Holy Ghost is our Spiritual Guidance System

One of the challenges that Sister May and I had when we first arrived in Chile was to be able to find the different chapels to attend meetings such as zone conferences, zone classes, Sunday meetings, etc. We had the blessing to have Elders Stewart and Rodriguez as assistants when we first arrived. Elder Stewart had studied arquitecture before the mission and was talented at drawing. He was able to draw maps that were very helpful to get to where we need to go.

In anticipation of the arrival of President and Sister Essig, we decided to purchase a GPS to help them as they find their way to chapels and the various places that they will need to visit. For those of you who do not know what a GPS is the following is an explanation:

“The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth”

To use a GPS, you must turn it on before you start on your trip. You must enter the name of the place where you want to go. As you begin to travel, a voice from the GPS will give you instructions along the way to guide you to where you need to go. It will indicate to you where you need to turn, how close you are to your final destination, etc. An interesting aspect of a GPS is that if you do not obey the instructions given by the GPS, it will automatically recalculate a new and alternate route to your final destination based on where you are as a result of not following the original instructions. Another interesting aspect of the GPS is you can adjust the volume of the voice of the GPS to different levels which remain constant regardless of whether we follow the instructions given.
One of God´s greatest gifts He has for us, His children, is the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is our own GPS and it “will show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:5).

Being lost is not a pleasant experience. One of the definitions of lost is “unable to find one´s way.” Sister May and I experienced this quite often in our first couple of months here in Santiago as we travelled to different points in the mission. Our hope is that this GPS will save President and Sister Essig valuable time as they travel and more importantly, minimize the stress that comes from being “lost.”
It will be the source of power for learning and teach. It will comfort us in time of trial and sorrow. The Holy Ghost will warn of us of both physical and spiritual danger. It testifies of Jesus Christ and helps us recognize truth. We can feel God´s love, guidance and direction in our lives. Faith in Christ includes having confidence in the mission and power of the Holy Ghost and that we can receive answers to our prayer and personal revelation and inspiration to guide us in our lives.

There is one very big difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost and a GPS. The volume of the voice of the GPS does not fluctuate according the degree we obey it´s instructions, the volume remains constant. When we use our free agency to choose to disregard the promptings of the Holy Ghost, it´s influence will diminish. In other words, the volume by which the Holy Ghost prompts us and influences will gradually decrease over time. It can be like a sunset, gradually decreasing until we are in darkness. We then become subject to another influence, “and the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one” (2 Nephi 9:39).

The good news is that if we fail to following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we have a way to recalculate our course as does the GPS. It is called repentance. Repentance includes forming a fresh view of God, ourselves, the world and others. It brings our will in line with the Lord´s will. It brings the forgiveness and peace of the Lord into our lives. Our guilt and sorrow are swept away. We will be able to qualify to return to live with our Heavenly Father and His Son. We will feel the Spirit in greater abundance.

We as missionaries are called to teach by the Spirit “and the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach” (D&C 42:14). It is my prayer that we will do all that we can to have influence of the Holy Ghost into our lives so that we can be powerful instruments in the Lord´s hands to bring many of His children to the knowledge of the truth.

We love you and we are grateful to be serving with you. You are great and faithful servants following the Lord´s path,
President May
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Our Hearts are "TIED" together with love

There is a quilt being made in the Chile Santiago North Mission. It consists of ties from each missionary as they have left the mission, and sleeves from the hermanas, since they wear their 'hearts on their sleeves.'This also has memories of Chile, names of Pdts of Estacas, Zonas y the Islands. Mosiah 18:21, "Our hearts are knit together in unity." But what about those serving presently in the mission?.....


We asked any of the missionaries who also wanted to be included in the 'mission quilt' to donate the smaller, short, tiny tip of one of their ties of choice. They made it up with quite the fanfare, and had tie-cutting moments that were hilarious to see. We realize that our lives will ALWAYS be 'tied' together, after serving and loving one another here in the Chile Santiago North Mission. See the fotos also attached.

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Ships are Safe in the Harbor

Good Morning, valiant Missionaries of the Chile Santiago North Mission,

Some of you might not know, but President May is having a birthday tomorrow on Tuesday, Feb. 8th, so I asked if I could write to you dear missionaries, instead and let me share some thoughts with you. You all know that I love President May, and I hope each one of you, in your future, will find an eternal companion with whom you can really feel, is your best friend, and companion from whom you never want to be transferred! He is the best, and I’m blessed to be married and sealed for the eternities with him and our family.

Recently I read again a talk given by Elder Claudio R.M. Costa, then a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, that he gave on 2 Nov 2010 at a BYU Fireside. He entitled it, “Ships are Safe in the Harbor.”

I want to share some of his quotes and thoughts with you. “Years ago, while visiting one of our institute buildings, I saw a beautiful painting on the wall. It was of a 16th-century ship with the sails tied to the mast, anchored safely in the harbor. At the bottom of the painting was the inscription, “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for…..as you know, ships are not built to stay in the harbor, but that they are meant to navigate the oceans and to experience adventure. I was remembered that it is the same with us.”

He went on to remind us of prosperous Lehi and his family, with all of their possessions and seemingly happy life, comfortable with their comforts on their daily life. But they left it all, and went to a desert that was not comfortable, because the Lord commanded it and they obeyed. Then speaking of ships, they even were able to board a ship, because the Lord commanded Nephi how to build one, even though he had never imagined that he could do that, or even think he should try to build one. Lehi and his family symbolically left their harbor and sailed with faith.
Also, Alma was one of the priest to the King. He had a high social position, but left it all, after he heard Abinadi teach him the gospel, and also became a follower of Christ. He too left his safe harbor.
Then there is Ammon. He received his mission call, but didn’t get called to the best mission in the world, the Chile Santiago North Mission. He was told, ‘don’t go there, the Lamanites hate us, will not accept you, and might even kill you. Ammon decided to leave the harbor and navigate to an extraordinary adventure. But out of his safe harbor he found, as he told his son Helaman, “The Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors.” (Alma 36:25)
“The Garden of Eden was a safe harbor for Adam and Eve, but they would not have known their full potential if they had remained there.” (Genesis 3)
“Noah and his family left their safe harbor to live on the ark while it rained for forty days and forty nights. By the time it was safe for them to leave, they had lived on the ark for one year. (Gen 7:11-13)
“David a shepherd taking care of his flock. He was a young man, not a soldier. He was in a safe harbor of his life, but he left the security of his harbor, and with courage and great faith he accepted the call to fight Goliath.”
Elder Costa told about the travels, moves, changes and adventures of their own family, having children, was like leaving the harbor and navigating oceans in a new and marvelous adventure; bringing more responsibility and also great joy. It had been better than being anchored in the harbor with no progress. I think of President May also having many gifts, opportunities and future choices to make in his basketball career, and then later in his own personal career progress, but that he too left the safe harbor and followed the Savior when he was first call to serve as a full-time missionary in Bolivia, and then later to choose to step away from other career blessings, to see that the only option he wanted to choose was to heed the call to come and serve here in Chile.
Elder Costa reminds us that we will all have choices and then trials. But you dear missionaries are learning how to follow the Savior amidst the challenges. “Even when turbulence caused by the storms of life naturally comes our way in this mortal existence, we can be led by the lighthouse of the gospel and by our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ.” The Savior himself left his safe harbor at the right had of his Father to give His life as an atoning sacrifice for all mankind. He knew this would not be a pleasure cruise, but one that while he was in Gethsemane, “he began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy.” He trusted and knew that His Father gave Him the power to accomplish all He needed to do.
A scripture comes to my mind, D&C 123:16-17, “You know brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”
We love each one of you missionaries, and hope that you set your course to follow Jesus Christ faithfully.
Sister May
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Ways to remember citations, memorize and mark Scriptures

During the month of October, Hermana May spent time with each missionary(after they had their private, personal interview with Presidente May)to ask them for their ideas about how they memorize,remember, mark their scriptures and what really works for them individually. One dear Elder shared with her that he had the most rainbow colored, elaboratly marked set of scriptures after about 1.3 yrs in the mission, only to have them stolen! He realized that he needed to have them marked in his HEART and not just on the pages in his books. This is what these insightful, masterful teachers shared during those special conversations;

Ways to remember and mark scriptures:
Personal insights from our magnificent missionaries! Oct 2010 .

