September 16th, 2013

Jord had another hard week, but his e-mail seemed more upbeat then previous ones! They had a barbecue which he enjoyed very much because 43 people came and some were investigators. Also, he did an Elder exchange and he said that made him appreciate having Elder Fausnaught as a companion even more haha. He got to drive a car for the first time since he was been gone and he said it was really weird! Jordan and Elder Fausnaught are teaching a man named Dan who speaks English and believes in God, but does not like the pravoslav religion. He is confident they will be able to teach him the gospel and he successful!

There are some couple missionaries in Jordans last area (The Winters) who really look out for Jordan and send us pictures of him and cook him dinner. Last week, Sister Winters e-mail my mom the following:

" I keep getting the impression that I should write you to let you know how safe I feel in Bosnia. I know they had a horrible senseless war here, but the people are some of the best in the world. I go out for walks by myself  every morning when I can and everyone smiles and tells me "Jutro." Please know that Jordan is safe here and helping with the beginning of the church in this part of the world. The Lord only calls his best young men and young ladies to this mission. It is hard to let them. go for two years but it really does go quickly. He always has a smile on his face when we see him and is doing a great job :)"

We were so grateful to hear this from her! Bosnia is so far away and has such a history of war so we always worry about Jord! Since Jordan has been having such a hard week, my mom sent him some things hoping to build his confidence and make him a little more happy:

While I was sitting at church today, I was trying to think of something I should say that would help you have a good week and not be homesick and worry about us. The scripture we found for your mission plaque came to my mind...Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation. D&C 31:3. I really think that finding that scripture for your mission plaque was meant to be. It was what Heavenly Father had in mind for you. And as I was reading that scripture today, I noticed that the whole section 31 applies to you and your mission. I hope you will read it today and see what I mean. It is written for a man named Thomas B. Marsh who was called to serve a mission. He was worried about leaving his family and other things you have been worried about. I substituted your name for his name when I read it....it's only 13 verses, but I skipped a few parts..

1.Jordan, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work. 2. Behold you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family....3. Lift up your heart and rejoice for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation...4. you shall begin to preach from this time forth..to reap in the field which is white already to be burned...5. therefore thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you...wherefore your family shall live...6. go from them (your family) for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them..7. yea I will open  the hearts of the people (in Bosnia) and they will receive you. And I will establish a church by your hand; 8. And you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered..9. Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile...10. you shall be a physician unto the church..11. Go your way..and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and wither you shall go..12. Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward 13. Be faithful unto the end (of your mission) and lo, I am with you...

Please keep Jordan in your prayers this week!