Fwd: Another incredible week gone by in the work!

Sorry, this was last week's email, but it didn't get sent out to everyone.

Fri, Mar 10, 2017

¡Hola amigos! ¿Como estan?

Another incredible week gone by in the work!  The time is passing incredibly fast!!

This week I have felt much better.  After feeling a little discouraged last week, this week I realized that I need to let go of my pride.  You see, I had arrived to this new area, with a new assignment, and a new companion, and I thought that despite all of this, that we would baptize tons of people here in my last transfer.  But I had to remember that this isn't my work, and I'm not capable of doing any miracles on my own.  The Lord is in charge.  And thank goodness, because he knows how to do things much better than I do.  :)   I love my companion and I'm grateful to be here learning from him and with him.  I love the people here, and I'm grateful to be here working with them and serving them the best I can.

This week, we were blessed to see so many miracles.  The Ward is working together much better.  In the Ward Council on Sunday, we found a way to involve the leaders of each organization to help us with missionary work and we found how we can help each of them and together we work to accomplish the same goals.   I feel like we've now gained the trust of the members (who had some problems with the sister missionaries in the past.)  And we have several investigators that we feel they'll come to church this Sunday - one of which has been listening to the missionaries for years and has never come to church, but she asked us to pass by for her this Sunday at 8:30 because she feels like the time has arrived that she feels she needs to go.  Also, this Monday, I got permission to go to the baptism of Celso, Pamela, and Dalila in Iztacalco!!  They asked the Elders there if I could come and I received permission to go.  I'm very excited to see them again and support them during their baptism that we've worked towards together.

Last weekend, we gave a blessing to a brother from our ward who was very sick, Brother Malpica.  My companion and I, along with our ward mission leader went to visit him.  We all felt the same, that his time was near.  He received a blessing of peaceful passing Saturday night and Sunday night he passed away.

Monday we had our monthly Leadership Council with all of the Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders, and President and Sister Mecham.  This time we had a special guest visitor, Elder Gaona, who was just released from being an Area 70.  He talked about how we can work together with the institute program.  Then we got to listen to the words and counsel of President Mecham.  President also gave us time to have a testimony meeting.  I shared my testimony about love.  About how infinitely much Christ loves us and how much we can love our companions and our investigators and those in our areas as we are here serving as his representatives.

Yesterday, we went to the airport to take a missionary that was going home.  We were asked to go accompany Sister Mecham.  I got feeling really sad because I've gone to the airport so many times to drop off the missionaries that are going home and yesterday it hit me as I thought that the next time I come to the airport might be when I am the one going home.  I'm going to miss the mission Sooooooooo Much!!!!  But I know that I am just finishing another phase of my life.  I still have so much waiting for me at home left to do and learn.  And I'm excited to see you guys!!!   I Love You So Much!!!!

Elder Jarrett

P.S.  This next week we have Zone Conferences throughout the entire mission!  Yay!

First Week Back in the Offices

All of this week has been spent in Trainings.  Elder Martinez and I are both in our first Transfer as Assistants to the President and At the same time, we're Opening an Area in Cafetales (which has been closed for a transfer), so we have lots of work to do and so little time, but we're determined to work hard and we've already seen some of the miracles that God has blessed us with.  :D  Such as walking in the streets at the right moment and the right place to find our Ward Mission Leader that we'd never even met before and who lives on the whole other side of the ward boundaries.  That happened to us last night.  :D

Monday we were in the Transfers all day, making sure that the missionaries were all able to get to their new areas.  Then we talked with President for a little bit and greeted two new missionaries that arrived from the Provo MTC later in the afternoon.  Afterwards, Elder Martinez and I had to find our new house in Cafetales, where we're going to live this transfer, and get moved in.

Tuesday we went to a District Meeting and District Leader Training put on by the Zone Leaders in Culhuacan in the morning.  Then we got down and had a good Planning Session to see where we're going to start in the area.  We called a few members and finally we were able to find out who the bishop is and his phone number and we found a family that will help us out lots this week while we are getting to know the area.

Tuesday night we had to go to the Casa Amarilla to stay the night to leave for the Airport at 3:30am with the Missionaries going home.  I learned the whole airport process very well as Financial Secretary, so President sent me and Elder Martinez to the Airport terminal 1 to help the other missionaries that were going home while he stayed in the Terminal 2 to take care of the missionaries there.  Getting back from the airport, we had a Training for the Trainers and New Missionaries and a small Orientation for them.  Then a quick meeting with President, some Office Work, and then Elder Martinez went to rest because he had been throwing up and feeling sick all day.

