My Testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.....

Hi Everyone!

         I know I say this every time I send an email now 😅 but sorry for taking so long for an update!

        Here we are! It's been a long time comin, but I'm in my last WEEK of the Mission. Its so insane to see all the wonderful, and the terrible, and the powerful experiences I've had.

         In my mission, there's been a lot of really cool stuff, and a butt load of super wack stuff. I didn't think I could see so many strange sweaty people, high students, and nutso antis mixed in with crazy miracles and blessings that I'd never seen coming in such a short amount of time, but hey, here I am! Out here breakin' records I guess 😂

          I'm gonna make this quick, and let the pictures on here explain those fun stories I've had, (you can have fun without context clues, cause why not) and if you really wanna hear them all, I'm full of them so we'll have to talk later 😁

          I know that it's cliche to say this, but even though I just have to say that it's insane that I'm in this position right now! Over the past 2 years, I've seen a lot of missionaries that I love be in the same place I am now, and watching them I always asked myself what is the most important thing I could share with people at the end of my mission? And thankfully, the answers been obvious. It's my own testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ!

          I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the fact that He's our perfect example of our Heavenly Father in all things, but especially of His love. I've been able to feel His love! It's there, it's real, and I know the effect it's had on me.

          I'm so thankful for the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what Jesus has done for all of us in giving us a chance to change and return to live with our Father perfectly clean. I'm thankful for His patience as he's lifted me through my trials, and has guided me to where I am now. I'm thankful for the missionaries I've had the opportunity to serve with and their incredible examples of Christ. I know that I wouldn't be who I am today without them.

           I believe in Christ, and I know that he believes in us. I know he believes in me. I don't know much, but I know that He chose to come to this Earth and fight for us so that we can become who he knows we can be. He came here to fight for you, and to fight for me.

           I know that He is, and I know that he  lives.

           In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love, Elder Johansen

Called to Serve.....

This was sent by a sweet Sister in the Lebanon Ohio area where Elder Johansen is serving:

The Elders and Sisters helped unload a large donation from the Bishops Storehouse this morning.  Another Sister and I drove to Columbus and picked it up, and delivered it to Interfaith Hospitality Network.  The missionaries have been volunteering with Interfaith every week for a couple months now.  The donation was $1500 in goods from the storehouse for Covid relief.  The organization was able to choose items from the goods available through the storehouse.  Interfaith helps homeless families so they mainly asked for diapers, wipes, deodorant, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, razors, baby cereal, and formula.  

Springborro OH.......

 Hello! 

So I know it's been basically three years since my last update and all I have to say is... 

... my bad 😅

LET'S GET INTO IT!!! 

Training Pt 2 & Pt 3 in Springboro:

Right now I'm lucky enough to be training again! I'm with the wonderful Elders McCauley and Peterson, new missionaries straight from the online MTC. They absolutely kill me and I love em 😂

Heckin BIKES:

We've been pullin these bikes we've got ALL through town. So far this week we've gone about 50 miles or so it's been a great start to the bike life! 

Many much Servin:

One of my favorite things as a missionary is being able to serve. Remember those 50 miles of biking? They were usually to service projects and we've moved a lot of wood, furniture, "accustic" push mowers, and tons more. We've met so many cool families and it's been great

Other really cool things-

Spikeball:

We've been playing hecka ton spikeball

Bords(the great feathered ones) 

We've been getting tons of food 🍲

Sorry for taking so long for such a short update but hope you're ready for some PICS 📸

Love ya!! 

-Elder Johansen

Elder Peterson, Elder McCauley, Elder Carlisle (flat Jordan) and Elder Johansen

COVID 19 Quarantine in the OCM...........

May 18, 2020
liberty Liberty LIBERTY!!!

WELL HEY!

I know that it's been a while, and it's honestly just gone by so much faster than I really thought it would. For everyone that didn't know, I just left Greenville and I'm with my new companion, Elder Bruce, and it's a ball. I came to the land of the free, home of the brave, township of the lady herself, Liberty!

It was crazy to hear that I was leaving Greenville after almost 7 Months! It's gone down in the books as my longest served area and I'm so happy that it was! I love the people there and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to serve and get to know them.