• Remember stories, problems, answers used in the stories. Remember Chpt 5 PMG, questions of the soul.
• Read the BofM stories simplified to get better overview of all the stories
• Colors used come from chpt headings in PMG. Look for themes and topics from BofM and the Bible.
• Ask for the Holy Ghost to remind me what I read. Mosiah 2:41
• Look for something personal each time, not just the chapter topics to guide me.
• Try to summarize what I read in Personal study and record that in study journal.
• Remember/memorize the topic headings of each chapter!
• Topics in lessons from PMG
• Sharing the scriptures I just studied in personal study with my companion in our study.
• When I learn for an investigator, and teach it in that day, it stays with me better
• Simple codes and clues help
• Questions of the soul answer many needs
• Highlight or I put a color dot on each question mark and they stand out to me. This shows me when others are asking questions and their answers I can use too, for myself.
• Learn by the stories in the scriptures. Those stay with me, and I find them by stories.
• All of my scripture mastery are one color. Those I can find and I use them often
• I NEVER mark my scriptures! I remember by context, where the topics took place and that reminds me where they are to go look for them again.
• I share them somewhere, after I learn them. Make use of them, don’t just store away in book!
• I don’t like to mark them, or have them messy. I bold, write over the font in letters just the part I want to remember and stand out for my investigators to read.
• When I have personal experiences with them, I can use them again in topics or themes.
• I enjoy seeing when God reveals his character to us when He gives revelations.
• I use blank copy when I go out to teach. I have to prepare ahead, remember and ask Holy Ghost to give me the insight and reminder from my studies. (Brave!) Remember them by principles and who went through the experience, then I can find them.
• I like to think of where that happened in the history of the book.
• I read somewhere that if I REALLY want to remember them, I wouldn’t mark them. That is as if you are telling yourself that you stored that information in the book, it is saved there, and now I don’t have to store it safely in my brain! Wow, what a novel idea. Don’t just mark to save in book. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
• Remembers a story when a 70 in the church lost his copy of B of M, he couldn’t get started reading again for days. He felt like the copy he had was his life one, and the new one wouldn’t help him as much. (Elder Gene R. Cook?)
• I use the same scripture a lot to have it stay with me. Jacob 4:1-3….why scriptures stay with us. (Elder Bruce R. McConkie started a new B of M each year!)
• Enjoy the scriptures. They give me treat. Like a real comfort. They teach me during my trials.
• Every day I have a new goal. I find a few that I like, and use them during the day, many times. I also site them when I teach them. Use different themes, and they come to you, the same scripture.
• I ask how they apply to my personal life. Why do I want to mark it? I think when the people look for help and strength from the Lord, I see they are blessed, by faith.
• I like to BOLD, write over the letters with ink, in Spanish. They stand out and reinforce the words to me, as I write over them. I love the stories. Mosiah 14:7-9. Its great. Let’s memorize it.
• I write in my journal how this applies to me. Text to me….I list by topics. Then I also prepare mini talks, with my companion, 3-4 scriptures by topic, with personal stories and testimony. Ready!
• My scripture mastery/dominio are all marked, also about baptism, and preguntas del alma.
• Lots of post-it notes, with thoughts about the doctrine. Roll play with companion using new ones.
• Later I walk with my B of M, blank copy in hand. I have to rely on the Holy Ghost to remind me which ones I need to share, and can’t depend on my crutch, marked scriptures in my pension.
• Use blank copy while teaching. I have to know where each person, new identity starts teaching and talking to find it in context. I use the guide in the back, when all else fails!
• I put them in by themes. Then after I know where one great one is, I scripture chain them, and mark in the margin the next leading one, go there, add another scripture in the margin and the chain leads me along in teaching!
• Read by the numbers, not just the context?
• Alma 33:23, use my agenda often to record.
• I like to re-read my lists often. They stay fresher to me, and then I can add new ones to it.
• It’s important for me to know the story/history, so I can remember who talks when.
• Read out loud, in voz alto! Reminds me where I am, in what context.
• Learn what I got from the story, not just reading. What principle, doctrine, and insight I learned new or need to apply to my life today. That helps me to remember why I am reading right there.
• If I go to find a scripture and can’t find it, I write the thought down, search for it at home, and then when I’ve had to go find and hunt for it, usually I then never forget it again. The trick is to not forget to write the thought down, or you forget to go look for it too.
• Remember by one word themes, Atonement, Faith, repentance, etc. I try to apply the scripture of the day in THAT day. It takes faith for me to share it sometime that day.
• Sometimes I try to put it to music, like memorizing it to a song. Difficult sometimes.
• I’ve worked on learning the 100 PMG citas. When you mark them you think you already know them so you’ve stored them with the marks. Not as effective.
• Coordinate the numbers with addition, subtraction, etc and that helps me to remember. I like numbers, digits, pages, etc. Coordinate them to remember. (Only if you do study in same language!)
• I know I have to be worthy of the spirit to have the conocimiento. Hechos 8
• Mark by themes and then the story.
• Start my studies with in-depth questions. I find the response and then label that. Pdte May had us read, “Living waters ” a talk by Elder Bednar changed my mission scripture study. Now I look for questions my real investigators have before I start, and then find answers. I look for doubts and find the answers. I find answers and think of their questions, this bridges connections, like he said. Read Alma 22-homework…Set a goal to use that scripture I'm learning 3x in one day.
• I look for doctrine, principles and applications and then see them in the stories. I daily write my impressions about it, so that the study isn’t just habitual.
• Color and line the number by theme. I use a song or make a rhyme like children’s songs-helps.
• I like using my English copy to search(Latin Elder) and search for topics.
• Read out loud. I love poetry and also drama performances. So the feelings of these people are more memorized and retained as I say them as if I were the speaker expressing these thoughts. It stays with my and I feel the spirit put the gospel into action.It helps me show love for them and teaching people, not just scriptures.
• I try to have a relation with each doubt or question, the answer from someone. Then I can relate them to each other.
• Memorize citas by the chapter headings.
• Like to think chronologically. Using inspired questions, I think of where the story took place, Alma-king Lamoni, and it helps me think of topics, service, spirit, needs, questions, doubts, etc.
• Scripture mastery always stays with me. I like to practice and use them too.
• I learn by the needs of others. DyC 20.
• Use the index and search with investigators
• I love the stories in the BofM and I review Chpt 3 in PMG MANY times. Repetition, I remember
• Go into the street with a blank copy, and ask the Holy Ghost to remind me and guide me in the thoughts and scriptures I need to share.
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Savory Spiritual Feast even before Thanksgiving

As we are preparing here at the Mission Home to welcome in the Holidays, which means not only getting the turkey, papas y gravy ready, but also the Christmas trees and garland out, we are reminded of the more important part of these Celebrations. Of course in November our hearts are thankfully turned to our many blessings, which we could undoubted list for hours and take too much room here on paper. Not only for the material, monetary and comfort blessings, but more importantly, the eternal blessings, in the spiritual aspects of our lives, such as families, friends, relationships and gospel testimonies. We as members of the church have the most to be grateful for, in the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ changes our lives and gives our very lives eternal meaning. What are each of us going to feast on this Holiday Season that will truly "nourish us?"

