9/9 Yet another very busy but fulfilling week. Even though we had a rough week with Elder Hamren, the newest elder in the district, being in the hospital, we were still blessed by the Lord and were able to reach our goal of the mission's standards of excellence. The Lord has helped us so much these past 3 weeks. We have found so many people and made so much progress with those we already had. The work here is undoubtedly growing, and the field is white. Although it is a lot of work for two elders, Elder Webber and I are handling it very well. We seem to thrive on the fact that we always have someone to visit. Keeping so busy also keeps us very focused on the work, and that just makes us happier. We are doing great here in Burgos!
One investigator we are particularly excited about is Sauri. She is from Brazil and has a 7 year old daughter. We contacted her on the street a week or so ago and set up a visit for the following week. As we were walking the same area a week later, we saw her again, and she told us we would need to reschedule. Our first visit was very spiritual. We watched a little part of the restoration video with her, and she seemed like she was going to cry. The spirit was so strong, and she could feel it. In the next visit, she did cry. She had read the pamphlet we left with her and answered all of the questions perfectly. She accepted a baptismal goal for the 19th of September. When Sunday rolled around, we were a little worried that she hadn't arrived to sacrament meeting yet, so we stepped out to give her a call. Turns out she got lost, so we walked out to find her and walked back with her. She really hit it off with another member from Brazil and absolutely loved it. She told us she would do everything to get Sundays off of work from now on. We are so excited about her!
Juliana is doing very good as well. We are talking with their family and getting the program all planned out. The whole branch is pretty excited about this baptism, so it should be really good. It will probably be a double baptismal service with Juliana and Sauri! That would be so great for the branch.
If there is one thing I have learned this week, it's that the Lord has a plan for what He wants His missionaries to do, and He will set everything up so that we are able to complete His plans. We noticed very early on in the week that we had been blessed with enough lessons to meet our goals long before the week was over. We weren't sure why, but there had to be some reason. We later found out that Elder Hamren was in the hospital and that his companion, Elder Streadbeck, was left without a companion. We discussed it and prayed about it, and came to the conclusion that the reason the Lord had blessed us so early on in the week was so that we could go help Elder Streadbeck. We were able to visit Elder Hamren and bring Elder Stradbeck back with us so that he could have a companion for the night. When we got back, we were still able to have several lessons that afternoon with the three of us. In the end, everything worked out fine. Elder Streadbeck went back to Logroño the next day. I know that the Lord will prepare a way for us to accomplish our goals, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Two new baptismal dates!
8/31 We had another wonderful week this week. The largest miracle we saw this week happened last preparation day. While we were walking to the store to get some of our shopping done, we decided to go a different way than usual, thinking it might be faster. While on this new route, a women stopped us and asked if we were the Mormons. We said yes, thinking that this could either mean something really good, or she just wanted to hate on us. Anyways, we started to talk to her, and she told us that she had seen us across the river in the center of town a couple of days earlier and felt like she needed to talk to us. So when she saw us again, on the complete opposite end of the city of all places, she felt like she had to stop us. We set up a visit with her for the next day. When we met with her, she shared some of her beliefs, most of which were quite scary to be honest. Demons, spirits, and other really not good things. It was an interesting visit, but I know that if she reads the Book of Mormon, all those problems will be solved, and she will progress smoothly.
We are also teaching a family from Ghana. The whole family has been baptized except for the youngest daughter who is 11 years old. We have been visiting them and helping them get everything prepared for her baptism on the 19th. The family had gone inactive for a while, and when they started coming back Juliana decided she wanted to get baptized. The whole branch is really excited for this long awaited family baptism.
One thing I learned this week was the importance of being bold in missionary work. I don't know what it is about me and Elder Webber, but we seem to bring out the best in each other. I have noticed this week that I have been a lot more bold and direct with my commitment invitations and promised blessings. We have seen so many miracles because of that, one of which is that of Robert, the oldest of Luminita's sons now has a baptismal fecha! We were able to set goals with him to help him quit smoking, and boldly invite him to be prepared to be baptized on the 26th of September. We are very excited for him, and he is really happy about it as well. Being bold in invitations to act is how we show faith in the Lord and His teachings.
