::Testimonies::

RETURN WITH HONOR Elder Cody Allen Jones Tacoma Washington Mission November 16, 2011 ~ November 16, 2013

This is the book that I put together and sent to Cody for his Christmas Present.  Thanks to all of you who love him so much and were willing to share your testimony, love and encouragement to him!

Elder Cody Jones,

You are a chosen young man.  In the pre-existence you had the privilege of being taught the plan of salvation by your brother Jesus Christ.  You also had the opportunity to hear from the adversary and to make your choice.

 I’m happy that you chose the life of Jesus Christ.  Because you are a choice and strong man you have been held back and came to this earth at the time when the Gospel is at its fullness.  I’m pleased as is Heavenly Father that you have made the decision to go on a mission and bring the Lords sheep into the fold. 

You are an amazing unselfish and humble man.  This is a great quality that others look up to.    I’m so proud of you for always staying faithful to your religion, Savior and family.  You never have wavered from your faith in God, even when you ran into barriers in your life.  I’m so proud of you that you never let anything get you down.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a small thing or a large thing; you always pick yourself up and carry on in the direction of the Lord. 

Others can tell what you stand for because you have so much faith and integrity, it truly radiates from you through your smile and actions.  You always made sure that you were friends with people from all walks of life, you never judge people because of how they look, their actions, or what others say about them.  That means a lot to them, because you give them hope and the pure love of Christ.

Don’t get discouraged as you meet people that aren’t ready to be converted to the true Church of Christ yet.  Try to befriend them or provide Service.  They will admire your selfless acts and want to know more about your beliefs.  Some won’t even give you a chance to talk to them.  Don’t be discouraged, their time will come when they are ready to hear the gospel.  Befriend them and pray for them.  Just by your example they will know that the Church is true.  You might not be the one to convert them.  But I promise that you will plant a seed with them and sometime in the future they will want to join the Church! 

You will have trials come upon you during your mission and throughout your life.  When the trials come don’t put them on your-self.  Ask for help from your Heavenly Father and earthly parents.  At some time or another you will be faced with a big trial, a test of faith.  Stay true to yourself and principles.  The whole reason why we’re here on earth is to be tested.

Being a missionary is hard work, but I hope you have fun while you’re doing it also.  Heavenly Fathers always there for you, all you have to do is ask. I hope that you always have missionary companions that will be good friends to you!  You have always loved providing service to others.  I remember on the weekends before I even woke up you would be at the Smith’s pulling weeds.  What an example you were to them.  Even though they don’t know that they’re Mormon yet.  They will in time because the example that you are to them.  Some people are ready to convert right away and some aren’t ready to even hear about the gospel.  I know that if you pray for these families and provide service as it is allowed, you will change many hearts. 

I have a testimony of prayer.  If you are confused or need the Lords help go to remember the special ordinances taken upon your-self.  Go to the temple as often as you can.  Things are so much clearer there and you will find the answers you need as you go there and pray. 

I also have a testimony of family.  In the pre-existence we chose who our parents would be.  We were told of all the obstacles and barriers that we would need to overcome in this life so that we could have an eternal life. We accepted these terms. Often times our families have disagreements and conflicts.  But we must remember God’s plan during these times.  We have to remember to not take sides, jump to conclusions or alienate one another. At these times it’s very easy to get wrapped up in the gossip and treating one another badly.  This is how Satan works to pull families apart.  We must stand strong and let each other know that we love them, provide service to the, love them and pray for them often.  We must not let Satan grasp our souls that would have us get involved in any actions that would tear an eternal family apart.  We must be friends to all family members, be a constant in their lives!  As we do these things family will develop harmony, love and respect for one another.  We also need to ignore others opinions and advice of our family if it isn’t buoying us up as a family and bringing them together.

All children in the family have chosen to be together with their siblings and parents for time and all eternity.  It’s important that we love and support one another, but always stay faithful and true to our eternal family.  Families are the central part of the plan of salvation, Satan knows that this is the only way to lose this war..  Satan is going to try very hard to separate them so that they will lose their place in eternity.

