Miracle

Email from 1/28/19:

Hey everybody!

Another week flew by fast!!

I don't have much time. Soooooo this week was great!!! Casting out evil spirits... Eating amazing mexican food.. Got a bunch of new friends. Still no lessons (all the friends we make they always fall through. oh well...)

Let me share a real quick miracle 

There was this crazy miracle that happened on Friday. We were having our comp study and Elder Allred and I had a prompting to go and do our study at the church. So we went over and as we pulled up, there was this guy who was sitting on the steps outside. We both had a prompting to go up and talk to him, but we regretfully ignored it... As we went into the church building, we had another prompting to go and sit right next to the windows. So we did. That guy came a waved us down to come open the door. So we did and he asked us, "Hey can I talk to guys and ask for a prayer?" So we let him in and he just let it all out on us. All of his problems. We let him talk and he said he was going to go home and kill himself but we shared scriptures from John 14 and he felt peace and comfort. 

If we weren't there that day, he wouldnt be here. I love the gospel so much . I feel the spirit so much. Listen to the spirit. ALWAYS!!

LOVE YOU ALL HERES SOME PICTURES!!!

Also, bass pro shop is lit. 

Also, frozen burritos are all I eat lol. 

Also, if you want to send me emails do it. I love coming back to the apartment at night and checking them!!

Anyways thanks for all love and support. 

Much love, 

Elder Houghton 

MAN I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!

Elder Houghton and his trainer, Elder Allred

It's Elder Houghton's first week in the mission field and he is loving it! He said that it's hard work but he's happy to be doing it. He knows this is where the Lord needs him right now in his life and he's ready to work hard and share the gospel. He is currently serving in the Lathrop/Manteca area. It's a rural area and very beautiful this time of year. They experienced some really good rain storms this week.  Even a good rain storm didn't stop these good elders! (Even though it wasn't too fun! Haha!)

Yeah, they got a "little" rain!

He's adjusting to mission life well. They do have to cook their own meals during the week so that's a new experience for him too!

Hot dogs, peanut butter toast and ramen. Hopefully he'll get some vegetables sometime! 

 He has a really nice apartment and is relieved his bike got there. They drive to different areas (because it's farmland and too long of a distance to bike around) then bike around those areas. He said the people are really nice and the members are great. 

We are so happy and excited to hear about his experiences while he is serving the Lord! 

We love you, Elder Houghton!!!!!

Here's the email he sent out on 1/22/19:

Hey everyone! 

MAN OH MAN, I AM ACTUALLY OUT HERE!! I am currently serving in the Manteca Zone which is about 2 hours away from the mission office.. It is awesome out here and I am going to be a first to say that California is actually pretty dang sweet. Well, the country part... and its only beautiful for about 2 months out of the year. 

Well, me and Elder Wells parted ways... How sad but, my new comp is awesome. His name is Elder Allred. He is from Roy, Utah. We are both new to this area so we are both trying to get used to it. He is newish. He has only been out for four months.

MAN I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! The other night we were walking down the road and Elder Allred and I saw this guy working on motorbike. We had felt biggest prompting to go and talk to him and we went up and started talking to him about the bike. Then we started talking about the gospel.  He doesn't believe in God at all. So we started talking about the Book of Mormon and shared with him some scriptures like Moroni's promise. He was very intrigued by our message. He told us to stop (in a good way) because he kept feeling something warm. The thing he was feeling was the Holy Ghost. Even though he was smoking and drinking in front of us the Holy Ghost was working through us and him.

I can bare my testimony that I know the Holy Ghost is there to guide us through the hard and tough trials in our life. It doesn't matter who we are, the Holy Ghost is there. I am sure you guys have seen or felt it for yourselves. That night was the best night I have had ever! We are excited to teach him!

Remember to always listen to the Holy Ghost's promptings. You never know what someone might be going through and YOU can change their lives. Pray to always be in tune to spiritual promptings.I pray for that every morning. Even if you aren't a full time missionary, you are still a missionary! 

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Feast upon the words of Christ. I challenge you this week when you go to study your scriptures, pray before and have questions in mind and the book will give you the answers. The Holy Ghost will guide you to the answers.  

