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.

Defending truth more boldly and more politely

Well folks, it's been another week.  I have greatly felt of the Lord's love for me and all of His children.  This love brightens even the darkest of nights and will fill up any life that is willing to receive it.

I first felt of God's love this past Tuesday at Zone Conference.  'Twas an especially good conference, filled with inspiration.  The first segment was two security agents/ directors for the Africa West area of the Church.  They filled us in on emergency protocol and everyday safety.  It was interesting for me as presidential elections will be happening in a few weeks in Togo and things could potentially heat up.

At one point of time, I heard the Lord's voice speaking to me, which is why I felt as if I were filled with His love.  President Morin felt inspired to watch President Uchtdorf's talk from the New Mission President Seminar this past year, for which President and Sister Morin were both present.

President Uchtdorf started out explaing the sacrament and testifying of it to us.  It was good and edifying and all, but it didn't seem to be the central message of his talk to me.  I took note, but was even more intrigued as to how he would use that.  He then went on explaining how we follow the Savior's example, an essential element to this work.  One of the most important examples in this work is to fear God more than we fear men.  We should fear God before man in our obdience to God's commandments and missionary rules.  We should fear God more than man in opening our mouths unceasingly in proclaiming His restored gospel.  We should fear God more than man in defending truth and righteousness.  We should fear God before man in building up His Kingdom here on earth and preparing the way for the Savior's Second Coming.

Also, I felt God's voice speaking comfort to me as President Uchtdorf related the story of a stalwart young missionary that served in England.  He explained how this missionary was a force for good in his mission as he never backed down from what he knew and believed to be true, yet he always sought to be a peacemaker and an encourager.  He then added that this young missionary was never once an assistant to the president nor was he ever a zone leader, but he was a trainer, and his influence for good was felt throughout the whole mission and in every ward and area that he served in.  I felt the Lord's voice comforting me and letting me know that I'm giving it all that I have and that I'm exactly where He would like me to be now--improving!

After this conference, my companion and I both decided that we needed to increase our efforts of speaking with everyone around us, "not fearing what man can do, for [He is] with [us]" (D&C 30:11).  As we have done this, we have found more investigators.  However, we have also invited more persecution with a wider audience.  But we have accepted and go forth with the Lord's promise that He is with us, which fills us with His strength to continue carrying out His work in HIs way.

May we all go about our week defending truth more boldly and more politely.  The Lord has promised us, and so do I, that if we defend truth with all our might and love all men with all our differences, we will not be deceived nor confounded before men.

I love you all so much.  Have a great, righteous week!

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

Becoming like our Heavenly Father ...

Wow.  I honestly have never seen time go so quickly.  The weeks now seem like nothing at all.  As time has been lessening for my full-time service as a missionary, I have been pondering on what the Lord wants me to learn most before I return.  He has showed this in a powerful way.

A little under three weeks ago, I was affected by an emergency transfer.  My companion, who had less than a week in the mission field, had to return home due to passport issues.  That same day, I received Elder Affri as my new companion, who is from Ivory Coast and has been out for over 16 months.  At first, I was a bit worried about having a companion with so much time out on a mission.  But this abrupt change soon became one of the greatest blessings of my mission.

In our area, we have several investigators who have a myriad of individual problems.  I wouldn't say that we have a TON of investigators, but we have enough to where we're not stressed.  So, in seeking ways to improve our area, Elder Affri suggested several great ideas that I had not even thought of.  In carrying them out this week, we have seen so much progress.  Each of the investigators that have marriage obstacles to overcome are taking conscious steps to show their faith and overcome those obstacles.  One of them even invited us over to his house this morning to workout with him!  I think that was a huge step with him.

Our workout room this morning.  That's one of our investigators.  He's awesome!

Doin' some work. 

Goodness gracious it's been a long time...

