Elder E Jones: New Companion

Hola!!

Eu tenho um novo companheiro. (That's I have a new companion in Portuguese!)

My new companion

We had cambios this week and I have a new companion. I am still here in Tabladita, and the work is progressing really well. My comp is from Brazil and his name is Elder Lage. He is really cool, and iI'mexcited to work and learn with him this week. We have finally been able to get back to normal, at least in our mission. All the North Americans in Cochabamba were relocated to Brazil. But for now we're safe, I don't think much more will happen.

This week the Lord helped six of our investigators to come to church with us!! The Lord is full of miracles that He wants to give us. I know that as we trust Him, and give Him our all, He will help is in all that we need.

I was able to read about talents that the Lord gives us. And realized the importance to use them to help others. I know that as we try to develop them more, the Lord will help us to magnify them!!

My old companion

This week I loved this scripture that I read in the Book of Mormon: Moroni 7:48

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

I love the invitation of how to pray to Heavenly Father. With ALL the energy of our hearts. The only way to truly become like His, is to come to know Him. That is why he allows us to pray to Him. And I know that he answers prayers. I know that He is our Father.

Love you all. Have a good week!

Elder Jones

Elder EJones: Back to Church in Church Clothes

This week was good. We have been able to leave each day in the morning and then in the afternoon. We leave from 9:30 to lunch and then after lunch until 6:30. And it has been super hot here. It's like Utah in the hot, hot summer. And I got super dark and then it peeled because I also got sunburned. But I found some sunscreen this week so hopefully I can really dark again haha. Our mission presidente doesn't really want us to contact door to door. So it's basically just talking with people in the streets and visiting new and old investigators.

Yesterday was the best. The first time in two weeks that we were able to wear our normal church clothes to church. We were also able to proselyte yesterday in the afternoon in our normal Sunday wear without our badges. I have come to realize how much power our badges as missionaries give us. It tells it all. Our names, who we represent, and the name of the church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So I hope that things will begin to clear up more so that we can leave in our normal clothes again. It's not bad here at all in our area, but we still need to follow the precautions that come.

Some people have had their hearts softened more for all the bad that has been happening. And all the members are hoping that it all clears up so that things can get back to normal.

I have been able to read lots in the week in the Book of Mormon. And where I'm at is perfect in its application to what is happening here. I have been able to read more about Captain Moroni as a chief leader over the Nephite armies. I love the spiritual implications that we can learn from it. Like the fortifying of cities, in their weak spots, so where the enemy could attack before, is no longer a good option for him. To put on the whole armor of God to protect us in every possible way against the attacks of the enemies. And I love that in all that they do, they fight for their God, their religion, their liberty, their peace, and their families. And that is what the Lord needs us to do. But the battle is spiritual...maybe its physical here, but we need to protect ourselves from the devil and his sly ways so that the Lord can protect us. I love this gospel. I love the applications of the Book of Mormon in our lives.

Everything is good here. I'm good and my comp is too. There are supposed to be cambios this week, but idk how those will go down. Hope that you have a good week!

The field from Walter Mitty, i'm like 98% sure

Elder ZJones: Being a Shepherd

This week was better than last week! Thanks for your prayers.

This week we baptized two people, Gabriel and Miguel. They were super excited. Gabriel is 23 years old. A lot of people in the ward know him. He was happy. Miguel enjoyed it as well. He can barely see and walk so it is always hard for him. On Sundays, we are literally helping him everywhere so that he can go to the bathroom, sit down, get to his classes, etc. It is hard because there are only like two other members that help us with him. All the other members just watch us! jaja what are you going to do??

For preparation day, it was my companions birthday! He turned 23 years old. He wanted to go back to his old stomping grounds, Lujan 2. So we went and visited converts and families there. It was fun.

This past week, I almost gave a talk in church about missionary work. But the bishop, at the last second, said I didn't have to because a member from the high council came.

I was reading a talk by Elder Gary A. Stevenson this week that I was going to share in my talk I didn't give. I want to share it with you.

As children of a loving Heavenly Father and as sheep in His flock, we enjoy the blessing of being individually ministered to by Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, we have a responsibility to provide ministering assistance to others around us as shepherds ourselves. We heed the words of the Lord to 'serve me and go forth in my name, and … gather together my sheep.'

