Official Message/Notice of Updated information regarding Missionaries:
English y Espanol
Dear Parents of the CSN Mission,
Since the incredible earthquake we experienced in Santiago, Chile yesterday, we finally have a stable internet for now, so we will attempt a massive advisory to all of you, regarding your sons and daughters who are serving as missionaries here:
• ALL of the missionaries in our mission are accounted for, safe, and healthy.
• Monday, Mar 1st will be a normal Preparation day for them. They will attempt to send each of you an email updating you on their personal status and situations.
• Please note that some are still without electricity and may not have internet access yet. If you do not receive a message tomorrow, please do not worry and be patient, as they will continue attempting until they send you a message.
• Please feel free to visit our mission blog, and we will try to keep it updated and current.
http://chilesantiagonorthmission.blogspot.com
We are doing our best to tend to the needs of ALL of our missionaries. We love each one of them and are grateful their safety and positive attitudes amid such uncertainty and inconveniences. They are powerful and strong spirits, with desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to all in Chile, more now, than ever before. Please continue to pray for all of the fine people in Chile.
Lovingly,
President and Sister Michael May
Estimados padres de misioneros en la Mision CSN,
Desde el terremoto increíble que vivimos en Santiago de Chile ayer, finalmente tenemos un internet estable por ahora, así que vamos a intentar un aviso masivo a todos ustedes, con respecto a sus hijos e hijas que están sirviendo como misioneros aquí:
• Todos los misioneros en nuestra misión se tienen en cuenta, seguro y saludable.
• Lunes, 1 de marzo será un día de la preparación normal para ellos. Se tratará de enviar cada uno de un correo electrónico de ponerle al día sobre su situación personal.
• Tenga en cuenta que algunos todavía están sin electricidad y no tienen acceso a Internet todavía. Si usted no recibe un mensaje mañana, por favor, no se preocupe y sea paciente, ya que seguiremos intentando hasta que se le envíe un mensaje.
• Por favor, queremos invitarles a visitar nuestro blog de la misión, y trataremos de mantenerlo actualizado.
http://chilesantiagonorthmission.blogspot.com
Estamos haciendo nuestro mejor esfuerzo para atender a las necesidades de todos nuestros misioneros. Les amamos a cada uno de ellos y estamos agradecidos por su seguridad y actitudes positivas en medio de tanta incertidumbre y los inconvenientes. Son poderosos y fuertes misioneros, con el deseo de compartir el evangelio de Jesucristo a todos en Chile, más ahora que nunca antes. Por favor, continúen orando por todas las buenas personas en Chile.
Cariñosamente,
Presidente y Hermana Michael May
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Updating News on Earthquake
We will try to continue to post fotos and journal entries here and below in "LIFE IN CHILE" so that you will be able to see firsthand some of the details from the Earthquake here. Remember to CLICK on the small, thumbnail fotos, and they will enlarge. More importantly, we hope that all of the missionaries will share the faith promoting experiences they have been having with their families and friends. We hope that many people here in Chile, will feel the importance to turn to God, that they will want to listen to the Gospel message in all sincerity, to bless and change their lives.
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And here is the rest of it. Again, this entire section should be written inside of these two lines, the lines may be removed but the spaces between cannot be removed... If you have any problems let me know...
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And here is the rest of it. Again, this entire section should be written inside of these two lines, the lines may be removed but the spaces between cannot be removed... If you have any problems let me know...
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LDS Church Response
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- All of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' missionaries serving around Chile have reported in safe after a massive earthquake, Church officials said Sunday.
Two young men who helped others move to higher ground on remote Juan Fernandez islands 400 miles off the coast were the last missionaries to report in after Saturday's magnitude-8.8 quake, according to the Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A missionary training center in Santiago, Chile's capital, was undamaged, church spokesman Scott Trotter said. Santiago, 200 miles northeast of the quake's epicenter, sustained other damage.
Members of other proselytizing missions in neighboring Argentina were safe, Mormon church officials said. They expected to update their plans later Sunday for reacting to the quake.
In Utah, parents of the missionaries -- young men on a two-year tour of duty -- said they had not been able to contact their sons but were confident they were OK.
Connie Reynolds' son, Chase, is serving on a Concepcion Mission, based in the largest city near the epicenter with more than 200,000 people.
"I was on pins and needles," Connie Reynolds told the Standard-Examiner of Ogden, Utah. "It was another missionary mother on the phone and she asked me if I had heard about the earthquake."
Hours later, Tony and Connie Reynolds got word from the church that the Santiago delegation was safe. Their son was in town called Molina, about 70 miles south of the epicenter.
