12/30/2014

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all y'all!

Just want to send and update. I am not going to go through the past 2 weeks just hit some highlights of the last 2 weeks.

So the week before Christmas we were really pushing "He is the Gift" and we have had some good success with more people being more accepting to that then other things. We went to the mall one night because it was raining and we tried to pass out as many cards as we could. I passed out like 10 cards and had good conversations with lots of people. I hope that all of you shared the gift with anyone that you could.

Christmas week was great! The ward was really giving and took us into each of their families :) On Christmas Eve we were at the Hinton's house. One of the greatest families ever! Bro Hinton is just like my dad, so of course we had a lot of good laughs with how goofy he is! We also got some sweet pajama's from them and a delicious dinner. After the Hinton's, we went caroling with a couple of the sister missionaries and dropped off different goodies, that the Hinton's gave us, to less-active people in the ward and even some complete strangers. It was a wonderful Christmas Eve, one I will never forget!

Christmas was super fun as well! We woke up and opened presents with the other Elder's, thanks for all the wonderful gifts and cards everyone sent! I made pancakes that morning and we just had a good relaxing morning. Then we went over to Bishop's house to skype. While waiting to skype, I shot my first potato gun. The Bishop made one a few weeks ago so we were having fun with that, eating all this good food he made and then air hockey. Skyping my family was so great, I loved seeing each of their faces. Made me miss them a lot, but I think I will be okay. I was happy to see them all wearing their shirts. Even if some of them were a little big :) Then that night we went to the Timothy's and had a great night with them and lots of good food! Tons of protein and they even had the little hot dogs that dad makes and the meat balls with the good sauce. Then we got to talk with them and they even gave us presents. They bought each of the Elder's new Gold Toe socks and the sisters got pj's because they didn't get any on Christmas eve. Such a wonderful day, I will never forget my first Christmas in the field.

Now it is almost New Years and I have set some goals for myself. I really believe I can meet them but they are going to make me stretch a little! haha So I am staying in Hattiesburg East again for another transfer with Elder Franklin. I think he will be leaving this next transfer though. Elder Gray is gone and I am sad, I am going to miss that guy! He was a great district leader and I will always look up to that kid. He heads home on my birthday this year so that will be fun for him! This next transfer should be a great one, I am ready to just work super hard and all of investigators are coming back into town so that should be good. 

I hope y'all were able to come closer to our savior as much as I have. He is a blessing to all of, without him we would not be able to return to our father once again. His atonement is an amazing thing. When we need peace, we turn to our savior and we will find it. I also hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas and have a great New Years. Better yourself, set those goals and see them through. May God bless y'all into this New Year. I hope y'all have a great day. I miss y'all and love y'all as well!! :)

Keep on smiling!

Love,

Elder Rankin

Tornado!!! Clean up on Christmas Eve!

More ABC News Videos | ABC World News

Thankfully Mason is ok.  We got notification that he is fine.
He and his companion with the other Elders are helping clean up nearby Columbia that was hit a lot harder by the storm.

Elf yourself Elders

The Hattiesburg Elders  visited Bishop Holm to spread Christmas Cheer. While there the Bishop made an Elf yourself video from the Elders Faces.  Enjoy!

Pictures 12/8-12/14-/2014

Every Year on Christmas Eve, the kids get to open 1 present.  That present is a new pair of pajamas to snuggle in for Christmas Eve night and Christmas Morning.

We sent Mason and his companion theirs early and told them to enjoy them during the whole season.

Week 12/8 -12/14/2014

Hey y'all!

Merry Christmas!! I won't be emailing next week, because I will be skyping with my wonderful family and we aren't having a p-day because of Christmas :)

12/8/14

Today we got to go over to the Whipple's for dinner! They are one of cutest families ever, they have a young son and are just a wonderful family. We have chicken Alfredo with butter nut squash, I have never had squash like that so it was interesting but way good! We talked to them about He is the Gift and Adam shared a lot of stories from his mission in Mexico. I am lucky to be in Mississippi, he went through a lot being in Mexico and all the crime that is there. People with machete's trying to get him and his companion. Pretty crazy!