I am so excited to have 4 more weeks here with Elder Webber. We really work so well together, and we both work hard with all the people we have to visit. Not a still moment in the work here in Burgos!
We are also teaching a family from Ghana. The whole family has been baptized except for the youngest daughter who is 11 years old. We have been visiting them and helping them get everything prepared for her baptism on the 19th. The family had gone inactive for a while, and when they started coming back Juliana decided she wanted to get baptized. The whole branch is really excited for this long awaited family baptism.
One thing I learned this week was the importance of being bold in missionary work. I don't know what it is about me and Elder Webber, but we seem to bring out the best in each other. I have noticed this week that I have been a lot more bold and direct with my commitment invitations and promised blessings. We have seen so many miracles because of that, one of which is that of Robert, the oldest of Luminita's sons now has a baptismal fecha! We were able to set goals with him to help him quit smoking, and boldly invite him to be prepared to be baptized on the 26th of September. We are very excited for him, and he is really happy about it as well. Being bold in invitations to act is how we show faith in the Lord and His teachings.
I am so excited to have 4 more weeks here with Elder Webber. We really work so well together, and we both work hard with all the people we have to visit. Not a still moment in the work here in Burgos!
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
36 lessons and 9 new investigators this week!
8/24 This week Elder Webber and I have seen so many miracles! Since the areas have been combined we have never been busier, nor happier. We get along with each other so well, and even after just one week, we teach so well together. The Lord has really blessed us for our hard work and obedience. By the end of the week, we had taught 36 lessons to investigators, and found 9 new investigators! We were so excited about that! We were also able to set a solid baptismal date with a man over the phone! So awesome! We saw so many blessings this week.
The best lesson we had this week was with Pedro José. Up until this point he hasn't really progressed. He is stuck at the authority to baptize, and couldn't seem to accept that Joseph Smith restored the authority and that it is only found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We read 3 Nephi 11 with him and had a powerful and spiritual lesson about the power and authority to baptize. Elder Webber extended a powerful invitation to pray and ask if he needs to be baptized into this church. It was the perfect commitment for him. Then I bore a very bold testimony that I knew without a doubt that the authority to baptized was restored to the earth by Joseph Smith. Words cannot describe the spirit that was felt.
So Samir is doing really well. We just set a family plan with all of them to help them stop smoking. They are all really excited to try. They are actually out of town now, and won't be back for a week, but Samir is still reading every day, and I can see the light in his eyes growing brighter and brighter.
My testimony on hard work and obedience has grown so much this week. I know without a doubt that if we do what we are told, if we keep the commandments and do what we are suppose to do, the Lord will keep his promise. D&C 82: 10 reads "I, the Lord, am abound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." I testify that that is true. I have seen His promise fulfilled this week. The Lord lives, He loves us, and He wants us to have success.
You'll be happy to hear that one of the members made me a cake yesterday. It was so nice of them. Also, another member had his birthday on Saturday, so we sort of celebrated both together with him and his wife. It was super fun! I'll send you photos of the cake. Thank you all for the birthday wishes! Love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!
The best lesson we had this week was with Pedro José. Up until this point he hasn't really progressed. He is stuck at the authority to baptize, and couldn't seem to accept that Joseph Smith restored the authority and that it is only found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We read 3 Nephi 11 with him and had a powerful and spiritual lesson about the power and authority to baptize. Elder Webber extended a powerful invitation to pray and ask if he needs to be baptized into this church. It was the perfect commitment for him. Then I bore a very bold testimony that I knew without a doubt that the authority to baptized was restored to the earth by Joseph Smith. Words cannot describe the spirit that was felt.
