Ya, so the letter for this week is going to be short this week. Because the computer froze in the middle of my sweet long letter and now I have to start over on a little lower excitement level cuz I am a little bummed. Haha! This letter was an upbeat and happy week. We had great experiences and some disappointments but mostly the emotional upos and downs that come with the mission. We had four investigators in church on Sunday…blew my mind. I was so happy. Eric, who is getting baptized next week, came to church and felt really comfortable. We were glad to see him come in with Lehi, our mission leader. Also, we brought a kid named Matius to church that´s 10 years old. His mom was baptized when she was a young girl and moved away from the church after some time. He has been very interested in the Restoration and thinks it´s incredible that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. He will probably be baptized soon. A Sister from the ward helped us out by bringing Claudina to church (the 80 year old that´s getting baptized on Dec. 6). She needed a wheelchair for some time and we finally found one for her this past week. Felipe (the awesome 17 year old) didn´t come to church yesterday again and I think it might be because of his parents which is always a tough situation. We talked to him last week and he said he was fine but we will try to get a hold of him this next week to see if we can have a lesson soon. He still wants to be baptized but we´re worried about his family situation.
Lehi taught the Gospel Principles class yesterday in church and, out of nowhere, asks me to get up and teach a little more about the Sacrament and my thoughts on it. I have a firm knowledge and testimony that from the moment I got up the Holy Ghost was telling me what to say and how to say it. I was teaching things that I didn´t even know until I said them and I was learning as I was going along. It was definitely a moment that reminded me that I´m being guided by God to do His work. I felt good about church yesterday but after having meetings with the Bishop in the morning, I´ve realized how stressful being a leader can be. There are so many souls in the church that have problems and need spiritual nourishing that it almost seems impossible for the leaders to be able to help everyone and keep and strong congregation. I see it as a miracle and also a sign that EVERYONE in the church must do their part to keep it going. I feel like I want all the time in the world so I can do everybody´s responsibilities for them so the church prospers, but I guess that is what agency is for. That´s also why our Heavenly Father´s Plan is PERFECT for all of His children. There is a conditional part of it that relies on our own actions to what will come of us; that means we have the power within us to make the choices that will lead us to the perfection, or Eternal Life. How amazing!!!
Elder York is still working hard even though he only has 5 weeks left. He even still makes food for us a lot and I feel blessed to be with him. His bunt apple cakes are AMAZING, Haha! He also has about 105 old church talks that are from devotionals at BYU. They are all incredible and we listen to them in the extra time we have after lunch. I have grown to love listening to Elder LeGrand Richards speak. He is a very distinctive speaker and really captures your attention. I invite you to listen to some of his memorable talks.
(Random side note): I heard a meteorite fell in Utah 2 days ago…pretty crazy. The signs are coming. Haha!
One of the defining moments of the week is that we had Chinese food for lunch at a Sister´s house from the ward that LOVES cooking. She always makes special, different food and it´s always delicious. The best part is that we had CHEESECAKE for dessert. I about flew to heaven when I tasted it. I forgot how much I missed Cheesecake until I tasted it.
Ok so maybe the email wasn´t tooo short but I wasn´t certainly rushed for time. I miss you all EXTREMELY and can´t wait to talk to you at Christmas. Elder York tells me that we only get 1 HOUR to talk at Christmas time but I REEEEEEAAAAALLLLLYY hope it is different for this year. We´ll see. Tell Grandpa that I love him so much (and put a lot of emotion into it because that´s how I feel). He is in my prayers. You are all in my prayers and I ask for your prayers as well cuz this mission work needs them. Any spiritual thoughts that you have, please send them to me next week please. I am looking for a little extra spiritual jump start. Love you all!!!!!!! Especially Momma and Dad.
Sincerament y con mucho amor,
Elder Josh Boaz
P.S. Tell Alexa congratulations, Stephen Smith: congratulations on his mission call, and to Bishop Griffin: Thank you for his support, love, and dedication to the Lord.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Nov. 16th's email - I love my Heavenly Father!
