Elder EJones: Homecoming

 COVID-19 made for a bitter-sweet return home.

Airport Parking lot hug from Dad

On the way home to see family

Siblings

Missionary brothers finally together after nearly 4 years!

Elder EJones: Sons and Daughters of Christ

I am doing really well!!

This week has been a good one. We have been able to find lots of good new people to teach. The Lord has blessed us this week to find more people and help them have desires to come unto Christ. We also had a great Sunday. 5 of our investigators came to church. It has been the most we've had in this area, so it has been a week full of blessings.

Well, this week I was able to experience a mini general conference I guess you could say. This week in my personal study I was able to read about King Benjamin and his talk to his people. (I guess you could say devotional because it was probably as long as the ones we used to watch on Sunday nights jaja). But I really learned a lot from what I read. One thing I never really made the connection is how he talks about covenants. Covenants are key in our journey to eternal life. That is one thing people don't understand lots of the time. When we are baptized we need to do it in the way that Jesus taught us. Some of those ways are only found with the knowledge from the Book of Mormon, that is why it is key to our conversion and religion.

1. By immersion

2. For the remission of sins

3. By someone who has the authority (priesthood) of God

4. Preceding the receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by those who have the authority (priesthood) of God.

5. Making a conscious covenant with our Father in Heaven.

King Benjamin taught in Mosiah 5:5-9

And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.

And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.

And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.

He explains what the covenant means to us. To be obedient to God's commandments in all things that he shall command us. That means being willing to do His will not ours when He commands us. To willingly take upon ourselves the name of Christ. One of the ways I like to think of this is how do we truly stand up for Christ? (Do we say personal lunch prayers in groups when we go out to eat, or do we say them vocally?).  And to be obedient to the end of our lives. If we can't be obedient to the small things, we can't to the little things. If we cant obey a celestial law here, what makes us think we could there. It made me think a lot and realize how much more I need to do and give to be able to become who God needs me to be.

We had cambios, but my comp and I are staying. We work well together. Sometimes he makes me upset when he goes slow, or doesn't want to contact, but it'll be a better cambio I will make sure of that. For now all is good but here is the question. What will come first to Bolivia:

a. The CoronaVirus

b. Paro 2020 (jaja)

Elder Jones

Elder EJones: 3 Types of Power

Well, it has been quite a week. To carnival with the assistants, to a multi-zone conference to well another week in the mission. I have learned many things, and one of those like you is repentance. I have come to realize the need I have to repent, for the things that I do, and don't do. I feel like many times I feel like it's necessary, but don't feel like it is something that big in my life because I am not making HUGE mistakes. But that in itself is a huge mistake. Nothing impure can enter into God's kingdom. So each day gives me a need to repent and to become better. I read in Enos this week and he explains it best:

And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins.

Sometimes we have to wrestle before God BEFORE receiving the remission of our sins. Maybe if I don't feel like I am wrestling before God, I'm not repenting good enough. From not following a whisper of the Spirit, to judging others. I need to repent every day. And with that, as I do, I can feel the importance of the sacrament more each week as I not only think of being better but apply each day and each hour. 

This week I had a thought come to me about the power of God made manifest into our lives. I thought of the 3 types of power that the Lord can give to us. 

1. Faith in Jesus Christ

Faith in Jesus Christ in one thing that many people have. It is a firm belief in Christ that leads us to actions to follow Him. Lots of times we believe that faith is to just believe in God. It's much more than that. It is to do HIs will. To accept His will as hard as that can be. its a power that can be made manifest by those who are not members of the church. If we believe in Christ, we can work miracles through the power of our faith. But if we don't know how to believe in Christ, or act on that belief we cant see the power of God through miracles.

2. The Gift of the Holy Ghost

This is a gift only given to people who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ. And it made me think. We are only given the gift of the Holy Ghost after we have become members of His church. We know as directed that a confirmation follows those steps in order. Confirms the person a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Uses the wording “Receive the Holy Ghost.” The power of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in itself is a gift. The gift to have the companionship of the Lord to always be with us as we keep our covenants with Him. It also allows us to develop the gifts of the Spirit. And how can we develop these gifts if we don't have the constant presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives given by the proper authority. We are truly given power to bless others and receive personal blessings and power as we live worthy to our covenants. 

