Last letter...
First of all, the weight vest is called the Xvest. Google it. Its probably xvest.com or something similar. Its the one that weighs 84 lbs. Theres others with lower weights, but I want the one that weighs 84 lbs please. A medium or large is fine either one. At least thats how it was before the mission, I doubt its changed. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE order it today so it's there when I get home. It should cost $300 ish maybe $50 more or less. It came with free shipping before as well.
That sounds like a blast the homecoming party for Charles! How are the kids doing? I'm excited to see them all grown up! One thing I do NOT want is any sort of party. I know I am not going to be in the mood to be around a lot of people. Please don't plan anything, and I don't mean that in a humble sort of way, but that sincerely I really don't want anything! Please don't invite a bunch of people over.
Thank you so much for getting those things for everyone :)
Most all the preparations are in order! I borrowed a cell phone, my number is 598-96-306-913. You can send me a message when you are close to landing, don't send me anything beforehand, even though you will be tempted haha, I won't turn it on until I'm on my way to the airport to pick you up! I don't know what international rates are for a cell phone, so this will make it a lot easier!
I'm excited to see you, but I'm sorry if I don't seem super happy to be leaving. I am going to miss Uruguay, and haven't slept 5 minutes in the last 2 nights, been throwing up a lot too from nerves. It's going to be a big adjustment not being set apart from the world in the same way. It's also going to be really hard to say goodbye, so please have patience with me!
See you on Thursday, we've got a great family home evening set up that night with some converts in Montevideo, it's going to be GREAT!
This is the Lord's work, and Im grateful to have been a part of it. Im grateful for the trials I've been able to grow from. I love our Savior and I know He lives. This is His church. It is perfect.
Love you all, see you soon!
Friday, December 9, 2011
September 19, 2011
Amazing baptimal service this week! Laura almost finished the Book of Mormon before her baptism!! She's incredible and she already had an interview with the Branch Pres. for a calling next week. Her daughter Lucrecia and her friend Dahiana that were baptized as well invited lots of friends, and Young Womens is filling up hahaha
It was also the baptism of an 8 year old ward baptism. It was tough because the mom was on our reactivation list. She was the Relief Society Stake Pres. and her husband the branch pres. when he cheated and left her. She's been inactive since, for 4 years, but when her daughter turned 8, decided she couldn't let the opportunity pass by and asked us to help her return. She fantastic and is going to be a great leader again!
TONS went to the baptism again, and church attendance is maintaining well above 100 people. Its so nice to see the unity. The people love eachother a lot more than in other wards that I've served or even in the wards I've lived in in the States. For now, the unit is too big to combine, so we're not going to combine with the other ward for now. Plans are changing :)
Before I forget to answer your questions,
Yes, I got the itinerary, I'm going to print it off now.
No, I have not set up for Fray Bentos or Salto. I have been busy and have forgotten. In Salto, try and get Los Naranjos, and in Fray Bentos I would go with Hotel Plaza.
No, don't bring down anything for me. I have shoes and clothes and all :) I can't think of anything I'd need for 1 week that I havent had for 2 years haha.
Yes, we can find places to print in each of the cities, except maybe Tacuarembo. T-bo is a little behind times haha but Salto, Fray B, and Deo are easy.
Thats pretty exciting to hear ward boudaries are changing again! The church is growing so much in Tucson, wards are always being made! Are there a lot of convert baptisms, or are people just moving there that are members?
As for the shoes, cross trainers are perfect :)
As for souvenirs, I haven't bought stuff, but I have received tons of gifts. I've also already given most of my stuff away, and am going to give away or sell most everything else to make room. I do still have my alfajor collection its huge and worth so many hundreds of thousands of calories I don't even want to know :)
I've got everything set up with people for our visit already and they are all so excited to meet you. It is going to be a very powerful spiritual reunion, so be prepared! I'm also preparing myself to see people that have progressed so much since I saw them last, it's going to be overwhelming!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!
I'm going to finish the mission fulfilling with my purpose. We've got a huge baptismal service for this last week on Saturday. As a zone we should get our goal, a goal we set super high that has never been reached! It going to be fantastic, and I know that when we have faith in the Lord He can help us do hard things. The Stake is being strengthened and growing every week!
I love this people and know that I was foreordained before this world was to find these families, and I feel grateful for having found them and fulfilled my promises. I pray that they will continue strong in the gospel, and that their lives will be continued to be blessed by my personal obedience the rest of my life. I love the gospel and also beg you all to help me return home as I lose the mantel of missionary. I hear its pretty hard, but remember that I'm not the weird one. I'm progressing how I should be. Returned missionaries shouldn't change at all, it's the rest of the world that should change. I love you all and am grateful for your testimonies!
Love,
Elder Magnusson
It was also the baptism of an 8 year old ward baptism. It was tough because the mom was on our reactivation list. She was the Relief Society Stake Pres. and her husband the branch pres. when he cheated and left her. She's been inactive since, for 4 years, but when her daughter turned 8, decided she couldn't let the opportunity pass by and asked us to help her return. She fantastic and is going to be a great leader again!
TONS went to the baptism again, and church attendance is maintaining well above 100 people. Its so nice to see the unity. The people love eachother a lot more than in other wards that I've served or even in the wards I've lived in in the States. For now, the unit is too big to combine, so we're not going to combine with the other ward for now. Plans are changing :)
Before I forget to answer your questions,
Yes, I got the itinerary, I'm going to print it off now.
No, I have not set up for Fray Bentos or Salto. I have been busy and have forgotten. In Salto, try and get Los Naranjos, and in Fray Bentos I would go with Hotel Plaza.
No, don't bring down anything for me. I have shoes and clothes and all :) I can't think of anything I'd need for 1 week that I havent had for 2 years haha.
Yes, we can find places to print in each of the cities, except maybe Tacuarembo. T-bo is a little behind times haha but Salto, Fray B, and Deo are easy.
Thats pretty exciting to hear ward boudaries are changing again! The church is growing so much in Tucson, wards are always being made! Are there a lot of convert baptisms, or are people just moving there that are members?
As for the shoes, cross trainers are perfect :)
As for souvenirs, I haven't bought stuff, but I have received tons of gifts. I've also already given most of my stuff away, and am going to give away or sell most everything else to make room. I do still have my alfajor collection its huge and worth so many hundreds of thousands of calories I don't even want to know :)
I've got everything set up with people for our visit already and they are all so excited to meet you. It is going to be a very powerful spiritual reunion, so be prepared! I'm also preparing myself to see people that have progressed so much since I saw them last, it's going to be overwhelming!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!
I'm going to finish the mission fulfilling with my purpose. We've got a huge baptismal service for this last week on Saturday. As a zone we should get our goal, a goal we set super high that has never been reached! It going to be fantastic, and I know that when we have faith in the Lord He can help us do hard things. The Stake is being strengthened and growing every week!
I love this people and know that I was foreordained before this world was to find these families, and I feel grateful for having found them and fulfilled my promises. I pray that they will continue strong in the gospel, and that their lives will be continued to be blessed by my personal obedience the rest of my life. I love the gospel and also beg you all to help me return home as I lose the mantel of missionary. I hear its pretty hard, but remember that I'm not the weird one. I'm progressing how I should be. Returned missionaries shouldn't change at all, it's the rest of the world that should change. I love you all and am grateful for your testimonies!
Love,
Elder Magnusson
September 12, 2011
Fantastic week!
This week was the baptism of Chayanne Martinez, and Jonathan and Yandet Fernandez!!! It was a powerful meeting with a great attendance. The branch continues to grow!
This next week we are preparing a woman named Laura Silva, and her daughters Lucrecia amd Daiana. She also has 2 sons that we're working with, but still don't want anything. Hoepfully they'll go at least to the baptism and feel the spirit. Laura was incredible, she contacted a member and asked if we could help her family join the church and the member called us and we went immediately over to her house, and now the family is progressing so well!
I'm excited to hear about Levi`s patriarchal blessing! He's got a lot of potential to live up to!
Your photo idea is GREAT! I'll let some families know we're going to take photos so they can prepare :) Nobody has photos of their families here, because it's very expensive and hard to find, so that will be something very precious for them.
As for going up to Utah, I bet I can convince Steven to roadtrip with me :) It would be a good opportunity to catch up good. Maybe I'll go towards the end of October and go to Oakley Banks' homecoming on the way up (in Vegas). Could you facebook his family and ask them when it will be?
Maybe instead of a car I'll buy a motorcycle haha the Uruguayos have me nearly convinced, it's soooo much cheaper!!!
The greenies arrive on the 27th, and leave to their areas the afternoon of the 28th. I just found out this week that we're going to have the 29th completely free, so we'll have almost an entire other day to visit in Montevideo. I'll keep it pretty tranquilo, as you'll have just gotten home from a long trip. We're going to visit the Pintos that day and his father-in-law who's a 70!!
I'll get a road map of Uruguay, but I know my way around all the cities we're going to visit, so it should be pretty easy. I'll ask Sis. Heaton if theres anything she needs and let you know :)
I'll ask President if I can borrow his car to pick you up at the airport, I still have my license and all, so it shouldn't be a problem (yep, I learned to drive stick in the mission, make sure Levi knows before, thats something every father should teach their sons haha). If not, me and Elder Hamilton (his parents are coming too) can take a taxi out there and come back in the rental. Do you have the rental set up already? When exactly does you flight arrive? I'll let you know my cell phone number as well the last week, I'm borrowing a cell phone from a member here in Fray Bentos, so it will be cheap to set things up here instead of paying international fees.
My comp also asks that you bring a $100 camera and good $50 New Balance shoes, and jar of peanut butter, and he'll pay you the $150 when you come. He said his camera cost him $300 when he left Peru and he wants to buy one for his family from the US because its a lot cheaper. So, if you could please buy it with my money and he can pay me back easier :)
Love you all!!! Keep working hard to be a successful family :)
Elder Magnusson
P.S. Wow, what a trunky letter home, all I talked about was stuff for your trip. But just so you know, I am NOT trunky :) I promise these next 2 weeks to be the most hard-worked of all my mission!!!
This week was the baptism of Chayanne Martinez, and Jonathan and Yandet Fernandez!!! It was a powerful meeting with a great attendance. The branch continues to grow!
This next week we are preparing a woman named Laura Silva, and her daughters Lucrecia amd Daiana. She also has 2 sons that we're working with, but still don't want anything. Hoepfully they'll go at least to the baptism and feel the spirit. Laura was incredible, she contacted a member and asked if we could help her family join the church and the member called us and we went immediately over to her house, and now the family is progressing so well!
I'm excited to hear about Levi`s patriarchal blessing! He's got a lot of potential to live up to!
Your photo idea is GREAT! I'll let some families know we're going to take photos so they can prepare :) Nobody has photos of their families here, because it's very expensive and hard to find, so that will be something very precious for them.
As for going up to Utah, I bet I can convince Steven to roadtrip with me :) It would be a good opportunity to catch up good. Maybe I'll go towards the end of October and go to Oakley Banks' homecoming on the way up (in Vegas). Could you facebook his family and ask them when it will be?
Maybe instead of a car I'll buy a motorcycle haha the Uruguayos have me nearly convinced, it's soooo much cheaper!!!
The greenies arrive on the 27th, and leave to their areas the afternoon of the 28th. I just found out this week that we're going to have the 29th completely free, so we'll have almost an entire other day to visit in Montevideo. I'll keep it pretty tranquilo, as you'll have just gotten home from a long trip. We're going to visit the Pintos that day and his father-in-law who's a 70!!
I'll get a road map of Uruguay, but I know my way around all the cities we're going to visit, so it should be pretty easy. I'll ask Sis. Heaton if theres anything she needs and let you know :)
I'll ask President if I can borrow his car to pick you up at the airport, I still have my license and all, so it shouldn't be a problem (yep, I learned to drive stick in the mission, make sure Levi knows before, thats something every father should teach their sons haha). If not, me and Elder Hamilton (his parents are coming too) can take a taxi out there and come back in the rental. Do you have the rental set up already? When exactly does you flight arrive? I'll let you know my cell phone number as well the last week, I'm borrowing a cell phone from a member here in Fray Bentos, so it will be cheap to set things up here instead of paying international fees.
My comp also asks that you bring a $100 camera and good $50 New Balance shoes, and jar of peanut butter, and he'll pay you the $150 when you come. He said his camera cost him $300 when he left Peru and he wants to buy one for his family from the US because its a lot cheaper. So, if you could please buy it with my money and he can pay me back easier :)
Love you all!!! Keep working hard to be a successful family :)
Elder Magnusson
P.S. Wow, what a trunky letter home, all I talked about was stuff for your trip. But just so you know, I am NOT trunky :) I promise these next 2 weeks to be the most hard-worked of all my mission!!!
September 5, 2011
This week was wonderful :) It was the baptism of the Sanchez brothers. Their family was baptized 2 years ago by Elder Enciso, and a month ago, she got in contact with us and asked us to pass by to help them get active again and we walk out into the country an hour to get to their house, a beautiful wheat farm. Eduardo and Solano we baptized by their uncle, our ward mission leader on Wednesday.
After the baptism we had a ward activity of tortas fritas and TONS of investigators went it was amazing!!!! It was a ton of fun :) I ate way too much and felt sick afterward, but it was worth it. Thats one thing you have to try for sure. Did they make lots of tortas fritas in Argentina? Can you buy animal fat in the states to fry them?
Wow, Chad is married! That is so weird! Karl is just a month away...! Time is going by fast, I feel like I just barely saw them.
Your picture idea is GREAT! I was going to ask you today if you could make a ton of some type of craft to remember our family by, and maybe you could do something creative with photos like that and we can send it back to them after we get back.
The one thing we are lacking most in the branch is Aaronic priesthood, good young men. We've been working really hard to find some, and this weekend will by the baptism of Chayanne, Yane, and Yonatan. Next week we'll have few more to fill up the quorums. The Lord continues to pour blessings abundantly upon every family in the branch. There are many trials, but its been a great testimony to me that family support is the most powerful tool to resist the problems of the world. The entire world can be against you, but if you have a strong family to go to at the end of the day, nothing else matters.
As for BYU, there's nothing else that needs to be done. I'm accepted into Winter 2012 with a full ride (blessings of serving the Lord). I'll probably go up to Utah in November at some point to get my apartment and books and all ready so I can start school stress free and not so rushed. my username is tylanwm and password is thattyguy08 (please don't publish that)
Did you already buy the weight vest? If not, please do it now, so it's waiting for me :)
For Hotels in Tbo I'd definitely do the Carlos Gardel. It's expensive, but even the 2nd best is very low grade and not worth staying in.
In Deo, theres tons of options. Try and find something either close to the airport, or a little north of the city to have peace. Or you can find a cool old hotel in the Ciudad Vieja if you want a cooler experience. Deo has tons of options, so you might want to explore a little.
Is there anything you need me to do to prepare?
I'm excited to see the Perez family as well. They are AMAZING, you are going to love meeting them :) The members are all pretty stoked to receive you in their homes! I don't think there'll be problems with health or need to stay inside or anything. The only time we'll be out walking around is the last day of shopping. The rest of the time we'll be with people in their homes.
I'm excited to see you too, endure to the end!
Love, Elder Magnusson
After the baptism we had a ward activity of tortas fritas and TONS of investigators went it was amazing!!!! It was a ton of fun :) I ate way too much and felt sick afterward, but it was worth it. Thats one thing you have to try for sure. Did they make lots of tortas fritas in Argentina? Can you buy animal fat in the states to fry them?
Wow, Chad is married! That is so weird! Karl is just a month away...! Time is going by fast, I feel like I just barely saw them.
Your picture idea is GREAT! I was going to ask you today if you could make a ton of some type of craft to remember our family by, and maybe you could do something creative with photos like that and we can send it back to them after we get back.
The one thing we are lacking most in the branch is Aaronic priesthood, good young men. We've been working really hard to find some, and this weekend will by the baptism of Chayanne, Yane, and Yonatan. Next week we'll have few more to fill up the quorums. The Lord continues to pour blessings abundantly upon every family in the branch. There are many trials, but its been a great testimony to me that family support is the most powerful tool to resist the problems of the world. The entire world can be against you, but if you have a strong family to go to at the end of the day, nothing else matters.
As for BYU, there's nothing else that needs to be done. I'm accepted into Winter 2012 with a full ride (blessings of serving the Lord). I'll probably go up to Utah in November at some point to get my apartment and books and all ready so I can start school stress free and not so rushed. my username is tylanwm and password is thattyguy08 (please don't publish that)
Did you already buy the weight vest? If not, please do it now, so it's waiting for me :)
For Hotels in Tbo I'd definitely do the Carlos Gardel. It's expensive, but even the 2nd best is very low grade and not worth staying in.
In Deo, theres tons of options. Try and find something either close to the airport, or a little north of the city to have peace. Or you can find a cool old hotel in the Ciudad Vieja if you want a cooler experience. Deo has tons of options, so you might want to explore a little.
Is there anything you need me to do to prepare?
I'm excited to see the Perez family as well. They are AMAZING, you are going to love meeting them :) The members are all pretty stoked to receive you in their homes! I don't think there'll be problems with health or need to stay inside or anything. The only time we'll be out walking around is the last day of shopping. The rest of the time we'll be with people in their homes.
I'm excited to see you too, endure to the end!
Love, Elder Magnusson
August 29, 2011
Another great week!! Everyone is super sick except us with th H1N1 virus, in bed for weeks, pray for us that we don't catch anything!!!
The Fernandez family (the ones from Chile), another nephew of Rocìo, and Juliana Benitez were baptized on Saturday. Everything went smooth and it was super powerful!!! Luis Alberto (Rocìo's abusive ex-husband) now lives in Sister Eyring (yep, the apostle's grand-daughter) and Sister Arzola's area and started going to church there. He quit smoking and drinking and Saturday after our baptismal service we all went flying to the other church for his baptism. It's been super hard for me to even be in the same room as him, after seeing and hearing what he did to his family, aside from all the terrible things he said to us... and he asked me to baptize him. It was a big trial for me, because I knew he had never asked me, and much less Rocìo and his children forgiveness, but I bit my tongue and stood aside and let those with the authority do the interviews and he passed everything, they feel he's sincere, so everything went through. It was a strange trial for me, something I never thought to experience. I'll talk about details some other time.
On Wednsday to celebrate the big storm Santa Rosa, we're going to have a Tortas Fritas cook-off all evening. Its going to be a BLAST!!! Also, the Sanchez's sons will be baptized. The Sanchez family was baptized 2 years ago by my old companion Elder Enciso that passed away a few months ago. They live about an hours walk out in the middle of nowhere, but got in contact with us and asked us to come help them reactivate so their 2 9-yr-old sons could be baptized. The whole big family has returned and they are super excited to start again in the path towards being an eternal family! We set goals to go to the temple and all, and I think they'll make it soon. The mom of the family was the only member for many years, and was already endowed, but had gone inactive. Now we have high hopes that the whole family will stay strong.