In anticipation for the celebration of Thanksgiving; whether sharing it with family, loved ones, acquaintances or even alone, it usually focuses on the main attraction; “THE FEAST.” But we are reminded that there is more than just Turkey and pumpkin pie in a true feast. Recently we have been spiritually fed by listening to our Church leaders in October, when our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and the Lord’s 12 Apostles, and other anointed also taught, inspired and reminded us of eternal truths that are ours for the ‘consuming.’ Just a reminder; “Because of your faith,” “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” “Of things that matter most,” ”Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” “Avoiding the Trap of Sin,” “Faith—The choice is yours,” “Never Leave Him,” “Be Thou an example of the Believers,” He teaches us to Put off the Natural Man.”
This was not just given to us as appetizers, but as the meat that the Lord wants us to know, as we were fed Doctrine to help us change our lives. We were nourished by the good word, felt the love from our Heavenly Father again, as we recognize that He sends prophets to the earth to bless and guide us. (PMG)
After the General Conference, we had a Mission Presidents’ Conference here in Chile. We were taught again, by our Area Presidency; Elder Carlos Amado, Elder Lawrence Corbridge, and Elder Jorge Zeballos, and their wives, along with another visiting member of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Lynn Robbins and his wife, Jan. We were invited to learn by faith, as they taught us about the Plan of Salvation, The Atonement, The Restoration, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon, The Blessing of Interviews, Uniformity Vs. Flexibility, Stewardship and Support, Motivation, Judging, the difference of numbering and counting, asking “heaven inspired questions,” setting goals, doctrine of love, Velocity vs Perspective, etc…..we could go on and on. We know that these messages were not just for the Mission Presidents and wives, but these teachings will go forward to our missionaries, throughout all of the 9 missions in Chile. How blessed we are to receive instruction now, pertinent to our missionary work here in the Vina where we are called to serve.
Lastly, our whole Chile Santiago North Mission was able to feast early in November with our Mission Tour/Zone Conference with Elder Lawrence Corbridge and his wife Jacque visiting authorities. We again were fed, as he personally described the Savior’s nourishment, “mantequilla y miel” which means butter and honey. He described how Jesus Christ only partook of good, spiritual, sweet things, and didn’t digest other disagreeable items, such as sin gives to us, to pollute our spirits and not fill us with the nourishment that the Holy Ghost gives us. We learned details about the Holy Ghost, deciding to decide, and helping us to be worthy for the Lord to help us do His work. All of these messages and lessons were so valuable and meaningful for us, as they were sweet to our spirits, we have no need for Dessert!
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El Rescate/ The Rescue...includes faith to move mountains

BLOG ENTRY: “Faith to Move Mountains”
Saturday, October 16, 2010
This past week, Chile experienced yet another event to the see the hand of God perform miracles right within its borders. What a blessing to be here in this spectacular country, and observe how merciful God is to all of His children, as we watched with great interest in what took place here in a secluded and previously quite unknown pueblo of Copiapo’, in northern Chile. There are many types of disasters or catastrophes world wide, including Chile’s previous 8.8 earthquake back on Feb 27 of this same year, when news from here again rocked the world. However, the question this time is not how you drill into the seafloor and connect with a blown-out oil well like was needed in the U.S.A., but how do you drill a half-mile-long tunnel into very hard rock, and then use that hole to extract trapped men? The whole story changes to become one more with human interest when there are lives at stake.

Here the local television broadcasts all labeled the specific event that was requiring the success during the challenging feat of rescuing 33 trapped miners as ‘El Rescate” (The Rescue). We found that quite interesting, since in our notes the main theme of our dear prophet’s comments for last year was labeled, The Rescue. It is with these thoughts we would like to share some of our observations and comparisons we discovered and discussed during this process.
To share a bit of background and insight from a local here, we found many details flung at us, left and right, from the news, media, neighbors, members, missionaries, etc, all sharing their tidbits and opinions about the whole ordeal. This is a journal entry, and not a published article, so take the details and thoughts as only personal insights, not doctrine!

The accident happened on Aug. 5, where the 33 miners suddenly found themselves trapped in a copper and gold mine, that unfortunately, (and this would be considered illegal in the USA,) had no second, back up exit. They found their way to the small, emergency shelter down below, but the problem was, they had no communication with those up above, to tell them they were still alive. This was their lot for 17 days! Meanwhile, they survived off 2 days worth of rations of food, water and oxygen that was there, 700 meters below/ or 2,300 feet; practically ½ mile below the earth’s surface. This took organizational skills, leadership, patience, faith, prayer, and much more.

The newly sworn in Harvard trained businessman, millionaire President, Sebastian Pinera had the wisdom to insist they begin the work to search for the apparently trapped men. As with any mining disasters, locating these men entombed in the mine in Copiapo posed the first challenge for rescuers.They were searching in certain areas, drilling where they might imagine they could be. After another cave-in blocked a ventilation shaft, the only option rescue workers had for reaching the missing mining team was to drill six-inch (15-centimeter) exploratory holes deep into the ground. Attempts to reach an underground shelter where the miners might have sought refuge failed seven times – blamed on the mining company's poor maps – but the eighth try finally reached the sanctuary at a depth of 2,257 feet. This mountain on top of these men consisted of about 700,000 pounds of rock overhead, enough to give anyone a newly acquired case of claustrophobia!

“Drilling straight down over hundreds of feet can be tricky business, according to Jeffery Kravitz, a U.S. Mine Health and Safety Administration (MHSA) technical expert. After all, drilling just a single degree off of a straight line (perpendicular to the surface) to a target can leave one more than 40 feet off-base.”

After 17 days, there literally became a ‘light at the end of the tunnel,’ as workers sent down another probe that came back up with a tattered paper attached which was written in scribbled red pencil, “Estamos bien en el refugio, los 33.” (All 33 of us are well inside the shelter.) When the elation died down, and the reality set in, it was obvious it would take quite monumental efforts to find a way to get the men out of the mine. Chilean rescuers on Monday started sending down five-foot- (1.5-meter-) long tubes called palomas, or "doves", like carrier pigeons. A large drilling machine, donated by Codelco copper company in Chile, soon began drilling the 26-inch hole through which the trapped miners would be hauled back to the surface. This rig would be a rotary-type drill, meaning its drill rotates with several diamond-tipped, teeth-like "bits" that chew up the rock underneath. The mine's veins of gold and copper ran through quartzite with a high level of abrasive silica, rock so tough that it took all their expertise to keep the drill's hammers from curving off in unwanted directions. At one point, the drill struck a metal support beam in the poorly mapped mine, shattering its hammers. Fresh equipment had to be flown in from the United States and progress was delayed for days as powerful magnets were lowered to pull out the pieces.

On day 26, a team from the US space agency, NASA arrived at the mine to offer their advice on keeping the miners healthy. Previously the miners had been surviving on water, cans of tuna, and then after they were discovered, began to receive only glucose tablets and high-protein milk. Finally they were able to have Meatballs, chicken and rice piped through a tube, which changed their attitudes. They were told that it might be 4 months to get the escape tunnel drilled through the massive rock mountain, but now those above had goals and made plans. The workers above began to monitor each individual miner and follow his health and well-being to ensure the safety for the men. They began to have communication with their families who were all waiting anxiously, in the impromptu tent city dubbed affectionately, “Campamento Esperanza—Camp Hope.” After a total of 69 days underground, they had a new perspective on their future, as the miners really had hope to be rescued.
As we began to see the results of the rescue come to pass, we observed different actions, comments, comparisons that reminded us of the Savior and His way of rescuing us in this life. We might be listing these ideas in future blog entries, but
we continue to see sybolism in this rescue and how the Savior rescues each one of us
in our lives here on earth.

