Elder HJones: The Will of God

This week was full of ups and downs. Parts of the week I felt unstoppable, but then God would humble me and give me a difficult day. It reminded me of a Mormon Message called, "The Will of God."

Sometimes, we think that we know our future. We think that we have everything figured out. But we don't. We are like plants in the garden of life and God is our Gardener.

Sometimes we want to grow to become what we want to be. God knows who we need to be and who we can become. So many times, He "cuts us down." He puts trials, afflictions, and difficulties in our path. He does this to help us grow, to help us become. I feel throughout this week God has "cut me down," and helped me grow. I know it's helping me become a better missionary.

My Spanish has really grown. I still has a long way to go, but I can really tell it's better. Understanding was the hardest part when I started, and I feel like I'm slowly starting to understand people. I have really felt and seen the hand of God helping me with my Spanish.

We had another baptism last week for a 14 year old named Alexander Mamani. It is truly a blessing to see people accept the gospel and join the church.

This church is true. If you are going through difficulties, pray. God hears you. He is our Father and we are His children. He wants to hear from us, and he is willing to pour blessings upon us when we do.

Love, Elder Jones

Elder CJones: Last Week in Valle Hermoso

I have been blessed to serve here in Valle Hermoso for the past five months. I have had the blessing of meeting and teaching these people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it it true and that we will come closer to God as we apply it to our lives.

This past weekend,we had stake conference and we were able to listen to wonderful messages given by the stake presidency and an area seventy. I love the messages that were given and how we are blessed as we follow the guidance of our leaders.

The area seventy talked about the importance of building firm foundations in our lives so that we can stand strong against the adversary. I loved his talk and how he said that we all need to be our best so that we can be worthy to have these blessings.

Being worthy and willing reminded me of a story I heard years ago,

"I should like to tell you of three eighteen-year-old boys. In 1856 more than a thousand of our people, some of them perhaps your forebears, found themselves in serious trouble while crossing the plains to this valley. Because of a series of unfortunate circumstances, they were late in getting started. They ran into snow and bitter cold in the highlands of Wyoming. Their situation was desperate, with deaths occurring every day. President Young learned of their condition as the October general conference was about to begin. He immediately called for teams, wagons, drivers, and supplies to leave to rescue the bereft Saints. When the first rescue team reached the Martin Company, there were too few wagons to carry the suffering people. The rescuers had to insist that the carts keep moving. When they reached the Sweetwater River on November 3, chunks of ice were floating in the freezing water. After all these people had been through, and in their weakened condition, that river seemed impossible to cross. It looked like stepping into death itself to move into the freezing stream. Men who once had been strong sat on the frozen ground and wept, as did the women and children. Many simply could not face that ordeal. And now I quote from the record: "Three eighteen-year-old boys belonging to the relief party came to the rescue, and to the astonishment of all who saw, carried nearly every member of the ill-fated handcart company across the snowbound stream. The strain was so terrible, and the exposure so great, that in later years all the boys died from the effects of it. When President Brigham Young heard of this heroic act, he wept like a child, and later declared publicly, 'that act alone will ensure C. Allen Huntington, George W. Grant, and David P. Kimball an everlasting salvation in the Celestial Kingdom of God, worlds without end.'" (Solomon F. Kimball, Improvement Era, Feb. 1914, p. 288.) Mark you, these boys were eighteen years of age at the time. And, because of the program then in effect, they likely were holders of the Aaronic Priesthood. Great was their heroism, sacred the sacrifice they made of health and eventually of life itself to save the lives of those they helped. They are part of the heritage that lies behind you of the Aaronic Priesthood. Be true, my young brethren, be true to that great inheritance. True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God's command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand."

Mainly to my brother who have the Aaronic Priesthood and everyone else who reads this. I know that we need to be worthy and willing to serve at whatever time, and the Lord will bless us from on high!

I love this gospel and I testify of the truthfulness of it!

--
Elder Corom Jones

Elder ZJones: Members! Members! Members!

