Great week in the Ohio

Elder Welch and Elder Ipson

You have me at my desk. This is us weekly planning. I still look pretty sweaty from our bike ride.

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2012 9:12 AM

Where to start on what has happened this past week....Jordan we'll start with her!  Right after her baptism Jordan basically fell off the face of the earth.  She went and lived at her Sister's home where her old friends could contact her.  Not to mention her sister wasn't a good influence to begin with!  To make a long story short nobody from the Ward could contact her for a month.  She relapsed to smoking, and later overdosed on Heroine.  Great...  However Bishop Peterson was able to stop by when she was in the hospital, and contact was made again!  Jordan knew what she was doing was wrong, and... well... dumb.. She wanted to change, but if she went back to her normal refuge, she'd probably do the same thing again.

Sister Trowbridge had played a great role in Jordan's conversion.  Taking her to the Eastland mall clothes shopping with her daughters, FHE, and other dinners.  Sister Trowbridge was devastated to hear that Jordan had fallen back into that old rut.  She told us, "Had I known she went (there) I would have had her stay at our house".  The moment contact had been regained with Jordan, Sister Trowbridge was on top of convincing her husband to let her stay.  Why such lengths with an Ex-drug abuser?  She had a friend that did the same thing, but lost their life because of drugs.  She didn't want it to happen to Jordan.  After quite a bit of coaxing Brother Trowbridge, Jordan was allowed board at the Trowbridge home.  Heavy restrictions have been placed on Jordan.  She is not allowed to use the phone, or Facebook.  It's going to be a change, but this is the biggest second chance anyone could get right now!  However, she was back at church yesterday.  There were more than just a few who were excited to see her there.  Her Uncle Brian (Who baptized her).  Also relieved the Melchizedek Priesthood yesterday.  It was a big day for the two of them!

Ben also came to church this week!  Amber is still very apprehensive on bringing Kelsey.  She doesn't like her fussing...  Elder Welch and I are a little perplexed as to what to do with these two.  Ben acts like a teenager.  He likes the Book of Mormon, sees the patterns in Gospel.  I believe he really likes what we share.  However he's still planted in his old beliefs, and is picking apart what we have to say intellectually.  We tell him it's by the Spirit, but he keeps saying, "Truth is truth".  He's trying to find the truth of the Book by.. doing something....  I'm not sure....  We keep reminding him how to find the truth.  Read, Ponder, Pray.  It's a simple formula!  (Let us not forget my Algebra II scores...)

While out riding my bike this week, I had a low front tire.  We were swinging into a parking lot, when my bike slid out from under me!  The damage... a bruised ego, and a bent front rim!  If you remember while I was in Kentucky this same thing happened to me.  So I used my experience!  I pulled off my front rim, and beat in on the asphalt 'till is was as true as I could get it!  The day proceeded on normally! 

We are looking forward to another week and are excited to get working! 

Love you all, and have a fun time getting ready for school!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson

P.S.S.S. The random guy with a boom-box is Disco Stu! The game between Elder Ramsey and his Trainer was how many times you could spot him. For the record I am at 2. Once with Elder Jacobson, and once with Elder Welch. I'll let you know if I see him again and try to get a better picture of him! You can usually find him somewhere on S. Hamilton. We saw him on Kimberly and S. Hamilton next to the McDonalds. Legend is... That missionaries have tracted into him. I know of other missionaries who have talked to him! So if you're in the 'hood, look out for Disco Stu!

The Gathering of Israel

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 9:20 AM

Here it is Monday Morning...  What did I do last week...  At this point I only have 30 minutes to remember...GO!

We were able to see Ben and Amber again this week!  They are doing fine, and little Kelsey, well, she's still little!  Amber is still apprehensive bringing Kelsey to church.  Kelsey will get a little fussy during church (don't let this fool ya!  Kelsey is the best 6 month-year-old in the congregation), so this week Amber and little Kelsey stayed home.  However Ben made his appearance at church this week!  He did a lot better going through church this week.  He gave answers to questions, and was a good participant of the classes! I was grateful for that.  Why?  Our Gospel Principle teachers were gone this week, and it fell on Elder Welch and I to teach the class.  It was on....  The Gathering of Israel!  Good hefty topic right?

Ben I think enjoyed church more this week, now knowing how the system works.  He describes to us his other church.  They burn through scriptures like nobody's business.  During class Sunday he still had a little bug in him, and he was flipping through the book of Numbers.  Hopefully we can get Amber in Kelsey there next week!

As for the gathering of Israel,  I find it funny that we got called upon to teach that.  Why?  While you are out here you get study "bugs".  Times where you want to dive into a certain principle.  This past week, it was the Abrahamic Covenant.  While I'm still grasping this great Covenant that God made with him, my mind has been expanded on how we works with us.  To bring to pass our eternal life.  To give us the Priesthood, and the ordinances of the Priesthood to lead us to salvation, and exaltation.  Very clearly in Abraham 2:11 the Lord promises to bless the families of the Earth.  This is a testament to me that God truly is the same Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.  He hasn't been harping about families only in this dispensation!

What has sunk in:  The sanctity of my calling.  Under this Covenant, and others that have been renewed, I am Gathering Israel.  I am acting under the keys given to Moses, then to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple to gather Israel.  I always knew that it happened someplace up in the Cleveland Mission, but it has sunk in while here in the Columbus Mission.

There are many other promises that follow the Covenant, but knowing this, the message of the Restoration has more meaning. 

I will get of my soap box...  I love you all. Good job Leighton at your swim meet! Wish I could have done a cannonball of the blocks with ya!

Have a great week, and happy Birthday Mr. T!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

P.S. So this is our indicator sheet.  We email this to President every week.  If you wonder why letters have gotten shorter.  This is the reason why!

Well, why don't you do it?

This was just before the transfer. This is our district. It Consists of The Pickerington 2nd Elders. Canal Winchester Elders, and the Lancaster Sisters. Our district stayed the same this transfer so this is still current.

