3.4.2010
Hey Mom! If you haven't already sent my birthday package, you should put a bunch of candies in it, like little ones like jolly ranchers. Elder Cox and I are going to teach English and we need rewards for the students when they answer correctly! I love you! Russell
3.1.2010
Hey Mom and Dad,
This area is really strong. Many members have been born within the covenant. The work is really progressing her really well. Our ward, called Brisas, is strong. It pretty much has all of the calling filled that are needed. It has been an adjustment. Like you said dad, changing places and people and things is not the easiest thing to do! It has been challenging, but a wonderful learning experience. We are doing really well. Elder Cox and I get along really well. We were both a little worried about each other at the beginning. He thought I was really strict and I thought he was really cocky. But we talked about that, and we actually really get along well. It is so interesting how much an understanding point of view can do. I have learned a lot in this past week.
Man, they made me the district leader. With Elder Anderson, we were both the district leaders, so it is not all completely new. The elders in my district are me, Elders Cox, Dominguez and another Elder I just met and don't remember his name. Elder Cox is going to finish his mission in June. He is a great guy!
We're planning on having two baptisms this Saturday. One is named Fidel, he is an older person that had an accident in his hip. He doesn't have nay family and feels lonely. He was actually a referral from a recent convert named Carlos. The other baptism is Lydia. I have actually met her only one time, so I don't know her that well.
We found a really cool lady that has read all of the homework that we left in the Book of Mormon and is really interested. But, her husband doesn't want her to go to church. He told her that she is a Catholic and she can't be going her and there to other churches. I read her the scripture in Matthew 7 that says seek and ye shall find. She is seeking!!! There is nothing wrong with that! The men that are really controlling and usually drunk, are called machistas.
We are going to keep teaching English, and I am going to teach piano/music. Last night I had the opportunity to attend a stake priesthood meeting. WOW. There are some powerful men here that have really strong testimonies and are so strong. A scripture came to mind in the Doctrine and Covenants 49:24 that says that the Lamanites will "blossom as the rose". Also in 2 Nephi 30:5-6, it says that not many generations will pass away before they become a pure and delightful people. It was encouraging to see the fruits of the gospel in men that probably three generations back had ancestors that went' so pure and delightful. The effect that the gospel has on the human soul is amazing!
I love you all. Thank you for all that you have done for me! You are wonderful examples and teachers! Russell
This area is really strong. Many members have been born within the covenant. The work is really progressing her really well. Our ward, called Brisas, is strong. It pretty much has all of the calling filled that are needed. It has been an adjustment. Like you said dad, changing places and people and things is not the easiest thing to do! It has been challenging, but a wonderful learning experience. We are doing really well. Elder Cox and I get along really well. We were both a little worried about each other at the beginning. He thought I was really strict and I thought he was really cocky. But we talked about that, and we actually really get along well. It is so interesting how much an understanding point of view can do. I have learned a lot in this past week.
Man, they made me the district leader. With Elder Anderson, we were both the district leaders, so it is not all completely new. The elders in my district are me, Elders Cox, Dominguez and another Elder I just met and don't remember his name. Elder Cox is going to finish his mission in June. He is a great guy!
We're planning on having two baptisms this Saturday. One is named Fidel, he is an older person that had an accident in his hip. He doesn't have nay family and feels lonely. He was actually a referral from a recent convert named Carlos. The other baptism is Lydia. I have actually met her only one time, so I don't know her that well.
We found a really cool lady that has read all of the homework that we left in the Book of Mormon and is really interested. But, her husband doesn't want her to go to church. He told her that she is a Catholic and she can't be going her and there to other churches. I read her the scripture in Matthew 7 that says seek and ye shall find. She is seeking!!! There is nothing wrong with that! The men that are really controlling and usually drunk, are called machistas.
We are going to keep teaching English, and I am going to teach piano/music. Last night I had the opportunity to attend a stake priesthood meeting. WOW. There are some powerful men here that have really strong testimonies and are so strong. A scripture came to mind in the Doctrine and Covenants 49:24 that says that the Lamanites will "blossom as the rose". Also in 2 Nephi 30:5-6, it says that not many generations will pass away before they become a pure and delightful people. It was encouraging to see the fruits of the gospel in men that probably three generations back had ancestors that went' so pure and delightful. The effect that the gospel has on the human soul is amazing!
I love you all. Thank you for all that you have done for me! You are wonderful examples and teachers! Russell
2.22.2010
Hey Mom and Dad!!!!
I'm not in Tepalcingo anymore. I have been transferred. I'm now in a place called Brisas, in Cuautla, which is actually pretty close to Tepalcingo. I thought I was gonna stay in Tepalcingo for a long time, but President Spannaus, and God, have different plans for me. My new companion is Elder Cox. I just met him today. He looks like a good guy. I'm taking the place of Elder Ence, my old companion in the MTC. He was here before I was.
So yesterday, Mariana was confirmed and Rafael was baptized. Rafael was a miracle. He felt so nervous before his baptism, but he was fine. I sang a solo at his baptism of "Our Savior's Love" and then I baptized him. He has read the majority of the Gospel's principles book and a lot of the Book of Mormon. He invited his family to his baptism, but they didn't want to go. So he was there all by himself, but he was really happy!
Laura, the mom from Axochiapan, is so awesome. She really wants to know God. Her husband is inactive, but is a really good person, and is willing to return to the church. He is not bitter or anything, so they are doing well. They're just gonna have to have other missionaries teach them. There actually aren't going to be missionaries for 6 weeks in Tepalcingo. They closed the area. There is every year a huge Catholic fair that takes up all the space in Tepalcingo. So President decided that the missionaries shouldn't even be there. Laura wants to learn so much and is such a good person. I have high hopes for them. I just need to keep in contact with them so that they get baptized!
Sofia didn't go to church yesterday. We didn't see her all week long because she was in Guerrero, so I am going to tell the missionaries in the neighboring area to look for her. Tepalcingo was doing so well when we left. Yesterday, we had an activity, another movie night and we projected the Prince of Egypt on the wall. It was cool. A lot of investigators came and felt good. After that we had some refreshments. I love Tepalcingo. The people there are so good and always willing to help.
Here in Cuautla it is a little more like a city, a little bit faster moving. But the church is strong here. I ate breakfast today with a couple that is a little older that was sealed in the Mesa temple. The church is going to grow so fast in Tepalcingo and here. I feel like God has lots of things in store for the faithful Lamanites.
I have no idea where Elder Anderson's gonna go. He went to Cuernavaca this morning. Yesterday was crazy. We had Rafael's baptism, and then we had to get the projector and set up for the movie. After we ate we had the activity and after that, we went and moved all of the stuff out of our house in Tepalcingo to another house in a different area. We started moving the stuff at about 10 pm and finished at about 1 am. Then we woke up at about 6 am and went to Cuautla for transfers. It was crazy!
I felt a little frustrated with President Spannaus yesterday. I know we are just supposed to obey the President and all that stuff but it's natural to fell frustrated. I fell like we are little chess pieces and he can move us when and where and how he want to. I felt like "How can he take me out of this area where I love so many people?!?!?! How can he be so insensitive?!?! But then I thought, this really isn't about me. Really, I am the Lord's chess piece and I should just obey and do what ever He wants, because when God plays chess He wins! So I am content. I need to be more humble.
