"The more we will teach and will preach with the Book of Mormon, the more we will please the Lord and the greater our power to speak will be"

Hello all.  Well, this is it, my last week as a full-time proselyting missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It has been two years in the making, but as I will mostly likely have a chance to write next week, I will stay out of the sobbiness of the final mission words.

This has been another excellent week.  Not exactly easy, as perceived by most, but excellent nonetheless.  There have been many lessons learned and much patience gained and exercised.  I’ll not get too much into that today as I don’t have much time.

As I was thinking about what I was going to write today, I was sure that I wanted to bear my testimony of the mission experience.  I have also been asked to teach a lesson at our Zone Training Meeting tomorrow, and so I got on pondering about both subjects.  As of yesterday, Sunday, I still wasn’t quite sure.  But during the third hour of Church (and after studying the chapter again after the fact), it was quite clear what I needed to speak about.

Yesterday, for the third hour of Church, we studied chapter 10 of the Ezra Taft Benson manual.  I have been looking forward to studying this chapter since I received the manual in January.  Our discussion was slightly under enthusiastic in my personal opinion, but I still learned.  Thankfully, when we got back to the apartment, I had some time after lunch to go through and study the whole chapter again.  Here are a few quotes (or rather, roughly translated paraphrases from the French text) that I LOVED:

"There is a difference between a person who has constructed his conversion on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and who holds fast to the iron rod and someone who has not done that." (Hint: this may be a teaser for my homecoming talk depending on my assignment)

"We need to be convinced and engaged."

"I have the following conviction: the more we will teach and will preach with the Book of Mormon, the more we will please the Lord and the greater our power to speak will be" (Now THAT is a prophetic promise!)

"... We have all the resources and the world needs this book.  So act now!"

"I have the vision of the entire Church drawing closer to God in respecting the precepts of the Book of Mormon.

"Yes, I see the Book of Mormon flooding the earth."

These are just a few of my favorite quotes.

Like I said, ever since reading this, I have felt inclined to share this both in my blog post today and in my Zone Meeting lesson tomorrow.  To confirm this, Elder Yamapia, our Zone Leader, called me last night to inform me of the topic he wanted me to share.  He said, "Well, we all know you're an old missionary now.  How 'bout you just share your testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it's helped you throughout your mission, etc."  I was like, "I testify of that revelation" and then proceeded to explain that that was what I had already been planning for.

I will close with a brief testimony of this sacred book.  Many people persecute members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because we put too much emphasis on the Book of Mormon instead of the Bible.  Well, let me share one thing with you all: The Book of Mormon is just as much the Word of God as the Bible.  THAT is an eternal truth that God himself has declared, and as such, I give my personal witness before God, angels, and men.  

I KNOW that this book is true.  Alma, Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni were just as much prophets of God as Moses, Isaiah, Daniel, Samuel, and John the Baptist were.  These formers' words were just as inspired by God as the latters'.  I'm sorry that I'm a bit cut short by time today, but I testify that the Book of Mormon is the driving force of the work of God today.  He loves this book, and so do I.  I invite all of you to read and study it, to ponder it, and to pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ to ask Him if it's true.  I share this testimony and this promise with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

"Can you feel so now?"

At the Kazotti's for lunch this morning!  It was soooo good!!!

Wow.  I'm at a loss.  Yet I'm not.  I guess I'm just so happy that I had to take some time to let out a nice sigh.

Anyway, today has been a fantastic day.  After spending the morning in Fidjrossè eating lunch with the Kazotti family and seeing a couple converts, I got some excellent clothing shopping done.  It's been a great day.  Quite exhausting, but great nonetheless.

I LOVE mango season! 

Sooooo.... my pants ripped as I was getting into the taxi.  Luckily we were going to the tailor and she fixed it right up for me!

Mother's Day was wonderful.  We were supposed to watch General Conference for Church, but right aroud 7:30 a.m., the power goes out!  I told Elder Wittig to bring his little speakers and USB to listen.  We started with that at about 9 and got about 40 minutes into the Saturday Afternoon session before a generator got there.  It took a bit to get the generator going, but once we did we were able to watch the whole Saturday session!  Due to the instability of the power coming from the generator, the DVD player started to smoke right after we turned it off, so that kinda vetoed watching the Sunday Morning session, but we're planning on watching it this Saturday evening.