3. The Priesthood

The priesthood is the ultimate power that God can give to HIs children. A power that is made manifest not just to worthy men who hold it, but to all worthy males and females who are true to their covenants. This is the very power of God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. Through power and authority it can be used from giving blessings of comfort and healing, to dedicating graves, to guiding a whole nation across the sea. It is an eternal power.

Each power is special in its own way. And I have come to notice that as we see the manifestation of more power given to us, less and less are worthy of them. The power of the Holy Ghost and the Priesthood are given only to worthy members of the Lord's church. it's amazing to me the blessing I have to be a member and to know of the true power that the Lord gives to us. It's not just faith in Christ, nor the power of the Holy Ghost. Its faith in Christ, the gift of the Holy Ghost and holding his eternal power of the priesthood. 

It has been a rough week with people coming to church. (we had church at 3:00pm yesterday because there was a stake conference before in our building) It's been the hardest for us in this area. But we have been able to see the progress in our investigators as they are reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. Pray for Gloria, Yyari, Eva, and Olga so that they will understand the purpose and need of the Book of Mormon and the authority of God on the earth today.

Elder EJones: We Are Trapped Inside

Well, there is not much to say. I am here because we are going to be trapped inside on Monday and Tuesday for Carnival, so that will be boring. There is nothing better than sharing the gospel, being stuck inside for carnival or being sick isn't fun. This week has been good. We have been able to find lots of new investigators. My companion doesn't really like to contact, but that is how we find new people. I love to contact, it's fun to meet new people, and hear their excuses haha. But I am working with him so that we can work harder so that the Lord can lead us to those ready to hear the gospel. 

We have had a good week this week. It has been one of lots of working to be able to find more people to teach and help come unto Christ. Right now we have some good investigators, but it's been hard for them to find answers. Today we are going to fast with one of them, Yyari, so that she can find her answer. She is reading in the Book of Mormon, she comes to church, yet she is missing something. So pray for her that whatever she is missing, we will be able to know what and help her. 

Elder EJones: I Have No Doubts

 Hello!!

This week has been a good one. It has also been a hard one. We were able to participate in the baptism and confirmation of Nicolas. He is a 9 year old from a part member family. He is super cool. 

I have been able to learn a lot this week and feel the love of the Lord in my life. it has been hard because we are teaching lots of people, but I feel like their progression is just being stopped. Some are keeping their commitments, but have not yet found an answer. Others have lots of doubts that keep them from progressing and seeing the eternal perspective. And others are simply not keeping their commitments. Today I was able to listen to a talk that really helped me to understand how we can find those answers. 

We have an investigator right now who is struggling with the hard questions. She has also been listening to the Jehovahs Witnesses to find an answer. And there is nothing wrong with that. That is in fact how Joseph Smith began to search to find an answer. But it is also stopping her progression. She wants answers to the hard, secondary questions. Who is Jehovah? Why doesn't the Bible talk about the Book of Mormon? But this morning I listened to the following by Elder Lawrence Corbridge:

Begin by answering the primary questions. There are primary questions and there are secondary questions. Answer the primary questions first. Not all questions are equal and not all truths are equal. The primary questions are the most important. Everything else is subordinate. There are only a few primary questions. I will mention four of them.

1. Is there a God who is our Father?

2. Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of the world?

3. Was Joseph Smith a prophet?

4. Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the kingdom of God on the earth?

I heard someone say recently, “It is okay to have doubts.” I wonder about that. The Lord said, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”27 I have a lot of questions; I don’t have any doubts.

I love that. "I don't have any doubts."  The goepel is perfect. But we are all so imperfect. But as we trust in the Lord and seek his guidence, He will give us the answers to the questions that we need. Those are not always the answers that we want, but they are the right answers. I know that the Lord lives and loves us. His plan is perfect for all of us!!

Elder Jones

Elder EJones: Learning

A Cadi in Bolivia!

What a week!!

We've finally been able to be back to normal, and getting our area back to where it should be. We have been working with lots of references recently, lots of part families, because they are the ones that are progressing. I have been able to learn a lot this week in my studies and as we leave to teach and serve the people.

