A Christmas in Chile
For me Christmas has always been what’s inside the box.
It has to be something well thought out, not just a pair of socks.
Christmas just wasn’t complete It there weren’t 30 gifts for me
They all had to be wrapped and neatly placed under our real Christmas tree.
The stockings that hung by the chimney with care weren’t just the normal size…
They had to be extra big, so various gifts could fit inside.
You can’t forget the lights and tree, the cooking there is to do.
Even with decorations put up there is still more left for you.
There are always more parties then there are days that you & the family can attend.
And when you get feeling the Christmas spirit, a helping hand you really should lend.
And don’t forget the Christmas cards you still have to write,
By this time half the month is over, December is almost out of sight.
The shopping, the gifting, all there is to do really can distract
And take away from the spirit and your Christmas like tact.
So to all you crazy Christmasers I once was one of you,
And then something happened to me that could happen to you too.
I spent Christmas without the gifts, the parities, lights, and even the tree
But what I quickly realized is those things don’t matter to me.
You can do Christmas without the decorations, you can do it without the snow.
You can even feel the Christmas spirit with not one party to throw.
You see I’ll spend this Christmas with something else in mind.
This Christmas I’m His servant, all the rest I’ll leave behind.
I imagine for one second I was the one who saw the star,
Or one of the three wisemen who brought gifts and traveled far.
Or would I be the Innkeeper that turned them both away?
Only to send the Savior to be laid in a manger full of hay.
So this Christmas that I’ll have without the normal things
He will help me remember truly the wonders this holiday brings.
I am so blessed to be the one to tell all that I see
I know I have a Savior and tell them what He’s done for me.
This Christmas is a special one because I will wear His name
And share with all the message that years ago this day our Savior came.
By Hermana Tiffany Pasker,
Dec 2008, Chile Santiago North Mission
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Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
In My Pretty Gardens.....
I had the opportunity last week to visit with mission home gardener, Raul, for few minutes. As all of you know, he does a fantastic job keeping the mission home grounds beautiful. He has created a masterpiece of beautiful trees, flowers and plants. I asked him what part of his work brings him the most joy.
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He responded that it was caring for each individual plant so that it can flourish. I asked him how he goes about doing that. He says that it is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each plant. I pointed to the rose and asked him to identify one of its strengths and one of its weaknesses. He said the roses can do well in the cold but do not do well in competition with weeds. He said the roots will not grow and develop if there are roots of weeds close to them. Their roots will not extend out and grow normally like they would if there were no weeds. Therefore they do not receive the water and nutrients that they need to flourish. Their flowers will not grow as large and as beautifully. (Alma 32:37,38)
As I thought of my responsibilities and the gardner here in the Chile Santiago North mission, I also find great joy in knowing each of you individually so that I can help you flourish and become the greatest missionaries the Lord created you to be. This also applies to each of you as caretakers of your own gardens. The wards in which you work are your gardens. As you work with your investigators, church leaders and members, it requires diligence, faith, and patience. (Alma 32:42-43) It is my prayer that we can be inspired missionaries and that we live our lives in a way that they we can draw upon the powers of heaven to cultivate and care for our gardens so that one day the Lord will say to us, ¨Well done my good and faithful servant!
I love you,
Presidente May
Read more!
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He responded that it was caring for each individual plant so that it can flourish. I asked him how he goes about doing that. He says that it is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each plant. I pointed to the rose and asked him to identify one of its strengths and one of its weaknesses. He said the roses can do well in the cold but do not do well in competition with weeds. He said the roots will not grow and develop if there are roots of weeds close to them. Their roots will not extend out and grow normally like they would if there were no weeds. Therefore they do not receive the water and nutrients that they need to flourish. Their flowers will not grow as large and as beautifully. (Alma 32:37,38)
As I thought of my responsibilities and the gardner here in the Chile Santiago North mission, I also find great joy in knowing each of you individually so that I can help you flourish and become the greatest missionaries the Lord created you to be. This also applies to each of you as caretakers of your own gardens. The wards in which you work are your gardens. As you work with your investigators, church leaders and members, it requires diligence, faith, and patience. (Alma 32:42-43) It is my prayer that we can be inspired missionaries and that we live our lives in a way that they we can draw upon the powers of heaven to cultivate and care for our gardens so that one day the Lord will say to us, ¨Well done my good and faithful servant!
I love you,
Presidente May
Read more!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Bible Dictionary describes WISE MEN of the East, MAGI
Wise Men of the East (Matthew 2:1-12)
The scriptures state that wise men (how many is not recorded), guided by a new star, came to Bethlehem to worship Jesus sometime after his birth. Who these men were we are not told, but it is certain they were not ordinary men. That they were privileged to search out the Son of God and give him gifts, and that they were spiritually sensitive and knowledgeable, suggests that they were actually prophets on a divine errand. The customary identification of them as astrologers is a gross misrepresentation. They evidently were holy men from a land east of Palestine.
See also MAGI.
Their identification is not made known in the scriptures, but it is certain that they were righteous men sent on an errand to witness the presence of the Son of God on the earth. Their spiritual capacity is evident; They were able to see the star when others could not; they knew its meaning and brought gifts to the young child; and they were warned of God in a dream to return to their home by a safe route. Their knowledge was precise and accurate. It seems likely that they were representatives of a branch of the Lord’s people somewhere from east of Palestine, who were led by the Spirit, to behold the Son of God, and who returned to their people to bear witness that the King Immanuel had indeed been born in the flesh. We are not told how many wise men there were, but tradition usually speaks of three, because of the three gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. If they were serving in the capacity of witnesses, there would of necessity have been two or three.
(-- Bible Dictionary)
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The scriptures state that wise men (how many is not recorded), guided by a new star, came to Bethlehem to worship Jesus sometime after his birth. Who these men were we are not told, but it is certain they were not ordinary men. That they were privileged to search out the Son of God and give him gifts, and that they were spiritually sensitive and knowledgeable, suggests that they were actually prophets on a divine errand. The customary identification of them as astrologers is a gross misrepresentation. They evidently were holy men from a land east of Palestine.
See also MAGI.
Their identification is not made known in the scriptures, but it is certain that they were righteous men sent on an errand to witness the presence of the Son of God on the earth. Their spiritual capacity is evident; They were able to see the star when others could not; they knew its meaning and brought gifts to the young child; and they were warned of God in a dream to return to their home by a safe route. Their knowledge was precise and accurate. It seems likely that they were representatives of a branch of the Lord’s people somewhere from east of Palestine, who were led by the Spirit, to behold the Son of God, and who returned to their people to bear witness that the King Immanuel had indeed been born in the flesh. We are not told how many wise men there were, but tradition usually speaks of three, because of the three gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. If they were serving in the capacity of witnesses, there would of necessity have been two or three.
(-- Bible Dictionary)
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Jesus Christ, The Light to the World
Elder Bruce R. McConkie has told about Jesus Christ being the Savior of the World:
“Christ is the light; the gospel is the light; the plan of salvation is the light; ‘that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.’ As the light of the sun enters the body through our natural eyes, so the light of heaven—the light of the Spirit which illuminates our souls—enters through our spiritual eyes.”
We can be like a mirror and direct light even into dark places. We are NOT the sources of light; nevertheless, through us light can be reflected to others. We must return and report our stewardship and our words in the heavens when we leave this mortal life. Therefore let us teach and testify with no hesitancy that Jesus Christ lives and He is the Holy Son, the one through whom we gain salvation. He is our Eternal Light.”
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“Christ is the light; the gospel is the light; the plan of salvation is the light; ‘that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.’ As the light of the sun enters the body through our natural eyes, so the light of heaven—the light of the Spirit which illuminates our souls—enters through our spiritual eyes.”
We can be like a mirror and direct light even into dark places. We are NOT the sources of light; nevertheless, through us light can be reflected to others. We must return and report our stewardship and our words in the heavens when we leave this mortal life. Therefore let us teach and testify with no hesitancy that Jesus Christ lives and He is the Holy Son, the one through whom we gain salvation. He is our Eternal Light.”
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THE CANDY CANE/ Baston de Pastores
Does the Candy Cane have some signifigant meaning that we should remember at Christmas time?
The Meaning of the Candy Cane
Hard Candy-Reminds us that Jesus is like a “Rock,” dependable.
Peppermint Flavor- Is like the gift of spices that the Wise Men brought.
White Candy- Stands for Jesus as the holy, sinless, pure Son of God.
Letter “J”- Is for the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Cane-Is like a staff used by shepherds in caring for sheep. Jesus is our “Good
Shepherd.” He wants us to feed His sheep.
Red color-Is for God’s love that sent Jesus to give his life and spill his blood for us on the cross.
The stripes-Reminds us of Jesus’ suffering—his crown of thorns, the wounds in his
hands and feet; and the cross on which he died.
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The Meaning of the Candy Cane
Hard Candy-Reminds us that Jesus is like a “Rock,” dependable.
Peppermint Flavor- Is like the gift of spices that the Wise Men brought.
White Candy- Stands for Jesus as the holy, sinless, pure Son of God.
Letter “J”- Is for the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Cane-Is like a staff used by shepherds in caring for sheep. Jesus is our “Good
Shepherd.” He wants us to feed His sheep.
Red color-Is for God’s love that sent Jesus to give his life and spill his blood for us on the cross.
The stripes-Reminds us of Jesus’ suffering—his crown of thorns, the wounds in his
hands and feet; and the cross on which he died.
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Read more!
TRUE CHRISTMAS JOY
Our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson has told us of the real joy in Christmas:
True Christmas JOY:
“Seeing a prodigal return…is a marvelous thing. To see someone, in the words of scripture, who comes to himself and resolves that “I will go to my Father,” is a marvelous journey for someone to make. The joy comes in seeing someone who has been crusty and difficult to deal with become more meek, or to see a family really come to love and appreciate each other. Those are the real miracles. The multitudes were fed five thousand loaves and fishes, yet they were hungry again the next day. But Jesus is the Bread of Life, and if we partake thereof then we will never be hungry again. The most lasting miracles are the miracles of transformation in people’s lives. These give one much joy, and while we can’t cause these to happen, the Lord lets us, at times, be instruments in that process. This brings us great joy.”