Thursday I have my last zl council in montevideo. We've made all of our goals 4 months in a row now, and the stake is progressing a LOT! The Lord has blessed us with so many trials and learning opportunities, that I feel really humbled, and really exhausted, and very satisfied (se dice asì en ingles?).
I'm sorry I can't think of much to say. Every day passes in the blink of an eye, and it feels like life is on fast forward, theres so much happening but it comes and goes in an instant and I can't remember it all.
I'm working harder than ever and I hope you all are too, don't be trunky :) God is a fourth-watch God, the greatest trials and blessings are always at the last moment. I love you all and pray for you daily. Be patient, show love, and go to the temple. Sed prudentes, que mas puedo decir?
Cristo vive y nos ama muchisimo y su deseo es que seamos felices. Hay que esperar milagros, y les aseguro que se veran.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Magnusson
The Fernandez family (the ones from Chile), another nephew of Rocìo, and Juliana Benitez were baptized on Saturday. Everything went smooth and it was super powerful!!! Luis Alberto (Rocìo's abusive ex-husband) now lives in Sister Eyring (yep, the apostle's grand-daughter) and Sister Arzola's area and started going to church there. He quit smoking and drinking and Saturday after our baptismal service we all went flying to the other church for his baptism. It's been super hard for me to even be in the same room as him, after seeing and hearing what he did to his family, aside from all the terrible things he said to us... and he asked me to baptize him. It was a big trial for me, because I knew he had never asked me, and much less Rocìo and his children forgiveness, but I bit my tongue and stood aside and let those with the authority do the interviews and he passed everything, they feel he's sincere, so everything went through. It was a strange trial for me, something I never thought to experience. I'll talk about details some other time.
On Wednsday to celebrate the big storm Santa Rosa, we're going to have a Tortas Fritas cook-off all evening. Its going to be a BLAST!!! Also, the Sanchez's sons will be baptized. The Sanchez family was baptized 2 years ago by my old companion Elder Enciso that passed away a few months ago. They live about an hours walk out in the middle of nowhere, but got in contact with us and asked us to come help them reactivate so their 2 9-yr-old sons could be baptized. The whole big family has returned and they are super excited to start again in the path towards being an eternal family! We set goals to go to the temple and all, and I think they'll make it soon. The mom of the family was the only member for many years, and was already endowed, but had gone inactive. Now we have high hopes that the whole family will stay strong.
Thursday I have my last zl council in montevideo. We've made all of our goals 4 months in a row now, and the stake is progressing a LOT! The Lord has blessed us with so many trials and learning opportunities, that I feel really humbled, and really exhausted, and very satisfied (se dice asì en ingles?).
I'm sorry I can't think of much to say. Every day passes in the blink of an eye, and it feels like life is on fast forward, theres so much happening but it comes and goes in an instant and I can't remember it all.
I'm working harder than ever and I hope you all are too, don't be trunky :) God is a fourth-watch God, the greatest trials and blessings are always at the last moment. I love you all and pray for you daily. Be patient, show love, and go to the temple. Sed prudentes, que mas puedo decir?
Cristo vive y nos ama muchisimo y su deseo es que seamos felices. Hay que esperar milagros, y les aseguro que se veran.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Magnusson
August 22, 2011
Great week, we had baptisms this last week of the Navarro family. The mom is the sister of our recent convert Rocio. Rocio`s husband is also getting baptized this next week, along with a few others. The Lord contiues to pour blessings on our rama :)
Before I forget, in Salto, we'll stay at Los Naranjos. To communicate with people and set things up, I'm going to borrow a cell phone from a member for the week, I've already got that taken care of :) As for food, you'll probably be served things you don't like, but I'll let you know what it is everything and if you don't want it, no one will be offended I promise. The only thing that I don't know if you'd like that we'll probably be expected to eat it lamb. I personally love it, theres a lot of people that don't. Its an expensive meat here for special occasions so its possible that we'll be offered a big asado of lamb. Chorizo will also be in abundance. That you gotta try a little mom, its my favorite thing in the world, and I learned how to make it too, so I'll make some one day at home if I can find tripa de vaca jaja
As for the weight vest, ya please go ahead and buy it, I'll need it I've gained weight here since you got those photos haha, not a ton, but enough that I want to lose it all before I go to college and have to look for my future wife.
This week there were so many trials it was incredible to see how Satan can work against the Saints through other people. The recent converts are all super strong, but with all the reactivation, a lot of very old problems are resurfacing as well and causing a lot of problems between the old members. It goes to show that conversion has nothing to do with time or age as a member, and many of the greatest leaders in the ward right now were baptized within these last few months. I'm excited to hear about the future of these families, and need to start saving up as soon as I get home to return next summer for sealings. That would be a dream come true!
We had a visit with the Stake President yesterday and talked about the need to increase the faith of the missionaries and the members. Sometimes we forget that everything we do is in vain if it's not the Lord's will. If we do not do as the Lord commands, have faith, and are worthy through obedience to the commandments of God, we are left without the Spirit to "kick against the pricks."
On the other hand, we have the priviledge of having the spirit with us always as members of the church, that comes with a promise of the Lord that he'll be on our right hand and on our left, and that the powers of the devil will never prevail us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple. I'm so grateful that I've learned the importance of making and keeping covenants in the mission. It was something that I didn't understand when I was younger, and even when I went through the temple the first time. I know I've got many thousands of years of learning to go still in the eternities, but I'm grateful that experiences in the mission have helped me to taste the smallest portion of the Atonement of Christ.
I know that Christ lives and that he loves us. God knows us by name, and has great expectations. We are Saints of the Latter Days. That's not something small. This is His kingdom. If there are people we love that aren't part of it, we must make the sacrifices necesary to bring them back.
I'm grateful for the family that I had, I've recently realized how blessed I've been. I feel so stupid for things I complained about before. It would be an honor to wash your dishes and pull your weeds, mom :)
I love you all, keep praying for the rama. Things are looking good for my last change, I am working harder than ever! (a few times a week we have to wake up at 4:30 to visit a family that lives 15 miles out in the country, we go walking!!! They came to church Sunday and will be baptized the 3rd) and seeing incredible blessings as well.
Elder Magnusson
P.S. Please put in a good word for me with Pres. Thies that I get assigned with Bro. Slade from the High Council. I gave my farewell with him :) haha
Before I forget, in Salto, we'll stay at Los Naranjos. To communicate with people and set things up, I'm going to borrow a cell phone from a member for the week, I've already got that taken care of :) As for food, you'll probably be served things you don't like, but I'll let you know what it is everything and if you don't want it, no one will be offended I promise. The only thing that I don't know if you'd like that we'll probably be expected to eat it lamb. I personally love it, theres a lot of people that don't. Its an expensive meat here for special occasions so its possible that we'll be offered a big asado of lamb. Chorizo will also be in abundance. That you gotta try a little mom, its my favorite thing in the world, and I learned how to make it too, so I'll make some one day at home if I can find tripa de vaca jaja
As for the weight vest, ya please go ahead and buy it, I'll need it I've gained weight here since you got those photos haha, not a ton, but enough that I want to lose it all before I go to college and have to look for my future wife.
This week there were so many trials it was incredible to see how Satan can work against the Saints through other people. The recent converts are all super strong, but with all the reactivation, a lot of very old problems are resurfacing as well and causing a lot of problems between the old members. It goes to show that conversion has nothing to do with time or age as a member, and many of the greatest leaders in the ward right now were baptized within these last few months. I'm excited to hear about the future of these families, and need to start saving up as soon as I get home to return next summer for sealings. That would be a dream come true!
We had a visit with the Stake President yesterday and talked about the need to increase the faith of the missionaries and the members. Sometimes we forget that everything we do is in vain if it's not the Lord's will. If we do not do as the Lord commands, have faith, and are worthy through obedience to the commandments of God, we are left without the Spirit to "kick against the pricks."
On the other hand, we have the priviledge of having the spirit with us always as members of the church, that comes with a promise of the Lord that he'll be on our right hand and on our left, and that the powers of the devil will never prevail us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple. I'm so grateful that I've learned the importance of making and keeping covenants in the mission. It was something that I didn't understand when I was younger, and even when I went through the temple the first time. I know I've got many thousands of years of learning to go still in the eternities, but I'm grateful that experiences in the mission have helped me to taste the smallest portion of the Atonement of Christ.
I know that Christ lives and that he loves us. God knows us by name, and has great expectations. We are Saints of the Latter Days. That's not something small. This is His kingdom. If there are people we love that aren't part of it, we must make the sacrifices necesary to bring them back.
I'm grateful for the family that I had, I've recently realized how blessed I've been. I feel so stupid for things I complained about before. It would be an honor to wash your dishes and pull your weeds, mom :)
I love you all, keep praying for the rama. Things are looking good for my last change, I am working harder than ever! (a few times a week we have to wake up at 4:30 to visit a family that lives 15 miles out in the country, we go walking!!! They came to church Sunday and will be baptized the 3rd) and seeing incredible blessings as well.
Elder Magnusson
P.S. Please put in a good word for me with Pres. Thies that I get assigned with Bro. Slade from the High Council. I gave my farewell with him :) haha
August 16, 2011
First of all, we got changes yesterday, and I'm going to stay here with E Torres for my last change. I've been praying hard that I would, and am grateful that the Lord has provided more people here for me to find. Now I've just got to work my heart out til the end. It's weird to think I'm going into my last change, sad but exciting.
Before I forget, I thought of a favor I need of you this week! When I get home, I'm going to work out a ton, and I need you to buy online something called an XVest. Its a workout weight vest that comes in different weights, I want the maximum one, 84 lbs (you can take weights out and such). Theres a website for them and I think they costed like $300 or so, or on ebay, I found them for $250 ish when I almost bought it, but didn't since I was about to leave on the mission. Please get a new one with a guarantee for me! Please use money from my account, if its a little more expensive than that its okay.
This week was AMAZING, the best birthday ever. We had ward counsel on Wednesday night and when I arrived, all the lights were out and the whole branch jumped out and sang happy birthday. It was really really special. Hugo (the member that was rebaptized a short while ago) works with metal for his job, and made me the most incredible aceitero (no idea what that is in english, the consecrated oil vial) out of metal pipe and screws. He handmade the chain and everything its incredible! A sister in the ward also made me a painting :) They sang me a friendship song as well, and when it ended they all stood up and sang God Be With you Til We Meet Again. I got it all on video! Can't really capture the feeling on film, but I tried :) I ate so many different cakes this week, I never want to see cake again!
This week, the Navarro family will be baptized, and this last Sunday, all of our key investigators went to church and the Lord is pouring out His Spirit on the branch right now. Tons and tons of miracles. With the Priesthood we have now, we qualify as a ward, the papers are being made!!! I'm grateful for the time that I've had here until now and so excited for the time that I have left to work.
We have an investigator named Gaston getting baptized on the 27th. He's 22 and recently left prison for stealing (he was in for 2 years) he lost his wife and 2 kids when he was in and now hes been living off of selling drugs and such. We found him a few weeks ago, and slowly he's been dropping bad habits and such. He's now been clean for a week. He's changing everything! That neighborhood is pretty dangerous and one of the members had a revelation that if we take out the apple thats on bad from the box, the rest of the apples will get better (that doesn't make much sense in spanish, but you get the idea) so he took us to Gaston the causer of all the havoc, and now things are calming down. He's going to be a great tool in the Lords hands to bring a lot of souls to Him.
The branch is so excited to receive my family in their homes, and I'm contacting my families from other wards that I've served in to visit them. I want this to be a powerful spiritual experience for you guys and also for them. We might get to go to a sealing of a family while you're here, we'll see.
I love you all so much and appreciate your prayers! Stay optimistic always and remember the great blessings the Lord has in store for families. Send my love to Grandma and the family, and the ward.
Elder Magnusson
Before I forget, I thought of a favor I need of you this week! When I get home, I'm going to work out a ton, and I need you to buy online something called an XVest. Its a workout weight vest that comes in different weights, I want the maximum one, 84 lbs (you can take weights out and such). Theres a website for them and I think they costed like $300 or so, or on ebay, I found them for $250 ish when I almost bought it, but didn't since I was about to leave on the mission. Please get a new one with a guarantee for me! Please use money from my account, if its a little more expensive than that its okay.
This week was AMAZING, the best birthday ever. We had ward counsel on Wednesday night and when I arrived, all the lights were out and the whole branch jumped out and sang happy birthday. It was really really special. Hugo (the member that was rebaptized a short while ago) works with metal for his job, and made me the most incredible aceitero (no idea what that is in english, the consecrated oil vial) out of metal pipe and screws. He handmade the chain and everything its incredible! A sister in the ward also made me a painting :) They sang me a friendship song as well, and when it ended they all stood up and sang God Be With you Til We Meet Again. I got it all on video! Can't really capture the feeling on film, but I tried :) I ate so many different cakes this week, I never want to see cake again!
This week, the Navarro family will be baptized, and this last Sunday, all of our key investigators went to church and the Lord is pouring out His Spirit on the branch right now. Tons and tons of miracles. With the Priesthood we have now, we qualify as a ward, the papers are being made!!! I'm grateful for the time that I've had here until now and so excited for the time that I have left to work.
We have an investigator named Gaston getting baptized on the 27th. He's 22 and recently left prison for stealing (he was in for 2 years) he lost his wife and 2 kids when he was in and now hes been living off of selling drugs and such. We found him a few weeks ago, and slowly he's been dropping bad habits and such. He's now been clean for a week. He's changing everything! That neighborhood is pretty dangerous and one of the members had a revelation that if we take out the apple thats on bad from the box, the rest of the apples will get better (that doesn't make much sense in spanish, but you get the idea) so he took us to Gaston the causer of all the havoc, and now things are calming down. He's going to be a great tool in the Lords hands to bring a lot of souls to Him.
The branch is so excited to receive my family in their homes, and I'm contacting my families from other wards that I've served in to visit them. I want this to be a powerful spiritual experience for you guys and also for them. We might get to go to a sealing of a family while you're here, we'll see.
I love you all so much and appreciate your prayers! Stay optimistic always and remember the great blessings the Lord has in store for families. Send my love to Grandma and the family, and the ward.
Elder Magnusson
Thursday, August 11, 2011
August 8, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA, and ALDEN TOO!!!
Your letters are getting trunkier and trunkier every week! Dang. I hope you know I'm not trunky at all :)
This week was GREAT!!!! Orlando Dolci finally got baptized. He's been investigating a lot over these last 11+ years or so. He's had so many witnesses testify of the truthfulness through people and experiences but had never accepted it yet. He's suffered a lot in his life without understanding truly why, and although his family (nearly all are members) has been there for him, he never understood his purpose in life and always felt lost. Now he's finally found what he'd been looking for, and all it took was for him to read, ponder and pray the scriptures and his answer was so powerful! After his baptism, he got up to bare his testimony and it was so powerful!!! Whenever I see my converts bare testimony, or receive a calling, etc... I always think in what point in my life would I have been ready for that. Sometimes I feel like they understand so much better than I do the Atonement, service, faith, basic gospel principles. I feel like the longer I spend as a missionary, the less I discover I know. I don't know if that makes sense, but lately I've been feeling really small, in a good way I think. To just think how much more these people had to sacrifice than me, to think that I ever complained about life being hard, etc... it makes me laugh!
After church yesterday we got a phonecall from the bishop of the next ward over saying that a family had showed up at church in their ward asking their baby to be blessed, and it turns out they are in our boundaries. At church they blessed the baby, and the father of the family was sick and they also gave him a blessing. That night we went over to their house and the Lord had them so prepared to receive the gospel...the mom was baptised when she was young with her family but has been inactive most of her life. We taught about the restoration of priesthood keys and the power that the Lord wants to give to every worthy man to bless him own family and they felt the spirit strong. We gave them the Book of Mormon and invited them to read and pray, and the father and their 10 yr old daughter accepted baptismal dates for the 27th of August. I hope to be here still. This change flew by so quick, we are already in the last week. I'm about to start my last change as a full-time missionary in Uruguay and I'm going to FLY. I am going to give it all I've got to finish stronger than I've been my whole mission. I know the Lord will provide people waiting for me.
The rama is going strong, this week we will have ward council for the first time since it was all reorganized and all are waiting on training, practically everyone in the presidencies has been a member for less than 3 months, so they are all a bit lost hahaha we're teaching less and less of the missionary lessons, and more and more out of the manuals every day :) There's so much to be done still, the work is just beginning and the excitement is on a rise. I love these people a ton and wish there were more hours in the day to visit them all.
Alright, I copied and pasted and edited a little bit the itinerary...here we go! It doesn't have what we'll do, just when we drive and where we stay :)
Thurs. Sep 29 Go to the temple, sleep in Montevideo.
Fri. Sep 30 Drive to Fray Bentos in the morning. Sleep in Fray Bentos.
Sat. Oct 1 All day in Fray Bentos, conferences, etc..Sleep in Fray Bentos.
Sun. Oct 2 Drive in the morning to Salto. Sleep in Salto.
Mon.Oct 3 All day in Salto. Sleep in Salto.
Tues. Oct 4 Drive to Tacuarembo, sleep in Tacuarembo.
Wed. Oct 5 Drive to Montevideo. Sleep in Montevideo.
Thurs.Oct 6 Shop in Montevideo, go home. Sleep over the sea.
It will be a lot of fun :)
As for my birthday, I am having my party at the Durè's house :) It's going to be epic!!! Asado, torta, chorizo... PA!!! I'm not going to spend any money from home, besides I can't my card doesn't work anywhere here.
I love you all so much, don't be trunky.
When's Karl's sealing? In Mesa?
Elder Magnusson
Your letters are getting trunkier and trunkier every week! Dang. I hope you know I'm not trunky at all :)
This week was GREAT!!!! Orlando Dolci finally got baptized. He's been investigating a lot over these last 11+ years or so. He's had so many witnesses testify of the truthfulness through people and experiences but had never accepted it yet. He's suffered a lot in his life without understanding truly why, and although his family (nearly all are members) has been there for him, he never understood his purpose in life and always felt lost. Now he's finally found what he'd been looking for, and all it took was for him to read, ponder and pray the scriptures and his answer was so powerful! After his baptism, he got up to bare his testimony and it was so powerful!!! Whenever I see my converts bare testimony, or receive a calling, etc... I always think in what point in my life would I have been ready for that. Sometimes I feel like they understand so much better than I do the Atonement, service, faith, basic gospel principles. I feel like the longer I spend as a missionary, the less I discover I know. I don't know if that makes sense, but lately I've been feeling really small, in a good way I think. To just think how much more these people had to sacrifice than me, to think that I ever complained about life being hard, etc... it makes me laugh!
