you never know what might happen from being with those kids and teaching them how to have some good fun! 

It was a solid week and I also realized that time is definitely starting to pick up and I'm realizing how people say that their missions go by fast...

I LOVE YOU GUYS and the church is TRUE!

-Elder Hill

#gettingcolder  #mightgettransferedsoon   #motivated  #missplayingball

 

Pressly and sister and Elder Hill in Millidgeville GA!

 

January 3, 2016 - Millidgeville, GA

Hey Y'all:)

Boy my mission keeps on getting more and more exciting as I spend more time here, so much happened this week that was memorable and positive! I'm glad you got to see Star Wars! I'm really excited to see it when I get back! I'm glad everyone is doing well and getting back into school and work!

This past week was one week that had memorable physical and spiritual experiences. On Wednesday we were biking from our appointment with an investigator and it started to drizzle and about  5 minutes later it was an all out downpour and we were 5 miles from our house. So we biked in rain where it was almost unbearable to see going about 5 mph. Cars were honking and staring at us thinking we were either dumb, crazy, or they were impressed. We got to the church cause it was the closest place for refuge and found the other missionaries that serve here. We walked in like nothing was wrong except we were drenched and they looked out the window and saw how hard it was raining so they decided to go get wet too! So we had to take some pics of us in the rain:) It made for some great pictures! But because we got stuck biking in the rain the next day Elder Showers got sick and we had to stay in til 4:00so I read  in the book Jesus the Christ and from the scriptures. 

Sunday was day that I could see the fruits of our labor in this area. There is a member in the ward and his name is Brother Fraley and he is a return missionary from Oakland and he fell away from the church for a good while for varying reasons. Elder Showers and I have made a concerted effort to try and reactivate him back into the church and it has been a long process, but Brother Fraley came to church for the first time in 2-3 years! When I saw him come through the doors in the chapel I started to tear up because I somehwat felt what one of my purposes on mission is. I feel like I connect really well with less active members in our church and its a work that I'm always excited to do. So as soon as he came back to the church and members of the church were hugging him and shaking his hand I had this warm impression that this is one of my purposes here in Georgia is to do all I can to bring those lost sheep back into the fold of God. Not only Brother Fraley but 2 other less actives that have been coming pretty often came on Sunday too but they made great strides where they actually bore there own testimonies in fast and testimony meeting. So even though I haven't had the opportunity to baptize anyone yet, I felt like yesterday was "like" a baptism where I saw people turn there lives to Christ and change their old ways and become better. Brother Fraleys new year resolution is to go to church every sunday for the whole year! Wooooo!

Later on Sunday we were doing less active work and we were walking to the car and there were a few kids playing some ball and I asked if they wanted to play a game and  if we won we had to teach them about  Jesus and their purpose in life... I can't pass up a chance like that... THey were playing on a hoop that was 8 feet tall and well lets just say it went down.. I dunked on so many kids it wasn't funny. THe competitive Mitch came out in me and I had to show it out:) There was a play where I drove past this guy and I took one dribble and leaped and met him in the air and while I was in the air I realized my knee was by his head  and I jumped over the kid and flushed it down!!! Kids were screaming and they took videos with their phones and I'm sure I was all over twitter in the mid Georgia area haha:) But since we won we gave them pass along cards and I shared John 4 with them and talked about the Samaritan woman and how humble Jesus was during that whole dialogue and how he loves all His children. 

I LOVE YOU GUYS and I hope you have a great week!!

Love, 

Elder Hill

#Wet   #Ball'n'teach     # 6monthsskrong

 

Mitchell and Elders in Rain!

Looking back on RR tracks!

 

 

 

December 27, 2015 - Millidgeville Ga

Hey Guys!

I loved talking to you on Christmas!! If you couldn't tell I was bit nervous because we haven't talked to each other in a little while, but I loved talking with you!! Don't worry I wont be in trouble with anyone it will all work out, It was so worth it:) I'm glad that you enjoyed the pens, it was really fun making them and watching your faces when you opened them! It's amazing how great you feel when you give a gift that you know the person will love, it's probably how Christ felt often after he healed people and saw the joy in the recipients face. I love the Christmas season:) 

This past week was definitely an emotional roller coaster, with the excitement of talking to my beloved family to the sadness of hanging up the call, this past week has just really showed me whats important about Christmas. In all of my past Christmas' the presents that I would recieve was where I found my happiness but now this past week I've realized that my family and the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. I realized that it doesn't matter what you get on Christmas, but whats more important is what you give and share with others. Not only that but the time spent with your family and how you worship the Lord is probably one the of the moist important things that we can do. Without Christ's birth no one could be saved from sin but because he lived and atoned for the sins of the world, was crucified, and rose again the 3rd day, everyone can live with Heavenly Father again. That is the greatest gift anyone can receive. On Christmas eve we experienced some pretty intense weather and the rain and wind canceled our Christmas eve plans and we were forced to stay in Milledgeville and spend Christmas eve with just us four missionaries. We heared the sound of the rain hit the roof while we played some board games and thought about our Christmas' in the past and how blessed we all are to have amazing families. It was also a cool day because it was my 6 month mark and I've spent 6 months preaching the gospel. Throughout these past 6 months I've truly changed as a person. Before my mission I felt as if my whole life dwelt on if I made or missed a shot in basketball, but now through being humbled and through the mission schedule I was forced to find what the true meaning of happiness is. Which is the gospel and what it teaches people. Even though I still find tremendous joy in playing basketball it's just apart of life but family and the gospel is what is truly important. Don't get me wrong basketball is still a huge part of who I am but thats not the only thing about life that's important. God wants you to expand your talents and use them but he wants you to do other things as well. These past 6 months have truly molded how my life will be when I get off my mission and I know I have alot left but I feel like I have a decent fotthold to what God is trying to teach me while I'm out here and a great thing!

With the new year coming up and wrapping up 2015 it's truly amazing how much has changed since the beginning of 2015. I've changed so much as a person this year and it's definitely for the better. Before my mission I had a hard with adversity and when I was faced with it I couldn't get my mind off of it but in the mission you face adversity everyday and you don't have any other choice than to get over it and just focus on helping people. So for this next year my entire focus is helping people see God in their life and in turn they will want to be like him and be baptized, so  my goal for this next year is to see someone that I've taught come into the waters of baptism. This goal was definitely different than last years goal but it's a different time and I'm in a different place. I'm truly excited for what growths I'll experience this year and how much I'll learn!

I LOVE YOU GUYS SOOO MUCH and have a great new year!!

Love Elder Mitchell Hill

#Newyear   #Toowarm