This whole miner experience was compared to the spectacular world wide phenomenon that occurred 41 yrs ago, on 21 July 1969, when mankind left the safety of the earth and took their first step to walk on the moon. Now here we were trying to send people from the safety of the world as we know it, to enter deep into the earth and help bring people from the dark, into the light.
What we learned from Gordon B. Hinckley is true, more so now than ever before, (“The Faith to Move Mountains,” Liahona, Nov 2006, 82–85,) “Increased faith is what we most need. Without it, the work would stagnate. With it, no one can stop its progress.” We know that faith can move mountains!

In this recent Oct 2010 session of General Conference, Bishop Edgely said, “When the disciples asked Jesus why the could not cast a devil out as they had just witnessed the Savior do, Jesus answered, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove. (Matthew 17:20) I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith I have personally witnessed a mountain of sin replaced with repentance and forgiveness. And because of faith I have personally witnessed a mountain of pain replaced with peace, hope, and gratitude. Yes, I have seen mountains removed.”
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Faith to Move Mountains....

In light of the Chilean mining rescue, we would like to include some information regarding the details we learned about the rescue. One impressive thought we felt so apropos was heard in this recent Oct 2010 session of General Conference, when Bishop Edgely said, “When the disciples asked Jesus why the could not cast a devil out as they had just witnessed the Savior do, Jesus answered, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove. (Matthew 17:20) I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith I have personally witnessed a mountain of sin replaced with repentance and forgiveness. And because of faith I have personally witnessed a mountain of pain replaced with peace, hope, and gratitude. Yes, I have seen mountains removed.”

More to be added soon.
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Sept 11th and some history of Chile

On ‘once de setiembre’ in Santiago, people typically head to their homes earlier in the evening, and hunker down with a bit of anxiety and apprehension, as they don’t know what might begin in way of destruction or vandalism. The teenagers or 20-25yr olds seem to feel that they have the right to commemorate the change in gov’t that happened back in 1973 with their own types of violence. -----------------On September 11th in 1973, the military which was then led by Augusto Pinochet stormed the presidential palace and seized power from president Allende, who was found dead soon after. A ‘junta’ headed by Pinochet was established, which immediately suspended the constitution, dissolved the Congress, imposed strict censorship, and banned all political parties. In addition, he embarked on a campaign of terror against leftists in the country, which as a result, approximately 3,000 Chileans were executed or disappeared and more than 27,000 were imprisoned or tortured and others exiled and fled the country. Now our Church Area Presidency has wisely warned us to have our missionaries return to their apartments early, by 8pm, to not be in the streets just in case some danger might arise. Our missionaries are totally obedient, and all were safely inside with no problems.This is just a simple prelude to the otherwise fabulous and patriotic, flag-waving celebrations that most Chileans feel so inclined to participate in for their Sept 18th Independance Day, that this year will commemorate 200 years; their Bicentenario. We are all looking forward to wonderful activities, events, dance presentations and songa by stakes, wards, branches, and communities. This is a wonderful and blessed country, and we are grateful to be here to share the greatest joy the Chilean people could have in their lives....the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read more!

Have we not Great Reason to Rejoice?

This month our missionaries are memorizing in either Spanish or English,Alma 26: 12-13. All are invited to join in this effort to strengthen our testimonies and remind us of the source of our abilities and miracles that we are seeing in our lives.These scriptures are beautiful and our mighty missionaries memorize scriptures so that they can teach more powerfully. Hermana May is always impressed to hear many of our missionaries memorizing the scripture in BOTH Spanish and English. She tells them they are SUPER STARS! Do you remember these scriptures?
Alma 26:12-13 (Ingles)12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
13 Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he loosed from the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of the power of his word which is in us, therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?

Alma 26: 12-13 (Espanol)
12 Sí, yo sé que nada soy; en cuanto a mi fuerza, soy débil; por tanto, no me jactaré de mí mismo, sino que me gloriaré en mi Dios, porque con su fuerza puedo hacer todas las cosas; sí, he aquí que hemos obrado muchos grandes milagros en esta tierra, por los cuales alabaremos su nombre para siempre jamás.
13 He aquí, a cuántos miles de nuestros hermanos ha librado él de los tormentos del infierno, y se sienten movidos a cantar del amor redentor; y esto por el poder de su palabra que está en nosotros; por consiguiente, ¿no tenemos mucha razón para regocijarnos?
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“Relatos de Exito” (success stories) from Newest Missionaries

Missionaries in Phase 2or3 have been here for 12 weeks, or are in their second ‘change’ cycle or third, respectively. As the meeting begins, any are invited to share something they have learned or witnessed in their teaching or personally that demonstrates success or miracles they are participating in and observing. Here are a few thoughts, shared anonymously:

Aug 20, 2010- FASE 2/3 Training
Elder M: “We have been teaching a 15 year old girl who is a daughter of a member. When we talked about serving a mission, she asked us the question, “Can girls serve missions too?” and we of course told her we have sisters/hermanas in the mission, who go at age 21 or older and serve for 18 months.
She told us, “I’d like to serve a mission too!” and she isn’t even baptized yet. That is how powerful the Holy Ghost is in testifying and prompting of the truth.”

Elder S: “This woman we are teaching as cancer a brain tumor. She wouldn’t get out of bed. She told us she felt not point to it, as she didn’t want to waste some of her time and energy if she was just going to die soon anyway. When she talked to us, her left had trembled and shook from the pressure from the tumor on her brain, I assume. I met her on my 2nd day in Chile. We began teaching her and just 2 weeks ago, she was baptized. Now she has hope, and feels happy. She has energy and doing many things. She knows she will die, but we will all die someday but now she feels happy, with hope and peace.”

Elder T: “This is not something I have ever seen or heard of before, but in our ward last month, there was zero/0 % home teaching in our ward. Incredible. We started working with some of the leaders in the ward, and they are enthusiastic to help. They began going with us to do visits, and we are making great strides. We even met a man who had been less active for over 18 YEARS! Now we are teaching him again, with his family. Miracles when the members step in and want to help, catching the influence they can be in the other ward members’ lives.”
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Having a "Passion to Find!"

Yesterday Sister May and I went to a meeting in Colina. We went through a toll road. We paid the money to the lady who works at the tollbooth. At the same time we gave her a pass-along card and invited her to attend church on Sunday. She told us that lives in Colina and knows where the chapel is located. She asked us what time the meeting starts. We invited her to attend church next Sunday. She was very friendly with us. As we continued driving toward Colina, Sister May asked the question,"What do you think is happening in her life that makes her more sensitive to the Spirit? Is she reading the Bible? Has she had some type of spiritual experience? Is it her recognizing the need to have something else in her life? Is Heavenly Father trying to communicate with her in one way or another?"

In the zone conferences last week saw the DVD of Preach My Gospel about finding people. One of the missionaries spoke of the importance of having "a passion" to find people. For me, passion is constant. The passion for finding people to teach the Gospel is not something that we turn on and off.
Elder Maynes of the Quorum of the Seventy, shared this story:

“One day I was traveling in the car with the family during the summer holidays. I had to stop to fill up the car with gas. We stopped at a gas station. While filling the car, I saw two missionaries filling their car. I approached them without telling them that I was a member of the Church. They were friendly and I asked them where they were from and what are and they doing. They answered my questions and then said goodbye to me. I thought these two missionaries really missed an opportunity to share the gospel with me. It made me think whether they really understand their purpose.”