Haha honestly it's been a good cambio of patience for me. Lots of waiting on my comp. He just takes a long time to do things. Like get ready in the morning, or talks for a while when we have places to go, or walks slow haha. But I'm learning to be more patient and to love him more. We get along well.

The week I learned lots. Since I've gotten the Conference Ensign a few weeks ago, I have done my best to read a talk a day in my personal study. I want to be able to better follow the counsel of the modern prophets and apostles of our day. This week I read the following by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez...

He talks about how his wife had a tumor and had to undergo surgery to be able to heal. She wrote the following in her journal about how she felt...

“On the surgeon’s table I bowed before Thee, and surrendering to Thy will, I fell asleep. I knew I could trust Thee, knowing that nothing bad can come from Thee.”

I love the way that she explains it.

First, we have to surrender all to the Lord and His will. Though we think we may be right, He ALWAYS knows better than us. He really does know our needs.

Second, we need to trust in the Lord. That doesn't mean that we will always be comfortable with what he asks us to do, and that may be the point. He asks us to do things we aren't comfortable, or familiar with. He asks us to push ourselves, and to trust that He will make us better.

Third, know that no bad thing can come from the Lord. He will only make us better versions of ourselves. He loves us enough to knock us down, so that we can get up stronger. He always knows the better way.

I know that the Lord loves us. I have been able to feel it more than ever here. We just have to give Him all, and trust in Him, and we will receive the knowledge of His perfect plan for us.

How did this get here??!

Elder EJones: I Love to See the Templo

We had cambios this week and I'm here again in Santa Cruz, in the center of the city, an area called Pirai. I'm excited to be here, it's good to be back in Santa Cruz. I am with Elder Canseco, he is from California. I said bye to my comp Elder Tebbs, and Elder Thurt who I trained this week...it's been so fun to be with them. And also Elder Dawson left last week to go home because he is still sick.

This week we talked to a guy who is the husband of an investigator that we have. She really wants to learn more, but he . . . not so much. He asked how is it that Jesus was a prophet, and I shared with Him this scripture that I read last week...

Matthew 21:10-11
And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

It made me think as I read it to him. Jesus was and is a prophet. He is THE prophet. Imagine living in His time and teaching and testifying of the Living Prophet, the Son of God. And in the same sense we have the opportunity to testify of a living prophet who testifies of Christ. I am so grateful that I was born in a time when the world wasn't in apostasy, when we have the direction of living prophets and apostles.

Well the title of my email today is I love to see the temple. That's because we flew today to Cochabamba and then to Santa Cruz, and the whole time we were looking for the temple...and we found it. The first time I've seen a temple in the last year and a half, it was the best!!!

Elder EJones: Learning Through Parables

We have cambios next week. I kinda already know mine. Not so sure about everything, but President Stanford already told me. We had a zone conference this last week and he was talking to me during the break and told me I would be going back to Santa Cruz, but I'm not sure where or with who. So I'll know for sure next week.

Well, this week has been crazy. First my companion got salmonella and was in bed sick for a few days. We were able to leave on Monday, then the next few days he was throwing up, and letting all lose. So we weren't able to leave a lot. So...I have been able to study lots in the New Testament and about Jesus Christ. I think it is cool - say coincidence - but I'd say something the Lord wanted me to learn this week.

First off in my personal study, I learned about the parable of the sower. He has 4 sets of seeds that all fall in different ways. Some are able to grow, and others not. I thought about the meaning of each one and how we can see it now in our day. We had interviews with President Stanford this week and we talked about that same parabola. We talked about how we baptized people here in our mission, but the retention of members is something that is kinda hard. He said that though people may be baptized, they also may fall away, and sadly it happens a whole lot. We have to decide which of those 4 types of seeds we are...and work to become better. And then yesterday we were in Sunday School and we talked about the vision of the tree of life. We talked specifically of the 4 types of people who he sees either partaking or not in the fruit. And it made me think of the parabola again, and I made this connection...

1. The seeds that fell by the wayside and devoured up by the birds are like the multitudes of people who made their way directly to the great and spacious building. Not giving their roots time to grow, or time to grab onto the iron rod.