I got to see Elder Ence. It was good to see him. Right now I am with Elder Barnes, who was in the MTC with me. He's a great Guy.
I have a bunch of pictures that I want to send. Which reminds me...the camera that I have, it's screen is broke. So I need a new camera. And, I think that 34 waist would be fine for baptismal pants, and a white tie too. Things get so lost in the mission with all of the madness that there is sometimes!
Here are some more names for you to pray for:
Rafael Quintero Zuniga, Laura Zamudio de la Torre, Evelia Medina Soriano, Mariana Bravo Perez.
I love you all. I hope that you have a wonderful week and day. Give all the little ones a hug for me!!
Russell
I'm not in Tepalcingo anymore. I have been transferred. I'm now in a place called Brisas, in Cuautla, which is actually pretty close to Tepalcingo. I thought I was gonna stay in Tepalcingo for a long time, but President Spannaus, and God, have different plans for me. My new companion is Elder Cox. I just met him today. He looks like a good guy. I'm taking the place of Elder Ence, my old companion in the MTC. He was here before I was.
So yesterday, Mariana was confirmed and Rafael was baptized. Rafael was a miracle. He felt so nervous before his baptism, but he was fine. I sang a solo at his baptism of "Our Savior's Love" and then I baptized him. He has read the majority of the Gospel's principles book and a lot of the Book of Mormon. He invited his family to his baptism, but they didn't want to go. So he was there all by himself, but he was really happy!
Laura, the mom from Axochiapan, is so awesome. She really wants to know God. Her husband is inactive, but is a really good person, and is willing to return to the church. He is not bitter or anything, so they are doing well. They're just gonna have to have other missionaries teach them. There actually aren't going to be missionaries for 6 weeks in Tepalcingo. They closed the area. There is every year a huge Catholic fair that takes up all the space in Tepalcingo. So President decided that the missionaries shouldn't even be there. Laura wants to learn so much and is such a good person. I have high hopes for them. I just need to keep in contact with them so that they get baptized!
Sofia didn't go to church yesterday. We didn't see her all week long because she was in Guerrero, so I am going to tell the missionaries in the neighboring area to look for her. Tepalcingo was doing so well when we left. Yesterday, we had an activity, another movie night and we projected the Prince of Egypt on the wall. It was cool. A lot of investigators came and felt good. After that we had some refreshments. I love Tepalcingo. The people there are so good and always willing to help.
Here in Cuautla it is a little more like a city, a little bit faster moving. But the church is strong here. I ate breakfast today with a couple that is a little older that was sealed in the Mesa temple. The church is going to grow so fast in Tepalcingo and here. I feel like God has lots of things in store for the faithful Lamanites.
I have no idea where Elder Anderson's gonna go. He went to Cuernavaca this morning. Yesterday was crazy. We had Rafael's baptism, and then we had to get the projector and set up for the movie. After we ate we had the activity and after that, we went and moved all of the stuff out of our house in Tepalcingo to another house in a different area. We started moving the stuff at about 10 pm and finished at about 1 am. Then we woke up at about 6 am and went to Cuautla for transfers. It was crazy!
I felt a little frustrated with President Spannaus yesterday. I know we are just supposed to obey the President and all that stuff but it's natural to fell frustrated. I fell like we are little chess pieces and he can move us when and where and how he want to. I felt like "How can he take me out of this area where I love so many people?!?!?! How can he be so insensitive?!?! But then I thought, this really isn't about me. Really, I am the Lord's chess piece and I should just obey and do what ever He wants, because when God plays chess He wins! So I am content. I need to be more humble.
I got to see Elder Ence. It was good to see him. Right now I am with Elder Barnes, who was in the MTC with me. He's a great Guy.
I have a bunch of pictures that I want to send. Which reminds me...the camera that I have, it's screen is broke. So I need a new camera. And, I think that 34 waist would be fine for baptismal pants, and a white tie too. Things get so lost in the mission with all of the madness that there is sometimes!
Here are some more names for you to pray for:
Rafael Quintero Zuniga, Laura Zamudio de la Torre, Evelia Medina Soriano, Mariana Bravo Perez.
I love you all. I hope that you have a wonderful week and day. Give all the little ones a hug for me!!
Russell
2.15.2010
Hey Mom and Dad!
It sounds like the 60th anniversary party was a real success! You'll have to send me pictures of the party and the kitchen! I want to see how it turned out!
This week has been a little difficult for me emotionally. It's kind of weird because some days I'll be studying the Scriptures and I'll feel really good, but then when I leave the house and go to the street, my energy and excitement go away. I have improved so much! Meanwhile, the roller coaster keeps coastin".
We have been really blessed here. Heavenly father has answered the prayers of many people here. One of our investigators, Sofia, is doing so well. She's gone to church two times and feels so good there. She's the lady that told us that God doesn't exist for her. On Saturday night we went to her house and met her husband and spent some time getting to know him and the family. I felt so good in their house. It is such a good family! She likes to sew a lot and she's volunteered to teach the other sisters in the branch to sew really well. Her mom has cancer and is probably going to pass away soon, so she's having a hard time with that, and goes to Guerrero every once in a while to help her mom.
Mariana was baptized yesterday! She's been doing so well! She's had an interesting life from what I've seen. She has a few tattoos and she's single mom of a little girl named Amairani. But she wants to change and she's wanted to baptized for a long time. So now she's done it and she'd got a long trail ahead of her. We need to get her some more friends in the church. Her grandma has gone to church about 3 times and watched her baptism. She's hard of hearing and is a little old, but we're gonna try and teach her and get her to pray. Once they understand prayer and they start to experiment, they know it's true!
Evelia didn't go to church yesterday. She's an interesting person. She's had a really Catholic background and has really high morals and standards. I think she'd just got a little hippy in her. She likes to express herself kind of openly and kind of "HALLELJU-ish". But we've been teaching her and she feels like she has received an answer to her prayers. She told me she believes that Joseph Smith was a prophet. She still hasn't accepted baptism, and doesn't really understand yet. For her it takes a while to really understand mentally.
There are two members of the church here that are so awesome. They were baptized about 3 months ago, and they're already missionaries! We have been having the lessons with Evelia in their house, and they've had the opportunity to bear their testimonies, and they're actually really good at it! They are progressing really, really fast!
Yesterday we had two miracles happen. I left the gospel principles class to get some air (sometimes it gets a little crazy at church) and I found a young man wandering around the chapel. I think God sent me out to find him. His names is Rafael. He told me he wanted to know what the church is and he heard around town that we have the services at 10 am. So he decided to go alone. He arrived and I found him, so I gave him a tour of the chapel and taught him some of our basic beliefs. I then took him into the Gospel Principles class. All of the members were so awesome to him yesterday. He felt so good. He then got to see Mariana's baptism. That was an extra plus! During the baptism I talked to him to find out what he believes about God. He told me know knows God is everything and that He is loving, but he never has know that love. He's never known God. I bore my testimony to him that we are here for a purpose, that God lives and that if we want to, we can get to know Him really well. He left the church really impressed and content. We're gonna go to his house on Tuesday to see him and teach him the Restoration.