I know that the gospel is true and it has been restored.  I’m so grateful for the atonement and the opportunity to repent and be forgiven for my sins.  I have made many in my life and am grateful to feel the spirit with me when I repent.  No one leads a perfect life as hard as we try.  But if we stay close to Christ we will find our way.

 I know that the Book of Mormon is a true testament of Christ.  I also want you to know that I have a strong testimony of The Holy Temple.  This is a place that we can feel closer to God.  As we enter the temple we leave all of our worries outside and place our focus on the peace inside the temple.  We are blessed to be able to enter into the House of the Lord.  This is the most special work that we can do.  As we provide work for others who have passed on are anxiously waiting on the other side to receive these covenants.  As we meditate and pray in the temple we will find answers that we are seeking.  I encourage you to go as often as possible.  In doing so, you will be able to have a clearer mind and softer heart.  I’m so proud to be your mother.  You are such a spiritual person and have taught me so much.  Don’t get discouraged, just like you always continue to pick yourself up and carry on.  Don’t let the missionary work get you down.  Not everyone is ready to hear the Gospel.  But you will be greatly blessed as you find those who are ready.  Dad and Kailie are your personal angels.  They are with you every day to help you in every way they can.  You are so blessed to have so many people that love you! I love you with all my heart, mind and soul!  I’m very proud of you and I hope you take some time for yourself and have fun also.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Mom

My son’s presence won’t be felt

Around my house this year.

He won’t be watching for Santa

Or listening for reindeer.

Because my boy is now an Elder

Still the youngest of the clan

But he’s doing something different,

Turning from boy to man.

His presents are white shirts, some snacks

Pens and stuff. . . no fun.

Yes, this year it will be different

Cause I’ve given Christ my son.

I’ve spent more time on my knees

Felt strength coming from His words.

I’ve read the scriptures more frequently

And my testimony stirred.

As his mother I pray more often.

My tears are quick to run.

Heaven seems much closer because

This year I’ve given Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers

Gave their sons to war.

Or how the pioneers chose Zion.

Their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be His presence

But I miss my boy’s smile a ton.

For two years I will pray for him

I’ve given Christ my son.

I recall his face when he was young.

I memorized his eyes, their shine.

I always hungered for the part of him

That makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard

His choice and mine are one.

I put my trust in God's hand this year.

I’ve given Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter

I think I finally understand.

Christ's birth should be celebrated

By giving Him a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns

That I'm not coming all undone.

My gift has taken years to make.

This year I’ve given Christ my son

Every year at Christmas time my family writes a "gift" for Heavenly Father. Some also include their testimony. This gift is the first one opened on Christmas morning. I'm so grateful for my son and the example that he has always been to everyone. He never waivers from his testimony. my family has faced many trials throughout the past few years. Cody never lets these trials get him down. He always picks himself up and moves forward. He's very sensitive to others who face trials and is always there to help those in need. He finds joy in providing service to others. Cody is my only son and I can't express my love for him and how honored I am to be his mother. I'm grateful for those who have and will care about him.

Tammy Jones

Cody,

I’m so excited that you are going to be serving a mission in Washington! My husband grew up near where you will be serving and he just loves it up there!

I hope you have such a Merry Christmas! I wanted to share my favorite scripture. Alma 50:23 “There never was a happier time” This is one of those times where I just take one phrase from the scripture and apply it to me. To me this scripture give such hope. It reminds me that no matter what is going on in my life I can still treat it like it is the happiest time of my life by looking at the positive. I’m sure you will find trials a time or two on your mission. I hope you can look at the positive and be as happy as possible and let the trial help you grow =) I still remember Palmyra with you and all our friends! That was such a great experience! Work hard and keep your chin up!

