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: Miracles This Week

 

This week lots has happened. We were trying all week to find the Velasquez Family so that they could get baptized. But every time that we passed by their house they weren't there. We were able to find them Monday, but the day that they were supposed to have an appointment they were not there. The problem is that they phone that they have doesn't have service. It's like an iPod, so it doesn't work to send texts or to call. We found out finally where their family lives in Bermejo and we were able to look and find them on Saturday morning. We talked to them about the baptism that they were supposed to have. But when we were talking to them, the oldest daughter started talking about her questions and that she didn't want to get baptized. We talked to her for about 5 minutes, and then she told us that she would get baptized. So she did get baptized with her mom, and her two others sons didn't. They are 10 and 8, but their mom talked to us about some problems with her family so they weren't gonna get baptized that day.

That afternoon we were able to teach them a little and get them interviewed for that night. But here comes the story of the day.

In the afternoon we had filled up buckets of hot water from our house to take to the church because they told us they wanted the water to be warm. So we filled up paint 5 gallon buckets with hot water to take to the church. We took them to the church and began to fill up the font. We turned the font on to be able to fill it up as we left for their interviews and to pick them up to get baptized. When we came back the font was a little flooded and a few members were cleaning the font. The thing is that we had to run to the members house to do the interview and when we got back it was a little flooded, but for us the most important thing was that they were there. They had made the decision to get baptized.

Anyways, so we start getting everyone to change and stuff to be able to take pictures and start, and one of the members who was cleaning up the water called over the branch president and to us to talk with us in the president's office. He basically tried to yell at us about the water and that apparently there were bugs in the water. (Like there have been in every one of my areas). He basically told us everything that we did wrong and all that we needed to do to be better because of the little mistake we made. He told us that the font overflowed a little because we were in their interview. He was like "These are souls, you need to be doing a whole lot better." It got us kinda frustrated that he started going off at us when we were doing the best that we could. He then looked at the branch president and told him to deal with it and to do what he needs to do and then he left. Then the branch president was just like, "Yeah elders, don't worry. Just go get changed. It's all good."

It was the worst in the moment because we were in a hurry trying to get it all done and it started late, but our branch president was really chill and was like don't worry and then let us change so that we could start.

But this week was good. We were able to find the Velasquez Family, teach them, and they were able to make covenants with our Heavenly Father and receive the Holy Ghost.

Alex, who is 19, also got to get baptized. For me it was really cool. Something I have always wanted to do as a missionary is be able to help a young adult of that age to come unto Christ. And he did!! He's the best. He has progressed from the start. He has tattoos on his arms and when he read the word of wisdom pamphlet he said to us, "What am i supposed to do? I didn't know." But I'm really happy this week!! We were able to see lots of miracles. I know that the Lord loves us and has a plan for us.

I have a testimony of the plan of salvation and of the importance and the necessity of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost!!

Elder ZJones: Families

A lot happened this week!

We had divisiones on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We worked with some Elders in our zone.

On Monday I worked with Elder Villa from Mexico. He is newer and works like he has a lot more time. He is progressing really well!

On Tuesday I worked with Elder Elliot. He worked super hard in our area. Usually, missionaries don't work super hard when they are not in their area, but not on Tuesday! Elder Elliot was fun to work with. A good leader.

On Wednesday, I was with Elder Perez from Columbia. We talked about his progression since we were together as companions. It was awesome to work with him and we found a golden family!

Milagros will be getting baptized this week. It will be awesome! We are excited for her.

* * *
In the Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission, we have the goal for this year in 2019 to specifically work with families, and that every month, every companionship can help four families become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are excited because this past week found many families that we will be helping!

3 Nephi 14:24-27
24 Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock—

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand—

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

I read this this past week and learned a lot. As Jesus explains this, everyone listened. They listened to His council and learned from Him. But it is as we do that we are converted, not as we listen. We all have to act and do our part to show that we want our foundation strong and in Jesus Christ. We must gain a solid testimony and witness that Jesus is the Christ and we will not only listen to Him but follow and keep His commandments!

