Alarga Tus Cuerdas Y Fortalece Tus Estacas

Mi Familia,

Thanks for the emails. Sorry I am writing late we had a baptism. It was likely my last but who knows what happens this week (haha). It was great to see you all on tuesday. It really made my week!

Emma got baptized this week. Her dad baptized her. For one reason or another she couldn't get baptized when she was 8 so that is why we were involved. We got to teach her and she is a very intelligent little girl. She has a bright future in the church.

On friday we had the ZL council in Tuxtla. The Utt's daughter gave a presentation about the early missionary efforts in England. She is a Church Historian. I got the chance to talk with her the next day at a baptism and she knows an insane amount of information. She asked me where I was from and talked to me about the Borden Building. She told me who the guy in charge was that made the chapel and what year. She said it is one of the best 12 chapels from its time period that the church owns from a structural standpoint. When I told her that I go to the building in Escondido she laughed and just said that it isn't a very special building. She has never been to the buildings she just knows a lot about them. Weird or cool? I don't know.

We taught the Hernandez family this week and we took the ward missionaries that speak Tzeltal and they explained more about the restoration. It was a great lesson and we hope that they keep progressing in the gospel.

We are working hard, I am trying to endure to the end of the mission. Things are great here. I love you. I hope you all have a great week.

Love,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Lo Que Dios Ha Unido, No Lo Separe El Hombre

Mi Familia,

This week was great. Carmen got married on tuesday and Saturday she was baptized. It was a great service. She is so happy and she is going to be so faithful to the principles of the Gospel. Everyone that has met her thinks that she will be a leader in the church in the future. Her family is very catholic but they are supporting her.

Baptism of Carmen, and her member friend that introduced her to the church, Alberto who is from Chiapa de Corzo

We also had some sad moments this week. We visited some recent converts on wednesday and they were fighting when we got there. They said they wanted to get divorced. We read some scriptures but had to leave because it was getting late. We also found one member drunk on Saturday. We hadn't planned to see him but we had the impression to visit him and found him outside of his house drunk. We prayed with him but we will likely not visit him until he stops drinking.

We found a family of 11 last week. On friday we invited them to be baptized. They are thinking about it. We are going to visit them on wednesday with two of the ward missionaries that speak Tzeltal because they don't understand everything we teach.

Friday (21) it was raining all day here. The Zapatistas marched into the city but it was supposedly a peaceful march. We got to keep working but just couldn't go near the center of the city where the park is. That was about the biggest news here from the mayan center of the world.

I hope you all have a great night tonight! I can't wait to see you all tomorrow. I love you!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

¿Qué Señal Habrá Cuando Todas Estas Cosas Hayan De Cumplirse?

Mi Familia,

Thanks for all of the emails, I am glad to hear that you are all doing well.

Monday night before the zone conference. The Box says Feliz Compleaño(s) Pue(s). That is just how Chiapanecos talk.

This week was great. We had the Christmas zone conference on Tuesday and it went very well. Elder Bernal and I talked about security and we learned about how we can receive more referrals from the members. Afterwards we ate fruit and stuff with a chocolate fountain and sang Christmas hymns. It was fun and the cold made it feel more "Christmassy."

Zone Conference

We went to the Registro Civil to see when they are going to be closed because we have an investigator that is going to get married. The last day they work is tomorrow. But the Oficial that works there already knows me because we have taken two couples to get married.

So she said that if we take all of the documents we can to it all that same day. We are running around because we are missing a birth certificate but some members are taking her to Tuxtla today to see if they can get it. We are hoping all works out well.

My table singing

Anyways I am going to be in the zone where there are a ton of Mayan descendants for the 21st. I am pretty excited to see what happens and what everyone is saying. This week seemed normal and no one has been talking about it.

The only Elders left from my Tuxlta District. Elder Granados, from my generation that is in my zone in Yajalón, and Elder Pérez, assistant to the President

Not too much more to tell. Things are going great - we will talk next Tuesday. Have a great week! Love you all.

The carnival in the Church of Guadalupe. We live right behind the church.

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Nosotros También Creemos, Por Lo Cual También Hablamos

Mi Familia,

This week was great. We had a lot of success, we found some new investigators and had a lot of lessons.

Víctor and Ángeles, the ones that are going to get married had a problem. The ex-wife of Víctor sent an apelación (don't know what that is in english) so it might take a little longer for them to get baptized. We are bummed but we are going to see them tonight so we will see why she sent it. She should have evidence that he is still living in her house or not sending pension (which he is). So we will see why tonight, because we are going to go see them.

Yesterday I had a good day. Not many people knew about my birthday (I prefer that) and we had a busy day. We taught 6 lessons. We ate dinner with an investigator that has a baptismal date for January 6. Her name is Carmen, and I think I have talked about her. Although I think the biggest birthday surprise is that Elder Bernal and I spoke in church on Sunday. They told us right before the sacrament. I spoke about the Godhead.

Tomorrow we have the Christmas multi-zone conference. It should be fun. The assistants told us it is going to be about 7 hours long. I have no idea what we are going to be doing for so much time. Should be fun!

The time is flying by here. I love this work and know it is true. I know that Christ lives and loves us.

Hope you all have a great week! Love you!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Esto Enseñarás: El Arrepentimiento Y El Bautismo

Mi Familia

This week was great, I am having a great time with Elder Bernal here. Everyone was surprised that I stayed haha.

Sergio's baptism

This week Sergio was baptized. He is so happy. I think it is the biggest conversion I have ever seen. He was a gang member, used drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc. He was the last one in the family to get baptized.

Elder Bernal told me about the investigators we had that got baptized. I will attach pictures.

Baptism of Yami in Ciudad Hidalgo (After I got Transferred)

On friday we went to Tuxtla for a leaders training. There was quite a lot of talk about me finishing the mission as a zone leader. President said the members here in San Cris just can't let me go haha. I don't know how true that is. When the training ended Itzelt and Carmen (converts from La Salle) came to greet me. They gave me a birthday/Christmas present, a beautiful Mexican flag. I was really happy and surprised to see them. And happy because I was worried about getting a nice flag before leaving!

Baptism of Diana (left) and Carolina (right)

I also heard that another investigator in Tuxtla that I had got baptized (Alondra), and another one is going to get baptized (Alejandra, the daughter of a convert, Blanca Estela). That made me very happy.

I am doing very good here! Well I hope you all have a great week. I love you very much!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Los Que Han Venido Hasta Acá, Quédense En Estas Regiones

Mi Familia,

The transfers got here this morning and I am not getting transferred. Big surprise. Now I think I had already explained that President always changes us for our last transfer to senior comp but I asked the assistant that gave me the transfers and said the President tried to change me but he didn´t feel good about it. So... I am staying here my last transfer! I am so happy and I think we are going to have a lot of success this last cambia.

As for my companion, he is going to Tuxtla. My new companion will be Elder Bernal, the missionary I trained. I am so happy to be able to be with him my last transfer. That means I am going to end the mission with 3 areas. Unheard of. But I have loved that because I get to see the progress in the area and get to know the members very well. And to answer Mom's question, I did say bye to all of the members and investigators haha. Everyone thinks I am leaving.

Fruit I tried this week, Granadilla. Translation, alien eggs in an orange peel.

This week was a good one. First of all, I forgot to mention that I got my visa renewed last week. It expired in March haha. But it is good for a year so I can come to Mexico till November of 2013. While I was in Tuxtla I saw some members that I helped activate in La Salle. They are doing great.