Who is a shepherd? Every man, woman, and child in the kingdom of God is a shepherd. No calling is required. From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do. Alma emphasized: “For what shepherd … having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? … Doth he not drive him out?”11 Whenever our neighbors are in distress temporally or spiritually, we run to their aid. We bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. We mourn with those who mourn. We comfort those who stand in need of comfort. The Lord lovingly expects this of us. And the day will come when we will be held accountable for the care we take in ministering to His flock.

We have a lot to do. The Lord needs our help. He needs to use us to teach his children. We are shepherds and He needs us to find His sheep. Like He explains, He knows all His sheep by name. He needs us to create our own flock and know them by name.

Elder ZJones: This Week

This week was good, but hard.

We didn't have much to work with so we decided to try and find a lot of new people that we could teach. We put the goal at 50 and found 38 new people to teach! Many of them have a desire to learn more. But the harder part is as we passed by them during the end of the week to commit them again to go to church, we didn't find anyone home! Or they didn't want anything! It was tough because we didn't get people to church like we wanted to. So we have another week where we have to find new people and plan well so that we can find those who are ready.

My companion has three weeks left in the mission and wants to give it his all. We put our goals really high this week so that we can find baptisms for the last day in his mission. Please pray for us that we will have the spirit with us and that we will be diligent all week.

My birthday was good. We actually had Zone Conference on my birthday. So I got to learn and listen to the AP's, Presidente y Hna. Resek speak to us. It was a good present! haha And I got a bag of candy from Hna. Resek!

This week Naomi went to the temple. Brian had to work but went on visits with us yesterday. His mom will be getting baptized this Saturday! I haven't bought a camera, yet. My comp said that he will give me his when he leaves! haha maybe three times with a camera is the charm!

Love you,
Elder Jones

Elder HJones: MILAGROS!!!

So this past week went really well. We had the wonderful opportunity to have two baptisms.

We baptized Elena, she was a miracle. I still can't believe how she came to church and got baptized. But God is a God of miracles. He has a plan for everyone. The first time we talked to her she didn't accept us, she didn't want to listen. But on Saturday, she got baptized and it was awesome.

We also baptized Karen. She was super prepared. From the beginning she wanted to go to church and get baptized. Now we are working with her family. This next week her daughter, Coni, is going to get baptized. It is awesome to see that God prepares His children. And it is awesome to be an instrument to help them receive it.

Muchas gracias por todo! Les quiero!

Elder Jones

(the pictures don't want to send, but next week ill send you guys a bunch!)

Elder ZJones: A New Year

This week we saw some miracles.

It was raining on Sunday when we went looking for people to join with us for sacrament meeting. And, we came up empty handed, but..............

La Familia Guzman came to church all by themselves--in the rain!! They surprise me everyday. They know that this gospel is true and want to be baptized, but think they think that the process is fast. They want to wait for months (or years) until they understand everything. I explained to them that when I was baptized I was 8, and I didn't understand much. All I knew was that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that baptism was something good. It is when we receive the Holy Ghost we will have a guide that will help us to learn in the months and years ahead.

Pray for them: Santyos and Graciela. They are reading, praying and even started "Come, Follow Me!"

Milagros is 19. Her parents are active members. He is our ward mission leader. She doesn't have much interest. We invited her to pray and read. She did, came to church, and told us that she cried when she did it. We have a FHE today with the family. Pray for her. Milagros Boudino.

Lastly, Carlitos Gonzales. We thought he was a member until the sisters told us no. We stopped by yesterday. His brothers come to church and want to baptized him. We have to have permission for there dad. Pray that he will open his heart!

That's about it. We had consejo de lideres and have zone conference this week. Pray that we will know what our zone needs to hear!

Elder ZJones: Happy New Year 2019!!!

So we had transfers this past week. I am still in the same area with Elder Burk. We are staying together. I am excited! We get along and he works hard, so it has been fun.

This past week we baptized Bruno and Julieta which was a blessing. There dad came right when they were getting baptized. He is a less active but he wanted him kids to be baptized. We are hoping that this will be the first step of helping him to come back to church!!

We are teaching 3 families.
1. Familia Salinas. There are 3 in the family. A single mom with 2 girls. The Mom came to church with us, the others weren't there. But she has a kiosko. She hasn't been getting many who are buying. We promised her that if they come to church they will have people who will buy from them. She came and loved it. She was participating and everything. Pray for them, Cecilia, Martina, and Delfina.

2. Familia Castro. Sebastian, Monica, Alexander, and Aylen. They have come to church with us. They love talking with us and learning. They don't have such a great desire to read The Book of Mormon though or be baptized. Pray they they will pray so that they will know that there family can be eternal.