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True Christmas JOY:
“Seeing a prodigal return…is a marvelous thing. To see someone, in the words of scripture, who comes to himself and resolves that “I will go to my Father,” is a marvelous journey for someone to make. The joy comes in seeing someone who has been crusty and difficult to deal with become more meek, or to see a family really come to love and appreciate each other. Those are the real miracles. The multitudes were fed five thousand loaves and fishes, yet they were hungry again the next day. But Jesus is the Bread of Life, and if we partake thereof then we will never be hungry again. The most lasting miracles are the miracles of transformation in people’s lives. These give one much joy, and while we can’t cause these to happen, the Lord lets us, at times, be instruments in that process. This brings us great joy.”
Read more!
Miracle of Christmas is MORE...
This Christmas Season, let us remember what truly brings us the greatest, eternal Joy...knowling and loving Jesus Christ.
“But even if Christ had wrought no miracle—even if He had not walked upon the water, healed the sick, cast out devils, given sight to the blind, caused the lame to walk, or done anything else that men deem supernatural, was there not that about Him which bore unimpeachable testimony to His divinity?
What could be more divine than the life of One who “went about doing good: teaching men to give their enemies, to pray for those who persecuted them, and to do good unto others as they would that others should do unto them? It took a God to die for all men—foes as well as friends—and that act alone stamps divinity upon the character and mission of Jesus Christ.” --Orson F. Whitney, (1855-1931)
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“But even if Christ had wrought no miracle—even if He had not walked upon the water, healed the sick, cast out devils, given sight to the blind, caused the lame to walk, or done anything else that men deem supernatural, was there not that about Him which bore unimpeachable testimony to His divinity?
What could be more divine than the life of One who “went about doing good: teaching men to give their enemies, to pray for those who persecuted them, and to do good unto others as they would that others should do unto them? It took a God to die for all men—foes as well as friends—and that act alone stamps divinity upon the character and mission of Jesus Christ.” --Orson F. Whitney, (1855-1931)
Read more!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
President's Message
November 17, 2008
I had the opportunity last week to visit with mission home gardener Raul for few minutes. As all of you know, he does a fantastic job keeping the mission home grounds beautiful. He has created a masterpiece of beautiful trees, flowers and plants. I asked him what part of his work brings him the most joy.
He responded that it was caring for each individual plant so that it can flourish. I asked him how he goes about doing that. He says that it is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each plant. I pointed to the rose and asked him to identify one of its strengths and one of its weaknesses. He said the roses can do well in the cold but do not do well in competition with weeds. He said the roots will not grow and develop if there are roots of weeds close to them. Their roots will not extend out and grow normally like they would if there were no weeds. Therefore they do not receive the water and nutrients that they need to flourish. Their flowers will not grow as large and as beautifully. (Alma 32:37,38)
As I thought of my responsibilities and the gardener here in the Chile Santiago North mission, I also find great joy in knowing each of you individually so that I can help you flourish and become the greatest missionaries the Lord created you to be. This also applies to each of you as caretakers of your own gardens. The wards in which you work are your gardens. As you work with your investigators, church leaders and members, it requires diligence, faith, and patience. (Alma 32:42-43) It is my prayer that we can be inspired missionaries and that we live our lives in a way that they we can draw upon the powers of heaven to cultivate and care for our gardens so that one day the Lord will say to us, ¨Well done my good and faithful servant!
I love you,
Presidente May
"Predicad Mi Evangelio para Bautizar, Retener, Reactivar!
Read more!
I had the opportunity last week to visit with mission home gardener Raul for few minutes. As all of you know, he does a fantastic job keeping the mission home grounds beautiful. He has created a masterpiece of beautiful trees, flowers and plants. I asked him what part of his work brings him the most joy.
He responded that it was caring for each individual plant so that it can flourish. I asked him how he goes about doing that. He says that it is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each plant. I pointed to the rose and asked him to identify one of its strengths and one of its weaknesses. He said the roses can do well in the cold but do not do well in competition with weeds. He said the roots will not grow and develop if there are roots of weeds close to them. Their roots will not extend out and grow normally like they would if there were no weeds. Therefore they do not receive the water and nutrients that they need to flourish. Their flowers will not grow as large and as beautifully. (Alma 32:37,38)
As I thought of my responsibilities and the gardener here in the Chile Santiago North mission, I also find great joy in knowing each of you individually so that I can help you flourish and become the greatest missionaries the Lord created you to be. This also applies to each of you as caretakers of your own gardens. The wards in which you work are your gardens. As you work with your investigators, church leaders and members, it requires diligence, faith, and patience. (Alma 32:42-43) It is my prayer that we can be inspired missionaries and that we live our lives in a way that they we can draw upon the powers of heaven to cultivate and care for our gardens so that one day the Lord will say to us, ¨Well done my good and faithful servant!
I love you,
Presidente May
"Predicad Mi Evangelio para Bautizar, Retener, Reactivar!
Read more!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Folletts on Easter Island
Elder Edson and Hermana Carolyn Follett have been serving on Easter Island as our 'matrimonio' couple, and have had incredible experiences. We enjoyed their knowledge of the area, their love of the members and faithful dedication to tend to the flock there on the island. Elder Follett has served as the Branch President in the tiny branch that exists there.
They greeted us at the airport with flower leis, and head crown of beautiful, sweet smelling jasmine. They met up with us again, after we checked into the simple hotel and we went to their apt to have dinner with them. We enjoyed their hospitality, and sweet sister Follett was so kind to cook up a delicious meal. We attended church in the small building that is simple and yet perfect for here. It was fast and testimony meeting. Hermana May played the organ, which they hadn't had anyone really play for the meetings for so long, they said that they never have such sweet sounds, as so many were not accostomed to sing on pitch/in tune without the piano! We also had 4 other visitors that day, which helped round out the numbers.
President stayed after the meeting to meet individually with many to renew temple recommends, visit and check on the members with their own concerns. We are so inspired by their faithfulness and determination to follow the Lord. The RS hermanas are designing their Christmas ward party, complete with simple stitched Christmas stockings for the children, with some types of basic candies to make them smile. It reminded me how very little it really takes to make others happy. These women were truly happy to help one another. The whole trip was inspiring!
Read more!
They greeted us at the airport with flower leis, and head crown of beautiful, sweet smelling jasmine. They met up with us again, after we checked into the simple hotel and we went to their apt to have dinner with them. We enjoyed their hospitality, and sweet sister Follett was so kind to cook up a delicious meal. We attended church in the small building that is simple and yet perfect for here. It was fast and testimony meeting. Hermana May played the organ, which they hadn't had anyone really play for the meetings for so long, they said that they never have such sweet sounds, as so many were not accostomed to sing on pitch/in tune without the piano! We also had 4 other visitors that day, which helped round out the numbers.
President stayed after the meeting to meet individually with many to renew temple recommends, visit and check on the members with their own concerns. We are so inspired by their faithfulness and determination to follow the Lord. The RS hermanas are designing their Christmas ward party, complete with simple stitched Christmas stockings for the children, with some types of basic candies to make them smile. It reminded me how very little it really takes to make others happy. These women were truly happy to help one another. The whole trip was inspiring!
Read more!
Elder Steven May, returns from Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission
President and Hermana May's 3rd missionary son has now returned from his 2 yr mission to Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission. He arrived in the Chile Santiago North Mission, Oct 23, 2008 and stayed for exactly 3 weeks. He spoke at both of our two zone conferences, in Portugease and all were edified. Many told us they totally understood all that he said, and whether it was by the gift of tongues or the similarity that this language has with Spanish, it didn't matter, because we all loved to hear his wonderful testimony, along with the wisdom and knowledge of the scriptures and doctrine that he shared with us.
I will just try to list some of it, but we recorded the whole talk and sent the copy of it to our 4th missionary son, Gregory, who is also serving presently, but in Chile Concepcion. He spoke about unity in Companionships. Alma 48:11,12,17, recognizing the wonderful Christlike attributes that Moroni had, and that we need to develop individually. Also D&C 38:27, that if we are not one, we are not His. Also, Alma 53:2, that Lehi was a companion to Moroni, and was similar in character, and shared the same love and dedication to the work as did Moroni. How wonderful to hear him speak with power and conviction! He was a fabulous missionary.
Read more!
I will just try to list some of it, but we recorded the whole talk and sent the copy of it to our 4th missionary son, Gregory, who is also serving presently, but in Chile Concepcion. He spoke about unity in Companionships. Alma 48:11,12,17, recognizing the wonderful Christlike attributes that Moroni had, and that we need to develop individually. Also D&C 38:27, that if we are not one, we are not His. Also, Alma 53:2, that Lehi was a companion to Moroni, and was similar in character, and shared the same love and dedication to the work as did Moroni. How wonderful to hear him speak with power and conviction! He was a fabulous missionary.
Read more!
Our "Good Samaritan" Missionaries
This is a story told to me by one of the missionaries in the Huelen Zone. Presidente went to do interviews yesterday, so meanwhile, I sit with the companion and let them 'talk' to me, sharing their highs, lows, health, joys, scriptural experience, etc. I love to learn from their faith. This missionary will remain anonymous here, but I won't forget his story. He told me about his experience finding a man in the street, drunk and bleeding from a large, deep gash on his forehead.
He and his companion decided to help him into his house, since he had apparently been very drunk, fallen and gashed open his forehead, but had yelled and tried to have his family inside the house hear him to come help. No one had heard him. These two elders gathered him up, tried to stop the bleeding, talked with the family, helped them get him inside, and meanwhile, had blood smeared all over his one Elder's shirt, soaking through to his garments also. After tending to him and the family, they stepped outside to hustle home and change shirts. The neighbor had previously been outside watering his small lawn, and earlier in the evening had refused to listen to the missionaries when they had approached him, but as they stepped out of this other wounded man's home, now the neighbor was impressed by the spirit and touched to tell them he wanted to listen to their message! They set a time to return, as this was already getting late, about 9:30pm. He agreed. I'm sure he was prompted to see their Christlike efforts, and willingness to help his neighbor, something he hadn't even bothered to do, so he wanted to know more. They quickly ran home, changed shirts/garments and since it was still early, decided-after wrestling with the easy thought to just call it a night, stay in, clean up, shower and end their day. However, they knew they still had another hour they could be out, so they decided to leave. Then he told me that in that hour, they found FOUR, 4 new investigators! Great people that seemed to just come up to them, because they were right where they needed to be, and the Lord provided the rest. I told this sweet missionary, that I could actually picture them covered in blood, like the story of the Good Samaritan, and that the Lord has told us that He will clean our robes, clothes, garments, from the blood and our sins, if we have faith in Him, come to Him in humility and repentance, and He will forgive us. The symbolism of the blood of that other man on these clean, pure missionaries was powerful to me, and I told them that the Lord is so happy that they are serving Him, and He loves them. I thought at that moment, these sweet elders had been there in His spot, to tend and care for this Child of God. Then He poured out more blessings upon them, by letting them find 4 more people who have been prepared, and now are being taught and progressing towards baptism. How merciful the Lord is to all of His children. As I came out of the room, and the President saw I had been teary, I told him, "This wonderful Elder V had made me cry!" I am humbled to work along side of such great missionaries, who are full of faith and charity for others.
