December 8, 2014

Hello,

This week has been awesome. We have had so much to do and not enough time to do it all.

On Friday I had the opportunity to see one of my investigators enter the waters of Baptism and be confirmed a member of the Church on Sunday. It has been amazing to see all the changes that have occurred in her life and the life of her family, as she has brought her life into harmony with the Lord. I am really looking forward to all the wonderful blessings that they will receive in the Temple as they move closer, as a family, to the Lord.

We have had many blessing this week in regard to the Less-Active members of the Church. Several of them have expressed desires to come back to Church and have reached out to us so we can help them relearn what they knew.

It has been fair weathered this last week. A few days we had a little rain. Nothing like the awe-inspiring storms of Kansas. Which is kind of a bummer to me. But, hey, the weather pattern is about the same...wait 5 minutes and the weather will change.

Most other things have been going well. I would assume all of you by now have heard of the "He is the Gift" initiative that the Church is doing. They have bought an advertising space in Time Square for the month and the advertising head on YouTube (I don't know how long).

It has been a great way for us to talk to people; especially this time of the year. I would ask each of you to hand on the pass-along cards that came with the Ensign; if you don't get the Ensign you should. But really it is on Christmas.Mormon.Org.

Discover the Gift: Learn about Christ

Embrace the Gift: Gaining that testimony that He is our Savior and Redeemer.

Share the Gift: Get on social media sites post the video on the website using #SharetheGift

Remember the true relevance of the Lord's birth and share your testimony with those around you and you will be blessed.

I love you all and look forward to seeing you again,

Elder McCallson

                                           Emily(Baptizee) and Mark (Baptizer)

                                       
                                          This address followed me... :P

 

December 3, 2014

Dear Blog,

Thanksgiving was good. We only really made it to two homes. Our Bishop's and someone else's. No ham on thanksgiving. Only TURKEY.

I think the worst part was no one sent us home with left overs. The two were good though. I was thoroughly filled. That's okay I think the Lord might be trying to help me lose weight.

Our P-Day is today (Wed) because we were able to go to the Temple and we have no food at the apartment. Funny how that works.

I have been really excited to do family history work these last few weeks, we have become good friends with our wards family history consultants, now I am hooked.

It has been interesting to see the difference in how much temple work I did before my mission and how much I want to do now that I am on it. I have found that the old saying is true. "You don't know what you got till it's gone." I guess that one is not too old but hey give me some credit.

I am so excited to hear that you are being blessed with the wonderfully cold weather. It hasn't been too cold here, it only dipped twice into the negatives. But, I am told that we will not get too much snow or anything like that on this side of the mountains. Now if I was in Eastern Idaho it would be a different story.

It has been interesting to meet people up here that know some of you down there.

The work has really been picking up here with the Church's new "He is the Gift" initiative. We have yet to see any results in my area but others have already had some progress.

I am so excited for the Christmas Season and look forward to hearing all your wonderful tales of Christmas Miracles.

Love,

Elder McCallson    

November 24, 2014

Dear Friends,

This week has been amazing for us. There are so many blessings that we have been seeing turn up this last week.

We have run into a few people that really don't like the church, but that is to be expected. Where the church is big the opposition is too.

All the snow has about melted. Most people say it is odd to have snow before Thanksgiving especially 8 inches. But, I love the snow so I am fine with it.

So many people have been emailing me and it is awesome to hear all the stories of blessings that are coming.

There is work to do and who better than the members to do it. Even though I have been set apart as a missionary it is all of your responsibility to find people for the missionaries. Yes we do that too but the church study shows 1 in 10,000 houses knocked results in a convert but 1 in 3 friends taught in a members home results in a convert.

I feel bad for all the time I had free and didn't help move the work along. The last days are coming and there is still work to do.

I love all of you and keep you in my prayers,

Elder McCallson

                                                       Art in Snow

                                                  Coral       (fast-freezing slush)

                                                   kind of pretty

 

 

November 17, 2014

Dear People,

I am so glad for the Gospel this week. It has been a huge blessing to me and helping me come closer to my Father in Heaven.

I hope all of you work are to understand how much the Lord and our Heavenly Father love each and every one of us.

The week was crazy 26 hours of continuous snow left walking a chore..

