tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38386130107763040322024-03-13T09:42:13.129-07:00Elder Brian Luke's Adventure in EcuadorElder Luke is serving the Lord as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will be serving in the Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission from December 2013 through December 2015. Follow his adventure here.
Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-77114721036353083392015-11-30T16:06:00.000-08:002015-12-16T16:12:09.643-08:00Good Bye from the MissionPer the Mission President's Blog<br />
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<em>This week yet another group of wonderful missionaries left, including four great zone leaders, one sister leader, and district leaders. In two weeks another sister leader and our head mission nurse leaves (they also attended the farewell dinner this time). It is never easy to say good-bye. We hate to lose such wonderful missionaries who have done so much to further the work here in our mission. We know the Lord will bless them and that they will continue the work in their wards and stakes and with their families. We are going to miss them so much!!</em></div>
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<em> </em><br />Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-75649024120332545352015-11-23T20:43:00.001-08:002015-11-23T20:43:28.020-08:00I always say that I was not the best missionary for this mission but the mission was the best for me.<div dir="ltr">
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I have little time but so much to say. This is my last letter to you guys as
a full time missionary. </div>
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Therefore I want to thank you mom, and everyone else that reads my blog,
for all their support and prayers you have offered in my behalf. I have been
blessed so much as a missionary. This is good to end this part of my life and
progress. I have learned so much, things I wouldn't have learned in other things. Only on the Lords errand. I always say that I was not the best missionary for
this mission but the mission was the best for me.</div>
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Thank you so much. My heart is happy and sad to leave. Happy to be with my
family, but sad that I will have to leave these people that I have come to love.
I love Ecuador. I know that God wanted me to progress by getting me out of my
comfort zone at home and put me here. Now He wants me to progress even more by
taking me out of this comfort zone and putting me into the real world. This life
is full of progress and not being comfortable. If everything was comfortable
then we wouldn't progress.</div>
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Thank you so much for everything.</div>
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Love </div>
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ElderLuke</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh is he going to be cold when he comes back to Boise?</td></tr>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-89195671376961021602015-11-16T16:28:00.000-08:002015-11-16T16:28:15.506-08:00Just know that I am not the same than when I left on the mission<div dir="ltr">
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I am happy that everything is
awesome at home. I am so happy to hear that Brandon and Becca were in the same concert. How special. I just want you to know that I am happy, safe. </div>
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I don't know what to say more. What I can say I can say in two weeks. </div>
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Just know that I am not the same than when I left on the mission. not
worse. but better. But what is the greatest difference is that my testimony has
grown. Thank you for supporting me and helping me get to this point.</div>
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With LOTS of love,</div>
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ElderLuke</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-83849656333986371722015-11-09T20:29:00.002-08:002015-11-09T20:29:41.383-08:00Somebody asked me if it was my birthday. I said, wow, it is.<i>We got Elder Luke's travel plans to come home!!! His family is very excited. We assumed that he would have received the information too but we didn't share it with him, just in case he didn't want to know. An end date is a scary thing for those who are immersed in the service of God. For those who are excited for a return date, like us, he will be coming home to Boise, Idaho on Tuesday December 1st at 12:52pm. He will be giving his homecoming talk on Sunday December 13th at 9am.</i><br />
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Well I don't even know my flight plans. I feel a little out of the loop but I really don't want to know the flight plans either way.<br />
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<div>
This week I will tell you that we went to Guayaquil for leaders council. It
was cool because I was able to train other leaders and also voice my opinion in
some subjects. It wasn't until we finished the council on Thursday that somebody
asked me if it was my birthday. I said, wow, it is. I had forgotten. To you guys I didn't receive cakes. I didn't receive a lot of congrats. That's weird in your
eyes, but I loved it. I hid it from everyone. I even bought my own cake in the
end. I liked it. I didn't want to be the center of attention. I wanted to focus on other
things. Some of the members now are remembering that it was my birthday, I just
smile and say yes it was my birthday. In my mind I was like thanks for
forgetting. I didn't feel like I had taken a day off work from the Lord. But I did
invite my companion and a district leader in my zone to eat while we were in Guayaquil. I really liked it. But now its weird saying that I am 20 years
old. </div>
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I don't have much to say, as my time is coming to an end I don't have much to
say because what I can say I can say in person very quickly. I feel that this change from missionary to not is going to be hard. Every time I think that I am
ending the mission soon I started tearing up. I absolutely love the mission. But
this was a lot of preparation for a lot of many harder years to come.</div>
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Know that I am well, with the Spirit, sad, happy at the same time, healthy,
sun burnt, and I am a Mormon.</div>
<div>
jajaja, my "I am a Mormon message"</div>
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I love you guys</div>
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<br /></div>
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ElderLuke</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian - I was tired<br />Mom - and sun burned<br />Brian - I have to soak up the sun so I look super tanner than you guys soon</td></tr>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-86884282609835286852015-11-02T17:56:00.000-08:002015-11-02T17:57:43.435-08:00Well my days are numbered. Its coming close. But it hasn't come yet. I have time.<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1446513079126_4490">
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Wow this week I had a lot of emails in my inbox. Wow it took a long time to read it, but so exciting</div>
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what is going on in your lives. Well here nobody really celebrates Halloween, how lame right. But instead they go to the cemeteries and remember their family that have passed away. This week for such a holiday for them we didn't go to Guayaquil for the conference. But Maybe during this week or maybe next week I will be going. I really enjoyed your pictures that you sent me. It brightens my day. Not that my days are dark, but it's like a cherry on top to a nice Sunday.<br />
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I am happy for Brother (<i>Bishop</i>) Hutchings, I know he will serve with all his heart. But I have to say that I am a little sad that Bishop Cleverly won't be able to receive me as a Bishop. He was a really huge help in the process of getting me on the mission. But either way I will see him. I really thought he was going to last until 4 weeks more but that's the way God wants it. We can't see his plans. We can only go with it and trust in him.<br />
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This week we had a baptism. The same day earlier in the morning a sister in the zone was passing out and feeling dizzy and not acting normal, so we had to go and give her a blessing, It was weird being in the sister missionaries house. Then I said something really stupid, I said, "sisters if you guys need anything like food or something you can call us and we will deliver it". Well after the baptism of Carmen, they called and said "hey we want hamburgers and milk shakes". Normally here when you offer help nobody wants it so I always say it because nobody accepts it. This time she accepted. I was like esta bien, okay. The worst part was that we were fasting and so we weren't able to buy some for us. We had to watch them prepare it in front of us and everything and not taste anything. What a bummer. But we were able to serve.<br />
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Yesterday I learned two things. First I have been battling a question for a while. I always testify that Christ live<span style="font-family: inherit;">s but I have never seen him, I don't know that He lives, yet i believe that He live. My faith hasn't turned to a perfect knowledge yet. While I was meditating on that in the sacrament meeting my mind was lead to a scripture that is in Ezekiel 20:20</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I <span class="clarityWord">am</span> the <span class="smallCaps">Lord</span> your God.</i></blockquote>
<h3 id="yui_3_16_0_1_1446513079126_4494">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I have explained this before in the olden days the sabbath day was on Saturday so that those people would understand that God is almighty. Now it is on Sunday as a señal or signal to indicate us that Christ lives. I have experienced to its fullest the Sabbath day and I have come to realize that indeed Christ does live. I know now because I have seen the signal.</span></span></h3>
<div class="yiv7535538631gmail_extra" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1446513079126_4495">
