Monday, July 22, 2019

July 22, 2019 - East Bench, SLC, UT

Dear Madre,
Packing all day, it's wonderful.
I'm ready to get going with college and running. It's time.

This last week was one to remember. Decent and average finding all week, then departing temple trip Friday to the Salt lake Temple. That was a great experience. Then Saturday, we had 2 baptisms, Michael and Hunter. We also had 2 lessons to finish out the day. Sunday both were confirmed, I had my departing interview with President Prier, and then 3 lessons to finish out my mission. They were powerful, spiritual lessons, and I will always be grateful for the knowledge and testimony I have gained these last 2 years.

I'm excited to see you and Dad and all the family tomorrow! It'll be awesome!
I love you!
Elder Adams

Pics- This is Hunter's baptism (he is the shorter one. The taller guy, Ben, is his best friend who leaves for his mission tomorrow.) 





Tuesday, July 16, 2019

July 15, 2019 - East Bench, SLC, UT

I can't believe I've been out this long, and that we are actually at this point of my mission. I love those thoughts from Elder Uchtdorf. I'm sad to end this part, or have this interruption, but I am excited and anxious to begin the next part of my life. It's all part of a grander plan.
I'm almost ready to come home, one week and a few more baptisms.

This prior week was awesome!
We did a lot of finding and got no immediate results in our teaching pool. Instead, the Spirit inspired us to know who we needed to stop teaching, and who we needed to work better with, and what we could do for their spiritual growth. I have learned an important principle this last week and am excited for it to bless my life. 
John 14:26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
So many times, in various settings, we would be in a situation and need a quick solution, and the Spirit would remind me of past experiences that taught me what to do. It was very cool.

We had a huge group of people at church again. Because of so many missionary homecomings and farewells, and some attended multiple times! It was awesome.
I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was able to speak about the Atonement of Jesus Christ for a few minutes in one ward yesterday. Bearing my testimony strengthens my personal witness of Christ's love and living reality.
I am so grateful I have been able to serve. Not done yet though. This week is going to be amazing!
I love you all!
Elder Adams

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

July 8, 2019 - East Bench, SLC, UT

Time is going too fast! I've loved my mission so much.

The Fourth of July here was pretty good. We spent pretty much the whole day party hopping, visiting tons of people in the community, because they were all outside! We also did our weekly planning, which helped bridge the gap in the dead time of the early afternoon.  

We had some miraculous lesson this week. One lesson, we talked with this young man, and he shared how he prayed and received an answer that the Book of Mormon was true. Then we took him with us to another lesson, and he bore his new testimony to the girl we were teaching. It was very powerful. 

Another guy we tried later in the week was so funny! He compared the church to a turtle, and talked about how turtles lay eggs, then go into the ocean, then the other turtle follows. He said we lead people into the ocean, which is [represents] happiness. He is totally open to getting baptized. He was a wacky dude. 

Everyday gets better and better. We had dozens (literally) of visitors at church yesterday, and have found so many who we are now teaching. We are so excited for the week we have coming up, there is still so much work to do! It is incredible to serve the Lord, especially when it is with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. I am sprinting now!

Elder Adams 

We went to the Hogle Zoo today, here are some photos I took.

 

 


Monday, July 1, 2019

July 1, 2019 - East Bench, SLC, UT

This week has been great. It was one of those weeks where you feel like nothing happened, but then you look back and it was full of miracles.

Thursday our new mission President and wife arrived! President and Sister Prier from Texas. We had an opportunity on Friday to meet them, and it was amazing. He shared with us his vision of what he wants to accomplish, and it is so in line with the Prophet and the Lord. These few weeks with him will be incredible and for the rest of the missionaries, this will be a great experience.
Sunday was another day of miracles.

We were able to speak in one of our wards in the morning, and then proceeded to visit 5 more sacrament meetings, with phone calls coming from left and right. 10 visitors in total attended church and we are teaching them all. We finished at our 7th ward of the day, teaching a combined 2nd hour to the whole ward.

Every day is not as easy though. Sometimes we go through trials so we can grow. Most of the first half of the week was spent on foot (we are out of miles) and knocking on doors. Not many answered, but we pressed forward diligently. We even had one young man we are teaching text us saying he was no longer interested at all. That is always hard, yet we pressed forward, clinging to the rod, and the Lord provided for us and strengthened us. I felt His guidance in a most powerful and pure way this week. I love my Savior!

I love you all!
Elder Adams

Monday, June 24, 2019

June 24, 2019 - East Bench, SLC, UT

This week has been excellent! We have seen so many miracles! I don't ever want to stop serving the Lord.

Probably the best experience from this last week was on Thursday. A recent high school graduate invited us over to meet his 2 friends. Both just graduated with him, and both have wanted to be baptized since they were 12. Their parents had them wait until they were 18 years old. So now we are helping these boys get baptized before July 23, which is the day their friend leaves for his mission to Mexico and I get transferred... It is awesome to see the people the Lord has prepared!

On Friday, we met a young girl who has been closed off to missionaries about the gospel, but opened up to us, asked questions, and is praying about when she should be baptized. 

We cover a branch for Veterans and haven't been able to visit them at all. The branch president called us unexpectedly, picked us up, and we had a chance to minister to them all.

Almost every day these last 2 weeks we have received a text or all from someone, with a referral for someone who wants to take the lessons and/or be baptized. It’s unbelievable to see the Lord hastening His work.

