Week 5 Ecuador

Hi!

There is no general email this week, so I’ll share a couple of things from my personal email. 

Baptisms fell through. Our investigator has been secretly sneaking a few cigarettes she failed to report, and fessed up to the day before. We will work with her more and in two weeks or so give her another opportunity. For now, no baptisms. We did “rescue” three less active members this week though! Simply outlined, we have to teach them all of the lessons, and they have to attend church three times and pass an interview. It was fun to see some progress and success. We have several other rescues and seven men we’re working with for the priesthood. I tell you what, it is a different church down here. Struggle...

This week has been a little rough. Last Tuesday I got really fevery and sick. I went to the local clinic (yikes) three times over the next two days for urine and blood tests, chest Xray etc. at the orders of the mission president. They found an infection in my lungs. I’ve been working with the mission nurse, and have an antibiotic and vitamin C tablets I take once a day. The closest thing I can describe it as, is an asthma attack. Though breathing is not difficult, it is shallow and painful. It has gotten better the last six days, but I have a constant ache and sharper pains with deep respiration. This makes strenuous exercise not so great at the moment, and walking can be a burden throughout the day, but I haven’t been forced to slow up yet! Faith is strong. 

Keep Parker in your prayers. Thanks for all your support:)

Love,

Cammie 

Home of an investigator

                                          Onward Ever Onward as we glory in His name!!

 I was unable to participate in the installation of an electrical wire in my service project. Guess I did my work in planning right? I'm off to go get a banana with my machete. Unfortunately...not ripe yet.

Local bananas. Fruit isn't quite ripe yet, but cool picture!

Lunch with Hermano Veliz, one of our recent rescues and soon to be Melchizedek priesthood holder! Owns a local corn farm. Cool guy. Neat meal...it really was pretty good!

                                                               Playing with my food

 

Buena Fe Travels: Elders are piled in the back of a pick up truck for a 20 minute drive through corn fields, banana farms, etc. to the "sought after" pond. Neat...Ecuador

Trip to the Buena Fe watering hole aka local skinny dip pond. Hah, fun little get away to see something new!

Week 4 Ecuador

Buenas Dias! 

What an excellent week. No suprises as far as food goes this week, which is a blessing. Also many opportunities to study for the needs of others and share with them the knowledge and comfort of the Gospel. Truly, if you want to learn more for and even about yourself, focus on others!

I will begin with a few quotes and scriptures that have served as motivation this week.

"There is absolutely no point in doing mission work unless we hold on to the fruits of that effort. The two must be inseparable. Every convert is a great and serious Responsibility." Gordon B Hinkley

[Matthew 25:40] "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

I was led to a man this week who has lost all sense of hope and purpose. Unfaithful relationships and other ill choices have distanced him from family, an accident to his left arm has left him crippled and unable to work, and his assistance in the church is beyond recollection. He doesn´t pray or remember our Lord yet, being a former Bible enthusiast, I shared with him the story of David and Goliath; how David had unwavering Faith in His savior to deliver him out of the hands of the Phillistine. Though very much alone as he descended into the valley, away from his brethren and the armies of Israel, to face the man who had struck fear into a nation for 40 plus days He knew he was not alone. He knew that the one greater than all, the Son of God who overcame the world, matched his every step. Because of David´s fatih he was delivered and saved many others as well. 

I breifly recounted the persecution of Alma and Amulek by King Zeezrom in [Alma 14] and of Joseph Smith in [DyC 122] as he plead to our Father in Liberty Jail. 

I believe all of us at some point in our lives will feel very alone. It is a part of our earthly experience. However, because our Savior Jesus Christ truly was alone in the Garden of Gethsemane under the weight of the sins of us all, we never have to be. The Lords "Arm of Mercy is extended" towards all o fus when we call unto Him with "Full purpose of Heart."