T<span style="font-family: inherit;">he other thing is that in a </span>marriage<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you have to speak the same language. not only being able to communicate verbally but also to be together in all things. For example speaking the same language would be reading the scriptures together, praying together, going to church together, and being on the same page. Its something that was said in church that I thought was neat.</span></div>
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Well my days are numbered. Its coming close. But it hasn't come yet. I have time.</div>
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I love you so much. I want you to know that I have prayed and fasted for snow. Our business depends on it.<br />
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<div class="yiv7535538631gmail_extra" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1446513079126_4498">
Have a wonderful week, and enjoy RED ROBBINS ......... YUMMMMMMM (<i>Family birthday dinner at Red Robbins to celebrate Brian's birthday on the 5th</i>).</div>
<div class="yiv7535538631gmail_extra" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1446513079126_4497">
ElderLuke </div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-59253572900151591632015-10-26T21:05:00.000-07:002015-10-26T21:05:36.577-07:00 I don't want to give this calling up<div dir="ltr">
Chevere. <div>
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Well its a little nerve racking thinking that the snow hasn't come yet(<i>in Boise</i>). That
is a bummer. But like we always say. We have to pray for snow. The prayer is
something powerful.</div>
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I am happy to know that the family is good and that everything is moving along. This week for me has been good also. To be honest, I could have given more
and I am going to give more. Yesterday I had a long talk with my companion that I am actually scared. I think that with such a short period of time left I don't have much time to do the things I want to do. I was thinking back on when I first got on the mission. I wish I could go back. But the clock is ticking and the
time is going faster. Don't get me wrong, I want to be with you but I love being
a missionary and I don't want to give this calling up. To be honest this week I was a little bored. I think I made it boring. I was tired. I wasn't as motivated
as normal. But today I was pondering on this subject and I read my patriarchal
blessing. I realized that this next five weeks I still have an influence. I can
still make a change. I can still leave a legacy. That's a goal now that I have set to make these next weeks a sweet, muscle
tired, spiritually drained, emotionally beat, super tan, and getting fit and
skinny. </div>
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I am thinking that I have been understanding more how the Spirit communicates to
me. I did a baptismal interview in my zone and I was confused if I should let
this lady be baptized. She even asked me if she can be baptized. So I told
her that if she could get out of the room I would ask God. I can't judge it but
it was a very honest prayer. Where at the end I understood what the Lord was
trying to say to me through the Holy Ghost. THE SPIRIT SPEAKS SILENTLY: He spoke
to me. God was actually very happy that she had decided to be baptized. Her
baptism is this week. Also in my sector we are going to have a baptism this
week. So heads up, photos next week. But this next week I have to go to Guayaquil, therefore I will write you guys most likely on Tuesday. If I don't
write by Tuesday don't freak out. Be calm and know that I am..... Elder Luke.
jajaja. i don't know if you understood what I just did there but whatever.</div>
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Going back to the way God speaks to us. I felt so in my studies when I am
meditating about a scripture and then a phrase or a sentence or something just
pops in my head, of which I learn more. Its not just my mind remembering things. That's the promise of the Spirit, He will remind us of all that we have learned
in the moment we need it.</div>
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Pray for me as you always do that I may be consecrated. I will pray for
the business and your wellfare. </div>
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Thank you for letting and support me to be a missionary, I am very
grateful.</div>
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Have a wonderful week, </div>
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I love you,</div>
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ElderLuke</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-24472674535601655152015-10-19T17:04:00.000-07:002015-10-19T17:04:46.856-07:00I recognize the time I do and don't have but I also recognize that I can't give up<div>
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Well you might be wondering about the photos, well I was transferred. I was
transferred not today but on Wednesday. I am still a zone leader but I am in a
place called Portoviejo. Its a lot hotter hear but manageable. I am sweating
more but I am eating so well here. These last few days I have eaten, ceviche,
vichem encebollado, and some other really good food. Everyone says that I am
going to get fatter hear. but my companion now is really cool so he will
motivate me to work out more. </div>
My new companion and last companion is
Elder Taylor. He looks like he is from Spain or Venezuela or Brazil, but he is
from Utah. Straight American. We speak a lot of English together but it's our goal
to cut back on that one.</div>
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Well just to my luck I got to the sector and
we have two baptisms. How lucky for me. As you can see from the pictures I baptized the little girl.
I like baptizing. It's fun and it just fills you with joy.<br /></div>
Well i
didn't want transfers but this time i accepted it. But the bad thing is that my
companion takes the lead in all things so I get kind of bored because I am not
hyper active doing things. I just follow him around.I give my ideas but I still
just get bored. Its different from my last companion where he let me take control
and that helped me stay focused these last months or weeks. But I am still
focused, I recognize the time I do and don't have but I also recognize that I can't give up. I have to go out fighting.<br /></div>
It was sad to say good
bye to some very close missionary friends in Salinas. Elder Moore gave his last
testimony in the mission because today he goes home. In his talk he talked
about the importance of taking advantage of these two years to not only help
ourselves but to help others. He shared a story that was in the magazines of the
church. It was a story of this man who when he was older with his family he was
baptized by missionaries. When he was baptized he prepared to receive his Patriarchal Blessing. After receiving his blessing the next Sunday was fast and
testimony meeting. He decided to share his testimony. Doing so he started that
he wanted to direct his attention to the youth and read to them a part of his
blessing. He started. "You would have been baptized in the church earlier in your
live but the missionary that was going to baptize you decided not to go on a
mission." So I write this to my siblings and all the youth that read
this letter. The mission is SO important to serve other that are waiting for
you. Live you life in preparation to serve and bless those people that are
waiting for you. These people I imagine we had met in the pre-earth life and we
had promised them to go and rescue them. What happens if we don't follow through
with that promise? Like i said in my last letter, then everyone is affected,
future and past generations. That touched my heart listening to his testimony and it helped me to really soak up these lasts weeks in the
mission.</div>
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I am happy and enjoying this service. Its hard. but its
the best for everyone.</div>
Have a wonderful week.<br /></div>
ElderLuke<br />
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<br />Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-35663124484968659892015-10-12T20:54:00.002-07:002015-10-12T20:54:33.437-07:00Christ is the co-pilot. He is there to help if we ask<div dir="ltr">
<div>
Wow I am so happy for the business. Its awesome. All my companions thought I was a geek laughing and getting excited for the amount of inventory we have. But
that's what happens when you love something and it starts growing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am also very impacted by your dream. How wonderful. God is very
mysterious but direct in the way he communicates with us. </div>
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<div>
This week what has happened is the same old same old. Working and working.
But this week I got sun burnt. But that's normal. This week I have been listening a lot to the conference talks.I love
listening to Elder Hales. Its like a heads up for the future return missionaries.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week I gave a talk in the ward. I talked about a scripture that
impacted me from the conference. It's in Mathew 13:44. <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/13?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for a link to the scripture.</a> This man found treasure so he went and sold everything to buy the land where the treasure was found. He
Sold EVERYTHING. in the temple we promise God to be consecrated or dedicate
EVERYTHING to Him. I love finding scriptures on this topic because I feel that God is giving me a hint. Luke 14:29-31</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also this week we received a reference. That reference was of a less active
of which the husband isn't member. But he has a lot of health problems. Well we
contacted the reference and started teaching them. The husband can't walk. He
doesn't remember things very well. He cant speak very well. He is missing a leg
and on the other leg the doctors screwed up on an operation. so he cant walk at
all. well he has bean burdened down by this tragic thing in his life. We
started teaching him and he has started to trust in us. He cant read and he can't
remember how to pray but his heart is honest and broken. My companion and I pushed him in his wheelchair to the church and back. He has accepted to be baptized
this 31st of October. At first I will admit that I thought of him as a number.