I have to pay to use the Internet and how much usually depends on where we go. It is usually around 50-100 pesos. I am getting used to the money system, although I don't really know yet how much large amounts are converted into us dollars. I am still trying to get used to things. The food here is pretty good, although I get a lot of Milanesa! I don't think I have gained any weight, but if I have, it has only been a small bit.

We usually have members cook lunch for us . . . when they actually do. If not, we get mission money to purchase food for the week and month. I have had a lot of pancakes and bread. We go to a laundry mat for laundry. It is 100 pesos a load, which is ok.

It gets warm here, too, but it has also been raining a lot for the past few days. It is better than the cold, though.

My Spanish is coming. I am getting the gospel language down. From the lessons we have taught, I am starting to understand the vocab for it.

We had a zone conference on Thursday. Presidente and Hermana Resek spoke to us. Thy talked a lot about becoming spiritual giants. By using the Spirit, the Book of Mormon and all our energy, the Lord can use us as instruments.

Presidente made a new rule. Beginning with the second lesson and on, he wants a member present in all of our lessons. But our ward doesn't help the missionaries. So we are trying to figure out the best way to get out bishop and ward mission leader to help us more with the work.

This week has been awesome! Our investigator Viviana is still is planning to be baptized. She has been investigating the church for years and I really believe she is ready. She has a strong testimony and loves this gospel. We have many other investigators but it has been hard to find them. Ana is one. She committed to baptism and loved the messgae of the Restoration, but for the pasttwo2 weeks we haven't been able to find her. Pray that we will be able to find her and she will be still ready for the gospel.

We had a miracle in church this week. When we got to church there was a man and a woman that we hadn't seen before. Apparently he is a member and hasn't been to church in over ten years. The woman isn't a member but interested in the gospel message and wants to learn more. It is a miracle to see the ways the Lord help us with the work. As we patiently wait and pray for people, He will help us find those we need to teach.

 I was reading this week more about my purpose as a missionary. And I came across this verse. It can apply to us .

1 Nephi 8:12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

The fruit is the fruit of the gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have it and it has made us happy. As a missionary I am desirous that others can have the same happiness of the gospel. We should all pick some fruit, whatever it may be, Books of Mormon, our testimony, service, whatever, and give them out. This will allow us all to give and receive the love and joy of this gospel. I know that this is true.

The fruit can change others lives and we can be the ones who give it out!

Elder Jones

Elder CJones: One Year!

"You are doing hard things" -Mom

This week I completed one year in the mission. It has gone so fast and it's crazy to think that I am here. I love this missionary work and sometimes I wish that it would move slower so that I could work more each day.

This week, Elder Martinez and I have been studying a lot together. I want to share one thing I learned this week.

My companion posed the question, "What is the difference between Wisdom and Knowledge?" Thinking deeper, we entered a conversation that made me think. Knowledge is just the information that you know to be true. Everybody has knowledge. Wisdom is the application of the knowledge that we have. Wisdom means that we show true faith.

James 1:5 says,"If any of you lack wisdom." This means that we need to have the intention to follow through on the knowledge that God will give us when we ask and that is when He will give the response.

We are teaching a lot of families and people. We are focused on five for right now. Yulieta and Mia are sisters and are really looking forward to a baptism on Saturday. We will be working with them this week for that.

Nataly, Daniel, and Angel are a family. Nataly is the mom and her two sons are Daniel and Angel. We will be working with them for baptism in November. Pray that they will be able to find the answers that they are looking for!

I know this church is true and I know and testify that God lives!!

--
Elder Corom Jones

Elder HJones: Our Search for Happiness

I had my first baptism last week!

It was such a great experience. We baptized a 16 year old girl named Valentina. We found her a couple weeks ago and have been working with her. It was such a great experience to watch her progress and eventually enter into the waters of baptism.

I finished reading a book by Elder Ballard called "Our Search For Happiness." It talks about the things that Latter-Day Saints believe in, and the things that make us happy. It made me think of the things that made me happy. At first, I thought of the simple things like food, sleep, and sports. But then I thought of the eternal perspective of happiness. It's the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings me true happiness. NOTHING, compares to the joy and happiness of the Gospel! The Gospel brings me so much joy, and it is a privilege to share it with others. It is truly a blessing in my life to share the gospel.

