The Dayton Draught

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 11:08 AM

Only in St. George, Ut. or if you are a Spanish Missionary are you praying for rain!  What came down from the heavens this week?  Rain!  Because of the rain Elder Clay and I were constantly in homes teaching!  How?  Most of the population that we are teaching does construction. Making it prime to go see people if it's wet outside!

We also broke through another draught.  Because of transportation and crazy work schedules it is extremely difficult to get people to church.  Here in Dayton Sp. we've been on a 2 month Draught of people not being at church.  Before that it was 5 months.  However the trend was broken yesterday when we had two investigators come with their family!

Elder Wheadon was able to wrangle an Internet referral from Salt Lake.  He and his companions (Elder Brooks, and Elder Bowler (Elder Wheadon is training in a tri-panionship as a Zone Leader)) were able to contact Jose.  The week before we had talked to Jose to see if he could come to church, but he got lost on his way to the church.  We called him up, and set up a time to go and see him before church the next week. 

We show up to meet with Jose, and his wife Mercedes.  Jose tells us that his uncle is a member down in Atlanta, and the uncle had sent him a copy of the Book of Mormon.  Jose told us about the time he was living in Mexico as a boy, and he would see Missionaries walking around.  He always wondered who they were, and why they dressed the way they did!  He told us that he wanted his 15 year-old son Alexis (Alex) to be a missionary.  (They have two other daughters Kimberly and Stacey).  (Bonus points: they are already married!  No need to get papers! :D)

Our first lesson we taught the message of the Restoration.  They sat attentive as we taught.  The Spirit was there, and the message for sure made it to the heart!  No sooner had we taught about the Book of Mormon, when the questions started coming out.  "Where can I read about what happens about life after death", "What do you do in your church services?" etc.  Elder Clay and I were answering questions left and right!  Their appetite couldn't be satisfied!

They came to church this last week, and the Branch was excited to see the newcomers!  They were well received and everyone seemed to have a good time. Members are asking to come with us to our lesson this Thursday!

Things are going great so far!  Right now we are on track for 500 baptisms this year.  This will require 106 more baptisms in the months of November, and December.  We are excited!  On top of this...  In the month of November Dayton East Stake will have a Stake Conference, and Russell M. Nelson will be the Presiding authority!  Awesome things are happening here in the Ohio!

Love you all so much!  Hope you all are well!  It's true; if you were wondering.

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Letter from Ohio Columbus Mission - President Nilsen

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Ohio Columbus Mission
19 Clairedan Drive
Powell, Ohio  45065-8064

October 23, 2012

Mr. & Mrs. Dale Laurence Ipson
596 East Spring Circle
Washington, Utah 84780

Dear Brother and Sister Ipson,

I want to take this opportunity to let you know how much Sister Nilsen and I love your son.  He is a wonderful young man and a fine missionary.

The Lord has called Elder Ipson to be a District Leader.  It is comforting for us to serve with one who can be trusted.  Your son works hard and is worth of this call.

Thank you for sending us such a choice servant.  Elder Ipson is a blessing to the people of Ohio and to his fellow missionaries.

Sincerely,
Robert T. Nilsen, President
Ohio Columbus Mission

RTN:sah

cc:  Stake President and Bishop

Just kickin' it here in Dayton

A quick picture of us.....
Elder Ipson and Elder Clay

You can tell who the weird one is.....

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 9:15 AM

I can barely believe that I am back here again!  Mondays seem to come really fast now days!

Elder Clay and I have hit the pavement!  There's no other way to put it!  We've been knocking doors, street contacting, asking for referrals etc.  Dayton Spanish is actually Bilingual.  I'm not sure if I mentioned that in the last letter.  So it doesn't matter who we talk to!  We can spread the Gospel on all fronts!  If you are curious we do go to English Sacrament meetings with the Huber Heights Ward.  The funny thing is... There was actually a Bishop Ipson at the Huber Heights Ward, and they ask if I'm related to him! 

So our door approaches usually start out with teaching some sort of Principle on the doorstep while introducing who we are.  If it's English and they are interested, we can step in and teach them a normal lesson, and plan on going back.  In other areas we would of had to figure out which area they fall in.  Tell the person that it won't be us that comes back.  Being bilingual has its perks!  However if they aren't interested, we quickly ask if there are any Spanish Speakers on the street, and quickly they'll step out and talk!  It usually we get pointed to at least one Spanish Speaker.  If you want to put your google earth to work...  We are doing a bit of work right now on Xenia Ave. here in Dayton.  If it looks a little desolate for your taste, take a quick tour of the West side!  You'll go right back to Xenia ave!

It's funny Elder Wheadon is my Zone Leader here!  He is in Englewood.  It has been great having him be a zone leader for us.  Why?  He gets us Spanish Referrals!  One of his referrals (that we haven't met) almost came to church this past week.  We were a little bummed that Jose' (The referral) didn't come.  It's been a while since the Branch has seen an investigator at church.

