How’s it going??
Life’s good here in Logan! Just baptising nations, that’s all. Nah, honestly, it’s been a wonderful, Spirit-filled week, lots of awesome people and experiences!
Let’s get ‘er done!
13th June
So today was FILLED with travelling! We headed down to Williamson (pronounced ‘Whimpson’) which borders Kentucky. It was wild driving down a road, looking to the left, and realising that the trees were in a different state. Very cool though!
On the way, we headed to a small town called Delbarton. It’s tiny! Pretty cool and old-school town where everyone knows each other. Went into Dollar General and asked if they knew where someone lived and they were just like, “Oh yeah, he just lives down this street but he’s not in if you can’t see his van”. They didn’t ask who we were, what we wanted, why we were looking for him. WE COULD BE BADDIES AND THEY’RE JUST FREELY GIVING OUT HIS INFO!
We headed into Williamson, taught a lesson with a lovely lady called T*****, explained the Priesthood and she’s interested in being baptised! It’s just tricky because she has no car and lives about 45 minutes away from the Chapel :/
And then we completed a bucket list item. KFC…in Kentucky! I can die a happy man! It tasted just like normal KFC… BUT FROM KENTUCKY!!!
14th June
We spent the morning dotting and ran into R***** again! He’s an awesome guy and wants to sit down and chat some more (he’s the one with a famous son)!
We then headed to the J*****’s for some food! It’s always sooooo good! Love them!
We had a lesson with Sh***** (finally – she’s been avoiding us for a while) and then headed home to do some calls. We chatted with a lady and she said her pastor told her that she shouldn’t speak to us because we don’t believe in heaven and hell which
1. is a misunderstanding, and
2 it’s dumb!
Surely as a pastor you want you congregation to be seekers of truth and so should encourage them to look into everything?! Anyway we just kept chatting to her ‘cause everything we said she agreed with. She said we couldn’t meet with her because of her pastor, but she agreed that we could still chat over the phone. (Her pastor is her best friend and “would never lead me astray”… Judas was Christ’s friend…just sayin’.)
15th June
Went to help Brother S***** build his house. Yep, we’re building a house. But he wasn’t there. His friend, who had a whole lip full of dip (ie chewing tobacco), was there, though! So we helped him remove the bed off his truck so he could fix his leaking fuel line. Most hillbilly thing I’ve encountered so far!
Headed to Williamson again for more lessons, but ALL OF THEM FELL THROUGH! Tough 🙁
We then headed to a library to do some stuff. Now, I’ve never been in a library before. I know. How haven’t I? Because I’m not a loser!. That’s how. Anyway, my only exposure to libraries has been through digital media… so I’m petrified to make a noise as I enter. Shaking in my Blundstones. Well, turns out they aren’t like that… the lady behind the desk was just chatting to us normally! Felt mildly betrayed!
Travelled on down to Sa***** (the lady from California) for a lesson! Taught the Plan of Happiness (message me to learn more) and she cried when we told her families can be together forever. I guess when you’re raised being taught something, you don’t realise how monumental it is to other people. Sa*****, a lady who is grieving the loss of her daughter, has just found out that she can see her again and spend eternity with her! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!?! It was a huge blessing to not only be present, but be the one to teach her that!
Got an awesome flower drawn on my hand by M***** and then headed to T*****’s! I cannot say this enough… I LOVE SPENDING TIME WITH THEM!! The best bunch of people this side of the Mississippi!!
16th June
Exchanges… in Huntington… for the 4th time, I believe…
To be fair, this was an awesome exchange!! Picked up three new friends, and had a “member present” lesson (which is nigh on impossible here!) Although last exchange we picked up four new friends and put someone on date… but numbers don’t matter!!!
I was with Elder Archibald this time and it was good! He’s an interesting guy!
We got Little Caesar’s for dinner. Got a large pizza for $8… What a steal!
17th June
A***** IS BAPTISED!!! One of the most amazing women anyone could have the pleasure of meeting just got baptised! It was such an amazing day! Elder Smith baptised her, but – because of her bad back – I had the honour and privilege to help out and be in the font with them. The spirit was so incredibly strong!!
We went knocking after that and had no success (shocker) but just as we were going to the car, a lady ran out and shouted, “Are you guys Mormons? Do you have one of your books”? I was so prepared to be bashed… but she was genuinely so excited to get her hands on one! Weird encounter!
Had a lesson with Sh***** and then onto Brother M*****’s as usual. Love him!! I feel like we’re actually just mates now. He’s awesome! EVERYONE listens to rock music here, so again… thanks Mum and Dad for raising me correctly! Every time we go over, he makes me play “Blackbird” and “Fast Car” and then he taught me how to play some songs on guitar! He also gave me a pick and you better believe I’m going to get him to sign it!! He’s a rock star!
18th June
After church, Sister L***** gave me some blueberry and lemon scones and some chocolates she didn’t want.
We then went and visited some old members who can’t make it out! Wished Sister F***** a happy birthday and she gave us some carrot cake! Laced with a ton of nuts, but it’s the thought that counts!!
Then we went to the J*****’s, walked the dogs (English Pointer and a Setter) and then they fed us and gave us a spiritual thought! The tables have turned! He’s organising the camp for the young men and boy I wish I was going… it sounds awesome!! THIS IS WHY YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE MEMBERS!
19th June
Heading up to Huntington for P-day…
Wish me luck.
I’ve been reading the New Testament (KJV) and, in Matthew 7:21, it says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
We gotta work! We’ve got to do the will of the Father!! We can’t just claim Christ as our Lord and not do what He commands us to do! We can’t call ourselves Christians if we don’t act like it…THAT’S TAKING THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN!!
Basically… be a good person okay!
Love all y’all 🙂
Elder Bishop
Smh, back in my day Little Caesar’s pizza was a fiver! Darn inflation.
Love yer right back Elder Bishop. I love reading your posts. I think you should become a writer, if your book was as entertaining as your posts I’d buy it.
It sounds like you are having an amazing mission, and it’s wonderful to get this small window into it. You are amazing Jake, and we love you. Keep up the great work, we pray for you every day
I love reading your posts Elder Bishop! You are such a delightful and diligent young man. I feel I’m really getting to know you from your attitude to “ the work.” So thrilled with your attitude to those you’re teaching and helping. It’s so refreshing to hear a young missionary genuinely so fond of the people and realise the blessings of teaching the gospel principles and not “ counting the baptisms” although that is obviously the “ Cherry on the cake “ ( and many congratulations on those successes!) I’m glad you’re appreciating more and more the privilege of being brought up by “goodly parents’ bath in spiritual knowledge and wisdom of everyday living. Food seems an important part of this mission and I’m glad you’re charming the members who are in return feeding you “ treats.” Carry on the good work. Praying for your continued energy and enthusiasm for your calling and your safety and well-being. Best wishes always Freda
Lip full of dip!!!🤣🤣🤣🤮🤮🤮
Ahem- , I go to my library as often as I go to church, I didn’t think that made me a loser. I always took my kids every week which they enjoyed, yet none of them are readers now. Surprising.
Hurrah for the baptisms!