24 May 2014- The Earth has Music for Those Who Listen"

"The Earth has Music for Those Who Listen." 

-  George Santayana

Zeledon Elder / Elder Vique in the beauty of Molango

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Hola Presidente

buenas tardes tenga usted y la hermana egbert quiero compartir para usted una experiencia que me marco muchisimo en este domingo, una mujer entro en la reunion sacramental y comenzo a escuchar al terminar la reunion sacramental el obispo se acerca con nosotros y esta mujer y nos dice elderes ella quiere aprender mas del evangelio, ella un mes anterior habia recibido un ejemplar del libro de mormon y ya tenia ese tiempo leyendolo un mes leyendo todos los dias 1 capitulo del libro de mormon, fue sorprendente al saber que ella estaba ahi por su propio pie, y que nadie le habia invitado lo unico que le habia motivado era el leer el libro de mormon por un mes todos los dias estuvimos muy atentos con ella y con nuestros conversos tambien e investigadores que habia asistido a la capilla fue una gran sorpresa para nosotros ya que nuestra oracion habia sido contestada el poder encontrar a los escogidos y que ellos por su propio pie asistieran a la capilla, ella es la persona mas posible que tenemos para este mes que viene, y puedo testificarle que los milagros se verdaderamente que existen ella es un milagro pero mas que un milagro es un regalo de dios y agradecemos por esta oportunidad que nos brinda de poder tener a los escogidos y que ellos nos encuentran a nosotros y se que la escritura

"He iran errantes de mar a mar... buscando palabra de jehova mas no la hallaran"

Y se sin ninguna duda que esta escritura se cumple en esta hermana es lo que qiero compartir con usted esta semana junto con que estoy bien fisica y espiritualmente porque soy bendecido en todas las cosas- Elder C

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 Mexico Pachuca Mission

"Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan to takeoff. Do not just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply will not happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you 'll love it up here. " 

-  Donald Trump

 These two amazing missionaries (Elder Jimenez / Elder Reese) PLAN Their Work today and everyday - and then they work their plan! 

The consequences of their hard work are evident ...

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President
Esta semana fue muy buena estamos trabajando duro, y talvez no alcanzamos el standart por que no todos estan en sus casas pero estamos progresando en nuestra fe y dedicacion a encontrar personas y pues tubimos 6 bautismos esta semana y fue sumamente espiritual, al verles entrar me lleno una paz y un gozo al punto de casi derramar lagrimas,,, pero se sin ninguna duda que esta es la iglesia verdadera y nada ni nadie podra cambiar ese hecho, se que Dios vive y nos fortalece dia con dia, y mas que nada se que el nos socorre con la ayuda cuando nosotros somos dignos de recibirla, tambien se que el buscar encontrar y bautizar deben ser un equilibrio total, por que si solo encontramos pero nunca enseñamos nunca llegaran a un bautismo, y no cumpliremos con nuestro objetivo, se tambien que estamos aqui para ayudar a todos cuantos podamos, sin importar nada y el servicio es una gran manera de conmover el corazon de las personas ya que el servicio que el mundo hace siempre busca beneficiencia pero el servicio que nosotros hacemos es para elevar y ayudar a nuestros hermanos que aun no conocen la verdad estamos muy emocionados por que tenemos muchas personas que han aceptado su fecha y mas que nada estan cumpliendo con lo que les es requerido y estoy viendo los cambios en ellos y mas que nadad estoy muy emocionado, por que estamos enseñando a un ATEO y el antes no queria orar,se hiba cuando llegavamos con su familia, pero un dia hablamos con el y lo desafiamos a leer el Libro de Mormon como un libro normal y ese mismo dia le invitamos a hacer una oracion ! Y la Hizo! y ultimamente no hemos hablado con el pero yo se que el esta empezando a creer en nuestro Dios, y en nustro salvador el cual es Jesucristo, y pues el acepto fecha para el mes de Junio, sdijo que si el llegaba sentir, y saber que Dios existia estaria dispuesto a todo, y principalmente a bautisarse, y pues los frutos del trabajo se ven y mas que nada cuando nos esforzamos por hacer todo el Señor nos bendice como no tenemos Idea. Elder J

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 This is the baptism I referenced last week where the zone leaders paid compliments to the sisters on what an incredible baptismal service they organized with their ward. The spirit was so strong and everything was in order from flowers, to posters, and delicous cookies. These sisters are new to this zone as we have not had sisters in Tecamac for quite some time. They give great effort and are great examples to the whole zone on work ethic and being bold! President and I could not be more proud .... thank you Sisters !