Also, in the evening, my companion and I were having a meeting with the branch president. A tall lady walked in with two little boys and all of us were confused because we didn't know who she was. She told us that her husband is a member that doesn't go, and told us she's been looking for a church. We gave her a tour of the chapel and she likes it a lot. Once again, the members were really polite and welcomed her. My companion showed her the baptismal font, and explained baptism to her. She asked him "So, how long does it take to get baptized?" I think Elder Anderson almost fainted! We were so happy last night!
Well, here are some more names that you an pray for!
Rafael Quintero Zu iga, Mariana Bravo Perez, Marilu Reyes and Evelia.
Someone stole my white baptismal pants. I need some of those, and also my debit card already expired. Sometimes it's necessary to take out money out of my own account, so I probably need one!
Elder Anderson is probably gonna get transferred this change. He's been here in Telpalcingo for 9 months! A long time! I'm probably gonna be here for a while too. But it's all good. President Spannaus is doing well. He's such a good president!
I am gonna try to sent some fotos to you guys if the computer accepts the card! I love you all so much! Russell
It sounds like the 60th anniversary party was a real success! You'll have to send me pictures of the party and the kitchen! I want to see how it turned out!
This week has been a little difficult for me emotionally. It's kind of weird because some days I'll be studying the Scriptures and I'll feel really good, but then when I leave the house and go to the street, my energy and excitement go away. I have improved so much! Meanwhile, the roller coaster keeps coastin".
We have been really blessed here. Heavenly father has answered the prayers of many people here. One of our investigators, Sofia, is doing so well. She's gone to church two times and feels so good there. She's the lady that told us that God doesn't exist for her. On Saturday night we went to her house and met her husband and spent some time getting to know him and the family. I felt so good in their house. It is such a good family! She likes to sew a lot and she's volunteered to teach the other sisters in the branch to sew really well. Her mom has cancer and is probably going to pass away soon, so she's having a hard time with that, and goes to Guerrero every once in a while to help her mom.
Mariana was baptized yesterday! She's been doing so well! She's had an interesting life from what I've seen. She has a few tattoos and she's single mom of a little girl named Amairani. But she wants to change and she's wanted to baptized for a long time. So now she's done it and she'd got a long trail ahead of her. We need to get her some more friends in the church. Her grandma has gone to church about 3 times and watched her baptism. She's hard of hearing and is a little old, but we're gonna try and teach her and get her to pray. Once they understand prayer and they start to experiment, they know it's true!
Evelia didn't go to church yesterday. She's an interesting person. She's had a really Catholic background and has really high morals and standards. I think she'd just got a little hippy in her. She likes to express herself kind of openly and kind of "HALLELJU-ish". But we've been teaching her and she feels like she has received an answer to her prayers. She told me she believes that Joseph Smith was a prophet. She still hasn't accepted baptism, and doesn't really understand yet. For her it takes a while to really understand mentally.
There are two members of the church here that are so awesome. They were baptized about 3 months ago, and they're already missionaries! We have been having the lessons with Evelia in their house, and they've had the opportunity to bear their testimonies, and they're actually really good at it! They are progressing really, really fast!
Yesterday we had two miracles happen. I left the gospel principles class to get some air (sometimes it gets a little crazy at church) and I found a young man wandering around the chapel. I think God sent me out to find him. His names is Rafael. He told me he wanted to know what the church is and he heard around town that we have the services at 10 am. So he decided to go alone. He arrived and I found him, so I gave him a tour of the chapel and taught him some of our basic beliefs. I then took him into the Gospel Principles class. All of the members were so awesome to him yesterday. He felt so good. He then got to see Mariana's baptism. That was an extra plus! During the baptism I talked to him to find out what he believes about God. He told me know knows God is everything and that He is loving, but he never has know that love. He's never known God. I bore my testimony to him that we are here for a purpose, that God lives and that if we want to, we can get to know Him really well. He left the church really impressed and content. We're gonna go to his house on Tuesday to see him and teach him the Restoration.
Also, in the evening, my companion and I were having a meeting with the branch president. A tall lady walked in with two little boys and all of us were confused because we didn't know who she was. She told us that her husband is a member that doesn't go, and told us she's been looking for a church. We gave her a tour of the chapel and she likes it a lot. Once again, the members were really polite and welcomed her. My companion showed her the baptismal font, and explained baptism to her. She asked him "So, how long does it take to get baptized?" I think Elder Anderson almost fainted! We were so happy last night!
Well, here are some more names that you an pray for!
Rafael Quintero Zu iga, Mariana Bravo Perez, Marilu Reyes and Evelia.
Someone stole my white baptismal pants. I need some of those, and also my debit card already expired. Sometimes it's necessary to take out money out of my own account, so I probably need one!
Elder Anderson is probably gonna get transferred this change. He's been here in Telpalcingo for 9 months! A long time! I'm probably gonna be here for a while too. But it's all good. President Spannaus is doing well. He's such a good president!
I am gonna try to sent some fotos to you guys if the computer accepts the card! I love you all so much! Russell
2.15.2010
Hey Sterl!
How is life? So you got sick? That stinks. Man, getting sick on the mission is so horrible! One time in La Mira I got so sick. I was shivering and sweating bullets, and I started to barf my guts out. It was pretty gross. I didn't eat for about two days, and I lost a lot of weight. Yesterday, we had a baptism of Mariana Bravo Perez. She's a single mom of a little tiny girl called Amairani. That little girl is SO CUTE! We've been looking like crazys for people to teach. Yesterday we had two miracles in the church. I went out the principios del Evangelio class and I found this guy wandering about the church. I asked him if he needed help and he told me he just wanted to know what the church is. He said he's been looking for God. His name is Rafael. It was the perfect Sunday to have him there. All of the members greeted him and were so nice and polite. He also got to see a baptism. We gave him a gospel principles book and he left really impressed. I was able to teach him about the gospel in the baptism. He said he's never known the love of God and I bore testimony to him that God loves him and has a plan for him. He knows it's true! He felt so good there. The members here are improving so fast!
Another miracle: Last night we were having a meeting with the branch president (what a miracle!!) and a really tall lady came into the chapel looking around with her two little boys. She told us her husband is a member that was baptized about 6 years ago in Cuernavaca, but now lives here close to Tepalcindo. He's not active, but his wife, Laura, (the tall lady with the little kids) has gotten really interested. She's left her number with the church multiple times but the missionaries never went to her house. So pretty much my companion showed her the baptismal font and she asked him, "So how long does it talk to be baptized?" I think he almost fainted! This is the first time that this has happened to me in my mission, two strangers walk in and ask to be baptized! HOW CRAZY! God is blessing us a lot here in Tepalcingo.
Well, how are you doing? How was Nana and Papa's party thing? My companion and I are doing well. He's probably going to be changed this transfer. He's been in Tepalcingo for 9 months! There's another missionary that's from my generation that's been in Acapulco for over a year, and in Acapulco it is stinkin' HOT. Poor guy;s probably like a stick!
