Exciting Growth in the Mission

I doubt I will have the opportunity to serve in the new mission but at least the church is expanding the little villages along the river. This little "island" of Iquitos" is sure sprouting up and growing, its definitely an exciting time.
The Bishop´s family says hey and are really looking forward to meeting you when we all come back.

Never lose sight of how IMPORTANT and TRUE this Gospel is!

Well we took a huge step in getting the entire Cubas Rios Family baptized this past week. We helped them to get married last month and slowly but surely they are also accepting the gospel. We baptized the mother, Flor, along with Flor´s mother Mechi and this week are have a baptismal date with Percy (Flor´s husband) . This family has really come a huge way from the time that we first met them. Remember the story of us finding them through their son who is restricted to his wheel chair, well this is the family. When we met them they had a bar in their house. There bar was very very successful and were always bringing in big music names to come to town and play for the weekend in their bar. Needless to say it was very successful and they were living very comfortable. But over the past month and a half we have worked so hard with them helping them to find the strength and faith to leave the bar and rely on the Lord to provide for them. They have sacrificed so much in terms of worldly treasures but they have come to the realization that what the Lord has in store for them is far better than anything money can buy. They have since left their bar and are now enjoying the blessing of the Gospel. When Flor bore her testimony Saturday night after her baptism, she shared how her family has never suffered so many trials and challenges from leaving the bar but at the same time they have never been happier. It just another great reminder to me that the Lord is in charge of this work and that he merely uses us (19 year-olds) to carry this message to his children. Never lose sight of how IMPORTANT and TRUE this Gospel is!

A Monkey Named Garfield!?!

Well to end on a lively note we found a little monkey and we got him bought. He's the coolest little guy I know. I figure he has a pretty good resemblance of my nieces and nephews so I feel like I am right at home, lol. Just playing --but our little monkey Garfield is pretty dang cute. He looks like a miniature King Kong!

If It Doesn't Kill Ya, It Only Makes Ya Stronger!

My poor comp is having a really rough go at getting acquainted to Jungle life. This past week we spent quite a bit of time in the hospital because he got bit by a mosquito and got a case of Yellow Fever. Even though it passes within two weeks in the mean time they is quite a bit of pain and suffering but he is getting better. I just try to keep him positive and I always tell him just how sweet of a journal entry he is going to have. I told him the other day "if it doesn't kill ya it only makes ya stronger". He didn´t quite understand it at the time but he is now beginning too. Keep him in your prayers!

Blessings of the Gospel

Thanks so much for that letter from Elder Ruiz. Every day I hear of the sacrifices that many of the Latin Elders have made in order to serve a mission and continue with the church. But this gospel does amazing things with the lives of the people who truly seek the truth. I know that the family of Elder Ruiz will one day feel the importance and the truth behind this gospel. He sounds like a great kid with such a great love for the work and the gospel. Elder Cahui is the only member in his family as well. He is the youngest of three brothers and like Elder Ruiz, isn´t receiving alot of support from his family. He is doing great though and loving the work along with Elder Ruiz.

Along that line, I am including something Gwen Rich posted following a conversation she had with a sister from Arizona who had recently returned from Peru: "Sister Coombs was there with her husband, who had previously served a mission in Peru about 35 years ago. They were with another couple who work with our church's Perpetual Education Fund. They were meeting with North American missionaries who were soon to be going home after completing their missions. One thing that she said, sticks out in my mind. If these returning missionaries would set aside $5.00 per month, this $5.00 would "fund" one of their former companions, for one month, as they progressed through the PEF program. Just think of that !! So many of these missionaries that our sons are serving with, have no prospects for an education, or bettering their lives after returning home from their missions. Our sons, who are so VERY blessed, can help to improve a life - by giving so very little. I tell you, it surely changed the way I personally look at the PEF program. It puts a "face" on it, so to speak." Thank you Sister Coombs and Sister Rich!!

Amazing Things in Iquitos!

Even though the church here in Iquitos has a lot of challenges and obstacles, it is definitely growing. By the end of the year, my little ward is going to be made into a STAKE. They finally have enough members attending along with Priesthood holders to be able to support another stake here in Iquitos. I remember when this place was DEAD, but looking at it today you wouldn’t ever know that it was the way it was. The leaders are also talking of the addiction of an Institute building as well. But the highlight of what is going on is the Making of a new mission. They are going to be making Iquitos its own mission and are going to expand the church to the pueblos that live along the river. When I heard that I about lost it. I am always telling President Perez that I want to go and teach the pueblos but here in the near future the missionaries are going to arrive there. This little part of Zion is growing and definitely getting stronger and I love being a part of it.

