Christmas Baptisms!

First Christmas on the mission is officially in the books! Wasn't at all what I expected it to be like, but it was definitely fun and memorable. Here's a glimpse of what the week looked like:

Tuesday, we were walking around visiting a few people, and we saw someone shooting hoops at the basketball court, so we stopped to talk to him. We ended up playing with him for about an hour, and talked to him about his life story, and about the church the whole time. Turns out he's had a pretty rough past, and basketball is his getaway. It is mine as well, so we got along super well. Turns out he's never met with missionaries before, because his parents didn't let him, but he was interested and had some questions. We answered some of them until he had to go. Turns out he doesn't live in our area, but I will let you all know what happens next!

Wednesday, we had district meeting, and afterward we had interviews with President Jaggi. It's always great meeting with him! After that, we had a lesson with Savanna, teaching her the last couple things she needs to know before her baptism. Then that night, Elder Atienza and I went to lessons in Harrisville for the sisters. We taught a man named Enrique, who wants to be taught by elders for some reason, but it was a super good lesson. He's super prepared, and we convinced him to be taught more by the sisters that cover his ward, so we made a smooth transition for them haha.

Thursday.... Was lots of tracting and contacting with no luck.

Friday morning we helped one of our Investigators, Jess, move. She's super solid, but is moving to the Logan missionaries, so hopefully they don't drop the ball ;). After, we had huddle with the senior couple, the Bucks, and correlated the work in the stake. That night, we got Savanna interviewed for her baptism, and she was all ready to go! We also had a lesson with a girl named Claudia and put her on date to be baptized on the 13th of January. Will let you know what happens with her.

Saturday was awesome! We held the baptism for Savanna, and it was amazing and spirit filled. She was baptized by her uncle, and confirmed by Elder Link on Christmas Eve at church! It was his first confirmation, but it was awesome. I also got to attend Maria's baptism in my old area! I'm so glad she and her husband are both striving to be sealed in the temple in a year from now. That baptism was also very spirit filled!

Christmas Eve we had breakfast with the Andersons before church, and it was delicious! Then, we were able to go to church and listen to the amazing testimonies and musical numbers from so many members. Also, Savannas confirmation of course! That night, we had some awesome meals with other members of the stake, including the Bittons and the Nielsons.

Christmas day was the best! In the morning, Elders Beckdol, Atienza and Murrillo came over to open presents. Afterward, we went to brunch over at the Nielsons house! It was awesome. Then I got to Skype home to my family, which pretty much made the day! We spent the rest of the day with other members, and finished the day by working out with brother Bitton. It was awesome.

I hope you all had a merry Christmas, I love you all!

Elder Tyler Greer
Utah Ogden Mission Office
4380 South Orchard Ave
South Ogden, UT 84403

Merry Christmas!!

Next Monday isn't actually our P-day, so I guess I'll say this now, Merry Christmas! Our p day will be on Tuesday, and only until 1:00 for some reason. Probably because I get to call home on Christmas! Anyway, this week wasn't too eventful sadly. I'll give a quick rundown.

Monday was the normal thing!

Tuesday, we had zone conference, which was pretty awesome! The trainings were mostly on solidifying investigators, and getting "unstuck". Most of the missionaries in this zone are having a hard time with being stuck with no success. I'm sure that the trainings helped them as it did me.

Wednesday, we had service at Ogden Nature Center, and it was pretty fun. We picked up trash, and cleaned windows the whole time. Later that day, we had a lesson with Jordyn, and it didn't go too well. She's got a lot of concerns right now, and isn't ready to be baptized. She said she will continue to go to church, and read the book of Mormon, but that's about it.

Thursday, I don't remember a thing!

Friday was awesome! We got to leave the mission, and go do service at Ben Lommod high school, and set up for an event that they are having soon for Christmas. There were Logan Utah missionaries there too, and I got to see Elder Hudgins, who's serving from our stake! We took a picture, so see below for it! That night we met 3 girls, ages 11, 14, and 17, while tracting and they accepted us to come back!

Saturday, we collected and handed out tons of winter clothes to homeless people in the Ogden area! It was awesome to see their faces, and how grateful they were to receive it.

Sunday was a complete blur other than church. I'm sorry. I'll write better notes down this week, or start writing in my journal for once!

I love you all and hope you have a merry Christmas!

Elder Tyler Greer
Utah Ogden Mission Office
4380 South Orchard Ave
South Ogden, UT 84403

I'm a Father!