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort"

Paul J Meyer

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Sister Sanchez / Sister Cebreros on divisions in San Juan. 

Sister Cebreros is so excited as their branch was made ​​a ward last Sunday. This day they were waiting outside the church for President Egbert as one of their investigators had a special interview-whom Saturday night was baptized. This sweet sister pictured with them is the Ward Young Women's President. She is over 13 young women in the ward.  Our ​​missionaries thrive in this area because of the supportive members and the passion our "sister leader trainers" have for the Work of Salvation.

We are so proud of Cebreros Sister and Sister Luna ...

"Endurance is Patience Concentrated" 

Thomas Carlyle

We would be misleading the world if we did not admit the mission has its challenges and some days are just a test of endurance, patience, and long suffering-all for the greater good of another. We salute our many missionaries who work diligently everyday with exact obedience and determination to rescue the "Lost Sheep" one by one. Often it may be their own companions who they are trying to save ...

" Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and an unrelenting pursuit of commitment to your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek "

Mario Andretti

 Elder Pena and Elder Carlson "house hunting" - for a new place to live.

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Hola Presidente.

Quiero contarle que estoy esforzando mucho mas por ser el siervo que el Señor espera de mi.. Esta semana pude ver claramente como por medio de la Fe Dios puede hacer todas las cosas....

El dia sabado por la tarde mientras pasabamos con nuestras bicicletas vimos a un Señor sentado afuera de su casa.. y llegamos y empezamos a hablar de lo que nosotros hacemos.. El nos invito a pasar a su casa y salio su esposa y su hijo.. Mientras enseñabamos pude sentir tan fuerte el Espiritu.. y les invitamos a la capilla y hacer bautizados. Ellos nos dijeron que si querian hacerlo.. El domingo por la mañana que pasamos por ellos, esta familia poderosa y preparada paso a traer a otros investigadores que nosotros tenemos.. y juntos llegamos a la capilla.

Estoy tan agradecido por haber abierto mi boca y encontrar a esta familia.. Siento que estoy disfrutando mas por lo que hago.. El poder hablar con todos..

Presidente, Se y testifico del Poder de Dios.. Se que como un misionero tengo que hacer mi parte para poder ver los milagros y sin duda estos llegaran..!!!

Le Amo.. Gracias por sus Enseñanzas
Elder B

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District Meeting on Wednesday in Tizayuca

 and (below) in Panuaya / Presas with Elder Beesely. 

President commented what a wonderful class Elder Beesely presented. He is able to bring the spirit to the class quickly because of his tender heart. President is so grateful for the tender mercy of having him back in the mission in good health. 

 Oh-this must be our branch "ho-down" in Molango. Our missionaries look great in their Western attire. And an activity (below) with the kids in the primary. Elder Vique and Elder Zeledon always doing great and so involved in their area. I'm not sure about the guy in yellow .... Investigator?

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Sometimes you just gotta find the joy in the work ... 

And these two don't have to look very hard.

 Central Zone Leaders in Pachuca

Always able to have a good time and a laugh with the simplest of things ...

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This sweet sister providing a teaching moment in the kitchen-

The sisters are so generous to feed our missionaries daily for "la comida" (lunch). Often sharing ALL they have for the benefit of the missionaries. We are mindful of the humble circumstances of so many - and are touched by their sacrifice. President and I give thanks daily and also pray that our missionaries are gracious and grateful for the meals provided.

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"If we could not laugh we would all go insane."

-Robert Frost

 Mission Leaders headed back on the bus after training ... 

Dear Elder Felsted's parents ... we are not quite sure what's happening to him here in the mission.  He always has the craziest faces! But, oh how we love his sense of humor-and photogenic characteristics. We probably won't let these kids come home when it's time. We love them too much! 

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 Elder Iverson (above) and Elder Castro (below) enjoying the beauty of spring in Tulancingo- the area in which they serve. 

