Mission Update!

I can't believe it's already September! I am terribly sorry for slacking off from this blog lately, life is just happening so quickly! I will try to cover as much ground as possible, without writing a novel for you to read, and to incorporate as many pictures as possible. Elder Fallon has grown and experienced so much in the past 3 months, and still continues to enjoy himself while serving the Lord. 

Okay... where to even start! Elder Fallon finished out the month of June with another baptism. Glen (who apparently does not have a last name, because Logan NEVER uses it...) was what you would call the ideal investigator. He was simply looking for a truth that would bring him happiness when the Elders found him, within a few months he was ready for his baptism, and since then has obtained the Priesthood. Elder Fallon says that Glen has an energy for the gospel, and a thirst to be apart of it in every way. He is such a kind and well-spoken man, and we are lucky to have found him! 

In July, we celebrated the 20th birthday of Elder Fallon. His birthday fell on a Monday this year, so instead of enjoying a full day of preaching the gospel, Elder Fallon enjoyed playing basketball with some of the other Elders in the area, and finished out the day with dinner at a member house, who graciously made him steaks for dinner, and a Dr. Pepper birthday cake for dessert. How amazing is that! I am so grateful to know that there are members who take care of him while he is gone. Overall, Elder Fallon welcomed in his 20 year with a memorable and enjoyable day. 

Birthday cheese balls from Elder Herlin!

A GINORMOUS Dr. Pepper cake! (and a new Purple Paisley tie from Emma)

The Dino water bottle to help him stay cool in the heat, and a Rasta tie!

Later on in July, Elder Fallon had the opportunity to travel 3 hours away to Las Vegas for a Zone Conference. They stopped at the Arizona boarder, saw a TON of mountains, blew  tire on the highway (again), and finished off with homemade pizza from Elder Fallon himself! ( I'm SO proud!!!)

Look how perfect this pizza is!!!!

In the beginning of August, Elder Fallon experienced his first ever hardcore hailstorm. The bits of hail we about the size and shape of peas, and came down so heavily, you could easily cup your hands and fill them within a few seconds! (I didn't even know it was possible for Nevada to experience hail!) 

Obviously, he's representing the Lord, AND the world's greatest band! ;) 

The second week of August brought about change for Elder Fallon. He was transferred from Panaca where he spent the first 6 months of his mission, and is now 10 minutes from The Strip in Las Vegas. His area is the very Northeast tip of Nevada and is 8 blocks by 8 blocks, and... HE BIKES! So far he is enjoying being closer to the city, where Walmart is just across the street, and although the work is slow, he stays positive and makes the best out of every day!!! He loves his new apartment, but misses the faces and friends he made in Panaca, and is excited to continue working in LasVegas. 

this is the view from his new apartment.

He loves his new desk space!  

It dropped to a frigid 63 degrees and obviously, that's cold enough for a P-coat... ;)

Hopefully this makes up for the past few months, and you feel like you are well educated and updated on the life and times of Elder Fallon, who is still LOVING what he is doing and still looks forward to receiving mail from home. He has just reached his 7 month mark, and sends his love and prayers. 

It's June!

Holy cow! It's June already! The month of May slipped by so quickly, Logan is past 3 months and well on his way to the 4 months mark! During the month of May, Elder Fallon was able to visit the Las Vegas, Nevada Temple, skype home for mother's day, and tucked another baptism underneath his belt. He also avoided transfers once again! He and Elder Herlin are still companions for the next three months at least, and Elder Herlin is currently serving as the District Leader. He is still enjoying his time with Elder Herlin and hopes to enjoy the coming months serving with him. Logan commented that he is starting to miss longboarding and playing guitar.

Towards the end of May, Logan was able to visit area 51, just an hour northwest of Las Vegas. Recounting this experience in a letter, he said: "So yeah, this guy got to go to area 51. It was pretty sweet, and not many people get the chance to visit this place on their mission, but this ginger has accomplished just that. What I did there is highly confidential... just kidding... we saw people who were pretty much aliens and got to ride in this awkward truck that was so low to the ground I could have stood next to it and still have been taller. I felt like a boss, but that's not really a surprise."

Logan has been trying harder at treating everyone as a child of God right off the bat, without unrighteous judgments. He says that through this experiment, he feels that those whom he teaches feel more comfortable with hearing the gospel from him, because they are treated so well by him. They recognize that he truly does want to help them become happier, and grow closer to the Savior. He sends home this challenge to the rest of his friends and family: To treat everyone you come into contact with as a royal child of our Heavenly Father. And as usual, he sends his love and prayers.

