Mi Familia,
This week was great. I am so happy and just doing great.
Mom, I hope you had a great birthday yesterday! I thought about you a lot and prayed you had a great day. To answer questions, It is hot but I am really used to it. If it is under 85 degrees I get so cold. I sleep fine and the apartment is perfect. I am doing great with money and don't need anything. Today I am going to take out the money you sent me and also an emergency account of $40 that the mission announced we need to have in the house from our own money. For transportation we get 800 pesos, (a month) and this month we are doing good on money.
This week we had zone conference so I finally got to meet Presidente Cárdenas and his family. They are so sweet and loving. I am happy they are here and know that he will receive inspiration for us as missionaries.
We also had a baptism this week for Itzelt. It was one of the most beautiful services I have ever seen. She was so nervous but so happy to get baptized. Her family came and her friend that is a member from another Stake. Her friend gave a talk and just said how she never thought that her friends would accept the gospel. It made me think about my friends and how I never talked about the church with them. Of course now as a missionary I can't think of another thing to talk about with someone. I remember a time at school when a close friend said she would get join the Mormons because she agreed with all of our beliefs and would like to be Mormon. I think told her that that was cool and asked what the homework was for that night. I laugh at how pathetically sad that was.
We are teaching a lot of people and I love them so much. I love being here. My testimony is growing and I am learning so much. I loved something that Presidente told us. He said that Joseph Smith could not have written Doctrine and Covenants 120:20-21. I dwelt on that and knew it was true. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet and could not have made up the things he wrote, they are eternal principles.
I love you and miss you all, have a great week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Yo sé que vive mi Señor
Mi Familia,
This week was really good! I learned a lot.
Things are good with Elder Nay. He is a really good companion; he really helps me want to be a better missionary. We are working hard here!
This week we were going to have the baptism of Susi, the sister of Roque, but in the morning she called us and told us she got sick. I wasn't really sad, and realized it is because she is still going to get baptized eventually! I care about her and realized it is not about the numbers, not that I ever thought that. We decided that we are going to teach her everything over again, and she is going to get baptized on the 30th of this month. We taught her everything but a long time ago, we are just going to review it and make sure she is really ready.
We started teaching a contact that Elder Tapia and I had. The first lesson she told us she knew it was true. Sometimes I can't believe how sensitive people are to the spirit, and I think about what I would be thinking if I was in their place. We invited her to be baptized but she said she couldn't because her parents wouldn't let her, they are Catholics. I was thinking about it later and got an overwhelming feeling that it was all going to be alright. I am not sure if I will ever see her baptism, but I felt and know that she has accepted this message and will have another opportunity to get baptized.
Another investigator, Itzelt, is doing so good. I have had members ask me if she is a member already because she knows so much and dresses like a member, too. She told Elder Tapia and I that she wanted a Hymn Book because she loves the songs, so we bought one for her and wrote notes in the back. I gave it to her on Saturday and she was so excited and touched. She brought it to church and everything. She is going to be baptized this Saturday.
Things are so good here. I am loving the people more and more. I had a few days where I was thinking about family and friends a lot, but I have been praying for help. I realized that the antidote is love for the people. I started focusing on how much I love my investigators and all the people I have taught and I stopped missing home so much. I feel really happy today. I love being here and teaching these people. They are so amazing to me and I have learned so much from them.
Yesterday we had a stake priesthood meeting. We had almost 200 people there, which is a great turnout. There was a special musical number by some of the young men in the stake, including Nefi, one of the 3 boys Elder Ballard and I baptized. They sang my favorite Hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." It made me cry so much. I had just found out a few days before that Nefi talked to his mom and is planning to leave on his mission in December 2012, right before I go home. Jared will leave about 2 and a half years after that, and Alejandro, 2 years after Jared. It is amazing to see some of the fruit of what I have done, with the help of the Lord.
I love you all, have a great week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
This week was really good! I learned a lot.
Things are good with Elder Nay. He is a really good companion; he really helps me want to be a better missionary. We are working hard here!
This week we were going to have the baptism of Susi, the sister of Roque, but in the morning she called us and told us she got sick. I wasn't really sad, and realized it is because she is still going to get baptized eventually! I care about her and realized it is not about the numbers, not that I ever thought that. We decided that we are going to teach her everything over again, and she is going to get baptized on the 30th of this month. We taught her everything but a long time ago, we are just going to review it and make sure she is really ready.
We started teaching a contact that Elder Tapia and I had. The first lesson she told us she knew it was true. Sometimes I can't believe how sensitive people are to the spirit, and I think about what I would be thinking if I was in their place. We invited her to be baptized but she said she couldn't because her parents wouldn't let her, they are Catholics. I was thinking about it later and got an overwhelming feeling that it was all going to be alright. I am not sure if I will ever see her baptism, but I felt and know that she has accepted this message and will have another opportunity to get baptized.
