Querida y Amorosa Familia Irvine:
Elder Neira couldn't believe that you sent a package to him, it was sweet! And the coat helps a lot, it's freezing out here! It's going up and down degrees-wise and it's a bit confusing for me. I can't wait to talk to all of you so soon! The thing is that I probably won't be able to get a phone card so just call either at 8 or after...we'll talk soon so we can figure it out. Oh yeah, Pres. Goodrich and his wife are inspecting all the apartments in this zone this week. I'm so nervous! This apartment has been trashed for the last who knows how long...it's some serious deep cleaning today! And I will give them the present you sent. Thank you so much Mom!
This week has been interesting to say the least. Our new district companion, Elder Humpherys, is way trunky. He's in his 9th transfer, so about a year out, and is itching to get home. They had a total of 6 lessons this week. At least double digits please! I'm afraid he's going to kill our greenie Elder Price, who has 1 transfer out. They spend all day at home and go out to work for a bit, then back home at 8 or so to go to bed early at 9 or 9:30 pm (when they should be getting back then planning then go to bed). I'm a bit frustrated and it's sad to see my friend Price get stuck with a trunky kid. He's a bit strange too, what a character. He uses MSF to buy Legos so he has no food. Not good at all. And we did get a greenie Hermana (sister missionary) Sister Frisby from Sandy, Utah. She's really cool. Her trainer is the best anyways. I'm so happy to be stuck with Elder Neira, because we work so hard and get so much done. This past week, 5 member presents and 20 other lessons with 8 progressing investigators. That's the most I've ever had in the mission so far, and I'm so tired! Every night we get back, plan, I nearly fall asleep in planning and then I just hit the sack after comp prayer. My comp drives so much, I don't know how he does it. I have trouble staying awake and I'm the passenger! But we are receiving blessings, so many that I am humbled to know that the Lord wants to help the work progress.
This golden family we found about a few weeks ago is the best ever! We were visiting with them, and taught a little bit about the Book of Mormon, read the Beattitudes from the Book of Mormon, then the 'wife' (girlfriend) just let loose with her testimony. Neira asked, did you receive and answer? She said, I know you were sent from God. For the 6 years that we've been married- living together, he's (her 'husband'-boyfriend) never shown interest in religion that much. But, he's liking everything that he's hearing. She was crying, I was crying, I think her man and my comp were crying too. It was really spiritual and emotional. Then Neira decided to share our story of how we found them, in third person of course. But he did slip up at one point, but finished the story. Two young men decided to pray to find people ready to receive the Gospel. They prayed, and went to a park to find these people they prayed to find. No one was there, one of them said, 'let's go home it's cold and windy', and the other said, 'no, let's wait a bit.' Then, they found a couple and shared a message, and knew that God sent them there. It was the Cardenas-Gil, that wonderful family we were teaching. It was funny, since Hna. Gil said they had a feeling to go all the way to Saugus (like 20 minute drive to Central Park) because they hadn't gone in a while. That same day, we prayed to find the elect there. So there you go, God blessed us. And, they've come 2 straight Sundays. The only thing is, we have to continue teaching them, converting through the Spirit and get them married! I think, I believe, that we can do this before this transfer ends! That would be amazing! I love them so much! I can see them in their whites being baptized, and even better being sealed in the holy temple in a year...as Elder Holland said in a talk, 'Oh Lord, it is enough.' I just love this work! Pres. Hinckley's dad as well as Pres. Benson had it right- work work work, there is no substitute for work to cure homesickness.
And, we have a great part-member family. Our buds Filli and Price went knocking with us, and they found them! The mother Emma is a member, father Jesus isn't a member. They have kids- all daughters- Emily (13), Lesley (9), and...a baby girl. But, 'Kika' or Lesley, is so awesome! We're teaching her so she can be baptized, and we're going to baptize her (hopefully) next week if all goes well. And, we want to extend a commitment to her dad soon after, because it's the best opportunity to do that. She was hilarious though! She's like Joseph Smith made his church and Christ made his. NO! I mean, well...Smith was the instrument to bring Christ's church to the earth again. And then she said that one time she went to a forest to pray like Joseph Smith did to receive an answer. Wow. That was cool. She did make us laugh a lot with all that she said...it was my first time teaching a kid so it was really interesting. In English too.
We didn't even have a chance to visit our golden investigators the Jaimes, but they came to church! We didn't even visit them, just called them, and they came! Man, this is amazing! We had another great moment contacting, praying to God to bless us with an elect. It was raining really hard in the desert area of Castaic/Val Verde, middle of nowhere. We get to the park, where we planned to contact, no one was there. The rain had just let up, and it was all wet and muddy. Then, right when we got there and waited around, a man walks up. My comp said, 'we're waiting for you.' He's like, 'what?' 'Yeah, God sent you to talk to us.' He had to go to the bathroom so he went to use it, came out, we taught a short message of Christ. The thing is, he had english classes in the building next to the park, but decided to go to the park to use the bathroom there. When we went to visit him, we saw that he had been reading the pamphlet we gave him. It was sitting on a table next to a window, just open. We couldn't find him since we went to the wrong place to meet him (his house when he wanted us to meet him at the park again). But, we did call him and we have another appointment with him. The windows of heaven are opening to us, and I see 8 baptisms this coming transfer. Or more.
Another investigator, 'Billy' Joel. Everyone calls him Billy, but his real name is Joel. He's a good friend of an english member in Stevenson Ranch, Brother Birchal, and Birchal wants us to teach him. We went to teach him, and man, he's one heckuva guy. He understands everything, he just has to ask God. He wants to come to church, possibly be baptized, and loves our services. He's a great guy! It helps that his friend, Brother Birchal, has great command of Spanish and teaches clearly and powerfully. He had to have been an AP or something, he's amazing! We took him down to the Mission President's Fireside in the Valley, and he liked it. He's progressing too, and I can't say how grateful I am to be here right now!
And, we found an old investigator. No one had visited them in a year, and the other elders didn't say anything about them on the record. We stop by, taught the wife Hna. Vinagre like a month ago. We stop by again, and teach her husband Hno. Camas. He wants to learn. He's honest, wants to learn, likes our lessons, and I think the Lord is slowly preparing him to be taught and to change. The blessings are coming! It's like a flood!
The work is progressing, and I can just see the vision of Pres. Hinckley of doubling convert baptisms. I can see double digit baptisms this transfer, easy, if we are obedient and bring the Spirit in every lesson we teach. Wow, I love this work!
I can't wait to talk to all of you! I'll talk to you later today Mom, can't wait! I'll be waiting at 3 pm.
I love you all! Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Irvine
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
December 17, 2007
Dear Irvines:
I found out that Neira and I are sticking together for at least another transfer. I can't wait! We've worked so hard and we've been blessed! A miracle happened yesterday at church- we had 12 investigators come as well as 3 less active families. I was overwhelmed to say the least. I was busy directing investigators to classes I lost track of my comp for a bit...we were all directing families here and there and saying good-bye to some since they had to go work, etc. It was hectic! So the work is golden over here, the ward leaders aren't. As Elder Holland said about the apostasy, there used to be golden priests and wooden chalices, but there were wooden priests and golden chalices. That's how I feel about the ward leaders to be honest. We work our hardest (this transfer has been the most tiring in my entire life!) and yet we don't get any help from the leaders. We told Pres. Goodrich about it so he arranged interviews with the stake president and the bishopric. They were a bit rude and indifferent to us at church. The bishop didn't go to PEC for very long and didn't say anything to us, just a 'oh yeah I'll get that list to you' and he's off. The first counselor was sarcastic in asking us if we'd want to be in charge of the elder's quorum (since nothing is being done), but the second counselor is the best of the bunch. He actually wants to help us. So the bishopric is against us, but you know what? We love the members, they (mostly) love us, and we love our investigators and vice versa (I hope). We get no help, so we're going to work and visit members and build up God's kingdom on earth in this valley. Me importa un pepino, an idiom that literally means, if you screw everything up, it doesn't matter to me I really don't care. So, we're just going to work as hard as we have been, and baptize these golden investigators. The chapel was full! We brought about half the congregation too! The only downside was that the services and classes weren't really uplifting because the talks were really long and one American spoke broken Spanish and confused people, and our classes consist of reading straight from the manual, with little input from others. We're going to try to train these leaders, if the bishop will let us. We'll see. The work is golden, the ward is going to be golden, yet everything is not perfect. Oh well, siga adelante! Go on, go forth!
We have been attending study sessions with the Adventist Church for at least 3 weeks, and went to their church for 2 weeks. I felt the Spirit stronger in their church than in our ward, but that's another matter. Two of them came to church yesterday too, just to see it for themselves, and we're going to teach them this week to gauge their interest level. They are the closest religion to the Church of Jesus Christ. They believe in tithing, prophets (though their last one is dead and was a woman), and the Bible. God-fearing, faithful, and really attentive and respectful people. We were talking about it- what if we baptized the Adventist church? They have better leaders, they're more organized...if we baptize them they could be the core of our ward! That'd be sweet! We're going to their study session on Wednesday night as usual, and we're going to bring questions to ask their pastor. He even introduced us in their church as the 'brothers from the Mormon Church', not exactly correct but at least he introduced us. They know the Bible so much better than our members too, it's embarrassing sometimes. In Gospel Doctrine, they brought up a topic and the teacher answered their question but not very well. Potential ward members! We'll see what happens.
We've been praying to contact an elect a day and to begin teaching them, and we've been blessed! The Cardenas-Gil family is golden! Almost as golden as the Jaimes! They're not married, but are working on it. They ask amazing questions in our lessons and they came to church yesterday! They are a gift from God! The Jaimes came yesterday too! All of them! The father usually works, and was working, but he came to church for an hour for sacrament meeting. What a sacrifice! They will be baptized soon! I can see the vision of President Hinckley, because I can see the potential these people have. As long as I do my part, work my hardest, pray my hardest, trust in Him, and be obedient, this work will just accelerate. This transfer went by so fast, it seemed like yesterday I got here!
The Lord is blessing us every single day, and I can't tell in words how happy I am to see 12 investigators and 3 less active families come to church and fill the chapel! I love this work, and most of all, I love this ward! The work will continue to progress...I know it! It isn't easy covering half of the valley, but it is worth all the work we put in. We are lead every day to find His elect by the Spirit. We knock doors that we feel we should, we visit people that we feel need us in that moment...oh man this is wonderful!
All is well, all is well! I love you all!
Love,
Elder Irvine
I found out that Neira and I are sticking together for at least another transfer. I can't wait! We've worked so hard and we've been blessed! A miracle happened yesterday at church- we had 12 investigators come as well as 3 less active families. I was overwhelmed to say the least. I was busy directing investigators to classes I lost track of my comp for a bit...we were all directing families here and there and saying good-bye to some since they had to go work, etc. It was hectic! So the work is golden over here, the ward leaders aren't. As Elder Holland said about the apostasy, there used to be golden priests and wooden chalices, but there were wooden priests and golden chalices. That's how I feel about the ward leaders to be honest. We work our hardest (this transfer has been the most tiring in my entire life!) and yet we don't get any help from the leaders. We told Pres. Goodrich about it so he arranged interviews with the stake president and the bishopric. They were a bit rude and indifferent to us at church. The bishop didn't go to PEC for very long and didn't say anything to us, just a 'oh yeah I'll get that list to you' and he's off. The first counselor was sarcastic in asking us if we'd want to be in charge of the elder's quorum (since nothing is being done), but the second counselor is the best of the bunch. He actually wants to help us. So the bishopric is against us, but you know what? We love the members, they (mostly) love us, and we love our investigators and vice versa (I hope). We get no help, so we're going to work and visit members and build up God's kingdom on earth in this valley. Me importa un pepino, an idiom that literally means, if you screw everything up, it doesn't matter to me I really don't care. So, we're just going to work as hard as we have been, and baptize these golden investigators. The chapel was full! We brought about half the congregation too! The only downside was that the services and classes weren't really uplifting because the talks were really long and one American spoke broken Spanish and confused people, and our classes consist of reading straight from the manual, with little input from others. We're going to try to train these leaders, if the bishop will let us. We'll see. The work is golden, the ward is going to be golden, yet everything is not perfect. Oh well, siga adelante! Go on, go forth!
We have been attending study sessions with the Adventist Church for at least 3 weeks, and went to their church for 2 weeks. I felt the Spirit stronger in their church than in our ward, but that's another matter. Two of them came to church yesterday too, just to see it for themselves, and we're going to teach them this week to gauge their interest level. They are the closest religion to the Church of Jesus Christ. They believe in tithing, prophets (though their last one is dead and was a woman), and the Bible. God-fearing, faithful, and really attentive and respectful people. We were talking about it- what if we baptized the Adventist church? They have better leaders, they're more organized...if we baptize them they could be the core of our ward! That'd be sweet! We're going to their study session on Wednesday night as usual, and we're going to bring questions to ask their pastor. He even introduced us in their church as the 'brothers from the Mormon Church', not exactly correct but at least he introduced us. They know the Bible so much better than our members too, it's embarrassing sometimes. In Gospel Doctrine, they brought up a topic and the teacher answered their question but not very well. Potential ward members! We'll see what happens.
We've been praying to contact an elect a day and to begin teaching them, and we've been blessed! The Cardenas-Gil family is golden! Almost as golden as the Jaimes! They're not married, but are working on it. They ask amazing questions in our lessons and they came to church yesterday! They are a gift from God! The Jaimes came yesterday too! All of them! The father usually works, and was working, but he came to church for an hour for sacrament meeting. What a sacrifice! They will be baptized soon! I can see the vision of President Hinckley, because I can see the potential these people have. As long as I do my part, work my hardest, pray my hardest, trust in Him, and be obedient, this work will just accelerate. This transfer went by so fast, it seemed like yesterday I got here!
The Lord is blessing us every single day, and I can't tell in words how happy I am to see 12 investigators and 3 less active families come to church and fill the chapel! I love this work, and most of all, I love this ward! The work will continue to progress...I know it! It isn't easy covering half of the valley, but it is worth all the work we put in. We are lead every day to find His elect by the Spirit. We knock doors that we feel we should, we visit people that we feel need us in that moment...oh man this is wonderful!
All is well, all is well! I love you all!
Love,
Elder Irvine
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
December 10, 2007
Querida Familia Irvine:
That's Steven for sure...slow and steady and misses the ride to church. That is really funny! I got left behind before, because I didn't want to go or I was sick...but not because of miscommunication (I'm about 90% sure...but you never know with my memory). As for the overcoat, depends on how much it costs to send the coat. If it's a lot, I'll just endure the cold because it's not worth a fortune. And, P-days are too short to get everything done including shopping for coats. As for packages, it'd be great! Talks on CD's, music, and whatever you feel like sending. I still haven't finished the food you sent me way back when, like the instant rice and stuff since the members feed us A LOT! Please don't send me too much this time!
Pres. Goodrich probably said I'll stay with my comp, who is amazing. I'm excited. But it's frustrating going through every week. Start the week off great, I love my investigators and I love teaching them with the Spirit. Then Sunday comes, and I get to church. The bishopric doesn't help us, they put our progress records (which are to be used to coordinate rides and visits with missionaries) aside in the clerk's office. The bishop is 'me me me' all the time. He went up in sacrament meeting and thanked everyone for coming to church. We doubled attendance this week because Neira and I visited almost every single person in the chapel yesterday. Never thanks us for the work that we do. He has no idea how tired we are and how the missionary work goes. I hate personal recognition, but the bishop just is up in the clouds with missionary work and loves to put us aside. I did this, I did that. I'm frustrated every week. Starts great, then ends with frustration. Every single week. It's getting annoying. I have the attitude, just get to work, Just Do It, like Nike says. But it's frustrating every week when we have to go visit every single member of the ward that covers 2 English stakes (9 wards) to get them to church. The Elder's Quorum President, I saw him for the first time yesterday this entire 6 weeks, because we stopped by his home. That goes for a lot of our less actives too. We don't have the manpower, we don't have the strength to do that every week. I am ticked, I can't say it any other way. I want to stay here, but something has to change here. Golden investigators, and a wooden bishop that doesn't help us. It's been a really tiring week on top of that.
So we're a missionary down since a sister missionary had to go home early due to sickness and one of ours got moved to cover her spot. 3 sister missionaries to cover 2 English wards and help us out, it's a lot of work to go bilingual. Saturday, we decided, we're going to cover part of their area- Canyon Country. We drove 70 miles that day. Back and forth between appointments, two blessings, finding referrals, trying to find some recent converts and teach them, went contacting in the local park, then back to our area to eat dinner. Honestly, that was the most tiring day of my life. After dinner, we went to another appointment and got home really late (10 pm, half an hour late) and just crashed. We worked 10 am to 10 pm non-stop. I was so tired that when we got back from church yesterday, I took an hour and a half nap. And I was still tired, such is the work! Elder Neira is getting really frustrated with the 'support' of the bishop as well as the huge area we cover, so he suggested to Pres. Goodrich that I train this coming transfer and cover half of our area to cut down on miles he has to drive. That'd be sweet! But, it's the Lord's will, not mine.
Saturday was, by far, the best day even though it was the busiest ever! We went to an investigator's home, she wasn't home so we're dropping her. We ended up going to a less active's house, the Santillan's, whose Christian daughter called us blasphemers not too long ago. I didn't want to go, but Neira was like 'c'mon Elder Irvine' so we did. We get there and knock on the door, the daughter opens the door and had us come in. We found out that her mom, the member, nearly died half and hour ago with severe drops in sugar level. And, her mom prayed for the missionaries to come. Her daughter knew it was an answer to her mother's prayer. We helped her move some things around the home, and sat down to talk. They gave us tamales and then, the bombshell. The daughter said that her trials are overwhelming, and that she wants to read the Bible and gain comfort from it. She asked us *gasp* to teach her from the scriptures. What a change! The first time I went there I nearly cried because she called us blasphemers, and now she wants us to teach her? Wow! So that was a pleasant surprise (understatement). We went to another investigator's home, not home, so we went to give a blessing to a member in Canyon Country and took a 15 minute nap. It was good, because we needed it later. Zipped in, blessed her son with a blessing of comfort. The mother is a perfectionist, poor kid, she was mad he wasn't being the #1 student and was just being pretty mean in my opinion. So we zipped over to another member, who is really sick. We gave her a blessing and left to find a referral. We got lost a bit, and finally found it. Not home. Along the way, we stopped the car when we saw two black hoodlums walking. We asked them directions, 'Hey, do you know where West Ness is?' and the kid closest to us shook and freaked out. Then they said, 'Naw, man' and we finally found it. It was hilarious! If you saw his reaction, oh my goodness! That made my day. So the referral wasn't home, and we ended up getting stood up by a recent convert (he forgot about the lesson he told us later). Quick lunch then off to contact in the park IN THE COLD. It was at least 40 plus wind chill. But, we found an elect family. This entire week, we've had some trouble finding the elect. We set an hour apart in a specific place to find an elect, and we finally got one on Saturday! We're going to teach them in the next few days. Frozen, but excited, we found another recent convert and cleared up some of his doubts about priesthood, then finally went back to Newhall, 30 minutes away. Less active wasn't home, so we went to eat dinner...which was just fantastic! Eating dinner at the Umana's is like going to a buffett, he gives us a LOT of food! And, he's an RM so he knows what's up with the ward. He's our ear, our inside man. We finished the ward mission plan on his comp and gave it to him. We got to the Jaimes' home 30 minutes late, but our member fellowshippers were there! I love familia Ceja! We taught and testified about the Holy Ghost, and the Spirit was strong. We got home, planned, and crashed really fast. I have never been so tired than I was Saturday. And guess what, the mother, daughter, and son came to church yesterday! The oldest son is in Mexico with the soccer team and the dad was busy. But, they are progressing! I was so happy to see them yesterday. The Lord is blessing us with the elect, two days in a row, and we are still going to go out there and do His work. Regardless of what happens, I'm going to be His representative and going to do His work and His will.
