Week #79 (December 12, 2016)

Quote of the week (this one is not exact):

1) Maintenance man in some complex we were working in - "You better
grow eyes in the back of your head if you're out here at night... The
Baptists got the land, The Catholics got the money, and The Mormons
got the FOOD!"

What a week! Transfer news: the email the assistants sent out says I am
staying and Elder Martin is leaving, but we are still awaiting calls
to find out the final final word on it all. Either way, just glad to
be serving the King of Kings during this Christmas season.

I have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be truly
happy in this life. We meet so many people from so many walks of life
on the street, especially exchanging into new areas on the fly, and I will
tell you, there is no worldly recipe for happiness.

I have met the happiest and the saddest, the poorest and the richest,
the healthiest and the sickest, and let me tell you - it is almost
like none of the factors correlate. We are talking about a Class A,
Scooby-Doo, Nancy Drew, tie-yo-shoes mystery here.

Sure, "generally-speaking" we can say that the poorer, sicker, etc. etc.
people are, the sadder they are, but man o man, you got some real
outliers in this whole equation. It literally doesn't add up.

The Savior is the prime example of a wonderful outlier in the
happiness equation. Isaiah 53:2-5 says:

"2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root
out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall
see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised,
and we esteemed him not.

4 ¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we
did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed."

He had it worse than anyone EVER, and yet when you make Him your
friend, you get healed.

My conclusion of late about the source of true happiness: following Jesus Christ

I love you all, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year,

Family: I will let you know as soon as I get transfer calls if they call soon.

-Elder Cox

Exchange (I was on the phone), left to right: Myself, Elder Owens from Arizona, Elder Martin from Utah (my comp), and Elder 

Hermano Perdomo wearing my hat - his family

 signed up to feed us on Christmas

 Eve like 20 days in advance.

  They have my corazón.

Week #78  (December 5, 2016)

Quotes of the week (both were in Wal-mart, today):

1) me in Spanish: "Excuse me?"
lady in broken english:  "What?" 
me in English:  "Oh sorry do you speak Spanish?"
lady,  screaming in broken english: "NO I DO NOT SPEAK SPANISH!" (apparently I had poked

a nerve there)

2) me:   "Hey man can we give you a card from our church?"
 (man pulls back hoody with crazy look in his eyes) "What church are you from?"
me:  "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints"
man: "Oh, Iam way too extreme for you guys, hah."
me:  "Extreme, how?"
man:  "I am an extreme believer."

Nothing like a couple hours in the wonderful world of Walmart, right?
There is no mission as exotic as a mission that covers a Walmart
brothers and sisters.

Texas is an interesting place.  On exchanges in some English areas, we
were talking to people from probably 10 different countries - asian,
arabic, palestinian, european, you name it -  it was really cool.   I am
starting to really enjoy teaching Islamic people.

The work chugs along. Most contacts feel about the same, but there is
the occasional person who you can feel sincerity out of, and man, it is
hard not to get choked up bearing your testimony to them on the
street.

For Christmas we had Elder Robbins of the Seventy come in.  What a teacher!
Wow. He absolutely blew my mind about 14 times in the couple hours he
taught us.

After he left, the assistants put on a really funny singing/dancing show
(none of them being singers or dancers) in which Elder El-Bakri (my
trainer) had literally the entire mission just dying laughing.  If he
doesn't go to the NFL he can make it in stand-up in a heartbeat.

We had a couple tender moments this week where members just treated us
like family; it means so much out here. I just wish everyone could
meet the Perdomo family from El Salvador -  talk about salt-of-the-earth
people, jeesh.

As usual, impossible to contain all of the mission experience from a
week in one email without boring you all to death or just copying my
journal into an email. I am so excited for the sweet chance to share
some of my experiences with the family in person - the mission is a
miracle.

The Lord lives today, He loves us, He answers our prayers! I pray that
you all speak with Him some more this week. He will speak back! "Draw
near unto me and I will draw near unto you."

-Elder Cox

me and the bud, Elder Green

Me and Elder El-Bak .  . . I mean Santa.

That's right, Santa.