I have officially given birth! My son's (new missionary) name is Elder Link! He is from Tyler, Texas! So far we get along great. He's adjusting to missionary life, just as any new missionary would. This week was crazy busy so I'm sure he didn't have any time to think about home.

Monday, we went to Buffalo wild wings for my birthday, and basically just hung out all day. We also went bowling and went to the Mexican restaurant!

Tuesday, we spent almost the whole day packing and visiting people, since we were both leaving the area. Not too much proselyting happened sadly.

Wednesday was transfer day! We were in the new missionary training, for trainers, like half the day, until the new missionaries arrived from the MTC! They came by bus, and we helped them unload and welcomed all of them. Then finally, we were paired with our greenies around 5! I, of course, got Elder Link. Later that night, we went and got dinner, and also had a lesson with a girl named Ally already! She's super interested, and is from England. Doesn't have too much of a Christian background, but does want to be taught!

Thursday, we had a ward Christmas party in the morning for breakfast, and another one for dinner! In between, we did some tracting, and had a couple lessons.

Friday, we had a lesson with Mckoy. He's 13, and is on date to be baptized on the 30th! He's super solid, and has a very good belief in Christ. He's progressing, and we taught him about the Plan of Salvation.

Saturday, we had another Christmas party! Yes, another. We cover a whole stake, so they're basically every day! We also had another lesson with Ally. We knocked some doors, and visited a few potentials.

Sunday, my greenie and I, both gave talks! Both of them were focused on Jesus Christ, and his atonement. I think they went well! Elder Link has been out 3 days, and already gave his first talk! It was an overall great day.

Not too much else from me this week. Love you all!

Elder Tyler Greer
Utah Ogden Mission Office
4380 South Orchard Ave
South Ogden, UT 84403

I'm 20 and Training???

Today I turn 20 years old, and just typing that out freaks me out! It feels like a few short months ago I celebrated my 19th birthday with friends and family back home. Now, I've been on my mission for almost 9 months and my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has grown stronger than I would've ever imagined. Many people say holidays and birthdays are hard on the mission, which they are, but every time I feel down or discouraged, I know I can look to my savior, who gave his life for me, and the least I can do is serve him faithfully for 2 years.

This week has been super stressful, as far as the work goes, but tomorrow is the last day of the transfer. I got a call last night, saying that I'm leaving Mound Fort, and heading to the Ogden West Stake, with the Zone Leaders to train a new missionary! They split their stake, since they're killing it out there, so I'll cover half the stake with my brand new missionary. I'm excited, but super nervous, cause neither of us will know the area!

Monday, we worked out in the morning with Brother Bitton in West Haven, then played speedball with our entire zone. It was fun to be able to play speedball again! Later we went bowling, and just hung out.

Tuesday morning we got a call from Maria, Manuel's wife, saying that they were on the way to the emergency room for his foot, so we quickly drove over there to see how we could help. Manuel is already scheduled to have an amputation on his bad leg in January, and a sore started on his good foot and looked infected, so he went just in case. They gave him antibiotics and told him to take it easy. We went over to his house after, and watched the Prophet of the Restoration movie. Him and Maria really enjoyed it! Later that night we prepared our past district training for the transfer.

Wednesday, Elder Tabler and I gave our last training on having an effective personal study every morning. We had a really good discussion with our district about it, and it was a good last district meeting. I also went with the zone leaders for the day on exchanges, so I got to be with Elder Beckdol in his area. We had some pretty good lessons, and it was a good day.

Thursday, Elder Tabler and I were invited to MLC, which is mission leadership council, and we were there basically all day long being trained by President Jaggi and the assistants.

Friday, we went to a retirement community and helped set up Christmas decorations for them. It was super fun! The old people were very thankful haha. Right after that, we did some weekly planning, which is always fun! Later that night we had a couple lessons, but nothing special.

Saturday was a crazy day. We spent most of the morning with Plain City, buying red solo cups and setting up a #LightTheWorld right over the freeway! We got lots of honks, and many people calling us telling us they saw it haha. It took lots of perfecting! We also had 2 Christmas parties that day, with lots of good food and company. I also got to sit on Santa's lap! It was really fun. That night we got a call from Manuel saying he's heading to the ER again. His foot was swelling really bad, and he was in a lot of pain. We went to the hospital with our Ward Mission Leader and gave him a blessing. I've never seen a grown man in that much pain. It was sad, but he had faith that God would take care of him. Amazingly, he was released that night, and got to go spend time with his daughter for her birthday.