12/9/14

Today we got to teach JD again, he is the cook at Pastry Garden and we got him to stop smoking cigarettes, he is going strong of 3 weeks. We are still helping him stop smoking other stuff... haha but baby steps. That night we went over to the Britts and they made us this really good beans and meat and rice thing. The spices were really good and I don't normally like lots of veggies but they make them taste sooo good!

12/10/14

Today we met this lady that was taught by the missionaries 15 years ago, that is crazy to think my area has been open that long! We are going to come back and teach her next week because she was busy right then. That night we had a great lesson with Lamar Roberts. We taught him about the Law of Tithing and the Word of Wisdom. Bro Thor (our friend-shipper) helped out a lot. He is a seminary teacher and institute teacher so he teaches me as well when he gives comments. Lamar is progressing great. He has planned to be baptized on the 20th by Bro Thor and then confirmed the next day by me! :) We will see if it actually happens by the 20th, he didn't come to church this last week and is kind of nervous.. We had dinner with the Timothy's at Golden Corral after that and it was so different from our Golden Corral in Idaho! I tried Fried Okra and Green tomatoes and that was interesting, not bad though.

12/11/14

Today we got to teach Rickidy Keys and Margaret Maury. Margaret's lesson was so fabulous, definitely guided by the spirit. She has such a sweet spirit and always loves to see us. She is very old but still can get around very well on her own. She likes to stand and hold hands as we pray and it looks so funny, she is literally the height to my waist. She always brings me a smile. She tells us that we make her day every time and bring the spirit into her home. We are going to continue working with her, maybe set her with a baptismal date next time and invite her to church. One thing about my area is there is a lot of ghetto and there are tons of really freaky dogs. There is this one house that we always ride by that has this huge pitbull chained up to this tree. But it's chain comes right to the road, so it could bite your ankle if it wanted. For some reason it wants to eat me, not Franklin though. This last time we were riding really fast and I rode a little of the curb so it couldn't get me and it broke it's chain!! I never have ridden my bike so fast!!!!! It stopped as soon as Franklin got in the way but it just really wants to eat me! So scary!

12/12/14

Today we had Bishop Storehouse way early. It was our big Christmas order so it took awhile. It is crazy how much work and service goes into that. The church helps and blesses so many people and I am glad to be apart of it as a missionary. The rest of this day stunk, we tried so hard to find people tracting and our appointment with Lamar even cancelled and that is when we found out he was nervous. He was just tired from work but it still stunk.

12/13/14

Today was good, went on exchanges and Elder Burningham came with me. We tried to talk to so many people. For some reason no one wants to talk to us, they are all too busy. You would think with it being closer to Christmas people would want to talk to you but no! The only good thing was that we saw Morris and we scheduled an appointment to come back on Wednesday to teach him and Kia. I am super excited to teach them, they are great people! That night we had some of Momma's chili that I made! It turned out pretty good and all the Elder's loved it. I even got some leftovers for the next day, yummy!

12/14/14

Today was the primary program and it went off great! I enjoyed church a lot today! Later that afternoon we went to see a less-active named Sis Davis. She broke down crying, she told us that we came right when she needed us. She was having a real bad day she said and needed to hear a good message. We brought the spirit into that little old house she lived in and left her smiling. Franklin always wonders why I leave some lessons so happy and smiley. It's because I know I helped that persons day, I change that frown into a smile and if I can simply do that then the rest of the day was worth it.

The 20 days of Christmas is going good! This week was Day 5- today with was 11. I have gotten a new sick journal, Silly straws, Tons of hot Chocolate, Red velvet pop-tarts, this rice pack thing that keeps you warm, page protectors to put my letters in and today we got this bible trivia game cards. I am enjoying the work especially this Christmas season, really getting to reflect on my saviors birth and I am growing closer to him everyday. Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Or do you simply just know he lived? Some questions to ask yourself this holiday season and reflecting on the reason for the season. I hope y'all enjoy your time with y'alls families, I know I am away from mine for this Christmas, but I have one more and then I can spend time with my own family. I can sacrifice that much if my savior gave his life for me. Enjoy this season before it goes, live everyday in Thanksgiving and remember you are a child of God. I hope y'all have a great week, prayers go out for y'all everyday. Merry Christmas! Love and Miss y'all!!

