Weekly Update 12-28-10

     I am sure that you are all wondering why I didn't e-mail you all yesterday. Well, I am not sure if it was in the news or anything, but New York City got hit with a massive snow storm. The funny part about it all is that when I talked to my Dad on the 25th (Christmas) I was telling him how we haven't had any snow at all, and then on the next day BAM! We got smacked with a giant snow storm. It was crazy we were at church and then they cancelled Sunday school and all of us missionaries didn't know what to do. So yeah... On sun day night we were all invited to go out and eat at one of the members houses, but the only way to get there would have been from a bus, but all of the buses were full. So we couldn't get on the bus. I must say that it is a good thing that we couldn't get on the bus, because we probably wouldn't have made it home that night. So I know that Lord was just watching out for his servants.

     Due to the large amounts of snow, yesterday was just insane. We grabbed some shovels and went out and pushed people out when they got stuck. We were pushing out Ambulances and police officers and the whole deal. Yesterday was a day that I never even dreamt or thought of happening. The thing that I don't fully understand is how the streets never got snow plowed. There was no public transportation running when it came to buses because they all got stuck. So yeah there was no people going anywhere so instead the crazy New Yorkers decided to take it upon themselves and drive on there own. So because of that we had a big opportunity to serve the people here. There were seriously so many people that offered us so much money yesterday, but we just refused to take it and gave them a pass along card and told them to call and that would make up for it. I am happy about that great experience that we had yesterday. We seriously were out on the streets helping people from 12 to 9 PM with a break in between to get some food. So yeah it has been a fun last few days, and this week I didn't really have a P-day, but I was able to do the things that the Lord has called me to do here in NYC and that is to love and serve the people here.

     I am so very grateful that I was able to talk to my family over the phone on Christmas day, I am just bummed out a bit that I wasn't able to talk to my best friend, My little bro Tyler. I know that he is going to be such a great missionary, I know that his heart is in the right place and that he is willing to do whatever it is that comes with this sacred work. I love you bro! As for my family I am so grateful to hear about all of the many wonderful changes and accomplishments that they have made as I have been out here on my mission. It is such a blessing, and I know that the Lord is watching over each of you. This gospel is what blesses our lives and blesses our families. I have seen so many instances here on my mission when someone opens there heart towards the Lord and the Spirit bears witness of His love for them individually. I know that there are so many things that we are all capable of fulfilling and that we need His help always in our lives to guide us and protect us in all things. He loves us and is aware of all things that we may be facing in our lives. He wants to guide us, but we must do all that we can.

     As I have been here in my mission I have had time to reflect on all of the many things that have lead me to be where I am today, and how it all came to pass. One thing that I do know is that we are in a constant battle and war against Satan and his followers, whom seek to destroy us and our agency. As for me I know that my testimony has been my shield and I am heart willing to fight through whatever it may be that I find myself in. The Lord is my guide and I choose to follow him, and his ways in whatsoever way he leads me. I am grateful for the guidance that I have received in my life and I know that I always stand in a constant need for his guidance and I can never rely on myself, but must always rely on Him.

     Thank you all for all that you have done for me in my life. I know that time has been flying by so very quickly, but as for now I also choose to put my full trust in the Lord continually and to work even harder than I ever have before for this last bit that I have to serve my father as a full time missionary, a time that I have to dedicate all of my time, energy and thoughts towards Him, the one who has sent me here to declare His true message to the world. How great it is to have this wonderful opportunity and how great it is to have each of you in my life. I love you all. Thanks again!

 

     Elder JD Doyle

no newsletter on 12/27

elder doyle never sent a newsletter update yesterday. the family did talk to him on Saturday though and he sounded great. thank you for all your support for JD on his mission.

sincerely,
ashley (the big sister)

Weekly Update 12-20-10

     This week has been an interesting one since I didn't really have a companion. I just jumped around and pulled missionaries around to come teach my investigators with me. This week I worked a lot with Elder Egbert, he is from Orem, UT. It seems that every time we taught together we had a wonderful spiritually powerful lesson with each person we taught. We had a lot of great experiences this past week. I love this Elder a lot, he even knows a person that I know back at home someone that I am extremely close to. It was crazy when we were able to put it all together. I know that pretty much everything that I said makes no sense I guess I am just thinking in my head and typing at the same time. As I mention that it isn't always the best thing to thing with your head, but in this work it is most important to think with your heart and to allow the Spirit to guide us in all things that we do and say. I love the guidance and influence of the Spirit that I have felt this past week. I know that we were truly Spiritually guided in many ways this week. As I was walking with Elder Egbert he said to me, "I have a question for you?" He then said, "how is it that in everything you say and do is exactly what the Spirit would want you to do and say?" It was a great question that caused me to ponder. I mentioned in reply to his question, that it is upon the desires of our hearts and to take that desire and to use it as faith, I then explained that I visualize faith as an action word, and that it is always important to act on our faith. I know that the Spirit is real, and that it is sent to us based upon our faith to guide and direct us in all things, and in all places. I know this to be real. A lot of these experiences that I have experienced this week I hold to be very sacred to me and I know that it is best that i speak not of them at this time, as the spirit has influenced me to do so.

     I am going to meet my new companion tomorrow, his name is Elder Swain, I actually already know him. He is great I have been asked to train him as a Zone Leader. So I have to show him how to fulfill the Zone Leader responsibilities. I look forward to working with him. I have a great feeling about this next transfer and about my companionship that I am going to have. There have been a lot of changes in the Zone so I am going to be meeting a lot of other missionaries and am going to have the opportunity to get to know them better. I am happy that I get to stay here in Flushing we have a lot of great things that are in store for us. We are actually going over to a less actives home for Christmas eve. It is someone that we met this week and we were sent there by the Spirit at the exact time that we needed to show up and now this person came to church and looks forward to remaining active through out his life. On Christmas morning we have a Zone Breakfast, with Elder and Sister Baum. We also have a few baptisms on Christmas morning in the zone in which I will be attending. Afterwards I am going to one of my investigators homes for Christmas Day and then that evening we will be going to a members home. SO for now our Christmas is all squared away for what we are going to be doing. I am excited and it is going to be a great experience to spend a lot of my Christmas with one of our investigators. She is such a neat lady and I am hoping that she will be getting baptized soon. Which I think we will invite her to be baptized on Christmas and then help her to prepare to be baptized on a specific date.

     Well I am running low on time and I have to wrap it up, but I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I will be calling my Family on Christmas Day. I love you all! Thanks for everything.

          

                     Elder JD Doyle

Weekly Update 12-13-10

     Thank you all so much for all of the B-day gifts and cards that you all have sent me. I am so grateful to have each of you in my life. This week was a great week for us and at the same time it was a busy week for us. I am running low on time, I had a lot of e-mails that I had to send out today so I am sorry for the short update, but let me just get right in and talk to you about this past week. 

     This week we have had a great meeting with Anita she is progressing so very well and she is so anxious to learn more about the gospel. She has now came to church the past 2 weeks and has made some great friends in the ward. I think that this week we are going to invite her to be baptized. She enjoyed all 3 hours of church and is learning so much. She also invited me to come over on Christmas so I will probably be over at her house on Christmas morning. This week we also had another miracle. This miracles name is Noelle, she has been a member for a long time, but hasnt been to church for years. She has such a strong testimony of the church, but she was offended a few years back and completely stopped coming. When we knocked on her door she invited us in and I was on exchanges with Elder Durr, he is another missionary in our zone. We had a great meeting with her and before we left she asked for me to give her a blessing. When I gave her this blessing, I felt the Spirit so strongly. When the blessing was finished she looked up at me with her eyes filled with tears of joy and said "Thank You", she said that some things that I blessed her with were some things that she definitely needed to hear. She said that because of it that she will be at church on Sunday. Sure enough Sunday came around and she was at church and she stayed all 3 hours of church, she loved church and she is excited to say that she is back. 

     This transfer is coming to an end I still have one week left, but my companion is going home on Wednesday so I am not really going to have a companion, but I am going to be working with other missionaries so that I will never be alone. I will be working in the Spanish program and in the Chinese program as well. I am also going to be visiting those who we are working with in our pool. I have already learned a lot of Chinese, I know how to order food in Chinese and how to sing happy birthday in Chinese and a few other things. It is funny. 

