Returning Home - 19-20 October 2021

 Elder Blazzard concludes his mission today and is traveling to Lima and then to the states. We will pick him up tomorrow morning in Salt Lake City. 

Wrap it up ... up.

 Rápida semana! Lots happening and a lot of work to do. There's nothing better to do than serve and teach others the doctrine of Christ. Franco has been super busy with work but has been praying and doing his review studies over what he learned from conference. We can try our best to prepare him for baptism this coming Saturday but it's his conversion and we're happy he's on the right track. 

Ezequiel Salvador was baptized on Friday and I had the opportunity to speak to him and his family about this great decision to follow the Savior and be an example to all his friends. I promised him that all of life's difficulties won't just go away but that he'll have a clearer understanding and guide as to how to roll with the punches. 

The best meeting out of the thousands had to be with both President Salinas of the mission and President Leon of the Castilla Stake. We shared some statistics from the missionaries in the zone and what we need from the Stake members to progress the work. We have been working with the young men to give them some missionary experience. One kid, Jean Pierre, definitely needed some guidance and I'm glad to be a part of his preparation to continue the most important work on Earth. 

Yesterday a sister called us to teach her 4 children with strong desires to be baptized. You really never know what can happen in the field and you better be ready to see huge miracles thrown right in your face. It makes me happy and what more would you need. We all have a responsibility to share experiences and the blessings of the gospel to others. All the studying and praying and attending church isn't for you, it is for someone else. Maybe you know who it's all for or maybe you don't, the side-effects are a happy soul and the bright light of Christ in your life and the lives of your loved ones. 

Don't be dismayed, remember the promise you made and come through with it. Chao y'all

GC - Bueno

We invited every living thing in Peru this past week to watch General Conference and I'm glad we did because the messages were amazing! Just one of the many things I loved was Elder Vaiangina Sikahema's talk about God's house of order and his invitation to seek the sequence God has in store for me. I will continue to reflect upon the ideas the Holy Spirit allowed into my mind until the next conference in just another 6 months. 

We held zone conference this past week where we discussed trust in the spirit and focusing solely upon the work. We have some work to do as a zone and things are looking great. 

We had super spiritual lessons with Hermano Yeiber talking about the Restoration living prophets and apostles in our day. I still find myself astonished as we share this news with people and that's a true testament to me of the divine power of the gospel. A young man named Salvador is preparing for his baptism this coming weekend and he's a stud as we've gone through the discussions with him as well. He'll be a great example for his family and a huge light to his friends I'm sure. 

I can't seem to get my mind off Conference and I think that's a good thing. Some more truths I learned and will strive to apply to my life are searching and studying gospel principles in order to heighten my capability to receive revelation and practicing patience as well as kindness in order to foster unity in this chaotic world. Don't just keep what you learned to yourself, share it with others because I'm sure they need to hear it. Chao

Moroni

 Muy buenos días a todos! ¿Cómo están, cómo se encuentran? The week was great in missionary world, lots of experiences had and more memories made. We went on quite the hunt for new people to teach and found a total of 13 promising individuals. Our buddy Joaquin has been out with us almost daily to help and gain missionary experience. Its been amazing to see just in these few weeks his confidence grow and how the spirit guides him personally.

In a few family home evening lessons we shared Alma 48 reading about the characteristics of Moroni. What attribute can you work on, what can we do to be more like Moroni, and well, more like Jesus Christ. Later in the chapter we learn what it'd be like if we are were like Moroni. I hope to be like him and help others get there too. 

Our friend Dennis is working on some paperwork before his baptism, pray that it goes quickly so he can be sealed with his wife and children now. Please pray for Hermano Otero as well as he has gone through some difficulties within the church and stives to be a good father for his daughters who want to be baptized. Lastly, Franco came to church yesterday and he wasn't the only one crying from feeling of the spirit in that chapel. Even through all the noise from outside and literally dogs walking down the aisles, he was thankful to be there after so much time. He met a lot of members and talked with the bishop for awhile about his situation. After a lesson about the Plan of Salvation we set a baptismal date for the 9th. He's driven by familia and wants to do what's right. 

I'm excited to see what lies ahead and am thankful for every day here in Peru. I am especially excited for this coming weekend to be spiritually uplifted by the living prophets and apostles. Prepare questions and bring whatever concerns you have, as long as faith presides than answers will come forth. Be safe and get it done, chao.