Thursday we had a Meeting with all the District Leaders and Zone Leaders in the Mission then an Evaluation for those finishing the first 6 Weeks of their Training.  Then we went to our area to work.

Today we had another Evaluation for those finishing their 12 Week Training and we'll have our P-day today.  Then tomorrow we have a Stake Activity to go to with President in the Contreras Stake.

I feel like a Secretary again in the sense that I'm again in the administrative work of the mission more than the work of being out in the streets all day teaching.  But I'm Learning Tons from the stories and wisdom of President Mecham.  I am happy that we are trusted to make sure that things happen right - President tells us his desires and the things he wants done in the mission and it's our job to make sure that the things are done and that everything is prepared correctly so that it all runs smoothly.

I am happy that I can serve the Lord in whatever form he calls upon me to do!!!  I Love the Lord and His Gospel!  I know that it is True!  I know that Christ lives and he is guiding this Work!!!

I Love You All!!!  Have an Incredible Week!!!

Elder Jarrett

Transfers!!! Leaving Iztacalco!!!

Buenas tardes!!!  (Good Afternoon!!!)

How are you all doing on this Wonderful Day?  How are you enjoying the blessings of the gospel in your life today?  :)

Well, I'm just sending a short email today because I will now be writing on Fridays.  

But, I just wanted to write you quickly to let you know that everything is going great here in Mexico City!!!

Today we had Transfers!!!  I left Iztacalco (and it was really hard saying goodbye to everyone). And I'll now be in the Cafetales ward with Elder Martinez!!!

I Love You All!!!

Elder Jarrett

This week has been another Incredible Week! This morning we were eating a torta de tamal and Elder Herrera said, "Why do we need to go to Heaven when we can be here eating a torta de tamal?" Haha. :D I really feel so joyful. I feel like being in the mission, we are in such a blessed place, and we feel maybe even just a tiny bit closer to Heaven.

 

On Sunday, I was filled with joy yet again to see our ward's strength. In my time here in Iztacalco, I have seen the Sacrament Meeting attendance almost double. We also had the opportunity on Sunday to see one of our recent converts prepare the sacrament for his first time, we saw another recent convert sustained to receive the Aaronic Priesthood, we saw the baby blessing of another recent convert's baby, and we saw two confirmations for the two baptisms that the other Elders had on Saturday. I feel blessed that the Lord has allowed us to see some of the fruits of our labor and I feel happy to think that I have contributed a tiny part to the establishment of the church here in Iztacalco.  On Sunday, I did my first baby blessing!  You see, Yesenia and Rosa arrived at church and we greeted them then we went and stood by the doors of the chapel, where everyone enters, to greet everyone that was arriving.  Then Yesenia came over and told me "Hey, they told me that today is First Sunday of the Month, and that the First Sundays of the Month are when they can bless babies.  So I just talked to the Hno. Lemuel about it."  I went to go talk with Hno. Lemuel and he told me, "Yeah, Yesenia just talked to me and said that she wants you to bless her baby."  I asked my companion if it is allowed and he said that it is, so I did it.  It was an awesome experience.

 

For me, the Zone Conference last Wednesday was incredible. Elder Begley and Elder Tams talked about Conversion.  They said were things that I have always thought and felt, but they expressed them so well. It was so powerful. This week as I have my last transfers, I want to commit myself to give Everything I've got this last transfer. I want to finish strong. I want to finish the race sprinting. It doesn't matter where I am or who I'm with, I will love my companion and work hard.

 

Also, last Monday in the Leadership Council that we had with everyone, I left so impressed. I told Elder Herrera that night that I learned something so important. I realized that each of us are capable of doing incredible things. For example, I've always thought, "In President Mecham's mission, he did incredible things that I have not done. I will probably never become so great and successful." But when I left the Leadership Council last week, I was thinking, "And why can't I do incredible things like that? Who is to tell me that I can't? If you want to do great things, just go get to work and do them. Quit feeling sorry for yourself for what you haven't done and really commit yourself to what you want to achieve and do it." I realized that I can do incredible things too. The world is not divided between people with extraordinary talents and abilities that can achieve great things and those that don't. It is divided between people with Desire and Determination who know that they can do amazing things because they believe in themselves and they Know that They Can and those that don't see the power that they have or that lack desire or determination to work hard. I now understand what President Mecham has taught us before, that the secret to having success is: Knowing that You Can. I feel like these past few months, I have learned that I can. I recognize that I still have tons that I need to improve and learn, but I feel that I now understand better the power that is in ourselves to act. I trust in Our Savior to make up for the part that I lack as I strive to improve.