     Lately I have been focusing a lot on member work and getting members involved in assisting us in this sacred work. They have been such a great help and I am happy for them, I have began to see the missionary Spirit come upon a few of them and they are so excited to teach with us and to love those whom we are teaching. I know that this is a work that we have all been called to do is to serve His children. I know that there is great power found within. I look forward to doing this work for the rest of my life and to help out the missionaries when I return home by going teaching with them and by working with them and by introducing others to the missionaries. 

     I know that the Lords work will be done and and that his will will always be fulfilled. I am now out of time and I have to go, but I love each of you so much sorry about this weeks update, I am currently in an Internet Cafe and there are loud people around playing computer games and swearing like crazy! I love you all

 

                           Elder JD Doyle  

Weekly Update 12-06-10

     It has been such a great week for us here in Flushing, the highlight of this past week was that we had a baptism which is my first baptism here in Flushing. Gem was baptized on Tuesday and she was confirmed yesterday in church. She is such a wonderful daughter of God, she is from the Philippines. She seemed to have been so prepared to be baptised at this time in her life. Her baptism went so well there were a lot of people that showed up to her baptism and there was a lot of food there and most of all the Spirit of the Lord was right there with her. It was such an extraordinary baptismal service where the Spirit was distinctively strong on that day.  We went to a members house last night for dinner and she came and joined at the dinner. I had cheddar cheese flavored ice cream for the first time, it is a Filipino style ice cream, it was actually very good. I know that my taste buds have changed since I have been here in NYC, I have eaten so many different kinds of food from so many different cultures. The food is great here in NYC.

 

     Right now our teaching pool is doing fairly well we have some good things going here. There is one of our investigators, her name is Anita, she showed up to church yesterday unexpectedly, it was a miracle to see her there, she absolutely loved church so much so we are hoping and praying that she will be able to accept a baptismal date soon here. We moved Eric's Baptismal date to January 2nd, we are continually working with him and hoping for the best that he will be able to come around and more fully prepare himself for that day. So yeah that is about it for the main people that we are currently working with. Although I did reach a goal that I set before I came into this area, and that is that we would be able to get a baptism before Elder Pickering went home, and we did it. I wasn't so sure that it was going to happen, but I had faith that it would happen. I just really wanted him to go home on a good note and finish with a baptism, he has only had about 5 baptisms throughout his mission and it feels good to see his excitement when we had that baptism.

 

     I really don't have much time for today so I need to get wrapping up here. I cant believe that I am going to be 23 years old tomorrow, I am turning into an old man. Today I found time to reflect back on my life and I have been so blessed to have this opportunity to come and serve a mission. I am grateful for the time that I still have left to be here and to serve with full  energy and purpose of heart. I know that there are many more miracles that lie ahead in this great work. I am so grateful to have each of you as a blessing in my life. I love you all so much. This is all that I have time for for today. Mindy I also want to with you a Happy B-Day as well which is going to be the day after mine on the 8th. Until next week I will be signing off that is all that I had time for today. Again, I love you all!

 

Elder JD Doyle

Weekly Update 11-29-10

     It was quite the week for me. I hope that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had the time to reflect on all of the great things that the Lord has blessed you with, and that you are thankful for. I am so grateful for each of you and for the love that you all have shown me at one point in my life, or many points in my life depending on who is reading this. This Thanksgiving of mine, I was able to attend a turkey bowl with my zone, "Zone 5" vs "Zone 6" it was so much fun, my zone was able to show Zone 6 What a "Turkey Bowl" was all about. We had so much fun, I was sore for like 3 days, but I am feeling good now. The Chinese people here don't celebrate thanksgiving so I didn't quite have a Thanksgiving like I did last year. So luckily the ward had a thanksgiving feast for everyone who wanted to come so we just went to that. It was good and at least I was able to eat some turkey, so that makes it worth it and somewhat feel like Thanksgiving. So yeah it didn't really feel like Thanksgiving to me, but I had a unique experience here in China Town.

     This week most of our investigators were out of town, but yesterday they were all back and were all able to make it to church, Gem wasn't able to be baptized yesterday, but she is getting baptized tomorrow. So  yeah tomorrow is a big day for us in which we are very excited and grateful for. Yesterday at church was great. Last week there was a Chinese guy that got baptized, I cant remember if I told you guys about him, but he is such a cool guy. His English name is Ethan, he speaks good English but not that much can he speak. Yesterday he asked me to do his confirmation in English, I was a little shocked at first but he was serious about it and he really had a strong feeling about me confirming him as a member of the Church. It was a great experience. I was also asked to share my testimony in the Sacrament. I am truly always grateful for every opportunity that I have to share the things that I know, and what the Lord has powerfully witnessed to me through His great love and power.

     Yesterday before church we also had the opportunity to meet with Samantha, she has been investigating the Church for a long time and has been taught by so many missionaries. Yesterday we went in there and I was excited and I felt the Spirit strong, and with faith I invited her to be baptized and she accepted. SO she is going to be baptized on Dec. 18th. I am so happy for her and grateful for her decision that she has made to be baptized. Her Parents are actually going to be in town that day so that is why we are doing it on that day. It is truly a miracle in my life to be here and to gain a better understanding of how the Lords love is always followed with miracles. I also know that we must have faith in order for these great things to come about by fully putting our trust in the Lord and doing all that we can to fulfill our purpose.

     This has been a great week for us, my companion Elder Pickering is going home soon he is actually going home before this transfer is over, he is from a small town in Washington, called Brooklyn it actually isn't to far from Elma. He knows about Elma, it is actually in the same stake. I have a lot of Family in Elma so that is why I mention this. Anyways... He has less than 3 weeks left, and when he goes home I am probably just going to jump around to different companionship's within the zone and work with them and have them come with me to the people that I need to visit. So yeah that will be interesting.

     I want to take some time to talk about my Little Bro, Andrew, I want you to know that I am so proud of you and that I miss you I cant believe how big you are getting, you are going to be 8 years old on Dec. 1st. That means that you are going to be baptized. I know that what you are doing is the right thing to do and the Lord is going to bless you in your life by making this decision to be baptized. I am sorry that I cant be there so remember to take a lot of pictures. I love you buddy. 

     That is about all that I have time for today sorry if this is short, but I am doing my e-mail at the library today so I have a shorter time to e-mail today. I love each of you and the Lord loves each of you as well he is aware of everything that you do and His plan is for each of you to be happy in this life. If you can all more fully turn your hearts to Him, even more than you are now. I promise that you will each feel an increase of love that he has for you. 

 

Love your Friend, Bro., Son, Grandson, Etc. ELDER JD DOYLE  

Weekly Update 11-22-10

     This week has been such a marvelous week for my companion and I. I know that the Lord is truly blessing us with many miraculous opportunities to serve and to teach others the message of the restored gospel. My heart right now ifs full with the Spirit of the Lord and my desires are fully centered on bringing this true gospel message to the world. The Lord has blessed me so much by giving me this sacred opportunity in my life to be here at this time to teach those whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world, to accept His gospel message at this exact time in existence. I have such a strong belief that of which I have received through such powerful conviction of the Spirit that He loves each of His children so much and He has sent missionaries around the world to bring His gospel to all those who are willing to accept His perfect plan for each of us. The Lords eternal plan is perfect and it makes so much sense as we utilize the things that He has blessed us with to receive that spiritual knowledge. Those things which are, The Book of Mormon, The Bible (the entire scriptures in general), the ability to pray and communicate with our loving Heavenly Father, having churches around us wherever we may be, Etc.... I could go on, but these are a few of the main things that have truly blessed my life in such a meaningful way which I am going to strive faithfully throughout my life to live by them forever. My faith and knowledge of things which are spiritual now benefited my life eternally and will influence my life forever and ever. 