La Obra de Castilla

Hey it's early and we're in a minibus heading out to some cool location, I'll include pics once we make it. *Update* We are the bus headed back, burnt and tired after an awesome hike to what I'd imagine the Waters of Mormon looking like. 

Can't remember a whole lot from the past week but it was amazing nonetheless. We have been teaching a ton of great people here in Castilla and we have a few people with desires to be baptized. Brother Franco reached out to us after having fallen away from missionary contact for awhile, he is going through some family issues and wants to do what's right to bring them back together. We talked about following Christ's example and being that light for his children who need him. He wants to be baptized in order to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Another inactive member Lorena has been attending again and her nonmember husband wants to know more, with plans to be baptized as well. We had a great FHE lesson with the Nizama family about missionary work, discussing what we must do to prepare ourselves personally in order to invite with power. If you have the desire, you are called to the work. 

This past week involved multizone conference, leadership meetings, interviews with President, and a few office visits. Lots of traveling and money but experiences made and fun had. We've been taking out our buddy Joaquin for some visits so he could get a little mission experience in before his mission in January. We've just been having him share his testimony more than anything because that's the most critical part and when the spirit truly conveys the message to the person. He's a great kid just nervous like everyone is, he'll be a great missionary. Service highlight has to be sanding down some the walls of an investigator's house after a pyro accident. The grit of the sand paper wasn't tough enough and we scrubbed as hard as we could to get the black off. My back was calling it after balancing on a plastic stool and wiping the ceiling for a couple hours. 

Anyways, church was great yesterday and the ward is popping as usual thanks to all the activities like the stake youth musical and others planned for coming weeks. Listen to the impressions of the spirit and go with it. There's a lot more we could all learn. Chao¡

Heyo, since I last wrote on Wednesday things have been grinding here in Castilla. The baptism for Franzue went great on Thursday and we saw the family really come together. Unfortunately we weren't able to be there because of a leadership meeting with the mission president but we passed by later that evening for the birthday party. MLC was held in president's nice house because he's just awesome like that, and we had the best plate of lomo saltado and ceviche to top it off. I learned to think big and work big to see big miracles.

We have a great relationship with the members already and especially the YSA as pretty much all of them have callings. This place is reminding me of a lot of Knoxville where I finished my time in the states. That is, there's a lot of members and we're getting fed to the rafters, lots of hospitality and missionary interaction. We're walking lots to burn off the extra calories and really to see and talk with those in the streets. We had a great lesson with Aldo about prayer unity as a family. I gave my testimony about the unity of the church, how we're all connected and on the same page throughout the whole earth. Another with Elva who we taught about prophets and apostles leading up to Christ's earthly ministry. She was deeply interested about priesthood authority and wants to learn more. 

We haven't been doing just walking but also running as we are the ones with the keys to the church and the ward always has some activity. Now I've got a song to play on the piano for the youth next week. I was assigned a talk for yesterday to introduce myself to the ward and I shared some thoughts about the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A member very close to me who I know from my first area of the mission has family in the ward and his father passed way last week, the same day of the baptism actually. Franzue and all of them are related and I wanted to speak to them during my talk to let them know what I know to be true. Christ overcame death so that when it inevitably comes our way we know where we stand and are filled with an understanding of His love for us. We confirmed little Franzue a member of the church yesterday and confirmed our own testimonies of the atoning sacrifice of the Redeemer. "He is not here, for He is risen..."

New and Final Area Assignment

 Hey!! Writing on a Wednesday because transfers were this week and everyone was traveling all day Monday. I didn't think things would change heading into my last transfer but here I am in Castilla on the east side of Piura. I've already seen reasons as to why I'm here and I'm extremely blessed to finish my calling as a  servant of the Lord here. 

I started my mission on the other side of the city with my "Peruvian dad" John Camacho and here in Castilla lives his mother and extended family, one who will be baptized tomorrow. The ward members are amazing and I know that we will form amazing relationships. I love it so far, especially the fact that the ward is called "Los Pinos", referring to pine trees which I love. And living right next to the airport hearing planes fly over every 10 minutes isn't distracting at all. No really, I'm happy to be here and ready to work hard. 