A sample of this passion to find is whether we are talking to everyone during our preparation day. Are we taking advantage of opportunities to talk to everyone when we go on the bus, do shopping, walk among the people? The Lord will bless us when we show love for all people in every moment of every day.

Now is the time to have this passion to find those who will follow Jesus Christ. I invite each of us to pray to develop the love and charity that will create in each of us "passion for finding" all of the time. In this way we can bring more souls to the Lord through baptism and magnify our purpose as missionaries.

We love you,
President May
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Great Missionaries in the Temple

We had a beautiful morning today, in the Santiago Temple. We have 24 wonderful missionaries who are preparing to leave to return to their homes. We have a tradition to take the outgoing group to the temple, usually the Friday morning before their Monday/Tues departures. However since the temple will be closed for the next two weeks, we had them meet us there this morning, for a lovely session together. This is what we observed....
We noticed a great outpouring of love for each one of these sweet missionaries. We are so aware of their individual personalities, talents, gifts, abilities and many of their desires are obvious by the way they worked as missionaries. We have grown to love them incredibly, and we know that the power of that love comes directly from the Savior, and His specific love for each one. We thought of how easy it is to think of these young men in a ‘group’ of 24, for the sheer numbers can be daunting as we think of the interview time required for their farewell, the meals and food quantity to prepare for them before they leave, for time for individual testimony bearing, for travel arrangements, logistics in transporting them all, luggage and baggage limits, etc. But again, we are sweetly reminded of them as individuals. The Lord knows and loves EACH one of them, not in a group of 24, but their divinity as a son of God. He atoned and made the sacrifices He did for each of us, one at a time. We too have grown to love and cherish our own relationships with them that we know will also be eternal. They will forever be ‘our missionaries.’ We also know and love them, one by one. I will list their names at the conclusion of this post for evidence of their great individuality.
We sat together in the 9am early session with them and felt of their spirits there. I was the only Hermana among us, as this whole group consists only of Elders, who are going home this change. I was amazed at the power in their deep, strong voices as they responded appropriately during the session with confidence in their answers, having served the Savior, and knowing of their commitments they have made. We were able to go into the celestial room there, to greet each one as they entered. This is a choice experience that I pray I will be allowed to remember always. As they came into the room, each one came directly over to meet Presidente May with a hug. I know that this was poignant for him, as he hugged and held each Elder in his warm abrazo/hug while he whispered into their ear how much he loves them. He told them how pleased the Savior is with their specific offering of service here in the mission. He told them that we really love them, and always will. I felt that they have made this mission great, with their contribution and that the Lord would hug them too, if He were standing in the room with them. I imagined in my mind’s eye of their parents smiling faces, many crying like I was, to see their fine son stepping off the plane, to be welcomed home after two fruitful years of service. Then as I glanced around the room, trying to memorize the scene through my tears, I noticed almost all standing again, at the ready position, with their heads bowed, some in obvious prayer and communication with our Heavenly Father, but faithful and obedient to the call they have and whatever they will receive in the future. These are outstanding men that will go on to serve the Savior faithfully in future callings, and who have strengthened their own testimonies and relationship with the Savior, that will influence their entire lives. Together these missionaries, plus our others who are staying in the mission, along with those who have gone on home before them, have helped to save thousands of souls here in the Chile Santiago North Mission. This is a direct promise in the Book of Mormon, and our missionaries have fulfilled this promise here. We recognize that through these incredible, but imperfect missionaries, the Lord was able to use them as instruments in His marvelous work here. (Alma 26:12-13) Presidente May and I feel to express like Ammon stated, after recognizing how full his joy was, in the miracles that the Lord has provided in life, “therefore, have we not great reason to rejoice?”
Although it is with a touch of sadness that we will send them home with our love and hugs goodbye we are happy they kept their promises, and for who they are. We are grateful for the privilege to work side by side with each one of them, in a variety of capacities, we will not forget, in this beautiful part of the Savior’s vineyard. We will never be the same for having had this time together.
Elders:
Argueta
Barker
Campos
Caro
Chavez
Escobar
Fuller
Hicken
King
Larson
Leatham
Lenhart
Lloyd
Mangels
Martyn
Millaqueo
Mitchell
Newton
Nicholas
Pini
Rosenlof
Skeen
Shaw
Simmons


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Baptism on Easter Island

Isla de Pascua—Easter Island, 25-19 Junio 2010Mision Chile Santiago Norte JOURNAL ENTRY
“I’ll go where you want me to go…....” Not only the magnificent MOAI statues on Easter Island contribute to the rich, diverse culture, but the stories and myths of warriors, traditions, music, and lifestyles are amazing and fascinating. However, I want to share an experience that is true, and really happened to us as we were blessed to return to Easter Island. Yes, sweet miracles do happen as the Lord is involved in His great missionary work in the Chile Santiago North Mission. (English and Spanish follows....)
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In anticipation of the needs of the members and trying to help in the missionary work of baptisms, re-activation, searching for less active members and motivating the small band of members who are still faithfully serving on the Isla, Presidente May pre-organized and announced to the Branch President, Elder Donald Runquist and his wife, Karen, who are serving on the island, that we would like to meet with the members regarding the following topics. Saturday night, we had a Charla Fogenera/Fireside with the theme, Permaneced, and then Sunday, after our regular meetings we would return in the evening for another Fireside to discuss and distribute Preach My Gospel manuals to the members. Lastly, on Monday night, we would hold a traditional branch, Family Home Evening. This was the plan.
At our Saturday night meeting, we were happily surprised to see an investigator enter the back of the room in a shirt and tie! We quickly were acquainted with this wonderful, young man named Carlos Federico Pacomio Figeroa. Carlos is a large, husky, 21-yr old who was delightful; full of smiles, happy, and looked like an islander. He apparently had lived on the “Continent” in Santiago/Maipu with a Bishop and his family for a few months. There he had become acquainted with the Church. When he moved back to the Island, he had been attending sacrament and meeting with the Runquists. As we learned more about him, we found that the Runquists had been teaching him in a very unique way. Neither one of them are Spanish speakers. They have learned quite a few simple phrases since they have arrived from Canada, and now can express the mere basics to survive. However, there is a completely different language ability needed to teach someone the gospel, and they found it. They began to simply teach like we learn in 2 Ne 32:3, “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” They opened Preach My Gospel in Spanish, and helped him read it together, walking him through the lessons they could not explain enough in his own language, but with the guidance and divinity of this great book, they helped him gain a testimony. This is truly a miracle of the power of Preach My Gospel in the hands of great missionaries. My heart was thrilled to hear of that procedure, as it was again an inspired tool for those who with the accompaniment of the Holy Ghost in their discussions, were able to take the message of the restored gospel to Carlos’ heart, where he was prepared and ready to open his heart and accept the truth. (2 Ne 33:1)
The beautiful story does not end there, however. We were disappointed to find that Carlos was not there in attendance for the Sacrament meeting and other meeting block. However, when we called for a taxi to take us to the chapel for our Preach My Gospel Fireside, who should be driving….but Carlos! I felt very strongly that I need him to know we love him, and I quickly said to him, “Carlos, we missed you at church today. We were hoping to see you again!” and then he explained that he wanted to be there, but because of soccer and people taking time off to see Chile play, they wouldn’t let him have his normal Sunday off. He was disappointed too. Then the spirit nudged me to simply ask him, “Carlos, why don’t you get baptized tomorrow? We could be there with you, before we leave on Tuesday.” He told us that he felt a thrill go through him and he was so excited with the actual thought that he could be baptized. He turned to President May in the front seat and sincerely asked, “Can I be baptized?” President May said that he could interview him and see what he needs to still learn, and how prepared he is, but he would be happy to do that right away. He asked, “Can you come in for the meeting and join us?” “Of course! I want to be here.” So we all excitedly entered the small chapel and after our meeting about Preach My Gospel, inspiring the members to share the gospel, Presidente May and Carlos went to the office, for his baptismal interview. All of the members stayed to see if this really might be happening. When they both came out of the room, with smiles on both of their faces, Carlos told us humbly, “I’m going to be baptized tomorrow!” That was the best news we could all hear, and the joy was incredible knowing he was going to be following Jesus Christ, and join the fold.
The rest of the story is simple. He chose to be baptized in the ocean, on a favorite beach he would go to as a child with his family, Ovahe, near the famous Anakena beach. The whole branch wanted to attend and support this fine young man, so the time was arranged to accommodate all of their work schedules and to still accomplish the baptism before the sun goes down. As we stood on the beach together, with our hearts knit together as one, rejoicing in this blessing of another soul being brought to the truth and committing to follow Jesus Christ, we could feel the Holy Ghost reconfirm to us that this is His work. We sang together, “Soy un Hijo de Dios” and had a prayer and simple message about baptism. Carlos’ mother and sister, who are also not members, were there to support him. The mother had tears rolling down her cheeks, as she watched her son take this important step in his life, and she was happy for him. Before they entered the water, which seemed to all of us, more pleasant and warm than we expected, we looked up in the sky above us and saw a beautiful rainbow right among the clouds shining over the water. We will tell you more of the details of the baptism another day, but as he came out of the water and the four of them embraced, my thoughts were simply, “Carlos could possibly be the first, ever RapaNui, native born Easter Island missionary for the church! I’m going to tell him that and encourage him to go! He is special and the Lord will make him even better.” --Hermana May