     This week we were able to find some great new investigators which is really good, considering that I am surrounded by tons of people who don't speak English. I feel strongly that the Lord has a great trust in me as my thoughts, actions, and desires are completely centered on fulfilling the true and important purpose that he has called me here to fulfill. I look forward to teach these precious brothers and sisters of mine, whom the Lord has blessed us with to teach. There is so much joy found within, and it brings me an everlasting eternal happiness which I know will never leave me as I watch each of them make miraculous changes in there lives and grow through the Spirits powerful witnesses that will carry into each of their hearts that they will receive the undeniable witness and knowledge that the Spirit will witness unto them with such great conviction and power of His true Restored Gospel that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. There is no greater feeling than this that I have ever felt in my life. 

     This past week I finally had the opportunity to meet Gem, she is so great she wasn't able to get baptized this week, we still have a whole lot to teach her before she can be baptized. So we moved her baptism date to this coming Saturday the 28th. That will be such a special day for her to feel the love of God in her life, and to have the knowledge that she has truly received a remission of her sins through Jesus Christ. This week we were able to Invite one of our new investigators, Eric to prepare himself to be baptized on December 5th. He is excited and heart willing to do what it takes to prepare himself for that date. His Girlfriend is a member of the Church, and it seems that she has set such a strong example for him, and it is his desire to follow. He also mentioned that he hopefully one day can serve a mission like us. He is a 23 year old college student, so you never know he just might serve a mission one day, we can only hope for the best, but it ultimately comes down to the will of the Lord. This week we are going to invite Samantha to be baptized, I am sure that she is going to accept the date and she is so ready to be baptized. 

     I can tell that I am back in Queens again, because this weekend we had 7 set appointments bail on us. That is just a part of missionary work I guess, but at the same time we had a great week so I am happy and I feel the Spirit strongly in my life and that is what matters most. In the "hood" I just didn't have as many appointments bail on me, but when I was in Astoria, Queens I had the same thing as I do here. Maybe it's because people have jobs here and have a busy life. I am not sure, but I am grateful to be here either way. 

     This week is Thanksgiving, this is the last Thanksgiving that I am going to miss on my mission. I am grateful for my family and for this great knowledge that I have of this gospel. I pray and hope that each of you can have a great Thanksgiving weekend, I love each of you so much. Thanks for all of your support and love that you have all shown me. I am out of time and I have to get going now. I love you all!

 

                         Elder JD Doyle 

Weekly Update 11-15-10

     I feel like I have stepped into a complete different country and into a complete different work in my new area, but I am loving it here in Flushing, Queens. I am surrounded by Asians, and I love them so much they are such neat people to serve. I am grateful to be here in this area. I feel that all of the ghetto people in ENY turned into Asian people, I think that was just my mind playing tricks on me because I was in the Hood for so long. There is nothing to worry about as I am here. I am totally good. I am actually above average when it comes to how tall I am, I feel tall for the first time in my life, ha ha ha. It's so true though. This area is so crowded with people I really do feel like I am in an Asian country, even the signs are in Chinese, and I have no idea what they say, it is funny.

     When I got here in the area, I had to get some things organized with my companion Elder Pickering. We had a lot to do before we get to work and see the miracles that lie ahead. I am grateful to be here and to have this time to serve with Elder Pickering, he is on his last 4 weeks on his mission he goes home before this transfer ends so we will have to see how it all works out when time gets closer. He has served in all of the areas I have served, I haven't served in Bermuda or Jamaica though, other than that we've served in the same areas and know the same people. He loved it in Bermuda, but I am not going to have that opportunity to go there, but I love it here in the city.

     Right now there are a few people that the missionaries have been teaching here before me. They actually already had a baptism lined up, her name is Gem, she is supposed to get baptized this coming Saturday, but I haven't even met her yet and we still have a lot to teach her. So I am not quite sure if it is all going to work out for this coming Saturday, but we'll see. There is someone else that the missionaries have been teaching her name is Samantha, I absolutely love Samantha so much she is so great, she is from Malaysia and her parents aren't very accepting to have her join the church. I feel that I have made such a spiritually powerful connection with Samantha, she is so great. We met with her 2 times this week and I feel strongly that she is going to be baptized soon.  She says that she believes in the Church, it is just her parents that are making it hard on her for joining the church. Her parents are coming to visit her in December so I look forward to meeting them, and I am hoping that we can baptize her when her parents come, so that they can experience that sacred moment with their wonderful daughter. 

     This week I had the special opportunity to go back to East New York with President Nelson to witness the baptism of "Star", she is someone that I talked to on the bus my first week with Elder Palmer about 6 months ago. We worked so hard with getting baptized, but she had a lot of things holding her back, Satan worked hard on her. I was so happy when I received the call that she was getting baptized. She called me and told me that I have to come to her baptism and that she wants me to speak. She told me yesterday that she misses me so much, and that I am like her son. She said that yesterday at church everyone was talking about how they are going to miss me over there in the East New York Branch. I will miss them too, but I am grateful for the time that I had to be there and share those great experiences with them for the past 7 months. 

     Here in Flushing we have to travel about 30 minutes on the bus to get to where the English people are found. We have such a huge area, because we are the only English companionship in our Zone besides one other area and that is a car area so we couldn't cover that, because we don't have a car. I love traveling on the bus and talking to people anyways, it is always so fun.  I know that there is a lot of great work and great experiences that lie ahead of me here in Flushing. I feel so much more comfortable here in this area than in my last, I don't have to always be looking around to make sure no one is going to come jump me, but seriously. Life is good for me right so much, my testimony is firm in the faith of Christ and following his teachings. I love this work and I know that there is nothing greater that I could be doing in my life. I know that everything is going to work out for me in my life. I love you all,now, I am safe here. It feels extremely less stressful here. 

     My heart is full of love and gratitude to my Father in Heaven for giving me this sacred experience in my life to be here. As I have been here I know that my personal testimony has strengthened  thanks for all the things that you've all done for me. I miss you all so much!

      

       LOVE, ELDER JD DOYLE

Weekly Update11-08-10

Wow, my heart is full with love as I reflect back on all of the many life changing experiences that I have had as I have served here in this area these past 7 months. I have experienced quite the change within my personal self and had the opportunity to see others make a change in there lives as well. The Spirit of the Lord has called me to another place, I have been called to be a Zone Leader in Flushing, Queens. I am grateful for this new responsibility that I have been given to assist in helping the District Leaders as well as the missionaries that are with in the Zone. There are a total of 9 zones in this mission with a total of 15 Zone Leaders and about 200 Missionaries. I am grateful to play the role as a Zone Leader, I know that I will do my best in fulfilling my missionary responsibilities and to love and serve the missionaries around me.

Flushing is Asian central in this mission. There is only one English Companionship in that whole Zone, only the Zone Leaders. I have been to Flushing before, it is a unique place in the world, all of the signs are in Chinese. When I went there before I felt like I was in an Asian country like China or something, because there were people everywhere and no one speaks English. They have only had one English baptism there in the past year, but I know that I am going to do all that I can to make that change. I am going to be in a ward that speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Korean. So yeah this is going to be quite a cool experience. I am definitely leaving the Hood, and I will be a tall person for once in my life, being surrounded by Asians, so that should be fun. I might even pick up some Chinese while I am out there.

This weekend was such a touching experience for me we were able to have the baptism for Zoe on Saturday evening. It was such a great experience and we were able to get a lot of others to attend the baptismal service. Gwen, Zoe's mother says that I am like one of her sons she is such a great lady who loves us so much, I just hope that they can remain strong in the church and that they can keep in touch with me. This Sunday was such a touching day for me. The Spirit strongly bore witness to me yesterday that my work is done here. As I reflect on the way the Branch was when I got here in this area 7 months ago, and how it is today, I see such a huge improvement. Us missionaries used to be the ones that blessed and passed the sacrament every week, and yesterday I had 2 of my recent converts bless and pass the Sacrament. I shared my testimony yesterday and as I looked out to the congregation I noticed that I knew every single person in there and I loved every single person in there. It was so touching to me. I am going to miss the People here so much, and I am sure that they are going to miss me too, last night everyone wanted me to come over for dinner, but I couldn't make it out to go see everyone. Today I am packing my bags up and preparing to move to Queens. I am also going to miss my District, and how close we have come together in Unity and love these past 6 weeks, I love the missionaries here. I have had a lot of success here in this area and I sincerely pray and hope that I can continue to have this great success here in NYC.

