Hey Everyone!
Happy new year! I really hope that everyone can enjoy a new beginnig. I also hope everyone can do well with their goals this year!
Well, this week went by really well. We had another baptism as well. We baptised a young (20 years old...) single mother, Yosi (Jossi), who was really looking for a way to change her life. She had a huge conversion when she took interest in our message. We've been teaching her family for a while and they've all taken interest. So we're really hoping to see the rest of the family come unto Christ, following her footsteps. They're just waiting for the dad to get back from a trip so they can all be there in the baptism. But at first, we were teaching the whole family except her, because she "had other things to do." But after she started seeing a change in her family and felt a desire to find something more in her life, she started listening and really grew a desire to do a 180 in her life. So it was amazing to see the change and see the happiness that she's felt through Christ. It's amazing how deeply the Gospel can change a life.
We also have several baptisms set up for the next few weeks, so we're working hard to take care of them. This week, we have another investigator, Adriana (the cousin of Diana), with a baptismal date and an older couple, Lazero and Adelaida. Hopefully everything goes well with them and that Lazero and Adelaida can pass their interviews. But they're quite excited to learn more and progress, so I imagine all will go well.
Other than that, I ate rabbit intestine with potatoes and grean beans (and rice, of course). That was... not my favorite dish.
I also really enjoyed talking with everyone in the family! It was really nice to hear your voices and see how're you're doing. Even if everything seems to be going normal as always. It's always one of the special moments of the year. The best Christmas gift, of course.
And thanks so much for the package! And for the package from the ward! I got it a couple days ago and really enjoy the candy and cards. It was nice to hear from all the old ward members that I know. And it looks like there are quite a few new people as well.
But I've been enjoying the candy a ton. Life is always a little easier with sugar.
Well, I hope everyone enjoys the new year and has a little fun! I'll be sleeping. One of the few people who'll be well rested for the first day of the new year, haha.
Take care!
Elder Seth Prestwich
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Happy End of the World Week!!
Hey Everyone!
Well, life has been going good. This week was good, but our fecha fell through. She has several legal issues with her ex and ran off the Lima to fix it all... Satan is deffinitely messing with the work in this area. But I haven't felt discouraged. I'm certain that the problems with resolve and that she'll be able to come to Christ.
I've been spending the week trying to refocus my mind and heart in the mission. I've found that my mind has been wandering off lately, so I'm renewing my effort to ponder the needs of my investigators and look for revelation. I've already seen a big difference. Several possible needs of one of our families came to mind one night as I was thinking about them, and when I asked them about it, we were able to find out one of their principle worries. It was amazing how a simple thought lead to great progress in the slavation of an entire family. There's defnitely a difference between working in the mission and working in the mission with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
We had 13 investigators in church again. We feel super happy about the number of investigator and the growth in the ward. We've been rallying the people to help the less actives, and we've gone from 88-126 people (growing a little every week) in just this month. We're excited to see if we can keep growing in these two more weeks that remain. There were only 50 that were going to church when I got here, so there's an amazing difference when everyone stands up to sing in sacrament meeting. It's super cool to see the growth in such a short time.
Other than that, well, my pensionista killed my poor guinea pig, BoB Marley... He was such a nice, fat friend. But, alas, they're just another animal to eat down here. So I'm trying to recover slowly. Though, I have to admit, I'm excited to eat him for lunch today. ;)
Hope you all enjoy this week! Remember that Friday in the end of the world, so don't forget to repent. There are a lot of people yelling in the streets and handing out pamphlets here. They're all playing off the drama. Some say it'll happen for sure and others not so much. It's pretty funny, to say the least.
Love you all!
Elder Seth Prestwich
Well, life has been going good. This week was good, but our fecha fell through. She has several legal issues with her ex and ran off the Lima to fix it all... Satan is deffinitely messing with the work in this area. But I haven't felt discouraged. I'm certain that the problems with resolve and that she'll be able to come to Christ.
I've been spending the week trying to refocus my mind and heart in the mission. I've found that my mind has been wandering off lately, so I'm renewing my effort to ponder the needs of my investigators and look for revelation. I've already seen a big difference. Several possible needs of one of our families came to mind one night as I was thinking about them, and when I asked them about it, we were able to find out one of their principle worries. It was amazing how a simple thought lead to great progress in the slavation of an entire family. There's defnitely a difference between working in the mission and working in the mission with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
We had 13 investigators in church again. We feel super happy about the number of investigator and the growth in the ward. We've been rallying the people to help the less actives, and we've gone from 88-126 people (growing a little every week) in just this month. We're excited to see if we can keep growing in these two more weeks that remain. There were only 50 that were going to church when I got here, so there's an amazing difference when everyone stands up to sing in sacrament meeting. It's super cool to see the growth in such a short time.
Other than that, well, my pensionista killed my poor guinea pig, BoB Marley... He was such a nice, fat friend. But, alas, they're just another animal to eat down here. So I'm trying to recover slowly. Though, I have to admit, I'm excited to eat him for lunch today. ;)
Hope you all enjoy this week! Remember that Friday in the end of the world, so don't forget to repent. There are a lot of people yelling in the streets and handing out pamphlets here. They're all playing off the drama. Some say it'll happen for sure and others not so much. It's pretty funny, to say the least.
Love you all!
Elder Seth Prestwich
Monday, December 10, 2012
Things Are Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas... Kind of...
Hey Everyone!