We are teaching so many people, including several families and individuals. Please pray that their hearts will soften or remain soft to the gospel. This is truly a blessed area and blessed people.

I love my Brother Jesus Christ so much. I have truly come to know Him every day stronger and stronger. I know that His Atoning Sacrifice is real and will help all of us.

I love you all so much! I pray for you daily.
Elder Adams 



Tuesday, June 18, 2019

June 18, 2019 - East Bench, SLC, UT

Dad, it was great to talk to you on Father's Day as well!
For starters, I am in the Salt lake Valley still. I am on the East Bench, in a 4 stake area. We cover the Parleys, Foothill, Hillside, and Bonneville Stakes. It is awesome! I was released as a zone leader and all other leadership, President Hillier just told us all to work hard this last transfer, and not worry about anything else.
On Saturday I got to go to Jordan and Tesia Wagstaff's temple sealing. It was one of the highlights of my mission, seeing them sealed for Time and All Eternity. 
Today for p-day, we went to the Salt Lake City Temple. What a beautiful opportunity to be in the house of the Lord. 
I am very grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I love Him and am so grateful for His Atonement. 
I Love you Dad! Thanks for being a truly great example for me.
Elder Adams 
Well, slim on time, but here are some photos from this week. 

 




Monday, June 10, 2019

June 10, 2019 - East Bench, SLC, UT

Dear Madre,
I have heard from Tesia! I am so excited for her and Jordan! My joy cannot be put into words. It's amazing. I should hopefully be able to go. 
So it turns out, I am getting transferred. It'll be incredible these last six weeks to just focus on the work, and make it happen. I am very excited. The Lord has some great things in store for my last transfer. 
I'll send coach Limpf a reminder email for sure! Then, I'll keep you posted as he responds. Exciting job for Kasey, good things coming for SUU 😉.
So this week we had a chance to go on 3 exchanges in a row with Elders our mission and zone. There is so much work to be done here in Salt Lake City! There are dozens of people I met just in those 3 days that are thirsting for the truth! And we have it! I have received some very clear guidance from our Father in Heaven about what I am to do these last 6 weeks, and I am thrilled to work harder than ever before. 
Elder Krogh and I have enjoyed being companions. Today at Wal-Mart we decided to get matching shirts that represent our time together as Zone Dads.(See pics below).
Haha, we have worked so hard this transfer, and absolutely turned this area around. There are so many people that will be baptized! 
Well, busy evening planned, then I'll find out where I am headed. I have a slight idea, so we'll see what happens. Regardless, know I am doing the Lord's work, and He is pouring the Spirit upon His children in Salt Lake City. They will all be getting that truth they seek this week and on. 
I love you Mom!
Elder Adams 

 


Monday, June 3, 2019

May 27th & June 3rd, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

May 27th, 2019
Mom! Super fun to hear about the track teams and how they did, that is so awesome for Mason! And Michael as well! A track update from me, I'm obviously still out of shape, but I threw down an even paced, 80 a lap, 5:19 mile today. It felt amazing. It wasn't too hard either. 
This last week has been great. It absolutely flew by, faster than any other week before. 
Monday we helped one of the wards at their FHE, they went out visiting "lost sheep" and we helped them contact lots of people. 
Tuesday we walked tons of miles, and got soaking wet due to tons of rain. We saw some miracles though, running into some people who the Lord placed in our path.
Wednesday we just kept knocking doors…..

June 3, 2019
Dear Madre, 
It's been a great week to be a missionary. We preached, taught and baptized!
On Saturday Samantha got baptized! It was an awesome service. On Sunday she got confirmed, and then she bore her testimony in sacrament meeting. She is converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
We also had some cool miracles throughout the week. One was Sunday night. We were with a member out visiting some potential people to teach. We were driving from one home to another, and felt prompted to visit someone we haven't caught home in a while. We pulled up right when he got home. Up we went in and taught him, it was awesome!
Well, I'm slim on time today. I love you all!
Elder Adams 




Monday, May 20, 2019

May 20, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

(Elder Adams companion Elder Krogh wrote this for their email this week.) 😂😍😂😍

CHAPTER 90
Elder Krogh and his brethren have a great week. Many blessings are poured out upon the land. The mission of the Salt Lake City is visited by a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. About 20-21 Months in to Elder Krogh's mission.
      