That was my fault. But as I started serving him and as I saw my companion serve
him, my heart and mind changed. He isn't a number, He is now to me a child of God
that maybe won't be a way to help progress the church through his service or
help but God wants him to go back to him. He can't go back without the
ordinances that God has set. That's where our job comes in. I was thinking the
other day of his ancestors. How much they are depending on him for their
salvation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a conference talk I heard that we are the pilots of our lives. I started
thinking then who are the passengers. I think that the passenger can be future
and past ancestors and descendants. If we decide to fly into a storm then they
are affected also, If we decide to start maneuvering through mountains they are affected. If I or you or anyone takes one decision there are many affected. So
now it's down to us. Everything in this moment depends on us. Lets not get
stressed out because Christ is the co-pilot. He's there to help if we
ask.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I learned in church through a fellow missionary named Elder Moore. He
talked about how God doesn't send us through afflictions and trails and just
super hard times to punish us. Yet it is to make us better and to change us.
Everything is for our well being. So I thought that as I prayed for a challenge to
be more humble I received something subtle and small that the Spirit called my
attention to recognize Gods hands. I have two years in the mission and ya think
my feet would be used to walking. But I have this bruise looking blister on the
entire ball on my foot. I don't know how to get rid of it and it hurts. But I recognize Gods designs. I prayed for it and so I accept it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you so much, I love god and I love serving him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a wonderful week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ElderLuke</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-59551854881060411322015-10-06T16:41:00.000-07:002015-10-06T16:41:10.899-07:00I am great and I loved ConferenceI am great and I loved Conference. I am so happy that everything is
working out with the employees and also that you were able to support
Zoe when she came home from her mission.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Really the highlight of my week was Conference and the results of the Conference. First I am so afraid that President Monson won't make it to the next
conference. Its weird how much love one began to have for a man I have never
talked with personally. But I remember when he came to the celebration in Idaho for the temple and I could feel the Spirit. That's when I received my testimony of modern Prophets. Even though I have never talked to him I love President Monson. I was
praying that God could help him finish his talk. I thought he was going to pass
out or fall down. He is a consecrated member.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I watched most of the Conference in English. I loved it. I didn't have air
conditioning but I got to learn in my natural language. I got to the conference
with one question. That question was if I should wait a certain time after the
mission to seek to get married. I know mom you don't like these questions but as
a soon to be returned missionary I know what needs to be done. But I asked for
guidance to know if I should wait. Well Elder Hales responded to me. He said that one
should not pass their 20s dating and set aside marriage only to have a good time, something like that. I understand that you got to date to marry.<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2015/10?lang=eng&vid=4530585973001&cid=4" target="_blank">Here is a link to Elder Hales talk</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other than that I loved listening to Elder Bednar in the end. I loved to
hear and learn that as a young adult I have a lot of abilities, therefore I can
do many things and my attention is divided. But as one gets older, one begins to
lose such abilities, so you start to focus on what really matters most. I think
that is very suiting for the situation of President Monson. <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2015/10?lang=eng&vid=4531928836001&cid=12" target="_blank">Here is a link to Elder Bednars talk</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also I loved Elder Holland's talk. I wasn't expecting him to talk about MOMs. But that was a major thing in the conference. It made me miss you mom a lot. It
opened my eyes to the importance of women in Gods plan. We need to worship two
people. Christ for redeeming us, and also our moms for in Spanish it also referred
that mom "you are my redeemer along with Christ." Very impacting. <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2015/10?lang=eng&vid=4529689466001&cid=5" target="_blank">Here is a link to Elder Holland's talk</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also I was in an exchange this week and I had a dream that I was with this
other man, we were about to jump in a pool when a man in a suit came out and
said hi. He was short, chubby. and a little bald. Then I looked at the other man
with me. He had told me that he was the next apostle. He had said his name but I couldn't remember it when I woke up. It was one of those things that if I could
hear it I would remember. Well after waking up I looked at the chart of the
prophet and apostles and the 70. Well I chose Elder Rasband. How weird but
cool. Due to technical difficulties I didn't get to listen to their
messages. <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2015/10?lang=eng&vid=4531047844001&cid=5" target="_blank">Here is a link to Elder Rasband's talk</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also yesterday I was in a leader meeting. I learned a lot about focusing on
what is most important and helping people to progress. During the conference we
had 22 people in the church. 9 of those have baptismal dates. There for the rest
we need to work and extend the baptismal date. That's our success for this month
and the next month.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Its getting close but I am not distracted. I am focused. I am not like David Whittmer in Section 30 of the Doctrine and Covenants Verse 1 and 2. I got my
eyes only of the glory of God. Until I am no longer His representative.<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/30?lang=eng" target="_blank">Here is the link to the scripture reference.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you so much. Have a wonderful week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
ElderLuke</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-71978004852432563832015-09-28T20:46:00.001-07:002015-09-28T20:46:42.538-07:00I was praying and came to the conclusion...<div dir="ltr">
<div>
Its sad about the death of Harland. I was not expecting that today, but as you
said he is in a better place. I think he will be a lot more
happier.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am happy that everything working very well in your lives. I have been
praying for the business that the new employees will help the business, and from
what you have said that it is working. How wonderful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well I have some news. Thanks for your prayers and fast but the Ancon
branch is going to be closed. Our efforts were too late to save the branch. The
papers have been signed and the Prophet has approved on shutting it down. But I realized that it really is the will of God then. The people here aren't
receptive. In 5 hours we had only two lessons which is very unproductive. The
less actives are now recently going to church, but its too late. They can't do
anything. But by shutting down the church there I think it has called the
attention of the members so that they recognize their mistakes. It is like the
parable of the talents. The one servant that received one talent didn't do
anything with that talent and so it was taken from him. The members didn't take
advantage of the talent and blessing they had received therefore the privilege of
the church in their town would be taken from them. Its sad but there isn't much we
can do. But my companion and I are going to work there every once in a while. For the mean time they will be asked to assist in another ward a little farther
away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week I went to the temple. How wonderful, HOW AWESOMELY WONDERFUL. I
love the temple. I would love to just live there and never leave. its so
peaceful. At first I wasn't paying attention but towards the end of the session I was
spiritually in tune and I was able to receive revelation. Really this week I was
thinking a lot about extending my mission a month and a half longer. Not that I don't want to be home for Christmas but it was a topic on my mind. When I got in to the Celestial room I was praying about that and came to
the conclusion that I should not extend. I felt that and so I wont. Don't
worry. ("<i>what... no... ok... its going to be alright". Said this missionary mom.</i>) But I just need to focus more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also had a capacitation and we learned about family history. A lot of it
was good but there were times where it was really boring because this man was
talking about how to make an account, We have grown up with that, everyone knows how to make an account, but he decided to focus on how to put a password or
user name. I felt like the scriptures in Acts, when Paul was talking A LOT, that
there was a kid that fell asleep and fell from the third floor and died. Paul had to bring him back to life. I felt like that kids, Sleepy from a lot of
talking. Also yesterday the Bishop talked in the priesthood meeting and wow. The
same story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the way back I saw a movie in the bus super cool, its called HOUR. Well
the guy from the fast and the furious was in it. it was nice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you guys so much, I am excited to go home but I am also afraid,
because its a different way of life back home. I am already used to a white
shirt and tie. to me there aren't any other clothes. It will be a huge change. BUT
I WILL HAVE YOU GUYS AND GET TO BE WITH YOU.</div>
<div>
Say HI to the new employees. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a wonderful week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ElderLuke</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-39371507708390355142015-09-22T11:29:00.001-07:002015-09-22T11:29:29.131-07:00We are going to save Ancon.<div class="MsoNormal">
Alegro mucho a saber que toda la familia esta bien. (<i>Glad to know that whole family is fine</i>.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am very happy to know that things are going well at home.
