Monday, November 9, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 55: October 5, 2015 - October 11, 2015

Monday, October 12, 2015
Im doing great!! We had a miraculous week. People WANT the gospel all of a sudden. We are blessed. Tons of people to keep track of as well. We had 9 investigators in church!!! New mission record for me!! It was all because of two awesome families. So... if you remember a while ago, I talked about a golden family that we taught on P-day right before emailing. Then later we weren't able to teach them anymore. Well.. we just texted the mom, Angela this week and apparently we texted just at the right time. She said their family was going through way hard times. She talked to us on the phone quite a bit. We eventually went over and talked to her and gave her a blessing. She has a best friend from another ward close by that has been helping her and us this whole week. We got to teach her and the whole family again on Saturday. We had dinner and then taught the big crew about the Plan of Salvation, went awesome!!! They want the church in their life. They see this trial and us responding as a sign they gotta get on board and get baptized!! We also gave the daughter Kirsten a blessing that night too. They came to church the next morning 25 mins early, haha. They are sooo awesome. They had a good time and liked fast and testimony meeting.

We also had Shannon and Ronnie, a cool couple, come to church after a good lesson and they brought their kids too. Elder Glover sat by them and I was by the Tyler fam. But, I think both families had a great week. Both will be ready for more lessons and church again they say. We have been blessed incredibly lately. The work is heating up quick and we feel like God trusts us more.

I also got to go on an exchange with a new elder to the Spanish area, that was awesome. Spoke a lot of Spanish, some good and some not so good. But hey, I learned a ton!!! They said I did a good job and I felt like it. I can pray in spanish now and I'm somewhat conversational. Elder Glover and I will probably be together another transfer here. Transfers will be figured out next week. We dont know yet.Will let you know. .

That is so awesome to hear about the Utes!!! They make me proud. They are killer. I've been hearing a lot about the Astros, yes. They are good too. Nice to hear about the ward. That is way weird that I'm next in the ward to give a homecoming talk, haha. I am enjoying things over here for sure. Don't worry. Not too stressed. I'm doing swell. Thanks for everything!!!

Love ya tons,
Janz, Elder Pantz

 




 

 

 

 


 

 

Alvin Texas, Week 54: September 28, 20215 - October 4, 2015

Monday, October 5, 2016

This week was fantastic!!!!! Obviously we had conference which was a highlight. That was a way good conference. Gotta love the prophet and apostles. I cried when Elder Holland talked about mommas, that was bomb. I miss you. But we even had Eric B. come and see some of conference with us at the church. That was a miracle. Conference wasn't the same huh? ha ha Hopefully it was still good even without me on there. We had Eric B. come to see conference

The zone is doing a lot better. The elders are doing lots better and they had a pretty hard working week. So, my duties did calm down this week a lot. I wasn't preoccupied whatsoever. Just the usual few calls and reporting and accounting at the end of days and last night. It was a blessing to not worry about the zone this week. We just had a good 'ol time and worked here and focused here.

We got to do some sweet service for an old guy that bishop here knows. We went out to his place and helped him plant
into his patch out back. Felt like a farmer. We did like hundreds of cauliflower plants and spinach. The old guy was hilarious. We also showed his wife how she can watch conference since she likes the MOTAB.

Actually another cool zone leader thing we got to do was interview a whole family for baptism. I got to interview the mom and
her teenage son. That was an amazing experience. I absolutely love doing those interviews. I just love people!!! It was so good to see them want to come unto Christ through baptism and want to join his church so bad. I heard the baptism went awesome as well. Unfortunately I couldnt make it.

So theres nothing really too exciting with our investigators right now. We're trying to get new ones. None of
them are really on fire like some of them have been. But it will be okay. We did some finding and we also worked with the ward through members and less actives this week. Something that i didnt realize, because ya'll are so awesome, is that some parents just don't care and don't email their missionaries that much. soo.... thank you for all you do and the couriosity.

The weather is also cooling here!!! I bet it gets chilly at night there. I actually broke out my sweatshirt the other day haha. Iit was chilly when we got back from a farm doing service. I'm such a baby now. I think I will be out of here with transfers, yes. I have a weird feeling I'm going back up to Houston, its scary. Transfers will be in a week in a half. Seems like I needa move on as well. My companion needs to learn this town and love these people more, but he's doing great. Thanks for everything you do, honestly.

 

Love you tons,
Elder Deansy


 
 
 

 

Alvin Texas, Week 53: September 23, 2015 - September 27, 2015

Monday, Seotember 28, 2015
So this week was better!!! But it was also harder in different ways. Some highlights of the greatness were that we got to see Jenny again. She's a pretty good investigator and we hadn't seen her in like a week. We had a way cool lesson after hearing that she had a miscarriage. We talked about the plan of salvation and how her family will be strong and blessed for dealing with that trial. She really likes me, haha. She keeps asking me to pray and says she loves what I say. She hasn't come to church yet, but we're working on it. We got to see Eric B. As usual, nothing new for him. He's good though. We are making progress with a couple named Dwayne and Jade. They are two young kids that go to the college nearby. They are way sweet. They love the Book of Mormon and they almost came to our church tour.

We also had a super cool service oppurtunity this week. We worked at Forgotten Angels. It's a place where they take care of people with mental disabilities. We helped them work on their back lot and garden. A few other guys and I almost built a whole shed for them. Gotta give thanks to you Pops for always making me work with tools and do projects at the house. It was awesome. We got to work along side with some of the handicapped people staying there.They were adorable. Gave them hugs as we left.

But now for the scary and enduring part of the week. This week was also hard because I was stressed in the beginning, We have some really disobedient elders that we and President are working with, we're almost baby sitting. And we had a good elder start running away late at night this week. sooooo... zone leader life is great hahaha. It's fine though. We learn tons and grow from all this. I actually cried a bit this week with Elder Glover after the elder ran away and we all made it home safe. I was just so relieved. Missions are critical for our people we help, but also so much for US. I prayed my heart out that night and we felt better. The church is true! But, things are A-okay now. President is helping a lot and is very informed. We just have a hard time focusing on our area when the zone needs so many things and we have to be on the phone all day solving things, supporting people and blah blah blah. But its fine! Just how it has to go. Another chapter of my life haha.