“A Donde me mandes ire…” no sólo los magníficos MOAIS de Isla de Pascua contribuir a la cultura rica y diversa, pero las historias y los mitos de los guerreros, las tradiciones, la música y estilos de vida son increíbles y fascinantes. Sin embargo, quiero compartir una experiencia, que es LA VERDAD y que realmente pasó con nosotros al ser bendecidos de regresar a la Isla de Pascua. Sí, los dulces milagros suceden como el Señor está involucrado en su gran obra misionera en la Misión Chile Santiago Norte.

En anticipación de las necesidades de los miembros y tratando de ayudar en la labor misional de los bautismos, la reactivación, la búsqueda de los miembros menos activos y motivar al pequeño grupo de miembros que siguen sirviendo fielmente en la Isla, Presidente May organizo’ y anunció al presidente de la rama, Elder Donald Runquist y su esposa, Karen, que están sirviendo en la isla, que le gustaría reunirse con los miembros para hablar de algunas temas. El Sábado por la noche, tuvimos una charla fogonera con el tema, Permaneced, y luego el domingo, después de nuestras reuniones regulares volveríamos por la tarde para otra charla para hablar y distribuir manuales de Predicad Mi Evangelio a los miembros. Por último, el lunes por la noche, planeamos una, Noche de Hogar tradicional. Este era el plan.

En nuestra reunión sábado por la noche, estabamos felizmente sorprendidos de ver un investigador entrar en el fondo de la sala con una camisa y la corbata! Rápidamente conocimos a este hombre maravilloso, el joven cuyo nombre era Carlos Federico Pacomio Figueroa. Carlos es grande y fuerte, de 21 años de edad que era precioso, lleno de sonrisas, feliz, y se parecía como uno de Polynesia. Al parecer, había vivido en el "Continente" en Santiago / Maipú, con un obispo y su familia por unos meses y se había familiarizado con la Iglesia. Cuando regresó a la Isla, había estado asistiendo al reunión sacramental con los Runquists. Como hemos aprendido más de él, encontramos que la Runquists había estado enseñando en una forma muy particular. Ninguno de ellos habla español. Ellos han aprendido algunas frases muy sencillas, ya que han llegado de Canadá, y ahora pueden expresar los fundamentos simples para sobrevivir. Sin embargo, no es una habilidad totalmente diferente de idioma que es necesario para enseñar a alguien el evangelio, y lo encontraron. Empezaron a enseñar simplemente como aprendemos en 2 Ne 32:3, "Los ángeles hablan por el poder del Espíritu Santo; por lo que declaran las palabras de Cristo. Por tanto, os dije: Deleitaos en las palabras de Cristo; porque he aquí, las palabras de Cristo os dirán todas las cosas que debéis hacer"

Abrieron Predicad Mi Evangelio en español, y lo leyeron juntos con Carlos, caminando a través de las lecciones que no podían explicar lo suficiente en su propia lengua, pero con la orientación y la divinidad de este gran libro, que le ayudó a obtener un testimonio. Este es realmente un milagro del poder de Predicad Mi Evangelio en las manos de los grandes misioneros. Mi corazón se emocionó al escuchar de este procedimiento, como lo fue una vez más una herramienta de inspiración para aquellos que con el acompañamiento del Espíritu Santo en sus lecciones, fueron capaces de llevar el mensaje del Evangelio restaurado al corazón de Carlos, donde fue preparado y listo para abrir su corazón y aceptar la verdad. (2 Nefi 33:1)

La bella historia no termina allí, sin embargo. Nos decepcionamos al ver que Carlos no estaba allí en la reunion Sacramental. Sin embargo, cuando llamamos a un taxi paraque nos llevara a la capilla para nuestra charla de Predicad Mi Evangelio, y se preguntaran, “Quien estaba manejando?”.....CARLOS! Yo tenía muy claro que lo necesitamos expresar nuestra amor por el, y yo rápidamente le dijo: "Carlos, le extrañamos en la iglesia hoy en día. Nosotros esperábamos volver a verle!" El explico que tuvo que trabajar. Él estaba muy desilusionado. Entonces el espíritu, me dio un codazo para preguntarle: "Carlos, ¿por qué no te bautizas mañana? Podríamos estar allí con ustedes, antes de irnos el martes." Nos dijo después, que sentía una emoción pasar por él, y él estaba tan entusiasmado con la idea de ser bautizado. Se volvió hacia el Presidente May en el asiento delantero y sinceramente le preguntó: "¿Puedo ser bautizado?" Presidente May dijo que podía entrevistarlo y ver lo que tiene que aprender todavía, y el grado de preparación que tiene, pero que estaría feliz de hacer que de inmediato. Él preguntó: "¿Puedes venir a la reunión y estar con nosotros ahora?" "¡Por supuesto! Quiero estar aquí.” Así que todos con entusiasmo entramos en la pequeña capilla y después de nuestra reunión sobre Predicad Mi Evangelio, animandos a los miembros a compartir el evangelio, Presidente May y Carlos furon a la oficina, para su entrevista bautismal. Todos los miembros se quedaron a ver si esto realmente podría estar sucediendo. Cuando ambos salieron de la sala, con sonrisas en sus dos caras, Carlos nos dijo humildemente: "Yo voy a ser bautizado mañana!" Esa fue la mejor noticia que todos pudimos oír, y fue una alegría increíble saber que iba a seguir a Jesús Cristo, y unirse al redil.

