I am a Chess Piece - Elder Jacob Avery

Written by Elder Jacob Avery, serving in the Peru Lima West Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

(This is parts and pieces from several emails because Elder Avery was having computer trouble.)

My computer is broken, so bear with me. It keeps doing things without my permission...

Family baptism!! Peru Lima West Mission

So the whole Z*** family got baptized! It was definitely a very exciting day for everyone involved.  Our mission president even came to the baptismal service. It was a neat, beautiful experience that I'm never going to forget.

Elder Mamani, who was my companion when we first started teaching the family, came to the baptism and baptized two of the daughters. Several families from the ward came and it was a great night. I don't really have words to describe it.

I am very grateful and honored to have been able to be a part of their conversion in Jesus Christ. Really, I just feel like a chess piece and the Lord is just putting us where He wants us to be. I think that is a lesson He wanted me to learn. I just pray that we can find  many, many more families to share the gospel with! The goal is the Celestial Kingdom, so we're going to need to get a little more work done.


It's super funny that you mentioned that thing about Christmas music. So yesterday the bishopric told us that one of us  would probably have to speak in Sacrament Meeting, so I was thinking about what to say. The clear impression that I received was to talk about Christmas music, which seemed really weird to me at the time. There wasn't time during the meeting for me to speak, but it was a very interesting impression and neat preparation process.

It's not very hot outside. It's only hot when the sun is out.

Elder Avery's sister, Hannah, sent a package
from Chile with her two companions,
Hermanas Puertas and Mori, who returned
home to Lima in December.

The church building is super pretty but, because of the dust, it is always dirty!  Hannah's mission temples, the priesthood, and everything happy about the millenium.

companions stayed for Sunday school and I was the teacher. Our regular teacher left town and called us that morning to let us know. When I got to the class, another member had been asked two minutes earlier to fill in and teach. Instead of teaching Gospel Principles, they were planning to teach the Gospel Doctrine lesson from the Old Testament. Normally, I will help the members fulfill their duty to run the ward, but that was going to be the third time my investigators were going to sit through an Old Testament lesson that would either confuse them or bore them to death. Because the Gospel Principles book is, by far, the easiest book to use, the lesson went very well. We got to talk about

(That's all we received, either because he was finished or because the computer was dead.)

My Vow (December 8, 2014)

Dadiva  (December 22, 2014)

Hyrum (left) has been a dear friend to Elder Avery
since he arrived in Lima. He helped Hannah's
companions find the church where Elder Avery
is serving. Hermana Mori is helping obey the rules, haha!!

Dare to Stand Alone - Sister Hannah Avery

Written by Sister Hannah Avery, serving in the Chile Vina del Mar Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Hermana Hannah Avery
Chile Vina del Mar Mission

Hello family and friends! :)

It has been an AMAZING week here in Chorrillos!! Here's what went down:

First off, we had our zone conference with the mission president on Tuesday! We had a really great time, and got to talk a lot about the things that we will be doing in the mission to make the rest of this year, and the quickly approaching 2015, an amazing year for the mission too! Just a fun fact for you guys... our mission (Viña del Mar) was the top baptizing in ALL of Chile this year! WOOHOO! :)
We had "milenesa," which is basically a dish from Argentina (where my mission president is from) for lunch, and it was AMAZING. Super yum! I will have to learn how to make that so that I can make it for you guys later :)

We also had a baptism this week! L** was FINALLY baptized yesterday :) He was the happiest little old man I have ever seen! I would say his baptism was one of my favorites of the mission, just because the Spirit was SO strong, and it was really amazing to me to think that God loves L** (and each one of us!) SO much that he sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins and show us the way back to Him.... beginning with baptism! It was the sweetest thing to think that 85 years worth of sins were washed away in just a matter of moments, and that L** is now one step closer to having exaltation and eternal life with our Heavenly Father :)

We had a really amazing experience yesterday in the street while we were contacting houses. We got to one house, and a woman walked out and looked extremely grouchy, but we aren't intimidated by that anymore. So we started to tell her who we were as she walked closer to the fence to see what we wanted. We explained to her that we are missionaries and she just kept saying, "I really am not interested and your church is just like all the others." So, we proceeded to tell her that our church is definitely NOT like the others and we would be happy to explain why. Her mom then came out and joined in the conversation. They continued telling us about how they had gone through almost every religion, have read books, and just can't find the truth. They don't know why they are here on Earth,

and if there really is life after this because the world is so bad, etc.