Thats funny people think I've been out less than a year. I can see where they're coming from. It depends on my mood how long it feels like i've been out. For the most part, it feels like 6 to 7 months. But if things are rough, it feels like 2 years already haha. Oh the Astros game was superb. They lost, but it was crazy that we were missionaries and hanging out at an MLB game, felt wonky. Things are great. Working hard and being safe. Comp is doing good too.

Love you!

Janz




 
 
 
 
 
 

Photos from Elder Deans

Elders Deans, Waite, Theis and Beveridge at the Houston Astros Game




Elder Deans, Waite, Theis and Beveridge at the Houston Astros game


 

 

 
Elder Glover and Elder Deans, first day together


 
Mr. Eric Brader (we had a jam session)
 
 
 
Miniatures (right by Ward Mission Leader



Typical Texas Sunrise







Alvin Texas, Week 52: September 14, 2015 - September 22, 2015

Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Hahaha, elephant in the room... Dang, ya'll make me feel so old. I just barely started my mission! I'm a year young and won't be home in forever!!! haha. It's so weird that I'm about to hit my one year mark. Thats just crazy. I dont wanna go home, haha, I wanna stay out here longer! But, there will be a lot of changes and growth for me in this next year. Should be awesome.

This week for us was insane. We did so much. It was also kind of hard on me too. We were swamped with administrative work and communicating with our large zone in our only free time. Spent a lot of time calling and working at apartment in our free time, doing paper work and helping disobedient missionaries. twas nuts. Then, during the week we didn't have tons of success. But good news is that I'm still here and the area does still have good things going! So, im totally okay now. Just ready for a good 'ol P-Day. We're about to go see the Astros play today, wooooo hooooo!!! I'm stoked.

This week we did not pack the church full of investigators haha, nope. We had Ashley, our newest investigator. She had a good time. We're good friends with her and the Renfroes who she is staying with. The Renfroes are in our ward. I've known them for a while, awesome peeps.

Eric B is doing good. Just waiting for that silly head to DO something haha. We see him often though. Had a jam session on guitar and bass this week and then read the Book of Mormon with him and talked about what he needs to do to get through these trials and get dunked.

Next best investigator would be Eric V. He all of a sudden got more 'investigatory' and wants to start acting. He wants to play basketball with us every week and then come to church. We had a powerful powerful lesson with him and I went into his house for the first time, woo hoo, in forever. We taught him about the importance of trusting our Heavenly Father. He actually asked about what converted me to wanna live the gospel and I shared with him some of my hardships in life and how I have had to really think and then have more faith. It was cool. haha

We actually got to stack hay this week. We went out to a massive field the other day for service and helped some members. We stacked 100 bails of hay on their truck and trailer. That was awesome. It was so Texas, loved it. But, we're doing good here!! Things are gonna catch on fire soon! We gotta dunk em!

Love ya,

Pantz, Elder Janz




 



 

 

 
 

 

Alvin, Texas: Week 51: September 7, 2015 - September 13, 2015

Monday 09/14/15
Sooooooo... Results of transfers were that I got Elder Glover. Hes been out just over a year and he's from Kanab, UT. Way down south. I got to know him more and just show him how I am and then the magic started happening and I knew this transfer was good. Turns out he's a huge rocker. Likes and listens to everything that I did. Even Slipknot, which is hilarious to talk about out here. But were having fun.

We saw some awesome things this week. Oh and just a funny little thing... we went out with a recent returned missionary and I may or may not have heard a little Breaking Benjamin and RED!!! it was crazzzyzyyyyy. He was teasing me and showed me snip its of their new stuff. He was a funny dude. That was hard though, haha. It's weird having a missionary brain now. My new companion is super. He works way hard. We get along great becuase we both like rock/metal a lot and we just have fun all day. His name is Elder Glover from Kanab, UT.

But, as far as the work goes, nothing too exciting happened this week. Biggest progress we saw was that we were able to have Eric Brader actually come to more than one hour of church!!! He hasn't done that in a month or more. That was awesome. But, we gotta get more of them there. That's my goal for next week, pack the church with non members. But, we keep finding new investigators every week to replace the lame ones

We also found a new investigator named Brooklyn who's like 25 or so and we taught her the restoration out front of her apartment. went super well. We taught very simply and she was way interested. She wants to be baptized. We just need to extend a date for that and see her again tomorrow. We also saw some miracles as far as less active work too. Got to see Merri Bardwell again. I think I told you about her. She's a lady we met a couple weeks ago. We saw her this week and had another solid lesson. Told her to not stress so much and just take the gospel step by step. Start with one thing she is struggling with instead of all them. It was way cool.

So we're doing pretty good. Staying way busy. especially with zone leader work too. We just had our zone merge with another one, so I'm taking over two zones now. Its been hectic but pretty fun to have that responsibility and watch over all those missionaries. I have like 26 that I help now. I think thats so awesome that you are talking to Ceteka and Debbie. I love when Moms unite haha its silly. Thanks for everything. I really appreciate how cool you are. Miss ya'll tons. Keep having fun and showing it to me!

 

Love you!

Pantz, Elder Janz


 

 

Lead, Kindly Light by Elder Deans & Elder Grondel


       
 
        
 
         

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 50: August 31, 2015 - September 7, 2015

Tuesday 09/08//15 

Had a way good week this week! But big news... TRANSFERS affected us. Both my buds are leaving me. I dont know if i'll get two new comps or if it'll go back to normal companionship. I totally thought I would leave here. I was shocked. Its all good though. Elder Noles needs more growth. He's doing so good these days. I love em. Same with Elder Theis. This will be a hard goodbye. But, we're gonna hang back in UT. so it'll be okay. But, we had a blast our last week as a trio. The boys are heading out to who knows where. They will find out tomorrow at this time and i'll find out who my new companion or companions are. But Elder Theis will go home eventually and tell me. he wants to come over.

Oh and Momma! Become friends with Ceteka Perry on Facebook. She is in my ward and recorded my song and wants to show you okay? She invited you to be friends on the FB. Just talk to her and you'll love the video. She thinks you'll cry. Sure you will.