25th May 2014- Sunday

President and I attended the Pachuca Centro-Centro Ward of Elder Contreras and Elder Park. What an amazing ward! So impressed with the bishopric and just the overall spirit in the meeting today. Surprise we spoke on missionary work and of course President shared some great stories from his youth and statistics of the blessings received in regards to future church activation if mission service is involved.... Elder Contreras shared his testimony as well as Hermana Cordona from the neighboring ward. That sweet trio of sisters were invited by this sweet bishop to attend their sacrament meeting service. Each companionship had a baptism last night! Yea!!!! Sorry I didn't get the sisters picture before they took off for their ward council meeting.... 

Interesting side note: Elder Contreras (left) when he was transferred to this area realized that the Bishop served in his home ward as a young missionary. Elder Contreras remembers him eating in his home as a missionary when he was just a young boy. What a small world!   And other side note: Notice Elder Parks amazing tie that a wonderful sister made for him! A beautiful color and heart felt gesture of love for missionary service.

Mexico Pachuca Mission Tour 2014

 "Regarding one's testimony, remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses.. Teach and testify. There is no better combination."

President Thomas S Monson

Mission Tour Week - 2014

Monday- Preparation Day including office meetings, planning meetings, special interviews and house cleaning as we prepared for the arrival of Elder Alan R Walker of the Seventy and his wife. 

Tuesday- Exercised, washed both cars inside and out while President rode his stationary bike for two hours reading as many letters as he could as he knew his time would be limited for the week. And then as unexpectedly as could happen the ENTIRE Mission home flooded. We had a large rain and hail storm Monday night and our roof had over a foot of water across the top. A church employee who came to the mission home earlier Tuesday morning was working on our water boiler which had blown up and burned up the whole side of the house. He was painting the house in that area before Elder Walkers arrival and noticed the massive water on our roof and that the drain was plugged. He unplugged the drain which overwhelmed our sewer system causing all the water from the roof to come up through all the sinks, toilets, tub, and showers. I was outside and walked into the house to get paper towel to clean the car windows and our house was covered in 2 -3 inches of water EVERYWHERE. I just stood there and was like "Oh NO!". Needless to say 6 hours later we got it all cleaned up -made banana bread for wednesday mornings zone conference and threw dinner in the oven in perfect time for the arrival for Elder/Sister Walker. Oh heavens...stress level a little elevated!

Wednesday-Mission Tour Zone Conferences Tecamac I - Tecamac II

Zone Conferences went from 900 am to 130 pm. The devotional starting with a song, prayer, reciting "Missionary Purpose" and DC 4. Then two missionaries were called on by Elder Walker to give a 10 minute talk on Alma 23:6. The whole mission had been asked to prepare a ten minute talk knowing only two would be asked to share. It was wonderful and set the tone. Then I spoke for ten minutes with President translating,  President Egbert for 30 minutes, Hermana Walker spoke for 30-40 minutes and then we had a 15 minute break for a snack and bathroom break. Then Elder Alan R. Walker trained the remaining time.  After zone conference Elder Walker interviewed 2 missionaries and President interviewed 2-3 missionaries. 

The missionaries through the entire mission were so attentive and enjoyed the training and council by Elder/Hermana Walker. They are from Argentina and were serving in the Monterrey Mission for three years before their call last year to the Seventy. They have one daughter (7) and live in Mexico City where he is employed by the church as a financial controller for the Mexico Area. They are young in years but seasoned in church service and experience. What a privilege and blessing to have them visit our mission. 

Each night we traveled to various Stake Centers and had training with ward/stake councils on the Work of Salvation with most of the missionaries in attendance again with their wards/units. Again all 4 of us speaking...

Don't be fooled by Elder Reese's serious face (below left) as he says I don't take the picture fast enough when he is smiling. True! He was smiling right before this... I need to work on my lightening fast picture taking skills. Love all these missionaries so much. Notice Elder Panigua picked his birthday gift - a new toothbrush/toothpaste/and shower scrubby. It;s the simple things in life that brings joy... and Elder Jacobson/Elder Rodas speaking one on one with Hermana Walker. What a fantastic day we had in Tecamac!

