Elder EJones: Almost Christmas

 

It's beginning to look a lot . . .

 

. . . like Christmas!!

It's almost Christmas.

It feels more like Christmas than last year because it has been colder, and it's raining. This week we were able to make Christmas packages to give to people in our area so that they can feel the joy of Christmas.

Elder Van-Pelting

Well, my new companion is really good. We've been able to work a lot together this week and have been able to see lots of success. He likes to work and we are getting along really well. This week we've been able to talk lots about Christmas and the Savior and help people to understand the importance of always remembering the Lord, not only during Christmas. 

Well here is the kinda crazy, not so much news. I think I'm gonna get another mini-missionary for the next cambio. One of the assistants called me and told me that they were doing cambios and asked if my comp could stay with me for another 3 weeks but he leaves for his mission in 3 weeks. So he told me to look for another mini missionary or be in a trio. I will not be in a trio haha. So I guess we'll see how it goes, I'll know more for next week.

This week I was able to read in Ether 12. And I love how it is very similar to Hebrews 11, they both talk about faith in Jesus Christ. I like that all the miracles that have ever been done by the apostles and prophets is because of their faith in Jesus Christ. And as we have faith in Him, He will become our anchor and foundation so that we can be secure where we are. And we still live by faith. For our faith we too can do and see things, and come to know the mysteries of God. It marvels me to think of how much faith Joseph Smith had if he was able to see God the Father and Jesus Christ. It made me think of the scripture Matthew 17:20

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

I can't imagine His faith. But we too can develop firm faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and loves us. I know that as we learn to trust in Him, He will lead, guide and even walk beside us!!

Elder EJones: Lots Have Happened!

Well lots has happened this week. It's been quite the week, but it has been a good one. Here are some of the things that happened:

1. [Another] New Companion
My companion Elder Lage went home on Tuesday. He got permission because his dad is really sick, and there is nobody else to care for him. The church in Brazil offered help, but his girlfriend doesn't want anything to do with the church, so that's that. He was happy to go back to his dad, but at the same time didn't want to leave. So on Tuesday I was in a trio with the zone leaders until Thursday when they were able to find me a mini missionary. A mini companion is basically a member that can be my comp for a few days. His name is Elder Tarraga. He will leave on his mission in January to The Buenos Aires North mission, so it's been cool to have him as a comp. He lives in our stake here and we get along really well.

2. Zone Conference
This week we had zone conference with Elder Held from The Seventy. He talked about lots of things that really stood out to me. One thing that I loved was that he compared us to lumberjacks. We are here to cut down trees (or to do missionary work). And we are given the tools necessary to complete the work. We have a saw and a whetstone to sharpen the saw. Those instruments in the mission are the Book of Mormon and the Holy Ghost. But what we need to do is know how to use them. If we work hard but don't sharpen the saw we have, we won't find lots of success. Our purpose is to use the tools the Lord has given to us, the scriptures, prayer, our testimonies to help others come unto Christ. He also referred to his talk in General conference of the need to look at things with a spiritual vision so that we can see the full picture. He is super cool.

3. Stake Conference
This week we also had stake conference which was amazing. We were able to hear from President Stanford and his wife and our stake leaders. One of the things that I loved that Presidente Stanford talked about was when he was called to be a mission presidente. Lots of people asked how he could leave his family, home, and all he knew to go. And he would say its because he made a covenant with the Lord to give all that he had to Him, not just part. As disciples of Christ we need to be willing to give our all to Him. Another youth talked about four things we can do to become better disciples of Jesus Christ.

-Pray to God with real intent and with real faith
-Studying the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon
-Be humble before God
-Learn to recognize, trust and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost

I know that the path of discipleship isn't hard. It wasn't easy for the first apostles of Jesus Christ, who gave their lives for His cause. And it isn't easy for us. But it is always worth it. I know that Christ lives and loves us. He knows the plan. If we learn to follow Him, we will find true happiness in our lives!!

Love you lots.

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 ZJones: It Was a Good Week

Last day with Elder Rivera

The weather here has been changing little by little. I can't believe that it is cold again. That means the time is blowing by super fast! I haven't received my "trunky papers" yet, (aka release date) luckily!

It was a good week. We had a lot of side things that we had to do because my companion was preparing to go home. He had his last interview with Presidente Resek. My companion wasn't trunky and it was hard for him to leave!! It was awesome working with him. We worked super hard even though we didn't receive all the results that we wanted. We worked to the last minute.