Andrea Gremmert (Used to be Sharp)

Dear Elder Jones,

Hey bud I hope all is well. Thanks for being a great example by sharing the gospel and sharing your testimony with others. As long as I have known you, you have always been serving someone around you. It is a great example to others just like we read in the Scriptures about Christ’s service to those whom he met with and came across. I know that our heavenly father and your own father are very happy with what you are doing by serving the people around you and by teaching those people the gospel. I want you to know that I know Joseph Smith saw Heavenly father and Jesus Christ. And that through their direction and guidance he helped bring the fullness of the Gospel to this earth again. I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God. If we read, ponder, and pray about it I know we will receive answers to prayers and it will strengthen our testimonies in the Gospel. I know that Heavenly Father loves each and every one of his children. And I know Gods plan can and will be brought to pass by missionary work and service. I am grateful for the plan of salvation and for Christ’s sacrifice he made for all of us. I know that as long as we have hope, faith, and we act by following Christ’s example by taking on covenants and obeying them we will return to our Father in Heaven and through that pathway we will receive the most joy. I know this is true and I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Love,

Devin Browning   

December 11, 2011

Elder Cody Jones,

Merry Christmas! I just wanted to take some time to share my testimony with you so you can read it during your mission. I read The Living Christ today, and I realized that the more we learn about God’s plan and His work and His gospel, the more we realize how much we need our Savior, and the more our love for Him grows. Christmastime is such a special time to come to the Savior. Sometimes I get down on myself and feel weak. But I really studied Ether 12:27 today:

 ” And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

The Atonement is so incredible—the greatest gift. I bear my testimony that the Atonement works, that as we come to our Savior in humility and faith, His grace can empower us to be able to be who we could never be on our own. And because of that, we can live with our families forever in the Kingdom of God. Such a beautiful gift…

When Christmas draws near, I like to think what gift I can give my Savior. I want to show Him that I love Him by loving others and being a good friend and by trying my best to be a good example and a good disciple of Christ. I am still trying to figure out how to do that … I think it will take all my life.

I am so thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that it is true and that it is God’s church, led by His prophet. I know that living the principles of the gospel will make me the happiest. 

Thank you for being such a great friend. I know that you are a wonderful missionary with a strong testimony. When times get tough, just remember that the Lord’s work is an incredible work that you are a part of, and that He qualifies those He calls. That with God, all things are possible.

Again, have a very merry Christmas!

-Kimberlee Owens

Elder Jones,

       I am so proud of you.  I am so pleased you decided to serve a mission.  I want you to know that I know the gospel is true.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I love my Savior and he is the source that guides my life.  I love him and am so grateful for his atonement.  I love the gospel and all the blessings that the gospel has brought into my life.  If you live the gospel and serve the Savior, your life will be rich and beautiful.  If you turn from the gospel life will become dark and sad.  Always follow the Savior and his example and even when life gets hard, he will be there for you.  I say these things in the name of my Savior Jesus Christ, Amen

 Good luck on your mission.  Know we are proud of you. 

Cora Lee Wayman

Elder Jones,

What a blessing it has been to know you and your family.  Your family will always be one of my greatest joys and memories as a bishop.  Always remember that the greatest gift you can give the people who you teach, is the understanding and promises that are Heavenly Father has promised all of us, that we can be forever families.  When times get tough remember that our Savior died for us, that we can turn to him and trust him with our questions and he will give us the answers that we need.  I know that my Savior lives and that he gave his life for all of us.  That the boy prophet, Joseph Smith, had his prayers answer, never be afraid to share that story with the world.  Never be afraid to share what you know to be true.  Remember that you were born of goodly parents like Nephi, do all you can to always honor them.

Work hard and may you have great success.

David Wayman

Elder Jones,

I KNOW that prayers are answered.  It may not be in our time, but in God’s time.  We just need to be patient.  We just need to ALWAYS keep our faith.  I KNOW that we were sent here for a reason.  I KNOW that God loves each and everyone of us.  I’m glad that Christ died for me, so that I may be able to live with my Father in Heaven again.  I KNOW that Heavenly Father wants us to return to him.  ALL OF HIS CHILDREN.  I KNOW that this is the only true church on earth.  I KNOW that this is the true gospel.