Before the mission I never really realized how much missionaries need the help of members. Members are such critical roles in finding, teaching, and converting. The missionaries in Utah NEED you guys. They need help to find and convert people. You guys can play a major role in bringing the happiness of the gospel in others lives. That's my challenge, HELP THE MISSIONARIES!

Love,

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: We Have a Loving Heavenly Father

I will just start out by saying that it was a tougher week. Not many people were excited to have us stopping them on the street or knocking on their doors. Elder Oakes and I increased our contacting but didn´t receive many people who were interested. This makes it hard for us when we don't have people to teach. It is also hard when our ward is the same. We need to better get our ward involved with missionary work, but it is difficult when they aren't that interested.

One sister, with whom we had a baptismal date, didn't come to church yesterday so we have to reschedule her baptism and we haven't meet with her all week. She said she was going to be gone but then we saw her during the week. I don't know if she just isn't interested...but hopefully everything works out. I am still trying to figure out what is best to do to find people. It is especially hard when I don't really know the language. But I know that I will eventually figure it out.

We have been focusing on the Book of Mormon. Presidente Resek wants us to teach them Book of Mormon immediately when we talk to people. I have gotten better but I can always do more. I hate seeing people close their doors or walk away. As I continue to teach and use the Spirit, I can better teach the people.

This week I have my testimony of my Father in Heaven has grown. Many (to most) of the people that I talked to this week explained that they don't believe in God. Many asked crazy questions about God's power and existence. As we tried to help them understand more of God they didn't want to hear any of it or believe in it. We see His existence all around us. In this gospel, the world around, and the plan He has in store for us. Everything that we do is because of our Heavenly Father, and I know that He is there, watching over us.

God has a plan, and this plan is for everyone. And everyone deserves it. It can help everyone. The Book of Mormon can answer any question that we have if we just take time to listen and understand what they Lord wants to give us. I have prayed more on my mission then at any other time. I find myself praying for everything and I am grateful because I know that Heavenly Father is listening and answering.

Elder Jones

Elder HJones: Walk With Faith

This week was pretty wild.

Presidente Ferreira came to our area and we had zone conference. It was really good, except I really didn't understand much (haha). We also had interviews with the President. It went really well. I really felt the love that he has for me and he really encouraged me to lose myself in the work.

We also had an earthquake...which isn't too exciting because I am in Chile because apparently, here in Chile, we get a lot of them. It was in the middle of the night and I had just woken up and everything was shaking. It wasn't that bad. Lasted about 30 seconds. The scary part is that I sleep on a bunk bed made to hold an 8 year old, so it was shaking like crazy!

I was also able to play soccer with some kids during the week. It was really fun. But all the kids told me that I needed to practice more because I am terrible.

We eat a lot. We have a momita who cooks for us for part of the week. Members feed us the other days of the week. We also walk a lot. A lot of people have cars in Arica, but most people walk around, which is nice because we can talk with people. Arica also has a lot of taxis and buses. So sometimes, when we have to travel a little ways (like on Pday), we take a taxi.

This week I really learned about faith. It was kinda a tough week. I felt like I worked really hard, and there wasn't much to show for it. And whenever we made appointments with people, they never happened. It was hard to really teach people this past week. But it really helped me learn about faith. Sometimes I don't see the end results, but  I know God always does. I don't always understand why things don't work the way I want them to, but God does. And I know that having faith is really important because through faith we can do all things.

A lot of people yell at us and try to convince us that we are wrong. But I know that the Gospel is true. I know that Jesus Christ lives and atoned for me and for you. And no matter how many people try to tell me otherwise, I have a testimony. And I am so grateful that I can represent Jesus Christ and help bring people to Him.

Love, Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: The Gospel is Everything

I am already on week three in the mission.

There are so many feelings that are good into the mission. Frustration. Joy. Peace. Everything about the mission is difficult, but it is totally worth it.

 Not much has changed since last week. We have a ton of investigators we have been teaching. We have one lady named Bibiana Ruiz that has a baptismal date for the 11th of November. Her husband and two daughters are already members. When we went over to teach her she explained to us that she was ready to be baptized. It was an awesome experience to see her making that decision for herself. It is awesome when we are able to change peoples lives, but when they choose for themselves it makes it 100 times better.