Welcoming May

Logan is still doing well, and enjoying his time in the Panaca area. He sent Emma some more pictures this week!!!! He is still in the "spiritual high" from being able to baptize and confirm J.B. this past Sunday. He and Elder Herlin are still working hard to stir up the inactive members within their area. It is starting to really heat up, with the average daytime temperature being anywhere between 80 and 85 degrees.


This week, the Elders were tracting through the mountains of Pioche. Towards the end of the day, they came across a small neighborhood. Almost reaching the end of the road, the Elders came across a small house covered and well decorated with crosses. Slightly nervous, yet completely determined, they marched to the door, and gave it a good solid knock. A few moments later, a middle-aged man, wearing gym shorts and a Celtics t-shirt came to the door. He was completely shocked to see the Elders on  his doorstep. He immediately asked them to leave, and requested that they not return. Undaunted, Elder Fallon asked him what his religious beliefs were. The man responded that he strongly believed in God and in the Savior, but did not agree with Mormonism. Elder Herlin began to explain the similarities of the two parties beliefs when the man swiftly marched back into his house and slammed the door. Although it was not the outcome the Elders were hoping for, it was a learning experience still the same. They went home that night shortly after and discussed new ways to hopefully accept new investigators. They concluded that they would always treat everyone they met as a true Spirit Child of God, in the hopes that the people they serve will feel, and eventually act like such.

 

Always smiling! (:

 

 most handsome missionary ever!

 

This is J.B. He was baptized and confirmed a member this past Sunday!

 

 

 

As usual, Logan sends his love and prayers, and reminds you to keep writing him!!!!! He loooooves to receive handwritten notes and letters from back home.

 



 

Just Checking In

 

 

What a handsome missionary. :) He is thriving and enjoying every moment of his service to the Lord. Remember J.B. Nelson from the March 25th post? Well...HE WAS BAPTIZED! Elder Fallon had to privilege to witness the baptism, and to confirm J.B. as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and bestow upon him, the gift of the Holy Ghost this past Sunday. Logan was so honored to have the opportunity to be a part of J.B.'s experience.

 

It is starting to get a little warm in Panaca! With the average day-time temperature set at about 75 degrees. They haven't received rain or precipitation in any way in 6 weeks, and with the summer sun just around the corner, the Elders are taking extra precautions by stocking up on sun block and chapstick. He and Elder Herlin are still the most successful companionship in the Zone and maintain that leadership by working hard to find and reach-out to those whom are looking for the truth or happiness of the gospel in their lives. It does help that they have developed a great friendship and enjoy working together. Elder Herlin claims that the secret to their success is keeping an open mind, and always expect the unexpected.

 

 

Both Elder Herlin and Elder Fallon were able to escape the last transfer that occurred last week, which means they will be companions for another 7-10 weeks. They were both overjoyed to learn they would be staying another few weeks in the boonies of Nevada. Logan has fallen in love with the quiet landscape, the exotic local foods, and the people he has met. I try to remind him that he is changing the lives of the Panaca people everyday, but he refuses the sediment, declaring that they are changing his life. (SO CUTE!)

 

 

Overall, Logan is happy, healthy, and LOVING his time with Elder Herlin, and as always, he sends his prayers and love. 

2 months!

Elder Fallon has reached his 2 month mark! That means there are only 22 months left to serve! Logan is becoming more accustom to teaching and public speaking, despite his nervous and jerky feelings everytime the opportunity comes along. He and Elder Herlin are GREATLY enjoying their time together and are so far, the most successful companionship in the zone... WAY TO GO LOGAN! He currently has a total of 5 baptism dates set for investigators whom have been preparing to become baptized members of the church. One of the baptisms was set for today! We are anxious to hear through e-mail or letter sometime this week, if the baptism was a success and went on as planned. Elder Fallon is so excited about missionary work and loves waking up every morning knowing that he can serve!

It is starting to get really, really hot in Panaca, with the average daytime temperature set around 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat must be effecting the sight of the Elders, for on the way home from a teaching appointment, and on the way to see the Mission President and his wife, Elder Herlin hit a deer which darted across the highway! I had broken all four of it's legs, so they called the mission president. A few minutes later, the Mission President, and an other member of the ward had come to the rescue. They quickly and with dignity slit the deers' throat to end it's suffering and went on with their day. There was surprisingly little damage done to the car! The only evidence of the accident is a small dent in the front passenger side. It was certainly an adventure that made the Elder's days.