I know that all is well and hope to hear from you,

Elder McCallson

                                                         Lots of Leaves

                                                    After we bagged them

                                                         It started snowing

                                                     Snowplow mess

 

 

November 10, 2014

Happy Birthday Grandpa Gene! Happy Birthday Grandma Ilene (on Wed)!

Dear Reader,

Everything is Awesome! Well almost. There are a lot of changes in how Salt Lake is training us to teach. But, it is more effective than the way we did it before. I would ask all of you to read Preach My Gospel and to apply the principles. They are more than just for missionaries. In a talk given by Elder Holland, he said "Preach My Gospel is to convert the missionary, then it is their job to figure out how to help convert others." The same goes for all of you.

It has been getting colder each morning here but with the sun it is beautiful.

Idaho is just as good as most people told me it would be.

Love,

Elder McCallson

 

                                         Just Remember This!

 

                                          Politics in the Mission Field







 

       People say I'm not in Kansas anymore, but with cows in the middle of town, it feels like Olathe

 

November 3, 2014

This week has been a great one. With Halloween and finding 2 new investigators, we have kicked this new week out with a bang. I am so grateful for all you at home who are writing me... the rest of you need to pick up the slack. But, I can see that life is busy. I mean how can I chastise you if I didn't do it before my mission.

Transfers were today and I have a new companion, Elder Lee. Sorry I forgot my camera at home today, because we lost our car. Those Sister missionaries. :P

But, all is well right now. Work is slowly picking up in our area and we are having more opportunities to share the gospel and reactivate children of our Heavenly Father. The members have really started to help us as well. It is awesome when we have members that are willing to do missionary work instead of expecting us to do it all.

I love you all and know that I will be amazed when I return home on how big the ward is or to hear that it split while I was away. Right?!

Love,

Elder McCallson

October 27, 2014

To whom it may concern,

I am so grateful for this opportunity to write you this week. Quite a bit has happened and quite a lot has changed. It has been a tough week. But, I am happy that I have this gospel. Without all the knowledge I can obtain it would be depressing. I would exhort all of you with all the energy of my soul to take a look at how much of this gospel you truly understand. I would like you to write down what you know. Then from there, gain more. "Do you have time for God?"

I know that as you work hard to understand the doctrine better, revelation will come. In fact, you are entitled to revelation. Just look at the Brother of Jared. It said his faith was so great that he could not, not will not or should not, but could not be held within the veil.

We as humans put stipulations on revelation, saying it has to be God's will or I just don't need to know. That is one of the Devil's best lies...because almost everyone believes it.

Please remember we have a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to know everything he does and is just waiting for us to seek for it.

I love you all and hope you remember to thank God for all you have,

Elder McCallson

                                        Good Eating

 

                                        Awesome album cover

                                         Boise's Capitol  Building

                                         I RULE!

          Man, That game is so important, it has say I the Idaho Senate!

                                         LET FREEDOM RING!

                                         Halloween is Awesome!

 

October 20, 2014

Hello Kansans and all others that may check this!

It has been a really good week! Not much has changed except the leaves; which is a great way for missionaries to find people to teach. Keep up on helping them stay busy. I know you can do it.

With Halloween and  Truck or Treat coming up please invite your friends to come. The missionaries will probably not be there. In our mission we have to be in by 6 that night. But, ours doesn't start till 6:30 so that's a bummer.

Keep in mind those less actives in the ward that may have a talent or gift you could have them use during the festivities. The ward I am in had 205 less active households. Yes households; not people. But, we have asked a few of them to help out with Trunk or Treat and they said they would. So, it works.

Please make sure you are reading and praying every night. It is more important now than ever to draw nearer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost.

I know you are all amazing missionaries and want to help the work to progress.

Love,

Elder McCallson

 

 

                                                                Scary Pumpkin pics

 

                                                       Beautiful skies in Idaho  

October 13, 2014

Dear Members,

My week has been awesome. With conference to rebuild morale of the missionaries, the work has moved forward better this last week than ever. We are excited to see how many more the Lord is helping to prepare. I hope you are all looking for people to invite. If nothing else watch Elder Bednar's talk again. It was awesome.

I can't wait to see how much the ward has grown when I get home... It will grow right?!