I can't leave out my last week in Paita though, started the week off with a hospital visit for one of the elders in the zone. He broke his ankle going down some stairs, they called us quickly and I quickly found myself wrapping gauze around his ankle which was bleeding ferociously. I don´t understand how that happens but he's healing up now in a cast and on crutches. We hosted a great Zoom activity for our investigators between our Peru ward and a ward from Texas, talking about eternal families. Did lots of service throughout the week which is always a blast and a great way to spread word. We helped the local recreation club unload 180 sacks of donated food from the church into their facility, I was real happy when the boss told us we'd be free to use the basketball court and such. 

I was called to remember a quote I learned in the MTC, ´´I shall not want´´ as we received transfer news and I'm out of Paita just like that. But like I explained, I'm sure Castilla will be awesome and I can't wait to see what situations God puts me in these next few weeks. 

Thanks for being lights to those around you, take care! Chao fam

El Centro

Good morning a todos! Awesome first week in the new house in downtown Paita. Everything's closer and we don't have to travel nearly as much. We were able to stuff most everything in the super tiny apartment but dang my back's hurtin after loading things around. We don't have a fridge or stove and our mattresses are inches apart but it's all the the experience and I'm making the best of it. 

Exchanges with the Assistants to the President were great as we hosted English class for the whole mission and discussed some great plans for the zone. Best of all, we set a baptismal date with Cynthia! She's shy but willing to converse with the Lord and follow His will. Thus we see that setting goals works and straight up sending it with faith and boldness can bring about miracles. Other whom we've been teaching that I'll point out are Miguel who was an online referral looking to turn things around. 

Another guy Edgar we found through technology as well has been learning about the power of prayer and how to show faith to God. We pray with him daily to get him into the routine and he's been feeling greater throughout the week. 

About Thursday we saved some kittens that were stuck in a deep slot between houses. They were done for, just needed some help by someone who cared to save them. Christ cares a whole lot and wants you out of that hole.

I had the opportunity to speak in church yesterday about the mercies of the Lord and relation with the Holy Spirit. "That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." (Alma 34:38) I hope everyone has a great week and remembers God. To quote my compañero, "La vida no es fácil, es simple."

Chao

Back in Paita

 Hey y'all, update from the Peruvian. Dicho of the week has definitely got to be "Que rico Paita!" This coming from all the speed bumps we've been facing as a zone. The week started off with interviews with President Salinas and since we were all already stuck in Piura, it wasn't much of a trip. I'm thankful for that interview though because I was able to receive some guidance and realignment regarding the current situation. He related my mission to a game of basketball which he somehow knew I loved. We're in the final seconds and I've got to to the last shot up no matter what, give it my all, to win. I have power and authority to do things that I won't be able to do in a couple months and I can't just waste that. 

Anyways, once we finally returned to Paita we encountered issues with the same family that has been following the missionaries. So for safety President has had us all in casual clothes until tomorrow to keep everything on the down low. Well I'm still a big white guy but I'm sure they didn't suspect a thing.

So they rest of the week was filled with virtual lessons and grinding on the Facebook pages. But we always find a way out on the streets and that was awesome as usual. We finally have a new apartment in the downtown area and it's crazy tiny, so a perfect fit. Over the weekend we hosted a face to face event for the zone page which was a huge hit. We threw some commonly asked questions about marriage and family to a couple in the stake and it went great. My comp and I are posting more and more music and such on our little area page as well, keeping things thriving. Families can be together forever, the work is pressing on as it should, and I can't remember much else for now. 

Stay safe, be happy. Chao

santos humos!

 Buen día! Holy smokes this past week was thrown through a tumbler, and I've learned even more. My favorite thing to do as a missionary is walk and talk with people. We find the most interesting stories and connect the gospel in miraculous ways. We've been house hunting and contacting like crazy, happy to report success on both fronts. We'll be moving in soon and befriending the new neighbors in no time.

Things were going great until we received a call from the assistants notifying us that over half the zone will leave and live in Piura for the remainder of the week. To sum up the story as to why, someone here in Paita knows our addresses, phone numbers, and schedules, so the mission president's taking precautions. So we've been here in Piura for the past several days and made the best of it. Technology is still powerful as ever and we've kept the work alive as best we can being an hour away from our areas. 