Sunday was a regular day. Went to church and hung out. We also got to bring the sacrament to Manuel, since he's on bed rest for a few days. He was grateful.

That's my update this week. Hope you all have a good week! Love you!

Elder Tyler Greer
Utah Ogden Mission Office
4380 South Orchard Ave
South Ogden, UT 84403

Light The World

Happy late Thanksgiving! Hope everyone got as stuffed as I did. It's been another good, but cold, week here! I'll give a quick run down of the week.

Tuesday, we had interviews with President Jaggi, which is always great! Then we had service and a couple member lessons the rest of the day.

Wednesday, we had district meeting, and Elder Tabler and I trained on faith. We also brought in one of our ward mission leaders, brother Reid, to train us as well. He's a super spiritual guy, and presents doctrine extremely well. Later that day, we had more service at habitat for humanity.

Thursday was Thanksgiving! We had so many meals, and it was ridiculous. I'm so glad, and thankful, for everyone who signed up, but 3 back to back meals did not go over well for me haha. We had one at 12, 1, and 2:30, then another at 6. My stomach was hurting for about 2 days straight. It was great to be able to spend time with some other missionaries in the zone though, since transfers are next week, and a lot could be leaving (possibly me).

Friday, I spent most of the day writing a talk on the Book of Mormon, that I was going to give on Sunday. I don't enjoy speaking in church, so I take a long time to write my talks... The rest of the day we met with Manuel and his family. Maria and Angelina are supposed to be getting baptized this coming Saturday, but they are unsure if they are ready. I'll update you next week whether or not it went through!

Saturday was a pretty awesome day. We met with Manuel again, but mostly just to set up his new smart TV, and his new ps4. He knew to call us, cause he knows that's all we did before our missions ;). After that we went to dinner, and that night there was a huge parade in downtown Ogden. A bunch of us missionaries serving in Ogden, set up a table with light the world decorations, which is the church's Christmas initiative. Basically, they release a video that corresponds with each day of December, of how we can service someone in some way. Light the world in 25 ways over 25 days! We handed out a lot of pass along cards, and talked to a bunch of people. There was also fireworks, and tons of lights there!

Sunday, Elder Tabler and I both gave our talks on the Book of Mormon, which he did great! I'm not sure how I did, because no matter how bad or good you do, people still say good job haha. The rest of the day we spent visiting members asking for referrals.

If you haven't already please check out the #LightTheWorld videos on lds.org, and find out ways you can serve this Christmas season. Love you all, have a great week!

Birthday or Christmas Packages should be sent here:
    Elder Tyler Greer
    Utah Ogden Mission Office
    4380 South Orchard Ave
    South Ogden, UT 84403

Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404

Living Christ Fireside

"As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth."

This week the Utah Ogden Mission put on a musical fireside, named, The Living Christ. I'm so blessed to be a part of this mission and to be doing this great work along with so many elders and sisters that I love. The spirit was so strong as we sang praise to our Father in Heaven. I know because of that, that Jesus Christ lives. His atonement is infinite, all we have to do is follow him.

Often times we talk about His atonement saving us from death, and cleansing us from sin, but we forget to mention the strengthening power of the Atonement. We learn in chapter 7 of Alma, exactly what our Savior had to go through to provide us with this strength.

"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

Our Savior experienced, and suffered, every single mortal challenge “according to the flesh” so He could know “according to the flesh” how to “succor [which means to give relief or aid to] his people according to their infirmities.” He therefore knows our struggles, our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering, for He willingly experienced them all as an essential part of His Atonement. And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all.

If you all have not already, I invite you to watch the video of our fireside. It's on YouTube, and Facebook if you would like to watch it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZhS__vEF04&feature=youtu.be). I promise you, as a representation of Jesus Christ, that you will feel His love for you.

"We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."

Have an amazing week. I love you all!

P. S. If you would like to send me stuff for my birthday, or just in general, send it here:
    Elder Tyler Greer
    Utah Ogden Mission Office
    4380 South Orchard Ave
    South Ogden, UT 84403
Instead of my current address. Many packages go missing.

Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404

Keeps Getting Better!

Another great week here! If you didn't see on Facebook already, something awesome happened! I'll get to that in the weekly summary :) Also, I hit my 8 month mark this week! It's crazy to think I'm a third done already, I feel like I'm just getting started.

Monday, we did the usual thing, worked out, went bowling, and just hung out! Monday night we had a family home evening at president Jaggi's house! It was about faith, and it was great.

Tuesday I don't remember what we did. Must've been good! Also, president Lavoie dropped by to say hi!