Just remember the Lord is preparing people. The only questions is...will you help them move forward.

Elder McCallson

October 6, 2014

DEAR READER,

Here are some ideas on how you can share news about "Meet the Mormons";

Let them know that all proceeds are going to Red Cross.

This is not a doctrinal movie, it is letting people know that we are humans too.

Extend an invitation, I have learned that success is in the invitation.

This is a wonderful time to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. With General Conference available for reviewing I would exhort you with all the energies of my soul to feast upon the words of Christ. Most of you will probably read this and think, "He is just a missionary extending another invitation." You are right. I am a Missionary. I have been called of God to gather his lambs and sheep. All need to be closer to Christ as we progress ever closer to the Second Coming of the Lord.

Please invite your friends to come closer. Start basic. Share your testimony, ask them to pray about problems they are having. Work with them so that one day when the missionaries ask "Who do you know who would be interested in and benefit from this message?" You can give them a name of another child of God you have been helping come closer to Christ.

Brothers and Sisters, we are just that, our purpose as members of the Church is to share our knowledge and add upon the knowledge that others have. An invitation is a successful missionary experience.

I love you all,

Elder McCallson

 

                                 Changing up the Diet (even on a mission I am taking it :P)

 

September 29, 2014

Friends, Kansans, Country Men lend me your ears...

Not really cause you might need both of them. It is beautiful up here is Idaho. The weather is getting cooler and I am excited for Fall and Winter.

I am told that because I am on this side of the mountains I will only receive about 3-5 inches of snow in the winter months. This causes me a degree of sadness as I will miss the snow and ice in Kansas.

The work is still pushing along as we are trying to contact people in our ward.

Keep up the faith and remember "God be with you till we meet again."

Love,

Elder McCallson

PS. Happy Birthday Zach!

September 22, 2014

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

Have I told you I love you lately? Well I do. I always wondered why missionaries say it so much and when they get back they are so moved by people they see. I guess I understand why now.

6 weeks have flown by here in the field. First transfer is over most of us in our district stayed the same. So not much new to report on that.

I have decided I hate paper work. I never liked it in school and I really don't like it here. But, if I am going to be the best missionary (I can be), I will have to do it.

To all those asking about how many potatoes I have eaten. The answer is not much. Because everyone else thinks that others are feeding us meat and potatoes. We have pasta or Mexican most dinners. I have though had the opportunity to have Rabbit Stew, and Elk. They were both really good.

Keep up the work, "We are all enlisted till the conflict is o'er"

Love

Elder McCallson

                                                  PIC: Yes we are just that cool!

 

September 15, 2014

HELLO FROM A LITTLE TOWN CALLED BOISE,

"What more can he say than to you he has said." As I search the Holy Scriptures I find that I have so much to work on. I know that people have told me this since I was young but it never really hit me until I came out here.

This last week was probably the slowest on my mission. But, with the plans we have for this next week we may have more work and ever before. It's funny how that happens.

I hope you are all treating the Missionaries well back there. Because if you are not.... I can't really do anything. But, just treat them well.

We just had our Stake Conference. It was awesome! It was all about families. I wrote down this question. Who is our family? Now with this there are several answers that you can rattle of the top of your head, but, I really want you to think about it.

Keep those you love in mind.

Love,

Elder McCallson

PS. Please tell me because I cant tell if the members love us or not....

 

Can you spot Jacob among this CHIP HEAVEN?!

September 8, 2014

Hello reader,

All is well with me. The weather is cool and refreshing. The work has been a little slow as of late, but I know it will pick up soon. Stake Conference is coming up for me and it will be different not being there with my family. I hope you all enjoyed yours.

There is much you can learn from listening to the Holy Ghost's promptings. I know that sounds like a broken record, but having the opportunity to guide me, always, is a nice treat. Everyday during my personal study something new in the scriptures comes to life.

I would exhort all of you to look at the different Christ-like attributes in the scriptures and pick one a week to study, ponder, and apply. It will greatly increase your faith and testimony of this latter-day work.

Please find someone in your path this next week to share your testimony with, whether it is a member or non-member. I know you will help your testimony grow when you do.

I love you all,

Elder McCallson

This first picture is of Elder Sellers and me eating a dish called Natto which in Japanese culture is good but, it is fermented soy beans... so please share that one with Craig I think he will enjoy it.