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 9:21 AM

You know those weeks, were you have big plans.  You want to get a lot done, but....  It doesn't happen.  This was one of those weeks!  Do not worry, we still had a good week!

So to start off.....Elder Welch's family lives in Farmington Utah.  Fairly standerd Mormon living quarters, no?  The Lange family (No relation to Scott Lange) offered to take a package to Farmington, because they would be passing by Farmington.  To make a long story short they had a whole afternoon over at the Welchs' home.  We went over for dinner, and they Langes took plenty of photos of the Welch home.  The dog, living room, stuffed pheasant, climbing wall, garden etc.  I was getting bored, until they showed pictures of Bryce Canyon!  I was pouring over those Red Rocks.  I may have gotten a little trunky....  Shhh...  The funny part is they stayed in Hatch Ut. for a couple days!  They took a picture from Hatch looking back to Bryce Canyon.  What was in the picture?  The road that leads to Grandma and Grandpa Barney's house!  I didn't know it was possible, but a small road in the middle of Garfield County Utah made its appearance in Pickerington Ohio!

I made mention of how our speaker Brother Sheppard was a bit over-the-top with his Talk last Sunday.  I learned this week to not complain too loudly about the quality of speakers.  1. the quality dropped  2.  I was the literal reason for the quality drop.  You guessed it!  I spoke yesterday at sacrament meeting!  The topic was this.  Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made.  I will send home the outline I made.

A rough synopsis of the sermon I gave.  The Lord called the Laborer of the Vineyard to work.  Many came at different times.  All made the covenant to work until the end of the working day.  At the end each received a penny for the work.  In Jacob 5 we read about the work that goes into a vineyard.  The Lord in verses 70-72 promises us that we will find joy in our service.  This is also mentioned to us as we begin work at the temple.  Like these laborers we have promised to do our duties, and keep our covenants of baptism, temple, priesthood, etc.  As we magnify these things joy will be found in our service.  The key is that we are found exhausted at the end of the day to receive our penny.  That penny being Eternal Life (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7).  I exhort you today... To work for your Penny!

Love you all hope you have a great week!  Tell Aubrey some little gem of advice for me.  I don't know what has been said....  Oh, here's one...  Only buy generic if it's more affordable!  Yep there's my little gem of knowledge!  Hope she uses it well!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Staying in Pickerington

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2012 9:08 AM

This is a week where can see that the Lord is preparing people to hear the Gospel! Last week we went to church, not expecting investigators to be at church.  They told us they had affairs to take care of but would be here the following week.  We go to church, and we get surprised!  It wasn't that one of our existing investigators was there, rather, there was a "new" one sitting in the pew!  Elder Welch bolted to the scene to meet him, and the woman he was with.  His name is Devin, and the Woman's name Kristal.  Kristal is a less-active coming back.  She’s had a hard time with past marital relationships and it has kept her from coming back to church.  Right now she is living with Devin, (out of Wed-lock) but she is doing a fantastic job of doing missionary work with Devin.  She has helped him read the Book of Mormon (to our knowledge) to 1 Nephi 13, and has helped him learn how to pray.  We also invited him to be baptized.  Come to find out he was a little put off by the challenge.  Not knowing why he needed to be baptized again.  Kristal later explained to him: to join any other church you would need to be baptized, as well as touching upon the Priesthood.  Her explaining it in such a simple way helped him know a little more in depth why, to be baptized.  Not a perfect knowledge, but little by little.  We are excited for them and hope we'll be able to help Kristal re-activate, and Devin to the ordinance of Baptism.

This past week we were able to see Ben and Amber at church.  We were thrilled!  Up until we found out the topics, and speakers at sacrament meeting.  The Ward has been going through the Temple Recommend Questions as topics for the Sunday Sermons. This week was "Do you associate with any organization that has beliefs contrary to that of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?" (Roughly)  Odd question.  We didn't realize that one of the speakers was a Brother Sheppard.  An older man in the ward who was once a Bishop.  To make a long story short he talked about how a number of the witnesses of the Gold Plates apostatized and affiliated with other groups going against the church.  As well as emphasizing the word "Apostate".  Needless to say, we were gritting our teeth the whole time.  We hope and pray that they still desire to come to church the coming week.

We also found another new investigator.  Chris.  We found him through our own efforts.  When we knocked the door he exclaimed, "Mormons, I've been waiting for ya!"  He ushered us over to his porch chairs, and started asking questions.  What is the Book of Mormon?  Why do people think you aren't Christians?  What do you think about...?  I love it when they have questions, especially when they are willing to listen to your answers!  We'll be seeing him tomorrow to teach him the Restoration.  

The work is good and Members are great.  Elder Welch and I are ready to go to work this transfer. Why?  The mission has a goal of getting 50 baptisms both in the months of July and August.  If these goals are met President Nilsen has promised the missionaries here a trip to the Columbus Crew game in September.  From what we can understand it will be for the 2nd annual Mormon Night, and the Missionaries will be out on the field for halftime.  Fortunately we have high hopes for August and hope we can help the mission fulfill its goals.  We will do all in our power to make it happen!

I hope all is well on the Homefront.  Tanner is causing too much trouble this summer vacation.  Leighton, I hope you are staying out of jail.  The things that happen when you're close to Tropic.  Hope all is well, & remember... Stay out of the tub of frosting.  Mom will find out!

Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission


Just trying out the toothpaste.  Rest assured Mom, I brush those teeth!

Surprise! It's transfer week!

P.S. Just trying out the toothpaste. Rest assured Mom! I brush those teeth!  (We sent some new toothpaste in our latest care package along with deoderant, floss, etc. and Leighton's famous no-bake cookies.  He always likes his Sister's cookies!)

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 9:31 AM

The transfer has come up again.  Tomorrow I will be getting that infamous call from the District Leader.  If I will go, or if I will stay!  To be honest I don't know what's going to happen to me.  I hear that there might be a stir in the Spanish Zone. Or I may just stay here in Pickerington 2nd.  Whatever happens, it'll happen, and I keep on... keepin' on!