Another investigator, Itzelt, is doing so good. I have had members ask me if she is a member already because she knows so much and dresses like a member, too. She told Elder Tapia and I that she wanted a Hymn Book because she loves the songs, so we bought one for her and wrote notes in the back. I gave it to her on Saturday and she was so excited and touched. She brought it to church and everything. She is going to be baptized this Saturday.
Things are so good here. I am loving the people more and more. I had a few days where I was thinking about family and friends a lot, but I have been praying for help. I realized that the antidote is love for the people. I started focusing on how much I love my investigators and all the people I have taught and I stopped missing home so much. I feel really happy today. I love being here and teaching these people. They are so amazing to me and I have learned so much from them.
Yesterday we had a stake priesthood meeting. We had almost 200 people there, which is a great turnout. There was a special musical number by some of the young men in the stake, including Nefi, one of the 3 boys Elder Ballard and I baptized. They sang my favorite Hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." It made me cry so much. I had just found out a few days before that Nefi talked to his mom and is planning to leave on his mission in December 2012, right before I go home. Jared will leave about 2 and a half years after that, and Alejandro, 2 years after Jared. It is amazing to see some of the fruit of what I have done, with the help of the Lord.
I love you all, have a great week!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Prepararse para Comparecer Ante Dios
Mi Familia,
This week was a good one! I cannot believe how fast time is going. And it just keeps going by faster and faster. Another transfer just ended and Elder Tapia got transferred to San Cristobal, the nicest area in the mission as far as weather goes. He is going to be a zone leader, and he is going to be great. It was hard to see him go because we got along really well and we had so much success this transfer. In fact one of the assistants to the President congratulated me and told me to keep up the hard work and even the President mentioned it on the phone to Elder Tapia. I am working hard to have more success this transfer.
My new companion is Elder Nay, from Eugene, Oregon. He is a really good Elder and we got along really well. He has about 10 months in the mission. I think we are going to do a lot of great things here in La Salle. The ward is great and it will be hard to leave them some day. I will have 6 months with them after these short 6 weeks.
Roque got baptized on Friday. I forgot my Camera so I will send pictures another time. It was a great service and a bunch of people came, mostly non-members. He was happy after and told us he felt something special while he was there. Baptisms are so amazing and I still remember how I felt when I got baptized. I know it was the spirit testifying that the baptism is valid, and you could feel a little bit of God's love for us through the spirit.
Mom - Olga, her baby, and Alejandra (the less active family) came to church. The ward was so warm and nice to them, and I knew they were so happy to be there, and I think they are going to keep coming. Also I love how you are sharing the gospel so much. Something that is really important about the people we contact: Be sure to invite them to do something, like come to church or an upcoming activity. It is easier than calling for a Book of Mormon. I always write the address of the church on pass along cards or the little folletos (pamphlets).
This week I really learned the importance of trusting in our Father in Heaven. I was thinking about how this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God. I imagined coming into God's presence, what could I possibly say to Him? That is why it is so important that we have a good relationship with Him here on earth. It will be easy if we have meaningful prayers and really trust Him, and study about Him in the Scriptures. Then we will know Him, know how He is, and just talk to Him like a prayer- like how we always had. That made me realize I can do better in my prayers, and I am working on that right now.
I know this is Christ's true church. There is no doubt in my mind. I know that Christ lives, and through His atonement we will someday be made perfect, like Him and our Heavenly Father. I know my Heavenly Father lives and loves us. I know that we can do all things through them. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God.
I love you all so much. I miss you but know that before we all know it I will be back at home, most likely up to no good. Just kidding.
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
This week was a good one! I cannot believe how fast time is going. And it just keeps going by faster and faster. Another transfer just ended and Elder Tapia got transferred to San Cristobal, the nicest area in the mission as far as weather goes. He is going to be a zone leader, and he is going to be great. It was hard to see him go because we got along really well and we had so much success this transfer. In fact one of the assistants to the President congratulated me and told me to keep up the hard work and even the President mentioned it on the phone to Elder Tapia. I am working hard to have more success this transfer.
My new companion is Elder Nay, from Eugene, Oregon. He is a really good Elder and we got along really well. He has about 10 months in the mission. I think we are going to do a lot of great things here in La Salle. The ward is great and it will be hard to leave them some day. I will have 6 months with them after these short 6 weeks.
Roque got baptized on Friday. I forgot my Camera so I will send pictures another time. It was a great service and a bunch of people came, mostly non-members. He was happy after and told us he felt something special while he was there. Baptisms are so amazing and I still remember how I felt when I got baptized. I know it was the spirit testifying that the baptism is valid, and you could feel a little bit of God's love for us through the spirit.
Mom - Olga, her baby, and Alejandra (the less active family) came to church. The ward was so warm and nice to them, and I knew they were so happy to be there, and I think they are going to keep coming. Also I love how you are sharing the gospel so much. Something that is really important about the people we contact: Be sure to invite them to do something, like come to church or an upcoming activity. It is easier than calling for a Book of Mormon. I always write the address of the church on pass along cards or the little folletos (pamphlets).
