Blessing in North Little Rock

Skyler has been so busy the past few weeks that his letters have been fairly short - but I wanted to include some of the highlights from the past few weeks.



The NLR Area is on FIRE!!! We have had so much success this last week. The members are really starting to support us, people being taught are coming out of the woodwork, and our positivity is very high. We have 4 baptisms schedule for this saturday, and we are looking at having 10 baptisms in December! Isn't that great! We have two families and a couple individuals set for baptism, and it's so incredible. We believe that all this good is coming because of the concecration of the mission as a whole. It's incredible to see this.

I'm very grateful that Elder Patterson and I are staying together for another transfer. We both have high love, and are working on keeping our expectations high so that we can continue to see the miracles.

So this last Sunday was miracle central here in NLR. We had 6 people come to church! 3 of which were formally taught, so we were able to pick them back up as people being taught. We also set 2 baptismal dates! One with a young man. I talked with him and introduced myself to him during priesthood meeting and asked him what he was expecting from coming to church, and he said "Well, I just really want to be baptized." I was like well, we can definetly help with that!!! After talking for a while we set a date for the 15th of December!

After church we had the opportunity to use the knowledge we gained at LTM and had a wonderful Church tour with the Dad of a family of 3 that we met on Saturday. The father is a wonderful man with a heart of gold.  He is so humble and wants to be a family man and to center his family on Christ. We taught him the restoration as we went throughout the church. When we were at the baptismal font, we asked him how he felt, and he said I feel the chills, but good chills. It was so incredible!!! He has a sweet little wife and a 9 year old son named Wilbirn the 3rd. We were able to set their baptismal date for the 15th of December and will set dates with his whole family this week!

Miracles upon Miracles, Upon Tender Mercies!!! God is so Good.

This week I have spent a lot of time working on the Jesus Christ Topical Guide study, and have focused on the fact that Jesus is Jehovah, and the head of his church. I loved the statements where he said that this is His church. I loved reading through Doctrine and Covenants 115:4 which said "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." This reminded me of the most recent talk from President Nelson. There is such power in the name of the Lord's church. That really stood out to me

North Little Rock District

Zone Activity

The wonderful Howard Family. 

Happy Birthday Skyler!

Random trip to the ER. 

20 Months Out - Can You Believe It?

Hello Friends & family! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I thank you all for what you do, but mostly for who you are. 

Sorry for taking a month off from writing to yall. I will strive to get better at this. 

This week has been kinda A mixed bag to be honest. The beginning of the week was super lame.... But Friday through Sunday was fantastic. 

Transfer news came on Saturday and my whole district is staying the same. I will be serving with Elder Patterson for another 6 weeks. What is kind of interesting is that at the end of this transfer we would have spent 1/4 of our missions serving together, and another 1/4 serving really close to each other. That is pretty cool. 

This week Laura dropped us over messenger. We think she had a lot on her plate, and in our excitement and enthusiasm we may have overwhelmed her. She researched a lot of Anti church information and had a lot of other things going on, so we will give her a few days break before we reach out to her again. Please pray for her. 

Anyway.... On to the brighter side of the week. 

Friday was great! We actually finished our weekly planning (which is a blessing for sure), and then after all that we had a lesson with Mark. Mark is doing wonderful. We finished teaching him all the lessons on friday. He mentioned to us that he has a lady friend who introduced him to the Gospel and that she wanted to come to the baptism. Well long story short she can't come out here until November so Mark asked for his baptism to be moved to November 10th. So from now until then we will just keep on reading with him from the Book of Mormon and strengthen his testimony. 

Also on Friday we were privileged to attend a Young Single adult fireside with Elder and Sister Callister of the General Sunday School Presidency. That was wonderful! They were accompanied by Elder Behesti our area Seventy. Elder Callister gave us 10 principles of Revelation and that was phenomenal! I learned so much from that. He expressed the thoughts of President Nelson on how eager the Lord is to reveal his mind and will to us individually. How amazing is that!

Saturday we were able to listen to Elder Callister 2 times! In the Morning he spoke to the missionaries and then in the evening he spoke in Little Rock. At the devotional in Little Rock Elder Behesti talked about the Apostasy and the Restoration, and the Elder Callister talked about the Book of Mormon and WOW! It was incredible. He explained 4 very simple reasons why we need the Book of Mormon. 

Here were my notes 

"1. The restoration of lost or confusing doctrine.

One doctrine confused in the Bible is about The Fall of Adam and Eve.