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He and his companion decided to help him into his house, since he had apparently been very drunk, fallen and gashed open his forehead, but had yelled and tried to have his family inside the house hear him to come help. No one had heard him. These two elders gathered him up, tried to stop the bleeding, talked with the family, helped them get him inside, and meanwhile, had blood smeared all over his one Elder's shirt, soaking through to his garments also. After tending to him and the family, they stepped outside to hustle home and change shirts. The neighbor had previously been outside watering his small lawn, and earlier in the evening had refused to listen to the missionaries when they had approached him, but as they stepped out of this other wounded man's home, now the neighbor was impressed by the spirit and touched to tell them he wanted to listen to their message! They set a time to return, as this was already getting late, about 9:30pm. He agreed. I'm sure he was prompted to see their Christlike efforts, and willingness to help his neighbor, something he hadn't even bothered to do, so he wanted to know more. They quickly ran home, changed shirts/garments and since it was still early, decided-after wrestling with the easy thought to just call it a night, stay in, clean up, shower and end their day. However, they knew they still had another hour they could be out, so they decided to leave. Then he told me that in that hour, they found FOUR, 4 new investigators! Great people that seemed to just come up to them, because they were right where they needed to be, and the Lord provided the rest. I told this sweet missionary, that I could actually picture them covered in blood, like the story of the Good Samaritan, and that the Lord has told us that He will clean our robes, clothes, garments, from the blood and our sins, if we have faith in Him, come to Him in humility and repentance, and He will forgive us. The symbolism of the blood of that other man on these clean, pure missionaries was powerful to me, and I told them that the Lord is so happy that they are serving Him, and He loves them. I thought at that moment, these sweet elders had been there in His spot, to tend and care for this Child of God. Then He poured out more blessings upon them, by letting them find 4 more people who have been prepared, and now are being taught and progressing towards baptism. How merciful the Lord is to all of His children. As I came out of the room, and the President saw I had been teary, I told him, "This wonderful Elder V had made me cry!" I am humbled to work along side of such great missionaries, who are full of faith and charity for others.
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Read more!
Friday, November 7, 2008
EASTER ISLAND/ Isla de Pascua
What a beautiful little island paradise, noted as the most isolated inhabited island in the world. Isla de Pascua is located 1/2 way between Chile and Tahiti and has a strong Polynesian influence. We were enthralled with the people, culture, history, etc. Of course we were mesmerized by the myths/stories of the Rapa Nui people; natives that still inhabit the island, carrying with them the strong traditions of their ancestors. The history of the "Giant Heads," was intriguing also. Here's what we learned....
They were carved by family members of each tribe or clan that lived on the island. The heads were representative of their father, king, or great leader, who they wanted to immortalize. Each family would place their statue next to the other. Most of them stood facing into the island, not away towards the ocean, as they were standing like guards. However, they also would insert shells and stones that looked like eyes, so they could also be vigilantly observing their people, making sure they made correct choices.
The mysterious part is that some weigh more than 60 tons! We will put on some of the fotos of the area along the volcanic mtn side that the natives used the stone to create these giants. They believe the 3 main volcanoes erupted 10, 5, and 4 million years ago. Hard to fathom. However, the most mysterious part is how did they move them? They have histories dating back so far that some actually talked of the statues themselves "Walking" their way down to the beaches! There were also the theories of rolling them, or placing rollers under them, like the Egyptians moved the stones to build pyramids, but these theories don't quite fit, as they would have shown broken faces, rubbed or wear marks where movement had to have happened. However most agree that they were, "walked" by rocking them back and forth, like moving a high, huge refrigerator still standing up, so that could use ropes around their necks and tilt back and forth with some tension on all areas. Still a major feat in those days that must have taken days, months to go the distance they did all around the island. Most assume that they are carved around the 1400's, which still baffles my mind thinking of them in the times of Christopher Columbus and the technology available at that time, but even more unbelievable on a small, distant island. Thor Heyerdahl had his own theory too, that influences came from certain people sailing here from Peru, in reed boats, that brought different facial features, some with 'long ears,' and others that had lighter, reddish colored hair. We enjoyed learning all about the traditions and myths too. It gave me thoughts and ideas about Mosiah 5:15, for a talk about us always being firm/steadfast and immovable!
Read more!
They were carved by family members of each tribe or clan that lived on the island. The heads were representative of their father, king, or great leader, who they wanted to immortalize. Each family would place their statue next to the other. Most of them stood facing into the island, not away towards the ocean, as they were standing like guards. However, they also would insert shells and stones that looked like eyes, so they could also be vigilantly observing their people, making sure they made correct choices.
The mysterious part is that some weigh more than 60 tons! We will put on some of the fotos of the area along the volcanic mtn side that the natives used the stone to create these giants. They believe the 3 main volcanoes erupted 10, 5, and 4 million years ago. Hard to fathom. However, the most mysterious part is how did they move them? They have histories dating back so far that some actually talked of the statues themselves "Walking" their way down to the beaches! There were also the theories of rolling them, or placing rollers under them, like the Egyptians moved the stones to build pyramids, but these theories don't quite fit, as they would have shown broken faces, rubbed or wear marks where movement had to have happened. However most agree that they were, "walked" by rocking them back and forth, like moving a high, huge refrigerator still standing up, so that could use ropes around their necks and tilt back and forth with some tension on all areas. Still a major feat in those days that must have taken days, months to go the distance they did all around the island. Most assume that they are carved around the 1400's, which still baffles my mind thinking of them in the times of Christopher Columbus and the technology available at that time, but even more unbelievable on a small, distant island. Thor Heyerdahl had his own theory too, that influences came from certain people sailing here from Peru, in reed boats, that brought different facial features, some with 'long ears,' and others that had lighter, reddish colored hair. We enjoyed learning all about the traditions and myths too. It gave me thoughts and ideas about Mosiah 5:15, for a talk about us always being firm/steadfast and immovable!
Read more!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
President Zenteno's Talk about Obedience
Zone Conferences
We met in 2 groups for zone conferences this month. Presidente Zenteno from the Zapadores Stake spoke our 2nd day, and his thoughts were excellente. He spoke about Obediencia. He is a young counselor in the Stake Presidency, with a wife and 3 small children and only home from his mission 10 years, probably about 31 yrs old. He married his wife about 4 mos after he was home, and loved his mission. He shared this with our missionaries…..
He mentioned that President Hinckley said the following:
“Faith is the Power/ La Fe es el Poder
Obedience is the Price/ La Obediencia es el Precio
Love is the Motive/ El Amor es el Motivo
The Spirit is the Key/ El Espiritu es la Clave
Christ is the Reason/ Cristo es la Razon.”
• We should obey God of our own free Hill. D&C 58:26-29
• We should obey even when we don’t understand. Moses 5:5-6 Adam offered sacrifices, not knowing why, only that God had commanded it.
• God will prepare a way. 1 Ne 3:7, I will go and do what the Lord commands because I know that he will never give a command to the sons of hombres without preparing a way for them to accomplish it that He has commanded.
• No commandment is too big or too small for us too obey. Remember story of Naaman…
• Jesus Christ obeyed His Father.
o Juan 6:38, Matthew 26:39 Thankfully Jesucristo obeyed the will of the Father en all things and made possible the salvation for everyone.
• There are concequencias of obedience and disobedience. DyC 130:21, DyC 132:5
• Obedience will bring about Eternal Life. DyC 14:7, and DyC 76:6-10
Read more!
We met in 2 groups for zone conferences this month. Presidente Zenteno from the Zapadores Stake spoke our 2nd day, and his thoughts were excellente. He spoke about Obediencia. He is a young counselor in the Stake Presidency, with a wife and 3 small children and only home from his mission 10 years, probably about 31 yrs old. He married his wife about 4 mos after he was home, and loved his mission. He shared this with our missionaries…..
He mentioned that President Hinckley said the following:
“Faith is the Power/ La Fe es el Poder
Obedience is the Price/ La Obediencia es el Precio
Love is the Motive/ El Amor es el Motivo
The Spirit is the Key/ El Espiritu es la Clave
Christ is the Reason/ Cristo es la Razon.”
• We should obey God of our own free Hill. D&C 58:26-29
• We should obey even when we don’t understand. Moses 5:5-6 Adam offered sacrifices, not knowing why, only that God had commanded it.
• God will prepare a way. 1 Ne 3:7, I will go and do what the Lord commands because I know that he will never give a command to the sons of hombres without preparing a way for them to accomplish it that He has commanded.
• No commandment is too big or too small for us too obey. Remember story of Naaman…
• Jesus Christ obeyed His Father.
o Juan 6:38, Matthew 26:39 Thankfully Jesucristo obeyed the will of the Father en all things and made possible the salvation for everyone.
• There are concequencias of obedience and disobedience. DyC 130:21, DyC 132:5
• Obedience will bring about Eternal Life. DyC 14:7, and DyC 76:6-10
Read more!
Elder Leatham’s Talk about Faith
Elder Dan Leatham and his wife Kim, a couple from Pleasant Grove, Utah are both serving so faithfully in our mission. They are living in a small pueblito called Batuco, out in the campo. Together between them, they have years of experience serving in leadership callings in the church and are such a steady and loving influence with our missionaries...
They are great to uplift and cheer on our missionaries, as well as demonstrating such innovative and unique ways to connect with investigators. They have shared some incredible stories with us about who they meet, what they do to keep connected and how to break the ice. He even takes fotos of ugly dogs fro a funny hobby!