I love to hear about how Brandon is being very gentleman like. I think Brandon
has a very big heart.(<i>Brandon went to q Home Coming dance the previous week</i>). Also I like to hear that Benjamin is already
mountain biking. To me or in my eyes he is too small or young for that but then I realize that I haven't seen him in a long time so I don't know if he is big
enough. Also I like to hear that dad is going to hire new people at the store so
that you guys can have more time to do things as a family. I am very happy to
here that I have so little time even though I feel that the mission will never
end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well I will tell you that this week was really fun. The
major thing that happened was that President Dennis and his assistants came to
town to capacitate and work with us. I learned some new ways at finding
solutions to problems and analyzing numbers to see what's going on with the zone.
I learned little things about how to be a better leader and helping other.
Different things that I need to always apply to maintain the order and
effectiveness of the work. Also I got to spend the entire day with President and
the assistants. It was nice. We went to lunch together and we got to go sight
seeing a little bit with them. I didn't even work in my sector all day that day.
But I have come to realize that my companion and I are the only ones that don't
have to focus on our sector. It doesn't matter if we have a bunch of baptisms,
what matter is that the rest have the baptisms and with that we have success. My
sector isn't just Salinas but its the entire zone. So sometimes our numbers are
bad but we are working hard. Its a different way to work but that's how its
works as a zone leader. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we went to sight see with President, we passed by a
little branch that is called Ancon. Its so tiny yet it has a chapel. The
members are slowly withering away and now they're only 20 people going to church
and for that it is going to be shut down. The chapel will either be sold or it
will be thrown away and the members will have to go to another chapel of which
will inactivate a lot of members. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So my companion and I have decided that we are going to save Ancon. My companion asked me today how I would feel if you guys told me that
they were going to shut down Hobble Creek Ward. It helped me to think about the
members that are faithful and how much they need our help. We were able to
communicate with a member there in Ancon and make preparations for this Thursday
as we go to work there. He was so excited to hear that we were going to help. He asked us if we knew that they were going to shut down Ancon. We said yes and
that's why we are going to go to help. I realized even more, how important my
calling is. Those twenty or so odd members are counting on us. We are going to
save Ancon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also this week we had some experiences very awesome. First, I got to baptize the little boy in the picture that I had taught in Santa Elena
3. It was fun. Another day we were teaching this old lady that has gone to
church and at the beginning of the lesson my companion told me that we shouldn't
extend a baptismal date because the family was there listening in the other
room. While my companion was teaching I was thinking that I wanted to extend
the baptismal date but I wanted to obey what my companion said, so I decided to
pray and ask God what I needed to do. While I was praying my companion extended
the date. I felt the Spirit confirm that that was the desires of God. Later talking with my companion he told me that he had felt very strongly to invite
her to be baptized. It was very spiritual. After that we passed by this lady on
the street reading a newspaper. We passed by and I felt we needed to go back. We
talked to her and found out that she is a member inactive and she is ready to
come back to church. She has some questions but we can help her with the
answers. She had told us that before we had walked by she was just about to
return to inside of her house but decided to stay out a little long and look
we found her right there waiting for us. I love being an instrument in the hands
of God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well this week we are going to the temple. Also this next Monday I will be in Guayaquil so I will probably write you guys on Tuesday. I
love you guys so much.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a wonderful week.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ElderLuke<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-61093649362003376032015-09-16T11:29:00.000-07:002015-09-16T11:29:48.997-07:00Like a sprint. You always run your hardest at the end.
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I hope that nobody is freaking out. Its just that yesterday
we didn't have anytime to write and now I am doing it today.</div>
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I am so happy for dad (<em>Steve raced LotoJa a 204 mile bike ride this last week and did really well</em>). He is truly a stud. I am so proud of
him. Not many kids my age can say that their dad is so studly because a lot of
friends I have here in the mission have dads that are huge and don't do things
like ride a bike for 204 miles and get high up on the ranks. I am going to be bragging about dad for a while here.</div>
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Well this week we had two baptisms. It was very stressful
getting to that point because Satan was working hard but we were able to pull
it through. Sister EV and RE were baptized. EV
gave her testimony at the end that was very spiritual and powerful. Her mom was
there who is not Mormon. EV told her mom in front of everyone that she
knows that this is the true church and that now her baptism is correct. Wow
and she told everyone that she put her job on the line to follow the example
of Jesus Christ. She works in a Catholic school and has hidden her decision to
be baptized in the Mormon church from her boss. Such a decision can cause
her to lose her job. At end she told her boss and said that she knows that this
is true and that if they were going to firer her so it be. but the boss didn't
fire her yet and supported her in her decision. Mom. I want to be honest that I am
sad also like my brother and sister that you worked on Sunday. I am sad. Look at the example of EV, she
put everything on the line to keep the commandments. The pioneers left everything to keep the commandments. Peter James, John, and Joseph Smith. Remember 1 Nephi
3:7 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/3.7?lang=eng" target="_blank">Link to the scripture</a></div>
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Well this week I was thinking a lot about what would happen
if I didn't work diligently on my mission or in the time I have left. If Christ
came down and asked me why didn't I work with all my heart might mind and
strength. Why didn't I take advantage of this time. I wouldn't be able to make
excuses. I realized that this last time I have is to give my all. Like a
sprint. You always run your hardest at the end.</div>
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There are a lot of missionaries that are getting tired or
are not focused. It frustrates me and my companion because they are holding
back the zone. But its funny that my companion and I are those that have the
most time in the mission out of all the zone and we are the most motivated.
Except a missionary that is training right now. He extended his mission.