Once we got home, there was still no power.  So we waited, and waited, and waited in order to go Skype our families, but nothing came.  Eventually, we had almost given up when it was 30 minutes before curfew.  To add onto that, our phone was almost dead, so it wasn't like I could just go call my family for 30 minutes.

Finally, after much prayer, the power came on at 7:30 p.m., so I immediately went and plugged the phone in and had a wonderful chat with my family.  I love the Lord and His tender mercies.  Waiting that much longer made it just that much sweeter.

Now, onto my little testimony for today.  There has been one subject that has been occupying my mind for a little while now concerning conversion.  It has been obvious to me for quite some time that conversion to the Lord is obtained first through a testimony of the true and living gospel of Jesus Christ.  However, it has been an interesting experience for me to see the different types of conversion that come based on how these testimonies were received.  This reminds me a lot of the parable of the sower as recounted by Elder Oaks in the April 2015 conference as well.

I have seen testimonies be gained in two ways: 1) through reason and/or philosophy, and 2) through "feeling" a feeling.

My attention has been drawn to this because in the past few weeks, we've had several investigators more explain that they FEEL that we we're saying is true.  One example is the lady about whom I wrote last week.  She and many others have exclaimed how they have FELT that the Book of Mormon is true and how they have FELT that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored Church of Jesus Christ.  My heart has equally been filled with joy and this feeling that it is true as I have heard these blessed people explain their feelings and new-found beliefs.

In my time that I have been here in Africa, I have had the chance to meet many members of the Church.  Many have had their feet set firmly in the gospel sod.  They let their faith guide them through the many, many trials that the Saints face here.  They do things intentionally and truly seek after the Lord and His kingdom.  They firmly believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on the earth today.

Some members think that the Church is a good thing for them.  Some simply like what is said during the meetings.  Some just because their frineds are there, and others because they receive help from other members of the Church.  These are not necessarily bad things, but they are certainly not the right reasons.

The difference that i have noticed is that those who are firmly planted in the gospel FEEL that it's true and right.  They feel like they have a duty to God and to the truth that He has revealed to them.  Here are a couple examples of that "feeling" of conversion:

37 ¶Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
41 ¶Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2: 37-38, 41)

and

24 Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they repented of the things which they had done. (Alma 24:24)

These people were truly converted to the Lord because they FELT that it was right.  This feeling is essential if we are hoping to be converted to the Lord.  Here's another example of the results of the conversion of those Lamanites:

6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
 7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren. (Alma 23:6-7)

Now, those of us who have once or even many times felt this should remember that it is something that we should be continuing to strive after.  It might not be as mighty as the first time.  It might not (and will not) come in the same way everytime, but as long as we FEEL the presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives, we can know that we are on that straight and narrow path that leads to Everlasting Life.  Listen to Alma's counsel:

26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now? (Alma 5:26, emphasis added)

I leave you my testimony that this gospel is true.  I have felt time and time again that it is.  I know that this feeling comes from the Holy Spirit of God.  I know that God will speak to each one of us through that Spirit.  And I know that every time we consciously seek and receive His presence, we take one step deeper into our conversion to God and thus one step closer to Him.

I invite all of us to ponder on those special times where we have FELT that something is true.  As we do so, I promise you that you will feel this again and that you will vehemently and affirmatively respond to Alma's penetrating question, "Can you feel so now?" In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

#Africasleeps

Just how important is the family to God?

Hey folks!  It's been a great week out here.  Many, MANY lessons learned.  It's incredible how the Lord keeps them coming.  All we have to do is be humble enough to receive them and to submit ourselves to His timetable.

This week I feel impressed to share more about my thoughts from District Conference and the lessons that have followed since.

Like I said, many of the messages from District Conference were focused on blessings of the family and temple.  Like I said again, I have really felt the Lord preparing me to return home and receive these blessings for myself.  There are a couple of instances that really testify of this to me.

First, I had a bit of extra time one day this week, so I decided to listen to the April 2015 General Conference.  Again, I felt that every single message was directed towards me.  One that I loved was by Elder Andersen of the 70 talking about dancing without music versus dancing with music and how that applies in our daily lives. Many times, missionaries get so focused on the steps of the dance that they forget to listen to the music.  I've been really focusing on hearing the music (the Spirit) before even listening to this talk, but this was a great reinforcement.