Have a great week!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: Semana de Blanco

We had the baptism of the Guzman Family! It was such a huge blessing to see the progress they have made day by day! I can tell you that members participating in missionary work, works! We passed by with members everyday to help the Guzmans feel the spirit with those in the ward. They have learned to love the gospel and have many friends who are now helping them. They invited their family to come and there were about 30 extended family members at the baptism!

We had zone conference this past week! We talked about the power and authority that we have as missionaries and the Importance of the Book of Mormon. If we study, ponder, and teach with the Book of Mormon, we will not only gain a testimony, but know how to share it with others and what to say. Share the Book of Mormon!

This week we are working with Carlos Gonzalez. He wants to get baptized. His brothers are members but his father doesn't want him to be baptized. We will be praying to help him. We are working with Milagros as well. We are preparing her for the 26th of January. We will also be using the Guzman Family so that they can share the new things that they learned with there family members! And they are excited to enter the temple! I love this gospel and know its true!

Have a great week!! Love You All!

Elder Jones

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: The Temple

This week was awesome! We are helping a the Vergara Family! And they are doing really well. We are preparing Lorena, Gabriel, and Aylen to be baptized this week! We are excited for them because my companion and I have seen such a big change in them. In the beginning, Gabriel didn't really believe in God. After reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and sharing with his brother, he now believes in God. Aylen bore her testimony yesterday at church. She knows the church is true.

We have stake conference on Sunday. There are about 150 people that come to church, so they will be dividing  the ward. Our area is close to the church and the area of the sisters will change. We are hoping that we don't lose everything with the division! haha

Elder Burk and I went to the temple on Thursday-- it was the first time in 14 months and it was awesome! Presidente Resek wanted all the leaders to go to receive revelation and to prepare themselves for this last month of the year. It was a blessing to be able to go to the temple and feel of the Spirit to know exactly what my companion and I can do to help  the zone! I know this is God's church and that He loves us!

We want to find families this Christmas season to help families come unto Christ! Pray for us and the zone!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: Family

What a week and what a change! I'm in my new area with my new companion, Elder Burk, and we are lost! The area is huge and we are both new. We are helping our zone to accomplish their goals and to work hard in their areas. Much of the time during this past week, we have been contacting to find new people to teach because when we came there wasn't much to work with.

So we started contacting houses one by one. When we got to the third house we met a man outside. He was watering his plants and explained that his son doesn't believe in God. He invited us in and we taught his family. There are 8 in the family, but there are only 4 who have the interest in listening. The parents, Juan and Lorena, want to see a change in the family. We are teaching and trying to help them understand the importance of faith, that through faith they can see a change in the family. Two of their children, Gabriel and Ayalen, are interested in our message, as well. Gabriel does't  know if he believes in God, but wants to know. Pray for them, the Familia Vergara, that they will continue to grow in the gospel. They came to church with us yesterday and loved it!

We have the goal to find families this week. The gospel is centered in the family. Pray that as we work, we will find families that have a desire to change and accept the Savior in there lives!

Love you all! Have a great Week!

Elder Jones

Elder EJones: Family Search

Hola all!!

Halloween!

This past week, in our email from President Rodrigues, he challenged us to look for families. To find families to teach them the gospel so they can enjoy the power of the gospel and of the priesthood in their homes. He also challenged us to find those that would be future possessors of the priesthood as well. I'm learning that the Lord provides all the tools necessary to do His work, I just have to know how to use them, and use them in the right way.

We found a couple families today that have the desire to learn.

Waiting seven hours for our visa . . .

I learned while reading about the Savior coming to the Americas, the need for baptism and a remission of sins through repentance and the Holy Ghost. I thought a lot about the power I have as a missionary, to be able to preach the same things the Lord did as he visited the Americas.

Pray this week that the families we found, and will find, will open their heart to this message so that they can receive the blessings of the Gospel and of the priesthood in their lives!!

Love you,
Elder Jones

We got A/C . . . what a blessing!