      And it came to pass that Elder Krogh and Elder Adams departed from their day of preparations to cry repentance unto a lost and fallen people by the Lake of Salt.  Not having been in their labors for more than an hour they received word from their fellow brethren in the church that those not of their faith had joined them in the splendid sport of bowling for an activity that was to unite those of the church and those not to further progress the work of the Lord.               
       2 Upon receiving this epistle Elder Adams and Elder Krogh made haste to their metal chariot and wove their way through the dangerous battle that still goes on today known as Salt Lake City traffic.  They arrived only to come to the realization that they already knew those not of the church of Christ that were present.  Upon finding that the hearts of these people were still hard, they said a few farewells and then made ready the chariot and departed.
      3 And the Elders had a lesson with a woman in the city of Glendale.
      4 And it came to pass that when [the Elders] saw that [she] would believe their words, they began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto [her]—how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.
      5 And [they] did expound unto [her] the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before [her], and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.
      6 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and [they] did expound all these things unto the [woman].
      7 And the woman did believe all the words from the holy prophets, yea even all the words from the holy scriptures that God had given from the creation of Adam that man might understand his great plan of Salvation.
      8 And she progressed to be baptized on the first day of the sixth month.
      9 Now the Elders departed from the city of Glendale to the apartments of Solara.
      10 And being full of the Holy Ghost they came to the home of a man who had been expecting them, for they had been writing electronic epistles back  and forth.
      11 And this man received them gladly, yea even all those in his household received them with joy for they knew they were messengers sent from God. 
      12 Therefore the elders again opened up the holy scriptures-but not so much as the prophecies about the great plan of Salvation, nay, but rather-to the prophecies about the latter days where the Gospel and church of Jesus Christ would once again be restored to the earth.  
       13 And they testified of the word of God that would proceed from a remnant of the seed of Joseph unto the convincing of both Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.  
       14 For the Prophet Nephi truly testified to "believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
      15 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.
      16 And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day"
      17 And this is the manner in which Nephi spoke, and this record is true. And it was this record as well as the other records from the book of which I have spoken that touched the mans heart.  And he was persuaded that the testimony of these two messengers was true.  For they truly testified that God had once again called a Prophet and that the Lord Jesus Christ guides His prophet.  Yea he was convinced unto the desire to be baptized in the sixth month, for the Holy Spirit had touched his heart.
      18 But this was not their only reason to rejoice.  Behold it came to pass that they traveled to the square where the House of the Lord dwells and expounded upon the Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel to a man who desired to be baptized.
      19 Yea even all these things they did that the man might be baptized on the eighth day of the sixth month. 
      20 Now behold had this been all there would be sufficient reason to rejoice in the mighty miracles wrought by the hand of God.  But behold this was not all, for the Lord their God continued to lead them by His Holy Spirit to the home of a woman in her later years.
      21 Now this woman was a disciple of Christ yea, even a member of His church.  And there was one in her town that had not received the words of Christ, yea even His full and everlasting gospel.
      22 And this sister invited her young friend to hear the Word of God.
      23 And the young woman accepted and hearkened unto the words from the messengers of God.  Yea she did believe their words and desired to follow the one and living God of the whole earth 
      24 And there came in the mission an Apostle of the Lord, even Elder Quentin L Cook. 
      25 And he expounded the will of the Lord to those who had been set apart to preach His gospel.
      26 And many things did he instruct them in. Yea many things did he teach them pertaining to and hearkening to the Holy Spirit.
      27 Now after teaching and exhorting the words that were pressed upon his mind from the Spirit of God, he bore his witness of the Savior Jesus Christ. 
      28 "Now" he said, "I am going to tell you something that I want you to remember for the rest of your lives." And this he said pertaining to his testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.  
      29 "I know the Savior's voice and I know the Savior's face."
      30 And the whole congregation was overcome with the power of the Spirit. 
      31 And I add my witness that what this apostle of the Lord said is true.  For the Holy Ghost bore witness to my heart in the very moment that the words which he spake were true, even to the shedding of tears.
      32 And Elder Krogh and Elder Adams departed from this meeting rejoicing and carried on through their labors with glad hearts for they knew the Lord was with them.
      



Monday, May 6, 2019

May 6, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

This week has been awesome. My new companion is Elder Krogh, he came out a transfer after me, is from Georgia, and we have spent some time around each other. When I was is Karenni, he was in the Nepali area, so we saw each other often. We are super excited to be together.

We worked super hard this week, and saw lots of miracles. One time we got a referral, but it had the wrong address. It worked out because the wrong address turned out to be someone else we are now teaching. This happened a lot this week. The Lord would have us go one place, we thought for one reason, but something else would also happen, which was better than we could ever imagine. 

Sunday was a tough long day, that turned quickly into a day of miracles. At first, we thought no one was going to come to church, but then we had 4 people show up unexpectedly. Again, no one we planned for, but one of those 4 people is already preparing for baptism this month. It was incredible to see the Lord work wonders.

I love serving my mission. It has helped me understand better the purpose of our life on earth. I have found true joy. 
I love you so much!
Elder Adams 

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

April 29, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

Yep, Elder Saltzman is done. I drop him off at 4pm today to the mission office, and he flies out in the morning to Montana! It's been great serving with him! I'll be staying in the area and will find out who my new companion will be tonight. At this rate, I'll probably just finish my mission here, which is absolutely okay! There is still much work to be done. Wow, I just had to double check what month it is, I totally forgot school ends soon! Time is disappearing. Very exciting times for the kiddos school ending next month

I am so grateful to be able to serve, and I am trying to learn, and stay worthy of all the prayers I know are prayed for me. There is a quote that says, "be the missionary your parents are praying for" and that's obviously not the reason I am here, to impress you, but it is nice to have when things get hard and you feel like you want to quit. It's comforting. I am grateful for you and Mom. 

This last week was great. We finished strong. Monday we had a zone barbecue, which turned out really successful. That was a nice p-day activity.
Tuesday we went to the Salt Lake Temple for Elder Saltzman's departing temple trip. It was a beautiful session, great to get a little rejuvenation from the Spirit. We worked hard that evening, and even though most doors didn't open, that evening we got a text referral for this guy who we started teaching Saturday, and he is amazing!

Wednesday we had a good mid day going out with a counselor in one of our new bishoprics. Then some bike moving errands. Then we went on exchanges, our last of the transfer. Elder Larger and I were together for our third exchange over the last 10 months, which is always fun to be able to keep in touch with a good friend like that. We had an incredible experience. We tried a door that had a potential YSA living there, and was let in by the family. We met the young man and began teaching him, but quickly learned that the parents, who were members but not active, were going through a tough time in life. The father was in serious pain due to kidney stones, and requested a blessing. We returned Friday night to teach the boy again, and leaned that shortly after the father had received the blessing, the stones had broken up and passed rather smoothly. It was incredible to see such a miracle.

