The Best Decision

Doctrine and Covenants 4:1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. 2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. 3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; 4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; 5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. 6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. 7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.


Words cannot describe how these last two years have been for me. Every week I had the opportunity to repeat these words and rededicate myself to the Lord's work. I have experienced joys, trials, scary moments, excitement, and tears. I am not the same person that I was 2 years ago and I feel grateful to have strengthened my faith and testimony of my Savior through service to others. The mission has been the best decision that I have made in my life to this point and will bless me and my family and future family forever. I will never forget the people, places, foods, and trials that I have met, they will have a special place in my heart. God lives! He sent His son Jesus Christ to teach us and pay the price of our sins and overcome death. He makes it possible that we can repent and be made new. Baptism is the gate by which we enter to receive the kingdom of God. I have knelt and prayed with real intent to know if this is His true church I know by the Holy Ghost that it is true and Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration. What a wonderful blessings I have received to share this great joy with the world!


My last email! It is hard to believe I have already reached this stage in my life. I was thinking of the challenges I faced trying to adjust to the mission life and now I think I may be faced with the same challenge coming home. I know the Lord has plans for me and I am excited for what's to come. I will dearly miss speaking Spanish and eat tacos every week and being soaked with sweat everyday but the Nebraskan life isn't so bad either ;)


We had a great week! I am still trucking along and working hard! I had a special experience this week as I prayed fervently to be able to set baptismal dates with our investigators and on Saturday is when we saw the miracle that God placed in our hands. Hector, our recent convert, his father Victor Manuel accepted to be baptized for 26 of August. A young nine year old boy, Miguel Angel, also accepted to be baptized on the same day. I testify that God answers our prayers when we pray with faith! (Mormon 9:21)


I'll be arriving home on Tuesday August 15! I am so excited to see everyone!


Adios!


Elder Bennett

A Cherished Relationship

Jeremiah 9:23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.


Something that I have learned to cherish is my relationship with my loving Heavenly Father. I have grown much closer to him in these last 2 years and I have been developing my full and complete trust in Him. I know He loves me! He wants what's best for me and guides me everyday. I know that He is real. I love learning of His son Jesus Christ because ''Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" I know that through Christ, we learn of the Father, and we can come to know Him.


Hey everyone!


This was a fantastic week full of excitement!


We were in Cabo San Lucas for the first part of the week taking care of business! I gave my district meeting on Monday night and Presidente Gabaldón walked up unexpectedly in the meeting and everyone jumped haha. He then took out the Elders to tacos and we were there until about 10 pm talking, great memories!

Tacos with the Presidente!

On Tuesdays, we had interview with Presidente Gabaldón. I personally love being able to ask question and advice to him because I feel his love and concern for me. He helped motivate me to set goals and make plans for post-mission. It's very emotional trying to make this transition and I trust that everything will go well!


On Wednesday, I had my very last Zone Conference. It was bitter/sweet knowing that it would the last one. I loved how Presidente testified that he knows that we are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. There is such power in his testimony. I was able to feel and understand more the special privilege that it is to be a full time missionary and a representative of Jesus Christ.  I feel that it is one of the best experiences that anyone can do. 

Elder Yzquierdo

Presidente presented a new mission song that missionaries in this mission composed and it is very catchy! We sang the mission song the whole car ride to Pescadero  haha.

Elder Chinchilla

The Zone Leaders came and stayed the night with us to interview Sandra for her baptism. There were a few challenges because it turns out that her boyfriend, that's in prison, is her cousin and we thought that she wouldn't be able to be baptized because it would breaking the commandments but turns out that everything is alright because they aren't as closely related as we originally thought. On Saturday, Elder Martinez and I put together the font and a big water truck filled up the font in less than 5 minutes which was great for us haha.

The baptismal service was great! Sandra was very excited and happy to make this decision. She had faced lots of tests and trials to be able to get to this point and we are all happy for her. I was able to confirm her on Sunday. It was a very great week!

Baptism of Sandra

Elder Bennett

McDonalds in Cabos

Trust in the Lord

Lucas 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.


This week in seminary we studied Chapters 4,5, and 6 of Lucas in the New Testament and I really enjoyed this story. I think we can learn from Peter's experience that we should trust in the Lord. That means that we need to have faith in Jesus Christ and trust that He knows what's best for us better than we do. And when we are faithful and obedient, we receive God's promised blessings! In Peter's case, he received a ship full of fish. We can deserve His blessings in our lives when we put our full and complete trust in the Savior.



Hola a todos!!


This was a pretty good week again! We made progress with our investigators that we have been teaching. We had 6 investigators attend church and two of them came for the first time which was exciting! Something that I really enjoy about missionary work are the friendships that I have made in my time here and the ability to love and serve others. It's fun hearing the stories and experiences of the people and their background.