3. Familia Guzman. Santos, Graciels and they have 3 younger kids. They absolutely love church. When we went by on Sunday to wake them up and pick them up, they were already walking to get on a bus. We were contacting somebody and they ran passed us so that they could get on the bus and get to church. Santos is going to Bolivia for 2 weeks. They want to get baptized but want to wait. Pray they they will feel and know of the blessings that they will receive if they are baptized!

Happy New Year!!!! I am excited for a new year. I told my companion that 2018 was the best year of my life. It is the only year during my life that I served God all year without worrying about other things!! I am pumped for 2019 and can't wait to help more people come unto Him!

Have a Wonderfilled New years!! Love you!!

Elder EJones: Once Upon a Time

Intercambios

Once upon a time there were two missionaries, Elder Reyes and Elder Jones, and they had "one" investigators show up to church, and witnessed the miracles of the Lord in their service as missionaries.

This week we found a family. Felix and Sofia are progressing really well. They have two kids and, they are married!! Which is a bonus because most of the time people here live together and are not married. So were teaching them on Saturday and invited them to come to church with us. They live about 15 to 20 minutes away from the church and we suggested to them that we can come pick them up.  They said they could come on their own...which raised our doubts. So Sunday comes and we get to church with some of our other investigators, and there they are!! They stayed for all 3 meetings too!! I am able to feel the Savior's love--the love that He has for all his children and that some people are ready to receive his word!!

A little pet I found

This week I read in Matthew about the parable of the sower. There were 4 different ways in which the seeds could fall, where they could land. Only those that landed on true soil were able to take up root and to grow. We have the opportunity to plant our root in the the soil. To plant it in Christ. And if we are truly planted in Christ, persecution, and affliction won't affect us because we know where we are planted!! So plant your seed in the Lord and He will bless you!!

Love you all,
Elder Jones

Elder EJones: It's Raining, It's Pouring

Lost

So this week was quite the week.

On Wednesday we received rain like I've never seen before. We were mid-proselyting when it all came down. And we were drenched!! It was like jumping into a pool. Luckily, the only thing that didn't really get wet in my bag was my scriptures...miracle one of this week!!

Drying out wet stuff

Miracle two this week was with one of our friends we are teaching, Mary Dias. She's 14 years old and was a reference from members who just moved to our area from the Santa Cruz North Mission. We had a lesson with her and talked a little about baptism. Then, she said, "I want to be baptized." It was so cool and strengthened my testimony of the Lord preparing his children to receive his message.

We made pancakes!

Miracle three this week: We had 10 friends show up to sacrament meeting!! It was a miracle and Elder Reyes and I were so happy. "The Lord is more willing to perform miracles than we are willing to receive them, so work hard and expect miracles" (a quote my mom sent with me).

This week I read in Preach my Gospel, "a great indicator of ones personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others" (President Howard W. Hunter)

Taking a taxi with the elders in our pench

This is the Lord's work and we show our love for Him as we share His eternal message with others. Never been more happy than to be a missionary and representative of Jesus Christ!! The gospel is true!!

Love, Elder Jones

Selfie!

Futbol!!!

Elder ZJones: Finding and Teaching

This past week we baptized three children and confirmed two of them.

We had a great miracle this past week. On Saturday we were contacting and invited people to church. At about 12, we didn't have anyone else to visit. Every one of our citas (appointments) dropped. My companion suggested we visit a man who really doesn't want anything to do with us or the gospel. He just likes to talk. But we went anyways, oh me with little faith. When we stopped by, he wasn't there. And there you go. A miracle!

Just Kidding. . . .

The neighbor was walking by and said he wasn't there. So, of course, we started talking with him. He has been to church before and his son was baptized in the Church. He is MARRIED and we invited him to come to church and to be baptized. He accepted. He didn't come this week but we will be passing by and hoping that he and his wife will progress. There names are Ever and Adaluz.

We are also trying to help the bishop's nephew. He is 16. His name is Matias. Pray for him that he will have a desire to grow a testimony and not just go because his cousins go!

Oh and Happy Halloween. It isn't big at all here. There were like 20 kids in the street! haha

Elder ZJones: Hola!

Where do I want to start. This week was good . . .and hard.