Have a good week Sterl! Thanks for the email and the support! Love, Russell
How is life? So you got sick? That stinks. Man, getting sick on the mission is so horrible! One time in La Mira I got so sick. I was shivering and sweating bullets, and I started to barf my guts out. It was pretty gross. I didn't eat for about two days, and I lost a lot of weight. Yesterday, we had a baptism of Mariana Bravo Perez. She's a single mom of a little tiny girl called Amairani. That little girl is SO CUTE! We've been looking like crazys for people to teach. Yesterday we had two miracles in the church. I went out the principios del Evangelio class and I found this guy wandering about the church. I asked him if he needed help and he told me he just wanted to know what the church is. He said he's been looking for God. His name is Rafael. It was the perfect Sunday to have him there. All of the members greeted him and were so nice and polite. He also got to see a baptism. We gave him a gospel principles book and he left really impressed. I was able to teach him about the gospel in the baptism. He said he's never known the love of God and I bore testimony to him that God loves him and has a plan for him. He knows it's true! He felt so good there. The members here are improving so fast!
Another miracle: Last night we were having a meeting with the branch president (what a miracle!!) and a really tall lady came into the chapel looking around with her two little boys. She told us her husband is a member that was baptized about 6 years ago in Cuernavaca, but now lives here close to Tepalcindo. He's not active, but his wife, Laura, (the tall lady with the little kids) has gotten really interested. She's left her number with the church multiple times but the missionaries never went to her house. So pretty much my companion showed her the baptismal font and she asked him, "So how long does it talk to be baptized?" I think he almost fainted! This is the first time that this has happened to me in my mission, two strangers walk in and ask to be baptized! HOW CRAZY! God is blessing us a lot here in Tepalcingo.
Well, how are you doing? How was Nana and Papa's party thing? My companion and I are doing well. He's probably going to be changed this transfer. He's been in Tepalcingo for 9 months! There's another missionary that's from my generation that's been in Acapulco for over a year, and in Acapulco it is stinkin' HOT. Poor guy;s probably like a stick!
Have a good week Sterl! Thanks for the email and the support! Love, Russell
2.8.2010
Hey Mom and Dad! I don't have any time to write! We we t to a pueblo called Chalcatzingo and hiked up a huge hill and looked at old ruins. It was so cool! Mom I am going to get that note out, I promise! Russell
2.1.2010
Hey Mom and Dad! This week has gone by well. It was kind of difficult because we had zone conference, and we had to go clean a house in a different area. The missionaries aren't there anymore. There haven't been baptisms for a really long time, and the branch is sort of dysfunctional. President Spannaus decided it was better to close the area. So we went and cleaned and took out all of the stuff. Two brothers came to help us. They are so awesome. One is named Pablo and his son Ruben. Pablo has had a rough life. He was abusive to his family before and is still a little controlling. But I had a good talk with him today. He opened up a lot to me and talk me some of his problems. His wife, the other day, also came to me and started bawling because she has had so many problems in her family. So I have heard the story from both the wife and husband. I'm gonna try to help them and get them to go to the temple.
Mariana is still not baptized. We've been visiting her trying to help her get excited. She has problems with coffee, and she hasn't been very consistent in going to church. She didn't go yesterday. I am a little worried about her. She's also had a dysfunctional life. Her mom left her when she was eight years old with her grandma. She's never had a real family.
Sofia is doing well. She doesn't really have faith right now. She's told us openly that for her, she feels that God doesn't exist. But she was so receptive to our message, and Elder Anderson and I felt really good teaching her. Her daughter Norma is more receptive and is reading.
We've also been teaching a couple named Alejandro and Julia. They want to be closer to God. We've taught them the restoration and baptism. They were very receptive! They just work on Sundays. But after our lesson they started getting excited and were talking about changing their work. They're in the process of doing that.
There is a little boy named Fidel in our branch that is not baptized. His mom is inactive, but his grandma brings him to church. He really likes it! His mom finally went to church on Sunday and I had the opportunity to give a talk. I talked about the restoration and the reality of the apostasy. Many people, and members included, say that every religion is the same and that it really doesn't matter where we go as long as we love God. What they don't realize is that they are really not happy. They don't understand that there is something better than what they already have.
Josefina is doing really well. She got baptized about a month ago. She is excited to work. She's looking for a way to contribute to the work. We are gonna take her to visit investigators.
I am doing well. President Spannaus is so great. I've been able to see Elder Workman a lot. If you don't remember who he is, he was my trainer. He's now the assistant to the president, so he comes to every zone conference. It was really good to see him and talk. I've also been able to see Elder Barnes and Elder Matthews from my district. They are so awesome! I'm in a great zone.
Sister Spannaus just had surgery done on her. She had something wrong with her intestines. She's an awesome person. President Spannaus came alone to the zone conference.
I have some new names for you to pray for:
Pablo Amaro, Yolanda Amaro, Ruben Amaro, Magdalena Amaro, Jaquelin Amaro, Josefina, Laura Cadenas Soto, Mariana Perez Bravo, Pedro Cedillo, Abel Tenango Tlizlalapa, Petra Tenango, Elia, Benito, Anestacia, and Andrea Spannaus.
I am doing well! I am happy! I have learned a lot about myself in these last few months! I hope that everyone is well, Love, Russell
P.S. If you see Adam Clarkson again tell the guy to write to me! I'd like to hear from his family!
Mariana is still not baptized. We've been visiting her trying to help her get excited. She has problems with coffee, and she hasn't been very consistent in going to church. She didn't go yesterday. I am a little worried about her. She's also had a dysfunctional life. Her mom left her when she was eight years old with her grandma. She's never had a real family.
Sofia is doing well. She doesn't really have faith right now. She's told us openly that for her, she feels that God doesn't exist. But she was so receptive to our message, and Elder Anderson and I felt really good teaching her. Her daughter Norma is more receptive and is reading.
We've also been teaching a couple named Alejandro and Julia. They want to be closer to God. We've taught them the restoration and baptism. They were very receptive! They just work on Sundays. But after our lesson they started getting excited and were talking about changing their work. They're in the process of doing that.
There is a little boy named Fidel in our branch that is not baptized. His mom is inactive, but his grandma brings him to church. He really likes it! His mom finally went to church on Sunday and I had the opportunity to give a talk. I talked about the restoration and the reality of the apostasy. Many people, and members included, say that every religion is the same and that it really doesn't matter where we go as long as we love God. What they don't realize is that they are really not happy. They don't understand that there is something better than what they already have.
Josefina is doing really well. She got baptized about a month ago. She is excited to work. She's looking for a way to contribute to the work. We are gonna take her to visit investigators.
I am doing well. President Spannaus is so great. I've been able to see Elder Workman a lot. If you don't remember who he is, he was my trainer. He's now the assistant to the president, so he comes to every zone conference. It was really good to see him and talk. I've also been able to see Elder Barnes and Elder Matthews from my district. They are so awesome! I'm in a great zone.
Sister Spannaus just had surgery done on her. She had something wrong with her intestines. She's an awesome person. President Spannaus came alone to the zone conference.
I have some new names for you to pray for:
Pablo Amaro, Yolanda Amaro, Ruben Amaro, Magdalena Amaro, Jaquelin Amaro, Josefina, Laura Cadenas Soto, Mariana Perez Bravo, Pedro Cedillo, Abel Tenango Tlizlalapa, Petra Tenango, Elia, Benito, Anestacia, and Andrea Spannaus.