Ok, back on subject.  There were many talks given on the family.  One that particularly struck me was Sister Burton's.  Yes, I'm not currently married, but I consider the mission a perfect time to prepare to work with someone in that setting.  During her talk, I reflected back on the lessons that the Lord has taught me over the past 23 months and how these lessons are preparing me for the future.  I still have much learning and much preparation before I get married, but the essential lessons I'm learning now will be priceless when the time comes.  Isn't it wonderful how Heavenly Father looks after us?  He's willing to do everything for us that we need and then some, and all we have to do is be patient and diligent and studious.

The second experience happened at Church on Sunday.  I taught the Gospel Principles class during the 2nd hour on the purpose of our life here on Earth.  Two weeks ago, we talked about the Fall of Adam and Eve and its necessity and its effects on us.  This week, coupled a bit with explaining the Atonement of Jesus Christ as an anitdote of the Fall, we talked a lot about why we're here and what we need to do.  Many answers were shared, including, to gain experience, to prepare for Eternal Life, to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, to gain knowledge, and finally, (shared by Bruno who is scheduled to be baptised on the 16th of May) to be married.  A few months ago I taught a class on marriage because we have several couples that need to be married before they can be baptised.

We spent several minutes talking about this (I bore my testimony on how the Lord has been preparing me to be married because I'm going home soon, which brought a few giggles) and testifying of its truthfulness.  Then, one of our investigators rases her hand.  She doesn't talk much at Church as it was her third week, including District Conference.  We have been teaching her for quite some time now, and were almost close to dropping her before she came to Church the first time.  We haven't seen her for almost a month because of some changes that she's had, but she stills comes to Church.  She has three kids (two in her native country with her parents) all with different men.  We've been hitting hard on the family from the beginning, but she seemed almost indifferent about it.  But I haven't given up hope on it, knowing the power of the family.

Finally, Sunday.  She raised her hand asking if she could testify.  A bit curious, I obliged.  She started by explaining that this was her third week at church.  She has noticed how much we talk about family and its eternal potential, especially at conference.  She said based on that and the Book of Mormon, she has really FELT that this is the truth.  She's visited many other churches, but she said that she's never felt about one like she has here.  She then asked how she could be baptized, and my jaw almost dropped from its hinges.  I explained that we have dates for the 16th and 23rd May, but that we'd talk with her during the week.

Oh how great is the Lord!  It is truly through that Holy Spirit that people are converted.  All reason and doubt fall in the face of faith and the power of the Holy Ghost.  I am confident that the Lord is preparing a way for this sister to stabilize her family life and prepare for eternity.

I add my own testimony of the family.  I know that the family is ordained of God.  Marriage is not merely a tradition of men but an ordinance sent from God, an eternal pact and blessing.  I know that the Lord has also restored the sealing keys to the Prophet Joseph Smith in order to bless His children from all eras.  I know that each one of us, if we are to receive a fulness of joy, must enter into this eternal covenant of marriage.

Just how important is the family to God?  So important that it is the central focus of His work and glory, and thus the focal point of all of Satan's vicious attacks.  I testify that as we seek to better understand and respect (or prepare to respect) our marital vows, we will be endowed with protection from on high.

I love you all, and I hope you all have an outstanding week.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

Oh, know you not that Angels are near you?

My power outage bed... On our balcony... There's lots of wind.

One more week by, and more lessons learned.  This past week was rather special due to District Conference on Saturday and Sunday.  The missionaries were not invited on Saturday, but as I play the piano for the District choir, I was invited to attend with my companion.  There were many members in attendance from Fidjrossè, and it was great to see them all again!

I considered it a great blessing to be able to attend both the Saturday and Sunday meetings as most of the messages (or at least most of what I took from the messages) were focused on the blessings of the temple and the family.  In these last few months, I have really felt the Lord preparing me to return home and continue to progress spiritually, the next step being a temple marriage and my own family.  Let me share a quick story to illustrate this, though it is a bit more on the temporal side rather than spiritual.

In June (or possibly July) 2013, I met a couple--Elder and Sister Findlay-- that were serving a service mission for the Church.  They had come to Togo with a couple a physical therapists and some others.  I had a great time chatting with them, and after I explained that I wanted to be a PA, they said that I could contact them if I ever needed an internship.  I had over 22 months left, so I kinda just put that in the back of my mind, but I still forgot to get their contact information.  That bugged me for a bit, but I knew that I shouldn't worry too much about it then.

Fast forward 22 months to the Cotonou, Benin District Conference, and there are the Findlays driving up!  I recognized them, but didn't have the chance to say hi as I had to go get the piano from Fidjrossè.  After I had gone to get the piano, I didn't have any time to say hi to anyone as I had to get prelude music going with the choir.