Something my comp pointed out to me was that we are literally God's representatives, that people reject us, they reject God. We can't disobey the rules, because we are in His stead. It's as if we are Him when we are in the mission field. It's motivated me to be a better missionary, to actually make good contacts, teaching moments, whatever you call them, on the streets. My brothers and sisters are waiting for this Gospel, I just have to testify and teach. What a great message, what a marvelous work!
I am sad to say, I am hitting my 6 month mark. I am sad, I don't want time to fly so fast! I want to go back to the beginning and do it over again! I don't want to look back and say...if I only had done this...or that...if I only had the knowledge I have now.
I love this mission, I love this work, I, most of all, love my Savior Jesus Christ. He has blessed me with the gift of tongues, He has picked me up from the lowest points of the mission so far, and He has blessed me immensely. How I love my Lord, my God! As Alma says, if I were an angel of God and go about with the trump of God!
I love you all, and I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Elder Irvine
That's Steven for sure...slow and steady and misses the ride to church. That is really funny! I got left behind before, because I didn't want to go or I was sick...but not because of miscommunication (I'm about 90% sure...but you never know with my memory). As for the overcoat, depends on how much it costs to send the coat. If it's a lot, I'll just endure the cold because it's not worth a fortune. And, P-days are too short to get everything done including shopping for coats. As for packages, it'd be great! Talks on CD's, music, and whatever you feel like sending. I still haven't finished the food you sent me way back when, like the instant rice and stuff since the members feed us A LOT! Please don't send me too much this time!
Pres. Goodrich probably said I'll stay with my comp, who is amazing. I'm excited. But it's frustrating going through every week. Start the week off great, I love my investigators and I love teaching them with the Spirit. Then Sunday comes, and I get to church. The bishopric doesn't help us, they put our progress records (which are to be used to coordinate rides and visits with missionaries) aside in the clerk's office. The bishop is 'me me me' all the time. He went up in sacrament meeting and thanked everyone for coming to church. We doubled attendance this week because Neira and I visited almost every single person in the chapel yesterday. Never thanks us for the work that we do. He has no idea how tired we are and how the missionary work goes. I hate personal recognition, but the bishop just is up in the clouds with missionary work and loves to put us aside. I did this, I did that. I'm frustrated every week. Starts great, then ends with frustration. Every single week. It's getting annoying. I have the attitude, just get to work, Just Do It, like Nike says. But it's frustrating every week when we have to go visit every single member of the ward that covers 2 English stakes (9 wards) to get them to church. The Elder's Quorum President, I saw him for the first time yesterday this entire 6 weeks, because we stopped by his home. That goes for a lot of our less actives too. We don't have the manpower, we don't have the strength to do that every week. I am ticked, I can't say it any other way. I want to stay here, but something has to change here. Golden investigators, and a wooden bishop that doesn't help us. It's been a really tiring week on top of that.
So we're a missionary down since a sister missionary had to go home early due to sickness and one of ours got moved to cover her spot. 3 sister missionaries to cover 2 English wards and help us out, it's a lot of work to go bilingual. Saturday, we decided, we're going to cover part of their area- Canyon Country. We drove 70 miles that day. Back and forth between appointments, two blessings, finding referrals, trying to find some recent converts and teach them, went contacting in the local park, then back to our area to eat dinner. Honestly, that was the most tiring day of my life. After dinner, we went to another appointment and got home really late (10 pm, half an hour late) and just crashed. We worked 10 am to 10 pm non-stop. I was so tired that when we got back from church yesterday, I took an hour and a half nap. And I was still tired, such is the work! Elder Neira is getting really frustrated with the 'support' of the bishop as well as the huge area we cover, so he suggested to Pres. Goodrich that I train this coming transfer and cover half of our area to cut down on miles he has to drive. That'd be sweet! But, it's the Lord's will, not mine.
Saturday was, by far, the best day even though it was the busiest ever! We went to an investigator's home, she wasn't home so we're dropping her. We ended up going to a less active's house, the Santillan's, whose Christian daughter called us blasphemers not too long ago. I didn't want to go, but Neira was like 'c'mon Elder Irvine' so we did. We get there and knock on the door, the daughter opens the door and had us come in. We found out that her mom, the member, nearly died half and hour ago with severe drops in sugar level. And, her mom prayed for the missionaries to come. Her daughter knew it was an answer to her mother's prayer. We helped her move some things around the home, and sat down to talk. They gave us tamales and then, the bombshell. The daughter said that her trials are overwhelming, and that she wants to read the Bible and gain comfort from it. She asked us *gasp* to teach her from the scriptures. What a change! The first time I went there I nearly cried because she called us blasphemers, and now she wants us to teach her? Wow! So that was a pleasant surprise (understatement). We went to another investigator's home, not home, so we went to give a blessing to a member in Canyon Country and took a 15 minute nap. It was good, because we needed it later. Zipped in, blessed her son with a blessing of comfort. The mother is a perfectionist, poor kid, she was mad he wasn't being the #1 student and was just being pretty mean in my opinion. So we zipped over to another member, who is really sick. We gave her a blessing and left to find a referral. We got lost a bit, and finally found it. Not home. Along the way, we stopped the car when we saw two black hoodlums walking. We asked them directions, 'Hey, do you know where West Ness is?' and the kid closest to us shook and freaked out. Then they said, 'Naw, man' and we finally found it. It was hilarious! If you saw his reaction, oh my goodness! That made my day. So the referral wasn't home, and we ended up getting stood up by a recent convert (he forgot about the lesson he told us later). Quick lunch then off to contact in the park IN THE COLD. It was at least 40 plus wind chill. But, we found an elect family. This entire week, we've had some trouble finding the elect. We set an hour apart in a specific place to find an elect, and we finally got one on Saturday! We're going to teach them in the next few days. Frozen, but excited, we found another recent convert and cleared up some of his doubts about priesthood, then finally went back to Newhall, 30 minutes away. Less active wasn't home, so we went to eat dinner...which was just fantastic! Eating dinner at the Umana's is like going to a buffett, he gives us a LOT of food! And, he's an RM so he knows what's up with the ward. He's our ear, our inside man. We finished the ward mission plan on his comp and gave it to him. We got to the Jaimes' home 30 minutes late, but our member fellowshippers were there! I love familia Ceja! We taught and testified about the Holy Ghost, and the Spirit was strong. We got home, planned, and crashed really fast. I have never been so tired than I was Saturday. And guess what, the mother, daughter, and son came to church yesterday! The oldest son is in Mexico with the soccer team and the dad was busy. But, they are progressing! I was so happy to see them yesterday. The Lord is blessing us with the elect, two days in a row, and we are still going to go out there and do His work. Regardless of what happens, I'm going to be His representative and going to do His work and His will.
Something my comp pointed out to me was that we are literally God's representatives, that people reject us, they reject God. We can't disobey the rules, because we are in His stead. It's as if we are Him when we are in the mission field. It's motivated me to be a better missionary, to actually make good contacts, teaching moments, whatever you call them, on the streets. My brothers and sisters are waiting for this Gospel, I just have to testify and teach. What a great message, what a marvelous work!
I am sad to say, I am hitting my 6 month mark. I am sad, I don't want time to fly so fast! I want to go back to the beginning and do it over again! I don't want to look back and say...if I only had done this...or that...if I only had the knowledge I have now.
I love this mission, I love this work, I, most of all, love my Savior Jesus Christ. He has blessed me with the gift of tongues, He has picked me up from the lowest points of the mission so far, and He has blessed me immensely. How I love my Lord, my God! As Alma says, if I were an angel of God and go about with the trump of God!
I love you all, and I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Elder Irvine
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
December 3, 2007
Estimada Familia Irvine:
My esteemed family from Maryland! Life is great! Not really, but it could be worse. And, it's getting really cold nowadays...I'd never thought I'd see the day where California froze over! It's cold! 60's all night...brrr! I have a sweater I bought down in the Valley but I'm probably going to buy a coat or something when I get the time...or you could send me one but I think it'd be better to find one at Ross or Marshall's.
This week has gone by fast! I only have a few weeks left in this transfer! Ah! We had exchanges this past week again, which was weird since my old comp Sandoval never went on exchanges with the other elders (district leaders are supposed to do it...he didn't...whatever). I was with the greenie Elder Price. I felt terrible because he's kind of quiet, and I talked the entire day so I wouldn't be bored. And I taught the lessons too, even set a baptismal date with one of their investigators, Eduardo. It was strange. I was sitting there, talking about the lesson about the Atonement...then a voice said...set a baptismal date. I thought..pssh yeah right he's not even my investigator! Then again, set a baptismal date. I got strength and committed him to baptism. That was strange. And his wife recently opened up to the other elders in my district (Price and Fillingim), so I guess that lesson helped her a bit even though she didn't listen to us...somehow. It was really great though! Elder Price testifies with power that I haven't seen. Greenie power- don't know much, so testify of what you do know, and the Spirit comes in like someone opened floodgates. I cried in another lesson because the Spirit was very strong (thanks to Elder Price's testimony) and I translated for him a bit, he's having a rought time with Spanish. And, we encouraged them to pray and read the Book of Mormon. It helps having their priest, Father Hans, on our side. He's encouraging them to listen to us missionaries. Father Hans, a Catholic priest, lives in my area in the desert of Castaic and knows our church is true, but won't be baptized unless he can usher in his flock to us. A great man. He's a very good friend of President Goodrich too. On the flip side, Elder Neira and Elder Filli (call him that for short) called my investigators to repentance! A part-member family was stunned, especially the non-member father Gaspar. Neira said that when he said, 'we came as friends, but we come now as missionaries of Jesus Christ' they were confused. Neira said, 'God has blessed you with a family, and you are to take care of them. If you don't do what God sent you to do, He will take your family away from you forever.' And, he said he'd be baptized in time. He had never really cared what we taught him, but this time, according to Neira, he cared and listened. As for our prime investigators, the Jaimes, they were called to repentance too! Apparently the father was crying and asking for forgiveness for not going to church. Wow...I'm kinda happy I wasn't there because it seems a bit crazy! Exchanges were ridiculous! The work is progressing, and the investigators are amazing! One of them, Betsy Hernandez, is a bit crazy I have to say. But, she comes to church uninvited (we were 50-50 on dropping her) and to a baptismal service with her member friend, Hna. Ana Ocampo. What??!!! She stood us up several times and then flips around and goes to church and stuff? Wow! This work is great, but we do have our issues.
The ward might be broken up into a branch again, or dissolved completely. The bishop is overwhelmed, his counselors are so-so, and no one does anything (except a select few). Let's start from the beginning. We only have a few member presents a week. Those are the only members willing to help us. Also, we do all the home and visiting teaching. And thirdly, was last night. First Presidency Devotional. We invited investigators to come and watch it. We get there, they had a baptism for an 8 year old going on! I thought it would've ended by then half an hour later (naive I know, but c'mon!). They scheduled it for 6:30 in the room that they were going to broadcast in Spanish. So, the baptism goes until 7:30. We sat in the English session waiting for the baptism to end to start the one in Spanish for our investigator Betsy. I was angry! They knew we'd invited investigators to the devotional, yet they thought it was convenient to schedule a baptism at the same time! They went to eat refreshments and didn't start it (they had a tape) until 8:15, by then it was too late since it's an hour long. Where are the priorities? Yes, it's great to see a baptism. But what about the mission work? If they're so 'committed' to mission work, can they at least tell us what is going on? I ended up not seeing much of the broadcast, only a few songs and the talk by Pres. Eyring (which was fantastic). I couldn't believe it. So our investigator saw the tail end of the baptismal service, the introductions and all, and didn't see the broadcast. Our goal: get her to see the Prophet speak and gain a testimony. Ended up going to see a girl being introduced into the Church. Great, I know, but the ward didn't help us at all with this confusion. Frustrated, we talked to mission president. His response: I'll break up the Spanish ward completely if they're not helping the missionaries. When we got home, I felt terrible. If the mission work goes only English, we lose our investigators and they lose their chance to be baptized. The guilt goes on the heads of the ward leaders, who just can't get it together. I don't want that, but we'll see what happens. This ward is in shambles, and I don't know if I can go and serve to build up a ward. That isn't exactly what I had in mind coming out to California. But, if it's the Lord's will, I'll just go to work, and hope they'll help us someday. I have to ask, 'why am I here right now?' I can't believe it.
It doesn't help the ward is disorganized. We came to the conclusion that our investigators don't come to church because the ward isn't ready to receive them, which is what I think and believe seeing what's been going on recently. So, we'll encourage them to go to church, but I feel if they don't come, it could be a good thing. Yesterday, our teacher in priesthood taught false doctrine on how to ordain and bless people (and we corrected him). Argh! Why?
Also, Elder Price cut my hair last night. Problem is, he shaved my head, almost. So basically I'll have to tell Sister Goodrich and President Goodrich what happened this week at President interviews. I told him to use a 2 for the sides! Instead he shaves it all off (and messes up the back of the head)....just great! Oh well, now I look like a monk!
This area is amazing, but the ward isn't! I hope this ward won't be broken up, but we'll see what happens...it's the Lord's will not ours of course. I'll just keep working and doing what I need to, to find the elect and baptize them!
It's frustrating to know other elders are getting baptisms right and left...and I have none. I guess I'll have to be more hard-working and worthy. I don't think there's any other way. Comparison is of the devil, but it's so hard not to have that joyful feeling in seeing an investigator go and be baptized. That someone that you love so much and they take that big step...it is frustrating! I just have to work, and make sure I'm being absolutely obedient.
I love you all, and I hope all is well in the Irvine home.
Love,
Elder Irvine
My esteemed family from Maryland! Life is great! Not really, but it could be worse. And, it's getting really cold nowadays...I'd never thought I'd see the day where California froze over! It's cold! 60's all night...brrr! I have a sweater I bought down in the Valley but I'm probably going to buy a coat or something when I get the time...or you could send me one but I think it'd be better to find one at Ross or Marshall's.
This week has gone by fast! I only have a few weeks left in this transfer! Ah! We had exchanges this past week again, which was weird since my old comp Sandoval never went on exchanges with the other elders (district leaders are supposed to do it...he didn't...whatever). I was with the greenie Elder Price. I felt terrible because he's kind of quiet, and I talked the entire day so I wouldn't be bored. And I taught the lessons too, even set a baptismal date with one of their investigators, Eduardo. It was strange. I was sitting there, talking about the lesson about the Atonement...then a voice said...set a baptismal date. I thought..pssh yeah right he's not even my investigator! Then again, set a baptismal date. I got strength and committed him to baptism. That was strange. And his wife recently opened up to the other elders in my district (Price and Fillingim), so I guess that lesson helped her a bit even though she didn't listen to us...somehow. It was really great though! Elder Price testifies with power that I haven't seen. Greenie power- don't know much, so testify of what you do know, and the Spirit comes in like someone opened floodgates. I cried in another lesson because the Spirit was very strong (thanks to Elder Price's testimony) and I translated for him a bit, he's having a rought time with Spanish. And, we encouraged them to pray and read the Book of Mormon. It helps having their priest, Father Hans, on our side. He's encouraging them to listen to us missionaries. Father Hans, a Catholic priest, lives in my area in the desert of Castaic and knows our church is true, but won't be baptized unless he can usher in his flock to us. A great man. He's a very good friend of President Goodrich too. On the flip side, Elder Neira and Elder Filli (call him that for short) called my investigators to repentance! A part-member family was stunned, especially the non-member father Gaspar. Neira said that when he said, 'we came as friends, but we come now as missionaries of Jesus Christ' they were confused. Neira said, 'God has blessed you with a family, and you are to take care of them. If you don't do what God sent you to do, He will take your family away from you forever.' And, he said he'd be baptized in time. He had never really cared what we taught him, but this time, according to Neira, he cared and listened. As for our prime investigators, the Jaimes, they were called to repentance too! Apparently the father was crying and asking for forgiveness for not going to church. Wow...I'm kinda happy I wasn't there because it seems a bit crazy! Exchanges were ridiculous! The work is progressing, and the investigators are amazing! One of them, Betsy Hernandez, is a bit crazy I have to say. But, she comes to church uninvited (we were 50-50 on dropping her) and to a baptismal service with her member friend, Hna. Ana Ocampo. What??!!! She stood us up several times and then flips around and goes to church and stuff? Wow! This work is great, but we do have our issues.
The ward might be broken up into a branch again, or dissolved completely. The bishop is overwhelmed, his counselors are so-so, and no one does anything (except a select few). Let's start from the beginning. We only have a few member presents a week. Those are the only members willing to help us. Also, we do all the home and visiting teaching. And thirdly, was last night. First Presidency Devotional. We invited investigators to come and watch it. We get there, they had a baptism for an 8 year old going on! I thought it would've ended by then half an hour later (naive I know, but c'mon!). They scheduled it for 6:30 in the room that they were going to broadcast in Spanish. So, the baptism goes until 7:30. We sat in the English session waiting for the baptism to end to start the one in Spanish for our investigator Betsy. I was angry! They knew we'd invited investigators to the devotional, yet they thought it was convenient to schedule a baptism at the same time! They went to eat refreshments and didn't start it (they had a tape) until 8:15, by then it was too late since it's an hour long. Where are the priorities? Yes, it's great to see a baptism. But what about the mission work? If they're so 'committed' to mission work, can they at least tell us what is going on? I ended up not seeing much of the broadcast, only a few songs and the talk by Pres. Eyring (which was fantastic). I couldn't believe it. So our investigator saw the tail end of the baptismal service, the introductions and all, and didn't see the broadcast. Our goal: get her to see the Prophet speak and gain a testimony. Ended up going to see a girl being introduced into the Church. Great, I know, but the ward didn't help us at all with this confusion. Frustrated, we talked to mission president. His response: I'll break up the Spanish ward completely if they're not helping the missionaries. When we got home, I felt terrible. If the mission work goes only English, we lose our investigators and they lose their chance to be baptized. The guilt goes on the heads of the ward leaders, who just can't get it together. I don't want that, but we'll see what happens. This ward is in shambles, and I don't know if I can go and serve to build up a ward. That isn't exactly what I had in mind coming out to California. But, if it's the Lord's will, I'll just go to work, and hope they'll help us someday. I have to ask, 'why am I here right now?' I can't believe it.
It doesn't help the ward is disorganized. We came to the conclusion that our investigators don't come to church because the ward isn't ready to receive them, which is what I think and believe seeing what's been going on recently. So, we'll encourage them to go to church, but I feel if they don't come, it could be a good thing. Yesterday, our teacher in priesthood taught false doctrine on how to ordain and bless people (and we corrected him). Argh! Why?
Also, Elder Price cut my hair last night. Problem is, he shaved my head, almost. So basically I'll have to tell Sister Goodrich and President Goodrich what happened this week at President interviews. I told him to use a 2 for the sides! Instead he shaves it all off (and messes up the back of the head)....just great! Oh well, now I look like a monk!
This area is amazing, but the ward isn't! I hope this ward won't be broken up, but we'll see what happens...it's the Lord's will not ours of course. I'll just keep working and doing what I need to, to find the elect and baptize them!
It's frustrating to know other elders are getting baptisms right and left...and I have none. I guess I'll have to be more hard-working and worthy. I don't think there's any other way. Comparison is of the devil, but it's so hard not to have that joyful feeling in seeing an investigator go and be baptized. That someone that you love so much and they take that big step...it is frustrating! I just have to work, and make sure I'm being absolutely obedient.