I am doing well! I am happy! I have learned a lot about myself in these last few months! I hope that everyone is well, Love, Russell
P.S. If you see Adam Clarkson again tell the guy to write to me! I'd like to hear from his family!
2.1.2010
Sterl,
How the heck are you? Who called mom's phone? I don't know crazy people!! How's life going? We're working hard talking to a bunch of people about the gospel. I've felt the spirit really well this week. I feel really good about what we're doing. We haven't had too many baptisms, but I feel like we're about the have a lot. We've been setting good goals and we're working hard to achieve them. This past week we had to go clean a mission owned house because the elders were taken out of the area for about four months. We took the stove out, the fridge, the beds, everything. It was pretty gross what kind of stuff we found in there. The fridge was like half melted and almost exploded! I think a lot of my work here in the mission is to help the Mexican elders. Generally speaking, they are not very obedient. They come from very different back-grounds, but they are good people.
There is a person that we are teaching that is named Mariana. She has problems with coffee we found out this week, and she also has a hard time going to church. She feels like she hasn't gotten an answer to her prayer about Joseph Smith. I can't seem to sacar su duda. We've also been teaching many people that have felt the spirit and have read the book of Mormon, but they just have a hard time going to church and leaving the world behind. I need to be more eficaz. I'm trying to learn the best that I can.
I hope everything is going really well in life! When are you gonna get married? Russell
How the heck are you? Who called mom's phone? I don't know crazy people!! How's life going? We're working hard talking to a bunch of people about the gospel. I've felt the spirit really well this week. I feel really good about what we're doing. We haven't had too many baptisms, but I feel like we're about the have a lot. We've been setting good goals and we're working hard to achieve them. This past week we had to go clean a mission owned house because the elders were taken out of the area for about four months. We took the stove out, the fridge, the beds, everything. It was pretty gross what kind of stuff we found in there. The fridge was like half melted and almost exploded! I think a lot of my work here in the mission is to help the Mexican elders. Generally speaking, they are not very obedient. They come from very different back-grounds, but they are good people.
There is a person that we are teaching that is named Mariana. She has problems with coffee we found out this week, and she also has a hard time going to church. She feels like she hasn't gotten an answer to her prayer about Joseph Smith. I can't seem to sacar su duda. We've also been teaching many people that have felt the spirit and have read the book of Mormon, but they just have a hard time going to church and leaving the world behind. I need to be more eficaz. I'm trying to learn the best that I can.
I hope everything is going really well in life! When are you gonna get married? Russell
1.25.2010
Hey Mom and Dad!
How are you? Life is going really well. I am having a good time here in Tepalcingo helping people accept the gospel. I've been really blessed in this area and in my mission. I feel free!
Yesterday I was talking to a young member in my ward named Pedro. He wants badly to go on a mission, and he's going to go, but he has horrible problems with depression. He's also had problems being afraid. Every two or three days he starts to feel dark inside and really afraid and nervous. He also has dark dreams. I don't really know what to do to help him. His family has had some rough times. The mom got pregnant at 15 years of age. The first baby died. The dad's now a drunk that we've tried to help multiple times. The gospel is in the home. We just have to give it time to work it's way into their lives. I just told him to go on the mission and to trust in God. If he has to take pills on his mission it's okay. If he has to talk to a psychiatrist, it's okay. He felt better after we talked. He put a lot of confidence in me to tell me these things.
The members here in Tepalcingo are just starting to understand the gospel. They haven't grasped the whole scheme of things, but it's a little hard to do that when you're in a little pueblo in the middle of nowhere.
We've been working our best these past weeks. We are contacting at least 35 people each week, or we talk to people on the streets and we get 35 of them to accept a visit. The majority of them aren't home when we go to visit, but sometimes they are. I've felt the spirit a lot stronger since we've been doing this.
The investigators we have are doing well. We didn't have many in the chapel yesterday, but we have a lot that we are teaching. One is named Mariana Bravo Perez. She's a single mom of CUTE little baby girl. She's had a ton of problems going to church on Sundays. She's gone two times and was going to be baptized yesterday after church but she didn't go. She had to work selling clothes. I don't really know what to do with her. We're gonna keel trying to help her. There's another special lady named Sabina. She has been looking for the truth. She asked my why there are so many churches. I explained apostasy and spiritual darkness and prophets. I felt the spirit really strongly, and I felt that He testified to her the truth of what I was saying. I asked her is she had any questions and she said, "Nope, it all makes sense." We've invited her to be baptized and she want to think on it more. We found her over three weeks ago, and she's read all the way to Jacob 2 in the Book of Mormon.
We found a lady names Sofia. She's a little bitter against all religion. When she opened the door, she looked angry and started to ask us a bunch of questions. She has so many questions and wanted to know all of the answers. We taught her the restoration and invited and committed her to pray. She said she would. We are also helping people recognize that they really don't have faith. Here in Mexico, all the catholics say they have faith, and a strong faith, when it's really not true. We don't accuse people of not having faith or anything like that, we just lovingly explain to them that it is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that to really be happy, we have to really have faith. Many think believing and going to mass every once in a while is faith. It is pure belief, but not faith. Faith is belief that moves us to act, to change! I don't see change too often in the average person here! I love the Mexican people, but they are so ignorant. They've been kept in the same dead religion for centuries! There's no change, no progress, no real happiness. Sometimes I feel like I'm swimming against the current here, but that's been the problem since the beginning of the world. If we're going to be disciples of Christ, we have to understand that the world is not perfect. We have to recognize the reality of Satan, sin and the horrible things that happen in the world; but in spite of all of that, we have to have faith and be HAPPY! I was talking to Dr. Morgan the other day, he told me that "optimists are people that just don't know what the heck is going on", referring to all the bad stuff the happens. We can't be optimists, in that sense. I understand that we should have hope and press forward, but we shouldn't ignore the problems in the world. We have to face them courageously or nothing is going to change or be better. The people here in Mexico are at least willing to try. They've got fertile soil. They are humble, and willing to believe. The hard thing is getting them to be constant! You've got to get a little hard on them sometimes. The world doesn't like compromise, and less here in Mexico. People flee when they hear the word compromise! When we ask people if they'll go to church, they tell us, "well if I have time I'll go" or "If God wills it, I'll be there." or "THREE HOURS???" Crazy monkeys!!! They make me laugh!
I have another list of people here that I need you to pray for:
Pedro Cedillo, Sabina, Marianna Bravo Perez, Jose Luis Coyote, Sofia, Masiel, Sagrario, Aventure Pliego, Laura Cortez and Alejandro y Julia.
So Tiffany Brown got her mission call??? When does she report in the MTC? That is so cool! Good for her! Give her a hug for me, and if you see Brittany Windsor, do the same. How is the family? I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all and hope you are all well. Russell
How are you? Life is going really well. I am having a good time here in Tepalcingo helping people accept the gospel. I've been really blessed in this area and in my mission. I feel free!