Week #77 (November 28, 2016)

Quotes/Scenes of the week: 

We had a lot of really mean contacts this week, which although it might not sound all too funny, is always kind of kick. You just laugh at such dramatic responses to such simple invitations --

'Can we get you a card?' 

"NO!! a#@%^%&^!!" 

'Ok.'

I feel so blessed this week coming out of Thanksgiving --this is the most wonderful time of the year!!

My mission has been flying by way too fast of late. In a couple days I will only have 6 months left until I am supposed to be released. Can you believe that? I sure can't. 

Just trying to make the most of the little time I have and leave behind no regrets. It's tough, there are definitely a couple things I regret from my mission, but I suppose that it's darn near impossible to go through any aspect of life perfectly, only He did that. 

I will give my testimony that He is there to help us. If you feel like you fall down a lot or you wish you could "just change," I know that He is actually there, physically in some cases, and spiritually to give us courage and drive to fight on. 

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you," He says. 

I promise you, as a representative of Christ, that for however much you strive to get closer to Him this week, He will get closer to you as well! 

Love, 

Elder Cox  

Half-shined shoes

The following pics were sent to me by

 Sam's Companion's Aunt - she lives in their city

 and got special permission to feed them on Thanksgiving.

Sam:  "most awkward spiritual though ever

 since we knew our parents would probably see it."

sent from a member - "They're helping us set up for the Nativity."

Week #76 (November 21, 2016)

Quotes/scenes of the week:

In ward council they were talking about some Disaster Relief Committee
Meeting, and they were arguing about when it will be held, to which I
said (under my breath): "Just as long as it is done BEFORE Trump gets
in...."

I thought it was hilarious, but nobody else heard it except the
Bishop, so it was just a 2 man joke.

(P.s. I have no super strong feelings about the election, it was JUST a joke.)

Our area is on supah hot fayuh these days. My companion is the best
ever, no worries with him. Exchanges went well this week, it is hard
to see Elders who don't have much vision in their mission, but I love
being able to help em' out - it is a good refresher for me on my own
motivations and my own vision.

As usual, I miss the fam, but I trust that the Lord will watch out for
them. He has taken such good care of me on my mission, so I trust that
He will take care of everyone else I love too.

- Love Elder Cox

Elder Allen and I (my special assignment companion in the Carrollton/Plano Zone) doing exchanges with struggling missionaries 

My hard core protein meal (I was really trying to bulk up at this time)

Week #75 (November 14, 2016)

Quote of the week:

"You guys need to go look at the Bible."
-  Some old lady who slammed the door on us

I am sorry for the hopelessly low amount of info I gave about my
transfer last week.

I am now with Elder Chase Martin from Provo, UT. He has been out over
20 months and is just about the most golden guy ever. Not trunky in
the least, still works super hard and is super obedient, I'm blessed.

We cover the North area of the Carrollton 3rd Spanish Ward on bikes.
Elder Martin is one of our zone leaders and I am on "special
assignment" from President, so basically, we spend <50% of the week in
our area. We are constantly exchanging with different companionships
to try to lift them and their areas to new heights.

Colton! Congrats on the mission call my cuz - don't tell anyone I told
you, but stateside missions are the best of all worlds, you will be so
happy.

Mom, that package was just 100% awesome, thank you so much. And Owen
and Will and Abs and Dad, I appreciated the notes inside.

This gospel is incredible, I feel so priviledged to be serving the
Lord. It is so nice to have my priorities so outlined and simple in
front of me, I was saddened this week as I realized that someday I
will have responsibilities outside of the church IN ADDITION to my
church responsibilities.

Going to work everyday will never feel as cool as leaving the
apartment to go share the gospel all day.  Sorry.

Think about Abinadi's words and ask yourself where you "spend your
strength" this week -- don't be wasting it!

Love,

Elder Cox

My favorite members in Carrollton 3 - La Familia Perdomo

Random construction worker who is taking the lessons in Utah and going back in a couple weeks

Week #74 (November 7, 2016)

Another incredible week in the books.

Last night, around 8:15 (a.k.a. "Miracle hour") we are riding our
bikes (oh yah, got transferred to the Carrolton 3rd Ward btw -
Spanish) when a man walks out of his 3rd floor apartment and yells
down to us: "Did yall feel that tremor on your bikes?"