Most Christians believe that the Fall of Adam and Eve was a tragic step backwards. The Book of Mormon teaches that it was a glorious step forwards. 2 Nephi 2

2. The Book of Mormon answers the questions of the soul. 

How can I increase my faith in Jesus Christ? Alma 32 

How should we respond to afflictions in my life? 2 Nephi 2:2

Can I really be forgiven of my sins even my egregious ones? Alma 24:10

How do I know when I am receiving impressions from the spirit of the lord? Moroni 7:13

Can the Savior understand my sorrow and give me comfort? Alma 7:11-13

3. The Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ and his teachings.  If you only have one witness it is hard to believe that what they say is true. If you have two witnesses then you can know that what they teach is true. 

4. The Book of Mormon brings us closer to God. 

In a world of conflicting voices the Book of Mormon speaks the word of God powerfully and clearly, thus drawing us closet to God. 

That was just a few of my notes. It was incredible! 

On Sunday Elder & Sister Callister and Elder Behesti came to the NLR Ward Sacrament meeting. Elder Behesti told the congregation that The Callisters were not planning on speaking, but they pulled a talk together on the ride to the church that morning and it was wonderful. Sister Callister spoke on the critical need of reading the Book of Mormon and told us of a promise that President Marion G. Romney gave to the saints that if parents would read the Book of Mormon to their children every day then they wouldn't loose them to the ways of the world. 

Elder Callister Spoke on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how the Atonement covers 4 obstacles in our life. 

1. The Atonement of Jesus Christ overcame physical death. Luke 24:39

2. The Atonement of Jesus Christ overcame Spiritual death caused by sin. 3 Nephi 11:14 

3. The Atonement of Jesus Christ overcame our infirmities. Alma 7:11-13

4. The Atonement of Jesus Christ overcame our weakness. Ether 12:27

I learned so many things this week about our beloved Savior Jesus Christ. Oh how I love my Savior! The English language is completely inadequate to describe my tender feelings & Love for Jesus Christ. I know that He lives! I know that he knows my name, and everything about me. I know that he overcame Sin, Death, human infirmities and weakness. He is my best friend. 

Scripture for the week. 2 Nephi 31:20 

"20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

I love yall, stay blessed where ever y'all are. 

Sincerely your friend in Arkansas, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

19 Months Out - and Great Things are Going on in the Blessed Land of the South!

Hello my Brother's and Sisters! I rejoice with you in the Gospel and Doctrine of Christ! I want to thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are.

I know it's been a while since I wrote to y'all last. Sorry about that. This week has bee. Awesome, so let's hop right in. 

We had many great lessons this week with some incredible people. We finished teaching Kamber the lessons and reviewed the baptismal interview questions so that she was ready for her interview. We also set 2 more baptismal dates! One is with a man named Veeto, and the second is with an awesome young man named Mark. We had incredible lessons with both of them and they are both set to be baptized on the 22nd of September! Woot Woot! 

This week we also had zone conference and that was great. President Hansen instructed us on the importance of keeping the law of Chastity and how that can bless us so much in this life. It was really inspiring. We were also instructed on what we can do to help our people being taught come to church. 

One funny thing that happened this week was when we went and got corn dogs from sonic. It's close to the end of the month and the 4 Elders here were broke, but we heard that sonic had their 50 cent corn dog deal. So we broke out the piggy banks and started counting change. It was really funny 😂

Preparing for Kamber's baptism was kinda stressful, but we got it all done. The Baptism on Satuday was amazing!!! It was such a spiritual experience. It was very humbling being able to Baptize Kamber and help her get started on her journey along the Covenant path. It is days like these that we remember for the eternities.

I was also given the opportunity to talk in church on Sunday about obedience to the Commandments of God. As I studied for the talk I was reminded again about the critical need we have to obey the Commandments to live the happy and blessed life. Obedience brings blessings. The greater obedience on our part the more blessed and happy we are.   

A Commandment that I want to highlight with you all is the commandment that we study our scriptures Daily, especially the Book of Mormon. Through the voice of President Thomas S. Monson the Lord declared that "We must read the Book of Mormon everyday everyday everyday." The Promised blessings that will come into our life if we do so are... 

1. we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit. 

2. We will have Greater ability to resist temptation. 

3. we will be able to overcome doubt and fear. 

4. We will be able to receive heaven’s help in our lives.

Those are 4 incredible promises that will come into our lives as we simply pray and read from the Book of Mormon. 

I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I love reading it, and feeling the peace it brings into my heart. If you are not reading it, I would ask that you start reading. Start today and begin a new chapter in your relationship with God. 