Keep on Smiling!

Love,

Elder Mason Rankin :)

Pictures with week 12/1/2014-12/7/2014

Christmas tie and towel

Christmas tree with 20 days of Christmas



Christmas tree she sent us

Stockings!

My sick stocking

Nativity

Nativity

Nativity

Nativity

Nativity

Nativity

Nativity

Elder Hartman and I

Elder Row!

Some of the missionaries that helped out!

Christmas Party

 

 

Selfie with the Missionaries

Hattiesburg Missionaries

Selfie with the Missionaries

Santa and the Elders

Hattiesburg Missionaries

 

Week 12/1/2014 - 12/7/2014

Hey y'all,

What a fast flying week!

12/1/14

Today we finally got to meet with Lamar!! He is doing so great! We taught him the whole Plan of Salvation and really understood all of it! After that he was asking me about baptism and I told him about the interview and what else we needed to do. He asked what was in the interview so I told him all the questions. Then about halfway through me reading them, he told me to start over because he can answer these now. He answered them so well, he is already living this he said. The spirit was so strong, he is supposed to get baptized on Dec 20th!!

12/2/14

Tonight was so fun, we got to go over to the Hinton's house for dinner. We had hot dogs and cheeseburgers with chili. They are literally the funnest family in the ward, I love them so much. Bro Hinton is just like my Dad it is so funny. He is really goofy and so funny to talk to! We found out we are going over to their house for Christmas Eve so that will be really fun. They might get us pajamas they said and they have some other plans for us!

12/3/14

Today I realized a lot. It was a bad day, everyone was dropping, no one was home. We couldn't find anyone to talk to, it was just bad! It gave me a greater appreciation for the good days and I know because I had a bad day today, tomorrow or even a day next week will be a good one because of it. Without the bad, you aren't able to experience the good. That's why it is important to have the opposite, it helps me appreciate the good days.

12/4/14

Today I got a package with an awesome Christmas tie from mom! Elder Franklin's mom also sent us the "20 Days of Christmas." So we have small presents we open everyday before Christmas, she also sent us these sick stockings, mine has a BSU tie. So far, Day 1- Ticket to Ride, Day 2- Christmas CD's, Day 3- Snickers and Twix Bars, Day 4- These microwave brownie things. That is as far as we have gotten, Elder Franklin will be sending videos of us opening them so you can keep up with the 20 days of Christmas :) We got to teach Lamar Roberts again, with Bro Thor from the Oak Grove Ward. He is the institute teacher and knows Lamar very well. We taught him the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the spirit was there from the very beginning. Never have I taught such a great lesson! Bro Thor had great comments, Elder Franklin and I were rolling right off each others lines. It was so amazing. Lamar expressed to us about the Holy Ghost a lot tonight, he told us a lot about his feelings. He told me that the first time I taught him, he felt as if he was being taught by angels. He could feel something purifying and warm. He wants to have that. I really believe Lamar will get baptized after that lesson, I have a lot of faith in him. So excited to see him get baptized!!

12/5/14

Today we did service all day for the live nativity things going on tonight and tomorrow night. Setting up trees, tables, nativities, cleaning, etc. The nativity was beautiful and it went off with a hit. It was super fun to meet tons of people, get to feel the spirit of Christmas and just focus on the savior. There were a ton of really cool nativities and pictures of Christ. I got to greet people at the door and also sang in the choir. We sounded so good and everyone loved it. We filled every single seat and still people were standing in the back. Just a great night!

12/6/14

Today we tried to talk to people and no one answered again. It stunk. But that night was good again! There were even more people there and I really enjoyed it. Got to talk to a lot of the missionaries from other areas and here of their success and how the field is treating them. I finally got to take a picture with Elder Row. He rode on the plane right next to me and he is pretty cool. He is from Sacramento and we just get along really well and have tons of laughs! Great turn  out and just a great experience to be apart of. I was sad when we were done singing, I really enjoyed it a lot. When I get home, I want to learn how to play the piano a little and maybe even sing while playing! That would be cool!