All-in-all, I think the Lord's message has been very clear to me: I need to learn to be humble.  I have much studying to get done and even more practice and effort to put in, but I am so grateful for a loving Father who cares enough for me to show me what I can do to become more like Him.  And that's it really.  That's why we're here on this earth: to grow line upon line and precept upon precept to become more like Him.  We cannot be perfect in this life, but we can get as close to it as we are willing to go, and how much more we will be advantaged in the next life as we will be continuing in our growth there as well.

I testify that our Heavenly Father loves us and watches over us.  It isn't easy, but He will always show us what we must do to become like Him.  Through His Son's Atonement, we can improve little by little, drawing closer and closer to perfection everyday.

I love you all so much.  Have a wonderful week!

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

So we took on the project of cleaning the rest of the window nettings this week, and I decided to have a bit of fun with it before we got to work.

This is what we call a doghouse here.  That way, the dogs won't get hot!

A view from the branch building.

Making His promises known to His children

Missionaries with Elder Dube 02.05.15

Wow!  What a week!  I don't have much time today (do I ever?), but I will try to be quick and concise.

I have made some intriguing spiritual progression this week, and it certainly has not been without Satan trying to impede me.

This week, we had the amazing opportunity to meet with Elder Dube of the Quorum of the 70.  I loved how he directed this meeting.  It was separated into three segments.  During the first, he and President and Sister Morin all instructed us individually.  Then the second two were just Elder Dube.  

The first was focused on becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ.  He explained that while serving as a stake president in Zimbabwe, he remarked that there were two types of missionaries who returned home: true disciples of Jesus Christ and "me"-missionaries.  He proceeded to detail the difference between the two.  Briefly, "forget yourself and go to work!"

President Morin shared a message about cultivating the gifts of the Spirit.  He's been making a recent push for that lately, and it's certainly been bringing a new light into my life.  It is very interesting, this topic.

Elder Dube's second discussion was about the importance of study, especially personal.

The third discussion was rather interesting.  He explained many, many scriptures about how "if you keep the commandments, you will prosper in the land."  We then proceeded to talk about our investigators preoccupations and how we can help them get over those.  We focused first on the Spirit but secondly on promising blessings.  The Lord has given so many promises to those who keep his commandments, and as His representatives, our's is the work of making His promises know to His children.  I thought that it was very interesting with the list he gave on "prospering in the land" given the fact that we're serving in a third world country.

This was a very spiritually uplifting opportunity, and with the meditation that I've been able to give it afterwards, I have felt the Lord's hand working in me to humble me and to direct me forward.

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

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

Also spent quite a bit of time as keeper.  Only got scored on twice today!

Working my tennis serve back into shape today!  It was a blast!

Mission prep and Uncle "James" from New York

with "James from New York" aka Uncle Shaka

This has been a very interesting week!  First off, there were emergency transfers!!!  My new companion had some passports issues, so he had to go back to Congo.  Hopefully he will be coming back next month.  Please keep him in your prayers.  I am now working with Elder Affri, a friend of mine out here that I've known for quite some time.

with Elder Affri

I received what I would say was one of the top five best surprises of my life this week; did NOT see it coming from anywhere.  Here's the story:

So on Saturday I got a call around 6 in the evening from a US number, but I didn't recognize the area code.  I answered it and was not too astonished to hear an African accent on the other side.  He asked if it was the Mormon missionaries, and I confirmed.  He asked if it was Elder Jenkins, and I confirmed again.  He handed me to his driver to explain where we were.

About 5-10 minutes later, I was greeted by an African-American man.  As he got out of the car and walked towards us, I had one thought in my head, "Gee! that guy looks an awful like my uncle, Shaka."  I even told my companion that he looked like my uncle.  We chatted a bit, and then he invited to take us out to dinner.  I suggested a restaurant in our area, and he gladly accepted, so I directed the driver to get us there.

In the car, I asked him a bit of who he is, since we had already talked about me.  He had introduced himself as James from New York.  He had a bit of business to do in Benin, and he said that his wife always reminds him to seek out the missionaries in his travels and to treat them well.  I remember his one comment aside from that," Wow, there sure are a lot of motorbikes here."