He already has completed with his 2 years but decided that he could give
another month to the Lord. (<em>This mom is not ready for that to happen</em>). I admire him so much. as a leader. I don't have time at all. I don't even have time to go to the bathroom. I don't know how I do it but there
is no time. It keeps me focused. I love it and grateful that God has put me
in this position as zone leader. </div>
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Thank you so much for your prayers and letters. I wish the
best for the entire family.</div>
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I love you mom</div>
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ElderLuke </div>
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p.s. pronto estare en sus brazos. (<em>I'll be in your arms soon</em>)</div>
Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-15785704715465185472015-09-08T11:37:00.001-07:002015-09-08T11:37:36.482-07:00I Elder Luke, having been born of GOODLY PARENTS...Dear mom,<br />
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I love you so dearly. </div>
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First I would like to share with you guys that I was transferred again. AGAIN. I returned to the Salinas ward. Can you imagine. I returned but now I am in another sector. I was in Salinas 2 and now I am in Salinas 1 as a zone leader. I think that everything that happens in our lives is so that we humble ourselves unto God and seek his strength in trials and good times. I feel that even though this is a privilege to serve as a zone leader I need to humble myself. </div>
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This week I was able to download from a member the movie, "17 Miracles" and "Ephraim´s Rescue." I have seen it many times in the house. But I have learned so much from their stories. I love to learn more about the hardships and suffering of the old pioneers. I love that so many times they were suffering they humbled unto God and they received help. Some were so strong in their faith that they died trying to get to Zion. I always ask myself over and over again if I would be ready to give my life for this work. When I first started the mission I had a feeling that I was going to be a missionary for all my life. Their was a story in the movie 17 Miracles of this man that was sick but he prayed and promised God that if he would spare his life and permit him to get to Zion he would dedicate his life to this work. He got to Zion in the end and he spent the rest of his life serving the lord. I wonder many times if the members of the church would be so ready to make such a sacrifice. I cannot respond to the question because I don't know. but I hope that I would be like them. </div>
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Also I loved learning in the scriptures this week about the Sabbath day. Levitico 26:2 <span class="yiv2125685003" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-source: none; border: 0px currentcolor; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">reverence</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1441736546886_2895" style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> my sanctuary: I </span><span class="yiv2125685003" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1441736546886_2894" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-source: none; border: 0px currentcolor; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">am</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1441736546886_2890" style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;"> the </span><span class="yiv2125685003" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1441736546886_2891" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-source: none; border: 0px currentcolor; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 25.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2px;">. </span></i></span>I was able to learn about what reverence is. Reverence is not just being silent but it is showing respect, not a profound respect for the sacred thing. The Sabbath day is sacred therefore I need to show reverence and strict and profound respect for that day. I was remembering all the time I didn't do my part in showing respect, like when I graduated and I was at the party until 3 in the morning and I woke up and went to church the next day. I realized that I was sloppy in my reverence and I thought of it as something small. But now that my eyes are opened I have come to realize that for the small and simple thing, brings to pass larger things in the future. </div>
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Well this week we are going to have a white out night where a lot of people are going to be baptized. We are going to all meet up and have one service for all those people. It will be awesome and as a zone leader I feel that I will be in charge of such a grand moment. Also the next week I will be able to baptize an investigator. As I am in the same zone I can return and baptize him. Now we are working for October. But this month we are going to the temple, and conferences and other trips to Guayaquil. It will be fun.</div>
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Thanks for sending me pictures. I love seeing how people are growing up. I am so proud of my family. I guess pride is bad but I am in other words, grateful that I have the best family on the entire world. Now the other people that read this letter that aren't of our family will think that that statement is wrong because they have the best family and they're right. The best family is the one God assigned you in. Mom, dad Ben, Becca Brandon and I were were assigned together. I am grateful for such a thing. I can say" I Elder Luke, having been born of GOODLY PARENTS,..." but also I think that I am learning so much that I can mix this knowledge with all that I have observed from you guys, and apply it in my future family so that the future generation will be better than us. And they will apply the same thing. Learn from the parents and from the mission and mix it up and refine the processes of creating a family so that in 10 generations they can be more obedient, even more observant in listening to the Spirit. That's why the gospel is set up to make us perfect. Better and better everyday. As we get better the world gets worst. Funny how that works. But we get better not for the world but for God. I love the scripture in Isaiah that explains that the ways of God aren't our ways and our words or thoughts aren't his thoughts. For his ways and thoughts and words are higher than ours. Knowing such things make me strive to get to the level of God, to know his ways. BE like HIM.</div>
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I love you so much.</div>
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ElderLuke</div>
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p.s. I don't know exactly when I will be returning home but what an approximate answer would be that I would return home the 1 or 2 of December. I will keep you updated.</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-27004630895327492342015-09-01T21:17:00.000-07:002015-09-01T21:17:02.779-07:00Really it isn't a time to rest but it is a time for spiritual exercise<div>
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Bueno mom,</div>
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I know that you have been probably worried because I didn't write yesterday. Well I was asked to go to Guayaquil for a council of
leaders of the mission. To be honest I didn't want to go. I was thinking that I was going to wake up early and lose sleep and spend money going to Guayaquil. I wanted to do other things other than listen to more teachings. Well I wasn't
going to say no. We got there very well and in short words, I am grateful that God had inspired someone to permit me to be in that council. I learned so much
and I felt so powerfully the spirit testify of such teachings.
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What I learned is about the Sabbath day. I don't know if in
the states they are putting a lot of emphasis on this subject, but recently it
came out here. What I learned is that I wasn't keeping the Sabbath day holy, not even
as a family. I think we need to change. Our president shared a few scriptures
about how the Sabbath day we don't do our own will. What does that mean? We aren't
aloud to do what we want. What normally we did which is our will and not the
will of God is that we watched movies on Sunday. Sunday is a day to be apart from the world and such things keep us from riding on the high tops as it says
in Isaiah 58:13-14. Sometimes we went to play baseball or futball. We
went to do somethings that I found isn't correct. Even reading a magazine/book
that isn't of the church is doing our will. football games, etc. I don't write
this to offend. But if we read the scriptures then we will come to realize what
we can do to take advantage of Sunday. Its not just a muscle rest. Really it
isn't a time to rest but it is a time for spiritual exercise. A day we
can lock up the telephone and facebook and search for spiritual insight. We have
so many tools given to us from God through the church that we can use so that
that day is not our day yet its the day of the Lord, a delight and something
sanctified.</div>
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Well some thoughts that I have had, but a lot of things I am going to be learning soon. These teachings didn't come from President Dennis
but it came from Elder Bednar and the other apostles and God himself brought to
us through his prophet of old. I learned that if we focus more on how we
can sanctify the sabbath day then this will augment the progress of the church in
the future. </div>
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I also realized that as a missionary my sabbath day is
everyday. because everyday I should be dedicated to god. I hope that
this can change our familia little by little because its something I learned that
we as a family need to work on. who are we to take away the day of the
lord. Its His day, not ours.</div>
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Also this week we had the baptism. It was really nice and spiritual. This month of August has been very awesome for
the mission. We complete the month when the goal was 97 and we ended with 101
baptisms. Its the first time in 1 year that we have completed the goal. but this
time our goal and logros were people converted, because before we baptized
like 300 people in one month but they were future less active people not really converted. Now we have changed so much as a mission.<br /></div>
Its funny I have little time left in the mission, but I just feel even more animated to
work. </div>
WORK WORK WORK, That's how we have the spirit and we are able to
bring to pass the work of God.<br /></div>
I love you mom, I wish a very good
week for all the family.<br /></div>
ElderLuke<br /></div>
p.s. a few
scriptures about the sabbath day. Meditate in them and what it teaches
us.<br /></div>
Jeremiah 17:21-27 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/17.21-27?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for the scripture link</a></div>
Isaiah 58:13-14 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/58.13-14?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for the scripture link</a></div>
Exodus
31:12-17 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/31.12-17?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for the scripture link</a></div>
Leviticus 26:2 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/lev/26.2-4?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for the scripture link</a></div>
D&C 59:9-13 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59.9-13?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for the scripture link</a></div>
Nehemiah 10:31 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/neh/10.31?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for the scripture link</a></div>
Juan (<i>also known as John</i>) 6:47-58 <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/6.47-58?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here for the scripture link</a><br /></div>
There are a few that I have found.