Thanks for the prayers everyone. Please keep praying for us out here. 

I love y'all!

Y'all stay blessed where ever y'all are! 

Sincerely, 

Elder Skyler Glen Larsen 

MTC Reunion Group

Elder Larsen, Kamber, and Elder Patterson

The Elders and the Hall Family

I hope he didn't eat those by himself :)

New Opportunities in North Little Rock

Hello Family and Friends!

I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I want to thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are. THANK YOU so much for all the prayers that y'all have given in our behalf. They really do make a huge difference. 

So this last Saturday we received transfer news and I will be staying in North Little Rock, but I was released as an office Elder and called to be the district leader of the NLR District. I am literally just moving across the hall, so that was pretty funny. I will also be serving with Elder Kayden Patterson again. And what's a super awesome bonus is that Elder Raish and Mair are coming to the office! I love both of these amazing elders. I'm really looking forward to doing exchanges and enjoying how awesome this new transfer is going to be. 

We are also having more success with Jacob and Kamber. For those who don't know Jacob and Kamber are a part member couple and they are SO AWESOME.  They came to church on Sunday and stayed for the first 2 hours! They had a marvelous time. I'm really excited to keep teaching them on a regular basis now. We are going to use Facebook messenger to teach Kamber while Jacob is working in Russellville this week so that will be a new experience for us. It is going to be great. If y'all could pray for Kamber that she will be ready for baptism on the 25th of August that would be much appreicated. 

We also have a bunch of service opportunities lined up for this week so that's awesome. I'm really glad that I will be able to get back into the swing of things here in North Little Rock. 

This last week we traveled probably over 1000 miles. We went to Stuttgart and taught some great lessons there. We went there and spent a day with Elder Barnes (who is a great missionary) and taught some lessons. It was great to be back in the field again.

We also drove missionaries to west Memphis for doctors appointments this week. That was a very enjoyable day because the people we took I love so much. I also love driving the assistants Mommy van. It is seriously so much fun to drive. I now know why so many mothers love vans. Lol. 

We also had a call to drop off some media down in Hope for the Watermelon festival down there. It was a great excuse to go down and see that wonderful place again. 

After getting back from Hope we traded out cars with the Assistants and loaded up for Southaven Mississippi. We pulled in close to 11 PM. The next morning we went to Holly Springs Mississippi and helped some missionaries quickly move out of a bad living environment and into a new apartment. That all went well and we had no complications so that was a real tender mercy. I like driving, but 3 hours in the truck is pretty long. 

We did an estimate and in 4 months we think we traveled over 15-17 thousand miles, and spent over 300 hours driving. That's a loooonnng time. 

Anyway it's been a good run in the office. I'm really pleased with how everything has gone. I couldn't have imagined how many lessons I would learn in such a short period of time. 

The scripture for the week comes from Alma chapter 32. This is one of the greatest discourse on faith recorded in scripture. Alma is teaching the people who have had hard circumstances come into their lives and they were wondering how they could increase their faith in Jesus Christ. The parts that I want to share with y'all come from verses 21&28

21 And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

   28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed ... it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

My dear friends, that's the test. If reading the Book of Mormon brings good feelings into your heart and you feel closer to God, then it must needs be that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. If the Book of Mormon is the word of God then Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. If Joseph Smith was a Prophet then this church is the Restored church of Jesus Christ.  I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I have read it many times, and each time I read it fills my soul with such heights of love, and depths of peace. I know that because of Jesus Christ sin's curse has lost its grip on me. He is my comforter, my strength and my all. I will stand as a witness of Christ is all the world. He is my best friend and I will serve him with all my heart until he returns or calls me home. Here in the love of Christ, I stand. 

I love you all so much! Please email me if y'all have any questions. I would love to here from you. 

Stay blessed my Friends!

Sincerely your brother in Christ, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

Hope, Arkansas is famous for their watermelons - and being the birthplace of Bill Clinton

Elder Larsen and Elder Carter

18 Months Down - 6 to Go!

Hello my Family and Friends! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Thank you all for what you do, but more importantly for who you are. 

Can you believe that we are at the 18 months mark? How crazy is that? It seems like just the other day that I was a brand new missionary in my first area. At the same time though it feels like an eternity has gone by. The saying for this feeling in the mission is "The weeks are days, and the days are weeks". So true, so true. 😂

Anyway this week has been mostly the same old stuff, lots of driving, moving furniture and "Going about doing good." (Acts 10:38) 

We did have zone conference this week and we were instructed on finding those of our Brothers and Sisters who are ready to accept the Gospel. Nothing in missionary work moves unless we have someone to teach. The more we teach the more will come to church and be baptized. We were also instructed on how we could use the Bible to teach LDS doctrine so that people would be more accepting of the Book of Mormon. 