"Being blessed with hope, let us, as disciples, reach out to all who, for whatever reason, have "moved away form the hope of the Gospel' [Col 1:23]. Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down." Spencer W. Kimball

Our duty is to share our hope with those who have none and our light with "those who know not where to find it."

I must admit it is convenient that many here in Ecuador Believe in Christ. His life, teachings, etc. They "love him" and He is their "everything." This is great, but too many wear the name of Christ on their arms or backs rather than their Hearts.

Christ is full of grace, mercy, and love for all men. He atoned for every one of us and invites all to come unto him. However, He teaches us in [Matthew 7] as well as [3Nephi 14] that only those who "doeth the will of my Father" will "enter into the kingdom of Heaven." Many will praise Him in hypocrisy or in ignorance thinking He will love and save all. To these He will preofess before Our heavenly father at teh day of Judgement, "I never knew you." Let us all have hope in the promise given in [St John 14:23] "If a man loveth me, He will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto Him and make our abode with Him."

I love the words of Elder Holland who stated more or less that "I speak boldly to you because nothing else seems to work." I am finding myself in a similar situation. Nevertheless the work is great and the opportunities to share the gospel are never overlooked. If no one else is learning from all of this, I know I am.

This leads into the final idea I want to share. Time is a funny thing. We are taught in [Alma 40] that "time is only measured by man" and it is very true that God works on his own schedule. This situation calls for the attribute of Patience. Patience is the capacity to endure. Being patient, we must face all opposition, delay, or adversity calmly and with Faith. It is a daily necessity as we deal with other people [companions, spouses, neighbors, family] and even our own trials which life brings or we find in our personal weaknesses. 

Many of our doubts, frustrations, desires, and faults in life can be or one day will be answered as we remember to have Patience and Faith. "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." [Hebrews 12:1] Let us bear with patience like so many prophets and examples of the scriptures [Alma, Abinadi, Job, Sons of Mosiah, Joseph Smith...] our trials in life from which we are to learn.

I look in the mirror daily and reflect on who I am, who I was, who I will be... I know that this mission is strengthening me to meet the demands of the future and preparing me to surmount my goals. Reflecting on the words of my aunt Tiffanie, "My mission will be the rock upon which I build my future.." [Family, ambitions, decisions...]

I'm so grateful for the gospel, for the Plan of our Heavenly Father made perfect through Jesus Christ. I am filled with love and memories continually when I ponder home. Love and prayers to you all. Sincerely, 

Elder Wilson

Week 3 Ecuador

Hola Everyone! 

Random starting note. If you need some love and comfort in your life, Read John 14/15. Ponder the words of our Savior and think what you can do to receive Him more in your life!

This week I have focused greatly on the Holy Ghost. After all, the companionship of the Spirit is the only way we can effectively do the Lords work, the way He would have it done! Focusing outward we have two promising baptisms for the 25th of October and other investigators for later dates. After an excellent fast we were blessed to find two families to share a message with tonight! Very excited! The work with less actives and recent converts is also a rewarding experience! While many members want nothing to do with helping in missionary work we were accompanied by a very cool man, Brother Garcia [6ft plus full latino who looks like an NFL linebacker.. not common around here. I think I am big in Ecuador ha] ...one night to go out and teach and what an excellent experience it was! I recognize the importance of members in this work to fellowship new members, help bear testimony, serve, and so much more. I have a greater gratitude for the strength of the church back at home. Props to all of you who serve faithfully in the church. It makes more of a difference than you know!

Now, focusing inward..
I have made an effort this week to follow the counsel of Elder Holland and perfect myself in a sense before I expect it of my investigators. I have followed the counsel of Moroni in [Moroni 7,48] and prayed to the father to be continually filled with the pure love of Christ" thus I can more honestly represent our Savior. Results, I find peace in the words of Christ to the Father in [3Nephi 19, 29] I am here to love and help all who will accept me, all that have been prepared for me. For these I pray. The rest, I offer what I can, then wish them the best and bid farewell until we are all gathered one glorious Day!