Wednesday, we had zone conference! It was mostly about working with members. Our entire zone is out in the country except for us, so it was mostly for them, but hey I learned from it! We will be having a lot more member lessons and asking for referrals!

Thursday, we had another musical fireside practice. Later, we helped our recent convert Manuel move into his new house for a while! He moved into a new house just down the street from his last one, so it wasn't that bad. Later that night, I did a baptismal interview for a senior couple in plain city.

Friday was much like Tuesday, can't remember!

Saturday was awesome! We set up booths in the gym for a Book of Mormon open house, that our stake was putting on later that night. We had president Jaggi come, and talk about the Book of Mormon, with displays set up in the gym after. It was a great success! A lot of non-members came.

Sunday was the best of all! Hayden Blackburn was baptized, and I got to baptize him! It was a super great baptismal service, and very spiritual. Afterward, we had refreshments at their house, and I got to see a lot of people from my old area!

As many of you also know, my grandpa, on my mom's side, James Jacobs, passed away on Tuesday morning. He was a great man, and a very loving father/grandfather. I'm blessed to have the knowledge of the gospel, and the fact that I'll be able to see him again. I sure did love my Grandpa. Thank you all who has prayed for my family!

Love you all, have a great week!

Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404

Tracting, Tracting, + more Tracting

So guess what we did almost all week... TRACTING! We are really trying to expand our teaching pool, so we did a lot of knocking this week. Because a lot of it is repetitive, I'll give you a quick summary as always.

Monday, we did the regular thing. Worked out, and went bowling. Monday night, we just visited former investigators and nothing came from it. Tuesday, we tried finding as well, still no luck.

Wednesday, our zone leaders gave a training on working with members. It was really good, and the zone sure did need it. Can't remember what we did the rest of the day.

Thursday, we had a fantastic lesson with Manuel, his wife Maria, and Angelina. We put Maria and Angelina on date to get baptized on the 18th of November! They said they don't want to be pushed, but we, and they, feel like they can be prepared by that day.

Friday, we had our musical fireside practice at the tabernacle as a mission. It went from 9-12, then we had lunch, and weekly planned our whole afternoon until dinner. That night, we had a lesson with someone we found earlier in the week but it wasn't really solid.

Saturday was our best day of the week. We found 3 new investigators, tracting out some apartments in our area. We put 2 of them on date and they're pretty solid!

Sunday was pretty regular. Went to church, visited a few members for referrals. Overall a good day.

That's it from this week. Will update you all next Monday! Love you all!

Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404

Amazing week!!

This was seriously one of, if not the best, week of my mission! So much happened, but I'll keep it to the good stuff. Here's the summary:

Monday, we bowled as a zone, because it was the last week of the transfer, so we all wore our zone shirts, and had lots of fun together. At the end, we took a picture to remember it, so see it attached below!

Tuesday, we had a booked day with lessons and visits. We had a lesson with Manuel and his family. We challenged him to have a family home evening Monday night, but they weren't able to because of their schedules. We just talked about the importance of spending quality time with his family, and he agreed, and we challenged him to do it again tomorrow. We also had a lesson with Tobe, and talked with her about her visit with Elder Murillo. She loved his back story, and enjoyed his testimony of the gospel. It was neat to see two Navajos connect.

Wednesday and Thursday we spent visiting formers and potentials. Not much came from it, but we did get a few return appointments. We also had a couple ward parties that we attended, as our dinner appointments. We managed to get Tobe to attend her ward party, and she loved it! See the pictures below from the parties!

Friday we tried to meet with this man named Johnny, who was baptized about a year ago. After he was baptized, he never made it to church the next Sunday, to get confirmed. We have a couple weeks to get him to church and get him confirmed, but the time is short, so he may have to baptized again. He is open to meeting with us, and wants to go to the ARP meetings for his drinking addiction. Other than that, Friday was filled with random visits that I don't remember.

Saturday was the best day of the week! We had a zone blitz in West Haven, and Nehemiah came out with us! He's this 20 year old that lives in our area, that the zone leaders and us have been teaching, and he's great! He spent the whole day with us preparing for his baptism later that night! He was on fire knocking those doors. He's not even a member yet, and he was so ready to share the gospel. Later that night he was baptized! So many people came to support him, it was amazing. He was even blessed enough to have President Jaggi himself, perform the baptism! Most spiritual baptism I've ever been to. He bore his testimony at the end, about how in a year he wants to serve a mission. His spirit is so great, and he will definitely be a great Missionary!