Yesterday I was talking to a young member in my ward named Pedro. He wants badly to go on a mission, and he's going to go, but he has horrible problems with depression. He's also had problems being afraid. Every two or three days he starts to feel dark inside and really afraid and nervous. He also has dark dreams. I don't really know what to do to help him. His family has had some rough times. The mom got pregnant at 15 years of age. The first baby died. The dad's now a drunk that we've tried to help multiple times. The gospel is in the home. We just have to give it time to work it's way into their lives. I just told him to go on the mission and to trust in God. If he has to take pills on his mission it's okay. If he has to talk to a psychiatrist, it's okay. He felt better after we talked. He put a lot of confidence in me to tell me these things.
The members here in Tepalcingo are just starting to understand the gospel. They haven't grasped the whole scheme of things, but it's a little hard to do that when you're in a little pueblo in the middle of nowhere.
We've been working our best these past weeks. We are contacting at least 35 people each week, or we talk to people on the streets and we get 35 of them to accept a visit. The majority of them aren't home when we go to visit, but sometimes they are. I've felt the spirit a lot stronger since we've been doing this.
The investigators we have are doing well. We didn't have many in the chapel yesterday, but we have a lot that we are teaching. One is named Mariana Bravo Perez. She's a single mom of CUTE little baby girl. She's had a ton of problems going to church on Sundays. She's gone two times and was going to be baptized yesterday after church but she didn't go. She had to work selling clothes. I don't really know what to do with her. We're gonna keel trying to help her. There's another special lady named Sabina. She has been looking for the truth. She asked my why there are so many churches. I explained apostasy and spiritual darkness and prophets. I felt the spirit really strongly, and I felt that He testified to her the truth of what I was saying. I asked her is she had any questions and she said, "Nope, it all makes sense." We've invited her to be baptized and she want to think on it more. We found her over three weeks ago, and she's read all the way to Jacob 2 in the Book of Mormon.
We found a lady names Sofia. She's a little bitter against all religion. When she opened the door, she looked angry and started to ask us a bunch of questions. She has so many questions and wanted to know all of the answers. We taught her the restoration and invited and committed her to pray. She said she would. We are also helping people recognize that they really don't have faith. Here in Mexico, all the catholics say they have faith, and a strong faith, when it's really not true. We don't accuse people of not having faith or anything like that, we just lovingly explain to them that it is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that to really be happy, we have to really have faith. Many think believing and going to mass every once in a while is faith. It is pure belief, but not faith. Faith is belief that moves us to act, to change! I don't see change too often in the average person here! I love the Mexican people, but they are so ignorant. They've been kept in the same dead religion for centuries! There's no change, no progress, no real happiness. Sometimes I feel like I'm swimming against the current here, but that's been the problem since the beginning of the world. If we're going to be disciples of Christ, we have to understand that the world is not perfect. We have to recognize the reality of Satan, sin and the horrible things that happen in the world; but in spite of all of that, we have to have faith and be HAPPY! I was talking to Dr. Morgan the other day, he told me that "optimists are people that just don't know what the heck is going on", referring to all the bad stuff the happens. We can't be optimists, in that sense. I understand that we should have hope and press forward, but we shouldn't ignore the problems in the world. We have to face them courageously or nothing is going to change or be better. The people here in Mexico are at least willing to try. They've got fertile soil. They are humble, and willing to believe. The hard thing is getting them to be constant! You've got to get a little hard on them sometimes. The world doesn't like compromise, and less here in Mexico. People flee when they hear the word compromise! When we ask people if they'll go to church, they tell us, "well if I have time I'll go" or "If God wills it, I'll be there." or "THREE HOURS???" Crazy monkeys!!! They make me laugh!
I have another list of people here that I need you to pray for:
Pedro Cedillo, Sabina, Marianna Bravo Perez, Jose Luis Coyote, Sofia, Masiel, Sagrario, Aventure Pliego, Laura Cortez and Alejandro y Julia.
So Tiffany Brown got her mission call??? When does she report in the MTC? That is so cool! Good for her! Give her a hug for me, and if you see Brittany Windsor, do the same. How is the family? I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all and hope you are all well. Russell
1.18.2021
Hey Sterl,
What I would tell your convert, and all new members that have joined the church, is that she has to hold on to the iron rod. Have her read 1 Nephi 8. It is interesting that the people that were holding on to the rod with all of their lives and the people that were wandering about in confusion were covered by a mist of darkness. Many new converts feel so good after baptism and in the church, but when the mist of darkness comes, they seem to doubt a little. But we just have to remind them that it's okay. It is natural to doubt sometimes. We're not perfect, but we have to keep going/ If we keep holding onto the rod, even thought it seems like the mist of darkness is never going to end, we will leave the darkness and reach the fruit of the tree. The fruit for me, is happiness and peace. I assume that's what she wants, and what we all want.
Also, what I've been focusing on with the people here in Tepalcingo, is that faith is like a little seed, if planted it will grow. If we cultivate it, it grows, if we don't it will die. If we want to have greater faith, we can start little by little, having the surety that it will grow in time. I hope that she is okay. It's all part of the plan. These people can't be expected to be perfect!
I love you Sterl! Russ
What I would tell your convert, and all new members that have joined the church, is that she has to hold on to the iron rod. Have her read 1 Nephi 8. It is interesting that the people that were holding on to the rod with all of their lives and the people that were wandering about in confusion were covered by a mist of darkness. Many new converts feel so good after baptism and in the church, but when the mist of darkness comes, they seem to doubt a little. But we just have to remind them that it's okay. It is natural to doubt sometimes. We're not perfect, but we have to keep going/ If we keep holding onto the rod, even thought it seems like the mist of darkness is never going to end, we will leave the darkness and reach the fruit of the tree. The fruit for me, is happiness and peace. I assume that's what she wants, and what we all want.
Also, what I've been focusing on with the people here in Tepalcingo, is that faith is like a little seed, if planted it will grow. If we cultivate it, it grows, if we don't it will die. If we want to have greater faith, we can start little by little, having the surety that it will grow in time. I hope that she is okay. It's all part of the plan. These people can't be expected to be perfect!
I love you Sterl! Russ
1.11.2010
Hey Mom and Dad,
Elder Anderson is still here !!!!! He's going to have been here for a really long time, like nine months! President Spannaus has a different style!
Thanks for putting the names on the temple prayer roll. I know they'll be blessed. They already are blessed. We've found many people that have accepted the gospel so rapidly and freely. The people here in Mexico are ready to exercise faith. The Catholic church, in spite of some of the bad things it has done, has helped prepare the heart of the Mexican people. They understand the principles of the gospel. They're just waiting to put it into practice.
The gospel of hope and faith would help so many people here. There are so many women that do the same thing day after day: wash, clean, take care of the kids, make tortillas, wash some more, and wait for their drunk husband to come home. They believe in God, and in Jesus Christ and they try to be positive but you can see in their faces that their just tired! They need real doctrine, and real faith, and real help! We haven't had any baptisms in the past few weeks. We need to start working a little harder, looking a little more for los escogidos. Everyone that has been baptized is doing pretty well. Laura Cadenas didn't go to church yesterday. She's had some struggles within her family. She needs some help too.
Concepcion and her girls didn't go to church either. I have faith that her husband is going to change. She has to get baptized. Just little by little we'll be working with the Santos.