These messages will be shorter as to provide time for talking with family and personal emails more. Nevertheless, best of wishes to all of you! I testify happiness is found in the gospel. In worthiness. In Families. In the blessings of the Lord as we obey His commandments. I leave you with the wise counsel of Jacob.

"O be wise, what can I say more?" [Jacob 6,12]

Love, 

Elder Wilson

So.. a little more deets for closer family ha! I'm learning true obedience in the mission field is a hard thing to come by. We had 5 elders sent home this month. Hermana Riggins shared with me that it is difficult to find worthy trainers for incoming missionaries! Wow! Two elders were transfered from my casa after staying out past 10 with other female investigators. Yikes. The two incoming with over a year of experience sleep in most days to 930ish. 

To further expound on the weight gain of so many missionaries, they eat like crap and unadvised street food every day. Not to mention I haven't seen any of them workout, including my companion and even district leaders. Thus, I'm hoping to avoid all the weight gain. Funny experience:

We have a 75ish pound bar with cement blocks on the ends at my casa that I do workouts with, along with my band, jump rope etc. I did the 100 thruster with 100 jump rope in between every 10 reps. Wow! I can tell you I am in shape at sea level. Conditioning was not an issue. The soreness however the next day. Ouch, made for a difficult day of walking ha but lessons learned right? 

I had a medical checkup with a nearby 'trained' sister missionary. She checked my heart rate which was 38. After being shocked she checked it again. 42. Awesome right? I love this sea level stuff! She thought I was dying however and I had to explain I'm in decent physical shape and am coming from 5000 ft elevation. Haha, cool though, thought I'd share.

Also, the incoming question for all. Are you circumcized? ya... I was asked this in spanish the other day and had to dictionary translate. Wow! um yes!! Ha, these barbaric latinos all find it very amusing. We'll end on that note here.

Otherwise, some crazy food! One meal was a FULL fish in a greeny yellow soup with idk what in it. That I have to drink as well of course. Yikes. Many prayers said to get through that meal. Lunch is served!

Thought it would be fun to share a little more. But have to go unfortunately. Have a great week everyone! Love you all,

Parker

Week 2 Ecuador

I'll begin with an apology for the lack of photos. I have yet to obtain a chord for my camera and despite my efforts to plan for photos to be provided via another missionaries camera, they were randomly transferred early this morning. Crazy. 

Dear Family and Friends, 

What a week! I believe i'm starting to grasp what being a missionary is. As well as the language and other tasks that accompany my calling. Talking with many natives my doubts of ever seeing a huge jungle, lake, or mountain in my area of Ecuador are almost certain. In fact, I live in the poorest and ugliest part of this country! Dissapointing, but I didn't really come here for the scenery anyways so it doesn't matter! 

This past week I had the opportunity to swap companions and work with the Zone leader for a day! He is another Gringo so it was chill getting to speak a little english, But I also got to learn a lot from him. Some of the greatest things I can do out here are just talking with people,sharing small messages with them, and giving invitations which will help them increase in their Faith. First and foremost I can be a friend and example to these people. I had a little realization from this experience..

It is my duty to go down to the level of these people, walk in their shoes in a sense, rather than stand atop my hill of who i am and where i am from and calling these people with hand extended. Along side them we can walk together to the font, the temple, and Christ! 

Does that mean my investigators will get married, obey the word of wisdom, and keep the commandments without hestitation? I wish.. But it's not that easy. At times I wish I could take their agency and set them on the right path then say have at it! That's not the point though is it? I'm sure God has probably had the same feelings with me at times. 

The past week has taught me my purpose here is beyond baptism as we've spent the majority of it teaching less actives and searching for rescent converts who have been forgotten and gone inactive. Many of which have failed to obtain the priesthood, temple, or other blessings that come through progressing in the Gospel. Thus with every former purpose to find and baptize I am working in other ways as well to strengthen this area.