Pdte asked him to speak at our 2nd zone conference. Elder Leatham served Spanish speaking mission when he was younger, so he did very well as he read his talk to us and passed on his notes to generously afterwards, so they could be detailed here for the mission.
He spoke of having the job as a young boy, to warm the family home with a coal fire. He had to also keep fire hot enough to last through the night and then start it again in the morning. He talked about it almost going out every night, but found a small ember in the morning, blew on it softly, to help with the start again. Elements of building a fire are heat and fuel. If we add these elements it grows or lack of them, it will go out.
He compared building a fire like also a model for building our Faith. Alma 32:27, compared to the seen analogy, the fire is similar. It grows if we take care of it. If we add more, it will grow, just like the seed will increase if we nourish it. How do we nourish our small fire of Faith? Pres. Hinckley says we need three things: A friend, a responsibility/calling, and to be nourished with the Good word of God. Moroni 6:4. We have to show diligence, paciencia, prayer and fasting. Then our faith will grow. Also, we need oxygen for the fire to keep going, which is like our good attitude to do the will of the Lord. We will do anything He asks without wanting anything else. We will do what He asks because of our love for Him. Alma 33:23, God will help our faith grow.
Read more!
They are great to uplift and cheer on our missionaries, as well as demonstrating such innovative and unique ways to connect with investigators. They have shared some incredible stories with us about who they meet, what they do to keep connected and how to break the ice. He even takes fotos of ugly dogs fro a funny hobby!
Pdte asked him to speak at our 2nd zone conference. Elder Leatham served Spanish speaking mission when he was younger, so he did very well as he read his talk to us and passed on his notes to generously afterwards, so they could be detailed here for the mission.
He spoke of having the job as a young boy, to warm the family home with a coal fire. He had to also keep fire hot enough to last through the night and then start it again in the morning. He talked about it almost going out every night, but found a small ember in the morning, blew on it softly, to help with the start again. Elements of building a fire are heat and fuel. If we add these elements it grows or lack of them, it will go out.
He compared building a fire like also a model for building our Faith. Alma 32:27, compared to the seen analogy, the fire is similar. It grows if we take care of it. If we add more, it will grow, just like the seed will increase if we nourish it. How do we nourish our small fire of Faith? Pres. Hinckley says we need three things: A friend, a responsibility/calling, and to be nourished with the Good word of God. Moroni 6:4. We have to show diligence, paciencia, prayer and fasting. Then our faith will grow. Also, we need oxygen for the fire to keep going, which is like our good attitude to do the will of the Lord. We will do anything He asks without wanting anything else. We will do what He asks because of our love for Him. Alma 33:23, God will help our faith grow.
Read more!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Day in the Life of the missionaries
My dear Elders and Sisters, from Aug 8, 2008
I had the great opportunity to work with Elder Brumley and Elder Biagioni this last Thursday and Friday. It was a excellent experience. Thursday night we taught a mother and her two girls the importance of prayer and we took enough time in the lesson to teach them the “how” in the commitment to pray. Afterwards this mother followed by one of her daughters offered some very beautiful prayers. The mother committed to come to church this Sunday with all of her family.
We reminded her of the importance to pray to be able to fulfill her commitment to attend church because the advisory is going to work really hard to make it so they don´t go. Friday morning we shared a special breakfast sent by Sister May. After we had time to study personally and as a companionship, we all shared what we had learned from the Book of Mormon and after we read the Mission Hand Book along with Preach My Gospel. We studied chapter 9 about how to use family history to find new investigators. During our language study I took advantage to ask Elder Biagioni about Spanish. I learned a few important points. We felt a very strong spirit during our study time. After, we left to work in the rain. It reminded me of when I was a missionary in Bolivia. What a privilege it is to be missionaries! Thank you Elder Brumley and Elder Biagioni for the time that we shared together and also for all of your efforts to bring to pass the work of the Lord!
Always remember what the Lord expects of us:
1. Fulfill our purpose to Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end
2. Faith, Hope, and Charity
3. Obedience
4. Study and Apply Preach My Gospel
5. Diligence
Three Questions to think about:
1. Are we remembering our purpose of missionary work in everything we do?
2. Are we working in close collaboration with the leaders and members of the ward in order to find, teach, retain and activate?
3. Are we obedient because we love the Lord?
Thoughts from my Book of Mormon Study this morning:
In Alma 45: 2-7, Alma was interviewing his son Helaman before he went on a mission. Alma asked him the following:
1. Do you have a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
2. Do you have a testimony of Jesus Christ?
3. Do you keep the Commandments?
These are also good questions for us also in order to evaluate ourselves and our motivation in doing missionary work.
Thank you for all of you hard work in inviting others to come unto Christ. The gospel does miracles in the lives of the people who are looking for peace and happiness.
Con amor,
Presidente May
Read more!
I had the great opportunity to work with Elder Brumley and Elder Biagioni this last Thursday and Friday. It was a excellent experience. Thursday night we taught a mother and her two girls the importance of prayer and we took enough time in the lesson to teach them the “how” in the commitment to pray. Afterwards this mother followed by one of her daughters offered some very beautiful prayers. The mother committed to come to church this Sunday with all of her family.
We reminded her of the importance to pray to be able to fulfill her commitment to attend church because the advisory is going to work really hard to make it so they don´t go. Friday morning we shared a special breakfast sent by Sister May. After we had time to study personally and as a companionship, we all shared what we had learned from the Book of Mormon and after we read the Mission Hand Book along with Preach My Gospel. We studied chapter 9 about how to use family history to find new investigators. During our language study I took advantage to ask Elder Biagioni about Spanish. I learned a few important points. We felt a very strong spirit during our study time. After, we left to work in the rain. It reminded me of when I was a missionary in Bolivia. What a privilege it is to be missionaries! Thank you Elder Brumley and Elder Biagioni for the time that we shared together and also for all of your efforts to bring to pass the work of the Lord!
Always remember what the Lord expects of us:
1. Fulfill our purpose to Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end
2. Faith, Hope, and Charity
3. Obedience
4. Study and Apply Preach My Gospel
5. Diligence
Three Questions to think about:
1. Are we remembering our purpose of missionary work in everything we do?
2. Are we working in close collaboration with the leaders and members of the ward in order to find, teach, retain and activate?
3. Are we obedient because we love the Lord?
Thoughts from my Book of Mormon Study this morning:
In Alma 45: 2-7, Alma was interviewing his son Helaman before he went on a mission. Alma asked him the following:
1. Do you have a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
2. Do you have a testimony of Jesus Christ?
3. Do you keep the Commandments?
These are also good questions for us also in order to evaluate ourselves and our motivation in doing missionary work.
Thank you for all of you hard work in inviting others to come unto Christ. The gospel does miracles in the lives of the people who are looking for peace and happiness.
Con amor,
Presidente May
Read more!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Weekly Message from Presidente May to the Missionaries
Estimados Elderes Y Hermanas,
Les mando mi amor a cada uno de ustedes. He estado reflexionando mucho sobre la importancia de la obediencia en esta obra. Sabemos que es la primera ley de los cielos. Hay muchos ejemplos en las escrituras de la obediencia y las bendiciones que viene por causa de ella. (1 Nefi 3:7, D y C 105:6, 2 Reyes 5:1-14) Hay muchas bendiciones que recibimos por medio de la obediencia con exactitud. Exactitud quiere decir que si el horario es levantarnos a las 7:30, nos levantamos a esta hora. Si nos levantamos a las 7:31 somos desobedientes y tenemos que arrepentirnos.
Estas bendiciones vendrán cuando seamos constantes todos los días para obedecer los mandamientos del Señor y las reglas de la misión. No vendrán cuando seamos obedientes por una hora del día, dos horas del día, la mitad del día, etc. Ni las vendrán por ser obediente un día de la semana, dos días de la semana, tres días por la semana, etc. Las bendiciones vendrán cuando seamos constantes en nuestra obediencia. La bendición más grande que vendrá cuando seamos obedientes con exactitud es el poder de los cielos para llevar a cabo a nuestro propósito de bautizar, retener, y reactivar. El Espíritu Santo siempre estará con nosotros para mostrarnos a donde ir, que hacer y qué decir. Si queremos lograr nuestro potencial como misioneros y una misión, la obediencia cien por ciento nos concederá el poder de los cielos para hacerlo.
Asignación:
1. Traigan sus agendas a sus entrevistas conmigo para que yo las pueda revisar.
2. Por favor responden en su carta me mandan hoy a la siguiente pregunta:
Usar el frase ¨En esta misión nosotros… ¨ use 5 palabras o frases simples que a lo mejor describe como es su misión (por ejemplo, En esta misión somos obedientes o En esta misión trabjamos duros, etc.) En pocas palabras, que hacemos en esta misión.
Recuerdo Esto: Meta bautismal para el mes de Setiembre-120
1. Cumplir con Nuestro Objetivo
2. Desarrollar La Fe, Esperanza, y Caridad
3. La Obediencia
4. El Estudio y Aplicación del Predicad Mi Evangelio
5. La Diligencia
Resultados:
6 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor del bautismo
14 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de la confirmación
435 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de fijar una fecha bautismal
250 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de asistir la iglesia
565 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de escuchar el evangelio
31 está cumpliendo con sus compromisos con El Señor que tengan un gran deseo a bautizarse
65 referencias de miembros
20 personas en la iglesia por un miembro
Reflexiones del Libro de Mormon:
• Helaman 5 Nefi renuncio al asiento judicial y se dedico a predicar el evangelio con su hermano Lehi. Se acordaban de las palabras de su padre Helaman:
• 5:6 La importancia de guardar los mandamientos como misionero para poder enseñar la obediencia a otros.
• 5:8 Los motivos para predicar el evangelio tienen que ser puros y no para la gloria del mundo.
• 5:11 El gran mensaje del evangelio que Cristo vino para redimirnos de nuestro pecados y por medio del arrepentimiento podamos tener el poder del Redentor para la salvación.
Les amamos y deseamos que cada uno de ustedes tengan éxito en bautizar, retener, y reactivar.
-Presidente May
Read more!
