Guatemala - July 27, 2009

Father Grover was stung by a bee last Friday, and he is severely allergic to them. We almost lost him, but thanks to a priesthood blessing, modern medicine, and a life flight to Grand Junction, he is still alive! When Elder J.J. Grover heard the news, this was his response:

I give thanks to my Father in Heaven for having mercy on me; I can't express how lucky and blessed we are! I am so thankful that you are alive Dad! I know that God and his Son live and that they are blessing us beyond measure. The tribulations that we receive are for our profit and learning. There is something God is preparing for us, and we need to stand firm on our foundation of Christ and preservera hasta el fin! Mom, what a blessing to be called to serve in the stake relief society. Serve your best, God calls the weak and humble and raises us to our full potential. I would like to be at home in these hard times but just imagine if we were not serving and receiving these blessings! We are all still alive and fighting, what a blessing the Lord has given us to be together still in this life, and in the world to come. I know we are in the true church and have the saving ordinances. I'm sorry, but I just can't put words in to this computer, Dad, but I love you and am so grateful you are still with me here in this world, I still have a lot to learn from you. I will write a letter too, but I struggle with the computer. I love you - keep fighting! Hoorah for Israel! the work of God will go forth boldly! I will keep trying to do my very best, but I wont lie, this life is not easy especially the mission. But the thing we all need to remember is that Jesus is on our side, call to the Father in his name to receive the strength, and I promise you, as a representative of him, that he hears the prayers of the faithful. Pray for strength cuz I am too. May our God continue to bless you and keep you. We will make it! If there is anything that I can do, please let me know. I want to hear how everyone is doing, and stories and all, if you have time to tell me. But, I know that our Father in Heaven is there for each us, hold to the faith! With all the love I have now and for eternity,
Elder Grover

Arkansas - July 27, 2009

How are you? Good, I hope. How is Mckady? Y'all have been on my mind continuously. I have to tell you one small thing, perhaps coincidence. Upon hearing about what had happened, I didn't know what to think. But the next day I was with a missionary, and he was talking about the fact that he had to wait a bit before being able to come out because of health issues. So I inquired what they were. He told me that he had seizures, and I immediately filled him full of questions. I also learned about another missionary that had just gone home. He was out, then went home due to a seizure, and then came back - one of the best missionaries to serve here, I might add. What I am trying to say is that one, God loves us, and two, nothing has to hold us back. Anymore, unless I tell someone about my knees, no one knows. Anyhow, things are going well here. Still chillin' with my man, Elder Brady; yeah, that's right. Oh, here is one for ya', I have had a few more Blanding know abouts, one was a roommate with Gina Shumway. But also, there is a Brother Grover here in the ward - small world! So, I have not been able to sit down and discuss genealogy yet, but hopefully I will. Yesterday in church I saw him, and I asked him which wife he came from, and he said Hannah Tupper - yeah, same as us! But I think it was a different one of her children. He is from Rexburg. Oh, and Sister Merkley wanted me to ask which of Aunt Hazels Daughters was in their ward. God Bless you and keep you all.
Your son forever,
Elder Jordan Grover

A bad scare, and a miracle. . .

Last week the Elders Grover's sister, McKady had a really bad seizure - first one in her life - and we almost lost her. For details go to http://kennyamber.blogspot.com. When the missionaries found out about what had happened, this was their response:

Elder J.J. Grover wrote:
We are so blessed to have her still alive! I give thanks to God for keeping her alive. Life is so short, and we are so small, but I know and testify that there is a God and he loves each of us individually and personally. We have trials in our life to test and try us, and to push us to the very limits, to push us to our knees. We are candidates for celestial glory together as a family; we can not, and must not, give up faith in that. As a family we must turn together to our Savior, and he will help us. Mckady, our Savior has felt your pain. I testify that he is with you, and his love is what kept you alive. I love you so much! Have faith! Everyone Tengan Fe! I am so grateful and still shaking, but this is a miracle! The road ahead will not be easy, but God has given a mighty miracle for us, and I know that he has a plan to help us though the rest. I love you all, you are all in my prayers, especially you Mckady, I love you! I want updates every week, and I will write some letters. Remember God is there to help, turn to him in prayer and scripture study.
With love,
Elder Grover

Elder Jordan Grover wrote:
Please read Mark 5:36. You gave it once to me, and I carry it always. I know that you are in Gods hands. God Bless. I love you, and pray for you.
Forever,
Elder Jordan Grover

Arkansas - July 20, 2009

Hi, how are y'all doin'? I imagine that you are all still recovering from the family reunion; it seems to take forever to recover from those sometimes. Who all came, what happened? You know, give me the low down. Things are great here, it has cooled off just a bit the last few days and that has been really nice - not bad at all. Hey, last week we went and helped a part member family dig some post holes, he is building a round pen. But I tell you, people out here just don't know how to do it. No, I am just kidding. He is like, "you go a little over board". They weren't just posts, he was using railroad ties; yeah, it is pretty great. We met another family yesterday. He is totally an inventor; yeah, for real that is what he does. He gave us a little product; his little thing you roll up your toothpaste tube in. We were supposed to have a baptism this last week but once again, it canceled out the last minute - kinda wild. Satan is hard at work. But the good news is that this is God's work and no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. This is the work of God. I hope and pray that all is well with you. I know that you are in Gods care and that all will be well. I hope you know that I love you.
Yours forever,
Elder Jordan Grover

Happy Birthday Elder Grover!