2. The seeds that fell into stony places were scorched and with no root died. Like the multitudes of people who commenced holding to the iron rod but after the mists of darkness came, were lost.

3. The seeds that fell among thorns were choked up after growing, and eventually died. The multitudes of people who made it all the way to the tree of life holding fast to the iron rod, but became ashamed of what they did, and fell away, and were lost.

4. The seeds that fell into good ground, were able to grow and brought forth fruit. Those who held fast to the iron rod and partook of the fruit without being ashamed of what they did. Despite the mist of darkness and scorning they stayed to the "Love of God"

Well that is my insight for this week. I hope that this week is a good one, I know it will be. I know that the gospel is true. It is our job to be like those good seeds who bear fruit, and like those who held firmly to the iron rod!!

Elder EJones: A Slow Week

Not a ton has happened this week. It has been hard because lots of our investigators have started to work and do other things, and so they are not in their houses all the time. But we are continuing to look for more people to teach. We have a new goal in the mission, and that is to talk to 20 new people each day. Some days it is really easy, but other days not as much when we have lots of appointments. But it has helped us a lot in our area.

I read a little this week in Jesus the Christ, and one thing stood out to me a lot. It talked about the Father our Heavenly Father, and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. The few times that we hear the vice of our Heavenly Father, in reality the only times in recorded scripture is to present His Son, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 3:17
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 17:5
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

3 Nephi 11:7
Behold my Beloved Son, bin whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

JSH 1.17
One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

WOW!! I thought I really am waiting for the second coming. For our Heavenly Father to present His Beloved Son to us again. His commandment to us is to listen to His Son and hearken to his counsels. I know that as we follow Christ we will be blessed. And the way to follow Christ is well, through small and simple ways. To take time to study the scriptures daily. To take time to meditate and speak with our Heavenly Father through prayer. And to listen to Christ's mouthpiece, Russell M. Nelson.

I know this gospel is true. I love it!!

Elder EJones: This week I was sick

Well, this week I was sick. I got sick in the stomach. I don't know what it was, but it started on Monday, wasn't that bad until Wednesday and Thursday and it stuck with me. I called the Doc and he sent me some meds and by Sunday I was good again. It has been a rough week. I was sick and we didn't have much success in finding new people or getting people to church. But hey, that's okay, this week will be better. I don't let bad weeks get to me like other missionaries do. I am happy and healthy.

I was contemplating this week when I wasn't feeling good of how grateful I am for Heavenly Father. If you can believe it, this has only been the SECOND time on my mission that I have been sick. The first time was during my first week. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with health. I have nothing to complain about, only to thank Him for loving me and caring for me.

I cant believe that it is already 2020. It is celebrated here eating pork and watching fireworks, nothing too big. It feels kinda like the 4th of July in the United States.

My companion, Elder Tebbs and I have been listening to talks all the time now. That is one of my new year's resolutions, to listen to a talk everyday this year. I either do it when I'm showering in the morning, or getting ready for bed at night. I'm excited to listen to at least 365 this year.

I was actually talking to my companion the other day of what President Nelson said, his question, "How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?" It's quite the question and made me think. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. For the opportunity I have to read it daily and ponder how it helps me come unto Christ. This week I was able to read in 1 Nephi about the vision he was carried up in. I marveled at all the things that Nephi saw...the birth and ministry of the Savior, His Crucifixion and resurrection. He saw the colonization of the Americas. The coming of the Bible to this continent. The significance of the vision of the tree of life, the coming of Christ to the Americas, and as he says many more things that he couldn't write. I know that as we come to know the Book of Mormon it will really teach us about Christ. It is the base of our testimony needed to survive spiritually in the last days. I know that we too can receive that revelation that we need to be able to know the Lord's will for us.

Well it's been quite the week, this next one will be a good one too!!

Elder EJones: 2020

2020? Hello!!

Well these past two weeks have been great here. It's been a mix of really rainy and burning hot. This week we were able to teach and find lots of good people. We were able to give out gift bags to people for Christmas-- it was the best. Not much new has happened. We had a Christmas conference and talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon. I know that it is true and will help us come unto Christ and come to understand his promises. Hope you all have a good new years!!