They look a little to pleased with themselves.... (;

Overall, the Elders are in high spirits and are becoming a dynamite team for the Lord. Although this past week was transfer week, both of the Elders escaped having to leave Panaca! It looks like the Lord has a few more things in store for these two Elders! And as usual, Logan sends his love, and prayers. 

Mission Pictures... FINALLY!

Logan FINALLY sent Emma his camera chip..... so here are the much anticipated pictures of Elder Fallon hard at work in the Lord's service. :)

 

this is just a really nice dog who waits for the Elders every morning and follows them everywhere they walk. :)

 

 

 

and this is another nice dog. (:

 

Elder Herlin and his new doggy friend

 

 

This what the landscape of Panaca is like. It's brown, dry, and desert like.

 

 

 

Elder Herlin just reached his 6 month mark, so they had a ceremonial tie burning!

 

Elder Herlin... hard at work (;

 

 

morning companion study. <3333

 

FINALLY! a picture with Elder Fallon in it!!! This is Elder Wilkerson, Elder Herlin, and Elder Fallon. (He is just the cutest.)

 

Elder Herlin's photography skills could bear with some improvement. But this is the handsome Elder Fallon. He looks JUST like his daddy. <3

 

 

 

 

Elder Fallon is continuing to LOVE his mission work, and sends his love and prayers. 

 

Weekly Post!

Today's e-mail was amazing! It is amazing to watch Elder Fallon grow closer to the Savior, and stronger in the gospel with each passing moment. He is counting down the days until April 13th, when he will gladly welcome one of Heavenly Father's children into the world of the gospel. He was excited to share that he has set another baptismal date for an other investigator! His name is J.B. Nelson, a 16 year old whose parents have recently become active in the church again. Both Elder Fallon and Elder Herlin are excited for J.B. and really, truly feel that he is going to do well.

Elder Fallon has promised pictures this week, meaning they will be here by Saturday! Prepare to see Elder Fallon in action! (finally!!!!) In his spare time, (P-Day) He enjoys traveling to the small local market to buy steaks for $2.00 each, experimenting with different shaving techniques to reduce the amount of dry skin and redness he incurs due to the lack of moisture in the hot Nevada air, and epic nerf dart battles he participates in against Elder Herlin. It has become a P-Day tradition to run around the apartment in their shorts and socks, pelting each other with nerf darts, and then race around the apartment to find them all again.

Currently, Elder Fallon is studying in the 132 section of the Doctrine and Covenants on his own, and is studying in Psalms, 21 with Elder Herlin. This past weekend, they traveled to the mission home in North Las Vegas for a meeting. The new missionaries have been out for just over a month, so the Mission President wanted to gather all of the Sisters and Elders together with their trainers to share their successes and the progress they are making within the mission field.

This week, Logan was blessed with the kind actions of some of the local ward members. He and Elder Herlin were preparing to go to the local market on Friday, to pick up some last minute weekend groceries, when a family from the ward stopped by to visit. They explained that they were going to Utah to shop at Costco, (a place similar to Winco.) and offered to pick up some groceries and drop them off to them when they returned. How amazing is that family!? To drive 3 hours to pick up some extra groceries for the Elders. Although Logan and Zach, (Elder Fallon and Elder Herlin) politely declined the offer at first, the family insisted, saying that they would love the opportunity to serve the people who serve the Lord. They returned the next day, Saturday, to the Elder's apartment with fruits and vegetables, and snacks, and bread, and chips, and salsa. Logan expressed how grateful he was to the family for serving them so generously, and his gratitude towards the Lord for providing such amazing ward members within his mission boundaries.

Overall, Logan is enjoying his mission, and striving to make the next two years, his best two years. and he sends his love and prayers.

First Baptism!

Elder Fallon has finally seen some spiritual action in the sticks of Nevada with his companion, Elder Herlin. After 2 weeks of feeling as though his efforts were worthless Elder Fallon write in a letter:

               "So!... awesome news... i've got an investigator with a baptismal date set. Her name is Denny Hilderbrand. She's about 60 years old and is already on the second lesson. She is coming to church every Sunday and grasping the gospel principals. The date is set for April 13th and she should definitely be ready by then. Denny is super prepared and loves the gospel and our church. Things are getting pretty busy around here. We are having more success in our area now and i have no idea why. We have gotten more work done in the past three days then we have the entire time that i have been in the Panaca area!"