This week we had interviews with Presidente Resek and through my interview I was able to get to know him a little more. He explained to me the importance of the Book of Mormon and why when we teach about it when we make contact with people. He also explained that The Book of Mormon testifies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ more than any other book. Throughout my reading I have focused to see how important the Atonement is to me and how it is found all over the Book of Mormon. Presidente Resek has helped me so much and is really loving. He always encourages us to be better and work harder.

Yesterday, in Argentina, it was Mothers Day!! Because of this, Presidente let us Skype our families!! It was such an awesome opportunity. Though it has only been two months it was great to see that my family is doing well. (They all need haircuts though!! ha ha)

 I am grateful for this gospel. The mission is hard but that is the way it is supposed to be. This gospel expects people to change, and if I don't change on the mission, the people won't change either. I know the Atonement is real and the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ! This gospel is everything and can help us with anything!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: It's Mother's Day in Argentina . . .

Which means we TOTALLY got a call in October!

The funny thing about technology is that Skype and Hangouts DID NOT work very well going through the computer at all.

So we took the the smartphone to actually have an interrupted conversation!!

Zeram is doing so well. Loves his mission. Made some personal goals this week to help him become a better missionary.

And, above all, he is happy!

Elder ZJones: Spanish is HARD

Mission weeks are full! There is so much that goes on in the mission field and a lot that needs to get done. Teaching, contacting, investigators, and studies. It makes the day full. I am still trying to get used to everything and transitioning to be a missionary. I think the hardest part is the language.

First, is trying to understand. There are some days where I can pick out words from conversations and get the jest of what is being said. Then, there are other day where I am totally lost. Second, is speaking. I am very limited on what I can say. I know the gospel but not the words. This can be frustrating at time in lessons and contacting people. There have been times where my companion turns to me to answer and I have no clue what happened! I just need to be patient. It will take time. I just have to continue to try to speak and understand the people.

The daily schedule is good. We get up at 6:30. We have 30 minutes to workout. We have until 8:30 to eat and get ready for the day. Afterward, we have daily planning and personal study. After that it kinda depends on what we planned for the day. There are some things we have to do. We fit in companionship study, language study for an hour a day, and doce semanas 12 weeks), my training. If we have citas (lessons), we work around them. We do contacting to find people to teach. We don't have a siesta, we usually contact during that time. We are in our pension (apartment) at 9:00 and go to bed at 10:30.

How we receive investigators most of the time is through contacts. As we contact people in the streets, we are able to teach lessons to them later through the week. As we are able to teach them more about the gospel and principles that can help them, I have seen a difference in how it has affected them. For some, it is easy to understand and for others it is harder. I think the hardest thing I have seen so far is authority. It is hard for them to understand that there is one true church and God's authority is important. Many believe faith is enough. Elder Oakes and I are trying hard to help them understand more about the importance of the power of God that our church as been given.

I don't understand the layouts of the streets just yet. We have bikes but also do a lot of walking to contact people on the streets. A lot of people walk pass and don't look at us. Most people say hello back but aren't interested. I like how my companion gives me opportunities to speak to people in the streets. My comp has been here for two transfers. There are two other elders in out same area and ward. Elder Williams came with my group and is new like I am. He is from Syracuse, Utah. The other elder has been out eight months. He is from Montana. It is always fun to talk with them.

Let me just say that church here is nothing like church in Utah!! The wards are so small. The building is very small, as well. We live about 10 minutes walking from the church building. We were able to have two of our investigators come to church, which was a blessing. It was Fast Sunday yesterday and I went and introduced myself. It was awesome, though my Spanish was probably wrong. haha

I still don't have words to describe the mission. I am so excited to eventually learn the language and help the people in the best ways that I can. The mission is hard, but it changes us. It helps us focus more on others rather than ourselves.

There are long weeks ahead that I know will change my life!