I also KNOW that each of us has a mission in life.  And it’s our job to fulfill it.  We each promised, in the pre-existence, to Heavenly Father, such promises of success in returning to him along with our families and living life in such a way and spread the gospel. And it’s our job to Fulfill it.  I also know that we weren’t sent here at this time with President Gordon B. Hinckley by chance.  We were sent here at this time for a purpose because we had to wait 6,000 years before we came to earth.  Because we are a stronger generation.  Gordon B. Hinckley said that we are the best generation that has ever came to earth. And though there will be many adversities, if we ask the lord to help us through it, rather than trying to avoid our trials, that we WILL be strengthened.  

I learned that our Trials are what makes us stronger.  I also learned that when we go through our trials, that we are either with God and we’re strengthened, or when trials come, we decide to not be with God and we fall apart.  I choose to stand with God rather than be against him.  I KNOW that God WILL help us in our trials, if we ask him.  We shouldn’t let pride get in the way of asking Heavenly Father for help.

In E. F. Y.(Especially For Youth), we got to hear from awesome speakers about the gospel.  Brother Robb and Brother Richards talked about trials in our lives.  Brother Richards was telling us a story about this guy that was going to have one of the General Authorities come over for dinner.  And this guy was telling people that you can just feel the power of spirit as he walked by.  When the General Authority came over, and they were getting ready for dinner, the General Authority asked if he could bless the food.  He said in his prayer, “And bless that we may have trials in our lives...” and he ended his prayer.  The guy was wondering in his head, whether or not he should say amen to that. (Smiles).  Brother Richards was telling us what his life was before the church.  He said, “My mother was living with a guy (his father) and told him that she was pregnant.  This guy was saying how impossible it was.  Because he was always telling his friends that he couldn’t get someone pregnant.  (Well apparently, because Brother Richard was born) So, the guy took all the money and everything then left them.  His Mother, (Bro. Richards mom) called her dad (they fight a lot) and told him that she didn’t have anywhere to live and is carrying his Grandson.  So he let them stay with him.  When Bro. Richards was nine years old, two young missionaries (Elder Smiley and Elder Happy) (smiles) knocked on their door.”  Bro. Richards said that he went on a mission at Tegooseegulpa Honduras, came home and he got married in the temple.  Brother Richards said that Elder Smiley put off his mission until the age 26, Bro. Richards says that if he ( Elder Smiley) didn’t go on his mission, that he (Bro. Richards) wouldn’t have been baptized and he would have been in jail or dead like his friends.  He said that there are people that say that they don’t know where they would be without the gospel, he KNEW where he would be.  He said that there are groups of people that would be baptized no matter what, there are those who won’t be baptized no matter what, and there is a third group will be baptized from a certain person that could only reach out to them.   He also told us “no pain that we suffer will be wasted.”  “As soon as we surrender our will to Gods will, our lives will be a lot better.  ‘Not my will, but thine be done.’ ” “Of course we can’t know the meaning of all things right now, but we can know right now that God knows you and loves you.”

I know that this is true about how there is only one certain individual that can only touch certain people with the spirit.  That’s another reason why Men should go on Missions.  I support the missionaries, Hurray for Mormon Missionaries.  And if we are down, the best way to be happy again is to forget ourselves and serve others.   

Brother Robb, (another speaker) talked about Job ( in the Bible) and his trials.  He gave us a few quotes from General Authorities.  One saying, “As we remain faithful, this strange friend, adversity leads us straight into the outstretched arms of the Savior.” Another saying, “In each of our lives come golden moments of adversity.” “All are part of the testing than sometimes we expect.”  “It’s not so much what happens to us, but how we deal with what happens to us.”  He had us draw a picture of a guy sitting in a chair and laying his head on the table with 7 stacks of boxes on top of him with the saying, “Have you ever felt OVER LOADED?”

I know that it is true about what he said.  That it’s the way we deal with our trials that make us who we are.

Brother Gardener, ( Another speaker) told us to stay in the “Middle” of the strait and narrow path.  Don’t drift, don’t wander.  He told us not to flirt with our line of morality.   He was telling us how, in the bible, that it says that the saints are a peculiar people.  Meaning that we’re weird.

I’m glad to be weird when it comes to the Gospel.