Prayers=answered.

Efforts=accepted.:)

Elder Fallon is becoming more and more acclimated to the climate and culture of Panaca everyday. Although he is still boggled by the fact that the nearest Walmart is 3 hours away, he makes do with the local grocery store, and cook for himself, and Elder Herlin every P-Day. (Monday.) He enjoys the opportunities to go the temple once every few weeks, and enjoys that the members feed him Steak and Ribs on a weekly basis. He commented that he is overwhelmed by the hospitality, love, and faith of the people of Panaca, and enjoys serving the people. He also enjoys the plentiful free time he is privileged to spend with his companion/best friend, Elder Zach Herlin, who calls Texas home when he is not on his mission. They will spend approximately 10 weeks together total, before a transfer occurs, and they will be forced to split ways for the rest of their mission. As sad as this is for Elder Fallon, he is so thankful to have started out his mission with such an amazing companion.

As always, Logan sends his love and prayers. :)

Settling In

Elder Fallon is starting to get the hang of learning through the spirit, waking up at 6:30am everyday, and missionary work in general. He is loving the time he gets to spend with Elder Herlin everyday. Elder Herlin likes to clean the apartment, and Elder Fallon likes to cook. It's a win-win situation. The Elders are currently teaching two investigators who seem to be interested in the gospel, but whom are struggling with their addiction to smoking. Although this is a frusterating matter, Elder Fallon reminds himself that "faith in the Lord is faith in His timing." In 2nd Nephi, we are told that the power of the Holy Ghost will sink the word into the hearts of those who are willing to accept them.

Elder Fallon says that Panaca is a very small town, so small in fact, that they neglected to add a McCDonalds to the town! The Elders have a car that they use to travel to their appointments, church meetings, and tracting destinations. Because of their remote location, they end up driving between 30 and 60 miles everyday. This gives Elder Fallon a chance to bond and become better aqquainted with his companion, Elder Herlin. Logan is so grateful for the members and their hospitality and love shown towards the Elders. He claims that he has eaten Steak 3 times this week, and Prime Rib twice! (I think it's all time to serve a mission in Nevada.....) Overall Logan is having a remarkably amazing experience and has already felt his testimony grow. He forgot his camera battery at home, but will be recieving it in short time, and promised Emma that he would send pictures as soon as he could. He is currently studying the words of Omni, Enos, and Mormon, in the Book of Mormon, and is studying in the New Testament during his daily companion study with Elder Herlin. As always, Logan sends his love and prayers.

This past week, Elder Fallon was able to grow closer to his Savior through a series of daily training courses and orientation seminars. He has had the opportunity to meet his companion, Elder Herlin, and teach his first lesson to a "non-member" actor. Elders Fallon and Herlin were able to commit this actor to read the Book of Mormon and to come to church! (Not bad for the first time!) Afterwards, he was able to unpack and settle into his apartment in a town called Pacana which is actually located in Arizona. The area in which Elder Fallon is currently serving in is called Mesquiet. Most of the areas boundaries are in Nevada, with the exception of Pacana, where Elder Fallon is serving. So, Logan is actually in Arizona... SO COOL!

                   Here is Elder Fallon's area! It sits right on the border between Nevada and Arizona.                                                   

The purpose and focus of the courses Elder Fallon attended this week was to meet and build spiritual compadibility with your companion, and to decide the focus of the Elder's daily personal and companion scripture study. Each day, the Elders are fed, which is of course the highlight of the day.... before learning more about teaching with the Spirit. During one of these classes, Elder Fallon decided to "rest his eyes." Within seconds, Elder Herlin gently poked his side and said "Hey! Jesus is watching!" Logan at first wasn't sure how to respond, but then they both snickered and continued studying there scriptures. What a hoot! :)

Meet companion #1: Elder Herlin!

 

 

In this weeks letter, Elder Fallon expressed his grattitude towards the Savior and His sacrifice for all mankind. He is so grateful for the gospel and the opportunity he has been given to become personally better, and closer with the Lord. He again, sends his love and prayers!

 

 

 

 

 



 

Vegas Baby!