The Marin Gonzalez Family

The Marin Gonzalez Family that we baptized about 3 weeks ago had another very special weekend. We completed their family by baptizing their youngest son Marco Antonio who is 18 years old and yesterday Eliseo received the Priesthood and his first calling/assignment in the ward. He is going to be in charge of passing out and collecting the hymn books for the ward. How sweet is that!!! It reminds me of when I had the calling of ringing the bell to change classes. Something simple but still very important. We are getting the two of them ready to receive the Melquisedec (I forgot how to spell it in English so I wrote it in Spanish) Priesthood next month during Stake Conference. This little family is truly something special. I remember hearing about families like the Marin Gonzalez Family before from other missionaries but never did I think I would have the responsibility of helping one find and receive the Gospel. I am so excited for what this Family is going to do for the Church and this great work.

I Love Everything About Jungle Life!

I definitely don’t want to go back to Lima any time soon. Despite the heat and the crazy jungle challenges I am going to have a hard time leaving Iquitos. Last night I got to thinking, "wow I am going to have SIX months here in my area, Where the heck has the time gone” I love almost everything about jungle life especially the people that I have gotten so close too. Even though we still have a month until transfers, I’m not in any hurry of leaving this place.

Monkey Business!

Everyone here in the ward tells you all hi and hopes that all is going well. Elder Cahui and I are planning to buy a little pet for our bishop’s family this week. We are planning on buying a little spider monkey or a sloth. Since we can´t have pets in our apartment, if we want one we will have to let it live in our pensionista´s house. But I will be sure to let you know how it all goes. The monkey that Elder Evans bought actually ran away because their pensionista put it in their tree and it ran off. But we are going to have better luck with ours. Wish us luck! Exotic pets here cost about Five Bucks and you can buy anything from monkeys, to sloths, to boas. Gotta love the Jungle!

¿Conoce la familia “Chosen”?

So we had a bit of a really neat experience this week. When I do my contacts I love using the question ¿Conoce la familia “Chosen”? (Do you know the Chosen Family), well this week we found them! There was a lady sitting out in front of her house and we asked her my question. She of course responded that she didn´t know the family but her husband was walking down the street towards us and she waved to him to come over to see if he knew them. Her husband isn´t your ordinary Latino, he is about 6 foot 5 inches, he has arms the diameter of coconuts, and he has nothing less than a very intimidating voice. I was a little more than nervous but He told us that he didn´t know of the family but he mentioned to us that he had once spoken with “Elders” before and he had a question about “Who is Joseph Smith”. We went into his house and gave him a brief lesson as to the life of Joseph Smith, his history, and also we shared the First Vision with him. We asked if we could come back and share a video with him. He accepted and we returned the next day to watch “Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration”.

During the movie the spirit was so strong, both Johnny and his wife were so focused on the video and nothing could pull them away. When it ended the room fell silent and no one said anything for a while. I looked over at Johnny and noticed that he had tears falling down his cheeks, he looked at us and bore a very simple yet powerful testimony as to the Prophet Joseph Smith, I answered his testimony with my own. We have since been able to teach them about the restoration and they are going to get married in December and right after they are going to get baptized. Obviously us missionaries don´t know who is prepared but the Lord does and he shows them too us, even if he has to test our faith and courage a little bit.

Warm Temps-Warm People

I am a little bit more than jealous of the cold weather you are all receiving. Oh what I would give to have an Idaho winter right now. Don’t get me wrong, the warm weather is great but I am getting tired of being sweaty all the time, lol. The raining season is just around the corner so the temps will begin to drop here soon. It’s really easy to do street contacts right now because everyone is outside all the time. Every eats, take naps, watches TV, pretty much everything right now because it is so hot to be indoors. Its fun to just chill with a family that we don’t know for several minutes, get to know them, and then share with them our message.

Looking Forward to Working With Elder Cahui!!

My new comp has arrived and he is very green. His name is Elder Cahui and this is his second transfer here in the field. He is from Arequipa (a very cold part of Peru) and is having a tough time getting use to the hot humid Jungle air. I am actually his step-dad (first comp has title of dad; second comp has title of Step-dad). Its great working with him, it reminds me a lot of when I had just a bit of time in the mission and didn´t know anything and was a little more than confused. At least this kid knows Spanish. But teaching him the ropes and the work here in the Jungle is going to be a great adventure

Another SIX WEEKS!!