12/7/14

The moment of truth... Lamar came to church finally!!!! It was so awesome and he really enjoyed it a lot! He told me about how he has a 10 year old son that he wants bring as well, he might want to get baptized in the future! That would be super sweet! We had the Christmas party that night and there was tons of good food! Great way to end a fast, I loved all of it. Got to talk to a lot of the members and even got a picture with Santa! Then after the party we listened to the Christmas Devotional. I really enjoyed, "the light of Christ" part of it. I have studied that a lot. I believe everyone has the light of Christ in them, it is just up to them if they are going to shine it or not. Just like Lamar said, he could see a certain glow about us, like angels would have.

Another fast flying week, December is finally here. I wore my new Christmas tie yesterday and everyone loved it! Mississippi is getting colder, not by much though, everyone is wearing jackets but me. I must be from Idaho :) I hope everyone is doing alright, make sure to prepare yourself for Christmas, focus on the true meaning and enjoy your time with your family. Mine is a little ways away but I know they love me! I will miss them so much! Make sure to shine your light of Christ for everyone to see, show them how they can shine it brighter as well. Enjoy this Christmas time, I love and miss all y'all!!

Keep on smiling!

Elder Mason Rankin :)

More Pictures 11/24 - 11/30/2014

Franklin and the Mansion

Me and the Mansion

A snake we found

More Pictures 11/24 - 11/30/2014

Package from Grandma & Papa

 

Christmas Calender!

Wingspan

The tree is up!

Selfie of a Selfie, Look at his goofy face ;)

Old Hattiesburg High

9/11 Tribute downtown

Cool car we saw

Pictures 11/24 - 11/30/2014

Elder Jones & I



Love the blanket

BSU & Saints Bed's, Which one is mine? ;)

Cool tree street we tracted on

I just don't even know

Week 11/24 - 11/30/2014

Hey y'all!

11/24/14

Today was a great p-day. We played mafia with a bunch of missionaries and I was the mafia. I got so close to winning I almost made it to the last round. It was so funny!! Everyone was so mad at how good I was! Sis Clark brought us Popeye's for dinner! yummy! It was so good, Franklin says we have to go back there soon. We also taught Jordan & Erin tonight again, the lesson was super spiritual. I started testifying at the end, I was on  the verge of crying my eyes out and they still haven't accepted a baptism date. We are going to continue to work with them. They said they would come to the nativity concert I am singing in but still haven't said yes to church. We will get them there soon!

11/25/14

Today we taught this older lady named Tara. She is from Florida but moved here sometime ago. She wants to get back into church again, so we taught her a lesson, gave her a Book of Mormon that she wanted to read and hopefully in the future we can get her to church. My favorite lesson of this whole week was probably this one. We taught this young couple named Morris & Kia. I started talking to Morris and he let us right in. They really loved our message. I definitely could see a difference in my teaching. I got them to open up a lot, ask questions and eventually commit to reading the Book of Mormon. We are meeting with them again this next Tuesday, so pray that everything goes good!

11/26/14

Today we had DDM and we met the new member of our district, his name is Elder Jones. Elder Belani left so he replaced him. He is a really energetic missionary and will definitely help our district a lot. Plus he is alright at basketball so we can play each other.

11/27/14

Today we had a sick Turkey Bowl  at Pearl River Community College. The Wiggin's Elders know the A.D. there so he got us set up with flags, the field breakfast and a good game of football. My team won of course! Afterwards we went over to the new basketball gym they just had put in and played some 3v3. It was super nice of him to let us use it and he even said we can come back again! We had dinner at the Timothy's house. They are an older couple that is from California and Texas. He reminds me of a guy of Duck Dynasty, he is a big hunter and has taxidermy all over the walls. The food was so good, tons of different stuff! The dressing was way good, they had brisket and sausage and turkey and mashed potatoes and this cajun stuffing. Not a bad dinner at all. I shared the Thanksgiving Cow story and we each went around and talked about how thankful we were for the gospel in our families.

