Jacob Winegar: April 2022

Elder Winegar can be reached directly at jacob.winegar@missionary.org

Oh hey,

Time is my most precious commodity these days and I seem to never have enough of it. Today I may be brief once again.

It seems that you all know who Lamar is by now, he's become quite the celebrity. If not, feel free to check my Facebook feed. We spent a lot of time with him this week and his enthusiasm always lifts my spirits, even on the toughest of days.

We did a virtual tour of the Laie, Hawaii temple with one of our recent converts that brought a poignant peace to the hearts of all present.

We had some unexpected experiences finding people who were seeking God, by being diligent and courageous in the midst of uncomfortable circumstances. One that stands out in my mind was our friend Florentino, who we met sitting in his car at 8:55 PM, munching on a burger after work. After being prompted to roll down his window by two strangers emerging from the night, he was surprisingly willing to talk to us, especially about Jesus Christ. We cannot fathom the lives that we could bless by breaking out of our comfort zone. Be brave, someone may need you.

Mainly I've been struggling with illness all week long. I've tested negative for COVID so don't stress, but it has been a genuine trial for me. It can be deeply discouraging while seeking to help the people, when one is incapable of mustering the power to help oneself. But despite my pervasive weakness and apathy, there was no better medication than turning outwards, losing myself in the work, and allowing myself to genuinely serve those around me with love and compassion.

Have we not been taught by Christ himself that, "whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

Truly we can lose our lives in our love of, and service to God, by loving and serving His children. After all, "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

I testify that the character of Christ is perfectly selfless, and that following His example by striving to constantly and consistently turn outwards in love, even in the most challenging circumstances, will bring His healing, redeeming power more abundantly into our lives.

~a treat~

Never There–Cake

Love You Madly–Cake

So much love to you all,

Elder Winegar

Be Brave

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Good evening,
"It is well with my soul" in the work of the Lord. Serving my God and my fellow man not only brings purpose, fulfillment, and contentment into my life, but true, lasting joy.

I find myself with little time to address you this week due to the current pace of the work but one notable experience comes to mind.

On Easter we had gone to visit an older gentleman, the father of one of the women in our congregation, who is nearing his 90th birthday. His name is Bob and we had set up an appointment with him the day before. Upon arriving at his doorstep there seemed immediate indicators that he likely was not home. We knocked on the door and waited for a few moments and nearing the time when we would have left, a seed fell from what seemed to be the heavens, onto Elder Beards sleeve. We both looked up to find a large squirrel in the tree directly above us. After staring at this squirrel for what was probably an absurd amount of time proportional to the occurrence, Bob suddenly and unexpectedly appeared at the door.

We proceeded into his home and came to know this man with a fascinating story which corresponded to the long life he had lived. He expressed that he was unconcerned with whether or not there was a God, or whether or not Jesus was the Christ. But he willingly invited us to share what we had come to share. We shared a video detailing some experiences of Mary Magdalene on that glorious Easter morning many years ago. We then bore our witness of the divinity of Christ, and that His message truly brings peace and hope into the life of anyone who will hear it. We then offered a prayer as we left his home.

Following the prayer we shared one of the most tender experiences of my mission. We opened our eyes to find him weeping. He expressed to us that his wife had passed away two years prior to cancer and that on special days like Easter, he really missed her.

Being with him in that hour of pain and sorrow truly taught me the meaning and power of discipleship. To be a disciple is to listen. To be a disciple is to uplift. To mourn with those that mourn. To comfort those that stand in need of comfort. To be a disciple, to be a follower of Christ, is to love. It is to love others as he loved and loves each and every one of us.

And all that because a squirrel dropped a seed on my companion's sleeve. Assuredly, by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. :)

I testify that Jesus Christ lives. That "He is Risen!" As sure as you are reading these words. I testify that He lives to love us, each of us, one by one. It is my fervent prayer that each of you might feel the reality of his personal love for you. No love is greater and no love more joyous to the soul.

I care about you. I hope you're well.

~Grooves~
Baby I Don't Know Oh Oh–Vulfpeck
Cosmic Sans–Cory Wong

Sleep well,
Elder Winegar

Small & Simple Things

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Good Day,

My week was brilliant. Boy do I love this work. Let me tell you about it.