Anyway, I love you all. Thanks for the love and support! I am truly happy to be finally out here and serving others. 

Much love,

Elder Houghton

Ps. Everyone has time to read. READ THE SCRIPTURES. NO EXCUSES. 

He made it!

We received a text from Elder Houghton's mission president's wife:

Elder Houghton arrived safe and sound in Sacramento today. We are so happy to have him here.  Love, Sister Hymas

Sister Hymas, Elder Houghton, President Hymas

Always good to here!  Thank you! 

Now the adventure begins for him! ♥ 

 

Sacramento Here He Comes!

Being a missionary from Provo and going to Provo MTC, comes with a couple advantages. Sometimes you run into people you know and when it comes time to travel to the airport via the Frontrunner train, your family members might just happen to be there to see you off!  I'm not sure if this is necessarily against the rules but Lee, Scott and I were able to go see Elder Houghton one last time before heading to the airport for Sacramento. Oh my goodness!  He looked so happy and he was SOOOOO ready to get out in the field and serve! We can't wait to hear all his amazing experiences that lie ahead of him!  We love you Elder Houghton!!!!!

The 7'8" Humble Missionary

Email from 1/10/19:


OH BOYYY!!! THE MTC IS SOON TO BE IN THE PAST FOR ME!!!! I leave Monday morning at 10:15 to head to Sacramento and all I can say is I am very excited. The MTC has taught me so much. I love my District and my Zone. Oh yeah I am District Leader for the last week I am here, so that is dope. 

We taught our friend Nate last week. We don't call them investigators anymore. We refer them as our friends. Nate was a great guy. We taught him and everything was going really well. We taught him about the Holy Ghost and we taught him about Jesus Christ. He grew so much during the time we taught him and we ended up getting a baptismal date set for him. I am really excited for him!

This week we are teaching a girl named Jocelyn and she is improving very well. I can really see her faith growing. We set a baptismal date for her too!. She is so cool! She has a really strong in spirit and loves her life. I wish we could stick around for them but that's alright.

I have changed so much since I've been in the MTC and I am so ready to teach the people of Sacramento. 

Now to my subject of my email...

On Sunday we had a devotional, and the manager of every MTC throughout the world came and spoke and showed us pictures of every MTC. IT WAS SO COOL!!!! He showed pictures of missionaries before they started their mission and then the after they returned home. It was so crazy to see how much they changed just by the pictures. Brother Mills, the guy speaking, shared a story about this one elder from the Philippines. He was 7'8" and when he entered the MTC he couldn't fit on the beds. The MTC President offered to connect two beds together, but the missionary said, "President don't worry about doing that. I will sleep on the floor." The MTC President was surprised and responded saying its not a big deal we can do it. The missionary once again responded and said, "That's okay president, I don't remember the last time I had a bed." The missionary had huge feet (he had size 23) and wore these sandals that were worn down. The president offered to order shoes the missionary so he can be comfortable while walking around, but the missionary said, "It's okay president. I can't remember the last time I had shoes."

The moral of the story is that he was grateful what he had. There are times in our life where we are not grateful for what we have. There are times where also judge those who don't have much. Anyway, that devotional was so good It made me feel ready to leave!

I love you all!!!! Thanks for the support just want to leave with my testimony..

I know this gospel is sooooooo true. The power of prayer is so real. I have witnessed first hand here and all I can say is the Holy Ghost works in beautiful ways. I love our Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice He did for all of us. Because of Him, we are all able to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again. I know missionary work helps change lives. I know it guides people to enduring to the end. I am grateful for Joseph Smith for what he went through so we could have this gospel. I love my family so much and the love and support they give to me. I know this to be true and I say these in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The MTC Life!

Elder Houghton is enjoying his time in the MTC! He loves his district and instructors and is having a lot of great experiences. 

Here's some excerpts from his emails on 1/3/19:

Elder Houghton looking out at a foggy day in the MTC

Group email:

Hey everyone!