After church yesterday we got a phonecall from the bishop of the next ward over saying that a family had showed up at church in their ward asking their baby to be blessed, and it turns out they are in our boundaries. At church they blessed the baby, and the father of the family was sick and they also gave him a blessing. That night we went over to their house and the Lord had them so prepared to receive the gospel...the mom was baptised when she was young with her family but has been inactive most of her life. We taught about the restoration of priesthood keys and the power that the Lord wants to give to every worthy man to bless him own family and they felt the spirit strong. We gave them the Book of Mormon and invited them to read and pray, and the father and their 10 yr old daughter accepted baptismal dates for the 27th of August. I hope to be here still. This change flew by so quick, we are already in the last week. I'm about to start my last change as a full-time missionary in Uruguay and I'm going to FLY. I am going to give it all I've got to finish stronger than I've been my whole mission. I know the Lord will provide people waiting for me.
The rama is going strong, this week we will have ward council for the first time since it was all reorganized and all are waiting on training, practically everyone in the presidencies has been a member for less than 3 months, so they are all a bit lost hahaha we're teaching less and less of the missionary lessons, and more and more out of the manuals every day :) There's so much to be done still, the work is just beginning and the excitement is on a rise. I love these people a ton and wish there were more hours in the day to visit them all.
Alright, I copied and pasted and edited a little bit the itinerary...here we go! It doesn't have what we'll do, just when we drive and where we stay :)
Thurs. Sep 29 Go to the temple, sleep in Montevideo.
Fri. Sep 30 Drive to Fray Bentos in the morning. Sleep in Fray Bentos.
Sat. Oct 1 All day in Fray Bentos, conferences, etc..Sleep in Fray Bentos.
Sun. Oct 2 Drive in the morning to Salto. Sleep in Salto.
Mon.Oct 3 All day in Salto. Sleep in Salto.
Tues. Oct 4 Drive to Tacuarembo, sleep in Tacuarembo.
Wed. Oct 5 Drive to Montevideo. Sleep in Montevideo.
Thurs.Oct 6 Shop in Montevideo, go home. Sleep over the sea.
It will be a lot of fun :)
As for my birthday, I am having my party at the Durè's house :) It's going to be epic!!! Asado, torta, chorizo... PA!!! I'm not going to spend any money from home, besides I can't my card doesn't work anywhere here.
I love you all so much, don't be trunky.
When's Karl's sealing? In Mesa?
Elder Magnusson
August 1, 2011
Sorry I keep forgetting to let you know that I did get the package with the camera and all, thank you so much!!!
This week was AMAZING!!! It was spiritual experience after spiritual experience.
The first of two big highlights was on Friday. The stake president assigned us to work with an excommunicated member, and these last 3 months or so have been really cool working with a 26 yr old man that served a mission in Paraguay a few years ago and was a REALLY good missionary! You'll get to meet him and his family when you come. He made a mistake and lost his rights, but on Friday was his baptism. He asked me to be a witness and wow was it powerful. It was the first time I had been to a baptism of readmission, and the spirit and the tears were so thick. There aren't words to describe the power of the testimony he gave after he received the spirit. Him and his wife and son are now going to prepare for the temple for in a year or so :)
Saturday was the baptism of Miguel Muñoz and the Villagran family (Julio dad, Iris mom, Manuela 14, Lautaro 10) Most of the branch went, and there were nearly 20 non-members there! The other missionaries brought a number of people, and the members brought lots of friends as well. Both Miguel and Julio bore their testimonies and cried a lot and as Julio stepped down he walked back over to the mic and invited all those present that hadn't yet taken that step to be baptized and BAM, the spirit hit the room so powerfully! They are going to be great leaders in the church!!! Javier Durè the father of the last whole family who were baptized 2 months ago is now a ward missionary and he baptized them all. He didn't make a single mistake, all on the first try. You could hear and feel the authority in his voice.
Adrian and Sabrina had problems at the court and couldn't get married on Friday, the judge said for august, so hopefully this week or next they can get married before changes so I can for sure be there! Fortunately, however, Vaneza and Edgar successfully were married on Friday and Edgar will get baptized on the 13th.
This week Orlando, a man that E STevens and I taught forever and was about to be baptized but his girlfriend moved in when she got kicked out onto the street and he took pity, she stole from his sister (whos in the RS Presidency) and he got super mad and discovered she had been stealing from him too, and he kicked her out. Well, he's been going to church for 10 years, and this week he's FINALLY going to be baptized!!!!!!!!!! Also, Rocìo has been bringing her niece to church for the last couple months and will be baptized also :) Lots of miracles happening still. We are maintaining the branch with an attendance above 100 people and all the recent converts are in the presidencies and all, everyone is learning fast because they have to!
This week we are in the search for another golden family. We have been greatly blessed, but I know the Lord has even more in store for this branch, and we'll search under the rocks to find them. This Wednesday we have ZL Council, which means a lot of new things to learn, and really good food made by Hna. Heaton!!!
I love you all, and am excited for you Karl. Is he and Courtney going to be living there in Tucson, or other plans? Give all the Beestons a huge hug for me and a good luck in wedding preparations. Thats so crazy that Erynn is beginning a mission now...wow it's weird to look back and see where I'm at. Incredible. Time flys so quickly its unreal.
Any news from Trevor? I haven't heard from Steven in a while either, I need to write him asap! Is Will still in Tucson at Pima?
I love you all so much!!!!! I'm sorry I didn't finalize the itinerary this week, I haven't had time. I'll get it done before next week :) It's gonna be great!!!
Elder Magnusson
This week was AMAZING!!! It was spiritual experience after spiritual experience.
The first of two big highlights was on Friday. The stake president assigned us to work with an excommunicated member, and these last 3 months or so have been really cool working with a 26 yr old man that served a mission in Paraguay a few years ago and was a REALLY good missionary! You'll get to meet him and his family when you come. He made a mistake and lost his rights, but on Friday was his baptism. He asked me to be a witness and wow was it powerful. It was the first time I had been to a baptism of readmission, and the spirit and the tears were so thick. There aren't words to describe the power of the testimony he gave after he received the spirit. Him and his wife and son are now going to prepare for the temple for in a year or so :)
Saturday was the baptism of Miguel Muñoz and the Villagran family (Julio dad, Iris mom, Manuela 14, Lautaro 10) Most of the branch went, and there were nearly 20 non-members there! The other missionaries brought a number of people, and the members brought lots of friends as well. Both Miguel and Julio bore their testimonies and cried a lot and as Julio stepped down he walked back over to the mic and invited all those present that hadn't yet taken that step to be baptized and BAM, the spirit hit the room so powerfully! They are going to be great leaders in the church!!! Javier Durè the father of the last whole family who were baptized 2 months ago is now a ward missionary and he baptized them all. He didn't make a single mistake, all on the first try. You could hear and feel the authority in his voice.
Adrian and Sabrina had problems at the court and couldn't get married on Friday, the judge said for august, so hopefully this week or next they can get married before changes so I can for sure be there! Fortunately, however, Vaneza and Edgar successfully were married on Friday and Edgar will get baptized on the 13th.
This week Orlando, a man that E STevens and I taught forever and was about to be baptized but his girlfriend moved in when she got kicked out onto the street and he took pity, she stole from his sister (whos in the RS Presidency) and he got super mad and discovered she had been stealing from him too, and he kicked her out. Well, he's been going to church for 10 years, and this week he's FINALLY going to be baptized!!!!!!!!!! Also, Rocìo has been bringing her niece to church for the last couple months and will be baptized also :) Lots of miracles happening still. We are maintaining the branch with an attendance above 100 people and all the recent converts are in the presidencies and all, everyone is learning fast because they have to!
This week we are in the search for another golden family. We have been greatly blessed, but I know the Lord has even more in store for this branch, and we'll search under the rocks to find them. This Wednesday we have ZL Council, which means a lot of new things to learn, and really good food made by Hna. Heaton!!!
I love you all, and am excited for you Karl. Is he and Courtney going to be living there in Tucson, or other plans? Give all the Beestons a huge hug for me and a good luck in wedding preparations. Thats so crazy that Erynn is beginning a mission now...wow it's weird to look back and see where I'm at. Incredible. Time flys so quickly its unreal.
Any news from Trevor? I haven't heard from Steven in a while either, I need to write him asap! Is Will still in Tucson at Pima?
I love you all so much!!!!! I'm sorry I didn't finalize the itinerary this week, I haven't had time. I'll get it done before next week :) It's gonna be great!!!
Elder Magnusson
July 25, 2011
Yesterday we won the Copa America in soccer!!! That's a huge deal, we were the smallest country to enter and came out champs. The selection right now is great! The streets were full of screaming people and fireworks all night long :) Today everyone is on hangover mode, the streets are quiet and covered in confetti. Fun memories!
So many miracles are happening right now here... I don't know where to start!
The Villagran family is stoked for their baptism on Saturday. They are going to be another pillar in the branch forever. The biggest key to strengthening investigators is to get their family involved. Julio didn't want anything to do with us until we persuaded his wife Iris to invite him to family prayer, and then he started involving himself, and now HEs the one getting everyone up to go to church and such. Heads of families activity is key to the salvation of an entire family.
Sabrina and Adrian are excited for their marriage on Friday and her baptism Saturday. We're throwing their wedding reception at the church, the relief society gets all giddy about marriages, we'll see what they come up with :)
Miguel is also doing very well and is now working on getting his brothers to hear the gospel too. His family they are good hearted people, but theres just a lot of opposition with his dad. Little by little I think the whole family will make it. He's almost 30, and we set goals to get him married haha its about time, I better not take that long!
This last week was the baptism of Evelyn. Her whole family has been inactive for a long time until one day she told her older sister, 22, that she wanted to be baptised, so she took her to church and we began to teach the family again. Her mom gave her testimony at her baptism and is excited to stay strong now. Her husband is in a peace mission and is excited to be active again when he comes home. Its funny how the Lord works through a kid to bring back the whole family!
These last 2 Sundays church attendance has broke 100 and all the recent converts are receiving callings within a few weeks of their baptisms, and we're at 100% retention for this year up until now which is a miracle!! We're quickly running out of time in the week to make all the visits we would like, but fortunately, the ward is stepping more and more up to fill needs.
An excommunicated member that we were assigned to work with will also be baptized this weekend, after the normal baptismal service and everyone leaves, the stake leaders will all come. He's amazing, and is going to be a great leader soon. It's a tough repentance process, I had no idea what went into it.
This is going to be a crazy and exciting week, so keep these people in your prayers, opposition is very strong up until the last second!
Thats crazy you already have plans! I'll figure out our itinerary this week and next week I'll have things set so you can make hotel reservations :) Weird!....
I love you all and I'm praying for you!!! Enjoy school, vacations, work, kids, grandkids, and friends. Send my love to Sister Fellows and the whole family, and remind them how lucky they are to have a dad needed so much in heaven to lead legions of angels.
Elder Magnusson
So many miracles are happening right now here... I don't know where to start!
The Villagran family is stoked for their baptism on Saturday. They are going to be another pillar in the branch forever. The biggest key to strengthening investigators is to get their family involved. Julio didn't want anything to do with us until we persuaded his wife Iris to invite him to family prayer, and then he started involving himself, and now HEs the one getting everyone up to go to church and such. Heads of families activity is key to the salvation of an entire family.
Sabrina and Adrian are excited for their marriage on Friday and her baptism Saturday. We're throwing their wedding reception at the church, the relief society gets all giddy about marriages, we'll see what they come up with :)
Miguel is also doing very well and is now working on getting his brothers to hear the gospel too. His family they are good hearted people, but theres just a lot of opposition with his dad. Little by little I think the whole family will make it. He's almost 30, and we set goals to get him married haha its about time, I better not take that long!
This last week was the baptism of Evelyn. Her whole family has been inactive for a long time until one day she told her older sister, 22, that she wanted to be baptised, so she took her to church and we began to teach the family again. Her mom gave her testimony at her baptism and is excited to stay strong now. Her husband is in a peace mission and is excited to be active again when he comes home. Its funny how the Lord works through a kid to bring back the whole family!
These last 2 Sundays church attendance has broke 100 and all the recent converts are receiving callings within a few weeks of their baptisms, and we're at 100% retention for this year up until now which is a miracle!! We're quickly running out of time in the week to make all the visits we would like, but fortunately, the ward is stepping more and more up to fill needs.
An excommunicated member that we were assigned to work with will also be baptized this weekend, after the normal baptismal service and everyone leaves, the stake leaders will all come. He's amazing, and is going to be a great leader soon. It's a tough repentance process, I had no idea what went into it.
This is going to be a crazy and exciting week, so keep these people in your prayers, opposition is very strong up until the last second!
Thats crazy you already have plans! I'll figure out our itinerary this week and next week I'll have things set so you can make hotel reservations :) Weird!....
I love you all and I'm praying for you!!! Enjoy school, vacations, work, kids, grandkids, and friends. Send my love to Sister Fellows and the whole family, and remind them how lucky they are to have a dad needed so much in heaven to lead legions of angels.
Elder Magnusson
July 18, 2011
Wow, sure took me for a surprise when you said Karl's engaged!!! Ask him why he couldn't just wait a week more for our campout? heh, that's okay. Tell him to send me a letter with the details of how it all happened, what his plans are now and all! Dang, we're all growing up I guess :)
This week was amazing. All week we did service for a number of member families and investigators, spent many many hours cutting wood, house fixes, etc... The Lord also provided many opportunities to give blessings and serve people with the weather (huge, cold rain storms). Today all morning we spent doing service in our own house haha the big wall behind our beds has progressively darkened these last couple weeks with the humidity, and I took it to battle with a tub of bleach this morning. It smelled so bad haha but it all looks good now. They say that prevents more from growing, as well.
The Villagran family is progressing realy well, they came to church again the entire family and are excited for their baptism the 30th. Miguel is doing great, still in the job search, but he's helpìng us in a lot of service opportunities we've had. Getting investigators to serve other people teaches them a LOT! Sabrina is also doing great. Her husband got his job back, and he's excited to use his priesthood authority thats laid "dormant" for the last 20 years of inactivity and baptize his wife. They are so firm and he's working really hard to share the gospel with others. The wards together in Fray Bentos are going to throw a big wedding for them and another couple getting married the same day.
This last Sunday was one of the most powerful days of my life. After years of struggling, in the last 3 months, attendance in the branch has officialy tripled!!!!!!! We finally broke our goal of 100 people in attendance with 101. The Stake President came to the branch and congratulated the members for their hard work in bringing back people and giving us references. The branch is so excited! They all thought it would be shut down, and now there are hopes of becoming a ward! We are the only branch in the Stake, all the rest are wards, and now we have higher attendance than any of them. I am so lucky to be here at this important time here. I am so proud of the members here and the huge sacrifices in time they've made to help missionary work and do their visits and such. Every area has its difficulties and such, but the way things are going now, I couldn't think of the slightest complaint. There are so many great people to visit, and the Lord is providing so many miracles. The organizations are almost all done being made and all.
The Durès are giving talks next week. Elder Torres gave a great talk this last Sunday about taking responsibility for your children and the difference between giving them their agency and being indifferent to their bad decisions. It was GREAT. The Stake President spoke directly to our investigators and challenged every one present to reaffirm their testimony that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and spoke about how if the First Vision realy occurred, everything is true. It was exactly what we have been focusing on so much lately in the mission, is the converting power of the Book of Mormon.
Every doubt everyone has goes back to that one question: is the Book of Mormon true or not? If it's true, EVERYTHING that we've learned from the prophets of this dispensation is true also. I love the Book of Mormon and know that it's true. In reality, to know that God has provided physical evidence for us shows he knows that our faith is weak, but loves us and wants us to have instruction. I am so grateful for the guidance of a living prophet!
This next week is the prepation for Evelyn Pereira's baptism, and next week will be even crazier, so keep me in your prayers.
Rocio is my hero. She waited so long to be baptized and sacrificed everything to get there, and this last week I understood even a little more. On Sunday we had to count the tithes with the Pres. and there were 2 envelopes with her name on the outside. We opened them up and inside each were just a few pesos and the tithing slips, one with the name of her daughter of 5 years and one from her son of 3 years. That was a HUGE example to me of teaching your children principles of the gospel. I think some people that have just recently received the gospel understand it a thousand times better than me. There's always a lot to learn!
I love you all so much and am grateful I was born to goodly parents. Be grateful for your triumphs and trials alike. They are many for a reason!!!
Keep working hard and smiling, and enjoying the summer storms.
Elder Magnusson
This week was amazing. All week we did service for a number of member families and investigators, spent many many hours cutting wood, house fixes, etc... The Lord also provided many opportunities to give blessings and serve people with the weather (huge, cold rain storms). Today all morning we spent doing service in our own house haha the big wall behind our beds has progressively darkened these last couple weeks with the humidity, and I took it to battle with a tub of bleach this morning. It smelled so bad haha but it all looks good now. They say that prevents more from growing, as well.
The Villagran family is progressing realy well, they came to church again the entire family and are excited for their baptism the 30th. Miguel is doing great, still in the job search, but he's helpìng us in a lot of service opportunities we've had. Getting investigators to serve other people teaches them a LOT! Sabrina is also doing great. Her husband got his job back, and he's excited to use his priesthood authority thats laid "dormant" for the last 20 years of inactivity and baptize his wife. They are so firm and he's working really hard to share the gospel with others. The wards together in Fray Bentos are going to throw a big wedding for them and another couple getting married the same day.
This last Sunday was one of the most powerful days of my life. After years of struggling, in the last 3 months, attendance in the branch has officialy tripled!!!!!!! We finally broke our goal of 100 people in attendance with 101. The Stake President came to the branch and congratulated the members for their hard work in bringing back people and giving us references. The branch is so excited! They all thought it would be shut down, and now there are hopes of becoming a ward! We are the only branch in the Stake, all the rest are wards, and now we have higher attendance than any of them. I am so lucky to be here at this important time here. I am so proud of the members here and the huge sacrifices in time they've made to help missionary work and do their visits and such. Every area has its difficulties and such, but the way things are going now, I couldn't think of the slightest complaint. There are so many great people to visit, and the Lord is providing so many miracles. The organizations are almost all done being made and all.
The Durès are giving talks next week. Elder Torres gave a great talk this last Sunday about taking responsibility for your children and the difference between giving them their agency and being indifferent to their bad decisions. It was GREAT. The Stake President spoke directly to our investigators and challenged every one present to reaffirm their testimony that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and spoke about how if the First Vision realy occurred, everything is true. It was exactly what we have been focusing on so much lately in the mission, is the converting power of the Book of Mormon.
Every doubt everyone has goes back to that one question: is the Book of Mormon true or not? If it's true, EVERYTHING that we've learned from the prophets of this dispensation is true also. I love the Book of Mormon and know that it's true. In reality, to know that God has provided physical evidence for us shows he knows that our faith is weak, but loves us and wants us to have instruction. I am so grateful for the guidance of a living prophet!
This next week is the prepation for Evelyn Pereira's baptism, and next week will be even crazier, so keep me in your prayers.