That past week was a good week.  We were able to see Ben and Amber again!  Before we had our lesson with them on Friday, they were able to do a FHE with the Trowbridge family.  The Trowbridges invited some other less-actives and members to come to FHE.  From what it sounds like everyone there had a blast!  It's funny the influence it had.  When we went back for our lesson; we were about to talk to them about what happens at our church services, and they piped in... "Oh we already know! We learned about that at Family Home Evening with the Trowbridges!"  That's five brownie points for the members!  They are keeping their reading commitments still.  I am impressed by their zeal in reading!  They have a thorough knowledge of whatever it is when we come back.  It is quite impressive!  I just hope they start applying them to themselves.  They are great at studying; now application needs to be taught.

A funny story I failed to tell...

The week that it was 105 here in Ohio we had some A/C issues.  Nothing Radical.  To preface this Elder Welch likes the apartment to be rather cold.  So the A/C is constantly pumping air to meet his needs.  There aren't ceiling fans in the states of Ohio and Kentucky.  Someone must've passed a bill, and made them illegal here...  Anywho this A/C unit had been pumping cold air into the apartment to keep us happy.  Little by little the temperature would go up, and not be able to keep up with Elder Welch's demand!  Finally I decide to pop the filter cover, and the unit cover to see if there was anything obvious we could fix.  There was.  The "Radiator" (Compressor?) was frozen over!  Literally!  There wasn't any air flowing through the system, and the only cold air we were getting was from this block of ice!  For some reason we had a blow-dryer.  I didn't ask questions as to why we had it, but we started de-icing our A/C unit!  It took us a good while to get it defrosted, but we learned a valuable lesson.  Use the "auto" setting, not the "on" setting.

Sorry I don't have some insight to my coming fate, but I'm sure you all can survive 'till next week to find out!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Humid and Hot

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2012 9:18 AM

I'm sure you watched the forecast for Columbus go straight up this past week.  Right?  Well this Missionary noticed!  You realize just how feeble you are to the weather when you are on a bike!  Humidity is the killer though.  I'm sure you it's above 100 at home, but you at least get a few moments before you start sweating.  There were a few times when I walked out at the noon-day heat, with complete fear!  Water is supposed to be on the ground, not in the air!

With this fantastic heat guess what we did most of the week?  Knock doors!  You'd think I would've sweated off a few pounds....  We found some new potential.  And hope to have lessons with them this week.

The Highlight of Elder Welch's week was on Saturday.  He got to have his life-long dream fulfilled.  He got to eat Chicken feet.  Or in the words of Napoleon dynamite "Chicken Talons' ("Do chickens have large talons?")  Brother Clyde served his mission in the Dominican Republic.  He's a decent cook when it comes to Dominican food.  Elder Welch asked about the craziest thing he's eaten down there.  The answer ranged from cow stomach, to chicken feet.  Elder Welch chose chicken feet!  How they were prepared; boiled in a broth for 15 minutes, and deep-fried (floured) until Golden Brown.  I’d say it's a great "Fear Factor" Challenge.  They don't taste too bad.  They’re just a ton of work to eat.  So T, once your mouth is better, go to the Mexican store, get some Chicken feet and go sell those at Ernies!  Eh? Eh?

We were able to see Ben and Amber last week.  In our first encounter we talked about the Book of Mormon.  Ben was confused as we talked about it.  He thought we were referring to the lost 10 tribes.  It took some talking it out to help him understand that it was a family that left Jerusalem x amount of years ago.  It wasn't heated but, there was some frustration getting it figured out. 

We came back the next time and went over their reading.  They recited to us 3 Nephi 11.  Even noting how the savior gave Nephi the authority to baptize.  Amber was able to give us a synopsis of the Testimonies of Joseph Smith, and the 3 and 8 witnesses.  Whew!  Talk about comprehension!  They are fairly tied to their Apostolic Church.  So that'll be the kicker...  on the bright side, one of our members Sister Trowbridge invited them to FHE tonight.  We can't drag people to church... but members can!

This week was a good one.  Hot, but good!  Hope you all are well, and aren't too bored of summer!

Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

It wasn't the server this time...

P.S. this is a tree damaged by storm #1

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 9:21 AM

Yes it's Tuesday.  No it wasn't the server's fault.  This time you can blame Ohio weather!

This past week we have gotten some crazy storms that have rolled in.  They were some fast moving storms that came from Indiana.  These storms touch down in a matter of a half hour, produce tornado speed winds, dump a few inches of rain, and shoot some lightning bolts around then leave after 2 hours.  I call them party crashers!

Short as they are they are powerful!  What happened further north was a tree fell onto a power line, then into a freeway, and caused a 30 car pile-up. (I don't know the whole story...)  We've heard reports that half of the city (Whether it be Columbus or Pickerington) is without power, and it won't be on until Friday.

There were two storms that hit.  The first was on Friday.  We were finishing our weekly planning when we saw the storm hit.  We were apprehensive of leaving because of the lightning.  We went to talk to one of our neighbors across the way for a weather report.  Right as we knocked her door the tornado force winds kicked in!  We scampered back to our apartment for refuge.  We watched the heavens open up and pour, and the skies get ready for the 4th of July!

The second storm was on Sunday.  We had just been dropped off to an appointment. It was fairly clear.  The man we were about to go visit shoo'd us off because he didn't want us caught in the storm.  We thought to ourselves "what storm?"  We chugged along on foot, trying to see people.  Then the storm started to roll in.  Remembering the last one we made our way back inside. I don't recommend being outside when there are tornado force winds unless you like a good resistance work-out!

This week we were able to find some new investigators.  Ben and Amber.  Ben knows the Bible fairly well.  When we taught about the Book of Mormon he was asking about Levitical Law, and how there were prophets in the Americas.  We taught by the Spirit, and he accepted the challenge to read the book of Mormon.  We’ll be seeing him later today.