Keveck's Baptism

On Tuesday we got a call from Elder Utt saying that we needed to go back home because there was a huge protest. We were at the chapel because we were going to have a meeting with the district leaders. We went home and took the district leader and his comp to our house because it is close to the chapel. The Elders from Ocosingo had to get out of their taxi and travel back home. The protesters were Zapatistas. It is a huge army that protects the indigenous people. There was a huge up rise in 1994 were hundreds were killed here and in neighboring cities  They weren't going to hurt anyone but they were carrying sticks and machetes. They crossed a few schools parades because it was Revolution Day here in Mexico. The parade stopped and everyone was closing their stores and hiding. Nothing happened, we just had to stay 2 hours at home. We are fine don't be worried about this!

Baptism of Jatziti (left) and Yaneri (right)

Victor and Angeles, the investigators that won the court case got the sentence from the judge and when Victor gets divorced they will be able to be married right after. They are so happy. If all goes well, they will get baptized this month.

Jatziti and Family

Also we ate in a Chinese buffet here with a member, and I found out this week that the owner is the cousin of Jackie Chan. Cool right?

This week I baptized two niños inscritos (I don't remember what they are called in english) The bishop had us teach them the lessons before their baptism so that they could have a spiritual experience. Their names are Jatziti and Keveck. Keveck's full name is Keveck Steve Anderson Santacruz Cachiguango. One of the most bizarre and stylish names I have ever heard of.

Yaneri and Family

Yaneri was also baptized. She is the cousin of Jatziti. She is a great girl and is going to be a great member.

Things are great here. I love you and miss you. I hope you have a great week!
Love,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Y Hubo Muchos Grandes Milagros Que Se Efectuaron

Mi Familia,

This week was one of miracles.

Víctor and Ángeles have been going to church for almost a year now. They haven't been able to be baptized because Víctor is married to another woman that wanted 50,000 pesos from him so she would sign the divorce papers. they have been in a hard court cases but this week they found out that they won the case. They will soon be divorced, married, and baptized.

Carmen, another investigator that I have taught has not been able to be baptized because her husband who is very catholic didn't want to get married. He got sick with an appendicitis and they talked this week and he said that when he is better they are going to get married and she will be baptized. That will probably take place in January. She has not missed a week of church for almost 3 months.

We invited Esperanza, that was a Jehovah's Witness, to pray this week to know if God exists and if he loves us and knows us. She did so and received a strong spiritual confirmation and knows that he exists. The JW's had told her that God would not listen to her because of the sins that she has committed. She wants to be baptized but also has to get divorced and then married. Her daughter, Yaneri, also received her answer. She was sick and asked God to heal her. She said she felt better after and didn't miss a day of school. We invited her to be baptized and she is going to be baptized this Sunday with her cousin, that is 8 years old (niño inscrito? I don't know how to say that.*) She wasn't going to church but we have been visiting the family and they are getting active.

Asunción, that we baptized about 2 months ago is Patricia's aunt (Patricia was baptized about a month ago) They didn't know each other, but Asunción spoke at Patricia's baptism and they found out later that they are family members.

Guadalupe, the daughter of Manuel told us about a dream her sister had. She said that her sister saw Manuel with his wife (that was an active member with a temple recommend) walking together in the Spirit World, in Paradise. I am happy that he could accept the gospel in this life and that he is happy now.

Well I don't have much time, this work is true and I love being a part of it. I hope you all have a great week, I love you and miss you. Happy birthday Dad!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

* Child of Record

Los Élderes De Esta Iglesia Enseñarán Los Principios De Mi Evangelio

Mi Familia,

This week was really good. We have been very busy. So we spent a lot of time traveling. We gave trainings here and in Ocosingo. I told Dad but Ocosingo is about 2 hours away from Palenque. There is transport that charges under 4 bucks to get there. So I think this is the closest I have been to Trevor!

Our investigator, Sergio got in a motorcycle accident on monday morning (5th) and he was pretty beat up. He couldn't move and we couldn't see him while he was at the hospital. Luckily he is home now and doing a lot better. It was pretty serious, he was in a city called Teopisca and they had to transfer him over here for more care. he couldn't move. He starts work today. On monday we visited his wife and kids, they were scared but things are good now. We got to help them figure out some of the paperwork because he was working when it happened, a member helped out. He is going to be baptized this saturday if everything turns out well.

We found some more investigators this week and they are great people. I love teaching the gospel!

It is getting cold here, and we are getting in the Christmas spirit. We also found a small Christmas tree in the old house so we are enjoying that. It has lights. So don't worry about not having the christmas tree when I get home.

I am finally going to renew my visa tomorrow in Tuxtla. It expired in just over 8 months ago. Luckily I look Mexican, right?

I love this work and know it is true. I know that I represent the true church of Christ.

I hope you all have a great week. I love you!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Aumentaréis En El Conocimiento De La Gloria De Aquel Que Os Creó

Mi Familia,

This week was very special. I have been so busy but good. On Friday Elder Daniel Johnson came to the stake center here. We had a great meeting with him. We sang the special musical number "How Great Thou Art." We sang the first verse in English, the second was sung in Tzotzil, and the third we all sang in Spanish. Our mission president was crying and Elder Johnson said it was marvelous. Then he asked a lot about our hour of language study and said that it was the first zone conference he has been to where everyone studies well for that hour. It was great. He talked to us about our Heavenly Father and how we should teach our investigators about Him. I learned a lot from the conference.

On Saturday we had the zone leader council and Elder Johnson was also there. He talked a lot about all of the missionaries that we will be receiving in these next few months. He said that in Mexico more young women sent their papers than young men, and that we might have more sisters serving missions than elders someday. Looks like the mission is going to triple in size before too long as well. Elder Johnson said that he asked the missionary department for 100 sisters and 270 Elders here In Tuxtla. In the Zone Leader Council he told us that we were sent on the mission in this time to prepare the other missionaries for this great change in the work. I am excited to see the changes and see the work grow.

We are working hard here. I can't believe how fast the time goes. I feel like there is so much to do here. We are going to have more time to teach this week, which is great.

Yesterday we brought a family of five to church. They are so great. They are humble but want to learn more about the gospel. The dad's name is Magín, and the mom is Peri. They have three daughters. 2 are small (Monserrat and Valeria), and Yaneri is 16. They liked it, and I think they made some friends there.

I love you and miss you all. I hope you have a great week.

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Llamad, Y Se Os Abrirá

Mi Familia,

This week was very different than other weeks. We were so busy.

Picture of the Tzotziles selling stuff to a woman. It reminds me of the kids in AYSO.

On Tuesday we had our meeting with the district leaders. Wednesday I went to Tuxtla to sign my visa but it was not ready yet (they told us it was but it wasn't!) Then we came back to San Cris and went with the owner of an apartment we were going to rent but she had rented it to another person for 500 pesos more. So, we looked for another house, and found a brand new one for the same price. Then we were in the church for 3 hours, where President interviewed Patricia for her baptism. Then we had a meeting with him and Elder and Sister Utt. It was great.

On thursday we went to Teopisca to move the stuff out of the Elders house, because there can't be missionaries in an area where there is no branch or ward, so they were removed recently. We moved the stuff into the new house here. On Friday Sergio and Patricia got married and after the wedding I went flying to Ocosingo and interviewed 4 people for baptism. Only one passed but that is all right! On Saturday we moved to our new house cleaned the baptismal font and got the white clothing. On Sunday we woke up at 4:30 to fill the baptismal font. And at 9:30 Patricia had her baptism. Sergio couldn't get baptized because he has a few issues with the word of wisdom. His baptism is scheduled for this week. Besides that we still had 16 lessons. Good stuff.

Sergio and Patricia getting married.

We are also getting things ready for this Friday, when Elder Johnson of the 70 is going to be here and I am in charge of everything. We have the food and technology all planned out. Also a special musical number. We are going to sing How Great Thou Art in Spanish, English and Tzotzil (some Elders in the Tzotzil zone).

Just married, With family and friends.

We made the mission goal that every area baptizes in October. We are very happy!