The second is of my precious Chipotle.... I FOUND ONE!!! I nearly cried when I saw it as we were driving past.
The last is of my district at the Temple.

August 26, 2014

It is going great. When I got here we only had 1 Investigator, we have 3 now. That guy that came to church and someone he was talking to outside. We taught them the first lesson and have return appointments with them this week. The lady that stopped us was only into the church for our welfare program.

I have to say I love the weather here a lot more than Kansas most of the time. One of the few things I miss are the HUGE storms we get there. These are all tiny. But, I love being able to go outside and not have to change clothes twice a day because of sweat. The shade here is exactly that: SHADE. NO HUMIDITY (or really low).

Mom asked:  What's the winter weather like there?
Jacob replied:
I hear that it is only in like the 20s or so here. and it will be nicer because of the low humidity sweat and things will not get frozen from the wind. But they do tell me that I need to stay suited up for the weather. They only get like 2 or 3 inches of snow on this side of the mountains.

Mom asked: Is it hard to keep the Mission Rules?
Jacob replied:
Its easy to follow the rules. All you have to do is just do them. They are simple. Wake up at 6:30am, get dressed and be in Personal Study by 8am, Companionship Study at 9am, be out the door or eating at 11am, then go out and teach and find, return at 9-9:30pm, plan for the next day, lights out at 10:30pm.

Here are some pics some are from my group at the MTC others are my companion Elder Sellers. And the other elders in my apartment. Elder Gonzalez, Elder Partlow, and Elder Avery.

I have learned so much while I have been out here about the Gospel and how I can better apply it to my life.

 "Questions start where Knowledge stops."

Always ask questions. By doing so you call upon the powers of heaven. The Holy Ghost will testify of truth no matter if it is Spiritual or Temporal.

I love you all,

Elder McCallson

                                                 My Companion, Elder Sellers

                                                  Elders in my Apartment

                                                    My Little Bit of Home

August 18, 2014

My first week was awesome. Right off we, Elder Sellers and I, did a little shopping, then went straight to a teaching appointment at a member's house. The goal in this mission is to teach all members the first lesson so they understand what and how we teach. I think that is a great idea. 1) because most member don't really know what to talk to their friends about when they ask about our religion (or at least I didn't) and 2) It helps us grow closer to the families so they can trust us with their friends and other referrals.

One of the few things I miss most is swimming. We have this pool in our apartment complex but.... I can't go! The weather here is dry, whether cold at nights or hot, when the sun is out it is just dry. It is a lot better than Kansas. The people are different. I can't really explain it. I guess this experience will do... Saturday, we went to a members house to help celebrate their 1 year old's birthday. When it came time for cake they stripped him to his "birthday suit" :) so he could eat the cake. Not only that but the party was outside.

Now about the area.... My district covers about a 3-5 square mile area. My companion just transferred from an area in Meridian where he said it was 1/2 a square mile. Most of our ward that we cover lives in apartment complexes (we have 4 in our area) so the static families all hold the callings and live in this area called the Hill. It has become hard for us to continue with the goal of our mission because we don't know where half of the people live; most of that is due to the moving in and out of apartments and our list is like a year old. When we get iPads it will change because we then have an always up-to-date mapping of families in the Ward.

I don't have a Chipotle... That was a bit of a bummer, but so far as I have been here I have yet to eat steak/roast and potatoes. :P I have had chicken alfredo twice though :P

I had the opportunity to confirm my first person. Granted he was 8 years old and his brother was on a mission in Arizona (Mesa). But it was still cool!

It has only been a week but I am loving the time I have to serve the Lord. I know that by reading and praying we all can have our testimonies grow.

I can also attest to the fact that the Lord blesses the diligent. Sunday we had a gentleman just walk into church. Well we saw him and have an appointment set up for this week. Also as we were visiting another sister, we had a woman walk up to us and say "I want to be Mormon." Needless to say, we set up an appointment right there and will also visit her this week.

I know that the Lord is preparing people to hear the Gospel. All we have to do is be where he wants us to be.

I love you all,

Elder McCallson

August 12, 2014  
Boise Mission Home

Dear Missionary Parents,

How thrilled Sister Winder and I were to greet your son and to welcome him as a full-time missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission. What a blessing it will be to our mission to have him serving here to the assigned field of labor.