We are doing well here in Pic 2.  I am on the bike, but my weight keeps creeping up.  I more frequently eat with members here, and they believe in dessert!  So, instead of my usual 195, I waver around 200.  I’m probably going to need to invest in some slim-fast....

Life is Good, and America is great!

Hope you all have an amazing 4th of July!

Para Siempre,

Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

La obra Americana

Elder Ipson, Elder Welch, Jordan and her Uncle Brian

Jordan and Brian

Brian, Jordan, Elder Welch, Elder Ipson

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2012 9:13 AM

This past week Jordan was baptized.  Whew...  It's always a relief when that happens! Now I've learned you can take a sigh when they are confirmed!  The service was at noon.  Her Uncle Brian did the baptism for her, and Brother Barclay (one of the Ward Missionaries) performed the Confirmation.

To give you the full story on Jordan:

I'll start this way...  67 days ago, she was a Heroine addict.  Puts things in perspective right?

Here in Ohio you are allowed to go to trade school.  She elected to train to be a dental assistant.  She received her certificate and was working making some decent money right out of High School.  At one point along the way she picked up smoking, and Heroine addictions.  While working as a dental assistant she was pulled out for a random drug test.  Knowing she wouldn't pass she quit her job.

She did pick up another job, but, it was at Taco Bell.  I don't recall for how long she worked there...However: She was on the last hour of one of her shifts.  She felt absolutely horrible.  She asked permission to leave and go home an hour early.  She wasn't allowed, but she quit, because she felt that bad.

Thirty minutes after getting him she was in an ambulance.  Because of all the drugs she had taken she had 7 cysts in her lungs.

To make matters worse; her father kicked her out of the home while she was in the Hospital.  At this point she didn't have a home.

However Brian her Uncle took her in.  His living conditions wouldn't be considered ideal.  He's living in subsidized government housing.  He can't drive a car due to a foot condition he has.  So his days are spent watching TNT, and playing World of Warcraft.  The funny thing that's how Brian came in contact with a member of the Church last year.  World of Warcraft! 

Anywho Elder Welch's prior companion passed by Brian and found Jordan.  The began to teach her, and she clung to the Gospel.  She had already quit heroine.  Two weeks ago she dropped the Smoking problem.  She has come a long ways in two months.  Right now we are hoping she can pick up a job, and be able to sustain herself once again.  Last week she got in contact with the Columbus South YSA Reps.  So, we hope she can go make friends there!

An item of note.  We found a Black Man named Gino last week.  He is an assistant minister at a local church here.  The funny thing is.. He came to Jordan's baptism!  He really like the service, as well as our chapel.  The funny part of it as was his attire.  Crazy Brown Pinstripe suit, and he reeked of Calvin Klein Eternity!  So, there were many dimensions of the man named Gino!  We'll be seeing him later tonight!

I love you all and hope you don't get into too much trouble!

Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Nasty License Plates

Dora's Family at the Baptism (Bishop Peterson)

This was just after the bite. If you look at my hand you'll see a paper towel covering the bite. No worries my hand is healing just fine.

Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 9:25 AM

Well how was that for a gift?  I about died getting that for Dad.  I was on Trabue road on the freeway overpass, and I instantly thought...  Fathers' Day!  So, there was a valiant effort in getting that plate!

This past week Dora Quatmaa was baptized.  Most of the time there is some sort of stipulation to get someone baptized.  Usually it is some sort of doubt, concern, fear etc.  Dora didn't have that.  She was baptized Saturday without a fuss.  Rather, it was the Confirmation that had us between a rock and a hard spot!  Why?  She wasn't there!  To get Dora and her family to church, a member usually has to drive them.  That's what happened yesterday.  Nothing new.  However the member got in some sort of accident. (car)  There wasn't any real damage, but it just cost time.  So, Elder Welch and I were biting our nails all throughout sacrament meeting for Dora to be there.  It wasn't until after the Sacrament when we could do the Confirmation.  So, moral of the story...  Drive safely on Sundays.  The Devil is still driving that day too!

I'm also proud to say I've been bit by a dog on my mission!  Yep, I've had the full experience!  We were out tracting the other day.  (Of course, it always happens while you're out tracting)  We knock the door, and the dog behind goes bezerk.  This isn't anything new.  Dogs just like to be the second doorbell!  The door opens, a man looks out at us, and his dog bolts out the door. 

My gut reaction was to treat the dog like Quick.  Start petting him, so, he doesn't get away.  The dog buys into it for a split second until the owner yells at him to get back inside.  Right there the dog pees, and begins to bark.  (I mention the pee because Elder Welch got that as a present from the dog)  As the dog barks he shakes his head without any coordination.  My hand was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The dog's teeth glanced my hand, and gave me what looks to be a 'snake-bite' on my palm.

The dog was taken inside.  All I wanted to do was wash off my hand.  I asked to go inside and wash off my hands.  The owner just gave me the dumb look of...  "The dog that just bit you is in there.  You want to go inside?"  So we had him bring out some alcohol and peroxide.  We washed the wound right on his porch.  We made a contact while washing the wound, but sadly he wasn't interested.  Well coach... I took one for the team!

Jordan is still preparing for her baptism this Saturday.  We will be passing by regularly to make sure she isn't smoking.  Yesterday she had the honors of tearing up her last 6 cigarettes.  She seemed rather content to tear up the crux.

I failed to mention a small bit about Elder Welch.  Last year he had some heavy desire to go and do Spanish work.  Or to learn Spanish.  So during one of his interviews he made a fairly eloquent pitch to President to get this go.  President didn't buy it.  So once Elder Welch found out I was a Spanish Elder he was ecstatic!  Up to this point Elder Welch has learned his vowels, Un burro sabe mas que tu, and Tengo que ir al bano. Right now I'm teaching him all of the essentials to living in Hispanic Cultures.  Today we're going to buy some spicy stuff.  That always helps you learn Spanish!

That is my letter for today.  Remember..  No capes! & no C.O.W.'s  got it!