Thursday, we finished the exchange, had dinner, and then were able to go to the temple again! This time we did baptisms for the dead with Carlos, who got baptized 2 weeks ago! It was incredible. He loved the experience and even said he might just show up at the temple whenever he is bored and do baptisms. In the temple, Elder Saltzman and I had some neat opportunities. First off we were able to baptize each other. That was really tender. We both ran into members from previous areas who remembered us. One brother from the Holladay South Stake remembered me from sharing my testimony at their stake conference. It was a blessing from the Lord to know that I have been doing some good. Then, we were able to help with some confirmations at the end of the night, and the lady we confirmed was Joseph B. Worthlin’s daughter. It was fun! The temple workers requested that we come back after our missions on a Thursday night, we became a part of their shift team. It was a great feeling. Afterwards, we were able to listen to the Tabernacle Choir rehearse for just a few minutes before we headed in for the night.

Saturday we had some powerful lessons. One young man with a difficult past moved to Utah to find some peace, and has found, through a kind father figure, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is so prepared to receive it, he soaks up every word. It was a beautiful day all day, and in the evening, we were able to help a companionship by contacting people for them. It was an awesome night of knocking doors! And the Lord blessed us by leading us to YSA we can teach! 
Sunday, we went to all 5 wards. We had some great people we are teaching come to church, but not all of them. So our work is cut out for us for this next month. I am excited to get things going with whoever my new companion is. Elder Saltzman has taught me a lot, especially about hope, love, and charity. He is going to do great in this next part of his life. 

I know that God is Our Father in Heaven. He loves us more than we can even understand. And He also expects big things from us. He expects us to become better every day, through repentance, little by little. And because He expects us to be better, and because He loves us so much, He provided a way for us to receive help in achieving our potential. That help is His Son, and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ understands what we all face. He knows who we are to become. And He has already overcome the obstacles, and now stands willing and ready to lift us over them. I invite each of you to consider where you are at in following Your Savior, recognize what needs to happen next, and then pray to Him for strength to make. The next step. Then do it! As our beloved Prophet said, "Do better and be better!" 
I love you all so much! 

I love you all! 
Elder Adams

Photos from zone activity, trying on fatigues at dinner this week, and Carlos after the temple.



Tuesday, April 23, 2019

April 22, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

Easter was incredible. It's one thing to spend Christmas testifying of the birth and life of the Savior, but it was a miracle to testify literally dozens of times that I know that Christ died for us, and rose from the grave, overcoming all things we will ever face in our life. I have had some powerful spiritual experiences this last week testifying of this truth, and many other truths I hold dear to my heart.

So here is a rundown of all that happened last week. Tuesday we had zone conference. I learned so much from the Spirit, and gained even more knowledge pertaining to specific things in my life! That night as we were coming in (already late because of a great lesson) we felt to stop by some elders apartment. Things were already bad when we got there, but had we shown up literally one minute later, things would have been very bad. As we did an exchange that night and worked with these elders, I had some of the most powerful spiritual experiences in my life. I know as certain as I know that I am alive, that Jesus Christ lives. As does God our Father. I learned this truth more powerfully that night in the same way I know that I am alive. The Savior Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. He suffered for the big things, such as death or losing a lost one, and other major heartbreak. But he also suffered for the smallest things we go through. No matter how unimportant something may seem to us, to Christ, he wants to help us overcome it. We are never wasting His time as we access the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Rather, the Savior went through all this pain and probably gets rather sad when we don't utilize this incredible gift from Him. 

Wednesday we had some great lessons, and again were able to teach of the Savior and His ability to heal and help. There are so many people in this world who want to be free of guilt, but don't know how to do this. That's where we all need to step up, and "mourn with those that mourn, yea and comfort those that stand in need of comfort" and then share with them where our peace comes from - Jesus Christ. 
Thursday we got to go to East High School, and help with the seminary classes! It was so cool, they had us pretend to be people being taught, and will real concerns, and the high schoolers taught us. It was a neat experience that helped me remember some basic doctrines and scriptures. 

Friday we did another exchange. The elder I was with and I spent multiple hours just waking streets and sharing a simple message of the Resurrection. We found so many new people to teach because hearts were more open to the Spirit this time of year. One guy tried to put on a tougher appearance, but as we talked, he shared that he has a garden, and grows "all the veggies" for a farmers market. It was a tender lesson. Saturday we had a good day of just hard work. We ended the day finding a new potential to teach. Sunday was beautiful. We got a "thunderstorm", and while it wasn't much, it was the best one so far on my mission, and I loved it. We enjoyed three sacrament meetings, singing all the awesome hymns, and then had three lunch/dinners. The first was ham and funeral potatoes, the second was chicken and waffles, and the third was lamb and cheesecake. So we were happily stuffed as we finished off the evening with a member contacting some people. It was a great week! I love to serve and am excited to make this week so memorable for Elder Saltzman! He is teaching me so much, and I love him! 

I love you all so much! Especially I love you Mom! I'll send pictures shortly! 
Elder Adams

Monday, April 15, 2019

April 15, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

(Sorry I didn't get an email out last week. The long story is that I had typed up a nice long email recapping the prior week and a half, but when I went to add the pictures after the temple trip, my draft did not get saved because there was no wifi to send it, and I hit send. That was about 5:45, so I just sent you the text instead of retyping. But today here's a good one.)