Got bit by a dog this week, but surprisingly there is no mark

Got bit by 14325 mosquitos too, and there are many marks haha

Elder EJones: Merry Christmas 2019!

Merry Christmas, Elder Jones!

Elder EJones: Another New Companion

Well this week was good, my last week with my comp the mini missionary. He is super cool, said bye to him yesterday and today I got my new comp. My new comp is a gringo. He is from Utah, from Bryce Canyon. His name is Elder Tebbs.  I picked him up today, so we'll see how it goes. He is really cool and came in the same group as my other companion, Elder Thuet. I am still district leader here as well. Now there are three districts in our zone. It will be helpful to me so that I can focus more on helping people with more focus on only a few areas.

This week was kinda hard. We were able to reach lots of lessons, but lots of people haven't been keeping their commitments, so it makes it hard for us to help them, when they don't do what they need to do to know if this message really is true or not.

This week we did an activity in our district a Christmas caroling way to contact. It went....i would say exactly well haha. Lots of people just said they didn't have time. Some people just closed the door in our faces mid hymn it was kinda funny, but at the same time it's hard for me to see people reject the message of the restored gospel without even listening to the message we have to give. In reality it's not that hard. We ask our investigators to do three things. Read, pray, and go to church. That is the only way that they will be able to know if the message we share is true or not. But my job is to give them the message, its up to them to use their agency to accept or reject it.

The Christmas bags are in process. We are trying to find out who we need to deliver them to and who needs them most this Christmas season. It's the best to be able to help members and investigators to think more of Christ and share his love with others.

We have our Christmas conference this coming Friday. And on Christmas morning we are going to have some breakfast. It'll be fun. It has been a little colder here so it feels more like Christmas haha.

Esta semana pude terminar el Libro de Mormón. Se que es verdadero. No tengo ninguna duda de eso. Se que los profetas de la antigüedad fueron inspirados para escribirlo. No se como seria mi vida sin el Libro de Mormón. A mi me encanta ensenar del Libro de Mormón. Puedo sentir su poder cuando hablo de que testifica de Cristo y nos da la evidencia de su amor para nosotros, y su iglesia restaurada hoy en dia!! Me gusta lo que dice Moroni...

Sí, venid a Cristo, y perfeccionaos en él, y absteneos de toda impiedad, y si os abstenéis de toda impiedad, y amáis a Dios con todo vuestro poder, mente y fuerza, entonces su gracia os es suficiente, para que por su gracia seáis perfectos en Cristo; y si por la gracia de Dios sois perfectos en Cristo, de ningún modo podréis negar el poder de Dios.

Anote cuántas veces él decía os exhorto. Lo dice muchas veces. Se que cuando hacemos lo que nos indican los profetas seremos bendecidos porque siempre testifican de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo. 

Can't wait for Christmas!!

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 EJones: Thanksgiving Week--Crazy!

How are you? How has your week been? It's crazy that this is Thanksgiving week. I can remember last thanksgiving like it was yesterday. I was here in the mission!! But this week is gonna be super good. I'm super excited. Elder Mathias Held from The Seventy is coming to our mission and we are going to have a conference with him on Thanksgiving.

Things are back to normal here in Tarija. We can leave the normal hours so it has been really nice. But this week has been really long, I'm not gonna lie. My companion is really cool. Sometimes it's a little hard to understand him when he mixes Portuguese and Spanish. Ha.

Other then that it has been a good week. It has been hard to find out investigators this week, but we were able to find them near the end of the week, and they still have desires to keep learning and progressing.

I was able to read lots in 3 Nephi this week, and it is amazing. I love the connection that the Bible and the Book of Mormon have together. I have decided to compare the Lord's sermon in Matthew, and in the Book of Mormon. It has been super cool to see the similarities and differences. I challenge you to do the same. What I love is that when He was first on earth He had not yet completed with what the Lord had commanded Him. But after His resurrection and ascension, He had completed the will of the Father. And when He came to the Americas, He testified and completed with past promises He had made.

I like the comparison of these two verses that my companion and I shared in a lesson with some members.

