Elder CJones: In A Hurry

Everything is good here, tomorrow I have cambios and I will be serving in Matamoros.

Elder HJones: The Gospel = Happiness

Saturday was a super special day. We had the awesome opportunity to have a baptism for Maria Alvarez. She is 70 years old (mas o menos), reads the Book of Mormon everyday, attends church every week, and seriously has HUGE faith. We have been teaching her for months, since October. She has a fear of water, which kinda stopped her from getting baptized before. But, she was finally baptized on Saturday! Her grandson, who is member, baptized her. Her son and I helped her go into the font. When she came up, she was shaking, because she honestly has a fear of water. But after everything was over, the joy was unreal!! It was really a special moment of my mission.

It was such a special moment to see her get baptized, to watch her become a member of the church. This church is true. This gospel brings true happiness. I saw it on Saturday with Maria. Only through this gospel and Jesus Christ, we can have true happiness in our lives and in our families.

We had cambios. I am now serving in Copiapo. I took a PLANE to my next area. A bus would take 20-22 hours, so I took a plane because it is something new the mission is doing if areas are really far away from each other. My new companion is Elder Perez from Columbia. He has the same time out as me in the mission. Super excited to work with him and work with new investigators.

I had to say goodbye to all of the members and my converts in Arica. It was kinda hard, but I didn't cry. I have really grown close to them. They have become my friends, so it kinda stinks to leave them.

I have learned so much my past three cambios in my first area. I have learned so much from my trainer, Elder Lopez. He will stay in Arica and will train there his last two cambios of his mission. He has helped me to learn Spanish, even thought I am still trying, and the taught me how to become a missionary. It's good to change, though. Good to find new people and work with new people.

The mission is crazy, but it's totally worth it!

Elder ZJones: Transfers

Family Home Evening with investigators
(Lorena and Ludmila)

Transfers. I am leaving my first zone of Marcos Paz and going to Jardines in the city of Moreno. It is a new zone. Elder Sena and I are staying together. We are both excited to work in a new area. Please pray for us that we can find people ready to hear the gospel and we can teach by the spirit.

In Moroni 7:25 we read:

For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

Something that I learned from this week: We all make decisions. Everyone of us. No matter our age, height, how many people are in your family (I would know haha), etc. We all have choices that can help us in the long run or make it harder for us afterwards. But with these decisions, we all have the Spirit and light of Christ. And this helps us know how these decisions will help us in the long run. We can know the consequence beforehand and the warnings through the Spirit of Christ. And it always brings us to Christ. We have the ability to follow these promptings.

Familia Suarez

I am grateful for the Spirit and all it does to lead and guide us. It is a great gift that we can and have from our father in heaven. I know it is always ready to help us and give us the strength we need  through any situation.

This week, I also thought a lot about the temple and I miss it! I miss going to the temple almost every week with my brothers and sister. We talk about it sometimes in Elder Quorum and I explain that I lived 10 minutes from the temple and how much of a blessing it has been for me. I was definitely blessed to go to the temple with my mom and dad the day I left for Argentina.

Prestando Servicio

This week I was reading in 1 Nephi 6:4:

For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.

This is my purpose on the mission. I am here to persuade people to come unto Christ. I think the word persuade can mean many things. It is not solely just to change minds to believe what I believe,
but to invite others to open their hearts to remember what they used to know. I can help them through reading of the Book of Mormon, through prayer, through going to church, and through baptism. I am grateful I was taught these things ever since I was young. One lady asked me, "How long have you been studying this church?"  I had to chuckle inside as I smiled and explained that ever since I was born my parent have taught me and helped me learn this gospel. I was able to bear my testimony with her about how much this gospel blesses families and the impact it has had in my life.

Have a wonderful week!

Elder Jones

Elder HJones: El Espiritu de Fuego

So this past week went well. No, we didn't have a baptism, but we worked hard and found some cool people. We have a baptism next week though. Maria Alvares, a 65 (mas o menos) year old lady that we have been working with for 3-4 months. So its great that she is finally making the decision to get baptized!

Glad to here that there is snow in Utah. It's still burning hot here in Chile...nothing changing. There aren't any major holidays that I know of in Chile that are coming soon.

Things that I enjoy about being a missionary, BAUTISMOS!!! HAHA The best part about being a missionary is seeing people change. When people have the desire to become better and repent- accept the Atonement!

This week my testimony of the Holy Spirit has grown.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the wonderful opportunity to have the Spirit with us--a member of The Godhead to be our constant companion. If we are worthy and keep the commandments, God promises us that we will have His Spirit to be with us.

As I have been a missionary I have learned that the Spirit is necessary in the work. Without the Spirit, I can't teach and people won't change. But if I have the Spirit, people will change and feel something different.