After the meeting was over, I was able to seek them out.  I asked Sister Findlay if she remembered me, and after explaining and a bit of reflection, she did vaguely.  She then realized that if we had met in June 2013 that I must be close to the end of my mission.  I responded and we got talking about things I want to do with the end of my mission, plans for my parents to come, etc.  I eventually had to explain to Soeur Morin what we were doing with the piano, and Sister Findlay got pulled aside, so we didn't get to continue on that subject.  I continued saying hi to people that I know that I haven't seen in a while.

After a few minutes, it hit me again why I was so excited to see the Findlays: they would have a way of contacting those physical therapists!  I made my way over to them and explained that I had just remember that.  They remembered those with whom they had come in 2013 and said that they could probably easily find their contact information.  Sister Findlay then asked for my contact and took a picture and said that she would do her best.  She then added, "Isn't it interesting that we end up meeting those who we need to meet?"  That's extremely accurate, and not by any chance or coincidence.

My testimony, yet again, is that we do have a loving Heavenly Father who carefully watches over us and our wellbeing.  He wants us to succeed in every righteous path we take, and He will always send us angels--both seen and unseen--to help us along our way.  My favorite line from one of my favorite hymns ("Come Unto Jesus", Hymns #116) goes, "Oh, know you not that Angels are near you?"  And where do you think these angels come from?  Whose errand are they on?

I promise that as you faithfully seek to press forward steadfastly in the gospel that Heavenly Father will grant you His holy servants to bear you up.  They may come in ways that you never expected or even asked for, but they will always be there.  As the scripture reads, "Draw near unto me, and I will draw near unto thee" (D&C 88:63).  I testify that this is true.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

THAT is a photogenic dog.

Yeah, it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!  Elder Wittig's family sent him the brownies for his birthday.

My companion's party hat.  It's generally not worn this way, but I couldn't resist with it's color.

Yeah...

With Elder Mulumba, one of my favorite people here.

This pretty much describes our relationship.

"A love of God and of all men"

My new companion, Elder Dakouri, from Ivory Coast.

Hello all.  Well, everything with the transfer went well this week.  Elder Dakouri and Elder Koranteng both came over from Togo on Thursday.  Elder Wittig and I had a fun week together waiting for them to come.  I had to do immigration things during the week, so we got to see many other missionary friends together.  He also celebrated his birthday on Friday, so we had pizza and root beer floats and then we made brownies today!  That little beat-up toaster may be the center of much mocking from those few outsiders who see it, but he’s been such a little tender mercy for us.

One last picture with Elder Lynch!  He's home now!

Having these two new missionaries in the apartment has changed the aura a bit, just a bit of fresh air that’s all.  However, the Lord has made it very clear to me what He wants me to learn with these last few weeks.

When I got the transfer call, I was informed that they (the mission leaders) were hoping that I could help lift my new companion.  Then, when I was in the mission office for immigration, President Morin called me in for a brief interview to expound a bit more on why they had said that.  In his words, “Every missionary wants to finish his mission, but we want them all to finish well.”  I left that interview thinking that I was expected to format my new companion.  I was pondering on how I could do this until the day he got here.  With the first day, I was looking brightly towards the future. He’s got a good testimony and shares it openly and often.  He’s excited to be working.

As the days wore on, I started to get slightly worried with the fact that I thought that I was being asked to change him.  Looking towards the future, my vision became quite bleak, blurred even. Then, the Lord sent one of His humble servants a pick-me-up in the form of correction and direction.

As I was preparing for the 3rd hour lesson this Sunday, I got quite excited.  The title “The Power of the Word” had intrigued me from the very first time I read it in January.  There were a few words, like President Benson and many, many others have promised, that struck me as the Lord’s being spoken directly to me.  One part, focused on making the word a greater part of our life, explained how we should seek out the word of God as it is contained in the mouths of God’s chosen modern-day prophets.  I was reminded of this this morning as I sat down to begin my laundry haul.

As I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed, I listened carefully to the words of President Eyring, Brother Callister, President Monson and President Uchtdorf from the October 2014 Conference.  It soon became very, very clear to me what the Lord is expecting of me with my last few weeks, and I think that it can be summed up in one word: LOVE. Not just any love or lust, but true love, or charity.