Teaching about the Restoration to our friend Cinthia was special as we felt the same testifying Spirit through the phone and she prayed on the spot to know if it's true. The guys we've been rooming with are pretty cool here too so it's been a blast. Church is true no matter what, have an awesome week!¡! Chao

Can't be a Disciple without Discipline

 Wow so the weeks are flying by like usual and I can't recall much. I know it was an awesome week overall though as we found tons of new people to teach and progressed well with our current investigators. The week started with a fire multizone conference. President Salinas taught us how gaining the trust of the Lord is much more vital than gaining His love because He already loves us infinitely. He broke down definitions of righteousness, discipleship, and meditation upon the scriptures. And I'll just tell you that my mission president loves the work and leads with power and desire. I now better understand that I can't be a disciple without discipline, there's a reason those words are similar. Everyone left the conference with the groundwork on becoming a 'Misionero de Fuego'. This focus really led the week in finding and teaching true principles with power and authority. 

Our friend Cinthia came to church and loved it, we found this elderly gentleman Tomas near the fishing docks, and blessed Hermana Graciela to overcome her illness. What more is there to do, there's lots and we're going to keep going. I'll leave the rest of the stories to tell in person. 

Thanks for the support and efforts, take care and remember your worth. Chao

🐕‍🦺 Life in Peru - Missionary Superseded

 Buen día cholitos qué tal? Crazy week here as a dog almost bit my nose off, Perú celebrated 200 years of independence, and I experienced my first earthquake. It was the first week of the new transfer which is hard to believe because my comp and I are bros and we're grinding the work out all ready. The ward showed off their talent in a fun Zoom activity for the "Fiestas Patrias" independence day celebration. Some inactive folks were able to join and feel the closeness of this gospel represented by the Puerto Paita Ward. It was this same day recording videos for the activity when a member's dog lunged at my face and gave me a cut on the bridge of my nose, don't dance with Peruvian dogs. 

A new investigator named Cinthia is very promising as she was introduced to us by a member and seemed very humble and ready to learn. A few more great lessons occurred and people where given commitments to come to church up until they literally got shook by an earthquake. I would expect something like this to push people to take action but it really freaked a lot of people out. A 6.1 earthquake centered near the city of Sullana shook us and other surrounding towns for several seconds on Friday and shockwaves coming and going through the weekend. 

I am grateful for the immediate peace that Christ gives me and I only hope to share this with others during these trying times. In missionary leadership council we discussed how we can increase expectations and at the same time increase our love for our missionaries. My comp and I plan on leading by example and praying for our zone to feel their own spiritual impressions. What is your worth? We all know we're children of God and that makes us priceless but what does it truly mean to be a child of God? Try finding that out this coming week and reflect on the feelings and thoughts that come to you, because that's the Spirit talking. Chao 

Staying in Paita

 Buenos morning all, what have you learned this past week. Things are going great as we finished up the transfer and changes are happening once again. Not too much for me personally because I'm staying for another 6 weeks! I am so excited and thankful for more time I have here in beautiful Paita. I searching eagerly for what more God would have me do here. This past week was a blast as we broadcasted some great activities and strengthened missionary work in the stake. The musical show was a hit as tons of people connected and were able to feel the spirit through music. 

Ben and Audri are progressing well and learning all about the commandments God has given us because He loves us. We have received some awesome referrals from some members, one being  Cynthia who has desired to learn and understand God's plan for her. She is humble and seeing this makes me happy as I have learned how necessary humility is regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pioneer Day was a smashing success as many members and investigators were able to connect via Zoom. 

It was great to work with my sister as she shared  presentation and we shared the importance of pioneers in our lives today. Many people are their own pioneers having been baptized recently and they have the great responsibility of treading the path for their prosperity. Yesterday was amazing baking American cookies for anyone and everyone. I may have ate a little too much raw dough and after walking all afternoon until the chilly evening, the cold didn't help much. Recovering at the moment but it was worth it and they seem to enjoy them. Work comes in all shapes and sizes, just adjust and keep pushing. Bishop asked me to give a talk last minute yesterday which was awesome because I had to depend upon the Spirit a ton. I shared the story of Christ walking upon the water in Mark and how it's a commandment to be of good cheer. Like all commandments it might be difficult to keep at times but you have to try. 

