November 7, 2022

2nd to last week:(

Hey you guys!

Wow! First off, I just want to say sorry for being so bad at doing emails lately. I have been trying to work my tail off here in Kernersville. So far, Kernersville has been a really good area.  I have learned a lot about who I am and how God can work through us to help others. While I have been serving here, I have noticed that this area hasn't necessarily been the most successful area based off of finding new people, getting baptisms, and also getting people to sacrament meeting. Although I absolutely love those things, I have learned that there are other things that are more important. For instance, we have built a lot of relationships that I know will last into the eternities. We have been blessed to meet so many nice and wonderful members that are doing their best to follow Christ's teachings. I have grown to love that aspect of missionary work. Although it is very important to me to baptize, find, and teach, It also is just as important to me to build a loving relationships. I think that is where the joy of missionary work comes into play.

This week was a good one. We were able to have some great lessons and find some new friends. We were able yo do service for a lady named Carol. She is really cool. The service consisted of raking leaves and mowing her yard to pick up the leaves. It was a beautiful sight to see how grateful she was. 

After that, we had a conversation about missionary work and what we exactly do as missionaries. She became very intrigued about the things we talked about, so much that she invited us back to do some more service and talk more about the gospel. I know she is a God fearing lady who wants to do good and that alone brings me so much joy. 

Well it's almost getting to be the time where I will be coming home. I just want you to know that this mission experience has changed my life forever. It has allowed me to grow exponentially. It has helped me become a better version of myself. But most of all, it has put a deeper love in my heart for the Savior and Heavenly Father's children. If there is one thing I want you to know about me, it is that I desire to do good. Now we all know that I am not perfect nor even close to it. But, I can tell you that I am consistently trying to better myself to become more like Christ and I invite you all (y"all) to do the same. I promise you with every fiber in my body that as you consistently put in the effort to do good, Christ will do the rest and it will bring you so much joy.

I love you all and I want you to know that I am here for you and so is the Savior ❤️

Elder Adams out✌️ till next week

P.S.  My flight comes in at 4:44 on Friday, November 18!  Speaking in church on November 28 at 10:30.  Please come if you can!

September 26, 2022

Hello everybody:) sorry I have not been able to send out an email these past few weeks. I've either been to busy or to lazy to do so ahaha. I'll let you decide which one😂 

Anyway in this email, I would like to exhort the concept of time. While I have been here in the Carolinas I have come to the realization that time works differently based off of your mental experience, capacity, and the mental state that you are in.. For instance, when I had first started In the mission field I was witnessing time in a different way then I am today. At the beginning of my mission, time was going tremendously slower then what I was expecting previously before my mission. I quickly learned then when you are having a hard time realizing that you are going to be out here for 2 years, it seems that it is going to take 10 years instead. For an 18 year old boy that was something that was frustrating and difficult for myself to overcome. Know you all know my story of how I was released as a missionary because of physical alignments on my knee that where not allowing myself to perform at the proper rate. So moving on from that I was able to come home and spend 8 months at home. During these 8 months, I learned a lot about myself but more importantly, I learned what the Savior could make out of an 18 year old boy. Finally I was able to come back out into the mission field and witness again how time can move so slowly with a negative and timid attitude. Eventually, I was able to gain some experience and get comfortable with missionary work which made myself think a lot less about how much time I had left or how much I missed my Mom. When I was going through this time period of my mission, I was witnessing that the idea of time for myself was changing a lot. In fact, I was seeing time going a lot faster and this made it a lot easier for myself to stay out here and go to work and for that I am forever grateful. 

Moral of the story; when we get comfortable in situations, whatever we may be going through will be lightened and easier to get through. When we grow to enjoy the things we used to hate, all aspects of that thing are becoming increasingly more comfortable. 

Now you may have had this thought before. "What is the purpose of myself being here on earth?" We'll let me tell ya. The reason is not to become comfortable with where we are at. We are here to constantly grow and learn. Before I I started this journey of a mission, this question was something that was in the back of my mind always. So, my dad would later share an analogy that would correlate with this question. The analogy is, "when we are in a school class we are always taking tests and quizzes. Many people see this life as one of this tests or quizzes. When in fact this life is the whole year long class. Because, we have many opportunities to be tested and quizzed on our knowledge while we are here on earth." - Steve Adams 

When we fall on one of these little stumbling blocks, we will not be judged solely for this one mistake but, on our final grade of the class or in other words our final grade of our life. There is so many opportunities that we are given to do good. So, when we do mess up, we just need to repent and change and then move on with that knowledge. If we can do that, then we will have all the reason to rejoice:)

 August 29, 2022

Hey y'all

This week was like a lot of the weeks that I have already had on the mission. Sometimes I feel like I'm living the same day over and over again.  But, I am definitely willing to go through that for this amazing work. My mission president, President Brown, always will say, "this is the most amazing work in the world" and I truly know that to be true based off the experiences that I have had. I have seen the Lords hand in my life. Maybe not as directly as the brother of Jared, but I have seen him guide me in difficult times and I have seen him point me in a direction  of others so that the gospel can help them.

