February 15, 2015 - Columbus, GA

Hey Y'all!!

This past week was another pressure filled week but now as the week is done we can now take a sigh of relief as things slow down a little bit. On Thursday we had Zone Training meeting which was the first ZTM I was in charge of and there is alot of small details that go into a meeting and we had to take care of all of them but I like having responsibility so even though we had alot to do I wouldn't have it any other way. Before ZTM while we were waiting for everyone to arrive I was shooting and it as people started to come in I was able to get a a quick game in of 21 before ZTM. So you could imagine that my face is a bit red and sweaty and to start the meeting I said..." Don't worry I'm not sweating cause I'm nervous but I'm sweating from the game" but anyway I gave a training on the importance of our investigators knowing our purpose when we teach and also how to ask people to be baptized. It went pretty well and the other trainings given at ZTM were truly profound and we were told it was one of the best that they have ever gone to! Woo! Later that day we had mission prep where us missionaries were preparing some members in the ward for their missions.

Friday was definitely a super cool day! Elder Child and I were stretching the norms for missionary work where we had an investigator that is passionate about sharing the gospel and he put himself on date for baptism which has never happened to Elder Child or myself. But after our lesson he asked" Where else do you have to go tonight?" And we said to a recent converts house and then it us to take him with us so that Mary (Recent convert) could share her experiences with the church. So it was the first nonmember present haha. Cause normally the member takes us to the teaching appointment but instead our investigator came with us to the member so it was a very spiritual experience.

On Sunday Jazmine is on date for March 3rd came to Sacrament meeting even though she said she couldnt make it and so she is really doing well. The Flatrock ward is super awesome and the message for Sunday was finding inner peace and it was very powerful. Later that day Elder Child and I went and gave the Sacrament to Sister Seeley who was in a car accident that was devastating. We gave them a blessing last week and the moment I saw how much better she looked was the moment my testimony of blessings was strengthened she testified of how powerful the blessing was and it was really cool. Then later that night we went to the Meadows, who was a member in the ward and the conversation shifted to family history work get this... He got his patriarchal blessing from Willard Grant Smith and I wasd like what!!! I'm related to him and we were freaking out cause of how the connections! He also showed us his porche GT3 and one day he promised us a joy ride!

Then today we went to the national infantry museum and mann.... the more time I serve around military bases the stronger my love for this country is. We are going through some rough times but we are still free and still enjoy the freedom of religion and many other freedoms that other countries dont have. They had exhibits for all the wars that the U.S has been apart of and it feels like you were there. The different artillery and weapons over time were so cool and they had a Vietnam exhibit where it felt like you were in the jungles of Vietnam and I could get a sense of what it was like.

I LOVE YOU GUYS and the church is true!!

-Elder Hill

#USA #southernlivin

February 8, 2016 - Columbus, GA

Hey Y'alll!

Sorry for not emailing yesterday but we had a zone conference yesterday and our P-day got moved to today but WOW this week has been huge and it's been alot to take in. So to start off, I got transferred to Columbus, Georgia and it is an amazing place! My new companion is Elder Joshua Child and he's from California.

On Tuesday we had our transfer meeting at 2:00 in Macon so I had lots of packing to do and getting everything in line to get transferred and then a twist got thrown into the mix and Brother Jones wanted us to come by because his blood pressure was in the 200's and so we came over and made sure he was okay. We spent a good deal of time with him and we want to Elder Godwins and Elder Taggarts apartment to say our goodbye's. I really will miss those guys and they have taught me alot. Brother Talcott came and picked us up to drive to Macon and to get my new companion. We all met in the parking lot and the gym because we can't do transfer "meetings" anymore so one we got our new companion we left to our new area. So I met Elder Child and the other missionaries there told me of how great Columbus is so I was very excited! We drove a few hours to Columbus and on the way we stopped off at a peach orchard store and had the BEST peach cobbler and ice cream ever and I couldn't resist:) We got to the new apartment and I was so PUMPED  because we had a bench press and so much weights!! It's like a personal gym in the apartment! The apartment is a pretty good size and I guess it's the perks of being a Zone Leader. After I unpacked a little bit we left to go see Mary Miller who is a recent convert and she is really cool and very spiritual. We had a ward coordination meeting and we got back to our apartment unpacked and I hit the weights