Les mando mi amor a cada uno de ustedes. He estado reflexionando mucho sobre la importancia de la obediencia en esta obra. Sabemos que es la primera ley de los cielos. Hay muchos ejemplos en las escrituras de la obediencia y las bendiciones que viene por causa de ella. (1 Nefi 3:7, D y C 105:6, 2 Reyes 5:1-14) Hay muchas bendiciones que recibimos por medio de la obediencia con exactitud. Exactitud quiere decir que si el horario es levantarnos a las 7:30, nos levantamos a esta hora. Si nos levantamos a las 7:31 somos desobedientes y tenemos que arrepentirnos.
Estas bendiciones vendrán cuando seamos constantes todos los días para obedecer los mandamientos del Señor y las reglas de la misión. No vendrán cuando seamos obedientes por una hora del día, dos horas del día, la mitad del día, etc. Ni las vendrán por ser obediente un día de la semana, dos días de la semana, tres días por la semana, etc. Las bendiciones vendrán cuando seamos constantes en nuestra obediencia. La bendición más grande que vendrá cuando seamos obedientes con exactitud es el poder de los cielos para llevar a cabo a nuestro propósito de bautizar, retener, y reactivar. El Espíritu Santo siempre estará con nosotros para mostrarnos a donde ir, que hacer y qué decir. Si queremos lograr nuestro potencial como misioneros y una misión, la obediencia cien por ciento nos concederá el poder de los cielos para hacerlo.
Asignación:
1. Traigan sus agendas a sus entrevistas conmigo para que yo las pueda revisar.
2. Por favor responden en su carta me mandan hoy a la siguiente pregunta:
Usar el frase ¨En esta misión nosotros… ¨ use 5 palabras o frases simples que a lo mejor describe como es su misión (por ejemplo, En esta misión somos obedientes o En esta misión trabjamos duros, etc.) En pocas palabras, que hacemos en esta misión.
Recuerdo Esto: Meta bautismal para el mes de Setiembre-120
1. Cumplir con Nuestro Objetivo
2. Desarrollar La Fe, Esperanza, y Caridad
3. La Obediencia
4. El Estudio y Aplicación del Predicad Mi Evangelio
5. La Diligencia
Resultados:
6 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor del bautismo
14 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de la confirmación
435 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de fijar una fecha bautismal
250 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de asistir la iglesia
565 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de escuchar el evangelio
31 está cumpliendo con sus compromisos con El Señor que tengan un gran deseo a bautizarse
65 referencias de miembros
20 personas en la iglesia por un miembro
Reflexiones del Libro de Mormon:
• Helaman 5 Nefi renuncio al asiento judicial y se dedico a predicar el evangelio con su hermano Lehi. Se acordaban de las palabras de su padre Helaman:
• 5:6 La importancia de guardar los mandamientos como misionero para poder enseñar la obediencia a otros.
• 5:8 Los motivos para predicar el evangelio tienen que ser puros y no para la gloria del mundo.
• 5:11 El gran mensaje del evangelio que Cristo vino para redimirnos de nuestro pecados y por medio del arrepentimiento podamos tener el poder del Redentor para la salvación.
Les amamos y deseamos que cada uno de ustedes tengan éxito en bautizar, retener, y reactivar.
-Presidente May
Read more!
Success Stories, comments sent to the President
The following are excerpts from the letters to the President that come every Monday morning. Enjoy some of them, without names, of course, but powerful messages; "Hemos estado aplicando el como orar y leer las escrituras con nuestros nuevos conversos e investigadores y ha sido maravilloso ellos están desarrollando un gran cambio en sus vidas tanto que ellos nos lo han hecho saber."
2."Tengo un gran testimonio del libro de Mormón un testimonio personal pero al ver el cambio que este produce en una familia cuando los padres y los hijos lo leen juntos, este testimonio crece. Jony y Dora son nuestros hermanos que se están preparando para ser parte de la iglesia, ellos leen cada día personalmente y como familia el libro de Mormón Jony nos conto que el antes bebía alcohol y robaba una cosita en los supermercados pero que al leer el Libro de Mormón muchas cosas han cambiado el dijo “este libro me ha cambiado, realmente yo lo puedo ver” antes gastaba su dinero en vino y con sus amigos pero ahora no cuando le pagaron este 15 el fue al supermercado compro víveres y un regalo para su esposa, cuando el nos conto esto sus esposa tenia lagrimas en los ojos, y el dijo la que se ha dado cuenta de mi cambio es ella, entonces ella dijo que si moviendo su cabeza. Jony nos dice que esta cansado de esta vida que quiere ser feliz y estar junto a su familia."
3. "Estamos enseñando a una jovencita( Valentina Villanueva), su papa tenia 18 años de no asistir a la iglesia, pero estamos muy felices de ver a ellos dos juntos, y ella tiene fecha bautismal para el 31 de Agosto, es una jovencita muy especial, se que ellos dos juntos seran verdaderos pilares para que el resto de la familia pueda activarse, tengo un fuerte testimonio de trabajar con personas menos activos, cada vez que encontramos personas asi, es un privilegio compartir con ellos e invitarles a venir a cristo otravez, y conocemos nuevas personas que estan dispuestos a seguir a cristo."
4. |amo este evangelio, y cada dia es mi deseo perderme en esta obra, y saborear lo delicioso de ser misionera.|
5. |Algo que me impresiona de este barrio es que tienen mucho amor a las personas que vienen y a sus miembros vi que algunos maestros a veces no sabian lo que estaban enseñando sin embargo la paciencia y el amor de ellos hacia que estos miembros e investigadores sintieran el poder de convencimiento del espiritu fue algo nuevo para mi y me gusta es un enfoque que todos los barrios deben tener mas que pagar diezmos o seres sabios personas que se aman y son discipulos reales de Cristo."
Read more!
2."Tengo un gran testimonio del libro de Mormón un testimonio personal pero al ver el cambio que este produce en una familia cuando los padres y los hijos lo leen juntos, este testimonio crece. Jony y Dora son nuestros hermanos que se están preparando para ser parte de la iglesia, ellos leen cada día personalmente y como familia el libro de Mormón Jony nos conto que el antes bebía alcohol y robaba una cosita en los supermercados pero que al leer el Libro de Mormón muchas cosas han cambiado el dijo “este libro me ha cambiado, realmente yo lo puedo ver” antes gastaba su dinero en vino y con sus amigos pero ahora no cuando le pagaron este 15 el fue al supermercado compro víveres y un regalo para su esposa, cuando el nos conto esto sus esposa tenia lagrimas en los ojos, y el dijo la que se ha dado cuenta de mi cambio es ella, entonces ella dijo que si moviendo su cabeza. Jony nos dice que esta cansado de esta vida que quiere ser feliz y estar junto a su familia."
3. "Estamos enseñando a una jovencita( Valentina Villanueva), su papa tenia 18 años de no asistir a la iglesia, pero estamos muy felices de ver a ellos dos juntos, y ella tiene fecha bautismal para el 31 de Agosto, es una jovencita muy especial, se que ellos dos juntos seran verdaderos pilares para que el resto de la familia pueda activarse, tengo un fuerte testimonio de trabajar con personas menos activos, cada vez que encontramos personas asi, es un privilegio compartir con ellos e invitarles a venir a cristo otravez, y conocemos nuevas personas que estan dispuestos a seguir a cristo."
4. |amo este evangelio, y cada dia es mi deseo perderme en esta obra, y saborear lo delicioso de ser misionera.|
5. |Algo que me impresiona de este barrio es que tienen mucho amor a las personas que vienen y a sus miembros vi que algunos maestros a veces no sabian lo que estaban enseñando sin embargo la paciencia y el amor de ellos hacia que estos miembros e investigadores sintieran el poder de convencimiento del espiritu fue algo nuevo para mi y me gusta es un enfoque que todos los barrios deben tener mas que pagar diezmos o seres sabios personas que se aman y son discipulos reales de Cristo."
Read more!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Zone Conference Themes
Every six weeks the mission holds a Zone Conference. The first one we had was held on 2 different days, so we had smaller groups so we could get to know the missionaries a bit easier with less crowds. We had the first one with about 80 missionaries, and the next day we had the 2nd one with about 75 missionaries. Then the following month, last change we met as a whole mission, which was wonderful for all of us to be together. Of course the whole meeting is done completely in Spanish. Here is an explanation of what the themes are about:
The assistants to the Presidente conduct the meetings, and we have a song, prayer and any business announcements. Presidente May gave the missionaries the assignment to study and prepare a 3-5 minute talk each on the theme of the Pure love of Christ; Charity/Caridad. Each missionary was to study and research in their scriptures, PMG, etc on the subject and be prepared to share their talks if called upon. Then during the conference, the President asked 4-5 different missionaries to come and teach from the pulpit and express the things that they have learned. These missionaries are fabulous, and we are so grateful for their obedience and preparation. Then last change we also did another theme, which was Faith/Fe. This was delightful to hear these fine missionaries compartir their thoughts and testimonies, especially those who taught how they have learned about faith in their missions. Each month we have another theme as they prepare.
Read more!
The assistants to the Presidente conduct the meetings, and we have a song, prayer and any business announcements. Presidente May gave the missionaries the assignment to study and prepare a 3-5 minute talk each on the theme of the Pure love of Christ; Charity/Caridad. Each missionary was to study and research in their scriptures, PMG, etc on the subject and be prepared to share their talks if called upon. Then during the conference, the President asked 4-5 different missionaries to come and teach from the pulpit and express the things that they have learned. These missionaries are fabulous, and we are so grateful for their obedience and preparation. Then last change we also did another theme, which was Faith/Fe. This was delightful to hear these fine missionaries compartir their thoughts and testimonies, especially those who taught how they have learned about faith in their missions. Each month we have another theme as they prepare.
Read more!
New Arrivals/Llegadas Nuevas
New Arrivals on Tuesday, Sept 2nd. This is a happy day for us; one to receive new missionaries!
It's like adding another great person into the family, which we are always thrilled to do. The missionaries arrive VERY early, 5:30am, if they are coming from the USA-Provo MTC. The Latin missionaries are released from the CCM here in Santiago at 8:00am to us. We are all excited to meet each other! Here are our new arrivals:
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These new incoming missionaries are wonderful already:
USA/MTC-Elders Low, Moser, Toone
CCM/MTC-Hermanas Cañari, Cuevas, Spielmann
Elders Escobar, Argueta, Campos, Caro, Millagueo, Pini, Vargas
Bienvenidas a todos! Our trainers are Elderes Salazer, Giddens, O'Neill, Kartchner, Quatralle, Pavlovsky, Flores, Moore, Diaz, Neff, and Hermanas Ward, Quispe, and Aparicio Read more!