This week was transfer week. I was able to get a new companion and fortunately for me, I love him. His name is Elder Taluapapa, I feel like he and I have a connection, maybe the best connection out of all the other companions that I have had. He loves football, working out, and all sorts of things that I love as well. I think that the Lord knows our needs because we needed each other haha. 

Anyway, this past week we found two new people. Their names are Tammy and Johnny. They referred themselves for a Bible study. When we went over there, we were thinking "oh these people probably just want to bible bash with us!" But when we arrived, they were so warm and welcoming. We were able to read a few chapters in the book of Job, and to my astonishment they invited us back without us even asking to come back. It is amazing to see the Lord work in others around you. As I have been serving my mission, I have learned that my favorite aspect of missionary work and the gospel is being able to watch someone feel the love that Christ has for them by feeling the spirit. It brings me a different kind of happiness than I have ever experienced. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be here and declare the truth unto my brothers and sisters:)

1. Cool sunset 

2. Buzz city

3. Melooooo 

4. Some Baptist sign

5. Virginia because our area touches it

6. Some steam thing

7. Kobe day 8/24 💛💜

August 2, 2022

Please read last paragraph 

Hey guys! What a few weeks it has been! Up here in Kernersville, I have learned that it is a slow, slow area. Not even kidding. This past week has been an absolute grind with finding. Like honestly, that's like all we do up here (not literally) but I think that is one of my favorite aspects of missionary work. I love how we get to just go out and talk to people that we have never met before. In some aspects, it's like a game because you kind of have to find your way through the conversation, but luckily, the spirit will guide you through it. It is fun to be able to meet new people and gain new friends along the way. But I've also learned that is where you find your entertainment for the day. I also love to see people improve within the gospel and recognize the spirit. I think that has brought me the most joy while being here. Just all aspects of the gospel bring me joy and they are all beautiful.

One cool thing that I have realized the last few months is how much the spirit can bring back memories. When I have been in lessons, we will be teaching our friends and then all the sudden a story will pop into my head from like 12 years ago that I can share to help them understand whatever we are teaching a little better. It is quite extravagant. 

It is absolutely amazing to see how much I have fallen in love with this gospel. It's awesome to see the growth that has come. I am beyond grateful for this service and I would not trade it for anything. THE PRICE IS WORTH THE PRIZE. If I would have been able to tell myself about where I'm at right now a year ago or before I started this journey, my past self would not have believed it or would I have been scared to go through the hard times that have come. When I say "the price is worth the prize" I truly mean it. Everything bad (or in other words... hard) that happens is worth going through and we just can't see the end of the tunnel at the start. That's what makes it so hard to get yourself through these things because we can't see the outcome. That is human nature. We naturally want to be comfortable with where we are at but we just have to realize the level of joy that can come out of our process of progression. 

I would like to leave you with an invitation. I would like you to plan out what your next step is to become better. This can be in sports, school, or just life in general. Once you have planned out your next step, I invite you to indulge in that step and to just take it head on. I promise it will be worth it and that you will see a beautiful outcome because of it. I promise!

I love you♡

I'm here for you♡

Please let me know if I can help with anything♡

Elder Adams out✌

1. My favorite illustration 

2. Zone conference 

3. New kicks

4. Rap I made (don't you dare plagiarize me)

 July 18, 2022

Hello Everybody 

These past few weeks have been absolutely crazy. They have been very eventful and stressful at the same time. This last week, I was transferred to Kernersville up in North Carolina. It has been a difficult transition for me. I spent 6 months in Rock Hill, so it was pretty hard to leave my comfort zone and move on. When I got the news that I was being transferred, I was honestly pretty excited.  I was a little burned out from being in Rock Hill for so long. But when I got to Kernersville, I missed Rock Hill a lot. I missed Elder Semrow, I missed the other missionaries, and I just missed being comfortable. 

One cool think that I have been reminded of this week, is that all aspects of life correlate with the gospel. This "stepping out of my comfort zone" also correlates with the gospel because no matter where you are in your life, there is always room for growth and improvement. We continually hear that when we fall or are struggling we end up growing.  I believe that to be true. Without the opportunities to fail in this life, there would be no growth or success. While I was reading in the scriptures, I came across my favorite scripture ever. It is 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10...

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong"

I have learned that as we are going along in life, it is really hard to see a way out of the hardships. Sometimes to the point where we are stuck in limbo for awhile. When we are in these times, all we need to do is put our faith in Christ and follow Him. Eventually we will see that as we are doing these things, all aspects of our life will eventually begin to get better. While being out on a mission, I have seen that very thing happen in so many of my friends life's, as well as mine and it is the most amazing thing to see and to experience. It completely fills my heart with joy and peace.

Okay onto Kernersville!

Kernersville is a cool little place. It is in the middle of nowhere, but it is awesome. It is in the middle of 2 big cities, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Although it is a cool place, it also is a slower area which is fine because I love to keep busy and I also love a good challenge. It is always nice to succeed when you have put so much effort into something. So I hope success is what  happens here in Kernersville.