Brother Loe, ( our Session director) told us (girls) about how important modesty is.  He told us that the way we dress sends a message to the boys of who we really are.   It also influences the way you act.  It could be said therefore that modesty is a Hallmark of who you are.  He said, “No amount of time in front of the mirror will make you as attractive as having the Holy Ghost with you” 

I truly believe that modesty is a battle worth fighting for.  We got to fight hard against Satan and his campaign.

At our Fireside, this guy was giving a talk and told us that our testimonies shouldn’t be based on others, but on the testimony of God and our faith in God.  He also told us that God is in the details of everyday of our lives.  Another thing that he said was that Revelation comes like sunshine through clouds.  Revelation doesn’t come all at once.  Some prayers take awhile to be answered, but they will be answered , but it could take years even.

At our testimony meeting, the spirit was SO strong.  There was a guy named Tyson that went up and bore his testimony twice, and he got me twice.  Just when I was done crying, he goes and bares his testimony again.  When I got up and bore my testimony, I told our company (Chosen Before Birth) that we really were the chosen generation. And here for a reason. And that god lives and loves each and everyone of us.  That Joseph Smith was a true prophet that restored the gospel back on earth again.  So that we can have the gospel in our lives.   He sacrificed everything to translate the Book of Mormon for us.  I know that Gordon B. Hinckley is a living true prophet today.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.  I then took my seat.  Everybody’s testimonies were SO strong.  While we were walking out of the room where we bore our testimonies, I suddenly had a thought pop in my head that I needed to do something for this girl named Vinessa, that I had to do something to remind her that she is a daughter of God and always will be and that the Savior will help her in her trials.  So that night, I drew a picture of the savior lifting up a baby in the air and the baby smiling, Jesus too.  And I wrote on it that she was a daughter of God and always will be.  And that the savior will help her in her trials.

On our last day, our counselor Bonnie, apparently wrote parts of all of testimonies and typed it and printed it out for us.  On our last day, as we were saying our good byes, we cried.  Especially when we sang the Young Men and Young Women Medley (my favorite song) the spirit just touched us all.  

I just want to bare my testimony that I do KNOW that this is the ONLY true church and we need to not get on the edge of the strait and narrow path because we’ll fall.  We need to stay in the middle of the path.  I know that what I learned is true and I hope that we don’t fall into Satan’s trap and become his victims because I know that if we fall into his trap thinking that we can outwit him, we are seriously kidding ourselves because Satan has been doing this for 7,000 years so he has gotten good at what he does.  We can only get through our struggles by asking Heavenly Father’s help and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.       Natalie Bird

Elder Jones, We know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. We know that we are blessed to belong to his church. We know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and he restored the true church to the earth and translated the Book of Mormon. We love the scriptures and are glad we can read them every day. We know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and we are happy that we get to listen to his counsel.

We are proud of you because you have the opportunity to serve the Lord for two years and find people who are searching for this same knowledge. We will keep you and all the other missionaries in our prayers every day.

Love,

Kevin, Michelle, Catherine and Nik Stay

 

Cody,

I hope things are going well for you so far on your mission. I am very proud of you and happy that you have had this opportunity to serve. I know you don't know me that well, but I still want to tell you how much it helps me in my testimony to know that I actually do have family out there who believe in what I believe in. (I'm the only active member of my immediate family.) Today in church our Sunday school teacher closed her lesson by telling us that sometimes even the strong need strenghthening and it is through the testimonies of our friends and loved ones that strenghth is to be sought.

As far as my own testimony goes, the main thing I would like to impart is the concept of keeping it simple. Recently in my life I was facing some struggles, and those struggles were causing me to doubt my place in the church. I started to lose my desire to attend church because I wasn't feeling the spirit. As fate would have it, the time to renew my recommend was coming soon and I was dreading the upcoming meeting with the bishop. I was truly worried that I wouldn't be able to answer the questions he was about to ask me. Finally that meeting came, and he asked me the first question: "Do you believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?" In an instant I felt a rush of relief. That simple question gave me a great sense of relief. Of course I believe in Them. I always have, even in the time of my life before I was an active member of the church. With that instant boost of testimony, the rest of the interview became a postive experience instead of a dreaded one. Yes, I was struggling with things, but the simple reminder that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ exist, and more than that, they love me, made everything else seem easy. Since that time, I have always reminded myself that that is where testimony begins.

