Zach's Mission experience
It all started in 'Da Bronx. On June 26, 2012 I landed in New York not knowing what was ahead of me. I remember standing by myself not sure what to do. Missionaries were everywhere in the basement of the
Kingsbridge Chapel. I was thinking to myself, "Why is everyone so happy? We are many miles away from everything we love." I was confused and scared.
President Smith gathered everyone together and put all the new missionaries in a line. As I stood there, all I could see were hundreds of eyes just staring at me. I felt like butterflies were about to burst from my stomach. Finally, President Smith started introducing us. As I recall, I was second or third in line to be introduced.
Kingsbridge Chapel. I was thinking to myself, "Why is everyone so happy? We are many miles away from everything we love." I was confused and scared.
President Smith gathered everyone together and put all the new missionaries in a line. As I stood there, all I could see were hundreds of eyes just staring at me. I felt like butterflies were about to burst from my stomach. Finally, President Smith started introducing us. As I recall, I was second or third in line to be introduced.
President called each new missionaries individual trainer to come forward to introduce themselves and greet us with a hug. All I remember is a blonde haired kid running at me, hugging me and then leading me into the crowd of missionaries.
Elder Trevino-Sims was an amazing trainer/companion/friend. His example was remarkable. He taught me how to truly love an individual for who they are. Each day we would go out and we would ask person after person if they knew where deaf people lived. We were faced with some really funny comments, and some strange looks from that question. Even though people would pass unfriendly judgment, Elder Sims always knew what to say and do. He always had the perspective that everyone is a Child of God.
I was able to serve with many wonderful people.
Soon, we had two new-comers. Elder Pemberton and Elder Marshall, two stellar Elders. I only got to know them for a few short weeks and then something mind blowing happened. Elder Sims, my beloved mission father and I were sent Upstate to open a new ASL area and program.
I would have to say at this point in my mission, I was very dependent. Elder Sims knew everything, he did everything, and I was his child. I would do whatever he said. I was supportive, and would always agree with him but never made any suggestions or comments. I just went with the flow.
It was a strange 6 weeks. Our goal was to find deaf people. We searched and searched and searched... We had no luck! There are signs on the streets, sometimes, that say "Caution, deaf child in area". So, we would search those streets. We found one or two, but they eventually lost contact with us after I had left the area. Then we had two wonderful miracles. We found David Moffett and Robert Brentnall. I was not able to see them baptized, but I was blessed to be a part of their conversion. They are two wonderful deaf people that were able to find the church and God's love.
Right before Christmas, I was sent back to the city. I had to leave my wonderful companion. I was devastated. I was then sent to serve with a deaf companion, Elder Nielson. It was definitely a nerve-wracking thing for me to get used too.
My companionship with Elder Nielson went well. We had an interesting experience together for a good 6 months. I remember being able to teach and bring many deaf people unto Christ. I had the opportunity to learn something great from him. I learned how to truly love. He cared for the members and Investigators like I had never seen before. He genuinely took the time to listen and care for each individual. He showed me great respect, and I to him. Now, he definitely is a different person, at least in my perspective. We both grew up differently, as does everyone. He has his "Deaf-isms" and my "Davenport-isms". At times, we would disagree on things, but our love for each other as companions never ended. I am grateful for his wonderful example and love. He is one to always think of others first. After our 6 months together, I humbly was able to "kill" him off his mission.
In early June with Elder Nielson gone, Elder Marshall who just a few months earlier, came from Newburgh back to the city, to become my companion. He was a hard worker! If he were to receive an assignment from anyone, he would do it! He was one to take charge. His example taught me to do the same. With our team work, we were able to bring an investigator into the waters of baptism. Sean White is his name. Elder Nielson and I were given his contact information from a member, Claudio. Sean went through the lessons quickly, but had some things that got in the way of allowing him baptism right then and there. After months of attempting to get him interviewed with President Morgan, Elder Marshall and I successfully achieved our goal! Sean was interviewed and approved for baptism. July 7, 2013, Sean White was baptized by MJ, our Branch Presidency's 2nd councilor.