I love you all, and I hope all is well in the Irvine home.
Love,
Elder Irvine
November 26, 2007
Dear Irvine Family:
I'm sure I sent a memory card that has pictures on it. If it doesn't have anything on it...that means I lost all those pictures...oh well. I didn't have time to print out pictures since there isn't a Wal-Mart close enough to the apartment to zip in and out quick. I hope it works...if not I guess you'll have to send it back to me so I can see what's going on. Try it with a different camera or something, it should work. And, could you please get me Kristy's address so I can write her back?
Sports...it doesn't seem as important anymore. But thanks for the updates once in a while, to keep my inner sports self going. I always knew BYU was better than Utah anyways...as for Sean Taylor...that kid is straight up dumb. Just wasting his life away.
I hope Thanksgiving went well for all of you...we had a zone touch football game and then...we went to work! No breaks! Happy Late Thanksgiving!
This week has gone by so fast! My comp is seriously tempted to rebuke our investigators and less actives for not coming to church, by using the priesthood to seal his testimony. I think he's going overboard, so I'm not going to do that. I'm frustrated, of course, but come on! Only when the Spirit guides, and my comp knows that. But this week has been utterly ridiculous. One thing that I can't stand are liars. We contact people and they lie to us. Sabes que? Know what? They condemn themselves everytime they lie to missionaries, because they know we're Christ's representatives. We met a guy from Castaic, about half an hour away from our apartment. He told us to meet him at his house. He called us too. Gave us a wrong phone number, and a fake address too. When we got up there, we couldn't reach him and we couldn't find his address. We got lost on top of that on the way up, since a member was going to feed us dinner and he lives off a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. It was a very frustrating Tuesday. We've had a few less actives lie to us too. Rosario, for example. Yeah, her son has been baptized. Whenever we stop by, she's never home. Never. And, we had set the appointment with her previously. So, we can't ever teach her son the transition lessons. This other less active told us a wrong address. Same old, same old. They know they're doing things wrong, they just don't want to change. We did find a less active walking around our area though. My comp has been looking for her for two months...so something good did come from all this. We had zone conference this week, which is always great to have. One of the AP's, Elder Monson (speaks only English), gave his last training in zone conference...he goes home in a few weeks. It was yesterday that he had a few transfers left...wow. I can't believe how fast time flies. Zone conference was great, especially when Elder Monson said he wished that he had taught more about the Atonement and how it applied to our investigators. He said that at the end of his mission he is only realizing how important it is to everyone, and how it can lead people to realize they need to change. Right after that, we applied it in our lessons. Atonement, Christ died for your sins, you can be clean only through His Gospel and Church. I think it has changed my focus in the lessons. Without the Atonement, they won't change. With it, and if they understand it, they will change. Haven't had immediate success yet, but we'll see. I realized how important Christ is in my life, and how I can be clean everyday. I see why we need so many meetings sometimes, because missionaries can easily be discouraged.
But, I have to say, we did have one amazing appointment last Monday. We had some problems with this one potential, Elvia Aguirre. She's Christian, immersed in her church, and didn't want us to talk about Joseph Smith. Well, I thought, might as well drop her, but we went and taught her anyways. We prepared, step by step, a lesson that would explain why Christ's church is on the earth now, and why it's so important to join His church. Basically, a lesson focused on Apostasy. It was picture perfect. No stone unturned, no concept unexplained or left incomplete. It was pretty amazing. I couldn't believe it myself. Her husband was open-minded, so we have a good potential. We'll see what happens today when we go teach them. That was so amazing that I think that was the best lesson we've had all week. The Spirit was there, they understood what we taught, and especially a need for a Restoration of Christ's church. Wow, we were blessed!
Yesterday, Sunday, was Mission President's fireside for investigators, and we couldn't make it. One, because our investigator didn't have enough money, if any, to pay for gas to go down to the Valley. Second, because no one else wanted or 'couldn't' go with us. I was frustrated. I couldn't believe it. No one was home, no one could make it, no one had time. Discouraged, we went to a member's home to see if he could help. He couldn't, he had to go with the rest of the bishopric to visit some members with issues. This member, Hno. Umana, is a stud. Stud missionary, stud counselor, stud. We called all our investigators from his house, and members...no one could help us. So he raised our spirits with a few stories from his mission, and I was energized again! Frustrated, yes. Disappointed, of course. But, I decided to do my best to bring or invite these people, if they said no, that's okay. We ended up visiting a recent convert, gave him a blessing of health. We visited a member, and we talked to the mother of her daughter's friend. And, we found our other potential investigator hanging out with her. Sweet! And, we taught another potential investigator, and he actually understood what we said and paid attention. The fireside fell through, but we were able to do more work as a result. The Lord works in mysterious ways sometimes. But, I hate liars and excuse-makers. Condemnation on their heads. Especially lying less actives ('no, he's not home' the wife says, when the little son said 'my dad's watching television'....'oh I'll be home then' and they're not home...). Dust them off and move on.
The worst part of it, is the 'ward'. I don't know if I want to call it that. I have never seen a sadder ward. If that's a word or term. No pianist, we had to sing acapella for a bit until some help arrived. We blessed and passed the Sacrament. We get no help from members in lessons. They're apathetic...yeah I'll go to church but nah...no nights out with missionaries. Just a few choice ones. What makes it worse is that we have to ask the bishop to fellowship some investigators when he's already swamped with things to do. We have no priesthood support. They don't do Family Home Evenings. They don't care about missionary work. Is this Zion? I wish I could say yes...but a work in progress. PEC is a waste of an hour...no one helps us anyways so why make a progress record when no one cares? We cover half of the valley...and have no help from members. Ridiculous. I asked, 'why am I here?', only to answer myself with, 'get to work, someone is waiting for you, and this work will go forth.' I have to say, it'll take time for this ward to be built up. A while. This is not going to be easy (who said it would be?).
I ran into a friend of mine from BYU, who was in my student ward. What a coincidence... Danny Ramirez of California and he's in the AP's ward. That was weird hearing my name and seeing Dan in his BMW on his way home from church. He's putting in his mission papers...awesome!
I bought a copy of the soon-to-be-taught Teachings of Joseph Smith book, and I've learned a lot in the few times I've read it. I love it, and every time I read it, I gain a testimony of what he taught, and especially that he was a prophet of God. Two things that struck me. First, infants that die in infancy are choice spirits, only here for a brief time to obtain a body then return to their Heavenly Father. They are that special they only need a short time to obtain a body then return to the Father's presence. I had never thought of that before. Why do babies die? Because they were spirits so ready to do His will they didn't even need this time of probation. It's humbling to me to know that. They didn't even need a trial, they already proved themselves in heaven. Second, that members who apostatize can never leave the Church alone. Joseph Smith said, that when one is baptized they chose God's plan. But, as they left pride take them away, they chose Satan's plan. Like Judas betrayed Jesus, apostate members betray God and their brethren and will be burned up. They cannot leave the Church alone because they are evil, like Satan, and cannot leave the Church alone, because it is just, as God is just and pure. And, the Spirit of God withdraws from them. I had never thought of that before. Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, there is no doubt in my mind. 'Praise to the Man, who communed with Jehovah...Jesus annointed that Prophet and Seer...'
I love you all. I hope all is well. This is but a short time, but a short moment as the Lord told Joseph Smith. Am I better than He, who suffered all? I'm not alone, thanks to God's mercy.
I love you all, the best family in the entire world! May God keep you safe.
Love,
Elder Irvine
I'm sure I sent a memory card that has pictures on it. If it doesn't have anything on it...that means I lost all those pictures...oh well. I didn't have time to print out pictures since there isn't a Wal-Mart close enough to the apartment to zip in and out quick. I hope it works...if not I guess you'll have to send it back to me so I can see what's going on. Try it with a different camera or something, it should work. And, could you please get me Kristy's address so I can write her back?
Sports...it doesn't seem as important anymore. But thanks for the updates once in a while, to keep my inner sports self going. I always knew BYU was better than Utah anyways...as for Sean Taylor...that kid is straight up dumb. Just wasting his life away.
I hope Thanksgiving went well for all of you...we had a zone touch football game and then...we went to work! No breaks! Happy Late Thanksgiving!
This week has gone by so fast! My comp is seriously tempted to rebuke our investigators and less actives for not coming to church, by using the priesthood to seal his testimony. I think he's going overboard, so I'm not going to do that. I'm frustrated, of course, but come on! Only when the Spirit guides, and my comp knows that. But this week has been utterly ridiculous. One thing that I can't stand are liars. We contact people and they lie to us. Sabes que? Know what? They condemn themselves everytime they lie to missionaries, because they know we're Christ's representatives. We met a guy from Castaic, about half an hour away from our apartment. He told us to meet him at his house. He called us too. Gave us a wrong phone number, and a fake address too. When we got up there, we couldn't reach him and we couldn't find his address. We got lost on top of that on the way up, since a member was going to feed us dinner and he lives off a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. It was a very frustrating Tuesday. We've had a few less actives lie to us too. Rosario, for example. Yeah, her son has been baptized. Whenever we stop by, she's never home. Never. And, we had set the appointment with her previously. So, we can't ever teach her son the transition lessons. This other less active told us a wrong address. Same old, same old. They know they're doing things wrong, they just don't want to change. We did find a less active walking around our area though. My comp has been looking for her for two months...so something good did come from all this. We had zone conference this week, which is always great to have. One of the AP's, Elder Monson (speaks only English), gave his last training in zone conference...he goes home in a few weeks. It was yesterday that he had a few transfers left...wow. I can't believe how fast time flies. Zone conference was great, especially when Elder Monson said he wished that he had taught more about the Atonement and how it applied to our investigators. He said that at the end of his mission he is only realizing how important it is to everyone, and how it can lead people to realize they need to change. Right after that, we applied it in our lessons. Atonement, Christ died for your sins, you can be clean only through His Gospel and Church. I think it has changed my focus in the lessons. Without the Atonement, they won't change. With it, and if they understand it, they will change. Haven't had immediate success yet, but we'll see. I realized how important Christ is in my life, and how I can be clean everyday. I see why we need so many meetings sometimes, because missionaries can easily be discouraged.
But, I have to say, we did have one amazing appointment last Monday. We had some problems with this one potential, Elvia Aguirre. She's Christian, immersed in her church, and didn't want us to talk about Joseph Smith. Well, I thought, might as well drop her, but we went and taught her anyways. We prepared, step by step, a lesson that would explain why Christ's church is on the earth now, and why it's so important to join His church. Basically, a lesson focused on Apostasy. It was picture perfect. No stone unturned, no concept unexplained or left incomplete. It was pretty amazing. I couldn't believe it myself. Her husband was open-minded, so we have a good potential. We'll see what happens today when we go teach them. That was so amazing that I think that was the best lesson we've had all week. The Spirit was there, they understood what we taught, and especially a need for a Restoration of Christ's church. Wow, we were blessed!
Yesterday, Sunday, was Mission President's fireside for investigators, and we couldn't make it. One, because our investigator didn't have enough money, if any, to pay for gas to go down to the Valley. Second, because no one else wanted or 'couldn't' go with us. I was frustrated. I couldn't believe it. No one was home, no one could make it, no one had time. Discouraged, we went to a member's home to see if he could help. He couldn't, he had to go with the rest of the bishopric to visit some members with issues. This member, Hno. Umana, is a stud. Stud missionary, stud counselor, stud. We called all our investigators from his house, and members...no one could help us. So he raised our spirits with a few stories from his mission, and I was energized again! Frustrated, yes. Disappointed, of course. But, I decided to do my best to bring or invite these people, if they said no, that's okay. We ended up visiting a recent convert, gave him a blessing of health. We visited a member, and we talked to the mother of her daughter's friend. And, we found our other potential investigator hanging out with her. Sweet! And, we taught another potential investigator, and he actually understood what we said and paid attention. The fireside fell through, but we were able to do more work as a result. The Lord works in mysterious ways sometimes. But, I hate liars and excuse-makers. Condemnation on their heads. Especially lying less actives ('no, he's not home' the wife says, when the little son said 'my dad's watching television'....'oh I'll be home then' and they're not home...). Dust them off and move on.
The worst part of it, is the 'ward'. I don't know if I want to call it that. I have never seen a sadder ward. If that's a word or term. No pianist, we had to sing acapella for a bit until some help arrived. We blessed and passed the Sacrament. We get no help from members in lessons. They're apathetic...yeah I'll go to church but nah...no nights out with missionaries. Just a few choice ones. What makes it worse is that we have to ask the bishop to fellowship some investigators when he's already swamped with things to do. We have no priesthood support. They don't do Family Home Evenings. They don't care about missionary work. Is this Zion? I wish I could say yes...but a work in progress. PEC is a waste of an hour...no one helps us anyways so why make a progress record when no one cares? We cover half of the valley...and have no help from members. Ridiculous. I asked, 'why am I here?', only to answer myself with, 'get to work, someone is waiting for you, and this work will go forth.' I have to say, it'll take time for this ward to be built up. A while. This is not going to be easy (who said it would be?).
I ran into a friend of mine from BYU, who was in my student ward. What a coincidence... Danny Ramirez of California and he's in the AP's ward. That was weird hearing my name and seeing Dan in his BMW on his way home from church. He's putting in his mission papers...awesome!
I bought a copy of the soon-to-be-taught Teachings of Joseph Smith book, and I've learned a lot in the few times I've read it. I love it, and every time I read it, I gain a testimony of what he taught, and especially that he was a prophet of God. Two things that struck me. First, infants that die in infancy are choice spirits, only here for a brief time to obtain a body then return to their Heavenly Father. They are that special they only need a short time to obtain a body then return to the Father's presence. I had never thought of that before. Why do babies die? Because they were spirits so ready to do His will they didn't even need this time of probation. It's humbling to me to know that. They didn't even need a trial, they already proved themselves in heaven. Second, that members who apostatize can never leave the Church alone. Joseph Smith said, that when one is baptized they chose God's plan. But, as they left pride take them away, they chose Satan's plan. Like Judas betrayed Jesus, apostate members betray God and their brethren and will be burned up. They cannot leave the Church alone because they are evil, like Satan, and cannot leave the Church alone, because it is just, as God is just and pure. And, the Spirit of God withdraws from them. I had never thought of that before. Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, there is no doubt in my mind. 'Praise to the Man, who communed with Jehovah...Jesus annointed that Prophet and Seer...'
I love you all. I hope all is well. This is but a short time, but a short moment as the Lord told Joseph Smith. Am I better than He, who suffered all? I'm not alone, thanks to God's mercy.
I love you all, the best family in the entire world! May God keep you safe.
Love,
Elder Irvine
Monday, November 26, 2007
November 19, 2007
Dear Irvine Family:
We made it to the library on time! Hurray! This area needs a lot of improvement, so that's why I'm here I guess. It's so amazing though! Much prettier than the (overcrowded and ghetto) San Fernando Valley for sure. When I got to the area the first week, Elder Neira told me that he asked mission president to send him one of the hardest working missionaries that he has. I was touched to hear that from Elder Neira, because before I came here I had some doubts about my abilities, my purpose, if I was doing something wrong...but I'm very excited to be here now! The investigators here are almost (casi) golden! Just a few commitments that they have to keep, but we're working on them. One family, the Jaimes, are super golden! The father can't read, so we gave him Book of Mormon CD's so he can listen to them. But, he doesn't listen. But, his family reads the Book of Mormon. I love them so much! We have a great fellowshipping couple, the Ceja's (literally means eyebrow), and they bring the Spirit with them. Hno. Jaimes said that he feels something different when we're here, that when the missionaries come there is peace and joy in their home. Tears welled up in my eyes and I was overwhelmed by the Spirit. Hna. Jaimes cried a little too, I could see her wipe away some tears at the end. Elder Neira then testified that it was the Holy Ghost that was with us, and that it is testifying to them that what we teach is from God. They have the best potential out of all of our investigators. Before I came here, we had 5 investigators in Arleta. Now, we have about 3 possibly golden, and a lot of potentials and 'alright' investigators. Reflecting and talking about my previous area with my new comp makes me realize that I still have a lot to work on to receive these blessings. Another family, the Murcia's, are amazing! They have a lot to learn, but they are looking for the truth. They studied with the Jehovah's Witnesses for a long time, but they stopped hearing them to hear us. They had some deep questions, like is Jesus Christ Jehovah? So we're adjusting our lessons to ask them to believe on faith that what we teach is of God. They've studied the Bible, and they know a good amount in my opinion. The bishop is helping us out along with his wife, that was pretty sweet when they came and testified of what we taught. But, Bishop Aranda has a lot to learn still, he's still learning the ropes of being bishop. The second counselor is an RM, and he's an excellent member. Married, has two girls, and has a solid testimony. Hno. Umana is excited about missionary work, because he's seen how important it is to the church's progress in this ward. We noticed that the bishop focuses on less actives, so we're going to make an outline of what a ward mission plan should be then give it to Hno. Umana to submit to the bishopric. He's had some great experiences in the mission field! We have a potential, whose life has fallen apart. His wife left him, he has two children, his oldest (son) is on drugs, his youngest has no one to take care for her except her mother, he is alone! I know I'm here for a reason, to bring these 'great news', that what Gospel means literally, to him and to other people like him! Oh, how I love the mission! Our ward needs a ton of help. The records haven't been updated, so we have a lot of people (apparently, by word of Hno. Umana) that have moved. Doesn't help the person in charge of it is semi-inactive (the Jensen's) and apparently feels excluded by Latinos because he (the husband) is American and his wife is Dominican. Argh! But, we do have a lot of RM's. But, we don't have the support of the priesthood at all. We prepare the Sacrament, we bless the Sacrament, we teach Gospel Doctrine sometimes, the sisters teach Primary...we do almost everything! I thought that was only in South America! But, we can see that the work needs to progress, they're people here ready to hear us! Just get to work...and it's going to be slow, but it'll work out in the end. I know it will, as long as the Spirit will lift us and strengthen us.
Yesterday, it was a great sacrament meeting. All six of us missionaries bore our testimonies along with our spiritual conversion story. We all went up, and it was great to see the happiness in the expressions of the members. I have been blessed with the gift of tongues. It says so in my patriarchial blessing, and I know that when I speak, the Lord is guiding me to say what I need to say. It's hard to keep the language up sometimes since my comp likes to us English (but we can converse normally in Spanish) but not as much as Sandoval liked to us English. I feel my learning is expanding now. It's just I have to make language study a priority or my comp will schedule appointments during language study time. Never a good thing. After I bore my testimony, and how I knew this Church is of God, the members thanked us all for our testimonies. They felt the Spirit. And, everyone was impressed by my Spanish. To which I always say, I studied for 7 years before, the Lord is blessing me, I love being here. It's hard to not compare oneself to others, and I'm working on that. At times I can get a big head, but I remember that this is the Lord's work and I'm only an instrument. Just imagine, natives love my Spanish and I only have 3 months in the field...the Lord's hand is in my life. I've been studying the Book of Mormon recently, and I'm impressed how faithful Nephi is to the Lord. Never murmured, never turned away, never asked 'why me?', but faithfully obeyed His will. No wonder the Primary sings about him so much. I love one scripture, which was given in a talk by John Bytheway (great speaker by the way...haha). 1st Nephi 11:17, when Nephi was talking to the Spirit. To paraphrase the verse, The Spirit asked what he knew about the condescension of God? To which Nephi said, 'I know God loves his children, but I do not know the meaning of all things." We may never know why things are happening, but we know God loves EACH and EVERY one of us. We can't see his reasons why, but we know that God loves us. No matter what happens, no matter what becomes of us, we know that there is a purpose in all the things we are going through. I suggest his book and/or talk, 5 Scriptures that Will Get You Through Almost Everything, or something like that. One great talk.