enjoy.Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-27349809857963146262015-08-25T11:34:00.000-07:002015-09-22T11:34:54.985-07:00Leadership training meetingFrom the Mission's Blog<br />
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The end of August we had our September leadership council. In attendance were 22 zone leaders, six sister training leaders, the assistants, and a number of district leaders. We have wonderful mission leaders!</div>
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<i>El fin de agosto tuvimos el consejo de líderes para septiembre. Asistieron 22 líderes de zona, seis hermanas líderes, los asistentes, y algunos líderes de distrito. Tenemos maravillosos líderes de la misión!</i></div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-9373268698803708552015-08-24T19:37:00.000-07:002015-08-24T19:37:15.278-07:00The district of God that he has placed in my hands is progressingBuenos tardes mama (<i>good afternoon Mom</i>)<br />
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Well today has been a good day and a tiring one. Well also this week has been good. First, today we went this place called the chocolate maker or la chocolatera. Well I don't know why its called that because there wasn't any chocolate at all, all my
expectations were let down. But I guess the sight was pretty cool. Just kidding. I loved it. It was a very cool beach where I got to mess around with my gopro
and take a butt load of pictures. I also went walking on the beach. It was a cool day
to spend with my companions. I hope you like the pictures. There were a lot of
foreign people there. </div>
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Also this week we went to Guayaquil for a conference and there I was able
to see some old friends and listen to some good doctrine. The president talked
about repentance and the Spirit and learning English. Now we are speaking more English with my companions. We were practicing teaching in English and it was
fun to mess around. But we could feel the Spirit. Its weird how it works. </div>
<div>
I know I am not supposed to see movies or watch TV but on the bus ride home
that day I was distracted by Jurassic World. It was really cool. But then I had
to pray a lot so that the Spirit would come back with me. On the ride back the
zone leaders didn't come with us so another district leader and I were like
acting zone leaders in that moment. So we decided before we returned back home
we would go out to eat at McDonald's. It was amazing. I felt so much power in that
moment. It was nice. But we got home super late and so the entire day we didn't
work at all. It was fun.</div>
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Well we are doing awesome. The district of God that he has placed in my
hands is progressing. The success of the entire zone only came from the district
of God that he has placed in my hands. I was so happy. We are going to complete
the goals of August and now we are amped up to work for September. </div>
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This Saturday that is coming we will be having a baptism. He passed the
interview. So I will have more pics the next week. </div>
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Hey also I completed my first memory card on my camera. It took me so long
to do it, but now I am going for my second. it will be fun. I like taking pictures. I think I got that from mom. </div>
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Well I don't know what else to write. but I have 15 weeks left. but who's
counting. I think I am going to end the mission here in Santa Elena. These last
few days have been very cold. Its AWESOME: I love the cold. </div>
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Well mom,</div>
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I love you </div>
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<br /></div>
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ElderLuke</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-53544943494178279332015-08-17T17:39:00.001-07:002015-08-17T17:39:27.884-07:00Well I can tell you that this week my pride was cut down by GodWell I am coming home soon. Its weird to think that only three more missionaries (<i>from our home ward</i>) come home and then I am there. I love being a missionary but I am excited to go
home. I am excited to see you again. It didn't look like Matt cried (<i>a friend of Brian's came home from his mission on Friday. We sent him pictures.</i>) Well you will have to bring the tissues because I am going to cry as I see you. BUT there is still a lot of time left.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Kartchner's HUG</td></tr>
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Well this week was actually pretty good. We did another invasion where we
found really good people for the elders that live with us. We are working very
well and we are seeing the blessing of the fruits from our labors.<br />
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We are teaching
the dad of the little girl I baptized and he had a baptismal date for September
but then he said that he wants to do it sooner. So who am I to impede him. So
this next week he will be baptized but now we need to teach a lot of things this
week.<br />
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Also we had this less active member who went to church this Sunday and his son in
8 and he isn't a member and so its our turn to baptize him. Its awesome. Also the
grandma is listening to us.</div>
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Well I can tell you that this week my pride was cut down by God. I was
contacting with my companion and I wanted to contact a house on the street that
was huge and when we contacted it this huge black guy came out and greeted us. He wasn't Latin, He was American and he was from South Carolina. Well he was
nice off the bat but I found a problem I couldn't speak very well. I was
thinking in Spanish and having to translate it into English. So he started
making fun of me. Maybe he didn't mean to but I was ashamed. He asked me ¨How can you forget you native language? Its like riding a bike you never forget¨. That made me feel bad. So then I tried to proselyte and ask a few questions in English but it didn't come out the way it does in Spanish. So he got a little
offended by the question and then he put up his argument on the topic and I wasn't able to answer his questions and defend the truth that I was TRYING to
share. It didn't come out. He showed me up. It wasn't because he knew a butt load
of scriptures but it was the statements, it was the argument and my argument
was written in Spanish and I was translating it into English. I haven't felt as
nervous ever since I first got here when I wasn't able to speak Spanish. The guy
was not a bad person but I just felt useless. I don't like feeling that way. At the
end he shared with me that everyone has trials and that in his moment he was
testing me, So I responded and said that God was testing me, then he responded,
yes He is testing you through me. I smiled and he smiled I said, huh how weird, I shook his hand and said good bye and left. I took one step and the tear fell
down my face. I felt that I had lost the ability to speak English and teach
people in my native language. I felt that the Spirit wasn't with me even though I prayed for that guidance in that moment. I was useless. my confidence in myself
and also my testimony was being wavered and I think it scared me more than
anything. I feel that my pride was being built up and being built up and boom it was
cut down. I am still trying to learn from the experience but I feel that God is
trying to teach me. He made his point. </div>
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This week I was able to talk to Miguel Rivelo from Salinas 2 and he shared
with me that he has seen miracles and that he had been to the temple. He was so
happy. He told me that he was playing soccer the other day and his calf burst
and the muscle fell down. He wasn't ale to walk. So he asked for a blessing. The
missionaries (my old companion and step son Elder Inuma and my Grandson Elder Turpo). That night he slept very well and when he woke up he was completely fine. His calf was back into place and he was walking normally. The power of the
priesthood and how strong of faith he has in Christ. I admire him so much in how
strong he is to God.</div>
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Thanks for your prayers. We are going to complete our goals of the month of August as a district. 8 baptisms and 10 rescues. We are going to complete and I feel so happy. I feel useful in my district. I have been working with them and
now we are having success. I am not receiving the glory but I like being the
instrument so that God can bring to pass his works. Its wonderful.</div>
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Thank you for everything. I thank God everyday for my family and for my
testimony.</div>
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<div>
QUE DIOS LOS BENDIGA. (<i>God Bless You</i>)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lots of love</div>
<br />
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Elder Luke</div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-82069958647717867142015-08-10T18:32:00.001-07:002015-08-10T18:32:43.177-07:00It feels good to baptize and to rescue people.<div dir="ltr">
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First, that sucks that dad was sick. this last week. I was sick also. Bathroom trips a lot and a few close calls in the street. CLOSE CALLS. Funny stories. </div>
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<div>
Thanks for informing me about the Facebook updates. (<i>Several of Brian's friends are getting married, getting mission calls or coming home from their missions</i>.) Its cool to hear how
people are acting or changing their lives and doing things. But like you said
that's weird that Elder Kartchner is coming home. Wow I have so little time left. Its weird. But I am not trunky. Not at all. Maybe a little tired at times. I
feel that the nights are getting shorter. This morning we woke up late because
when the alarm went off my companion turned it off really fast. We are 4 that
live in the same room and we didn't hear it. So nobody woke up. It wasn't until something told us to wake up when we realized that we had slept in. It was
super funny.</div>
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<div>
This week was good. It feels good to baptize and to rescue people. It feels
really good. This week we spent more time taking care of the baptisms and the
district. We went and did an invasion in the sector of the Sister Missionaries. They haven't
been doing very well. But thanks to the invasion we found a lot of really
good people. We had a good time and it helped the unity and motivation. Due to such