11/28/14

Today we had Bishop Storehouse early and that went smoothly. The highlight of my day was this guy that we met tracting. He told us "No offense, but I'd rather have y'all come to my door then Jehovah Witness." Haha it was awesome!

11/29/14

Today stunk because we had to drop Charles because he wasn't progressing and he wasn't committing to anything and the only reason that he was talking to us was so that he could try and get food. It's sad, but true. The whole day also stunk because no one would talk to us while tracting, the only good thing that happened was that some older guy gave us coke's as he was leaving his house. He was the only person that was nice to us the whole day.

11/30/14

Today the highlight was church and choir practice. I really enjoy a lot of the songs that we are singing and Elder Gray and I are killing it. The choir director guy is super funny too so it is always a good time. Today they put me right in the middle below the top row and everyone behind me was mad because they couldn't see over me! So that was kind of funny!

Another fast flying week, we didn't have a ton of success but it helped me know that next week will be better then this one. I know that we will work harder to achieve our goals and help others come unto Christ. The lord provides when you need. It. I love this time of the year. Christmas music is starting, our tree is all set-up and I am making snowflakes to cover the whole apartment. Stay tuned for that aftermath, Elder Franklin thinks I am crazy but I just love the Christmas season. The weather has warmed up a little, and the Hattiesburg ward is doing great. We are hastening the work and I am bettering myself while trying to help others. I love the gospel, I love the people of Mississippi and I love you. Thanks for all the support, I miss y'all!!

Love,

Elder Mason Rankin :)

pictures 11/18-11/23/2014

week 11/18 - 11/23/2014

Hey y'all!

11/19/2014

Today we had a great district meeting. We accomplished a lot! We have a new member of our district because Elder Belani left to Shreveport.. I was sad. But his replacement, Elder Jones, is pretty cool. He is really hard working and should help their area! That night we had dinner at Bro Mim's house. He is an older gentleman in our ward and needed help moving a recliner.  He said that he saw that I looked strong on Sunday so he gave us a call! hahaha

11/20/2014

Today was the best day of the week probably!! We worked so hard and got so much done!! We taught a ton of lessons, got 2 solid new investigators and a baptismal date. Our first new investigator is John. John was a marine, divorced, young, dad, that works for the state and believes in Christ. We taught him the Resto and he committed to baptism and reading the Book of Mormon. He is really solid, and it was an even better lesson because I was able to connect with him really well. Teach him in a way that I understand, because he seemed to learn it better and understand it way more! Our second new investigator is Valeri. Valeri is a young college girl that is an intern at this rehab place and loves to run. If this name sounds familiar, it is because it was the same girl we taught a few weeks ago, the door I felt prompted to go to. The lesson was guided so much by the spirit. It wasn't about hitting points, it was all about helping her understand. Such a wonderful day, I felt so accomplished!!!

11/21/2014

Today we met this young guy named Samuel, he reminds me a lot of my cousin cooper. He sort of looks like him too, only if Cooper was black.. hahaha He answered the door and immediately said yes to having us teach him a lesson. He was even wearing a Call of Duty shirt!! It was great to teach him and ask him a lot of questions to get to know him better. He really opened up and even committed to reading the Book of Mormon. He said that he doesn't go to church too often, or read from the Bible but he said that he would give this a chance and pray about it! All we ask is that, invite people to come unto Christ. Then we had dinner at Sis. Law's house. She broke down crying when we showed up and said, she was so glad we came. She is going through a rough time and we were able to chat with her and uplift her spirit. What a fabulous lady! She said that the next time we come over that she will make us some real southern food because she didn't have time to that night! Can't wait!

11/22/2014

Today kind of stunk, we tracted for hours and no one answered. I was super depressed. But we got to do some service so it made my day a little better. We had to help the Bishop move some stuff around and he even let me go fish in his lake after we were done. I almost caught something! Yes that is right, my Bishop is so rich that he has his own lake. It is pretty sick! Then we went over to one of the Sister's investigators house and painted his ceiling. It was great to chat with him and teach him a lesson. He is progressing right along and can't wait to be baptized!