I hope we feel a great responsibility as members of the true church to always be full of joy and the light of Christ so that others and see me feel for themselves. Faith moves mountains, I know that to be true. Chao 

Paita Life

 Buenos días familia y todos!! Sad to think I'm heading into my last week as a missionary in Paita, nothing's official yet but transfers are next week and I'm probably leaving. Glad to say that this last week was productive and a memorable one to say the least. Our district kicks off our week with district councils and an Elder gave us a great lesson on the power of the spirit in our everyday lives as missionaries. 

I pray to remember these experiences beyond the mission because I know it won't be the same, the spirit with a servant of the Lord is truly special. Some lessons early in the week that stand out in my memory are with Marlon and Segundo. Marlon's family members are members and he has been learning for a while, he attends church and understands a lot of the doctrine, just not his time yet. We shared the story of the tree of life in Nephi 8 and the symbolism we can apply to our lives. His family desires him to partake of the fruit just like Lehi desires his wife and children to come to the tree. 

With a new investigator, Segundo, it was hard to stay on track with a principle but that made us flow with the spirit and teach him what he needed to hear. We love to share and explain parables from the bible as many are very acquainted with the book, and it is a great way to understand their ability to read scriptures. Again we had the chance to share the amazing Ask of God video and this time it was with the Marchena family. It brings the spirit strongly and explains the power of prayer, and hearing the father of the family's testimony about the restoration was amazing. The kids look up to him and are learning great gospel principles early on. 

Interviews with President Salinas were an awesome boost in the middle of the week as he identified and proposed a plan to my current difficulties. I noticed how after I said some things he paused and took time to listen and give the answer that God wanted me to hear. Friday we deep cleaned the church in preparation for ward conference which had a great turnout thanks to some administering we did together as a zone. We split and conquered the whole area in one night finding and inviting all to the conference. President Martinez of the stake spoke about acts of faith and the wonderful examples we have in the Puerto Paita ward. A great week in all, memories made work done. Chao!

Semana Awsama

What can I say, another awesome week in this wonderful country! We have been teaching, sharing, and inviting like crazy these past weeks and we don't plan on letting up at all. There's news to be told and I love being a part of it. This past week consisted of progressive lessons with some investigators, some morale boosting for inactive members, a few more blessings for the sick, awesome FHE nights, and Facebook live videos; that's some missionary work summed up. 

Multizone Conference was held with our new mission president where we learned some applicable lessons to become better servants of the Lord. He shared 3 Nephi 27:21-22 and the idea that we all must KNOW in order to DO so that we can BE what God would have us to be. I can't DO anything if I don't KNOW how and I can't BECOME anyone if I don't DO the actions necessary. 

This same day we had a spiritual family home evening activity with the Fiestas family and about 10 of their non-member family attended. We shared some scriptures relating to the will of God and watched a short video to cap it off. Everyone participated and felt touched by the Spirit, what more could I ask for. 

As a zone we have been organizing and preparing for a live musical activity we will broadcast in a couple weeks and things are looking good for the most part. We are working hard to stay on top of Facebook and contacting those that react to the page. This past weekend we broadcasted a quick English class to test out some tech stuff and of course teach some English. The marker we used for the whiteboard may have been a permanent one but you got to do what you got to do. I think it went well for the most part as we taught the importance of prayer and how to pray in English. Because it doesn't matter what language you pray in right, God listens to the intents of your soul and loves you for your effort. 

A young man walked into the chapel yesterday for the church service and he needed help. He's here in Paita alone with his family still back in Venezuela. He's a member and wants to get back on track. He walked in on his own, began his journey on his own, and now we are here to help him along. The missionaries can't do everything for someone, that's not conversion, we're just the two bumpers put up at the bowling alley keeping the ball on track. 

All is well here on the coast of Peru, time's flying and I'm not trying to think about it too much. 

Cuidense mucho, Dios les bendiga!

New Mission President Wisdom

 Una semana muy rápido acá en Paita, no puedo creerlo! Things are pumping forward in the area and with the members. The relationships are strengthening and we are beginning to see the blessings. We have found a few more people to teach this week and some are within a family which makes things easier as families are central to the plan and they can help one another construct their testimonies. Some things that stick out to me from this past week are the opportunities we had to give blessings to those in need. The power of the priesthood is amazing and we should always be exercising it, no matter what might be going on in the world. 