President Hansen made a helpful book avaliable to the missionaries to help us increase our doctrinal understanding with the Bible. It is incredible how much the Bible has in it. Aren't the scriptures just amazing!😉

We also had interviews with the President this week. This last interview was really good. I was able to set some really meaningful goals to improve and become even better. 

That was pretty much it.... But wait there is more 😂

Spiritual thought for the week: Mosiah 2:41 "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

I know that the Commandments of God are not barriers to our happiness, but are guide posts to the happy and productive life. I have seen in my own life how obedience to the Commandments of God has brought my family and I such joy. 

What are some blessings that you have seen in your life from keeping the commandments? 

What are some things that you can do to better keep the commandments?

I want y'all to know that I know that God lives. He loves us. His Son Jesus Christ really did die for our sins so that we can be made clean. I love him, because he first loved me. (1 John 4:19) I am so grateful for his patience and long-suffering with me. This mission hasn't been easy, but oh how grateful I am for it. Because of all I have experienced out here I know that it is only through the Savior's atoning sacrifice that mankind may be redeemed and brought to eternal glory in the heavens above to live with our Heavenly Father in never ending happiness. I also know that we must choose however to live our lives in accordance to the Commandments of God to be redeemed. It won't be easy, but oh my, will it be worth it. We will find the joy that we all seek if we keep on trying our best everyday Everyday EVERYDAY! Let us all press on in the work of the Lord is my humble prayer. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen. 

P.S. 

Y'all have a blessed day! 

Sincerely a missionary in Arkansas, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

The Beginning of July

Hello my Friends! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for what you do, but more importantly, thank you for who you are. 

I'm sorry for the radio silence these last few weeks. The office has been keeping me really... Really busy.  Anyway I think the grand total is over 4000 miles driven and over 110 hours in the car for the month of June. I know that it is only because of the Good Lord that I am still here. 

For the next transfer I will still be in the office. I think that even though I have had trials and hard times while I have been here I can still make it work. As mortal beings we are all a "Work in Progress". We can only try our best every day to become who we need to be. To the Savior our direction is ever more important then our speed. If we try our best then the Lord is happy with us, and He will make up the rest. That is something that I have had to keep in mind constantly the last few months. 

Sometimes in life it seems that even though we try as hard as we can it doesn't seem enough. Sometimes we are given trials that we don't think we deserve. In the midst of these trials remember what the scriptures say, Hard times didn't come to stay, they came to pass. Remember that the Lord does indeed know what he is doing. This ain't His first time at the rodeo, or His first time around the block.  All things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. (2 Nephi 2:24) He loves us and everything he does is for our eternal benefit and is done with love. 

I love y'all. Thanks so much for your faith and prayers. They mean a lot to me. Keep on praying for me, and I'll keep praying for you. 

Y'all stay blessed!

With love, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

Is it June Already?

Hello my Brothers and Sisters! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I thank you for what you do, but mostly I thank you for who you are!

Can you believe it? It is already midway through June. Time seems to be moving by faster and faster the older I get. Before I know it I'll be home, married, and have 5 children haha. 😂

Anyway this week was busy, busy, busy here in the Mission office. We actually had to do some office work today that's why this is a bit late. We were blessed and only had to drive to Memphis once last week haha. We also found great favor with the Lord and we were blessed to get caught up on all the office work. #TenderMercy

This week though we will be driving to Memphis and back twice in 2 days. I'm not really looking forward to the drive, but hey the temporal needs of the mission need to be taken care of somehow. The work of the Lord must go forward. 

It is really interesting to me just how involved in our lives our Heavenly Father and the Good Lord are. For example we received a new 2018 Chevy Crew Cab Silverado last week (Which is so awesome!) and we were running into some difficulties with the Tiwi device and the truck's computer. For those who don't know the Tiwi is the tracking device in the mission vehicles that tracks the car and helps us to drive better. When we speed or drive aggressively it will prompt us to change and repent haha. 