11/23/2014

Today was a good day of church. It was missionary based so almost all the missionaries had a part in the program. Elder Gray and I had just spoken so we didn't speak but everyone else did. It was a rally could meeting for the members and also investigators. We also had Stake choir practice today which was awesome. It is really fun, I can't wait to perform at our concert. It is so funny to watch our chorister get into it. He throws his arms around and his whole body with the music. It's so funny! The only thing that stunk about today was that I felt kind of sick. My head was pounding and my nose was running, hopefully I feel better soon!

Overall, it was an alright week. I woke up this morning and realized that it was Monday already and it was my 2 month mark! It's crazy to think how fast the time has gone. Weeks just keep flying by. The work and ward her in Hattiesburg is growing stronger and hopefully by next month we will have a baptism. We have a few really good investigators. 2 investigators I need help with are Jordan and Erin. We meet with them tonight, they still let us teach them but it is really hard to get them to come to our church and they still haven't committed to baptism. Keep them in your prayers! Thank you for all your support, I know I am in the right place, I know that I am doing the right thing and I know that I am a child of God. I miss and love y'all!

Love,

Elder Mason Rankin

Week 11/10-11/17/2014

Hey y'all!

11/10/14

Today was another fast p-day. We had zone p-day and it was super fun to see some of the people I don't get to everyday. We played ultimate frisbee, sand volleyball and kick ball. My team of course won ultimate and volleyball, we didn't do as well at kickball. That is alright though. Both our appointments fell through tonight. The one I was looking forward to was Jordan and Erin, but Erin got sick so we just planned for next Monday. I really hope we can progress this young family!

11/11/14

We taught a less active tonight named Randy. We were able to talk to him about our favorite conference talks from this last conference. I was inspired to share Dieter F. Utchdorf's talk on testimony and light. He has a testimony but he doesn't live it and we were able to really get that across to him tonight. He has some struggles with smoking and other things but I know he has a kind heart and wants to change.

11/12/14

Today was Zone Development Meeting, it was really motivating and help us make sure we had our focus, Elder Franklin committed ourselves to work really hard the rest of the week, so that we can take that into the next transfer. Tonight we went to Dinner with the Holm's to Topher's so that was awesome because I got to see Benjamin! We also were able to talk to one of our waitresses and she seemed interested in who we are and what we are doing. So, we might teach her soon. Her name is Kara and we are pretty sure she only talked to us because she was checking me out the whole time we were there. What can I say? Missionaries look good everyday! :) Then we went to practice in the stake choir we are in now. We are doing a nativity thing in November. Still don't know how we got picked for it, but that's alright!

11/13/14

Today we worked so hard in the freezing cold because we were on bikes! I was so cold, the wind and cold here is so much different then Idaho! I seriously just got wrecked. We met with Charles Jordan and had a very spiritual lesson with him. I set him with a baptismal date and then gave him a blessing to help him keep his commitments and that life gets better for him because he has been struggling a lot. Then we tracted into a lady named Shirley, taught her a short lesson and then planned to come back when her husband was home next Saturday. When we were saying the prayer she kept mumbling "thank you" and "Mmm." Probably one of the funniest experiences of my life. I am doing that from now on. Then Sis Woodard brought us dinner because she couldn't get anyone to come over to her house that night. She brought us Dickey's BBQ. It was funny because she doesn't feed any of the other missionaries anymore. She likes me so much now that she only feeds us I am pretty sure. I gave her a loaf of pumpkin chocolate chip bread for giving me the BSU tie, she loved it!

11/14/14

Today was the best day ever! Went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. I got to be with Elder Paul, older missionary from North Salt Lake. We had a great time tracting and were able to talk to a lot of people and teach a couple lessons! After that I felt prompted to go over to an investigators house named Lamar. As he answered the door, he looked so surprised. He said " I have been trying to get a hold of you, I must have the wrong number, but now you are here!" It was so awesome. Then we taught him a Resto lesson with his Sister who is a member. Probably one of the best lessons ever. I learned so much from Elder Paul throughout the whole day. At the end of the lesson we committed him to baptism and he said yes! So excited to see him progress. Then we went and taught an active member named Sis Clark and in the middle of her lesson she broke down and she told us this personal story of some trials she was going through. I was able to then give her a blessing at the end. The spirit swarmed the room as I began to speak, I wouldn't have been able to give the blessing without the guidance of the Holy Ghost. So thankful for the priesthood!