Here in Liberty, it's been a crazy fast week. We've been going non stop and it's been great! We've had lessons, service, crazy hiking adventures, mountain biking mishaps and even more.

To share some highlights:

1. HIKING. Plenty of hiking and I didn't realize that I missed it so dang much. President told us in the beginning of quarantine  that 2 hours of exercise is MANDATORY, so we've been taking the opportunities, pictures and videos coming your way.

2. Remember when I said "Mountain Biking MIshaps"? Here's the story.

Elder Bruce and I went to go and drop off a bike to some elders in the mission because Elder Bruce is what we call the bike man so he's in charge of taking care of and delivering bikes. On our way, we decided that we would go biking in a certain park because it would be our last chance because of the weather. Of course, we had to turn back because I forgot my helmet. We drop off the bike, go to the park, and guess what? We found out that Elder Bruce did too! We got home, sad that we weren't able to go to this park, but decided to grab the helmet and go to another park! We finally get to have a good time on a trail. We get on the trail and on THE VERY FIRST TURN I turn my handlebars and suddenly I'm just zooming into the trees and crash. I get up and see that even though my handlebars wanted to turn, my tire didn't! So on our way back home, we conclude that if we went biking, I would've freaking DIED. So it was a good thing that that didn't work out 😂

3. We've been jamming out like, nonstop and we have a disney themed lip sync competition with the other elders in the district, being judged by the sisters. That's going to be wild and I hope that the other elders are psyched to get beat because there's no other option

4. We've had some awesome lessons with a guy named Gregg, and he's so ELECT! Keep him in your prayers to let him feel the Spirit because this is one cool cat.

5. Along with awesome lessons, we've had some fun service including scraping off and painting a house, and digging a trench while fighting an entire section of bees. As I was clearing out a monster of a rock, I got Stung right in the middle of my forehead! It's okay though because I was able to have fun and absolutely decimate a rock which I really enjoy.

And those are the highlights that I've got for you today! LOVE YOU!!!!

- Elder Johansen


May 25, 2020
....wait... HOLD ON!!!

So we're back again!
Another quick as all get out week gone by in the blink of an eye. I'll try to tell you the best highlights, just know it's been insane!

1. Creek hopping has been absolutely legendary this last week. We've gone down probably 3-5 creeks and they've been a lot of fun. There was one that was SOOOOO pretty and it was a lot of fun. We always try to stay as dry as we can just cause it adds an extra layer of excitement y'know? On one of our little adventures, I didn't do so hot on staying dry so shrug and in the creek I went. ELDER BRUCE though! He did crazy good, thanks to a bamboo staff that I found in the shower (another story for another time) and stayed dry for a lot of the creek. Then we just gave a big fat shrug and went in because of time 😂

2. We were basically doubled into the apartment so we had like, no food and we bought a solid bunch of food in bulk.....
two weeks later.... guess who has no food 😅 BUT GUESS WHOS ROCKIN IT LIKE A BOSS?

3. LIP                         SYNC                    BATTLE
Don't worry, I'll send the video don't worry

4. I'm staying in liberty, even with the threat of being transferred every two weeks. We'll see how long it lasts

GUESS WE"LL SEE NEXT WEEK!!!!
LOVE YOU!!!
~Elder Johansen


AND TIME PASSED......................... Due to the ability to video chat with family emails decreased.


July 20, 2020
Life so far!!!
SO!!!

TIME FOR AN UPDATE!
Its crazy that time just flies by so fast! July started and went like none else and my heads just spinning, seeing all of this.
So, for the boring updates here ya go 😁
1. We're still working hard and staying on the grind, even though right now we've been in quarantine for 127 days. We're still working with members, and doing our best to find people to teach so don't worry cause the WORK GOES ON!!

2. A part of the work moving on right now is the huge focus on using FACEBOOK! I've never posted on Facebook so much in like, ever. I've gotten a little bit more used to being in front of the camera, I guess we'll see where this goes 😂

3. Still going hard with Elder Garrett. He's such a wonderful companion and I'm really learning a lot from him.

Now for the BIG updates

1. If you didnt know, last month I was able to be involved in the baptism of one of the people we were teaching and it was so wonderful! She asked me to baptise her and it was really such a special experience for all of us.