Pictures 

1. Elder Peay and I (my new companion)

2. Elder Semrow and I (my old companion)

3. Saying goodbye to Brother Robinson 

4. Saying goodbye to the brother of Brother Robinson

5. Cool hotrod

6. Saying goodbye to Mama Carol:(

7. Saying goodbye to Brother Craze

 North Carolina Charlotte Mission <2012758@ChurchofJesusChrist.org>

Wed 7/20/2022 8:03 PM

To:

• adamsfamrules@msn.com <adamsfamrules@msn.com>

 

20 Jul 2022

 

Elder Samuel Steven Adams

936 Madison Place Cir

Kernersville, NC 27284-7755

 

Dear Elder Adams,

 

You are hereby called to serve as a District Leader in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission.  Because of your obedience, diligence, and charity, you are both worthy and qualified to minister to our faithful missionaries.

 

Our Savior has given the most important direction on leadership: "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:19).  "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).  "...but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister.  And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all"  (Mark 10:43-44).  I encourage you to study Doctrine and Covenants 121: 34-46 to understand how you are to use the authority given.  

 

The "Mission President's Handbook" states the District Leader should: 1) Set the example for missionaries in the district by diligent study of the scriptures, obedience, hard work, and effective use of proselyting skills.  2) Carry a full proselyting load and strive to baptize regularly.  3) Supervise, teach, and inspire the missionaries during District Meetings and exchanges.  4) Interview baptismal candidates within the district, except for his candidates.  5) Look after the well-being of each missionary by calling them each night.  6) Demonstrate effective planning.  7) Follow up with the missionaries on media.  8) Submit reports accurately and promptly.  Please review the District Leader Responsibilities sheet on the Missionary Portal under Mission Documents.

 

Each district meeting should be uplifting and spiritual.  The focus should be on meeting objectives, reviewing instructions from the last Zone Conference, counseling with your missionaries on how to help the people they teach move to a higher level, and reviewing the (white) Missionary Handbook.  Remember your covenant "to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9).  As you do, you will be blessed and qualified to have the Holy Ghost as your constant companion.  I am grateful to be a fellow servant of the Lord.  I have great love and respect for you and look forward to a close and personal relationship as we serve our Lord and Master.

 

Sincerely,

Thaddeus M. Brown, President

North Carolina Charlotte Mission

 

cc: Parents

 July 4, 2022

Hey Yo 

This past week has been one of the best weeks of my mission. We were able to teach a ton. It is so amazing to see the benefits of our labors. During this week we taught a lady named Elizabeth, I just call her Liz. Anyway, we went to her apartment and started to talk to her. We had a planned lesson in mind to teach, but the Lord had other plans for her. As we were about to teach her about the restoration, something told both me and Elder Semrow, to just go with the flow and let the discussion go as needed. I love being laid back and letting things come when they need to. As we were talking with Liz, all the sudden, many experiences from home came into my mind and I knew these memories were things that I needed to share.  It was the coolest thing ever. We were talking about prayer and how we will find answers when we pray. A beautiful story came into my mind from the past. When I was about 10 years old, my parents had to go on Trek.  Brinley and I stayed with my grandma and grandpa. My grandpa owns 10-15 acres of land plus cows and horses.  While at my grandpa's, I remember  walking out in the pasture and having a wonderful time looking at the cows and horses. Before this journey, my dad gave had given me his pocket knife and said not to lose it. Well, while I was out in the middle of the pasture, I quickly realized I had done that exact same thing.  I had lost the pocket knife!! After 15 or so minutes of anxiously looking for it, I knelt down on my little knees and said a prayer. When I was done with this prayer, I got up and looked for it. Within 5 minutes of looking, I had found it. I know that that prayer helped me find it. It was lost in 15 acres. There is absolutely no way I could have found it on my own.  Prayer is one of the most precious gifts that we have in this life. It is amazing to see the wonders that can be performed when you pray and have faith.

I also wanted to talk about another lesson that we had this past week. We had a lesson with a lady named Mariany and it was really cool too. She was able to attend church a ton in her past and eventually got sucked into the deep hole of reading anti literature about the church. While she was asking us questions during this lesson, it was amazing to see some questions answered in her own life. We were talking about the Book of Mormon and she kept finding little details that don't make sense to her. While she was bringing up these concerns, a thought hit me. There are things that haven't been answered that are in the book of Mormon, but as we come unto Christ and pray diligently, answers will come to us by revelation. Wow that was awesome. I bare witness in my own life that I know that this church is the true Church of God. I know that this Gospel is meant for us to grab a hold, so that we can find some sense of peace and joy in our dark and dreary lives. I know that as we come before our Savior and serve Him with all effort possible, our trials and hardships in life will eventually come to pass. <- this has happened to me and it will happened for YOU:)

1. Picture for my mom

2. This country is beautiful 

3. Just some train tracks

4. Zone

5. Big queen or killer wasp

6. Ice cube reading the BOM

7. Land of the free