In reality, the Spirit is the teacher. The words I say and the lessons I teach play a role in conversion, but the Spirit is the fundamental key in conversion.

A Cadi in Chile!

Elder ZJones: Staying on the Path and Holding to the Rod

We had a baptism this past week, listened to the Prophet speak, and had interviews with President Resek. So let's just say that it was a full week with many miracles and blessings from our Father in Heaven. Cristian's baptism this week was awesome and I had the opportunity to confirm him on Sunday. Though we have only taught him for three weeks, I have seen his testimony increase, his love for the Savior grow, and his progress in truly coming unto Christ. Baptismal days are the best days! You get to see those that you have taught make a promise with God that can help them for eternity.

Interviews went well with President Resek. He asked me to so a practice with him in Spanish about baptism. In the beginning I couldn't believe it, but it turned out pretty well. Practicing the lessons have helped me out so much! Even though I don't enjoy them, they do pay off.

Today I want to share something I learned in the scriptures. Every time I read 1 Nephi 8 I learn something new. In 1 Nephi 8: 24-28 it says:

24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.

When I thought about these verses, I realize that our progress on the path doesn't end once we get to the tree. I have always thought that once we get to the tree and eat the fruit its over and we are saved. But there is more. Once we eat of the fruit, we still have temptation, the pride of the world, and the darkness around us. There were many that were ashamed after they ate the fruit and wondered off towards the building and were lost. I learned that once we make it to the tree there is no exploring. We either stay or go. It's our choice. We have to continue to endure and eat of the fruit. We can't, at anytime, step away from the tree or all that we went through to get there can't lead us back. We need to determine where we are in the vision.

And if we are at the tree and can feel of His love, we need to stay there and not go exploring. We will still face trials and temptations, but we need to continue to eat and invite, then we will be saved.

Have a great week! Love you all!

Elder Jones

Elder CJones: La Familia--Una Bendicion de Dios

En verdad, siento que es más sencillo cuando hablo en Español.

La Familia es algo que me ha dado bastantes bendiciones en mi vida. Durante la mision es cuando yo he compredido la importancia de la familia por mi y por Dios. Amo a mi familia mucho y sé que me ayudan en todo, me han dado animo y la qyuda en la mision y en la vida.

Pues, algunas personas me preguntaron de la mision. Nosotros empezamos nuestros servicios a la iglesia a la 1 cada semana. Tenemos algunos investigadores y siempre contactamos y fijamos actividades a encontrar mas personas. Estamos ayudando una familia para bautizarse esta semana. Oren por nosotros y que el Espiritu pueda tocar sus corazones.

Mi peso ha cambiado mucho, estoy bajando lentamente, tengo como 200 libras. El clima es interesante, a veces hace frio y otros días hace calor. Yo estoy bien fisicalmente, saludable y bien. Mi piel no ha cambiado mucho desde el verano, pues eso creo yo.

Entere estas semana hemos visito mas personas dispuestos a escuchar por año nuevo y que quieren cambiar sus vidas.

Quiero invitar a todos a escuchar en martes a nuestro profeta Presidente Nelson, y invitar a algunas personas que necesiten bendiciones, para que puedan intentar a buscar su proposito en la vida.

--
Elder Corom Jones


Translation:

Truthfully, I feel it is easier when I speak in Spanish. 

The family is something that has given me many blessings in my life. It has been during my mission where I have come to understand the importance of family for me and for God. I love my family very much and I know that they help me in everything. They have given me encouragement and help in my mission and in life.

Well, some people asked me questions about the mission. We start our church services at 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. [Right now] we have some investigators and we always [try to] contact and set activities to find more people. We are helping a family to be baptized this week. Pray for us so the Spirit may  touch their hearts. 

My weight has changed a lot. I am slowly losing weight. I'm like 200 pounds. The weather is interesting, sometimes it's cold and other days it's hot. I am in physically good and healthy condition. My skin has not changed in my tan color much since summer, at least I don't think so.

During the week, we visit more people who are willing to listen for the new year and who want to change their lives.

I want to invite everyone to listen on Tuesday to our prophet President Nelson, and invite some people who need blessings, so they can try to find their purpose in life.

Elder HJones: Dios Nos Quiere Bendicir

So our area is doing really well right now. We are finding and teaching some awesome people prepared to hear the gospel. One thing that I have learned on the mission is that through hard work and faith anything is possible. Many bendiciones de Dios. (Many blessings from the Lord).