I love you all, and Feliz Cumplianos Leighton!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

No se como hablar en Ingles

New Mailing Address!
Elder Austin Ipson
Ohio Columbus Mission
6770 Ed Lane
Canal Winchester, OH 43110

Elder Welch and Elder Ipson

Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 8:54 AM

So transfers have come!  Dad, sorry...  I didn't go to Dayton.  Rather I'm in the Columbus area.  Infact I'm still in Spanish West's area, but.... I'm now in English Work!  President has sent me to the Pickerington 2nd Ward in the Columbus South Stake.  Hipanic Population... 2... I'm still looking for them....

It's been an intersting week to say the least.  We knew the Spanish Transfer was going to be big.  I had that gut feeling that I would be leaving Spanish West.  My gut also said I'd be going to English work.  I didn't want to believe it!  So, what happened, Spanish South was dissolved into Spanish West.  Elder Jacobson and Elder Ragan took over what is now 2/3 of Columbus.  Elder Holbrook went to do Spanish work in the Westerville Branch.  So, you shut down an area, that take two Elders out of a job.  Elder Wheadon and I both went to English work.

My companion is Elder Welch.  He is from Farmington, Utah.  He has been serving here in the Pickerington 2nd for 4 1/2 months.  So he knows the area fairly well.  He is the youngest of 4.  And is Zealous to do the work!  Elder Welch had been training just before I got there.  His companion had been suffering depression while he was here.  In short his comp. was slow on his feet, and just had a hard time with the work.  Needless to say Elder Welch is ready hit the pavement and get the work done.

The area... Well, I'm on a bike.  Guess the Lord knew the St. George boy could take the bike in the Summer right?  We're coming up on the hotter part of the month.  It hasn't gotten extremely hot yet, but I'm waiting for it!

We also had a surprise this week.  Pickerington 2 recieved 2 mini-missionaries.  In other words two priest age men, that are perspective missionaries, and will serve with us for the week.  It's like training... all over again...  They're both eager to do the work.  (There's a scripture about Brideling your passions I believe....)

In previous transfers Elder Welch has done great work.  Right now we have three people on date.  Elder Welch with a grin on his face our first half hour together told us we'd be having a baptism next week. (This week)  Her name is Dura Quadra.  She is from Ghana (there are a ton of Ghaneans out here).  She speaks very little English so her daughter translates the lessons for us.

Our other investigators are Olen and Jordan(Girl Jordan).  They are on date for the 23rd of June (Feliz Cumplianos!)  Were are finishing up some Word of Wisdom problems with the both of them. 

We'll there's my shot-gun blast of an E-mail!  Hope it finds you well!  I love you all!  Just hope I can re-learn how to pray in English!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Photos from Lucero's!

Looks like Austin was transferred....but to where....stay tuned to find out on Monday!


Despedida de Elder Ipson su ultimo dia en la Rama Franlin esperamos verle pronto lo extrañaremos.
Translation:  Elder Ipson his last day at the Franklin Branch, hope to see you soon miss him.
Elder Jacobson and Elder Ipson at the Lucero home.

Elder Jacobson and I with the Lucero Family

Elder Jacobson, Horacio Lucero, Elder Ipson

Elder Jacobson, Horacio Lucero, Elder Ipson

Uy que miedo !!
Este charro si es muy valiente
Translation: Uy that fear! If this el charro is very courageous.

Chrome....

I got my absentee Ballot for the Republican Primary. We got all of our stuff that had some sort of American Heritage.... Couldn't help ourselves...

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2012 10:30 AM

To start of the email I want to tell you what Elder Jacobson and I did to start P-day.

Every day when we leave our apartment we go by a Classic Car Dealership on Wilson & Fisher.  We've oo'd and awe'd every day as we've passed.  Today for our P-day activity we got up the gumption to go take a look at the stuff there.  Needless to say...  It was refreshing!  It's amazing what a Camaro with matching numbers can do for a guy!

Right now our investigator work has tapered off hard.  Immigration is hot again.  Hotter than before.  They've finally made their way to Spanish South's area.  They are the densest of all Spanish Areas.  With migration running amuck in there, there is not a bit a trust for guys with white shirts!  Why this affects us; when one person gets rounded up, the rest of the Hispanics know about it in a couple hours.  It's like they always say.... You can't out-run a Motorola!

To combat this, we've gone to less-active work.  Sure we still go out and find, but it's not all that effective.  We have been having success on this other front. 

I don't recall if I have told you much about Jose.  So, I will tell you his whole story! 

Spanish South was visiting one of their investigators.  While there they ran into Jose.  Jose told them that he was a member of our church, and was baptized in Mexico (This happens more than you would think).  Elder Ragan and Elder Holbrook gathered his information.

Elder Jacobson and I work the information of this Jose' guy out of them.  It's pretty far away.  (Considering we have mileage limitations).  It's a 25 mile round trip, and in Spanish West we round out to have around 45 a day.  So this is a good chunk of our miles to go take a shot like this.  Well... We took it! 

The first time we go he seemed surprised to see us.  One of those," you actually came out here?" Sort of looks.  We got know him and a little more of his situation. 

While in Mexico he was baptized when he was 10.  And moved along to receive the Aaronic Priesthood (Priest).  However there was a situation where people’s feelings were hurt.  A bishop was blamed.  And Jose and his family stopped going to church.  For 20 Jose didn't have contact at church.

After this lesson Jose had the conviction to come to church.  Renew his covenants and start again.  He has come for the past three weeks.  The first week he came with his whole family.  He and his wife, and their 5 boys.  Ranging from ages 3-10.  His wife isn't that interested in acting upon the gospel message at this time.  She takes care of the 2 youngest twins.  They can get restless at church.  Jose for the past two weeks has brought his three oldest sons to church.  There is a Good Better Best situation here, but well take the Better Situation.

He is a little hesitant in some things.  For example praying.  He isn't (in his mind) ready to pray vocally yet.  However during class yesterday he gave great comments.  Jose is picking up little by little how the church thing works. 