Anyway the technology wasn't wanting to play nice with each other, and after about 2 hours (and much work and prayer) the Lord blessed us that things worked out. I mean how petty and insignificant is it that we were having trouble with our car and the Supreme Governor of the Universe who lives in Heaven above looked down with mercy and love and blessed us that things worked out. I mean He works with stars, galaxies and worlds without end, and yet he loves us all enough to take the time, listen to us, and bless us in our times of need. This magnificent eternal truth never ceases to fill me with awe, wonder, and profound love for our Loving Heavenly Father and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. They really do hear and answer our prayers. 

I love being a missionary and helping others realize that there is a source to true and lasting happiness in this life and eternal joy in the world to come. This is possible because of Jesus Christ. Oh, how I love him!

I love you all! Please keep praying for me, and I'll keep praying for you. 

Y'all stay blessed!

Sincerely, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

Master The Tempest Is Raging - Amidst these Long Road Trips

Hello my Brothers and Sisters! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are!

I'm sorry about the lack of weekly emails. Time is a rare luxury in the office. I will try to do better in the future. 

My, oh my I have a lot to tell y'all about. This week has definelty been one for the books. I traveled over 1300 miles and visited so many cities. So let's hop right in. 

Tuesday: We had district meeting and packed up and drove a mattress down to Monticello for a missionary down there. That as a 200 miles round trip. 

Wednesday: I went to a doctors appointment and had a wonderful conversation with the front desk lady named Kaylin. We shared the Book of Mormon with her and she wanted to take the lessons. What was interesting was the light all around her when we talked with her. I could tell that she was elect and will be baptized soon. We referred her to the missionaires in Cabot.  

After that doctors visit we drove over to Memphis to prepare to drive missionaries back to NLR the next day. 

Thursday: I drove missionaries from Memphis to North Little Rock then back to Memphis later that day. While the missionaries were having their Missionary Leadership Council Elder Carter and I were running around doing many, many errands and little tasks. I was blest with the small chance to take a nap before we drove back. #TenderMercies in total for Wednesday though Friday we drove over 600 miles. 

Friday: We woke up early and drove to Staff meeting in North Little Rock. We were blest with no crazy traffic and made it on time. After staff meeting and lunch I had the chance to drive the Assistants Mommy van. That car drives like a race car and is such a joy to drive. We were able to also go and teach some lessons to some people. We taught Donna who is a mother of 2. She recently lost a Son, and has been having a hard time with the grieving process. We were able to share the Book of Mormon with her and how it can be her "Balm of Gilead". It was a wonderful experience. We also saw another referral named Bobby. He has gone through some really hard trials recently and was looking for peace in his life. We also shared how the Book of Mormon could help him receive grace in his life to have the strength to keep moving forward. It was a good experience, even though there was an intense thunderstorm outside that knocked the power out twice. 

Saturday: Here is the day where things get interesting. We drove down to Poyen Arkansas to pick up a Tiwi tracking device that was in a mission car, then drove over to hot springs to drop off a study chair. After grabbing lunch and loading up again we drove to Mountain View, Pocahontas, Paragould, Jonesboro, Newport, Searcy and all the connecting towns imbetween. We were trying to make it home to sleep, but after travel delays and the storm of the century we stopped in Searcy close to midnight. 

I want to describe to you in greater detail the storm that hit us just outside Jonesboro. We knew it was coming and after talking with the Assistants and praying for guidance we felt the Holy Spirit constrain us to keep moving forward in our plans in haste,  and not stay in Jonesboro. It was about 9.30 Pm when the storm hit us. Now imagine for a moment the most horrific thunderstorm you have been in and times it by 10. We had torrential rain, severe lighting, and 60 MPH winds. It was a very harrowing experience to have to drive through that for close to an hour and a half. After praying our hearts out and going slow we were blessed to make it through. That was probably one of the scariest experiences of my life up to this point, but it increased my faith in a Loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers our prayers. What a tender mercy it was to pull into the Searcy apartments that night!

My Brothers and Sisters, I want to testify of a Loving Heavenly Father who cares deeply about each and every one of his children. He will listen and answer each prayer. I know this is true. I have felt his love in so many instances in my life. He may not cause the storm to cease, but he will give us the strength and will see us through to safety. 

I love my Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. I love being a missionary. 

I want to invite y'all to make your prayers more meaningful this week. Take a little more time to listen when you pray and you will be rewarded. 

Y'all have a blessed week!

Sincerely, 

Elder Skyler Glen Larsen

 

Arkansas Weather

Feeling a little stuck on the job :)

Having Fun

Service Project

The Office Elders

Transfer Week In the Office

Hello my Brothers and Sisters! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are. 