So this week was good with investigators! No huge leaps forward but constant work with them. Eric B is still unmarried and working on WOW. Thats okay. He,s reading the Book of Mormon every day and he's a great friend, so its just a matter of time. We had a good time with Eric V this week. He is doing good but wasn't able to come to church. That stinker works a ton. He saw Slipknot the other night in concert out here and told me about it. That was awwweeesoommmee. He's a cool kid. I don't know if we will be able to baptize many people this weekend. They need a little more time. Hopefully the week after this one. I'll let you know. One family dropped us. They don't wanna look into the church anymore. Something happened and they don't want us over, whatever. Its sad but i'll give it time and go back in a month or so. There's still plenty of other prepared investigators. We have some new investigators. We have Adrian and Rhonda. Rhonda knows lots of members and called us last week and said " Can I come to church with ya'll this Sunday?" Of course we were like " No, that's weird" haha. She ended up coming and had a way good time. She liked fast and testimony meeting. Adrian is about 25ish and he came to church and loved it as well. Hopefully teaching them more tomorrow and Thursday.

We had a major miracle when we met a sweet lady named Merri this week. We just looked at the ward list and decided to visit some less actives and the one that jumped out to us on paper was Merri. We went over there and she let us right in and was happy to meet us. She is around 40 and has a tonnnnn going on. We got to know her for a few mins and then she told us all her follies and why she isn't as close to the Lord right now. She broke down big time. The Spirit was so strong. It actually caused me to have Christ like charity for her because I saw that she didn't want to be where she was and she just needed hope. We ended up giving one of the most powerful lessons on the Savior's Atonement I have ever shared and giving her a priesthood blessing. We all walked out of there almost crying. I was so humbled. It felt so amazing to do that. Way privileged. Hopefully we can see her again soon. but it was awesome.

I've heard the mountains there look awesome. I'd love to see that. Are they changing color? We have no mountains and we have no color to change for this fall.How fun, haha, but its all good. Alvin is pretty is other ways. Have a good week.

Love and miss you,
Elder Pantz

 

 

 



Sunday, October 18, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 49: August 24, 2015 - August 30, 2015

Monday, August 31, 2015

 
Had a good 'ol week!! We saw some great miracles throughout the week. Unfortunately, we didn't have any of our investigators in church yesterday due to many different problems. But we had a great week with them and taught like no tomorrow. Eric is still good to be baptized soon. In two weeks.Im way close to him too so i think ill cry when hes dunked. He's doing good. He's reading and he's still working on the word of wisdom, but he'll get it. He also is just about to get married. They're just financially struggling and waiting for the money to get a license I guess. Its just he and the girls that wanna be baptized, not the wife... yet. We'll see. I actually got to talk to her for the first time in ages. She's nicer than I thought. Just not interested haha.

Brendan is doing pretty good. He's been busy with work and family trips. He just needs to read more. We had a powerful lesson with him where Elder Noles and I cried and shared testimony about Christ and how real he is, becuase Brendan isn't sure yet. Gotta pray for that boy. The other Eric wants to be baptized but he needs to come to church! He hasn't been able to come. We had some good lessons with him.

It's pretty funny, we also found some college girls to teach now haha. We were trying by a less active and found out that he doesn't live there anymore. We spoke to a girl who answered and we explained blah blah blah and then we actually got to go in and share a good restoration lesson with her the first day. And then come back the day after and teach her roommate too. It's weird though because we think they like us a little. They're kinda flirty. We had to be super careful and decided to get members to come over with us and that will help.

Lois is dropped. We're not seeing her anymore. She's too weird and uninterested haha. And Angela hasn't got back to us. Probably not for a while. But Love is back in business with us! We went over yesterday randomly and she let us in! That was amazing. She's good.

Oh, just a big news flash, I guess. I sang in sacrament meeting yesterday. I guess it went well cause all the girls flipped out. Everyone loved it. Elder Grondel and I sang 'Lead Kindly Light' with a different piano arrangement by Bro Newbold our WML. Twas so fun to be a rocker again haha. One sister wants me to go record it in a studio, we'll see. But things are great great great. Still think I'm gonna be transferred. Hope not, but i'll let ya know next week.

To answer your questions, we have two beds and an air mattress in the apartment. The apartment actually isn't tight quarters. It's really nice and open. We like it. Haha, no hurricanes yet, shoot. My companions want some to come soon. They don't get it. Those sound awful. But, we get to leave and do fun stuff so maybe thats why they want to see one. Or just so they can take pictures and say they've been through one. . Thanks for everything.

Love and miss ya tons!

Pantz

Alvin Texas, Week 48: August 17, 2015 - August 23, 2015

Monday, August 24, 2015

This week was interesting. Lots of good and lots of unnecessary things as well haha. The good was that we were able to find a new family to teach! The other family we found, that I said was a miracle, isn't letting us come back. The mom talked to her husband, who wasn't there, and he doesn't agree and approve. So we have to wait for a while to get back to them. But the Lord gave us another one! They're the Beverlys. Its a mom and two boys. Things are going awesome with them. We've seen them three times now. They weren't able to come to church, but they're progressing besides that. Even reading the Book of Mormon and have a goal for Sept 12 baptism.

We were able to have all of Erics family in church! He wasnt able to get married this week :( He didn't have enough money for a marriage license. Thats the only thing holding him back from it. He's also got to get more serious about the word of wisdom too. He lives it for a few days and then relapses. But he's just the best. We got to see him and his kids a few times this week. They still want to be baptized all together and they even set a date for themselves this time, they picked Sept 12. We thought maybe that would help and give him some initiative. We've got lots of peeps that wanna get dunked on that day, should be wonderful.

We also had Brendan in church this week. He had a good time. We weren't able to teach him much. We only saw him once. But, he's got great relationships with the ward and. He even came to a dinner with us and some members. This is his second one! Already ffeels like he's part of the ward. He just needs to quit word of wisdom problems.

But all the investigators are doing pretty well. Best ones right now are Erics fam, Beverlys, Brendan and another Eric we've known for a long time. And he actually accepted a date this week for Sept 12 as well. He's a bro. He's a couple years older than me and it feels like were just good friends.