"It was pretty awful to see the images of the quake on TV," Connie Reynolds said. "We certainly hope the members and the Chileans are doing OK. We know Chase loves the people of Chile and we have grown to love them through him. We feel for them and our hearts go out to them. We're sure Chase is rolling up his sleeves and helping the people of Chile right now."
Jeffrey Stagg, the son of Dr. Neil and Ruth Ann Stagg, of South Ogden, is serving in the Santiago East Mission, which is approximately 200 miles from Talca, the quake epicenter.
"We haven't heard from Jeffrey yet but as far as we know he is safe," said his mother, Ruth Ann Stagg. "I would love to hear from him. Just hear his voice."
Mark and Julie Tensmeyer, of Ogden, whose son Kyle is serving in the Vina Del Mar mission, are "just expecting the best unless we hear otherwise," said Mark Tensmeyer. "Kyle is in a rural area where there aren't a lot of large buildings, which is good when there's an earthquake, but I'm sure we won't hear from him until communications have improved."
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Two young men who helped others move to higher ground on remote Juan Fernandez islands 400 miles off the coast were the last missionaries to report in after Saturday's magnitude-8.8 quake, according to the Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A missionary training center in Santiago, Chile's capital, was undamaged, church spokesman Scott Trotter said. Santiago, 200 miles northeast of the quake's epicenter, sustained other damage.
Members of other proselytizing missions in neighboring Argentina were safe, Mormon church officials said. They expected to update their plans later Sunday for reacting to the quake.
In Utah, parents of the missionaries -- young men on a two-year tour of duty -- said they had not been able to contact their sons but were confident they were OK.
Connie Reynolds' son, Chase, is serving on a Concepcion Mission, based in the largest city near the epicenter with more than 200,000 people.
"I was on pins and needles," Connie Reynolds told the Standard-Examiner of Ogden, Utah. "It was another missionary mother on the phone and she asked me if I had heard about the earthquake."
Hours later, Tony and Connie Reynolds got word from the church that the Santiago delegation was safe. Their son was in town called Molina, about 70 miles south of the epicenter.
"It was pretty awful to see the images of the quake on TV," Connie Reynolds said. "We certainly hope the members and the Chileans are doing OK. We know Chase loves the people of Chile and we have grown to love them through him. We feel for them and our hearts go out to them. We're sure Chase is rolling up his sleeves and helping the people of Chile right now."
Jeffrey Stagg, the son of Dr. Neil and Ruth Ann Stagg, of South Ogden, is serving in the Santiago East Mission, which is approximately 200 miles from Talca, the quake epicenter.
"We haven't heard from Jeffrey yet but as far as we know he is safe," said his mother, Ruth Ann Stagg. "I would love to hear from him. Just hear his voice."
Mark and Julie Tensmeyer, of Ogden, whose son Kyle is serving in the Vina Del Mar mission, are "just expecting the best unless we hear otherwise," said Mark Tensmeyer. "Kyle is in a rural area where there aren't a lot of large buildings, which is good when there's an earthquake, but I'm sure we won't hear from him until communications have improved."
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Fotos, stories will be posted by permission ONLY
The following fotos and experiences will be shared by permission of the missionaries only. The names won't need to be posted, but you can see the experiences and evidence of what has happened here. When people talk of damages, we are blessed to not be speaking of extreme injuries or deaths in our mission to ANY of our missionaries. Of course we had plenty of "DAMAGE" to apartments, material items in the houses, etc, but compared to bodily injury, we are happy to report nothing serious. We are still making the rounds to assess the 'worldly' material losses, and to determine the livability of each apartment and make decisions. Everyone was without water and electricity initially, but most had it restored quite quickly. However there are still some in out lying areas with now power even now.
We had a few missionaries who said that they had a few minor cuts, scratches, bruises, and scrapes from walls, floor, bits of glass, etc, but relatively simple in comparison to deaths. One missionary had an old, wobbly, adobe wall around the garden area of his porch tip over on him as he was quickly exiting their apartment, in the pitch dark at 3:34am. He tells us that obviously he had angels helping to protect him, as it fell with its total weight on top of him, but he didn't hit his head, it broke into pieces all around him, and he was able to get to safety. His wonderful companion helped him to a neightbor, member's home, and the Bishop and wife brought him safely to the mission home, where he was treated and stayed the next day. He has a possible broken finger, scratches and bruises, but is healing miraculously. We had some missionaries who stepped on glass, and didn't get cut, others who ran down many flights of stairs, in total darkness and are still fine and healthy. We have asked the missionaries to write about their experiences and miracles so that they can remember them and give the Lord credit for their safety. We know that we have been protected and watched over, without a doubt.