Love, Elder Jones

Elder HJones: God Has A Plan for Everyone

Taken my first day

This week was pretty hard. I literally don't understand anything people say. It's hard to speak, too. I want to talk to everyone and understand everyone, but that's gonna take patience. People talk to me, and I have no clue what to say. So I pray literally 24/7 for God's help. It's frustrating sometimes, because I know what I want to say, I just can't say it. I just need to realize that God knows I can speak Spanish. I got called to Chile for a reason.

Some days, I feel like the mission will never end. Like I will live in Chile for the rest of my life. Its hard, but the best feeling I get is when I bear my testimony in my terrible Spanish. I really feel close to God and that I'm doing His work.

Our schedule is pretty much exercise and plan in the morning, work and eat lunch, work some more, then return to the casa and go to bed. I actually wake up at 7:30am and go to bed at 11:30pm. Everything is shifted one hour ahead.

I had my first sacrament meeting in the mission. It was comforting. I guess for the first time in my mission, I didn't feel so far from home.

Yesterday, we had two investigators come to church with us, so that was great! Not a lot of people are members here, so the ward was really small. We meet a lot of members at church, but its hard to find them during the week. We knock doors quite a bit. We live with two other Elders. Elder Camara is from Brazil and Elder is Perez from Bolivia. We live in a member's home. All the elders in our house speak Spanish, so I really am immersed in the idioma (language).

The food is really good. I never ate salad at home, and I'm kinda forced to eat it here and I would be lying if I didn't say that I actually kinda enjoy it. They also put mayonnaise on a lot of things. I am getting used to that, too.

Arica, Chile looks nothing like Utah. The homes are a lot different. Dogs are everywhere so I hear barking all day long. Borrachos (drunk guys) are everywhere, too. Yesterday, a borracho walked up to us and starting talking to us. He was talking about Joseph Smith, but I couldn't really understand him. I was so confused but it ended with him wanting to fight me. YES, FIGHT ME!!! We finally kinda walked away but it was pretty strange. God protected me so I know I am safe.

And I know God has a plan for all of us. My companion, Elder Lopez, and I are teaching two sisters. We learned that their abuelo (grandfather) was very sick and died the other day. It's amazing how right when a tragedy occurs in life, God sends someone to help. I am grateful that God has a plan for everyone. Sometimes we don't understand why things happen but God is always with us trying to help us.

The mission is hard. I feel like I am never gonna learn the language, but it is a blessing. It is so hard to understand people. People talk to me and I have no clue what they said. So it's a work in progress. I just need to learn patience. I am not gonna learn a new language in two weeks.

Thanks so much for your prayers!

Love, Elder Jones

Elder CJones: Better Than Christmas!

"When we are in the light, we have a perfect brightness of hope." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

For those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE General Conference!! There is nothing to could pull me away from such an amazing opportunity to listen to the voice of the prophets and apostles. This conference was one of my most favorites. I was able to watch in English with three other American missionaries in our small clerk's office. Oh how I am grateful for the internet in which the Gospel can be shared in every language so everyone can understand perfectly and clearly about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since I am from Utah many people asked me if I had the opportunity once to go to conference live and what it was like. I am so grateful that we live to close and that we have the chance to go when we would like.

Conference and the words of the prophets always touch my heart so that I can more fully feel of the love of my Savior Jesus Christ.

My "new" companion, Elder Martinez, was my companion about eight months ago in Reynosa. We are now back together and better friends. I love working with this amazing, spiritual giant! He is from Monterrey, Nuevo Neon, a city about three hours from the mission. He loves to try and speak English and I help him when I can. When he was a little kid his parents were baptized but they are not active. He has been out for a year. Elder Martinez has three weeks more in the mission than I do and I am so glad that I can work with him again. He has a very strong personality and our teaching styles go very well together.

Here, in Valle Hermoso, the most difficult thing about teaching is having people commit to come to church. Even though they know it is right, they are unwilling to act on their faith and attend. I hope that you all will pray for the people here and will keep the missionaries in your thoughts and prayers!

I love you all and I know and testify that this church is true and everything that was said in conference is the word of God. If anyone is struggling with anything that was said, take it to God just as James directs (James 1:5-6) and just like Joseph Smith did and I promise that you will find your answer!