2 weeks have gone by, and lots has happened! 
Every Tuesday this month we have had some kind of meeting or something big that takes up most of the day. These last two Tuesdays were a mission leadership council, and a mission leadership training. They were very nice, the spiritual uplift was incredible, to be able to talk about the mission, missionaries, and how we can help them develop and become, as President Nelson said "the best version of themselves". 
All the time in between meetings and more meetings each Friday was filled with WORK! The times you are the happiest on your mission is when you are putting sweat and tears and a little blood into finding people to teach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to! So that's what we did! 

Some cool experiences the week leading up to conference:
Tuesday we went to a missionary correlation meeting in the Tongan ward. When we got there, we had 2 of the missionary council members tell us that they had set up appointments that night with some nonmembers. We already had a lesson scheduled, so that made 3 at the same time! We split up, I went with the ward mission leader up to the farthest appointment, and we taught about the plan of Salvation. The Spirit was so strong, the guy we were teaching said that he wanted to change some certain things in his life and get baptized! Elder Saltzman reported that he went out with a returning member, and they taught one sister who said she knows she needs to be baptized, and the coolest part was that the returning member bore his testimony, even though he hasn't been active in a long time. The third appointment was someone we already knew, but he also said that he knew he needed to be baptized. With all 3 individuals, we were able to teach and testify that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they can overcome the individual barriers holding them back from making this first covenant with the Savior through baptism. It was a miraculous night! 

Friday we went tracting in an apartment complex, and met a guy who had moved from the east coast that day! We were able to share a Becauseof Him video, and it was amazing to see him feel the Spirit and open up to the message we shared. He wants to meet up more! 

Then came conference weekend! Saturday, for the morning and priesthood sessions, everyone we wanted to bring with us cancelled last minute. For priesthood we subbed in a member we work with a lot. Sunday morning we went with Carlos, who is awesome! He loved it! Then, since we live only a few minutes walk from the conference center, we walked to and from each session. Walking home after Sunday morning, a couple stopped us and gave us tickets for the afternoon session. That was so cool! In total, we went to 4 of the 5 sessions live! 

And then this past week! Wow it was amazing! We had some pretty fun times helping some missionaries in the zone with a variety of things. Then we spent a lot of the week just working! We tracted for lots of hours, and talked to so many people! It was neat to share what God's prophet has most recently said! Then Friday was Elder Saltzman's birthday. And, Carlos got baptized! It was such an awesome service! On Sunday Carlos received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the Aaronic Priesthood! We are going to the temple soon to do baptisms! Then we got to hear a devotional from Elder L Todd Budge of the Seventy! He is great! It was a good day! 

I'm loving this work! 
I love you so much family! I bought some candy and plastic eggs to give out for Easter! No sugar for me! -Elder Adams 



Wednesday, April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT


Hey Mom! We are just getting out of the temple, and we had a very busy morning, plus my emails aren't sending, I'm not able to get wifi. So I'll send some pictures here, and I'll have to email better, and even call, on Monday. But I am doing super well! I am very happy right now, serving as hard as ever! Love you!


Monday, April 1, 2019

April 1, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

This week has been excellent! Here is a run through!
Tuesday we drove around bikes for a long time, and then had an awesome evening doing visits with one of our wards. We found someone new to teach, and taught an awesome lesson!
Wednesday we had to drive for another few hours finishing the bikes. That evening we went out finding with some elders, it was great to work with them. The elder I was with and I got offered to come and eat some free KFC at 11pm. This was at 8:30. We kindly declined.
Thursday we went on exchanges with our district leader. It was great. 
Friday we finished the exchange, and then we had an awesome dinner, which is one of the pictures below. Then we had an amazing lesson with Carlos, he is so solid! Saturday we had some good lessons, and a great lunch. We were able to spend a few hours finding, and it was so successful! 
Sunday was great. Elder Wakolo of the seventy was at one of wards, and I got a hug from him.
We also had the most amount of people at church than we have ever had together. That was a miracle! We also got to meet some pretty incredible people including a guy named Dusty Smith and another guy named Harris Simmons. Some fun times.
This week we had some really great opportunities to find new people to teach. We had one lesson where the guy we taught found so much joy in the gospel he invited his brother to the next lesson and his sister to church. I know that the joy of the gospel truly changes us and our behavior. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can change anyone and help anyone overcome anything.
I am so excited for General Conference. We get to go to a few sessions! Priesthood session, Sunday morning session, and Saturday morning session. I am excited to hear what the prophet and apostles have to share with us from the Lord. I am also excited for the people we are teaching to hear from the Lord’s prophet on earth today, and to feel the incredible spirit at conference. On Sunday when we met Elder Wakolo one thing said to us was, "When the seventy and other auxiliary speak, really listen. When the apostles speak, really, really listen. And when the prophet speaks, really, really, really listen."
Love, Elder Adams 




Monday, March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

This week has been great! We have seen so many miracles!

This last week was transfers, so Tuesday was a hectic day of getting missionaries situated. We had one apartment that some Elders had been living in for years, but now sisters are moving in. We spent 5 hours cleaning the apartment to make it more livable for sisters. It was pretty fun. I am grateful that you always taught me to keep myself clean, and how to clean. 