We are happy because this week we are going to have a baptism! Her name is Sandra! She has been investigating the church for 3 years now and she has made the firm decision that now is the time that she will be baptized. Her family is catholic and she has her boyfriend in jail right now. She wants to be obedient and keep the commandments. We promised her that the Lord would help her boyfriend and other family through her obedience by being baptized. She is excited and we will have the service in Pescadero in the church again in the portable font that they sent us.


This week some of our investigators gave us food to eat, one day we ate chicken skins which was pretty interesting haha. My companion knows how to cook pretty well and he made enchiladas verdes this week.


The Circus has been in town all week and lots of people are now on vacation because the students just left on their summer break last week.

Circus is in town

This week we have a busy week as we have divisions with the Zone Leaders, interviews with Presdiente Gabaldón, and the Zone Conference with Presidente.


Espero que todos tengan una buena semana!


Elder Bennett

1 Month Left to Go!

1 Nephi 10:17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. 18 For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. 19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.

This week as a mission, we studied about the importance of of personal studies and companionship studies and how it affects the way we teach our investigators. I was grateful to find this scripture that helped me find comfort to know that through a diligent study I will be able to receive personal revelation for my life. I learned that it is important to start each study session with a question. Just as the Prophet Joseph Smith wanted to know which of all the churches was the correct one, he received instruction through the scriptures that lead him to pray and ask God specifically. His studies lead to the Restoration of the Gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the study habits I have developed to help me with my college studies here soon.


Hey everyone!!


It was another warm week here in Pescadero! We are working with several new investigators that Elder Martinez and I have found and teach them and serving them. Something that I have learned is to teach God's children with real love and concern instead of only teaching a lesson. These are real people with real needs and worry. I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ and resolve whatever conflict, addiction, problem that we might face in our lives.


We are teaching a lady, Sandra, that has a lot of time being taught. She recently accepted a baptismal date for the end of this month, 29 of July, and we are very excited for her because she has been wanting to be baptized for a long time and now she will be able to.


Today in our District Meeting we were doing a practice lesson and the Sisters got scared because they thought someone was in the church and it was being robbed. Last Friday the church building was robbed and they were afraid that they broke in again. But we checked and nobody was there and we said a prayer so that we would be protected and safe.


This week one of investigators Andres painted our bikes and they look way better!!



It has been a little discouraging lately because on Sunday we only had 12 people attend church and 2 investigators attend and we are trying so hard but we see few results of our work. I know that I am here for a reason and I am sure that I am here to learn patience because sometimes I'm not patient but I know that I am learning a lot and am becoming like my Savior everyday.


1 month left to go!


Adios!


Elder Bennett

Heating Up

Helaman 3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.


This week, in our companionship studies, Elder Martinez and I were reading in the Missionary Manual and I liked this scripture because it not only applies to me as a missionary but also as a disciple of Jesus Christ and as a son of God. In our Heavenly Father's perfect plan of happiness He allows us to make decisions, and these decisions determine our destiny. As we choose to be obedient and exercise our faith, we have more faith, trust, and love toward the Savior. As we follow the Savior's perfect example and His teachings, we find peace and joy. We find protection from Satan's tricks and lies and temptations. I know that when I come to face a decision, we will find comfort and guidance as a result of our faith in Him.


Hooooola a todos!


What a great first week with my new companion! He is from Cuernavaca, Morelos and he is 18 years old. He is very bright and knows a lot about the Gospel and life. His family have been members for all their lives. His father passed away and is the first in his family to go on the mission. A lot of people tell him that he looks like Harry Potter haha.

Elder Martinez and I

We have been working a lot this week! We found 11 new investigators to teach this week and we have been following up with those who are already in teaching. We put a baptismal date with the man that sold us the washing machine for August 5th. He is a great guy. He told us that when we arrive he would close his barber shop to stay focused on the lesson we would give. We will see what will happen because he is leaving for a trip today.


It's been really super hot lately! On Sunday, we talked about preparing for our temporal needs for the storm/hurricane season that is approaching. They said there is a storm on the way and that's why the temperatures have reached up to 100 degrees with humidity. We don't have an air conditioning and it has been a struggle in the nights with the heat. We only have electric fans and the flies are getting to be a pain haha!


We are making progress with Jesus and now with his family. We had a talk with his parents and they opened up to us and we expressed what we would like to achieve with them and they are receptive. They even gave us pizza and money to buy food in the week and that was a great blessing for us. Jorge and Pati are going to go to La Paz this week to finish up the paperwork for their marriage so little by little we are going!


I have learned what it really means to be humble. It really is an important Christ like attribute and I feel the Savior's love more present in my life and it brings me patience in my afflictions and gratitude for the blessings he gives me!