Tecamac II Zone - May 2014

Tecamac I Zone- May 2014

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Thursday Zone Conferences In the Tulipannis Capilla

 Pachuca Centro Zone- Pachuca Mx Zone- Pachuca Sur Zone

Pachuca Centro Zone- May 2014

Pachuca Mx Zone- May 2014

Pachuca Sur Zone - May 2014

"Grabbing supplies after Zone Conferences"

Elder and Sister Walker toured our mission office and met our incredible secretaries. Hermana  Xolalpa (VISA's) and Elder/Hermana Ramos (finances/supplies/referrals/housing etc.) Complimentary comments to our office missionaries for the incredible and professional job in running the mission office. 

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Friday Zone Conference- 

Tezontepec - Valle de Mezquital - Tulancingo Zones

Valle De Mezquital Zone- May 2014

Tezontepec Zone- May 2014 

Tulancingno Zone- May 2014

Hola Presidente!

Well this week I have really learned a ton! Especially about exact obedience! I told my companion I really wanted us to be as obedient as we possibly could and I know when we really tried our hardest and best to be exactly obedient we really saw and felt the Lords hand in this work. We even had a really neat experience were we tried to be exactly obedient on the dot with time and the day we tried our very best to be our best we had new investigator's, time to teach, and really felt the spirit and so much more. There was a day where we ended Noche de Hogar later than we should have which only left us with ten minutes left before we had to be in our house. And you know what we did Presidente? We sprinted all the way home! And it was a really unique experience for me because I realized that one, the Lord really does provide the strength when we are trying to follow Him, and two that even though I am the junior companion I can still contribute and help my companion to be exactly obedient and have the courage to accomplish all things. My companion and I were mid way home and I realized she was getting behind and I was getting ahead, I thought we have to do this together!! And I told her (or I tried to tell her the very best I could) that we are running and doing this together. Neither one behind neither one ahead. We are companions and a team in this work to be the very best missionaries we need and should be! And so I made sure I ran exactly by her and motivated her to keep going! And not only did we arrive on time but a minute early! (We even took pictures to document the moment of our dedication to be EXACTLY OBEDIENT) I really felt connected and empowered with both of our desires to follow the Lord the very best we could! Even if it meant being sweaty and barely being able to breath. There are still a lot of things we could be better at but its great because we have room to grow and progress. Sometimes I feel that she maybe thinks I am a little too...enthusiastic? or too dedicated with trying to be exactly obedient but I know it will bring us closer to the Lord and I see the blessings for me because my confidence has really grown in this work because I know I am trying to give it all. And deep down I think or at least hope she loves it and sees the difference! And even if I have to do it alone and be strong on my own I know I can do it! And I know if will always encourage her to do it even if it is hard. And honestly sometimes, it is hard, but anything with the Lord is possible. I mean we ran a good mile or so in 10 minutes! and I know it wasn't because of me. I am learning so much and I know we will see the blessings in our area if we try our best! We did not get to teach as much as we would have liked too but this week we are really trying to go strong! During Zone Conference, one of our zone leaders said that the people are there for us to complete our goals and your goals for 40, we just have to have faith and diligently work hard to find them! I am learning so much and am so thankful we were able to talk to our families this past week! Everyday my testimony grows and I know my family is learning a long with me as I am doing this work for our Lord. Every day I want to do something that scares and that pushes me to be better and be EXACTLY OBEDIENT. I know we can do this and Presidente, I am so thankful for you and Herman Egbert! I am certain we have the BEST Presidente (Usted) y esposa de Presidente (Hermana Egbert) in the entire world! I am thankful for everything you do and appreciate it all! Trying my best to represent our Lord and our mission well! Tenga buen semana :) Hermana G

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Hola presidente!!

Esta semana fue excelente, en la capacitación nos fortalecimos mucho, y tuvimos una experiencia con ¨the harvesting blessing¨ fuimos con una investigadora que ya habíamos visitado y no estaba progresando, aunque ya había aceptado fecha pero tenía muchas dudas y decidimos dejarle por un momento, al pasar por su casa le vimos y nos acercamos para visitarle nuevamente y nos dijo: lo siento no tengo mucho tiempo, al instante el espíritu me indicó que era un buen momento para dejar la bendición en su casa, así que le dijimos, somos representantes de Jesucristo y él nos ha enviado para dejar la paz y bendición en su casa podemos dar esta bendición, y ella no entendía muy bien que íbamos a hacer pero nos permitió pasar y le hicimos preguntas para conocer un poco de su familia, y luego nos arrodillamos y comencé a orar y al terminar le pregunté ¿Cómo se siente? tardó unos segundos para responder y su respuesta fue: sentí que mi corazón se ablandó, wow presidente fue sorprendente y luego recordé que debíamos invitarle al bautismo y le pregunté ¿Seguirá el ejemplo de...... y ella dijo: si. y luego le pregunté será bautizada el 8 de Junio?, y dijo: si, fue sorprendente presidente, antes ya habíamos intentado hacer eso, pero lo hacíamos dudando, pero ahora fue diferente tuvimos fe y todo salió muy bien, me asombró cuando su respuesta fue: sentí que el corazón se me ablandó.