Elder Thomas Clay is doing well.  He is doing a great job leading the area.  Elder Homewood has an extremely focused attitude when it comes to missionary work.  It's funny to see how he's picked up a few mannerisms from him!  I think it's funnier to tell Elder Clay stories about Elder Homewood from when we were down in Kentucky!  The curses of being a Spanish Missionary!  There's only 20 of us, so we know each-other fairly well!

Love you all!  Hope you all had a good time in San Diego.  Don't forget to clean behind your ears!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson

Bievenidos a Dayton!

NEW MAILING ADDRESS:  

Elder Austin Ipson

Ohio Columbus Mission
4733 Pennswood Dr.
Huber Heights, OH  45424-5429

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 9:22 AM

Well, I was caught off guard on what happened last Thursday.  I had a good idea that I was going to be transferred from Pickerington 2nd.  I just felt like I did the work I needed to.  It was an odd feeling, but I had it even before I received the call to go.

How it worked out last week, I was called to be a substitute District leader!  The actual district leader was leaving the mission field, and was at the Mission home for his departing interview with President Nilsen.  I was called upon to give district meeting. It was then I decided I didn't want to be one!  With that decision made, what happens?  I get a call from President Nilsen.  What does he ask me to do?  Be a District Leader! Eesh....

In a time just after District Meeting and the call from President Nilsen, I got a call from the Zone Leaders.  I was told that I was..... Going! Elder Smith and I went out, and tried to see a few people.  I found myself packing the rest of the night.  Getting to transfer meeting, you could tell that something big was going to happen.  We were getting 16 new missionaries, and only 4 were leaving!  Elder Ragan will be training this transfer.  He was really happy to get that call!

I don't know if I've described how the transfer meeting works out here.... Here it goes...In the chapel there are three sections.  Missionaries that are leaving will sit on the Speaker's right.  Staying Missionaries will be on the Speakers left.  When they call the transfer staying missionaries will be announced.  The missionary stands up, and walks in front of the pulpit, as the moving missionary is called and makes his way to the front.  The missionaries give a hug, and sit down in the center section.  So this is roughly what happened.

"In Dayton Spanish; Elder Clay: Junior Companion, (Elder Clay is getting up and walking) will receive a new district leader named Elder Ipson. At this point I'm shocked.  In my mind I'm wondering... Did Elder McClellan really just say Dayton Spanish?  I scrambled up there and the just as surprised Elder Clay!

Both of us sat there dumbfounded.  I didn't expect to go back to Spanish work.  Elder Clay expect to receive Elder Garner, However he went to English work down in Kentucky. Neither of us expected this to happen!  The funny thing is the rest of the Spanish Elders were shocked, because I'm one of the first to come back!

Elder Clay was trained by Elder Homewood.  If you remember my days in Kentucky, I was in the same district as him.  Elder Clay went to Pleasant Grove, UT.  He's been out for two transfers now.  I will be his "greenie-breaker".  He's already doing a great job of leading the area, and helping get up to date with the things that are going on in the District.

The Branch here is extremely small.  I'd say it's smaller than the Branch in Kentucky, but doesn't change my purpose!  Our President here is Presidente Vilches.  He is originally from Chile.  He is very, very, short, but he's still got a full personality!  The work is going well here in the Dirty Dayton.  Elder Homewood and Elder Clay have worked really hard to get people to teach.  Even this week I was able to find a few people to tech with Elder Clay!

As you can probably tell, I'm excited to go and work!  Love you all! Have a great week! Don't forget to clean the Kennel. 

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

What a weekend!

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 9:00 AM

The world I'm sure is still in shock about the announcement made by President Monson.  The moment he stood at the pulpit, you could tell in his demeanour that there was a big announcement to be made!  And it was!  I'm excited for all who are taking to this call to serve, and will tell you that it is worth it!  This time to serve has been one of the greatest times of my life!

Transfer week is upon us.  I can barely believe that it's here!  Time flies.  Anywho... Mom I apologize for not telling you more about Elder Smith.  I don't remember what I have told you...  Anywho, he is a California kid.  Essentially he is a beach bum!  (Body boarder).  While his Dad lives in Laguna Niguel, C; His mom lives in Chandler, AZ.  His first name is Keaton.  It was funny.  His first day here; we ate with Brother Parsons and his son Keaton.  We all found it funny, because it isn't too common of a name!  He's been out for about 9 months, and is chugging along.

As for me... Conference was great!  It seemed so many of the discourses given, had direct application to me!  It was kind-of scary!  Dad once told me how this the case for him.  I didn't believe it was possible until now!  I've thought a bit about what was said by Elder Bednar, on conversion.  It may have to do with the fact he was one of the last talks....  However it made me wonder...  Do I simply have a testimony, or have I built a lofty conversion?  It has been some heavy food for thought.

