Focus on the Things That Truly Matter

Holaaa mis queridos amigos y familiares!



Alma 34:15 And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. 16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.

Baptism of little Jesus

I want to share to share this special scripture this week because this is what God's plan is for us! Central to God's plan of Happiness is His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. It is through Christ's atoning sacrifice that we have opportunity to exercise our agency and repent of all the bad things that we have done in our lives. It is through faith and repentance that we can receive the healing power of the Savior and become more like Him, and be prepared for the life to come after death. This is what my mission president challenged us to teach to everyone, because this is the only way that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father again one day with our families. I know this is true!


This week was pretty exciting! Elder Sanchez and I are working hard to reach a goal of talking to 40 people each day. This was an instruction of Presidente Gabaldón and it's so we can find and teach new investigators. We really have to talk to everyone! We have been talking to people in the street, on the bus, in the stores and everywhere. I really have learned to develop a love for God's children even though I never have met them before. Serving our fellow men is one of the greatest blessings we have here on the earth.

January 6, 2017 - Día de Reyes (Day of the Wise Men) everyone eats Rosca, a breaded desert with fruit flavors that contains a little doll inside, and whoever finds the little doll inside, they have to buy tamales in February. I found the little doll on 3 occasions haha

We had a Multizone Conference on Friday with all the missionaries in Mazatlan and Escuinapa and Teacapan. I really enjoyed listening and learning from my inspired leaders and Presidente. Sister Gabaldón always lovingly reminds us to clean our houses and eat well and exercise every morning so we don't get sick and we can stay healthy. There are lots of new rules and concepts that we are trying, and there will be a new schedule for the missionaries as well. It's such an exciting time to be in the mission. It is such a great blessing to serve the Lord. I love every moment! Presidente Gabaldón told us that each and everyone of us need to be here, because this is the most important work that coming to pass. 

Pday basketball activity with Zona Mazatlan Oeste

One thing in particular that I learned this week is to focus on the things that truly matter, and not be distracted by the little things that aren't as important.


On Saturday was the baptism of Jesus Avitia. A little boy in the ward who is very excited to be a new member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His father is not active and Jesus wanted that I baptize him. It was such a great experience! Although the water of the baptismal font was green, it was a special day for Jesus and he made covenants with God. The next day, he asked that I would do the confirmation as well without telling me beforehand and I confirmed him in Sacrament meeting and I had never done that ordinance before so I was super nervous and shaking haha. The great moments of the mission :)

Baptism of Jesus

Elder Bennett

Basketball Court on the beach

Feliz Año Nuevo

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.


I studied this scripture this week in my personal studies. I studied more about the Restoration. I loved this scripture because the Apostle Peter testified of a restoration of all things after the period of apostasy. I know that the Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ has been restored in these latter-days through a modern day prophet, Joseph Smith. I know that an apostasy was necessary, so that Christ's church could be restored in its due time. I know that we have the blessings of the Book of Mormon, eternal families and a knowledge of God's plan of happiness for us. In this new year I invite all to study more about the Restoration of God's true church and the Book of Mormon, which has convincing evidence of the prophesied apostasy. I love this church, I know it's present here on the earth and each and everyone of us are subject to these great blessings available for us.



Hey Everyone!


First of all hope everyone had a wonder week! A wonderful time of year to welcome in the new year, 2017! Feliz Año Nuevo!


This week went pretty well for Elder Sanchez and I. We made lots of progress with some investigators that we have been visiting. We have three investigators in particular that are progressing well, Soraya, Jazmin, and Susano. I love seeing these sons and daughters of God make little changes in their lives through repentance and putting their lives more in tune with the will of the Father. I especially loved the experience this week in visiting a man that can't walk and seeing the joy and spirit that we were able to bring him through the great Gospel message.


For New Years and Christmas we had to return to our home earlier than usual to avoid potential dangers during late night festivities. It was a fun experience seeing all the fireworks that the little children like to set off and all the adults have their music Banda blaring loud. This is the time of the year when there are lots of parties and hitting of the piñatas. Some of the members invited us to eat some delicious posole to bring in the new year.


This week we had divisions with the Elders from Francisco Villa. I went to the area of Francisco Villa with Elder Agustin. What a amazing missionary he is, very kind and talks to everyone, a bit of a change from my current companion Elder Sanchez. We had various lessons and contacts, a successful day.


We are still looking to move haha......We are waiting very patiently for the apartment to become desocupied again.


This week we have a Multizone Conference with President Gabaldón. Lots of new rules in the mission that I'll tell in my next letter!


Take care everyone! Have a wonderful week!

Elder Bennett

Navidad en Mazatlan

Moroni 10:4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Christmas Gifts

I love these verses! This is one of the scriptures of the Book of Mormon that truly strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ and of His Gospel. I know that we can receive answers to our prayers when we pray with faith and real intent, like the Prophet Moroni invites us to do. We can know the TRUTH OF ALL THINGS- what a wonderful blessing of a loving Father in Heaven who is willing to lead us, guide us, and help us know the truth of all things.


