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 :)