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We had a few missionaries who said that they had a few minor cuts, scratches, bruises, and scrapes from walls, floor, bits of glass, etc, but relatively simple in comparison to deaths. One missionary had an old, wobbly, adobe wall around the garden area of his porch tip over on him as he was quickly exiting their apartment, in the pitch dark at 3:34am. He tells us that obviously he had angels helping to protect him, as it fell with its total weight on top of him, but he didn't hit his head, it broke into pieces all around him, and he was able to get to safety. His wonderful companion helped him to a neightbor, member's home, and the Bishop and wife brought him safely to the mission home, where he was treated and stayed the next day. He has a possible broken finger, scratches and bruises, but is healing miraculously. We had some missionaries who stepped on glass, and didn't get cut, others who ran down many flights of stairs, in total darkness and are still fine and healthy. We have asked the missionaries to write about their experiences and miracles so that they can remember them and give the Lord credit for their safety. We know that we have been protected and watched over, without a doubt.
Read more!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
“Rejoice with me; For I have found my sheep which was lost.”
We are so happy to report the best news yet….Yes, we have heard from our dear Elders on the Isla Juan Fernandez and they are both fine. At 10:00pm this evening, Pdte May finally rec’d an email from these missionaries who were apparently the last missionaries in all of Chile who had not be completely accounted for, until now.
We can’t quite describe the joy and gratitude we feel to now have ALL of our missionaries in the whole Chile Santiago North Mission, safe, healthy and accounted for in their appropriate sectors. Here is the email President May rec’d from the Island:
“HOLA PRESIDENTE Y FAMILIAS, ESTAMOS VIVOS Y SIN LESIONES, NO SE PREOCUPENE STAMOS BIEN. ESTAMOS ALOJANDONOS EN UNA CASA QUE ESTA ALTO EN LA MONTAÑA ASI QUE NO CORREMOS RIESGO, LA ISLA ESTA BASTANTE AFECTADA Y ESTAMOS SIRVIENDO Y TRABAJANDO, BUSCANDO GENTE QUE ESTA PERDIDA. TENEMOS AGUA Y COMIDA ASI QUE NO SE PREOCUPEN, ESTAMOS AYUDANDO ACA Y TRATANDO CUMPLIR CON NUESTRO DEBER.
LES AMAMOS MUCHO
ELDER MITCHELL y ELDER MARIN
Hello President and families, We are alive and without injuries. Don’t worry, we are fine. We are staying in a house that is up high on the mountain and we don’t run a risk. The Island is quite affected and we are serving and working; looking for lost people. We have water and food, so don’t worry. We are helping here and trying to accomplish our duty.
We love you much,
Elder Mitchell and Elder Marin
When we finally heard this marvelous word, we felt the Lord’s hand again, and then the words that He taught us also, in way of a parable. Paraphrasing, Luke 15:3-7, talks about a Shepherd who had at least 100 sheep, and lost one. (Like missing our 2 Elders). He would leave the others in the wilderness and go after the one he couldn’t find yet. Then the words came so clearly to my mind as this email arrived tonight. “And when he hath found it (These two great missionaries have been found, healthy and happy!) he rejoicing…calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep/ Missionary Elders, which were lost.” Also, even though these excellent missionaries are nothing like the prodigal son in any respect of being lost like he was, we also felt like the loving father who was overjoyed upon finding his son again, “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad; for this thy (two missionary Elders) were ‘lost/missing” and are both alive and fine, and they were lost, and now are found.”
We feel to exclaim like Ammon, “Our joy is full, yeah our heart is brim with joy, and we rejoice in our God.” (Alma 26:11) We know these miracles come from God and His Son.
Presidente y Hermana May
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We can’t quite describe the joy and gratitude we feel to now have ALL of our missionaries in the whole Chile Santiago North Mission, safe, healthy and accounted for in their appropriate sectors. Here is the email President May rec’d from the Island:
“HOLA PRESIDENTE Y FAMILIAS, ESTAMOS VIVOS Y SIN LESIONES, NO SE PREOCUPENE STAMOS BIEN. ESTAMOS ALOJANDONOS EN UNA CASA QUE ESTA ALTO EN LA MONTAÑA ASI QUE NO CORREMOS RIESGO, LA ISLA ESTA BASTANTE AFECTADA Y ESTAMOS SIRVIENDO Y TRABAJANDO, BUSCANDO GENTE QUE ESTA PERDIDA. TENEMOS AGUA Y COMIDA ASI QUE NO SE PREOCUPEN, ESTAMOS AYUDANDO ACA Y TRATANDO CUMPLIR CON NUESTRO DEBER.
