SOCIAL MEDIA

 

Well hey what’s up?

This week was decent. Had some internal struggles but as they say, “Onward, ever Onward”


Unfortunately for the most part it was not terribly riveting. After all Lamar wasn’t in town so how could it be? As per usual the people made my week, I’ll tell you about a few.


We met this one woman who I’m pretty sure was actually an angel. Her name is Jackie and she came here from Kenya. She was thinking she’d be late for her bus stop, so she walked past us at a speed that was approaching the sound barrier, but then stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the copies of the Book of Mormon that we were holding. She immediately asked us in a squeaky, high pitched voice if she could buy one. We excitedly informed her that we were actually giving out copies for free and teaching people more about Jesus Christ. A bystander might’ve thought we told her she won the lottery. She was absolutely ELATED. Her love for the Savior, Jesus Christ, is absolutely radiant. And oh so contagious!


There was this one home that we walked by that Elder Douglas desired to approach, but our way was impeded by a very yappy pooch. My companion was ready to leave but I would not give up so soon. I said a quick prayer in my heart and slowly approached the fence, watched intently by the canine. After some serious hesitation, in an instant, the dog changed demeanor as if we had known each other all our days. I gave the furry friend some TLC through the fence and then he was happy to let us through the gate. The owner of the home was not interested, but what a humorous and inspiring way for the Lord to manifest His power. 


A final story, we met this interesting bloke named Jacob outside what we figured was some kind of group home around mid-week. We rapidly identified an intrinsic faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and sat down and shared our unique message about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph. Afterwards he told us he really wanted to learn more and he wanted to come to church with us. 


We set up an appointment to see him later that week, and upon our return he expressed to us a desire to join the Church of Jesus Christ and asked us how he could do so. We told him we were here to help him and we began to teach him a lesson when we were interrupted by a woman who had been listening in on our conversation nearby. She, in short, informed us that this home Jacob stayed at was a forensic home for ex-convicts where they were closely monitored for their own and others safety. She said bluntly to us, "He's not the man that you think he is." Immediately Jacob cast his eyes down in sorrow and shame. 


I looked this woman in the eyes and then this grieving man and felt for him true compassion. I bore my most heartfelt witness that Jesus Christ descended below all things and that regardless of what He had done, he was not below the reach of his Savior. Then my companion testified boldly beside me and the love of God was felt by all present. The look on that woman's face leads me to believe that our response was not what she was expecting. I am grateful she was able to be a part of that sacred experience with us.


"6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth"


As I did that day, I do now share with you my humble testimony. I know that Jesus Christ bore the grief and sin of all the world. And I know that because of His loving sacrifice we can become free of our burdens and become new again. With all the conviction of my heart and soul I also bear my witness that He lives! Nothing will ever separate us from His love, now and forever.


💫Song💫


On Love (...)–Ritt Momney


I love you dear friends and am deeply grateful for all those who reach out. It means the world to me.


See you all soon enough.


Cheerio


Elder Winegar








Elder Winegar, Chungo

Thursday, June 30, 2022


 Hey,

So, yep, it was a decent week. Not much to report to be frank. A few sweet stories I'll get for you.

For one thing, I just met SO MANY people this week. We put in some serious hours on the street. When you are really looking, and following the impressions that come, God will lead you to those people that need you. I met not only so many people who desperately needed the hope and peace that comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ, but I met many people who taught me invaluable lessons as well. I learned about the anatomy of a Giraffe. I learned about the modern-day impact that segregation has on our society. And I learned more about Jesus Christ from a plethora of unique perspectives. There is assuredly something to be learned from each person we meet and each experience we live. Let us embrace this most informative opportunity!

We did an exchange (a companion swap) for a day during the week and beheld a few unique occurrences. Perhaps the biggest was a raging fire resulting from a meth-lab explosion (picture included). Some sick guys on the block had a drone with a camera and let us get a birds-eye view of the whole operation. Many firemen and police officers. As a matter of fact we met one police officer who said he had responded to a dispute involving some other missionaries earlier that day….

As it turns out those other missionaries were my companion and the other Zone Leader we were on exchanges with. The wife of one of our members was cracked out, romping around the streets wreaking havoc as she does, when she ran into Elder Douglas and Burke. Naturally, she started cussing 'em out at point blank range. Luckily, a little old Tongan grandma had their backs, and after blessing the bewildered Elders with some lunch money, she engaged the aforementioned crackhead in hand-to-hand combat to defend the Elders honor. Shortly thereafter the police arrived.

As I lived through many exciting and also many dull experiences this week I became increasingly aware of how wonderful the gift of life is to us, in its entirety. Its height, depth, and breadth are simply iridescent and its meaning immeasurable. It is difficult to describe the beauty and splendor of such a gift. The Savior has said,

"I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel."

The Lord knows you by name. He sees you and He sees your life and its unique intricacies. And, if we ask Him, He has promised he will help us find those obscure treasures, those riches that are hidden in each moment. Perhaps the secret place He will lead us to is really a place of contentment and joy wherever we are. 