Hola a todos desde Mazatlan!


What a wonderful Navidad my companion and I had here in Albatros.

With Elder Sanchez

We were able to have lots of trials and tests this week due to the Holiday season and everyone buying gifts and leaving town and having family arrive to their homes. Not many recieved us but we were able to gain a testimony of patience and the importance of keeping a good attitude and having the Spirit of Christ in our lives.

With Jesus

We were able to eat a lot of yummy food this week! Camarones rancheros, cochinita pibil, tortas de pescado, and lots of pastel!

I think Elder Sanchez and I are going to do better about going on a run everyday to burn some calories haha.


The highlight of the week was when I talked to my family for Skype! Wow did I miss their faces! A three-way Skype with Connor in Utah and I in Mexico and mom, dad and Genna in Arizona. It sure was a struggle talking in English again, some words just came out naturally so I was talking in Spanglish haha. I now recongize more than ever the blessings of an eternal family. I know that we are a family forever and these great blessings we have thanks to the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have definitely done a lot of spiritually growing here in Mazatlan. I love teaching and talking to new people every day. I love how when I extend commitments to my investigators that they are growing and I am too and that's why I feel so motivated to share this great message of hope and love with everyone. I know this is the only way that we can return to our Heavenly Father's presence again one day, when we do our part to learn of Him and act in obedience!

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Helping Mash Potatoes

Helping Out

I love Christmas! It wasn't a very white Christmas more than the sand of the beach but I am grateful for this time of the year to think of the Savior and reflect on His life. He is the Light of the World and brings us peace and joy through His infinite Atonement. He is my best friend!

Pinata

Candy

Christmas Day with the Hernadez Family

Hope everyone has a Prospero Año!


Elder Bennett

The Spirit of Christmas

Hola Feliz Navidad!


“When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning." -First Presidency

Cocos helados y preparados

I wanted to share this important message from the inspired leaders of Christ's Church. I know that this is an amazing time of the year to be able to reflect on how our year went, spend time with our loved ones, and eat lots of food! But there is a reason more important to think about personally and with those we love: Jesus Christ. I know that Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World. I know He is the Only Begotten Son of the Father and was chosen in the premortal realm to be the Savior of the World. I know that He paid the price of our sins to satisfy the demands of justice. I know that if we truly repent that we can receive grace and mercy from the Father. I know that Christ's Atonement is the central part of God's plan of Happiness and it's because of Him that we can be forgiven, comforted and illuminated. He is the Light of the World!


This was another crazy week due to the many trips to Culiacan for my visa.....Ugh. But finally the secretaries of the mission were able to get things figured out and I am no longer illegal so that is comforting. I can now focus on the work and no have to worry about leaving the country again haha!

2 Trips to Culiacan this week- should finally be legal!

I love this time of the year! I can finally feel the Christmas Spirit again as the people put lights on their houses and their Christmas trees. There is lots of talk of turkey this year so that should make up for missing Thanksgiving haha. In the stores, they are playing Christmas music and in Church we are preparing for the Christmas party and singing Christmas hymns.

Let the Christmas Parties begin! Lots of Posados!

On Sunday at church, a large group of members from Utah came in. Every year they come down for vacation and give a lunch on Christmas day for all the missionaries in Mazatlan. It was cool to see lots of people back from the States. I was able to translate for a lady from Utah to a lady in the Albatros Ward telling her that she thought about her all year after helping her buy appliances for her home. They both start crying and it was such a happy moment. I love the joy of service and the positive impact that it has on our lives.

Photo my Mom received from a Sister who was visiting

This week I caught a little cold. You would think I would be fine dealing with this time of cool weather when in Nebraska it is super freezing but I think it is from showering in cold water. I love the climate right now in Mazatlan.

Played basketball as a zone today on the malecon

Our investigators are slowing progressing. We have an investigator, Lupita, that is going through lots of hard times right now and we were able to pray and fast for her this week. We are praying that she will progress and the Lord will provide a way for her to assist church. We also have Jasemin, Marcela, Norma, Armando, Mili and la Familia Sanchez that we are teaching!

Yummy pan from Panama Bakery

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Christmas! Feliz Navidad!


Elder Bennett

A Little Trip to the USA

Hola buenas tardes!



“For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.”
—2 Nephi 31:3


I learned this week that as missionaries we need to speak with clarity and plainness, with the intention that our investigators truly understand the doctrine. President Packer said “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” I know that if truly come to know, understand, and apply the doctrine of Christ in our lives, we will experience a change of heart. This change of heart will motivate us to always follow Christ and do as He did. I am grateful for the knowledge of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, because I know that God loves me and all His children to restore His Gospel in these lasts days.