So Samir is doing really well. We just set a family plan with all of them to help them stop smoking. They are all really excited to try. They are actually out of town now, and won't be back for a week, but Samir is still reading every day, and I can see the light in his eyes growing brighter and brighter.
My testimony on hard work and obedience has grown so much this week. I know without a doubt that if we do what we are told, if we keep the commandments and do what we are suppose to do, the Lord will keep his promise. D&C 82: 10 reads "I, the Lord, am abound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." I testify that that is true. I have seen His promise fulfilled this week. The Lord lives, He loves us, and He wants us to have success.
You'll be happy to hear that one of the members made me a cake yesterday. It was so nice of them. Also, another member had his birthday on Saturday, so we sort of celebrated both together with him and his wife. It was super fun! I'll send you photos of the cake. Thank you all for the birthday wishes! Love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!
Very kind members who made a cake for Justin's birthday
Double the investigators and double the area to cover!
8/18 So today is transfer day yet again, and I am happy to announce that I will be staying here in Burgos. However, they have made some drastic changes here. Elder Wheat, my old companion, and Elder Bennion, Elder Webber's old companion, were transferred somewhere else. The weird part is that there are no new elders coming to replace them. They took our two areas and combined them, so now I am companions with Elder Webber. We are the only Elders for miles! It's going to be wonderful though! Now we have all of the investigators from both our areas to work with. It's a lot, but it will keep us on our toes!
Funny story. Yesterday, Elder Bennion and Elder Webber received a phone call in the middle of a visit at 6:30. It was the office telling them that Elder Bennion had to get on a but that evening at 7:30. Yes, only one hour to get everything packed and onto a bus. By some miracle they made it and sent him off to the airport, and from there, the beautiful island of Ibiza. Lucky.... It was super crazy though.
The main miracle I wanted to write about today is that of Samir. He is the son of Luminita, a recent convert. We have been teaching her and her family, most non members, for quite a while now. Samir has been the one showing the most interest. A few days ago, we had a wonderful lesson with him. When we asked him how his reading was going, he said that it was going very good, and that he wanted to share an experience with us. He told us of his need to pay for a trip to Bilbao, and how there was no money for it. He was worried that he would never be able to afford it. He prayed and asked for help, and kept doing all of the things we told him to, reading, following the commandments, etc. He told us that he met a woman on the street the other day, and she offered to pay for his trip there and back. That was such a huge blessing for them, because that means Samir may have the opportunity to find a job now. What was an even bigger miracle was to see how Samir realized that those blessings came from the Lord, and they came because he was doing the right thing. That realization strengthened his testimony so much, and he told us he has never felt happier reading the Book of Mormon. That was an incredible experience!
My time here with Elder Wheat has been good. I have learned so much, and I've seen so many blessings. Now that he is gone and I am covering all of Burgos with Elder Webber, I am so excited to see what we will be able to do. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and a lot of people to teach and take care of, but I don't have any doubts that we will see so many miracles here.
Funny story. Yesterday, Elder Bennion and Elder Webber received a phone call in the middle of a visit at 6:30. It was the office telling them that Elder Bennion had to get on a but that evening at 7:30. Yes, only one hour to get everything packed and onto a bus. By some miracle they made it and sent him off to the airport, and from there, the beautiful island of Ibiza. Lucky.... It was super crazy though.
The main miracle I wanted to write about today is that of Samir. He is the son of Luminita, a recent convert. We have been teaching her and her family, most non members, for quite a while now. Samir has been the one showing the most interest. A few days ago, we had a wonderful lesson with him. When we asked him how his reading was going, he said that it was going very good, and that he wanted to share an experience with us. He told us of his need to pay for a trip to Bilbao, and how there was no money for it. He was worried that he would never be able to afford it. He prayed and asked for help, and kept doing all of the things we told him to, reading, following the commandments, etc. He told us that he met a woman on the street the other day, and she offered to pay for his trip there and back. That was such a huge blessing for them, because that means Samir may have the opportunity to find a job now. What was an even bigger miracle was to see how Samir realized that those blessings came from the Lord, and they came because he was doing the right thing. That realization strengthened his testimony so much, and he told us he has never felt happier reading the Book of Mormon. That was an incredible experience!