I testify that our Father in Heaven loves us so much that He would let us experience it all. The blissful sun and the raging tempest. It is my humble prayer that you feel His profound love in the priceless days we have been given in this wonderful world, and in the perfect gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

💮Songs💮
Humbug Mountain Song–The Fruit Bats
Chicago–Sufjan Stevens

Keep chasing that dream,

Elder Winegar








Report from Elder Winegar

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

If you would like to contact Elder Winegar directly he can be reached at jacob.winegar@missionary.org

Hey, what's happening? It's been a WILD week this week. Lemme hit you with the highlights my friends.

For one thing the temperature got up in the hundreds this week and it was kinda insane honestly. On the bikes it became unpleasant very quickly. But that's how it goes. 


We saw our friend Christine for the first time in a few months. It was so fantastic. She is currently spending a lot of time in Arizona because her mother is on hospice. What marvelous light filled her countenance and our hearts as we discussed that God has a plan for us and that death is truly not the end.


We met with our friends Krystal and Ozzy, whom I dearly love, and helped them understand that following Jesus Christ is an engagement. Faith is not passive belief. It is a deep profound conviction that influences every part of one's life. They are now willing to let their faith change the choices they are making in their lives. We are excited to see who they become…


We had a mission tour this week that was absolutely wonderful. Elder Pingree, the first counselor in the North America West Area Presidency, came for a few short days and shared many wonderful insights that not only strengthened my faith, but were very applicable to the work and relevant to being a disciple of Christ. 


The most soul stirring part of his instruction was delivered on his very last day with us.  We discussed the individual and personal significance of Jesus Christ's Atonement, or the sacrifice that he came to make for each one of us.


I bear you my personal witness that Jesus Christ suffered exactly the pains of all mankind. Because of, and through Him we can be free of the burden, guilt, and pain of our imperfection and the imperfection of our world. Because of Him the most sorrowful mistake can become the most beautiful redemption. Because of Him the bonds of death are forever broken, and each one of us will live again. Because of Him weakness becomes strength. Because of Him we can find peace now and joy eternally. Because of Him we are always, always loved.


Jesus Christ, "doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation."


I joyfully invite each of you to come and partake of the safety of your Savior's embrace. I promise you that there is no place better to be than encircled in the arms of His perfect love.


😶‍🌫️Tunage😶‍🌫️


Eleanor Rigby–The Beatles

Anna–Will Butler


Спокойной ночи и До Свидания, 


Elder Winegar

Fwd: Elder Winegar, Heat Wave

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Oh geez oh geez,

I never got this out but I just sure do love you.

Literal fastest email of all time.

My bike busted. She's in good shape now though.

I just love God's children so much holy smokes.

"Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation"

Truly my Beloved Brothers and Sisters, my dear friends, there is no better time than today to be better. To change. To soften your heart. To turn to God in humble and sincere prayer.

There is no better time than right now, to come unto the Savior, Jesus Christ and be transformed by His redeeming love.

This life is the day. Don't let it pass you by.

Oh how I miss you. 

Stay strong. Let God Prevail

📣 

Harmony Hall–Vampire Weekend

Elder Winegar







Oh geez I'm not gonna miss a week

Friday, June 10, 2022

Hey there,

I had a pretty sweet week I should say. A couple cool experiences and a few amusing ones.


I met this sick bloke called "EA" so he says. He gave me many nuggets of wise counsel throughout our dialogue, the most frequently stated being "You gotta knock yourself a million-dollar woman…" Gave me a good chuckle I must say.


Mobbed around the Stanford campus and talked to a bunch of youths. They didn't want anything to do with us, but the campus was pretty vibey and there were a few students who were at least friendly. Good experience overall.


I ate a whole little Caesars pizza in one day as a result of peer pressure. It was a bad choice.


Our cute 9 year old friend Bridget got baptized. She's an absolute stud. Super dope kid.


One of our friends, who I'll call George, had an emergency this week. His mental health had taken a turn for the worst and he called us in crisis pleading to speak with the Bishop, who was at the time stuck in Egypt. We made some calls and got some friends there to keep him safe while we made arrangements to get there ourselves. Once we arrived, it was evident that he was completely void of hope and in a state of deepest despair. We tried uplifting him by reminding him of the light and hopeful truths he knew about Jesus Christ, but at that time he was beyond logical or even spiritual consolation. But we refused to leave him. We stayed with him the remainder of the evening until his mother arrived to watch over him. 


What happened over the course of those few hours we stayed with him was miraculous to me. We didn't teach him, we didn't advise or counsel him in any way. But we stayed with him. We were his friends. We played some games with him, listened to some peaceful music, talked, and occasionally prayed. And by the end of our time with him, his countenance had completely changed. His burdens were a little lighter, his mind more at rest, and his soul more still. 


Is not this our charge to "bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;...Yea, mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort." When we choose to unite ourselves and bear each other's burdens, we can save one another from being crushed by the often crippling weights of mortal experience.


TheSavior has declared to us all, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." Truly there was One who bore all of our burdens and triumphed so that we might do the same. Let us always strive to be those through which Jesus Christ can manifest His promised and perfect compassion to His weary and beloved people.


👁tune👁


Thomas County Law–Iron and Wine


Love you heaps. I really, really do.


Мир,


Elder Winegar


Fwd: Elder Winegar- I came, I saw, I conquered The Pizza

Wednesday, June 1, 2022