Wednesday was full of fun missionary work. We spent a few hours biking around one of our wards, tracting random buildings, and serving everyone we could. It was awesome. We had a lesson with someone new, and at the end of the lesson, the guy said he thinks he wants to join this church! It was a miracle! We had another lesson that night, with Carlos, and he decided he wants his siblings to receive the gospel as well. Thursday was full of finding, with no immediate result, but we are keeping up the pace. 

Friday we had some awesome meetings, then we had another lesson with Carlos, and he brought his brother with him! Carlos is excited to get baptized in just a few weeks. We then had an awesome lesson with a girl we have been trying to meet with for a while, and we had some ward members come with us. It turned out great, and she made some great friends in the ward. Saturday was a blast. We contacted every single person we are teaching, every person we are trying to teach, and every one that had been referred to us, and invited them all to stake conference. Then in the evening, we had the first session of stake conference. It was super great! Elder L. Todd Budge of the Seventy spoke, and he was great! 

Sunday was full of meetings. Stake conference in the morning, learned a lot, a correlation, a lunch, meeting up with some people to get more people to teach, and then a devotional with Tad R. Callister, Sunday School General President. We loved listening to him so much, and we brought someone who was baptized about 6 months ago, and she really appreciated the things she learned. It was cool because beforehand I also got to meet him, he was very kind. A busy week, with even more to do this week. I am grateful to be serving the Lord, this is a busy time for us to preach His gospel. 

Also, I am excited to read the talk from Elder Corbridge. I met him, too, the first Sunday of February, haha. Salt Lake City is turning out to be the best place to serve the Lord! (In response to the awesome BYU address by Elder Lawrence Corbridge that we shared with Elder Adams. Stand Forever by Lawrence E. Corbridge - BYU Speeches.)

I love you so much!
Elder Adams
Pics are of golfing last P-day, and a great deal on oranges! 



Tuesday, March 19, 2019

March 18, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

The sunshine looks beautiful! It's finally almost not winter anymore! Transfers are this week! It's crazy how you blink, and six weeks are over! Luckily, Elder Saltzman and I are staying together to finish off his mission.
Holli is great! It's so true! But at this point it's going so fast, nothing is slowing it down! (This was Elder Adams response to Holli’s comment that she is counting the months left “because time passes slower when you´re counting and my mission is passing way too quickly!”)

This week was a blast! We did so much! 
Tuesday, we had incredible back to back lessons. The second lesson was with someone new we just started teaching. He doesn't have too much religious history and is from out of state, so we were just explaining our purpose as missionaries when he suddenly asked, "What's so significant about baptism?" So we immediately talked about that, and he is preparing to be baptized in a few weeks! It was so cool! 
Wednesday we went on exchanges with some other elders. It was great to be able to learn more and see how other missionaries do missionary work! Thursday we finished the exchange and started another one. This one was a huge learning opportunity for me. I learned a lot about how I can become more like the Savior. 
Friday we had a great meeting as a zone, and then we had a lesson with the guy from Tuesday. It was so amazing, he had read an entire pamphlet, and taken notes! Saturday was a beautiful day! Elder Saltzman and I hopped on our bikes, and contacted tons of people. It was a blast! 
This week has been full of small little miracles and large ones as well! I am learning so much every day, not only about Jesus Christ and the Gospel, but about how I can grow and become who He wants me to be! 

Pictures are from biking, a random person's pyramid in their backyard and another lesson we had on temple square this week:
 


Tuesday, March 12, 2019

March 11, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

(Thanks so much Mom for doing all that college stuff. Let me know when the questionnaire is sent, and I will do it! I am so grateful for you and your help! I am super excited to go to school, but all in due time, I've got great things to do right now. As for running, wow do I miss running so much. I can't wait to run again! I will plan on calling sometime after noon next week! That will be so fun!)

This week has been incredible!
To start things off we were in meetings the first two whole days. We had MLC, which was very inspiring, and then zone conference, which was super great for the zone to learn some important gospel doctrines. This did limit our time out on the streets, so we tried to make up for it the rest of the week. 

Thursday we were able to do some service with someone we are teaching. We spent some time at the Good Samaritan House preparing food for homeless people. Then, we had some good lessons and then spent some quality time in the evening working one specific apartment complex where we saw lots of success and talked to loads of people. 

Friday, we had exchanges with other elders. I got to work in a Tongan area with Elder Thia. He is from France and goes home in about 3 weeks. We spent lots of time driving and knocking on doors. Only one answered all day, but we stayed very diligent and focused, so it was enjoyable regardless of the success. We actually drove north of Salt Lake, and we were inside of Elder Freestone's area in the Layton mission. Didn't see him, but just a little fun fact. 

We also had our interviews with President Hillier, over a week late due to his busy schedule. It was so great to talk with him. I know that our Savior Jesus Christ atoned for our sins, and if we turn to Him and repent in the way He has taught and showed us, we will be forgiven for all of our mistakes. On top of that, if we turn to Him, He can lift us over every trial or challenge we face. I know this is true because I have felt and seen this in my life. I know Christ lives by similar experiences.

Saturday was a blast. We did a blitz in some other elders area, and had a great time tracting. We saw some neat miracles. The rest of the day consisted of finding and helping people come to church.
Sunday was great, it is always a blessing to take the sacrament. We spent time with a member contacting loads of referrals, and we got some answers finally! There are some amazing things happening in Rose Park!
I love you all so much!
Elder Adams 

A few pictures from lessons at Temple square.
The ones with the temple it is snowing super hard behind us.