Rocio is my hero. She waited so long to be baptized and sacrificed everything to get there, and this last week I understood even a little more. On Sunday we had to count the tithes with the Pres. and there were 2 envelopes with her name on the outside. We opened them up and inside each were just a few pesos and the tithing slips, one with the name of her daughter of 5 years and one from her son of 3 years. That was a HUGE example to me of teaching your children principles of the gospel. I think some people that have just recently received the gospel understand it a thousand times better than me. There's always a lot to learn!
I love you all so much and am grateful I was born to goodly parents. Be grateful for your triumphs and trials alike. They are many for a reason!!!
Keep working hard and smiling, and enjoying the summer storms.
Elder Magnusson
July 11, 2011
I'm glad to hear you got your Patriarchal Blessing, Kayli! I remember how excited I felt after I got mine, I couldn't stop thinking about what it all meant.
This week was fantastic here, too. We saw a lot of incredible miracles, the most important being the reactivation of an old High Councilman and his family, and the baptism of his 10 yr old son. The Zapata family are doing well now. Also, Rocio was finally baptized! She has been through soooo much these last 3 months since we found her, and now that she's seperated from her abusive husband, she's so happy and got up to bore her testimony after her baptism on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the restoration. She had her interview right after her confirmation and will have a calling next week. She already had a visiting teaching assignment and all. Another rock in the branch. Elsa Silva also got a calling as a counselor in the Relief Society! Everything is finally able to be organized and we'll be able to work on a whole new level in the branch. It's so exciting!!!
This week, a family we've been working with came to church for the first time. Julio and Iris Villagran have been married for 13 years, they don't drink or smoke, and they have 4 great kids. It's a perfect family that's just been waiting for the gospel to enter into their lives. They have a baptismal date for the 30th. The dad was a little harder than the others at first, but Iris and the kids just kept pushing and pushing, and inviting him to family prayer and scripture study each morning and night. He's slowly coming around and fa...he's just such a good man!!! It's amazing to analyze how perfect the Lord's plan is and to ponder on what we must have done in the pre-earth life to deserve such great blessings!
This next week, will be baptized Ebelin Pereira, the daughter a strong family that we are reactivating. They came these last 2 weeks to church, and the dad is coming home soon from Africa on a military peace mission and they are going to surprise him being temple-ready :)
Adrian and Sabrina are working on wedding plans for the 29th. It's going to be a great big party, and Adrian is ready to baptize his wife on the 30th with the Villagran family. They've been coming for almost 3 months now as well. Good people. Adrian will probably be the next Branch Pres. Also, a man named Miguel Suhr we found last week came to church this Sunday. He loved it, felt great, and told us he's been reading often the Book of Mormon. He's 29, so he's already past missionary age, but will be another Melquizedek Priesthood holder in the ward, which is what's needed most. He lives alone, and doesn't drink or smoke...another HUGE miracle. We are up to a Priesthood attendance of 14 people.
This little branch is the Lord's way of teaching me that the field is white, already to harvest. The miracles are being poured out upon us, and wow! Members are giving us a lot of good references that they have already prepared, and for the first time in my mission, I feel like JUST a missionary. Usually here the missionaries serve every position, we give the talks, organize the activities, reactivate, baptize, etc... but what we wanted to do is really focus on using the members to their full capacity, and it took a little while, but now we are seeing so many great things happen!! I'm gaining a testimony on the power of service, also, and how much better it is to love people and serve them, and show them how to do things than to tell them what they are doing wrong. I'm growing to love the people here a TON. All day Thursday we will be doing service for a single mom of 8 that moved here a few months ago from Chile when she lost everything in the earthquake. She was a teacher fairly well-off there and now she makes her living going out into the forest with her kids to cut wood and sell it. A member donated his truck for the day so we can go get a ton of wood for them and give her a little break. Sometimes good people just need a little boost :)
I have so much to say and I'm out of time, but I love you a ton and pray for you daily. Blessings will come when we work hard, serve, smile, and be obedient to our covenants.
Besos,
Elder Magnusson
This week was fantastic here, too. We saw a lot of incredible miracles, the most important being the reactivation of an old High Councilman and his family, and the baptism of his 10 yr old son. The Zapata family are doing well now. Also, Rocio was finally baptized! She has been through soooo much these last 3 months since we found her, and now that she's seperated from her abusive husband, she's so happy and got up to bore her testimony after her baptism on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the restoration. She had her interview right after her confirmation and will have a calling next week. She already had a visiting teaching assignment and all. Another rock in the branch. Elsa Silva also got a calling as a counselor in the Relief Society! Everything is finally able to be organized and we'll be able to work on a whole new level in the branch. It's so exciting!!!
This week, a family we've been working with came to church for the first time. Julio and Iris Villagran have been married for 13 years, they don't drink or smoke, and they have 4 great kids. It's a perfect family that's just been waiting for the gospel to enter into their lives. They have a baptismal date for the 30th. The dad was a little harder than the others at first, but Iris and the kids just kept pushing and pushing, and inviting him to family prayer and scripture study each morning and night. He's slowly coming around and fa...he's just such a good man!!! It's amazing to analyze how perfect the Lord's plan is and to ponder on what we must have done in the pre-earth life to deserve such great blessings!
This next week, will be baptized Ebelin Pereira, the daughter a strong family that we are reactivating. They came these last 2 weeks to church, and the dad is coming home soon from Africa on a military peace mission and they are going to surprise him being temple-ready :)
Adrian and Sabrina are working on wedding plans for the 29th. It's going to be a great big party, and Adrian is ready to baptize his wife on the 30th with the Villagran family. They've been coming for almost 3 months now as well. Good people. Adrian will probably be the next Branch Pres. Also, a man named Miguel Suhr we found last week came to church this Sunday. He loved it, felt great, and told us he's been reading often the Book of Mormon. He's 29, so he's already past missionary age, but will be another Melquizedek Priesthood holder in the ward, which is what's needed most. He lives alone, and doesn't drink or smoke...another HUGE miracle. We are up to a Priesthood attendance of 14 people.
This little branch is the Lord's way of teaching me that the field is white, already to harvest. The miracles are being poured out upon us, and wow! Members are giving us a lot of good references that they have already prepared, and for the first time in my mission, I feel like JUST a missionary. Usually here the missionaries serve every position, we give the talks, organize the activities, reactivate, baptize, etc... but what we wanted to do is really focus on using the members to their full capacity, and it took a little while, but now we are seeing so many great things happen!! I'm gaining a testimony on the power of service, also, and how much better it is to love people and serve them, and show them how to do things than to tell them what they are doing wrong. I'm growing to love the people here a TON. All day Thursday we will be doing service for a single mom of 8 that moved here a few months ago from Chile when she lost everything in the earthquake. She was a teacher fairly well-off there and now she makes her living going out into the forest with her kids to cut wood and sell it. A member donated his truck for the day so we can go get a ton of wood for them and give her a little break. Sometimes good people just need a little boost :)
I have so much to say and I'm out of time, but I love you a ton and pray for you daily. Blessings will come when we work hard, serve, smile, and be obedient to our covenants.
Besos,
Elder Magnusson
July 5, 2011
First of all, hotels in Salto...check out prices at Los Naranjos. It might be too expensive. If not, look for something else close to the hot springs. I don't know of any hotels in town mom would be willing to sleep in haha Here in Fray Bentos, I know which one it is but I can't remember the name. I have a convert that works there and I'll get the reservation made, maybe a deal!
Also, ya thats fine to use the telescope, just be careful please!
This week was super cool. We had Stake Conference and Pres. and Sis. Heaton came up to talk about losing your fear of talking to your family and friends that aren't members. I think thats what impedes missionary work most from progressing is the fear of opening your mouth. But even rejection serves its purpose, so we always must speak with every person we know!
Elder Patañia of the Seventy spoke on unity within the wards and branches, and WOW it was a super cane.droppy talk it was GREAT. He reminded the endowed members temple covenants with God of 1) Obedience 2) Sacrifice 3) Keep the Commandments 4) Obey the Law of Chastity 5) Consecration. It reminded me of a lot of things as well, and the members started putting it in practice right away! On the bus ride home, 3 members told us they had a family for us to visit and asked for a Book of Mormon to take to them before passing the reference. The branch is going UP!!! So many great miracles are happening right now :)
I got the call to stay here another change. Unfortunately, E Stevens is gone, so thats a bummer. He promised to be at my homecoming though, so you'll get to meet at least one of my companions :) My new companion is Elder Torres of Peru. I've only met him a couple times and really don't know anything about him or what to expect, so I'll hope for the best.
The best news of all is that my kid E Harris and my step-kid E Barrios are both training in their 6th change, the earliest anyone I've ever heard of training in our mission. They are super nervous, but they are studs and will make a lot of miracles happen. E Harris is opening a tough area in Montevideo, so keep him in your prayers. I'm going to be a grandpa!!!
This week we found an amazing family. The mom was a reference named Gisselle, and we found her with her 14 yr old daughter in the first visit. Then we met her 3 sons aged 10, 7, and 5. The 3rd day we visited her and she had said her husband would be there, and when we arrived he wasn't still, so she asked us to come back later that night. We passed by and he was there and we had an incredible lesson with the whole family. They are married, don't drink, don't smoke, have great jobs and a beautiful home, and are just looking for a way to be happier and more united as a family. SO PREPARED!!! It's amazing how many times a missionary has probably knocked that door without any success, and then one day because a member opened her mouth and invted them to listen, everything changed. If all goes well, they'll be baptized around the end of the month.
Rocìo whos been going to church for about 3 months now got fed up with her husbands abuse (they are not legally married, and can't be for a long time because he didn't get divorced...laws are tough here...) and took the kids and left. We had talked to him and told him he had to treat his family better and he's gone nuts since she left, telling her he's going to kill her, himself, the kids, etc...She is now living with her parents, who are really old, but funny great people, and will be baptized on Saturday, something she's longed for ages now. She told us last night that she fasted on Saturday for security and that day her ex sent her a text asking that WE pass by. So, we prayed first to know if our lives were in danger, visiting a man that believes it very much to be our fault he lost his family and when we got there he sat us down and started crying. He looked me in the eyes and said "I hate you. Because of you I lost everything I am. But I'm not angry with you, I hate you because you were right, and I know I should've listened. Now I need you to help me save myself." He accepted that Rocìo may not return to him ever because you can't simply erase scars that deep, but we set some goals so that he gets his life in order and maybe has some kind of happy future. The first goal was to stop drinking and we watched him as he poured out the rest of his whisky. Tomorrow we'll work on smoking and little by little I hope he turns out okay. I've never seen someone so completely broken down. Man, it's powerful to see repentance.
Well, things are looking up always. I am loving the mission and just wishing life would slow down a moment so I can enjoy it. Keep working hard in all you do and BE HAPPY! You know the plan of salvation!
Love,
Elder Magnusson
Also, ya thats fine to use the telescope, just be careful please!
This week was super cool. We had Stake Conference and Pres. and Sis. Heaton came up to talk about losing your fear of talking to your family and friends that aren't members. I think thats what impedes missionary work most from progressing is the fear of opening your mouth. But even rejection serves its purpose, so we always must speak with every person we know!
Elder Patañia of the Seventy spoke on unity within the wards and branches, and WOW it was a super cane.droppy talk it was GREAT. He reminded the endowed members temple covenants with God of 1) Obedience 2) Sacrifice 3) Keep the Commandments 4) Obey the Law of Chastity 5) Consecration. It reminded me of a lot of things as well, and the members started putting it in practice right away! On the bus ride home, 3 members told us they had a family for us to visit and asked for a Book of Mormon to take to them before passing the reference. The branch is going UP!!! So many great miracles are happening right now :)
I got the call to stay here another change. Unfortunately, E Stevens is gone, so thats a bummer. He promised to be at my homecoming though, so you'll get to meet at least one of my companions :) My new companion is Elder Torres of Peru. I've only met him a couple times and really don't know anything about him or what to expect, so I'll hope for the best.
The best news of all is that my kid E Harris and my step-kid E Barrios are both training in their 6th change, the earliest anyone I've ever heard of training in our mission. They are super nervous, but they are studs and will make a lot of miracles happen. E Harris is opening a tough area in Montevideo, so keep him in your prayers. I'm going to be a grandpa!!!
This week we found an amazing family. The mom was a reference named Gisselle, and we found her with her 14 yr old daughter in the first visit. Then we met her 3 sons aged 10, 7, and 5. The 3rd day we visited her and she had said her husband would be there, and when we arrived he wasn't still, so she asked us to come back later that night. We passed by and he was there and we had an incredible lesson with the whole family. They are married, don't drink, don't smoke, have great jobs and a beautiful home, and are just looking for a way to be happier and more united as a family. SO PREPARED!!! It's amazing how many times a missionary has probably knocked that door without any success, and then one day because a member opened her mouth and invted them to listen, everything changed. If all goes well, they'll be baptized around the end of the month.
Rocìo whos been going to church for about 3 months now got fed up with her husbands abuse (they are not legally married, and can't be for a long time because he didn't get divorced...laws are tough here...) and took the kids and left. We had talked to him and told him he had to treat his family better and he's gone nuts since she left, telling her he's going to kill her, himself, the kids, etc...She is now living with her parents, who are really old, but funny great people, and will be baptized on Saturday, something she's longed for ages now. She told us last night that she fasted on Saturday for security and that day her ex sent her a text asking that WE pass by. So, we prayed first to know if our lives were in danger, visiting a man that believes it very much to be our fault he lost his family and when we got there he sat us down and started crying. He looked me in the eyes and said "I hate you. Because of you I lost everything I am. But I'm not angry with you, I hate you because you were right, and I know I should've listened. Now I need you to help me save myself." He accepted that Rocìo may not return to him ever because you can't simply erase scars that deep, but we set some goals so that he gets his life in order and maybe has some kind of happy future. The first goal was to stop drinking and we watched him as he poured out the rest of his whisky. Tomorrow we'll work on smoking and little by little I hope he turns out okay. I've never seen someone so completely broken down. Man, it's powerful to see repentance.
Well, things are looking up always. I am loving the mission and just wishing life would slow down a moment so I can enjoy it. Keep working hard in all you do and BE HAPPY! You know the plan of salvation!
Love,
Elder Magnusson
June 27, 2011
Wow what a good week! We had the most special baptismal service ever. This whole week Ing Wei (18), the oldest son of the Ferreira family has struggled with his decision to get baptized with the rest and had decided to wait. But, on Friday night we convinced him to do his baptismal interview anyways with Elder Fackrell and see how he felt. After the interview he still said no. Saturday night came and he went to the baptismal service and saw his family dressed in white...and we brought clothes for him and all just in case a miracle happened. Then, I pulled him into a room alone in front of the font and we talked alone for a little bit about his goals and life and how important it is that he serve a mission, being a commandment from God that every young man worthy to do so ought to, even though he's not a member of the church he has the responsibility to set that example for his 2 younger brothers. We knelt together and said a prayer asking for guidance and after the prayer he said "Give me 5 minutes." We got up and he grabbed Elder STevens from the other room and asked him the same things he asked me and he said the same. I felt so strongly that it would all work out so I had prepared his clothes and waited til he came out of the room and handed them over. Long story short, he'll be ready to serve a mission in a year. He came to church for his confirmation in a suit and all and man...he's going to do great things. I have planned to go fishing with them when we come back. It's going to be a blast! HUGE miracle.
At the same baptismal service, Elder Fackrell baptized a 9 yr old son of a family he reactivated. This kid is so sweet. He's been in a wheel chair most of his life and doesn't have much longer to live. He speaks really softly and is super sensitive to things people say. The first day they found him he asked to be able to follow Christs example and be baptized. He was the last to be baptized on Sat and as he watched the others he cried and said he was scared of the water. When it was his turn, E' Fackrell held him in his arms and slowly entered the water, and Juan just kept crying and crying saying "I can't do it, I can't do it! I'm scared!" His mom and his aunt we're at the waters edge encouraging him, and Elder Lopez also entered the water to do the ordinance. Me and E' Stevens were testigos and finally he calmed down and they baptized him, but when E' Fackrell put him down into the water, the hand grabbing his neck never entered and we looked at eachother, not wanting him to have to do it again, but it was necessary and he cried even harder saying "not again not again!" They calmed him down a bit and E' Fackrell just stood there hugging him trying to calm him down, and slowly knelt and then sat in the water. The ordinance was redun and they went all the way down together. When he came up he was smiling and gave a big thumbs up. It was funny how much he changed in that moment. E' Fackrell yelled with joy and gave him a big hi-5. It was a moment so powerful to see him clinging on for life terrified of something he wanted so badly, and even though he worried a lot, the moment he put trust in the Lord, all his fear left and he was happy. I have a photo of when he came out of the font smiling and all. All in all, it was a day of many miracles. We met our companionship goal and zone goal for baptisms and we're going to throw them an ice cream party / testimony meeting. This weekend is Stake Conference and E Patañia of Argentina is coming to preside. It should be super cool. Pres. Heaton will also come up for the Priesthood Leadership session and talk about losing fear of talking to friends and such. Great things are happening in the stake slowly.
SUnday some organizations were reorganized and over these next few weeks, everything will be set and we'll have a functioning unit finally haha I'm super stoked for the upcoming people getting baptized, we are teaching some more great families and seeing TONS of miracles.
The rough draft for our trip will be like this:
Thurs. Sep 29 My last day as a proselyting missionary. Go to the temple and such. That night visit a few in Deo and sleep there.
Fri. Sep 30 Drive to Fray Bentos in the morning, visit some people and go fishing late afternoon at the anglo with the Ithurralde and Ferreira families and evening to watch amazing sunset on the Uruguay River. Sleep in FB.
Sat. Oct 1 Visit people all day and go to conference and have FHE with Durè fam that night. Here we can drive late to Salto, and sleep in til conference, or sleep in FB and drive early Sunday morn and go straight to conference there. Whichever you prefer. I suggest sleeping there again and driving in the morning with light.
Sun. Oct 2 Conference day in Salto!!! Have asado with the Piedad fam, and visit people all day. They say theyre going to have a party for me there haha Sleep in Salto.
Mon. Oct 3 Go to the Salto Grande international bridge and cross so you can say you stepped in argentina, too, mom! Spend the day with the De Souza and Perez fams, FHE at the Perez that night. Sleep in Salto.
Tues. Oct 4 Travel to Valle Eden to see a beautiful national park in Tacuarembo, spend the morning there. Spend the afternoon and evening visitng converts and members and have FHE with the Paz family and sleep there at the Carlos Gardel.
Wed. Oct 5 Travel to Deo in the morning and spend the day visiting my very first converts in Sayago, mostly wealthy old ladies haha Sleep in Deo.
Thurs. Oct 6 This is your shopping day, I'll take you to all the best artesan shops in the city of Montevideo and take you to some pretty spots for pictures and such. Sleep in Deo
Fri. Oct 7 I don't know when the plane leaves, so I don't have plans for this day :)
Let me know what you think. I'm stoked it's going to be GREAT!!! You are going to eat more in this trip than the rest of your life combined!!! haha Let me know if there's anything in particular you want to try, or something you want to see here in the Guay!!
