Time Is Running Out!

Monday got a little busy with reports, reports, and a few more reports but I made sure to schedule in a little bit of time today to write home and tell you how things are going.
I am definitely feeling a strong sense of urgency knowing that TIME IS RUNNING OUT! I feel as though there is still so much to do and that my time left in the mission is very limited. Its driving me to give just a little bit more and make the most of every opportunity. I talked with President Perez last week and he mentioned something to me that is helping me keep focused, he said “In this last months of your mission, you are going to be blessed with even more opportunities to share your message, but it all depends on you as too whether or not you will take advantage of them.” Time might be short but it’s still enough to make it happen.

IT’S TRUE IN SPANISH TOO!!!

I was able to finish reading The Book of Mormon again this past week in Spanish; and you know something? IT’S TRUE IN SPANISH TOO!!! I have been studying it for the past year ever since Elder Christofferson came to Lima and invited all of the Missionaries to re-read and by doing so receive a stronger testimony of it.

HEY I bought the new Spanish bible and it's great!

Familes Changing and Finding the Truth

Fernando Rojas is also finding himself changing for the better. He has since been able to put a lot of issues in order and mentioned this past week to us that he has found hope once again. Last week we left him with the commitment of kneeling down and offering a prayer before going to sleep and when we asked to see how it went, he just looked us in the eyes and said “I don’t feel alone anymore”. He came to Stake Conference this past week and had a neat experience and the members are doing a great job of helping him to feel welcome so that he will be able to have a source of support.
We have been teaching a very neat Seventh – Day Adventist family for about a month and a half and just this last week they attended church for the first time. The Cortegana Family has been Seventh-Day Adventists all of their lives but when we met them they actually contacted us and invited us to visit them. Obviously their big challenge was accepting Sunday and the Sabbath Day and not Saturday. This past week we decided to focus on three principles: Prophets, Revelation, and Priesthood. Every time we testified of a living prophet or the Christ is guiding his church even today through living prophets, the spirit filled the room. They came to Stake Conference and had the opportunity to listen to President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland. It might be too early to tell how it went exactly but I’m certain that it left a strong impression on them.

The Martinez Family is Progressing

The Martinez Family is also making huge strides in reaching their goals and changing their lives. About three weeks ago we had an experience with Raul which really made an impact on me and has strength my faith that with the Gospel people can change their lives completely. Ever since Raul was a teenager he has had the habit of drinking. When Elder Cruz met Raul he was actually under the influence and looking for a way to get better. After teaching Raul and his family for about two weeks we felt as though he was doing well with leaving behind his habit and turning things around. One night we went to visit them and we found Edith (Rauls Wife) crying in her house. Raul hadn’t come home all day and she told us that he was with his friends drinking. We asked where he was at more or less and Elder Puente and I went to look for him. It was about 8:30 pm and here we are looking for Raul in the back streets of Lima. We found him with a group of men but he didn’t see us. As we walked up he was talking and all I did was put my hand on his shoulder and he turned around to see who it was and when he looked me in the eyes he just broke down into tears. We helped him up and told it was time to go home.
He has since quit leaving at night to hang out with his friends; he is at home helping Edith with the kids, and seems to have a new way to look at things. His home is being blessed in so many ways and he always tells us how different and better he feels after making an effort to put his life in order. It’s great to see him EVERY Sunday with his family in the Church, because he and his kids fill up their own bench. Even though we had some problems with their paper work to get married, they are still excited to keep progressing.

"Little Things"

This week was nothing short of amazing. From the progress of each of our investigators to the Stake Conference we were able to attend. It’s a steady reminder of just how important and special this work is, and being apart of it is even more rewarding. The Lord performed a few little miracles here in our Area this past week.
The Stake Conference that we had was a satellite conference from Salt Lake City and was especially for PERU. It included over 90 Stakes and 15 Districts country wide. President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland both spoke (In English with a Spanish Translator) as well as one of the counselors of the Presidency of The Relief Society. They spoke a lot about the “Little Things” which brings us happiness and brings us closer to our families. During the conference they divided two Stakes here in the North Mission, Las Palmeras and Puente Piedra. I haven’t served in Las Palmeras before but I was more than happy to see the progress over there in Puente Piedra. I haven’t been able to find out who the new Stake Presidency quite yet but I’m hopping this week someone will fill me in. Keep your eyes open for the issue of the “Church News” when these two new stakes get announced.
Sunday afternoon, after Stake Conference, we had the baptism of Cristina Vidal. That little family has changed so much in so little time. Cesar (Cristina’s Husband) has been in active for a very long time but in less than two months he is now active, his wife is now a member, and during our session of Stake Conference Cesar was sustained to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. They are expecting their third kid in March (About the time we are planning on visiting) and they are already making plans and preparing to enter the temple for next October. They are a neat little family who has always made me and my companions feel welcome and comfortable.