Wow, I have officially finished one change here in Progreso (Santiago). I can´t believe it!!! The Lord makes our work worth it because we have to work hard but he also helps us to not dwell too much on the time. The time is going too fast for my companion because…THIS IS HIS LAST CHANGE IN THE MISSION!!! I´m so going to able to finish (kill) Elder York`s mission with him. I feel blessed because he still is a hard worker and we are pushing to help the work along. As for me, personally, I´m doing and feeling great. I received your Halloween package and thought I died and had gone to heaven from all the AMERICAN candy and chocolate I had received. Thank you a billion times!!!! I still have this little tummy that has formed but the quest is ON to get rid of it. I think it was because I was too concerned about losing weight that I´m eating too much and actually gaining a little bit. The candy won´t help me but I will TRY to be wise in eating and sharing it. Haha!
This week helped me understand even better how the Lord will prepare people in His time to be baptized or be ready for the Restored Gospel of Christ and we just have to be ready to work to the best of our abilities to support and educate these people about the truths.
Monday was a peaceful and fast day. Tuesday is when I really felt the reality that some experiences can have in the mission. In the morning, we had a lot of extra time and needed to find new investigators so we knocked doors for some time. We came in contact with a very friendly Evangelist Pastor at his door. His name is Hector and he talked to the missionaries about a year ago at his doorstep. We talked casually for a bit and then began explaining our message of the Restored Gospel to him. The whole time, I felt really nervous because we were speaking to a man who studies the Bible frequently for his church and I wasn´t so confident in being able to answer his doubts if he had any. We explained the Restoration and the purpose of the Book of Mormon; he expressed various doubts. The whole time, I wanted to be clear as possible in explaining everything that I started to cut off my companion and Hector as well to say things. I felt guided by the spirit but I realized something different afterwards. By the end of our time with Hector, he agreed to read (or in his own words: “deeply study”) the Book of Mormon compare it to the Bible and wanted us to come back in 2 months. Needless to say, that is a lot of time to wait for a second appointment, so we left him with the invitation to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. Afterwards, Elder York explained to me what he noticed and what lacked in the unity of us. I completely understood his observation and felt a little regret for not being able to teach better together. He also said something that had an impact with me: *we don´t need to be amazing masters of the scriptures or have everything answer or explanation in the world. We just bring the simple but powerful message of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon to the people and invite them to read and pray about it. We can answer every question that they have but unless they read and pray about what we share, they will not believe and feel that what we have is true. That is the simple but grand power of the Spirit of God.* In the night, our last lesson was with Rodolfo where we had planned to have a normal lesson including the Word of Wisdom. When we got there he had some questions that he had gotten after searching for information about the church other websites (that`s never a good outcome because rumors come from the web). After some random questions about rumors that we cleared up, he had some doctrine questions. Long story short, he couldn´t get past the thought that God and Christ are two separate beings because he has such a firm belief that they are one person. We spoke a little bit more trying to help him understand but nothing was going to help…it looked like this was the end of our time teaching him. He thanked us for the time we´ve spent with him and told us that we were more than friends to him. I felt God´s love when he also said that we were too good of people and he felt the Spirit when we visited. This whole experience tore me up inside because we had developed such a close relation with this great father who loved God and we have to stop teaching him. I cried and cried on the way home that night. I wanted the Eternal Life and blessings for this family and it wouldn´t happen. I now understand a lot better how Heavenly Father feels when His children don´t chose the right decisions for their life. I am going to be a better missionary in my love for the people.
On the bright side, we found a new couple last week named Patricio and Susana that have turned their lives around. Patricio was without work for some time and depressed when we found him. Since then, he has found a great job, has much more happiness and wants to get married to Susana. It has been amazing to see his evolution to this good man. He loves reading the Book of Mormon and studies whatever part of it when he has extra time at work. We need to first work on helping them get married and then be baptized but the changes they have already made have been incredible just in their personality. Felipe, the 17 year old that came to church last week, didn´t come yesterday and we haven´t been able to teach this past week either but he came to the youth ward activity by himself on Wednesday by himself and wants to go to the youth Church camp in January as well. Stinkin awesome!!!