Breakfast in the USA

This has been one of the craziest weeks of the mission! I received a call from the secretaries on Tuesday saying that I will be going on a trip for 3 days with a man that works for the church. They told me there was a problem in my papers (error of the secretary) when I went to renew my visa. The people who work for immigration didn't accept my papers and told me that I have to take out a new visa. So that resulted in a plane ride to Mexico City, then to Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas. I left for Mexico City on Thursday morning from the airport in Culiacan.

I didn't think I would be returning there until 2 years was up but it was necessary so I wouldn't be deported from Mexico. Rodrigo Hernandez, who is in charge of all the visas for the foreigners serving in Mexico, came with me on the trip. He is really nice! We flew to Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua together and stayed in a hotel.

Hotel we stayed in Cuidad Juarez

Then the next morning we drove a rental car to El Paso, Texas. It was 32 degrees in Chihuahua, thankfully I brought my jacket so I didn't freeze haha. It was very interesting crossing the border, they can be pretty rough.

Crossing the Border back to the US

El Paso

We went to the consulate and everything went smoothly. 

New Visa

We had time after taking out my visa to do a little shopping. Hno Rodrigo shopped for his two little boys for Christmas and I bought a few gifts for my district. Hno Rodgrigo was really nervous driving in United States and ran two stop signs and got pulled over by the plaza security, but luckily we didn't get a ticket. It felt really weird to be back in the US and talking English again.

We almost weren't able to cross the border back into Mexico because we didn't know that we had to cancel my green card from last year before taking out a new visa. 

Ready to head back to Mexico

Leaving the USA- back to Mexico

We said a prayer and they were able to allow us back into Mexico so we could make it on time for our flight on Saturday morning. We were able to see the temple in Ciudad Juarez and take pictures.

Cuidad Juarez Temple

We wanted to do a session but it was being cleaned. We got back to Mexico and waited all day in the airport for my flight back to Mazatlan at 4 oclock. 

Waiting all day to head back to Mazatlan

We didn't have a whole lot of lessons this week due to my little trip but I am reunited with my companion and we are ready to put baptismal dates and for serving everyone this Christmas season!


It has now warmed up again here in Mazatlan. We will be finally moving to the new apartment here in the next few weeks!


Hope everyone has a great Christmas season!


Elder Bennett

Ask and it shall be given you!

Hey Everyone!


Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.


I want to share a miracle that happened this week. For about a month, Elder Sanchez and I have been trying to find a new casa to live in, but we hadn't any luck finding one. We prayed almost everyday to find a good, safe place, a little more centered in our area, but we didn't have much luck. One of the departments that we looked at was pretty expensive, the owner was asking $6000 pesos, we explained that we were missionaries and that we would pay on time every month and she dropped the price of the rent to $4000 pesos, but it still was out of the price range. We only receive $3500 max to pay for the rent. We told the owner thank you for your time and we left a blessing for her and her home and we left. A few weeks later, we received a call that she could rent the house for $3500, the price we had been wanting. It was a huge relief to know that we could touch this lady's heart that through her the Lord blessed us with an answer to our prayers. I know that we have to been patient when we ask God for answers to our needs and questions. I know God answers prayers and does not cease to be a God of miracles!

Beautiful  Mazatlan

This has been a very good week!


The temperatures have finally gotten cooler here in Mazatlan. It's been 60s, 70s más o menos. Fall has finally arrived here to Mexico haha! I never has felt so comfortable walking in the streets all days than now.

Monument by the Aquarium

Elder Sanchez and I will be companions for this next transfer here in Albatros. I will be the District Leader again so that will be a good experience! I love helping others!

Beautiful Sunset

We had quite a few lessons this week that we were able to help our investigators progress! We have one investigator named Lupita who we are working with. She has a big familia, but she is the only one listening to us as of now. She is very close to the Spirit and we have had very spiritual moments with her. Tomorrow we will see if she has received an answer to her prayers concerning baptism. We have other families that we are teaching that need lots of prayers: The Familia Regalado, Familia Sanchez, Familia Guzman. Little by little we are helping these people come closer to Christ and learn of His true Gospel!

District Meeting fun

The Church's Christmas initiative this year #IluminaElMundo has been going good! We have been able to watch the video in mormon.org with a few people and it's been a great experience helping people learn of Christ and the perfect example that he has set for us. Like it shows in the video, we have to follow His example so we can learn to be like Him and feel His love for us. I love this Holiday season.

Last Mazatlan Oeste zone pic

On Sunday, I had the special opportunity to translate for a man that came from Idaho Falls for vacation every year. He told the congregation that he has been coming here for 12 years and he loves coming to Barrio Albatros. I could feel the Spirit through his testimony. A valiant woman who was blinded from sickness bore here simple testimony and the Spirit of God filled the Sacrament room. I know this is God's true church.

Members fro Idaho Falls

Hope everyone has a great week and a happy holiday season.

Pday at Carl Jr's