Elder Bennett

21 Years Old

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.


This is a very simple but powerful scripture from the New Testament! This is a direct statement to Nicodemus and also to all of us. In the mission we are focusing on bringing our investigators to sacrament meeting and keep the Sabbath day which prepares them to make sacred covenants being baptized by someone who has God's Priesthood authority. We are fulfilling our missionary purpose as we help God's children receive the necessary ordinances of salvation as we prepare them to be baptized and confirmed as members of Christ's restored church. I know that God loves us and wants us to be with Him, and these blessings come as we follow Christ's perfect example being baptized and keeping those sacred promises that we make with him (Mosiah 18:8-10). The conversion to Christ that I see in others brings joy to my heart! I love this work!


Hellllo!


Well, I am now in my last transfer of my mission! I have 6 weeks left till I head home to Nebraska. I will finish my missionary service here in the Baja California Sur in Pescadero with my new companion Elder Martinez from Cuernavaca, Morelos! He has 6 months in the mission. 

new companion Elder Martinez de Cuernavaca

I will be the District Leader for my last transfer as well, I will now have 10 1/2 months as District Leader, I have grown to love helping, serving and loving the missionaries in this mission! Elder Yzquierdo went to San José del Cabo as District Leader and I will miss him a lot! I will see him in our Zone Conferences in a month.

Adios Elder Yzquierdo

This last week I turned 21! 

It was a pretty normal day in the mission field. The Sister Missionaries in my district called me and sang me Happy Birthday and also a birthday song they sing here in Mexico called Las Mañanitas.

Birthday package

I did eat cake on the 28th, my birthday, because the ex-Branch President invited me to chocolate cake and chocolate milk haha, a great combo! 

Chocolate cake & chocolate milk

On Sunday, Hermana Sol made Hector, our recent convert and I a cake, for his baptism and my birthday! Elder Yzquierdo had the pleasure to shove our faces in the cake after church haha. It was a great experience. It was difficult to remove the blue from my face! 

We are seeing a few challenges with the investigators but we are doing all we can to help them progress! Jesus, our investigator who didn't get baptized on the date we put with him, said that he wanted to see Elder Yzquierdo at his baptism and so we have faith that he will soon be baptized! Jorge and Pati are close to having all their papers finished for their marriage so they can be married! We will have baptisms soon!

I am happy to be here! I know this is the Lord's work and it is so important that God's children come to know these things that we know to be true! I have seen that as I do what the Lord asks of me, I have been blessed. He wants what's best for me! He will help me if I exercise my faith and do His will.

McDonald's

Elder Bennett

Serving with all my Heart, Might, Mind & Strength

2 Nephi 2:22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. 23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. 24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. 25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

District Meeting

Last Sistrict Meeting of the transfer

I shared this scripture with my district this week in my last district meeting of the transfer to help the missionaries understand that it's important that we have joy in our service. I know that it would be difficult to share light and joy with others if I am not being an example of the believers and not living up to the Lord's standards. He gives us a promise that if we are obedient to His commandments and mission rules then He will guide us in our paths and we will obtain a testimony that Jesus is the Christ. I know that as we are obedient, we receive joy! Joy lasts forever but happiness is only temporary. The Gospel brings us the direction, peace, comfort, and joy that we need to overcome daily trials and keep moving forward becoming more like Christ.


Hello!


I am happy about the experiences I am having here in Pescadero! Transfers are the next week and we aren't sure what is going to happen. This next transfer will be my last before I'll be heading home in August. I am going to keep persevering and serving with all my heart, might, mind and strength! Ahhh I'll be turning 21 this week as well!!! Crazy!


We had a few challenges with our investigator Jesús this week. The Elders from San Lucas came down to do the baptismal interview and Jesús didn't pass his interview because of his lack of interest and according to him, he feels 50% yes and 50% no about his decision to be baptized. His family did not want to listen but now they are opening more and we are going to teach the whole family of Jesus. We feel a little frustrated because in the interview he said he has doubts that God exists and that because God made us sinners through Adam and Eve. We have asked inspired questions and he understands the doctrine well but still feel that it has not obtained a testimony from the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.

After the interview of Jesús, we had to go to Cabo San Lucas unexpectedly due to one of zone leaders who recently became sick and hasn't been able to work all week. We went and helped Elder Tapia while one of us stayed with Elder Escalante in the house to take care of him.


We have been working hard! Elder Yzquierdo and I have become great friends, we are always laughing together!


This last week there has been talk of tropical storms and hurricanes coming on the way and so we will see what happens here later on this week!

Platanos

I know Christ lives and loves me! I love my family and I know families can be eternal. I know the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the Gospel and it changes the lives of those who read and apply it's contents.


Elder Bennett

Backyard Chickens