We finished the week with having the primary program in church yesterday and it was precious! I miss my nephews, nieces, and cousins…but most of all, my parents and siblings. The primary theme was Eternal Families and I felt the spirit from these small and simple testimonies. I can´t wait to be wrapped in my Heavly Father´s arms as one of his sons. I also can´t wait to be wrapped in the arms of my loving family. Every single one has a special place in my heart. The Chruch is true and I love you…all. Ok, that was a little cheesy but VERY true. :P Take care and may you all focus in having the Lord strengthen your weaknesses. (Ether 12:27) Con Mucho Amor!!!
Elder Josh Boaz
This week helped me understand even better how the Lord will prepare people in His time to be baptized or be ready for the Restored Gospel of Christ and we just have to be ready to work to the best of our abilities to support and educate these people about the truths.
Monday was a peaceful and fast day. Tuesday is when I really felt the reality that some experiences can have in the mission. In the morning, we had a lot of extra time and needed to find new investigators so we knocked doors for some time. We came in contact with a very friendly Evangelist Pastor at his door. His name is Hector and he talked to the missionaries about a year ago at his doorstep. We talked casually for a bit and then began explaining our message of the Restored Gospel to him. The whole time, I felt really nervous because we were speaking to a man who studies the Bible frequently for his church and I wasn´t so confident in being able to answer his doubts if he had any. We explained the Restoration and the purpose of the Book of Mormon; he expressed various doubts. The whole time, I wanted to be clear as possible in explaining everything that I started to cut off my companion and Hector as well to say things. I felt guided by the spirit but I realized something different afterwards. By the end of our time with Hector, he agreed to read (or in his own words: “deeply study”) the Book of Mormon compare it to the Bible and wanted us to come back in 2 months. Needless to say, that is a lot of time to wait for a second appointment, so we left him with the invitation to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. Afterwards, Elder York explained to me what he noticed and what lacked in the unity of us. I completely understood his observation and felt a little regret for not being able to teach better together. He also said something that had an impact with me: *we don´t need to be amazing masters of the scriptures or have everything answer or explanation in the world. We just bring the simple but powerful message of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon to the people and invite them to read and pray about it. We can answer every question that they have but unless they read and pray about what we share, they will not believe and feel that what we have is true. That is the simple but grand power of the Spirit of God.* In the night, our last lesson was with Rodolfo where we had planned to have a normal lesson including the Word of Wisdom. When we got there he had some questions that he had gotten after searching for information about the church other websites (that`s never a good outcome because rumors come from the web). After some random questions about rumors that we cleared up, he had some doctrine questions. Long story short, he couldn´t get past the thought that God and Christ are two separate beings because he has such a firm belief that they are one person. We spoke a little bit more trying to help him understand but nothing was going to help…it looked like this was the end of our time teaching him. He thanked us for the time we´ve spent with him and told us that we were more than friends to him. I felt God´s love when he also said that we were too good of people and he felt the Spirit when we visited. This whole experience tore me up inside because we had developed such a close relation with this great father who loved God and we have to stop teaching him. I cried and cried on the way home that night. I wanted the Eternal Life and blessings for this family and it wouldn´t happen. I now understand a lot better how Heavenly Father feels when His children don´t chose the right decisions for their life. I am going to be a better missionary in my love for the people.
On the bright side, we found a new couple last week named Patricio and Susana that have turned their lives around. Patricio was without work for some time and depressed when we found him. Since then, he has found a great job, has much more happiness and wants to get married to Susana. It has been amazing to see his evolution to this good man. He loves reading the Book of Mormon and studies whatever part of it when he has extra time at work. We need to first work on helping them get married and then be baptized but the changes they have already made have been incredible just in their personality. Felipe, the 17 year old that came to church last week, didn´t come yesterday and we haven´t been able to teach this past week either but he came to the youth ward activity by himself on Wednesday by himself and wants to go to the youth Church camp in January as well. Stinkin awesome!!!