Also it is now prohibited in the mission to knock on doors. We are going to work more with the members. I think Dad said that that's how it was in his mission. I am happy to work more with them. We got another referral from Nicolas. He took us in taxi to visit a sick friend.

Patricia´s Baptism. Sergio will be baptized soon.

I am so happy. Things are going great here. I love this work and know it is true. I love you and miss you all!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Espera En Jehová; Esfuérzate, Y Él Alentará Tu Corazón

Mi Familia,

This week was very special. It was stressful but great! We are working hard here.

We got to teach the sister of an investigator that came from out of town. She liked the message and went to a Relief Society activity and to church. The investigator is Carmen and her sister is Monica. We are going to see how long she stays to help her get baptized.

I had a great experience this week. We were in the home of the grandpa of the stake president. I think I sent a picture of him and me. He is the one that was 8 or 10 when the first airplane took flight. We were leaving his house and he told us he was going to go with us. I thought he was just going for a stroll and to go in the sun because he gets cold in his room. But we found one of his friends in the street and he presented us to him. He told us that we could visit him another day. Nicolas, the grandpa, told him that we were going to baptize him - haha. He took us to another home and gave us another referral. I was touched by his testimony and his courage to share the gospel.

The missionaries in the Zone are doing great. Everyone is so excited to work. There is a missionary in every companionship that has less than 4 months (except for ours). It is helping us to have more faith and new ideas.

Jannia, the girl that I gave the backpack to, is behaving much better. Her parents are going to get married on Friday and baptized on Saturday. Sergio, the dad, got in an accident at work this week (motorcycle). He is doing better and we have seen that the Lord has protected him for his baptism. Patricia, the mom also had problems a few months ago she had a baby and had some serious health problems. They are both doing great now and are excited for their baptism.

Things are great here. I love this work and know it is true. I hope you have a great week!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

A Toda Nación, Y Tribu, Y Lengua Y Pueblo

Mi Familia,

Thanks for all of the emails. This week was great. We had transfers but Elder Rios and I are staying another transfer together. That means we will leave together next transfer, because we are going to end as senior companions the last transfer. I am excited because we have great people here!

Well this week we started teaching another referral, his name is Javier. He just got separated from his wife. He is awesome. He is searching for God. He went to church yesterday and really liked it.

We are also teaching another girl Emma, her parents are members but they don't live together and have a lot of problems but she wants to get baptized. Right now her dad cannot baptize her so we started teaching her.

We are also teaching another family that we got from some investigators. When we went on Saturday her (less active) member friend, Guadalupe, was there. We invited her to church. We are going to start teaching her daughter as well.

There are a lot of great people we are teaching. We received another 10 referrals this week. We also are going to start teaching the sister in law of one member. She recently had a nervous break down and says that she would like to talk to us. Her name is Esperanza.

I can't remember if I told you about Sergio and Patricia. They are investigators that want to get baptized but aren't married. They are having some strong economic problems. Their daughter Jania, that got baptized about 9 months ago, wanted a new bag for school because hers broke. When we left I left my bag on the clothes line and we left. I felt really happy! The good news is they have all of the papers to be able to get married, and they had about half of them a month ago.

I forgot to mention that last week I did a baptismal interview in Tzotzil! There was a translator there as well. It was good! This week we also got to serve a member family by painting their store. It was great.

I am so happy. I love this work and know it is true. I love you all!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

El Señor Vuestro Dios Os Levantará A Un Profeta

Mi Familia,

This week was great. First of all General Conference was great. I only saw the Priesthood Session and the Sunday morning session. I did listen to the opening statements of President Monson on lds.org right now, too. We took some investigators and they all loved it. Personally I liked President Uchtdorf's talk in the Priesthood session, and President Eyring's on Sunday morning. President Monson's stories were also so special. He is a servant of God.

We are teaching Ramiro Jr., the son of Ramiro that got baptized. He is 20 and accepted a baptismal date this last week. He went to Priesthood session and saw a baptism on Saturday before the session. He also went to the Sunday morning session. He really liked it. The second councilor in the Bishopric interviewed Ramiro so he that he can get the Priesthood. We are hoping that he can baptize his son.

We went to Tuxtla for the Zone Leader Council. It was great. We talked a lot about obtaining more referrals. We received 13 for the area this week and found some great people because of it. We also had some great lessons this week. We had a lesson with Merieli. We taught her about true intent because she does not want to change churches even though she has a testimony of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon and the church. She told us that she was praying and she felt darkness and she felt like it was God telling her not to change churches. I felt like we should give her the Joseph Smith pamphlet. She read it and said that she felt exactly what happened to Joseph in the sacred grove. She felt like she understood better what was going on. I read her Doctrine and Covenants 9:9 and explained how God answers "no." It was a great lesson.

Another sister from another church went to conference and told us that she had dreamed about the stake center before. She is Juanita - the one we found in the store and contacted her about the atonement (I think I wrote about her before!) We also talked to the husband of Carmen who does not want to get married  (Carmen wants to get baptized.) We have a great relationship with him. He drove us home after the Family Night we had together. Oh yeah it was an FHE. Their member friend from Tuxtla came and organized it all.

We were looking for a contact last night and couldn't find the street. I felt inspired to knock on a door of a house that was hard to get to. It was 8:15. She talked to us. Her mother in law died a week ago and her husband is drinking a lot. I am happy we found them.

I have to go. I am so happy and things are going so good. I hope you all have a great week!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Les Enseñaréis A Amarse Mutuamente Y A Servirse El Uno Al Otro

Mi Familia,

Hey! This week was a good one. We went on Friday to help Ramiro and Asunción get married and everything turned out well! They were so happy. On Sunday they were baptized and confirmed. It was a great service and a very special spirit was there. I am so happy for them and Many members are getting to know them so I feel like they will be taken care of when I leave which is great. On Sunday after the baptism we ate mole at their house. We bought yogurt and cookies on Saturday for dessert. They invited a few of their new member friends.

Ramiro and his wife Asunción - they got married on
Friday, and were baptized and confirmed on Sunday

Besides the baptism we went to Ocosingo for a baptismal interview. Almost all of the areas in the zone baptized this month. Only one area didn't but they almost did. Their investigator didn't pass the interview and the District Leader couldn't get a hold of President. We almost broke the all time record in the zone, and we did get the highest number of baptisms of 2012. We are happy. Tomorrow we have the zone leader council in Tuxtla.

Last night when we were walking home this drunk guy wanted to talk to me. His name was Daniel and had no idea where he was. We called one of his friends and told her what was going on. Then we took him to the city park and left him with her. He is 19 and was crying almost the whole time we were walking with him. When we left he hugged us. We got his phone number and we are going to call him and send the missionaries to his house. It felt good to help him out.

Baptisms at Stake Conference

Well things are great here. I am really happy about everything that is going on here. I wish I had more time left in the mission but I am happy that I will be home soon. I don't think about it too much which is great. I know this work is the most important in all of the church and that what we teach is the fullness of the gospel. I am sure that this is the truth. I did have a testimony before the mission but study and prayer has strengthened it. I know that this is the true church.

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Llamad, Y Se Os Abrirá

Mi Familia,

Hey everyone. This week was really good.

On Tuesday during our studies we heard a knock on the door and our neighbor (that lives in behind the same gate as us) went out, and we just heard "no gracias" and then our phone rang and it was President Cárdenas. He came to the house and interviewed us (we have them every other transfer). Luckily the house was very clean and I had a good talk with him. He brought my package so I have the HLJ rings and the pamphlets. Thanks a lot for that! I have already given out a few.

I think I also forgot to mention that Elder Bernal is training this transfer, so I am a Grandpa in the mission. And the best part is, he is training an Elder Stevenson. I haven't met him yet but he should be good.