I have been thinking a lot about faith. Many times I have said, I have faith when really it's not true. I "believe" but sometimes without real conviction. Many, many people here say they have faith, but they don't do anything to show their faith. We're helping people see that faith is very important principle of the gospel. We have helped them see that they have to exercise their faith, not just believe.
A sister named Mariana and her grandma came to church with us yesterday. She's accepted a baptismal date for the 24th of this month. She's a single mom with a little baby girl 1 1/2 years old. Also, we've found a woman named Sabina who has been really, really receptive to the gospel. She is a great woman, and does all of the homework. The only problem is that she hasn't come to church yet. So if you could remember her in your prayers. Actually, just remember everyone in your prayers!
Yesterday, we had a missionary devotional that went really well. We saw a slide show of the recent baptisms that we've had and then we watched a conference talk by Elder Perry called "Bring Souls Unto Me". Then I gave a little talk, then Elder Anderson, and then some people that were baptized in these last months bore their testimonies. It was pretty special.
There's a little kids that keeps coming to all of the church activities names Carlos, I call him Carlitos. He's a sweet little kids, and he likes everything we do. I've actually taken kind of a father role to him. He doesn't have much of a dad in his home, actually none of these people do. I gave him a book of Mormon on Saturday and on Sunday he told me he had read 20 pages. The only problem is that his mom doesn't come to church. We've gotta convince his mom to start coming so that he can get baptized.
Keep me in your prayers. Ask God that I can keep focused and positive and keep up the energy. That's what I need. I feel like there are so many thins that Satan throws at me that try to keep me down. But I feel good here!
Thanks for all of your love and support! Russell
Elder Anderson is still here !!!!! He's going to have been here for a really long time, like nine months! President Spannaus has a different style!
Thanks for putting the names on the temple prayer roll. I know they'll be blessed. They already are blessed. We've found many people that have accepted the gospel so rapidly and freely. The people here in Mexico are ready to exercise faith. The Catholic church, in spite of some of the bad things it has done, has helped prepare the heart of the Mexican people. They understand the principles of the gospel. They're just waiting to put it into practice.
The gospel of hope and faith would help so many people here. There are so many women that do the same thing day after day: wash, clean, take care of the kids, make tortillas, wash some more, and wait for their drunk husband to come home. They believe in God, and in Jesus Christ and they try to be positive but you can see in their faces that their just tired! They need real doctrine, and real faith, and real help! We haven't had any baptisms in the past few weeks. We need to start working a little harder, looking a little more for los escogidos. Everyone that has been baptized is doing pretty well. Laura Cadenas didn't go to church yesterday. She's had some struggles within her family. She needs some help too.
Concepcion and her girls didn't go to church either. I have faith that her husband is going to change. She has to get baptized. Just little by little we'll be working with the Santos.
I have been thinking a lot about faith. Many times I have said, I have faith when really it's not true. I "believe" but sometimes without real conviction. Many, many people here say they have faith, but they don't do anything to show their faith. We're helping people see that faith is very important principle of the gospel. We have helped them see that they have to exercise their faith, not just believe.
A sister named Mariana and her grandma came to church with us yesterday. She's accepted a baptismal date for the 24th of this month. She's a single mom with a little baby girl 1 1/2 years old. Also, we've found a woman named Sabina who has been really, really receptive to the gospel. She is a great woman, and does all of the homework. The only problem is that she hasn't come to church yet. So if you could remember her in your prayers. Actually, just remember everyone in your prayers!
Yesterday, we had a missionary devotional that went really well. We saw a slide show of the recent baptisms that we've had and then we watched a conference talk by Elder Perry called "Bring Souls Unto Me". Then I gave a little talk, then Elder Anderson, and then some people that were baptized in these last months bore their testimonies. It was pretty special.
There's a little kids that keeps coming to all of the church activities names Carlos, I call him Carlitos. He's a sweet little kids, and he likes everything we do. I've actually taken kind of a father role to him. He doesn't have much of a dad in his home, actually none of these people do. I gave him a book of Mormon on Saturday and on Sunday he told me he had read 20 pages. The only problem is that his mom doesn't come to church. We've gotta convince his mom to start coming so that he can get baptized.
Keep me in your prayers. Ask God that I can keep focused and positive and keep up the energy. That's what I need. I feel like there are so many thins that Satan throws at me that try to keep me down. But I feel good here!
Thanks for all of your love and support! Russell
.JPG)
.JPG)
1.4.2010
Hey Mom and Dad! Life is still going well! We are working well and trying to find new people to teach. I had a special experience yesterday in church. A member of the ward that was baptized about three months ago, gave us a referral. He took us over to his dad's house and had us teach his sister. She is very receptive. She, her husband, and her daughter went to church yesterday and felt the spirit. After church, I gave them a tour of the chapel, and they liked it a lot. I showed them the baptismal font and explained why we need baptism and what it is. The sister, named Antonia, asked me what is needed to be baptized. I told her faith and repentance. She told me she would like to follow in this church. Basically, I was able to teach the gospel to the whole family in front of the baptismal font. Members were also there to bear testimony. It seemed to all go perfectly. They're going to get baptized.
There is another beautiful family that we are teaching. The dad is a punk sometimes. He doesn't want to get married. But he's just afraid of change, afraid of commitment. He's a good dad, and wants the best for his family, but he doesn't want to change too fast. So we're working with them. The mom's name is Concepcion and they have two daughters: Daniela and Alejandra. The girls love the church, as does Concepcion. The only thing that keeps them from getting baptized is their marriage.
Everyone is doing well, speaking of people that have been baptized recently. Laura Cadenas went to church after a 4 week period of inactivity. She and her baby boy have been sick. It's been rough for her.
Okay, so these are the people that I would like you guys to pray for:
Laura Cortex Bautista
Laura Cadenas Soto
Yamilet Cadenas Soto
Petra y Abel Tenango Zitlalapa
Marilu y Martin Coyote Reyes
Rosa
Tania
Josefina
Fransisca
I don't know if you need their names complete, with last names and everything, but these are a few people that need help.
New Years was good. We had an activity in the church, organized by the members, not by us. I sang "I know my father lives" but in Spanish. It was really good. We're doing well. There are things that are in my patriarchal blessing that are really coming to pass at this point in my mission. Heavenly Father has helped me a lot. He's given me understanding more than anything.
I am probably going to be here in Tepalcingo for like three or four more transfers, or 18 -24 weeks more. President Spannaus likes to leave us in the area a longer time. Elder Anderson has been here for 7 1/2 months. If you need anything from me, just tell me. I love you all so much! Russell
There is another beautiful family that we are teaching. The dad is a punk sometimes. He doesn't want to get married. But he's just afraid of change, afraid of commitment. He's a good dad, and wants the best for his family, but he doesn't want to change too fast. So we're working with them. The mom's name is Concepcion and they have two daughters: Daniela and Alejandra. The girls love the church, as does Concepcion. The only thing that keeps them from getting baptized is their marriage.
Everyone is doing well, speaking of people that have been baptized recently. Laura Cadenas went to church after a 4 week period of inactivity. She and her baby boy have been sick. It's been rough for her.