I know that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us, I know that Jesus loves us and died for us, and with that rock to build my testimony on, I know that I have an eternal family and will be able to return to them again.

Hope this helps buoy you on your tough days. Oh, and don't forget to take a moment once in awhile to enjoy the beauty of where you're serving; the Pacific Northwest is one of my favorite destinations.

Merry Christmas from me and my family,

Yours sincerely,

 Jason Jones (Your Cousin)

Dear Cody,

You have always been a great friend to me and you are one of the nicest people I know. I'm sure you're doing great on your mission and will touch the lives of many people. I wish you all the luck in the world on your future endeavors and that you may always be safe.

From, Cody Schlosser

Dear Cody,

          Thanks for being there for me during a hard time in my life.  I still remember when we read our favorite scriptures together in the Camp Kiesel dorm.  You are such a great friend and I will support you and I know that you will do likewise.  You are dependable.  It's a trait that must exist in a friendship, else one does not exist.  I hope you learn a lot during you mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Always teach people about love, especially through your example.  Just continuing to be you will show people that love does exist and that live is worth living.  I firmly believe that love is more powerful than death.  Love lives on when life dies.  Remember to smile, Cody, for this small act cheers people and will also increase one's self-esteem.  I love you.  Say this often to others and especially to your-self for how can someone love others when he or she can't love themself?

Lincoln Parkin

Dear Cody,

I want you to know that I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church upon the Earth and that God restored it through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Temples are special places where we commune with God and covenant with him to make ourselves better people and to help us in our lives. I know you will be blessed for serving a full-time mission and I'm sure you will do great things there! I can't wait to hear how you did when we both return home. Best of luck and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Love, Elder Drew Durbano

Cody,

I want you to know that I have no doubt that what you are doing is the lords work. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hands of our Heavenly Father to help restore the church on earth. The work that is done in the temples makes it possible for all of Gods children to make it home and live with him someday. I know that your family will be blessed in so many ways by your service in the mission field. I know that God answers our prayers and that if you exercise your faith anything is possible. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He loves each of us individually and knows of our struggles and our triumphs in life. Our family prays for you every day and we hope that you and your family are doing well.

Philip Eborn

 

Dear Cody,

      Even though we have not met in person, we are family. I will first of all introduce myself and my family to you.  Your mother is my cousin.  Her father and my mother were both Bentley's, children of Elba and Vivian Bentley.  I am the oldest daughter and third child of Foy and Evelyn Bentley Rhodes.  My husband and I met and married  about 7 months after my grandparents death.  We have three living children, (one died in infancy), two girls with a boy in the middle.  Michelle is married and has four children, three boys and one girl (the baby.)  Jaysen is married and has 2 boys and one girl (in the middle) and they live in Provo.  My youngest daughter Traci has 2 boys.   The girls live in Price and I see them a lot.  In fact, Traci teaches preschool and Michelle and I help her with that.   I volunteer at the local elementary school two days a week when I am not helping Traci.  I love being with the children.  My husband Garry is a retired Driver and diesel mechanic from a division of the Savage Brothers trucking based in American Fork.  We stay busy and are glad our children live relatively close to us. 

       Jaysen served a mission in Brazil and returned home about 13 or 14 years ago.  He spoke portugese and had a lot of problems at first with the language, but when his Pres told him to just learn the discussions in English, it all fell into place.  He had a very successful mission and loved it.  Jaysen lost his grandfather (my dad - and they were very close) the day he left for Brazil, so I felt like I sent two missionaries off that day.  Our family (and Jaysen) was blessed many times and witnessed many miracles while he was serving the Lord and yours will be too. 

    Remember to always study, pray, and follow the rules of your mission and you will grow spiritually as well as those you teach.  You never know what will happen to some of those you teach, as you will move on, but know that you are planting seeds.  "You can count the seeds in a single apple, but you can't count the apples in a single seed."    The Gospel is true and we are so blessed to have it in our lives.  I know that Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son that day he prayed in the grove, and was truly a prophet of God.   I am so grateful for the atonement that allows me to repent and be forgiven so that one day I can be with my loved ones who have passed on.  I am grateful that we have a living prophet today here on the earth to give us those instructions we need to help us reach our eternal goals. May you have those blessings in your life that you need as well as your family while you are away serving.  