We finished the week with having the primary program in church yesterday and it was precious! I miss my nephews, nieces, and cousins…but most of all, my parents and siblings. The primary theme was Eternal Families and I felt the spirit from these small and simple testimonies. I can´t wait to be wrapped in my Heavly Father´s arms as one of his sons. I also can´t wait to be wrapped in the arms of my loving family. Every single one has a special place in my heart. The Chruch is true and I love you…all. Ok, that was a little cheesy but VERY true. :P Take care and may you all focus in having the Lord strengthen your weaknesses. (Ether 12:27) Con Mucho Amor!!!
Elder Josh Boaz
Nov. 9th email - He is doing well
Hola a todos! J
Another week has passed by extremely fast and I feel great. There have been quite a few things that have changed as of this past week with our work that we have had. We had 5 baptismal dates this past week. Yesterday, we had one investigator in the church that had a good experience. His name is Felipe and he´s 17 years old. This kid is really kind-hearted and receptive to what we have taught him. He talked to the missionaries about 8 months ago and lost contact with them. We talked to him for the first time on October 28th when we were talking to his brother first. He came in from school and was more interested than his brother by the end of the lesson. Since then, we have had 4 more lessons. This past Tuesday, we watched “The Restoration” and he felt a conviction of the good feelings that he has been recently having. He already prays daily and loves reading what we give him but he tells us he has to make time for schoolwork AND the Book of Mormon. Haha! I love it! We have set a date for his baptism on November 22nd. He is really polite and – I believe – will be a great addition to the ward in this area. We had to change Eric`s baptism date to November 29th. When we came to his house this past week, he told us that he wouldn`t be able to come to the next two weeks of church because he had some events at his university that he had to be involved in for a grade in one of his courses. It was so difficult to hear that during the lesson, but it was equally comforting to hear that he was as bummed as we were. He just needs to wait three more weeks now but is as committed as ever right now. He continues to study the Book of Mormon by himself and the passages that we give him. We showed him General Conference and www.lds.org and he loved it. I can wait to see the fruits of this baptism!
Bayron (the boy that we`ve been working with since the beginning of this change with less active parents) didn´t come to church. I am not sure he has the desires to come to church and his parents are not helping so much with support either. He`s only come one time to church in all this time (5 weeks) and I think we might need to stop teaching him if something good doesn’t happen this week. I have a question for all Returned Missionaries or whoever else: How can we excite this 9 year old Bayron to come to the church and have stronger desires to be baptized? Any info will help.
We might have a baptism this weekend…his name is Niscefero. He`s 76 years old and has been on and off with the missionaries for almost a year now. He´s one of those guys who knows the church is true, knows that the Book of Mormon is true, agrees with all the commandments and comes to church often….but doesn`t have the complete drive to get baptized quite yet. We have just used a bit of boldness with him lately and scheduled the baptismal interview for him for this week. Haha! I think all will go well with him. He is a little senile but a hilarious character; and his wife ALWAYS invites – almost obligates – us to drink some Coca-Cola after EVERY lesson. Every time we go over there, it is a surprise and fun experience.
Speaking of Coca-Cola, I am getting a little bit of a belly from my food intake out here. Just to let you all know. Haha, I think the mass from my muscles is leaving my neck, arms, and legs, and is moving to the belly (or “guata” in Chileno). Don´t worry, it is scaring me that I´m getting a little tubby and I´m going to start working out harder in the mornings.
This past Thursday, we did service for Claudina, an 86 year old lady that´s getting baptized on November 29th. She can`t move very well and lives in a big house that wasn´t very clean on the first floor, so we came by with a member from the ward and cleaned the whole first floor of her house. There was hair everywhere from her dogs and it smelled bad…really bad. We moved all the furniture outside and cleaned it as we also mopped inside. We even gave her dog a bath which he didn´t enjoy very much but he needed it. Haha! Since Claudina can´t walk or drive, we found a wheelchair for her as well so that she has a way to come to the church now. I felt GREAT as we were helping her. Every time that we come over since the beginning, Claudina calls us the angels that God has sent to save her. I feel SO blessed to be a servant in the Lord and every time I hear that from her I know that Heavenly Father is guiding me.