We began to testify of the Restoration, and explained to them that the Book of Mormon is an additional scripture written by prophets on this continent about our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that it is a companion to the Holy Bible. At the beginning, we tried to give them one and they said, "We have already read everything. Not your book, but we aren't interested in reading anything else."

So, we kept following the promptings of the Holy Ghost and said everything that we were directed to say. We gave portions of almost every lesson that we teach as missionaries, and helped resolve many of their questions and doubts. What started as an argument with a grouchy woman changed, through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, to two new investigators, who are excited to read the Book of Mormon. We will be meeting with them again next week!

It was a truly incredible experience for me that, when we follow what the prophet says, "dare to stand alone," miracles will happen. In standing by what we believe, two confused women are now reading the most true book in the world (the Book of Mormon has only been translated one time, where most other books of scripture have been translated again and again by different groups of people for different purposes). It will answer every question and erase every doubt. What a testimony builder it was for me to see that even the hardest of hearts can be softened by the Holy Ghost :)

Well guys, I hope that you all have a wonderful week! I can't wait to talk to you guys NEXT WEEK for Christmas! Remember what it is all about... Christ! :) Share the gift! Accept the gift :) I love you!

xoxoxoxo Hermana Avery
Talk to you next week!

He is the Gift (December 8, 2014)

Merry Christmas from Chorillos  (December 22, 2014)

Christmas Conference - Elder Brian Burgess

Written by Elder Brian Burgess, serving in the Mexico Puebla North Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Mexico Puebla North Missionaries

Hello to everyone! I hope all is well.

This week was our Christmas Conference. President Christensen talked about teaching with the Spirit, and it was a great lesson. Then after that, we sang some carols, shared Christmas experiences, and played games. One of the games, called BUNKO (looks like a BINGO board to me, but it's played with dice) was way fun! Then we ate, Virginia ham and some cheesy noodles with vegetables and rolls.... that's something I haven't eaten in a long time! WOW! I love it when Sister Christensen cooks! Then President gave us all a candle in a sweet handmade, painted container that is very common in Puebla. It's called Talavera. If you want to Google that, I am sure Google will help you all understand what I mean.

I feel as if our ward is progressing. My companion and I feel like we are on the edge of finding some new investigators. The Lord blesses us, even through trials. The Lord lives, this is His church. I am so grateful for my life and that I am where I am right now. Some elders and sisters now are starting to categorize me as one of the "old missionaries" on the mission. But I am happy I am here. I testify of the truthfulness of this church. Missionary work is the Lord´s work. And we, you and I, are His missionaries. With a name tag or not. I invite you all to follow the example of the Prophet and Apostles and preach the gospel!  #SharetheGift

SERÁN BENDECIDOS!! Les amo mucho! Espero que disfruten de cada momento y experiencia espiritual que tendrán este mes. Al hablar de Jesucristo en el tiempo de Navidad el espíritu les iluminará una luz nueva en sus vidas, y les enseñará mas del amor de Dios que se encuentra en Juan 3:16. Que el espíritu les revele el propósito de Navidad! Testifico que serán bendecidos, si lo buscan, en el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.

(We are so BLESSED!! I love you very much! I hope you enjoy every moment and spiritual experience that will come this month. Speaking of Jesus Christ in the Christmas spirit illuminates a new light in our lives, and teaches more about God's love that is found in John 3:16. May the Spirit reveal to you the purpose of Christmas! I testify that you will be blessed if you look to Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.)