I'm on the mission, being constantly tired and at times confused in my lessons, to learn. I'm with a veteran companion to learn how to be a leader. I'm in this area to teach families and bring them to Christ. How can I know that I am setting these people on the path to the Celestial Kingdom? As Pres. Eyring said, you know when the Spirit testifies through you in lessons, that when you love the people so much the Spirit will be brought into your lessons so strongly you can't deny his presence. How do I know? The pure love of Christ and the hope that they will make it. If the Spirit touches them and they are converted by the Spirit and Book of Mormon, you have done your part. What great comfort that gives me! How do I know? By the Spirit. How do I know? If they have a testimony of the Book of Mormon.
I learned about the Pre-Existence two weeks ago, and I want to share some thoughts that I've had about it ever since. I'll have to send you the scriptures, because I don't have it with me right now. But I know, after studying this topic, that we did live with God before this life. We were one of the chosen (Abraham saw it as did Joseph F. Smith in D&C 138), we were called before the foundation of this world, we were one of those who were victorious against Lucifer and his angels. What a great blessing it is to know we are special children of God, called forth to come here today, to lay the foundation of a great work. I know that I lived with God before. I progressed, but not as fast as others. I learned, but not as well as others. But I know, I know that God lives. I know that God loves me. I know that God wants me here. I know that this work is leading so many people to Him, in His time, and I love being His instrument. A friend wrote me and reminded me to not be discouraged, because I am a part of this great work. I know God loves me, and every day is a testimony of His love for all his children.
The work is hard. Investigators lie to us all the time, and we still love them. But, the work will progress. I know it will. Just a little more love, a little more sacrifice, then we will receive blessings.
Gosh, I wish I knew Korean! I need to learn when I get back! And, my favorite scripture is yet to be determined, I'll get to you on that in my letter.
Thanks for everything! I love you all, and I hope all is well in Zion!
Love,
Elder Irvine
We made it to the library on time! Hurray! This area needs a lot of improvement, so that's why I'm here I guess. It's so amazing though! Much prettier than the (overcrowded and ghetto) San Fernando Valley for sure. When I got to the area the first week, Elder Neira told me that he asked mission president to send him one of the hardest working missionaries that he has. I was touched to hear that from Elder Neira, because before I came here I had some doubts about my abilities, my purpose, if I was doing something wrong...but I'm very excited to be here now! The investigators here are almost (casi) golden! Just a few commitments that they have to keep, but we're working on them. One family, the Jaimes, are super golden! The father can't read, so we gave him Book of Mormon CD's so he can listen to them. But, he doesn't listen. But, his family reads the Book of Mormon. I love them so much! We have a great fellowshipping couple, the Ceja's (literally means eyebrow), and they bring the Spirit with them. Hno. Jaimes said that he feels something different when we're here, that when the missionaries come there is peace and joy in their home. Tears welled up in my eyes and I was overwhelmed by the Spirit. Hna. Jaimes cried a little too, I could see her wipe away some tears at the end. Elder Neira then testified that it was the Holy Ghost that was with us, and that it is testifying to them that what we teach is from God. They have the best potential out of all of our investigators. Before I came here, we had 5 investigators in Arleta. Now, we have about 3 possibly golden, and a lot of potentials and 'alright' investigators. Reflecting and talking about my previous area with my new comp makes me realize that I still have a lot to work on to receive these blessings. Another family, the Murcia's, are amazing! They have a lot to learn, but they are looking for the truth. They studied with the Jehovah's Witnesses for a long time, but they stopped hearing them to hear us. They had some deep questions, like is Jesus Christ Jehovah? So we're adjusting our lessons to ask them to believe on faith that what we teach is of God. They've studied the Bible, and they know a good amount in my opinion. The bishop is helping us out along with his wife, that was pretty sweet when they came and testified of what we taught. But, Bishop Aranda has a lot to learn still, he's still learning the ropes of being bishop. The second counselor is an RM, and he's an excellent member. Married, has two girls, and has a solid testimony. Hno. Umana is excited about missionary work, because he's seen how important it is to the church's progress in this ward. We noticed that the bishop focuses on less actives, so we're going to make an outline of what a ward mission plan should be then give it to Hno. Umana to submit to the bishopric. He's had some great experiences in the mission field! We have a potential, whose life has fallen apart. His wife left him, he has two children, his oldest (son) is on drugs, his youngest has no one to take care for her except her mother, he is alone! I know I'm here for a reason, to bring these 'great news', that what Gospel means literally, to him and to other people like him! Oh, how I love the mission! Our ward needs a ton of help. The records haven't been updated, so we have a lot of people (apparently, by word of Hno. Umana) that have moved. Doesn't help the person in charge of it is semi-inactive (the Jensen's) and apparently feels excluded by Latinos because he (the husband) is American and his wife is Dominican. Argh! But, we do have a lot of RM's. But, we don't have the support of the priesthood at all. We prepare the Sacrament, we bless the Sacrament, we teach Gospel Doctrine sometimes, the sisters teach Primary...we do almost everything! I thought that was only in South America! But, we can see that the work needs to progress, they're people here ready to hear us! Just get to work...and it's going to be slow, but it'll work out in the end. I know it will, as long as the Spirit will lift us and strengthen us.
Yesterday, it was a great sacrament meeting. All six of us missionaries bore our testimonies along with our spiritual conversion story. We all went up, and it was great to see the happiness in the expressions of the members. I have been blessed with the gift of tongues. It says so in my patriarchial blessing, and I know that when I speak, the Lord is guiding me to say what I need to say. It's hard to keep the language up sometimes since my comp likes to us English (but we can converse normally in Spanish) but not as much as Sandoval liked to us English. I feel my learning is expanding now. It's just I have to make language study a priority or my comp will schedule appointments during language study time. Never a good thing. After I bore my testimony, and how I knew this Church is of God, the members thanked us all for our testimonies. They felt the Spirit. And, everyone was impressed by my Spanish. To which I always say, I studied for 7 years before, the Lord is blessing me, I love being here. It's hard to not compare oneself to others, and I'm working on that. At times I can get a big head, but I remember that this is the Lord's work and I'm only an instrument. Just imagine, natives love my Spanish and I only have 3 months in the field...the Lord's hand is in my life. I've been studying the Book of Mormon recently, and I'm impressed how faithful Nephi is to the Lord. Never murmured, never turned away, never asked 'why me?', but faithfully obeyed His will. No wonder the Primary sings about him so much. I love one scripture, which was given in a talk by John Bytheway (great speaker by the way...haha). 1st Nephi 11:17, when Nephi was talking to the Spirit. To paraphrase the verse, The Spirit asked what he knew about the condescension of God? To which Nephi said, 'I know God loves his children, but I do not know the meaning of all things." We may never know why things are happening, but we know God loves EACH and EVERY one of us. We can't see his reasons why, but we know that God loves us. No matter what happens, no matter what becomes of us, we know that there is a purpose in all the things we are going through. I suggest his book and/or talk, 5 Scriptures that Will Get You Through Almost Everything, or something like that. One great talk.
I'm on the mission, being constantly tired and at times confused in my lessons, to learn. I'm with a veteran companion to learn how to be a leader. I'm in this area to teach families and bring them to Christ. How can I know that I am setting these people on the path to the Celestial Kingdom? As Pres. Eyring said, you know when the Spirit testifies through you in lessons, that when you love the people so much the Spirit will be brought into your lessons so strongly you can't deny his presence. How do I know? The pure love of Christ and the hope that they will make it. If the Spirit touches them and they are converted by the Spirit and Book of Mormon, you have done your part. What great comfort that gives me! How do I know? By the Spirit. How do I know? If they have a testimony of the Book of Mormon.
I learned about the Pre-Existence two weeks ago, and I want to share some thoughts that I've had about it ever since. I'll have to send you the scriptures, because I don't have it with me right now. But I know, after studying this topic, that we did live with God before this life. We were one of the chosen (Abraham saw it as did Joseph F. Smith in D&C 138), we were called before the foundation of this world, we were one of those who were victorious against Lucifer and his angels. What a great blessing it is to know we are special children of God, called forth to come here today, to lay the foundation of a great work. I know that I lived with God before. I progressed, but not as fast as others. I learned, but not as well as others. But I know, I know that God lives. I know that God loves me. I know that God wants me here. I know that this work is leading so many people to Him, in His time, and I love being His instrument. A friend wrote me and reminded me to not be discouraged, because I am a part of this great work. I know God loves me, and every day is a testimony of His love for all his children.
The work is hard. Investigators lie to us all the time, and we still love them. But, the work will progress. I know it will. Just a little more love, a little more sacrifice, then we will receive blessings.
Gosh, I wish I knew Korean! I need to learn when I get back! And, my favorite scripture is yet to be determined, I'll get to you on that in my letter.
Thanks for everything! I love you all, and I hope all is well in Zion!
Love,
Elder Irvine
Friday, November 23, 2007
November 13, 2007
Dear Irvine Family:
Yet another mix-up with the e-mail situation because we lost our
e-mail reservation since we were a tad late so it's gonna be another
quick one, sorry.
I'm in one of the filthy rich areas of the mission, other than in
Calabases and Encino in the San Fernando Valley. Santa Clarita is
really nice and I love it! The problem is that our area covers half of
the valley since there aren't many members- mostly white people around
here and the ward was just 'upgraded' from a branch. The leadership is
new, so there's only one direction that we can go- which is up! I'm
getting to know the members a little bit and I ended up contacting a
sister twice in three days. How embarrassing! We've had some amazing
lessons with some of the investigators but they haven't come to church
just yet. We'll see what happens this week. I cried in one
appointment, just a little, because the Spirit was so strong (it does
help to have great and faithful members fellowshipping and visiting
with us). I can only see great things in this area.
My companion is 24 and is from Trujillo, Peru, and is studying to be a
doctor. He just has a little time left post-mission, maybe 4 years of
studying at the U of U. He's way cool too. He knows a lot of doctrine,
he's our General Authority Elder it seems. Every book is approved for
him and he's read about all of them that you can name. He's patient
and loves the work, and we have loads of fun!
I have realized I'm blessed with the gift of tongues (people are happy
I'm speaking their language and so they think I'm Filipino) and that
this work is the Lord's. Well, I got to go so my comp can do some
e-mail too. I hope everything is doing well.
I love you all.
Yours truly,
Elder Irvine
Yet another mix-up with the e-mail situation because we lost our
e-mail reservation since we were a tad late so it's gonna be another
quick one, sorry.
I'm in one of the filthy rich areas of the mission, other than in
Calabases and Encino in the San Fernando Valley. Santa Clarita is
really nice and I love it! The problem is that our area covers half of
the valley since there aren't many members- mostly white people around
here and the ward was just 'upgraded' from a branch. The leadership is
new, so there's only one direction that we can go- which is up! I'm
getting to know the members a little bit and I ended up contacting a
sister twice in three days. How embarrassing! We've had some amazing
lessons with some of the investigators but they haven't come to church
just yet. We'll see what happens this week. I cried in one
appointment, just a little, because the Spirit was so strong (it does
help to have great and faithful members fellowshipping and visiting
with us). I can only see great things in this area.
My companion is 24 and is from Trujillo, Peru, and is studying to be a
doctor. He just has a little time left post-mission, maybe 4 years of
studying at the U of U. He's way cool too. He knows a lot of doctrine,
he's our General Authority Elder it seems. Every book is approved for
him and he's read about all of them that you can name. He's patient
and loves the work, and we have loads of fun!
I have realized I'm blessed with the gift of tongues (people are happy
I'm speaking their language and so they think I'm Filipino) and that
this work is the Lord's. Well, I got to go so my comp can do some
e-mail too. I hope everything is doing well.
I love you all.
Yours truly,
Elder Irvine
Thursday, November 15, 2007
November 5, 2007
Dear Irvine Family:
I have to write a quick e-mail, so here it is! I don't have a library card since I'm out of LA County and I have to send myself a letter to get proof of residence...but....
This week was crazy good! Yes we had cancellations but the end made it pretty sweet! So we had some great lessons with Maira Saenz and with Miguel Rosas, and both of them came to church this past Sunday! I found out I am with Elder Neira, who's a doctor from Peru, and in a car area yet again. He's the DL, and my companion Elder Villa said that President is probably preparing me to have a leadership call in two transfers or more. AH! We'll see, and I'll do whatever the President asks me to do. So it was a bittersweet two days, Saturday and Sunday,and I basically said farewell to my investigators and the members in the ward. Sunday was really tough. I bore my testimony and afterwards,I just sat down and cried next to my investigator Miguel Rosas. Just cried. I couldn't bear to leave just yet. Two transfers in Arleta?Give me more! But, the Lord called me to Santa Clarita. I felt like a baby, but I knew that it was because I loved the members and I loved the people here that I cried. I love this work. I love this work. I can't express how grateful I am for your support. Thank you, and I love you all.
More information via letters! I love you all!
Your missionary,
Elder Irvine
New address: 24851 Walnut St. #110 Newhall, CA 91322
I have to write a quick e-mail, so here it is! I don't have a library card since I'm out of LA County and I have to send myself a letter to get proof of residence...but....
This week was crazy good! Yes we had cancellations but the end made it pretty sweet! So we had some great lessons with Maira Saenz and with Miguel Rosas, and both of them came to church this past Sunday! I found out I am with Elder Neira, who's a doctor from Peru, and in a car area yet again. He's the DL, and my companion Elder Villa said that President is probably preparing me to have a leadership call in two transfers or more. AH! We'll see, and I'll do whatever the President asks me to do. So it was a bittersweet two days, Saturday and Sunday,and I basically said farewell to my investigators and the members in the ward. Sunday was really tough. I bore my testimony and afterwards,I just sat down and cried next to my investigator Miguel Rosas. Just cried. I couldn't bear to leave just yet. Two transfers in Arleta?Give me more! But, the Lord called me to Santa Clarita. I felt like a baby, but I knew that it was because I loved the members and I loved the people here that I cried. I love this work. I love this work. I can't express how grateful I am for your support. Thank you, and I love you all.
More information via letters! I love you all!
Your missionary,
Elder Irvine
New address: 24851 Walnut St. #110 Newhall, CA 91322
Monday, November 5, 2007
October 29, 2007
Dear Irvine Family,
The fires are raging around here! Several days the smoke covered the entire valley and it became so humid! It's not going so well on some fronts with the fires...but they did put some out apparently.
I'm kidding, I'm just fine. The fires are up toward the desert (Canyon Country off highway 14) and other parts of the valley, just not Panorama City (where I live) and Pacoima or Arleta (where we proselyte). It's crazy though, it's all over the newspapers that we find in the streets (titles like FIRES RAGING, COMING OUT OF THE ASHES, etc). And the smoke was everywhere...
It was rather ironic because all of a sudden everyone sent me a letter this week. I have to write 5 letters! Crazy! Auntie Sung wrote me one via DearElder, how nice! But I know that families are forever, it's just rough when you e-mail the family once a week and you have a bad week without anything to cheer you up. Such is the mission. The majority of missionaries out over a year have almost no mail, but that's the mission life!
Yes I've gotten super mad at Sandoval, but he has a tendency to do that with everyone he meets. He told me that I have no desire to work, no desire to do this or that...and I told President Goodrich in the interviews this past week. We're going to be split up, finally! It's not that it doesn't impede the work (miraculously), it's just that when he does something or says something curt or rude, my patience evaporates. But, I've been patient this week, I've taken the advice of Preach My Gospel and my wonderful district-mate Elder Villa (he has one transfer left I think) and have continued to love and support my companion. Without love, without the Spirit, we are absolutely nothing. Elder Sandoval's remarks aren't going to make me drive the Spirit away, because contention is of the devil. I love the work too much to let things get in the way, even though they do offend me greatly. I don't know if I'm staying or going...as usual...but I hope I stay at least one more transfer to see two baptisms through!
This week was great! Except that yesterday not one investigator came to church. No one is perfect, but they should be. We had great lessons with our progressing investigator, Miguel Rosas, and we are starting to see the great potential in Maira Saenz. Miguel really appreciates our friendship, and he is praying to know whether the Word of Wisdom is the word of God and that baptism is the right decision for him. It's wonderful to see him receive that strength and comfort from the Spirit and from prayer. It's rough being alone in a foreign land without any family...but we are his family here because we love him so much! Maira asked amazing questions when we went out with Hno. Moreno, and I think she's ready for baptism (well she does have a baptismal date...). We just have to find them in the house and get in contact with her daily, as Preach My Gospel says. They are ready, they just need some time. We set the baptismal date for November 18th, for both of them. I can only pray to see these baptisms through.
The members are the best! I think out of all the wards in the valley, that Arleta has the most willing members to work with us. Elders Villa and Raleigh had 11 member present lessons a week ago, and almost equaled that this week too. That is freakish in nature! We're still working on it, it's tough getting members to drive to meet us at the appointments, we only have 4 active members or so in our proselyting area (and their work schedules don't correlate with our appointments). Hno. Moreno sacrificed so much to come out with us. He's the Elders Quorum President, and he is amazing! He sells cards for a living, like advertising cards, and he earns enough to support him and his wife in this expensive area. He stops going around to find clients and straight up comes with us on a moment's notice. His testimony can rock any non-member's foundation in their church. As for Hno. Ruiz, who went from inactivity for 2 plus years to baptizing his daughter about a month ago. The testimonies of members in lessons is so valuable that I doubt that gold can rival it. It is that important.
It was Elder Sandoval's birthday this past week, and our investigators and members spoiled him (like they did to Elder Villa). Birthday cakes and happy birthday songs and even gifts...you name it! He was very appreciative of it all, because he doesn't have much money and he knows that the members and investigators aren't blessed with riches. The Saenz's bought him a cake and sang him happy birthday. The Saenz's don't even have enough money to pay their phone bill and they bought him a cake! The Garcia's gave him a cake too. The Pelayo's wished him happy birthday, as did Miguel Rosas. It was humbling for him, to see the love that they have for him. He's going through a hard time, since some people back in Monterrey are treating his family terribly. Some guy rear-ended his mom's car, then robbed her of her purse and dislocated her shoulder in the process. Tough times for him. I understand why he's so mean sometimes, he just can't trust people enough. But, I love him as my trainer and companion.
Our less actives are causing us a lot of pain. Time and time again, I'll go to church and renew my baptismal covenants- yeah right! They are on the path that leads to hell, and we are doing our very best to get them back onto the path of the Lord. They don't want to change, and they don't want to make sacrifices either. We have more less actives than investigators, and they are wasting our time! We are trying to find the elect, but how can we find the elect if our members are less active and don't support us? If half the members were active in our area, we'd be spending more time teaching lessons and not calling them to repentance. It is frustrating, but I love each and every one of them. They just need an awakening, a jolt, to shake them from their slumber. It is really painful to know that their blessings are being wasted, that they aren't receiving any because of their desire to be in the world and be of it when they had promised to be Christ's literal sons and daughters. Ah!
Yesterday was good...and bad. Stake conference was amazing! Great talks, great musical numbers by the elders in El Camino Real ward...I loved it! We ate at a member's house and shared a thought about forgiveness of other members that offend us, and we were able to somewhat fix that situation. Some person offended a member and she was almost livid about it. Thank goodness someone tipped us off about that problem this past week. All is well now, phew! We spent our time trying to find an investigator that was referred to us by Elders Villa and Raleigh, but no luck. We ended up getting a hold of him and got him to go with us to the fireside with President Goodrich. We found out he wasn't interested, he just wanted to bash with us. That was really awkward when he kept on bashing, other elders kept on trying to be kind, and then President Goodrich closed the meeting (thank goodness). And, President Goodrich took him home! That is really Christlike. I walked out of there thinking 'oh my gosh I destroyed that meeting because I didn't know my potential investigator was a basher', to which Elder Swann of Texas (ZL in Burbank) said 'so your investigator was trying to destroy the church?'. Pretty much. The mission pretty much teaches and shows one everything about life. Wow.