My time here with Elder Wheat has been good. I have learned so much, and I've seen so many blessings. Now that he is gone and I am covering all of Burgos with Elder Webber, I am so excited to see what we will be able to do. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and a lot of people to teach and take care of, but I don't have any doubts that we will see so many miracles here.
Elder Male & Elder Webber
Reread the BOM and find something new in EVERY chapter
8/10 This past week was full of hard work, and just yesterday, it all paid off. We went to the hospital to visit a member, and we spent a little time with him. While we were talking with him, he told us about a guy he met in the hospital who he gave a Book of Mormon to. We later met this guy, and he is way nice and super excited to go to church when he can leave the hospital. We had a little lesson with them both, and at the end, he asked us if we wanted to pray. It was such a miracle to see how the Lord is preparing His children everywhere.
We also had a visit set up with a member and her family. When we got there, there wasn't a man in the house, so we decided to just wait outside the door to see if her son would come back. Turns out, another man that is not a member showed up. So we went inside and started a family home evening. While we were just starting up, this guy came into the room and asked us if he could join. We had a wonderful lesson with that family and their roommate. We later got his number and invited him to an activity. Overall, we ended up finding 3 new investigators and having 4 lessons with a member present in just one afternoon. That was such a big blessing to us, and it truly helped raise my spirits.
So today was an awesome preparation day. We just got back from a little pueblo that the branch president took us to. That pueblo was the most beautiful place I have ever seen! I tried taking tons of pictures, but none of them did it justice. We had to drive a long ways, but we finally got to a pueblo that is nestled inside a small canyon. The first thing you see driving up to it is an amazingly beautiful waterfall that is right beside the road and goes through a tunnel right under it. The falls kind of reminded me a lot of that place we went in Jamaica. We spent a lot of time walking around there and taking tons of pictures. It was so nice to be able to get away from the city and see a little bit of Spain today. It was such a good experience!
Something I learned from my study of the Book of Mormon this week is really simple. The more you read it, the greater understanding you get. I noticed this week that while reading through it again, I am understanding so many things I didn't get before. There are so many prophesies that I just read over without even noticing them. So my challenge for you this week is to read the Book of Mormon every day, and mark something new that you learned every day. If you finish reading a chapter and haven't marked anything, read it again. I promise you will be able to find something new and edifying in EVERY chapter.
Love you all so much! Have a wonderful week.
We also had a visit set up with a member and her family. When we got there, there wasn't a man in the house, so we decided to just wait outside the door to see if her son would come back. Turns out, another man that is not a member showed up. So we went inside and started a family home evening. While we were just starting up, this guy came into the room and asked us if he could join. We had a wonderful lesson with that family and their roommate. We later got his number and invited him to an activity. Overall, we ended up finding 3 new investigators and having 4 lessons with a member present in just one afternoon. That was such a big blessing to us, and it truly helped raise my spirits.
So today was an awesome preparation day. We just got back from a little pueblo that the branch president took us to. That pueblo was the most beautiful place I have ever seen! I tried taking tons of pictures, but none of them did it justice. We had to drive a long ways, but we finally got to a pueblo that is nestled inside a small canyon. The first thing you see driving up to it is an amazingly beautiful waterfall that is right beside the road and goes through a tunnel right under it. The falls kind of reminded me a lot of that place we went in Jamaica. We spent a lot of time walking around there and taking tons of pictures. It was so nice to be able to get away from the city and see a little bit of Spain today. It was such a good experience!