After I finished, I felt prompted to look in the Joseph Smith manual in the chapter on charity.  I was greatly enlightened by this chapter, and again I soon heard the Lord’s voice speaking to me.  Before anything, we must love.  We must not think that we are more righteous than others, but we must love every one of our fellow man and do everything in our power to help them.  As President George Albert Smith complimented this doctrine, “there is true power in kindness.” He continued to explain how through kindness we can bring others to convert themselves unto the Lord.

So, as I endure to the end of my full-time service of the Lord God, I plan on following Nephi’s counsel on enduring to the end.  In 2 Nephi 31:20, he said, “And ye must press forward, with a perfect brightness of hope, with a love of God and of all men.”

I am very excited for this essential life lesson that the Lord is communicating to me and enabling me to exercise at this time.  I do not think that it is the only lesson that I have left to learn, but it certainly seems to be the most important.  As President Monson said in April 2014, “Love is the very essence of the Gospel.”

I pray that as we continue to endure to the end of our lives and of our various current situations that we do so with “a love of God and of all men.”  I promise that these truly are God’s prophetic words to us His children today.  I so testify because He has made it so blatantly clear to me that I could never say otherwise.  I know that, with love in our hearts, the future will always be bright and clear. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

Legislative elections are next week.  They're getting decently

creative with their campaigns!

LAST ONE FAST ONE

LAST ONE FAST ONE.

That's right folks, it's that time of six weeks again.  And yes, Akpakpa has been hit with the transfer bug.  My companion, Elder Affri, and Elder Mutoke were both transferred out this morning.  I will be working with Elder Dakouri from Ivory Coast and Elder Wittig will be working with Elder Korateng from Ghana.  I'm definitely going to miss Elder Affri and Elder Mutoke, but it's nice having a little change this close to the end.

Well, as I've said so many times in my life during swim practice, "LAST ONE FAST ONE!!!!!!"  Here come the last six weeks.  Whatever you've got left, put it all in, and then some.  Leave nothing left. No regrets.

I apologize again for the length (or lack thereof).  Honestly, I've been trying to work with my iPod to put General Conference on and finally get all of my Christmas music off, but that poor thing is just so old it's almost ripped to shreds.  It's been a kinda stressful and time-consuming ordeal.  The firewire input has been contorted due to all of the numerous falls that it's taken with my iHome.  So, I have to hold the wire in at a funny angle and with much effort so that it doesn't disconnect.  Naturally, it disconnected almost anytime we would try to put music on.  Finally, after about 20 tries, it worked. My blood pressure is quite high, but at least my heart rate has decreased.  Seriously, technology. Who needs it?

Well, on a radically more spiritual note, the work is starting to progress well here in Akpakpa.  Elder Affri was a bit sad to be leaving, but I'm sure he'll find much success in his new area.  I am very grateful for Elder Affri and for ALL of the lessons that I learned with him.  I am very confident that the Lord is preparing me to return home and still find succes with what I'll do in life.  That has also been testified to me through the many inspired messages of General Conference.  I love the Lord.  He is ever watchful over ALL of His many children.  He is so gentle and kind.

I would like to leave you all with a brief testimony of our Heavenly Father.  There is no creature more gentle, more loving, more understanding than our Heavenly Father.  He knows what it's like to have trials and tribulations.  He knows what we go through.  Through His Son's Atonement, He CAN save us and succor us.  He CAN look after us, answer us, encourage us, and one day welcome us with His loving arms.  This is a day that I look forward to with gratitude.  My prayer this week is that we all work to hear His soft, firm voice speaking to us through the words of the prophets, through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, and through the many tests and trials of our lives.  I promise that you will find Him.  He is ever present.  He loves us more than we can understand.  He knows our weaknesses much, much better than we do, and He knows why we have them.  He wants us to come unto Him.  And there He stands, ever-beckoning.

I love you all so much.  Have a great week.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

Easter Testimony

Happy Easter everyone!  Yeah, I might be a bit late, but that's just kinda how life is out here.

This has been a rather special Easter.  I didn't receive any big presents nor eat any substantial amount of chocolate.  I didn't go looking for eggs nor did I hide any.  I didn't get to see any new cool videos, from the Church or elsewhere.  But I did have the amazing and humble opportunity to focus on "what matters most".

For those of us not in General Conference zone, yesterday a fast and testimony Sunday.  I decided to bear my testimony about Easter, rather fitting I think!  As I stood up to the pulpit, I was struck by our celebration of Easter.  Yes, other churches had had their parades and fanfares yesterday.  Most people had large parties and invited lots of people, many churches were overfilled past the doors, and there was lots of loud music being play out in the street.  