El resto de la historia es simple. Él escogió para ser bautizado en el mar, en su playa favorita donde iría a como un niño con su familia que se llama, Ovahe, cerca de la famosa playa de Anakena. La rama entera quería asistir y apoyar este hermoso joven, así que el tiempo se organizó para dar cabida a todos sus horarios de trabajo y llevar a cabo aún el bautismo antes de que el sol se pusiera. La madre tenía lágrimas rodando por sus mejillas, mientras miraba a su hijo dar este importante paso en su vida, y ella estaba feliz por él. Antes de entrar en el agua, que parecía a todos nosotros, más agradable y cálido de lo que esperábamos, miramos para arriba en el cielo sobre nosotros y vimos un hermoso arco iris entre las nubes brillantes sobre el agua. Le diremos más de los detalles del bautismo otro día, pero al salir del agua y los cuatro se abrazaron, mis pensamientos eran simplemente "Carlos podría ser el primer misionero, siempre Rapa Nui, nativo de Isla de Pascua para la iglesia! Voy a decirle eso para animarlo a ir! Él es especial y el Señor lo hará aún mejor.” --Hermana May
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Happy Father's Day, dear Mighty Missionaries of the CSNM

Since it is Father’s Day, President May gave me permission to write to all of you and share some of my thoughts. Oh, how we love and pray for you on a daily, continuous basis. Being a missionary is a unique and personal experience. Even though there are thousands who have served before you and many more who will serve after you, the eternal consequences are vital in our lifetime here on the earth.

I look at all of you who will hopefully be fathers and mothers some day. I can imagine the fathers in your own lives, and mine, and the sacrifices they have made to teach, train, guide and bless you and me, to be prepared for this important part of our lives now, to serve the Lord. But I also see in my mind’s eye, our loving Father in Heaven, who loves us all in an infinite way, which we are discovering and learning more about in this mission ourselves. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son….that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) As I am learning more of Jesus Christ, as one of His missionaries, and learning to serve, witness, and testify of Him more often, I am also learning more of my Heavenly Father. Preach My Gospel divinely instructs us that ‘God is our loving Heavenly Father.’ What great truth that is and all that it encompasses! We are blessed to know about His tender mercies, as we understand more of the Atonement, the perfect Plan of Salvation/Happiness, the Godhead, the Creation, the Fall, the Resurrection, the Restoration, and more of His doctrine that He has given us as members and missionaries in His restored church.

I have been receiving a better understanding of our Heavenly Father, as I have been studying the life of Jesus Christ. When I read of the way Jesus taught, His comments, His instructions, His doctrine, His character, His suffering in His personal life, I am learning more about our Heavenly Father. I see that Jesus Christ submitted all of His own personal will, in EVERY aspect of his life, including his personality, character, impulses, choices, and even gave up His life, so that we could all live with Him and our Heavenly Father again. He sacrificed His life and provided the Atonement, beginning in Gethsemane, on the Cross and in the Garden Tomb, because He loves us, but ultimately, because He loves our Heavenly Father and only wanted to do His will. Completely, perfectly, and obeying with exactness. What an incredible example of how our Savior dearly loves our Heavenly Father. “The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ completed all that His Heavenly Father sent Him to do.” PMG, pg, 34. I love my own earthly father, Louis Orin Glazier, and he has helped to teach me also, by his Christlike example, more about my Heavenly Father.

We had a special gift this week to add to President May’s joyful Father’s Day. Most of you know that our last son, Elder Gregory May honorably finished his mission and returned here to us on Thursday, arriving from his Chile Concepcion Mission. (My cup runneth over as I think back to each of the 5 “Elder May’s” that I have been able to write to, starting with President May, when he served in the Bolivia, Santa Cruz Mission in 1978, to now have our last son reporting home honorable.) President May was able to release Elder May here, on Father’s Day, which made me again think of our Heavenly Father. Serving a mission is similar to what will be our mission in this life. Will we complete all that He has asked us to do? Will He see that we have become more like Him, during our time in this mission and throughout life on the earth? Will we be like Him in our actions, thoughts, comments, expressions of love, patience, trials, the way the Savior showed us how? Will we look to Him for our guidance, influence, forgiveness as we repent daily, and as for His constant help and inspiration in our walks through this life? ( I am going to send you some photos from Elder May’s arrival day, including the shoes of these missionaries this week, who have faithfully served and walked in the footsteps of the Savior, doing just like you are doing.)

Because we are Heavenly Father’s children, we have His divine attributes in our lives, personalities, character and dispositions. May we live our lives like His Son, to develop the love and character that they both have, because we want to be like them, when we return to live with them again, eternally. We love you Elders and Sisters. May our Heavenly Father pour out his blessings upon each of you for your goodness.

Love,
Hermana May

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Memorizing Moroni's Promise this Change

President May has encouraged our Missionaries to memorize Moroni 10:3-5, which is fondly referred to as "Moroni's Promise." These great missionaries in the CSNM have been diligent and many are memorizing this great passage in BOTH languages. They come to Hermana May to 'pass it off,' but with the intention of knowing this to help them teach with conviction what these scriptures really mean. This same promise is powerful when we also recognize that it is not to just have a confirmation about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, but as we study and ask God to know about any and all of the doctrine and truths of the gospel, our investigators and we as missionaries are able to know with assurity. I testify that the Holy Ghost WILL convey the truth of all things to us if we ask sincerely as stated in verse 4. We would encourage and invite parents and family memebers to study and memorize these verses also, to feel the power in Moroni's words. They are true! See also Spanish below:

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
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3 He aquí, quisiera exhortaros a que, cuando leáis estas cosas, si Dios juzga prudente que las leáis, recordéis cuán misericordioso ha sido el Señor con los hijos de los hombres, desde la creación de Adán hasta el tiempo en que recibáis estas cosas, y que lo ameditéis en vuestros bcorazones.
4 Y cuando recibáis estas cosas, quisiera exhortaros a que preguntéis a Dios el Eterno Padre, en el nombre de Cristo, si no son verdaderas estas cosas; y si pedís con un corazón sincero, con verdadera intención, teniendo fe en Cristo, él os manifestará la verdad de ellas por el poder del Espíritu Santo;
5 y por el poder del Espíritu Santo podréis conocer la verdad de todas las cosas....----------------- Read more!

"WORK!" or "TRABAJAR!"

This is the message for the change that all of the missionaries
are memorizing in their own, first languaguage.
Found in PMG, under Christ-like attributes,
in Chpt 6, talking about Diligence:
WORK!
“I have often said one of the greatest
secrets of missionary work is work!
If a missionary works, he will get the
Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will
teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches
by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts
of the people and he will be happy.
There will be no homesickness, no
worrying about families, for all time
and talents and interests are
centered on the work of the ministry.
Work, work, work—there is no
satisfactory substitute, especially in
missionary work.”--PRESIDENT EZRA TAFT BENSON
THE TEACHINGS OF EZRA TAFT BENSON (1988), 200
PMG: pg 121


TRABAJAR!“Muchas veces he dicho que uno de
los mayores secretos del trabajo
misional ¡es el trabajo! Si el misionero
trabaja, obtendrá el Espíritu; si lo
obtiene, enseñará por el Espíritu; y si
enseña por el Espíritu, llegará al
corazón de las personas y él mismo
será feliz. No sentirá nostalgia por el
hogar ni se preocupará por la familia,
pues todo su tiempo, talento e
intereses estarán concentrados en la
obra del ministerio. Trabajo, trabajo,
trabajo; no existe ningún substituto
satisfactorio, especialmente en
la obra misional”.
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"I love Jesus Christ"

This week Sister May had the opportunity to speak to a women named Terrasita who is not a member of the Church. The women asked Sister May why she was here in Chile. Sister May told her that she was a missionary here with her husband to teach people about Jesus Christ, and that she work with 175 missionaries in this area. The woman got emotional and said, “I love Jesus Christ.” Then she went on to tell Sister May that she and another employee at her work talk about the Savior constantly as they are both believers. Then she told Sister May about being raised Catholic, and then being converted to Jesus when she was about 16. She and her husband have been married 28 years, and have one son. She said that her greatest love is Jesus Christ, and that He guides her daily in her work. She said most people don’t want to talk about Him, but she was so happy we believe in Him. Sister May gave her a pass along card that has a picture of the resurrected Savior on the front. She said, “Wow, that is the same Jesus Christ that I believe in too.”