invasion the Sisters brought 2 people to church. Which is really decent. I am
happy that it worked. Therefore this week will be doing the same in another
sector in my district with the same hopes that it works equally. We will have to
see,. </div>
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<div>
Now we are working for September. Then October and November and... WELCOME HOMES. AHAHAHA. </div>
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okay okay okay. ya . </div>
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Its true. time flies when you're having fun,</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well I think this last few months are of great importance. Its where I can
make my progress as a missionary complete. I can apply all that I have learned
and help other missionaries in their progress. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for your prayers. Thank you for your love. I feel it everyday. The
mission is hard but its perfect. I love it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I love you</div>
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<br /></div>
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Elder Luke </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh this boy makes me laugh!!</td></tr>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-56260445310588009472015-08-03T17:08:00.000-07:002015-08-03T17:08:01.344-07:00Please pray specifically asking God for help to complete our goal<div dir="ltr">
<div>
Well this week has been a stress. A lot of teaching people. Completing the
teaching of the people who are going to be baptized. We had 3 people who were
inactive be rescued yesterday and we are going to have two baptisms of two
little kids. One is from one of those families we rescued and the other is the
daughter of a recent convert so that pertains to us. So this month we're going
to complete our goals. Super cool. The goal is 2 baptisms and 3 rescues. So on Sunday we are going to complete the goal. Its nice because now I can focus on
helping my district. I am going to have a lot of divisions and invasions and
exchanges this week. In hopes that my district can complete the goal of 8
baptism and 10 rescues. It would be nice if you guys could pray specifically
asking God for help to complete this goal. That would help. Thank You.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Random thought. I had a dream the other day that i was singing and singing and
nobody payed attention but I was singing really good. I loved it. I had to
verify when I woke up if I had sung in my sleep. My companions told me no. But I love singing. Its a lot easier now than before. (<i>If you don't know, the Luke's are not very good singers so this is an impressive statement from this Elder</i>.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week I found a scripture in 2 Nephi that said "cursed be those who mix
with the lamanites" speaking to the Nephites. In the reference at the bottom of
the page about the word mix means get married with people of other religions. I
found another scripture that explained better. In D&S 132:15 explained that if a
couple only is married for this time and not for the eternity it isn't valid. and
the marriage doesn't mean anything before God. That's because we need to be sealed. Its the only way a family can be together forever. It was cool learning about
that. All in preparation for the future. I have found some return missionaries
that aren't sealed. I asked one of them if what he is doing right now will get
him the exaltation. He told me no. But I felt true love for him because due to
his wife he can't. But we always have to make right decision that will set up our
future because if we take other roads for a short time can take us to places
where we didn't want to go in the first place. I think that's why God says in Alma
37:37, "consult with God in every act so that we may take decision that will
bring us home to God".</div>
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<div>
I am happy that everyone is fine and that everything is good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am good too.</div>
<div>
Love you so much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ElderLuke</div>
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<div class="gmail_extra">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_extra">
p.s. the sector is nice but there is a lot of dirt, which is not new. Also my
companion is very quiet, which is the opposite than my attitude. but we are
woking.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A convert from Elder Sanchez my old companion</td></tr>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-43184548153372067232015-07-30T07:38:00.005-07:002015-07-30T07:38:43.672-07:00BETTER TIMES AHEADHey mom,thanks for the good laugh. I was so happy to hear what you guys did so
that dad´s birthday was something special.You guys are creative. (<i>We threw his dad a surprise party</i>)<br />
<br />
<div>
Well the activity of watching Meet the Mormons was okay. The movie was in voiced over
Spanish but like you said that the couple from Costa Rica was in Spanish. Also
a few times English subtitles showed up. I don't know why. We had a good amount of
people. Very few non members, but I know that the it said something to
someone. There was this part member family that went, the daughter, son, mom, aren't members. They attended and they loved it and it was very nice to see
them there. The bad things is that they live outside our sector. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other news, I was transferred But I didn't go very far. I am now in Santa Elena 3. I don't know
the sector yet so I can't tell you anything. But the house isn't that great but
manageable. But we are going to change houses soon. MY new companion is now Elder Soto, from Peru. He has the same time on his mission as my last companion. My last
companion Elder Inuma is going to train. I am going to have grandsons. HAHAHAH. Because Elder Inuma is my son and now he is going to train and so the new
missionary will be my grandson. I hope you get it. I am so happy for him, he is powerful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To be honest, I wanted to be zone leader. I can admit that I was
bummed. I was also tired and so that didn't help. I started to sing a song. The first
song that came to mind was "oh esta todo bien" (all is well I think its called in English). I started to calm down. until I got home and fell asleep and as I woke
up I just felt that the Spirit had calmed my soul. I just felt that God was
guiding my life and I just needed to trust. I don't even have desires anymore to
serve as a zone leader. I just want to serve my heart out. I am ending the
mission. I have four transfers left. I am almost dead. Therefore, I need to die
trying. I love God. As I was going to my new house with my new sector I looked
out the window and what did I see. Not pop corn but I found some inspiring words
from God. Oddly enough it came from a sign of a beer company that said ´´
BETTER TIMES ARE AHEAD.´´</div>
<div>
God really loves us. Even though we are immature babies compared to him, he
loves us so much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh also this new sector is where Elder Sanchez, my old companion was. He told me a lot of this sector. now I am glad to know his converts.</div>
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<div>
love you</div>
<div>
ElderLuke</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching "Meet the Mormons"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Missionaries from his old sector</td></tr>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-36054446208060726242015-07-20T16:50:00.005-07:002015-07-20T16:50:55.586-07:0019 Months in the mission<div>
<div>
Wow I am so happy for you guys. Its so wonderful to
listen to funny stories and to hear the progress of the business. That's so nice that the entire family was out doing things together. I love that. Its
good experiences.</div>
</div>
Well I will have tell you that to day that I now have 19 months in the mission. I now
have 4 and a half months left to return home. TIME FLYS when your having
fun. I feel like I am in the movie Inception when they got all drugged up in a
dream, passed by a whole but load of time in the dream but time really didn't
change for them in the real life. Here we get lost in the work and everything
happens and boom one has 19 months, or boom your back at home. But I guess
everything changes while I am changing. Change is good. The success in the life comes based on how fast we can
adapt to changes. <br />
Well this week has been low on everything. Low on lessons and people
teaching and we don't have a lot of people that want to listen to us. But we are
now going to focus on working through the members. That's because this week we
are going to have a ward missionary activity. You wont imagine what we will be
doing. We are going to .... watch MEET THE MORMONS. Thanks to my awesome family, I got that movie in a package and now we are going to use it to introduce the
church to these people.<br />
We also had a family in church. It was super cool because he has focused
a lot on his family and the entire church lessons were on the family. Families
are just so awesome. Its brilliant the idea of the family. Its the way to build a
strong future or destroy one. If the parents focus on what is most important and teach the kids as they
grow up to follow God, then future generations will follow that example. But if
the family doesn't apply the basic principles of a family and of God, then future
generations will follow other paths that aren't of God.<br />
<div>
Well sorry I don't have a lot to write. I think the closer we are getting to
my return, the less words we use. Just saving it for the giant hug.
<br /><br />until next week<br />love<br />ElderLuke</div>
Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-72908400247836562222015-07-14T21:23:00.000-07:002015-07-14T21:23:22.590-07:00 I think that the pictures make up for the lack of words. <div dir="ltr">
<div>
Well I don't have a lot of time because the pictures took so much
time to load.and while you are loading it doesn't allow you to write or send
things. Wow,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a baptism. I baptized it was fun. Its easy baptizing little kids
because they don't weigh at all. boom baptized and their done. It was a very
nice experience.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I received you package. Thank you so much. I wear the shirt everyday (<i>We sent an US Flag shirt for the fourth of July but he didn't get it in time. OH well.</i>) I have seen the entire movie and bonus features of Meet the Mormons (a<i>lso in the package</i>). I am playing
with the glow sticks and I love the wedding invitation of Elder Smith and his
wife. I was super excited to receive that package. Oh also the ties, I loved it.