Love you all, dont be trunky!
Elder Magnusson
At the same baptismal service, Elder Fackrell baptized a 9 yr old son of a family he reactivated. This kid is so sweet. He's been in a wheel chair most of his life and doesn't have much longer to live. He speaks really softly and is super sensitive to things people say. The first day they found him he asked to be able to follow Christs example and be baptized. He was the last to be baptized on Sat and as he watched the others he cried and said he was scared of the water. When it was his turn, E' Fackrell held him in his arms and slowly entered the water, and Juan just kept crying and crying saying "I can't do it, I can't do it! I'm scared!" His mom and his aunt we're at the waters edge encouraging him, and Elder Lopez also entered the water to do the ordinance. Me and E' Stevens were testigos and finally he calmed down and they baptized him, but when E' Fackrell put him down into the water, the hand grabbing his neck never entered and we looked at eachother, not wanting him to have to do it again, but it was necessary and he cried even harder saying "not again not again!" They calmed him down a bit and E' Fackrell just stood there hugging him trying to calm him down, and slowly knelt and then sat in the water. The ordinance was redun and they went all the way down together. When he came up he was smiling and gave a big thumbs up. It was funny how much he changed in that moment. E' Fackrell yelled with joy and gave him a big hi-5. It was a moment so powerful to see him clinging on for life terrified of something he wanted so badly, and even though he worried a lot, the moment he put trust in the Lord, all his fear left and he was happy. I have a photo of when he came out of the font smiling and all. All in all, it was a day of many miracles. We met our companionship goal and zone goal for baptisms and we're going to throw them an ice cream party / testimony meeting. This weekend is Stake Conference and E Patañia of Argentina is coming to preside. It should be super cool. Pres. Heaton will also come up for the Priesthood Leadership session and talk about losing fear of talking to friends and such. Great things are happening in the stake slowly.
SUnday some organizations were reorganized and over these next few weeks, everything will be set and we'll have a functioning unit finally haha I'm super stoked for the upcoming people getting baptized, we are teaching some more great families and seeing TONS of miracles.
The rough draft for our trip will be like this:
Thurs. Sep 29 My last day as a proselyting missionary. Go to the temple and such. That night visit a few in Deo and sleep there.
Fri. Sep 30 Drive to Fray Bentos in the morning, visit some people and go fishing late afternoon at the anglo with the Ithurralde and Ferreira families and evening to watch amazing sunset on the Uruguay River. Sleep in FB.
Sat. Oct 1 Visit people all day and go to conference and have FHE with Durè fam that night. Here we can drive late to Salto, and sleep in til conference, or sleep in FB and drive early Sunday morn and go straight to conference there. Whichever you prefer. I suggest sleeping there again and driving in the morning with light.
Sun. Oct 2 Conference day in Salto!!! Have asado with the Piedad fam, and visit people all day. They say theyre going to have a party for me there haha Sleep in Salto.
Mon. Oct 3 Go to the Salto Grande international bridge and cross so you can say you stepped in argentina, too, mom! Spend the day with the De Souza and Perez fams, FHE at the Perez that night. Sleep in Salto.
Tues. Oct 4 Travel to Valle Eden to see a beautiful national park in Tacuarembo, spend the morning there. Spend the afternoon and evening visitng converts and members and have FHE with the Paz family and sleep there at the Carlos Gardel.
Wed. Oct 5 Travel to Deo in the morning and spend the day visiting my very first converts in Sayago, mostly wealthy old ladies haha Sleep in Deo.
Thurs. Oct 6 This is your shopping day, I'll take you to all the best artesan shops in the city of Montevideo and take you to some pretty spots for pictures and such. Sleep in Deo
Fri. Oct 7 I don't know when the plane leaves, so I don't have plans for this day :)
Let me know what you think. I'm stoked it's going to be GREAT!!! You are going to eat more in this trip than the rest of your life combined!!! haha Let me know if there's anything in particular you want to try, or something you want to see here in the Guay!!
Love you all, dont be trunky!
Elder Magnusson
Thursday, June 23, 2011
June 20, 2011
Before I forget, I tried taking money off of my PLatinum card and it rejected my PIN. It's the same as my other card, and my account online, right?
Wow, it's sad to hear about all the fires up there! That's pretty scary, but all the life that will follow will be really pretty in the mountains!
This week was full of miracles in the zone. It was Artigas's bday Sunday and all the schools had required activities, and none of the members went to church but the branch pres. and family, and investigators. The same thing happened in all the wards in the Stake, but all the people preparing for baptism went in the zone so that was a HUGE miracle! The Ferreiras are excited for their baptism Saturday. Yesterday we had a FHE and made torta fritas and played UNO. They are doing super well and Ing Wei the oldest son (18) we have him pretty excited to serve a mission. Hopefully he's done with cigarettes. He said it would be hard to quit, but he only smokes 2 a day, so we challenged him to man it up and quit cold turkey. Young people quit so much easier than old people!!!
All morning I worked on binding my Preach My Gospel in spanish that I've had my whole mission to gift to Javier Weisbach in Salto my convert that today turns 1 in the church :) (By the way... HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLTON!!!!) and now he's nineteen and should be done with his mission papers in 2-3 weeks. Just has a couple interviews more and medical papers to go. Hopefully he'll have his call by the time you come to pick me up and maybe I can convince him to wait for us to open it up :) haha I sent a letter to his dad and his uncle (Terecita's dad, she told me she chats with you guys on facebook haha) challenging them to listen again to the missionaries, so I hope to hear a good miracle from them. They need to get to the temple!!!!!!!!
We're doing really well here in Fray Bentos, I'm learning a lot about working with church leaders. I love this city a lot and hope to stay here for the rest of my mission. Elder Stevens is a great comp, we're working well together and he'll be a great friend after too. We have been doing divisions several days of the week with missionaries in the other cities for training and these last 2 weeks its my turn, so I'm pretty tired of traveling haha It feels so good to sleep in my own bed.
We had the zone conference with Elder Foster of the 70 on Thursday. It was on the doctrine of prayer and on working through missionaries. He put missionaries into 3 columns and showed us the success that we'd have in each. The first was missionaries working by their own efforts, the second members serving the missionaries, and the third was missionaries serving the members. We're about halfway between 1 and 2 as a mission and our goal is to get into column 2. Then the challenge is convincing missionaries that they can't do this work on their own and humbling them into service. It'll be lots of fun haha We have the Lords promise that we can double baptisms in the next year, so there's no excuse not to do so.
Well, I'm out of time ya, but I love you all a lot and I'll let you know which days we'll be where and hotel info next week. Don't be trunky!!!! haha Levi be humble, Colton be smart, Kayli be happy, and Mom and Dad be patient. I'll try and be all of those. Good luck with preparation for you new job dad, and congrats!
Stay safe and work hard in all you do!
Elder Magnusson
Wow, it's sad to hear about all the fires up there! That's pretty scary, but all the life that will follow will be really pretty in the mountains!
This week was full of miracles in the zone. It was Artigas's bday Sunday and all the schools had required activities, and none of the members went to church but the branch pres. and family, and investigators. The same thing happened in all the wards in the Stake, but all the people preparing for baptism went in the zone so that was a HUGE miracle! The Ferreiras are excited for their baptism Saturday. Yesterday we had a FHE and made torta fritas and played UNO. They are doing super well and Ing Wei the oldest son (18) we have him pretty excited to serve a mission. Hopefully he's done with cigarettes. He said it would be hard to quit, but he only smokes 2 a day, so we challenged him to man it up and quit cold turkey. Young people quit so much easier than old people!!!
All morning I worked on binding my Preach My Gospel in spanish that I've had my whole mission to gift to Javier Weisbach in Salto my convert that today turns 1 in the church :) (By the way... HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLTON!!!!) and now he's nineteen and should be done with his mission papers in 2-3 weeks. Just has a couple interviews more and medical papers to go. Hopefully he'll have his call by the time you come to pick me up and maybe I can convince him to wait for us to open it up :) haha I sent a letter to his dad and his uncle (Terecita's dad, she told me she chats with you guys on facebook haha) challenging them to listen again to the missionaries, so I hope to hear a good miracle from them. They need to get to the temple!!!!!!!!
We're doing really well here in Fray Bentos, I'm learning a lot about working with church leaders. I love this city a lot and hope to stay here for the rest of my mission. Elder Stevens is a great comp, we're working well together and he'll be a great friend after too. We have been doing divisions several days of the week with missionaries in the other cities for training and these last 2 weeks its my turn, so I'm pretty tired of traveling haha It feels so good to sleep in my own bed.
We had the zone conference with Elder Foster of the 70 on Thursday. It was on the doctrine of prayer and on working through missionaries. He put missionaries into 3 columns and showed us the success that we'd have in each. The first was missionaries working by their own efforts, the second members serving the missionaries, and the third was missionaries serving the members. We're about halfway between 1 and 2 as a mission and our goal is to get into column 2. Then the challenge is convincing missionaries that they can't do this work on their own and humbling them into service. It'll be lots of fun haha We have the Lords promise that we can double baptisms in the next year, so there's no excuse not to do so.
Well, I'm out of time ya, but I love you all a lot and I'll let you know which days we'll be where and hotel info next week. Don't be trunky!!!! haha Levi be humble, Colton be smart, Kayli be happy, and Mom and Dad be patient. I'll try and be all of those. Good luck with preparation for you new job dad, and congrats!
Stay safe and work hard in all you do!
Elder Magnusson
June 13, 2011
¡Feliz Cumpleaños Colton! Que sea los mejor 12 posible.
Dang, that last paragraph made me trunky, dad hahaha Kimball in Cali, Nate and Andrew are old in the mission, Seth leaving to Honduras (we're all going Spanish-speaking!), Austin putting in the papers... wow I remember when our we were all so much younger in young mens. Soooo weird!!! Steven and I are getting pretty close here to the end... BAH! Don't want to think about it!
That's totally fine about the trip! No problem at all, it will be a lot less stressful for us all I think. Just let me know how many days we'll have and I'll plan accordingly. It is going to be AWESOME!
Ya, the ash has reached Uruguay pretty bad, but nowhere as bad as Argentina I'm sure. Today with the cold and humidity, the ash has blocked the sunshine, though. It's like a big gray cloud-filled sky. But, it comes and goes with the weather, nothing really falling from the sky or anything. There's been a lot of research here in uruguay since the earthquake last year in Chile and they say there's a big fault here thats never erupted right through the heart of the country. The only time it ever shook was in the 1830s and it was very very minor. So... just like everywhere else in the world, everyone is paranoid hah I can only imagine what's on the news these days...
Congrats on the job, dad! One less thing to worry about!
This week was wonderful! No baptismal service to plan, so we just worked hard to prepare the others for this month and find a lot of people. We found 2 AWESOME families that of course neither are married, but accepted everything and we're going to work on getting a marriage date taken out this week. We had a priesthood activity of a ping-pong tournament that had a pretty good turn out. Its a lot easier to get investigators to activities than church haha We've been working a lot through activities and making a lot of effort to get investigators at evening things such as baptismal services and it helps a ton. Sometimes, going to church at 9:30 am on a Sunday is something they just won't do unless they understand truly why they need it so much.
Orlando is officially off smoking for 1 week. 100-0 in 3 days IS possible. He's having such terrible reactions, though, hehe he's constantly scratching his neck and face and has marks to prove it! Poor guy is suffering pretty bad, but after 10 years of fighting for his answer to his prayers, now that he has it, he's not letting anything hold him back. He's such a good example!
The Ferreira family is doing great, too. They came to church again this Sunday, and are excited for their baptism the 25th. Today we went fishing all morning with them, Hugo, and Orlando. I caught the biggest fish, the biggest I've ever caught in my life! I didn't have a reel or anything, just the line wrapped around an aerosal can (ghetto, but it worked great haha). Elder Stevens caught a bunch of little fish for bait and I landed a huge sucker alright, hes not HUGE, but for a river fish from just the bank side, it was a 10 pounder Dorado with teeth like a Piranha haha Tonight we have FHE with the Ferreiras and it's on the menu.
This week Elder Foster of the 70 is coming in town for Zone Conference. We have some stuff to prepare, but it will turn out really cool. I'm excited to see what we learn new. This last week we had a training for our weekly planning. We are planning in one go every hour for the entire week with a back-up. It takes a LONG time, but saves time during the week thinking what to do next. I constantly wish I could start over the mission knowing what I know now! MAN!
I love you all so much and am glad everything is working out. Give Seth a big hug and see you in 2 years hehe. Keep working hard enjoying your vacations!
Elder Magnusson
Dang, that last paragraph made me trunky, dad hahaha Kimball in Cali, Nate and Andrew are old in the mission, Seth leaving to Honduras (we're all going Spanish-speaking!), Austin putting in the papers... wow I remember when our we were all so much younger in young mens. Soooo weird!!! Steven and I are getting pretty close here to the end... BAH! Don't want to think about it!
That's totally fine about the trip! No problem at all, it will be a lot less stressful for us all I think. Just let me know how many days we'll have and I'll plan accordingly. It is going to be AWESOME!
Ya, the ash has reached Uruguay pretty bad, but nowhere as bad as Argentina I'm sure. Today with the cold and humidity, the ash has blocked the sunshine, though. It's like a big gray cloud-filled sky. But, it comes and goes with the weather, nothing really falling from the sky or anything. There's been a lot of research here in uruguay since the earthquake last year in Chile and they say there's a big fault here thats never erupted right through the heart of the country. The only time it ever shook was in the 1830s and it was very very minor. So... just like everywhere else in the world, everyone is paranoid hah I can only imagine what's on the news these days...
Congrats on the job, dad! One less thing to worry about!
This week was wonderful! No baptismal service to plan, so we just worked hard to prepare the others for this month and find a lot of people. We found 2 AWESOME families that of course neither are married, but accepted everything and we're going to work on getting a marriage date taken out this week. We had a priesthood activity of a ping-pong tournament that had a pretty good turn out. Its a lot easier to get investigators to activities than church haha We've been working a lot through activities and making a lot of effort to get investigators at evening things such as baptismal services and it helps a ton. Sometimes, going to church at 9:30 am on a Sunday is something they just won't do unless they understand truly why they need it so much.
Orlando is officially off smoking for 1 week. 100-0 in 3 days IS possible. He's having such terrible reactions, though, hehe he's constantly scratching his neck and face and has marks to prove it! Poor guy is suffering pretty bad, but after 10 years of fighting for his answer to his prayers, now that he has it, he's not letting anything hold him back. He's such a good example!
The Ferreira family is doing great, too. They came to church again this Sunday, and are excited for their baptism the 25th. Today we went fishing all morning with them, Hugo, and Orlando. I caught the biggest fish, the biggest I've ever caught in my life! I didn't have a reel or anything, just the line wrapped around an aerosal can (ghetto, but it worked great haha). Elder Stevens caught a bunch of little fish for bait and I landed a huge sucker alright, hes not HUGE, but for a river fish from just the bank side, it was a 10 pounder Dorado with teeth like a Piranha haha Tonight we have FHE with the Ferreiras and it's on the menu.
This week Elder Foster of the 70 is coming in town for Zone Conference. We have some stuff to prepare, but it will turn out really cool. I'm excited to see what we learn new. This last week we had a training for our weekly planning. We are planning in one go every hour for the entire week with a back-up. It takes a LONG time, but saves time during the week thinking what to do next. I constantly wish I could start over the mission knowing what I know now! MAN!
I love you all so much and am glad everything is working out. Give Seth a big hug and see you in 2 years hehe. Keep working hard enjoying your vacations!
Elder Magnusson
June 6, 2011
This last week was Nahuel and Agustin's baptism! It was sweet :) They were references of a lady in the ward without her rights, she's working hard in missionary work to repent and seeing tons of miracles too.
This week Orlando fell through for smoking, but he should be good for next week on the 18th. He's down to 1 cig (from 100/day). He's just got to kick in a good mindset and drop the last one. He's having a lot of physical and mental reactions to it though and it's tough. He'll make it though without doubt :)
We found an AMAZING family! Some members that we helped move in last week had just bought a new bigger house in preparation for her 5 nephews that were coming to move in. Her sister passed away in March, and here noone marries they are all "concubinato" just living together, so her "husband" of 8 years had no legal responsibility to take care of them and jumped ship. So...they were going to get turned over to the state or go live with her, so she took them in :) They are aged 18 Inguei, 14 Florencia, 13 Fernando, 11 Oriana, and 10 Gian. 2 more priesthood bearers haha they went to the baptism and church the following morning and LOVED it! They have a baptismal date for the 25th now. Such good people.
An excomunicated member we've been working with had his 2nd interview this week for rebaptism with the Stake Pres. It should be within a month or so that the approval comes from Salt Lake. He's needed pretty badly here right now. He's an ex-missionary that was on track to be the next Stake Pres. super stud, but made a mistake and lost his rights. Soon he'll be back on track though.
All the people being baptized here are all references, we're working pretty much only through members, and seeing lots of success. The people that are being baptized are getting interviews and callings fast, and working really hard. Muchos milagros!
Zone is looking strong. We're going on lots of divisions outside of the city, it makes the week fly soooo fast.
All those fires sound pretty crazy! I'll pray you have rain. It's weird to think of heat and droughts, when I wake up to below freezing temps in the morning!
Congrats Shelly, and even bigger grats to Matt who got his son!!! ;-)
Dang that will be weird if you work at Cienega ha, I don't promise to ever visit you there hehe.
This next week we have lots of Zone training and such and the following Elder Foster of the 70 is coming, so lots more preparation to do. I'm excited it will be great :) We have tons to learn. It frustrates me so much though when I learn something new, because I look at the time I've spent in the mission not doing it. I wish I could have started the mission knowing what I do know! I guess that's how a lifetime is spent though, wishing you could have foreseen things and done it all a bit better. But, we have to learn and move on is all!
I love you all a ton and am very proud of you. I talk a ton about my family every day in every contact, lesson, etc.. and I'm grateful for the many things you taught me, from washing clothes to sharing a testimony. Never have fear to open your mouth and declare the gospel to every living creature!
Loves,
Elder Magnusson
This week Orlando fell through for smoking, but he should be good for next week on the 18th. He's down to 1 cig (from 100/day). He's just got to kick in a good mindset and drop the last one. He's having a lot of physical and mental reactions to it though and it's tough. He'll make it though without doubt :)
We found an AMAZING family! Some members that we helped move in last week had just bought a new bigger house in preparation for her 5 nephews that were coming to move in. Her sister passed away in March, and here noone marries they are all "concubinato" just living together, so her "husband" of 8 years had no legal responsibility to take care of them and jumped ship. So...they were going to get turned over to the state or go live with her, so she took them in :) They are aged 18 Inguei, 14 Florencia, 13 Fernando, 11 Oriana, and 10 Gian. 2 more priesthood bearers haha they went to the baptism and church the following morning and LOVED it! They have a baptismal date for the 25th now. Such good people.