We haven´t been able to find Henry (the less active from Peru) this past week but we`ll still keep looking for him at his house. I really believe that he will be coming back to the church soon but we just have to get a hold of him.
I just realized yesterday in church from the Gospel doctrine teacher that the rest of the world and religions are waiting for Christ to come again; but we [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints] are working SO THAT He will come. The second coming will not come until every person has a chance to hear the Gospel and it is spread to all of the corners of the earth. The phrase "Every Member a Missionary" is so true in this time. I love you both and hope all is well at home. Elder York and I are starting to talk to more and more people in the streets now because we`ve received added incentive from the great scripture I shared last week. We also started a class of English here for every Saturday to find more “chosen” people ready for the Gospel. I advise ALL OF YOU to apply this scripture to your life right now. D&C 61:3.
I love my Savior and that is why I´m serving him. Service without love is NOTHING!!! I hope this email finds you all in high spirits.
Con Mucho amor,
Elder Josh Boaz
Another week has passed by extremely fast and I feel great. There have been quite a few things that have changed as of this past week with our work that we have had. We had 5 baptismal dates this past week. Yesterday, we had one investigator in the church that had a good experience. His name is Felipe and he´s 17 years old. This kid is really kind-hearted and receptive to what we have taught him. He talked to the missionaries about 8 months ago and lost contact with them. We talked to him for the first time on October 28th when we were talking to his brother first. He came in from school and was more interested than his brother by the end of the lesson. Since then, we have had 4 more lessons. This past Tuesday, we watched “The Restoration” and he felt a conviction of the good feelings that he has been recently having. He already prays daily and loves reading what we give him but he tells us he has to make time for schoolwork AND the Book of Mormon. Haha! I love it! We have set a date for his baptism on November 22nd. He is really polite and – I believe – will be a great addition to the ward in this area. We had to change Eric`s baptism date to November 29th. When we came to his house this past week, he told us that he wouldn`t be able to come to the next two weeks of church because he had some events at his university that he had to be involved in for a grade in one of his courses. It was so difficult to hear that during the lesson, but it was equally comforting to hear that he was as bummed as we were. He just needs to wait three more weeks now but is as committed as ever right now. He continues to study the Book of Mormon by himself and the passages that we give him. We showed him General Conference and www.lds.org and he loved it. I can wait to see the fruits of this baptism!
Bayron (the boy that we`ve been working with since the beginning of this change with less active parents) didn´t come to church. I am not sure he has the desires to come to church and his parents are not helping so much with support either. He`s only come one time to church in all this time (5 weeks) and I think we might need to stop teaching him if something good doesn’t happen this week. I have a question for all Returned Missionaries or whoever else: How can we excite this 9 year old Bayron to come to the church and have stronger desires to be baptized? Any info will help.
We might have a baptism this weekend…his name is Niscefero. He`s 76 years old and has been on and off with the missionaries for almost a year now. He´s one of those guys who knows the church is true, knows that the Book of Mormon is true, agrees with all the commandments and comes to church often….but doesn`t have the complete drive to get baptized quite yet. We have just used a bit of boldness with him lately and scheduled the baptismal interview for him for this week. Haha! I think all will go well with him. He is a little senile but a hilarious character; and his wife ALWAYS invites – almost obligates – us to drink some Coca-Cola after EVERY lesson. Every time we go over there, it is a surprise and fun experience.
Speaking of Coca-Cola, I am getting a little bit of a belly from my food intake out here. Just to let you all know. Haha, I think the mass from my muscles is leaving my neck, arms, and legs, and is moving to the belly (or “guata” in Chileno). Don´t worry, it is scaring me that I´m getting a little tubby and I´m going to start working out harder in the mornings.