This week had some wonky things and things that weren't so great. I went on two exchanges to help other elders this week. The first one didn;t go so well. Wasn't much work done there. They weren't that spiritual and it was hard to feel the Lords presence there. We had a good 'ol time though, played lots of guitar with them. Just wasn't a lot of work we could do. The second exchange was a lot better. I went to the other area in the ward to help Elder Grondel. We had a wicked sweet day. We biked around there a lot. We would take long drives and road trips to certain places and then get out and bike. We found some new peeps for him to teach! We get along great and I could be more spiritual with him and still have goofy and fun times. So that was nice. The funny thing is that while I was doing that, my companions were joined by his companion and they did not like each other much. They had a hard day haha. I came back so happy and they were just exhausted. Got to talk about it a lot, and repent ha ha. It happens. Can't be all buddy buddy every day. Things are better now though. We're with them right now actually. Everyone got over it. .

Im doing excellent! Think I will be transferred this time. Been in Alvin since May. This has been tied with my last area for longest area so far. Bike is doing great. I had to get a new tube this week though. We also put on rear view mirrors on the handles to be cool and just so we can see cars coming up on us. Looks sweet. I also bought a honky horn for it today since the other two have little bells on their bikes, they ring. I guess you could say we like to deck out our bikes haha. But the fender is still on and the bike is very good. My calfs and thighs are definitely more large haha yes. I love and miss you tons!

Elder Pantz
















 
 
 


 


Makeshift Bunkbed
 
 
Donated to a teen fund & got to hang this in Taco Bell

Nearby Farm

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 47: August 10, 2015 - August 16, 2015

Monday, August 17, 2015

The work is going extraordinary. I'm finally seeing what its like to be a full purpose missionary. The Lord has blessed us so much. Just had a baptism, hit me way hard because haven't had one in a while, and I got way close to that family, and on top of that we're finding even more people that want to be baptized. Its just so humbling knowing that the Lord trusts me to do all this and he knows we can help all these people. Feels amazing. The Spirt is just comforting me so much. All the times I get stressed or down get completely erased once we see things like we saw this week. Then it changes me and increases my faith. I learned this week that there really isn't anything to worry about too much. Its the Lords work and he will push me along through it and make things happen if I just trust him and do it his way.

This. Was. The. Best. Week. Of. My. Mission. I dont even know where to begin! haha I literally just can't explain how awesome things have been. I'll show you my journal when I get home and we can talk more about it in the future. But, I will try my best to fill you in right now. So for starters.. I got to confirm Brittany a member of the church and give her the holy ghost. That was amazing. I love how certain things come to mind for me to say and thats exactly what she needs. Made her cry. Twas perfect. I was so happy and proud of her. She also went to a dinner with us later that night. For our lesson there, we just asked if we could have a mini testimony meeting. We all shared testimonies and even Brittany bore her testimony for the first time! Too dang cool. The Spirit was so strong. It's amazing how testimonies can do that. Plus I'm just so proud of Brittany and her husband.

We also had ridiculous success given to us by the Lord as far as finding new investigators!!! We met a girl named Love, thats our age, early in the week. We met her by trying her roommate who used to talk to missionaries. The roommate wasn't too interested anymore, but Love was way open and we later find out that she is golden.She was ready to hear the gospel! We had the best lessons with her, saw her four days straight, in a row! haha That just never happens here. And she wants to be baptized and is loving everything we share with her. One day we came over and she didn't answer and we just walked around the apartments waiting for her to hopefully come home soon. Then we found her in the middle park area of the apartments reading the Book of Mormon. She is awesome. She's from Nigeria too. She's just been such a miracle. She was sick and wasn't able to make it to church, but she is still doing real good and will progress.

Another way sweet miracle that we saw.. this actually just barely happened two hours ago. So, you almost got live news haha. But, we got a referral on our phone from Salt Lake letting us know about a lady that wanted a Book of Mormon. We went to go try her and drop it off and talk about it right away. She answered and confirmed all the things we got on the phone, but she didn't have any time and told us to come back this morning. So, this morning we go over, come to find out she's been reading the Book of Mormon and has tons of questions. We got to go in and have a super duper first lesson. She even had her whole family come meet us and join. But, the lesson was amazing. Her name is Angela. She was loving it and she said that she even saw us as an answer to her prayers. She prayed a couple days ago that she wanted to become a better christian and then all of a sudden we came along. She told us about that and cried from the spirit that came. She knows this is something that will change her life. They even accepted baptism, they just said they want to learn more and more before. But, I felt so humbled as we left though. The Lord has blessed us so much lately. We literally have the coolest people to work with. These people and these things are just meant to be. makes me so happy.

Eric was able to come to church after a long absence! It was so good. He is on tract for baptism this weekend if he gets married in these next few days. Another amazing moment is when we went over yesterday to see him and he told us that he was picking up the marriage certificate in a couple days. They have everything all planned out! So crazy to think that this is actually happening. I flipped out when he told me. I got so excited because its what we have been hoping and dreaming for for a while and he's just straight doing it now. His daughters are 9 and 11.

Brendan also made it to church this week and he is doing really good. We got to teach him quite a bit. he is progressing way well just doesnt have a baptismal date currently. But im A-okay because I can tell he is working for it and he wants to feel more spiritual first.

As far as the gator exploring, We went to a state park. It was just like going up to Brighton and then seeing a bunch of wildlife but instead of mountains, a crazy swamp with alligators around them. I didn't get to feed any, I could've. I almost stepped on one I got so close haha. It was my companionship and the other elders in the ward that went. So, 5 of us took the mom van that they drive. I've got lots of pictures. Yes. I can send them.

As far as the weather, I've already melted tons of times! We get turned back into solids once we get inside though. It's been crazy hot. But we also have got some rain too.

But things are so good out here. Its the time of my life and I dont wanna leave the area at all. Everything about it is fun, the ward, we're busy, my comps. It actually is fun. Doesnt even seem like work sometimes. Just doing what we do and having a blast.But, Im just so thankful for how things are. Life is just a joy. I'm glad we're doing things that are way different, but yet so excited about it and having a blast. I just want you to be here so I can talk to you and show you all this.