An excomunicated member we've been working with had his 2nd interview this week for rebaptism with the Stake Pres. It should be within a month or so that the approval comes from Salt Lake. He's needed pretty badly here right now. He's an ex-missionary that was on track to be the next Stake Pres. super stud, but made a mistake and lost his rights. Soon he'll be back on track though.
All the people being baptized here are all references, we're working pretty much only through members, and seeing lots of success. The people that are being baptized are getting interviews and callings fast, and working really hard. Muchos milagros!
Zone is looking strong. We're going on lots of divisions outside of the city, it makes the week fly soooo fast.
All those fires sound pretty crazy! I'll pray you have rain. It's weird to think of heat and droughts, when I wake up to below freezing temps in the morning!
Congrats Shelly, and even bigger grats to Matt who got his son!!! ;-)
Dang that will be weird if you work at Cienega ha, I don't promise to ever visit you there hehe.
This next week we have lots of Zone training and such and the following Elder Foster of the 70 is coming, so lots more preparation to do. I'm excited it will be great :) We have tons to learn. It frustrates me so much though when I learn something new, because I look at the time I've spent in the mission not doing it. I wish I could have started the mission knowing what I do know! I guess that's how a lifetime is spent though, wishing you could have foreseen things and done it all a bit better. But, we have to learn and move on is all!
I love you all a ton and am very proud of you. I talk a ton about my family every day in every contact, lesson, etc.. and I'm grateful for the many things you taught me, from washing clothes to sharing a testimony. Never have fear to open your mouth and declare the gospel to every living creature!
Loves,
Elder Magnusson
May 30, 2011
Great week! Changes were this week, yep I'm back with Elder Stevens, I've officially spent basically my entire mission with him, it's right that he would come here with me. haha
This week was a GREAT baptismal service! Super powerful! The Alvez twins and the Martinez twins were baptized together haha 2 sets of twins...that's a first :) Mom had her interview and will be called soon hopefully to young womans to be with her daughters. She's working really hard with her older 2 kids (19, and 16) to help them come back as well. A man recently reactivated named Jorge baptized the twin boys David and Brandon. It was his first time baptizing and he was so nervous! We said a little prayer together first and afterwards he couldn't wipe the grin off of his face. About 60 people attended the baptism, many investigators and inactives!!! After the baptism we had a branch game night and had so much fun! Most of the parents just looked on laughing though while the kids were going nuts. That's alright though, at least people when and participated. Progress!
This week will be the baptism of Nahuel and Agustin. They are two young men brothers that have been coming for several months, but we wanted to work more with the mom so that they could progress together. She still won't budge, but will be going to the baptism, so hopefully she'll feel the spirit strong and desire to follow her sons.
Next week a man named Orlando that for 10 years has been coming to church will be baptized. He always had a question about the Fall that missionaries couldn't answer (it was a pretty ridiculous doubt) so he never would progress, but in that time he's studied the Book of Mormon a ton and knows it well enough to quote a lot of scriptures. Anyways, lately we've been working hard with his nephew Hugo (under direction of the Branch Pres.) who is a returned missionary who was excommunicated a year ago to help him through the repentence process (he has his first interview this week...within a month or so he might have his rights back!!!!! WOOT!!!) and he shared his experience with his uncle who got touched. He came to us again with this duda about the Fall and we basically read about agency and then told him that what he wanted to know really didn't matter, but thanks to agency he can have his own life...sorry this is a story hard to explain. He accepted a baptismal date and came to church excited, inviting people and all. It's funny how a missionary always finds himself at the beginning, middle, or end of a miracle, and it has nothing to do with their own timing or ability as to where they find themself in the miracle. Shows me just how little we are in this big work.
Church attendance was over 70 for the 4th time, things are looking great and people are very very excited.
Elder Foster of the 70 comes in 2 weeks, so preparation time starts now. It will be a really cool conference I think, I'm pretty excited to see what things we learn from him. A lot of the big focus now is how missionaries worked before, ironically enough. Preach My Gospel was made to force missionaries to teach by the spirit, and not by a set of contructed lessons. However, missionaries have gotten a lot dumber, saying that they don't need the scriptures, or to plan, etc...using excuse that the Lord will guide their words, and show them where to go throughout the day, stuff like that. Mission apostasy is so frustrating. The Lord isn't going to use an inkless pen to write his Book of Life. If we want miracles to happen we must earn them.
I love you all so much!!! I'm proud of you for your achievements and am excited to see you all soon, but not in a trunky way haha Keep working hard and don't you dare keep a calendar of how much time I have left heh
Besitos,
Elder Magnusson
P.S. Give Grandma a BIG hug when you see her. Sorry I haven't written in a long time. Last change we had P-Day and district meeting on the same day. I'll send one off asap :)
This week was a GREAT baptismal service! Super powerful! The Alvez twins and the Martinez twins were baptized together haha 2 sets of twins...that's a first :) Mom had her interview and will be called soon hopefully to young womans to be with her daughters. She's working really hard with her older 2 kids (19, and 16) to help them come back as well. A man recently reactivated named Jorge baptized the twin boys David and Brandon. It was his first time baptizing and he was so nervous! We said a little prayer together first and afterwards he couldn't wipe the grin off of his face. About 60 people attended the baptism, many investigators and inactives!!! After the baptism we had a branch game night and had so much fun! Most of the parents just looked on laughing though while the kids were going nuts. That's alright though, at least people when and participated. Progress!
This week will be the baptism of Nahuel and Agustin. They are two young men brothers that have been coming for several months, but we wanted to work more with the mom so that they could progress together. She still won't budge, but will be going to the baptism, so hopefully she'll feel the spirit strong and desire to follow her sons.
Next week a man named Orlando that for 10 years has been coming to church will be baptized. He always had a question about the Fall that missionaries couldn't answer (it was a pretty ridiculous doubt) so he never would progress, but in that time he's studied the Book of Mormon a ton and knows it well enough to quote a lot of scriptures. Anyways, lately we've been working hard with his nephew Hugo (under direction of the Branch Pres.) who is a returned missionary who was excommunicated a year ago to help him through the repentence process (he has his first interview this week...within a month or so he might have his rights back!!!!! WOOT!!!) and he shared his experience with his uncle who got touched. He came to us again with this duda about the Fall and we basically read about agency and then told him that what he wanted to know really didn't matter, but thanks to agency he can have his own life...sorry this is a story hard to explain. He accepted a baptismal date and came to church excited, inviting people and all. It's funny how a missionary always finds himself at the beginning, middle, or end of a miracle, and it has nothing to do with their own timing or ability as to where they find themself in the miracle. Shows me just how little we are in this big work.
Church attendance was over 70 for the 4th time, things are looking great and people are very very excited.
Elder Foster of the 70 comes in 2 weeks, so preparation time starts now. It will be a really cool conference I think, I'm pretty excited to see what things we learn from him. A lot of the big focus now is how missionaries worked before, ironically enough. Preach My Gospel was made to force missionaries to teach by the spirit, and not by a set of contructed lessons. However, missionaries have gotten a lot dumber, saying that they don't need the scriptures, or to plan, etc...using excuse that the Lord will guide their words, and show them where to go throughout the day, stuff like that. Mission apostasy is so frustrating. The Lord isn't going to use an inkless pen to write his Book of Life. If we want miracles to happen we must earn them.
I love you all so much!!! I'm proud of you for your achievements and am excited to see you all soon, but not in a trunky way haha Keep working hard and don't you dare keep a calendar of how much time I have left heh
Besitos,
Elder Magnusson
P.S. Give Grandma a BIG hug when you see her. Sorry I haven't written in a long time. Last change we had P-Day and district meeting on the same day. I'll send one off asap :)
May 24, 2011
Changes are this week! Elder Schumann leaves for Montevideo today in 4 hrs, and Elder Stevens, the one I was in the offices with from arizona, is my new companion. It will be lots of fun, we've got some baptisms coming up. 2 sets of twins will be baptised this weekend. They are so happy haha it makes me laugh because the girl set of twins cry every time they pray. Its sweet, but pretty funny at the same time. They are ready and excited to continue progressing. We will get some fun pictures with them.
I've got a lot of struggling missionaries coming to the zone, so it will be a new challenge, but everyone is here for a reason, so I'm sure the Lord will provide guidance and help. The districts are now to stay for district meeting, so as before where all the missionaries from the different cities met together every week, all will stay in their own cities. So, I'll be doing divisons all over the department every week and have a lot less time in my own area, but it should help out all the missionries a ton to give them more responsibility, so I'm excited.
I set up surprise birthday party for Elder Schumann on Saturday night it was so cool! We had it with the Durè family and few other families from the branch. Lots of food and cake :) I assumed he knew it was coming just cause it's pretty hard to set up a surprise party for someone you are with 24/7, but it came through, haha
The Durè family is doing so well...it is absolutely incredible the progress made. Last night we had dinner with them and they told us about the stories they are reading in the Book of Mormon as a family each night. The spirit is so strong in their home, and the love the service they show to one another is unbelievable. I can't imagine not being there for the sealing in a year, so I might have to come back! I'm going to save up as soon as I get home. I tear up hardcore every time they talk about how happy they are to be an eternal family, it's overwhelming. They are just so perfect, were so ready to hear the gospel and accept it.
Weather is getting very cold, and Sunday for Elder Schumanns bday we made a huge pot of chili. We overcalculated the beans though, apparently they expand when soaked, and we didn't even use 1/3 to fill a 10L huge pot. haha so we'll be eating beans for a long time.
The branch has gotten so excited, the Pres. is having an activity every other Friday now starting this week. We are in charge this time, but with the next we can already pass the ball.
Well, this computer is super slow and Im out of time. I love you all so much! I know that families can be together forever and it's worth whatever sacrifice necesary to reach that. Work hard to show love and serve one another and BE HAPPY!
Please make the flight plans you want THIS week and if you need help, ask Chelsea Thatcher (now Chelsea Martin). She's in charge of travel for our mission and can help you.
Love you all!!!
Elder Magnusson
I've got a lot of struggling missionaries coming to the zone, so it will be a new challenge, but everyone is here for a reason, so I'm sure the Lord will provide guidance and help. The districts are now to stay for district meeting, so as before where all the missionaries from the different cities met together every week, all will stay in their own cities. So, I'll be doing divisons all over the department every week and have a lot less time in my own area, but it should help out all the missionries a ton to give them more responsibility, so I'm excited.
I set up surprise birthday party for Elder Schumann on Saturday night it was so cool! We had it with the Durè family and few other families from the branch. Lots of food and cake :) I assumed he knew it was coming just cause it's pretty hard to set up a surprise party for someone you are with 24/7, but it came through, haha
The Durè family is doing so well...it is absolutely incredible the progress made. Last night we had dinner with them and they told us about the stories they are reading in the Book of Mormon as a family each night. The spirit is so strong in their home, and the love the service they show to one another is unbelievable. I can't imagine not being there for the sealing in a year, so I might have to come back! I'm going to save up as soon as I get home. I tear up hardcore every time they talk about how happy they are to be an eternal family, it's overwhelming. They are just so perfect, were so ready to hear the gospel and accept it.
Weather is getting very cold, and Sunday for Elder Schumanns bday we made a huge pot of chili. We overcalculated the beans though, apparently they expand when soaked, and we didn't even use 1/3 to fill a 10L huge pot. haha so we'll be eating beans for a long time.
The branch has gotten so excited, the Pres. is having an activity every other Friday now starting this week. We are in charge this time, but with the next we can already pass the ball.
Well, this computer is super slow and Im out of time. I love you all so much! I know that families can be together forever and it's worth whatever sacrifice necesary to reach that. Work hard to show love and serve one another and BE HAPPY!
Please make the flight plans you want THIS week and if you need help, ask Chelsea Thatcher (now Chelsea Martin). She's in charge of travel for our mission and can help you.
Love you all!!!
Elder Magnusson
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 16, 2011
Incredible week this week! It was themost amazing baptism ever! The branch has been suffering so bad,and the family the Lord prepared to change things around just got baptized! The dad (34) Javier and daughter (15) Andrea asked me to baptize them and my companion baptized the mom (37) Alejandra and son (10) Mauricio. The interviews brought them all to tears, and the interviewer said it was one of the most spiritual moments of his mission. Their spiritual maturity is unreal. Andrea is autistic and in her interview Elder Fackrell asked her who God is to her, and she said that he was her father in heaven who sent his son to die for her and tearfully said and because Christ was baptised, I want to follow him. It was so special I wish I could put into words better.
The day of the baptism, they were the first ones there, we took all of our pictures in white and such, and during the whole service the spirit was so incredibly strong I could only compare it to temple work, maybe stronger. The lady that gifted Alejandra a Book of Mormon that started it all 5 years ago gave the talk, and we did a special musical number with a professional singer we reactivated (who is getting married next month and baptizing his wife!!!!!!!!!!!!) who also happened to be a longtime friend of Javier (another huge random miracle). All of the baptisms went really well and they all came out of the water with a HUGE smile and tears.
After the baptism, the branch Pres invited them to share their feelings, and Javier jumped up and said "I've never had the chance to stand before people to speak, and I could never before have without feeling very nervous, but I feel the spirit, and I am calm. I knew the church was true the moment I saw my youngest son pray, and knew I had to live up to him. My family is now united and we are happy. I know that this is the true church and that was restored by a true prophet." and a few other things it was SO AMAZING!!!! Selios from the stake gave him a hug and told him that would be the first of many times he'd be standing before the congregation haha he's going to be Pres. for sure in July after Stake Conference when he has the Melchizedek Priesthood. Attendance in the branch this week broke 75 again the 2nd week in a row!!!!!!!
Their blessings in their confirmations were amazing, too. Mauricio was promised in his that he would bring many souls unto Christ through his missionary service and example in sharing the gospel to his friends. He's only 10, but he reminds me of Joseph Smith, he asks very very deep questions that always worried his parents, but now I think they understand how mature he actually is to be able to recognize those promptings so well. Alejandra was just bawling through all of the confirmations it was great haha she's such a good mom. They invited us to lunch twice this next week, they are going to be future missionaries favorite family forever hahaha
The Da Silva family is doing great. Both pairs of twins are progressing really well still towards baptism the 28th. The branch reached out to the mom really well on Sunday and she loved it!
We had out last district meeting today and we had a funeral for the 2 missionaries going home. It was powerful, we had them give an account of their "life" and testimonies. They've been really great leaders. We took our zone photos and went out to eat together dressed in our suits (all in black for the "funeral" haha) at a fancy restaurant. I'm going to miss a lot of the missionaries in the zone, it's been a lot of fun. We are on track to get our month goals! Changes are already next week. It came soooo quick, it gets faster every time!
The cheap way I saw to get to Iguazu is by Buquebus from Salto. That was a year ago when I saw it so maybe that line doesnt run anymore, but I assume so, its just a small plane ride. $400 round trip is WAAAY too much, there's tons of deals I've seen on bilboards and such in Deo for way less. Try looking on uruguayan websites, it'll be way too much money through an international airline service. Look for something small or private.
I love you all, keep smiling and working hard! Look for miracles! Do what the Lord asks and He's obligated to put them in your path.
Elder Magnusson
The day of the baptism, they were the first ones there, we took all of our pictures in white and such, and during the whole service the spirit was so incredibly strong I could only compare it to temple work, maybe stronger. The lady that gifted Alejandra a Book of Mormon that started it all 5 years ago gave the talk, and we did a special musical number with a professional singer we reactivated (who is getting married next month and baptizing his wife!!!!!!!!!!!!) who also happened to be a longtime friend of Javier (another huge random miracle). All of the baptisms went really well and they all came out of the water with a HUGE smile and tears.
After the baptism, the branch Pres invited them to share their feelings, and Javier jumped up and said "I've never had the chance to stand before people to speak, and I could never before have without feeling very nervous, but I feel the spirit, and I am calm. I knew the church was true the moment I saw my youngest son pray, and knew I had to live up to him. My family is now united and we are happy. I know that this is the true church and that was restored by a true prophet." and a few other things it was SO AMAZING!!!! Selios from the stake gave him a hug and told him that would be the first of many times he'd be standing before the congregation haha he's going to be Pres. for sure in July after Stake Conference when he has the Melchizedek Priesthood. Attendance in the branch this week broke 75 again the 2nd week in a row!!!!!!!
Their blessings in their confirmations were amazing, too. Mauricio was promised in his that he would bring many souls unto Christ through his missionary service and example in sharing the gospel to his friends. He's only 10, but he reminds me of Joseph Smith, he asks very very deep questions that always worried his parents, but now I think they understand how mature he actually is to be able to recognize those promptings so well. Alejandra was just bawling through all of the confirmations it was great haha she's such a good mom. They invited us to lunch twice this next week, they are going to be future missionaries favorite family forever hahaha
The Da Silva family is doing great. Both pairs of twins are progressing really well still towards baptism the 28th. The branch reached out to the mom really well on Sunday and she loved it!
We had out last district meeting today and we had a funeral for the 2 missionaries going home. It was powerful, we had them give an account of their "life" and testimonies. They've been really great leaders. We took our zone photos and went out to eat together dressed in our suits (all in black for the "funeral" haha) at a fancy restaurant. I'm going to miss a lot of the missionaries in the zone, it's been a lot of fun. We are on track to get our month goals! Changes are already next week. It came soooo quick, it gets faster every time!
The cheap way I saw to get to Iguazu is by Buquebus from Salto. That was a year ago when I saw it so maybe that line doesnt run anymore, but I assume so, its just a small plane ride. $400 round trip is WAAAY too much, there's tons of deals I've seen on bilboards and such in Deo for way less. Try looking on uruguayan websites, it'll be way too much money through an international airline service. Look for something small or private.
I love you all, keep smiling and working hard! Look for miracles! Do what the Lord asks and He's obligated to put them in your path.
Elder Magnusson
May 9, 2011
It was a blast talking to you!
I really don't have anything else to say haha, so for now, here's a general plan for when you come.
Arrive in Montevideo on Thursday 29th, stay at the Days Inn that night, spend all Friday 30th in Montevideo, and spend that night in the same Days Inn. Saturday 1st morning we drive up to Tacuarembo (taking lots of pictures on the way up, super pretty scenery!). We'll visit converts and members all day, and that night stay at the Carlos Gardel. The following morning Sunday 2nd we'll go visit Valle Eden on the way out and see the "Garden of Eden" a really famous, pretty place in Tbo. We'll continue on to Fray Bentos and spend the day and evening, and go to General Conference. We'll stay that night in the Gran Hotel on the river front, and on the morning of Monday the 3rd, we'll drive up to Salto and spend the day there. That night we'll stay at Los Naranjos, and on the morning of the 4th we'll fly up from Salto to Iguazu Falls (could you check on the times here, I have no idea! I think it costs like $50 a ticket or so) and here's where I'm not sure of the itinerary, how long we can stay there and such, or when we'll get there and can leave.