This past Thursday, we did service for Claudina, an 86 year old lady that´s getting baptized on November 29th. She can`t move very well and lives in a big house that wasn´t very clean on the first floor, so we came by with a member from the ward and cleaned the whole first floor of her house. There was hair everywhere from her dogs and it smelled bad…really bad. We moved all the furniture outside and cleaned it as we also mopped inside. We even gave her dog a bath which he didn´t enjoy very much but he needed it. Haha! Since Claudina can´t walk or drive, we found a wheelchair for her as well so that she has a way to come to the church now. I felt GREAT as we were helping her. Every time that we come over since the beginning, Claudina calls us the angels that God has sent to save her. I feel SO blessed to be a servant in the Lord and every time I hear that from her I know that Heavenly Father is guiding me.
We haven´t been able to find Henry (the less active from Peru) this past week but we`ll still keep looking for him at his house. I really believe that he will be coming back to the church soon but we just have to get a hold of him.
I just realized yesterday in church from the Gospel doctrine teacher that the rest of the world and religions are waiting for Christ to come again; but we [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints] are working SO THAT He will come. The second coming will not come until every person has a chance to hear the Gospel and it is spread to all of the corners of the earth. The phrase "Every Member a Missionary" is so true in this time. I love you both and hope all is well at home. Elder York and I are starting to talk to more and more people in the streets now because we`ve received added incentive from the great scripture I shared last week. We also started a class of English here for every Saturday to find more “chosen” people ready for the Gospel. I advise ALL OF YOU to apply this scripture to your life right now. D&C 61:3.
I love my Savior and that is why I´m serving him. Service without love is NOTHING!!! I hope this email finds you all in high spirits.
Con Mucho amor,
Elder Josh Boaz
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Directed by the Spirit!!!
Hola mi amada familia,
How have you all been doing from this past week? I feel overjoyed to be able
to write to you all and be able to update you on my past week of
experiences. It has definitely been a busy and uplifting week to say the
least. I wish the same for all of you to have uplifting weeks as well. How
can we NOT have uplifting weeks as the members of Christ́s restored church
in the world today? The week all started well on Monday when I received the
email from mom. I had just read the email from her that said how grandpa`s
health wasńt very good. I had just finished writing a letter to him in the
week before but didńt have his address so I was going to have to send the
letter home and hope that you could send it to him in fast time. I was a bit
nervous when I heard about his health but saw that mom had given me his home
address and knew, right then, that my prayer was answered. I know that
Heavenly Father knows how important our families are to us and He will help
us in any way if it is just and right (3 Nephi 18:20). The weather this past
week has really started to heat up. It is almost like the weather went
straight from Winter to Summer but we also have some random cloudy days come
into play. Every week, one member from the ward will wash our clothes for us
in this sector. For this week, I just happened to have all of my short
sleeved shirts being washed and only had my long sleeved shirts to wear
while we worked. Ugh!!!!! It was a little tough but it́s all good. Haha!
Just so that all know as well, our house is pretty sweet. There is just the
two of us there (Elder York and I) and we have a little courtyard in front
where our landlords maintain a garden. It́s sweet.
Just a couple of thoughts for my Christmas package is that I would love have
some music from George Dyer (at least “All Creatures of Our God and King”)
and Dad. And Íd love for you to send my brown dress shoes that I left at
home. They are comfortable and would help me save some money our here if my
shoes get really worn out. Just a thought.
The week was filled with lessons and new investigators. Just an update on a
couple people that wéve been working with: Laureano Zapata (the old guy who
thought he was a mason) was having problems with his family where he was
living so he has moved to a better place to live which happens to be outside
of our mission (that stunk a bit). But I hope that the missionaries can find
and baptize him in the Santiago East Mission because we sent his cell number
to their mission office. Eric Abarca (the golden boy of 19 years old)
finally came to church for the first time yesterday and is progressing
great. He really understands the importance of this commitment and wants to
go forward with what he`s felt. He was even participating with his own
thoughts during the classes at church. I really think he enjoyed it and will
get stronger towards his baptism on November 15th. We are also working with
a husband and father of 2 named Rodolfo who is very interested in the Book
of Mormon and the “Restoration”. He still isńt sure if it is completely
true because he wants more information but….he “feels good” when he studies
what we share with him. I am confident héll receive an answer soon. We have
found some other great people this week that feel good about what we`re
teaching them and I firmly believe that will receive a baptismal date soon.