While it is difficult to talk with your investigator who was supposed to be baptized and chose not to due to other unrighteous desires, it is equally difficult to talk with rescent converts who no longerwant anything to do with the gospel they once believed. Surely, this work goes far beyond baptism.

My prayers were answered and i was able to watch General Conference in English this past weekend with a few other Gringos. Wow I have never been so excited to hear from our Prophet and Apostles! 9 pages of notes later I am redirected in my purpose, desire rekindled, and spiritually strengthened. I received answers for myself and many investigators I am working with. Let me just breifly share a little.

I hope we all have a renewed appreciation and outlook on the blessing of the Sacrament and would all make efforts to more fully attend! Attendance in the church is a huge struggle here among other things. What a blessing though that beyond Christ's Atonement He also gives us the ability to renew it every week and cleanse ourselves in efforts to come closer to Him. But how exactly do we do that?

Henry B Eyring taught that we are all entitled to personal revelation. It is our greatest tool as we seek for direction in this life as well as enlightened thoughs and comfort that comes through the Holy Spirit. Prayer is just one tool among those including the study of the words of prohets both present and past through the scriptures and current materials, Families, and others. Richard G Scott advised us to Make these tools God has given us Fundamental Habits in our lives! As I study the basic doctrine of the gospel daily as a missionary I have recognized its power more and more. I would invite all people to not overlook it but take advantage and live according to it!

Other appreciated messages were pertained more towards my work here.

As Latter day Saints we "talk of Christ, Preach of Christ, and write according to His teachings for our children.." [2nephi 25>26] ..yet another testament of the scriptures and also a piece of why we seek to share this gospel with others.

Christ is no stranger to His servants, His power is endless and we can feel his Love as often as we are worthy of and seek for it. One of my greatest blessings on this mission is learning how to listen to the Holy Ghost. Elder Bednar spoke eloquently to those who do not share our Faith inviting them all to come and see! This invitation requires sacrifice. To obtain a testimony one must follow the path of Christ by keeping his commandments, reading, praying, repenting and experience a change within themselves. As all of us know however, any sacrifice we make is nothing in perspective of the blessings we receive and are promised!

We can each begin our own personal ministry according to the example of Jesus Christ. I have begun mine, and faced a broad spectrum of emotions. Excitement of new investigators, dissapointment of rejection, and frustration of those who are many in Ecuador who do not share the same views of accountablility and other characteristics you do. Christ taught us to love all, including those who tell you to take a hike or even act as your enemy. How? I dont really know, but he showed a way. Did he not love the same people who rejected, mocked, and even crucified Him? Wow. 

We are taught to be patient and kind, respectful to all others. While many may not accept the words I offer I can show them a little of what I represent through my Actions! Be a light to the World.

I wrap up with some words of Elder Cook. "Descisions determine destiny, keep them in line with the Lords standards." In our daily conduct, let us strive to live according to the goals we seek to obtain and act with a that noble purpose that should continually underlie our conduct. Whatever goals you seek to obtain in the future, prepare for them now. As a missionary i learn every day about the leader, husband, father, friend, and other things i will be someday. Prepare now. 

To those who do not fully comprehend, have patience. Elder Uchtdorf taught us that even as we are given greater knowledge the more we seek it, those who have fallen away and are inactive in their Faith cannot see what you can! Do not "cast them out" but rather help them obtain it. Help all those who have taken a look in the mirror, as we all should, and sought to make changes. The harder we work to come closer to Christ, the harder Satan will work to stop us! But no force in the world can stop the word of God. 

If you seek you will find. Knock and it shall be opened. [3Nephi 27>29]..

Come to the arms of safety which are ready and open to receive you. [Alma34>16]

Finally, I echo the words of the Prophet as he Again closed with this statement wich I was also honored to use in my farewell talk, "Let us be a little better than we have in the Past." Ponder on that one.. I appreciate the counsel of all our inspired leaders so much and seek to sustain them through my actions.

#GeneralConference

Much love to all Family and Friends. Have another great week!

Elder Wilson