Tengo un fuerte testimonio de esa bendición, al principio tenía miedo porque pensaba que era muy directa esa bendición y yo pensaba que debíamos enseñar antes algo acerca del bautismo, para que ellos aceptaran, pero estaba olvidando que el señor ya está preparando a las personas y que nosotros debemos encontrarlas, creo que estaba olvidando que Dios obra milagros en las vidas de las personas, fue una gran lección que nunca olvidaré. Al estudiar alma 23:6 he aprendido mucho de que debemos buscar la profecía y la revelación por medio de la oración y el ayuno, y escudriñar las escrituras para poder tener entendimiento de las verdades del evangelio, así como lo hicieron Ammón y sus hermanos y se que de esa manera podremos tener el poder Dios para poder ver milagros.

Estamos trabajando muy duro presidente para poder encontrar aquellas personas que Dios ya a preparado, y estamos abriendo nuestra boca con tantas personas podemos, para que de ese modo podamos ser instrumentos para que algún día este area tenga una capilla, se que requiere de mucho esfuerzo, y que seamos constantes para poder estar siempre animados y de esa manera poder fortalecer a los miembros que ya se han inactivado.

Presidente mi companero es una bendición muy grande en mi vida, me recuerda al ánimo que debemos de tener en todo momento, él es un excelente misionero, y está progresando mucho.

Gracias por todo presidente le amo mucho. Elder V

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Saturday Mission Leadership Council- May 2014

The Arrival of the "Stripling Warriors" to the mission home for training by President Egbert and Elder Walker.

Mission Leadership Council- May 2014

Survival of the Mexico Pachuca Mission Tour 2014 

An incredible experience- Thank you Elder/Hermana Walker

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Sneak peek of the mission ...

Together there is nothing we can't accomplish!

Dear President,

this week has been an excellent week...well I know that there is always room for improvement but we are slowing getting there. This week our investigator Juan, finished his baptism interview. He is literally a rock star, he is 74 years old and he rides his bike to church. He stopped smoking, stopped hanging out with his friends and is doing everything so that he can make a covenant with God. Its so cool to see how people have that desire to become closer to their Heavenly Father. He is getting baptized this saturday and we couldn't be anymore excited. Our area is amazing and the members are so loving, they give us so much food that my companion and I can barely walk after. ha I love this work and I love how being here!!! Serving the Lord has even changed my family. Its amazing to see how many blessing the Gospel can bring into someones life. I want everyone to experience the joy that I have, and Im excited to share it with everyone. Everyday I am progressing, at least I hope that I am. I want to be converted like my converts and always remember the love that Christ has for us,and that we are never alone and that we dont need to feel that way. Thank you for receiving revelation and helping us become better missionaries. I am striving to become the fourth missionary. Thank you!!!!! love you Hermana A

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Pretending to be "Bad Boyz" for just a minute... 

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Oh My!

Nothing sweeter than these moments in the Mission field. 

Great job Elders.

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Elder Cardwell found a little friend

 "President, can we keep him as the mission mascot?"

Sometimes it is the tiniest of people that need the missionaries attention... participating in a little "tea party".

It's always a "fiesta" while in the mission. No where else we rather be at this time in our lives. We love the people of Mexico!

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A little P-Day soccer on a Monday afternoon

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The zone leaders (below) commented how on Saturday, sisters from the Hacienda ward had four baptized and the service was incredible. They were so prepared with cookies, flowers, and a poster! These zone leaders were so impressed and said to President, "After their baptism we talked and decided we better up our game so we can try and duplicate the environment and feeling of the spirit in that meeting!" What a wonderful compliment to our sisters serving in 'Hacienda'. 

Missionaries from the Tecamac Tecamac ward...