We baptized two individuals this past week! We baptized Pablo and Deysi. They were super excited. Their parents want to be baptized, but it is hard because they aren't married and they have to get married first. They don't have documents from Argentina, just from Paraguay, so the process takes a while. But today they went with a member to the registro civil to figure everything out. I love it when members help us out. So we will see what happens with them. We have a lot of people that we need to visit this week and help them to come to church. We had 7 in church and are grateful. We will be working with them this week.

I am super excited for General Conference! I am excited for any changes and the new things that we will be seeing.

With my changes......I will be staying in Gral Rodrighuez. So, by the end of the transfer, I will have six months in the area! haha I will receive Elder Candela as my new companion. He is from Spain. I am excited to learn from him. He has about 16 months in the mission. He was also AP for a transfer. So I am excited to learn from him and to find miracles as well! Other that that, in the zone there was just two changes, so about everything is the same.

I was reading this week about Alma and his change. In Mosiah 7, the last two verses it says:

36 And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.

37 And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.

He wants us all to be instruments in his hands to teach and preach good tidings of good. What are good tidings of good.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

As we follow Him and listen to the Spirit and to those things that entice us to follow Him and when we share these things, we can publish these tiding of good!

Exito este semana en los estudios y trabajo. Voy a tratar a llamarles este jueves!

Elder Jones

Elder EJones: Week 6!

This week has been a lot better. My companion and I have grown a lot: learning better together and laughing more. This week marks the first 6 weeks of my mission, the first transfer in the mission but it has been really good, I'm excited to make this next 6 weeks even better.

This week I read in Helaman about Samuel the Lamanite (Sam the Lam haha) and in his three or four chapters he mentions repentance 26 times. I'm learning that I need to do a better job at crying repentance. And that doesn't mean they have to be doing something bad or wrong, but to change. Like to start reading the Book of Mormon or start praying. And these are the same things Christ teaches when He visited the Americas. He taught the people to repent and be baptized in His name. This week was hard. Not a lot of people progressed and it feels like were losing some of our investigators. But I'm learning to submit my will to the Lord and do all I can to find people. He will help me find those he has prepared.

No weird food this week, just the normal. We always have soup and rice and chicken, it's all good. My health is still really good, so I'm glad. And I'm learning to be more happy, and that as I smile the happier I am. So don't forget to SMILE!!

Love you,
Elder Jones

P.S.
Just for the record. This week we helped some random lady bury her dead dog and helped other people figure out some electrical work in their house! It helps that my companion likes electrical work so we figured things out together! And it's so weird, I have the "work bug" alot!

(Definition "Work bug" what happens when you are compulsive about cleaning).

Elder ZJones: Alma 37

Sending off Elder Yepez

This week has been good. My companion and I are working hard in our area. This companionship has helped me with my Spanish because I have had to be proactive in speaking the language. During lessons I find that I am doing more of the talking, which is really helping my Spanish. During the week, we have many contacts who tell me that they don't understand a word of what I was saying. Sometimes it can be annoying but I have learned just to laugh it off. It is mostly my accent, because apparently it is very yankee.

This week we are planning to help Ana and Kayra to be baptized, but they work very weird hours, so it has been difficult to find time to teach them. Ana is the mom of two of the kids that were baptized a couple weeks ago. Kayra is 11 and loves going to church. They love learning about the gospel. Pray that we can find them during the week and that we can teach them!

The sisters in our district, Hermana Herbon and Hermana Hosman, baptized this weekend, which was awesome!! They are good missionaries who work very hard. I find that as their district leader I am just here to animarles and to help them along.

Me and Elder Rivera

Alma 37:33-35
33 Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.

I have thought a lot this week about Jesus Christ, especially when He was on earth teaching the gospel. I love reading the scriptures and understanding the way He taught. He shared with the people to be humble and trust God in all things. He taught the people to serve others and to have faith in Him. As we become more like Jesus in teaching, in deed, and in our works, we will feel the spirit more. We will have His trust and His help in all things.

Pray for those we are teaching and those we yet need to find!!

Love you all! Have a great Week!
Elder Jones

Elder CJones: Matamoros

Last week, we had transfers. I was transferred from Rio Bravo to Matamoros. It is the biggest city in our mission. I am here with Elder Ancco from Lima, Peru.