On Friday we had a service project in Tuxtla in the building of La Salle (my first area). President Cárdenas invited us so we made bagged lunches for the people that are trying to get rid of dengue (I don't know how else to say that). I got to see a lot of members and 2 converts. I saw Ari who is going to serve a mission in the beginning of 2013, and Nefi that is going to leave the summer of 2013 (mission too). I was also informed that an investigator that I taught there is going to get baptized in October. Her name is Alondra. It was all like a dream - haha. But we made over 800 lunches and put them in trucks to be taken to other parts of Tuxtla, and some were eaten there as well.

On Sunday we had the stake conference. Our Bishop was called as the new stake president. He is a really good man and we will have to see who our new bishop is. Elder De Hoyos was there and gave a great talk about visiting less actives and helping the missionaries in the Lord's work. We had the baptism of Sonia after with 2 baptisms of the missionaries serving in Teopisca. Sonia was probably the investigator that was most prepared to hear the gospel that I have ever taught. She had some pretty hard problems the week before her baptism, but was really strong.

Today we went to the Registro Civil (that is why I am writing late.) Ramiro and Asunción are going to get married on Friday and baptized Sunday after church. They are really excited. They are awesome and so willing to live the gospel and make big sacrifices to follow Jesus.

This week we also started teaching another couple whose daughter got baptized a few months ago. They also need to get married but they are getting their paperwork done and saving money. Their names are Sergio and Patricia. They get so excited when we go to their house and want to get baptized so badly. Their baptismal date is for the 20th of October.

We are teaching other great people and many of them will get baptized. I am so happy, and I know this work is true and that the gospel was restored by Joseph Smith under the Lord's command.

I love you all and miss you. Have a great week!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Por Esto Dejará El Hombre A Su Padre Y A Su Madre

Mi Familia,

This week was a really good one. This weekend we had the Mexican Independence Day but things were quite normal. This week we taught a lot of new people. A lot of them aren't going to progress much but we found a few that may get baptized.

We are still teaching Ramiro and Asunción. We had a small miracle: Ramiro needed his birth certificate but he is studying High school and the school had a lot of his papers. On Friday, the day before he was going to renew his birth certificate, they gave them back all of their paperwork. And he said he was one of a few that got all of their papers. On Tuesday we are going to the Registro Civil to pay for the wedding and give them all of the paperwork.

Sonia is going to get baptized this Sunday at the stake conference. Almost all of the areas in the zone are going to baptize so it is going to be a special service.

Things are good here. I don't have too much more to report. I love you and miss you. I hope you have a great week!

Elder Riley Stevenson

No Os Afanéis Por Vuestra Vida, Qué Habéis De Comer O Qué Habéis De Beber

Mi Familia,

 This week was very good. My new companion Elder Rios is great. He is from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. We get along really well and are having a lot of success and a lot of fun when we are working. He has been making breakfast so I iron and wash dishes. It is a great deal.

We invited Merieli to church this week and she went with her daughter, Eida. They are really great. We had some other people at church and we are going to start teaching them. One is the cousin of some less actives and the other works with a member and wants help because she mentioned to us that there is a man that is following her and looking for her. We don't know why he is, but we are going to teach her tomorrow.

Last night it was 8:45 and we were contacting a few blocks from the house and I had the impression that we should contact in a little store. We went in and talked with a mom and her daughter. I talked to her about the atonement and we explained to her that the law demands the life of the sinner and how Christ's sacrifice was infinite. She was very interested and she gave us soda and cookies from her store. We are going to go back this friday to teach her.

We are also teaching a boy name José. His brothers and sisters are members but his parents aren't. His mom wants to get baptized but can't because she isn't married to her husband. But she is really worried about him because he has been coming home high for a while now. She told us that she had been praying, and that in a dream an angel appeared to her and told her that if he goes to church that everything will be resolved. We started teaching him and right now he has a baptismal date for the 29th. Later today we are going to teach him.

Things are good here. I miss you and love you all. I hope you have a great week!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Obrando Mediante La Autoridad Que Os He Dado

Mi Familia,

Heyo. Today we have transfers and Elder Cruz is already going! He is going to Mactumatzá, the Zone where I started my mission It is a surprise and a bummer because we get along well. But Elder Rios from my generation is coming for his first cambio (change or transfer) as a Zone Leader. I know him a little and he is great. I am excited to be able to stay here another 6 weeks and keep working!

This week we had the Zone Leader Council. We talked a lot about the people that are already prepared for baptism. We also have the goal in the mission that everyone can baptize in the month of September. I know we can do it and we are working hard to be able to do it.

This week was really good. We are teaching Carmen and she is great. She isn't married but lives with a man and he is not interested in the church. She went again and just wants to read and learn more. We are trying to figure out how to help her out. She wants to get baptized. 4 years ago her son died of Cancer so we taught her where he is and how she can still live with him again. She accepts everything we say and asked us when she can make us lunch. That is a good sign.

We also are still teaching Ramiro and Asunción. They went to church and really liked it. Ramiro went to check the marriage requirements and they have all of the paper work but we are going to help them to do it and be able to get baptized. Ramiro says that he knows it is true and that nothing can hold him back. We are happy for them. They have their baptismal date for the 29th.

We are also teaching a woman named Merieli and her 2 daughters. They are very catholic but they always listen to us. She asked us about her marriage because she got married in the catholic church and then got divorced and is living with another man, and they are not married (common here in Chiapas). But anyways she was really worried because of the scripture in Matthew 19:6. We explained the authority of the priesthood and I showed her my Priesthood Lineage card that Grandma and Grandpa gave me. She looked at it and understands english so she got it all. But after she asked me to shake her hand so I did and she just held it a while and she started crying and said that what I was saying was true. I got kind of freaked out because I was thinking it was witchcraft or something but she explained that she could feel some energy and she knew I wasn't lying. We bore our testimony and we are trying to get her to church.

Things are good here and hope you all have a great week. I love you and miss you all!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

No Os Engañe Nadie De Ninguna Manera

Mi Familia,

Hey! This week was great. On Thursday we had a multi-zone conference which was great. I directed the meeting and Elder Cruz and I were in charge of the food and everything. We made some quesadillas at home and brought them. Just kidding. One of the sisters in the ward is from Ecuador and she and her mother and a friend made a chicken dish from their town. It was good and we got to watch some of President Monson's Birthday on the projector as we ate. It was fun and we learned more about the attributes of Christ. I learned a lot!

This week we have been focused on Ramiro and Asunción. They aren't married but they are awesome, and they want to get married! Ramiro told us that he had been praying so that he could know what church to go to, and we knocked on his door 3 days later. It was awesome because where he lives is far away! And we went there in the first place because we contacted the woman that cut our hair and she wanted us to go there to her house. But we went and she wasn't home, and that is how we started working there. Ramiro is a police officer so he couldn't go to church yesterday but Asunción went with Carla, their three year old girl. They really liked it. This week we are going to go to the Registro Civil to see what the requirements are for marriage.

We also had a woman go to church because one of her friends in Tuxtla is a member. Her name is Carmen and she is very interested in the church. She had gone to church one time already. We are going to teach her on friday.

This week is going to be busy we are going to go to Tuxtla and Ocosingo and we might have the baptism of Humberto (we think his family is telling him not to go to church with us and not to get baptized) but we will see what happens.

We contacted a Catholic guy that was a missionary (in the Catholic church) this week. He said he couldn't let us in because it wasn't his house but we talked at the doorstep. We started teaching him about the Apostasy and restoration and he wanted to see where it talked about it in the Bible so I told him we would show him if he let us in. So I showed him a couple of scriptures (Matthew 24:9-12 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 - Scripture Mastery!) and he started with Matthew 16 (beware the doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees) so we explained what Christ meant. It was cool because he was interested and he said we could come by again. Don't worry we weren't bashing, just showing him the truth!