11/15/14

Today we tracted into an older lady named Margaret. She has alzheimer's and smokes. We taught her the restoration and committed her to read the Book of Mormon. She wants to quit smoking, she wants us to come teach her grandson and she loved our message. She even said she wanted to come to our church. It was so awesome. We plan on visiting her sometime next week. Then we went to Dinner with Britt family, afterwards we got to go home teaching with Bro Britt and see a less active named Sis. Reedy. She expressed to us that she wanted to come to church. Bro Britt planned on giving her a ride and this will be the first time she has come to church in a long time! So excited for her!

11/16/14

What a great Sunday! We had two investigators in sacrament, Sis Reedy was there and the spirit was so strong there. Charles and Debra were the two that came to church! It was so great to see all the ward members come together and just loves these people that we brought. The ward members expressed to us that they love the work that we are doing. We are changing this ward for the better. I guess they used to have missionaries that never worked, so they love the change! 

11/17/14

Today we deep cleaned the apartment and then went to clean the church for service. The apartment looked so much better. It was kind of looking pretty bad towards the end of that transfer. Later we got picked up by the Brock's and we went to Cici's pizza for dinner. They are such a great other couple and so funny to chat with! Afterwards, Bro Brock asked if we had any appointments and we said yes with Jordan and Erin, some of our investigators. He then offered to come with us and had such a wonderful lesson. The spirit was there and Bro Brock's testimony really helped them a lot. He even straight up asked them to come to church without us asking and I really think they will come this next week. It has been hard to get them to come because they are active in the Baptist church and Erin loves to sing in the choir. I pray that they come this next week, I know that they will love it and finally they will see what they have been missing their whole lives. I really hope this goes well!!

What another fabulous and fast week. I find these weeks flying by scary fast. I am spending another Transfer here in Hattiesburg East area. I will be leading the area this transfer so we will see how that goes. We have a lot of strong investigators and a ton of potential's. I can really see us getting a baptism this transfer. The church is true and I know that the Lord provides. He put people in our path that only we can connect with. I found that I am able to really connect and really able to teach the people now, not lessons. He provided me with great people like Lamar that are ready to hear the gospel. If we have open hearts we will receive a greater portion of the word and our light will grow. Show your light of Christ everywhere you go. Light will always overcome the darkness. I love and miss you all! Keep on smiling!

Love,

Elder Mason Rankin

#foreverstrong #dontstopscoring

Pictures 11/3-11/9

Exchanges with District Leader

Thanks McGraths!

Found a friend doing service.

Week 11/3- 11/9/2014

Hey y'all,

11/3/14

Today we ended a great P-day. We went over to the Wipple home for dinner. She made us baked potatoes with taco soup and rolls. We then were about to teach them a lesson about the family mission plan. Helping them become more involved with missionary work. Then we went over to Jordan & Erin's(investigators) house and taught one of the greatest lessons ever. We re-taught the restoration to both of them and at the the end we cleared up and questions they had and just testified. The spirit was so strong there and at the end Erin expressed to us that even though they go to the Baptist church, they don't believe in everything they teach. They consider themselves christian but want to state and Denomination!! I know they felt the spirit, we asked them to be baptized and they said they needed to pray about it. Can't wait to see them progress!

11/4/14

Today was exchanges. Elder Gray and Franklin were in the West Elder's area and Elder Burningham and I were in my area. It was kind of fun but stressful to lead my area for the first time. I was confident though in where to go and we got some good work done. That night we went over to the Hinton's again for dinner. What an awesome family, they are so fun, loving and accepting of everyone. We laughed for a while, had some delicious dinner and then were able to end with a lesson on Christlike attributes. I did my portion on becoming humble. Since week one I told myself that I needed to work on this since I have such a big head and I think I am better then everyone else. In the past weeks, I let my trainer train me, I allowed myself to be teachable and I learned so much more. Was also able to recognize and teach through the spirit.