ELDER BURGESS

Santas and Bed Bugs (December 8, 2014)

Christmas in Mexico  (December 29, 2014)

Write Me! - Elder Dallin Remund

Elder Dallin Remund is serving in the Virginia Chesapeake Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Here's my address! Write me! No time to write anything today!


Elder Dallin Remund
200 Hawthorne Ln. #3A
Wilson, NC 27893

Adventures of a Zone Leader  (December 8, 2014)

Zai Jian (Goodbye) - Elder Joshua Avery

Written by Elder Joshua Avery, traveling today to the Singapore Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Mandarin Chinese.

Elder Joshua Avery - Singapore Mission

Hey family and friends!

I'm almost all packed. I have my laundry from this week in the wash and then I will be "officially" packed. I'm a little close on weight, but I think we will be fine :) It is hard because in the States we get 45 pounds for our carry on, but on our flight to Singapore we only get 15 pounds! Yikes. We weighed my language study material, and that by itself is 35 pounds...sheesh! I'm so excited to call later today. It is going to be really cool to talk to you.

Since it was our last Sunday before we leave, my district decided to watch "Character of Christ" by Elder Bednar again. It is the best! There is so much in it that I couldn't do it justice, but if I had to sum it up, I would say that the "Character of Christ" is to turn outwards towards others, when the natural man would turn inwards to himself.

I wish I had more to say, but mostly I am just excited to head to the field. I will try and e-mail you next week and tell you when I am Skyping for Christmas.

Love You!
Feng Zhang Lao

As Long As I Don't Have to Wear a Dress (December 8, 2014)

Ipoh, Malaysia  (December 22, 2014)

Good friends from high school, Elders Sedric and Avery

MTC Mandarin District (Elder Avery, top right)

"I will miss seeing this everyday." - Elder Josh Avery

MTC District with our Branch President
(My eyes are closed! Never trust the missionary
taking the photo. Always check it, haha!)

As Long As I Don't Have to Wear a Dress - Elder Joshua Avery

Written by Elder Joshua Avery, training at the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Next week he will travel to the Singapore Mission, speaking Mandarin Chinese.

Family and Friends!

Ni hao! This past week was awesome, but the highlight was definitely getting our travel plans. SOOOOO EXCITED! I'm the travel leader, which is a little stressful. But there are only 5 of us headed to Singapore, so that makes things easier.

Overall, the MTC has been awesome! I have had a lot of fun, had a lot of spiritual experiences, and have learned so much. I'm not excited to have no one understand what I am saying in Singapore, but I think that's what I will need for my language skills to really take off. We talk to the Mandarin investigators for a long time here, but I think that is because they are used to hearing bad Chinese, haha!

We Skyped again today, which is exciting :) The first time we Skyped, two weeks ago, was a little traumatic. I'm not sure if Elder Harmon has completely recovered. Our first Skype lesson was with a recent convert. He was crying because his family had left him with two of his siblings, and no one knows where his family went. We were not prepared for that. I shared the first couple of verses from D&C 121 and I think that helped him a little. Then I told him to talk to his bishop. I'm so grateful for a knowledge of the scriptures because often times I have no clue what to say, but I usually know a scripture that helps. After all, God can say things a lot better than I can. So, when in doubt, share a scripture. I have come to realize that I am better versed in the New Testament than the Book of Mormon. That's not a bad thing, but I am making a goal to really study the Book of Mormon more. 

Sunday we had mission conference which is pretty much stake conference in the MTC. Sister Nally gave a wonderful talk. She said that all of us get to play the part of the angels in the nativity story. We are to find the meek and lowly (the shepherds) and help them find Christ this Christmas. I am cool with being an angel, as long as I don't have to where a dress...or robe, whatever you want to call it :)

I'm going to try and call Mom's cell at around 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Things might be crazy, but I will shoot for that. I'm so excited to talk to you! Hopefully the kids will be back from school so I can talk to everyone! I will try and send an email Monday morning, but I can't make any promises.