“La Semana Super Cargada”

This past week we finished up “La Semana Super Cargada” and it turned out so good. Every night the chapel was filled with members, investigators, as well as a bunch of references. The entire Stake came together to pull it off and it turned out to be a great success. Not only were we able to achieve success with the missionary side of it but we were also able to strengthen the members. The entire stake is more united and was really able to feel the spirit that comes from participating in the work. The Stake President now has a lot more trust in us and is working a lot more closely with us. We have already planned another activity for the end of this month. It’s going to be a Fireside/Training for new members and investigators. It’s going to have the name “After Baptism, What’s Next?” We are going to teach about all of the opportunities and programs that the church has to offer. The main focus of it is going to be on the Temple and our goal is to put that focus in the minds of every new member as well as the investigators. Here in the North Mission we don’t see the people in white for their baptism but rather we see them in white for the TEMPLE.

A Great Time to be a Norteneo!

Once again your letters made my day just that much brighter. Its too bad no one has a family as good as mine. Every word in your letters is very much appreciated and enjoyed. THANKS!!!
Its been one of those wild, hectic kind of weeks with transfers and getting the new Elders situated. They decided to open up a new area in the zone and give us two more missionaries to work with. It’s really a great sign that things are progressing here in the zone and that things are coming together. The new missionaries have arrived for the most part everything seems to be under control. With a new zone and new missionaries it definitely brings a heap of new obstacles and challenges but I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow and progress.
I have some very exciting news!!! The Puente Piedra Stake is getting divided this next week and the Barranca District also got accepted to become a Stake. President Perez called me up early this morning telling me the good news. Right now the Mission is on FIRE. Everything seems to have been raised; The level of spirituality of the Missionaries, the level of work ethic, the number of baptisms, the number of families being baptized, and so much more. It’s a great time to be a Norteñeo. VIVA LA NORTE!!!

One Step At A Time...

Sunday we had a little miracle happen to us. We have another investigator (Armando Dias)who is going through a strong period of depression and its taking a big toll on his body. He is slowly getting really weak. Something that we do when we go to teach him is take him out of his house and go for a walk with him. We walk a few blocks which gives us just enough time to share a couple of jokes and get a smile on his face. We are teaching him and his wife and they are progressing so well. It is obviously a trial for him to walk the distance to church but we always focus on teaching him the importance of sacrifice and that as we put the Lords will first he will provide the way to fulfill with his commandments. Sunday morning, while greeting the members for sacrament meeting, we saw Armando Dias coming up the path with a smile on his face ready to attend church. He wasn´t walking very fast but that didn´t seem to discourage him at all. He was able to stay for sacrament meeting before having the return home because of pain, but he showed a lot of Faith. After ending this email we are headed to his house to see how he is doing.

A Little About Elder Puente

Sorry last week I didn’t share too much about my new companion. He is Elder Puente from Huancayo, Peru. We entered the field together and he will finish one transfer after me. He was baptized about four years ago with his two brothers. His older brother is a return missionary and his younger brother just entered the Trujillo Mission. He’s a strong kid who works hard.

Moroni 7:10

One of the really special families that we are teaching right now is the Vasquez Vidal Family. We met them about two months ago, when the Father (Cesar) showed up to sacrament meeting with his two little boys (Sebastian and Anderson). Come to find out Cesar is a member who hadn’t attended church for about twenty years. We went to teach them that same afternoon and met his wife (Chiristina) who isn’t a member. We began teaching her and she was always very friendly and willing to listen but not much more. After about two weeks of teaching her she wasn’t really progressing anymore and both Elder Cruz and I felt that it just wasn’t her time quite yet but at the same time we felt as if we couldn’t leave her quite yet. After about month of teaching Christina we finally came to a cross-road. Elder Cruz and I thought long and hard of what we could do to help her to feel the spirit and on day during our companionship study it came to mind, Mormon 7. We studied it out a felt as though that was what she needed. That night we read with her Mormon 7 and after reading the tenth verse, we challenged her to baptism and she accepted. She told us that it was time to put things in order and show an example to her family. She has had to overcome a lot of obstacles especially from her own family but she has been strong and has really learned to trust in the Lord. This past Sunday we went and cooked breakfast with them before going to church. She will be getting baptized Sunday afternoon after our stake conference. She is a living example of the way the Gospel blesses the lives of those who embrace it.