Mi español es bueno, puedo entender mucho, casi todo cuando personas me hablan. Hablando esta pocito mas dificil. No se todas de las palabras y gramatica, entonces a veces es dificil. A veces personas no me entienden, y yo siento estupido. Pero yo se que mediante tiempo y la voluntad de Dios la idioma vendrá. Ojaja mas rapido que lento. jajaja

Translation: My Spanish is good. I am able to understand a lot--almost everything that os being spoken. But, speaking is a little more difficult. I don't know all the words or grammar, so sometimes it is difficult. Sometimes, people don't understand me and I feel stupid. But, I know that with time and with the Lord's help the language will come. Oh, it it were faster than slower. Ha ha.

We had the awesome opportunity to find a family to teach: the Arellano Family. A father, mother, a son, and 3 daughters. They are so awesome. They have some doubts and fears about the gospel, but we are working with them. I know that through Christ and faith that they can be an eternal family. So your prayers would really be helpful. Thanks!

I had my interview with Presidente Ferreira last Tuesday. It went really well. I love my  Presidente. I can feel his love for me and this work.

This gospel is true. Through hard work, dedication, and faith miracles are possible. God wants to bless us. We just need to show Him that we are willing to work for those blessings. Through faith and hard work anything is possible!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: Baptisms

Ready for Zone Conference

We had Zone Conference this past week. The topic was (drum roll please).............Baptisms! Baptisms! Baptisms! Baptisms! Presidente Resek and the AP's talked with us about this year's mission goal to baptize 3840 converts, which is 48 baptisms per missionary for the year, four baptisms per month.! Presidente Resek explained the ways that we can prepare people for baptism and find people in our area who are ready for baptism.

I finished the Book of Mormon this past week (of course, in English!) and I can tell you that I know it is true. I enjoy my personal study a lot because it gives me this opportunity to read. And my testimony has  grown. I learned so many things that I didn't know before and things that have helped me in the mission. It is such a blessing in my life that I have this book to read, ponder, and pray. I know that it is true. It testifies of Jesus Christ from cover to cover and we can know His plan for us as we read. I'm so grateful I had family scriptures in the mornings growing up because they do help the day start out right!

I teach about the Book of Mormon everyday and have the opportunity to share its message with others. The words are truly written for us in our day and can help everyone of God's children on the earth today. I invite all of you to follow the counsel of President Monson and read the Book of Mormon everyday. I know we will receive many blessing and the help in our lives as we do.

Hoping our investigator answers . . .

My and my companion are preparing for a baptism this week. His name is Cristian and has so much love for this gospel. He was a reference from a member from a different area.  He is 16 and such an awesome kid. We have been teaching him for two weeks and I have already seen his faith and testimony grow so much. He gets involved and goes to mutual and activities. He is going with the youth this Saturday to go and see the temple, which will be an awesome experience for him. We have taught him the lessons and there were some things that he had to change in his life. He accepted our commitments and has made goals. He reads everyday and loves the Book of Mormon. Cristian is such an awesome kid!!

I just want to share that you can be missionaries as well. You can share the gospel, the Book of Mormon, and your testimony with those you feel are ready and need your message. I encourage you to find those who want the gospel but just don't know that they want it!

Have a great week! Praying for all of you and grateful for your prayers as well!

Ice Cream on P-Day!!

Elder ZJones: We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet

Yesterday, Fabricio received the Aaronic Priesthood. Next week, he will be able to pass the sacrament and take my spot. I usually help pass the sacrament every week, which is a blessing. But it is different here how they pass than what I have been used to. In our ward at home, you hand the bread and water trays to the first person on the bench and they pass it on to the next person down the row. Here, the priesthood holders who are administering the sacrament walk through the bench, squeezing their way through in order to pass it to everyone. It is so weird to me and I usually just hand it to the first person and they eventually understand what I want them to do! haha

It was sad to hear about President Monson's passing. I heard about it the day after her passed away, at about 12 in the afternoon. It was weird,because that morning, for some reason, I started thinking about President Monson. I though about him not attending General Conference and that he's sick. I didn't have an overwhelming feeling but I thought to myself, "I don't know, but today, this might be
the last day of the life of our prophet." Little did I know know that it was!

I am grateful for a living prophet and all that prophets do to lead and guide us. It is a blessing and the way we receive direction from out Father in Heaven.

I just want to express my gratitude for the knowledge and guidance that we have of a prophet. A prophet is called of God and receives direction for not only the members of this church, but for everyone on earth. As we listen and follow the counsels of the living prophet, we can receive blessing from our Father in Heaven. I am grateful for President Monson and all he did to lead this Church for the past 10 years. Even with a new Prophet, the words of the Lord are the same. I know this is true. It is important that we follow their words and read them frequently. Blessings come as we put in the
effort to recieve them!

Love you all and have a wonderful week!