You might want to check on rental prices already too and maybe reserve something soon. With this itinerary, I think we should get home the 6th or so. If you can find an easier way to organize, the cities I want to visit are Montevideo, Tacuarembo, Fray Bentos, and Salto. Hopefully I won't leave here and have to go visit somewhere else haha.
It was fun hearing your voices, and I am glad all are doing so well.
Today we had a good district meeting, and this afternoon we are going on a scenic bikeride down the river front. It will be a lot of fun. Thursday is zone conference, lots to prepare. Saturday is the Durè's baptism!!! Family of 4, already temple ready haha They are stoked!
Peñarol lost the Clasico against Nacional, so my team got put to shame. Elder Schumann won bragging rights.
Keep up the good work, I love you all a ton :)
Elder Magnusson
I really don't have anything else to say haha, so for now, here's a general plan for when you come.
Arrive in Montevideo on Thursday 29th, stay at the Days Inn that night, spend all Friday 30th in Montevideo, and spend that night in the same Days Inn. Saturday 1st morning we drive up to Tacuarembo (taking lots of pictures on the way up, super pretty scenery!). We'll visit converts and members all day, and that night stay at the Carlos Gardel. The following morning Sunday 2nd we'll go visit Valle Eden on the way out and see the "Garden of Eden" a really famous, pretty place in Tbo. We'll continue on to Fray Bentos and spend the day and evening, and go to General Conference. We'll stay that night in the Gran Hotel on the river front, and on the morning of Monday the 3rd, we'll drive up to Salto and spend the day there. That night we'll stay at Los Naranjos, and on the morning of the 4th we'll fly up from Salto to Iguazu Falls (could you check on the times here, I have no idea! I think it costs like $50 a ticket or so) and here's where I'm not sure of the itinerary, how long we can stay there and such, or when we'll get there and can leave.
You might want to check on rental prices already too and maybe reserve something soon. With this itinerary, I think we should get home the 6th or so. If you can find an easier way to organize, the cities I want to visit are Montevideo, Tacuarembo, Fray Bentos, and Salto. Hopefully I won't leave here and have to go visit somewhere else haha.
It was fun hearing your voices, and I am glad all are doing so well.
Today we had a good district meeting, and this afternoon we are going on a scenic bikeride down the river front. It will be a lot of fun. Thursday is zone conference, lots to prepare. Saturday is the Durè's baptism!!! Family of 4, already temple ready haha They are stoked!
Peñarol lost the Clasico against Nacional, so my team got put to shame. Elder Schumann won bragging rights.
Keep up the good work, I love you all a ton :)
Elder Magnusson
May 2, 2011
Another great week! The Durè family is getting ready for their baptism, and are super excited. Tonight we have FHE with them. On Thurs or Fri we`re going to pull out a marriage date for Adrian and Sabrina, and he's going to be able to baptize her the following week. This Sunday he got up to bare his testimony and all, it was incredible to see a man that had left the church 18 yrs ago come back with such force. He's sharing the gospel with everyone and will do incredible things!!! His Evangelical pastor visited him and asked him to come back and he obeyed and got up in their church that Saturday night and testified of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and asked that the congregation follow him in at least reading and asking God if it's true. He said he has a list of people for us to visit with him next week. Man, he is so incredible.
The Suarez family we found out are for sure married and they are still have a lot of questions, but are progressing towards baptism. Another family!!! This week we also found a lady that hadn't gone to church in 10 years and recently was left by her husband and was praying for guidance when we showed up. So, we visited with her and her 6 KIDS! aged 19, 16, pair of 13 twins, pair of 9 twins. HALLELUJAH! We challenged all of the kids to baptism and she said that closing prayer, one of the most powerful I have ever heard and when it ended she was crying hard and all of her kids too, me and my companion only could smile though haha Another family!! We are finding a goldmine of solid families here which is exactly what the branch needs. With Javier and Adrian, Melch. Priesthood will exactly double haha.
Early this morning I got some sick news from some members that called us to say Osama Bin Laden was killed by 20 Seals in a Pakistani mansion and it was all videoed or something. We celebrated in district meeting by singing the national anthem and someone made a big cake haha and a few people congratulated us today. They say everyone is partying up in the U.S.
This week is nuts we have to go down to Montevideo all day Thurs, Fri we have a Stake Talent Show to prepare for and make happen, and Saturday is Valeria's baptism. It will be NUTS, please pray for my patience to endure haha.
I'm sorry to hear about your ankle, dad! That's rough, just keep me posted, I really hope you'll be able to come pick me up, but if not I understand, just let me know asap, so I can plan accordingly. Maybe if things fall through we can come back next summer or something. I'll keep you in my prayers, just be careful so you don't end up cripple permanently. Old people don't heal as fast, dad. (heh, just kidding.
Weather here was hot for a number of days until Saturday night in rolled an Arctic storm and dropped the temp like 50 degrees with icy strong winds and crazy rainfall. Sunday was the same all day, and now today the sun is bright and warm again, but the air is still very cold. Winter is on it's way fast! It's going to be weird finishing winter and going into winter again. This next year will be all winter!
Keep me posted on Trevor, get me his address if possible, or email or anything! Tell Karl he's gotta wait a little longer, he has to be a bachelor when we go on that campout or he can't go (tomà!) and Will to be patient heh I sent them letters today.
I love this work so much!!! We are working hard and seeing so many miracles with entire families!!! I pray for you always, keep looking for ways to serve and love others. We must always remember our covenants, and the promised blessings we have.
Love you all!!!
Elder Magnusson
P.S. I still need Michelle's address! :)
The Suarez family we found out are for sure married and they are still have a lot of questions, but are progressing towards baptism. Another family!!! This week we also found a lady that hadn't gone to church in 10 years and recently was left by her husband and was praying for guidance when we showed up. So, we visited with her and her 6 KIDS! aged 19, 16, pair of 13 twins, pair of 9 twins. HALLELUJAH! We challenged all of the kids to baptism and she said that closing prayer, one of the most powerful I have ever heard and when it ended she was crying hard and all of her kids too, me and my companion only could smile though haha Another family!! We are finding a goldmine of solid families here which is exactly what the branch needs. With Javier and Adrian, Melch. Priesthood will exactly double haha.
Early this morning I got some sick news from some members that called us to say Osama Bin Laden was killed by 20 Seals in a Pakistani mansion and it was all videoed or something. We celebrated in district meeting by singing the national anthem and someone made a big cake haha and a few people congratulated us today. They say everyone is partying up in the U.S.
This week is nuts we have to go down to Montevideo all day Thurs, Fri we have a Stake Talent Show to prepare for and make happen, and Saturday is Valeria's baptism. It will be NUTS, please pray for my patience to endure haha.
I'm sorry to hear about your ankle, dad! That's rough, just keep me posted, I really hope you'll be able to come pick me up, but if not I understand, just let me know asap, so I can plan accordingly. Maybe if things fall through we can come back next summer or something. I'll keep you in my prayers, just be careful so you don't end up cripple permanently. Old people don't heal as fast, dad. (heh, just kidding.
Weather here was hot for a number of days until Saturday night in rolled an Arctic storm and dropped the temp like 50 degrees with icy strong winds and crazy rainfall. Sunday was the same all day, and now today the sun is bright and warm again, but the air is still very cold. Winter is on it's way fast! It's going to be weird finishing winter and going into winter again. This next year will be all winter!
Keep me posted on Trevor, get me his address if possible, or email or anything! Tell Karl he's gotta wait a little longer, he has to be a bachelor when we go on that campout or he can't go (tomà!) and Will to be patient heh I sent them letters today.
I love this work so much!!! We are working hard and seeing so many miracles with entire families!!! I pray for you always, keep looking for ways to serve and love others. We must always remember our covenants, and the promised blessings we have.
Love you all!!!
Elder Magnusson
P.S. I still need Michelle's address! :)
April 25, 2011
Happy Easter:) First before I forget, please email a photo of our family all together (maybe the one from vacation in Utah before I left) to the office elders on the gmail, they asked for a photo of everyones family in the mission, and I don't have anything digital to send one. Thanks!
First to answer questions, ya, theres 2 wards and a branch in this little town, but the wards have each about 40 people attending and the branch half that, so they don't technically count as wards haha. They were at one point organized as wards, but have since fallen a lot and rumor has it our branch will be dissolved in a matter of months. In the stake there's probably under 400 active members, SO...we're going to try and change that.
We travel all by bus between the 3 cities. There is only passenger railway in the south of the country. Everything is by bus. Most are way nice buses though and super cheap, so I can't complain!
Easter was FANTASTIC! We are working hard to contact and visit every family we see and have found some good people. The branch has only one active couple. The rest are single moms and kids. One the 7th, the Durè family will be baptized and he's such an incredible man he'll probably be the new Branch Pres. within a short period of time. I LOVE this family they are sooooo great. They have been some of the most prepared people to hear the gospel I've ever met. He's also a singer and we are organizing a talent show for the 6th, and he is going to bring his murga group.
Another man we are working with that is less active cam for the first time in 20 yrs last week, this week he brought his wife and she loved it. We challenged her to baptism, and this week they are going to pull out a marriage date. Its nice to be here at this time in my mission because I'm guessing I'll probably finish here and see all these great things! Behind him lives another couple we found this week, he whos military and got back last month from a 6 mo peace mission in Haiti (military here means peace service in Haiti or the Congo, they haven't been involved in a war in many many decades). We taught on families and they are really excited to progress.
We are also working really hard with the family of a 29 yr old man that got baptized a few months ago and seeing a bit of progress. Elder Schumann has a really good relationship with them and has been working with em for like 5 mo or so. His mom came to church this last week and we after had a really good lesson with her, and his 40-something yr old sister. Lots of miracles!!!
Yesterday we caught a huge tarantula, and today we are going to buy this resin that you put it in to embalm it like those see-through bug paper weights you see for sale. An investigator knows how to make those and is going to show us. We took a funny video of it. Theres some cool bugs here that all come out when it rains. There was a pretty crazy storm here the other day. I also heard that theres been some crazy tornados in the states! End of the world!!! hahaha :)
Nope, they don't have easter bunnies, just really expensive big chocolate hollow eggs. We hid some in our house and the other elders in theres and had a little search. It was fun :)
That building across from the terminal is for the 2 wards, we meet at Rivera y Tala in a little building.
I'm jealous of all the good food! Here they don't eat red meat this last week so we got a bunch of fish. Fish empanadas, fish pizza, fish burgers, etc... It was....fun ha
Well, we are working really hard and having lots of fun. I love the work, it's progressing and I'm greatful for it. Vamos arriba!!!
I hope you took advantage of the opportunites Easter brings to share the gospel! If not, go out and preach the restored gospel!!! This week almost 2000 years ago, all the apostles but Thomas were running about sharing the good news with everyone! Don't forget the tomb is open!!
Loves,
Elder Magnusson
First to answer questions, ya, theres 2 wards and a branch in this little town, but the wards have each about 40 people attending and the branch half that, so they don't technically count as wards haha. They were at one point organized as wards, but have since fallen a lot and rumor has it our branch will be dissolved in a matter of months. In the stake there's probably under 400 active members, SO...we're going to try and change that.
We travel all by bus between the 3 cities. There is only passenger railway in the south of the country. Everything is by bus. Most are way nice buses though and super cheap, so I can't complain!
Easter was FANTASTIC! We are working hard to contact and visit every family we see and have found some good people. The branch has only one active couple. The rest are single moms and kids. One the 7th, the Durè family will be baptized and he's such an incredible man he'll probably be the new Branch Pres. within a short period of time. I LOVE this family they are sooooo great. They have been some of the most prepared people to hear the gospel I've ever met. He's also a singer and we are organizing a talent show for the 6th, and he is going to bring his murga group.
Another man we are working with that is less active cam for the first time in 20 yrs last week, this week he brought his wife and she loved it. We challenged her to baptism, and this week they are going to pull out a marriage date. Its nice to be here at this time in my mission because I'm guessing I'll probably finish here and see all these great things! Behind him lives another couple we found this week, he whos military and got back last month from a 6 mo peace mission in Haiti (military here means peace service in Haiti or the Congo, they haven't been involved in a war in many many decades). We taught on families and they are really excited to progress.
We are also working really hard with the family of a 29 yr old man that got baptized a few months ago and seeing a bit of progress. Elder Schumann has a really good relationship with them and has been working with em for like 5 mo or so. His mom came to church this last week and we after had a really good lesson with her, and his 40-something yr old sister. Lots of miracles!!!
Yesterday we caught a huge tarantula, and today we are going to buy this resin that you put it in to embalm it like those see-through bug paper weights you see for sale. An investigator knows how to make those and is going to show us. We took a funny video of it. Theres some cool bugs here that all come out when it rains. There was a pretty crazy storm here the other day. I also heard that theres been some crazy tornados in the states! End of the world!!! hahaha :)
Nope, they don't have easter bunnies, just really expensive big chocolate hollow eggs. We hid some in our house and the other elders in theres and had a little search. It was fun :)
That building across from the terminal is for the 2 wards, we meet at Rivera y Tala in a little building.
I'm jealous of all the good food! Here they don't eat red meat this last week so we got a bunch of fish. Fish empanadas, fish pizza, fish burgers, etc... It was....fun ha
Well, we are working really hard and having lots of fun. I love the work, it's progressing and I'm greatful for it. Vamos arriba!!!
I hope you took advantage of the opportunites Easter brings to share the gospel! If not, go out and preach the restored gospel!!! This week almost 2000 years ago, all the apostles but Thomas were running about sharing the good news with everyone! Don't forget the tomb is open!!
Loves,
Elder Magnusson
April 18, 2011
Hey from Fray Bentos!
First of all, to answer your questions, I'm in the 3rd branch, and ya there's wards 1and 2 here in the city. We are 8 missionaries. Also in the zone are 8 missionaries from the city Mercedes and 4 from Dolores. No, there's no car. Not even bikes haha. I wish.
Ya, the plans to tour here and go to Iguazu is perfect! I'll talk to Dani (Elder Grau haha) and see if he can plan things with his studies all right.
Here in the city, it's way different than anywhere else I've ever been. I feel like I'm in the US. The city was founded in 2 little neighborhoods be England and Germany, so everyone is blonde-haired and blue-eyed, and talks weird. They are great people and I'm super excited to see the miracles that wait.
This Sunday a family of investigators (Familia Durè) came for the first time, they are already married, and were so prepared to hear the gospel. The father, mother, and 2 kids (11 and 15) will be baptised together on the 7th. I think its the following day that I talk to you, but I can't remember, is it the 1st or the 8th? They are excited to progress!
The branch is pretty small, about 25-30 people, and 20 of those are assigned to this branch from other wards to keep it going, so in reality, theres about 10 active members in our little branch hahaha this family will nearly double things hahahaha Javier is a stud and will probably be branch president in about 3 months no joke!
Since we have to travel for district meeting, now I have the meeting and P-Day on the same day! Today we had breakfast all together and then had a video scavenger hunt where we had to take video of funny things (scaring a dog, teaching a statue, starting a debate between brands of mate, etc...) it was a lot of fun.
Thats funny Arloa ran into Elder Squires! He's from Yuma, super good guy! How do they know him? Just ran into him at the airport?
I'm living in a NICE house here and next door are the Elders from the next ward over, they are all good friends from the whole mission, so it's going to be a lot of fun to be together. We are working really really hard to build the work here, so I hope we can animate the zone to make good things happen :)
This is the Lord's work and it's so good! Make good things happen to those around you! Find opportunities to teach and testify and be good friends and neighboors!
Love you all,
Elder Magnusson
First of all, to answer your questions, I'm in the 3rd branch, and ya there's wards 1and 2 here in the city. We are 8 missionaries. Also in the zone are 8 missionaries from the city Mercedes and 4 from Dolores. No, there's no car. Not even bikes haha. I wish.
Ya, the plans to tour here and go to Iguazu is perfect! I'll talk to Dani (Elder Grau haha) and see if he can plan things with his studies all right.
Here in the city, it's way different than anywhere else I've ever been. I feel like I'm in the US. The city was founded in 2 little neighborhoods be England and Germany, so everyone is blonde-haired and blue-eyed, and talks weird. They are great people and I'm super excited to see the miracles that wait.
This Sunday a family of investigators (Familia Durè) came for the first time, they are already married, and were so prepared to hear the gospel. The father, mother, and 2 kids (11 and 15) will be baptised together on the 7th. I think its the following day that I talk to you, but I can't remember, is it the 1st or the 8th? They are excited to progress!
The branch is pretty small, about 25-30 people, and 20 of those are assigned to this branch from other wards to keep it going, so in reality, theres about 10 active members in our little branch hahaha this family will nearly double things hahahaha Javier is a stud and will probably be branch president in about 3 months no joke!
Since we have to travel for district meeting, now I have the meeting and P-Day on the same day! Today we had breakfast all together and then had a video scavenger hunt where we had to take video of funny things (scaring a dog, teaching a statue, starting a debate between brands of mate, etc...) it was a lot of fun.
Thats funny Arloa ran into Elder Squires! He's from Yuma, super good guy! How do they know him? Just ran into him at the airport?
I'm living in a NICE house here and next door are the Elders from the next ward over, they are all good friends from the whole mission, so it's going to be a lot of fun to be together. We are working really really hard to build the work here, so I hope we can animate the zone to make good things happen :)
This is the Lord's work and it's so good! Make good things happen to those around you! Find opportunities to teach and testify and be good friends and neighboors!
Love you all,
Elder Magnusson
Friday, April 15, 2011
April 14, 2011
Dear Brother and Sister Magnusson,
Your son, Elder Magnusson has been called to serve as a Zone Leader. I have confidence that he will perform his new calling well. He seems excited to assume his new responsibilities.
Your missionary's call to be a Zone Leader is an indication of his effectiveness as a missionary. He will be responsible for training the missionaries in his area to be more effective missionaries, to help them to be successful and happy and also to set an obedient example. He has to conduct baptismal interviews, work closely with other leaders and direct the work in his area. Besides his duties as a Zone Leader , he is still responsible for finding and teaching and being an effective missionary.
You can be proud of his strength and leadership. His training here will help prepare him for future service in the Church. We love and appreciate your son, and appreciate your sacrifice in sharing him with us and the people of Uruguay.
We appreciate your support. Anything you can do to encourage your missionary and stay in touch with him is good. We love these missionaries as dearly as our own children. Our desire is that they find joy in the Lord's service. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
President Ronald Heaton
Uruguay Montevideo West Mission
Your son, Elder Magnusson has been called to serve as a Zone Leader. I have confidence that he will perform his new calling well. He seems excited to assume his new responsibilities.
Your missionary's call to be a Zone Leader is an indication of his effectiveness as a missionary. He will be responsible for training the missionaries in his area to be more effective missionaries, to help them to be successful and happy and also to set an obedient example. He has to conduct baptismal interviews, work closely with other leaders and direct the work in his area. Besides his duties as a Zone Leader , he is still responsible for finding and teaching and being an effective missionary.