Love you all! Can't wait to see where I go :)

Feng Zhang Lao

Thanksgiving in the MTC  (December 1, 2014)

Zia Jian (Goodbye)  (December 15, 2014)

He is the Gift - Sister Hannah Avery

Written by Sister Hannah Avery, serving in the Chile Vina del Mar Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Hello family and friends! :)

We had a pretty rough week this week, but finished strong! We had a LOT of time walking around this week and found it really hard to find new people to teach, in general! But, we kept the faith and just kept on walking.... and walking.... 

Ga** wasn't able to come to church yesterday because she had to go out of town with her family. We did get permission from our mission president to baptize her with 2 asistances to church and the 3rd be her confirmation, so we will be trying to do that soon! (Normally people need to attend church at least three times before they are baptized.)

Jo** was not in his house pretty much ALL week long, but we finally found him yesterday afternoon and read the introduction to the Book of Mormon with him, hoping to get him to feel the need to read more. He wasn't able to come to church yesterday either, mainly because we weren't able to go invite him to come since he wasn't ever home. But, we have faith that he can still progress and will be baptized in the Lord's timing :)

Lu** is doing GREAT! He came to church again yesterday, which means that this Sunday, the 14th, he can be baptized! :) We are going to have his baptism interview this week and then have the baptism Sunday. We are super excited and he seems to be too! He is such a sweet, raisin of a little man :) You guys will love him when you see him!

Other than that, we haven't seen hardly anyone this week because everyone was gone. We don't know why they left, but we think it's because everyone just got out of school for summer (weird to think it's summer here when it's winter for you all! haha!) and also, soccer is starting up big again, which means that the TVs are blaring and people aren't coming to the door to hear about Christ. But, we are doing the best that we can :) 

Another cool thing that we started this week is sharing "He is the Gift" video and pass along cards. If you haven't watched the movie, DO IT! In the first 10 seconds, you can feel the Spirit. It's pretty amazing to me how the church came out with the "Because of Him" video at Easter, and now they've created this! The church is using many ways and resources to get people to come unto Christ, including putting the "He is the Gift" video on New York City big screens! Pretty amazing, if you ask me :) The Lord is definitely accelerating His work!

Well guys, I hope that you all have a wonderful week this week! I love you and miss you all so much and will talk to you next week! Talk to you soon! 

xoxoxoxo Hermana Avery

Thanksgiving, Chilean Style  (December 1, 2014)

Dare to Stand Alone  (December 15, 2014)

Adventures of a Zone Leader - Elder Dallin Remund

Written by Elder Dallin Remund, serving in the Virginia Chesapeake Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking Spanish.

Hey everyone!

Holy cow, the time is flying! Being a zone leader has been crazy. I am REALLY busy and I love it. I have had a lot of really cool opportunities. We went up to Chesapeake, VA for a big leadership conference, to help us for our zone meeting we're in charge of, and it was super fun. Our zone meeting was all about having the faith to find people, and the Spirit was really strong in our meeting.

I got to see some of the Albertson members this weekend at an elders' homecoming. The Jones family. They're amazing and I miss them a ton. I LOVE being in the Goldsboro zone again. Our ward is really strong and there are lots of Hispanic YSA (Young Single Adult) members that are good friends with us and they're going on missions soon, so that's really fun.

My companion, Elder Benedict, is really cool. We're good friends and he's going home in a month, so it's crazy. One of our investigators, Be**, who's 11 years old is wanting to get baptized. There are a lot of prepared people here and they all have connections with members. LOTS of member support out here.

Whew, I just typed that up really fast. I definitely wish I had more time to tell you how amazing the mission is and how much it is changing me day by day. I have a testimony that the restored gospel can bless us and our families.

Con mucho amor.

Elder Remund

I'm Getting Transferred  (November 24, 2014)

Feliz Navidad de Wilson, NC  (December 29, 2014)