I know this work is true and that Christ leads this church. Things are great and I am so happy. I hope you have a great week, I love you!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Enjugará Jehová El Señor Toda Lágrima De Todos Los Rostros

Mi Familia,

Well this week was very good. We had Guadalupe's baptism and it was a great service. A lot of people showed up. The family had been waiting for a long time for her to get baptized. The service was full of tears.

Guadalupe with her two Grandsons, Rolando and Lamoni

We had two investigators with baptismal dates go to the baptism - Humberto and Ramiro. Humberto is so awesome - I think I talked about him last week. He went to church again and we might move his date up for this week. He is already ready. He always talks about his baptism and is studying hard. Ramiro is a police officer that we also found contacting. He wants to change his life, he used to drink a lot and beat his wife. We talked to them about getting married yesterday so we will see how that turns out.

Guadalupe with some of her family

We found another good family because a member of the ward next to us talked with a young man who was working. His name is Patricio. He said that he killed someone and wants to repent. We talked to him once with his parents, so didn't get to talk to him too much (at all) about that.

The biggest staircase in San Cris (I think)

We are working hard and we are seeing a lot of progress in the zone and that is special. This week we are going to have our zone conference so we are trying to get everything ready for that.

Guadalupe's parents that got baptized about 30 years ago - Micaela and Nicolas. They are the oldest people I have ever met. Nicolas is about 104. Birth certificates didn't exist where they lived at that time, so it's an estimate. Micaela is not far behind. They are sealed in the temple.

Well not too much more to report. Things are really good. I love you all and miss you. I hope you have a great week!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Tú Ensanchaste Mis Pasos Debajo De Mí, Y Mis Pies No Han Resbalado

Mi Familia,

This week was way good. We worked really hard. Our mission president wanted us to focus on people that already met the requirements for baptism but hadnt been baptized yet. So we did. We got to move a date up for this week (Guadalupe) and we are so excited for her. I will talk about her more below. The Elders from Ocosingo also set a date for this week and she got baptized.

A stream in San Cristobal

Guadalupe has been going to church for years. Her sons are members and one of them is an RM. She has finally decided to get baptized and we have been working really hard with her to get her ready. She is great. Her nephew is Bishop and almost all of her family are members of the church. We are so happy for her.

Corn and Sheep

On a sadder note... Wednesday Elder Utt called us and said that Manuel was dying. He picked us up and we went to Oxchuc. On our way there he passed away. When we got there a ton of people were there and everyone was crying. We didn't have much to do there so we went home. It was sad but we are happy that he could get baptized and he was also ordained an Elder last week. We know he is happy now though, and so is his family (the members).

The step is indeed forbidden (in the caves)

So Mexico won the gold medal in soccer! It was big news here but the celebration was rather small. We are happy though.

Our zone

We found another man named Humberto. He is awesome. We were contacting and I felt like we should contact his house. He told us to return another day. He has 10 kids (he's about 50) and lives 2 blocks away from the chapel. He accepted a baptismal date and went to church on Sunday and just loved it. He wants to get baptized and is reading the Book of Mormon. He will be baptized on September 1st.

A neighborhood in our Area called La Garita. It is so tiring to climb those stairs. The picture doesn't do justice. Also the staircases are manmade rivers when it rains.

Well things are good here. Don't know if you guys heard about the hurricane. It rained a lot but we are fine. Nothing too big. But it sounds like it hit other parts of Mexico pretty hard. Well I love you and miss you very much. Have a great week!

Ernesto (the hurricane) coming towards us

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Dios Los Ha Hecho Para El Uso Del Hombre

Mi Familia,

Well this week was very busy. On Tuesday we went to Tuxtla for the Zone Leaders Council. It was really good. We set goals and talked about changing the details that can get us distracted from the Lord's work. It has helped me a lot. The zone leaders in Tapachula told me that two more of my investigators in Ciudad Hidalgo got baptized. Carolina, the grandmother of Saida, and Diana, the cousin of a member were both baptized. It makes me happy to know that the work I did there continues even though I left.

Also I think I forgot to mention that about a month ago I ate cow brain. Surprisingly good. And small... This week I ate rabbit and I think it was my favorite weird food that I have had in the mission. Everyone says it is like chicken but the texture is a little different and the flavor is a lot better. I told the family that gave it to us that there are a lot by our house and that there are always a few dead ones in the street. They told me how to make it and that I should do it so I think we will be eating conejo when I get home. : )

Also... We will be able to Skype this Christmas so that is exciting news. Don't know if you guys want to, I am good with whatever. It will be 2 weeks before I go home so not too important.

On Friday we went to Ocosingo for a couple of baptismal interviews. It was crazy because it was raining so hard on the way there (it is a 2 hour taxi trip) I thought we were going to die! But I just kept praying that we wouldn't die and I felt fine after. It rained hard 5 different times on the trip. Then when we were going home there weren't any taxis but one came and he told the other guys waiting that he wasn't going back. They left and Elder Cruz and I were just trying to figure out what to do then he asked us if we were going to San Cristóbal and he said he would take us. I talked to him the whole 2.5 hour trip. He was really nice and we talked about the Plan of Salvation. He had lost a lot of family members. It was a cool experience.

We also met a Taxi driver here that lived in San Marcos by the High School! It was fun to talk to him. But we contacted him and he wasn't too interested.

Today we went to a cave and played soccer with the Chenahlo and Comitán Zones. Then we played soccer. I hit the last game winner on the all gringo team. Good stuff. The cave wasn't anything special - New Mexico was better. That is why I am writing a little later than usual.

Also the Stake is talking about starting a Family Group in Oxchuc and sending missionaries there so we are stoked because we don't have people to visit right now. I hope they get sent there soon! It is special to be a part of this great work. But I am also realizing how far away we are from preaching everywhere. But that doesn't dim my faith that it will happen someday.

We have found some great people and we are so happy. I will tell you more this next week. I hope you are all well. I love you and miss you all!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Con El Juicio Con Que Juzguéis, Seréis Juzgados

Mi Familia,

Thanks a lot for the emails. I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Things are good here. My companion Elder Cruz is awesome and we get along really well. He has a year in the mission and is from Mexico State I guess you would call it in English (Estado de Mexico), just north of Mexico City. He is from Cuautitlan Izcalli. The transfers were great and I think every companionship that had changes is stronger now, so that is great.

This week we had a great experience with one of our investigators, Guadalupe. Her family is all members of the church. When Elder Ah Mu said goodbye to her on Monday she cried and apologized for not getting baptized during his time here. She said she would soon. Elder Cruz and I visited her and she accepted a baptismal date for the 25th of August. We also found some great people this week and we are excited to start teaching them. We are working well with the ward and are planning and making some changes and having an activity. We are going to have time in priesthood opening exercises to have missionary experiences. We are also going to have a "Memory Binder" that is going to have the conversion story of every member in the ward. Then we are going to give it to a family so they can read and think of someone that we can teach, maybe someone that is in the same situation as a member, then we are going to take those members to teach them, and give the binder to another family.

It has been very cold and rainy here. But I am enjoying it a lot and I hope I can stay here a few months more. We found a lot of new people to teach this week and we are happy about everything that is going on in the area.

On a funnier note, we are teaching a girl named Diana. She is 15 but as tall as me and plays basketball on the Chiapas State team. She had surgery on her knee and wasn't here but I felt like we should go and we found her at home. The surgery went well. She was in bed for a while and she read almost all of the Book of Mormon. She said she knows it is scripture. She also got some of those month long tattoos (don't remember what they are called in english) but she said that the Book of Mormon inspired her to do it. She said that is says "only the Lord can judge me" but in Portuguese. I can't say I didn't laugh a lot but it is a start. I guess we just need to show her how she can better express those feelings she has (i.e. getting baptized).