Also, a couple weeks ago they announced changes to our mission. Presidente Regalado  has already shared them with us. The Church is going to close the Mexico Monterrey East Mission and add most of the missionaries and the area to our mission. A small portion will go to the Mexico Monterrey Mission. We will add about 25 more wards and 3 stakes. So, we are preparing to get more missionaries from the Monterrey East Mission and begin to help the other areas. Everything will happen on the 1st of July.  I will only have three months left on my mission by then. But,  I've noticed that there have been fewer missionaries coming out every month, so they are adjusting to the changes in that way, as well.

Today was my first P-Day in Matamoros. I went on splits with another missionary that has had time here in Matamoros. We walked through the city and showed me the different places, sadly, my camera battery died and I couldn't take any pictures. We saw the international point, so I did see the United States. This area is great! It's big and the bishop is AWESOME!! He is helping us and the ward to grow. Our goal is to reactivate a lot of people and baptize so it can be split into two wards. There are about 130 active members of a ward of 850! We will be working with everyone to get all of them to church.

There are just four of us in our district. Like I said, my new companion is from Lima, Peru and is really, really cool. He has been a member his whole life but was inactive for a time. He has six months in the field and LOVES soccer. When he was inactive he played a ton of it and became a really good shot. He also has a cool crown tattoo on his right leg. Ha ha.

Elder Annco (left)  y Elder Mera

The weather here is TERRIBLE! It's already really, really hot and it's only February. I don't do so well in the heat. This is the city that gets the hottest in the mission because it is right next to the ocean. However, other than that, everything is going well and we are working really hard!! Thanks for everything, love you tons!!

Love you all!!
Elder Corom Jones

Elder Torrico

Elder CJones: Training

"And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;"  -Doctrine and Covenants 29:7

Today I have a little time to write today because my new companion came yesterday. Because he has a little time to write his family after his trip, I have a moment to write, too. I met my companion yesterday. His name is Elder Pogue and he is from Alaska. He is really cool and knows a little Spanish. We will be starting almost new in the area because we had to drop a lot of our investigators from before. I don't have much time today but I will talk a lot more next week!!
--
Elder Corom Jones

Elder ZJones: Adversity is an Opportunity for Growth

Mucha Tierra

It has been a crazy week.

Last Sunday, my first companion and trainer, Elder Mason Oakes, was hit and killed by a drunk driver after being home for just two weeks. It was a difficult thing to hear and has been in the back of my mind since. I want you to pray for his family as well as his cousin's family because I know that they really need them right now in their lives.

Tennis

I was reading in "Our Search for Happiness" by M. Russell Ballard, and he wrote:

"Thus illuminated by the light of faith, adversity becomes a vehicle for growth and death becomes a doorway from one phase of eternal existence to another."

Many times our hardships and trials can seem difficult and hard. But for the Lord, it is His plan. Many times we might not understand His Plan for us or, especially, for others. But God know us all individually and perfectly. He knows what we need and what will help us grow. We can use this as an advantage in our life that can help us grow or we can choose to be angry, which is a way to weaken us. I see this a lot in the mission. Rejections, companions, the language. Everything is hard. But it wasn't supposed to be easy. As we use the Lord to lift us and guide us, those things can help us grow in ways we might not understand, but for God it is right.

Thanks for your prayers. Love you all and let the Lord in this week!

Mi nombre en japonesa

Elder ZJones: Families Are Forever

This week has been one to remember. A lot went on that has helped me grow spiritually.
I got a new companion this week. His name is Elder Sena. He is from Brazil and has been a member for three years. He is 21 years old an

d has been on the mission for 14 months. He mostly speaks all in Spanish, and now that he is my comp, I am speaking so much Spanish throughout the day, which is hard at times. I don't know much and I can't get everything across that I say, but I know that this companionship will help strengthen my Spanish. I am still trying to understand my companion and figure him out. It is hard to do that with a language barrier.

I had my first baptism and confirmation this week. It was such an amazing experience. It was awesome to see how much it impacted Bibiana by being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost. Seeing this has given me more energy to go and teach. In a year, Bibiana and her family can go and be sealed in the temple. This is such a great blessing and gift that we have received from the Lord, being able to live with our families forever. This gospel truly does bless families and truly wants us to be happy. Speaking of families, one thing I really miss being out here on the mission, is having family home evening every week. But I know that I have another work I am doing right now. A work that is not centered around me learning, but centered in teaching others.

We are still teaching the Escobar Family and they all came to church on Sunday! They are an awesome family. Right now, we are helping them get married.