One of his comments fills a hole in the start of his whole "coming back" process.  Jose said, “The day the missionaries (Ragan & Holbrook) found me I was talking with my wife about how I wanted to go back to church.  I found it funny that, the very day I say that.  He puts someone in my way to come back."  It was amazing to me; to hear that. 

Jose has had an interview with Pres. Navarro.  Don't know for what.  I just hope he has an excitement to keep going and become worthy to use his Priesthood once again. 

That's the bulk of what happened in the Ohio this week.  We are still working with families to get their friends to FHE.  One family has hit the ground running with this.  We hope to teach the same person tonight! 

Once again Transfers are this week!  I could go, and I might not at the same time.  Consecutively Elder Jacobson has been here longer.  In total time I've been in Spanish West longer.  So, who knows how it will shake out.  We'll get calls tomorrow! 

Love you all.   Hope you aren’t already bored of Summer!

Para Siempre,

Elder Ipson

The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Government Holidays... The Bane of a Missionary’s existence!

This is Julio Trejo. We've been teaching him to get ready for baptism.  His baptism was this past Sunday. He's a nut.  We had a whole conversation (once) about Pokémon Red Version.  Thought I had forgotten that stuff!

Memorial Day BBQ...
It's the best you can do as a Spanish Elder!

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 2:02 PM

It's a day late, but better late than never right? 

Well last week was a heart-breaker for us.  We had Mauricio with a date at one point, but then fell off in a matter of days...  Not only did he fall off, but he'd rather not speak to us anymore....

To go through what happened; we had our lesson on Monday with him.  We recruited Hno. Harris (he served in Ecuador) to come with us.  We taught the Restoration to him.  It was extremely easy to move through the lesson once we hit the part about Joseph Smith.  Why?  He has gone to the Sacred Grove.  He's been to the Smith home, Hill Cumorah, etc.  So the life of the Brother Joseph was known.  We simply needed to bring the spirit in as we taught these things.  When we felt the spirit strongly enough, we invited him to baptism for the 10th of June.  (Baptisms happen on Sundays in this branch)  He didn't accept.  However Hno. Harris stepped in and added his testimony.  Mauricio thought for a moment.  It was a long silence, but we all knew he was going to say yes.  And he did!  We all testified that he was doing the right thing.  Lucy and Leslie (Mom and daughter) were both ecstatic to hear Mauricio say those words.

We set up a return appointment for Friday night.  However that appointment fell through.  So we rescheduled for Saturday.  However it was Friday night that made all of the Difference.  He went out drinking and smoking.  Lucy found out, and she told him fairly straight that he shouldn't be doing that if he is to be baptized.  He didn't like that at all.  Knowing that he was out drinking we still went by for our rescheduled lesson on Saturday.  Lucy greeted us.  She told us that he was "sleeping".  She rolled her eyes as she said it, and we saw a TV going on in the back room.  Needless to say we were disappointed but we kept going.

 I failed to mention that Elder Zwick of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy came to visit us this past week.  He came and talked to us on simplifying and intensifying our teaching.  1 so people don't get bored.  2 so the Spirit can also more powerfully speak to those we teach. 

Elder Zwick also told us of an experience he had with  Pres. Packer.  President Packer took him to his pond out behind his house and told him how it is a place where he thinks and prays.  President Packer asked Elder Zwick, "...where's your pond?"  That was the second theme of the meeting.  How can we more personally gain a testimony of our father in heaven?  So the question to you.  Where is your pond?

As for me.  It is praying more fervently.  Especially before bed.  At times, I'm bushed.  So, to make a long explanation short.  I will pray better at nights, and give a full accounting of the day.

That's my letter for this week.  Just can't believe the transfer is ending next week.  I don't believe I'll go, but you never know.  We’ll know next Tuesday!

Love you all have a good week!

Para Siempre,
Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

All is Well, All is Well

From: Austin Ipson, Columbus, OH
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:19 AM

This was a week!

Now our hopeful baptism I introduced as Moracio, however, I am in error.  His name is Mauricio.  Imagine how I felt when I got his name wrong!

That is how we started our week.  We went to a FHE with Hermana Lucy, and her husband Mauricio.  What we taught in that first lesson was the atonement, and its role in our lives.  We then taught that the only way to access the fullness of the atonement is through baptism.  To see the look on Hna. Lucy’s and her daughters’ faces was priceless.  Why?  We invited Mauricio to baptism!  He accepted the invitation to be baptized.  However not a date.  His biggest question was how he could know.  We left him Moroni 10 to read.  We came back, and he had read all of Moroni 10!  In-fact he had great insights us.  The story that he told us; he was getting ready for work and just didn't want to go.  One of those days that wasn't shaping up to be a good one.  However he picked up and read Moroni 10 again (He had read through it a little up to this point).  Verse 20 stuck out to him, and stayed with him all day.  He even noted that his day was far better!

The lesson when we came back we also shared The Plan of Salvation.  It wasn't a very in depth lesson, but his understanding to his purpose was expanded!  He right now is excited to be learning, but was devastated when he couldn't go to church, especially when he found out he could take the sacrament!  Apparently in the past there was a bit of Hoopla about that.

We are very excited for Mauricio as he prepares for baptism.  The sad part is he and his family will be moving back to Ecuador this coming August.  However, He'll be a great member wherever he is!

Spanish South in weeks past ran into a less-active that isn't on our records.  Jose is his name.  He has been less-active for 20 some odd years.  While living in Mexico he was offended by one of the members, and left.  However he now is coming back!  He and his family came last week.  They came 40 minutes early so by the time sacrament meeting started their two-year old twins were restless.  It wasn't looking good...  However the branch did a good job of introducing themselves, and being loving.  To top it all off the kids liked Primary!  So we are hoping Jose and Claudia keep coming with their 5 boys.  (All are under the age of 10, good luck...)  We'll be heading out this Thursday to see them.

Things are looking good with people to teach.  However the Hernandez family will be changing branches.  The Franklin 2 branch is closer to them.  So, it makes sense for them to change.  This just means I won't ever learn how to understand Henry! 