Thanks so much. This 24th of July we are going to have a ward activity of seeing the movie
meet the Mormons with investigators.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week in my studies I have learned that I shouldn't complain. I was
reading about Lamen and Lemuel who were complaining about how their families had
suffered everything but death. They said that it would have been better if they
had died in Jerusalem. Reading that passage the Spirit told me something. He
said that its better to complete with what God commands us and to suffer than to
not complete and die. After Nephi made the ship and they shipped of in the ocean
and his brother tied him up, after they had lossed the bands in fear of
dying by the waves, Nephi said that his wrists and legs were swollen and it was
very painful that experience, but he said " nevertheless I came unto God and
never complained of my afflictions". wow. WOW. I think the Spirit has been trying
to teach me that I should stop complaining.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Well I have to go. I think that the pictures make up for the lack of words. You
have to know that I am super happy and healthy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ElderLuke</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"If you want to give light to others, you have to GLOW yourself." Thomas S Monson</td></tr>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-26240871785613786682015-07-07T11:55:00.002-07:002015-07-07T11:55:40.665-07:00Thomas S Monson is a prophet of God. Yo lo Se <br />
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Well, this week was a way better week. We had a baptism, a
lot of smiling, and i am happy. </div>
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Well I am going to first start out telling you guys that
today the Pope of the Catholic church came to Guayaquil. You guys would not
believe how many people are just so excited for today. The question that we
have heard a lot is "what do we think of the Pope"? Its so funny to here the opinions of the people. Some like
his coming and other not so much. What they did is they made the entire day a no work day,
other than that they shut off all the roads of the entire city. Posters, TV,
programs, so many things for a man. I have wondered if
the Prophet were to come to Ecuador if the people would show him the same
respect, would they do the same preparations. I don't think so. </div>
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Thomas S Monson is a prophet of God. Yo lo Se (<em>I know it</em>).</div>
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1.2 million people assisted the coming of the Pope. So many
people looking for spiritual renewal and a feeling in their heart. They search
and they search in a place or in better words they search in a person who can
not satisfy their needs. So many people waiting for a look for what I have to
teach the world. Sadly not everyone wants to accept it. But not everyone
accepted Christ and not everyone will live with God.</div>
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This week I found something cool out from the scriptures.
Helaman chapter 3 verse 29 and 30. </div>
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<em>29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—</em></blockquote>
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<em><span class="verse">30 </span>And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.</em></blockquote>
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This explains that the word of God, more specific
would be the Book of Mormon with the Bible, is something of which we need to
hold fast to. Cling to it. Because we are in something in Spanish is called
abismo de miseria (<em>abyss of misery</em>). We are not safe in a place that isn't with our Heavenly
Father. Like it says in that scripture that the word of God is the guide. If we
cling to it then it will lead us back to God. If not then the amismo de miseria
will take us down in darkness. But I love what it says in verse 30. It says that
if we hold to the word and then we will be led back to the right hand of God to
rest and be exalted. But the last phrase is my favorite, something along the
lines of "to never leave again". We left once, we will never leave
again if we find our way back to him that is why He has sent us living prophets
and apostles and the priesthood and revelation, because our father loves us and
he wants us to return home to Him. We are always our own problem or
desafio (<em>challenge</em>).</div>
We are the problem, so we need to shed off the natural man
and be receptive like a little kid. That's when we can return to God.<br />
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Well our baptismo was awesome. Not many people showed up,
but it was powerful. The man who was baptized is called Miguel. One day
before his baptism he got super sick. I was afraid he would back out. But he
repeated that he made a decision and he will complete. He completed. He was so sick that he had to leave church
after his confirmation because he was in so much pain. But he told me
something. He said that the pain was strong, but his desire to complete with
God was even stronger. His love was stronger than the pain. I think that applies in
everything. I think he learned to understand more about the atonement. The pain
for Christ was strong but his desire to complete the will of the father and his
love for us was a lot stronger than the pain. That is why he won. And we will
win if we come unto Christ.</div>
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Mom I love you so much. Time is flying by and soon we will
be together. </div>
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Elder Luke<br />
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-55706734578867458122015-06-30T05:03:00.001-07:002015-06-30T05:03:39.950-07:00I have just been focused on working in the vineyardI have to admit that I had forgot about what you guys were doing this week<i> (our family went on a trip to see a missionary friend of Of ours get married</i>). I did include you in my prayers but to be honest I have just been focused on working in the vineyard. <div><br></div><div>Thanks for sending me pictures from your trip. I loved to see the temple. First, wow Brandon is so different and Becça is super tall. Ben looks the same.</div><div><br></div><div>To be honest I am so happy Elder Smith got married I am not use to calling him Skyler, he is still Elder Smith to me. I am so happy for him. I can't wait to see him again. He has impacted our lives in so many ways. It's good that you guys were able to show your support by going to his sealing.</div><div><br></div><div>Well this week we have a baptism. It's going to be awesome. Also we have an anniversary of the mission<i> (the mission was started on July 1, 2013</i>). We are going to meet the family of President y Hermana Denñis. So excited. I really love being with Elder Inuma, my companion. He has a powerful testimony and he is just so humble. We get along so much. Unfortunately<i> </i>our leaders are not very good examples for him but I am trying to teach him and learn also. </div><div><br></div><div>This week I found that other than he is super buff and serious, he is ticklish and he found that I am ticklish also. Now we are just laughing even more. Super fun. </div><div><br></div><div>Here it has been cold and wonderful. </div><div><br></div><div>I can tell you that I love teaching the gospel. I love teaching classes and people. I like expressing my feelings in Spanish, also talking to little kids in English. The first counselor is from New York and he knows English and his wife and his kids do too. It's so funny talking English with the little kids. </div><div><br></div><div>Mucho armor,</div><div>Elder luke</div><div><br></div><div>Ps sorry I didn't take a lot of pictures. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3838613010776304032.post-32929704227843634352015-06-23T09:02:00.000-07:002015-06-23T09:02:29.914-07:00Our Heavenly father is the pilot of our lives<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, here I am on the beach, to be honest I haven't seen the
beach yet. But I love that here its very cool. I woke up the other day and I felt
cold. I put my sweater on and studied all day that way. </div>
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Well on Thursday I had to go to Guayaquil with my companion
for a conference with Presidente. I went to bed at 10:30 and I woke at 3:30
to leave. I also woke up with a cold and wow that day was hard to stay awake
and focused. But I was able to see my companion Elder Muñoz. It was so awesome
to see him. He also is training and he told me that the man we baptized, Manuel
Caizedo, had given a reference to the missionaries of whom baptized a
family of 6. WOW everything started with my acts and my desire to find him. For
what I did with my companion we not only baptized 1 person mas bien we set the
way up for future baptisms.</div>
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This week was rough because my companion doesn't know the
sector and so we are losing a lot of time but we have a fecha baptismal who is
preparing for the 4th of July. so funny. 4 of July. But he is so powerful and
his son is going to baptize him. Also yesterday we found so many people so
perfect and prepared to be baptized. So much fun.</div>
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My companion and I have been focusing on working with the
members to give us referrals, and inviting them to participate in the work of
God. I hope we can find people and also that we are able to strengthen the ward.</div>
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Yesterday I learned something about this week. </div>
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I am having a rough time adapting to the new leaders and way
of doing things. Well I just wondered when I first got here. I asked, "
why am I not a zone leader? " Why am I training again.?" But I heard
a story,</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There once was a little girl that got on board of a
plane. As she so calmly entered and sat down and started to draw the passengers
realized that she didn't have the "first time fears". She seamed calm.
On the flight the cabin started to shake as they passed through a storm, and the
passengers started to panic. But the little girl no. She just kept drawing. The
shaking and turbulence got worse and people screamed a little and the lady next
to the little girl asked "are you not afraid?" the little girl
responded "No" she kept on drawing when she said, "MY father is the
pilot."</blockquote>
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Our father is the pilot of our lives. I need to trust in him
as do all of us. The moment we stop trusting in Him we panic and panic is not
good. God is your father. I feel that most humans don't even
understand that phrase.</div>
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I think in the story Christ is the father guiding the plane
and we need to trust in him on our flight to return to our heavenly
father. </div>
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God bless you, </div>
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I pray that he may guide us safely to him, only if we trust
in him.</div>
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I love you</div>
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ElderLuke </div>
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Aletahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16263592270961715050noreply@blogger.com0