LES AMAMOS MUCHO
ELDER MITCHELL y ELDER MARIN
Hello President and families, We are alive and without injuries. Don’t worry, we are fine. We are staying in a house that is up high on the mountain and we don’t run a risk. The Island is quite affected and we are serving and working; looking for lost people. We have water and food, so don’t worry. We are helping here and trying to accomplish our duty.
We love you much,
Elder Mitchell and Elder Marin
When we finally heard this marvelous word, we felt the Lord’s hand again, and then the words that He taught us also, in way of a parable. Paraphrasing, Luke 15:3-7, talks about a Shepherd who had at least 100 sheep, and lost one. (Like missing our 2 Elders). He would leave the others in the wilderness and go after the one he couldn’t find yet. Then the words came so clearly to my mind as this email arrived tonight. “And when he hath found it (These two great missionaries have been found, healthy and happy!) he rejoicing…calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep/ Missionary Elders, which were lost.” Also, even though these excellent missionaries are nothing like the prodigal son in any respect of being lost like he was, we also felt like the loving father who was overjoyed upon finding his son again, “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad; for this thy (two missionary Elders) were ‘lost/missing” and are both alive and fine, and they were lost, and now are found.”
We feel to exclaim like Ammon, “Our joy is full, yeah our heart is brim with joy, and we rejoice in our God.” (Alma 26:11) We know these miracles come from God and His Son.
Presidente y Hermana May
Read more!
News from Chile after Earthquake
Dear Friends, Family, loved ones and parents of our dear missionaries of the Chile Santiago North Mission,
We know that many of you are often on the mission blog, so we decided to post our latest news as we have it currently:
Thank you for your love and concern on behalf of all the great people here in Chile. We especially appreciate your prayers for the welfare of your wonderful missionaries you have entrusted here to serve the Lord. We want you to know that all of our missionaries on the continent in our Chile Santiago North Mission are accounted for as of this moment. They are full of faith, happy and surprisingly so optimistic that it touches us to hear their wonderful outlook. We had one slight injury with an Elder, and he is happily here in the mission home doing fine, with his companion, where we can actually keep an eye on him! We are hearing of many miracles where we know they were protected by angels.
Now finally, after trying all day, just spoke to the Rundquists, our senior couple we have serving on Easter Island, and they too are fine. They are bringing our small flock of the branch for an evening of FHE/activity, to their apartment that is situated up on one of the highest hills. They are trying to gear up and be prepared for the possibility of the coming tsunami there. They too are cheerful and encouraged; glad they had recently been grocery shopping and happy that they can help the other members be safe too. What great examples to us!
However, our hearts are filled with prayers and concern for our last two, fine Elders we have presently serving on the Isla Juan Fernandez/Robinson Crusoe Island whom we haven’t heard from yet. There has only been spotty information rec’d here in Santiago regarding the status of all on the island, after the tsunami has already hit there. We don’t know the condition or status of our dear Elder Mitchell and Elder Marin at this time. Please, continue to pour out your hearts in prayer for their safety, well-being and protection at this time. We know that the Lord is mindful of them, and He loves His missionaries, so we are full of faith and hope and have asked our missionaries to continue to pray for them by name.
Our daughter Sarah, who is with us here in Santiago, is fine, as is our son, Elder Gregory May, who is serving in Chile Concepcion Mission (epicenter of the earthquake) , along with all of the missionaries accounted for in his mission too, thankfully. We have been in constant communication with Salt Lake City, and then trying to reach and receive calls from our dear missionaries, so forgive us for not calling back, answering email, and responding individually. We have had quite a bit of experience in our lives with earthquakes, living in So. California, including the devastating challenge of having our home in Valencia destroyed in the 1994 Northridge quake. Preparing to deliver our daughter, Sarah, now 16, that very morning, we learned so much through that experience that we are seeing come into play in this time in Chile. We know that the Lord is so aware and instead of trying to hustle our four small sons out of the way of the breaking glass, swinging chandeliers, crashing bookcases like we did in 1994, we now are thrilled to hear that our 170 ‘mighty Elders and Hermanas” are also safe and moving forward with faith wherever they are. They have been contacting each other, lovingly checking on the sisters, walking to each others apartments, helping with some of the clean up, etc. What incredible young people these are and we love them dearly. We see the Lord’s hand in these miracles.
Please pray for the people here in Chile, and especially our Elders Mitchell and Marin. May you parents know how we cherish and love your dear missionaries.
Con amor y cariño,
Presidente y Hermana Michael May
Read more!