It's like adding another great person into the family, which we are always thrilled to do. The missionaries arrive VERY early, 5:30am, if they are coming from the USA-Provo MTC. The Latin missionaries are released from the CCM here in Santiago at 8:00am to us. We are all excited to meet each other! Here are our new arrivals:
-----------------
-----------------
These new incoming missionaries are wonderful already:
USA/MTC-Elders Low, Moser, Toone
CCM/MTC-Hermanas Cañari, Cuevas, Spielmann
Elders Escobar, Argueta, Campos, Caro, Millagueo, Pini, Vargas
Bienvenidas a todos! Our trainers are Elderes Salazer, Giddens, O'Neill, Kartchner, Quatralle, Pavlovsky, Flores, Moore, Diaz, Neff, and Hermanas Ward, Quispe, and Aparicio Read more!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Posting Fotos
Seems like there is so much to write and to tell from our experiences here, but we decided to put more fotos instead as they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words...
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We are using flickr.com that will allow us to post in different categories and sets. We are putting some fotos to show missionaries in action, those who are here, others departing, others arriving. It is an ongoing process that happens every six weeks. We love these missionaries, and wish we could keep them longer, but they must go home and move into the next phase of their lives. The new ones arrive so eager and fresh, that it is contagious, and we are so grateful for the faithfulness and willingness to serve and be obedient. We admire and respect them for their worthiness to be here. Bienvenidos, welcome to you all.
Read more!
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We are using flickr.com that will allow us to post in different categories and sets. We are putting some fotos to show missionaries in action, those who are here, others departing, others arriving. It is an ongoing process that happens every six weeks. We love these missionaries, and wish we could keep them longer, but they must go home and move into the next phase of their lives. The new ones arrive so eager and fresh, that it is contagious, and we are so grateful for the faithfulness and willingness to serve and be obedient. We admire and respect them for their worthiness to be here. Bienvenidos, welcome to you all.
Read more!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Being Fed Spiritually
Notes from Zone Conference with Entire Mission Chile Santiago North
8 August, 2008 (Given in Spanish, of course, but written in English)
Everyone saw the cute foto of our nieto/grandson, Benson, on the overhead on the President’s Power Point.
One of the most important basic need of a baby is FOOD. To eat and be fed.
--show bib, babero? We know what this is used for and it can be symbolic of our need for food.
All of us need to be fed, but not just for our physical bodies, but also our spirits.3 Ne18:4,9 Being spiritually fed and filled...
--Story of NEFI 16:18 broke his bow, brothers angry, not just because of the broken bow but because they would now have no food. Others started to complain so he made another bow, but out of wood this time, not a nice, fine steel one like he had. Also he made one arrow. Lots of faith, thinking one arrow would be enough. (I'd obviously need 100's to go hunt/cazar!)
He needed food, like his brothers, but inquired with more faith, like we should of our Heavenly Father, when he went to Lehi and asked, “Whither shall I go to obtain food?” Let us be like Nephi, asking our Father in Heaven where we should go to be spiritually fed.
We had wonderful, nice meal here, offered by these sweet sisters and the scriptures often talk about food in our lives, because all people eat, regardless of the language, country, flavor, or types of meals, and we all can relate and apply it to our lives. REMEMBER:--Savior fed the 5,000 with fishes and bread, but also helped them strengthen their spirits and souls.
*John 6:35, Christ said, “I am the Bread of life.” And this just didn’t refer to the temporal bread we can buy or eat, but the sustenance we need for our eternal lives.
*Alma 5:34, Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;” (this doesn’t cost money like buying in a supermercado.)
*2Ne 9:51,”Come my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; year come buy wine and milk without money and without price.” He offers this spiritual salvation, food for our spirits to all men, equally and without status, reputation, job, etc.
Savior looks at our needs and wants differently. D&C 29:34, “all things unto me are spiritual..”
Speaking of bread, let me tell you a story of looking for bread and finding something else instead…President May and I went for a walk Saturday, on our Pday. We were going to a small bakery, Castaño, you’ve all seen them before, and we had a simple bit of something while there. Then on the way home, we pasted some high-altitude workers, washing the windows up on these huge high-rise, skyscrapers/ rascacielos. I just happened to have my camera for just such an opportunity, and started taking fotos. Presidente saw a man standing down below who seemed to be supervising the whole operation, and was near a sign, instructing the public to be careful with the workers above. He began to ask the man questions about his company, how old are the workers, where do they train, how much time do they take to practice, where else do you work, etc and started listening to this man, who had some strong thoughts about how life is now, and how it has changed since he was younger and growing up. He wanted to have more family events, be closer to his family and wished that everyone had a close family like it used to be. President May and I both began to discuss about the church and its focus on the family, how it can be eternal, that it takes an important role and needs to have a high priority in our lives. We asked him if he’d like to come to church, and would share more about the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ with him. He ran to his truck to get us a card, Maximillian Gonzalez is his name, and he seems like someone that the Lord has been preparing to hear about the gospel NOW, to help him in his life. We went out looking for ‘bread,’ and were helped to see the real spiritual bread that the Lord has given us, that we are happy to share and give to others to nourish their souls.
Read more!
8 August, 2008 (Given in Spanish, of course, but written in English)
Everyone saw the cute foto of our nieto/grandson, Benson, on the overhead on the President’s Power Point.
One of the most important basic need of a baby is FOOD. To eat and be fed.
--show bib, babero? We know what this is used for and it can be symbolic of our need for food.
All of us need to be fed, but not just for our physical bodies, but also our spirits.3 Ne18:4,9 Being spiritually fed and filled...
--Story of NEFI 16:18 broke his bow, brothers angry, not just because of the broken bow but because they would now have no food. Others started to complain so he made another bow, but out of wood this time, not a nice, fine steel one like he had. Also he made one arrow. Lots of faith, thinking one arrow would be enough. (I'd obviously need 100's to go hunt/cazar!)
He needed food, like his brothers, but inquired with more faith, like we should of our Heavenly Father, when he went to Lehi and asked, “Whither shall I go to obtain food?” Let us be like Nephi, asking our Father in Heaven where we should go to be spiritually fed.
We had wonderful, nice meal here, offered by these sweet sisters and the scriptures often talk about food in our lives, because all people eat, regardless of the language, country, flavor, or types of meals, and we all can relate and apply it to our lives. REMEMBER:--Savior fed the 5,000 with fishes and bread, but also helped them strengthen their spirits and souls.
*John 6:35, Christ said, “I am the Bread of life.” And this just didn’t refer to the temporal bread we can buy or eat, but the sustenance we need for our eternal lives.
*Alma 5:34, Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;” (this doesn’t cost money like buying in a supermercado.)
*2Ne 9:51,”Come my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; year come buy wine and milk without money and without price.” He offers this spiritual salvation, food for our spirits to all men, equally and without status, reputation, job, etc.
Savior looks at our needs and wants differently. D&C 29:34, “all things unto me are spiritual..”
Speaking of bread, let me tell you a story of looking for bread and finding something else instead…President May and I went for a walk Saturday, on our Pday. We were going to a small bakery, Castaño, you’ve all seen them before, and we had a simple bit of something while there. Then on the way home, we pasted some high-altitude workers, washing the windows up on these huge high-rise, skyscrapers/ rascacielos. I just happened to have my camera for just such an opportunity, and started taking fotos. Presidente saw a man standing down below who seemed to be supervising the whole operation, and was near a sign, instructing the public to be careful with the workers above. He began to ask the man questions about his company, how old are the workers, where do they train, how much time do they take to practice, where else do you work, etc and started listening to this man, who had some strong thoughts about how life is now, and how it has changed since he was younger and growing up. He wanted to have more family events, be closer to his family and wished that everyone had a close family like it used to be. President May and I both began to discuss about the church and its focus on the family, how it can be eternal, that it takes an important role and needs to have a high priority in our lives. We asked him if he’d like to come to church, and would share more about the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ with him. He ran to his truck to get us a card, Maximillian Gonzalez is his name, and he seems like someone that the Lord has been preparing to hear about the gospel NOW, to help him in his life. We went out looking for ‘bread,’ and were helped to see the real spiritual bread that the Lord has given us, that we are happy to share and give to others to nourish their souls.
Read more!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Advice from Missionaries going home
As the missionaries come to the mission home and have a last, 'Final Supper,' testimony meeting, etc, I've asked them to share some words of advice or counsel to share with other missionaries to help them use their time wisely, or what they would like to say to our new missionaries arriving the same time here. The following are some of their thoughts and ideas:
- "Perservera'. Just "DO IT," like the Nike logo."
- "Listen to the Spirit. Go forward with faith to accomplish what the Spirit instructs."
- "This is God's plan, so work towards the goals to fulfull his plan."
- "Talk with the people when you are walking, or riding the metro to the next appointment, so you don't waste time."
- "Do the carpeta de area/area book. We hadn't done it for a long time and we lost people."
- "I just read Alma 5 today, and Ether 12:27 is really important for me."
Read more!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Salidas y Llegadas=Departures & Arrivals
Hola y Adios!
We are having days of arrivals and departures. It is a bitter sweet moment, and difficult for all of us in having missionaries leave while getting new ones coming to the mission. The missionaries know that they have served well, are ready to return to their families and begin life after the mission, but they have loved Chile and find it difficult to leave. Five missionaries recently left the mission to travel home to their families, while we received 3 new Elders from the CCM/MTC here in Santiago and then 6 new missionaries from the Provo MTC. It is heaven, having new missionaries come to be added to our 'mission family.' We LOVE them! Read more!
We are having days of arrivals and departures. It is a bitter sweet moment, and difficult for all of us in having missionaries leave while getting new ones coming to the mission. The missionaries know that they have served well, are ready to return to their families and begin life after the mission, but they have loved Chile and find it difficult to leave. Five missionaries recently left the mission to travel home to their families, while we received 3 new Elders from the CCM/MTC here in Santiago and then 6 new missionaries from the Provo MTC. It is heaven, having new missionaries come to be added to our 'mission family.' We LOVE them! Read more!