--
Elder Corom Jones

"Darkness is not an indication that there is no light, most often it simply means we are not in the right place to receive the light." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Elder ZJones: My First Real Week in Argentina

What a crazy week!!!

I left the MTC last Tuesday morning. From there, I met my mission president, President Resek, and received my trainer. My trainer is Elder Oakes! He is from Yuba City, California! He is really awesome. He speaks English which is nice because he helps me understand a lot of what is going on. I am his very last comp. He leaves home in November!

I am serving in the area of Marcos Paz. It is an area about an hour out from Buenos Aires. There are two wards in this area and six missionaries. Apparently, this area isn't an area that baptizes a lot and not a lot happens. But we want to change that. There are a lot of dirt roads and mud. It rains pretty good down here. I have a bike, which is nice. We can get around faster. We also get around by bus and they get so full of people!

The language is difficult. I did learn some things in the MTC, but it isn't the same. I can't really understand any of what the people are speaking. I am very limited on what I can say. My companion is great and helps me a lot on what people ask me and what we are talking about. We have done a lot of contacting and placing Books of Mormon. This past week, we have taught some lessons and I have gotten to know more about some of the people we will be teaching.

The food here is great! They have a lot of meat with their food--which is awesome! I have had soup, Milanesa, Choripan, and other things. Still getting used to it, if you know what I mean. We also receive food a lot from members. We don't have siesta time so ​members feed us lunch then we go teach or contact. I love contacting people even though I don't understand the people. My comp helps me out.

And there are dogs everywhere here. All over the streets you can see dogs sleeping and trying to find food. The driving here is crazy as well! I am so glad that I am not driving here. I know it wouldn't end well! ha ha

General Conference was awesome. I learned so much and was able to watch it in English! One of my favorites was the talk from Elder Ballard. He said that we need to welcome anyone who is making their trek today towards this gospel. I need to use my energy, strength and testimony to bring the blessing of the gospel of the Restoration to them. Because this gospel is for every, single one of God's children, not just an elect few. I need to talk and share the gospel with as many people as I can out here.

I am grateful that I am able to serve a mission. Though I can't understand the people here I know that they need the gospel and want it. The best thing we can do is to bear our testimonies to them and help them feel the Spirit. I know the gospel is true and am already loving Argentina!!!

Love, Elder Jones

Elder HJones: First Week in Arica

I arrived in Chile last week! It's crazy that I'm already here!

Chile is definitely not Utah! EVERYTHING is different. The language, the food, the people.  And I have to pay to write you each week! When people told me the culture would shock me I didn't understand. But it did. So I am still trying to get used to everything. The language is hard but I try to talk as much as I can. Chileans speak really fast, I don't get their grammar, so I don't have much to work with.

I have only been out a week, experienced general conference, drunk guys asking for money, and being rejected.  It has been hard to get comfortable with the different things, but I feel the Savior`s hands guiding me along the way. I have literally waited for 18 years for this moment and experience, so I REALLY WANT TO WORK HARD! I have felt the Spirit and the love of my Savior every day. It is hard living in a different country and learning brand new culture, but I can do it because I know the Lord is helping me along the way.

Yesterday, we had a pretty cool experience. Both my companion and I are new to our area, so we don't know anybody. Yesterday night was pretty difficult. We couldn't find anyone. So Elder Lopez and I prayed for someone. And a little while later we knocked on a random door...and we found someone to teach!! I learned that God has people for us to teach, we just need to ask Him for them.

The 12-hour bus ride from Antofagasta to Arica was long and the bus was actually nice so I slept most of the time. My companion, Elder Lopez, is from Salvador but lives in Utah. He speaks English pretty well, so that's a bonus. He has been out 17 months so he's pretty experienced.

The people serve A LOT of food. Yesterday, we ate lunch with a member. Soup, salad, Alfredo, then dessert. And they load the plates! So I am kinda forced to eat a lot. I'll send pictures next week. But nothing here is green. I am in the driest place on earth. It rains 4mm a year. Sop dirt and sand is what I mostly see.

This gospel is so true. I get to teach it for two years to the people in Chile. It brings me so much joy to see people progess and come closer to Christ. It's awesome!

Love, Elder Jones