2. July started out well with the 4th! It made me realize just how crazy last year was 🤣 just so you know, this year had 100% less death threats than last year so that was a plus!

3.We had a great lesson with a member family this last Sunday and
It
Was
The
BEST!
They're such a great family and they have a daughter that just absolutely tore my heart into pieces cause she was just so cute! She reminded me of all my cute little cousins back home and I'm so excited to see them again!

4. Last of all, this is the biggest one.
About 18 or so months ago, I met a young father named Brent. His wife reached out on the Internet for a copy of the Book of Mormon, and so my companion and I went over to drop it off. We eventually started teaching Brent and I've stayed in contact with him since. It's been a roller coaster of a ride, and if never been so excited, disappointed, frustrated or overjoyed as I've taught him. So, a few days ago he sent me a message and asked me to Baptise him on August 1st.


This work it true. I can feel it. I've seen so much in my time being a missionary. I've seen the fulfilment of the scripture that says "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".

Our purpose is to bring others to Christ, and His purpose is to help and love and exalt us.

I know these things to be true, and I'm so glad I can say so!

Love you!
~Elder Johansen

 The teachings of Jesus Christ can fill your life with LIGHT!

Elder Johansen and Elder Garrett

COVID baptism.......

July 4, 2020 was much better!!

Feb & March 2020..................

March 30, 2020
🎶I see clouds of grey, and lightning too🎶

I don't know if I'm starting acclimate to being in quarantine, finding stuff to do, or just losing my mind 🤣 I guess we'll be able to tell when I get out of here right?

This weeks been pretty nuts with all the changes in weather. Ohio's letting me know right up front that it's spring again. And it's getting way more up close and Personal than I was hoping that it would.
A couple of days ago, we were leaving the church and on our way to the car. We have a car that has those little buttons on the handles and unlocks the doors, and we head there while it starts to rain. As a joke, Elder Miller unlocks his side of the car and slowly (and extra smug BTW) gets into the car, starts it up and adjusts all the stuff. Meanwhile, I'm knocking on the window because I want to get in, you know, just a *tac tac tac tac* right? Suddenly freaking

!!!! ⚡BOOM⚡!!!!

Leas than half a mile away was this bright purple flash of lighting that lit up the entire sky and scared the absolute life out of me and it was more like *TACTACTCATACTAC* as I'm yelling at him to let me in.
Not 3 seconds later it just started absolutely DUMPING! In 30 seconds we got 4 inches of rain. 30 more and it started hailing big ol chunks of ice, 30 more and it was back to dumping. We called the Zone Leaders to make sure they were actually alive and we introduced ourselves to the newest one. Then we called domino's and picked up a pizza 😁🍕

It's been just as crazy to watch the river that we live next to.
I don't think I've seen it ever get so high. It doesn't help that I'm from Utah where water's a foreign concept and a glass costs a firstborn calf, so I dunno if its a normal thing or not. All I know is that there's a lot of water in that river.

We went on a walk and half of the trail was covered up by the river! I kinda wish I had a boat because it looked like a ton of fun. Rip those tides, I could be in water 😭

Unfortunately, Missionary work has really slowed down now that we're restricted to our phones. But we've still been able to see miracles when we work and it's awesome! Keep on listening to President Nelson and pray for those who are working on helping the world and finding a vaccine with this outbreak of COVID-19.

Don't forget to prepare for GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!

LOVE YOU!!!!!
Elder Johansen

February 24, 2020
Chigity-Chigity-Ghange........

Well Hey There!
So updates on this last week
1. Elder Lawrence skirted out of Greenville and headed on over to Xenia
2. Received my main man Elder Miller
3. Had meetings out of my mind
4. Got a brand new missionary in the district
5. We played with darkness

Love Elder Johansen

Greenville District

Introducing.....Darkness 

January 2020.........