We know that many of you are often on the mission blog, so we decided to post our latest news as we have it currently:
Thank you for your love and concern on behalf of all the great people here in Chile. We especially appreciate your prayers for the welfare of your wonderful missionaries you have entrusted here to serve the Lord. We want you to know that all of our missionaries on the continent in our Chile Santiago North Mission are accounted for as of this moment. They are full of faith, happy and surprisingly so optimistic that it touches us to hear their wonderful outlook. We had one slight injury with an Elder, and he is happily here in the mission home doing fine, with his companion, where we can actually keep an eye on him! We are hearing of many miracles where we know they were protected by angels.
Now finally, after trying all day, just spoke to the Rundquists, our senior couple we have serving on Easter Island, and they too are fine. They are bringing our small flock of the branch for an evening of FHE/activity, to their apartment that is situated up on one of the highest hills. They are trying to gear up and be prepared for the possibility of the coming tsunami there. They too are cheerful and encouraged; glad they had recently been grocery shopping and happy that they can help the other members be safe too. What great examples to us!
However, our hearts are filled with prayers and concern for our last two, fine Elders we have presently serving on the Isla Juan Fernandez/Robinson Crusoe Island whom we haven’t heard from yet. There has only been spotty information rec’d here in Santiago regarding the status of all on the island, after the tsunami has already hit there. We don’t know the condition or status of our dear Elder Mitchell and Elder Marin at this time. Please, continue to pour out your hearts in prayer for their safety, well-being and protection at this time. We know that the Lord is mindful of them, and He loves His missionaries, so we are full of faith and hope and have asked our missionaries to continue to pray for them by name.
Our daughter Sarah, who is with us here in Santiago, is fine, as is our son, Elder Gregory May, who is serving in Chile Concepcion Mission (epicenter of the earthquake) , along with all of the missionaries accounted for in his mission too, thankfully. We have been in constant communication with Salt Lake City, and then trying to reach and receive calls from our dear missionaries, so forgive us for not calling back, answering email, and responding individually. We have had quite a bit of experience in our lives with earthquakes, living in So. California, including the devastating challenge of having our home in Valencia destroyed in the 1994 Northridge quake. Preparing to deliver our daughter, Sarah, now 16, that very morning, we learned so much through that experience that we are seeing come into play in this time in Chile. We know that the Lord is so aware and instead of trying to hustle our four small sons out of the way of the breaking glass, swinging chandeliers, crashing bookcases like we did in 1994, we now are thrilled to hear that our 170 ‘mighty Elders and Hermanas” are also safe and moving forward with faith wherever they are. They have been contacting each other, lovingly checking on the sisters, walking to each others apartments, helping with some of the clean up, etc. What incredible young people these are and we love them dearly. We see the Lord’s hand in these miracles.
Please pray for the people here in Chile, and especially our Elders Mitchell and Marin. May you parents know how we cherish and love your dear missionaries.
Con amor y cariño,
Presidente y Hermana Michael May
Read more!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Jesus was "Prepared and Willing"
In Lesson 2 of Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel we read that “when the Father asked His beloved Son to pay the price for the world´s sins, Jesus was “prepared and willing”. The Savior paid the price for our sins which is something that we could not and cannot do for ourselves. The Savior did not take away our personal responsibility to be “prepared and willing” to accept Him, repent, and obey His commandments. The definition of being prepared is to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity.” Our preparation to accept Him, repent, and obey His commandments comes from through sincere personal prayer, studying the essential doctrines, principles, and commandments of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and developing Christ like attributes in our lives. As we do this with consistency on a daily basis our faith will wax strong and we shall not fear (D&C 38:30).
This preparation will provide the foundation by which we will wholeheartedly be willing to submit our will to the will of our Heavenly Father in all things. The Savior gave us a perfect example “Though He suffered beyond comprehension—so much so that He bled from every pore and asked whether it were possible that this burden be lifted from Him—He submitted to the Father’s will in a supreme expression of love for His Father and for us. (Preach My Gospel Lesson 2, The Plan of Salvation)
He later declared to the Nephites, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. (3 Nephi 11:10-11, 3 Nephi 27:13)
The Savior was not only prepared and willing but most important, He completed the Atonement. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, completed all that His Heavenly Father sent Him to do. (Preach My Gospel Lesson 1 The Restoration)
We as missionaries have the opportunity each and every day to prepare ourselves spiritually through our own personal prayer, study of the essential doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ and development of Christ like attributes. This preparation will provide the strength to submit our will to the will of our Heavenly Father in all things so that we will complete all that our Heavenly Father has sent us to do here in the Chile Santiago North mission. What has He sent us to do here? He has sent us here to dedicate all of heart, might, mind and strength to bring many souls to salvation by inviting them to exercise faith in Jesus Christ unto repentance, be baptized for the remission of sin, receive the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.