This week we were also able to invite Marlorie to be baptized, she is a young married women from Haiti. She has read a lot of the Book of Mormon as we've been teaching her. She is excited to be baptized we set her Baptism date for November 27th, she is going to work hard to prepare herself to be baptized on that date. We also have another baptism that should be happening this coming Thursday for Mark, but I am going to be in Flushing so I wont be able to attend his baptism, but I am going to miss them dearly. It feels great to leave the area like this.

I cant believe how fast time is flying by for me, I know that I have only but a little time left, and I am going to work as hard as I can and make the best of it these last 9 months. I miss all of you, but I am loving my time here, and I don't want it to come to an end. I know that I still have many great experiences that are awaiting me in this sacred work. That is about all that I have to say for now, and I am also running out of time. I love you all so much!

Elder JD Doyle

Weekly Update 11-01-10

     Wow, I cant believe that it is already November, it is so crazy the way time has been moving by. This week was such a very special week for me and for my whole entire family, I was able to talk to my little bro on the phone for a bit as well as to my family. Having been given permission from President Nelson to do so... I cant explain in words how much my heart has been filled with such a great joy and comfort knowing that my little Bro is in the service of our Lord. He is going to do so great out on his mission. My final words with Tyler on the phone were filled with so much power and love of God that I know that he has been called by a prophet of God to take His gospel message to the Haitians over there in the Orlando Florida Mission.

     I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Rudaz, he is one of the Assistants to the President he told me that I am going to love my next area, and that he knows that there is a lot of great work for me to do there. He told me that I am gone so yeah this is going to be my last week in this area. No more "hood" for me, but who knows I might be going to the other "hood" in Jamaica, Queens. He told me that I am not going out on the Island, and that I am going to be staying in the city, he says that I am a city Missionary and that I might not ever go out on the Island or he could have just been saying that you never know. We will find out hopefully by the end of this week. Elder Rudaz also had the opportunity to speak to Tyler and to tell him some things about the mission, his counsel to Tyler was to work hard and to love the people. It is so true that you have to love the people or else nothing is going to happen.

     This week us missionaries were asked to be in charge of the Haunted House for the Halloween Activity at the church, we set up the best haunted house ever, it was so good, it was fun as well. I love it when the presidency of our branch gives us certain responsibilities. I always like to fulfill them with excellence so show them that I am also here to serve them and the branch. We had so much fun doing it, it was a great success. Our voices were all gone at the end of the night from screaming at people in the haunted house.

     The bad thing about our voices being gone was that we were also asked to sing in church yesterday. We sand "We'll Bring The World His Truth" a primary song, it is such a powerful missionary song. We had people in the congregation that were deeply touched with their eyes filled with tears. Yesterday my companion and I were invited to the Nedd families home for an early dinner because we had to be inside by 5 o' clock because of Halloween, which Halloween is crazy here by the way. The Nedds went all out on this meal for us, it was a goodbye meal for me, they made me cards and wrote me letters and bought me a Cheesecake from the world famous, "Juniors." It was so nice of them doing that for me. I am definitely going to miss the people here in this area. I love them all so much. I have enjoyed my time here in this area, I had a lot of success and experienced a lot of change within myself as I have been here, I will never forget these great moments that I experienced here in this area.

     Today is Elder Palmers B-day, I love my boy Elder Palmer, Bro. Amato is taking us all out to Dinner for his B-day. We are going to a Greek restaraunt, I've never had much experience with the Greek foods, but I know it will be good. He does so much for us missionaries, I hope that one day I can pay him back for all that he has done for us, but he always says that we have already done it, by talking to him about the gospel and sharing our testimonies and great spirits with him. Whenever he mentions the missionaries in church our to others he always gets emotional. He is such a great guy and I look up to him in a lot of ways.

     Well This week was a big week for us and for my family back at home. I want you all to know that there is truly no greater work that we can do than this and by serving others. We don't have to be full time missionaries to serve the Lord, we can always look for opportunities to serve those around us and to reach out to them in love by serving them and sharing our testimonies with them. Sometimes we don't always know or understand how much we can help others just by little kind acts of service. I love you all so much and I am grateful for each of your support with me serving my mission here!

 

ELDER JD DOYLE

Weekly Update 10-25-10

    Wow, it has been another week that has flown by before us. It is amazing how time flies, a saying that Brother Amato (a member here) uses all of the time is of course time flies when we are all moving as 67,000 MPH. That is supposedly how fast the earth is moving as it is orbiting the sun. This week was a great week for us, we had a lot of service this week, it always feels good serving others, but at the same time it takes up a lot of our time. So this week we had like 4 different service projects that took up a lot of our time, we had to help the Branch President move out of the Projects, which he lived on the 8th floor so we had to load everything in the elevator and take it down and unload it from the elevator and then carry it to the truck and load it in the truck, it was quite the move for us. Also we helped a lady paint 2 of her rooms and she also wanted us to paint the ceiling, that consumed a lot of our time. Also Brother Amato is in the middle of packing up his stuff because he is planning on moving. It was great serving others it just took a lot of time outside of finding more people to teach. But that is definitely one of the things that I am here for is to serve others.

    I have been here in this area for so long, and I am certain that I am going to be leaving in 2 weeks, I think that I want to go out on Long Island to a car area, considering that I havent driven for the last 14 months of my life, also just to have the experience of doing that kind of work, because I know that the work is going to be different out there. I have been in the loud city forever now. We will just have to see what happens in 2 weeks from now. I only have 2 weeks left to serve here in the "HOOD" I am thankful for the time that I've had to serve here, and for the great success and miracle stories that I have to share with you all when I get home. We still have Zoe and Mark and now Marlorie who are all progressing towards their baptismal dates. I am thankful for each of them and their decisions to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. There truly is nothing more important that I could ever do in my life than what I am doing right now, the Spirit is so strong in my life right now as I am truly giving this work all that I have to offer. It is my duty to God to share with others the mysteries that he has revealed to me through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

    This morning as I was walking with Elder Palmer (my last companion) there was a man on the side of the road who was having a heart attack it was crazy, he was an older guy laying on the side of the road crying asking for help a lady called 911 and he got some help, but it was crazy. I felt bad for this man, I wanted to give him a blessing, but we just couldnt really do it because he didnt speak English. 

    Tyler, I want you to know that I love you so much and that you are going to be a great missionary, I am so proud of you and my heart is full of joy and love, because I know of the great experiences and opportunities that are going to be presented to you through our loving Heavenly Father. You are going to love the mission man, but remember to always work hard. I am out of time and I have to go now. I love you bro!  I also love each of you.

Elder JD Doyle

It has been another miraculous week for my companion, Elder Jones and I. We have been working hard on trying to build our teaching pool, we now have a solid teaching pool. This week we were able to get 2 more baptismal invites out, one for Zoe, she is a daughter of a less active member, another for a guy named Mark he is such a cool guy from Jamaica he has been searching for the truth and has been to many churches he is a full believer in Jesus Christ but is looking for the true church to be baptized into. He is so ready to be baptized I am so excited for him. We had so many great meetings with him this week, his Fiance is a member who was baptized 2 years ago. So she has been helping us out with getting him to read and pray. She is so thankful for having us teach him. Things are moving quick with him, he is excited and has came to church the last 2 weeks. This week we had a total of 10 investigators at church. It felt so good seeing all of these people at church.

This Sunday I was asked to speak in church I was asked to speak on "how to develop faith and make it stronger" I absolutely enjoyed speaking to the East New York Branch I felt the Spirit strongly, and usually people are loud when others are speaking, but when I spoke it was seriously so silent and spiritual. I also mentioned in my talk that I should be gone in 3 weeks so yeah we will have to see and hope that that is the truth. I am always so grateful when I get the opportunity to speak it means a lot to me.

This weekend was the "Fall Harvest Festival" us missionaries volunteered to help out the community and to help out with the staff. It was so fun, but the wind was blowing so hard. The weather here has been so crazy lately last Monday we got caught up in a huge rain/hail storm the wind was blowing like 60 MPH, it was unreal I have never seen anything like that. It was so much fun running through it though, and I didn't have an umbrella so yeah I got so soaked, that I might as well have just jumped in a big huge pool of water. This week we got a lot of great things going regardless of the crazy weather.