We met with one of our friends who is from Turkey and who was raised in a Muslim family. He's a big time bro. He really likes playing basketball with us but he is also really interested in learning about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He's mentioned that a few things have had a profound impact on him, but he also told us he only understands us about 40% of the time because of the language barrier…so that's interesting. But we'll work with it. That's how we do. The missionary shuffle.

Another one of our friends who was recently baptized showed us his Hemp plants that he used to use as a source of income when he dealt Marijuana. Now he just likes to grow them as a pastime. He's just this massive Nicaragua guy, and he sure is hungry for the Bread of Life. He loves to learn and goes above and beyond in teaching his friends.

We get to attend the addiction recovery program that is hosted once a week to support a member of our congregation. It is such a sacred and precious time to me. A most precious doctrine is made strikingly clear here, "The Savior is never closer to you than when you are facing or climbing a mountain with faith." How enabling to know that even in our darkest hours we are attended to ever so closely by our loving Savior, who will help us overcome our challenges, progress and reach new heights. These people turn to Jesus Christ in these trials, that are some of the most challenging this life can offer, and they are transformed by His amazing grace.

Conversely, I also have the privilege of interacting with some of the richest human beings in the world. With anything they could ever possibly need or even want at their fingertips, they refuse to accept Christ's message because they don't feel they are missing out. As I have pondered what His Gospel could offer to one with as much as these it has led me to see what our Redeemer really has for us. His Gospel provides us not only a place to be loved but a place to learn to love others. His Gospel provides not only a place to be accepted as we are, but a place to become something more. And most of all, whether you're rich or poor, black or white, bond or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile, heathen or saint, Jesus Christ's gospel offers greater hope, joy, and peace than anything else in this world. The Master of ocean and earth and sky Himself spoke the words,

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, no matter who or what you are, no matter what you have or do not, I testify and promise that Jesus Christ can change your life in a real, tangible, and infinitely positive way if you will give Him a chance. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

I love you, I really do. Don't you doubt for a second.

Musik

Salt Lake City (Girl)–The Moss

Storm Cloud–The Moss

Cheerio,

Elder Winegar

The Missionary Shuffle

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

You can reach Elder Winegar directly at jacob.winegar@missionary.org

Hiya,

Long time no see. It has been a whirlwind these past few because…I've moved to Menlo Park. My experiences in Monterey were unforgettable, and will forever hold a special place in my heart. I'm sad to leave but I also have a thorough excitement for all the new adventures that await me here.

Menlo Park differs from Monterey in many ways. I've seen significantly more socioeconomic and ethnic diversity, and significantly less of the ocean. The work seems more polarized here as well. The people in Monterey, it seemed to me, were mostly courteous but indifferent. The people here seem either really interested and willing to talk, or really NOT interested. It's made for memorable occasions already.

A few notable landmarks; we have the city of Atherton, East Palo Alto (EPA), Facebook Headquarters, and a little bit of Stanford.

My new companion Elder Beard is exceedingly sick. We've been together for about 1 week and the levels of our shenanigans are already off the charts. It's a little dangerous honestly…but I've had some good laughs and am stoked to work with him.

Brothers and Sisters, even though I'm a missionary I promise that I still understand the calamitous, tumultuous, and often fearful times that we live in. But we must always remember who we are, where we come from, and who we belong to. We are the literal children of God, who knowingly chose to come to this fallen world and experience hardship. Though we will all find ourselves amidst burdens which seem too much to bear, we must always remember that we are in the hands of the divine Potter, who will shape us into creations whose beauty cannot be imagined. We have been created with many marvelous talents and traits, but I promise that fear is not one of them.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

I proclaim to each of you the same words that Christ spoke to the ruler of a synagogue, "Be not afraid, only believe." I testify that just as the Savior worked a mighty miracle in the life of this faithful man, through our faith in Jesus Christ we can receive the miracles of strength, courage, and power to combat the sorrows of this world.

I love and miss you fiercely. Stay strong. There are brighter days ahead.

Sumfin for yer ears…

Postcards From Hell–The Wood Brothers

later,

Elder Winegar