Moments In Time- 04 August 2013

Moments In Time

  So this week President had 3 "Special Interviews"  for investigators with needs/concerns. All three of these sisters were humble, with tender spirits. President Egbert commented several times how pleasantly pleased he was by the spiritual preparation of the investigators. Kudos to these 3 companionship's who worked with such diligence and thoroughness in preparing these investigators.

 

 

 

 

"The major work of the world is not done by geniuses. It is done by ordinary people who have learned to work in an extraordinary manner."

 Elder Ceballos shows us this amazing waterfall area called 

"Huasca de OCampo"....

"Hermana mayor de 90 años, decidida a seguir a Jesucristo, luchando y esforzándose por aprender el evangelio. A pesar de la edad y los sacrificios que hace por asistir a la capilla, cada domingo esta firme y fiel en su convenio. Realmente fortalece nuestro testimonio."
Elder Martinez/Elder Zepeda

This sister, more than 90yrs old, decided to follow Jesus Christ. She is fighting and striving to learn the gospel. In spite of her age and the sacrifice it is to attend church every week; she is faithful and strong in her commitment. She really strengthens our testimonies!

  "Actividad misional de barrio Xicotepec:

Fue una tarde muy divertida, donde los investigadores y los miembros se divirtieron aprendidendo el vangelio de jesucristo. Fue una gran actividad donde salimos fortalecidos con el espiritu de unidad."

Xicotepc Ward missionary activity.

It was a fun afternoon where the investigators and members enjoyed learning the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a great activity where we all left strengthened by a spirit of unity.

 Elder Iverson and Elder Loayza with one of their faithful new converts and also a fun photo of Elders Mendoza, Iverson, Loayza checking out the sites of their area.

 

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can." 

John Wesley

 

Mission Leadership Council- Wednesday

 We had breakfast at 0800, training til 230pm and then"la comida".

 After lunch they all departed off to their distant homes where they did training in their zones the following morning. What a great group of Elders! I so enjoyed them in our home. Each companionship went home with a plate of Orange Rolls and a plate of Banana Bars. Some of these kids we need to fatten up a bit!

At the hospital where I worked we would eat anything... I think these kids would too!

You will also notice I wasn't called here to Pachuca for my rhyming abilities! (Twix bars)

Is this set of 5 not the happiest looking group? 

The sad thing is on the 17th we will be sending a few of these home.

 I'm already attached... President has even cried tears over thinking about them leaving!

Its truly amazing how quickly you fall in love and care about each one- a 'tender mercy'.

 Saying "Good bye" until we meet again....

Mision Mexico Pachuca Zone Leaders/Assistants August 2013

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." —Lao Tzu

The following is taken from a letter of one of the zone leaders pictured above. With his permission and names omitted I share this exert from his weekly correspondence to President Egbert; just to give you a taste of some of these tender missionary moments.

"We had another amazing experience. When we got here 4 and a half months ago we met the husband of the Primary President. He isn´t a member and has been atheist his entire life or a so he claimed. We had many lessons trying to strengthen this mans faith in our divine nature and the relationship that we have with our loving Heavenly Father. Although, each and every time we left the invitation to pray he would accept and then not do it. We battled for 4 months trying to understand what was wrong with the way we were teaching him. I know that it was especially hard on his wife and his daughter who is a counselor in the Young Women's Program. Finally, we found the key through your counsel, President Egbert. We prayed and fasted and were able to think of some inspired questions to ask him. In the last lesson we had with him this past week, we followed the planning and the Spirit took hold. We started the lesson and were able to answer all of his doubts. We discovered that he had a hard time believing in the creation. We explained everything with power and authority and the Spirit spoke disguised with our voices. At the end, there was a sudden silence. I looked at the man and asked.. ¨Do you have faith in God, our Eternal Father, as well as his Son, Jesus Christ?¨He replied with.. ¨Yes.¨ Then I asked.. ¨Do you believe that they exist and love us?¨ He replied.. ¨Yes.¨ Then my companion looked him in the eyes and asked ¨May we finish with a prayer?¨He nodded. Then my companion with the Spirit asked.. ¨Will you say it?¨ We watched tears come to his eyes as he said the words.. ¨Yes. I can.¨ We hit our knees together and being shocked by the impact of the experience and tears in our eyes we waited in silence. Then the first thing we heard was his voice as he broke the intensity with the words.. ¨Heavenly Father..¨It was the first time this man had ever prayed in his entire life and as we finished, we were all crying. My companion and I walked home that night with tears in our eyes and smiles from ear to ear. We have seen miracles this week. We know that there are more to come. All is going well and we have faith that all will go well this week as well. Thank you for your help, President."

A Missionaries Letter July 28th 2013

A Missionaries Testimony

Weekly each missionary writes President Egbert a letter which is sent via email on the Church's IMOS system. Almost daily in the early morning President Egbert rides his stationary bike for an hour with his I-Pad propped up on the handle bars and he reads letter after letter. I walk/run on the treadmill in the corner of the room with my headphones on and I often get a glimpse of emotion as he reads these letters with tears running down his face... I know many are too personal to share. I asked President if there was one I could share this week- with permission from this Elder and his name omitted I share this simple yet heartfelt testimony to give you a glimpse of the amazing young men we have the opportunity to work with here in the Mexico Pachuca Mission. 

Hey President, I had a special week this week and I would like to share a part of what I wrote to my family in your letter ...here it is.

"This week has been one to remember. We have not been having great success here but I can feel that soon the Lord will bless us with good work. I had an experience that changed my life, words can not describe the feelings that I felt and the Love that I feel. I have found love for my family so much here in Mexico. I don't know much about what the pioneers went through, and I don't know what it takes to be a General Authority, I definitely don't know Spanish, and I don't know how to write Emails. But let me tell you what I do know. And what I know with all the love in my heart. I know that we have a Father in heaven who loves us. I know that he knows us individually and wants us to be happy. I know this because I can feel his love for me everyday. He is here for me. HE knows me. He wants what's best for me and my future family. I am so blessed with this knowledge. I will do all that I can to let people know of his love for them. We are part of such a wonderful Gospel. Tho only Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "For god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son." Count your many blessings, and continue to be part of a chosen people. Thank you for your prayers, your support, and most importantly your love." love Elder...

So this week went rather quickly- We had three days of interviews with different zones and worked on administrative things the other days. Yesterday, with the help of the secretaries/assistants, we found a possible home to rent to help house all the missionaries coming in and going out. We can get 20 bunk beds delivered and they will fit easily in this home. It has I think 4 bathrooms, so doable. We will know more on Monday if its an option and paperwork approved. I hope you enjoy some of the picture collages below that highlight our wonderful young men. Our thought for the day yesterday was "Your beliefs don't make you a better person; your behavior does."  

Tecamac II Zone- "Kick Ball on P-Day"

  Pachuca Mx Zone

 Pictures submitted by Elder Garcia

 The Elders checking out the local sites of Pyramids, cows, and cactus's

 Tulancingo Zone- Service Project

 Pictures submitted by Elder Ortega

Tecamac I Zone- Interviews on Tuesday- "Sugar-cookie Day"

 

Tecamac II Zone-Thursday Interviews

 "Banana Bars were a HIT, but I owe them Sugar Cookies!" 

 

Tulancingo Zone- "Seriously-where did these guys come from?"

Tulancigo Zone- Friday Interviews- A perfect group to wrap up the week.

"Don't worry Intermountain-Dixie Regional, I'm documenting my

nursing hours while I'm gone! These missionaries are giving me

lots of practice..."

"Sister Egbert are your sure this big of a needle is necessary? 

... and...

It needs to go where? "

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words- July 2013

"Sometimes Pictures are Worth a Thousand Words"

We had a great week- Tuesday &Thursday Interviews with "two" more zones, Friday visit by President De-Hoyos and his wife of the Mexico Area Presidency and a special interview, and a trip to Molango for a baptism and visit to the "Group" and "Branch" that are President Egberts responsibility. 

What a great weekend with those members. Also included on this weeks post is two elders experience and some pictures from a zone activity promised to the missionaries from before we arrived. 

P-Day Soccer Game in the Mezquital Zone- Monday 15 July 2013

“What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle, and giving 110 percent all the time.” – Don Zimmer

The two sisters pictured below are the only sisters serving in this zone-and what a delight they both are to their zone and to this part of the Mexico Pachuca Mission.

This is the "Pachuca Sur Zone". What a wonderful group of missionaries from all around the world. They enjoyed frosting their own sugar cookies.   I thought Elder Beck would call to report he was ill from eating soooo many cookies!! 
The zone leaders Elder Poulsen and Elder Almaraz diligently checked area books and planners...

 

I am so enjoying each individual missionary and their unique personalities, needs, desires, and dreams. 

Each has a unique story and so many share their love for family, friends, and "special friends" back at home.

 This is the Pachuca Mx Zone-

Elder Shilling checking area books- (Yes, evidence he does work hard!)

This group today was extremely happy and enjoyed talking with each other.

While waiting they read through copies of the Ensign and I had the privilege to 

get to know them each a little more. President Egbert commented on how much better

this zone seemed today.

President De Hoyos and his sweet spouse came to visit us in the mission and answer questions that President had regarding this new transition. They are the kindest and most humble servants of the Lord. They have a son Estaban who was Presidents tutor with language from the MTC for several months before we reported. We see why he is such an outstanding young man- amazing parents!

Thank you President/Hermana De Hoyos

     Our trip to Molango this weekend was exceptional. We felt it was effective/efficient and so great to spend time with Elder McCormick-Elder Hixon. What outstanding young men! 

     The road to Molango is dangerous and zig-zags through the jungles of Mexico. On Saturday we attended the baptism of one of their investigators "Arizbeth". I knew I would have to hike up to the waterfall and pond so I wore my "boots"- good thing I left the stilettos home. By the time the trekking to and fro was done I was sweating like a "toasted cheeser", but it was so much fun! Then the family/branch members had a small BBQ at the base of the trail to celebrate Arizbeth's baptism.

     There is a small "group" that meets in "Zacualtipan"- they have minimal priesthood but those with potential to lead- and then the most faithful sisters. They had a record attendance of #21 members! The Elders worked so hard to get everyone there in attendance. The most special spirit in the most humble setting- makes me teary writing it here in text.  A sweet sister allows them to use an empty room in her home. We carry her kitchen chairs down and then use little kids chairs, stools, and cinder blocks with wood on top as a bench. Then after that meeting we raced off to the "Branch in Molango" 3 hour block. Its a 45 minute trip through the wilds of Molango. So beautiful- they have a "House of Prayer" building they rent for their meetings. Recently remodeled with new tile and chairs. They had a magnificent attendance of #37 without counting us 4. Elder Hixon plays the piano- which brings so much to this branch. The choir performed the opening and closing songs. Then they fed us a delicious meal with members providing the potluck. 

     We then made the trek back home arriving about 8pm to find our assistants busily working on reports until 1030pm. Oh my!!

This is me in the mission office in my little corner of Mexico

where I work on the "English-companionship study" program for the natives, keep track- send letters to the incoming missionaries, and chart medical care- call MD's regarding sick missionaries. 

No, the bottle of 7-Up does not come close to replacing my diet coke habit which has come to a screeching halt here in the mission. To say the least President Egbert is pleased! 

I'm trying not to be bitter...  jk

Elder Shillig (above) and Elder Dove (Below)

President Egbert's Assistants and two of my "sons".

The story below is related to these two Elders.

So this story starts with President's and my planned trip to Molango where I was under the assumption that the assistants were coming with us for the weekend. The day before we were to leave it became apparent that President Egbert and I were on a totally different page. I had the assistants coming with us, and they were going to stay with the Elders in Molango. Elder Shillig and Elder Dove were very excited about going to Molango. On Friday when we are driving President Egbert tells the Elders that he doesn’t mind if they come but that he needs to justify in his head how their coming would be the most efficient and effective in progressing the work of the Lord in our mission; he spoke as though he had reservation or impression that they had better things to do here in Pachuca. I’m sitting in the passenger seat devastated that he’s even making them have to plead their case. I have it all in my head just like this, “they are going to support this branch, the group, the Elders in Molango and they will attend the baptism, and do splits or family visits with them and all is well…”

Then this is what happens…. the Elders in the back seat say NOTHING!  Total Silence…then they end up telling the President they will stay and the only reason they have is that they can start on reports before our scheduled arrival back home. What?! I know how bad they wanted to go and they out of love and respect for President say nothing…. so needless to say I was very disappointed- …now fast forward to Sunday night when we arrive home and this is the story the Elders have to tell of their experience this weekend...

GOD IS LEADING THE WORK

On Sunday the 14^th we attended our Ward council where we discussed members that were inactive. This particular family’s name came up and we talked about them. All in the council stated that they hadn’t been to church for years and they probably would never come- so it was really not worth pursuing. However the Elders made note and later called this sister to ask if they could come visit. She hesitantly agreed that the following week would be better because her husband was working. The Elders being persistent finally talked her into letting them stop by Saturday- just to introduce themselves on the front porch as she was going to be home alone. On Saturday it started to rain hard, so they went to their house and put on boots, got an umbrella and headed on their way. It was raining so hard that the sister felt bad and her two children ages 15 and 10 were home, so she invited them in out of the rain. They talked for a minute with the sister and two children and then had a prayer. With-in minutes the sound of car in the driveway became apparent. The husband had arrived home totally unexpectedly! When he saw the missionaries he was surprisingly excited and sat down to listen.  They testified of the reality and divinity of God and His hand in their lives and asked if they could come back and have a family home evening with them. The father told the Elders they had been sealed in the temple, but inactive for three years and that the youngest daughter was not baptized. The father shared that five weeks previous his work had changed his schedule to allow him to have Sundays off and then he said that two weeks ago he had the strongest impression that they needed to have family home evening- the first in many years.  

The Elders invited them to the chapel on Sunday for church services and they ended the emotional and spiritually charged lesson. Several times during the encounter the father had tears in his eyes. He said that in his 17 years of membership had never felt the Spirit so strong as in that lesson; it had touched his heart. On Sunday the family came to church dressed in their Sunday best, greeted by the Elders. The entire ward surrounded and welcomed this family into the ward- The bishop interviewed the brother on Sunday and a planned baptismal date of August 4^th is when this father will baptize his 10 yr old daughter  after the Elders teach her the discussions.

This experience illustrates that “God is Leading the Work” – and those that follow the inspiration of the spirit can be led to the most unlikely of circumstance. The Elders commented that when the conversation in the van took place about going to Molango- that they looked at each other and for no apparent reason at that point both nodded that they should stay. Hence the reason they didn’t plead their case.

So “Note to Self”- do not question the Presidents judgment – rather have faith that there is a reason when it may not seem justified or obvious. Had the Elders gone to Molango… this family may never have been found? Had they not been persistent in calling, had the rain not down poured and the merciful sister let them in, and had the husband not come home unexpectedly- the touching conversation and lesson would not have been...the Lord's hand totally involved in this weekends happenings. I know our missionaries all over our mission are having similar experiences because they are being obedient, working hard and following the spirit. For this I am so grateful.

Zone Activity In Mezquital June 2013