This week is going to be a major short update, I am so sorry to all of you, but I am doing well, also all of our investigators seem to be excited to progress in this gospel. I am so excited for each of them and my love for each of them is real. There is no greater thing that I could be doing right now in my life than what I am doing right now. It means so much to me and I know this work is true and it is so real, it truly blesses the lives of so many people, but it is only through Gods love and His power that these blessings come to pass. Again I love each of you. I have to go now.

Elder JD Doyle

10-11-2010
Wow, it has been such a special experience being here, this week it hit me hard and I was able to realize how much I have truly changed as an individual. As I was thinking about it and I realized all of the weaknesses that I had prior to coming on my mission, I was filled with an increased motivation to keep working hard, and giving my heart fully over to the Lord, as these week things have now became a strength to me. This week I really dont have too much to talk about, and I dont have much time left to type. So yeah... We have been working our hardest, it has been a little rough because a few of our investigators just arent progressing so we had to drop them from our teaching pool. But we did find a family, the Salazar family is seeking for a religion for their family. They are awesome, we are excited to work with them.

We also found this guy named mark he is currently engaged to a member who holds the church close to her heart and strives to follow the true teachings of the Gospel. She wants to have her future husband be a member of the church. We have a lesson with him tomorrow on Tuesday. We are going to invite him to follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God. I am sure that he will say yes, he came to church yesterday and loved it so much. We will keep working on finding people to teach as we are teaching these great people. We are going to most likely have a baptism on the 30th for Zoe, she is so ready and wants to be baptized. We will just have to see how things play out.

As I have been here in this area, I seem to have a clearer view of the destructive dangers of which this world is full of. These traps are set by Satan, he is fighting to destroy us in anyway that he can, he knows what to tempt us with. It is now our time to stand up and escape these traps. It is just heartbreaking to a missionary who is full of a sincere love for those whom they may be teaching and to watch Satan come into the picture and destroy that individual and steer him or her away from the truth. These pits set up by the adversary are bottomless and he will keep tearing ones life further away once he or she engages into the temptation.

Well I am now out of time, I love each of you so much. I am sorry that this weeks update was short, but who knows maybe some of you like it to be short.

Love Elder JD Doyle

10-04-2010
Wow... It was such a special weekend with General Conference to have the special opportunity to hear the profound words of a living prophet of God, his counselors, and the Quorums of the 12 and all other spiritual leaders that spoke out to the world this past weekend. These sacred words spoken were truly carried into my heart with such great love and power, I give thanks to our Father in Heaven for these truly inspired men called by Him. The Lord has given us these words of counsel and it is now our duty to act and to apply the things that were spoken to us in our own personal lives. There is no other way to find peace and love of God in our life if we but do all we can to read, pray, and apply the things that we have learned and are continuing to learn from the power of the Spirit which truly speaks to our hearts and mind with such indescribable love and power. I know these things are true and I am here to declare the truth to the world, but others have their agency to choose and sometimes choose to walk a different path through life. My heart is truly filled with hope and love for all children of God (the world) that one day they man come to this same sure understanding of the truthfulness and sincere love of God that is awaiting to enter into everyone's life that opens their doors to let the healing power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ set them free. This is my duty to my loving Father in Heaven to "serve him here with all my heart, might, mind and strength. That I may assist in bringing to past the immortality and eternal life of man."

I feel strongly that I am still embarking in such a miracle in my own personal life, with the mighty change that I have experienced within my own personal self. I have become a much more patient and a lot less stubborn person, filled with an increased love for all men. I know this comes as I am continually striving to give my heart to God, and set aside my selfish desires as I am in His service to Him as I am here to share His Gospel with my fellow brothers and sisters here currently in Brooklyn. I hope that all of you may know that my heart is full with love for you and for this true Gospel.

Currently here on the mission we are teaching a few people right now, we are continually looking on finding some new people to teach so that we can spend more time teaching and less time finding. I have faith that we will be able to fulfill the purpose that the Lord brings my companion and I together here at this time. Whatever this purpose may be I know that I will be prayerful and strive to be humble so that the Spirit may direct our steps in this sacred work. Last transfer we started with nothing with 0 people to teach and we ended up having much success, and now it is time to start over and try to repeat what we have done before.

On last Monday when we went out with Bro. Amato he took us to that way nice Italian restaurant called The Parkside. There was a guy walking around in the restaurant that was doing some magic so I called him over to our table and this man literally read my mind. He told me to think of someone that I am close to and the first person that I thought of was my little bro Tyler. So he told me to think of his face and my relationship with him. He then told me to think of his name and the last letter of his name. He then had a card folded up in the middle of the table and told me to look at it and I never mentioned his name or anything, and on the card was written, "Say hello to Tyler for me." Yeah it was crazy. He literally read my mind. It is now time for me to get off though I feel that I always want to say more, but this is all that I have time for so I love you all. Have a good week.

Elder JD Doyle

I am so sincere about the love that I have for each of you, who have supported me and my decision to come out here on my mission. The experiences that I have encountered have truly brought a sure knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and of His restored gospel on the Earth today. Although I knew that this was all true before I came out here, I am just so grateful to be a witness of the true power and miracles that may enter into others lives through this restored gospel. The miracles and blessings that enter into others lives are real, to the point of their entire lives turning around, yes it's truly a miracle that is given to them from the power of Heaven. The Spirit is what guides these individuals and witnesses to these precious Sons and Daughters of God the true love and power that comes through and from living, standing, walking and building their lives upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This week we had so many great experiences that have brought so much joy into my life. This week I had a very special experience that has happened to me for the first time on my mission. My companion and I were trying to figure out what to do as a back-up plan for one of out appointments. I then looked at the map and there was a thought that entered into my mind to go tracting so I was looking to where we should go tracting and there was a number that i looked at and I saw it in BOLD print in my mind it was weird I cant really explain, I then told my companion that we are going to go knock on this door at this time. It was 2184 Dean St. not knowing before hand what was going to be found there it could have been nothing, but I felt that whatever it is there someone is ready to hear out message. So the next day we went to the house and knocked on the door and someone came to the door and we talked to her and she invited us into her house and she starting crying to us saying that this is what she needs in her life. It was such a special moment for us, we are now teaching her and hoping that she will be able to accept a baptismal invitation on our next visit.

This week Dominic was baptized on Thursday night, We had 3 confirmations at church. Adenike was sick and couldn't make it so we are hoping that she can be confirmed a member of the church in 2 weeks because of General Conference this coming Sunday. I am so happy for all of the people that we have been teaching and have accepted the truth. As I have been thinking of all of the crazy things that are going on around me, and when people here try to give me a hard time. I remember to look at life through an eternal perspective and none of those things really matter.

As for transfers well, the Lord needs me here in this same area still. I am going to be here for at least a total of 7 months which I was in my last area for 7 months as well. So yeah it is crazy because most people that I came out with are in their 4th area. IT is crazy. President Nelson told me that if anyone in the mission can be able to do this it would be me. It felt good hearing that from him, and I know that the Lord needs me here for at least another 6 weeks. Well I am out of time and I have to cut you all short. I love you all!

Elder JD DOYLE

Here are some pictures from this weekend when we baptized Guiseppe and Natalie, they are a great married couple. I am so happy for them. Also pictures last Saturday from Adenike's baptism. These are some great people here.

It has been such a great spiritual week here in the "Hood" believe it or not spiritual things do happen in crazy places of this world in which we live. That just goes to show evidence that God loves all of his children here on this earth, and he desires that each of them may return to live with him again. Lately I have been having some crazy dreams about the "Ghetto-Hood" here in Brooklyn. I don't know what it is I have just been in the "hood" for a long time and Maybe it is finally getting to me. One thing that I am certain of is that I am willing to endure all things that may currently enter into my life, because I know that there is an important reason of why I am currently here. My heart has sincerely been given to the Lord at this time in my life. Now may it remain that way forever, because the blessings that I've received and the miracles that I've been a part of are truly miracles of the Lord, that of which I am eternally grateful for.