After a wonderful 4 1/2 months with Elder Marshall. We were then split off. He with his new Trainee, Elder Aston, and me with Elder Sims! We would be starting a new ASL area yet again, this time, in NYC.
We didn't have much success. What we did, was our best. So we went about doing the Lord's work, teaching and preaching until the day was done.
During this time a few of my Investigators that I had taught with Elder Marshall were then baptized. Alexa Patterson and Iyoba Howard. Two wonderful converts that are helping out the Deaf Branch immensely.
Then something strange happened.
One day, on a split with Elder Higbee, and Elder Fortheringham (An awesome Elder who joined us a couple months earlier. He was trained by Elder Malm and Elder Sims when I was with Elder Marshall.) We received a supervising call from President Morgan. He said “ I have a David Moffett here..” and that “he is really excited to go on his "Mini Mission". Out of nowhere the Newburgh Ward that he was baptized in,
surprised President and the ASL missionaries with David. We then proceeded to make arrangements to have David stay with us for 4 weeks, doing missionary work and living a missionary schedule.
He enjoyed it, from what he has said. It was definitely a big adjustment. The companionships had to get switched around. Elder Sims was kicked out of our companionship, and was put with Elder Marshall and Elder Aston. David was put with me and Elder Fotheringham. It was like that for two more weeks. Then, all of a sudden everything in my life as I knew it, changed once again.
On the night of transfer calls, December 18, 2013, I was called to go back up to Newburgh and start a split area with ASL and English. My new companion would be Elder Gonzoles. All that went through my mind was, "how can I do this?", "I am leaving everything I know!” They were the same exact thoughts I had back when I had arrived on the mission. I was leaving the people I had been living with for the past 20 months. I was once again devastated. I did not want to go, but I went along with it, what could I do? Stay in the
apartment and not go to transfer meeting? No, that would be silly.
Well, it actually wasn't that bad. Elder Gonzoles turned out to be one AWESOME Elder. We were re-opening the area or white washing as we call it. It turned out that we didn't even need to worry about it! We were set up with lessons, and a lot of work. Thanks to Elder Fuller and Elder Fox, two wonderful Zone Leaders. We were able to do a lot of work and meet many people, including Clarence Beverly. Bill Cosby's
airplane Pilot. We have been working with him for a long time, and he is enjoying the gospel.
At the end of our 6 weeks together, Elder Gonzoles flew home to Corona, California. I again, was able to humbly "kill" another Elder. May he rest in peace.
Then, Elder Reid came into my life. A tall, basketball, football playing, RNB singing, Hawaiian. He is one awesome guy. He has helped me a lot with my attitude, whenever I felt down or depressed, he was always right there to make me smile. I learned a lot about attitude from him. Together we started more deaf work. Together we taught a deaf man named, Allan Ramdharr. Allan was great! Moving to New York from Guiana, he had no knowledge of communication or education, because he is deaf. Then he met the
Jehovah Witnesses, who taught him how to sign. But, they would not allow him to be baptized. So we willingly came to him and taught him the lessons so that he will be eligible for salvation.
Being with Elder Reid helped me have a wonderful last transfer in the mission. Even though I didn't use my mission language toward the end, we enjoyed the blessing of teaching and blessing many people's lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wouldn't have it any other way.
The mission is really the best two years. I didn't witness
lots of people enter the waters of baptism but I found countless
other blessings. I feel like I understand more of what is expected of me
through this mortal life, which is too have Charity and find the true love of Christ. I understand better consecration and self-reliance. I understand
what is expected of me and I know how to act on it. I personally feel like I have
found a sincere love of consecration and the joy of following the commandments. I am grateful that
I will be able to meet a God again someday with a joyful heart.