Love ya,

Janz




 

Alvin Texas, Week 46: August 3, 2015 - August 9, 2015

Monday, August 10, 2015

Howdy hey!! She got dunked!! Brittany was baptized yesterday right after church. I actually got the privilege of ordaining her husband to the office of priest so he could baptize her. It was straight amazing. Made me wanna cry all afternoon. We're gonna be great friends with them. We also have a FHE with them tonight at some other members house. Should be coolio julio.

Lois is doing interestingly. We had a good lesson with her yesterday though. Almost taught the whole lesson just by asking questions that allow her to think and convince her of a Restoration. Was fun. She is wonky. She gets off track so fast. We have a funny relationship too because she's like my grandma and were goofy around each other, haha.

huge huge miracles with Eric!!! HE finally talked to his wife to settle things down and she accepted to get married!! I fasted for that. It was such an amazing experience talking to him about it. He wants to be baptized ASAP. He totally will. Plus, he also wants his daughters to be baptized now! So we've been teaching them a little. So cool.

Brendan is pretty legit still. Couldn't make it to church this week due to emergency, but we had two awesome lessons. He wants to be baptized on the 29th. I'm excited. He can do it. Karen and Kristella are in timeout. They aren't in contact and making me mad, haha. We'll see.

But, had a miraculous week. I think it was the best of my mission really. We were blessed to the max. Power of the trio I guess. We love our companionship. We're all best buds and work our butts off. Elder Noles is doing awesome. Growin like a weed. Been great to meet more people. We found a bunch of new investigators this week.

The zone leader stuff is going alright. Got to visit a sister who just got her wisdom teeth out. Gave her some ice cream. That's my contribution to the zone for the week haha. It's been good though. I like to think I'm a good teacher, haha. I try my best. I feel like having lots of love for everyone we talk to helps. Plus I've had almost a years worth of practice. It's weird realizing how long I've been out and how much more time I have left. I'm almost halfway done. Scary. Feels like 6 months or so.

We got a way good zone conference coming up on Wednesday and President is changing a few things. We had a meeting with him as zone leaders this week and we prepared for zone conference. Had a great time. He's awesome. He's just so down to earth and normal, haha.

It's been hotter than satan out here. I'm sick of it. This week will be crazy. I got super sunburned last week. We have been biking like crazy. It all went away last night though, I'm good. About to go visit some alligators at a nearby state park and walk around. I'll send some pictures next week.

Love you tons,

Pantz



 

Monday, September 14, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 45: July 27, 2015 - August 2, 2015

Monday, August 3, 2015
So, my new companion is Elder Noles from Spanish Fork! My second Utah son. He's a year younger than me. Let me tell you what else was crazy about transfers. So, they were calling the trainers up to the front of the chapel and then the trainee would go up and meet them. They called my name to go up and I started heading up and then they also said "Elder Theis" (Thice) and that meant he would train with me and we would be a trio!!!! We both started flipping out and laughing and hugging because we had no idea. We both just thought we would train someone. We're way good friends. We lived together for a few months in my first area. That whole first day we were in disbelief that they just told us last minute and that we were actually all together. We were so stoked. Elder Theis also is a zone leader. And now the Lord is putting zone leaders together in companionships. That's something they haven't done here in about 4 years. It makes it so easy to communicate about our missionaries in the zone, plan, decide if we can give permission to missionaries and what not. But my companions are awesome. No worries.

So we have 15 people in the zone. Our zone covers a large area. It's Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, which are just the largest cities, plus all the smaller cities around them and in between. There are 11 zones in the mission. We also had another MLC this week and there are many new zone leaders. Some missionaries became zone leaders after only 6 weeks!! Its nuts. That never happens. I think the Lord and President Hall know we need new missonaries in MLC so new ideas won't get pushed aside due to the older missionaries being slow to agree since they are so used to President Ashton.

We had a great week though! We were able to see Brittany our first night together and the lesson was awesome. We actually didn't do too bad working in unity between the three of us even though we never had done it before. We taught about the Atonement of Christ. Brittany is so ready for baptism. She has so much faith and loves coming to church. The lesson went way well and she kept saying "that makes so much sense, that makes me feel more loved" We are going to have an FHE with them tonight as well. We're going to start planning her baptism for this weekend. Elder Noles is a rockstar. He is a very solid missionary straight from mtc. There's not much we need to teach him. He's just natural at it. The only thing holding him back is that he is homesick. We were able to mow a lawn together, him and I, while elder Theis went with other elders. We got to talk about it after. I tried my best to tell him that's normal and it takes a few weeks to call this place home. I told him the way to get rid of those feelings is to just settle in and act like you own and are committed to your area, to make it home and love it. We actually ended up pushing the lawn mower and carried a week wacker and gas can a mile back to the ward member who let us borrow it. We mowed the lawn for a lady whose son normally takes care of it, but he'd just got in a car accident. She was super grateful. Was great to be able to meet her and talk to her and then make the lawn look real good. It definitely needed some help.

So with investigators... Lois was not baptized yesterday. She still needs more lessons and to be able to come to church a second time. She didn't make it to church last week or this week. But we had contact with her and taught her a great lesson where we reviewed the Restoration and how Joseph Smith received all authority from those that held it previously. That was way helpful to her. She wanted to know more about that before baptism. We got to meet with Eric yesterday! He didn't make it to church but we had a good lesson on the Book of Mormon and turns out he's been reading it a ton even though we haven't been seeing him much. Now we're going to start seeing him more that he is acting and more committed.

Things are going way good. We had the Presidents family come and play games with us today at our stake center for p day. Such a great family. The kids are funny and athletic.


I love and miss you,

Pantz


Elder Havea and me, our last day together


Elders Deans, Noles & Theis in more casual attire
Elders Deans, Noles & Theis, new companions


Right behind our apartment is wilderness

Attempting to play the accordion at the ward mission leader's


 


Trying out a new instrument





Local church cleverness

Alvin Texas, Week 44: July 20, 2015 - July 26, 2015

Monday, July 27, 2015

Had a silly but super week!!! Some of the weird things were that we saw one of our less active dudes answered the door nude and told us to basically not come back for a while. Also Lois wasn't able to make it church this Sunday. She calls me later and tells me that when her ride came she was "doing the duty" and coudln't make it and felt bad. She also made it to a baptism on Saturday and bore a 15 minute testimony when everyone was invited to come up and share a testimony. It was tough. She went way off topic. Our ward mission leader had to go up and tell her to focus on Christ and then she finished. But that was all kinda crazy...