11/5/14

Today I was super depressed. One of our investigators declined baptism and pretty much said he won't ever become Mormon no matter what we teach him. After that lesson, I just prayed to myself to have strength and make the most of the rest of the day. My prayers were answered! I got a package from the McGrath family and was so excited to find white cheddar popcorn inside! Elder Gray loves it and would've eaten the whole bag if I let him. Then we went tracting and I was just really down still... until we knocked on this one house. I felt prompted to knock on this house that wasn't on the street we were tracting and young college girl named Valeri answered. We found out one of her co-workers was talking to her about the Book of Mormon and she is in our ward. We taught her the Restoration, gave her a Book of Mormon and she invited us back. Such a simple lesson to her, but the spirit was there. I was sweating as we walked away from the door, full of the spirit and so full of joy. I was jumping around the street so happy. Franklin thought I was crazy! haha A member gave us gift cards to Cracker Barrel so we went and I got Breakfast for dinner. I got these huge pancakes topped with fresh blackberries. Sooo good!

11/6/14

Today we tried to get in contact with Trikeshia but she bailed on us again. I think it is because of her new job and she doesn't fully know her schedule yet. Hopefully we can catch her next week. That night we taught a potential investigator named Nadeen. She studies culture and religion and was really interested in the history of the Book of Mormon. It was a great lesson and we invited he to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know it is true. She is also going to teach a religion class next semester and asked if we would come teach a lecture. We will see if that happens.

11/7/14

Today we did a ton of service for Sis Murphy again. We cleaned up her jungle of a yard. It took forever! Mowing, clipping and tons of trimming. I was so tired! I found this turtle though in her yard and that was pretty sweet! Then we went over to Sister Pilgrim's house and had a real southern dinner. We had red beans, sausage, rice and "southern' cornbread. The "southern" cornbread isn't sweet at all like some cornbreads and it actually was a pretty good dinner. She was said to hear that we haven't had a ton of southern dinners so she plans on having us over again soon!

11/8/14

Today we met a lot of uplifting people. The first guy we met was a preacher for a baptist church. We were so scared he was going to bible bash with us but he actually was really nice and told us to come back to teach him more. He talked about God and related him to someone sitting in an airplane. Out of an 8 inch window you can see 3 train engine, 26 cable cars and a caboose. As we go throughout our lives we may think we are going through really hard trials. God is there to help you because he know what is coming in our lives and is ready to bless you. He is looking over all of us. Then we met another really receptive guy. He wasn't even on the street we were tracting, but I saw him down the road a little ways trying to start his car. So I thought I should go try to help him. Found out he was a mechanic and said he didn't need our help. We were able to chat with him for a while. He appreciates what we do and just went off on how Jesus has blessed his life. He said he has even seen an angel catch his pregnant wife one time in his home. Awesome stories, meeting some great people!

11/9/14

Today we taught the whole young men's. That may seem like a lot until you hear they only have 6 young men total in the ward. We taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ and it went really well. The awesome part of today was going over to James' house (sister's investigator) and giving him a blessing. He is going through a lot of trials and he is trying to prepare himself for baptism. It was such a great opportunity to feel that spirit, I am glad that I have the priesthood and have the ability to use it to help people. He is progressing so much and it was great to get to know him better. Over-all, it was an alright week!

This week went by so fast. It was kind of scary to think I am already at P-day again. I am growing, I am learning so much and I know this church is true. This next week I won't be emailing until Tuesday because it is transfer day. I think I am staying in Hattiesburg for a while so I should be fine. Loving the work, I love my family. I miss you all so much. Keep writing me and letting me know how life is going. I love to hear from y'all. Have a great week and keep on smiling, God loves you. I love and miss you all!!! :)

Work Hard, Play Hard.

-Elder Mason Rankin

Pictures

Ward Halloween party

Bottled Root Beer