We love teaching Christ's parables to families and give them homework for our next family home evening activity. One family in particular was a little inactive and we firmly invited them to church now that we are holding meetings in the chapel. They were able to show up and one of the daughters even brought her boyfriend, who we then obtained information from and will begin teaching soon. Tuesday was the day of the fisher and here in Paita that meant a lot. Insane parties all day and some crazy parades, definitely checking it out again in the future. We had MLC this past week as well and were able to meet the new mission president; he's a super cool guy from Lima who is all about love and family. My comp and I presented a PowerPoint that we were assigned by the assistants and in the middle of discussing problems and issues in the zones, the president decided to throw in a few words. He said that there will always be problems no matter what and we need to look ahead, focusing on what we can do now. He kept saying he's a magnet for bad luck but something that his mother taught him young was that there are no bad situations but only opportunities. This positive attitude is awesome and helpful for me so I am looking forward to hearing more from him and the ideas he has to get the work going. 

Towards the end of the weekend we had another great FHE night with the Fiestas family where we shared some lines from Ether. A lot of this book includes boats and things like that and being here in Paita, a fishing powerhouse, I thought it would apply well. We shared the importance of anchoring ourselves in Christ during the storms of the sea that we will face and trusting that God will provide a way(Ether 12:4, 2:25). 

Thanks for all you do, keep doing it. CHAO

Live church and saying goodbye to the mission president and his wife.

 Last days of June are flying by and the work is pushing forward here in Paita. This past week we have planned a lot of things into the work for the rest of this transfer. We are looking to hold a few mission nights with a couple wards with hopes to strengthen the relationship between wards in the stake. We also are excited to see some area invasions for the missionaries here to better learn of the area and more effectively help their members. My companion and I did lots of walking this past week which was awesome, it felt nice to be out and wave to the people in real life rather than a lagging phone screen. The fact that we don't have the sufficient money to travel has given us this opportunity so I am thankful. 

We were able to meet with some recent converts as well such as Maria and her two kiddos. Their living conditions are some of the worst I've seen and it doesn't change the relationship they have together one bit. Happiness within a family is obtained through prayer, scripture study, and living gospel principles, whether you're on dirt or carpet it doesn't matter. A couple blocks down from Maria is Anthony and his family, this past week we talked about having the spirit within the home. They shared some life trials they're been through and how having a positive attitude about it all and helped them grow closer as a family. We discussed what we can do to invite the spirit within the home and how we can better recognize the blessings from God. We had the opportunity to share some quick lessons with some member families as well and we focused on helping them improve their scripture study. We read some parables from the bible with them and it was cool to see how involved they got. We will check in on their commitments to see how they've applied the things they have learned, always ponder on and try to apply what you read. 

A few people we spoke to over the phone have been bed ridden in the hospital and though there would be no way to visit them, this is where the power of technology plays in as we have been able to simply pray with them and give them the comfort that Christ offers. We have finally been able to get in contact with the Zervallos family and begin teaching the two children Ben and Audri. Have you ever learned more as the teacher let alone why teaching two kids, well yeah these guys are geniuses and prepped for the font. We just have to review the lessons and get them to Paita as they are currently still away from town. They know their Savior and desire to make promises with Him. Additionally, this past week I said goodbyes to my first of four mission presidents. President and Hermana Vega have taught me what it means to be a determined disciple of Christ and I'm thankful for their efforts in the field. Last night my comp and I received news that we'll be giving a presentation at MLC this week and with the new prez I'm hoping things go well. Yesterday was also the first time in a very long time that church was held in-person at the chapel. 

A small list of members were admitted and all the old ladies were crying. It was an effective blessing for the members here to be able to see each other and worship as one. Missionary weeks are flying and I'm happy to be here, do what you can and He'll take care of the rest. Chao fam

New Zone - Basically

 Buenos días a todos, cómo han estado? Busy busy first week of the transfer here with my new companion Elder Flores. He's 19 too and loves basketball and guitar, so we get along great already. I am truly thankful for this quick transition and getting to work like we have this past week. We have been on calls getting acquainted with the members more and lifting their spirits, the ward is amazing and I have grown some life-long relationships. We had another set of Elders added to the district as well and they are a great group of guys ready to work no matter the circumstances. We run in the mornings and practice lots of English, I admire their goals and aspirations for learning the language and supporting their families. 