We only had two investigators come to the church yesterday and one of them
was a huge surprise because it was a casual invite and the man is very
Evangelist but that was nice. I dońt like Sunday mornings on the mission
because I get nauseous while anticipating if any of our investigators will
come to church. I guess I just need to trust in the Lord a bit more.
I will leave you with a story from this past Saturday that emphasizes the
importance of being ready for moments guided by the Spirit. We went to the
house of a lady we contacted a couple of days before. When we got there, a
young guy came up to the gate to answer to us. We asked him if the lady was
there and he went to check but came back saying that she had left. We were
about to leave when I had the impression to ask him if he had talked to the
missionaries before. He asked, “The Mormons?” We said, “Yes, that́s what the
people call us.” He said, “Ya, when I was younger. I was actually baptized
with my grandma when I was 8!” We were surprised!!!! because he had his ears
pierced and a piercing in his eyebrow but he was an extremely friendly and
happy guy. We asked if we could share something with him and he let us in.
He told us hés 26 years old and that he was baptized at 8 years old with
his grandma in Peru (He`s from Peru). When he was 11, his grandma died and
he lost touch with the church because he had to move, but he told us that he
always felt a strong spirit and happiness when the missionaries came over to
teach them. He grew up, got married, and had two kids but one day his wife
left him with the two kids one day without telling him. This sent him into a
period of depression where he moved to Chile after some time to get away
from the house and thoughts of his kids. He has lived here for 5 months now.
He didńt remember the message of the Restoration so we shared it with him
and his girlfriend there. You could see the light come into his eyes when we
shared this amazing message and the strong Spirit that was felt as we shared
with both of them. He even threw in a random comment during the lesson about
how he always wanted to be a missionary like the ones that came to his house
when he was young. Tears came to my eyes as he gave the closing prayer. He
thanked God for leading him back and reminding him about the Restoration of
the Church of Jesus Christ; and also that he has more comfort in his life,
even without his children. He wants to return to the church and it all
started because I followed the impression from the Spirit to talk to him.
Doctrine and Covenants 61:3 says, “But verily I say unto you, that it is not
needful for this whole company of mine elders [or members] to be moving
swiftly upon the waters [of life], whilst the inhabitants on either side are
perishing in unbelief.”
We need to open our mouths and reach out to help all in need…even when they
look like they dońt want it or need it. My prayers are with the families of
Mr. Lorenzen, Peter Ring, Grandpa, and you all. I love you all and know that
this Gospel is true. “I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down.”
Take care until next week.
Con Amor,
Elder Josh Boaz
How have you all been doing from this past week? I feel overjoyed to be able
to write to you all and be able to update you on my past week of
experiences. It has definitely been a busy and uplifting week to say the
least. I wish the same for all of you to have uplifting weeks as well. How
can we NOT have uplifting weeks as the members of Christ́s restored church
in the world today? The week all started well on Monday when I received the
email from mom. I had just read the email from her that said how grandpa`s
health wasńt very good. I had just finished writing a letter to him in the
week before but didńt have his address so I was going to have to send the
letter home and hope that you could send it to him in fast time. I was a bit
nervous when I heard about his health but saw that mom had given me his home
address and knew, right then, that my prayer was answered. I know that
Heavenly Father knows how important our families are to us and He will help
us in any way if it is just and right (3 Nephi 18:20). The weather this past
week has really started to heat up. It is almost like the weather went
straight from Winter to Summer but we also have some random cloudy days come
into play. Every week, one member from the ward will wash our clothes for us
in this sector. For this week, I just happened to have all of my short
sleeved shirts being washed and only had my long sleeved shirts to wear
while we worked. Ugh!!!!! It was a little tough but it́s all good. Haha!