Wednesday was the first day in the new area and Elder Child got his drivers license stolen so I'm the driver and I'm relying solely on the GPS. I met this really nice guy his name is Dennis Mims who is super humble and wants to tell people about the gospel. The only hold up with him is that he smokes but we are working with him on that. The day was filled with meeting new people and the area. This area is super helpful with missionary work which makes things alot better! 

On Thursday we had to get the zone set up for miles for the month and answering tons of calls. And I dont think there was a time that our phone wasn't buzzing and ringing. It was a super busy time and answering everyone's questions about upcoming events and such. I also had the opportunity to meet Jazmine and we taught her the last lesson and we invited her to be baptized and she agreed to be baptized on March 5th!!! WOOO! We should be able to baptize 2-3 people this transfer so we have numerous progressing investigators.

On Friday was my first Missionary Leadership Conference in Macon. I met with all the people in leadership positions in Macon and we discussed how the mission is doing and the importance of goals. The Assistants gave trainings on the importance of the investigators knowing our purpose while we teach them nad President Cottle as well as others gave powerful trainings centered on Jesus Christ and being obedient to what we are called to do So from there we now have to take those trainings and training the zone on them. (Columbus zone is the largest zone in the mission) so we will so how that goes this week. 

On Saturday we met with Jazmine and showed her some Mormon Messages and testified of prophets and she is all geared up for her baptism!! Then we went to go give some service to a recent convert, Eric. We used machetes and axes to cut down branches and clear this area for Eric. Before he was baptized his house and the area around it was covered with trees and its been an ongoing project to clear it for him so he can make a garden. So we got down and dirty trying to help him reach that goal:) 

Sunday was a very spirit filled day and one I'll always remember... We had stake conference and Jazmine was able to come to church. Alot of missionaries from our zone came to see stake conference. President and Sister Cottle were there and it was a powerful meeting. But after the meeting was really cool. We have a military base called fort Benning in our zone and every Sunday on the base they hold worship services for the soliders. I was able to go and witness soliders risking their life go to church. They were all dressed in their camo outfits and it took on a whole new meaning for me. All the soliders there are super humble and willing to learn and thats what we are told inthe scriptures is to be a meek and lowly in heart and they truly exemplify that. After the sacrament meeting the soldiers seperate into soldiers here for the first time and soliders needing the missionary lessons. I actually went to go meet with Private Potter and interview him for baptism before he gets deployed. It was just an amazing experience because of how much he knew it was true. After the interview was through I went into the room where my companion was and there was a return missionary in the army and we were all teaching the gosple of Jesus Christ and it was super powerful! And seeing the base and seeing men in camo was really cool to see. 

Then on Monday we woke up and realized we had to wash our car and it was about 20 degrees outside but we wanted to be good examples so we washed it but the bubbles froze as soon as we put the rag on so we decided to go before to a car wash. Then we realized that our carpets were being cleaned so we had to get everything on the capets into our kitchen and leave by 7:45. We got our car cleaned and made it to the church by 8:30. Then we were inspecting our car and our battery died... So we just decided to worry about it after. So we had zone conference where Elder Child and I conducted the meeting and it went pretty well. The spirit was very strong and President Cottle had a truly powerful training on the Plan of Slavation and Elder Child and I volunteered to role play how to teach prayer and I thought we did pretty well. A little nerveracking but it went well:) Then afterthe meeting President Cottle had to jump start our car and we went to Pep Boys to get an oil change and a new battery. We raced home and headed to dinner. Then after dinner we had to add the zone's numbers for the week all before 10:00.