P-days are crazy! Not relaxing at all! E-mail, laundry, shopping, washing the car, zone activities, doctor's appointments for Sandoval's back....not very fun after all. I can't wait to go into a bike area, so I don't have to wash a darn car every few weeks! It is not a relaxing day for me at all...
As for a bike, I still don't have one and I'm way worried about it! I might get moved to a bike area, who knows? I don't know if I should withdraw more cash to buy from a missionary (I can't find one that's leaving this transfer) or buy a cheap new bike? I'm still weighing it out, and I don't know what to do! Didn't help that when I rode a bike a few weeks back, I badly sprained my ankle (it's better now, don't worry Mom). Also, I have to pay for my glasses tomorrow (I haven't had the chance to go down and pick it up the last few weeks)...ahhh!
The work is slowly progressing, and I'm starting to feel a bit better about the work. I can't believe that I'm going to be in the field for 4 months next transfer! I have to work harder more than ever! Gosh I'll miss this district and area...if I go...
I hope that all is well at home! I love you all! Thank you for the prayers and love that you have for the work!
With love,
Elder Irvine
P.S. Halloween is going to be nuts! We have a 7:30 pm curfew to avoid the crazy people! Some people's decorations really worry me...realistic graves, hanging Santa Muerte (Saint Death)...gives me the creeps! In the world, but not of it!
The fires are raging around here! Several days the smoke covered the entire valley and it became so humid! It's not going so well on some fronts with the fires...but they did put some out apparently.
I'm kidding, I'm just fine. The fires are up toward the desert (Canyon Country off highway 14) and other parts of the valley, just not Panorama City (where I live) and Pacoima or Arleta (where we proselyte). It's crazy though, it's all over the newspapers that we find in the streets (titles like FIRES RAGING, COMING OUT OF THE ASHES, etc). And the smoke was everywhere...
It was rather ironic because all of a sudden everyone sent me a letter this week. I have to write 5 letters! Crazy! Auntie Sung wrote me one via DearElder, how nice! But I know that families are forever, it's just rough when you e-mail the family once a week and you have a bad week without anything to cheer you up. Such is the mission. The majority of missionaries out over a year have almost no mail, but that's the mission life!
Yes I've gotten super mad at Sandoval, but he has a tendency to do that with everyone he meets. He told me that I have no desire to work, no desire to do this or that...and I told President Goodrich in the interviews this past week. We're going to be split up, finally! It's not that it doesn't impede the work (miraculously), it's just that when he does something or says something curt or rude, my patience evaporates. But, I've been patient this week, I've taken the advice of Preach My Gospel and my wonderful district-mate Elder Villa (he has one transfer left I think) and have continued to love and support my companion. Without love, without the Spirit, we are absolutely nothing. Elder Sandoval's remarks aren't going to make me drive the Spirit away, because contention is of the devil. I love the work too much to let things get in the way, even though they do offend me greatly. I don't know if I'm staying or going...as usual...but I hope I stay at least one more transfer to see two baptisms through!
This week was great! Except that yesterday not one investigator came to church. No one is perfect, but they should be. We had great lessons with our progressing investigator, Miguel Rosas, and we are starting to see the great potential in Maira Saenz. Miguel really appreciates our friendship, and he is praying to know whether the Word of Wisdom is the word of God and that baptism is the right decision for him. It's wonderful to see him receive that strength and comfort from the Spirit and from prayer. It's rough being alone in a foreign land without any family...but we are his family here because we love him so much! Maira asked amazing questions when we went out with Hno. Moreno, and I think she's ready for baptism (well she does have a baptismal date...). We just have to find them in the house and get in contact with her daily, as Preach My Gospel says. They are ready, they just need some time. We set the baptismal date for November 18th, for both of them. I can only pray to see these baptisms through.
The members are the best! I think out of all the wards in the valley, that Arleta has the most willing members to work with us. Elders Villa and Raleigh had 11 member present lessons a week ago, and almost equaled that this week too. That is freakish in nature! We're still working on it, it's tough getting members to drive to meet us at the appointments, we only have 4 active members or so in our proselyting area (and their work schedules don't correlate with our appointments). Hno. Moreno sacrificed so much to come out with us. He's the Elders Quorum President, and he is amazing! He sells cards for a living, like advertising cards, and he earns enough to support him and his wife in this expensive area. He stops going around to find clients and straight up comes with us on a moment's notice. His testimony can rock any non-member's foundation in their church. As for Hno. Ruiz, who went from inactivity for 2 plus years to baptizing his daughter about a month ago. The testimonies of members in lessons is so valuable that I doubt that gold can rival it. It is that important.
It was Elder Sandoval's birthday this past week, and our investigators and members spoiled him (like they did to Elder Villa). Birthday cakes and happy birthday songs and even gifts...you name it! He was very appreciative of it all, because he doesn't have much money and he knows that the members and investigators aren't blessed with riches. The Saenz's bought him a cake and sang him happy birthday. The Saenz's don't even have enough money to pay their phone bill and they bought him a cake! The Garcia's gave him a cake too. The Pelayo's wished him happy birthday, as did Miguel Rosas. It was humbling for him, to see the love that they have for him. He's going through a hard time, since some people back in Monterrey are treating his family terribly. Some guy rear-ended his mom's car, then robbed her of her purse and dislocated her shoulder in the process. Tough times for him. I understand why he's so mean sometimes, he just can't trust people enough. But, I love him as my trainer and companion.
Our less actives are causing us a lot of pain. Time and time again, I'll go to church and renew my baptismal covenants- yeah right! They are on the path that leads to hell, and we are doing our very best to get them back onto the path of the Lord. They don't want to change, and they don't want to make sacrifices either. We have more less actives than investigators, and they are wasting our time! We are trying to find the elect, but how can we find the elect if our members are less active and don't support us? If half the members were active in our area, we'd be spending more time teaching lessons and not calling them to repentance. It is frustrating, but I love each and every one of them. They just need an awakening, a jolt, to shake them from their slumber. It is really painful to know that their blessings are being wasted, that they aren't receiving any because of their desire to be in the world and be of it when they had promised to be Christ's literal sons and daughters. Ah!
Yesterday was good...and bad. Stake conference was amazing! Great talks, great musical numbers by the elders in El Camino Real ward...I loved it! We ate at a member's house and shared a thought about forgiveness of other members that offend us, and we were able to somewhat fix that situation. Some person offended a member and she was almost livid about it. Thank goodness someone tipped us off about that problem this past week. All is well now, phew! We spent our time trying to find an investigator that was referred to us by Elders Villa and Raleigh, but no luck. We ended up getting a hold of him and got him to go with us to the fireside with President Goodrich. We found out he wasn't interested, he just wanted to bash with us. That was really awkward when he kept on bashing, other elders kept on trying to be kind, and then President Goodrich closed the meeting (thank goodness). And, President Goodrich took him home! That is really Christlike. I walked out of there thinking 'oh my gosh I destroyed that meeting because I didn't know my potential investigator was a basher', to which Elder Swann of Texas (ZL in Burbank) said 'so your investigator was trying to destroy the church?'. Pretty much. The mission pretty much teaches and shows one everything about life. Wow.
P-days are crazy! Not relaxing at all! E-mail, laundry, shopping, washing the car, zone activities, doctor's appointments for Sandoval's back....not very fun after all. I can't wait to go into a bike area, so I don't have to wash a darn car every few weeks! It is not a relaxing day for me at all...
As for a bike, I still don't have one and I'm way worried about it! I might get moved to a bike area, who knows? I don't know if I should withdraw more cash to buy from a missionary (I can't find one that's leaving this transfer) or buy a cheap new bike? I'm still weighing it out, and I don't know what to do! Didn't help that when I rode a bike a few weeks back, I badly sprained my ankle (it's better now, don't worry Mom). Also, I have to pay for my glasses tomorrow (I haven't had the chance to go down and pick it up the last few weeks)...ahhh!
The work is slowly progressing, and I'm starting to feel a bit better about the work. I can't believe that I'm going to be in the field for 4 months next transfer! I have to work harder more than ever! Gosh I'll miss this district and area...if I go...
I hope that all is well at home! I love you all! Thank you for the prayers and love that you have for the work!
With love,
Elder Irvine
P.S. Halloween is going to be nuts! We have a 7:30 pm curfew to avoid the crazy people! Some people's decorations really worry me...realistic graves, hanging Santa Muerte (Saint Death)...gives me the creeps! In the world, but not of it!
October 22, 2007
Dear the Irvine family,
This week has been crazy! And yes, we got the package! Sandoval really appreciated the soccer tie- he is a soccer fanatic!
This entire week has been a downer. No word from my friends about what's going on...but I figured it was going to be soon. The first six months is letters then a drop dead zero in letters all of a sudden. Oh well. I was depressed the entire week, wondering what my purpose was and why I am here and all that sad stuff. I just went to work and went to do the Lord's will for me in this area. He knows our trials, He knows our abilities, and He knows how to help us in the best way.
We finally have one progressing investigator! He came to church! His family is from D.F., Mexico (Mexico City) and he's here alone trying to make a living. He's really humble, and he misses his family a lot. We are his only friends here, other than those at work. He works for a ward member (who is amazing by the way) and we are his friends. He was joking around with us in our last visit and I really think that he's being prepared for the Gospel, but we'll rely on the Lord to know when he's ready. Miguel Rosas, what a great investigator! He wants to read and he wants to go to church.
Our sacrament meeting was full of testimonies! One of the counselors to the stud member Hno. Moreno, Alejandro Garcia, was called to be the Second Counselor of the bishopric! His family is amazing! He investigated the church for 10 years and has been baptized for about 3 years. He works on the temple grounds and loves to go to the temple. His wife is so cool, and his three kids are hilarious! I love that family! His wife, then him, bore their testimonies about the Gospel. How it hurt him inside to not go to church and his kids not going to church because he didn't want to. His daughter said that he didn't want them because he wouldn't go to church, and he thought about that long and hard. When the next week he said he'll go, the second child Alejandro jumped out of bed and got the oldest to tell her the good news. He was baptized later that week. This story goes along with another part of it. So we visited him last week and he told us about how the devil tried to stop him, and tried to destroy him. He said when he was thinking about being baptized, seriously thinking (this is at the same time as he didn't want to go to church), that one day he tried to get out of bed but he couldn't. Something physical was holding him down. He couldn't move or speak. His wife didn't see anything, and asked what was going on. She panicked. From what I can remember is that she called her brother Felipe (an RM) to help them out. He knows Satan tried his very best to stop him from being baptized. Now he's a temple worker and the second counselor in the bishopric! The one being released, Hno. Godinez, bore his testimony. He is going through the divorce process, which hurts. His son, Diego, is an angel. He bore his testimony of Christ, of His sacrifice...it was from his heart. He is a faithful member of the church. Now he's on the stake high council, the youngest member at probably 26 years of age. He is amazing. The Spirit was there, and I know our investigator Miguel felt it. He didn't say a word during the testimonies, and afterwards he asked if the meetings were over. He didn't want them to end! He is being prepared. I love this work!
Hno. Godinez came out with us for 2 hours on Saturday. Our appointments fell through so we went from place to place trying to find less actives and such. We went to our second appointment and waited for the investigators to get home (Saenz family). They got home and we taught part of the second lesson with the oldest daughter Myra as well as the Word of Wisdom. Great news- they don't drink or smoke! Well she does have a six month old daughter and her husband works all day...but still! Hno. Godinez bore his testimony, and all I could think of was of his trials. His divorce. His separation from his son. His anguish, of why his wife wants to split. His pain, of seeing his family taken away from him. I love him so much, and I felt his pain. I know that Christ will take our pains away if we only submit our will to His. When Hno. Godinez testified about the Gospel and the Word of Wisdom, I felt the Spirit. Myra committed to keep it and promised to come to church (they didn't- I guess their car wasn't fixed after all like they said). We could have 2 progressing investigators by the end of the transfer (2 weeks). We'll see...
We're going in reverse order now. The night before (Friday) we had a great lesson with Miguel Rosas, so great we were an hour late to the Saenz's. Miguel did say he'll keep the Word of Wisdom, but later (darn it!). But he did come to church! We apologized to the Saenz's for being way late, but they read! First time ever in this transfer! There's hope for them, they just have to come to church. I have to say, I was pretty shocked when they said they read...like excuse me? You...read? You...actually read Alma 32...and understood it? OH MY GOSH! So Friday ended well.
We visited the Pelayo family yet again. We've been teaching them forever, like two or three transfers by now. Or more. They have potential, they just have to obey the Law of Chastity (which will be hard due to the circumstances of applying for citizenship). Maribel's son, Christian Sol, has drug problems. My comps, Villa and Raleigh, have been working hard with him and his girlfriend to solve these issues. His girlfriend is pregnant with his second child, her fourth child (two with another man). Christian is 19! Diana is 25! Oh my gosh! So Hno. Moreno came with us as we visited and chatted outside her house on the way to another appointment, and he lay down the law. He told her that Christian is in denial, he's in deep trouble, and the deep stuff. I was taken aback, I didn't know what was going on. The next time we go visit her to actually teach, the entire family actually listened. No commotion, no random people ruining the lesson, they sat and listened. Her boyfriend Antonio participated, he used to hate us. He read his Bible, as we read it, and he asked questions. He even answered some of Maribel's questions. Her daughter Myra asked questions. It was the first great lesson we've had with them in two transfers. Myra has the most potential, we just have to resolve her petty doubt about getting into water to be baptized. Good family, but if they had the Gospel all would be better than it is now. Maribel even asked for us to come back (a first). In the Lord's time He prepares the hearts of the people. Now she sees her son in trouble, she seeks the Lord. Finally! She even took his car away from him (which is great!). It is starting to turn around.
Our other investigator Oziel is pretty dang lazy. It's irritating. Yeah he reads. He doesn't want to get up and go to church or go to Mutual or anything. He's slow. It's annoying. Just get up, go out and find a job, and listen to us as well as keep commitments to go to church! He doesn't have many friends, so we suggested Mutual but he said 'nah'...argh! Instant friends?! C'mon! He's a great kid, don't get me wrong, but he irritates me with his slothfulness! Just do it! Go figure, he has to do independent study to get his high school degree! We might drop him if he stops reading because it's hard right now trying to get him to church. But, his mom is supporting us in saying that if Oziel wants to go to church, let him go. We have to find a way to get him excited and motivated...with the Lord's help.
We contacted 3 less actives this week- one doesn't want to ever come back 'I used to be a member' type, the other works 24/7 and the last one is a bit depressed to say the least. The last, Victor Marquez, said he did terrible things in Mexico as a police killing squad member, and how it's coming back to haunt him. His son was killed some months before. But this police squad life was before he was baptized, and he did talk to the bishop about it before he got baptized...he's severely depressed. His wife is in Mexico, sick, and he has a lot of health problems AND he's poor. But he did now a member, Hno. Elias, so we gave Elias the address so we can help us help him. It's really sad with his case. Victor even tried to kill himself before. Ah! That's why you don't go inactive!
We had the Moreno's drive us to appointments on Saturday too. We visited a potential, he was eating, so we went to the Castillo's. We had a great time, getting along, talking about the Gospel, and for the first time Hna. Yolanda Castillo cried when she was talking. I was like um...huh? what? Hno. Moreno was encouraging her son, Julio (who was and is way inactive) to come back, talk to the bishop and get his life back together. Julio agreed. And after I shared scriptures from Acts on how we have potential and how God knows us (Saul and Stephen's accounts), Julio said he'll never come back to the Gospel. Out of nowhere. It was a knife in my heart. I couldn't believe it! We couldn't believe it! I was shocked! So we left the house and got in the car...I was in shock like all the rest. Well, in the Lord's time.
That same afternoon, we went to visit that potential again, Pablo Martin, and he could be golden. He was an evangelical, but he doesn't like churches that much. He's seen how the pastors get rich and people are poor. The church has followed him from his home in Honduras to Mexico to here...and he'd love to hear from us again. We had a good discussion about the Gospel, the church organization, and the Book of Mormon. He's interested, but he couldn't come to church since he was already committed to visit a friend's church. He's looking for the true church, and he just has to make time for us to teach him. He could be golden. He knows the Bible, and he knows that the church is supposed to help the poor, not the pastor. And, he doesn't like the Catholics! Score! He knows repentance is individual, not for the pastor or priest. But it could be a problem talking to the bishop, but that's in the future for now. He could have great potential.
The work is tiring. I get up each morning exhausted and sleep exhausted, but that's how it is. I can't believe time flies...4 months in the field already?! Ah! Work work work, there is no better substitute for homesickness than work. I testify of that.
I hope all is well at home. I love you all.
Your missionary,
Elder Irvine
This week has been crazy! And yes, we got the package! Sandoval really appreciated the soccer tie- he is a soccer fanatic!
This entire week has been a downer. No word from my friends about what's going on...but I figured it was going to be soon. The first six months is letters then a drop dead zero in letters all of a sudden. Oh well. I was depressed the entire week, wondering what my purpose was and why I am here and all that sad stuff. I just went to work and went to do the Lord's will for me in this area. He knows our trials, He knows our abilities, and He knows how to help us in the best way.
We finally have one progressing investigator! He came to church! His family is from D.F., Mexico (Mexico City) and he's here alone trying to make a living. He's really humble, and he misses his family a lot. We are his only friends here, other than those at work. He works for a ward member (who is amazing by the way) and we are his friends. He was joking around with us in our last visit and I really think that he's being prepared for the Gospel, but we'll rely on the Lord to know when he's ready. Miguel Rosas, what a great investigator! He wants to read and he wants to go to church.
Our sacrament meeting was full of testimonies! One of the counselors to the stud member Hno. Moreno, Alejandro Garcia, was called to be the Second Counselor of the bishopric! His family is amazing! He investigated the church for 10 years and has been baptized for about 3 years. He works on the temple grounds and loves to go to the temple. His wife is so cool, and his three kids are hilarious! I love that family! His wife, then him, bore their testimonies about the Gospel. How it hurt him inside to not go to church and his kids not going to church because he didn't want to. His daughter said that he didn't want them because he wouldn't go to church, and he thought about that long and hard. When the next week he said he'll go, the second child Alejandro jumped out of bed and got the oldest to tell her the good news. He was baptized later that week. This story goes along with another part of it. So we visited him last week and he told us about how the devil tried to stop him, and tried to destroy him. He said when he was thinking about being baptized, seriously thinking (this is at the same time as he didn't want to go to church), that one day he tried to get out of bed but he couldn't. Something physical was holding him down. He couldn't move or speak. His wife didn't see anything, and asked what was going on. She panicked. From what I can remember is that she called her brother Felipe (an RM) to help them out. He knows Satan tried his very best to stop him from being baptized. Now he's a temple worker and the second counselor in the bishopric! The one being released, Hno. Godinez, bore his testimony. He is going through the divorce process, which hurts. His son, Diego, is an angel. He bore his testimony of Christ, of His sacrifice...it was from his heart. He is a faithful member of the church. Now he's on the stake high council, the youngest member at probably 26 years of age. He is amazing. The Spirit was there, and I know our investigator Miguel felt it. He didn't say a word during the testimonies, and afterwards he asked if the meetings were over. He didn't want them to end! He is being prepared. I love this work!