Things are good here. I love you and miss you all a lot. Have a great week!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Cayeron Del Cielo Sobre Los Hombres Enormes Granizos

Mi Familia,

This week was great. We worked really hard and Elder Ah Mu said it was the most lessons he has had since he has been here. We invited a few people to be baptized and they accepted. The future is bright here in San Cris!

We got transfers... We knew Elder Ah Mu was going because it is his last transfer and you can't end the mission as a zone leader. My new companion is going to be Elder Cruz. I don't know him but have heard good things about him. We are going to have a good 6 weeks.

Well this week was somewhat adventurous. We had a huge hailstorm on Tuesday. We were on the northeast side of town and the rain came from there. We could hear it coming hard and the mountains that surround the city disappeared behind clouds. We started running! The rain was coming with a hard wind. So we hid on the side of a catholic church, (there are a lot of those here) and stayed there for an hour as the rain and hail pounded down. It calmed down but there was a river in the street. So we had to wait there longer. But then I found some bricks so we threw them in the water and made a path to cross the river and go to our next appointment. We got soaked. There was about 5 minutes when the wind direction changed and I got hit by hail. That hurts a lot. The only good thing about it was It was only hitting me and not Elder Ah Mu. Glad I could protect him like that. I didn't know how much hail hurts until then.

Lance accepted a baptismal date and is not smoking as much. He is doing awesome and understands what we teach him. We have some others that are going to get baptized soon I think.

Well got to go but I hope you all have a great week. I love you and miss you!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Arrepentíos Y Convertíos Para Que Sean Borrados Vuestros Pecados

Mi Familia,

This week was very special. We were very busy getting things ready for Manuel's baptism. We were planning on having it Friday, but on Tuesday he fainted 2 times and the family was really worried about him. We went over Wednesday morning to his house and gave him his white clothes. It was traditional white baptismal clothing. Then we decided to have the baptism that same day and the confirmation as well. Before we had gotten there, the family took him back to the hospital (he had left the hospital a couple days earlier), but he said he wouldn't go in until he had been baptized. The family took him back home and he said they could do whatever they wanted after the baptism.

Street in San Cristobal

After we left, one of his granddaughters who is very against the church got there and started yelling at him and the family (who are members). She said that they were making him get baptized and that it was wrong. The members told her to ask him because he was very aware of what he was doing. He told her about the dream and bore his testimony. She left and hasn't said anything since.

Ride from Oxchuc to San Cristobal

We had the baptism at 1:00 pm on Wednesday and also had special permission to confirm him in the service. Elder Utt, Elder Ah Mu, and I baptized him. He is 85 and very fragile. I held down his legs in the water and Elder Ah Mu supported his back and Elder Utt covered his mouth and nose. Everything went well and then the Bishop confirmed him. There were a ton of people there and we had to have the service in the chapel. Afterwards, all of his family passed by one by one and kissed him and told him who they were and congratulated him.

Baptism of Manuel the Lamanite (his daughters are behind)

After the service they took him to the hospital and he has been doing a lot better since. He has been able to open his eyes more and he has not been bleeding from his nose or mouth. The nuns visited him after the baptism and told him that he had not gone through the confession process etc. and he bore his testimony of the church and about his dream. the family said that the Nuns didn't know what to do and told him that they were going to tell the priest to visit him. He told them it wasn't necessary and they didn't go back.

Countryside near San Cristobal

We learned more about him as well. He started the Catholic Church in Oxchuc and also was a catholic missionary in Palenque when he was our age some 65 years ago. Also, in his dream Jesus told him that He had forgiven him and to trust us and that we were His servants. It has helped me understand my calling better.

More scenery

We visited him yesterday and he talked to us in spanish which he hadn't been able to do for a while. We talked a while and he told us he would do the will of the Father, and that he knows that his work is not over yet. When I shook his hand he called me Paul (like the apostle from the bible) and his daughter said that that is how he saw me in the dream. I have no idea what that's supposed to mean! We are very happy for him and the decision he has made. He has been very firm in his testimony.

El centro in San Cristobal

We found some great people this week. We found a mom and son from Texas. The mom, Cynthia, knows a lot about the Book of Mormon because she studies the mayans and uses a book that a member wrote that talks about mayan culture and all of that. She told us she knows it is true and asked us questions about the Brother of Jared and stuff like that. Lance the son is a mason and went to church even though he doesn't speak spanish. We translated the talks for him and then he had to go. He want to become closer to God. We found some other great people. We found a family that is very interested in the church and they are so nice to us. We will see what happens. Two of them accepted a baptismal date (Maité and Lupita).

I am very happy and everything is going very well. I love you and miss you very much.

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Los Comisionó Para Que Fueran Y Llevaran La Luz Del Evangelio

Mi Familia,

Well thanks for all the pictures of Piper! I am glad that all is well. Piper looks really cute. I can't wait to meet her in... 6 months? Well this week was really good here too.

We went last Sunday to give Manuel a blessing, he was doing really poorly (and in the hospital.) He has changed a lot. Before we saw him, his family (who are all members) told us that he has not let the catholics see him because he has kind of stopped believing in that, and he was really die-hard about it before. On Tuesday we got a phone call from Manuel's daughter (that is a member). She said that he had dreamed a dream and that he wanted us two there and also Elder Utt, the husband of the missionary couple here in San Cris. We couldn't get a hold of Elder Utt, but we went to the hospital anyway. He wanted all of us there but he did tell us that he saw the three of us and that we had what he wanted. He told us that Jesus appeared to him and told him that we were "commissioned." He didn't tell us everything because he wanted Elder Utt to be there too. So on Wednesday we went again with Elder Utt. Manuel told us that he saw us and that we had the special clothing that he needed. He said it was white clothing. We told him that we had the clothes and that when he got out of the hospital, we would give it to him. We gave him another blessing and he was out of the hospital on Friday. Yesterday morning his daughter called again and said that Manuel wanted to be baptized. We are getting everything ready for the service right now. The baptism is going to be this wednesday or thursday. He passed his interview yesterday and we are just so happy for him, mostly because we were scared that he might have killed someone as mayor of Oxchuc (or sent someone to kill people) but he didn't. The baptism is going to be a big one, with food, and a lot of people. I think our mission president is going to go. We are very pleased!

This week I had my first interview as well (on friday). I went to a city called Ocosingo, where one of our district leaders is. It is so green and beautiful on the way there. I interviewed a 16 year old girl that is so awesome and that has a very strong testimony. She expressed in the interview that she would stay strong in the gospel even if her family is opposed to it. So that is awesome. She got baptized on Saturday.

We are teaching a young man named Omar, and he is awesome. He went to church yesterday and really liked it. Elder Ah Mu had taught him a couple months ago but couldn't find him again. But his friend is a member of the ward and she told us to look for him again. We found him on Saturday night and he is a really good guy. It was sweet because we had ward conference and over 225 people were there, and we just have a small little chapel, so they were all lined down the hallway with the chapel doors open (there is no cultural hall). Usually like 110 go to church. I am not sure where everyone else came from, but they were not all from the stake. We also had a small meal after - reminded me of the good old "break the fast" days.

Well things are great here, I hope that you are all doing well too! I love you and miss you all!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Conoceréis La Verdad, Y La Verdad Os Hará Libres

Mi Familia,

Hello! This week was good. We had our leaders meeting on Wednesday in Tuxtla. We learned a lot and I got to see a lot of Elders that I hadn't seen for a while. The district Leader of Tapachula told me that Yami got baptized in Ciudad Hidalgo so that is awesome. There was another one that had her interview but didn't pass so she will probably get baptized in these next couple weeks. That is fine. An elder also told me that one of my converts in Tuxtla sent her mission papers and his waiting for the call to come. I am really happy for her. I am also trying to get in contact with a couple that I baptized in Tuxtla that just turned a year of being baptized. If we can get everything organized, I will probably be able to go to the sealing, because I am only an hour away from Tuxtla. I am very happy about everything that is going on!

