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
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
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
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