Week 62

Hola Everyone!

Well, we had quite a good week here in Puerto! We found a family of 3 and we have been working really hard with them! I feel so strongly that the Lord has prepared this family to accept the gospel! It has also been hard because the family of three that we found quite a while ago that literally had the truth right in front of their face, but just couldn't accept it. And the Lord was literally answering their prayers through us as missionaries. But they hardened their hearts and they didn't pray to know the truth!

I have learned so much from the experiences I have had here in the mission. Like we say as missionaries, as members of the church we need to INVITE others to come unto Christ and as we do that, we will spread the Gospel to every part of the earth as the Lord promised in the scriptures. And I know that as we do that, we give the opportunity to ALL the children of God. But from there they have their agency to accept it or not!

I think I found my favoritest scripture ever! It's in 3 Nephi 5:13. It says, "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." As members of the church, we are Disciples of Christ and it is our duty to help others and declare the Word of God - so that ALL may have everlasting life!!

I have such a strong testimony of the church. I KNOW with all of my heart that it is true and that when we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we DO have happiness in our lives. I love all of you so much and I hope we can all strive a little more to help others so that WE ALL can have everlasting life!! Have an amazing week everyone!!

ELDER BLAKE

Week 61

No official letter this week. He did email me (his mom) to say he is doing good, but not a lot has happened this week. He is just busy serving the Lord and the people in Puerto Escondido. These pictures are from him.

He did have a fun District/Zone activity that I found some pictures of (thanks to the Mission President's wife for posting on Facebook).

Week 60

Hola Everyone!

It's been quite a week here in good ol Puerto Escondido!! So first, Sergio wasn't able to pass his interview so we didn't have his baptism. And second me and my companion got thrown a curve ball with the changes (transfers) that we had in the mission haha!!

So I love the fact that Sergio wasn't able to pass his interview. Yes, it was tough - really tough - hearing that, but Heavenly Father gives us challenges to strengthen us and to see if we are really ready to accept him in our lives. So, we will be able to see how willing Sergio is to face this and do all he can to be worthy to get baptized!! He's such a good guy and I know that he will be able to get baptized and get sealed in the temple to his future family!!

Second, me and my companion were waiting for the changes. President Conde called us, so I answered the phone and he tells me, "I don't know if they told you or not, but your companion is going to the Istmo!!"  Goodness, we were both shocked. My companion didn't want to leave and I felt like I was ready to go, but we didn't get what we wanted!! Yes, we were both a little upset about the situation, but I loved the little lesson that I learned this week - and that is in our lives we don't always get what we want, but what we NEED! And we should always ACCEPT the will of God!!

I love you all so much and I know that this church is true. I love it without a doubt! And I know that we are in the LAST days and like the scriptures say, the time to prepare is NOW!! One thing I do know is that we can't do it alone. We, as members of the Church of JESUS CHRIST have to be a team! I have felt the love of God in my life and I have felt the love for others so strongly that it hurts me when I see that some members of the church don't want to do what's right! Follow the prophet and we will ALL, as a team, come out on top! I love you all so much. Have an amazing week!!

ELDER BLAKE

Week 59 (No Letter Last Week)

Hola Everyone!

What a great week it has been here in good ol Paradise!! It was such a good week and I was like a little kid on Christmas morning waiting for Saturday and Sunday so I could listen to Conference!! And like one of the Preach My Gospel videos says, "I'll put my money on the Prophet!" Ha ha!! I went to Conference with quite a few questions on my mind - questions of the gospel, of life, and just about everything. And going out of Conference EVERY single one of my questions were answered!! My goodness. Revelation is so important, just like the prophet taught us in April!!

Anyways, we're continuing to work her in Puerto Escondido and the work has paid off!! After quite some time without a baptism, we have seen the fruits of our labor and have a baptismal date on Saturday. Goodness we sure are excited that this good brother, Sergio, has got his life in order and has a desire to be baptized! He is such an awesome man and I'm so happy for him. I can't wait for Saturday to roll around!!

I don't have a whole lot to say this week, but as the women were challenged to read the Book of Mormon, I have also started up on the challenge. As a missionary I haven't completed the Book of Mormon yet because I have been studying it by topic to help our investigators. But I know the importance and power that it contains and just this first few days of reading, I have felt the spirit so strong. I have felt protected spiritually and physically as President Nelson promised us three conferences ago!! The changes (transfers) are coming up here next week, so who knows where I will be going, but I'm pretty sure I will be leaving Puerto Escondido. It will be awesome to leave the area seeing Brother Sergio step into the waters of baptism!

I know that this church is true. My testimony has grown so much here in the mission and I know it will continue to grow!! I know that President Nelson is the Prophet of God! I love you all so much and I know as the leaders of the church told us, that as we stand firm, we will have so much hope!! I have felt this ESPERANZA (hope) so much here in the mission!! I love you all so much. Have an amazing week.

ELDER BLAKE