Buuutttttt good good news. I found out last night via text that I will be training a new missionary in my area this Wednesday!! Got a new comp on the way! a newbie too, wee hoo! I'm stoked. I'll still be a zone leader too so tha'tll be nuts. Lots of the zone is getting transferred. Elder Ve'e is leaving and I'm getting a new zone leader companion, little nervous for that.The zone leader stuff is going really well. I think everyone is learning from me and respects and loves me. Seems that way anyways. Been on a few exchanges with the elders and talk to the sisters quite a bit. I'm way excited for this transfer becuase now I'm the main zone leader since Elder Ve'e is leaving. Gotta keep up the hard work and love for these guys. It's been fun though. President helps me a lot too with anything I need. Or, he just gives wise trainings and I echo them to the zone. Things are way fun out here. Way happy get to stay and work with a brand new missionary.

The week was really fun though. We ended up having Brendan and Brittany in church. It was one of the best Sundays I've had in a long time. Very spiritual meetings and talks and everyone had a good time. We even had a "linger longer" afterward and ate food and socialized. Brendan was even invited to go to a BBQ with some recent converts in the ward. We all went and fished, BBQ'd and had a cool lesson. Twas a great time. We're all good friends.

So, we do the ward movie night every month. It's every third week. Maybe next time we will watch 17 miracles. Kristella has not made it to church. Giving her a break for a while. She's out of contact. Brittany is still way on track. She's reading and she loves church. Lessons are going quite well too. Eric is doing better. I went and saw him, to check on him. He actually read a little and gettin along with girlfriend a little more. Gotta get him to church though. Karen is out of contact. Brendan is becoming a way good friend and awesome investigator. He had a good week and hopefully he gets more serious about baptism. Wants to do it but not soon. The tattoo guy is also out of contact. Maybe something this week, his name is Asa. NO new investigators.

I am doing goooooodd! Yeah I'm solid. My week was awesome this week because I decided to just be happy and relax and worry more about others. Yeah, the weather has been a little lame, getting hotter and hotter and biking and biking. Luckily I haven't been burned or dehydrated though! People give us tons of water. My shirts get wrecked every time, get so wet and dirty.

Love and miss ya too!

Janz

 

 




 

Friday, September 4, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 43: July 13, 2015 - July 19, 2015

Monday, July 20, 2015

Had a fun week this week! I feel like such an old missionary now, haha. Especially when I see you and Pops both showing me how long I've been out. You did the week amount and he did the monthly, haha. I like it. Even I can't believe I've been out this long. It's so weird to think that its been almost a year. It feels like just a few months ago I was in the MTC. But, it's been a lengthy journey. I'll be coming up on a year soon! I'll probably be here in Alvin close to when I hit my year mark. We have transfer calls a week from today. I'll most likely have a new companion. I think I will be training a greenie in a couple weeks, yes. I want to do it and see what it's like to train different people becuase they are so unique. I want to see what each elder does well with from the get go and what they struggle with and to see what I can come up with to help. Plus, I feel like I could've done better with my last son and I can improve on those things with the new one.

So some cool highlights were that I've actually been able to go on two Spanish exchanges in the past two weeks. I went to two different Spanish areas with my fellow zone elders and worked their areas. They were way surprised that I've never been to a Spanish area, was my first time. I guess thats unusual seeing I've been out for a while. It was way fun. I could understand most of what they were saying in the lessons and at dinner with members. I would just respond in English and have my Spanish companion translate it back. But they all loved how I knew how to respond and I knew what the people asked. I also got to read the Book of Mormon with a Spanish member. I read almost a whole chapter in Spanish! haha. I was just winging it becuase it was my turn to read. Turns out I pronounced it very well and they couldn't tell I didn't know what I'd read.

One of my favorite things about this week was our ward movie night. This was our second time doing it. The first time was a joke, no one came. This time I was determined to bring lots of people I'm working with. I also wanted to show bishop that we could bring people because the last time he was a little disappointed. So, we started inviting people at the beginning of the week and gettin the word out. We set up a few rides. We did tons and planned like crazy to get our people there and have it be a better turn out than the first. We prayed like crazy that all this effort we put in would pay off and lo and behold... it did. We ended up having a recent convert family come, they brought our investigator Lois. We also had another recent convert named Wyatt come with our ward mission leader. We watched Ephraims Rescue and it was a blast! Everyone had a really good night! Even Lois who doesn't like social things or being stuck indoors due to her claustrophobia! It was a huge testimony builder to me knowing that the Lord definitely heard my prayers and since I did all I could on my part he would pull his part and finish it beautifully. The Lord hears. He answers even quicker when we act like we know He's gonna help and start acting and planning. So that was thrilling haha.

. We work a lot of with recent converts on top of investigators. Its crazy,we almost have too many people to keep track of, haha.Nnew investigators pop up when we don't need any new ones because we have to focus on who we already have. But, this week was pretty good for our current investigators. We had Brittany in church. The rest had some complications. She had a good time despite three crazy little ones to bring along. She's glad she can drop them off in nursery and primary. But,we still have the three ladies on track for baptism. We just need to help Kristella get to church. She has yet to come. Karen has been out of contact for a couple weeks actually. She's been sick and hasn't gotten back to us. We gave Eric a break this week. We thought it might help the family situation and give him time to think about why we keep going over and want us to come back this week. He is quitting smoking. Same with Brendan. We got to see him outside and talk to him for a few minutes. He told us he would be at church,but we never saw him. . We work a lot of with recent converts on top of investigators. It's crazy, we almost have too many people to keep track of, haha. New investigators pop up when we don't need any new ones because we have to focus on who we already have.

We are still getting dinner appointments. We average about two a week. The ward likes us a lot, but don't exactly show in dinner appointments. The new mission president is awesome. We actually had interviews with him this week. He came all the way down to our stake center so he could see more of the mission. Also, went out to lunch with him and the other leaders and discussed what can help our zone. Had a super cool time doing all that. Thank you so much for all the support. I can feel it and it pushes me on when im not doing so well. But, I'm doing great right now! I'm just excited to keep growing and want to baptize pretty bad.