Okay, so these are the people that I would like you guys to pray for:
Laura Cortex Bautista
Laura Cadenas Soto
Yamilet Cadenas Soto
Petra y Abel Tenango Zitlalapa
Marilu y Martin Coyote Reyes
Rosa
Tania
Josefina
Fransisca
I don't know if you need their names complete, with last names and everything, but these are a few people that need help.
New Years was good. We had an activity in the church, organized by the members, not by us. I sang "I know my father lives" but in Spanish. It was really good. We're doing well. There are things that are in my patriarchal blessing that are really coming to pass at this point in my mission. Heavenly Father has helped me a lot. He's given me understanding more than anything.
I am probably going to be here in Tepalcingo for like three or four more transfers, or 18 -24 weeks more. President Spannaus likes to leave us in the area a longer time. Elder Anderson has been here for 7 1/2 months. If you need anything from me, just tell me. I love you all so much! Russell
12.21.2009
Hey Mom and Dad!!! How are you all doing? We are doing well here in Tepalcingo. Everything has been going really well! Okay, first things first. I am going to be with an hermano named Pablo on Christmas. You're gonna have to call on Christmas day. I can't on Christmas Eve. Sorry, but we can do the speaker phone thing. Okay, the number is: 017351310373. You can call at 2:00 Mexico time on Friday December 25th. It's gonna be the same as when you called me on Mother's day. I don't know if you need a card or anything like that.
We just had an activity on Saturday night. It was a nativity/dinner. It was really successful actually. A lot of members participated and it turned out to be a really spiritual. About 25 people who aren't members came to the activity.
An investigator called Josefina was baptized yesterday. She is so awesome and has made so many changes in the life. Her baptism was the most spiritual I've ever seen. She has had such a hard life, partly her fault, partly not. She struggles with depression and has been angry with God the majority of her life. She's finally made peace with herself and with God. She said in her baptism, "I've been able to see now that God has never left me alone. He was always with me." She was crying when she said that, along with a lot of other members, and her daughters, that are not members. We confirmed her at the baptismal service.
Church was really special yesterday. I sang the song Oh Holy Night as a solo. It was really spiritual yesterday. Heavenly father is blessing Tepalcingo so much!
In gospel doctrine for investigators, we watched a conference talk by Elder Holland that he gave in April about the Savior and how He walked the path of the Atonement completely alone. So many people like it!
Laura is doing well. Her family if completely against her going to church. She is really faithful and wants the best for her life. She needs your prayers too. She's a single mom that is always smiling. She's so awesome!
We had a zone conference on Thursday. It was so great to see four of my old companions in my MTC district. Elder Ence was there. I also saw Elder Matthew and Elder Barnes. They are so great!
President Spannaus interviewed Josefina for her baptism. It was great to spend a little time with him. Josefina arrived a little late to her interview, so we got to talk a little to him. He is such a great person.
I am doing well. We want to have another activity with the members helping them to see the importance of missionary work. Seriously, Mom and Dad, I feel really good. It just seems like I had a down period for a little while. I feel like I'm making my way back to normality. My relationship with Heavenly Father is really strengthening. Today I was in the bus going to Cuautla, and I felt like I could preach a sermon to the people on the bus. And the cool thing here in Mexico, is that they would listen. They want to be closer to God. They are ready to have really faith. Instead of preaching a sermon, I just talked with someone named Jose Luis. In this mission they tell us that we need to contact the people in the street and wherever we are, in less than 30 seconds. REALLY FAST! But it has had results. I talked to him about the church and gave him a Book of Mormon. Missionary work is so easy once you get the hang of it! You guys should talk to everyone too! Seriously, thinking about it there is nothing more important. Look for the elect, or in Spanish, Los escogidos. The elect are those that listen to the voice of the Lord and don't harden their hearts.
I 'm going to follow the West tradition of Secret Santa here in Mexico. I just changed the dollars that I had to pesos, so I've got about 640 pesos now. There is a family that is really needful. The mom is single, and has 4 kids. The oldest is named Luis and is handicapped. He thinks and talks fine, but his little body is mis-shapen. He's twelve and sometimes passes the sacrament. The other ones are rowdy little boys. The last is a time little baby that was born in November. The mom's name is Mayra. I was thinking about buying toys and baby stuff for her. You guys should put the names of the people in this letter on the temple toll. It'll help!
Things are going well. I love you all! Tell everyone "HI" for me. Love, Russell
We just had an activity on Saturday night. It was a nativity/dinner. It was really successful actually. A lot of members participated and it turned out to be a really spiritual. About 25 people who aren't members came to the activity.
An investigator called Josefina was baptized yesterday. She is so awesome and has made so many changes in the life. Her baptism was the most spiritual I've ever seen. She has had such a hard life, partly her fault, partly not. She struggles with depression and has been angry with God the majority of her life. She's finally made peace with herself and with God. She said in her baptism, "I've been able to see now that God has never left me alone. He was always with me." She was crying when she said that, along with a lot of other members, and her daughters, that are not members. We confirmed her at the baptismal service.
Church was really special yesterday. I sang the song Oh Holy Night as a solo. It was really spiritual yesterday. Heavenly father is blessing Tepalcingo so much!
In gospel doctrine for investigators, we watched a conference talk by Elder Holland that he gave in April about the Savior and how He walked the path of the Atonement completely alone. So many people like it!
Laura is doing well. Her family if completely against her going to church. She is really faithful and wants the best for her life. She needs your prayers too. She's a single mom that is always smiling. She's so awesome!
We had a zone conference on Thursday. It was so great to see four of my old companions in my MTC district. Elder Ence was there. I also saw Elder Matthew and Elder Barnes. They are so great!
President Spannaus interviewed Josefina for her baptism. It was great to spend a little time with him. Josefina arrived a little late to her interview, so we got to talk a little to him. He is such a great person.
I am doing well. We want to have another activity with the members helping them to see the importance of missionary work. Seriously, Mom and Dad, I feel really good. It just seems like I had a down period for a little while. I feel like I'm making my way back to normality. My relationship with Heavenly Father is really strengthening. Today I was in the bus going to Cuautla, and I felt like I could preach a sermon to the people on the bus. And the cool thing here in Mexico, is that they would listen. They want to be closer to God. They are ready to have really faith. Instead of preaching a sermon, I just talked with someone named Jose Luis. In this mission they tell us that we need to contact the people in the street and wherever we are, in less than 30 seconds. REALLY FAST! But it has had results. I talked to him about the church and gave him a Book of Mormon. Missionary work is so easy once you get the hang of it! You guys should talk to everyone too! Seriously, thinking about it there is nothing more important. Look for the elect, or in Spanish, Los escogidos. The elect are those that listen to the voice of the Lord and don't harden their hearts.
I 'm going to follow the West tradition of Secret Santa here in Mexico. I just changed the dollars that I had to pesos, so I've got about 640 pesos now. There is a family that is really needful. The mom is single, and has 4 kids. The oldest is named Luis and is handicapped. He thinks and talks fine, but his little body is mis-shapen. He's twelve and sometimes passes the sacrament. The other ones are rowdy little boys. The last is a time little baby that was born in November. The mom's name is Mayra. I was thinking about buying toys and baby stuff for her. You guys should put the names of the people in this letter on the temple toll. It'll help!
Things are going well. I love you all! Tell everyone "HI" for me. Love, Russell
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