Something I learned from my study of the Book of Mormon this week is really simple. The more you read it, the greater understanding you get. I noticed this week that while reading through it again, I am understanding so many things I didn't get before. There are so many prophesies that I just read over without even noticing them. So my challenge for you this week is to read the Book of Mormon every day, and mark something new that you learned every day. If you finish reading a chapter and haven't marked anything, read it again. I promise you will be able to find something new and edifying in EVERY chapter.
Love you all so much! Have a wonderful week.
Listen to the Prophet
8/3 This week we had a wonderful lesson with a less active. Her name is Inés, and she is from Argentina. When we got to her house, she was super friendly and really excited to visit with us. We talked about how she was doing, and then started talking a little bit about what a mission is like. She asked us a few questions about the mission, so we had a good conversation on that. Then we decided to share a few verses from the Book of Mormon on prayer. When we had finished reading them, I looked up and she was crying. She told us that she had really missed feeling the spirit, and she felt really bad for being away from the church for so long. The spirit was so strong as we sat there and discussed the power of prayer and church attendance, and she promised to come to church. It was a wonderful lesson, and she was such a kind person. I am looking forward to visiting her a little more often.
Our investigators are still learning and progressing well. There haven't been any big steps taken, but they are still progressing slowly. It looks like the Lord is preparing them step by step until they are truly ready for baptism. We were able to have a few good visits with each of them this week, and they are all wonderful people. I look forward to helping each of them progress in the gospel.
One thing I learned this week was from 1 Nephi 16. I read about the Liahona, and learned what it represents. I noticed this time that the Liahona can represent the revelations of God to a prophet. It was given to Lehi, who was the prophet at that time. The scriptures say that the Liahona guided them, and told them where they needed to go. It also says that it guided them through the most fertile parts of the wilderness. I thought that related a lot to the fact that if we harken to the teachings of the prophets, or the revelations they receive on our behalf, we will live prosperous lives. The scriptures also say that when Lehi and his family did not follow the directions, or did not have faith in the Liahona, it did not work. That is just like what happens when the people on the earth reject the teachings and guidance of a prophet. The Lord stops revealing through his prophets, and the world falls into apostasy. It was a great chapter, and I learned a lot about the importance of a prophet, and how we need to follow his guidance. Sorry if that was a little confusing...
Last preparation day we climbed up to a castle on the hill right behind the center of the city. It was really fun, and had an incredible view of the entire area. Burgos is such a beautiful city. We then went and walked through the city to find Elder Webber some shoes. We had a great time walking in and out of some really fancy shoe shops that made me feel like a millionaire just sitting on the couches inside. Pretty cool being in Spain!
Our investigators are still learning and progressing well. There haven't been any big steps taken, but they are still progressing slowly. It looks like the Lord is preparing them step by step until they are truly ready for baptism. We were able to have a few good visits with each of them this week, and they are all wonderful people. I look forward to helping each of them progress in the gospel.
One thing I learned this week was from 1 Nephi 16. I read about the Liahona, and learned what it represents. I noticed this time that the Liahona can represent the revelations of God to a prophet. It was given to Lehi, who was the prophet at that time. The scriptures say that the Liahona guided them, and told them where they needed to go. It also says that it guided them through the most fertile parts of the wilderness. I thought that related a lot to the fact that if we harken to the teachings of the prophets, or the revelations they receive on our behalf, we will live prosperous lives. The scriptures also say that when Lehi and his family did not follow the directions, or did not have faith in the Liahona, it did not work. That is just like what happens when the people on the earth reject the teachings and guidance of a prophet. The Lord stops revealing through his prophets, and the world falls into apostasy. It was a great chapter, and I learned a lot about the importance of a prophet, and how we need to follow his guidance. Sorry if that was a little confusing...
Last preparation day we climbed up to a castle on the hill right behind the center of the city. It was really fun, and had an incredible view of the entire area. Burgos is such a beautiful city. We then went and walked through the city to find Elder Webber some shoes. We had a great time walking in and out of some really fancy shoe shops that made me feel like a millionaire just sitting on the couches inside. Pretty cool being in Spain!