The Changes are in and I am so thankful for so many things! The last six weeks have really been a push for me but still at the same time I was able to learn so much. I will be STAYING ANOTHER SIX WEEKS here in my area of Mi Peru/Versalles! YEAH! I was actually hoping that I would be able to spend some more time here because there is still so much to do and quite frankly I love the people here and everything about my area. My new companion will be Elder Cahui and from the sound of things he is a newbie. He will be entering his second change with me so it will be a great experience for the both of us. Elder Salvatierra is heading for Barranca where I use to be. It’s been a great, rough, challenging, and yet amazing last six weeks, and I am definitely looking forward to the next.

Time has gone by so fast! It’s hard to believe but only 14 more fast Sundays!

I Love Conference Weekend!

Conference was amazing as always! We were able to attend all five sessions and I was able to experience something different. For the first time I watched all of the sessions in Spanish but amazingly it didn´t make a bit of difference. I was still able to learn and grow so much; I love this whole gift of tongues thing, lol. There were so many great messages shared which gives us another chance to grow and better ourselves. The talk from Elder Eduardo Gavarret (the one who made so many references about Peru) really hit home for me. He was talking about the Lima North Mission and the success we have had in reactivating less actives and inactives. The story he sharred about Puente Piedra was really special. The Vargas Family that he talked about lived in my ward. We had spent so much time with them sharing spiritual thoughts and encouraging them to endure to the end, and to help build the ward. The Stake President was always asking us how they were coming along and he too made personal visits. I love watching the change in people when the truth of this work touches their hearts for a second time. Somtimes we need a little reminder as to what we should be doing and with the help of the spirit, the truth can touch our hearts again. What an amazing and special experience.
I am the only North American Elder in my district and we went to another Stake Center to watch conference. I was the only one singing the hymns durring conference. It was kinda funny because I was just singing my heart out for all to hear and everyone was doing their best to read my lips and try to follow along. But I didn´t feel out of place or anything, I am definitely amongst family and friends here in Iquitos. These people have a very special place in my heart and I can´t wait till you will have the chance to meet them.
I love conference weekend because it is a special time for our investigators, less actives, as well as our recent converts. Everyone one of our investigators as well as recent converts came and participated in conference. They all shared their own special experiences with us and we are able to see the change that the Gospel is having on their lives.

Message From an Elder in Peru

Thanks for all ya think, and all ya do, and all ya think ya do! (Farley Family Quote) I love you all so much and am so thankful and happy that you all are doing great. Keep the great letters coming and remember how much you are loved by and Elder here in Peru.

The Importance of Flashlights--

I am quickly learning just how important it is to carry my flashlight with me all the time. So many of the houses here don’t have electricity so it makes reading the scriptures and teaching the people a little difficult. So I have been carrying around my flashlight everywhere I got so that we can teach anyone at any moment. The people we teach thinks its pretty funny, because one of the excuses they give us is that they don’t have electricity so they don’t think that we can teach them, and that’s when I pull out my light and tell them “ we know this message is important and we know that it will bless and change your lives”. Its little tactic that seems to be working so I am going to keep on using it.

Matrimonio Massivo-Jungle Style!

Tuesday we held the “Matrimonio Massivo” and everything went extremely well. The Missionaries were responsible for getting ten couples married and Elder Salvatierra and I had two couples. The Iquitos Stake was in charge of the program and they started out the evening with a bit of a fireside. A family sang a musical number about the family being together forever. After the fireside the Mayor of Iquitos, Mayans took the stage and performed the ceremony. One by one the couples came up to the table and signed and fingerprinted their papers. We took tons of pics of both the Marin Gonzalez Family and the Cubas Rios Family signing their papers. After all the papers were signed and they washed off their fingers then the party started JUNGLE STYLE. It was crazy!!! They brought in a band which played authentic jungle loves songs and everyone was dancing and singing. It was really something. It’s been a while since I have had my dancing shoes on but I resisted and only got my foot tapping at times. After this party my ward threw another party the same night for the two families. We weren’t able to attend the second reception but the bishop took alot of pictures. But all and all it was a great experience and seeing the joy on the faces of both families made all the stress and work worth it.

General Conference

This Work Is So Worth While and Special

Sunday morning was the baptismal service of the Marin Gonzalez Family. They wanted to do it Sunday in the morning so that all of their family could attend, but at the last second all of their kids decided to work Sunday and no of their family was present for their baptism. It was definitely a sad note but I am so thankful that the ward came through and showed their love and support by attend their baptism. The entire service went so well and Hercilea kept leaning over to me and telling me how happy she was. She is a sweet old lady who always smiles; she reminds me alot of Grandma. But when they bore their testimonies and shared their feelings with us they both described how good and warm they felt for the decision they had taken to be baptized in the church. They called Elder Salvatierra and I angels and told us how thankful they were to us. I love the little things like that; it makes this work so worth while and special