And then there were the Latter-day Saints in their quiet building with an abnormally normal Sunday service, not because we don't celebrate Easter or any other holidays, but because, in all reality, we celebrate Easter EVERY Sunday!  That's the whole point of our Sunday worship services.  Yes, we sang all three of the Easter hymns in the French hymnbook, but other than that, the only truly essential part to celebrating Easter was the partaking of the holy Sacrament, or Communion as other call it.  This is the whole point of Easter, to celebrate Christ's infinite and eternal Atonement, including His resurrection from the dead.

I testify, along with all of the prophets ancient and modern, that He lives!  I know that my Redeemer lives!  And yes, what comfort this sweet sentence gives, He lives!  I testify that His infinite love is available to us all, and that we can all receive the fulness of His loves and blessings, but only through His restored gospel.  I testify that as we focus our future Easters and our future Sundays more on the Savior that we will come unto Him and partake of the Bread of Life and of the Living Water.  We will never hunger nor thirst.  We will find Eternal Life.  I invite you, plead you, to come unto Him and accept His Eternal Love.  As the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi said, "There is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ" (2 Nephi 31:21).

I love you all so much. Have an amazing week!

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

When we go with the Lord, there is no room for fear

Terribly sorry all, but we've been without power for 20 of the past 48 hours, including from 10 am to 7:30 pm today.  I don't have enough time to really write anything, but know that all is well in the Lord's hands.  When we go with the Lord, there is no room for fear.

I love you all!  Have a great week! 

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

What matters most: our relationship with our Heavenly Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ

Hey folks. Another week in the service of the Lord accomplished. This for sure has not been the easiest week, but I keep moving forward in hopes of a brighter future. 

After having a stellar week the week before, this past week has just nose-dived and crashed into the ground. We had two sick days in the apartment and lots of what we call "ratez-vous" here (a play on words from rendez-vous--the word for appointment--meaning fall-throughs). Nothing terirbly discouraging, but certainly disappointing. 

I, personally, am in complete health and was throughout the week. This left me lots of time to study and meditate. With a few conference talks, a few scriptures and the life situations around me at this time, my thoughts were most led to "what matters most." 

I got thinking about this phrase and how I've seen it here on my mission. In fact, I would say that it is the very essence of Elder Lynn G Robbins' October 2015 General Conference talk. For the first many times that I read this talk, I saw it as a "Don't love man, love God" kind of talk. Then, coupled with Elder Oaks' talk from the same conference, I realized that it was much more of a "Love God, then love man" talk. I realized that, in trying to repent of loving man more than God, I had more of a "Love God, not man" attitude. Now, I wasn't going around hating on people or trying to make their lives miserable, but I was reminded of Elder Oaks' talk once again, in quoting a member whose husband was once not a member. I paraphrase, "I thought I had given my fair share of patience, but i don't know if i was being very kind about it." I feel the same way. 

Realizing this brought the two great commandments into proper alignment for me. I am now working still on loving god more than man, but I am working now on also being kind and loving towards man as I love my God before them. I was then brought to the chapter of the George Albert Smith manual (chapter 21 I believe) entitled, "The Power of Kindness", but I will expound on that another time

I then got thinking on life here in Benin and how these two principles apply. I saw that, as Elder Dube had boldly noted, those who keep the commandments prosper in the land. That isn't to say that those who don't keep the commandments don't prosper, but if we do, He has promised that we will have everything that we need and most likely will have enough to give. Those who, amongst the poverty and uncleanliness of Togo and Benin, find the most happiness are those who truly understand the first two commandments. Those who put God first in every decision and those who have the most peace in their life. Society in these two countries can make it hard to find happiness--especially when everything of the greener side of western civilization is all that's shown on TV. However, those who put away the world and come unto Christ have the same level of happiness (if not more!) as those who come unto Christ all over the world! These brave people leave behind the traditions of their fathers. Many come from families where Voodoo is practiced religiously. Many come from families where marriage is simply mocked. Many come from families who have given up on trying to earn a living because other sources had ceased to make them whole (see Hymn number 129, "Where Can I Turn for Peace"). 

I have been greatly blessed and strengthened to see these people grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. I have found that in my experiences with these people that no matter where we come from, we can all arrive at the same point. No matter what our circumstances, we can attain the highest of goals, the most noble of quests, all in focusing on what matters most: our relationship with our Heavenly Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 

May we all take the time to strengthen these two relationships daily and intentionally is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Avec amour, 

Elder Jenkins

Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Put yourselves out on the line!