I know it has been a few weeks since I have written to y'all, and I'm sorry about that. Most of my P-days have been spent running to and fro. 

Anyway, Let's hop right in. 

Most of this week has been spent doing office work. We drove places, visited many people, dropped off media, and "went around doing good." A lot of the work of an Office Elder goes unnoticed by the missionaries, but it sure does make a difference. How can the work of the Lord move forward unless the temporal needs of the mission are met? How can the missionaries help people become converted to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ except they have the media that they need? The solution is having the amazing Office Elders!

There were a couple tender Mercies this week other then staying safe on the road that I would like to share with y'all. We are going to be moving to a new apartment complex, so we went and took a tour of one of the complexes in town. While taking that tour our tour guide mentions that she had taken lessons from missionaries in Kansas in the past. Long story short she is a less active member with 3 kids that could be baptized, and she wants us to come and share the Restored Gospel with them! 

The other tender mercy was when we were able to find the missing transfer van keys. So.... Long story short we lost the transfer van keys on Sunday. After looking during our free time ever day, and much Prayer and wrestling with God we found the keys. I know it might seem kinda petty and lame, but it was a faith promoting experience for me. It goes to show that nothing is so small that we can't take it to God. He does indeed hear, and answer our prayers. Sometimes it will take time to get an answer, and it may not be in the way we expect, but God does listen to his children. Nothing is more important to him then His children. 

The last few weeks I have had to "wrestle with God". It has been mighty hard to maintain my positive attitude, because of feelings of failure. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, because he understands how I feel. Because he understands how I feel, he is able to give me the strength to keep moving forward. Some counsel I have received from dear friends rings true. I can do hard things! The same is true for you. You can do hard things! Paul the apostle of old put it this way, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me". I know that with Jesus Christ, we can accomplish anything. 

My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I know that our Redeemer Lives! He lives to bless us with his Love. He lives to Plead for us above. He lives to calm our troubled hearts. He lives all blessings to impart. He lives our mansions to prepare. He lives to bring us safely there. It is my prayer that we will all strive to come a little closer to the Savior this week so that when all is said and done, we may all return to live with him up there. 

I love you all, God bless you, and have a wonderful week!

Sincerely your friend, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

Hard Goodbye's in Hope - Hello Again Little Rock!

Hello World! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are! 

I'm so sorry that I haven't sent out a weekly in a few weeks. I don't have a whole lot of time this week, so let's hop right in. 

It appears that I am getting transfered to North Little Rock to become and Office Elder. What this means in a nutshell is that I am going to be driving long hours in the truck pulling a trailer. I will also be helping transfer people in the transfer van. It will be a bit of an interesting time. Please be sure to pray that I will be safe on the road. Odds are I will be an office Elder for anywhere between 4 1/2 to 7 1/2 months. We will just have to see what happens. 

Anyway things have been interesting this last week. I was totally not expecting to be called as an office elder. Elder Rockwood was also not expecting to be transfered to Blytheville. Elder Anderson will be staying here in Hope and will be getting Elder Dahl as his companion. I'm really excited for the Hope Branch because Elder Dahl is awesome. 

Anyway my last Sunday in the Hope branch was incredible. I was able to bear my testimony to those wonderful saints one last time as a missionary. I also was able to see the New Elders Quorum President lead the Quorum for the first time. I have helped him a lot throuout the last 9 months and it made me so happy to see how he has grown I also had potluck with the saints, and that was wondeful. The last thing we did was take pictures as a branch. I have pictures with the adults and a few with the little kids. It was awesome. Many, many tears were shed all around. It felt like I was leaving my family all over again. I truly feel that I have been adopted by these wonderful Saints. 

As a parting gift they had all signed cards, and gave me a signed hat and a Arkansas Razorback shirt. I consider that last Sunday a sacred experience. I will cherish those memories forever. 

We also had a musical tribute in Jacksonville and it was amazing! The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon all the people who were there. I felt so privileged to share the first vision with everyone. 

I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and that this is the true church upon the earth today. I will never doubt it. I will never question it. I know that God lives and loves us. 

Please keep reading the Book of Mormon. It is the foundation of my conversion. I know that anyone can read that book and come closer to Jesus Christ. 

sincerely, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

The Sweet Saints of HOPE

Jodi and Dewan with Elder's Larsen and Anderson

The Beautiful Primary of Hope

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music

Hello World!!! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are! 

This week is going to be short, because I am out of time. I'm sorry for not writing to y'all last week. These last few weeks I've been running, running, running nonstop. 

So to recap the highlights of the week for y'all let's hop right in. 