Monday, July 21, 2008
21 julio 2008
Estimados Elderes y Hermanas,
Les agradecemos por todo su trabajo que está realizando en sus sectores. Por medio del amor, la obediencia, la diligencia, y el estudio y aplicación del Predicad Mi Evangelio, vamos a poder llevar a cabo nuestro propósito de invitar a todos a venir a Cristo. Fue una linda experiencia este Viernes pasado poder asistir el templo con los misioneros que se van pronto. Queremos agradecerles a la Hermana Segovia, y Elderes Bautista, Branning, Burgos, Romero, Sepulveda, y Veliz por todos sus esfuerzos para servir el Señor y traer muchas almas a El. Es nuestro deseo que El Señor siempre les bendiga con el espíritu de la obra misional para que los años que vienen sean los mejores de sus vidas.
Queremos extender una cordial bienvenida a los nuevos misioneros que llegan mañana, Elderes Bolaños, Casa, y Hoyos de la CCM aquí en Santiago y la Hermana Bowen y los Elderes Acker, Barney, Frost y Jorgensen de los Estados Unidos. Por favor elderes y hermanas, manténganlos en sus oraciones para que ellos puedan sentir el gran espíritu de amor de esta misión y tener éxito en hacer la obra del Señor.
Gracias por todos sus esfuerzos en la semana pasada para cumplir con “La Vision”:
31 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor del bautismo
12 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de la confirmación
494 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de fijar una fecha bautismal
269 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de asistir la iglesia
545 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de escuchar el evangelio
44 está cumpliendo con sus compromisos con El Señor que tengan un gran deseo a bautizarse
Elderes y Hermanas, es tan importante que les enseñemos a nuestros investigadores que están haciendo y cumpliendo compromisos con El Señor. Es por medio de la fe en El que ellos van a tener la fuerza para seguir fiel y activo en la iglesia. (2 Nefi 2:6,8)
Les amamos mucho y es nuestro deseo que tengan mucho éxito en la obra del Senor.
Presidente May Read more!
Les agradecemos por todo su trabajo que está realizando en sus sectores. Por medio del amor, la obediencia, la diligencia, y el estudio y aplicación del Predicad Mi Evangelio, vamos a poder llevar a cabo nuestro propósito de invitar a todos a venir a Cristo. Fue una linda experiencia este Viernes pasado poder asistir el templo con los misioneros que se van pronto. Queremos agradecerles a la Hermana Segovia, y Elderes Bautista, Branning, Burgos, Romero, Sepulveda, y Veliz por todos sus esfuerzos para servir el Señor y traer muchas almas a El. Es nuestro deseo que El Señor siempre les bendiga con el espíritu de la obra misional para que los años que vienen sean los mejores de sus vidas.
Queremos extender una cordial bienvenida a los nuevos misioneros que llegan mañana, Elderes Bolaños, Casa, y Hoyos de la CCM aquí en Santiago y la Hermana Bowen y los Elderes Acker, Barney, Frost y Jorgensen de los Estados Unidos. Por favor elderes y hermanas, manténganlos en sus oraciones para que ellos puedan sentir el gran espíritu de amor de esta misión y tener éxito en hacer la obra del Señor.
Gracias por todos sus esfuerzos en la semana pasada para cumplir con “La Vision”:
31 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor del bautismo
12 personas cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de la confirmación
494 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de fijar una fecha bautismal
269 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de asistir la iglesia
545 cumplieron con el compromiso con El Señor de escuchar el evangelio
44 está cumpliendo con sus compromisos con El Señor que tengan un gran deseo a bautizarse
Elderes y Hermanas, es tan importante que les enseñemos a nuestros investigadores que están haciendo y cumpliendo compromisos con El Señor. Es por medio de la fe en El que ellos van a tener la fuerza para seguir fiel y activo en la iglesia. (2 Nefi 2:6,8)
Les amamos mucho y es nuestro deseo que tengan mucho éxito en la obra del Senor.
Presidente May Read more!
Monday, July 14, 2008
14 Julio 2008
Queridos Elderes y Hermanas,
Les queremos decir que estamos muy agradecidos por la oportunidad para conocerles mejor a través de nuestras entrevistas que ya hemos tenido con muchos de ustedes. Estamos muy animados para esta semana y la oportunidad que tendremos para aun tener más entrevistas. ¡Cuán gozo es para sentir el gran poder del espíritu de ustedes!
Durante nuestras entrevistas que tuvimos, algunos de ustedes me preguntaron de lo que se espera de ustedes como misioneros en la misión Chile Santiago Norte. Pensé y medite en lo que El Señor esperara de nosotros en cuanto a Su Obra. Sentí el espíritu indicando lo siguiente:
1. Cumplir con Nuestro Objetivo
Invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo a fin de que reciban el Evangelio restaurado mediante la fe en Jesucristo y Su expiación, el arrepentimiento, el bautismo, la recepción del don del Espíritu Santo y el perseverar hasta el fin.
2. La Fe, Esperanza, y Caridad
La fe es un principio del poder. El obra de acuerdo con la fe de Sus hijos. La duda y el temor son opuestos a la fe.
“La fe es un don de Dios que se de como premio por la rectitud personal, siempre será dado cuando la rectitud este presente y el mayor grado de obediencia a las leyes de Dios, el mayor será el don de fe.” Elder Bruce R. McConkie
La esperanza le ayuda a vencer el desanimo. La esperanza consiste en confiar en las promesas de Dios.
La caridad es “El amor puro de Cristo” (Moroni 7:47) e incluye el amor eterno de Dios por todos Sus hijos. La caridad es un don de Dios.
3. La Obediencia
La obediencia es la primera ley del cielo y es un acto de fe. Al obedecer, aumentaran su fe, su conocimiento, su prudencia, su testimonio y tendrá protección y libertad.
4. El Estudio y Aplicación del Predicad Mi Evangelio
El objetivo del manual Predicad Mi Evangelio es ayudarle a estar mejor preparado y a ser un misionero con un nivel más elevado de madurez espiritual y un maestro mas persuasivo.
5. La Diligencia
La diligencia es el esfuerzo constante, uniforme, empeñoso y enérgico para hacer la Obra del Señor. El espera que usted trabaje diligentemente, con persistencia y gran empeño y atención.
Elderes y Hermanas, yo se que El Señor ha preparado muchas personas para escuchar y aceptar Su evangelio. Cada misionero, compañerismo, rama, barrio, distrito, zona, estaca tiene la gran oportunidad de trabajar para encontrar las personas que están esperando recibir el evangelio. Les amamos mucho y sé que esta es la obra del Señor.
Presidente May Read more!
Les queremos decir que estamos muy agradecidos por la oportunidad para conocerles mejor a través de nuestras entrevistas que ya hemos tenido con muchos de ustedes. Estamos muy animados para esta semana y la oportunidad que tendremos para aun tener más entrevistas. ¡Cuán gozo es para sentir el gran poder del espíritu de ustedes!
Durante nuestras entrevistas que tuvimos, algunos de ustedes me preguntaron de lo que se espera de ustedes como misioneros en la misión Chile Santiago Norte. Pensé y medite en lo que El Señor esperara de nosotros en cuanto a Su Obra. Sentí el espíritu indicando lo siguiente:
1. Cumplir con Nuestro Objetivo
Invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo a fin de que reciban el Evangelio restaurado mediante la fe en Jesucristo y Su expiación, el arrepentimiento, el bautismo, la recepción del don del Espíritu Santo y el perseverar hasta el fin.
2. La Fe, Esperanza, y Caridad
La fe es un principio del poder. El obra de acuerdo con la fe de Sus hijos. La duda y el temor son opuestos a la fe.
“La fe es un don de Dios que se de como premio por la rectitud personal, siempre será dado cuando la rectitud este presente y el mayor grado de obediencia a las leyes de Dios, el mayor será el don de fe.” Elder Bruce R. McConkie
La esperanza le ayuda a vencer el desanimo. La esperanza consiste en confiar en las promesas de Dios.
La caridad es “El amor puro de Cristo” (Moroni 7:47) e incluye el amor eterno de Dios por todos Sus hijos. La caridad es un don de Dios.
3. La Obediencia
La obediencia es la primera ley del cielo y es un acto de fe. Al obedecer, aumentaran su fe, su conocimiento, su prudencia, su testimonio y tendrá protección y libertad.
4. El Estudio y Aplicación del Predicad Mi Evangelio
El objetivo del manual Predicad Mi Evangelio es ayudarle a estar mejor preparado y a ser un misionero con un nivel más elevado de madurez espiritual y un maestro mas persuasivo.
5. La Diligencia
La diligencia es el esfuerzo constante, uniforme, empeñoso y enérgico para hacer la Obra del Señor. El espera que usted trabaje diligentemente, con persistencia y gran empeño y atención.
Elderes y Hermanas, yo se que El Señor ha preparado muchas personas para escuchar y aceptar Su evangelio. Cada misionero, compañerismo, rama, barrio, distrito, zona, estaca tiene la gran oportunidad de trabajar para encontrar las personas que están esperando recibir el evangelio. Les amamos mucho y sé que esta es la obra del Señor.
Presidente May Read more!
Monday, July 7, 2008
7 julio 2008
Queridos Elderes y Hermanas,
Fue una alegria tan grande para nosotros a conocerles en nuestras conferencias de zona. Es una bendicion muy especial para sentir sus grandes espiritus y el amor que tienen para la Obra del Senor. Es la verdad que hemos sidos llamados para "invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo a fin de que reciban el Evangelio restaurado mediante la fe en Jesucristo y Su expiacion, el arrepentimiento, el bautismo, la recepcion del don del Espiritu Santo y perseverar hasta el fin." Yo se que el Senor ha preparado personas en sus sectores para recibir el evangelio y ser bautizados. Por medio de la oracion de fe, trabajo consagrado, y confianza que el Espiritu nos mostrara a donde ir, que hacer y que decir, traeremos las almas a Cristo.
En esta semana y en la semana que viene yo tendre el gran privilegio de tener entrevistas con cada uno de ustedes. Sera una buena oportunidad para conocerles mejor y tambien hablar sobre nuestra mayordomia como siervos del Senor. Como preparacion para estas entrevistas, les pido que en su carta de hoy incluyan los siguientes FACTS (en espanol quiere decir "hechos"):
Familia-Cuentame de sus padres, hermanos, etc.!
Area-Cuentame de su sector!
Companero-Cuentame de su companero!