 

The Zone is great. Last week, Iztacalco 2 and Jardines had baptisms and this Saturday, Narvarte is going to baptize. That means that we'll end the transfer with baptisms in every companionship in the zone except Del Valle, Ermita, and Escuadron (and Escuadron was going to baptize this Saturday too but their investigator didn't come to church on Sunday). I have seen so much improvement in the zone in these transfers. And I know that we can do even more!

 

Yesterday we moved out of the other Elders' house and we are back in our own house again.  It feels so good.  :)

 

I love you all. Thank you all for everything that you have done for me.

 

Elder Jarrett

Loving Every Minute!!!

(Sorry, I don't know how the other email got sent.  Here's the real email for this week.)

Hola!!!

This week was Incredible!  Last Wednesday, we arrived home that night, and I was just in awe.  I can not believe how many miracles we are seeing in our area!  There are so many people here that have desires to hear the gospel and to change and come unto Christ!  I am seeing success like never before in my mission!!!  

Last night was the baptismal interview for Rosa and Yesenia, our golden investigators.  And they both passed and will be baptized this Saturday!!!  Their story is Amazing:

Rosa has told us that she wants to be baptized since our first lesson with her.  She told us that her husband has been against her getting baptized and the other day she told him that she was going to be baptized and he was invited to come.  He started to tell her many rude things, like that she can't abandon what her parents taught her and that if she gets baptized, then she's been lying to God and to her family all of these years and whatnot.  And in that moment she told him, "I've already made my decision and I'm going to be baptized.  I'd like to have your support in this, but I'm going to be baptized whether you're there or not".  When she told that to us this week, I was overcome with gratitude for being able to know people so strong and so converted that they are willing to follow God - no matter what persecutions or rude things that people may say or do to convince you otherwise.

The day that we invited them to put a set baptismal date, we felt that we should extend it for the 21st of January.  As we invited them, we saw Yesenia's face light up.  She told us, "That's my birthday!  What better way to celebrate than with a baptism!"  We had faith in that she would be able to be baptized on that day.  But the only problem was that she also had to get married to her boyfriend before she could be baptized.  The weeks were counting down, when finally, last week she told us that she talked with her boyfriend and they are going to be married.  And they're going to do it this Saturday as well!!!  So this Saturday, we're going to go with them and see their marriage and then that night, her baptism with her mother.  It will be such an Incredible day for all of them!!!!  I'm so Excited!!!  :D  :D

We also have other investigators with baptismal dates for these upcoming weeks:  The mom and sister of Dana (the girl that was baptized on Christmas Eve), have got newfound desire in the gospel after seeing Dana's baptism!  They've already come to church several times and learned the principles of the gospel and they are planning on being baptized next Saturday, the 28th.

This week we also saw a miracle with one of our investigators named Silvia.  We've extended the invitation to put a baptismal date with her several times and she's always said no, because she feels that she has lots to learn still.  But this last week, we talked about it again and we brought Celia and Rogelio with us to the lesson, they shared their baptismal experiences and we invited Silvia again to put a baptismal date and she accepted for the 11 of February!!!

And the Last Great Experience to share from This Week was on Sunday!!!  They just put two new missionaries in our ward and on Sunday, we had another day in which we were blessed to see the fruits of our labors - to see that our hard work is paying off.  I was filled with happiness to see the ward's sacrament meeting so full of people!!!  The Sacrament Meeting attendance increased by about 20% of last week's attendance and we had more than 100 people in Sacrament Meeting in total!  We also had 11 investigators present, between the two companionships!!!  I was so happy to see a church not so empty, but full of people that came to feel the Spirit and learn how to walk in the ways of the Gospel.

I Love You The People Here, I Love This Work, and I Love the Blessings of the Restored Gospel!!!  

Have a Wonderful Week!!!

Elder Jarrett

Pics:  The four of us from our ward in the moving truck as we were helping some members to move.

Yesenia and her boyfriend that are going to be married this Saturday!!!

Loving Every Minute!!!

Hola!!!

There are so many miracles happening right now!!!  I am seeing success like I have never seen before in my mission!