Love you lots,

Pantz

Elder Deans sporting his new birthday tie





 

 



Saturday, August 29, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 42: July 8, 2015 - July 12, 2015

Monday, July 13, 2015

Had a pretty cool week this week! President Hall is getting the hang of things more and more. I like how personal and how aware of everything he is. He and his wife both talked to me on my birthday. We had a good week as far as the work in Alvin! We even got more baptismal dates! Two in August, Lois and a new investigator named Kristella. It all came because we upped the antyon our planning and our unity. The highlight was that we were able to find a new investigator, Kristella who is like 20. She is super prepared and ready to learn and be baptized. The other elders found her for us and told her we would come over. Things went way good in the first lesson and she accepted to be baptized on August 9. We saw her again last night and she had been praying a lot more she said. She hasn't really prayed or read scriptures too much before, but now she wants that in her life. It was cool because last night we even had the lesson out on her porch and taught all the Restoration. She had great questions and she learned a ton. She's way cool. She didn't make it to church due to ride situation but we'll fix that. We invited everyone to church, unfortunately none came. Just some older investigators from part member families. The other ones were either sick or too tired, kinda lame.

But Lois is doing way good. She accepted a baptismal date this week for August 2 and we finally had a solid lesson on the plan of salvation with her. It's easy to get off topic with her. Brittany is also doing great. She still has her date for August 9. Gonna have FHE again with them tonight. We stopped seeing Bill. He wasn't in contact and not very interested. Eric is struggling. We fasted for him last week and hope those blessings came this week or soon. Haven't seen him for a week. His family isn't getting along and his wife doesn't like us and his religiousness. He loves having us come, but he gets depressed because of family troubles. Brendan was out of contact all week.

Still gettin along great with Elder Havea. It's fun to have two leaders together, help each other a lot. Got to work on a farm on Saturday. It's some members in the ward who needed help fencing, cleaning up fallen trees and organizing. That's actually the second time we've gone there. It was pretty fun. It was tempting to hop in their pool after all that.

Things are fun around here. The zone is applying the trainings we gave them. Everyone is gettin along and we're finding more peeps to teach. Comp and I are still having a hoot of a time. He's probably leaving in a couple weeks for transfers though. I think I'm going to train a newbie, we'll see. That'd be fun.

Love you tons!

Pantz

Our fancy pantz yard work van
Inside the yard work utility van





 




Got this from some skater dude
Doing some yard work




 
Elder Havea let me have this shirt

Friday, August 14, 2015

Alvin texas, Week 41: June 29, 2015 - July 7, 2015

Wednesday, July 8, 2015
 
 
Sorry I didn't let you know I'd be emailing so late! We changed our P day to today and we went to the temple this morning as half a zone!! Twas a great birthday party there.Meeting President Hall was super exciting! It was the hype and talk of the town for so long and I just wanted to hear from him. He's awesome, very very loving and affectionate. President Hall is bomb! He's a little younger than President Ashton, but acts like a teenager. He's a goof. He called me today and wished me a happy birthday, that was way cool. He does things much more simply. He's not as learned as far as vast doctrine as President Ashton, but he teaches well. He emails us every week, one to the mission and one to young missionaries. I didn't get one, maybe next week. But, I like him. His kids live with him, except the oldest one is about to move back to Utah for her senior year in high school.

We saw some good things with the investigators this week. So a new part member family just moved in, the Carrascos. We were in their complex unaware they lived there and then they saw us and told us to come over. They were happy to see us and we got to know them a little and they wanted us to come back soon. We saw them a few times this week. Last time we saw them, we had a super lesson. We actually set up a FHE. We watched the Joseph Smith Movie and taught Brittany the Restoration. The spirit rocked that place, it was fun. She believes in the restoration and she even accepted to be baptized! Her husband is a returning active member and he can help her a ton. Her only concern so far is that she wants to know lots about the church and gospel before baptism and wants to feel ready. But, she is awesome and she'll get it. We're going to try and baptize her in a month. They even came to church for the first time and liked it.

We also had another investigator named Lois come to church. That was a struggle. Lois is a decent investigator. She has great faith and loves us, so we invited her. We had a ride all set up the night before for her, but they ended up cancelling about an hour before church. We had to call lots of different peeps. Finally we got one of her neighbors, who is a member and good friend of our, to take her to church. She wasn't too excited about that because she wants to meet more ladys, but it worked. She had a good time at church and got a better ride home from a sister afterward.

Karen is doing alright. She's been way sick, so we haven't seen her. But we're going over tomorrow and having a good 'ol lesson. She's been reading lots of the Book of Mormon. She'll get baptized too, she just needs to come to church.

We had a big zone meeting last week. We actually had two. The first one was a recap of what president taught us and expects of us after MLC. MLC was fun. Got a lot of work to do as far as changing 'mission culture' we decided. We're going to work hard to be more purposeful and baptize more. We didn't make too many changes, just small stuff, but same rules. The second one was yesterday and I and the other leaders gave trainings on what we can do to be more purposeful missionaries in finding, teaching, inviting, retaining/activating. I was actually pretty nervous to train them. I wasn't quite prepared, but it went well and they said they liked what I shared. So, whatever. I just want to bear my testimony to all ya'll about the reality of the Holy Ghost and what it does for us. On my mission I've grown to get to know that gift well. Sometimes you don't have it due to a bad day, arguments, stress, depression, and it can be hard to teach. But, if we humble ourselves and truly not just ask to get it back but act like we want the Spirit back, we will receive it and it makes life amazing. It helps us learn and helps us say what we need to say constantly.

But, we had a great week this week! We as the THSM (Texas Houston South Mission) do not have any electronics to use besides old phones, no tablets. No word on when. We know we will get them eventually but even President doesn't know. Thanks for the trivia. I knew Nolan Ryan played baseball but I didn't know it was for the Astros. And he pitched, that's cool. There are signs that talk about him all over. They're proud of it. I gotta go to a game soon. We're also going to try to go to the zoo next Monday. We wanna have more to do on P day.

Love you tons,

Elder Pantz




 
Elder Charming(s)?