This week  I gave my first, Spanish priesthood blessing. During lunch with a member, her son (who isn't a member) was eating with us. He is in his 30's and explained that he has many problems and questions in his life. We taught him about prayer and how the Book of Mormon can answer his questions. We explained about priesthood blessings and he asked for one. He asked me! And, with help at the beginning from Elder Sena, I gave him a blessing. It was such an awesome experience and the Spirit was strong. I am grateful for the priesthood that I hold and the many things I can do to bless the lives of others.

I know this gospel is true and the Spirit is here to teach. To be completely honest, the past 13 weeks of Church have been difficult for me because I can't understand the speakers or a lot of what is being said. But, I do feel the Spirit. The spirit knows all languages and can help us feel of Gods love and power though I may not understand. I love this gospel and work. This work truly does change peoples lives and makes them happy!

Elder Jones

Elder CJones: Back in Rio Bravo

Well, I am back in Rio Bravo. Finally a Senior Companion as well as a District Leader!

My new Companion, Elder Nava, is from Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí, México. He has about 3 months here in the field. He likes to relax and drive cars. We get along really well. The other elders in my district are Elder Cruz and Elder Chavez they are both from Mexico.

Well, our P-Days are really busy and I will try to send a longer email next week!
Love you all!

--
Elder Corom Jones

Elder ZJones: Why We Preach and Teach

This week has been a crazy one. A lot of rain at the beginning of the week. It wasn't the best experience, especially when I am riding on a dirt road on a bike. Half the time I am pulling and pushing my bike through the mud!

Our investigators are doing great. Bibiana is going to be baptized this Saturday. We are all excited for her and the decision she had made to be baptized. We also met another guy named Sebastian. We taught him the Restoration. He had many questions and really wants to believe that our message is true. We are working with him to help him and his family.

A funny thing that happened this week. On Saturday we met a guy on the street. He was really drunk and we started talking with him. We invited him to church and he actually came. He was drunk when he came, though. He slept in principles class and started snoring really loud. During Sacrament Meeting, he sat quietly and listened. I don't really know if he is interested or not. Along with the bishops, we talked to him a little about coming to church. He wants to change his life so we are trying to figure out how to help him.

My Companion goes home today, meaning tomorrow, and I will receive new companion. I know his name is Elder Sena and he is from Brazil. I'm excited but also not sure what to think because our area just doubled in size and there is a lot of work that needs to be done. I am hoping that we are both ready to help and teach in this area.

I was reading in Preach My Gospel and read this:

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “We do not preach and teach in order to ‘bring people into the Church’ or to increase the membership of the Church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives. … We invite all to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this”

The most important thing for me to do and the my purpose in Argentina is to help people come unto Christ. By helping them come unto Christ I need to help them repent and be baptized. It is good if they hear the words that we speak to them, but it is important and vital that they come into the fold of God and do the things necessary to live in the presence of God one day. I know this is true and that this church and the message I share can truly change people lives!

Elder CJones: Queme Los Barcos!!

Hello Everyone!!

First of all I want to apologize for yesterday, this week our P-Day was moved to Friday. This morning we had to go down to a governmental building and get our fingerprints taken and sign a bunch of documents for residency here in the Mexico. So I am sending it all out today.

I have to say there has been a really big highlight of my week!! Last Friday, I began reading the Book of Mormon again, just to refresh myself of all the information and doctrine that is jam packed in it. I finished on Wednesday and I will tell you all that I know for a fact that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book on the face of the earth and I know that you and anyone who reads it will become closer to God, our Father in Heaven as you work hard to understand His will for you!

I testify that the gift of tongues is real and that is really is a gift from the Spirit. I am still not fluent and need to learn a lot more vocabulary, but it's coming! I can form sentences in my head and say them pretty quickly out loud, I think in Spanish at times and sometimes I can't think of what the word is in English and I can in Spanish. I testify that the gift of tongues is there for those who really pursue the language and want to know it, even more so if you are a missionary.

Sundays are the greatest days here in the mission field, we have our meetings at 9 and then have the rest of the day for personal study and meetings. We have a devotional at 4 and then another one at 8, they are always so beautiful and the Spirit is tangible in the room, as well as our district testimony meeting afterwards.

We love to tell stories and hang out at night with all the guys in our house and district. A little bit more about my district. there are 10 Elders and no sisters. 9 of us are heading out to Reynosa on the 28th, the last is going to the Oregon Salem Mission on the 29th.