So we get to the restaurant and take our seats.  I asked the waitor if they accept cards or not.  I think there might be like 20 businesses in this area that accepts cards (other than banks) and this was not one of them.  In waiting for his driver to come in, James said he wanted to take a picture with us.  I asked him if he would send it in an email to my mom, but he said that a text would be better.  Feeling a bit awkward giving my mom's number to a complete stranger, I tried to lean over to see if he was entering the number correctly.  As I leaned over, he started to hide his phone from me, which I found a bit weird.  Anyways, the driver came in after that so they went to the bank to get money out.

While he was away, I told my companion again that he looked so much like my uncle, but based on the facts that he had presented me, I had no reason to believe that thought.

He came back from the bank, and as we were trying to decide what to eat, we started talking about his family.  He said, "here, let me show you a picture of my family!" He looks up a picture on his phone and shows it to my companion.  He starts to tilt his phone towards me and then BAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lighting quick reactions: I see my two cousins, and I'm hitting him saying "I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!"  Hahahahahahahaha what a laugh we had together.  I swear it was more than five minutes before we actually calmed down.  Goodness gracious it's like it was just a dream.

At dinner with Uncle Shaka and Elder Affri

After that, we ordered, and I made sure to buy an extra expensive (relatively) ice cream because I would probably not do it again for four months!  We had an excellent meal together and many excellent laughs.  We got a couple phone calls from family members, but I was like, "No.  Four months.  We'll talk in four months."

We finished the evening right on time and he took us home where we met the other two missionaries in my apartment and took some last pictures before saying our last goodbye for a few months.

The Lord is so great.  I had actually prayed specifically a few hours before that I be more in-tune to His mighty hand in my life.  Little did I know that He would show it forth in such a way!

During dinner, we were able to talk a little but about family.  I have two cousins that will most likely be in the mission field in this next year.  I would like to just address a few words to them and to all who are preparing to go on missions in the future.

My counsel, if I only have one to give, is to actively prepare now.  No matter how distant your mission is, seek after the necessary testimony, knowledge, and diligence required to be a missionary.  Search for an active and living testimony of the truth.  Learn how to build your faith.  Learn to repent quickly and wholly.  Seek to understand your covenants that you have with the Lord.  Seek to recognize and be worthy of the Holy Ghost.

Study the scriptures daily with purpose and with prayer.  Follow the inspiration of the Holy Ghost in your studies.  Go on splits with the full-time missionaries.  Ponder about and write down any questions that you would like to ask a current or former full-time missionary, then ask them.  Seek to establish now a solid relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Memorize scriptures that touch and strengthen you.  Be a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ in your current situation.  Build up the courage now to talk with your family, friends, and even strangers about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

In writing this, a favorite scripture comes to mind: D&C 130:18-19.  We are promised that whatever intelligence we gain in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection, and we will have advantage because of this intelligence.  It is the same with the mission.  There will be many surprises once you get out into the field, but you will have so much more advantage if you actively prepare for mission service well before you even start to fill out the paper work.

I testify to you that this is the Lord's work.  You will very soon be among the Lord's chosen servants.  You will be serving on the front lines of the Lord's army.  As you seek to actively prepare yourselves for your missionary service, I promise you that you will feel of the Lord's approval.  When you get to the field, you will have the faith and the strength to rely on the Lord amidst the many trials.  You will truly become an instrument in the Lord's hands (Alma 29:9).

I love you all so much.  Have a wonderful week.  For those in Jacksonville, please don't be afraid to share the real Book of Mormon this week!

Avec amour,

Elder Jenkins

Baptism of Agossi 31 january 2015.  We got some great support from the primary!

Reunion with Elder Bile after 9 months apart!!! 

With Elder Ndibu 

City art from this past week.  Taken from the bridge.

The moving truck (for Precious and her family).  It took 6 long loads!!!

Views of the city

Views of the city

The grand marché, Tokpa