This week I went on exchanges with the Pine Bluff Zone Leaders. That was really awesome! We taught 3 lessons and the people they are teaching are Golden. It was a great exchange 

We have been building a good relationship with the local Presbyterian Reverend in town. We made mention that we were in need of an organ to practice music on and long story short we were given a key to the front door of the church! How cool is that!?!

This week we also went to Jonesboro for the first Easter missionary musical tribute. It was awesome! I'm so grateful for the chance that I had to sing my testimony to all the people who were there. I am also elated that I was able to tell everyone the first vision account. 

Joseph Smith's own words are...

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

I know that God the Father, and Jesus Christ Appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and that they answered his question on what church to join. I know that this is the true church. The Book of Mormon is the proof. If we read it and really desire to know it is true then God will tell us by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

I love you all and God does too. Both of us would like to hear from you. Write me an email and say a prayer and both God and I will answer you. I know that this is true. 

Have a blessed week Y'all!

Sincerely, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

Faith is Not to Have a Perfect Knowledge

Hello World!!! I want to thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are! Thank you ever so much for the faith & prayers that have been offered in my behalf. Trust me I have definitely felt a boost this week. 

The highlights for this week include, Zone Conference, faith building experiences, and feeling God's love. 

So I have had some questions as to what my day to day is like here as a missionary. Everyday I wake up, study, have lunch, and then head out into the world to preach the Gospel. Near the end of the day we have dinner and use Facebook to teach other people. Facebook has become a great tool to try to teach others. 

If y'all have anyone that you would like to be taught the Gospel, I can get them started with Facebook and Skype. 

I am really loving my companions. They are great individuals. Elder Rockwood is my trainee and he is great. He works hard and really tries to do what the Lord wants. Elder Anderson is likewise a good friend of mine. He has helped me a lot these last 5 months. The Good Lord definitely knows who I have needed to be my companion. 

Zone conference was this last Thursday and the whole time we were taught about faith and what it really is. It was very insightful. 

Hebrews 11:1 Tells us that "faith is the substance of things Hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Let's compare Faith to Air. We can't see air, but we can feel it. Likewise we can't see God at the present time, but we can see his influence in our lives. 

On Sunday I was feeling pretty down, and the talks during the Sacrament were just for me. The speaker talked about the Love that God has for us. He taught about how vast and all encompassing the Love of God is. John 3:16 tells us "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Heavenly Father knew exactly what His Son would have to go through in order to bring us home. It was a terrible price that needed to be paid. The Father willingly gave His Son, and His Son willingly came. When I remembered the great amount of Love that the Father and the Son have for me I felt better. I remembered that even through life is hard we have some amazing support from Heavenly Places. 

My dear friends I know that this Gospel is true. I have seen so many evidences in my life that God is real. He knows us personally. I know that Jesus is my Savior. I know that the Holy Bible & the Book of Mormon work together to lift, encourage, inspire, and bless us. 

My Book of Mormon verse for the week is Mormon 7:9

"For behold, this (The Book of Mormon) is written for the intent that ye may believe that (The Bible); and if ye believe that(Bible) ye will believe this(Book of Mormon) also; and if ye believe this(Book of Mormon) ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them

I would also like to extend an invitation to all the married couples who shall read my words. I would invite you to take a fresh copy of the Book of Mormon, and prayerfully mark it according to the whispering of the Holy Ghost for your spouse. I can promise you that as you do this you will be able to hear the voice of the Holy Ghost as he rests more abundantly in your home. You will also grow closer to your spouse, contention will depart, and you will find yourself happier then you were before despite challenges that may arise. I can also promise you that as you grow closer to your spouse, you will also grow closer to God. 

I love you all! Please let me know if there is anything that y'all could use some missionary prayers for. God bless y'all and have a great week. 

Sincerely, 

Elder Larsen

New Mission Adventures

Hello World!!! I love you all! I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are. Y'all are great! Keep up the good work. 

So this will be kinda quick.

Anyway this week I picked up my new missionary Elder Rockwood. He is awesome. I haven't had a chance to get the pictures that we took at the mission office yet, so I will try to send those next week. 

We had interviews with the Mission President this week and that was great. I love having a chance to review the progress of the last transfer and keep moving forward in a good direction. 

If y'all could keep my companionship in your prayers that would be great. I haven't trained before, so I'm a little nervous about all this. 

Book of Mormon verse for the week. 3rd Nephi 12: 44 "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despite fully use you and persecute you." Jesus said love everyone, so go out of your way to love others this week. 