Elder Heiner, the one going to Oregon, is from Ogden, he reminds me of the twins, he like the trendy stuff and is great!! He is different than them tho, he really is an awesome guy, he loves breakfast food, watches, floral ties and glasses. Floral ties are kinda the thing down here.

Elder Chidister, the comp of Heiner, is a stud he is from Spanish Fork and loves to swim and sing. He is a great guy to get to know and he wears a robe around the house when we are all in our pajamas and relaxing! He is having a really rough time physically from being here, he has had a headache for over a week and is going to see the neurologist on Monday, pray for him!

Elder Pratt, he is from Gilbert, Arizona. He is the cousin of Scott Urry. Pratt is our district leader and such a great guy. He has some great stories from back home. He is a car guy, loves them to death and has driven sooo many really expensive cars and we love to talk about them together. He really knows how to lead our district, he is really smart and a real gentleman.

Elder Richardson is from Pleasant Grove. He plays soccer and is one great kid! He loves to talk about music and just loves talking to people about all the great things about the mission. He is a great example, he left the church a few years ago and was inactive for a while, but as he came back and decided to go in a mission, he knew that it would bless him and his family.

Elder Payne is from League City, Texas. He is really tall and probably one of the smartest kids I know. He loves to learn about really anything and is really spiritually in tuned. He knows a lot of Spanish and works really hard to learn more. He has some pretty cool stories about living in Texas. League city is about a 30 minute drive south of Houston.

Elder Martineau is from Snowflake, Arizona. He is one of 10 kids and is the oldest, just like me, his comp is Payne and they get along really well and work hard to teach. He is a great kid and I don't talk to him much.

Elder Hargis is from Safford, Arizona. He is a blonde/redhead, he is 6'6" and played basketball during high school. He is a really really hard worker and works probably the hardest to learn the language because it's difficult for him to speak it. His dad is a doctor at the local hospital and he has 4 siblings, the crazy part is this, his dad is a twin, his mom is a twin, he is a twin, and has two siblings that are twins. His parents both went to Ecuador on their missions and that's where they met. His twin sister is going to the Spain Malaga Mission, which includes the Canary Islands!

Elder Cole is from Riverton, he lives really close to us and he is an amazing story teller, his stories could be made into books and movies, him and Hargis probably have the best relationship out of all the companionships in the district. Elder Cole is the king of guy that you really want as a comp, he works really hard but also knows how to have fun!

Elder Jennings is my companion. He looks like Napoleon Dynamite without the big hair, he is a great kid and loves to talk. I've had to learn how to listen and just let him do his thing.

Our district is awesome, we love to sing, and with our bathrooms right next to each other with a thin wall in between, we can hear each other in the bathroom and Elder Richardson and I love to sing duets at night when we both shower. There are 5 rooms in each house and 4 missionaries per room, one of the guys, Elder Pannell, I went to school with! He is a great guy and loves to sing. He is going to the Merida Mexico mission.

Not much is happening down here because of Trump, we are all just glad that Hillary didn't win.

One of the coolest things down here is that people volunteer to come into the MTC and we get to teach them, solely in Spanish, it can get really nerve racking but it is way cool!!

We love to learn idioms in Spanish and in turn we talk to our teachers in Spanish about all the things we say in English and they laugh at what we say, I really love the teachers that we have.

Our district has a motto that we talk about. This last week, we started talking about the ancient people in the Americas and it got into how the Spaniards came and started taking over the land. Cortes was not a very good guy but he started conquering the land, but his men wanted to go back home and wouldn't give an 100% effort to the work, so Cortes, burned the boats and ships that they used to get to the Americas, so "Burn the Boats, we're all in" came to be, is a saying that reminds all of us that we need to keep moving forward and we can't turn back. But I mean, we can't just say it in English, so it is, "Queme los Barcos".

Mail takes about a month to get here to the MTC, if you want to send me a letter that I can read anytime during the week, there are a couple of websites that you can use to type it up and then they print it out here and give it to us.

I testify that as we work hard and endure to the end, that we can conquer any challenge ahead of us as we work hard and have faith. An important part of faith is work, and we need to be working in order for God to bless us.

--
Elder Corom Jones

"[I'm] out here grindin', [I] workin'"
-Jamesthemormon (Workin)

L to R: Elders Payne, Martineau, Richardson, Pratt, Heiner, and Chidester

Lto R: Elders Hargis and Cole