Elder ZJones: Bendiciones del Senor

 

This week has been one to remember! I saw the Lord helping us in many ways. This past Sunday we helped a family of cousins and friends come to church. Five of them came and they loved it! We are teaching them and helping them a lot. We are preparing them to be baptized this weekend and helping them to receive the Holy Ghost. We are super excited and grateful that the Lord has helped us with this family.

Yesterday, as we passed by to visit them, one girl said that she does't feel ready to be baptized. But we explained to her that the Lord has specific blessings for her that He wants to give to her now. We also explained why we are baptized. It is to help us to become clean of sin. We don't have to be perfect before we are baptized, we need to follow Him and trust that he will help us and guide us. Pray for them this week that they can prepare for this weekend. (Rudolfo, Patricia, Monica, Agustin and Jazmin).

We are also helping a couple, Javier and Rocio, to get married. They have all their papers ready and will be getting married in a month. We are excited for them and will continue to help them to come to church and to do those things that they are doing now.

I hit a year in the mission which is super crazy to think! I am grateful for all the things that I have learned. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement, The Plan of Happiness, and that Families are centered in His Plan.

In The Family, A Proclamation To The World, it says:
"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

When these priniciples are in the home, God will bless us, strengthen us and guide us!

Love You! Have a great week!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: The Gospel All Around the World

My new area will be: Lujan

Transfers are this next week. And I will be leaving. I have been in this area, Jardines, for the past six months. I have learned to love the people, the members, and my companion here. I am grateful for my time here and know that the Lord is blessing the people. I am now going to an area called Lujan. It is more city than my other area. My new companion is Elder Oviedo. I don´t know anything about him, but excited to work with him and get to know him.

We had an awesome blessing this past week. We were walking in the street and a family was pushing there car because it wasn't starting. They asked for help and we helped push it to their home about five streets away. As we started talking with them we learned that the mom is a member and has not been to church for years. But they have three children ages 18,16, and 10. They have a lot of faith, want to come to church, and want to learn more. Pray for them, the Familia Ojeda, that as my companion teaches them they will go to church and progress.

This week I thought a lot about the gospel and where it is today. It is in all parts of the world. There are missionaries in all those areas who are bearing testimony of Jesus Christ and of the eternal blessings that we can receive. The blessings of the gospel are available to everyone. Anyone can receive the same blessings. We have different paths and ways that we can receive it, but in the end, the blessing of eternal life can be the same.

Have a great week! Love you all!

Elder Jones

Elder HJones: Transfers

So this week was cambios (transfers). And when cambios come you can never be sure what will happen. I was almost sure that I was leaving...but I am staying in Paipote! I guess God has a different plan then I do. I already have six months here in Paipote and will be here longer, so I guess there is someon in Paipote that I still need to find. And we are having success here, so I am excited to stay and work another transfer with Elder Matos. And I was also called as district leader, so that's pretty exciting.

There are six missionaries in our district. Elder Matos and me, and four sister missionaries. Some new sisters are coming to our area next week so I will tell you more about my district. But I am excited, happy to be a leader to help other missionaries. I know this assignment will help me grow a lot.

As I have been on the mission I have really learned to love the people. We don't walk into a home and teach the lessons just because we need to. We learn to love the people and desire their salvation. And it's sad when people don't want to progress and make the steps to receive the blessings that God has for them. Sometimes, people don't realize how much we really do love the people. We walk everyday, all day. We talk with everyone we meet. We study, pray, and fast for the people because we love them. And it's hard when people don't see the gospel as something that will change and bless their lives. This gospel is the greatest blessing that we can receive. If we apply it and live it, it will change our lives.

And it was a kinda hard week. We have been teaching an awesome family. A single mom with five children and two of the children are interested in the gospel. They came to church and love to pray and read. This past week we challenged them to be baptized. It didn't go that well. Their mom doesn't want to give permission and the kids want to wait until they are older. It kinda broke my heart. We promised blessings, bore testimony...but nope. They are a really humble family and they don't have much. It makes me sad that they don't want to make the necessary steps to receive the blessings that God has for them. This gospel can change their lives, and they want to wait. It's sad for me. But hopefully in the future they will accept it.

