Just 7 weeks left!!

 

Oct 3 email - 

How is everyone doing I hope all is well. Sorry I haven't been consistently writing each week! Things have been super busy but the work has been greater than ever.  The experiences on my mission have meant everything to me.

Right now we are teaching a wonderful couple who plan to get baptized on the 22nd of October. Their names are Elvira and Pablo.  Please pray for them if you can, they are wonderful people who have strong desires to follow Christ.

I'm grateful for the opportunity we had to listen to our prophet this past weekend, as well as the apostles and other inspired church leaders. It has lead me to reflect inward and ponder on how grateful I am for living prophets and the light of Christ in our lives. Nothing can ever or will ever bring greater happiness, than the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. Prophets direct us to Jesus Christ and his infinite, endless light. These are truths that I, for myself, have come to know.  One of the beauties of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can learn of divine truths for ourselves through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

A quote I loved from Conference:

"The lord cares more about your growth as a disciple of Christ than your comfort as a disciple of Christ." 

I love you all and know that God's purpose is our progression.  As we progress and follow Christ we receive the greatest comfort, joy, peace, light, and REST in Jesus Christ. He is the son of God and our Redeemer.

Nov 5 email - 

Good evening everyone!  So sorry my preparation days have varied a little bit recently haha.  I hope everyone has had a great week.  

It's been an amazing last couple weeks.  My companion Elder Iverson and I have traveled this past week throughout the mission for Zone Conferences.  They were super spiritually uplifting and edifying to learn from, and counsel with all the missionaries. We focused on the importance of careful planning and goal setting and gave trainings to help establish our vision to know how to be able to help God's children progress and be baptized.  

We also baptized our friend Pablo!  He and his wife, Elvira, are a couple that we have been teaching.  Pablo decided to follow Christ and be baptized. The next day, he was confirmed and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost and received the Aaronic Priesthood as well.  God has provided so many miracles and I couldn't be more grateful for my friend Pablo.  We are working with his wife, who wants to be baptized.  Her current circumstances with her job have been stumbling blocks and would ask for your prayers so she may be baptized. 

I love Jesus the Christ and his Church.  He is the Redeemer of the world.  He is the Son of God and our Strength and Peace.  Wearing His name and Bearing His name, brings me Joy.  Tomorrow as we go to Church to partake of the sacrament, remember Him for what He has done, and why He has done it.  I love you all

Dec 5 email - 

Good evening friends and family It's been a great last few weeks. Christmas is right around the corner right along with 2023  I hope it's been a great year for everyone.  As Christmas season continues, I hope everyone has taken the opportunities to share the light you have to those around us.  When we share our light, we are sharing His light.  I've been amazed by the wonderful people here in South Texas and for their amazing kindness and love they have shared. It has touched me profoundly.  

This past week, we baptized two young friends, Michael and Uriel, who were very excited to recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost and who look forward to go to the temple to do baptisms in behalf of their deceased ancestors. What a great blessing!  

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday.  And now, I cherish it in a very significant way that brings it more meaning and purpose.  Remember that we are to reflect on Christ.  On Christmas we may receive a lot of treats and gifts and I invite everyone to take in this question:  What gift will we give Christ this year? 

Jan 2 email - 

Hey everyone and happy new year!  I hope much was learned and gained from 2022 for everyone.  For me personally, I learned many, many things that has blessed and will bless my life forever.  Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son and through His enabling power we can set goals to progress and become like Him.  I'm grateful for 2023 and for new opportunities and experiences!  

This past week was very good!  I had a sweet visit from an aunt and uncle who came down and took my companions and I to lunch.  I was very grateful to see them!  We also baptized our friend Rolando which was a great blessing.  I love this great work and you all.  God bless.

Jan 9 email - 

Another great week! We had been teaching our friends Jose and Sugey. Sugey in particular, was hesitant at first about baptism; but we promised her that as she read the Book of Mormon and prayed with faith and real intent God would answer her. About a week ago she called us and said she felt ready to be baptized. This past weekend, we baptized her and her husband, Jose! Joy was felt, faith was exercised, and covenants were made I'm feeling very grateful to the Lord for His will and timing. He is in control of His work and desires His children to make covenants. 

I'm having the time of my life with my companions!  I've been with Elder Iverson for 4 transfers now and Elder Havea joined us 2 transfers ago!  I've enjoyed every minute serving, and learning with and from them.  I haven't written much about them but they've become very close brothers to me.  They are both BYU athletes as well! 

The work is true, and Christ is the Redeemer of the world.  That truth will stand firm and independent for eternity!

Love you all