Elder Fallon is fresh out of the MTC and well on his way around Nevada! He was transfered from Provo to North Las Vegas on Monday, Feburary 25th, 2013. Elder Fallon will be tracting in areas around Nevada, California, and Arizona. The Nevada Las Vegas West Mission takes in the west side of I-15 in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. The mission also includes Beatty, Indian Springs, Pahrump, Mesquite, Logandale and the area up to Panaca. Because of the recent creation of the Nevada Reno Mission there has been a re-alignment of the Nevada Las Vegas West Mission. The Nevada Las Vegas West Mission includes the following Las Vegas stakes: Elkhorn Springs, Highland Hills, Lakes, Las Vegas, Lone Mountain, Meadows, Redrock, Sandstone, South, Spring Mountain, and Tule Springs. Three stakes from the Nevada Las Vegas Mission were added to the NLVW Mission: the Nevada Logandale, Mesquite Nevada, and Nevada Panaca stakes.  Elder Fallon was one of 26 new sister and elders who joined the Las Vegas Nevada mission on Monday. Right now there are 171 missionaries serving in the mission. There are 28 Spanish speaking elders, 16 sisters, 127 English speaking elders plus we have 11 senior missionaries serving in the mission right now. In the mission there are 11 mission zones and 14 stakes.  The Las Vegas Temple is not in the mission, however, the missionaries have the opportunity to attend the temple once each quarter.

This is President and Sister Black. Jerry Beck Black and Debra Dunn Black are parents of four children and grandparents of twelve grandchildren. Their home is in the Cameo Park Ward of the Sandy Utah Alta View Stake. President Black is a former director of LDS Correctional Services for the Utah Salt Lake City Area, stake president and counselor, bishop, branch president, and missionary in the France Paris Mission. President Black was a dentist.

Sister Black is a former secretary/Relief Society representative for LDS Correctional Services, ward Primary president and teacher, ward Young Women president and advisor, counselor in the ward Relief Society presidency and stake missionary .

 This is the Las Vegas, Nevada Temple. Every few weeks, Elder Fallon will have the opportunity to go and do work in the temple. Gordon B. Hinkley once said "The temple is concerned with things of immortality. It is a bridge between this life and the next. All of the ordinances that take place in the house of the Lord are expressions of our belief in the immortality of the human soul." Elder Fallon is more than anxious to serve the Lord and the people of Las Vegas for the next two years, and is excited to learn his way around his area, mostly by bike. He send his love and prayers. His current address is:

Elder Logan Fallon
Nevada Las Vegas West Mission
4455 Allen Ln Ste 140
North Las Vegas, NY 89031-2229
United States

         

Adventures of the MTC

Elder Fallon has had quite the week at the MTC. He sends his regards back home and would like to let you all know that he is doing well and has high spirits! So far this week, Elder Fallon has realized he had forgotten his church shoes, tennis shoes, and immunization records at home, become well aquainted with the MTC foods, and the dangers they hold, become a District Leader, and above all, has felt the spirit and grown closer to the Savior through a weeks worth of classes where he lives, breathes, and dreams about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although he is enjoying his time with his companion, (whose name just happens to also be Logan,) Elder Fallon is all too excited to leave the MTC food behind in 6 days, and head to Nevada where he will be able to partake of the foods the members prepare for him, as well as cook for himself. He wishes you all the best times during the upcoming two years, and challenges you all to look for the hand of the Lord in your life. If you would like to send a package or letter to Elder Fallon, there is still time!!!!! Here is his updated address:

Elder Logan Fallon
MTC mailbox #351
NV-LVW 0225
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604

WELCOME TO THE MTC!

And so the journey begins! Elder Fallon left for the Missionary Training center in Provo, Utah, on Wednesday, Feburary 13th, 2013. With a fresh hair cut and a new pair of shoes, this future Elder was ready to leave his current life behind, and enter a new life in which he would be preaching the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and growing closer to the Savior for 2 years. But before he can be released into the world of missionary work in Las Vegas, Elder Fallon will spend a total of 10 days at the MTC (pictured below.) Where he will learn to become a perfect and proper representative of Christ, and how to properly butter his bread, and eat peas at the dinner table. Elder Fallon will become acquainted with the Missionary schedule. He will rise at 6:30am every day and retire to bed again at 10:30pm. In between, Elder Fallon will spend his time reading and studying the gospel, and proselyting to the people of his district.

 

 

 

 

If you would like to send Elder Fallon a letter his current MTC address is as follows:

 

Elder Logan Fallon

Provo Missionary Training Center

2005 N 900 E

Provo, UT 84604