Here in San Cristóbal things are going well. We found another family this week that has lost a lot of family members and they are really ready for the gospel. We contacted the lady (she’s about 75) and she let us in. She had 12 kids but 4 have passed away. We talked about the temple and met a few of her daughters. They are very receptive and we are hoping that they progress. It was funny because when we were talking about all of that stuff and then Angelina, the lady, said "Well, we will have to think about leaving the Catholic Church to go to yours." Well that isn't exactly what we want but it is part of it haha. But it was soo funny because after about 15 minutes of talking she was already considering leaving her 75 years of being Catholic so that she can live with her family again. It is worth it, I guess.

We have this awesome investigator named José that has gone to church 2 times now. He plays guitar in restaurant-bars every night. He is really smart and understands everything we teach him. Last week in church he made a lot of comments and a few members asked him if he was a member. And he would get baptized, but! His wife doesn't want to get married right now. It is a major bummer because he is great. Well, actually his wife does want to get married but in the US because she has dual citizenship. We are praying a lot for them.

Things are going really well. I am happy and things are going well here in San Cris. It is cold and rainy and I am starting to get used to the weather. It is going to be a rough change when I get transferred again!

Well I hope everyone is well. I hope that everything goes well with Lauren, please send pictures of Piper! Have a great time in Utah, I think everyone is there right now, right? Have a great week. I love you and miss you all!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Pedid, Y Se Os Dará

Mi Familia,

This week was great. We worked hard and are starting to work with the members a lot more. We are  teaching this man named José Constantino. He is in his mid 20's and knows a lot about the gospel. He went to church on Sunday (in normal clothes) but even like that the members were asking him if he was a member of the church, because he had some great comments in the classes. He is awesome, but not married. His wife wants to get married, but in the USA because she is a dual citizen and she wants him to be too. It is a little lame but we are praying for him a lot and he is going to talk to his wife about it.

So I also think I saw Andrew from MGMT this week walking in the streets with a fairly big sized crowd. He was wearing a large white sheep skin looking blouse. I was pretty surprised to say the least. Not because of the clothes, because it was him.

On Saturday we were going to go to a ward activity but only 2 investigators showed up. Me and Elder Ah Mu both felt like we shouldn't go, even though we didn't have anything else planned for the morning. So we went contacting and found this great family. The mom's name is Marta and she let us in. We asked her if her husband was home so she made one of her two kids get him, and he sat down to hear us too. That has NEVER happened in my mission... we just asked, and Marta delivered. Her husband's name is Marcelino. They had seen The Other Side of Heaven on internet the Sunday before (the 17th). They had a lot of questions and had never talked to missionaries before. We think they are going to go to church next week. They both play basketball and want to play with me. We will see what happens. There are a lot of other family members there, we talked with a few. We are grateful that we listened to the Holy Ghost.

We were contacting yesterday as well (we contact a lot here) and we met a Presbyterian pastor named Omelino (Pastor Omelino), and he let us in the house. I thought about whipping out the Joseph Smith History and just nailing the guy but we just had a nice conversation instead. He had a lot of questions about missionary work and we asked him some questions to understand his church a little more, because I had never taught a Presbyterian before. We will see where it all leads to, and we have an appointment with him next Sunday.

Things are going well here. One of the Elders in the zone, Elder Hatch, hadn't had a companion these few weeks because his Colombian companion hasn't got his visa. We worked with him a few days and he is a great guy. He got a temporary companion from Mapastepec that is getting ready for the mission. We are happy that everyone is in their areas now.

Things are going really well here. I feel like I am learning fast. I love being a missionary and I love this work. I know it is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he restored Christ's church. I love preaching the fullness of the Gospel. I learn more every day. I love you and miss you all so much!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Congréguense A Una Todas Las Naciones, Y Júntense Todos Los Pueblos

Mi Familia,

This week was a great one. I am loving it here in San Cristóbal. The work is going well. My companion is actually Elder Ah Mu, and he is from Missouri. He is Lauren's age and he has helped me feel comfortable here. Being a zone leader is weird but I have felt that the Lord has helped me a lot. I am getting used to the change here.

San Cristóbal is so awesome. It has kind of a Disneyland vibe. There are people from all over the world here, lots of shops, smells, and things to see. I have met people from Ecuador, Venezuela, Argentina, England, Denmark, and the USA, and seen people from many other countries. There are also many hippies. It is so different from anywhere else. There are also a ton of indigenous people. I don't know if you have read the article about the Tzotzil District here (the one that Grandma sent me) but that is close by. Right now we are working with the Utt couple (the one it quotes in the article) to try to get the work started with the Tzeltal people. It is another mayan people (aka Lamanites). We go every thursday to Oxchuc, or Oxchujk' as it is written in Tzeltal. We have investigators there and are trying to get the work going there. It is so cool because we are fulfilling very specific prophesies from the Book of Mormon. These people are very literal descendants of Lehi and it is so special to start the work here.

We are especially excited for a man named Manuel, who was basically what we know as the mayor of Oxchuc. He is interested in the gospel but has a lot of problems with his family, many of which are members. He is very old and sick too so we are trying to help him to get baptized soon. His wife passed away a few months ago (she was a member). She died with her temple recommend in her hand because she wanted to be sealed to her husband. We gave him a blessing on Thursday because he is very sick. But if he joins the church it will help Oxchuc a lot, because all of the people there respect Manuel a lot. I am learning a little of Tzeltal right now too. It has all been a really cool experience.

This place looks more like Europe than Mexico. It is probably the most beautiful place I have ever been to. I love it here. There are three wards here and a few in other cities nearby. San Cristóbal is very colonial. There is a lot to see, buy, and eat! I am trying to get used to the cold weather. We have hot water in the house and a microwave. I think the Lord is preparing me to go home (haha). But I haven't been thinking about that too much. But right now I would definitely prefer that you guys come here instead of going on a cruise. I will try to send some pictures next week. If you can, you should look up pictures on internet, I am sure there are a ton.

We have some great investigators, many of which we found this week. I am so excited for the work. I know that it is true and that the Lord will help us to be successful. I hope you are all doing well. I love you and miss you!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Levántate Y Sube Al Monte

Mi Familia,

This week was one of the hardest in the mission. But that is how we learn and also obtain more faith. I got pretty sick monday night and went to the doctor in Tapachula on tuesday, (he is a member) I had an intestinal infection but I bought some medicine and have felt a lot better. Actually now I feel great but we started working thursday in the afternoon and got some things done.

On Friday, Yami had her baptismal interview, passed and everything went well. But on Sunday (the day she was going to get baptized) she got sick and didn't go to church. But she is going to get baptized this Sunday, maybe with Diana, another investigator. We are also happy because Carolina, the grandmother of Saida, set her own baptismal date for July 15. We are happy for her but she is almost already ready! But it is fine, we are happy that she made the decision. We also met some great new people this week and are happy for them, and excited to see how they progress.

Zone Conference - Elder Stevenson is seated, fourth from the left.

Yesterday at 8 pm when we left a lesson we got a phone call from the mission president which had never happened to me in the mission. He asked me how I was doing, about the area, obedience, etc. Then he told me that the Lord had called me to be a zone leader, and gave me some advice. I am scared. Today they called to tell me that I am going to San Cristóbal, hands down the most coveted zone in the mission. It is an hour away from Tuxtla Gutierrez and it is cold there, and beautiful. It is in the mountains and it is a very touristic place. I am going with Elder Treviño, who is mexican but has lived in the USA (in Utah). I know him and he is a great Elder. I am worried because I don't have very much (any) experience as a leader in the mission. But I know that the Lord will help me.