After arriving at the mission office and conducting a brief orientation of the mission, I had the
opportunity of interviewing your son in an effort to become better acquainted with him and to feel of
his spirit. As a result of this interview, I felt impressed to assign your son, as a companion, to the most obedient, most skilled, and hardest working missionary in the mission. You can be assured that this companion is one of our mission’s very best.
We are confident that your son will have a very positive experience while serving in the Idaho Boise
Mission. We know he will strengthen his skills, increase his knowledge and testimony of the gospel, and establish an increased measure of love for all of our Heavenly Father’s children he will assist in teaching.

We have attached a picture of your missionary with Sister Winder and myself and also a picture of him with his trainer, Elder Sellers.

May the Lord’s choicest blessings be with you as you sustain your son and pray for his continued
welfare.

Faithfully yours,
President John Q. Winder
Idaho Boise Mission

                                      Elder McCallson and President and Sister Winder

                                      Elders Sellers, McCallson and Pres/Sis Winder
                       

August 12, 2014

from Sister Claudine Loertscher:
Just wanted to send you a couple of quick pictures that we took a few minutes ago!  It was so fun getting to meet Elder McCallson!  He is excited to be here and ready to get to work.  He has a great example in Elder Sellers.  He will be an amazing trainer for Elder McCallson.  Elder Sellers will be performing a baptism on Saturday for a little boy in our ward.  My 8 year old son will be getting baptized that day as well.  So, it will be a fun to be able to be with them during this time.  Thanks for sharing your sons with us!

                                                Elders McCallson and Sellers

                                                        

My new address will be:  Elder Jacob McCallson
                                         IDAHO BOISE MISSION OFFICE
                                         1111 South Cole Road
                                         Boise, Idaho  83709

    No humidity!! I have three Elders from California (one from Laguna Beach, Orange County) they all say it is cold and humid here, I can't help but laugh. They have no clue what humidity really is. The weather had been awesome we had a few raindrops every now and then (nothing like the storms in Kansas). I also cannot count the times I have heard "you're not in Kansas anymore". But, I don't mind, I think it's funny.

    I had two really cool teacher Brother Sebesta and Sister Draney. They really know how to make the lessons and ways to teach fun. I wish I could give you all a quick lesson to show you how you can help teach others. The first lesson can be taught in under a minute.

   I love you all so much, (thanks for the emails- you don't realize how awesome mail from home is until you are out on a mission, so please tell Jeremy: I am sorry.) I would like an update on Hunter and Everett and their calls whenever possible.

"Pray always that you may come off conqueror..."

 I wish I could give you all a great big hug.

I love you,

Elder McCallson

                                                      Flowers in Provo, UT

 

                                                      Elders in MTC Group

                                     
                                                 MTC Group, Elders and Sisters

 

My First P day!

I am having a blast. I can see why people learn so much here (I almost wish I was learning a language). I have found so much out about me and how the Lord shares his gospel. I am glad that all of you are doing well.

The food is good. I definitely prefer your home cooked meals. We were able to go to the temple today so that was awesome. My district is made up of 6 Elders and 2 Sisters they are all amazing. 

I feel for the first time in forever (Haha Frozen!) I truly understand Charity and unless you come to the MTC or set apart a week where that is all you learn about you really cant learn it in primary or Sunday school classes.

So you already are changing my room? I thought I would have at least till I was out of the MTC to hear that. :P but, its all good. I wish I could share all I have learned to you through this email but I just don't think that will ever be possible.

I love you all and hope that you all stay well and keep moving forward. 

Your Elder,

Elder McCallson

Whattupp!!! I guess I have no clue what to type. I guess it is going alright. I know that you all are not missing me yet and that is good. I don't want you too. I am loving it here mostly because at night it is quiet and I get a full 8 hours. The food is good but not as good as Mom's. Study, eat, study, eat, study, eat, study, sleep is my schedule.

I am told it cannot be too long. So I love you all and hope you are doing alright. :)

This is my address for the MTC:

Elder Jacob Scott McCallson
AUG12  ID-BOI
2009 N 900 E Unit 163
Provo UT 84602