Guiseppe and Natalies baptism went well. it was such a fun experience. It was funny because when I baptized Natalie she went to cover her nose and she only covered her face but didn't actually squeeze her nostrils, and of course water went right up her nose, ha ha ha, it is an experience that I wish to never forget. She was so happy though and she was so happy for her husband. They are definitely going to experience a great blessing in their lives as they continue to remain faithful to the true and living Restored Gospel.

This coming week Dominic is going to be baptized. We are planning on baptizing him on Saturday, but we might move it to Thursday night, because he is busy with soccer. He is the man, he came to the baptism that we had this weekend and he is so ready to be baptized. He totally knows that it is true and he is anxious to be baptized. It is a blessing in my life to have gotten to know Dominic he is such a spiritual giant. I hope that him and I may be able to remain in contact throughout our lives. Who knows we will probably see him on T.V. one day being a soccer star. That is his dream and he is here in NYC pursuing that dream of his.

So this coming Sunday if everything goes according to plans we are going to have 4 confirmations during sacrament meeting. The reason why Guiseppe and Nataile weren't confirmed yesterday is because we had District Conference so yeah we didn't have church at the branch this Sunday. I am excited for this week because I am going to find out about transfers, I am not sure if I am going or staying yet, but as of right now I wouldn't mind leaving this area, I have been here for a long time, but at the same time. I would like to stay for another, because we currently have a lot of great things going on here in this area. So yeah I will let all of you know what is going to be happening with me next P-day.

There is a great tool that I have been using in my teaching that has greatly changed the spiritual effectiveness in the lessons, it helps me teach with more power of the Spirit which is essential to have in this work. The Spirit is the convincing power of which converts others, it is not me, but it is by the Spirit that I've had the type of success that I've been having here in this area. This new teaching tool is something that they have now just started using in the MTC, so all of those missionaries are going to learn how to work by the Spirit and teach according to the needs of the people that we teach. It is a "New Curriculum" that the missionaries are going to be using as they teach. It has helped so much and I love this new inspired way to teach.

Well that is really all that I have to say for this week. I love each of you so much. Thanks for all of your love and support, one more thing that I don't want to fail to mention is that there is a certain someone that I am so proud of her and she knows what I am talking about, but she is making the best decision of her life and this is the first step to having a happier life. That is all that I will mention about that. Again, I love each of you.

Elder JD Doyle

Hey everyone, it has been another great week for me here on the mission. I have had so many neat experiences that I know have humbled my heart in so many ways throughout the time that I've had to serve here. I feel that this work is hard and it requires much effort and love to carry out with this big responsibility. I do know that there is a great Spirit that enters into ones life as he/she gets lost in the service of others. Especially in helping them receive the Restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. There are no more spiritually comforting things that enter into ones life than by those things right there.

This week I was able to baptize Adenike Graham on Saturday morning. She is someone who was truly so ready to accept the message of the restored Gospel. She is so happy and knows that this is the true living church on the Earth today. I am so happy for her. I give thanks daily to the Heavens for the great success that I've been having on my mission. This coming Saturday we are going to be holding a baptismal service for Guiseppe and Natalie, Guiseppe's wife Natalie has now came to a spiritual understanding of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and His restored Gospel and now wants to be baptized as well. We are going to try our very best to prepare a good baptismal service for them.

This week we had a good lesson with Dominic he is from Nigeria, he has been coming to church a lot lately in the past few months. He loves the church and loves being there. When we met with him the Spirit was so strong and he said that he wants to be baptized so we are going to hold his baptismal service on the 25th of this month for Dominic. He is here in the U.S. trying to make it to the professional level playing soccer. He is such a neat person with a willing heart and mind to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Him and I really seem to connect in a spiritual way. He has such a neat story in how he got here to the U.S. He is seriously such a good example to me, even though I am the missionary. He is a good example to me when it comes to not giving up on your dreams and having faith that everything is going to work out the way that it's supposed to. That is also how I feel about my mission, I wasn't sure if I was going to come here on my mission, but I was able to make it here and now I am giving it all that I've got by continually striving to be an example to the other missionaries that I am serving around, and being as diligent as I possibly can. I kinda feel like the big brother out here, because I am the same age as all of their older bros or older. It is fun like that though.

Well, that is about it for this week. I know that they have been a bit short lately but yeah I hope that all is well for you, I love all of you. I will continue to pray for each of you.

Elder JD Doyle

This is my new "Pads" kitchen and the coffee and Tea that we took from our investigators home so that it will no longer be a temptation.

Elder Doyle

09/06/2010
Hello everyone!!! Once again another week has passed by, time is moving way too quick. I seriously cant believe it is September already. I don't know if that is crazy for ya'll, but its definitely weird for me. This week was a wonderful week for Elder Jones and I, and I mean that being many reasons why it was such a great week.

As I mentioned last week, that we were going to invite Zoe and Adenike to be baptized. Well Zoe is preparing herself to be baptized on the 25th of September and Adenike is going to be baptized this coming Saturday, September 11th. We are both so very excited for them, we truly love them so much. We will continue to do all that we can for them and allow ourselves to be directed by the Spirit on how we can assist them in following through with their decisions to be baptized. As I am desperately seeking for the Lords help in this work, I feel that my heart is now more fully set upon the importance of the Spirit, and how critical it is to have the Spirit direct me in this sacred work. The Spirit must direct me in all things, I know that this Spirit is what we all desire to have, that it may direct our steps through out this journey through life.

This week I received a phone call from Elder Brownell and Sister Brownell one of the new senior couples and they mentioned that they found a new "Pad" for my companion and I. The mission is in the middle of transitioning to one companionship per pad. So yeah we moved this week into a way nice brand new apt, with new everything. That is a good thing for my Comp and I because we had "Bed Bugs" so yeah we were getting eaten alive when we fell asleep at night, but my companion had it so much worse than I did. He was literally getting eaten alive. it was intense he has a scar on his head from bed bugs. So yeah we threw out our old beds and we got brand new beds and mattresses. We were busy with cleaning our brand new "Pad" and moving in for 2 of the days this week, but we still had a productive week.

Now as for Guiseppe and Natalie, Guiseppe really wants to be baptized this weekend on the 11th, but he didn't make it to church yesterday so we are going to go see him tonight and try to push his baptism date back another week, because we want him to be able to remain a strong member of the church throughout his life. Natalie says that she is not quite ready for baptism, but she said that she wants her husband to be baptized because it is important to him. So we will continue to work with them and I know that Natalie should eventually come around and things should all work out. It would be great to baptize them together, but if it doesn't work out like that we will just baptize Guiseppe.

Well we have another busy week that lies ahead of us we will be working hard this week and do all that we can to continue to help these individuals to accept the true message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. As for now that is really all that I have to update you all on for now. Oh actually I can tell you about this crazy guy that walked in to Guiseppe's home as we were teaching him and his wife. He was a crack dealer and a devil worshiper it was kinda scary because he was saying how he kills people robs people, he kinda got in my face and I was like Whoa, hold up i am not here for problems I am here to simply help others come unto Christ. So yeah I am ok no worries their. It's alright I have got some homies here that would take care of him if anything happened to me. Ha ha ha. Well that's all for this week.

LOVE ELDER JD DOYLE

Hello everyone, yes another week has passed and another week of hard work lies ahead of me. I am so grateful and thankful to take on any challenge that presents itself in this true and sacred work. The reason why I always mention this work as sacred is because that's exactly what it is. The things that I have experienced this past year have been truly amazing, it is not the works of me or of men, but the work of the Lord. This is his work and I am his servant, bringing His true gospel message to the world. The powers of Heaven are truly with me, the Powers of Heaven bring about these many great and marvelous miracles . The Lord truly loves his children so much and I can feel that portion of love that he has for them as the Spirit of the Lord works through me, and what a blessing that is as I can honestly feel that powerful influence in my life as a missionary.