I hope you all have a great week. I love you and miss you!!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

El Diablo Es Enemigo De Dios

Mi Familia,

Thanks for all of the emails and sorry I couldn't write too much back. I am glad that everyone is doing good. I am glad Zack got his mission call to chile! I always thought he would go to south america. Also I have a lot of friends that are serving there, but they are in the northern parts. Tell Zack to watch 180 Degrees South. I think they filmed it in that part of Chile. There's a part where they are surfing at the foot of a mountain full of snow. It is so gorgeous. I am also glad that Mimi is home and doing better.

This week was a good one for us here, and interesting too! My companion had tooth pain all week so on thursday we went to a dentist office here. The man has the nickname "el diablo" but we didn't know that before we went, or maybe we wouldn't have gone there. But a church member recommended him. He told my comp that he had to pull the tooth but he couldn't do it, so he split it in two parts and still couldn't get it out. Elder Bernal started crying and told him to just leave it. We went to another dentist on friday and they had to do a surgery, and got it out. We haven't been able to go to work in the sun so these days I have just been studying and watching church videos. But this week should be normal. I also felt sick yesterday but I got a blessing and woke up feeling a lot better.

We had stake conference yesterday and it was great. My favorite talk was the one by our temple president. He talked about temple work and also humility. He talked about how we need to love everyone, and it impacted me a lot. I want to be better at that haha. Even though we couldn't talk to a lot of investigators one went (Diana) and she liked it a lot.

We taught Yami this week and she wold us that she wanted to get baptized this week instead of on the 16th. I was really surprised and when I asked her why she said she didn't know but just wanted to! I am so happy because she is really ready and the Lord has prepared her a lot for her baptism. She also got her tooth pulled with "el diablo" this week.

This week we also had our zone conference. It was great. We talked about working with members and how we can't reach our full potential as a mission unless the members are working with us. The branch is working hard and we are so happy. I don't want to be transferred! I have also been studying about the great apostasy and how the apostles and so many people have given their life for the gospel. I am grateful for their sacrifice.

Well I love you and miss you all so much! I hope you have a great week!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

Conoceréis La Verdad, Y La Verdad Os Hará Libres

Mi Familia,

Happy anniversary Mom and Dad! I hope you have a great day tomorrow. 25 years of marriage, 20 fun years of marriage : ) I love you both.

This week was great. On monday (last week) one of the members of the branch told us that one of our investigators (Yamilí) had broken up with her boyfriend. It was really exciting because they were living together and were not married. We had taught her boyfriend and her the first lesson last Saturday, and afterwards they got in a fight, he packed up the 2 Books of Mormon we had given them and left (and also everything but her clothes). On monday when we found out we gave her a new book and she asked us for a blessing. She told Sandra (the member) that she felt peace after. We taught her about the Atonement on Tuesday and on Friday she accepted a baptismal date for June 16. We are so excited for her. She went to church yesterday and the activity on Wednesday. She is painfully shy but she had a lot of fun on Wednesday when we had the Branch Night. We taught about the Apostasy and played telephone to show how simple truths can be changed so easily just by word of mouth. Yami was laughing a lot and has been doing a lot better.

Nocú. The flying ant that they eat in tacos here in Chiapas. His wing was stuck to the window at church.

We are also teaching Diana, the cousin of a member in the branch. She is pregnant and is looking for a church to raise her children, because she already has a little boy. It is awesome because she reads the Book of Mormon everyday and has great questions. She also accepted a baptismal date for June 16. We are so excited for her.

We are also teaching the niece and nephew of a member of the branch. The kids names are Kimberly and José. They are 11. They are so funny and have great questions. They love when we go to teach them and love going to church. Kimberly has a baptismal date also for June 16. José has computer classes on Sundays, so we are praying and seeing what we can do to help him.

The Lord is always preparing His children to hear the truth. We are so happy and are working hard here. I love being here in Chiapas and working in this part of Lord's vineyard.

I hope you are all doing well! I love you and miss you!

Con Amor,

Elder Riley Stevenson

P.S. Sometimes I put pictures on my agendas. But I had to send a picture of my agenda this transfer because it was funny for me to realize that my friend Kim just sticks out of my shirt pocket everyday.

My Agenda this transfer

Kim Katz

Y Descendió La Lluvia, Y Vinieron Ríos

Mi Familia,

This week was really good. We met a lot of people and have some great investigators. It is also great because we are working a lot with the members. We have had lessons with them and also they are giving us a bunch of referrals.

This week we got to work with a young man in the ward named Jonathan. He is half Mexican and half Caucasian. He is a convert to the church. He works and is studying and lives with his grandma, who isn't a member of the church. He worked with us for 6 hours one day this week and he is so great. He's 14. He kept telling me that he wanted to be a missionary, and how before he didn't want to be one. He also said that he was sad because some of the other youth don't want to go on missions. While we worked with him we found 2 great families (that we are really excited about). He told us he would work with us everyday if he could. He is a great example to me. He also invites people from work (adults) to read the Book of Mormon and go to church. But he is cool, too and reminds me of Kristian a bit.

This week it also started to rain almost every day. On thursday we got soaked, and it floods really badly here. (But the worst is that the dirty water comes out of the sewers.) I also fell in a hole in one of the flooded streets and got soaked (haha), but my camera and the cell phone didn't get wet. Only a few people saw but mostly I laughed about it.

I don't have much time but I hope all is well. I miss you and love you all!

Elder Riley Stevenson

Como Si Fuera Un Sueño

Mi Familia,

Hey everyone. It was great to talk to you yesterday even though the time passed by really fast, and it was hard to hang up! But it was good to chat and I am so happy that everyone is doing good.

This week was good, and we are working with a lot of members and everyone is getting more excited about the work. We had a lot of less actives and investigators go to church yesterday and that was really special. We also are starting to have "Branch Night" every Wednesday. This week was awesome. Elder Bernal and I talked about agency and decisions. We had a great conversation. After that, we played a game where everyone writes on a piece of paper what they want someone else in the room to do. Then everyone had to do what they had written on their own paper. It was funny, and a lot of people and to do some silly things. The investigators that were there really seemed to like it.

This week it has also cooled down a bit and rained, but not too much. We have had great weather. Time is going by so fast. I can't believe I have 16 months, and it seems like every month goes by faster! The mission is everything I hoped for and more. Please keep me posted on where Zack and Erik are going to go on the mission. Also have more of my friends gotten married? I feel like it has been a long time since you have told me that one of my friends is getting married. I am sure there are many.

This week we had a special experience. We went to eat with a sister that lives in one of the little towns here. She had her niece and nephew there, so we talked to them (they are 11 years old). We talked to them about the Book of Mormon and invited them to the Branch Night and they went. They are both reading the Book of Mormon and we will see how they progress.

We also met another man named Victor. He is the husband of a less active member, but they went to church on sunday and he seemed interested and participated a lot in the classes. We also taught the brother of the less active woman (Carla) - his name is Alonso. He wanted to go on the mission but had a few problems and now doesn't go to church. We talked about the mission and gave him a Liahona magazine with the story of a youth from South America that went on the mission when a few years before, his family was inactive, and his dad became bishop. He said he wants to go to church and we are going to help him get excited for the mission. Sometimes I think they should make commercials for missions, like they do for exercise machines, with pictures before and after the mission and testimonies of how it helps and stuff like that. It would be funny.

I know this work is true and hope you guys are working too. Ask your friends if they want to talk to the missionaries. Don't worry, they don't bite very hard.

I am doing good here and I am happy. I hope you all have a great week. I love you all!

Elder Riley Stevenson