The work is looking up; we are going to keep pressing forward.  Today I also finished the Book of Mormon.  I marked over 4,000 references to Christ.  I wonder how that happened, because I heard there was somewhere around 3,500 references.... Hmmm.....

I love you all, and hope you don't have too much fun this summer... Meh... do what you want!  Just don't get caught!  Have a great week!

Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

No se que decir....

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 9:04 AM 

It seems after the phone calls I have no idea what to say in my emails...  Needless to say it was great to hear your voices!  Grandpa I, it was great to hear your text from Dad!

This past week, as I said in the call, we've been using the "leave a blessing" approach.  This week we were able to meet a great deal of people and leave a blessing on each of those homes.  We have quite a few return appointments this coming week.  We hope to move these people to baptism.

I failed to note an important piece of information.  As of late the challenge was given to us to baptize in both May and June.  Yesterday we fasted so that we could achieve this goal.  We are moving forward in faith to accomplish this goal!

We received a call from one of our members, Sister "Lucy".  Her husband is a non-member.  He has heard the lessons many times; however Moracio wants to hear the lessons again!  Sound familiar?  We are hoping this turns out the same with Moracio, like it did with Horacio!  Tonight we'll be going by to teach a family home evening.

We are so grateful to Horacio and Angeles Lucero for having us over on Mother's Day.  Not only did they lend us their phones, but they also made dinner for us.  We plan on doing service for them to show our gratitude.

Sorry this is rather short...  I just don't know what else to say...  Wait....  Yesterday was Mothers' Day.... Does that mean Darlington was yesterday?  T keep me updated!


Leighton got to answer the phone!

Tanner talking to his Bro.

Dale and Austin chat...

Best Mother's Day Gift ever!  Talking with Austin!

Austin says this might be his last phone call home....  :)

After Church - waiting for the phone to RING!
Tanner, Jolene & Leighton

Love you all.  Enjoy your last week of school!
Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Llamadas (means "to call")

P.S. We've driven by this quite a few times.
The pose... I wanted to pull it since I saw this car with Elder Klein.

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 9:43 AM 

Wow Mothers' day calls are next Sunday.  It's been a fast few months!

With this past week we were able to get the fast underway.  It wasn't a sequential, as we had planned.  Rather we'd go to the houses, set up the mission plan, and get them ready to fast, and they'd give us a strange look.  It was a look of "did you just say fast?"  It was then we'd realize they wouldn't be fasting that day.  Quite a few times we set up a return appointment to start a fast with families!  Moral of the story, if you want to scare a Hispanic member of the church just say "Tengamos un ayuno hoy".  They'll be quivering for the next five minutes...

This week we had a surprise Specialized Training.  The Mission Department came by to the mission and was able to train the leaders.  What we learned....  A new approach to tracting.  Rather than the normal "Hi we're missionaries from the....."  We present ourselves as Represenatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, and are there to offer a blessing upon the home.  The idea is that we go in, invite the Spirit, get a return appointment, and get out.  That way when we leave they'll want us back, rather than... Oh the Mormons just want to take an hour of our time.

Elder Jacobson and I have been using this as of late.  We haven't had quite the success as other missionaries while knocking, however we have seen the fruits of this training.   We were with one of our members Ruben.  He had a few guys over for a "Carne Asada"=BBQ.  We were able to teach a small lesson on faith.  Then leave a blessing on the home.  Within the blessing we pray for each individual person.  We did so, and nobody wanted to get up.  We all just wanted to sit and feel the Spirit.  The Silence was broken by a girl in the kitchen who said, "what is it will all of you and awkward silences?"  We chuckled then went back to feeling the impression.  We left, and you could tell they didn't want us to leave.

Best not say too much.  Don't want to use all of my material before the call this Sunday.

Can't wait to hear you all.  Leighton, I hope you've practiced your Spanish!

Para Siempre,
Elder A. Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

U.S.S. Enterprise

From: Austin Ipson
2709 Abbots Loop Ct.,
Columbus, OH 43204-4339
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 9:38 AM

As you can see, there aren't any photos.  There were intentions this week to send some home, but the camera didn't make it's way into the car this morning.  So, you'll be getting them next week!

What a week... I don't know where to start!  I guess chronologically will work the best!

This past Tuesday all of the Spanish Elders made their way to Huber Heights (Dayton) for a Spanish Specialized training.  We were able to hear from President Nilsen, and his sentiments on Spanish work in the Ohio.  We heard from one of the Counselors in the Westerville Spanish Branch, The Dayton Branch President, as well as President Maya from the Miami River Branch.  They all gave great motivation in for the work.

The motive behind the training was to better train us, to how to better use members in finding.  Our solution, family home evening!  Our Spanish Zone Leaders Elders Luna and Jensen told us how they did it when they were companions before, and how they are doing it know and seeing success.  The model they are using in getting members to do family home evenings will be implemented to each Spanish area.  I see great success coming out of this.  Going to a FHE sure beats looking for mops on porches!

Tuesday night we received the transfer call....  I'm..... Staying in Columbus for another!  Elder Jacobson will stay with me.  The transfer was extremely small.  There was only a couple changes made in the Spanish work, and the only changes in English work that seemed to be changed were training areas.  Very Small transfer.  Anyways I'll be here.  An update on Elder Ramsey, he was made Spanish Zone Leader.  Elder Luna went to the great position of Senior Companion, and Elder Ramsey filled his spot. 

Since we live a mile away we went to the transfer.  While there we were informed that we were getting a new car!  I was shocked.  I didn't think our car would be changed out for a couple more transfers.  We thought we'd be getting a new Toyota Corolla.  (Missionaries like to gossip, and things like that run through the missionaries).  We got to the mission office in Dublin, and saw quite a few Corollas rolling out.  We got talking to the car Elder and found out we weren't getting a Corolla.  We were getting a new Chevy Malibu!  Elder Jacobson accuses me of having a smug grin on my face when I found out.  I've yet to tell him I've been working through Rick to get the car here.   He's yet to see the High Country Sticker! :P (The car has the nickname of the U.S.S. Enterprise.  It's a big silver car.  We figured it was fitting.  I just can't wear a red tie when I'm in the car though....)

