The Last One...

I can't believe it but this is the last email of my mission. I have learned and done so much and I am so grateful for the experiences I had. This week went pretty well! It flew by and we did a lot of good things. Here are a few highlights: 

We had the opportunity to teach Jasmine twice this week and it was great! We usually meet outside for our lessons because we can go inside her flat without another male, but this week it was just rain rain rain. We had to find a member to come with us and thankfully we found someone. We invited Victor (a returning member who wants to go on a mission) to the lesson. It was such a great experience for him and Jasmine both. The spirit was so strong and we all bore powerful testimony. We talked about faith and why it is the source of all spirit experience. Jasmine is understanding a lot more which is great and is slowly getting there. We invited her to Institute with Elder and Sister Williams (YSA Institute senior couple). She came and it was a good thing for her. Jasmine was able to mingle with a lot more people her age which was is what you need to build those connections after the missionaries leave. We had one more lesson with her and the Williams on Sunday and we read 3 Nephi 11:1-17. It was a good finish to my mission. Though she isn't baptized yet I am grateful I have been able to find, teach, and guide someone on their spiritual journey through this life. I've been able to help her turn to Christ which in my eyes is what I came here to do and my heart is full. 

For our last zone call we played Kahoot to review the transfer and it was a lot of fun. I was so blessed to have served alongside so many good missionaries. I am grateful that I had to be a leader and learn from all these missionaries. 

To close off the week I had my interview with President, and since we are so close to them, we got to do it in person which made it even better. President and Sister Green are truly angels sent from heaven. I am thankful I had them as my Mission Leaders and couldn't imagine a mission without them. In the evening we had our departing Missionary testimony meeting and I had the chance to share my testimony with all the missionaries. It was a special experience and something I will remember. We also received the transfers and Elder Menzel will be getting a good companion to continue on the good work that is going on here in the West Yorkshire Zone. 

I just want to leave you with a few words about my mission. My mission has been hardest, but most rewarding experience of my life. I have been able to learn many lessons and go through many different challenges. Though I hate going through difficulties and struggles I appreciate the opportunity my loving heavenly Father gives me to grow and become better. Elder Holland says it best "Christianity is often comforting, but not comfortable" this is a secret true and I think we would be cheating ourselves out of so many blessings if we wished our struggles away instantly. I truly know that charity is the pure love of Christ. As we lose ourselves in the service of others and become selfless that love God has for us will be felt and our trials and challenges will be made whole. Christ's power is real and eternal. Sometimes it may be hard to know if he's really there or if he even cares, but I want to let you know that he is there and he does care. We just need to have faith and be patient and I can promise you that divine help will come and you will gain your own testimony of these things. 

I just want to say thank you for all those who have supported and shown love towards me. I am grateful for your prayers. My mission has blessed me and will continue to bless me. Thank you all! I will see many of you soon.

Elder Jones 

1. Elder and Sister Williams

2. Elder trio

3. Last lesson with Jasmine

4. Picture with Angywn and Owain the young men in the ward

5. SisterElders

6. Trio

7. Zone leadership planning