Elder Jordan Grover turned 21 on Monday, July 13. He is scheduled to fly home on Saturday, August 15. We love you Elder Grover!

Guatemala - July 13, 2009

Why hello! Andy and Alicia already had their baby! Wow, time is flying by! A few missionaries in my zone are leaving at the end of this change and the next , hard workers but they start talking about being home it is like, man be quiet I'm trying to stay focused! But I'm good there, my problem is the language, I'm suffering in that area and none of the missionaries or members have any confidence in me, so it is a shut down everyehere. We are going to have a baptism on Saturday though, and her brother is driving all the way from Guatemala City to baptize her, we are so exited! I have been so blessed, thank you for your prayers and all, I know the Lord is carrying me. So, I thought about a scripture for you, it is in Alma 56; yes, the story of the stripling worriers. They were taught by their parents, not just by word, but by example, the covenant that the dads ¨made and kept¨ and the ¨firm testimonies of their mothers¨ made a strong faithful son of God able and willing to fight for the right! We are in a battle of good and evil and little Stetson is going to be one of those stripling worriers in not very long. I hope you had a good birthday, McKady! And also, if you guys can tell my older brother Happy Birthday from the real down south! I'm good down here, and still working hard, I love you all and always remember to put God at the first of everything, and he will help you, I promise! Pray and read, and follow the profeta, he shows the way! I love you all put a smile on!
Until next week, con amor,
Elder Grover

Arkansas - July 13, 2009

Hi, sounds like life is exciting there. New life huh, I'll tell you isn't it wonderful? I know that there is no greater miracle than that of life. What a wonderful thing, new babies (speaking of Andy & Alicia's new baby, Dodger). And if you like new babies, there is no better place to be than here in the good old Centerton ward. We have at least two new babies every week, it seems like, and I am not joking. With attendance of about 370, and most being young families, it just comes with the territory. It is exciting. The new life of the Gospel is exciting as well. There are so many wonderful things, just amazing, really. This week we had an open house for the new building here, and the ward really came out in full force. There were over 30 non-members that came to see - definitely a great missionary experience. We had one investigator show up, a lady named Leslie Karina Watson. Surprising enough she is Hispanic, the name doesn't show it, but anyhow, she came with her fiance and her daughter, and they really enjoyed it. She was born and raised Catholic but was baptized Baptist when she was 16, but is really turned off to churches right now, though she wants her daughter to have a church background. She really is just amazing, she feels the spirit when we are there and loves the Book of Mormon. We were going to have a baptism this last week as well, one of those jump on you, set a date, get baptized a few days latter deals, but instead he is going to be baptized this week, probably on Thursday. Excellent young man. He came up to us in church a few weeks ago and said. "the missionaries told me to ask you about being baptized" or something like that. We were so in shock we just didn't know what to say. One of those little miracles, isn't it just wonderful? And then there was this family that was just moving into the ward, moving into a new home, and at the same time there was another family moving in just down the street. They got together and started talking about the Church and took them around the corner to the new church and showed them around and then invited them to listen to us! Yeah, wow! So we went and taught them and they were very excited, and anyway it was just amazing, and we will be teaching them again. Opportunities to share are all around us, we just have to be ready. If we are doing our best to have the spirit it will prompt us what to do. I love you all, y'all are the best. Keep reading, praying and sharing the gospel, and always remember that I love you. Tell Elder Grover I love him too and think of him often. God bless and keep y'all safe.
Your Friend and Brother Forever
Elder Jordan Grover
Doctrine and Covenants 88:133
"Art thou a brother or brethren I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, In which covenant I receive you to fellowship. In a determination that is fixed immovable and unchangeable to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love. To walk in all the commandments of God, blameless in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen."

Happy 4th of July from Guatemala!

