Elder HJones: Conferencia de Zona

Things are really good here in Copiapo. I am learning a lot and growing a lot.

This past week we baptized a girl named Pia. The week before we baptized her little sister, and this week was her turn. It was kinda a miracle. In the beginning, she didn't want anything to do with the Church, then after she went to Church, she wanted to get baptized. When we taught her on Sunday the commandments, she didn't agree with the law of chastity. So the next day, we taught her better. We explained it a little more and explained the blessings that come when we live it and she accepted to live it. It was way awesome! The Spirit is the teacher! So she was baptized this past Sunday!

My area is good. This week we have to focus a lot on getting people to church and finding new people. Its something that we don't have much of right now. So we are going to improve a lot on that this week- to find more people to teach, and to get people to attend church with us.

We are teaching a family right now and they are cool. A single mom with her 3 kids. They were going to come to church but they didn't. But please pray for her. Claudia and her family!

My companion is good, too. He is improving a lot! His Spanish isn't that good, so he doesn't really like to talk that much. He is a little bit nervous and scared when he talks. But I understand that, that was exactly how I felt when I started. So I am trying to help him open up a little more so he can have more confidence in himself. We get along really well and we are having a lot of success!

The weather changed a lot. Now it's super hot!! Super, super hot. During the day the sun is so strong. All the people here think that I am Latino. Everyone thinks I am from Argentina because my skin is darker. It's pretty funny. And at night it changes. Sometimes it's warm, but sometimes it's cold.

So, this past week we had zone conference with our mission president. It was really awesome. We talked a lot about the things that we learned from Elder Christofferson and the changes that we are making in the mission to have more success. We talked about the many blessings that Elder Chrisofferson gave to our mission, if we are obedient and faithful.

One thing that Elder Christofferson said was that we have the "right and power" to teach in the name of Jesus Christ. And he also told us that we are on the right path. The way that we are working as a mission is the correct one. And if people don't support us "no importa" (or, it doesn't matter), keep doing it!

And I am super excited for General Conference. After hearing the words and power from Elder Christofferson, I am super ready for General Confernce. And yes, we will be able to hear all the sessions. And in English too!! VAMOS!! I am super excited for the opportunity that every single one of us have to listen to the words of the living prophets and apostles during General Conference. I know that they are servants called of God. Listen to their words and teachings. The things that they say are the things that God wants us to hear! 

Que tengan una buena semana!!

Elder Jones

Elder HJones: Conference with Elder D. Todd Christofferson!

So this week we had the awesome opportunity to have a conference with Elder Christofferson! It was an awesome experience. One thing that he taught that I really liked, one of the last things that he said while he was bearing his testimony, he said that Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church, and that He guides it "actively and personally." I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints isn't just directed by thoughts and impressions that are received by prophets and apostles (though they can be), but that Jesus Christ personally guides our prophets and apostles and directs them in everything they do.

We also had two baptisms this week for Valentina and Vanessa. It was super awesome. And this next week we are planning on baptizing Pia. In the beginning, she didn't want anything to do with the gospel. But she attended Church and the baptism of her sister and now wants to learn more!!

I know that this is the true Church. I know that this Church is guided by Jesus Christ and that He calls prophets and apostles that hold His power to teach and guide us and help us to follow Him.

Con amor, Elder Jones

Elder EJones: Week Third in the MTC

This week was super fast but super good!!

Elder D. Todd Christofferson was our devotional speaker on Tuesday!! It was the coolest thing in the world. He talked about the name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He talked about our role as members and that THIS is The Church of Jesus Christ and He leads and guides this church. We aren't "LDS" or "Mormons." Elder Christofferson talked about how we can't change what other people call us, but we can start with ourselves.

This week's devotional helped strengthen my testimony of Christ, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church, and He still gives revelation through His prophets, because through them He told us of the mistake we've made to not call His church after Him.

The more I'm here in the MTC, the more I'm able to feel of the Savior's love that He has for all of us. He wants us to succeed and return to Him. He wants us to use the agency we have to do that. I've learned more and more that the Lord blesses those who are willing to act. Faith without works is dead.

Just to let you know, I always sing in the MTC choir and it's the best thing in the world!!

Spanish isn't always the easiest to speak and understand. My companion and I taught an "amigo" and  he was a Chilean. At first, it was so hard to understand him. But we learned that sometimes it is not the things others say that we respond to, but the promptings from the Holy Ghost that tell us to testify of something. We've also been able to feel the gift of tongues here, too. But I know that Heavenly Father won't give us that gift unless we are willing to learn all we can in the language first. The gospel is true, and prophets are called of God!!

I put a mission quote up in the mirror in my room, "You have had an eternity to prepare for your mission and you will have an eternity to reflect on it, but you only have two years to live it." I've really tried to take that to heart and make these two years worth it, to be the most obedient and best missionary I can be so that I end with no regrets.

Love you all,
Elder Jones