Tuesday, March 5, 2019

March 4, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

Dear Madre, thanks so much for helping with all of my college stuff. I honestly appreciate that so much. I'm grateful to be able to spend every day out here focused on the work. So many amazing things have been happening.

First off, on Monday we got haircuts, and not only did the guy give us them free, but then after my companion helped him fix a wall (Elder Saltzman worked construction back home), he took us out to dinner. So that was a fun start to the week.

On Tuesday, we had plans to eat with a family that is planning to be sealed in the temple, at the Lion House Pantry near Temple Square. Long story short, it didn't happen, but while we were waiting, someone approached us. It was Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was so cool to shake his hand, and talk for just a brief minute. He introduced us to his friend from France, and happily told us, "we had lunch in French!" It was super cool! I know he is one of the Lord's special witnesses, I could feel the Spirit of the Lord so powerful around him.

We then spent the next 48 hours on two separate exchanges. First, I want with Elder Slats into his area. We had tons of fun with some crazy people, plus it was super cold and rainy. But the best part was that we worked so hard, and tried to contact so many people. Their area has so much potential, and we are so excited for those elders. Then we went on exchanges with the assistants, and I got to stay in my area, with Elder Smith. It was really great to see how he has grown into an incredible servant of God. We had some good experiences tracting some places.

Friday was awesome with meetings, and then that night we went to Wendy’s for dinner and ended up teaching this guy the plan of salvation, and having a 50 minute conversation. The best part is that he is super open and a YSA, which is exactly what we are looking for! On Saturday, we did another short exchange with some elders for a baptism, and I got to find even more YSAs in some other elders areas, so it was very cool how it worked out.

I love serving the Lord so much, I am so happy! 
I love you so much Mom! 
Elder Adams 

P.s. Only this pictures right now, with the member on Friday. He was baptized a year and a half ago, and is debating serving a mission, so he went to some meetings of ours, and is super excited to serve now. Plus, we got to practice some new Facebook missionary work, with #socialmediasplits. 



Monday, February 25, 2019

February 25, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

The weather has been crazy here, it can't make up its mind, some days warm and sunny, other days, cold and snowing. This last week was a quick blur. Lots of good things happened. We had a lot of really good lessons, spread out at random times, and lots of 1 hour blocks where we would just go and try to find more people to teach. It felt really good to just be focused so much on finding. Not too much success with that yet, but surely it will come. 

Saturday was crazy. We started off quick with helping at a stake activity with some non members, then setting up for the baptism. We had to get clothing for the baptism, have a lesson, and then fill the baptismal font. Then, Ice got baptized! It was an incredible experience, he was so prepared and so happy. Afterwards, we had to reset everything for another baptism, which included getting towels from a different location. Dinner eventually happened, but by then the evening was over, so we just quickly invited as many people to church as we could. It was a fun day. 

Sunday we had a powerful sacrament meeting. All of the speakers cancelled that morning, so the Bishop pulled new speakers together quickly. Here is how it went: First, Ice was confirmed a member and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Then we had the sacrament. Then, a girl who had served in Elder Saltzman's home ward and had taught his mom and sister shared that experience with the ward. A returned missionary spoke, then a semi recent convert who had his parents in town to get sealed to them Tuesday, and his parents, who are 1 year members, spoke. And then my companion Elder Saltzman shared his testimony of missionary work, and how grateful he is for the gospel. It was all very powerful. 

We are excited for all the good this week will bring!
I love you all so much!
Elder Adams 


Tuesday, February 19, 2019

February 18, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

Good Morning!
The missionary contact changes are quite something. I 100% sustain them, and agree that it will bless loads of lives and families. I will for sure keep the emails coming, and think it would be cool to call every once and a while, I'll let you know before I do. But for Heidi's birthday, I will absolutely call that day! Another thought for it, when is spring break or other days the kids have Mondays off? That way everyone can be home. Also, I'm sure I'll call sometime to talk about college things as we need to discuss more whenever that may be….it will be really good. 

I too am very glad to have a Living Prophet on earth today. It alleviates so much confusion that others in this world deal with because they have no authority from God in their lives. I was so happy to see that picture of T and her new baby! My heart is so full of joy knowing that she is still so faithful in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and will be forever! I am grateful for the knowledge we share that our families can be together forever. 

This last week was a blast. Some weeks you are really tired all week, and this was one of those. Therefore, I had to rely more so on the Savior to sustain me, which allowed the Spirit to be at the helm. It was great. I had the opportunity to fast twice this week for specific missionaries and people they are teaching. I know that the Lord recognizes our sacrifices to come unto Him, and rewards us openly and bountifully. It was amazing to see miracles come to pass for the people we prayed and fasted for. My relationship with the Savior grew so much this week, and culminated with taking the Sacrament on Sunday. It was a powerful experience to renew the promises I have made at baptism and in the temple, and receive forgiveness and a clean slate. To be able to have this powerful, personal experiences, and then immediately go out and testify of Christ has been such an amazing experience. I know without a doubt that God wants us all to have these witnesses from the Holy Ghost that teach us of His love for us. That's why he has provided a Prophet. That's why we have the Book of Mormon. We are promised that if we act on these things we have received, and pray unto Our Father in Heaven, He will tell us the truth.