You can be proud of his strength and leadership. His training here will help prepare him for future service in the Church. We love and appreciate your son, and appreciate your sacrifice in sharing him with us and the people of Uruguay.
We appreciate your support. Anything you can do to encourage your missionary and stay in touch with him is good. We love these missionaries as dearly as our own children. Our desire is that they find joy in the Lord's service. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
President Ronald Heaton
Uruguay Montevideo West Mission
April 12, 2011
Hey family!
This week was great. The Pio family and Claudia were baptized on Saturday and confirmed Sunday. This next week, the entire Eijo family will be baptized, along with Freddy Rosa, Nacho (Marìa Paz's nephew) and the son and daughter of a recently reactivated family. It will be an incredible service...that I won't be here for. :( I got the call yesterday morning that I'm off to a city called Fray Bentos.
It will be good I guess, but I was pretty disappointed to have to leave here after the culmination of a lot of time and energy, prayers, etc... a lot of families I've been teaching for a long time are finally coming around, and we have 2 marriages next week...man. Elder Barrios is staying with a Paraguayo named Elder Leiva, who's about to finish the mission, so it should be great. I really hope they keep pushing hard the area. The ward is excited and working so hard, they ought to see many miracles now :)
I am going with a missionary named Elder Schumann. I have seen him before, but don't really know him well, but only heard good things, so I'm excited :) Fray Bentos is a small town, but has the biggest paper factory in Uruguay (woo hoo haha) so there's lots of hard workers there, so thats good. I have no idea what to expect, so I'll let you know more next week heh.
Today to finish out the change we had a big asado with tons of meat. It was delicious :) I am going to miss Tacuarembo, home of the gaucho and the Guayan cow. Pah.
When Ammon got to the Lamanites the first time the king asked him his intentions with his people and he said that he would like to dwell with them, perhaps until the day he dies. I'm starting to feel a lot like that here. Many people just have such a higher quality being. Willing to share with anyone what they have, even when they have so very little, while us up there complain we have no time or money to do things, when its our fault we filled up our agendas and budgets with useless things (Elder Uchtdorf).
Congrats to Levi on running and to Kayli on swimming! I can't wait to see you in the fall!
As for the camera, if the way you send it isnt going to touch postal man hands, it's fine to send, but DO NOT send it through normal mail haha it would be way better to send it that way, though, they are twice the price here! Put it in Elder Barrios' box please :) If you can access my account, you can transfer the money to pay for it, if not, I'll pay you back when I get home :)
Congrats to Marcos and Sheena! Are they still in the same house? Did they put a pool out back yet? heh
So its Courtney Peterson that Karl is dating! Everyone keeps telling me Courtney, but noone had said the last name yet!!! Hahaha that's great! Is she living with Julia at BYU-I? I sure hope I'm there for the wedding, but if not, after this last general conference, I wouldn't be surprised.
It's change week, sorry I don't have much to say! I love you all, you are in my prayers. Work hard in all you do and be happy. Take care of one another. LOVES!!!
Elder Magnusson
P.S. My "trunky" papers are coming next week, and I need the info to fill them out, as for which airport I am leaving South America from. WIll it be possible to go from Uruguay to Iguasu Falls and visit the Grau's, and leave from Asuncion to the States? Should I land in Tucson, or should we go straight to Phoenix to pick up the kids from Grandmas, or whats the plan? The time has arrived to plan!!! heh, let me know asap, even today if possible send it in a gmail and I'll get it Thurs.
This week was great. The Pio family and Claudia were baptized on Saturday and confirmed Sunday. This next week, the entire Eijo family will be baptized, along with Freddy Rosa, Nacho (Marìa Paz's nephew) and the son and daughter of a recently reactivated family. It will be an incredible service...that I won't be here for. :( I got the call yesterday morning that I'm off to a city called Fray Bentos.
It will be good I guess, but I was pretty disappointed to have to leave here after the culmination of a lot of time and energy, prayers, etc... a lot of families I've been teaching for a long time are finally coming around, and we have 2 marriages next week...man. Elder Barrios is staying with a Paraguayo named Elder Leiva, who's about to finish the mission, so it should be great. I really hope they keep pushing hard the area. The ward is excited and working so hard, they ought to see many miracles now :)
I am going with a missionary named Elder Schumann. I have seen him before, but don't really know him well, but only heard good things, so I'm excited :) Fray Bentos is a small town, but has the biggest paper factory in Uruguay (woo hoo haha) so there's lots of hard workers there, so thats good. I have no idea what to expect, so I'll let you know more next week heh.
Today to finish out the change we had a big asado with tons of meat. It was delicious :) I am going to miss Tacuarembo, home of the gaucho and the Guayan cow. Pah.
When Ammon got to the Lamanites the first time the king asked him his intentions with his people and he said that he would like to dwell with them, perhaps until the day he dies. I'm starting to feel a lot like that here. Many people just have such a higher quality being. Willing to share with anyone what they have, even when they have so very little, while us up there complain we have no time or money to do things, when its our fault we filled up our agendas and budgets with useless things (Elder Uchtdorf).
Congrats to Levi on running and to Kayli on swimming! I can't wait to see you in the fall!
As for the camera, if the way you send it isnt going to touch postal man hands, it's fine to send, but DO NOT send it through normal mail haha it would be way better to send it that way, though, they are twice the price here! Put it in Elder Barrios' box please :) If you can access my account, you can transfer the money to pay for it, if not, I'll pay you back when I get home :)
Congrats to Marcos and Sheena! Are they still in the same house? Did they put a pool out back yet? heh
So its Courtney Peterson that Karl is dating! Everyone keeps telling me Courtney, but noone had said the last name yet!!! Hahaha that's great! Is she living with Julia at BYU-I? I sure hope I'm there for the wedding, but if not, after this last general conference, I wouldn't be surprised.
It's change week, sorry I don't have much to say! I love you all, you are in my prayers. Work hard in all you do and be happy. Take care of one another. LOVES!!!
Elder Magnusson
P.S. My "trunky" papers are coming next week, and I need the info to fill them out, as for which airport I am leaving South America from. WIll it be possible to go from Uruguay to Iguasu Falls and visit the Grau's, and leave from Asuncion to the States? Should I land in Tucson, or should we go straight to Phoenix to pick up the kids from Grandmas, or whats the plan? The time has arrived to plan!!! heh, let me know asap, even today if possible send it in a gmail and I'll get it Thurs.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
April 4, 2011
It was a great week here! General Conference was exhausting but wonderful! The stake center is a 30 minute run from our house and to and from between every session we went back and forth bringing investigators running around in our suits. It was GREAT!! Tons of people went to the conference and we saw tons of miracles. This weekend the Pio family and Claudia will be baptised. The following week, the Eijo family (a single mother and her 3 children) will be baptized, along with another nephew of Marìa Paz. Graciela is working on stopping smoking, but will probably be baptized sometime this month as well. The work is going very strong and up up up! Lots of great eternal families.
I learned so much from conference, but it made me feel weird because most of what I got out of it I felt like was more applyable after my mission than right now. hahaha lots about how to treat my family and such. The service talks were great and I learned a lot of methods I am going to teach to investigators.
Dad that message you sent me made me feel soooo sick. Elder Enciso was my 2nd companion, I killed him in the mission (was his last comp). I pray that everything is okay. Tell (Elder) Victor Jimenez to send me a gmail if he can asap and send him a big hug from me too to him and his new wife.
Also, I'll keep the Clonts in my prayers. Dang. So much tragedy, good thing there's so much happiness as well.
This is the last week of the change, we're going to spend it all taking care hardcore of the people getting baptised and finding new people. I am stoked, I am almost sure I'll stay a 4th change here, and stay with Elder Barrios! There's so many exciting things happening!!!
Also to conference, that family from Ansina came. I got the daughter enrolled in long-distance seminary, and they are stoked to be baptised. President said he'd call me tonight or tomorrow with instructions, I think we're going to open a dependent branch (it has no president, the bishop presides, but with one aaronic priesthood holder, they can hold sacrament meeting, etc...) and so we'll see what happens.
Have a good week, I am so happy you are all working hard and seeing so much success! Remember that blessings don't just come for doing good things, but for being good people. I know that this is the Lord's work and that it will continue to grow and progress with or without us, but if we commit ourselves and remember our covenants, peace is the reward in this life and eternal life in the world to come. It is so worth it!!!!!!
Love, Elder Magnusson
I learned so much from conference, but it made me feel weird because most of what I got out of it I felt like was more applyable after my mission than right now. hahaha lots about how to treat my family and such. The service talks were great and I learned a lot of methods I am going to teach to investigators.
Dad that message you sent me made me feel soooo sick. Elder Enciso was my 2nd companion, I killed him in the mission (was his last comp). I pray that everything is okay. Tell (Elder) Victor Jimenez to send me a gmail if he can asap and send him a big hug from me too to him and his new wife.
Also, I'll keep the Clonts in my prayers. Dang. So much tragedy, good thing there's so much happiness as well.
This is the last week of the change, we're going to spend it all taking care hardcore of the people getting baptised and finding new people. I am stoked, I am almost sure I'll stay a 4th change here, and stay with Elder Barrios! There's so many exciting things happening!!!
Also to conference, that family from Ansina came. I got the daughter enrolled in long-distance seminary, and they are stoked to be baptised. President said he'd call me tonight or tomorrow with instructions, I think we're going to open a dependent branch (it has no president, the bishop presides, but with one aaronic priesthood holder, they can hold sacrament meeting, etc...) and so we'll see what happens.
Have a good week, I am so happy you are all working hard and seeing so much success! Remember that blessings don't just come for doing good things, but for being good people. I know that this is the Lord's work and that it will continue to grow and progress with or without us, but if we commit ourselves and remember our covenants, peace is the reward in this life and eternal life in the world to come. It is so worth it!!!!!!
Love, Elder Magnusson
March 28, 2011
Thanks for the pictures, I have a super cute neice and nephew!
Happy birthday dad, hope your cake is delicious.
Just barely got back from visiting a national landmark called Batovì (if this email gets to anyone who speaks Guaranì....sorry), a huge hill with a rock formation on top. It was a lot of fun and we got some GREAT photos :) You could see for miles in every direction from on top, it was so pretty!!
This week was another fantastic week. We are working hard to get lots of people to the general conference and seeing tons of miracles. The Pio family is excited for the baptism on the 9th. The mom still doesn't stay for the lessons, but she now smiles and greets us haha. We're going to try and set up service with her husband and see if we can soften her heart a little. Dad and 3 kids are great though and inviting lots of people to church with them, so some of their friends made it to church this last week. Claudia is also getting baptised on the 9th, and her husband is also softening up and said he would go to the baptism. Claudia found all her old church books from when she went years ago and brought her own hymn book, principles of the gospel, etc.. to church haha its amazing how the Lord prepares people in His own time and way.
My companion is wonderful. We are working hard and I'm learning a ton from him. I need a quick favor though. He doesn't get letters or anything since his whole family is mad he's on a mission so since I'm running out of contact solution and needing a package (muahahaha) it would be cool if you sent him one too.
Marìa Paz's sister got her answer to her prayer and is going to be baptised next month with her son Nacho!!!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH! We also found out that the Pio's are cousins of Marìa. Somehow we found this huge family of great people. Then again, EVERYONE here is related hahaha small town :) April is going to be a really good month here and I'm praying I stay again. Changes are already coming in 2 weeks, I don't know how the time flies so quickly. I am soooo excited though, lots of good things happening in the Matutina. I hear my son Elder Harris is tearing it up in Rivera, too.
We went to take out a marriage date on Saturday for Jorge and Marìa Alvarez and the judge didn't show up, so we are going again tomorrow. They are stoked to be getting married, and their son Eduardo who was baptised 10 yrs ago and now has 21 years, started his mission papers. I found a judge in another city that will do the marriage within a month since he wants to get married before his knee operation in June.
Other news...we had interviews with President this week, lots of changes happening in the mission, rules, and such. People just don't want to be obedient, so they wait to be forced. Good stuff though. It's not fun to drop cane on others, but sometimes its necessary.
You are all in my prayers!! Look for miracles and have a GREAT week! Enjoy General Conference, remember that revelation unwritten is revelation forgotten.
Love,
Elder Magnusson
Happy birthday dad, hope your cake is delicious.
Just barely got back from visiting a national landmark called Batovì (if this email gets to anyone who speaks Guaranì....sorry), a huge hill with a rock formation on top. It was a lot of fun and we got some GREAT photos :) You could see for miles in every direction from on top, it was so pretty!!
This week was another fantastic week. We are working hard to get lots of people to the general conference and seeing tons of miracles. The Pio family is excited for the baptism on the 9th. The mom still doesn't stay for the lessons, but she now smiles and greets us haha. We're going to try and set up service with her husband and see if we can soften her heart a little. Dad and 3 kids are great though and inviting lots of people to church with them, so some of their friends made it to church this last week. Claudia is also getting baptised on the 9th, and her husband is also softening up and said he would go to the baptism. Claudia found all her old church books from when she went years ago and brought her own hymn book, principles of the gospel, etc.. to church haha its amazing how the Lord prepares people in His own time and way.
My companion is wonderful. We are working hard and I'm learning a ton from him. I need a quick favor though. He doesn't get letters or anything since his whole family is mad he's on a mission so since I'm running out of contact solution and needing a package (muahahaha) it would be cool if you sent him one too.
Marìa Paz's sister got her answer to her prayer and is going to be baptised next month with her son Nacho!!!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH! We also found out that the Pio's are cousins of Marìa. Somehow we found this huge family of great people. Then again, EVERYONE here is related hahaha small town :) April is going to be a really good month here and I'm praying I stay again. Changes are already coming in 2 weeks, I don't know how the time flies so quickly. I am soooo excited though, lots of good things happening in the Matutina. I hear my son Elder Harris is tearing it up in Rivera, too.
We went to take out a marriage date on Saturday for Jorge and Marìa Alvarez and the judge didn't show up, so we are going again tomorrow. They are stoked to be getting married, and their son Eduardo who was baptised 10 yrs ago and now has 21 years, started his mission papers. I found a judge in another city that will do the marriage within a month since he wants to get married before his knee operation in June.
Other news...we had interviews with President this week, lots of changes happening in the mission, rules, and such. People just don't want to be obedient, so they wait to be forced. Good stuff though. It's not fun to drop cane on others, but sometimes its necessary.
You are all in my prayers!! Look for miracles and have a GREAT week! Enjoy General Conference, remember that revelation unwritten is revelation forgotten.
Love,
Elder Magnusson
March 21, 2011
Hey! On my way over here, tons of people stopped my to tell me my country just went to war in alliance with UK and France to free Libya! A lot of people were really happy about it, I guess it must be something pretty exciting in the world right now.
This week was WONDERFUL!!!!! Maria de Lourdes was baptized and her entire family is receiving the lessons now. Marìa Paz is on fire preaching the gospel to all her friends and inviting everyone to church. Her brother is a huge evangelical pastor here in Tbo who claims to be a prophet, he does tons of miracles, healings, giving blind people sight, etc... and he freaked out on her pretty bad again, and she stood up to him and said "You are no prophet. Joseph Smith was a prophet. President Monson is a prophet. They act by God's power, and I must assume that you work by the Devil's!" and stormed out of his house hahahahahaha I about died laughing when I heard!
The ward is super excited with the progress, this week and next week there aren't any baptisms, so we'll have time to coordinate things and get lots of investigators excited for general conference. It's going to be a HUGE deal here. We organized divisions with members most days for these next 2 weeks to visit every single people in my area (theres only like 1500 people max haha) and hand out and invite to the conference and teach about prophets. I figure if people go, their testimony go from nothing to everything pretty easily. I've never felt so excited for General Conference either!!!
The week after conference on the 9th, a family (the dad and 3 kids) will be baptised. The mom still doesn't want anything, but little by little shes softening up :) Also, this last week a woman stopped us and told us she had just moved in front of our house. We had helped them built part of their house in random service a few weeks ago, and she told us 5 years ago, her whole family was baptised, but she wasn't married and couldn't, but went to church for 2 years. She asked us where the church building was and we told her and invited her to be baptised the 9th, and she said yes with a lot of excitement. She came to church, and is progressing strong already. Her husband (they barely got married) is a great guy thats reading the Book of Mormon with a sincere desire to know, so I think in very little time he'll come around too. Another eternal family!!!! We are focusing only on families and are seeing so many miracles!!! On Friday we are going to take out a marriage date, and in June another marriage!
I love you all so much, sorry this one was pretty short, but I have so much to say, and it's hard to put it all in words. I'm feeling really good though, I hit the 18 months mark this week, and so I'm going to double my efforts and hope to see some good miracles :) I love you all a ton! Keep working hard, having fun and success, and congrats on the job possibilities, Jason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Elder Magnusson
This week was WONDERFUL!!!!! Maria de Lourdes was baptized and her entire family is receiving the lessons now. Marìa Paz is on fire preaching the gospel to all her friends and inviting everyone to church. Her brother is a huge evangelical pastor here in Tbo who claims to be a prophet, he does tons of miracles, healings, giving blind people sight, etc... and he freaked out on her pretty bad again, and she stood up to him and said "You are no prophet. Joseph Smith was a prophet. President Monson is a prophet. They act by God's power, and I must assume that you work by the Devil's!" and stormed out of his house hahahahahaha I about died laughing when I heard!
The ward is super excited with the progress, this week and next week there aren't any baptisms, so we'll have time to coordinate things and get lots of investigators excited for general conference. It's going to be a HUGE deal here. We organized divisions with members most days for these next 2 weeks to visit every single people in my area (theres only like 1500 people max haha) and hand out and invite to the conference and teach about prophets. I figure if people go, their testimony go from nothing to everything pretty easily. I've never felt so excited for General Conference either!!!
The week after conference on the 9th, a family (the dad and 3 kids) will be baptised. The mom still doesn't want anything, but little by little shes softening up :) Also, this last week a woman stopped us and told us she had just moved in front of our house. We had helped them built part of their house in random service a few weeks ago, and she told us 5 years ago, her whole family was baptised, but she wasn't married and couldn't, but went to church for 2 years. She asked us where the church building was and we told her and invited her to be baptised the 9th, and she said yes with a lot of excitement. She came to church, and is progressing strong already. Her husband (they barely got married) is a great guy thats reading the Book of Mormon with a sincere desire to know, so I think in very little time he'll come around too. Another eternal family!!!! We are focusing only on families and are seeing so many miracles!!! On Friday we are going to take out a marriage date, and in June another marriage!
I love you all so much, sorry this one was pretty short, but I have so much to say, and it's hard to put it all in words. I'm feeling really good though, I hit the 18 months mark this week, and so I'm going to double my efforts and hope to see some good miracles :) I love you all a ton! Keep working hard, having fun and success, and congrats on the job possibilities, Jason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Elder Magnusson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)