This week has been great, though filled with ups and downs. But first
of all, Diana was baptised and confirmed despite a ton of difficulties
and obstacles. She really put her faith first to follow the Lord. Her
parents really worked against her baptism. Her mother is really
Catholic and her Dad is from some other Christian church, but both of
them are quite convinced that they're in the true church. But Diana
prayed and asked God to know that this Church is true. And she told
that that God said it was... They didn't like that too much. But
despite their words, Diana took a step of faith and follow the answer
that the Lord gave here. It was wonderful to see her overcome all of
the other obstacles that came her way as well. Her father (who lives
hours away in Lima) got really sick and she almost had to travel with
her mother to Lima just hours before her baptism. But she prayed with
sincerity and her mother, even though she was opposed to her choice to
get baptised, decided to leave that night instead. An incredibe change
of heart just in the moment that Diana needed it. She's going to be a
faithful convert. One who puts her trust in the arm of the Lord.
But during the week, a lot of chalenges came around. I had problems
with my companion, Diana almost had to travel during her baptimal
date, Lourdez didn't pass her interview, I ended up getting quite
sick, and more. But amongst all the rough patches, I found one thing
to stick out. If I had the spirit, everything was alright. I had a
calm assurance that all problems pass by and that my investigators
would be able to pull through the problems that they faced. In those
moments, I really understood, even more, that the Spirit drives this
work, because it drives me farther than I can go. Each day I somehow
find the physical and spiritual strength to do this work. And I
realized even more where that comes from. When I refused to let my
trials take away the Spirit, the days passed and I felt satisfied with
the work that I was doing. Even if it's not perfect, it's what the
Lord is expecting from me. It truly is an invaluable part of this
work, and not just for teaching, but in every aspect.
I can't thank the Lord enough for allowing me to have the Gift of the
Holy Ghost. It truly is one of the greatest gifts that I have in this
life. And one of the few gifts that can keep giving every day. It
truly directs my life to where I want to be. In ways greater than I
can comprehend.
I also learned that when I live with an attitude of gratitude, I have
the Spirit more constantly. It's a lesson I can't forget here in the
mission or in my life afterwards.
I also got to enjoy a deliscious plate of rabbit the other day! I
actually enjoyed that dish, oddly enough.
But I love you all and hope that you're enjoying the Christmas Season!
Don't forget the Lord or the needy!
Elder Seth Prestwich
This week has been great, though filled with ups and downs. But first
of all, Diana was baptised and confirmed despite a ton of difficulties
and obstacles. She really put her faith first to follow the Lord. Her
parents really worked against her baptism. Her mother is really
Catholic and her Dad is from some other Christian church, but both of
them are quite convinced that they're in the true church. But Diana
prayed and asked God to know that this Church is true. And she told
that that God said it was... They didn't like that too much. But
despite their words, Diana took a step of faith and follow the answer
that the Lord gave here. It was wonderful to see her overcome all of
the other obstacles that came her way as well. Her father (who lives
hours away in Lima) got really sick and she almost had to travel with
her mother to Lima just hours before her baptism. But she prayed with
sincerity and her mother, even though she was opposed to her choice to
get baptised, decided to leave that night instead. An incredibe change
of heart just in the moment that Diana needed it. She's going to be a
faithful convert. One who puts her trust in the arm of the Lord.
But during the week, a lot of chalenges came around. I had problems
with my companion, Diana almost had to travel during her baptimal
date, Lourdez didn't pass her interview, I ended up getting quite
sick, and more. But amongst all the rough patches, I found one thing
to stick out. If I had the spirit, everything was alright. I had a
calm assurance that all problems pass by and that my investigators
would be able to pull through the problems that they faced. In those
moments, I really understood, even more, that the Spirit drives this
work, because it drives me farther than I can go. Each day I somehow
find the physical and spiritual strength to do this work. And I
realized even more where that comes from. When I refused to let my
trials take away the Spirit, the days passed and I felt satisfied with
the work that I was doing. Even if it's not perfect, it's what the
Lord is expecting from me. It truly is an invaluable part of this
work, and not just for teaching, but in every aspect.
I can't thank the Lord enough for allowing me to have the Gift of the
Holy Ghost. It truly is one of the greatest gifts that I have in this
life. And one of the few gifts that can keep giving every day. It
truly directs my life to where I want to be. In ways greater than I
can comprehend.
I also learned that when I live with an attitude of gratitude, I have
the Spirit more constantly. It's a lesson I can't forget here in the
mission or in my life afterwards.
I also got to enjoy a deliscious plate of rabbit the other day! I
actually enjoyed that dish, oddly enough.
But I love you all and hope that you're enjoying the Christmas Season!
Don't forget the Lord or the needy!
Elder Seth Prestwich
Friday, December 7, 2012
Welcome, December!
Hey everyone!
AND Christmas is coming up! It may not quite be the same as a missionary, but it's still a wonderful time that helps me focus even more on the Savior in my life.
But we've been having a lot of troubles with our investigators. We still have a lot of investigators that are progressing, but they're starting to lose their enthusiasm. But we're determined to help the come to Christ and be ready this month as well. Our baptimal dates might fall through, but we'll be sure not to let them go. Keep them in your prayers, please. We'll be doing a ton to keep the Spirit so we can follow the Lord's direction to help them.
But the week has gone by rather normal other than that. So I don't have much to say. Or much time. But I really hope everyone is well, and you'll all be in my prayers!
Love you all! Keep up a cheerful Christmas Spirit!
Elder Seth Prestwich
Elder Seth Prestwich
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