Hno. Godinez came out with us for 2 hours on Saturday. Our appointments fell through so we went from place to place trying to find less actives and such. We went to our second appointment and waited for the investigators to get home (Saenz family). They got home and we taught part of the second lesson with the oldest daughter Myra as well as the Word of Wisdom. Great news- they don't drink or smoke! Well she does have a six month old daughter and her husband works all day...but still! Hno. Godinez bore his testimony, and all I could think of was of his trials. His divorce. His separation from his son. His anguish, of why his wife wants to split. His pain, of seeing his family taken away from him. I love him so much, and I felt his pain. I know that Christ will take our pains away if we only submit our will to His. When Hno. Godinez testified about the Gospel and the Word of Wisdom, I felt the Spirit. Myra committed to keep it and promised to come to church (they didn't- I guess their car wasn't fixed after all like they said). We could have 2 progressing investigators by the end of the transfer (2 weeks). We'll see...
We're going in reverse order now. The night before (Friday) we had a great lesson with Miguel Rosas, so great we were an hour late to the Saenz's. Miguel did say he'll keep the Word of Wisdom, but later (darn it!). But he did come to church! We apologized to the Saenz's for being way late, but they read! First time ever in this transfer! There's hope for them, they just have to come to church. I have to say, I was pretty shocked when they said they read...like excuse me? You...read? You...actually read Alma 32...and understood it? OH MY GOSH! So Friday ended well.
We visited the Pelayo family yet again. We've been teaching them forever, like two or three transfers by now. Or more. They have potential, they just have to obey the Law of Chastity (which will be hard due to the circumstances of applying for citizenship). Maribel's son, Christian Sol, has drug problems. My comps, Villa and Raleigh, have been working hard with him and his girlfriend to solve these issues. His girlfriend is pregnant with his second child, her fourth child (two with another man). Christian is 19! Diana is 25! Oh my gosh! So Hno. Moreno came with us as we visited and chatted outside her house on the way to another appointment, and he lay down the law. He told her that Christian is in denial, he's in deep trouble, and the deep stuff. I was taken aback, I didn't know what was going on. The next time we go visit her to actually teach, the entire family actually listened. No commotion, no random people ruining the lesson, they sat and listened. Her boyfriend Antonio participated, he used to hate us. He read his Bible, as we read it, and he asked questions. He even answered some of Maribel's questions. Her daughter Myra asked questions. It was the first great lesson we've had with them in two transfers. Myra has the most potential, we just have to resolve her petty doubt about getting into water to be baptized. Good family, but if they had the Gospel all would be better than it is now. Maribel even asked for us to come back (a first). In the Lord's time He prepares the hearts of the people. Now she sees her son in trouble, she seeks the Lord. Finally! She even took his car away from him (which is great!). It is starting to turn around.
Our other investigator Oziel is pretty dang lazy. It's irritating. Yeah he reads. He doesn't want to get up and go to church or go to Mutual or anything. He's slow. It's annoying. Just get up, go out and find a job, and listen to us as well as keep commitments to go to church! He doesn't have many friends, so we suggested Mutual but he said 'nah'...argh! Instant friends?! C'mon! He's a great kid, don't get me wrong, but he irritates me with his slothfulness! Just do it! Go figure, he has to do independent study to get his high school degree! We might drop him if he stops reading because it's hard right now trying to get him to church. But, his mom is supporting us in saying that if Oziel wants to go to church, let him go. We have to find a way to get him excited and motivated...with the Lord's help.
We contacted 3 less actives this week- one doesn't want to ever come back 'I used to be a member' type, the other works 24/7 and the last one is a bit depressed to say the least. The last, Victor Marquez, said he did terrible things in Mexico as a police killing squad member, and how it's coming back to haunt him. His son was killed some months before. But this police squad life was before he was baptized, and he did talk to the bishop about it before he got baptized...he's severely depressed. His wife is in Mexico, sick, and he has a lot of health problems AND he's poor. But he did now a member, Hno. Elias, so we gave Elias the address so we can help us help him. It's really sad with his case. Victor even tried to kill himself before. Ah! That's why you don't go inactive!
We had the Moreno's drive us to appointments on Saturday too. We visited a potential, he was eating, so we went to the Castillo's. We had a great time, getting along, talking about the Gospel, and for the first time Hna. Yolanda Castillo cried when she was talking. I was like um...huh? what? Hno. Moreno was encouraging her son, Julio (who was and is way inactive) to come back, talk to the bishop and get his life back together. Julio agreed. And after I shared scriptures from Acts on how we have potential and how God knows us (Saul and Stephen's accounts), Julio said he'll never come back to the Gospel. Out of nowhere. It was a knife in my heart. I couldn't believe it! We couldn't believe it! I was shocked! So we left the house and got in the car...I was in shock like all the rest. Well, in the Lord's time.
That same afternoon, we went to visit that potential again, Pablo Martin, and he could be golden. He was an evangelical, but he doesn't like churches that much. He's seen how the pastors get rich and people are poor. The church has followed him from his home in Honduras to Mexico to here...and he'd love to hear from us again. We had a good discussion about the Gospel, the church organization, and the Book of Mormon. He's interested, but he couldn't come to church since he was already committed to visit a friend's church. He's looking for the true church, and he just has to make time for us to teach him. He could be golden. He knows the Bible, and he knows that the church is supposed to help the poor, not the pastor. And, he doesn't like the Catholics! Score! He knows repentance is individual, not for the pastor or priest. But it could be a problem talking to the bishop, but that's in the future for now. He could have great potential.
The work is tiring. I get up each morning exhausted and sleep exhausted, but that's how it is. I can't believe time flies...4 months in the field already?! Ah! Work work work, there is no better substitute for homesickness than work. I testify of that.
I hope all is well at home. I love you all.
Your missionary,
Elder Irvine
Monday, October 22, 2007
October 15, 2007
My Dear and Loving Family, the Irvines!
It's been great to hear from you at last! I'm excited that Kristy is doing well over in Korea, it must be very interesting to be in a three person companionship, it's hard even with one! I'm glad to know that you are trying to get in shape, because I've been praying about good health for everyone back home. Steven seems to be doing well, just keep on supporting him because he just needs a little push sometimes. I love you all! I can't wait to see you again...but the work and time is now for missionary work!
This week has been a bit hard. We have been trying very hard to find new investigators, so we actually had a textbook weekly planning session. Not like we wouldn't follow Preach My Gospel, but we'd go out of order sometimes. Now I see why it's all in order. And we had success as a result, since we went in order and did the things asked of us by the Apostles and the President of the Church. We have three good investigators, and one with a baptismal date. We didn't have many chances this week to visit her, because we had a lot of things to do in the morning when we'd usually visit her. This week will be different. Oziel Blano is 18 years old, and really smart. He knows all the answers, but he's quiet. I feel dumb when I ask him questions and he knows them. Ah! I'm working on asking questions in Spanish- it is so hard! I don't want to make them feel dumb by asking a hard question, meaning a questions that requires some thinking. And I don't want to ask an obvious question. His family is preoccupied with rent and the like, the usual stuff, so he is our light in the family. La familia Saenz, the mom Norma and the daughter Myra/Maira (I still haven't figured out how to spell it- there so many ways to spell a name!). We are looking for the mom's records to see if she's been confirmed after baptism in Chihuahua, Mexico, but I'm sure we'll have to baptize her again. Problem is, she has a big doubt about Joseph Smith. We gotta hammer it in her head through us and our members, and she has to make time to think and pray about it. She's always busy though, her house is full of people going in and out the entire time. Her daughter has a beautiful little 6 month old daughter who makes it interesting to teach. Myra is open-minded, and I think they have amazing potential. They follow the commandments for the most part, at least they don't commit adultery, but there's some work needed there. Miguel Rosas works for a member in the ward, Hno. Islas. He misses his family a lot, and really enjoys our company. He's receptive, and he has felt the Spirit before with us when we gave him a blessing. He drinks beer from time to time, but we can fix that with the Lord's help. The baptismal date is Yolanda Rosa Murillo, and we're gonna visit her so much she's gonna want to go to church to get rid of us! She's got potential, but we'll see what happens. It's all in the Lord's time. This week has been rough, but great.
We had a service project up in Canyon Country on the way to Palmdale (desert before the real desert in Ridgecrest). We translated for USC dental students who were giving x-rays and things for free for a week. We went up early, got lost, and then got there barely on time! We helped them set up, and we had a great time! I helped file paperwork so the dental students can get their forms, call their number, and help these people. I was so busy! It was so fun though! I worked with a non-member woman and she was really cool. Christian, caring, and patient. My district-mate Elder Villa gave her a card for Together Forever. She could have potential for the elders up there. We helped translate, I filed paper work and filled out forms and things, I loved it! Service is serving others, and serving others is serving the Lord. I love that scripture, by the way, because it speaks the truth.
We visited a relative of the Saenz's in the hospital. He's an alcoholic, and he had to be fixed up a bit in the hospital. He's the boyfriend ('esposo' commonly called but they actually aren't) of Norma Saenz's sister Betty. They had 6 kids together and Betty is with another man. Oh great. But we visited him and left a note, he was sleeping. We went to the Saenz's to see how he was doing, he's up in Palmdale recovering. His children were all there, they're tan like Hispanics but they have red hair. Interesting really. I was thinking that's a bit unnatural, but they were right there so I knew somehow it happened. The oldest daughter really appreciated our note, and I think they could have potential in time. They never knew their dad, he never supported them, and I really think deep down inside they need that love of Christ. We'll see. The Lord prepares people daily.
We found a new investigator, Cristina Ponce. She lives with her 'esposo' a.k.a. boyfriend and has 3 kids with him. She's receptive. She gets depressed sometimes and really wants to hear the word of God. She actually got referred to us by other missionaries. Funny thing is, the zone leaders of Burbank crashed into her car and nothing bad happened. Elder Ricks contacted her! What a great elder! It was like when my buddy Elder Raleigh got hit by a car and he contacted the people that hit him! You have to be crazy to do that! So she has potential, but we'll have to bring the Law of Chastity stick soon. And she talks up a storm. It was an hour and a half visit, and I was thinking 'oh my gosh, when can we teach?' We ended up teaching 3 of 8 principles of the first lesson. Her 'esposo' is atheist, but says he's Catholic. Ah! Not good! She might be ready, but we'll need prayers and His help to remedy this situation.
But on Sunday, no one came to church (again). Call them to repentance! And our less actives are wish-washy! How can you go inactive?! It's better that you were never baptized than be denied blessings and be condemned for tasting of the truth! It's really frustrating, but some of them are really trying to get back to church. They have to put more faith and work into it...like one family. They're both members. They live together, but aren't married, and have done so for 6 years. No! The bishop talked to them about Disciplinary Council and so we talked about that and the sins that are grievous- sin against the Spirit, murder and adultery. It was rough yesterday! It was an hour and a half visit! The woman, Hna. Ventureno, wants to fix it. But her actual husband is late in getting the paperwork for divorce done. The Hno., on the other hand, is nonchalant about it. How can you not care? It's your salvation at stake! I felt like yelling at him or something to get him to know this is wrong! We'll have to fast for her to get her stuff done to get divorced, so she won't be excommunicated (that is the absolute last thing we want). She's working on it, but it is really tough for her right now. Walking out of that house was hard, I just had a heavy heart.
Personal study has been amazing. I read this morning about Korihor, Nehor, Amlici, and the apostate Zoramites (Alma chapters 1, 2, 30 and 31). It saddens me to know that these teachings, but unrighteousness, blasphemy, and power will lead us down to hell. When Nehor slew Gideon, Gideon sealed his testimony with his blood like Joseph Smith. When Alma had to strike Korihor dumb, he did it through the priesthood. I can only imagine, as my Book of Mormon teacher Brother Merrill said, that Alma sadly raised his arm to the square, and sadly and sorrowfully struck Korihor dumb. I can't imagine the pain he felt, especially when he said, it is better that thy soul should be lost then be the cause of many falling into wickedness. No one wants to condemn a soul, but Alma had to because of Korihor's stubbornness. I cried because I felt Alma's love, I felt the love he had for his misguided and apostate brother. I can't imagine how it terrible it is to sit in on a disciplinary council and kick someone out of the church. What strength it requires! What fortitude is needed to disfellowship a member! I don't know how you can do it Dad...I can't possibly imagine. And the Zoramites abominations, of set prayers and how Alma had never seen this before. I can't imagine the shock and sorrow he felt when he saw that with his fellow missionaries. Oh ye perverse generation! How can we pervert the ways of the Lord?! But, I love it when he prays to God to strengthen them, and put his hands on their heads to give them strength. The power of the priesthood exists. About Amlici, it is a sad story of power. The people defeated him through democracy, but he persisted enough to start a war. We must always remember that our callings do not give us unrighteous dominion over others (D&C 121) or even our places of employment. And, how Alma slew Amlici after crying to the Lord to help him. What a great lesson about faith, about a righteous man asking God to give him strength to defeat evil. We can use his example, to cry to God to strengthen us against Satan ('pray always, that you may come off conqueror...' scripture mastery in D&C). Just a thought.
This work is of the Lord. I have a sacred responsibility to help these people, they need me!
I hope all is well, and I love you so much! Keep up the good work, and press forth in faith. God bless you all!
Your missionary,
Elder Irvine
It's been great to hear from you at last! I'm excited that Kristy is doing well over in Korea, it must be very interesting to be in a three person companionship, it's hard even with one! I'm glad to know that you are trying to get in shape, because I've been praying about good health for everyone back home. Steven seems to be doing well, just keep on supporting him because he just needs a little push sometimes. I love you all! I can't wait to see you again...but the work and time is now for missionary work!
This week has been a bit hard. We have been trying very hard to find new investigators, so we actually had a textbook weekly planning session. Not like we wouldn't follow Preach My Gospel, but we'd go out of order sometimes. Now I see why it's all in order. And we had success as a result, since we went in order and did the things asked of us by the Apostles and the President of the Church. We have three good investigators, and one with a baptismal date. We didn't have many chances this week to visit her, because we had a lot of things to do in the morning when we'd usually visit her. This week will be different. Oziel Blano is 18 years old, and really smart. He knows all the answers, but he's quiet. I feel dumb when I ask him questions and he knows them. Ah! I'm working on asking questions in Spanish- it is so hard! I don't want to make them feel dumb by asking a hard question, meaning a questions that requires some thinking. And I don't want to ask an obvious question. His family is preoccupied with rent and the like, the usual stuff, so he is our light in the family. La familia Saenz, the mom Norma and the daughter Myra/Maira (I still haven't figured out how to spell it- there so many ways to spell a name!). We are looking for the mom's records to see if she's been confirmed after baptism in Chihuahua, Mexico, but I'm sure we'll have to baptize her again. Problem is, she has a big doubt about Joseph Smith. We gotta hammer it in her head through us and our members, and she has to make time to think and pray about it. She's always busy though, her house is full of people going in and out the entire time. Her daughter has a beautiful little 6 month old daughter who makes it interesting to teach. Myra is open-minded, and I think they have amazing potential. They follow the commandments for the most part, at least they don't commit adultery, but there's some work needed there. Miguel Rosas works for a member in the ward, Hno. Islas. He misses his family a lot, and really enjoys our company. He's receptive, and he has felt the Spirit before with us when we gave him a blessing. He drinks beer from time to time, but we can fix that with the Lord's help. The baptismal date is Yolanda Rosa Murillo, and we're gonna visit her so much she's gonna want to go to church to get rid of us! She's got potential, but we'll see what happens. It's all in the Lord's time. This week has been rough, but great.
We had a service project up in Canyon Country on the way to Palmdale (desert before the real desert in Ridgecrest). We translated for USC dental students who were giving x-rays and things for free for a week. We went up early, got lost, and then got there barely on time! We helped them set up, and we had a great time! I helped file paperwork so the dental students can get their forms, call their number, and help these people. I was so busy! It was so fun though! I worked with a non-member woman and she was really cool. Christian, caring, and patient. My district-mate Elder Villa gave her a card for Together Forever. She could have potential for the elders up there. We helped translate, I filed paper work and filled out forms and things, I loved it! Service is serving others, and serving others is serving the Lord. I love that scripture, by the way, because it speaks the truth.
We visited a relative of the Saenz's in the hospital. He's an alcoholic, and he had to be fixed up a bit in the hospital. He's the boyfriend ('esposo' commonly called but they actually aren't) of Norma Saenz's sister Betty. They had 6 kids together and Betty is with another man. Oh great. But we visited him and left a note, he was sleeping. We went to the Saenz's to see how he was doing, he's up in Palmdale recovering. His children were all there, they're tan like Hispanics but they have red hair. Interesting really. I was thinking that's a bit unnatural, but they were right there so I knew somehow it happened. The oldest daughter really appreciated our note, and I think they could have potential in time. They never knew their dad, he never supported them, and I really think deep down inside they need that love of Christ. We'll see. The Lord prepares people daily.
We found a new investigator, Cristina Ponce. She lives with her 'esposo' a.k.a. boyfriend and has 3 kids with him. She's receptive. She gets depressed sometimes and really wants to hear the word of God. She actually got referred to us by other missionaries. Funny thing is, the zone leaders of Burbank crashed into her car and nothing bad happened. Elder Ricks contacted her! What a great elder! It was like when my buddy Elder Raleigh got hit by a car and he contacted the people that hit him! You have to be crazy to do that! So she has potential, but we'll have to bring the Law of Chastity stick soon. And she talks up a storm. It was an hour and a half visit, and I was thinking 'oh my gosh, when can we teach?' We ended up teaching 3 of 8 principles of the first lesson. Her 'esposo' is atheist, but says he's Catholic. Ah! Not good! She might be ready, but we'll need prayers and His help to remedy this situation.
But on Sunday, no one came to church (again). Call them to repentance! And our less actives are wish-washy! How can you go inactive?! It's better that you were never baptized than be denied blessings and be condemned for tasting of the truth! It's really frustrating, but some of them are really trying to get back to church. They have to put more faith and work into it...like one family. They're both members. They live together, but aren't married, and have done so for 6 years. No! The bishop talked to them about Disciplinary Council and so we talked about that and the sins that are grievous- sin against the Spirit, murder and adultery. It was rough yesterday! It was an hour and a half visit! The woman, Hna. Ventureno, wants to fix it. But her actual husband is late in getting the paperwork for divorce done. The Hno., on the other hand, is nonchalant about it. How can you not care? It's your salvation at stake! I felt like yelling at him or something to get him to know this is wrong! We'll have to fast for her to get her stuff done to get divorced, so she won't be excommunicated (that is the absolute last thing we want). She's working on it, but it is really tough for her right now. Walking out of that house was hard, I just had a heavy heart.
Personal study has been amazing. I read this morning about Korihor, Nehor, Amlici, and the apostate Zoramites (Alma chapters 1, 2, 30 and 31). It saddens me to know that these teachings, but unrighteousness, blasphemy, and power will lead us down to hell. When Nehor slew Gideon, Gideon sealed his testimony with his blood like Joseph Smith. When Alma had to strike Korihor dumb, he did it through the priesthood. I can only imagine, as my Book of Mormon teacher Brother Merrill said, that Alma sadly raised his arm to the square, and sadly and sorrowfully struck Korihor dumb. I can't imagine the pain he felt, especially when he said, it is better that thy soul should be lost then be the cause of many falling into wickedness. No one wants to condemn a soul, but Alma had to because of Korihor's stubbornness. I cried because I felt Alma's love, I felt the love he had for his misguided and apostate brother. I can't imagine how it terrible it is to sit in on a disciplinary council and kick someone out of the church. What strength it requires! What fortitude is needed to disfellowship a member! I don't know how you can do it Dad...I can't possibly imagine. And the Zoramites abominations, of set prayers and how Alma had never seen this before. I can't imagine the shock and sorrow he felt when he saw that with his fellow missionaries. Oh ye perverse generation! How can we pervert the ways of the Lord?! But, I love it when he prays to God to strengthen them, and put his hands on their heads to give them strength. The power of the priesthood exists. About Amlici, it is a sad story of power. The people defeated him through democracy, but he persisted enough to start a war. We must always remember that our callings do not give us unrighteous dominion over others (D&C 121) or even our places of employment. And, how Alma slew Amlici after crying to the Lord to help him. What a great lesson about faith, about a righteous man asking God to give him strength to defeat evil. We can use his example, to cry to God to strengthen us against Satan ('pray always, that you may come off conqueror...' scripture mastery in D&C). Just a thought.