A visit with the new misson president
7/27 This week, we had a wonderful visit with Luminita and her family. We were able to bring a member with us, and she helped out so much! We were teaching about the Word of Wisdom and helping one of the sons to quit smoking. The member was such a perfect help for us! She told him that if he would pray and tell God that he did not want to smoke anymore, he would receive help, and he will be able to quit. He got so excited about that, and I am excited to see his progress. The other two sons have already reported a lot of progress in their efforts to quit. I am really excited about this family! Now we just need to find a way to get them all to church.
Now, a little bit about the member who helped us. Her name is Maria, and she has to be the most faithful, strongest member I have ever seen. After the visit with Luminita and her family, we stayed outside and talked with her for a while. She told us that she is having a difficult time right now with not having a whole lot of support from family. Despite her challenges and setbacks, which are several, she still comes to church every week, and she even took time away from her family to help us with a visit because she felt it was important. Even though she is going through a really rough time with really tough trials, you would never be able to tell because she is the happiest person you have ever seen. She always has the biggest smile on her face, and she just lights up the room whenever she walks in. Her faith and testimony are so inspiring to me. You can just see so clearly how the gospel can bless one's life and/or attitude just by watching her. My testimony was strengthened because of her inspiring attitude, even in the hardest of times.
This week I had interviews with President Dayton for the first time. He is a wonderful man, and I have no doubt he has been called of God to serve here. It is quite a journey to get to Vitoria from here, so we had to take a 2 hour long bus in the morning. On the plus side, I did get to see a lot of the northern countryside which puts Vilafranca to shame. It is so gorgeous here! My goodness! When we got there, we got to talk with Hermana Dayton while we were waiting. She is way nice. She use to be an image counselor, so she went around telling each of us what colors would go best with our skin tones. Haha, super funny. My best color is a light navy blue. I knew there must have been some reason why I have so many blue things. The interview went wonderfully, and from what he can see of my accomplishments, however few they may be, he said I am a very talented and well rounded person. Again, not sure how true that is, but it was very kind of him. I am looking forward to getting to know him and serve with him for the next year or so.
Anyways, love you all so much!! Have a wonderful week!!
Now, a little bit about the member who helped us. Her name is Maria, and she has to be the most faithful, strongest member I have ever seen. After the visit with Luminita and her family, we stayed outside and talked with her for a while. She told us that she is having a difficult time right now with not having a whole lot of support from family. Despite her challenges and setbacks, which are several, she still comes to church every week, and she even took time away from her family to help us with a visit because she felt it was important. Even though she is going through a really rough time with really tough trials, you would never be able to tell because she is the happiest person you have ever seen. She always has the biggest smile on her face, and she just lights up the room whenever she walks in. Her faith and testimony are so inspiring to me. You can just see so clearly how the gospel can bless one's life and/or attitude just by watching her. My testimony was strengthened because of her inspiring attitude, even in the hardest of times.
This week I had interviews with President Dayton for the first time. He is a wonderful man, and I have no doubt he has been called of God to serve here. It is quite a journey to get to Vitoria from here, so we had to take a 2 hour long bus in the morning. On the plus side, I did get to see a lot of the northern countryside which puts Vilafranca to shame. It is so gorgeous here! My goodness! When we got there, we got to talk with Hermana Dayton while we were waiting. She is way nice. She use to be an image counselor, so she went around telling each of us what colors would go best with our skin tones. Haha, super funny. My best color is a light navy blue. I knew there must have been some reason why I have so many blue things. The interview went wonderfully, and from what he can see of my accomplishments, however few they may be, he said I am a very talented and well rounded person. Again, not sure how true that is, but it was very kind of him. I am looking forward to getting to know him and serve with him for the next year or so.
Anyways, love you all so much!! Have a wonderful week!!
Welcome to Burgos!
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