I want you all to know that I know this church is the Lord's kingdom again on the earth. The Bible and the Book of Mormon go hand in hand to Testify of our AMAZING Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus knows my name. He knows my weaknesses and how to turn them into strengths. I know that redemption comes through Christ. 

" How Great, how glorious, how complete, Redemption grand design, where justice, love, and mercy meet in harmony divine!"

I love you all and Have a blessed day!

Sincerely, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

PS - Skyler indicated in his email to his mom that medically he is doing so much better.  He is working with his doctor in Hope and experimenting with taking him off some of his diabetes medication and he is feeling better than he has in almost 2 years!  I'm so grateful for this as a mom.  Since he has been feeling better he is able to do so much more work.  

Baptisms, Diabetes Cured, Training calls, and Senior Couples

Hello Friends and Family! 

I rejoice with you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are!

I am quickly running out of time, but I wanted to thank everyone for the prayers in our behalf this last week. The baptisms and confirmations for Jodi and Xeric went great! Thank you. 

A miracle has occurred in Hope. I no longer have diabetes! Long story short,  Under Doctor supervision I haven't been taking my medicine for 6 days, and my numbers have been good. The Good Lord has cured me!

Transfer news came out and Elder Anderson and I will be training a new missionary in Hope! I'm so excited to be training with one of my best friends in an area that I absolutely LOVE!

The prayers of the branch have been answered and we are also receiving a Senior couple to help us. 

God is SO GOOD!!! He watches over us and helps us more then we can possibly keep track of. I know that this church is the Lord's church again reestablished on the earth today. I know that my Redeemer Lives! I know that if we follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ then we can become truly happy in a troubled world. If you need peace in your life follow the Savior's promise in Doctrine and Covenants 19:23. 

23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

If we read the scriptures (especially the Book of Mormon)  to learn more about Christ, listen to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost, and keep the Commandments then we can receive the peace that comes straight from the Savior.  

John 14:27 says 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

You can find Peace in Christ. 

I love you all, and I love my Savior. He is the Redeemer of my soul. His mighty hand has made me whole. His wonderous power has raised me up, and filled with sweet my bitter cup. 

Have a blessed week!

Sincerely your brother in Christ, 

Elder Skyler G. Larsen

Jodi's Baptism Day

Xeric's Baptism Day

Elder Anderson made this scripture bag for Jodi's - he's got SKILLS!

I Love Hope Arkansas!

Hello Family, Friends, and other amazing Children of God! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are!

Hello Family, Friends, and other amazing Children of God! I rejoice with you in the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I thank you for what you do, but mostly for who you are!

Thank y'all for your prayers this last week!!! We had so many miracles it is hard to keep track of it all. Let's hop right in. 

The Hope Branch's Relief society came to the Rescue Wednesday night and helped Jodi find a dress for her marriage on saturday. It was thrown together rather quickly, but they were able to find a dress that worked.

We were also able to take Dewon teaching with us while they were figuring all of that out. Dewon loved being a missionary for a little bit. His confidence boosted through the roof and it was such a great experience for everyone. 

The marriage on Saturday went SPLENDID! Many people came and supported Dewon and Jodi. It did my heart well to see how the branch has adopted them into the family and helped them so much. My friends, I love serving in Hope. This cute little branch of Zion is the best! I will attach pictures of the wedding. 

After the wedding we took Dewon, Jodi and Spencer (Brother in Law) out to Burger King for lunch. Haha it was a good time and a great way to end the day. As a result of that experience Spencer is now super interested in the Gospel.

We are currently teaching Dewon & Jodi, Spencer & Vanessa, Sara & James and their family, and some other amazing people. Please pray for the Good Lord to pour out blessings upon them. 

I want to share with y'all my firm testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. One scripture passage that has touched my heart more then any other is 3rd Nephi 11: 7, 10-11 & 14.

 7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

   10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

   11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

   14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

I Testify that no evil man could write such holy words, and that no good man would unless he were inspired by the Almighty. I know that Joseph Smith did indeed see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and that they answered his humble prayer. I know that God loves it when we pray to him. He hears us, and will bless us in our times of need. Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. If we come to him, repent and try our best then we can receive Grace into our lives. 

The church is true and the Book of Mormon is Blue, read it and you will find God's plan for you.

I love you all and I pray that y'all will be blessed!

Have a blessed Week!

Sincerely,

Elder Skyler Larsen

Isaiah 41:9&10

Jodi and Dewon's Wedding Day