This work is of the Lord. I have a sacred responsibility to help these people, they need me!
I hope all is well, and I love you so much! Keep up the good work, and press forth in faith. God bless you all!
Your missionary,
Elder Irvine
October 9, 2007
To the most AMAZING family in the world! The Irvines!
Elder S-A-N-D-O-V-A-L loved the card that you sent to him, it meant the world to him. He's been a bit more considerate since then, it really helped him out. His family is in Mexico and so it takes about a month and a half for him to get a letter. That was flat out amazing on your part Mom.
It was Columbus Day yesterday, so the library was closed. What luck! If you could do me a favor and forward parts of my e-mails over to my MTC teachers- marielroetto@gmail.com and devinkevin12@yahoo.com - they'd love it! Thanks so much!
Elder Bethke is doing well, but the previous district leader messed up the car so it's in the shop- he has a car area and he's on bike! What a rough beginning to the mission! It takes half and hour to go between appointments, minimum. Well, at least he'll get in shape quick! His companion is a good missionary, not cool because that means 'apostate', but really obedient and knows his stuff.
We are in the process of cleansing the earth, as it seems. We are picking up a few, dropping a lot. It's how it goes. It is really hard though, because our pool went from alright to 'oh my gosh we're in trouble numbers-wise'. If they aren't ready, gotta leave them behind! However, we made an amazing discovery. One of our investigators, the Saenz family, is actually a member! We didn't know this entire time! Elder Sandoval was in disbelief, as was I. She still doesn't have a testimony of Joseph Smith, but we're working on that. As for her oldest daughter, Myra, she has great potential. She always listens to us. She always asks questions, and is really willing to hear our message. We didn't even teach her a lesson yesterday but the Spirit was there as we bore our testimonies of the Book of Mormon and about the talks in conference. It was a great experience. I'm a bit miffed by the previous elders, who didn't even let us know they were members, and I'm talking about the ones from way back when (8 or so years ago). They were there for the girls...the bar has been raised. Our less actives are coming back to church, slowly but surely, and it disappointing to know that many less actives never want to hear us by making it increasingly difficult to find them! Ah! We shared thoughts and notes from General Conference, and it was hard for me because I had to translate from English to Spanish on the spot. It was very interesting to say the least.
As for conference, it was pleasing to see another Second Counselor up there, Pres. Eyring! And, I loved almost every talk. There were some that really hit me, such as Pres. Monson's first talk reflecting on his experience as a child, "Mrs. Patton, Arthur Lives", Elder Costa's talk about family as well as Elder Oak's talk about family. I loved Elder Holland's talk about the Restoration, that there was a need for a Restoration and whoever calls us 'un-Christian' better think about it again, because we follow the same principles that the old Christians did after Christ's death. I loved it, it was powerful, bold, and to the point. It made us all feel like fighting someone on the streets about the Gospel. It was a motivating talk. Priesthood was off the charts. Elder L. Tom Perry's 'raise the bar' talk, of not clearing the minimum. It is very true. We can't have 'minimum standards' missionaries- it doesn't work, it doesn't help, and it wastes not only our time as companions but the Lord's time. Elder Hales' talk about personal revelation was really powerful. The most poignant moment of the conference was when Elder Nelson helped Elder Wirthlin stay still to finish his talk. My friend's sister who is serving in Burbank, Hna. Zippi, she cried so much she walked out of the room. It was touching, and I know that we have loving men of God guiding us today. They love us because God loves us. And, Pres. Hinckley is still the witty self he is, "I'm 97, and I hope to be here in April", "Pres. Monson, I'm waiting for you to dye your hair red!", and the hilarious one when he mentioned that we always sing the same songs but the speaker is expected to bring something new each time. I love him! What a great conference! I have to admit, this is the first conference where I intently listened to each and every talk that was given. It is sad that I missed so much counsel before coming on the mission.
As for conference, I'd suggest to print one of them in Japanese or have Grandma listen to it, so she can slowly gain a testimony of the Gospel. Maybe Pres. Monson's talk, "Mrs. Patton, Arthur Lives!" Just a thought...
This past two p-days were fun! Last week we went bowling (I am not a good bowler- both under 100) and yesterday we played kickball. It was so fun! However, Sandoval got himself hurt again when the doctor told him to not play sports like soccer and what not, but he still played. I'm not his father so I just let him do it and he got hurt. Just great. Later that afternoon, I was riding the bike to go to the store with my temporary companion Elder Villa and I turned my ankle really bad. It's not pretty. We'll see what happens the next few days.
I am very pleased to see Kristy's progress, because that's exactly what the Lord wants. Exact obedience, nothing wavering, complete dedication and love for the people. I love this mission, I love serving the Lord and all of His children. Just some advice, always study the language. I have slacked off in language study because we've had morning appointments when I usually would study and my comp felt it wasn't very important most of the time to set times in the afternoon to study and make up that lost study time. A significant drop in my comprehension and speaking, and I know that the Spirit works through me, and it is not my own efforts that allow me to communicate with the people here.
Our zone conference is tomorrow, and we're going to the LA temple! It was closed last transfer, I can't wait to go again! During zone conference I'm supposed to give a thought about humility, how it has helped me become a better missionary and/or how it has made a difference in my mission. I'm humbled that the zone leaders would choose me out of 20-odd elders and sisters to speak on humility. Also, I'm a bit nervous for some reason, because I feel inadequate to speak on it. It reminds me of Pres. Eyring, that he feels inadequate to speak to us, and I have the same feeling of inadequacy because I know my weaknesses (humility isn't my greatest strength).
I've struggled this week as I have gotten letters and also as I sat back and reflected on what I've done so far. I'm not disappointed about the lack of baptisms, but that I have so much more to do, that I am not reaching my potential. I'm in the process of finding my weaknesses and trying to make them stronger so I can be a more capable missionary, because everyone is imperfect even missionaries (who could've guessed?). It is me that is preventing blessings from coming, and I know I have to show that faith, repent, and come unto Christ again as a humbled missionary.
We are blessed with great members! I love this ward! I am so blessed to be in the Spanish-speaking part of the mission...I love these people, my brothers and sisters of Arleta.
There's a lot of work to do! There's so little time! I've been here for almost 2 months! How crazy is that?! I don't want to waste one minute (I know I do) in His service. And yes, we are being blessed for our obedience to curfew, the one black mark in our companionship. We have been blessed with some great potential investigators, and we are in the process of visiting our potential baptism since we couldn't visit her at all last week due to her work and everything else. Just pray for us, to be able to help these people go into the fonts of baptism!
I love you all, may you all stay safe. God bless you for your prayers and support, I am lucky (and indebted to God) that I have a wonderful family that is supporting two missionaries and their companions. Thank you, and I love you.
Yours truly,
Elder Irvine
Elder S-A-N-D-O-V-A-L loved the card that you sent to him, it meant the world to him. He's been a bit more considerate since then, it really helped him out. His family is in Mexico and so it takes about a month and a half for him to get a letter. That was flat out amazing on your part Mom.
It was Columbus Day yesterday, so the library was closed. What luck! If you could do me a favor and forward parts of my e-mails over to my MTC teachers- marielroetto@gmail.com and devinkevin12@yahoo.com - they'd love it! Thanks so much!
Elder Bethke is doing well, but the previous district leader messed up the car so it's in the shop- he has a car area and he's on bike! What a rough beginning to the mission! It takes half and hour to go between appointments, minimum. Well, at least he'll get in shape quick! His companion is a good missionary, not cool because that means 'apostate', but really obedient and knows his stuff.
We are in the process of cleansing the earth, as it seems. We are picking up a few, dropping a lot. It's how it goes. It is really hard though, because our pool went from alright to 'oh my gosh we're in trouble numbers-wise'. If they aren't ready, gotta leave them behind! However, we made an amazing discovery. One of our investigators, the Saenz family, is actually a member! We didn't know this entire time! Elder Sandoval was in disbelief, as was I. She still doesn't have a testimony of Joseph Smith, but we're working on that. As for her oldest daughter, Myra, she has great potential. She always listens to us. She always asks questions, and is really willing to hear our message. We didn't even teach her a lesson yesterday but the Spirit was there as we bore our testimonies of the Book of Mormon and about the talks in conference. It was a great experience. I'm a bit miffed by the previous elders, who didn't even let us know they were members, and I'm talking about the ones from way back when (8 or so years ago). They were there for the girls...the bar has been raised. Our less actives are coming back to church, slowly but surely, and it disappointing to know that many less actives never want to hear us by making it increasingly difficult to find them! Ah! We shared thoughts and notes from General Conference, and it was hard for me because I had to translate from English to Spanish on the spot. It was very interesting to say the least.
As for conference, it was pleasing to see another Second Counselor up there, Pres. Eyring! And, I loved almost every talk. There were some that really hit me, such as Pres. Monson's first talk reflecting on his experience as a child, "Mrs. Patton, Arthur Lives", Elder Costa's talk about family as well as Elder Oak's talk about family. I loved Elder Holland's talk about the Restoration, that there was a need for a Restoration and whoever calls us 'un-Christian' better think about it again, because we follow the same principles that the old Christians did after Christ's death. I loved it, it was powerful, bold, and to the point. It made us all feel like fighting someone on the streets about the Gospel. It was a motivating talk. Priesthood was off the charts. Elder L. Tom Perry's 'raise the bar' talk, of not clearing the minimum. It is very true. We can't have 'minimum standards' missionaries- it doesn't work, it doesn't help, and it wastes not only our time as companions but the Lord's time. Elder Hales' talk about personal revelation was really powerful. The most poignant moment of the conference was when Elder Nelson helped Elder Wirthlin stay still to finish his talk. My friend's sister who is serving in Burbank, Hna. Zippi, she cried so much she walked out of the room. It was touching, and I know that we have loving men of God guiding us today. They love us because God loves us. And, Pres. Hinckley is still the witty self he is, "I'm 97, and I hope to be here in April", "Pres. Monson, I'm waiting for you to dye your hair red!", and the hilarious one when he mentioned that we always sing the same songs but the speaker is expected to bring something new each time. I love him! What a great conference! I have to admit, this is the first conference where I intently listened to each and every talk that was given. It is sad that I missed so much counsel before coming on the mission.
As for conference, I'd suggest to print one of them in Japanese or have Grandma listen to it, so she can slowly gain a testimony of the Gospel. Maybe Pres. Monson's talk, "Mrs. Patton, Arthur Lives!" Just a thought...
This past two p-days were fun! Last week we went bowling (I am not a good bowler- both under 100) and yesterday we played kickball. It was so fun! However, Sandoval got himself hurt again when the doctor told him to not play sports like soccer and what not, but he still played. I'm not his father so I just let him do it and he got hurt. Just great. Later that afternoon, I was riding the bike to go to the store with my temporary companion Elder Villa and I turned my ankle really bad. It's not pretty. We'll see what happens the next few days.
I am very pleased to see Kristy's progress, because that's exactly what the Lord wants. Exact obedience, nothing wavering, complete dedication and love for the people. I love this mission, I love serving the Lord and all of His children. Just some advice, always study the language. I have slacked off in language study because we've had morning appointments when I usually would study and my comp felt it wasn't very important most of the time to set times in the afternoon to study and make up that lost study time. A significant drop in my comprehension and speaking, and I know that the Spirit works through me, and it is not my own efforts that allow me to communicate with the people here.
Our zone conference is tomorrow, and we're going to the LA temple! It was closed last transfer, I can't wait to go again! During zone conference I'm supposed to give a thought about humility, how it has helped me become a better missionary and/or how it has made a difference in my mission. I'm humbled that the zone leaders would choose me out of 20-odd elders and sisters to speak on humility. Also, I'm a bit nervous for some reason, because I feel inadequate to speak on it. It reminds me of Pres. Eyring, that he feels inadequate to speak to us, and I have the same feeling of inadequacy because I know my weaknesses (humility isn't my greatest strength).
I've struggled this week as I have gotten letters and also as I sat back and reflected on what I've done so far. I'm not disappointed about the lack of baptisms, but that I have so much more to do, that I am not reaching my potential. I'm in the process of finding my weaknesses and trying to make them stronger so I can be a more capable missionary, because everyone is imperfect even missionaries (who could've guessed?). It is me that is preventing blessings from coming, and I know I have to show that faith, repent, and come unto Christ again as a humbled missionary.
We are blessed with great members! I love this ward! I am so blessed to be in the Spanish-speaking part of the mission...I love these people, my brothers and sisters of Arleta.
There's a lot of work to do! There's so little time! I've been here for almost 2 months! How crazy is that?! I don't want to waste one minute (I know I do) in His service. And yes, we are being blessed for our obedience to curfew, the one black mark in our companionship. We have been blessed with some great potential investigators, and we are in the process of visiting our potential baptism since we couldn't visit her at all last week due to her work and everything else. Just pray for us, to be able to help these people go into the fonts of baptism!
I love you all, may you all stay safe. God bless you for your prayers and support, I am lucky (and indebted to God) that I have a wonderful family that is supporting two missionaries and their companions. Thank you, and I love you.
Yours truly,
Elder Irvine
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
October 1, 2007
New transfer, and it's starting to roll! Our district has had a few rough spots this past week and over the entire transfer last time, but the work is going forth. Nothing is going to stop us from getting our 4 baptisms this transfer (except for their agency of course...). I've resolved that no matter what happens, I won't let any little thing get between my companion and I because the Lord commands us to be one, in everything. I've been blessed!
Now I know why the missionaries stress member presents, it's because they are amazing! We can't have any success without at least a third testimony (1 Corinthians 13:1- refers to a third companion, either the Holy Ghost or a member's testimony). This past Sunday, a miracle happened. My companions, Villa and Raleigh, have been working relentlessly with this less active family, the Ruiz's. The father was out of the church for at least 11 years, as well as his wife. They got them back to church! He was worthy to baptize his 11 year old daughter Briana yesterday, it was a wonderful sight to see. A wayward father found his way back to baptize his daughter and to right the ship once again. It was a testimony to me of the great value of this work, working with investigators and working with less active and part-member families. His testimony, in the two times we've asked him to accompany us, has made a huge difference. He testifies, and as soon as he does, the Spirit floods the room. It is been a pleasure and a fulfilling experience both times that he's come with us. As my comp says, it's like having a third missionary with us. He is just that powerful, that faithful, but humble. He has been immensely blessed for coming back to the Church. What made it better was that we sung "Be Still My Soul" in Spanish (without practice), and it brought the Spirit into the baptismal service. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to bring the Spirit into the service...and it is definitely one of my favorite hymns of all time.
Please send e-mails to the Yahoo account because MyLDSMail has been acting strange recently, and I can't read e-mails today :-(
I am getting new glasses sometime this week, and a member who works at the place is going to fit it for me when we stop by her house later this week...I am so fortunate to be here with amazing members. I can't stop using the word 'amazing' because I can't find another word to describe them and the work they're doing for us missionaries. It is stunning, awe-inspiring, and humbling. It is a great blessing to see the difficulties they've had and are going through, but to see their faith in the Lord and in the Gospel is incredible. They forge on, like the pioneers of old, to persevere until the end. They were prepared for these last days, there is NO doubt in my mind after being here for 7 weeks. And, they feed us every night. What a sacrifice for them! A great blessing for us! How do they do it?!
Back to Hno. Ruiz. We invited him to visit the Saenz family, who've been investigating for at the most a decade. It's really sad to see that, and every time I think about it I get angry at the other missionaries. How could they let the mother go almost a decade without having a testimony that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God? How dare they! I know she has her agency to believe or not, but how could they have ignored that doubt for so long? She's distracted sometimes (yes), preoccupied with other things (of course), but how dare they not teach her or try to resolve her doubt about Joseph Smith. My companions agree with me, and we assume, that the previous missionaries were only over there to talk to her daughters in recent years. We have our work cut out for us. When Hno. Ruiz came, I was a bit apprehensive because she always gets distracted and such. When we taught the first lesson, the Spirit wasn't very strong. TV going on in the next room, she's kinda wandering from topic to topic (she loves to talk a lot, no exaggeration), then Sandoval asked Hno. Ruiz about his testimony about family. He bore his testimony, then BOOM! it was as if the Spirit bulldozed through the room. I was in shock, seriously. Wow. We continued to teach and ask questions to see if she understood, and we asked questions to Hno. Ruiz about prophets and Jesus Christ's Atonement, Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. It was just an infusion of the Spirit each time. I was amazed, surprised, shocked, taken aback. It is an experience I can't forget. The mother, Norma Saenz, couldn't deny the Spirit was there. No chance at all. We bore our testimonies, and rushed home. I know that if members go out with missionaries, they bring a power, and insight, that we can't. We brought Hno. Moreno out, he sacrifices a lot to go out with us several times a week, and he brings a different take. Hna. Yolanda Rosa Murillo, a Pentecostal youth teacher, wasn't receptive at first. But as time went on, she's been willing to listen to us. So we bring Hno. Moreno (took a day off to help us missionaries) and he testified about baptisms for the dead, when that wasn't even a part of our planned lesson...and the Spirit was with us all. I loved it! I was thinking, 'how the heck did we get to baptisms for the dead...and look what happened!' Sometimes you never know what you'll be prompted to teach about. So we went on, testified, and right before we left Sandoval extended the invitation to be baptized, and she accepted! She has potential, she really does. We'll see what happens in the following weeks. The power of member present lessons is truly something I'll have to appreciate more.
I haven't had a family home evening as a companionship as of Saturday, so we joined Villa and Raleigh, and it went really well. So we had our own, actually two in two days. We brought Finding Faith in Christ over to a less active's (Rodriguez-Merino) home. It is a great movie about Christ, and it is a great tool to bring in the Spirit. They were moved by the Spirit, both of them, and we testified of the sacrifice and Atonement of Christ. Then, we shared some scriptures with them, and put it plainly that they have to go to church because of their covenants and the punishment for not renewing the covenants. They didn't come to church yesterday. Before that, we watched The Restoration with a referral (Juan Patia) and his family. His daughter felt the Spirit (the First Vision always brings the Spirit), but the father is very pessimistic towards religions. So he tried to chase the Spirit away with false accusations and Sandoval shut him up with 'well if you want to know for yourself you pray about it' and that was that. His daughter is a potential, but he needs a lot of work on his part to have faith and stop being a pessimist. We'll see what happens with them. Then yesterday night, we walked into an appointment late after the baptism of Briana Ruiz to a sort of less active family (Jarquin's). I had no idea what we were going to teach, and I even asked Sandoval before we walked up to the door. He said we'll see...that is not what I wanted to hear! Then, we sat down, chatted (the father and mother are less actives, daughter is an RM and active, two other children fence-sitting less actives) about Asians because I'm one of the only Asians that can speak Spanish and all that funny stuff. The father is hilarious. He makes me laugh a lot, and I don't even understand a good amount of it I just catch bits and pieces of it. But, it's still funny to me. Sandoval said that we're going to talk about the Holy Ghost, and I was kinda shocked but didn't really matter because I had no idea what's going on anyways and this usually is the case with our less active work. No big deal. It was powerful. The parents bore their testimony of personal revelation, as I did and Sandoval did. It was great. Apparently one of the births of the children nearly went bad, since her water broke in a C-section and then it all drained out and the baby didn't come out...but all was well in the end due to prayers of faith. Scary! I bore my testimony about the sniper attacks, that the Lord preserved me and my family so I can serve a mission, so I can be in California right now. It got their attention, because they remember that event, but to see a person testify of how bad it was, it really helped change the tone of the meeting. It was a great family home evening. I can't wait to do more!