     Remember that discouragement is satan's tool, so show him that you will not give into his tactics.  Be strong and faithful and you will be successful.  Be the kind of companion that you would want to have and help each other.   I pray that you will have a wonderful and successful mission as I know you will.

     On a lighter note... Have a very Merry Christmas, be happy, and as my dad always said "keep Smilin'."  May you have the best two years of your life, which is really a short sacrifice, in comparison to eternity.   May the Lord be with and "keep you in the hollow of His hand,"    until you return...    Linda Rhodes Farrell  & family

Elder Jones,

What a privilege to share my testimony with you.

I know God lives. We are His children. He gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ that we might have everlasting life. Jesus gave us the gift of the atonement to heal and change us as we apply it in our lives. His resurrection opens the door for all of us to live again. I testify that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ visited Joseph Smith in answer to his humble prayer. They restored through him, the fullness of the gospel to the earth. This restoration includes the power of God or the priesthood. I bear testimony that this power is real. It enables us to call down the power of heaven to bless our families. I give you my solemn declaration that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and can lead all mankind to live better lives. Serious study of this book will bring one closer to the Savior Jesus Christ.  I testify that the heavens are open and God speaks to a living prophet Thomas S. Monson. And finally the reason I know these things to be true--- God hears and answers prayers. Of these truths I solemnly testify in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ  Amen

May the Lord bless and keep you,

Adams J Love

Dear Cody,  Hey, how is it going!  I heard that you got your mission call to Washington D.C.!  That’s awesome!  How have things been since I’ve been gone?  How is your family?  So I’ve been out in the field for a little over two months.  I’m in Bridgeton, a fairly small town in New Jersey.  The mission is a great experience and I’m so excited for you.  My experience so far is that it’s hard at first but it gets better and better as it goes along.  You meet a whole lot of new people and you learn a ton.  It also goes by faster than you think.  The best bit of advice I have for you is to just leave everything behind when you get to the MTC.  The mission is almost like starting a new life.  Don’t worry about anything that’s going on back home because it’s in the Lord’s hands.  It’s a great opportunity to be His Servant (3 Nephi 5:13).  I’m doing great and I wish you the best of luck.  You’re a great example to me and many others.  Have fun and make sure to eat plenty of ice cream at the MTC.  Your Friend, Elder Nick Allen, 76 Giles Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Dear Elder Jones,
All kinds of relatives come out of the wood work that you didn't even know until today. Let me introduce your cousin and myself to you. I'm not really sure how you and Scott connect so I guess me and your mom may have to become friends on Facebook so we can figure that out. Any ways, that is how I found this request from your mom. We are in the group "Bentley Family". With that said, Let me tell you how we fit in. Scott Johnson, (which is my husband, I'm Coreena) is the son of Val and June Bentley Johnson. June is the daughter of Vivian and Elba Bentley. My guess is that is where the connection is.
Your mom is wanting to put a few testimonies together for a Missionary Christmas. This is where this request reached out and grabbed me.
Oct. 2009, Scott and I were called to serve a mission in the Utica New York Mission as a senior couple. Now when you read "Senior" , don't think of us as OLD. We're just kids our selves. Scott was 55 and I was 51. We don't really know why we were called to serve even before Scott has retired, but we are so grateful that we were. Scott served as the Stake Mission President for 10 years and I as a stake missionary. We have the love of missionary work running through our veins.
It was such an honor to serve with Sister Missionaries there in Ogdensburg NY and mingle with Elders through Zone and District Conferences. It was amazing as we watched or Mission President move Elders and Sisters around in the mission. Our Mission Presidents are so amazing and in tune with the Spirit and knows where each needs to serve. You will gain a great love for your Mission President as you trust in him and Heavenly Father as he places you in different areas and with different companions. As we watched some of the companionship's it was so neat to see how well they could work together. Some times that wasn't always the case but if you can trust in your Mission President, he will assign you with companions that will need your strong example. Some times we would see where he would put two strong Elders together and then at times there would be one that you could tell was the leader. Always strive to be the one that the President can rely on to be the strong one. We just went back to NY last month to attend the temple with a couple we taught and baptized while we were there. As Dave and Heather knelt across the alter and were sealed as husband and wife for all eternity... that is where the true joy comes from. They had Heather's two children sealed to them as well. It hasn't been easy for them but when they found the gospel, they hung on tight. We served in a tiny branch of about 18 active members. It was an eye opener for us to see how different things are away from Utah. As you serve in Washington, you will learn to love the people there like you would never believe you could. The gospel knits hearts together as you serve, teach and love them. A couple things that has stuck in my mind are 1st; A talk from Elder Holland that we as a whole mission used. It was called the Divine Companionship. He teaches that, "It would be wonderful if God the Father could go into the homes of our investigators with us as we teach our discussions. But he can't. It would be wonderful if God, our Savior Jesus Christ could go into the homes of our investigates with us as we teach our discussions. But he can't. But isn't it wonderful that God, the Holy Ghost can and does go with us as we teach." As you and your companion teach, make sure the Holy Ghost is there with you. We can talk....but it is by the Holy Ghost that we teach.