The days were really full with talking to people over the phone and sharing messages with everyone. The spirit felt through a phone call is something special and the holy ghost has helped me to best understand their needs through their story-telling and tone of voice. Unfortunately many people are swamped with work and sharing the gospel can be difficult so we are grateful to be led to those who are ready and willing to listen. Our friend Dennis who had a baptismal date has not been contactable and we are working through members who know him. The majority of notable calls were with recent converts and we focused on the importance of enduring to the end and carrying on the work to others who need the good message. The Father's Day celebrations are legit down here and the holiday is taken very seriously. For example, yesterday no one was found in the streets and everything was shut down, felt like a Sunday in Utah. The Puerto Paita Ward held a live Zoom broadcast Saturday night for all the fathers in the ward. We helped out with the tech and our buddy Israel hosted the show. The dads loved seeing different talents from the youth and songs from their wives, a great time overall. Happy Fathers Day to my dad, made me who I am.

I listened to some great talks this past week and got really into Liahona. Troy Dunn in a talk he gave to youth titled, "Roller Coaster of Life" invites us to imagine what a roller coaster would be like if it just went straight with zero turns. I love roller coasters and that one would be pretty dang boring. Roller coasters have inclines and drops and loops and can be pretty scary sometimes. Life is like a roller coaster with ups and downs, that's how it should be, super awesome and frightening. Expect the downhills to come and have faith in Christ that you will start rising again. Pull something else out of the message if you'd like but as for me I learned of life's great journey and how I need to perceive it. "Men are that they MIGHT have joy", your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father. Chao

 - heating up water for a baptism

Zona Cambios Y Regional Work

 Wow what a great final week of the transfer here in Paita. I am staying for another transfer and all the companionships are getting new comps. We grew together as a family and change is difficult, but that's the mission and we're all headed towards the new transfer with loads of energy. My new comp is pretty old in the mission too and it will be great. Looking forward to work with all the new soldiers in the zone and planning for success. This past week we were busy as ever with scheduling appointments for this week to come and getting Anthony ready for his baptism. It was amazing and he did a great job, we're proud of him and know that his family needed to witness his faith through baptism. In his testimony afterwards he was trying to describe how he felt. He said "good" and that he knew this was the only true church in the world; God sure is good isn't He. On Friday we held a great activity with the zone called 'Invasions'' which I've explained before. But this time we loaded up in vans and trekked north to the Pueblo Nuevo branch. Our stake conference was over the weekend and we had to let all the inactive members know in person. Missionaries used to be there in the past but because of recent obstacles they haven't been able to minister there easily. The place was beautiful, out of no where we dropped out of the flat desert into low, green farmlands. A big river flows through and ancient looking windmills pump water over there acres of various fruit plants. Why were cities settled up in the flat dusty deserts and not along this river where plants and life are booming? I'll study on it later but know we're focused on missionary work. A few of us and the branch president headed 20 minutes through legit jungle to a tiny town called Miramar. We crossed the river on a boat and visited some old old members. Oldest was Felipe with 91 years on this planet, sitting outside his house reading the greatest book ever. A great experience that I could go on about but you get the idea, about 40 people were able to attend the conference. The church is true so the work is true and I understand that more every day. 

Elder Christofferson taught in the weekly devotional about how The Book of Mormon helps us to become true disciples of Jesus Christ; his third point stated that we must understand and feel our accountability before Christ. He referred to Enos 1:27 and our preparation before our father. I'd like to include a portion of Bruce R. McConkie's words just 2 weeks before he passed.

"And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person.

I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears.

But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way (“The Purifying Power of Christ,” General Conference, April 1985).

I will remember that my return to the presence of God can be a happy and a peaceful experience. I will strive to repent of my sins and to serve others, so that I might look forward one day, as did Enos and Bruce and Papa Bruce, to a joyful reunion with God.

Christ in America

 Apparently this didn't send earlier but all good, here we are in Paita still killing it. Great week truly with solid lessons and video making all around. Our friend Dennis is doing good and will be back from Ecuador soon for his baptism. Little Anthony learned about commandments this past week and understood it like a champ. His older sister may have helped out a bit but that's why families are so important. Looking forward to a smooth interview and baptism on Saturday. While out and about grabbing clips and coordinating keys with bishop we met some kids. We were about to hike up the stairs from Kung Fu Panda to our apartment and they warned us about some rabid gang of dogs at the top. We talked to them some more and blew their minds with the fact that Christ visited the Americas. We passed them a card and are waiting for the call from mom and dad. Then we were eaten by dogs. jk

As a mission we discussed the lesson from 'Come, follow me' on D&C 60-62. I learned that I must open my mouth and teach with power and authority. Christ is my advocate which means He will defend me and you always. We must look to Christ to re-form by grace what we have de-formed by sin. May this hope for wholeness point our westward-wandering souls eastward toward a garden, a cross, and an empty tomb.