“Semana Super Cargada”

For the past month we have been working with the San Felipe Stake to put together an activity to spark the fire and get the members excited about Missionary Work. After a lot of hours of planning and brainstorming we settled on something called a “Semana Super Cargada”. It entails a week long program of activities that includes the participation of all the wards and branches. Each ward is in charge of a night/activity. Every night for one week an activity is planned with the main focus of REFERENCES. We kicked things off Saturday afternoon we a giant “Spreading of the Word”. Along the side of the members we knocked doors and handed out flyers announcing the week. Yesterday was the first activity with a Fireside. It went so well, talks were taking from Preach My Gospel and we based on The Restoration and The Plan of Salvation. During this week we will have a giant Family Home Evening, Movie Nights, Talent Show, Service Projects, and much more. The Stake President, President Sarmiento, came to us with the idea of doing some kind of activity to unite the stake and also fuel the Missionary Spirit within the stake. We threw together some ideas and we ended up with a “Semana Super Cargada”, a little bit of everything. I’m excited to see how it turns out!

Things That Make Peru Unique!!

For the last twenty-one months I have been able to see and experience a lot of things here in Peru that seem to make Peru unique in its own little way. I guess you could call this Elder Schofield’s top 10 list of Peru:
1. Baños Publicos (Public Bathrooms)
One of the things that might seem different about Peru is that Public Bathrooms are just that, any place in public. It is a daily sight seeing people doing their business in the street, parks, and even on the side of houses. There seems to be no bit of shame, but it’s all good. You quickly learn to not walk along the side of buildings, street posts, or anything else that could be uses as a target.
2. El Limon (The Lemmon)
The Lemmon here in Peru has a very powerful curing power, or at least that is what’s believed by Peruvians. I’m going to explain just a few of the curing powers of Lemons: If you have a cold you have to put an entire lime on a necklace and wear it around your neck for three days, If you have an ear ache squeeze a bit of juice in your ear and you are good to go, If you are having problems with your eyes squeeze a bit of juice and you should be as good as new, If you have a minor cut rub two limes on the scrape two times a day for a week. My personal favorite is the necklace procedure. The Lemmon is used in anything and everything. Gotta Love it! Maybe a lemmon could help dad feel a bit better, lol.
3. Moto-Kars
The main form of transportation in the jungle and is also used here in Lima. It’s said to be a Peruvian invention which is a motorcycle cut in half and on the back side is placed a bench which usually sits two but sometimes you can squeeze in three. The usually have a 125cc motor which is never enough and it always sounds like it is going to explode. Here in Lima some have an entire stereo system put in them which ends up making them look just that much more ridiculous.
4. Cuy (Guinea Pig)
A main source of food and is very delicious when deep fat fried. They might be pets back home but I think the Peruvians have put them to much better use.
5. Tienditas (Small Stores)
If all else fails in your attempt to make ends meets, its time to start up a little store in your house. It usually includes cookies, chips, pop, eggs, and vegetable oil. It turns out that your can find one of these little stores in about 1 for every 3 houses. They area everywhere!
6. Los Combis (The Bus System)
Back home riding bulls or bunny bopping is a rush, but here you can get the same thrill from riding in the bus system. A Combi has a driver and a collector which is constantly yelling and gathering money and trying to pack the maximum amount of people in his bus. The bus driver is constantly going as fast as he can to the next bus stop to take full advantage and to also beat the other busses. It’s a giant death trap if you ask me but it is one of the adventures I enjoy the most.
7. Arroz (Rice)
Your plate isn’t complete without it. It’s just that simple!
8. El Perro Peruano (The Peruvian Dog)
Its a bald, Black dog which earns the prize of the ugliest dog on earth. I don’t find them very cuddly but the people seem to love them. If you have allergies from pets, I would suggest looking into getting one of these guys.
9. La Hora Peruana
In order to get people to show up on time you have to announce the time thirty minutes early. If you are thirty minutes late you are on time. If you actually show up on time you get stuck waiting thirty minutes until everyone else shows up “on time”.
10. Las Cosas Piratas (Pirated Things)
When it comes to movies, computer programs, clothes, and music; everything is faked or pirated. It is hard to find things that hasn’t been pirated or faked in some way or another.
It’s just a few of the things that make me smile and makes Peru unique.