Sister May told her that there is only one Jesus Christ who can save us, and He is God’s real son. Sister May shared with her some of the doctrine of the Godhead. This women also believes that the Savior has a body of flesh and bone. Sister May then asked if she would like our missionaries to come and teach her about the gospel, and she was so excited. She said she would like to go to our church, and Sister May told her there is one in her neighborhood. She wants the missionaries to also bring her a new bible, and that she would go to church with them and read.

The women then said, “Jesus is the most important person in my life. When I was about 16 I wanted to quit smoking, and I made a promise with Jesus, because I knew he could help me, that because I love him so much, I knew he could take it from me. Then I told Him, that every time I smoked it showed that I didn’t love Him enough. I know he helped me, and I never smoked again. He has helped me to change.” Sister May was so impressed by her simple faithfulness. This women is a disciple, and wants to follow Him. She is really in search of the truth but does not know where to find it. (D&C 123:12)

Like this good woman Terrasita, we can show our love for the Savior every time we choose to be obedient to His commandments and the mission rules, every time we choose not to do something that offends the Spirit, every time we decide to do something that the Savior would to do bless and serve others. This is really why we are all here as missionaries of Jesus Christ. We all need the Savior´s help to change our lives and become like Him. We can NOT do it without His help.

We love you and pray for your success,
President May

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Not left in the dark!

Sunday night, while Prdte May was on his cell phone and we were together in his mission office here in the mission home, we were suddenly plunged into COMPLETE darkness. Not a flicker, not some static, or trickle, but ALL of the electricity was cut! We had power from his cell phone, to shine a bit of light, (I mean we were blinded, completely) even though he had no cell signal. We felt our way around the furniture, through the various rooms, calling out to our daughter, Sarah and hoping we could reach her to help.

She had quickly made her way down the stairs, carrying one of the packages we had left on the family room table of the new, mini 'flashlights" /battery op coleman lantern things, we had just bought on Saturday since we knew we needed more. We stood in my office, with cell phones for light, while she unwrapped and assembled the linterna. Then we went back to get more lights we had upstairs and proceeded outside to the PITCH dark. There were a few apt bldgs we could hear had their generators going, but no street lights, no neighbors lit up, etc. It was strange. We decided to get in the mission van we had for the day, and listen to the radio. It was considered a total 'BLACKOUT" as they said in English words. It covered from Antofogasta up north, to south Chiloe. They think it has come from the instablity of the quake that has caused problems in lines, connections, continuity within ALL of Chile. Chilelectra company was working quickly with the new Prdte while he was still working late in the Moneda bldg.on Sunday.

WOW. The people couldn't quite explain it, but again, we felt the power of NOT having power or control.

What is the Lord teaching us here in Chile? We, who like to have things in order, our structure and control, are being shown we are NOT in control of much. The people in Chile are being reminded that we have to look to GOD for our light, in all sense of the word. I believe that because Chile has a culture of earthquakes, they are so used to just picking up where they were, don't lose too much sleep over that last natural disaster, and just get back to work. They are so good at that, and are more resiliant that most people, I believe. However, maybe people are not remembering that this world is not based on our abilities, our hard work, or our desires. We ALL have to be willing to submit to whatever the Lord wants us to experience, and then also be willing to thank Him for what we have, including the trials and challenges that bring us closer to Him.

Elder May in Concepcion Mission tells us he was stranded about 2 hours from his home, doing a baptismal interview, with no buses running, etc. He and his companion, Elder Dalton prayed, and a family car came by, asking where they were heading. "CURICO, and we can pay you," they said to the family. They told them just jump in and of course, they find that the woman was miembro, menos activo! Here in our part of the vineyard, the blackout ended after we had gone to bed, after 11pm, but most of our mission had lights back on much sooner.

We did hear our missionaries report that the stars were even brighter that night, and many felt that they helped them see their way back to their departamentos. Another said that the temple had its generator lights come on immediately, and that they lit up the neighborhood so brightly, and even their own apartment. That had to be symbolic for us, again, the Light that the Lord is, and provides for each of us.

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Mission President institutes new Mission Rule

President May, after learning of the state of the missionaries within the Chile Santiago North Mission, and hearing of the extreme concern and worry from parents regarding their missionaries, implemented a new "Earthquake Clause." Parents had been calling, writing email, sending texts, calling SLC, and were extremely concerned for each of their sons/daughters in the mission. They wanted to send their love, "tell em we love em, please" and that they were praying and fasting for the missionaries all over Chile. Read on to hear of clause and see fotos below:

We went to visit each zone, in all of their sectors/zones and when we arrived to visit, President May told each zone that he has created a new Earthquake Clause/Rule that will be in his mission President manual for future reference. It is the following:
"Hugs are allowed, just today, not only the Chilean handshake and hug from President May, but also from Hermana May, passing on love and un abrazo fuerte, just this one time, to convey and pass along the love from ALL of their parents, mothers, fathers, aunts, Bishops, Stake Presidents, friends, ward members, etc, who are ALL wanting to send their love and concern." We were ALL overjoyed, as we need the therapuetic chance to express love, hug, share tears, smiles, and the missionaries told us that they felt like they really were receiving hugs and love from home. This type of "group therapy" might not have been taught to us as President and wife in the MTC, or even thought might ever be necessary, but in cases of 8.8 earthquakes, it is just what the doctor ordered. After tears, smiles, hugs and expressions of love, we all felt better, and know that the source of love originates with Jesus Christ. Next posting will describe what the missionaries expressed as they described what they were learning/feeling in this experience.


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News from Easter Island/Tsunami and their Report

We just rec'd an email from our mighty couple, THE RUNDQUISTS, who are
serving so faithfully and valiantly on Easter Island. Elder Rundquist
is the Branch President there, and both were assigned to guide this little
flock and help inspire more to come back to activity. The Rundquists arrived
to our mission from Canada, with very little Spanish-speaking ability, but huge amounts of desire and willingness to be of help, share their testimonies, work hard,
serve others completely....and they are doing just that. We love them dearly,
and appreciate their incredible offering here in the Chile Santiago North Mission.
Here is their report:

Subject: News from Isla de Pascua
Hermana May, Just a little update and something for your blog. The
tsunami hit the east side of the island with only enough force to
throw big rocks up on the coast road. No flooding or other damage with
waves only 5 feet high. We are certainly a blessed little bit of
heaven here. I was talking to one of the local men, my landlord Camilo
Rapu, who told me of a legend of Easter Island that when it was formed
it was blessed that it would be a protected place where nothing would
happen and people who lived here would be blessed and protected.That
legend has certainly held true as there has been nothing happen here
at all. The only concern was for food supplies as planes from Santiago
bring those to us but the local merchants have plenty of food etc. in
stock and only get new supplies once a week. The airport says that
there will be no planes for 3 or 4 days so we are not expecting any
food or water problems at all. I have advised the members of our rama
to be aware of the need for keeping a food and water supply on hand
and they have told me that they always do, not so much for disasters
as for the fact that many times they shut the water off on the island
and you have to provide for yourself although not very long, perhaps a
day. We definitely feel the hand of the Lord in our lives here with
tender mercies everyday as well as a sense of total protection from
the difficulties that are being experienced throughout Chile at this
time. Our prayers are with all those in Chile who now need to trust in
the Lord more than ever that He will see them through this terrible
tragedy in their lives. We love you and so appreciate all the great
and marvelous things that are being done to further the work of the
Lord is this part of His vineyard.
Elder and Hermana Runquist
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