Testimonio-De su corazon!
(E)Spiritual-Cuentame de la ultima experiencia espiritual ha tenido!
Aqui esta mi direccion del correo electronico:
Michael.May@ldschurch.org
De PmE: (Predicad mi Evangelio)
"Haga contactos frecuentes con las personas, diarios de ser posible, para averiguar como van progresando con respecto a sus compromisos, asi como para contestarles preguntas, ayudarlas a superar dificultades, ensenarles lecciones adicionales, leer junto con ellas pasajes del Libro de Mormon, darles a conocer pasajes de las Escrituras or utilizar materiales audiovisuales." pg 217
Les amamos mucho y es nuestro deseo que tengan la caridad como su fundacion para hacer la obra como El Senor quiere. Que El Senor les bendiga en todo sus esfuerzos!
Presidente May Read more!
Fue una alegria tan grande para nosotros a conocerles en nuestras conferencias de zona. Es una bendicion muy especial para sentir sus grandes espiritus y el amor que tienen para la Obra del Senor. Es la verdad que hemos sidos llamados para "invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo a fin de que reciban el Evangelio restaurado mediante la fe en Jesucristo y Su expiacion, el arrepentimiento, el bautismo, la recepcion del don del Espiritu Santo y perseverar hasta el fin." Yo se que el Senor ha preparado personas en sus sectores para recibir el evangelio y ser bautizados. Por medio de la oracion de fe, trabajo consagrado, y confianza que el Espiritu nos mostrara a donde ir, que hacer y que decir, traeremos las almas a Cristo.
En esta semana y en la semana que viene yo tendre el gran privilegio de tener entrevistas con cada uno de ustedes. Sera una buena oportunidad para conocerles mejor y tambien hablar sobre nuestra mayordomia como siervos del Senor. Como preparacion para estas entrevistas, les pido que en su carta de hoy incluyan los siguientes FACTS (en espanol quiere decir "hechos"):
Familia-Cuentame de sus padres, hermanos, etc.!
Area-Cuentame de su sector!
Companero-Cuentame de su companero!
Testimonio-De su corazon!
(E)Spiritual-Cuentame de la ultima experiencia espiritual ha tenido!
Aqui esta mi direccion del correo electronico:
Michael.May@ldschurch.org
De PmE: (Predicad mi Evangelio)
"Haga contactos frecuentes con las personas, diarios de ser posible, para averiguar como van progresando con respecto a sus compromisos, asi como para contestarles preguntas, ayudarlas a superar dificultades, ensenarles lecciones adicionales, leer junto con ellas pasajes del Libro de Mormon, darles a conocer pasajes de las Escrituras or utilizar materiales audiovisuales." pg 217
Les amamos mucho y es nuestro deseo que tengan la caridad como su fundacion para hacer la obra como El Senor quiere. Que El Senor les bendiga en todo sus esfuerzos!
Presidente May Read more!
Somos Misioneros Juntos
7 de Julio
Queridos Elderes y Hermanas,
Fue exactamente treinta anos de hoy cuando yo entre en el MTC para empezar mi mision! Mi vida fue cambiada para siempre. Yo se que El Senor escribio la mision en mi corazon para que pudiera ser una fuente de fuerza espiritual por toda mi vida. Yo se que el Senor la escribira de nuevo en mi corazon porque tengo la oportunidad de servir con cada uno de ustedes. Gracias por todos sus esfuerzos para traer almas al Senor!
Con amor,
Presidente May Read more!
Queridos Elderes y Hermanas,
Fue exactamente treinta anos de hoy cuando yo entre en el MTC para empezar mi mision! Mi vida fue cambiada para siempre. Yo se que El Senor escribio la mision en mi corazon para que pudiera ser una fuente de fuerza espiritual por toda mi vida. Yo se que el Senor la escribira de nuevo en mi corazon porque tengo la oportunidad de servir con cada uno de ustedes. Gracias por todos sus esfuerzos para traer almas al Senor!
Con amor,
Presidente May Read more!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
MTC Preparations
We're in the finally stages of preparation for our departure to the MTC. Greg is now in the MTC officially, having about 1 week 'under his belt.' Sarah went to EFY with her cousin Rachel, from Calif, and now we have the movers, arriving in the morning to load our shipment we are taking to Santiago for 3 years. After that, we will be down to suitcases and ready to enter the MTC on Saturday, June 21st, for the New Mission President Seminar. It will be glorious, we've been told, so we are just thrilled to be attending. We'll take copious notes and hopefully post some of the thoughts and inspiring messages we will be learning, right on this blog.We love you, so that's why we want to write here to you!Love,Hermana May/Carol
Read more!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
CALLED TO SERVE....
We are so thrilled to be called to Preside over the Chile Santiago North Mission. Here are some of the changes, developments, and miracles we are seeing in our lives:Our fourth son, Elder Gregory P. May, was also called to leave early as an 18yr old, 11 days after he graduates from high school, to enter the Provo MTC June 11th. He will serve in the CHILE CONCEPCION MISSION. He was ordained an Elder on May 18th, and then went to the temple on Tuesday, May 26th. He has been studying diligently, Predicad mi Evangelio, and practicing in Spanish. He will be an awesome Missionary.
Our 14yr old daughter, Sarah will also be going to Santiago with us and attending the NIDO de Aguilas International school there. www.nido.clShe will start her high school years there, and has talked and visited with a couple of American students who are already there in Santiago, so she won't feel alone when she arrives. She has been involved in Spanish Immersion in schools here, since the second grade, so now those Spanish skills we really come in handy!
Our third son, Elder Steven May is still serving in the Brazil, Rio de Janeiro Mission. He loves serving there and has been truly blessed. Many people there have become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and have been baptized to show their faith and follow in the Lord's footsteps. Elder S. May will be finishing his mission this October 2008, and will be sent to our mission to be released by his Dad. First he wants to take a short, quick jaunt down about 5 hours to Concepcion with us, so he can say hello, go on an exchange (split) and have lunch with his missionary brother, Elder G. May, while he is still a missionary. Then he will return to our home in Orem, UTAH, until his next semester at BYU will start in Jan 2009.
Our oldest son, Elder Eric May, has been home from his mission to Florida, Ft. Lauderdale/Spanish speaking, for about 5 years. He is working and living in Provo. He is finishing his Bachelor's degree at UVSC in English, and this past year has been writing for the Daily Herald newspaper, in their sports section. He has really enjoyed this and has a gift/knack for making the articles creative, entertaining and fun. He will come down to see us at Christmas/our summer time. We will miss his happy, fun attitude while we are gone, and we will be praying that his future wife will bump into him soon, so they can get acquainted and get on with life together!
Our second son, Elder Andrew May has been home about 2.5 years and married a sweetheart we all love, Marissa Blom. He served in the Washington DC North Mission and she served in the N. Carolina Charlotte Mission. They were married in Dec 2006 in the SLC Temple, and now have a cute, adorable son, Benson Andrew. Needless to say, leaving this darling grandchild, family, friends, etc is surely a tug at our heart strings, but we know this work is worth it. They will all be moving into our home, and we are grateful for them 'holding down the fort,' while we are away for 3 years. I better end here. I hope to learn how to add fotos next....I love you! Read more!
We are so thrilled to be called to Preside over the Chile Santiago North Mission. Here are some of the changes, developments, and miracles we are seeing in our lives:Our fourth son, Elder Gregory P. May, was also called to leave early as an 18yr old, 11 days after he graduates from high school, to enter the Provo MTC June 11th. He will serve in the CHILE CONCEPCION MISSION. He was ordained an Elder on May 18th, and then went to the temple on Tuesday, May 26th. He has been studying diligently, Predicad mi Evangelio, and practicing in Spanish. He will be an awesome Missionary.
Our 14yr old daughter, Sarah will also be going to Santiago with us and attending the NIDO de Aguilas International school there. www.nido.clShe will start her high school years there, and has talked and visited with a couple of American students who are already there in Santiago, so she won't feel alone when she arrives. She has been involved in Spanish Immersion in schools here, since the second grade, so now those Spanish skills we really come in handy!
Our third son, Elder Steven May is still serving in the Brazil, Rio de Janeiro Mission. He loves serving there and has been truly blessed. Many people there have become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and have been baptized to show their faith and follow in the Lord's footsteps. Elder S. May will be finishing his mission this October 2008, and will be sent to our mission to be released by his Dad. First he wants to take a short, quick jaunt down about 5 hours to Concepcion with us, so he can say hello, go on an exchange (split) and have lunch with his missionary brother, Elder G. May, while he is still a missionary. Then he will return to our home in Orem, UTAH, until his next semester at BYU will start in Jan 2009.
Our oldest son, Elder Eric May, has been home from his mission to Florida, Ft. Lauderdale/Spanish speaking, for about 5 years. He is working and living in Provo. He is finishing his Bachelor's degree at UVSC in English, and this past year has been writing for the Daily Herald newspaper, in their sports section. He has really enjoyed this and has a gift/knack for making the articles creative, entertaining and fun. He will come down to see us at Christmas/our summer time. We will miss his happy, fun attitude while we are gone, and we will be praying that his future wife will bump into him soon, so they can get acquainted and get on with life together!
Our second son, Elder Andrew May has been home about 2.5 years and married a sweetheart we all love, Marissa Blom. He served in the Washington DC North Mission and she served in the N. Carolina Charlotte Mission. They were married in Dec 2006 in the SLC Temple, and now have a cute, adorable son, Benson Andrew. Needless to say, leaving this darling grandchild, family, friends, etc is surely a tug at our heart strings, but we know this work is worth it. They will all be moving into our home, and we are grateful for them 'holding down the fort,' while we are away for 3 years. I better end here. I hope to learn how to add fotos next....I love you! Read more!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Marvelous MTC Spanish Tutores!
Elder Benjamin Vera y Hermana Ximena (Martinez) Bishop. We have fallen in love with these dear young people who are fantastic missionaries, in every sense of the word. They treated us so respectfully and with loving guidance, but were demanding and highly motiviating. From our first visit when we spoke on the phone, I knew Hermana Bishop meant business, when she told me, "Hernana May, es prohibido hablar ingles!" From then on she expected me to speak only in Spanish! Wow, did I love her for really helping me. We both wish we could take them with us to help us for three years. Ya saben que les queremos mucho!
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