Hello all.  It's been a week full of learning here in Benin.  And I have absolutely loved it.  My testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and of His grace has been greatly strengthened.

Going throughout this past week has not exactly been easy.  It wasn't discouraging, but it certainly wasn't easy.  But as I have learned, these are the best moments of life.  Yes, humility is required in great abundance, and it is very difficult for some of us to show this kind of humility.  But I have better understood the Lord's grace as I meditated on how far I've come to see again where I need to go.

As I thought about my time here, I thought of all the mistakes I've made and how I thought, at the time, that I would regret all of these mistakes for the rest of my life.  Then I realized that now, I do not regret a single one!  Why? Because I gave it my all!  I put in, at that time, everything that I had, even if it seemed nothing at all.

This past week, I have made several mistakes.  Not that I'm a bad person or that I'm not trying, but I am an imperfect being.  However, much different from earlier in my mission, I was not at all discouraged!  Why? Because I have spent a lot more time studying and meditating on the Savior's Atonement.  He has granted me a greater understanding of the hope and light of His gospel.

Pondering on all of these things yesterday, I was quite impressed with the mission experience.  Yes, it's one great life lesson, and yes, we get to change people's lives, but there is something much, much more.  The Lord has given us a very special place to learn and to make mistakes.  That's when it hit me: I'm supposed to make mistakes!  I'm supposed to give it everything I have and fall short!  I'm supposed to push myself past my boundaries!  Thinking upon this even in this very moment has brought a poem quoted by Elder Vinson last year (originally by Elder Holland):

"Come to the edge," He said, "Come to the edge."

"I can't," I said, "I can't"

"Come to the edge," He said, "Come to the edge"

I did.

He pushed me.

I flew.

So if I have counsel to those young and old seeking to serve missions, don't be afraid to make mistakes!  Put yourselves out on the line!  Open your heart to everyone, without fear!  Give it everything you've got even if you've got nothing!  We're most likely never going to see these people again in our mortal lives.  The Lord gives us this opportunity of trial and error to prepare us for our future lives when the stakes will be much higher. Yes, it might seem like we're falling at first when we come to the edge and He pushes us, but soon we will see His promise fulfilled that "He shall bear [us] up as on eagles' wings."

I have made the firm decision that as I finish my time here on my mission, I will put myself as far out there as I can.  I will make as many mistakes as necessary so that I can grow, knowing that if I give it everything that I can, the Lord will make up the difference.  I'm not saying that I won't try to improve; in fact, improvement is exactly what I'm seeking!  But I have gained a firm testimony that the more we put ourselves on the line humbly, the more we will see the Lord's hand in our lives.

There is no limit to His power!  There is no limit to His reach!  There is no limit to how long or how much we are allowed to use!  So why worry about our own lack of strength when His grace is sufficient.  His Atonement is infinite!  His grace is infinite!

In beginning to live in this manner, I have felt the peace in His gospel.  Even when turmoil surrounds me, His grace and His peace are sufficient for me.  Living this way is truly a joyous experience.  

I testify that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ stands at each one of our personal doors.  He knocks.  He awaits for us to open the door and invite Him into our lives.  And when we do, He will push us farther than we have ever gone, but with it, He will open us new beginnings and beautiful views on life.  We will find true happiness and joy.  We will gain spiritual confidence before God.  We will change to become like Him.  And I share this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

One of my all-time favorite African meals, foutou banane with peanut sauce!!!  SOOOO GOOOD!!!!!!!!!! 

Found this on my box of Frosties (european frosted flakes).  it's a free entry to several parks in Great Britain and Ireland.  Including the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin.  What are the chances?!  I'm planning on giving it to Elder Lynch so that he can actually use it! 

Elder Wittig and I improvised to make an apple pie today.  It was amazing!!!  and it only cost 8 dollars (roughly)!!!!!

"Speak, Listen and Love"

Well.  I'm at a loss.  I have 10 minutes to write this.  Here we go.

This week has been as interesting as ever.  I came down with some sort of illness that I have no idea where it came from.  It hit pretty hard on Thursday and I was bedridden on Friday.  Pretty much, I'm not sick, but I feel sick, and I've completely lost my appetite.  I never thought that I would serve myself the portions that I do now.  But that might just be a good thing.  I'm starting to feel slightly better, and at least I've had the energy to go out since Saturday.