We actually found a lot of people during the week to teach and to help, but by the end of the week none of them didn't want anything more to do with us. Getting people to church was hard. We went Sunday morning to wake people up and take people to church. When we passed by the first time for a family, they were excited, got up, and started getting ready. When we passed by 10 minutes afterwards for them, they said no. They explained they didn't have shoes, though they were wearing shoes when we passed by. Others weren't ready and weren't going to go. Others just didn't answer. So we didn't have the chance to get the people to church. After church I was a little frustrated and disappointed that nobody wanted to come. Pray for us.

Pray that this weekend we can prepare our friend, Lucia, to be baptized and the next week we can prepare one more person. We are trying this week to look for people who have been to church before to get them to go again.

This week we had a plaza abierta in an area called Open Door on Sunday. It is far from Lujan, about 30 minutes in bus. So members are starting to meet there on Sundays in the house of a member. So I went to two sacrament meetings. It was cool. We talked to a lot of people on Saturday and invited them to come to church.

Elder HJones: GENERAL CONFERENCE!!

So this week we had the wonderful opportunity to listen to General Conference!! It was really uplifting and I learned a lot. I also felt the great love that God and Jesus Christ have for each one of us. One thing that I learned during conference is that God trusts us. He trusts in the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He gives us responsibilities and new revelations because He trusts in us and knows that we will follow Him. But of course, it's up to each one of us if we will follow Him. He trusts us and He wants all of us to return to Him.

This week we worked really hard to find new people and to get people to church. We found some awesome people and a family that is really receptive! But we weren't able to get anyone to go to church with us. It's always a different feeling when you walk into the church and you don't have a friend with you. So this week we are going to work really hard to get people to come to church with us!

This past week God blessed us with a miracle. We baptized Jeannette, the mother of two of our recent converts. It was a great experience. God is so good.

Have a great week!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: In the Service of God

Well, Ezrom has finally left for the mission! It is awesome to think that I have three brothers serving missions alongside me. I know that the Lord will bless us and my family. Like it says in Mosiah 2:17

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

As we serve Him, He will bless us with His help and with His guidance.

Everything is good here in Lujan. I have to say that I have gotten used to it and love the area. We ride our bikes about 20 minutes to get to our area. Our area is the poorer part in Lujan and it has been awesome working here. Dirt streets and stuff, but we have bikes. I thought it was super safe here, but yesterday, a teenager, who was high on something, tried to rob us. Nothing happened, really. He tried to hit me with a stick, but some other kids grabbed him. Everything turned out okay. The teenager didn't have any weapons or anything on him. Nonetheless, I believe it is a safer areas. ha ha.

This week, my companion and I had the blessing of helping seven people come to church. We prayed a lot. We asked the Lord that, if we do our part well, He would do His part in helping them come. I know that He helped us Sunday morning as we got up early looking for these people to help them come. As we go to church we can feel of His Spirit and His Love. But more importantly, we go to church to partake of the sacrament. We can think of the covenants that we have made with Him and do all we can to become better. It is a time to reflect and to feel of His love and His Atonement. I am grateful for my Savior and the example that we can follow.

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

It is through the example of Christ and the chance that we have to change to become more like Our Father in Heaven! Have a great week!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: The Blessings of Faith

This past Sunday our faith was tested. We passed by a lot of people Saturday and they told us that they wanted to come to church. So on Sunday morning we made pancakes and left early to help people come to church. But guess what? Every home we passed by the people who said they wanted to come to Church said they had things to do and didn't have time that morning to go to church.

We were pretty bummed.

We decided to pass by the home of Marisol, Kevin, and Lautaro. This is the family we contacted a few weeks ago because we liked the music they were listening to. And, to our surprise, they wanted to come to Church! We shared some pancakes with them and they came to church. Marisol has a lot of hardships right now and she loved church. She said she wants to come next week as well. I am grateful for the Lord. Sometimes everything that we want isn't in the exact way that we want. But I know God knows best and will help us.

Doctrine and Covenants 4:2: Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

I love this scripture. As we serve God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength, in the last day we will receive numerous blessings. As we have been working to find and teach, we always talk about two words, Diligence and Urgency. As we work for our Father in Heaven, these two things are important. As we are diligent in serving him, we are always thinking, pondering, and praying. We study for those who we will serve. As we are urgent, we don´t waste time. We are always looking and always preparing to serve.

I know that as we serve and are diligent and always looking for those opportunities, they will come and we can bless the lives of others. It is through our works of faith that we can serve and have the confidence that they as well as we will be blessed!

Have a great week!!!

Elder Jones