Sunday, we had stake conference in the tabernacle right next to the temple! It was fantastic. Afterwards, I was able to go back to Clinton for Lily's farewell party! For those who don't know who they are, I was blessed enough to meet the Blackburn family, and was able to teach their son Hayden as well. He hasn't been baptized yet, but he will be soon! It was great to be able to spend some time with them again, and wish Lily the best, before her Mission in England!

Hope you all enjoy the tons of photos I have from this week! I love and miss you all, but am doing great here in Ogden Utah! Have a great week!

Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404

Sickness Number 2

In the words of Elder Lavoie, serving in Orem, being sick on the mission is the worst. No one is really there to help you, which sucks! Now that may seem very childish, but is true. Some things you don't want to grow out of, and this is one of them. But anyway, my companion and I have been sick almost all week, so I don't have much for you guys.

Manuel is doing great. We have been meeting with him and his family, and we will hopefully be putting his wife on date to be baptized soon. Other than that, we will be having a family home evening with them next week, so it should be beneficial!

Other than that, all I have is a few pictures. Sorry this wasn't a very great update, this week will be much better because...... TRANSFER WEEK! Elder Tabler and I are staying as district leaders here in Mound Fort. We are getting some great Elders in our district, so it should be fun!

Love you all, have a good week!

Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404

(Elder Haworth wearing my beanie looking all goofy 😂) 

Baptism!

"Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost." (2 Nephi 31:17) 

Our investigator, and dear friend, Manuel Lopez has entered the gate to eternal life this week through the waters of baptism! Bishop Edwards was able to baptize and confirm him a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints this weekend. It was great to be able to see him change tremendously, and come so much closer to his Savior. The spirit was in great abundance at his baptism, and everyone there could feel it. His wife and daughter both attended, and hopefully soon will also be baptized!

Other than Manuel's baptism, not too much happened this week. I went on exchanges with the zone leaders in their area, and it was awesome. We had a few lessons, and got to play basketball with some of their investigators. We also had a district blitz in Harrisville, and knocked some doors for a couple hours. Not too much luck came from it, but we're planting seeds!

Ex-Elder Bogle (Austin, red Chiefs shirt), came back and visited as well!

That's it from me this week. Thanks everyone for the love and support as always! Take care!

Love,
Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404

Zone Blitz!

Hey everyone! This week was a very short and busy week, so I'll give you a quick rundown.

Monday was a pretty relaxed day, we went bowling and did some shopping, so that's about it. Elder Smith and I also bought matching suits! Elder Tabler will be buying his soon, so we will all be matching haha.

Tuesday we tried doing some finding, since we didn't have any lessons with our investigators. We didn't have much luck, but a couple people said we could come back later.

Wednesday, was a great day. We had a zone training, from our zone leaders, about real intent. They talked a lot about how we have to give our whole effort, having faith that we will find that people will listen to our message. It was powerful training, that we all took a lot from it. Afterward, we had a couple hours to find, but no luck.

Thursday, we had district leader training from President and Sister Jaggi, that was also super good. They talked a lot about the importance of the book of Mormon, and how Jesus Christ is the foundation that we need to build upon. It was a super long meeting, that took most of the day, so I'm definitely just summarizing it haha, but it was great. That night we had an amazing lesson with Manuel, and put him on date for baptism for the 14th of October!

Friday we had a lot of service, and some more finding. I also got to provide Manuel with some service, and mow his lawn for him!  We also went around trying to find ways into the apartments that we cover, so we could knock them. We found some members willing to buzz us in, so that was good!

Saturday was amazing! Our entire zone got together in our area for a Zone Blitz! Basically we went to all different spots in our stake, and just knocked doors for 3 hours. We had quite a bit of success! We found 2 new potential investigators, and had like 4 return appointments! We also had another lesson with Manuel that night, teaching him about the Word of Wisdom. We brought Elder Delgado with us, who has been serving an addiction recovery mission for over 10 years. He was very receptive to the lesson, and committed to following it to prepare for his baptism.

Sunday, Manuel came to church! We were super nervous he wasn't going to make it, because of his health problems, and not being able to leave his home, but he said he was willing to do whatever, so he came! He enjoyed it a lot, and he's super prepared.

That's all I have for this week! It's going super well here in Ogden. I'm starting to love my new area a lot, and we're finding those that are prepared for the restored gospel! I hope you all have a good week, love you!

Elder Greer
Utah Ogden Mission
1785 Center Ave
Ogden, Utah - 84404