We feel it it a privilege to serve with you and we love each of you,
Read more!
This preparation will provide the foundation by which we will wholeheartedly be willing to submit our will to the will of our Heavenly Father in all things. The Savior gave us a perfect example “Though He suffered beyond comprehension—so much so that He bled from every pore and asked whether it were possible that this burden be lifted from Him—He submitted to the Father’s will in a supreme expression of love for His Father and for us. (Preach My Gospel Lesson 2, The Plan of Salvation)
He later declared to the Nephites, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. (3 Nephi 11:10-11, 3 Nephi 27:13)
The Savior was not only prepared and willing but most important, He completed the Atonement. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, completed all that His Heavenly Father sent Him to do. (Preach My Gospel Lesson 1 The Restoration)
We as missionaries have the opportunity each and every day to prepare ourselves spiritually through our own personal prayer, study of the essential doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ and development of Christ like attributes. This preparation will provide the strength to submit our will to the will of our Heavenly Father in all things so that we will complete all that our Heavenly Father has sent us to do here in the Chile Santiago North mission. What has He sent us to do here? He has sent us here to dedicate all of heart, might, mind and strength to bring many souls to salvation by inviting them to exercise faith in Jesus Christ unto repentance, be baptized for the remission of sin, receive the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.
We feel it it a privilege to serve with you and we love each of you,
Read more!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Hermana May writes for President May's Birthday
Good Morning, Magnificant Missionaries de la Misión Chile Santiago Norte!!!
(Español más arriba con la ayuda de “google translator!”)
Today is President May’s Birthday, so I offered to write a message to you today, and share my thoughts, while he catches up with some of his other responsibilities. I hope you can understand by the spirit, and don’t get distracted by my words. You know that I love President May, but I love you dear missionaries too, and I wish I could send this email with an extra attachment of love, to each of you! He may be celebrating another birthday, but we are daily thankful that we have these days, weeks, months and years to be spending together with each one of you!
One of my dear sister-in-laws, Bev, sends me notes from an institute class she teaches in Utah. They are studying the Book of Mormon, and she always does wonderful research to find quotes, thoughts and ideas from General Authorities about the topics in the scriptures they are studying.
Recently they were learning about Enos and the importance of prayer. The message is so powerful and the Holy Ghost bore a strong witness to me that the quotes mentioned below are true and that we can have more effective and better communication through our prayers. Let me just share a couple that impressed me:
“I have had prayers answered. Those answers were most clear when what I wanted was silenced by an overpowering need to know what God wanted. It is then that the answer from a loving Heavenly Father can be spoken to the mind by the still, small voice and can be written on the heart.” (Henry B. Eyring, “That He May Write upon Our Hearts,” Ensign, Aug 2009, 4–9)
“That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. The Holy Ghost communicates with our spirits through the mind more than through the physical senses. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions. We may feel the words of spiritual communication more than hear them and see with spiritual rather than with mortal eyes. ….Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with ‘Thy will be done’.” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10). (Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 43–46)
May the spirit continue to guide you in your prayers that you may express your thoughts and feelings, listen to the instruction and guidance you receive. Then may you wait patiently on the Lord, to submit to His will, to listen and then quickly obey.
Thank you for your faithful, loving and obedient service to our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know this is Jesus Christ’s church, and this is His true work on the earth. I testify that He lives, and we are blessed beyond our capabilities, because we are here to serve Him, and He magnifies our abilities. I pray He will bless, protect, inspire, and guide you every day.
I love you, dear Elderes y Hermanas!
Con mucho amor y abrazos a todos!
Hermana May
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(Español más arriba con la ayuda de “google translator!”)
Today is President May’s Birthday, so I offered to write a message to you today, and share my thoughts, while he catches up with some of his other responsibilities. I hope you can understand by the spirit, and don’t get distracted by my words. You know that I love President May, but I love you dear missionaries too, and I wish I could send this email with an extra attachment of love, to each of you! He may be celebrating another birthday, but we are daily thankful that we have these days, weeks, months and years to be spending together with each one of you!
One of my dear sister-in-laws, Bev, sends me notes from an institute class she teaches in Utah. They are studying the Book of Mormon, and she always does wonderful research to find quotes, thoughts and ideas from General Authorities about the topics in the scriptures they are studying.