I'm doing well and I've been busy but I'm learning lots and I love you guys!!! 

-Elder Hill

quote of the week: "There's no growth in the comfort zone, and theres no comfort in the growth zone:)"

#ZLishard     #newchallenge  

Is it a Geico or a Small Dinosour?

February 1, 2016 - Millidgevile GA - Transfer Time

Hey Y'all!

Lots of changes have been happening out here for me this past week! Hahaha my hair is definitely shorter than I think it's ever been which is a change. Elder Godwin and I have got really close these past few transfers and he cut my hair for me but this time is was a bit shorter than I was expecting but in a way I kind of like it! Riding a bike with your helmet on is a lot more comfortable but the difference between a bad haircut and a good haircut is two weeks so it will be good:) Thats awesome to hear about Kristy! Good luck at your show Kristy I know you worked really hard to be able to be on the equestrian team! Kevin enjoy life man you get to live it once!

Life is full of changes and these past few days have definitely proved that statement true. I heard that I was being transferred on Saturday night and last night I got a call saying that I would be in the Columbus zone which is on the border of Alabama and the west side of Georgia. Then I got even more news this morning saying that I'd be the new zone leader in the Columbus zone!! I have so many mixed emotions about being a Zone Leader!! I hope that I'll live up to peoples expectations of that leadership position and that I'll be a great example to them. I'm really excited for what lies ahead in Columbus and how much my testimony will grow. There's always a feeling of inadequacy when your called to any leadership position but I know that if I do my best and work hard that everything will fall into place. 

It's been so hard saying bye to all my friends here in Milledgeville...I've really grown close to this area and the people here so alot of this week consisted of saying bye to good friends and investigators. Milledgeville has had it's ups and downs and thats why I feel so close to this area because I put alot into this area and I've learned so much here that it will be hard saying bye for a little while. On Monday I relived alot of the feelings I used to have after a long day in the gym. I was able to play basketball with some members in the church that play for their high school and guess what.. I still got it. I played them 2-on-1 and beat a 6'6 kid and a really good shooter. We played 21 three times and didn't lose and at the end of the day I ended up playing for 6 hours and I had some of the level of soreness I had at home and I really missed that feeling.We went to a Baptist bible study this Wednesday at the college and it was actually really spiritual. The songs they sang were really inspired and powerful, but they just dont have the fullness of the gospel. They teach mostly correct doctrine but they lack the authority and other essential characteristics of "The true church". It's a common occurrence here in the south where they teach great things but they just are missing bits and pieces. An analogy for this would be like the church is trying to bake a cake without milk. Haha you got to have all the ingredients to have a "true" cake:)  I also had to say bye to Shanita Wallace this week who was a really strong investigator for us that has lots of potential. I know that if the missionaries continue to teach her that she'll be able to make baptismal covenants with the Lord. But throughout this week I just said bye to good friends and people I cared alot about. Being a missionary has allowed me to unlock a new level of love for people in general and even more for my family:) I look at people now more of children of God than just people.

 The missionaries here in this area have meant so much to me as well. Elder Godwin, Elder Taggart, and Elder Showers have meant so much to me and I've made some life long friends here in Milledgeville. Elder Godwin is one of the greatest friends I've ever had and he's helped me so much out here. We will be friends for life. I've loved training Elder Showers, he is always wanting to be the best missionary he can be and he strives to do his best and Elder Taggart has been great support for me when I was going through some rough times. But I know I'll see them again but I know that these men have changed my life for the better and I hope I've made a positive affect on their life too. I'm excited to be a zone leader and go through all the fun trials that being a Zone leader entails:)

I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH and the church is true:)

-Mitchell Hill

#I'mazoneleader  #Mixedemotions   #ColumbushereIcome  #Transferwoes

Elder Goodwin

Millidgeville GA

 

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!