We gave a blessing yesterday for a non-member, a friend of a powerful member Hno. Islas. His child back in Mexico is sick, and he wanted comfort. I bear testimony that a blessing brings the Spirit powerfully and quickly into our lives, and as Sandoval blessed him, I knew that God exists. I knew that He cares about us. Every single one of us. He loves us and cares for us. I love the mission. This non-member has potential, how much, we'll find out soon.
I know that Christ lives. I know that the Atonement applies to everyone, and that it has saved me from my sins. I can take the Sacrament every week to renew my covenants and be cleansed. I know this is the work of the Lord. I don't want to go home. I won't be disobedient. I won't, I can't, deny the Spirit. He is as real as a human being, and I love when the Spirit is in our presence. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Pres. Hinckley is a prophet of God. The work will go forth boldy, nobly, and independently!
...No toil nor labor fear...happy day...All is well...
Godspeed! I love you all, and miss you so much!
Now I know why the missionaries stress member presents, it's because they are amazing! We can't have any success without at least a third testimony (1 Corinthians 13:1- refers to a third companion, either the Holy Ghost or a member's testimony). This past Sunday, a miracle happened. My companions, Villa and Raleigh, have been working relentlessly with this less active family, the Ruiz's. The father was out of the church for at least 11 years, as well as his wife. They got them back to church! He was worthy to baptize his 11 year old daughter Briana yesterday, it was a wonderful sight to see. A wayward father found his way back to baptize his daughter and to right the ship once again. It was a testimony to me of the great value of this work, working with investigators and working with less active and part-member families. His testimony, in the two times we've asked him to accompany us, has made a huge difference. He testifies, and as soon as he does, the Spirit floods the room. It is been a pleasure and a fulfilling experience both times that he's come with us. As my comp says, it's like having a third missionary with us. He is just that powerful, that faithful, but humble. He has been immensely blessed for coming back to the Church. What made it better was that we sung "Be Still My Soul" in Spanish (without practice), and it brought the Spirit into the baptismal service. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to bring the Spirit into the service...and it is definitely one of my favorite hymns of all time.
Please send e-mails to the Yahoo account because MyLDSMail has been acting strange recently, and I can't read e-mails today :-(
I am getting new glasses sometime this week, and a member who works at the place is going to fit it for me when we stop by her house later this week...I am so fortunate to be here with amazing members. I can't stop using the word 'amazing' because I can't find another word to describe them and the work they're doing for us missionaries. It is stunning, awe-inspiring, and humbling. It is a great blessing to see the difficulties they've had and are going through, but to see their faith in the Lord and in the Gospel is incredible. They forge on, like the pioneers of old, to persevere until the end. They were prepared for these last days, there is NO doubt in my mind after being here for 7 weeks. And, they feed us every night. What a sacrifice for them! A great blessing for us! How do they do it?!
Back to Hno. Ruiz. We invited him to visit the Saenz family, who've been investigating for at the most a decade. It's really sad to see that, and every time I think about it I get angry at the other missionaries. How could they let the mother go almost a decade without having a testimony that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God? How dare they! I know she has her agency to believe or not, but how could they have ignored that doubt for so long? She's distracted sometimes (yes), preoccupied with other things (of course), but how dare they not teach her or try to resolve her doubt about Joseph Smith. My companions agree with me, and we assume, that the previous missionaries were only over there to talk to her daughters in recent years. We have our work cut out for us. When Hno. Ruiz came, I was a bit apprehensive because she always gets distracted and such. When we taught the first lesson, the Spirit wasn't very strong. TV going on in the next room, she's kinda wandering from topic to topic (she loves to talk a lot, no exaggeration), then Sandoval asked Hno. Ruiz about his testimony about family. He bore his testimony, then BOOM! it was as if the Spirit bulldozed through the room. I was in shock, seriously. Wow. We continued to teach and ask questions to see if she understood, and we asked questions to Hno. Ruiz about prophets and Jesus Christ's Atonement, Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. It was just an infusion of the Spirit each time. I was amazed, surprised, shocked, taken aback. It is an experience I can't forget. The mother, Norma Saenz, couldn't deny the Spirit was there. No chance at all. We bore our testimonies, and rushed home. I know that if members go out with missionaries, they bring a power, and insight, that we can't. We brought Hno. Moreno out, he sacrifices a lot to go out with us several times a week, and he brings a different take. Hna. Yolanda Rosa Murillo, a Pentecostal youth teacher, wasn't receptive at first. But as time went on, she's been willing to listen to us. So we bring Hno. Moreno (took a day off to help us missionaries) and he testified about baptisms for the dead, when that wasn't even a part of our planned lesson...and the Spirit was with us all. I loved it! I was thinking, 'how the heck did we get to baptisms for the dead...and look what happened!' Sometimes you never know what you'll be prompted to teach about. So we went on, testified, and right before we left Sandoval extended the invitation to be baptized, and she accepted! She has potential, she really does. We'll see what happens in the following weeks. The power of member present lessons is truly something I'll have to appreciate more.
I haven't had a family home evening as a companionship as of Saturday, so we joined Villa and Raleigh, and it went really well. So we had our own, actually two in two days. We brought Finding Faith in Christ over to a less active's (Rodriguez-Merino) home. It is a great movie about Christ, and it is a great tool to bring in the Spirit. They were moved by the Spirit, both of them, and we testified of the sacrifice and Atonement of Christ. Then, we shared some scriptures with them, and put it plainly that they have to go to church because of their covenants and the punishment for not renewing the covenants. They didn't come to church yesterday. Before that, we watched The Restoration with a referral (Juan Patia) and his family. His daughter felt the Spirit (the First Vision always brings the Spirit), but the father is very pessimistic towards religions. So he tried to chase the Spirit away with false accusations and Sandoval shut him up with 'well if you want to know for yourself you pray about it' and that was that. His daughter is a potential, but he needs a lot of work on his part to have faith and stop being a pessimist. We'll see what happens with them. Then yesterday night, we walked into an appointment late after the baptism of Briana Ruiz to a sort of less active family (Jarquin's). I had no idea what we were going to teach, and I even asked Sandoval before we walked up to the door. He said we'll see...that is not what I wanted to hear! Then, we sat down, chatted (the father and mother are less actives, daughter is an RM and active, two other children fence-sitting less actives) about Asians because I'm one of the only Asians that can speak Spanish and all that funny stuff. The father is hilarious. He makes me laugh a lot, and I don't even understand a good amount of it I just catch bits and pieces of it. But, it's still funny to me. Sandoval said that we're going to talk about the Holy Ghost, and I was kinda shocked but didn't really matter because I had no idea what's going on anyways and this usually is the case with our less active work. No big deal. It was powerful. The parents bore their testimony of personal revelation, as I did and Sandoval did. It was great. Apparently one of the births of the children nearly went bad, since her water broke in a C-section and then it all drained out and the baby didn't come out...but all was well in the end due to prayers of faith. Scary! I bore my testimony about the sniper attacks, that the Lord preserved me and my family so I can serve a mission, so I can be in California right now. It got their attention, because they remember that event, but to see a person testify of how bad it was, it really helped change the tone of the meeting. It was a great family home evening. I can't wait to do more!
We gave a blessing yesterday for a non-member, a friend of a powerful member Hno. Islas. His child back in Mexico is sick, and he wanted comfort. I bear testimony that a blessing brings the Spirit powerfully and quickly into our lives, and as Sandoval blessed him, I knew that God exists. I knew that He cares about us. Every single one of us. He loves us and cares for us. I love the mission. This non-member has potential, how much, we'll find out soon.
I know that Christ lives. I know that the Atonement applies to everyone, and that it has saved me from my sins. I can take the Sacrament every week to renew my covenants and be cleansed. I know this is the work of the Lord. I don't want to go home. I won't be disobedient. I won't, I can't, deny the Spirit. He is as real as a human being, and I love when the Spirit is in our presence. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Pres. Hinckley is a prophet of God. The work will go forth boldy, nobly, and independently!
...No toil nor labor fear...happy day...All is well...
Godspeed! I love you all, and miss you so much!
September 24, 2007
The situation has been good so far. We've been home, even early, as of late. So that's it with the obedience problem.
I guess I've calmed down a bit, and I guess that's why the work has really slowed down. It's not good at all. Yesterday we spent at least 3 hours trying to find referrals and investigators but 'none' were home. Two family members lied to us that they weren't home (we knew they were there), so all I could think about was 2nd Nephi 9 (liars are thrust down to hell). Our pool is cut in half now, because we don't have any progressing investigators and most of our potentials are trying to avoid us. Like yesterday, we stopped by this man's house, everyone was home, the music was blaring, and then when we knocked on the door it stopped and no one came to answer the door. It was frustrating. We've been racking up a lot of miles because we don't have good investigators, and when we do something always comes up and we don't have any appointments. So basically, start from square one. Again. No time to rest, no time to waste. Just have to endure and work. On top of that, there are some crazy people around here on the streets, making it a waste of time when they try to talk to your for who knows how long. It's frustrating.
I had my first day of being senior companion last Wednesday, and it wasn't good. All the appointments fell through, so we did the same thing we did all week, contact people on way to appointments, go from investigator to investigator to potential to potential, and no one was home. Not a good day.
Out of the entire week, I think that Friday went the best. We had two early appointments, at 9 and 11 am, and they went really well. Iliana, the first appointment, kept asking questions that led to the next principle in the first lesson. So we asked her to attend church, she said she would. Yes! And she said she'll read! (last time she didn't have time, but she promised she would and I know that she's sincere about it) Next lesson rocked! The same situation, Hortencia Robles. She kept asking, as Iliana did, questions that led to the next principle. It was amazing! Awesome! Exciting! I loved it! We asked her to be baptized, but she pulled the 'but I want to learn and know more before I get baptized' card. So we pushed a little bit more, then realized she didn't want to be baptized right then and there. So, we gave her something to read and left. We are so close to getting her baptized, and we'll extend that commitment next lesson. Money in the bank! And we have another baptismal date (we dropped the first one, she went crazy again and didn't want us to visit her again).
Cervando Torres, cholo (gangster in Spanish) and formerly a drug user. He said he wants to be baptized, the problem is as soon as he gets off house arrest (tomorrow) that he'll be gone forever. That's what happened before he was put in prison and then on house arrest. The missionaries could never find him at home before he got arrested. But, this time, he's sincere about being baptized (other times he was on drugs). He wants to change. He needs to change. He wants to take care of his son in Arizona, and to be a better man for his girlfriend. I see his potential, and I hope that we'll have the chance to baptize him as soon as we teach him the rest of the lessons. It's been rough for him, he's been depressed being in his house for about a month and Satan is trying to take him away. He called us during a companion study and said he had a dream. I thought it was going to be an emergency blessing, because he's just that crazy. But, it ended up being a dream. He said he had a dream, where he was lying down in water and all the evil things (or something like that) were being burned and consumed. He got up, and looked in the mirror, and he saw he was on fire! When Sandoval said 'quemado' out loud, I was like what? is his house on fire? and Sandoval waved me off (meaning 'no'). So Sandoval said, 'Cervando, do you know what this means?', to which Cervando said, "Me voy a bautizarse" (I am going to be baptized). Sweet experience! That was probably Friday too. We had weekly planning for 3 hours and then went to find investigators and less actives for the rest of the night. Good day, started well but ended lamely because no one is ever home. Welcome to the Big Show and the Real World of missionaries.
I'm so happy to be in this ward again! The members threw three birthday parties for Elder Villa, and I definitely have been eating cakes all week. Not good. It's been very enjoyable though, seeing the unity of the district (most of the time) and the enthusiasm that these recent converts have for us and the work. One member, Hno. Moreno, always goes out with us for appointments. As a result, he gets sales calls and thus he is blessed immensely. He doesn't hesitate to drop whatever he has to help us. The other members are starting to catch fire too. It's going great with the members. It's funny because Elder Foust is relatively unknown, and he's been here for at least 5 transfers. That's a long time without being known! Satan is trying hard to get me, and to get the members. Temptations are everywhere, but the white handbook and the mission rules protect me, as does my companion. Some members are struggling right now, but if they show faith they can be blessed immensely.
The Godinez's are struggling as of late. The husband is an RM, and baptized his wife when he was serving his mission. They have a cute little boy Diego. Last Sunday, he asked us to help him and nearly cried in front of us, so we knew something was up (and his wife wasn't there). So we go over Monday night and basically have a council with her. His sister was there, me and Sandoval, and the two of them. She wouldn't speak to us at all, not even utter a word. It took an hour to get her to the point to talk and to vent her feelings. It was painful to see this, to see Hno. Godinez pour his heart out to her, and try to get her to open up. She finally did, but she closed up again after about 10 minutes. It was rough, and it was emotionally draining. It was a testimony to me that Satan is out to destroy families and tear apart the Church as well as outside the Church. They seem to be doing better now, but we made sure that they know if they need anything, we're only a few streets and a phone call away. I love the people in San Fernando. I love this ward. I love my district. My companion makes it hard for me, but I love him. This mission means everything to me.
Thank you for your support. I love you all. Thank you for being my support and my anchor. I miss you, but these people need me right now. I pray for you every night and I hope all is well.
Kristy- Work hard, stay smart, be smart, stay safe, be exactly obedient. Obedience leads to blessings and wonderful investigators. I'm still working on that, and I'm already a transfer in the field. The Lord will provide blessings to his servants, during and after the mission. The MTC is a wonderful place, and enjoy it, because I miss it so much! Thanks for your letters, and I hope to hear from you soon! And please send me your address in the field so I can write you once in a while as well as send e-mails too.
I love you all, God bless you. This is the Lord's work, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Love,
Elder Irvine
I guess I've calmed down a bit, and I guess that's why the work has really slowed down. It's not good at all. Yesterday we spent at least 3 hours trying to find referrals and investigators but 'none' were home. Two family members lied to us that they weren't home (we knew they were there), so all I could think about was 2nd Nephi 9 (liars are thrust down to hell). Our pool is cut in half now, because we don't have any progressing investigators and most of our potentials are trying to avoid us. Like yesterday, we stopped by this man's house, everyone was home, the music was blaring, and then when we knocked on the door it stopped and no one came to answer the door. It was frustrating. We've been racking up a lot of miles because we don't have good investigators, and when we do something always comes up and we don't have any appointments. So basically, start from square one. Again. No time to rest, no time to waste. Just have to endure and work. On top of that, there are some crazy people around here on the streets, making it a waste of time when they try to talk to your for who knows how long. It's frustrating.
I had my first day of being senior companion last Wednesday, and it wasn't good. All the appointments fell through, so we did the same thing we did all week, contact people on way to appointments, go from investigator to investigator to potential to potential, and no one was home. Not a good day.
Out of the entire week, I think that Friday went the best. We had two early appointments, at 9 and 11 am, and they went really well. Iliana, the first appointment, kept asking questions that led to the next principle in the first lesson. So we asked her to attend church, she said she would. Yes! And she said she'll read! (last time she didn't have time, but she promised she would and I know that she's sincere about it) Next lesson rocked! The same situation, Hortencia Robles. She kept asking, as Iliana did, questions that led to the next principle. It was amazing! Awesome! Exciting! I loved it! We asked her to be baptized, but she pulled the 'but I want to learn and know more before I get baptized' card. So we pushed a little bit more, then realized she didn't want to be baptized right then and there. So, we gave her something to read and left. We are so close to getting her baptized, and we'll extend that commitment next lesson. Money in the bank! And we have another baptismal date (we dropped the first one, she went crazy again and didn't want us to visit her again).
Cervando Torres, cholo (gangster in Spanish) and formerly a drug user. He said he wants to be baptized, the problem is as soon as he gets off house arrest (tomorrow) that he'll be gone forever. That's what happened before he was put in prison and then on house arrest. The missionaries could never find him at home before he got arrested. But, this time, he's sincere about being baptized (other times he was on drugs). He wants to change. He needs to change. He wants to take care of his son in Arizona, and to be a better man for his girlfriend. I see his potential, and I hope that we'll have the chance to baptize him as soon as we teach him the rest of the lessons. It's been rough for him, he's been depressed being in his house for about a month and Satan is trying to take him away. He called us during a companion study and said he had a dream. I thought it was going to be an emergency blessing, because he's just that crazy. But, it ended up being a dream. He said he had a dream, where he was lying down in water and all the evil things (or something like that) were being burned and consumed. He got up, and looked in the mirror, and he saw he was on fire! When Sandoval said 'quemado' out loud, I was like what? is his house on fire? and Sandoval waved me off (meaning 'no'). So Sandoval said, 'Cervando, do you know what this means?', to which Cervando said, "Me voy a bautizarse" (I am going to be baptized). Sweet experience! That was probably Friday too. We had weekly planning for 3 hours and then went to find investigators and less actives for the rest of the night. Good day, started well but ended lamely because no one is ever home. Welcome to the Big Show and the Real World of missionaries.
I'm so happy to be in this ward again! The members threw three birthday parties for Elder Villa, and I definitely have been eating cakes all week. Not good. It's been very enjoyable though, seeing the unity of the district (most of the time) and the enthusiasm that these recent converts have for us and the work. One member, Hno. Moreno, always goes out with us for appointments. As a result, he gets sales calls and thus he is blessed immensely. He doesn't hesitate to drop whatever he has to help us. The other members are starting to catch fire too. It's going great with the members. It's funny because Elder Foust is relatively unknown, and he's been here for at least 5 transfers. That's a long time without being known! Satan is trying hard to get me, and to get the members. Temptations are everywhere, but the white handbook and the mission rules protect me, as does my companion. Some members are struggling right now, but if they show faith they can be blessed immensely.
The Godinez's are struggling as of late. The husband is an RM, and baptized his wife when he was serving his mission. They have a cute little boy Diego. Last Sunday, he asked us to help him and nearly cried in front of us, so we knew something was up (and his wife wasn't there). So we go over Monday night and basically have a council with her. His sister was there, me and Sandoval, and the two of them. She wouldn't speak to us at all, not even utter a word. It took an hour to get her to the point to talk and to vent her feelings. It was painful to see this, to see Hno. Godinez pour his heart out to her, and try to get her to open up. She finally did, but she closed up again after about 10 minutes. It was rough, and it was emotionally draining. It was a testimony to me that Satan is out to destroy families and tear apart the Church as well as outside the Church. They seem to be doing better now, but we made sure that they know if they need anything, we're only a few streets and a phone call away. I love the people in San Fernando. I love this ward. I love my district. My companion makes it hard for me, but I love him. This mission means everything to me.
Thank you for your support. I love you all. Thank you for being my support and my anchor. I miss you, but these people need me right now. I pray for you every night and I hope all is well.
Kristy- Work hard, stay smart, be smart, stay safe, be exactly obedient. Obedience leads to blessings and wonderful investigators. I'm still working on that, and I'm already a transfer in the field. The Lord will provide blessings to his servants, during and after the mission. The MTC is a wonderful place, and enjoy it, because I miss it so much! Thanks for your letters, and I hope to hear from you soon! And please send me your address in the field so I can write you once in a while as well as send e-mails too.
I love you all, God bless you. This is the Lord's work, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Love,
Elder Irvine
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