Cardiology and the Holy Ghost

 Buenas días, cómo están qué tal? Last night as a mission we listened to the devotional talk by Elder Dale G. Renlund where he listed off 14 parallels between cardiology and revelation from the Holy Ghost. I learned about revelation and how I can better strengthen myself to receive it. From 2 Peter 1:5-8 we learn of attributes necessary to have the knowledge of the Lord. Listen to and apply these parallels and I know you will benefit from them greatly. 

Now I'm talking about something that happened yesterday because I don't really remember the rest of the week before that. We stay plenty busy working with the missionaries and coordinating the Facebook page which has seen a lot of success this past week. We helped the Elders in charge of content record some video and we have some awesome plans coming up such as a interview with a psychologist where we'll talk about how to combat stress, and English classes which I'm pumped for. Some lesson experiences that come to mind were with Ámbar and Luis who are in a rough spot and are willing to come into Christ. Also our little man Anthony is learning more and more and is just about ready for the font. 

Great week, always adjusting and understanding more about Perú. Chao Chao mani

Meetings

It has been a week about meetings here in Perú. My testimony of the organization and order of Christ's church has grown even more. This past week we had interviews with President. We cleaned up the church and prepped the zone so that everything would go smoothly. 

I received some needed guidance and everyone's interviews went great. Leadership council was Wednesday and we learned about trust, communication, and connection. Our presence is crucial to how we can teach and how others can receive us. We practiced and improved our approaches and I left feeling prepared. We studied 1 Corinthians 14:19-20, "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."

On Friday we had a multi-zone conference where we recalled the message from President Nelson about 'Let God Prevail'. His Son Jesus Christ is at the center and everything we do must be revolved and focused on Him. Mosiah 26:17 talks about establishing the church; what are we doing to establish the church where we are right now? Love, share, and invite with faith of action and power.

We had some amazing lessons with our little friend Anthony throughout the week. We met up on Saturday to talk about the plan of happiness and it was his 9th birthday too. His parents are great and accepting to us, his baptism is coming up soon. We also had another zone invasion activity in the area of some elders. It was exciting and we got a run of people back in contact with their missionaries. Days are packed and we're pretty busy, it's awesome. Chow mein everyone!

Working the Zone - Los Tres

 Another quick and solid week working hard here in Paita. Lots of miracles occurred and wish I would have done a better job of recording them like always. Almost everyone in the mission left this past week to Trujillo to go through the temple for the first time. It was great to feel their enlightened spirits when they returned and it made me really miss the temple. The song "I Love to See the Temple" has been pounding in my head and I can't wait to go inside again someday. While they were gone, me and two other Elders held down the whole zone which was tons of fun and super busy. Unfortunately they were both ill and we were traveling to medical appointments a lot but nonetheless we are blessed to have the necessary technology. 

We had a few productive meetings with the stake president and mission president talking about progression forms for those we're teaching. The leadership in our wards can access this information and better help us with the needs of the person. Coming into the zone I noticed the missionaries have not been filling out their area books online with the necessary points so the members are not caught up. We've been working with the companionships one by one on how to better utilize this tool. Lesson is that logging this information is important because this is a church of organization.

Sunday was filled with miracles. I had the opportunity to give a talk in zoom church about grace and I couldn't have had a better topic to speak about. I shared some points from Brad Wilcox's "Grave is Sufficient" talk and I invite to read it a couple times over. Some inactive members were able to hear it and we have lessons set with them later this week. 

We blessed the sacrament like we always do for our friend Anita and she directed us to the boonies where her inactive friend Felicita lived. We shared a quick message after the ordinance and we will teach her nonmember kids later this week too. On the way out from her neighborhood we caught the only mototaxi within sight. His name is Juan Carlos and he's elect. Life as a missionary is something else, thankful for the struggles because that makes these miracles so much better. 

Chao todos!!