No, we hadn't. But whatever earthquake Seth felt which prompted him to
come out and talk to us, ultimately lead to him receiving a baptismal
date in one of the most sincere lessons I've had since my MTC role
plays.

The Lord hasn't ceased His work or His miracles - I am a witness to
that. Jesus Christ lives.

The next morning, leaving the apartment gym we had a little bit of a
different experience:

"Do you want a card?"

"No, I think your church is a heresy."

It's funny experiencing such a dramatic range of things out here in
the mission field all the time. I am slowing learning to be grateful
through it all, regardless of what happens or doesn't, which
appointments cancel or don't, and whether miracles are taking place or
we are being called a heresy. Not everyone lets you in and gives
you water and listens to you. 

I testify that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. If that phrase
scares you a little, well, I would ask Him (God) if that is true in
humble prayer and He will not lead you astray, He loves you too much
to lie to you.

With any questions check out mormon.org or just ask a mormon friend.

Love,

Elder Cox

Week #73 (October 31, 2016)

Sunday morning, running late for church, I see a man getting into his car across the street from us. 

Despite all the excuses I had run through my mind about why NOT to talk to him (primarily that we would be late for church), we went and talked with him. 

Turns out he is a less-active member - how bout that? 

Though not interested in coming to church, he gave us a ride and we made it on time! 

This got us to church (an English ward) and BOTH of the English speakers we are passing off were THERE! 

The Lord truly provides a way.

Now for the funny:  the Less-Active who gave us a ride is now part of the "worship-team" (aka band) at a local non-denominational church, and first thing he does when we get in the car is throw on his Christian-freestyle-raps. 

After we listen to this pretty intense, Christian rap (which I just couldn't bring myself to tell him to turn off) - he says:

"Oh yah baby! I been puttin' in WORK for the KINGDOM!"

Then he kinda started anti-ing us, the highlight of which was when he said:

"Your spirit isn't in your cockpit (pointing to his own head) looking through your windshield (pointing to his eyes), IT'S IN YOUR LOINS!! (pointing to his loins)."

I think he was trying to tell us that we had been brain-washed and our spirit doesn't want to be Mormon, but that may be a misinterpretation, I'm not quite sure. 

He was a life-saver and I felt for the guy.  He is trying his best and he'll be blessed for that. The Lord blesses me for mine (which I am sure looks about as funny as a freestyle rap to Him). 

I know that the Lord lives. I am relying on Him daily. I wish everyone could come and experience what the mission is like, especially under President and Sister Taylor's leadership. It's a dream. 

Read, pray, and obey this week, and He won't let you down!!

Elder Cox 

Week #72 (October 24, 2016)

Quotes of the week:

Anti-mormon in the park: "There is no other book than the Bible"

Me: "Well, what lead you to believe the Bible is scripture in the first place?"

Anti-mormon: "Uhhh..... It's THE BIBLE!"

*aka the depth of this conversation could be measured in nanometers from this point on, unworthy of typing time*

       I mentioned the "investigator-rollercoaster" my companionship was riding last week, well, we hopped off.

This last Thursday we went through and just "dropped" all of our formerly "top" investigators to start from scratch, a pretty worrisome move, but we felt like it was time.

      So, Thursday afternoon (after finishing this apocalyptic planning session), we head out to basically just look for new people, what happens?  The 1st street contact says: "My sister is a member in Arlington, she told me she was sending you guys.  I have been waiting for you!"  So yah. After we picked our jaws up off the pavement we managed to teach a lesson and set a baptismal date with Rosa, probably the most prepared person I have ever met.

      The Savior truly lives. I depend on Him daily and He never fails me. Please come to Him and find rest from your burdens, He doesn't need to see you carry them any longer. 

       Read Mosiah 3 this week when you find a minute, it opened my mind this morning like never before. I love that book.

Love,

Elder Cox

P.s. You'll probably see some photos appear a little later in your inbox as I currently do  not have my iPad with me. Oh yah, stop growin Owen. 

Week #71 (October 17, 2016)

Quotes/scenes of the week:
"The commandments are really important. Thou shalt not steal... Thou
shalt not lie... Thou shalt not kill.... *trailing off* I am still
having trouble with that one...."  - man in the park

This week was stellar, I truly love the mission.