Just so that all know as well, our house is pretty sweet. There is just the
two of us there (Elder York and I) and we have a little courtyard in front
where our landlords maintain a garden. It́s sweet.
Just a couple of thoughts for my Christmas package is that I would love have
some music from George Dyer (at least “All Creatures of Our God and King”)
and Dad. And Íd love for you to send my brown dress shoes that I left at
home. They are comfortable and would help me save some money our here if my
shoes get really worn out. Just a thought.
The week was filled with lessons and new investigators. Just an update on a
couple people that wéve been working with: Laureano Zapata (the old guy who
thought he was a mason) was having problems with his family where he was
living so he has moved to a better place to live which happens to be outside
of our mission (that stunk a bit). But I hope that the missionaries can find
and baptize him in the Santiago East Mission because we sent his cell number
to their mission office. Eric Abarca (the golden boy of 19 years old)
finally came to church for the first time yesterday and is progressing
great. He really understands the importance of this commitment and wants to
go forward with what he`s felt. He was even participating with his own
thoughts during the classes at church. I really think he enjoyed it and will
get stronger towards his baptism on November 15th. We are also working with
a husband and father of 2 named Rodolfo who is very interested in the Book
of Mormon and the “Restoration”. He still isńt sure if it is completely
true because he wants more information but….he “feels good” when he studies
what we share with him. I am confident héll receive an answer soon. We have
found some other great people this week that feel good about what we`re
teaching them and I firmly believe that will receive a baptismal date soon.
We only had two investigators come to the church yesterday and one of them
was a huge surprise because it was a casual invite and the man is very
Evangelist but that was nice. I dońt like Sunday mornings on the mission
because I get nauseous while anticipating if any of our investigators will
come to church. I guess I just need to trust in the Lord a bit more.
I will leave you with a story from this past Saturday that emphasizes the
importance of being ready for moments guided by the Spirit. We went to the
house of a lady we contacted a couple of days before. When we got there, a
young guy came up to the gate to answer to us. We asked him if the lady was
there and he went to check but came back saying that she had left. We were
about to leave when I had the impression to ask him if he had talked to the
missionaries before. He asked, “The Mormons?” We said, “Yes, that́s what the
people call us.” He said, “Ya, when I was younger. I was actually baptized
with my grandma when I was 8!” We were surprised!!!! because he had his ears
pierced and a piercing in his eyebrow but he was an extremely friendly and
happy guy. We asked if we could share something with him and he let us in.
He told us hés 26 years old and that he was baptized at 8 years old with
his grandma in Peru (He`s from Peru). When he was 11, his grandma died and
he lost touch with the church because he had to move, but he told us that he
always felt a strong spirit and happiness when the missionaries came over to
teach them. He grew up, got married, and had two kids but one day his wife
left him with the two kids one day without telling him. This sent him into a
period of depression where he moved to Chile after some time to get away
from the house and thoughts of his kids. He has lived here for 5 months now.
He didńt remember the message of the Restoration so we shared it with him
and his girlfriend there. You could see the light come into his eyes when we
shared this amazing message and the strong Spirit that was felt as we shared
with both of them. He even threw in a random comment during the lesson about
how he always wanted to be a missionary like the ones that came to his house
when he was young. Tears came to my eyes as he gave the closing prayer. He
thanked God for leading him back and reminding him about the Restoration of
the Church of Jesus Christ; and also that he has more comfort in his life,
even without his children. He wants to return to the church and it all
started because I followed the impression from the Spirit to talk to him.
Doctrine and Covenants 61:3 says, “But verily I say unto you, that it is not
needful for this whole company of mine elders [or members] to be moving
swiftly upon the waters [of life], whilst the inhabitants on either side are
perishing in unbelief.”
We need to open our mouths and reach out to help all in need…even when they
look like they dońt want it or need it. My prayers are with the families of
Mr. Lorenzen, Peter Ring, Grandpa, and you all. I love you all and know that
this Gospel is true. “I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down.”
Take care until next week.
Con Amor,
Elder Josh Boaz
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