Elders celebrating Janzen's birthday at the Houston Temple


Houston Temple outing with half the zone

P-day for the missionaries of the THSM

Monday, August 10, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 40: June22, 2015 - June 28, 2015

Monday, June 29, 2015

This week was spectaculangous!! So the zone had two baptisms this week! The dude I interviewed was baptized and the kid Elder Havea interviewed was baptized! Both were awesome programs. The kid was way funny at his. He kept walking around and saying silly things the whole time. Also played in the font. Good fun. Also, I got to go to a baptism in my first area. A family that I got really close to, the Garzas, just baptized their son and I got to go with Elder Ve'e to support them. That was super cool. They were way happy to see us.

So, about the Astros game, well, we hopefully will get to go soon. I'll work on that. We got a few new missionaries. I haven't met them yet. My last conference was ridiculously cool. I cried like a baby at the end. We learned a ton about how to keep the Spirit and use it to be successful, not just on our missions but for the rest of our lives. It was hard saying bye to President and his family and some of the office workers. But the best part is that,once I'm home, I can say that a general authority has invited me over to his house, because he wants me to come over. He's only like 15 mins away too! Its so weird though because today I emailed President Hall and he will hold the keys and preside, in the next hour or so, over the misson. I'm so pumped for it. I will meet President Hall on Wednesday. We've got a killer zone conference that day and then mission leader council the day after. So, I'll get to see him quite a bit this week.

Our investigators are doing good. We don't have any baptismal dates currently. Eric still needs to be married and continue quitting the cigs, which he is doing. But, we had some good lessons with him and he will be ready as soon as his girlfriend lets him. We finally got in touch with Bill this week. Just talked to him on the porch for a minute. But, whatever, we will see him this week and get him back on track. But,we saw a cool miracle with Brendan. We stopped by unplanned at his place sSaturday night to see how he's doing and to invite him to church, and he let us in. We got to talk to him for a little and he said he can finally make it to church. He ended up coming and staying the whole time. He had a great time. We had a lesson with him the third hour and we talked about baptism and he wants to do it but just not any time soon because he says he has so much hate for himself and his ex. Also, he is busy so he wants to get things in order first. But he is allowing us to help him more and more and see him multiple times a week and then church on sunday. So, that's a great step.But we also got to meet some new less actives this week and found some new people just by street contacting whole apartment complexes. I love the peeps we teach. This area is a blast. Everyone here I've make good friends with and its just so natural to teach them because I love them and I just tell them what I know.

This week, on Thursday, we had an interesting change. So a large part of the mission was supplied with mini missionaries this week. Our stake sent out youth to stay with us Thursday to Sunday to do missionary work. We had the stake president's son :O It went way well though. He had a good time. It was fun just to show someone what we do and be an example to them. He even got to teach a little bit too.

Its been hot here too, like really hot, haha. But yes, been downing water quite a bit.Thanks for pics. I'll send some I have too. I kinda forgot until you reminded me that my birthday is coming up... I guess those things still happen on a mission, I dont know. I miss ya. Have a good fourth of July.

Love you,

Elder Pantz
Mini Missionary, stake president's son

Tristen's baptism!!! These are all the elders that worked with them

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Alvin Texas, Week 39: June15, 2015 - June 21, 2015

Monday, June 22, 2015

So, this week was not expected!!! There was no new missionary that came in. President told us that the elder we were going to train went home. Made me sad because I wanted him to come. And, made me even more sad that he stopped serving. Also, the Astros game that we planned on having a good ol time at didnt happen as well.. That was rough. It was raining, blowing and thundering so hard that President told us it would be best to not go. It actually wasn't bad here in Alvin, just rained a little bit. But every surrounding city was nuts. It was kinda cool though because instead we got to camp out at the stake center because President didn't want us out. We all brought up our stuff and had lunch and played sports and watched movies.

Bill did not end up being baptized this week unfortunately. He's been out of contact. We think he might be nervous to talk to us since he's been out of contact and knew he had a baptismal goal for last weekend. So, maybe he'll talk to us more now that he knows our first goal won't work but that we can give it another and better try.

One really cool thing that did change about our companionship is that Elder Havea became my district leader! It's way fun because we can do all our leadershippy stuff together now. We get reports from the missionaries together so we can talk about plans and how to help the district. We actually had the chance to do our first baptismal interviews together! I forgot that that was another one of our leadership responsibilities until the sisters called us and asked if we could interview one of their investigators. I was pretty nervous. I realize I basically take the place of a bishop and become a judge in Israel! So, I had my interview, it went really well. The investigator is super ready. He had a long journey and was taught forever. He just struggled with the word of widsom and finally got that taken care of. It was good to hear about how he finally gave everything up. He was super talktive too. It was funny because I had to keep him on track of the baptismal interview questions because he was just so excited to tell me his whole life story. So, the next day Elder Havea had his first interview too. It was awesome because I got to go with him and help him understand they aren't as scary as they seem. He interviewed a young kid that has autism. it was such a neat experience. The spirit was so strong because the kid still knew the gospel so well and Elder Havea was so good with him and asking the questions more simple and helping him feel excited.

We met with Eric a couple times this week. It's gonna be hard but he can possibly still make his baptism this week. If not, next week. He needs to be married too. He's been talking to his girlfriend about it. We told him Bishop could do it for free and it would be quite easy and he was happy to hear. Karen is doing way well. We are going to see her tonight. She still hasn't accepted a baptism date but were going for that tonight. She is reading tons still and is just so curious it makes it so easy to teach. A lot times she asks questions that lead into the lesson right as we get there and it works out perfectly.

Im super excited because President Ashton is about to go home and we're having a final zone conference tomorrow! It's sad he's leaving, but he's gonna rock our socks with some amazing training and stories he's never told us yet, save the best for last. But things are going really well out here. Elder Havea and I are super determined to get a lot done. We also met some new investigators. One is way solid as his name is Asa. He's got tattoos from head to toe. He is super nice and really smart too. He already learned a ton about the church from friends and so when we taught him the Restoration he kept saying " I believe that for sure, that just makes sense!" I also got a new bed today. Our apartment got inspected by the office missionaries a while ago and they said they'll come back soon and get us a whole new bed set, box spring, mattress and bed frame because ours were kinda lame. So, that's what went down this morning and I'm excited to see how much of a diffrence it makes.

Love and miss you,

Elder Janz