I wish I could capture the whole array of experiences I enjoy every
week, but it would get your thumbs tired of scrolling through it all.

Thank you so much for the package Grandma Karen, what a pleasant
surprise! That sure warmed up my heart! And Nana, thanks for the letter!
Grandmas rule!

Our investigators are up and down on us. It's tempting to just hop off
the roller coaster with these people sometimes, but the Spirit
sometimes just asks for a bit of patience.

I suppose Heavenly Father has wanted to give up on me sometimes,
something I have to remind myself of, because, like the scriptures
say:

"With that judgement with which you mete it shall be meted unto you."

Have a great week - stay in the Book of Mormon and it will stay in you!

- Elder Cox

Week #70 (October 10, 2016)

Quotes/Scenes of the week:

I contacted this guy who has a red beard, named Troy, and with that kind of combo I just said: "You're a legend."

He casually repsonded: "I know"

It was an awesome week, no complaints here. 

My trainee Elder Bailey is doing great, he's a natural.

I love my mission so much, I hope it never ends.

Miracle: An investigator who we thought was dropping us just called us today and said "I was praying about it last night and I want to be baptized."

Yah, the mission is the greatest thing ever.

Last but not least: JENNIE COX IS CELEBRATING 44 YEARS OF AGE ON OCT 27 (VERY SOON) - DO NOT FORGET TO GET HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH!!!

Love,

Elder Cox

Week #69 (October 3, 2016)

Quote of the week:

"I'm not listening." 

That was such a stellar talk, dang.

The week flew by - lots of meetings in Dallas with President and the Assistants, then General Conference, a lot of inspired counsel. So much goodness in one week, almost an overload, but nah.

To take President Taylor's challenge for sharing and answer Mom's question from one of her emails, my favorite part of conference was Elder Christofferson's talk. He always takes some popular phrase or idea in the world today (that is not true) and breaks it down for us.  Last time it was the classic "I don't need church." This time it was "God's love is totally unconditional."  I think he is now my new favorite Apostle (Elder Eyring will always be up there, no worries).

I would love a short email to hear what your favorite part of conference was as well, if you've got the time (to nobody in particular).

My favorite part of Elder Christofferson's talk this conference was his analogy having to do with Helen Keller.
He described how she was brought to a "higher reality" (language) through her teacher, Ann Sullivan, who was able to bring her there because she too had suffered her infirmity (blindness).  Then he related the story to us about how the Savior can raise each one of us to a "higher reality" because He knows our particular infirmities.

I have truly felt the Master raise me to a "higher reality" during my mission, and introduce me to the "untold possibilities" that I could achieve in this life, with His divine help. How privileged I feel to participate in His great work and invite others to come unto Him!

His divine patience and loyalty to me never runs out as I stumble and fall in my best attempts at serving Him.

I pray for you all often and feel peace knowing that He has you in His care - God bless you!

With love,

Elder Cox

my comp introduced me to Bluebell Ice Cream

getting crazy

Elder Bailey from Rupert, Idaho

essential resistance band training

Week #68 (September 26, 2016)

Quote of the week:

Contacting a biker at a gas station - he rejects the card then says:
"MAN! I am so sick of you WHITE BOYS! (he is white as well).  Y'all are
so soft! Be a man! Get a mohawk! (Points to his 'Ride a motorcycle!
Join a biker club!' t-shirt). Come on!"

It was sad, but the guy meant well. He was "just trying to look out
for me" in this tough world.

Transfers came, and now I am training Elder Bailey from Rupert, Idaho!

He is a great guy - great desire to work, good attitude. The only
thing he needs is a better trainer... It's tough trying to be a good
example for him and show him the ways of the force, but he is a good
elder and I'm sure he would turn out fine with any companion by his
side.

General conference is this coming weekend, can you believe it? I sure can't.

I have been thinking a lot lately about being a "man of God" and what
that means. The biker's quote was especially nice for contrast.

My address is the same. I am blessed to be in the Longview 4th branch
still. These members are growing on me and our investigator work is
soaring. A member's sister and cousin are both on track for baptism
and coming to church.  Very exciting!

I love and miss you all -  be good and live the gospel! Christ lives!