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

3 Nephi 12:48
Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

I love how the Lord always invites us to become more like him. It is found more than anything in His sermon in the Americas. And sometimes I think to myself, "Well, how can I be like Christ? He is perfect, and I am full of errors." But I realize that it's not really about being perfect, because He was the only [Perfect One]. But it's doing what He would do. Being strictly obediente. Keeping my covenants, and living worthy of the Holy Ghost!!

I love this gospel and the blessings we can receive to being members of the Church of Jesus CHrist of Latter Day Saints!!

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: A Normal Week for Us

Well, this week was super normal for us. It's kinda weird because it's probably been the most crazy of all the weeks. But our area is out in the middle of nowhere, so we are super safe. Nothing happens. Except dogs, they're mean.

Don't really know a whole lot about what is happening here. Missionaries don't know much. But we'll see how this week goes. We've only been able to leave until 7:30 pm this past week, but we can wear our normal missionary clothes, we just can't contact doors.

Well here are the highlights/news this week:

1st: We are teaching Lucero. She's 20 and has talked to missionaries before. But we found her a few weeks ago and she has progressed a lot. She came to a baptisms with us on Saturday, and it was a great service, really key for her to come to feel the Spirit more. Then she came to church with us yesterday and told us she liked a whole lot. She is progressing a lot so pray that she will continue to have that desire to follow Christ.

2nd: CAMBIOS....Yes we have cambios. So we won't switch until Wednesday, but here are what they look like. My comp is going to another area. But it's funny because it's the area right next to ours right now. He's going to companions with an Elder that goes to the ward after us, so it's not a huge change. I am going to be with a Brazilian elder who has the same amount of time as my comp right now. I'll help him finish his training. And I am still DL, so I'm excited for that. Our district has changed so I'm excited to see how that goes.

3rd: I love this scripture that I read this week in personal study.

Helaman 8:18
"Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only knew of these things, but there were many before the days of Abraham who were called by the border of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; and this that it should be shown unto the people, a great many thousand years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto them."

I love the power of a prophet. To testify of things of how they were, how they are, and how they are to come. The Lord gives them power. But they see that power to testify of Christ. I know that is what they have been called to do. From Adam to Mormon to Russell M. Nelson!! I love their teachings.

Well that's all for this week. Hope you have a great week.

Love you,
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 EJones: A Polo and Jeans . . . to Church?

So really not much has happened. It's all kinda the same. The good thing is that today the streets have opened up more. The weird thing here is that when the people are mad against the government they block the streets-- with their cars, with sticks and whatever stuff they can find. That prevents so many people from being able to work and travel. So they do that every once in a while. Today was supposed to be really bad, but there doesn't seem to be any of those "paros" today like everyone said there would be. Idk what its like in Santa Cruz though. I hear it's a lot worse there because Tarija is super calm. Our President and the assistants really just play everyday by ear so we only know little by little if we'll be able to leave to proselyte.

Sunday...we look like angels because the lighting ruined the pic

Yesterday was kinda a weird day. So on Saturday night they called us and told us that we would be able to go to church yesterday. But they said, yeah, you should wear like a polo and jeans to church......what???? Are you serious or kidding? First off it's the Sabbath, and I'm not gonna wear stuff like that when I know that I can wear good clothes. More than anything it was for our protection so that we don't stand out like a sore thumb like we already do as gringos. And second off, I don't have a polo here. I'm a missionary. I either have proselytizing clothes or Pday clothes.

So do you know what my comp and I did....? We wore pants. Not our dress pants, but good pants, that are close enough to dress pants. They are way better than jeans. And we wore our white shirts. We didn't wear our ties until we got to church, and when we got there we put them on. It felt weird not wearing my suit, just not wearing my best clothes when I knew that I had them. So it was kinda weird. We've also been walking around without a place for the last couple days every time that we leave the house. That's like the worst, being a missionary but having your badge stripped from you. We also proselyted yesterday for a few hours with Pday clothes. It has been such a weird week, and I am grateful for Sunday-church clothes.

Chillin' on the Roof

That's about it for this week. It seems like its getting better, but we'll see this week. Hope that you have a good week this week! I am praying for you both.

Love you,
Elder Jones

A frog!