Recently they were learning about Enos and the importance of prayer. The message is so powerful and the Holy Ghost bore a strong witness to me that the quotes mentioned below are true and that we can have more effective and better communication through our prayers. Let me just share a couple that impressed me:
“I have had prayers answered. Those answers were most clear when what I wanted was silenced by an overpowering need to know what God wanted. It is then that the answer from a loving Heavenly Father can be spoken to the mind by the still, small voice and can be written on the heart.” (Henry B. Eyring, “That He May Write upon Our Hearts,” Ensign, Aug 2009, 4–9)
“That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. The Holy Ghost communicates with our spirits through the mind more than through the physical senses. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions. We may feel the words of spiritual communication more than hear them and see with spiritual rather than with mortal eyes. ….Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with ‘Thy will be done’.” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10). (Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 43–46)
May the spirit continue to guide you in your prayers that you may express your thoughts and feelings, listen to the instruction and guidance you receive. Then may you wait patiently on the Lord, to submit to His will, to listen and then quickly obey.
Thank you for your faithful, loving and obedient service to our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know this is Jesus Christ’s church, and this is His true work on the earth. I testify that He lives, and we are blessed beyond our capabilities, because we are here to serve Him, and He magnifies our abilities. I pray He will bless, protect, inspire, and guide you every day.
I love you, dear Elderes y Hermanas!
Con mucho amor y abrazos a todos!
Hermana May
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Friday, February 5, 2010
Fresh, new Missionaries talk with Enthusiasm!
Today was our new missionary Fase 1 training. These great 4 missionaries have been here about 2 weeks. They return to the mission home with their trainers/companions to learn more of the basics, orientation, and details of the work in this mission.
We discuss many things, but this is what we learned from them:
These mighty missionaries; Hermana Buckner, Elder Kanehele, Elder Tialavea, y Elder Wagner all are happy, healthy and smiling with enthusiasm. We enjoyed hearing of their reports of success, where they share things they have learned and observed here in the mission, in just a short time. Quotes used, but these are paraphrased notes:
Elder W-"I was sitting in a lesson, and couldn't really understand too much of the lesson, my companion was sharing and talking with the investigator. I felt prompted by the spirit to share a couple of scriptures, about lifting up our head, and be of good cheer, and then later my companion told me that that was just what she needed. The investigator was discouraged, and sad, but this scripture was given to me to share."
Elder K-"We are teaching this woman who is very happy. He lives in a house with 18 people with barely anything in their home. She has 8 children, and they are really poor (at this point he gets teary eyed sharing how this touched him.) She was smoking 3 packs of cigaretts daily, and gallons of tea, but now that she has the gospel, you has given it all up, and is really happy. It makes me happy to see how the gospel really can change people's lives and it does."
Elder T- "A scripture my brother shared with me from Mosiah 24:14. The Lord will ease our burdens. This mission is the hardest thing I have ever done. I felt that the first week here I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and it was SO hard. I also know that if we come to the Lord, on our knees to ask for help, he ALWAYS lifts us and helps lighten our burden. I know that is true, since I have felt it again in the mission."
Hermana B-"We were talking in the street with a man who wanted to argue. We refused to get involved, so we said goodbye and walked away, continuing to talk to others in the street. Then a man made a bee-line over to us and said that he had been watching us and that he saw how we had worked, taught and talked to people. He told us he was an inactive member for more than 20 years, but now felt prompted to have us come teach his family. He has some health problems, but we have been teaching his children and wife, and she tells us when they become discouraged or fearful of the cancer thoughts, they read the Book of Mormon and find great peace."
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We discuss many things, but this is what we learned from them:
These mighty missionaries; Hermana Buckner, Elder Kanehele, Elder Tialavea, y Elder Wagner all are happy, healthy and smiling with enthusiasm. We enjoyed hearing of their reports of success, where they share things they have learned and observed here in the mission, in just a short time. Quotes used, but these are paraphrased notes:
Elder W-"I was sitting in a lesson, and couldn't really understand too much of the lesson, my companion was sharing and talking with the investigator. I felt prompted by the spirit to share a couple of scriptures, about lifting up our head, and be of good cheer, and then later my companion told me that that was just what she needed. The investigator was discouraged, and sad, but this scripture was given to me to share."
Elder K-"We are teaching this woman who is very happy. He lives in a house with 18 people with barely anything in their home. She has 8 children, and they are really poor (at this point he gets teary eyed sharing how this touched him.) She was smoking 3 packs of cigaretts daily, and gallons of tea, but now that she has the gospel, you has given it all up, and is really happy. It makes me happy to see how the gospel really can change people's lives and it does."
Elder T- "A scripture my brother shared with me from Mosiah 24:14. The Lord will ease our burdens. This mission is the hardest thing I have ever done. I felt that the first week here I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and it was SO hard. I also know that if we come to the Lord, on our knees to ask for help, he ALWAYS lifts us and helps lighten our burden. I know that is true, since I have felt it again in the mission."