This past week my companion and I work so very diligently in striving to build a solid teaching pool so that we can have some great success in the near future, and spend more time teaching rather than finding. We finally are getting to that point after these past two weeks of finding like crazy. We now have some solid investigators that are looking to be baptized in the near future. Yesterday at Church we had 3 investigators at church for their first time. It was a blessing to see each of them there. Ones name is Adenike, she is amazing she met with the missionaries in Arizona and now is looking to join the church. Tonight we are going to invite her to be baptized, we are currently planning for September 18th for her baptismal date, but we will have to see how the Spirit directs us in the lesson.

Another is Zoe, she is the daughter of a Less Active member that we found this week as we are currently striving to work with the Less Active members in bringing them back to church and finding people to teach through them. Zoe and her Mom Gwendolyn were able to come to church and we were able to get Gwendolyn a calling in the church so that they can stay active, they both loved church so much. We are going to be meeting with them on Thursday, and we are planning on inviting her to be baptized as well.

We are still working with Guiseppi and Natalie, they are still preparing themselves to be baptized on the 11th of September. They are so awesome I absolutely love them so much. So yeah we are getting some good things going here in the area. I am afraid that I might be leaving at the end of this transfer because I would have been here in the branch for 6 months at the end of this transfer. So yeah... We'll see how it goes, because wherever I go, I am going to work hard and do all that I can to fulfill my purpose of which I am called to serve and fulfill.

Well I don't have much to say other than that for this week. SO yeah I hope that you all are doing well, I am sorry for those that have been writing me and I am behind on my letter writing. So yeah hold tight I will write back to you all, but I have no idea how long it is going to be. I love you all so much, I am thankful to have each of you in my life. It is a blessing to have known all of you!

Love, Elder "JD" Doyle

Well, as you all know that I am currently in a area where there hasnt been missionaries for awhile due to violent actions towards the missionaries. So yeah I dont really know the area very well, but that didnt stop us from being guided by the Spirit as we were sincerely seeking for his guidance to direct us towards his prepared Children. So yeah I am in an area that is living in poverty. A few transfers back the missionaries that were in this area left the "Area Book" in the clerks office and all of the papers in it were completely shredded. Those of you who know what the area book is, knows that it would be rough with and area book with nothing in it. So yeah that is what we are working with, but we have reorganized everything that we have to make it the best that we can. We also completely organized the entire area. We have about 300 Less Active members that we are going to be visiting, and I am sure that we can bring people back to church and baptize those who are living with these less active members. We are also doing all that we can to find people to teach as we travel, by talking to as many people as we possibly can. I absolutely love talking to people on the trains, buses and on the streets it is so much fun. You seriously meet so many awesome people here, everyone of them with different life experiences and stories.This past week my new companion Elder Jones, from Kentucky, who just recently got here to NYC straight from the MTC. We had a great first week together. We had a miracle happen this week as we were out looking people up on our 2nd night together we heard a man yell out to us "Elders!" We looked out and noticed it was a younger man in a wheelchair with his wife pushing him as they were walking their Dog. Their names are Guiseppe and Natalia, they invited us to turn around and go back to their home, we headed back to their home, which had very little inside, but they are so thankful for the little that they have. SO yeah we talked to them about what we do and they told us about their life story, which was so touching. I don't have much time to explain about that, but anyways we have been meeting with them everyday pretty much. They are truly feasting upon the words of Christ and are hungering to know more about the restored gospel. We invited them to be baptized for September 11, and they were so willing to accept that invitation. They even want to be baptized sooner than that, but we feel that gives us more time to work with them and gives them more opportunities to come to church. They came to church yesterday and absolutely loved it. After we met them the next day someone stole his wheelchair, but he said that he will walk to church, which he can barely walk. We picked them up to walk with them on Sunday, but I called a member to come pick them up as we were walking and it worked out perfect. They seemed to enjoy church and we are going to be meeting with them tonight.I am almost out of time, but my first week as District Leader was great I was asked to speak in Zone Meeting and I feel that I shared a very spiritual talk on how we can have the Spirit to be more with us in this work. A lot of the missionaries enjoyed my talk. Well I am about out of time so I have to go, but I still have more to say, but that's ok I write all of the other details in my journal so that these experiences aren't forgotten. I love you all Thanks for everything. Elder JD DOYLE

Wow, I have a lot to talk about today.... I am so happy to have this blessing that I am able to e-mail home once a week. This week we weren't able to have any baptisms so yeah... But it is OK sometimes people just aren't ready. So for Lee we decided to just give her some time. She knows it is true but it is just hard for her to live the standards, she still wanted to get baptized, but we told her that she cant, because she needs to make some changes in her life. I will just keep praying for her and hope for the best, that is for her to make those changes in her life and be baptized. This week Sister Bradford, Jhole's and Rudy's mother went to the hospital and she had to have a blood transfusion. We were all worried for her, but we definitely had the faith and hope that she was going to be OK. Before she left to the hospital she asked us to give her a blessing, and fix her front door that was kicked in by her x-boyfriend. So we went to the hardware store and picked up some nails and found some wood that was in the abandoned building next door. We hammered in the nails with a rock because we had nothing else to use. Also Anitra our recent convert stayed at her home over the weekend to watch over her house and kids. That was good for the both of them. On the next morning we went to go teach Anitra and we noticed that the door was kicked in again when we got there, and sure enough it was kicked in by Sister Bradford's Daughter Chantel her friends boyfriend kicked in the door because they were fighting. He walked in and put his hands on her and everyone in the house gained up on him and whooped his but. Ha ha ha it was funny, we saw the boyfriend the next day and I gave him a hard time about it, but he loves us we are boys with him. We went to go see Sister Bradford at the hospital luckily it was in our area. She turned out to be good, and everything went well. This week President Nelson called me in to his office to meet with him Friday morning. So we went to the office and he talked to me about this new transfer. He told me that he wants me to train again for the 3rd time. He then said that he needs me to be "District Leader" here in East New York, and that I am going to be working in the ghetto of all ghettos here in NYC, "Brownsville" (The Real Hood) it is pretty gangsta over there. People say that Brownsville is the worst city in the NYC, it is a high crime area, heck yeah I am way excited to be sharing the gospel with all the "homies" over here, they need to know the truth too. In this area I am going to be starting from scratch, because missionaries haven't been working over there for awhile, so we have 0 investigators, but that will change quick. So we are going to be doing a lot of finding this week. My new companion's name is Elder Jones, I will meet him tomorrow for the first time. President told me who my companion was going to be, which usually you don't know your companion until transfers when you are training. So he gave me the inside scoop. I know that I have a big responsibility being blinded into an area, which means an area that my companion or I don't know at all. So yeah, its time to buy a map! Also I am going to be training a new missionary straight from the MTC who arrives here to NYC today, and on top of that I am District Leader. It is going to be a busy transfer for me, but I'm so excited, I love this challenge that I have been given. I know that I can only be the type of District Leader, Trainer, and missionary that the Lord qualifies me to be, but one thing that I do know is that I am going to give it all that I've got and do my very best exercising my faith and putting my full trust in the Lord. This week I am going to the Temple for my half way mark on Wednesday the 18th. I am so stoked for this. I have been waiting for this day for a minute (a long time). I feel like it has been too long since I have done a session in the house of the Lord. I am excited to feel the great and powerful spirit that I feel, and will feel when I am in the house of the Lord. So yeah I cant believe that it's been a year (10 more days) that is crazy stuff. Tonight Bro Amato is taking us to a way super nice German restaurant called "Zum Stommtich" I am stoked, he does so much for us missionaries. The food that you can find here in NYC is so much different than what you can find back in UT. It is fun to eat all of these unique authentic foods. I love you all and I am almost out of time, so yeah its time for me to go. Love, Elder Doyle