This gospel is such a great blessing. It changes lives. In Mosiah 2:41 it says that we receive blessings spiritually and temporally. This gospel is a blessing for everything in our lives. It brings happiness. And it makes me sad when people don't want to accept it. But people have agency. Vamos con fe!

Have a great week! Elder Jones

Elder HJones: Blessings

Yesterday I was able to talk with the family! It was super awesome to be able to see them and talk with them a little bit. I was a little jealous when I heard that Zeram and Corom were able to talk with each other, but it's all good! I am just so grateful for my family and I feel their love even though we are many miles apart.

On Friday we had a family home evening with a family: a mother and her 3 kids. The Spirit was really strong. We missionaries and some members were able to share our testimonies and share the blessings that have come through this gospel. This family is working towards gaining their own testimony through attending church and reading the scriptures. We met the mom three months ago and she is already in the middle of Alma!

I know the gospel is true. Family can live together for eternity. It is such a pleasure to see people change their live to have the blessings of this wonderful gospel!

Elder Jones

Elder CJones: La Familia--Una Bendicion de Dios

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

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

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

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

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

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

--
Elder Corom Jones


Translation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elder HJones: Families Can Be Together Forever

It's my Familia!

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

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

New Year's Eve Dinner with the Bishop

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

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

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

Love, Elder Jones

Christmas Eve

My after-Christmas hand-delivered package!!

Elder CJones: Messages From Home and Other Blessings

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful [lives] require a high degree of [toleration]."
-President Gordon B Hinckley quoting Jenkins Lloyd Jones

Some weeks are hard and others aren't.

Some days get hard and others are days when people want to listen.

The mission is most definitely the hardest thing I have ever done. It's not easy but it's do-able and worth it.

These past weeks have been the difficult type--not easy with my companion, with the people, and with the branch that I'm serving in. The mission is difficult. But, this week I, for sure, got a testimony of families.

Our goal in the mission is to teach about families. Families are so critically important because they are so important to God. We haven't found a lot of families to teach. But, I know one of the reasons why we have families-- that that's so we can support one another.

Since the beginning of the mission, I have not failed to get a letter from my brother Zeram, as well as both of my parents. I've noticed that my family is the one, constant support for me. My family is so important to me and I have gained a stronger love for my family as I have been out here.

Through the hard times family members can support one another. Last week, I got a letter from Zeram, and as usual, his letter was filled with something powerful. He wrote: "Can't wait to hear from you!! I know you are doing amazing things!! You are setting an example to everyone. A lot of people ask how you are doing and look up to you. Love you and wish you a great and spiritual week ahead!!"

From a General Conference Talk, President Gordon B. Hinckley said,

We see some around us who are indifferent concerning the future of this work, who are apathetic, who speak of limitations, who express fears, who spend their time digging out and writing about what they regard to be weaknesses which really are of no consequence. With doubt concerning its past, they have no vision concerning its future.

Well was it said of old, 'Where there is no vision, the people perish' (Prov. 29:18). There is no place in this work for those who believe only in the gospel of doom and gloom. The gospel is good news. It is a message of triumph. It is a cause to be embraced with enthusiasm.

The Lord never said that there would not be troubles. Our people have known afflictions of every sort as those who have opposed this work have come upon them. But faith has shown through all their sorrows. This work has consistently moved forward and has never taken a backward step since its inception. I think of the boy Joseph persecuted and ridiculed by those his senior. But the pain of the wounds of that persecution was tempered by the declaration of Moroni, who told him that God had a work for him to do; and that his name “should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people” (JS—H 1:33).

I know that we were sent in our families for a reason. One of those reasons is that a family is just a simple support system! I love my family and hope that we all can grow a love for our families!!

--
Love you all!
Elder Corom Jones

"Life is like an old-time rail Journey --delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." -Gordon B Hinckley quoting Jenkins Lloyd Jones

The Avalanche Just Begun

Today he left.

The oldest Elder Jones.

The first of seven.

Off to Mexico to teach the word of God.

And behold, we saw and felt that it was good!