Hermana B-"We were talking in the street with a man who wanted to argue. We refused to get involved, so we said goodbye and walked away, continuing to talk to others in the street. Then a man made a bee-line over to us and said that he had been watching us and that he saw how we had worked, taught and talked to people. He told us he was an inactive member for more than 20 years, but now felt prompted to have us come teach his family. He has some health problems, but we have been teaching his children and wife, and she tells us when they become discouraged or fearful of the cancer thoughts, they read the Book of Mormon and find great peace."
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Monday, February 1, 2010
Doctrine, Principles and Application
In our zone trainings this week we discussed the importance of doctrine, principles and applications as it relates to teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. In review:
-Doctrine: (Answers the question “Why?”)
-Simple fundamental truths revealed by God for the salvation and of His children.
-Examples: The Godhead, Plan of Salvation, The Atonement, etc.
Principles: (Answers the question “What?”)
-Guidelines and laws that answer the question “What do I do?
-Examples: Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, confirmation, commandments, etc.
Applications: (Answers the question “How?”)
-Steps, Activities, Programs, Auxiliaries
-Examples: Pray, Study the Scripture, Attend Church, Seminary, Family Home Evening, etc.
We talked about the importance for our investigators and members to be taught the doctrine so that they understand why we do what we do in living the Gospel daily. We have the great responsibility to “OBSERVE, LISTEN, DISCERN, and then TEACH so that our investigators and members truly understand the doctrine so that they become truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By understanding why they should have faith in the Atonement, repent, be baptized, confirmed, make and keep sacred convenants, and endure to the end will provide a firm foundation of testimony. A foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.(Helaman 5:12)
However, in order to do so we must practice what we preach to our investigators and members. “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my
word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” (D&C 11:21). In Preach My Gospel, Chapter 3 we read, “The lessons in this chapter contain the essential doctrines, principles, and commandments
that you are to study, believe, love, live, and teach.” As we do this we will teach with power and authority. As we study, ponder and pray to understand the doctrine, we will develop the faith to bring thousands of souls to salvation. We will gain a deep understanding of why we are here and a burning desire to not merely to serve a mission but rather magnify our calling giving our whole heart, might mind and strength to serve the Lord.
Let us not live in the “Application Mode” of simply doing the things that missionaries should do. We will never be able to accomplish all of what the Lord expects us to do especially in challenging and difficult times. As we prayerfully and diligently seek to understand the Atonement and the basic doctrines and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and apply them in our lives, we will become powerful instruments in the Lord´s hands to bring salvation to may of His children here in Santiago.
We love you and appreciate all of your dedicated service,
Read more!
-Doctrine: (Answers the question “Why?”)
-Simple fundamental truths revealed by God for the salvation and of His children.
-Examples: The Godhead, Plan of Salvation, The Atonement, etc.
Principles: (Answers the question “What?”)
-Guidelines and laws that answer the question “What do I do?
-Examples: Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, confirmation, commandments, etc.
Applications: (Answers the question “How?”)
-Steps, Activities, Programs, Auxiliaries
-Examples: Pray, Study the Scripture, Attend Church, Seminary, Family Home Evening, etc.
We talked about the importance for our investigators and members to be taught the doctrine so that they understand why we do what we do in living the Gospel daily. We have the great responsibility to “OBSERVE, LISTEN, DISCERN, and then TEACH so that our investigators and members truly understand the doctrine so that they become truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By understanding why they should have faith in the Atonement, repent, be baptized, confirmed, make and keep sacred convenants, and endure to the end will provide a firm foundation of testimony. A foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.(Helaman 5:12)
However, in order to do so we must practice what we preach to our investigators and members. “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my
word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” (D&C 11:21). In Preach My Gospel, Chapter 3 we read, “The lessons in this chapter contain the essential doctrines, principles, and commandments
that you are to study, believe, love, live, and teach.” As we do this we will teach with power and authority. As we study, ponder and pray to understand the doctrine, we will develop the faith to bring thousands of souls to salvation. We will gain a deep understanding of why we are here and a burning desire to not merely to serve a mission but rather magnify our calling giving our whole heart, might mind and strength to serve the Lord.
Let us not live in the “Application Mode” of simply doing the things that missionaries should do. We will never be able to accomplish all of what the Lord expects us to do especially in challenging and difficult times. As we prayerfully and diligently seek to understand the Atonement and the basic doctrines and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and apply them in our lives, we will become powerful instruments in the Lord´s hands to bring salvation to may of His children here in Santiago.
We love you and appreciate all of your dedicated service,
Read more!
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