08/09/2010

Today is really going to be a short one, this time I promise it wont be long. A lot has happened and I have a lot to talk about, but I was in the middle of e-mailing my family and I got a bit carried away with the time that I have. This past week I have had once again many experiences. It is funny, because things never seem to go as planned, but in the end it always seems to work out as you are giving it all that you've got and doing all that you can do. I remember mentioning last week that Lee Serrano was going to be baptized this past week on the 7th. Well... She needs a little more time, she tells us that she wants to be baptized and that this is what she knows that she needs to do, but she is struggling with a few things that withholds her from being baptised. We will continue to work with her. Who knows she might be baptized this week. As for Anitra the one that said she wont be baptized because she doesn't feel comfortable with the baptismal interview. Well we talked with her on Wednesday night and I mentioned that I failed to mention the importance of why we have baptismal interviews before one is baptized. She felt much more comfortable, and knows that the Book of Mormon is true. She said that she wants to be baptized, but that she wanted to be baptized on the 7th. So yeah on Saturday I was able to baptise Anitra and Elder Palmer confirmed her a member of the Church. So yeah it all worked out. Now since I have to cut this weekly update a little short, I will tell you all about some funny experiences that I had this past week. Elder Palmer and I were discriminated on for being white twice this week. We were on the bus and of course we were the only white people on the bus. There was this man (one of the biggest men that I have ever seen) this man must have been raging from all the steroids (no joke). He was huge, literally huge. He was getting loud on the bus and said in his words, " I need some men, some real men, black men. I am sick of all of these white crackers in my neighborhood." He then turned to me "What are you doing in my Neighborhood?" I replied, "This is where I belong, God sent me here." He was out of hand there was a black lady that was mad at the things he was saying and he got in her face and was trying to put us down. It was crazy. He got off at the next stop and I told him that I love him, he didn't believe me though, but its true I do love him. That story that I shared is without all of the foul language that he was using towards us and towards others, it was crazy. It is my Dads B-Day tomorrow, I love you Dad. Well I wish I had more time to type but I only have one min Left so I have to go now. I love you all! Love, Elder Doyle

I truly am and will be eternally grateful for this spiritually rewarding experience that I am currently having at such a critical point in my life. The experiences that I have had thus far on my mission have been life changing experiences. Words cant explain how sincerely thankful I am to my Heavenly Father for giving me this opportunity to serve amongst these precious souls that I have been called to serve.

This past week I have encountered a few challenges that I would like to talk about. First I was a little sick the last half of this past week, but I endured the sickness to best of my ability to do this sacred work. We turned out to have a very productive week despite the illness issues that I was having which brought much fatigue into my life as a missionary. Another Challenge that we encountered was with Anitra, one of our investigators that was supposed to be baptized this coming week on the 7th. The thing that prevented her from getting baptized was such a small issue but a big one for her. It is simply the fact of a "Baptismal Interview", who would have thought that a baptismal interview would prevent someone from being baptized. She is just very nervous about making this drastic change in her life, but she knows that it is the right thing for her to do. She wants to continue to meet with us, which is great. So we are going to talk to her about it this coming Wednesday. So we are currently shooting to have her baptized the following week on the 14th of August. So yeah those are a few of the small challenges that we encountered. ha ha ha.

This week my companion and I also had the rewarding experience to go eat at Elder and Sister Adolphson's home, they are a senior couple that I came out with, and they are going home on Saturday. They served a 1 year mission. They mentioned that they have only fed missionaries one other time on their mission. I was happy to hear that I was able to be one of the few missionaries to have that experience with them. They are a couple that I truly look up to in a lot of ways. They are also currently serving in the East New York Branch, but yesterday was their last Sunday in the Branch. I will miss them, but soon enough I will be visiting them in Alpine, UT when I return.

Yesterday I had to opportunity to Confirm Nicholas a member of the Church and confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost upon him. He is such a good kid. I am thankful for those opportunities to utilize the truly sacred authority of the Priesthood. The desire of my heart is full to utilize the authority of which I have been given to bless the lives of others. Wherever and whoever they may be. I am always continually seeking for opportunities to serve those around me.

Earlier in the week, I had an Interview with President Nelson and he talked to me about having me stay here in East New York, but to take over the other area where their are currently no missionaries, due to the fight they had weeks back. There is nothing to worry about though, I am sure that I will be getting a huge companion, and if not I will be fine either way. All it takes is someone with confidence and with the ability to talk to everyone around you. SO I am going to be saying "hi" to everyone that is placed on my path as I already do. He is not certain yet, President Nelson said that he is going to continue to pray about it, but for now that is what he is thinking about doing. So yeah I am positive that this is what is going to happen. The only sad part about this is that Elder Palmer and I are going to be split up, we had such an amazing time together having much success, but we are going to finish up this transfer with hopefully 3 more baptisms in these next 2 weeks.

Last night we went to Lee's home and visited with her, and she said that this is what she needs to do and be baptized. We are planning on baptizing her this coming Saturday on the 7th. So yeah next week I should be including in my weekly update the fact that Lee Serrano was baptized. I am so happy and excited for her, I know that this is a critical turning point in her life. It is a time to separate herself from all of the negative influences around her. She has made such a change in her life thus far and it is amazing to see this noticeable change in ones life as they intently seek to know the will of our Father in Heaven. I know that the Spirit will bring so much comfort and lead her to experience a continual change throughout the rest of her life.

As for Ella a.k.a. "Star" she is still working towards being baptized on the 14th. She expressed her sincere thanks for all of the things that we have done for her. I am honored to serve such a great women who is currently in the midst of so many challenges in her life. She is a fun person to work with. A good ol' Jamaican lady that she is.

Well that is about it for this past week for me. I am again so very thankful for these experiences that I've had. I would also like to express my happiness and excitement that I have for my little Bro, Tyler Doyle. He was able to go through the Temple this past Friday and receive his endowments. I know that his spirituality will be significantly enlightened because of these new covenants that he recently made with his Father in Heaven. I am proud of you Bro, I love you so much. You are my best friend. I LOVE YOU. I also want to mention that I love each of you individually especially my wonderful family and extended family that I have been blessed with in my life. I also love each of my friends, I am sure that there has been a drastic change in the each of your lives since I have been out on my mission. "Change" is the essence to Life. I love you all.

Love your brother, friend and son. ELDER "JD" DOYLE

Hey everyone!!! This week was another week of miracles, as I am currently embarking in a work full of miracles. I will probably be quick with this weeks update. Raymond Graves was baptized on Saturday the 24th. He is truly such a great addition to the East New York Branch. I am truly grateful for the decision that he has made to take upon himself this sacred covenant and to be baptized. He comes from a rough family with pretty much nothing in his house. When he sleeps at home he sleeps on the hard floor with light sheets and no pillow. He is such a humble person. I am happy for the kid! It was great to have his mother come and attend the baptismal service for him. As I mentioned last week we made a goal of having 5 baptisms within the space of 7 days, well it didn't work out quite as expected. We felt that it was best to move Lee's baptismal date back to a later date so that she may have some extra time to prepare herself for this special sacred day that is going to enter into her life. She was ok with us moving her back a bit to help her more spiritually prepare, so yeah she didn't get baptized this week. She has come such a long way and I just pray and hope that she can keep it up and work towards what she wants in life. We weren't able to get her baptized this past week, but we were able to get Nicholas Baptized. So we did get those 5 Baptisms within the space of 7 days. Nicholas is a 10 year old boy. Someone that the old "Pad Mates" were working with, and he had a baptismal date for a couple Saturday back, but he didn't show up for his baptism and they weren't able to get in touch with him. So on Saturday night I gave his mother a call she and I mentioned that the other Elders have been transferred out of the area, and we were left to take it over. She explained that her son still wants to be baptized, and that she was planning on coming to church the next morning. So, I asked her to bring him a change of underwear and we can fill up the font and baptize him after sacrament meeting. So she showed up with her son the next day and we filled up the font and baptized him. That is something that I like to call a straight up "Ghetto Bap". It was crazy doin that, but it was fun. I mean what can you expect we are in the ghetto of NYC, which NYC is ghetto to begin in the first place. Nicholas isn't someone that we really taught, so we don't count it as one of our baptisms, but at the same time we did baptize him. Also this past week we invited Ella to be baptized on August 14th and also Anitra to be baptized on August 7th, so right now we have 3 investigators with baptismal dates, and the work is continually growing here in the area of East New York, Brooklyn. I am now about out of time so I have to wrap it up here. I hope that you all enjoy these weekly updates, I pray and hope that in someway they may be an inspiration to you all. This work is sacred and the Church is true. I am so thankful to be here at this point and time in my life to share the gospel with everyone! I love each and everyone of you. The time will come quickly that we will see each other again.