I apologize for the shortness of the letter.  All I can remember is Conference.  The rest of the week was rather quiet...  However, I know the Lord will provide if we press on! 

I also thank you all for the prayers that are given to me.  They are felt.  There is no doubt about it.  I know the Lord supports each and every one of us.  In the scriptures it says "The Lord is no respecter of persons".  How this translates to me... He loves each and everyone of us equally!  I love you all very much.  Keep the faith!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

I don't know what to put for the Subject line....

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2012 9:28 AM

This past week we were able to pick up!  You can always tell, when you are finding new investigators!  The two that we were able to teach came from good ol' tracting!  Josh, and later Tom.  For both of them it was a quick lesson on the Restoration, and teaching about the Spirit.  We'll have return appointments this week.

So to the really good stuff....
The week before we met a guy by the name of Roger.  Why is Roger cool?  He makes knives!  already I can tell Mom is wondering what is about to happen.  Rest assured.  I still have my limbs!  I will give you the dialogue of when we found him.

(At doorstep)
Roger: So what are ya'll sellin'?
Us: We're not selling anything.
Roger: Oh, you're trying to get me to go to church!
Us: Well you could say that!
Roger: Well you're not going to convert me.  Come on in!

So he invites us in and shows us his collection of knives.  He invited us over last P-day to come make knives!  Coolest door contact ever, right? He never really seemed interested, but he did at the same time.  He doesn't like to show it.   Yesterday we dropped by to see if it was okay if we finish my knife today.  Funny thing was he finished it for me, and he asked for a Book of Mormon! All-in-all I feel like we got the better end of the deal!  I'll see if I can get a picture with this crazy old guy, and the funny looking hunk of metal that's now in my suit-case!

Last week I mentioned Dr. G.  How she is being introduced to the church through Sister Clyde.  Well she came again this week!  Dr. G had plans to go to the Relief Society Broadcast but was unable to.  She was disappointed she wasn't able to go, especially when Sisters were bearing testimony of it during the Fast and Testimony Meeting.  She was enthralled when she found it she could watch it online!

The cool thing about this whole situation.  We are watching members do a ton of work.  We haven't formally taught her, or counted as a new investigator.  However, things are lining up for a lasting conversion!  She has been given a Book of Mormon, and is already reading it.  (Sister Clyde gave it to her, with her testimony on the inside).  She has felt the Spirit and is already testifying to co-workers what she has felt at sacrament meetings.  She'll be heading off for vacation this week, but down the road Sister Clyde has a tentative meeting set up with us.  We are very excited!  This is missionary work at it's best!

Scary thing is, transfers are next week!  I may not be here. Going with trends I'll stay here 'till the end... But you never know!  So this coming transfer meeting will fall on a Wednesday.  So if I do go, I won't receive the letter.  Just plan on sending it to the P.O. Box.

I love you all!  Can't believe it's General Conference and marathon weekend again!  Have a good week!

Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Here's the side that Mom won't get.

From: Austin Ipson
Date: October 1, 2012, 8:35:39 AM MDT
To: Dale Ipson

There comes a point in every person's life where he realizes the material things in life, just don't matter.  I figure at least one of the "parental units" should know what happened to me this week.  If you feel like you should tell Mom.  Go ahead.  I just don't want her flipping out when she reads the e-mail for this week.

Now you joke about Elder Smith and I being big guys, and nobody wanting to mess with us because of our size.  Well someone did.

We were finishing out the night.  Trying just a couple more people before we headed in.  It was around 8 o'clock.  Not too late, but it was dark.  Elder Smith and I rounded into a side street.  I was in the lead & realized that I had taken a wrong turn.  I was slowing down to tell Elder Smith we were about to turn around.  At that same time what looked to be a 90's Buick pulls up.  A Black kid around my age gets out of the car yelling all different forms of the f-bomb.  What do see in his hand? A small revolver. I knew exactly where this was going.  To cut to the chase, He let me know that he had a gun, and I forked over $25.  Elder Smith came out just fine.  They dismissed us from the scene, and I didn't have a chance to grab a plate number or anything.  Of course we were shaking the rest of the night.  We just had guns pulled on us, but, we were happy is was only a matter of $25. 

It all seemed to be a matter of circumstance.  Wrong place, wrong time.  What I learned?  Really be careful.  This area that I was in, isn't the worst area I've been in at night.  Hamilton, OH & Covington, KY easily take the cake.  So that .40 that you bought, make sure you have it on your person when you are out of town.  There are crazy people out there!

There you go.  We are still doing fine here. You'll get the better side of the week when I send the big e-mail.

Oh, & thanks for the tubes!  If those don't last me.... I don't know what will!

-Poobstar