27 Jan 2020

Hey There!
Well dang, check that out huh. Another one bites the dust and it took like, 2.3 seconds to do it.
This week has been another good one, and we've been working our tails off to be able to find people to teach, and we finally did!! We met a couple of really cool guys this last week because of an assignment that was given to us by the Branch President to "Tract Into Someone". After having found said person, we decided to check out the area a little bit, and we ran into David and Doug. We're excited to see how everything goes with them.
Other cool things, we had zone conference in Centerville and it was great to be able to see everyone. We were invited to a basketball game that one of the young men were playing in the next day 🏀which was awesome! Church was cancelled yesterday (due to weather). Which made it a really interesting day for us and I hope the weather doesn't do anything trash to us next week, but I guess we'll see what goes on.
It's been a super quick week, so there's not a whole lot to talk about, but something that really impressed me was in my studies.
Right now, in the Cincinnati Mission, we're doing our best to read the Book of Mormon by Easter, and we're marking all the promised blessings. Along with marking all the references to the Godhead, seeing all these blessings, it's been nuts! Seeing all the blue throughout the pages is a sight to see. If you haven't paid attention to that in your studies, make sure to, and see all the wonderful blessings that God has in store for you.

TIll Next Week!!
Sure Love Ya!!!


20 Jan 2020

Hello Everyone!!
I'm so glad you had a good week! Sabrina looks great 😁
This week pretty much went by in another flash of lightning, we've been so busy. This week was comprised of 2 more sets of baptismal interviews, so many meetings, and a couple of really fun exchanges!
The most significant part of the week was when we got to see Jared move onto his next step. Last Sunday we were able to be a part of his ordination as a Priest. It's really really cool to see him want to keep moving forward, growing his faith in Jesus Christ, realizing the plan that's been made to help him in his life, and then seeing him receive the blessings of doing so.
We just got back from being able to go bowling with a part of the district too so that was pretty neat 😁
There's really not a whole lot that I have to say about this last week, but we've been able to help move the work forward here in Greenville, Ohio!

Have a great week!
Sure Love Ya!!

1. District Leader Council with the Crew
2. An intense game of Strenga
 (Straw Jenga)

13 Jan 2020

Well Hey!

I cannot believe that another week just went and past! It's been a stinkin party so i guess time flies when you're having fun!

This week has been a blast. Everything from the district staying together, to getting bikes and being drenched from head to toe, to being assigned to give the talks in sacrament meeting. All in all, this weeks been going way too fast to even remember all the bits and pieces, but here are some highlights 😁

1. Like i said, we got bikes this week, so since we have such a cool new way to move around that all the cool kids are using these days, we've used them like none other! Let me tell you, it's super nice to finally be able to go around real quick and still save miles! The other day as we rode around we talked to so many people!!! Whether or not they were just showing us some extra sympathy because we were going around in the pouring rain, who knows. All I know is I'm not mad about being able to talk to people about this amazing gospel so keep those rains comin!

2. The official "Dopest District in The Entire District" is staying together for another transfer to rock out in the OCM, and we're already killin it! With already 3 baptisms down from the past 2 weeks, we're doing our darndest to keep up the game and push the mission goal of 202 baptisms moving at the speed of light!

3. Elder Lawrence and I were able to give talks in sacrament meeting and they were killer if I say so myself and I will 😂

This week was a blast and I can't wait for another one!

Sure Love Ya!

Elder Johansen

6 Jan 2020

Hello Family!
So, some recent news is that for the next 6 weeks, I'll not only be able to stay with Elder Lawrence, but with the rest of the district! So as a district we've decided that it's going to be the best this district's ever seen! And by the looks of it, we're starting off with a BANG!
ALready, we've had a baptism to end and start the year, and in the district, there's a baptism planned for every weekend in January. You could say that things are starting off pretty well. We've seen some challenges, but overall, we're pushing through and moving forward as a group. Now that the seasons are over and gone, and we've all set new goals for the mission, zones, districts, and ourselves, we have a lot to look forward to! One of my goals this next year is definetally to make sure to email EVERY WEEK! Even if they may be short 😂 We've had plenty of miracles here, and we're just hoping that we can keep adding wood to the fire! SO PLEASE pray for us cause we need all your help! I love each one of you and am so grateful for all the support that you give me and all the missionaries that are serving.

Till next week! Sure Love Ya!
Elder Johansen

December 2019...........

Ohio, Cincinnati Missionaries 2019 

🎄!!! CHRISTMAS!!! 🎄..... (almost).......12/16/2019

Well hey Hey HEY!

