May 29th, 2016

Tou lako, Turaga, luitaki au ki na bula tawamudu

Bula everyone! Things are still good here in the island of Taveuni. This week was really good. Elder Howard and I did a lot of work and found a lot of success. The Lord has definitely prepared a lot of people to hear the gospel.

We were in Navakawau this week. The sister of Amani (my recent convert) told us that she would be baptized. Joeli, the kid I baptized last week, has a family that is being prepared. We were sitting with a group of kids in the village around the age of 14. We asked each of them which church they were. Most of the said Catholic but Joeli's siblings said they were LDS. I was very surprised and I am excited for them. Also Mika, our other recent convert has been very strong with his testimony. His mom told us that their family was having black tea and he told them no. He taught them a little bit about all that we taught him. His sister wants to take the lessons now. There is so much good going on right now.

We also so some of the crew from stranded that is being filmed here. Let me know if the show is any good.

The Lord is preparing many people to hear the word of God. A lot of Fijian people believe that the cyclone was a sign from God that they were disobedient. A lot of hearts are being softened. It is amazing to be part of this great work.

Whenever I come to town I get a Coke now. I think it must be in the genes or something because lots of my relatives also enjoy the smoothe taste haha. I just mostly drink it though because the water isn't the best. It is a lot safer to drink Coke. I hope all is well at home. Never feel alone because the Lord has our back and will be there if we open the door.

Love Elder Jones

 Stranded drone thing that is worth 6 of my old car.

Maybe one of the contestants from Survivor.

May 22nd, 2016

Ni sa bula vinaka! 

Monday- Preparation Day in Somosomo as usual. I was able to finally skype home to my family which was way awesome. It was much needed and I am glad to hear that they are all doing fine.

Tuesday- We went down to our area. We walked around and taught a few lessons. We found a new investigator kid named Cebo. He is way cool and seems way interested. He already went to church and I am way happy for him.

Wednesday- We spent our whole day in Navakawau. We went around seeing our less actives, recent converts, and investigators. We were really focusing on Mika, Joeli, and Farasiko. They had a baptismal date set for the following Sunday. We walked back and got a ride home in the back of a truck. Way nice because I hate the 2 hour walk back to our flat in the dark.

Thursday- We started exchanges. I went with Elder Forebush up in his area. Their area is way nice. It actually has pavement and there are some resorts up there. One white guy yelled at us telling us to go back to Utah. Elder Forebush was pretty upset but I was just wondering how he knew we were both from Utah hahaha.

Friday- Continued exchanges with Elder Forebush. He is a way cool guy from Bluffdale. Wherever that is. We went and tried to eat at a restaurant but it was like $60 bucks for a pizza so I was like forget this. We ended up just going to the store and eating junk. I keep buying Coke trying to clean my stomach out but it doesn't seem to be working. I have felt a little sick to my stomach the past while. Hope it's not anything serious.

Saturday- Switched back and went to Vuna. I wasn't feeling well and the exchanges with the bus took a long time so we didn't have much time to go out.

Sunday- We woke up early and hiked to Navakawau. We had all of our baptismal clothing with us too so it was a pain. We finally got there and were able to baptize 2 of the boys. We all got dressed in white and then walked down to the ocean. I felt the spirit so strongly because I knew that this is a huge step in their lives. They are good guys. When they bore their testimony it was so strong. Afterwards we ate some octopus again which was way good.

God lives and he loves us. No matter what you are doing, do well your part. I am trying to do well my part here in Taveuni at the moment. I love you all.

Love Elder Jones  

May 8th, 2016

Bula bula bula.

This week has been a little crazy. We started off in our area and we did good work. We have been teaching these 3 boys in Navakawau and we are planning on baptizing them in a few weeks. I am so excited. One of the days, we went to Navakawau to find that our youth, our investigators, and our unit leader were preparing plates of food to sell to people to save up money to go to district conference on the 8th of May. I asked them where they got all of the fish. They told me that they had gone diving the night before to catch all the fish. I gladly bought a plate to contribute. It was delicious. I was so surprised at the faith of these people. I even got to try some octopus which was good.

Later on in the week, we had a long trip to Labasa for District Conference. It was so good. Our District leader got replaced by someone else and the branch president from Vuna got put in as 2nd counselor. I was sad about that because I love President Alafi.

I am not able to skype because of different circumstances. I am sad to not see my family... I wish all the Mothers out there a wonderful Mother' Day because you are the reason that we have such great people. I love you all so much and hope you have a wonderful day.

I know that God lives and he loves us all. We are his children and he is mindful of us. If we reach out, he will accept us. Jesus is the only begotten son that died for us and he is always willing to help us. Stay close to him and yo will be alright.

Love Elder Jones

Boat in Fiji.

Octopus!

May 1st, 2016

WOODY'S ROUNDUP!

Hello everyone! This week was very fun and very rewarding.

At the start of the week Elder Howard and I helped move lots of school furniture to schools down in our area. After the cyclone lots of school furniture was ruined. Someone donated hundreds of desks and chairs to the schools here in Taveuni. A lot of the schools aren't yet rebuilt so we but some of the furniture in some tents they had. They were very happy to receive this stuff.

Later on in the week, we went out teaching. Elder Howard has tons of blisters on his feet so it was hard but we still worked hard. We went out and got 3 new investigators in the village of Navakawau. I am very excited for these guys and to be teaching them. We gave one of them a baptismal date and he accepted. Things are moving here and it so wonderful to be a part of it. It definitely isn't easy, but it is very rewarding.

Every Fast Sunday our branch and unit get together for church. It was so wonderful to see our little bush chapel shack thing packed full. I love the gospel and know it is true. I can't wait to help these people come unto the truth. Also on Sunday, we took a shortcut through a field. We usually take this shortcut but this time there were heaps of cows inside. Probably about 150 or so. To get them to move we had to clap our hands and yell really load. I managed to round 'em up into a corner and we could pass.

I have learned a lot about myself this week. As I was out working, I truly felt happy. I know that when we serve we are happy. Love is the motive for what we do. I love these people more than anything and I want to help them so much. The church is true and I love what I do.

Rancher Jones

 Camera works.  Selfie from Fiji.

 The view from my flat.

 I am here.

Coconuts and cows for days.