Elder Cox  

Week #67 (September 19, 2016)

Quotes/scenes of the week

1) We just had one totally crazy contact this week - a random white
guy whose door we knocked. Here are a few of the lines during the
conversation:

*Initial meeting* "I am a zen buddhist." *points to mini buddha statue
in the corner of his apartment*

"Would you like water?"

*Giving us the water does 40 monk bows*

"I left Cuba when I was 3.... While passing through the Bermuda
triangle I was abducted by aliens, then I became a human being."

"I believe all religions are true, and none of them, at the same time.
And if you don't understand that, well....*trails off and changes the
subject*"

"Y'all want some of this Chicken soup I made? I am just worried I put
a little too much banana..."

It was like walking into the twilight zone. But I only decided to
leave after he officially rejected the chance to hear the gospel.

Big congrats to my man Trevor Cox for being the homecoming king!
Someone give him a hug for me!

This week was another storm of miracles. Can't even start to tell em all.

Currently waiting for transfer calls, everything is still totally up
in the air, so we are just nervously waiting.

The Church is still as true as ever. I am so excited to bring the heat
this next transfer, whether the Lord leaves me here on takes me
somewhere new, I am just excited to serve.

I love the Lord and I know He loves us, too!

-Elder Cox

new companion Elder Bailey

Week #66 (September 12, 2016)

Quotes/Scenes of the week:
1)  Just met a ton of Seventh day Adventists this week, not that
hilarious, but definitely pertinent after meeting the man who called
us sun-worshippers last week.

It was an exciting week - car was in the body shop, so we were on foot
almost all week.

We had a couple investigators who we needed to see about 10 miles away
in a different city. So we set out walking, but we only got about .5
miles before a member just dropped out of the sky from some random
ward way south of us and said, "Hey yall need a ride?"

That was just the start. Despite not having the car, we had huge
success, I can't even explain it.

Our members continue to be incredible, can't say enough about this branch.

I just feel so blessed here in my mission.  It's too much to express in
words. The Savior has given me so much, He is so patient with me. I
feel like I could use another 2 years in the mission just to learn - I
am way behind.

I don't know what else to add to this email; life is great.

I know that Joseph was a prophet, Christ lives, and this is His
church! If you don't believe me - explain the Book of Mormon.

Sincerely,
Elder Cox

District meeting, Exchanges in Henderson TX, senior couple (The Wilson's)

Week #65 (September 5, 2016)

Quotes and scenes of the week:

1) *9-yr old and I conversating*
Me: "What's your name bud?"
Kid: "I am not telling you!"
His grandpa from far away: "Keagan! Put that down!"
Kid: "My name is not Keagan! It's SHARK BOY!"

2) *Contacting outside the Longview public library*
Man in dirty pajamas and tevas: "I have come to flush your doctrine
out of this area!"
"What day do you worship?!"
Me: "Sundays"
Pajama man: "HA! I knew it.... SUN WORSHIPPER!!!!"

This week was so full of miracles I don't know where to start.

Here's one: Elder's quorum president and relief society president
(married) brought 4 investigators to church and casually introduced us
to them saying: "I brought you some customers." I melted.

Our members have started to catch fire and invite their friends and
family to listen; it's a dream.

I pray I don't get transferred out of this branch this coming transfer
cycle. The members and the area are just too awesome. One family, Los
Cadenas, is just like my own family. I dream of being half as
converted as them one day (baptized 8 yrs ago). I am just so blessed
to be here, I love my mission so much.

My companion is great, too. He's a really patient guy (a necessity to be
selected as my companion). He is helping me sing more in tune, a labor
of love.

Pictures are with different members (Los Rubio and Los Cadenas, and
Ramón who got us groceries) and then that's my companion selfie-ing
and me making tortillas.

The gospel is true. Let's give the Savior everything He deserves this week!

Love,
Elder Cox

The faithful, good-cookin' Familia Cadenas from Longview 4th branch

Ramon Alba brought us some groceries, great member

Makin tortillas at the Cadena's home

Fun district meeting game with Elder Cole and Sister Cowper

Recent Convert lessons with Maribel Cejas (sitting directly to my right in the photo) and this faithful family (whose names I can't remember)