Cambios!

I had almost forgotten about what happens every six week until we opened up our zones email and we read “CAMBIOS”. Yeah, its transfer time again but fortunately I am staying here. Elder Cruz has a change and will be heading to Puente Piedra. My new companion is Elder Puente (At least I’m getting a little bit of “Puente”). We entered the field together and he will finish one change after me. But more than anything I’m glad I’m staying here for at least one more change. I imagine that I will work my last change here as well but we wait and see.

Don't Get Trunky!

Elder Rich called me up this past week to find out which airport I wanted to fly home too. It looks like I will be able to fly from Lima direct to Salt Lake and from there to Twin Falls. I’m not sure if I have told you this yet but my official release date is December 2. I hope you aren’t getting trunky because I’m not quite yet, lol.
Well Family I hope this letter finds you all well and happy. I am doing great and enjoying what gets thrown at me. The mission is definitely a giant refining process and we are able to find out just who we really are and what we are made of. Thanks so much for all of your love and support; it means more than you would know. Love Ya!!!

I hope you are making time to pray together...

I’m sorry if it seems like all I talk about is my investigators but I can’t help but share their progress with you. Zenos baptism went great and he was able to really feel the joy that the Gospel brings. When he bore his testimony he shared the experience that he had when he opened the door and saw us for the first time, but never the less he knew who we were and invited us in. Not only was it a great experience for him but as the members heard his share his testimony they too were able to feel the joy that comes from sharing the Gospel. He is going to be a very strong support for our little Trapiche Branch. The Martinez Family (Raul y Edith) is progressing much faster than we had planned. They are going to get married at the end of the month, if not sooner, and after that BAPTISM. Their little family is also growing closer and much more united and they love sharing with us their testimony of the church. They have begun having family prayer at night as well as teach each one of their kids how to pray.
One of the most special experiences that I have been able to witness here in the mission is seeing a father kneel down with his family and offer a prayer for the first time. There really isn’t anything that gives me the feeling of accomplishment or joy than witnessing that. Raul did just that this past week. Even though life might be running is all kinds of directions, I hope you are making time to pray together. Looking back I might not have been the one calling everyone together to pray, but I’m sure thankful that we made it a habit.

Where Can I Turn For Peace?

I went to the Temple today with a strong need of receiving some direction. It has been about seven months since I have been able to attend the temple mainly for the fact that I haven’t been in Lima, but it was a much needed visit to the Lords house. There is just a special kind of encouragement and motivation that can be felt there and I have really missed not being to feel it for so long. Visiting the Temple is going to be something that will have high priority when I get home. I have found that when we go with a purpose, the Lord fills our need and gives us a strong reminder of just who we are.

Digging Deep

This past week was just what I needed to really dig deep and realize the great importance of just why I am here. It was nothing less than yet another work load of a week but by being immersed in the work, it helps to keep me focused on what’s really important.
Yesterday we had interviews with President Perez. During the meeting I was assigned to give training and I chose to talk about “Personal Revelation” and “Being an Inspired Missionary”. I love the chance to prepare trainings because I always end up learning more than those that I actually teach. While I was preparing my training I had a sound reminder of the Importance of this Work and that it is truly the Lords. This is the Lords work and we have to allow that he guides it through worthy and faithful servants. Our ability to receive revelation and the courage to follow it is the key to success not only in the mission but also in Life. I felt really good about my training, by helping the Elders gain their full potential is what makes being a leader really rewarding.
Talking with President Perez I was able to feel the peace and comfort that I have been searching for over the past couple of weeks. He gave me a very special bit of advice and counsel. He discussed how the last three transfers of an Elder are actually the three most important transfers of his entire mission. The way we apply ourselves and work is a direct reflection of the rest of our lives. Our work ethic, our people skills, everything!!! He was more than pleased with our zones efforts this past month, we are once again raising the bar of success, not only in our zone but also in the mission. I trust in President Perez so much and value every little bit of counsel he gives me. He is truly called of God to direct the North Mission and what a blessing it is for me to be able to rub shoulders with him and to also have his trust to carry out his vision.

It's NOT Rocket Science!

If A B C = 1 2 3 etc, then the following is so TRUE in every part of life and especially in Missionary Work!!
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E=96%
(11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%)
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K =98%
(8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% )
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E =100%
(1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%)