This week was DOPE!!! Classes are going great! Learned about faith and repentance a lot this week. My mom sent me robe and i can say, It  is great. Going to the temple today so I am excited for that! I have studying the book of enos and I want everyone to read it. I feel like anyone can relate to him. So I challenge you to read it. I love this gospel I love the Spirit here at the MTC. I love everything about this gospel. Its so amazing ive learned so much more about this gospel. Also make sure everyone prays cause prayer is an amazing thing. If you are struggling then get down and prayer i have a short story I wrote the other night in class which I felt strongly to right it down in class when we were talking about Christ so here it is!

(Your name), I know you have sinned, I know you felt guilt. I've noticed. But because of me you are forgiven. - Jesus

"Jesus how can I know I've been forgiven. I feel nothing. I feel lost and scared. Alone..."- (you)

"(Your name)I know you would sin I know you would mess up. I know you will be lost and scared. I felt your pain and sorrows I felt every little thing that you messed up on. I bled through every pour. I cried for you. I felt all your sins and burdens. So you can have a second chance. So you can feel joy. So you can feel happiness when you are sad and even when you are happy."- Jesus

"Jesus but why? Why would you do that for me? Why would you do that for anyone? -( you)

"Because I love you....." - Jesus 

Anyways love you all!! Remember to pray! Thanks for all the love and support

Excerpt from his mom's email:

Our friend (the first presidency doesn't want us calling them investigators anymore) is doing good. Last week got him to commit to being baptized so now we just leave it to the missionaries who are around our area to baptize them cause we don't have a font...On Tuesday we had a devotional and President Callister, the president of the General Sunday School spoke and it was such a great talk. One of the biggest things I got out his talk was if you are taking notes in Sunday School, Priesthood or Relief Society or just a talk, do not take notes right away. Wait and listen to the spirit, and just wait to write down what you felt. He also said to say a short prayer before each class so you can invite the spirit. It was really amazing!! 

His MTC Zone

Celebrating New Year's

                                             

                                                        Looks like they decorated for New Year's

One advantage of being from Provo and attending the Provo MTC is you run into friends! Elder Houghton with Tristan Torgerson.

He also ran into his good friend, Emma Mercer who works in the mailroom. 

His mission shirt

Infamous MTC food

First P-day Email -- Life is Good

Email from Elder Houghton 12/27/19:

MTC 12/27/18

"Hey guys!! The mission life is great!!! This week has been crazy! Adjusting to it was quite overwhelming, but I am doing fine now! My district is the best and my comp. is freaking hilarious! I get a long with him very well. We don't get to go to the temple today because the temple is closed so hopefully we can go to the temple before I depart. 

Oh also MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Christmas was so amazing here!! Elder Bednar came and spoke on Christmas which was pretty dope. He gave a great talk. That's all I can say because it was so amazing haha!! Then that night.... Oh boy.... David Archuleta came and it was quite beautiful. He sang so good I cried myself to sleep that night.

Every night now we role play. My comp D&D and got a us into this thing where we act out a problem and the problem we are acting out is a zombie apocalypse.. Haha we are nerds. But you know its FUN!! 

Anyway, nothing much has been going on -- just classes and classes. The Spirit is so strong and I love this place so much. My comp Elder Wells and I have teaching this guy named R and when we first met him he was so scared to believe if the gospel is true so our first lesson me and my comp were planning it. We were planning it for about an hour, but we both had no idea what we were gonna teach him. Then me and my comp both had a prompting at the same time to not plan anything and listen to the Spirit. So we did, and then the lesson went so great and we got his feed back and he started getting closer to believing. 

The lesson we had yesterday, we talked about Jesus Christ and it went Sooo good. The Spirit was so strong. I love this gospel! It is the best! I love Jesus Christ and what he did for us. It's crazy to think that he felt so much pain for us so we can live with him and Heavenly Father and our families, anyways the gospel is true!! 

I love you guys thanks for all the love and support. 

Elder Houghton"

Elder Houghton and Elder Wells

Elder Houghton's MTC District

In his room

Some things don't change!

Elder Houghton by the famous MTC map! (I really hope he has another picture with his eyes open! Haha!)