Some of those miracles we saw this week included:
We had a lesson on Saturday, and because of the unique knowledge of the guy we were teaching, we weren't sure what to teach. We went into the lesson hesitantly, but after we opened with prayer, our mouths were filled and it was an extremely powerful lessons. Sunday night we were trying to find someone new to teach. We were receiving a lot of rude answers and slammed doors. Finally, we visited some member guys to ask one about a classmate, and another guy had a friend over who we started talking to. She was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but had met with missionaries previously. We talked about her experience, and should meet up with her again this week!
Another miracle was with our Tongan YSA ward. We have really felt that it has some potential, and just hasn't been worked enough in the past, so we are reaching out to them. Just in this week, we have heard discussion of almost a dozen names of people we could potentially began teaching in their community. The work is exploding!

On an exchange, the elder and I hopped on the Trax, and rode for 2 hours, talking to everyone that looked YSA. It was really fun, and cool to meet all kinds of people. We placed a few BOMs, and got some contact info for some people. 

The Tongan YSA ward is fun, and extremely spiritual. We ate with them this last week, and I am still full from the first dinner, plus all the other ones on top. It is a blast. 

I am grateful to be serving here, it was truly an inspired call and assignment.  
I love you loads Mom! Thanks for the random advice, it is always applicable!
I love you Dad! Ofa atu teti!
Elder Adams

Monday, February 11, 2019

February 11, 2019 - Rose Park Zone, SLC, UT

My birthday was great! I was able to preach the gospel all day! That's fun you fed the missionaries that day, always such a blessing!
Alright, so I am in Rose Park area now. I am still a zone leader, now of the Rose Park Zone. My area is a YSA area, I cover 5 wards in the Pioneer YSA Stake, the Capital Hill YSA, Rose Park YSA, Cannon YSA, City Creek 2nd, and Salt Lake 2nd wards. It is quite a change. We live at about 400 North and 300 W, so down the street from the Jazz, the Capital building, and a quick walk away from Temple Square (though we always drive).
This area has been struggling to get missionary work going for a while, so it has been very cool to get to work. My new companion is Elder Saltzman. He is from Montana, and goes home at the end of April. He knows the area, and how to work well with YSAs, and we are seeing miracles every day. So I'm going to share at least one from each day this week: 
Monday- I got assigned to be with Elder Saltzman. This is the third time I have followed him to a new zone in a row, finally we are together.
Tuesday- Things just took off. We went out with a returned missionary and tried to contact some people. We ran into half a dozen people interested in the gospel, it was amazing to testify to them.
Wednesday- We left an hour early for MLC because of the snow, but then the meeting got delayed an hour, so we stopped for breakfast at Einstein bagels. The owner ended up giving us 4 dozen bagels for the meeting. Then, that evening we had a lesson. The guy we were teaching had been invited to pray about baptism, and as we talked he shared his experience. At one point Elder Saltzman prompted him to share if he got an answer, and the young man said, "Yes, I got my answer. I know I need to be baptized." We are excited for him!
Thursday- Even more miracles! At our meeting on Wednesday, President Hillier instructed Elder Saltzman and I to put the pedal to the floor. So that's what we did. We have taught all of our lessons at the LDSBC and temple square, and Thursday night we spent all evening at temple square. We had a first lesson with a young man who has been pretty anti in the past, and finally felt like he needed to talk. It was a miracle too that as we talked, two members of his YSA ward happened to walk by and join the lesson. 
Friday- We ran around all morning and accomplished so much good contacting. At one door, the guy opened it as we walked up, and we set up a lesson and took out his trash in less than 2 mins. That night, we again met with the gentleman from the night before, and he got so excited learning about church history as we toured the church history museum.
Saturday- We had an amazing lesson with a girl. She wants to be baptized super bad. It was the best birthday present ever, to invite someone to be baptized, have them say yes, and help them select a date for it to happen.
Sunday- We had lots of great people at church. Then, we got to go to the institute building at the University of Utah and listen to President Ballard. That was really awesome.
In short, this week has been insane! I love it so much! I am so happy to be out here serving the Lord!

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

February 4, 2019 - Midvale, UT

February already! I can't believe it. Ha, ha I'm more excited to get the box from you all than I am to turn 20 on Saturday! We are stopping by the office later, I will confirm that I got it. I am grateful to be your kid. We see lots of examples as missionaries, not only for magnifying callings, but also parenting. Comparing the good and bad leads to random discussions of how we may parent. And to be completely honest, I'll say that I want to parent a certain way, and then realize that that is exactly how you and Dad raised us. Kind of funny to see, but makes me appreciate how much work and love you guys put into us kids. So thank you. I'm glad Fed-ex dropped me off. 😉
So, this week was a great last week here in the Holladay North and South Stakes! I have absolutely loved this are so much! But sadly, I am getting transferred. We went on two back-to-back 24 hour exchanges this week, with the assistants to the president, and one of our district leaders. It was amazing to have the opportunity to learn from both missionaries, to be able to teach and both be edified, and become better missionaries. I have known one of the elders for my whole mission, he came out just before me and I’ve always looked up to him, but we had never done an exchange together yet. It was amazing to see him in action, and to learn so much about how Christlike attributes effective missionary service. 
Elder Rhodes and I had a great weekend together. We had a baptism! Attilio is the coolest 9 yr old in the world, and he was so excited to be baptized he almost just dived into the font before the service started! It was a great way to finish off an amazing time in what might be my favorite area so far. I am excited to see what else the Lord has in store for me over these last 4 transfers. 
Love,
Elder Adams 

Tio's baptism pics: