Sunday, November 17, 2013

... listened to a prompting and obeyed, though he knew not the reason why.


"listened to a prompting and obeyed, though he knew not the reason why."

This week we had our visa secretary relate the following story about a trip he and one of our new missionaries took to the Mexico City Airport in trying to locate a missing passport....

  "we arrived at the Mexico City Airport Tuesday afternoon in hopes of finding a lost passport of one of our newest Elders. Immigration and customs had no signs of it being turned in and as we were trying to gain information on how to obtain another one or directions on what to do at this point I had the strongest impression I needed to go to the other terminal. So I explained to my companion for the day that we needed to detour to the other terminal though our errand was done. As we arrived there we ran into an Elder who was returning home to his country (Peru) after the completion of his mission and immigration wouldn't let him leave as his VISA had unknowingly expired. Having served as the Mexico Pachuca Mission Visa Secretary I have had to deal with all sorts of situations and problems and am familiar with the officials in the airport. I took this sweet Elder and assisted him in finding a later flight, resolved the VISA issues, bought him dinner, and  left him in better shape then we found him. Though we arrived back home hours later than we had planned a feeling of peace and contentment filled my soul as we both crawled into our bunk beds after 1230 am. I know Heavenly Father sent me to that terminal specifically to help this Elder who was stranded- proof that we can be the answer to someone else's prayers if we will but listen for those promptings and then act upon them." Elder Campuzano


Elder Dove (Utah), Elder Arnett  (Arizona), Elder Menedez (California), Elder Nilsson (Idaho)
Elder Gastelum (Mexico), Elder Rubalcava (Mexico), Elder Rodriquez ( Dominican Republic), Elder Enriquez (Mexico),
Elder Duran ( Mexico), Elder Zamudio ( Mexico), Hermana Perez (Mexico), Hermana Peralta ( Mexico)

Departing Missionaries November 13- 2013

"Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end.


 They simply mean I'll miss you... until we meet again."


We sadly said goodbye to twelve magnificent missionaries.
Many served as Zone Leaders, Trainers and Assistant and so again we felt a large leadership gap ... and we sent our first two sisters off as well. What amazing young woman! We have the ut- most love and respect for these missionaries and we know they will be great assets to their wards and branches back home. 
 P.S. Bishops: They all need a calling ASAP.



Just relaxing and playing games together as President is interviewing one by one. I have a feeling the girls are going to beat these boys! Where is Elder Dove? Probably playing Ping-Pong outside on the patio... good luck to whoever is outside taking him on!

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....when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Our Newest Additions To The Mexico Pachuca Mission....

 Our 11 morning arrivals from the Mexico City MTC at the bus terminal with 2 of our assistants on the outside.

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Our 10 night arrivals from the Provo MTC- They are starting to get a little glossy eyed and delirious after being up since 1:00 am. 

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Picking up our night batch from the Mexico City Airport and ran into our friends President-Sister Hall (orange top) from the Mexico Mexico City Northwest Mission, and other missionaries (secretaries and assistants) picking up missionaries for their mission Presidents. So fun to talk with them while we were waiting for our missionaries to clear immigration. Then we loaded up and headed home to Pachuca where we fed starving missionaries, President interviewed each one, and then we called it a night.

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Every 6 weeks when new ones come and seasoned ones leave us for home- it creates a domino effect of change through the whole mission. We call it "Cambios"= changes. So here are the faces of all those cambios.






"You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others..." 

Gordon B. Hinckley




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After transfers, everyone picks up "pouch", "keys" and "phones" for their new areas and head out in taxis or buses until the next cycle. We then gather the new missionaries #21 and their trainers and have a 2-3 hour orientation. We cover the essentials in this training... Presidents assistants, the secretaries and President are involved. 

I add my two cents and bring the treats!!!

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Thursday Zone Conference in Mezquital

We enjoyed our day with this group of missionaries... it was very chilly and we about froze to death in the chapel after 6 hours but I eventually un-thawed after returning home. This zone had the most amazing turnout as the Stake President, Bishops, Ward Mission Leaders and the High-counselor over missionary work all made an effort to attend. These zone leaders did a great job as we had changes two days prior and so they had to adjust to new missionaries and to the new area themselves. Kudos to all...


 Great teaching by the Zone Leaders & President Lozano -Stake President

 This was an awesome musical number in English/Spanish.

Is that the cutest smile from Elder Reese after 2 days in the mission?


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Friday Zone Conference in Tulancingo

What a great spirit attended this Zone Conference and though this is a smaller group it made it even more intimate and cozy. Two ward mission leaders attended this conference and we appreciate their sacrifice as we know their time is so valuable. Our new Elders in this group are working so hard and rocking the language. Elder Ferrin was a champ!



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Making Memories...


These converts wrote a message to Elder Mijangos and Elder Kinsley who were key in their conversion even though they were moved from this area. Hermana Diaz and Hermana Laguna were able to finish up with their progress and share in this special event.


 Is this not the picture of happiness in the Mission?!


 District of Elders from Tecamac 1 in front of the famous leafless tree!


 Waiting for the bus after transfers... headed to their area with suitcases in hand.


 This was quite the fun group... and now after transfers... pictures like this are so priceless.


A little Pizza on P-Day...

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 So proud of our missionaries! Look how busy they have been. If you only knew how hard they have worked as companions in some of these areas you would appreciate these investigators dressed in white. Each has a unique story...


Four of Mexico Pachuca's Best

Hermana Ramirez, Elder Flores, Elder Lastra, Hermana Diaz
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Pachuca Mx Zone activity before transfers. Got to love these happy, sweaty, and excited missionaries! 

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 Elder Unamuno and Hermana Diaz celebrating 9 months in the mission. Congratulations!!!

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Just love these boys...These Elders never complain-rather just work hard.

(Left) Elder Sanders and Elder Smith with tired eyes... they have been working so hard. (Right) Elder Stewart loves training his new companion and commented that he is an incredible young man. So that makes 4 of them in this picture collage. Elder Stewart did you steal that microwave from the office kitchen?!!

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Saying good bye to my friend "Lu" who came to visit for 5 days. She flew in with the new missionaries on Monday night ... they were so grateful to have her aboard and she gave them a "heads up" about this crazy Mexico Pachuca Mission! Her little grandson Josh who is 4 was so excited she was on a mission in Mexico. Lu asked about the abbreviated version of the 12 week program. We tried to condense it down to a 5 day program. After her experience with us as we had missionaries arrive, depart, training, and endless phone calls day/night and then two days of traveling for zone conferences I think she is needing a vacation from her vacation. She cooked up a storm while she was here and arranged all my pantry and cupboards so perfectly! Thanks so much Lu for all your help... I could never repay you! 

Her remarks when it was all said and done was- "I had no idea!". 

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Testimonies of our Missionaries who just went home...

 President and I feel if each missionary returns home converted themselves to the Gospel of Jesus Christ with an unshakable testimony then our work here in Mexico will have been a success. If they baptize real converts along the journey then we consider that an additional blessing. Our motivation comes from the desire to impact each missionaries' life so that for generations to come their own families will benefit from their service and growth here in the Mexico Pachuca Mission.

President/Hermana Egbert
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Me encanta la Misión México Pachuca......

Como Todo debe de terminar algún Día, en verdad presidente puedo testificar que la misión es muy corta ahora veo que las cosas pasan muy rápido, que uno cambia su forma de ser y de actuar y lo mas importante que ama uno mas a las persona pero mas a Dios si un misionero no aprende amar a las personas en realidad no esta en una misión y solamente esta perdiendo tiempo eso fue lo que aprendí yo en mi misión la verdad gracias a mi Padre Celestial que me ama e cambiado mucho gracias a El y se que muchos misionero están cambiando ahorita gracias a Dios y a usted que es nuestro líder en la misión y también nuestro papá por 2 años y gracias por eso no se que mas escribir pero le amo mucho presidente y gracias por todos sus consejos muchas gracias y nos vemos mañana martes en las oficinas y esto se lo comparto en el nombre de nuestro amado hermano Jesucristo. Amén             Elder Enríquez 
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I am grateful for the privilege to serve in this country. To be able to serve in this mission. I'm especially grateful for the two extra weeks to be apart of the Lord's work. This has been just the beginning of missionary work for me. I have learned many things while serving for these two years. I have learned things that will help me when I return home. I will never forget that special and rewarding feeling of helping others. The feeling when you truly put others in first place and do everything you can do to help others feel the love of Christ. 
One of the greatest miracles of my mission wasn't the blessing that healed, or finding the last minute golden family who was ready for baptism. For me it was feeling of the remission of my sins. It was when I felt like my heart was accepted by the Lord. God gave me the blessing to see peoples potentials. What I wanted everyone to know was the power and the true purpose of Christ. The feeling that I feel about our Savior is what I wanted everyone to feel. The love that I feel from our Lord is what i want everyone to feel. 
I now understand that the gospel is made for families. So that our families can be united. And boy are we one great big family. Our Heavenly Father is just waiting for us to come back to Him. I know and testify that this plan is real. That God lives and that He truly loves us. He wants us to be happy. He has blessed us with this gospel and with prophets to guide us. What a blessing that he gave me the privilege to serve a full time mission. To see the many miracles each day. To see the way the many different ways that the gospel blesses our families.  
It's true when they say that the time flies, but you have to get rid of that calendar with the count down. Stop thinking so much about how much time you have left. It was when I got rid of these thoughts when I realized that the time does fly by. Simply just enjoy the mission. Enjoy that blessing and feelings of being obedient and dedicate your time to help others. BE YOU. BE YOURSELF. 

With love, 
Elder Menendez      Los Angeles, California. 
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No soy un hombre de muchas palabras, pero lo que he vivido, visto y hecho en estos meses que dura la misión, he podido ver cómo es que el evangelio realmente bendice a las familias. He sentido el espíritu del señor cada vez que testifico que el Señor Jesucristo ha restaurado su evangelio, incluso ahora, y que no hay nada que sea más importante que dar a conocer estas cosas a los habitantes de la tierra.
La manera de vivir que adquirimos en la misión, guardar las normas y reglas, realmente permite que tengamos el espíritu con nosotros; en lo personal no me imagino viviendo sin estas cosas aun en mi casa, así que no dejare de levantarme temprano para tener un estudio de las escrituras.
Yo sé que esta es la obra del señor y de nadie más, que tenemos que hacer nuestro orgullo aun lado para no estorbar la obra de Dios, que a veces, es difícil pero no imposible; sé que el libro de Mormón ha sido revelado en estos días para destruir cualquier artimaña de satanás, y que hoy existe un profeta de Dios sobre la tierra que fue llamado como lo fue Aarón.
Todo esto lo se porque unos misioneros hace cinco años me invitaron a preguntar a Dios el Eterno Padre, si el libro de Mormón era verdadero y si debía unirme a la iglesia. Y recibí una respuesta del Espíritu Santo y no lo puedo negar.
Este es mi humilde y sincero testimonio, y lo comparto en el nombre de Jesucristo, amén.
Elder Zamudio
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Estoy muy agradecido por esta oportunidad que tengo de escribirles. Nunca pensé que este día llegara. Yo sé que La Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de Los Últimos Días es la única iglesia verdadera sobre la faz de la tierra y que fue restaurada por conducto de José Smith. Sé que Jesucristo pago y sufrió por cada uno de nuestros pecados y que únicamente por medio de el podemos llegar a ser limpios. Sé que tenemos un profeta de Dios sobre la tierra hoy día y el se llama Thomas S. Monson. Sé que El Libro de Mormón es verdadero, que es la clave de nuestra religión y al seguir sus preceptos acercaríamos más a Nuestro Padre Celestial que por cualquier otro libro sobre la tierra. Sé que el sacerdocio es real, que es el poder y autoridad para actuar en el nombre de Dios para ayudarnos en nuestras vidas aquí sobre la tierra y para recibir las ordenanzas necesarias para nuestra salvación. Sé que los mandamientos son para ayudarnos y protegernos. Sé que al obedecerlos con exactitud cada día de nuestras vidas, seremos bendecidos en todas las cosas y que podremos regresar a la presencia de Nuestro Padre Celestial, Nuestro Señor Jesucristo con nuestras familias y vivir con ellos por toda la eternidad.

De verdad, estos dos años han sido los mejores de mi vida. Yo sé sin duda que esta obra es del Señor. Nosotros fuimos llamados por un profeta de Dios de ser Discípulos de Jesucristo para predicar el arrepentimiento a nuestros hermanos aquí en la Misión México Pachuca para que tengan la vida eterna! (3 Nefi 5:13) Se que la clave para tener éxito es ser obedientes con exactitud! Si lo hacemos, tendremos El Espíritu con nosotros y nada será imposible! Eíderes y Hermanas aprovechen este tiempo! Sera el único tiempo en sus vidas donde podrán servir al Señor por tiempo completo sin preocupaciones de casa. Den todo por El Señor y el les bendecirá por toda la eternidad! La misión aun no ha terminado, sino que acabar de empezar! Les amo Eíderes y Hermanas. En el Nombre de Jesucristo, Amen. - Elder Austin Kent Arnett

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Ha sido una maravillosa experiencia la mision. Mucho más de lo que yo me imaginaba. El poder llevar el nombre del Salvador es un gran privilegio. Disfrútenlo y hagan todo lo que esté a su alcance por magnificarlo. Hagan lo que Él haría y se darán cuenta más y más de Su carácter. Échenle ganas y ÁNIMO!!! 

Elder Nilsson
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SE QUE CADA UNO DE NOSOTROS ES UN HIJO ESPECIAL DE NUESTRO PADRE CELESTIAL, SÉ QUE ÉL VIVE Y QUE JESUCRISTO ES NUESTRO REDENTOR Y SALVADOR, SÉ QUE EL LIBRO DE MORMON ES VERDADERO, QUE FUE ESCRITO Y TRADUCIDO POR EL DON Y PODER DE DIOS, SÉ QUE EL PRESIDENTE THOMAS S MONSON ES UN PROFETA DE DIOS Y QUE SI SEGUIMOS SU CONSEJO TENDREMOS PAZ Y GOZO EN NUESTRAS VIDAS Y EN VERDAD PODREMOS LLEGAR A LA PRESENCIA DE NUESTRO PADRE CELESTIAL.

SE QUE ES UN PRIVILEGIO TRABAJAR HOMBRO A HOMBRO CON NUESTRO SALVADOR JESUCRISTO EN ESTA GRAN OBRA DE SALVACION, Y SE QUE NO SE NOS HA LLAMADO POR SER TALENTOSOS SINO PORQUE DIOS SE VALE DE LO DEBIL Y LO SENCILLO PARA REALIZAR GRANDES MILAGROS EN LA TIERRA Y PARA ENSEÑARNOS QUE SOMOS SALVOS NO POR OBRAS SINO POR GRACIA... POR ESO UNICAMENTE ESTAMOS AQUI, PARA PERFECCIONARNOS EN CRISTO EN LA MEDIDA DE NUESTRA HUMILDAD, PARA QUE CUANDO LLEGUEMOS A CASA PODAMOS DECIR QUE HEMOS SIDO CONVERTIDOS AL EVANGELIO Y QUE TENEMOS EL COMPROMISO DE PERSEVERAR HASTA EL FIN.

EN EL NOMBRE DE JESUCRISTO: AMÉN -  Hermana Perez
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no tengo palabras para describir lo que siento por que ni yo misma se que siento hahaha. pero algo si se y eso es que mi salvador Jesucristo  me ama y se que su expiación es infinita y que abarca toda mi vida llena de imperfecciones, este momento en la misión he conocido mas de mi padre celestial que en cualquier otro lado, me encanta saber de la existencia del plan de salvación, es un ancla que mantiene firme de esperanza y alimenta mi fe en Jesucristo mi redentor...Se que la misión es el espacio en donde encontré el propósito de mi vida y la de mi familia, este tiempo me ha ayudado bastante para tener mayor amor por mi familia amo a mis hermanos y mi mamita y amo la obra misional, amo a mi padre celestial y a Jesucristo, que Jose Smith fue un profeta de Dios y se que el libro de mormón contiene la plenitud del evangelio se que la iglesia de Jesucristo de los santos de los últimos días la dirige Jesucristo por revelación, y se que Thomas S. Monson es un profeta de Dios, nuestro profeta actual...en el nombre de jesucristo amen.     Hna Peralta


Sunday, November 10, 2013

...most powerful thing you can have....


"I say to you that the strongest, most powerful thing you can have with which to convert people is a testimony." -

Harold B. Lee



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As I contemplate the Fall season and the fast approaching holiday of "Thanksgiving" for everyone at home...I remember a favorite quote -

 "Being Thankful Is A habit- The Best One You'll Ever Have."  

With that thought in mind I wanted to publicly list a few of our many blessings that President and I are grateful for as we serve here in the Mexico Pachuca Mission.

  • So Grateful for Obedient Missionaries
  • So Grateful for Each Amazing Stake President who serves in The Mexico Pachuca Mission 
  • So Grateful for Dr. Daniel Carbajal who serves as a Father, Husband, Doctor, Bishop and as our Mission Doctor day and night as a resource to help me care for these missionaries
  • So Grateful for The Overall Health and Safety of our Missionaries
  • So Grateful for Two of our Missionaries who awoke in the night to escape a fire in their home
  • So Grateful for Honest, Obedient, Hardworking and Kind Elders that serve as our Secretaries and for the patience and attention to detail they give in being stewards over the Lords money and taking care of the monetary needs of our missionaries.
  • So Grateful for The Leadership of our Assistants, Zone Leaders, and District Leaders and Grateful for the Trust we have that they are watching over their sheep assigned in their care.
  • So Grateful for The Missionaries who do their job to the best of their ability on a daily basis without problem, complaint, or fanfare. Who realize it is between them and the Lord as they hold themselves accountable for the admirable way in which they serve as a Representative of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • So Grateful for Our Family at home who are watching and caring for each other in our absence and who willingly took on additional responsibilities so that we could serve. 
  • So Grateful for The Countless Prayers said in behalf of our mission by family, friends, and loved ones- as I testify they help strengthen the weak knees, the homesick hearts, and fortify the safety net that surrounds our missionaries.
  • And I am So Grateful for a Worthy and Tender husband who tolerates my spit fits, wild hair ideas, and homesick moments (which are fewer and far between)- and who faithfully serves our Heavenly Father to the best of his abilities as he watches over, cares for and teaches the young ones in our care.

Feeling Blessed -as We Consider the Blessings

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So this first group of Elders came in (2-3 hour bus ride) to get a copy of their house contract to work out a minor detail with the home owner and pick up "pouch" for their area.... (Elder Beesley always gets the biggest boxes!- Hope the gummy bears are still in the box when he finally gets it...) The second group spent their P-Day moving into a different house and came to pick up the deposit for the home owner of their new pad... Moving isn't easy in Mexico as few members have the time, the vehicle, or means to assist the missionaries in this task. To these good people we are extremely grateful. And the third set of Elders came in from Tecamac 1 for special interviews with President and to say "hello". 

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Holiday Packages  

Mexico Pachuca Mission
Elder ________________
Boulevard Miguel Hidalgo 4.5 Km
Col. Villas de Pachuca
C.P. 42083
Pachuca, Hidalgo Mexico

Please send through the United States Postal Service no later than November 15th if possible.
If I may be so bold: Please consider something little for their companion in case they don't get anything from home.
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Are these two faces not the cutest?!

Halloween Time here in Mexico is a several day celebration of  "The Day of the Dead". I had a few little ones trick or treat for several nights in a row. I was waiting for our missionaries to show up as "Missionaries" with a pillow case to collect their candy. 

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Missionaries moved out of this little house this week into another home in a more central location to their area. Missionaries had lived here for 6 yrs and so we went to meet the home owner to find out what needed to be fixed or repaired. Elder Stucki and Elder Campuzano used the rake and trimmer that happened to be in the back of the mission mini van to spruce up the front yard. I love it! Leaving the residence as best we can... Thanks Elders for your help... and PS Dad Stucki.. Elder Stucki said he misses doing yard work! Write that down in the books for later reference...
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Tibbits from Presidents Weekly Letters

This week flew by! We had some great lessons this week with 6 different people accepting a baptismal date! We stopped to buy some pan last Monday on our way home from writing letters and getting our laundry, when the man working in the bakery asked us about what we did. we set up an appointment and ended up teaching him, his wife, and his friend. him and his wife both accepted and his friend as of right now just likes to listen. we found out that he was good friends with one of the less actives that we have. when we had our second cita with him his friend just happened to be there. he shared a strong testimony of the church. hopefully we will be able to help both of them draw closer to Christ. We also had an investigator that has been an investigator for a while accept a date, the only problem with her is that she needs to get married, she wants it, but i am not sure if her boyfriend does. I fasted for her this last Sunday because she is a great person and she knows this church is true, and she wants to get baptized. The others that accepted dates are all eager to learn more and progress as well. One thing that i think we could work on would be having more member present lessons, and use the members in the lesson and not just have them there (wich happens sometimes, not very often, but sometimes) and we need to work on getting more people to church. this last Sunday was kinda a bummer, we only had 39 people there, non of which were investigators. we had 8 who said that they would come but non of the them showed up. We had planned to go and pick up one of the families, and the member friend was supposed to pick up the family that works in the bakery but for some reason that didn't work. The family we were supposed to get had a sick baby so they decided not to go. Every Sunday i have felt like we could do more to get the families less actives and investigators to church. call them on Saturday night, shoot them a text as a reminder, visit them on the way to a different families house, call the member that is supposed to bring them, stuff like that. We have the resources of a phone, two hands, two feet, and a mouth, so we just need to use them more. I would also like to see us do a service project or two for the members of the branch or investigators. i think that would help a lot because it shows that we care.

All in all it was a great week, and there is always room to improve and keep getting better. I am excited to constantly be inproving and becoming a better missionary!

Is there any way I can help you and Sister Egbert?

Oh and we also had inter-cambios this week with Elder I and Elder C. 
Elder I is a fantastic missionary that works hard and teaches with the spirit, i felt lucky to get to the chance to work with him!

Thanks again for all of your support, your wonderful letters and trainings, they are great!!!!!

Elder C
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hola presidente egbert!!!
siempre es una alegria escribirle....
pues esta semana me fue excelente... ahora es cuando estoy empezando a poner en practica mis proyectos y planes para la obra (mi area) con los miembros e investigadores y menos activos... whoa! para hacer que se bautisen,retenerlos y activarlos!!! mis estudios han mejorado y ahora puedo sentir mas el espiritu santo siempre conmigo, estoy aprendiendo mucho de mi compañero y del evangelio de jesucristo para ponerlo en practica y compartirlo... estoy fortalesiendo mucho mas mi testimonio, estoy mejorando en mi actitud,mi enseñanda y muchas cosas mas hacia mi compañero y las personas de mi area y mis otros compañeros los misioneros... hoy tuve una experiencia muy genial.. hibamos en la combi hacia una pizzeria con algunos elderes y junto ami se sento una señora que es testigo de jehova y nos pregunto a todos:¿ ustedes predican el evangelio? y yo rapidamente le respondi: ¡¡¡ no!!! nosotros enseñamos a las personas a encontrar la verdad¡¡ y ella se sorprendi y me dijo: como¡ y yo le respondi: les enseñamos el evangelio restaurado de jesucristo y su plenitud y ellos por ellos mismos con ayuda de nuestro padre celestial encuentran la verdad. por eso estamos qui 2 años de nuestras hermosas vidas dedicandoselo a dios y jesucristo... y ella se quedo callada y meditando y le regale un folleto del evangelio restaurado. eso fue genial porque se que estoy en la verdad y eso me llena de gozo y animos para seguir en la mision y predicar el evangelio....

presidente estoy muy feliz y tambien por las grandes bendiciones que mi familia esta recibiendo.. whoa! quiero estar aqui por siempre... ayudar,enseñar,cambiar,acercarme mas adios y ser como jesucristo es... eso me llena mucho de gozo...

saludos a su familia presidente y le manda saludos mi mama,mi hermana y mi familia en general...

con amor: elder p
(Translation below)
Hello President Egbert 
Its always a privilege to write you. Well this was an excellent week.. Now is when I have started to put into practice my projects and plans for the work in our area with the members, investigators, and less actives. WOW! So that they get baptized, so we retain them, and activate them. My studies have improved and now I can feel more strongly the Holy Ghost always. I am learning a lots from my companion and about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how to put it into practice and to share it. I am strengthening my testimony a lot and improving in my attitude, my teaching, and many other things toward my companion, the people of my area and other missionaries. Today I had a great experience. We were riding in a combi to a pizza place (P-Day) with some other missionaries and a woman sat next to me of another faith. She asked everyone “Do you preach the gospel?” And I quickly responded "NO”! "We teach people to find the truth" and surprised she said to me “how?” I responded,“We teach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness and they by themselves with the help of our Heavenly Father find the truth. For this reason we are here for two years of our beautiful lives dedicating ourselves to God and Jesus Christ.” She sat there quietly thinking about it. I gave her a pamphlet of the restoration. This was so awesome because I know/feel that I have the truth and it feels me with joy and excites me to continue my mission and to teach the gospel.
President I am very happy for the many blessings my family is receiving. WOW! I want to stay here forever…help, teach, change, and draw closer to GOD. And become like Jesus Christ. This fills me with great joy.
Greetings to your family and I send you greeting from my mom, sister and all my family.
With Love-  Elder P
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 District Meeting with Elder Trent Smith...
Elder Smith (Fourth Elder from the Left) is a triplet with his other two brothers serving in missions here in the country of Mexico. We are so grateful to have him here in Pachuca.
The Elders did a great job today with practicing. Elder Sanders is progressing nicely on his language and President commented what great teachers Hermana Rojas, Hermana Escobar, and Hermana Peralta were in this practice scenario with the two Elders. We sure appreciate these sisters being a companionship of 3. It really is harder having 3 instead of two in a companionship and they did it beautifully. Thank you.


Oh this looks like a serious group of Missionaries!


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Some days are just better than others... and Elder Dover was having one of those harder days because:
  • Some one stole his USB drive... 
  • He took his suit to a "Mexican" dry cleaners and when he went to pick it up today they didn't have it! What?! Oh.. its missing?!! Ugh!!!
  • Then Elder Dove commented that next Wednesday might not come soon enough (When this cycle flies home)- Elder Campuzano (middle) the VISA secretary reminded him that his VISA  is still in limbo and they might not let him leave the country!
  • After a pouty few minutes... and some good friends cheering up the moment... all were smiling and giggling over the happenings of the day....

A little service project... Who needs a ladder when you have a strong, trustworthy companion to lift you up?

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This was a service project with these three Elders entire ward council. After there was a little food, relaxation, and good conversation. The Elders love love love their bishop and have a great re-pore with the ward council. Who-ever said that service can't be fun and rewarding LIED!

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This next week will be busy with twenty missionaries coming in, twelve leaving for home, and the beginning of our zone conference tours. So we should have lots of pictures on next weeks blog. But with changes we have leaders leave. And thus it is Elder Doves turn to return to his anxious family and leave our side as Presidents assistant. With much prayer and fasting President has called Elder Ceballos to serve as his new assistant with Elder Loza. What would we do with out these fine young men?

       Elder Loza- Elder Dove                                                   Elder Loza and Elder Ceballos   

Monday, November 4, 2013

...we will.

"Who will share the restored gospel with the people of the world?"

That answer is, "We will. The members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will." 

 So, will you help us?

The Stripling Warriors from Valle De Mezquital

The AMAZING Pachuca Sur Zone at Zone Training 
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Elder Chavez and Elder Smart with two of their converts. 
These two far exceeded the Standard of Excellence for total lessons taught last week. President commented to me how proud he was of them. 
And mentioned specifically many companionship's that did likewise.


This is the creative work of Elder Chavez and Elder Smart. They made this poster for their ward which their ward council LOVED... Great job Elders....
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President Egbert,

We had a baptism this week!! Her name is Clemencia and she is 86 years old!!!! she does not look 86 that is all i got to say. We were filling out her information for the church records and she told us that on this Wednesday that she turns 86! She was born in 1927! on Sunday was her confirmation and my companion is the one that confirmed her a member of the church.

This Sunday was so awesome! We had our family of 4 come to church again and the whole ward was introducing themselves and making them feel warm and welcome! I know that they are going to get baptized! One of the kids is going to start taking seminary and the other wants to take institute! And they aren't even members yet! they have their date for the 16th of this month.

We also were walking in one of our colonies this last week and someone calls out to us, "elders! elders!" We look and it is people we don't know. We walked over and they asked where the chapel is. We told them that is like 15 minutes from here and we gave them the directions. They told us that they are members and moved here about 3 months ago and haven't found the chapel. We then asked if we could come by to visit them and the mom said, "That is actually what we wanted, because my daughter here is 10 years old and my son is 8 and they aren't baptized." My companion and I were like OK!!! They told us that they were coming to church this Sunday and we would put an appointment then.

In the ward council we explained this story and how we should be ready to receive them and give them a warm welcome. And did they give them a warm welcome! The dad is already going to have a home teaching companion and in front of the 200 people in the chapel the bishop announced of the new people that lived in the ward. It was so awesome. We also helped them with the secretary to pass their records over from their last ward. Then after church all the members were coming up to us and telling us they are more than willing to go to lessons with us and whatever to help the work. We were shocked to say the least.

My companion and I are really excited about the progress of the ward and the excitement that they have. When you put your trust in the lord is when you see the blessing and the fruits of your labor!

Elder S      04 Nov 2013
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Pachuca Centro Zone Service Project

The missionaries helping with the "Children's Garden". Nothing like a little service, a little sweat, and a little association with each other to bring a smile to everyone's face.


 Look how cute these faces are... I love each one more than words can say. They each have such a unique spirit and talent. All contributing to make this the Best Mission in the World.
...and of course where ever Elder Dove is there is always fun and games (while everyone else is working). Seriously, the kids had more fun playing soccer with a plastic drink bottle and Elder Dove showed them how its done!
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 Who's the short guy? Elder Enriquez is wrapping up his mission and will be returning home the end of this cycle. Superman (Elder Russell) has been diligently helping him prepare for his English Exam certificate.  This group of Elders can have fun in an empty dirt lot with a soup can, or on the court with a basketball or soccer ball.

Below we have a "District" from the Mezquital Zone eating together.
This particular group is unique as they never complain or call with any problems. I never worry because I know they are busy working hard, being obedient, and doing what they should. So very proud of them all!  P.S. Elder Fox- I want one of those bags!


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 Picking up "Pouch" for their Zone.... Poutty faces because no mail for them!!!
Mondays in the office... emailing home, playing soccer, turning in receipts, dropping off laundry, and picking up a little chocolate for the road!

Sister Perez is such a good sport. She came in and took her English Language Test and while in the office endured the teasing of these two Elders. Though tiny in stature she is mighty in spirit!
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 Helping Elder Smith and Elder Sanders move two blocks away. This house won't flood sewage and is in a protected gated neighborhood. A great move! Sorry that Elder Barber missed out and only experienced the nightmare flooding..... The little mission mini van is amazing. It even fits a couch... and the Elders found room to ride along!
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Tuesday morning at 0630 am Elder Campuzano (VISA secretary) and Elder Ramos (office couple) head with me to Tecamac 1 where we worked on leaking and broken sinks and toilets of two companionship's. It was an all day project getting there, finding parts, fixing/repairs, and returning home-- but job completed with success thanks to the talents of these two. Look how effective a shower curtain rod can be when waiting for the adhesive to dry to hold the sink on the wall better.
And the two (Above right) Elders "Smiths" ... well they fixed their own toilet! Kudos Elders!!!
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Elder Carlson and Elder Felsted's converts...
"From Marriage to Baptism"
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Mexico Pachuca Mission Leadership Council


Mission Leader Council
This training occurs monthly in our home with all the Zone Leaders and Sister Leader Trainers. Elder Dove (above) teaching a concept using a chocolate birthday cake for President as a visual aid. He had dirty hands from wiping the souls of his shoes and then took a hand full of cake and plopped it on the paper plate asking President, "Do you want some of this cake." President was hesitant to take it as it looked horrible how he was serving it up. The point of the concept.... "Sometime how we serve up the Gospel of Jesus Christ is much like this plate of cake. The presentation is horrible.... instead putting more interest in explaining concepts in a sliced and organized way with love; and then inviting them to make commitments and be baptized. Often we get in a hurry, skim over difficult or complex concepts and throw baptism on the plate like a handful of cake." 



The Mexico Pachuca Mission A.P's and Sister Leader Trainers
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Ok... so this was not on the agenda!! President arm wrestling Elder Ceballos ( the Elder won!) and then "Rambo Leg Lifts" which President was able to do! So they are even- each won one competition.
 Its only been 26 years since his mission when the only other missionary that could do them were President Egbert and Elder Keith Wills while they served together in Medellin, Colombia.
And then eating together as a family group... chicken breasts, potatoes casserole, corn, green salad, garlic bread and for dessert homemade chocolate mousse. They like the diversion from the "taco's".
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President and I went to Molango this weekend to reorganize the Branch Presidency and to visit the group. We also painted part of the Elders home while we were there. It was a good chance to spend some time with these two wonderful missionaries while improving the gray concrete interior of their home. I think I had more paint on me than I got on the walls. It was therapeutic to do something physical that had immediate results. These Elders are doing great and have been working feverishly on their piano playing skills. Elder Cabellero played all the songs in sacrament meeting. Impressive!
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"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world"
(Matthew 28: 19-20).