This week I really learned the importance of trusting in our Father in Heaven. I was thinking about how this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God. I imagined coming into God's presence, what could I possibly say to Him? That is why it is so important that we have a good relationship with Him here on earth. It will be easy if we have meaningful prayers and really trust Him, and study about Him in the Scriptures. Then we will know Him, know how He is, and just talk to Him like a prayer- like how we always had. That made me realize I can do better in my prayers, and I am working on that right now.
I know this is Christ's true church. There is no doubt in my mind. I know that Christ lives, and through His atonement we will someday be made perfect, like Him and our Heavenly Father. I know my Heavenly Father lives and loves us. I know that we can do all things through them. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God.
I love you all so much. I miss you but know that before we all know it I will be back at home, most likely up to no good. Just kidding.
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Monday, July 4, 2011
Lágrimas de Gozo ante El Señor, Por Causa de Sus Tiernas Misericordias
Mi Familia,
Happy 4th of July! People have been telling me congratulations today, so I just tell them thanks. It is really funny because there are always random fireworks going off here, like seriously every day. I haven't heard one today. But I hope everyone has a great day!
Things are really good here! I cannot believe 6 months are already gone. It went by so fast, I cannot believe it. I am so happy to be here though!
To answer questions, I already have a binder from the MTC, my umbrella is holding up great, we can wear nametags and also we can contact door to door - which we do a lot!
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This week the 3 Montejo boys went to the temple to do baptisms. They said it was great and that they loved it. Alejandro (12) bore his testimony on Sunday and just cried and cried. I might have shed a tear as well. It is so amazing to see people grow testimonies of this gospel. The crazy thing is I feel like I barely do anything, it is all the spirit.
This week we were really busy and walked a lot. One day we were contacting and we finished and were just walking to lunch at a member’s house. Then a man called out, ¡Elderes! We stopped and talked to him. It turns out he isn't the biggest mormon missionary fan and was yelling at us after about 2 minutes. Then their neighbors came out and also called out, ¡Elderes! I was pretty worried and figured some mean missionaries had contacted the street but it was less active members. We talked to them after and said they came out because they heard yelling. We had a lesson with them and I think it helped them a lot - they have a bunch of problems. They didn’t come to church but I think it was because they have no money, but now the ward is going to help them. It reminded me of the Book of Mormon in Alma where it says that the Lord works by many means to help the children of men, or something like that, I don’t remember how it goes in English.
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We had a baptism this Saturday and it went very well. Pepe, Rosi, Arturo and Ari got baptized. It was a very special day. They are all doing great.
We had an amazing week and found some new great people. One had been praying for the word of God, another has had problems with life in general and we gave her a Book of Mormon. I love the Book of Mormon, and I know it is the word of God. It really helps us so much in all aspects of life. I know it is scripture and that it contains the fullness of the gospel. I know Joseph Smith translated it by the power of God.
I love you all so much and miss you, take care!!!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Happy 4th of July! People have been telling me congratulations today, so I just tell them thanks. It is really funny because there are always random fireworks going off here, like seriously every day. I haven't heard one today. But I hope everyone has a great day!
Things are really good here! I cannot believe 6 months are already gone. It went by so fast, I cannot believe it. I am so happy to be here though!
To answer questions, I already have a binder from the MTC, my umbrella is holding up great, we can wear nametags and also we can contact door to door - which we do a lot!
Elder Stevenson and Elder Ward study from The Bible
This week the 3 Montejo boys went to the temple to do baptisms. They said it was great and that they loved it. Alejandro (12) bore his testimony on Sunday and just cried and cried. I might have shed a tear as well. It is so amazing to see people grow testimonies of this gospel. The crazy thing is I feel like I barely do anything, it is all the spirit.
This week we were really busy and walked a lot. One day we were contacting and we finished and were just walking to lunch at a member’s house. Then a man called out, ¡Elderes! We stopped and talked to him. It turns out he isn't the biggest mormon missionary fan and was yelling at us after about 2 minutes. Then their neighbors came out and also called out, ¡Elderes! I was pretty worried and figured some mean missionaries had contacted the street but it was less active members. We talked to them after and said they came out because they heard yelling. We had a lesson with them and I think it helped them a lot - they have a bunch of problems. They didn’t come to church but I think it was because they have no money, but now the ward is going to help them. It reminded me of the Book of Mormon in Alma where it says that the Lord works by many means to help the children of men, or something like that, I don’t remember how it goes in English.
Before the baptism this week
We had a baptism this Saturday and it went very well. Pepe, Rosi, Arturo and Ari got baptized. It was a very special day. They are all doing great.
We had an amazing week and found some new great people. One had been praying for the word of God, another has had problems with life in general and we gave her a Book of Mormon. I love the Book of Mormon, and I know it is the word of God. It really helps us so much in all aspects of life. I know it is scripture and that it contains the fullness of the gospel. I know Joseph Smith translated it by the power of God.
I love you all so much and miss you, take care!!!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
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