Yeah, I extended my mission so I'll come home one month later, but my weeks are still counting down.  Ten weeks left, I believe.  It's pretty crazy!  But I'm going to finish strong!!!  :D  You are living with Braden and Tanner???  Where's your apartment at?  Are you guys studying at USU?  Oh, we'll go on lots of double dates, don't you worry about that.  :)  Haha.  I love ya lots man!  Say hi to Braden and Tanner for me!

Elder Jarrett

Another Week in the Work of the Lord

¿Comó están mis amigos?  ¿Están celebrando esta temporada navideña de alguna manera especial?  ¡Regocijen en el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador!

Lots of good stuff going on this week!  We are helping to spread the word for the Christmas iniciative of the church.  In Spanish, it's called "Ilumina el Mundo" and it involves giving service every day for the 25 days leading up to Christmas.  We started it off last Thursday with a district service project and we painted the house of one of the bishops in our stake.  Christmas is a time for service!  A time to remember Christ through our thoughts as well as our actions.

We continue to see so much progress in each one of our investigators.  I am seeing success like I have never seen before in my entire mission.  I love these people so much and I am so happy to be here helping them and sharing something that will bless their lives forever!!!

Last night, we went to teach the Meza family, a family of investigators that Elder Garcia and I found and started teaching last transfer.  They are progressing, little by little.  Last night, we had planned a FHE with them and we invited a member, a recently returned missionary from Brasil, to come with us.  I had told them that I was going to make Arroz con Leche for them for the FHE.  It took a long time to make the Arroz con Leche, but it turned out really well in the sense that there were lots of people there.  They had invited their sister-in-law, neice, and cousin.  We chatted with them and won their confidence and shared a short spiritual thought about scripture study.  And my Arroz con Leche turned out really well and they all liked it a lot.  They were impressed that I knew how to make it, because many of them didn't know how to.  I'm excited to make Mexican food for y'all when I'm home.  :)

Last week, we had an amazing lesson with them and we saw that they are starting to really seriously accept and think on the things that we are telling them.  We read 2 Nephi 31 with them and then we asked what they understood from that chapter.  They mentioned that they understood the importance of baptism.  Then Ana, the daughter, asked us, "So do you guys believe that baptism in your church is the only baptism that allows us to get into Heaven?"  We responded quite simply, "Yes."  And then we explained about the power and authority that was restored to Joseph Smith.  We also talked about how Jesus had to go to John the Baptist to be baptized by that power and authority, not just anyone could have done it.  Ana's mom, Tere, then said, "And Jesus was 30-years-old when he got baptized, not a baby." Then Ana, who believes very strongly in the Catholic Church, said, "You guys are right.  And you know what?  The baptism of babies isn't right, that's not the way that Jesus did it.  The Catholic Church is wrong on that."  And then we continued on with the conversation.   But that, in itself is a miracle, because that was a very big step for Ana because she is beginning to see what makes us different from all the other churches.  They are beginning to feel what we feel and see what we see.  They have come to church one time and they love listening to us, and we are hoping that they soon will be baptized too.

We got a call on Sunday night from the sister missionaries in Padierna.  Elder Walker answered and they asked for me.  I answered and they said, "Elder Jarrett, we just want to inform you that Diana Herrera is getting baptized and she's asked that you baptize her.  You've got a baptism on December 17th."  That made me very happy to hear that.  Diana Herrera was an investigator that I taught when I was in Ajusco.  She always told us that she wanted to get baptized and that she wanted me to be the one to baptize her, but then she never got baptized in my time there and I thought, Oh well, someone else will arrive and finish teaching her and baptize her.  I ran into Diana a few months later in the Metro when I was secretary in Coyoacan and she reminded me, "Hey, when I get baptized, you're going to baptize me."  I laughed and thought it was funny that she still remembered that she had told me that.  But now it's for real!  She's listened to the missionaries for a long time and now she's ready and she's getting baptized!  Yay!

This Saturday, the man I wrote you about last week, Hector Aguilar, is getting baptized!  He told us last week that the reason he has decided that he is now ready to be baptized is that, last Sunday, he finished reading the entire Book of Mormon!!!  We were so happy to hear his experience and know that, in the moment that he finished reading the book, he knew that baptism was right.  The power of the Book of Mormon is incredible!!!

I hope all is well and that you're enjoying this Special Christmas Season!  I love you all!!!  Have a Wonderful Week!!!  I'll write again next Friday!

Sincerely,

Elder Jarrett