My companion and I have had a couple communication errors this past week.  Nothing real, real major, but still there's been a lack of unity.  Things kinda escalated Saturday night, and I was at a loss.  Once again, I found myself feeling "like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again."  I felt suspended in the air (like the seminary video from 2 Nephi 2 for opposition in all things), having no way to go up, down, right, or left.  I then was reminded of an article from the Febraury 2014 Ensign entitled "Speak, Listen and Love" that I will forever keep in my archives.  After reading this article, I assessed our relationship and found that, yes, we were trying to go on to the personal level, but there was a severe lack of validation.  On Sunday, after Church, I explained what I had studied.  I also explained to him that I had pondered and much better understood his point of view, and I tried really hard to validate in showing how I understood.  He understood that, and then returned the favor in a like manner.  

Since this moment, our communication has improved.  It's not yet perfect, not even very good, but it's improving.  Our superficial communication level has increased as well as our personal, but it's our validation on all levels that has seen the greatest growth.

Sorry, I feel like this is rather informational, but like I said, I'm out of time.  This has been another testimony to me that the mission is our personal preparation for marriage, and my companion and I have both sensed that this past week.  That was another thing that brought us together: focusing on what we have in common.  Anyway, have a wonderful week, and I pray that I will have a bit more time next week to share more of my experiences.

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

"I will be a light unto them forever"

I'm sure I've said this probably over 1000 times during my mission, but where does the time go?  I swear weeks are no longer seven days long.  Nevertheless, this week has been filled with success and gratitude.

As I stated last week, my companion (Elder Affri) and I have really been trying to increase our personal efforts in finding people to teach.  This last week, we have seen a bit of improvement.  However, we have seen almost a quadruple uptake in the results.  We have felt the Lord's hand guiding us to those that we need to speak with, many in very unpredictable circumstances.  Every single day this past week we received contacts from members and/or people calling to us on the street asking us what we do.  It has been fascinating for me to see how the Lord is presenting us more and more of His children.

During my personal study, I came across a verse of scripture that impressed me deeply with our current situation.  I found this in 2 Nephi 10:14, which reads,

"for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words."

As I reflected upon that, I realized that I had seen this in practice this week in very powerful ways!  I think that I have mentioned this previously, but we have two couples right now that are struggling to find their way to marriage.  Because of this, I was given the opportunity to teach the Gospel Principles class (the Sunday School class for investigators and recent converts) about the covenant of eternal marriage.  Before getting to the concept of eternal marriage, we talked about how marriage, even civil marriage, is a commandment of God and not just a tradition among men (basically, God has given us the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth, and He has also commanded us to use the sacred powers of procreation within the bonds of marriage.  Summarized, it's a commandment to be married and to have children).

I taught this in the plainest way that I could, and it was well understood by all in attendance, especially those trying to find a way to be married in their current situation.  We answered a couple questions and then continued with the lesson.  As we were finishing up the lesson, the Holy Ghost was very tangible in the class, testifying to everyone of us of the truth of this principle.  At the end, everyone agreed firmly that we all need and want to respect this commandment.

After this class, the branch president called our two couples into his office separately and then called Elder Affri and I in afterward.  During our conversation, he explained how he is very happy for these two couples and that the branch is willing to do whatever is needed to help them get married.  There is a collective marriage coming up, and he said that he would follow up on the date and that we would prepare for that date for these two couples.

As I pondered on this today, I realized that we had heard the Lord's voice, as Jacob says in 2 Nephi 10.  We heard it, listened to it, and understood it.  Because of that, He was our light to begin to really progress along this path.  At the end of the three hours of Church on Sunday, both couples were lit up in excitement for how close they are getting to marriage!

The Lord is always firm in his promises.  Studying the Book of Mormon one more time has helped me learn that so much better.  I have looked for that more carefully in my daily life, and I have seen it.  As He said in D&C 82:10, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say."  We are striving to keep His commandments and abide by His laws, and He always keeps His promises.  Always!

It's a very exciting time to be in Akpakpa right now!!!

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

A storm that came through this past week.  The dark contrasting against the light was quite majestic as it filled the whole sky.

Sunrise this morning, 03.02.15

I finally saw this kids shirt after the second hour at Church on Sunday, 03.01.15

The poor guy doesn't even know what it signifies!!!  but at least it's not the worst of that sort of case.