Another week bites the snow and another week to look forward to.

It's been a busy, busy week and we've had a lot of fun. There's been a ton of meetings and things that we've had to do, but we've enjoyed it.

This week we had interviews with President and Sister Ensign, had Christmas conference and then had a Christmas Social at the branch. We've had a lot of great service and have been able to be around a ton of people!

One of my favorite parts of the week was one morning when we decided to go try by someone. Unfortunately we didn't have any luck in meeting with the person, but on the walk back, we ran into a few people doing some service and asked if they would let us help. We helped them cut up and move a big ol branch that was laying on someone's lawn. After clearing the wood, we talked a little bit and they told us they were from a curtain ministry and were going around the community giving service and prayer and we asked if we could join them and they could put a couple pairs of hands to work. They gladly accepted our help and we got in their car and went. During the ride, the woman there asked if we could use a prayer and I said that a prayer on my family would be amazing. We shared that very nice moment and finished the prayer as we pulled into a rest home. They told us that they visit pretty often and just talk to those in the home. So we went in and we met some sweet ladies having lunch. Their names are Beety and Mary. As we prayed and visited with Beety and Mary, Mary told us that her sister met us at the front and came to tell her that two young men from the west were coming to see her. She said that she was told that we're represented the Savior and we're doing His work and that she was so glad that we came and talked to them. With tears in her eyes she told us thank you and we left with a special feeling in our hearts. Walking from the rest home to get the stuff I left in the car, those that we joined were beaming and were telling us how happy they were that we joined them. They told us that whenever they see us they'll make sure to say hello. Through serving others, and ultimately serving Jesus Christ, we had made a wonderful friendship. Elder Lawrence and I had a wonderful walk home and knew that we had been led by the spirit to have gone where we needed to be. 

There hasn't been a whole lot of crazy things that've happened, but we've had a dandy ol time. I hope everything's going great back home! 

Merry Christmas!! 

LOVE YOU!! (Christmas card is coming 😁) 

Ornamental Destruction...........12/9/2019

Well Hey There 😀
It feels like it's been a fat minute since I've emailed!.... Probably cause it has...

... Sorry bout that 😅....

But hey! In other news, I've had some changes of assignment! I'm now in the great Branch of Greenville Ohio! (staying @ 112 Quindora Dr, Greenville, OH
45331).

My companion is the wonderful Elder Lawrence and we're having a ball! Thankfully we've been super busy and I wouldn't have it any other way honestly. There's nothing better than being able to just put your boots on the ground and WORK.

Some of my favorite moments of these past couple weeks HAVE BEEN:

1. I slapped a goose

2. I had as sweet Thanksgiving full of food. There are some sit ups that need to be done now.

3. I'm in my first 🌿branch🌿!

4. We found probably the best Christmas tree in the mission in our basement and yes it is absolutely decked out and epic.

5. We were able to put one of the great people we're teaching, Jared, on date for the 28th of December! I'll make sure to update you on what happens 😁

6. We found a few nerf guns in the apartment, and we also have a ton on extra Christmas ornaments.
Well, we HAD a lot of extra Christmas ornaments.

7. Moved up to 100 full totes of Christmas ornaments

8.Watched The Christ Child and Light the World videos dozens of times

And many many more great adventures here in the wonderous world of the Great Cincinnati Ohio Mission!!!

Just know that I'm having and the time of my life and wouldn't rather be anywhere else in the world!

Recently a scripture that's been very powerful to me the past week's been 1 Peter 1:7
It talks about how the trials that we face are more than just inconveniences or things that we go through for no reason, but that they're worth more to us than any worldly treasure, fame or praise. They're worth more to us because that's what we're here to do: to go through trials and to learn to rely on the Savior. If there's a moment or a season of struggle that you're going through right now, or even past and future, know that the words given to Joseph Smith, that "all these things will be for thy experience.".
Whatever your experience is right now, know that the Lord loves and cares for you and that your eternal identity is linked to what you're feeling and doing right now. AND that I'm wishing you the best!!!

I love you guys! I'll talk to you next week!

Sure Love Ya!
~Elder Johansen