Elder Jones

Elder HJones: Bendiciones de Dios

So this past week was so awesome! The best week of the mission thus far. We had the opportunity to have two baptisms! One on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Saturday, we baptized a 14 year old girl named Fernanda. When we first started teaching her she didn't want to change. The commandments were "rules" that she didn't want to follow. But as time progressed and as we talked to her, she started having the desire to change. Then she had the desire to be baptized!

On Sunday, we baptized an 11 year old named Gianmarco. He is such a cool kid! He has become a friend to me. He is  the only one in his family that wanted to listen to our message. Its a little difficult, because nobody in his family is a member. But he already has a strong testimony and desire to learn more!

It was such a blessing for them to be baptized. It has been hard to find and teach people that really want to progress. But God is good. This is His work. And we are now seeing some wonderful things happen in our area. People are progressing, changing, and listening to our message!

So this week was awesome!

And I just want to bear my testimony that I know that President Monson was a prophet. That he was called of God to direct this church and the world during this time. Prophets hold the power, authority, and keys of God. If we listen to the words of prophet (which are words of God in reality) we will not fall.

Love,
Elder Jones

Elder CJones: No Manches es 2018!

Talking with the Fam: Christmas 2017~!

I can't believe we are in 2018! It's crazy to think that I left for my mission in 2016.

I had a great holiday! I have the wonderful chance to talk with my family and enjoy the holiday season in Mexico. I know that this season is here for us to remember Christ and the gift that He is for us as we continue to work hard.

We had a baptism this last week, Julia. She is a lady that we found a couple weeks ago and she is doing really well in her progress in the Gospel and in life. She is the first convert baptism for my companion!

With the lack of time today, I don't have much to say, but know that we have started a new year, now is a time to think and be better, we should always look for how we can always get better in our lives!

--
Elder Corom Jones

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" (Ether 12:4).

NOG!!!

Elder ZJones: Happy New Year!!

Yrupe and Fabricio

Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year!

This past week we had a baptism. We baptized the two children, Yrupe and Fabricio from the Escobar Family. It has been such a blessing to work with them and help them grow in the gospel. This next week, Fabricio can receive the Aaronic Priesthood, which is so awesome! Their family has been though the ups and downs and have now received many of the blessing from their faith and
trust in the Lord!

We are still working with the Cornejo Family and hoping they come to understand the importance of coming to church and enduring to the end. We are also working with a less active member named Nancy. Her daughter, Ludmila, hasn't been baptized. Nancy served a mission and knows this
church is true. She just has some problems and concerns that are keeping her from coming to church. Please pray that she can understand the help that she can receive from the Lord.

Mission Christmas Party

Presidente Resek has come up with a goal. This goal is for all missionaries. He said that every missionary can baptize 48 people this year! As we are obedient and work hard everyday and all day, we will see the blessings of these baptisms and I know that it is possible.

This past week week we met a kid named Christian. His friend is a member who told us to go by and teach him. We taught Christian about the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, and prayer. When we talked about prayer he explained that he prayed that two missionaries would come and teach him. This was such a blessing to me that the Lord does answer prayers on both sides. We have been praying to find those who are ready and what to hear our message while Christian has been praying to
receive us.

Christmas Eve

Being able to Skype home was awesome. Definitely the best Christmas present. It makes me happy to see that my family is happy.

Grateful for all of you and this New Year. There has been so much change in my life, but I'm glad that I can make goals to become a better person and better missionary!

Love, Elder Jones

Package from home (HAIR GEL!!!)

Elder HJones: Families Can Be Together Forever

It's my Familia!

This last week I had the awesome opportunity to talk to my family! It was so cool and probably the best Christmas present! As I have been on my mission, my love for my family has really increased. As I have seen broken and hurt families on my mission, my love and gratitude for my wonderful family grows.

The gospel is centered on families. The purpose of this life is to have a family and eventually live with them for forever in righteousness. I am so grateful for the message that I can share to people in Chile: that families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan and that families that are broken can be healed.

New Year's Eve Dinner with the Bishop

The work is going pretty well now. We are working hard and trying are best to help people come unto Christ. We have two baptisms planned for this week. One on Saturday, for a 14 year old named Fernanda. And one for Sunday, for an 11 year old named Gianmarco. These two are great investigators and I am so excited to see them get baptized this week!

I won't lie, the mission has been hard. My area has been hard. Arica has always been a place in the mission that is "difficult" to baptize. But God is blessing us. We are working hard and trusting in Him. And we are starting to see great things happen! Thank you so much for your examples. I am super grateful for my family. God has blesed me A LOT.

I am so grateful for this gospel. It is perfect. We can be happy and live with our families for eternity.

Love, Elder Jones

Christmas Eve

My after-Christmas hand-delivered package!!