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.