It seemed like our mission was much easier for Scott than it was for me. I struggled over several things that seemed to be so easy for Scott. We were ask to do things that, to me were going to be too hard. But because I followed a faithful companion, things turned out to be the way Heavenly Father knew they would be. Towards the end of our mission, again my husband followed the promptings that I just didn't think I could do and in fact, didn't want to. But again I followed and trusted in him. Great blessings came to us and many others. Time after time when I didn't think I could do it, I had to just trust, and things worked out they way it was intended to. About a month before we came home, we met another Senior couple. As we talked about how sometimes I was having a hard time, he told me this poem. It has stuck with me and even know as I think of it, brings tears to my eyes. It's called
Come to the Edge.

Come to the Edge.
No, I'm afraid.
Come to the Edge.
No, I'll fall.
Come to the Edge.
I came to the Edge and he pushed me,
And I flew.

Such simple words but for me, they described my mission. It wasn't always easy but when I trusted in my companion and in my Heavenly Father, I flew. The gospel is true. I know it and I know you know it or you wouldn't be in Washington. Your testimony will grow even stronger as you serve and love the people there as did mine. We are so blessed that our Prophet Joseph stayed strong even when he was at the Edge. As you serve and work hard, Heavenly Father will bless you and you will become the missionary He knows you can be. Don't waste time. Work hard and when you think you can't go any more, keep going........ We send our love and our testimony to add with yours, that this is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Personal revelation is yours to have as it is for all whom you will teach.
Bishop Scott and Sister Coreena Johnson.
cousins on the Bentley side

I have a testimony of Jesus Christ and his Atonement. It helps calm me when stressed and to know that I'm never alone. He went through everything (and more) than we will ever go through. He is my Savior, Redeemer, and friend, and I'm so thankful to know that I can repent of any wrongdoings, so that I may return to live with our Heavenly Father.

I know that the power of prayer is strong, and that our Father in Heaven really does hear and answer our prayers. In that, we must draw nearer to Him, because there's no one else that knows us better.

I have a testimony of the Restoration, and I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he translated the Book of Mormon so that we may all read it in these last days, and share the gospel with them to testify of Christ. I know that they contain a truth that helps guide us through life if we will just apply its words to the way we live.

I know we have a true and living prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson, and that he councils us using the words that God would have him speak to us. If we listen, we will learn the things that we need to take care of in our lives, and if we live our lives righteously it will get easier.

I have a testimony of temples and the wonderful ordinances that are made there. I know that through the sealing power of the Priesthood, families can be together forever!!! I know that the Plan of Happiness was made for our sake, so that we may see our loved ones who have passed on again. :)

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Some of my favorite scriptures are

Jacob 4:7

Mosiah 2:24

Alma 26:12

Alma 32:27

D & C 121:7-9

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Your friend, Erin van Komen