Hey, how are ya'll? Sounds like life is cruising for you all! I'm so happy for you all, man, tell Jordan to not get baggy. My new DL is, he is heading home on the fourth of Agosto. Yeah, Elder Snow is my companion, and we are working hard and having a good old time. We have a baptism date set for the 18th. We are so excited, we found her contacting, but she has a brother that lives in Guatemala city and he is going to come and baptize her, we are stoked and blessed. We were told that Guatemala has the stiffest people in all central America for accepting the gospel, but the Lord is blessing them and us! So, iIhave a question, have you been getting my letters? Also, I sent some pictures, have you got them by chance? If you could send some pictures so I could put them in my scriptures, that would be great. Everyone asks me if I have any, and I have to say no, cuz I don't have any with me. Anyway I want to wish someone a Happy Birthday! McKady, I hope you have a great day! You are going to be 12 right? Anyway, smile big and don't grow up too fast okay? So, I got the conference talks, and I want you all to read the one from the prophet in the priesthood session, ¨Be Your Best Self¨, it is really good for the holders of the priesthood, but I also think it would be great for home evening - for the whole family! Just remember that we have a prophet to guide and direct us on the earth; it is a huge blessing, and we need to follow him. Hey, give me Jordan's mailing address, and tell me if you think it would be worth trying to send something. So, I hope all is great and you are all happy. I love you, and your Father in Heaven loves you. So keep praying to him in faith! I promise he hears your prayers! Thanks for your love and support and prayers!
Until next week con amor,
Elder Grover

Arakansas - July 6, 2009

Hi Mom, Sorry the email did not get to you last week. I got on, and it said that it had returned it; something about fatal errors and such - yikes! Oh well. Sounds like summer is going well for y'all. And the fourth was good. Speaking of fireworks. Out here they have firework displays but the crazy thing is that most fireworks are legal here. And We're not talking little sparklers, these are real shoot into the sky cablam fireworks. It is as close as I hope to ever be to a battle zone. They are just exploding everywhere. Just imagine being in the middle of a bunch of amature fireworkists with way too many explosives - yeah. We taught a lot, mostly visited members and shared about Independence Day and the fact that it is because of the freedom that we enjoy that the Gospel could be restored, isn't it wonderful? And here is a great story, the reason that I feel a bit jealous of Elder Grover; we were riding down the street, dodging fireworks, I am just kidding, but it really felt that way, and there was this party out on the front lawn. Hispanic people, and they yelled "Comer", if you know any Spanish that means eat. Oh yeah! So we went and ate Carne Asada - yum. While we were sitting there, the kids were shooting off fireworks and one put one in the ground backwards and shot it right back into the middle of the group -bang - it was crazy! But a great fourth of July. By the way, did I tell you I love the Fourth of July. Not as much as I love the Gospel, but I do love the fourth of July, it is a Gospel Holiday, everyone just doesn't realize it. So anyhow, things are going great. Elder Brady is amazing, President and Sister Merkley, I am sure are amazing too, I haven't seen or heard from them yet, but the goals are increasing and that is a great sign. I love Missionary work, And I love the Gospel. I know that God will fulfil his promises to us. I know that he has all power both in heaven and on earth. All he asks of us is to live the Gospel. Here is a little study for you, what does that mean to live the Gospel? We will put your scripture searching skills to the test. I love each of you. God Bless. Keep Reading, Praying and Sharing the Gospel.
Love Elder Jordan Grover

Arakansas - June 29, 2009

Hi, how are you? I hope and pray that everything is alright. It sounds like you have a lot going on. That is life I guess, right? But you know, you are busy in the right way. Every weekend sounds full, but it sounds like they are all church related. That is significant. There are so many good things that distract people from the important things, you know. And more and more I see the difference that the Gospel makes. It is amazing that even through the darkest storms those that have the gospel can sail on relatively calm waters. I wish that everyone could see that. I wish I could somehow inspire that better. But I know that is like Alma, and I do sin in my wish, for I should be content with the lot that God has given me. I am just glad to be in Centerton. People around here have come to call it little Provo, because of the Church's rapid growth here and the demographics of it. The ward is approaching 400 active attendance, and it is probably over 80% between 25-35 newlyweds and young families. They just completed a brand new building here and we moved in a couple of weeks ago. There is going to be an Open House on July 11; we are also planning on having a Baptism that day, but the person being baptized is in Virginia at the moment, that kinda makes life difficult. I can't remember if I have told you much about my companion, Elder Brady is from Blackfoot ID, his Dad actually builds cabinets up there, kind of interesting. Speaking of the building, I was calling the Elders quorum president and dialed the wrong brother Jensen in the ward. This Brother Jensen is here to build the building and he just went off. Apparently he served a Navajo Mission you know what that means. Blanding, yeah. he wanted me to ask if you could send me one of the "Down from the Mountain" CDs (I think that is what it is called), you know the Stan Bronson one, he wants to buy one. Yeah crazy, just crazy. Anyhow I always find that interesting, we are truly representatives, and that influence goes a long way. Not only for your com unity, but more important for Christ and his kingdom. We will each be accountable for our actions, one for ourselves, but also for the effect it has on others. The possibility that by something that I do would or could possibly drive someone from the truth is much scarier even than the effect that it would have on me. That is why Christ is so amazing. Read 2 Nephi 26:33. He does only good, showing us how we should all be, then he goes the next step of inviting them to be good also. That is Missionary work. That is Gods work and his Glory, I testify. I love you all so much, I want you to know that. I don't say it enough. You always have had a way of making me feel better. I wish I could give back somehow, I love you. Keep reading, praying and sharing the Gospel.
Your Son Forever,
Elder Jordan Grover