U.S.S. Enterprise

The work has been great this week.  We weren't able to find this week.  However we were able to get back in contact with one of our investigators; Ivan.  For a while he fell off of the face of the earth.  We'd call, pass by, etc.  We couldn't pin him down.  This week it happened!  We got to sit down, and have three lessons with him. 

The first one was rather tense.  It was one where we didn't know how it was going to go.  We knew we just had to hear him out.  We got talking with him, but he starting into the infamous line, "I like what you guys have to say but,...." I was bracing myself for the drop; I've heard those lines before.  Rather he gave us his concern.  He loves the Book of Mormon, what we've taught, but he's afraid of joining a church, because persecution follows whenever you "unite". 
Elder Jacobson fidgeted.  He wanted to say something so badly.  I knew he didn't know what to say either!  So, I pulled the jerk Senior Companion move, and just looked at him, and waited. 

Elder Jacobson bore his testimony of how he came to know the Book of Mormon was true, and because of that, Joseph Smith was a prophet, and how the Church of Jesus Christ is the restored church on the earth.  I took my turn and applied it to Ivan.  How he can know, and what that means.  Ivan knows the Bible decently well.  He knows of the persecutions of the Saints in the Savior's time.  When I reminded him of that, the Holy Ghost testified to him the path he needed to take.  Ever since that lesson he has been hungry to know more.

We had a second lesson with our Branch Mission Leader Hermano Parkus, and we taught the Plan of Salvation.  Ivan's sight on eternity was expanded as we taught.  There was moments where new principles were introduced (Celestial, Terestial, Telestial Kingdoms) when there was confusion, but as we showed him how we have the Doctrine, understanding came.  When all was said and done, we reminded him.  Pray, and you will know.

Ivan came to the Columbus Stake Conference.  Through Translation he was able to hear the words of our Mission President, and his wife, and the Columbus Stake Presidency.  After the conference we showed him around the chapel.  The very interesting part is that he did the drywall in the New Albany Chapel!  So, he knew his way around fairly well!  (Elder Klein had an investigator that did the tile in the Baptismal font in the New Albany Building)  So needless to say, he liked knowing how we use our chapels after putting one together!

Our final lesson we answered questions. Was he full of them.  From leadership of the Church to Baptisms for the Dead.  There was a broad spectrum of topics covered.  We feel an extreme sense of urgency to help him to baptism.  He will be returning to Mexico in July to go and be married.  This really seems to be a climax in his life right now, and it's only getting more intense.  We hope to see him at church this next week.  So he can see how the church works on a normal day.  Not only that, but teach him, and give him a baptismal date!

Things are coming along.  The Branch is really surprising us as we do this fast.  Yesterday we had Brother Hernandez pilfering in our commissary because they had set a decent goal of giving out copies of the Book of Mormon.  So, there will be a report next week on the fast.

Crazy week.  Even though it was crazy I still love you all.  Good job T for becoming an Eagle Scout.  Good job to Mom for dragging him there!

We are off to go shopping.  I'm going to go drop off my bike for a tune-up.  My back brake doesn't know if it wants to work or not.  I'd fix it myself, but I just don't have the tools to do it.  That, and I might make it worse knowing my past!

Love you all.  Until next week.
Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission

Y Ancontecio: And it came to pass

From: Austin Ipson, Columbus, OH
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 9:27 AM 

Another week gone.  Wow... It's remarkable how quickly I find myself at a computer on Mondays!  Now that I'm here I need to remember what I did last week...  Ugh, it's a blur!

A few weeks ago President Nilsen gave us the challenge to Read the Book of Mormon before a Zone Conference we will have in late May.  This challenge requires us to read 10 pages a day.  That however, is if you are reading an English Book of Mormon.  I was the poor fool who thought....  Oh, this will be a great chance for me to read the Book of Mormon in Spanish!  I realized it wasn't a great idea... Why?  Because there are roughly 100 more pages in the Spanish Version of the Book of Mormon. On top of that, I learned Spanish in Ohio!  The Spanish I know can be horrible Spanglish.  Ask Uncle Mo what the word Checkiar means and he'll probably give you a funny look!  That's how the Mexican population says to check. 

Now that I've described the situation I'm in, and that I've gotten too far to turn back now, I have to say...  I've never learned so much from a reading of the Book of Mormon!  I did read it last year and looked for the attributes of Christ and marked them.  I learned a great deal.  This year I am looking for all of the references of Christ and the words that he speaks to his children.  Whether it be him, or by one of his servants.  As I read, and mark these things I keep finding our need for the Savior.  The life he lived, the things he taught, the atonement he expiated.  I realized the gifts he has given me each time I read.  A time to learn, repentance, his love, the ability to speak and read another language, and eternal life if I stand worthy in the end. 

I've had to do quite a bit of catch up reading in Spanish, but, it is meaning so much more reading That Testament of Christ, in the language of the people I am here to serve.

This past week we've seen our pool of investigators diminish.  It's been tough to see such promising people go. Norma, the lady we found a few weeks ago has disappeared.  We've passed by many times, but have come to the conclusion that she must now be in Honduras looking for her deported husband.  If we hear anything about her we'll let you know.

We went back to Hector this week, and watched the Restoration with them.  Elder Klein and Ramsey went on exchanges last year and showed this to them.  By the end they were both crying, and committed to baptism.  This time with Elder Jacobson and I they took a snooze...  Ugh...  Fortunately Susanna; Hector's wife has read a little bit of the Book of Mormon.  So, there is still some fire there!

I love you all so much!  It makes me laugh that Sancho is now a household word!  The question is, did it replace the word Poob?  I hope goes well, and that you are all the same.  Que Dios les bendiga!

Transfer calls are coming up tomorrow.  I doubt I'll go, but, you never know!

Para Siempre,
Elder Ipson
The Great Ohio Columbus Mission