General Conference Tickets Needed

Hola mi familia y mis amigos,

This week is a short email week.  

Life is going very well.  We are teaching a lot of people.  One of the coolest people we are teaching is a 17 year old girl named Katia.  Her mom was baptized 4 years ago (and happens to be one of the most incredible people I have ever met.  I feel like I've known her before).  She went to church for 2 years before, but someone at church did something dumb and now Katia (with good reason) doesn't feel comfortable there anymore (yes...it's true...Mormons are not perfect and sometimes do and say dumb things).  Her older brother is a less active member who we are working with as well.  Please pray that both of them will regain their desire to go to church.

And attention all those who live in any state, any country, or any planet.  Elder Colton (that's me) needs as many general conference tickets as he can get.  We always, always, always have people who we want to take to General Conference and the only limit on how many people go is by how many tickets we have.  Please send me as many tickets as you can possible send and you will be loved by me forever (which means those who don't send tickets will no longer be loved, so start searching).

But really, it is a wonderful opportunity to take the people we're teaching the General Conference and allow them to listen to a Prophet (President Thomas S. Monson) and the Twelve Apostles speak in person.  For those without tickets, we can still watch it on the internet or on BYU TV, but in person is definitely preferred.   

Love ya'll,

-Elder Colton

"What Happens After Someone Gets Baptized?"

Hola mi familia y mis amigos,

Woohoo...no more white companions :) My new companion is Elder Curbelo from Uruguay and he is a stud in it's purest definition. He is the only missionary from Uruguay in our mission (which is over 200 missionaries) and we've had an incredible first week together.

And to greet us this first week we've had a huge snow storm and then very cold temperatues (in the teens and single digits). Utah isn't supposed to get that cold.

So I wanted to tell you all about what happens after someone gets baptized. There are four families that I'll write about in chonological order. I could write just about the super happy fairy tale endings ones, but that would be pointless to paint a perfect picture that would just get shattered later on.

1. Mario Hernandez 

Mario was the first person I baptized on my mission. He is a little over 20 years old. When my first companion found him, he was athiest, a very nice guy who wants a family to take care of, loved to work, loved to drink, and loved talking with us. For a month, he prayed, went to church, read from the scriptures, and felt the huge difference the Gospel was making in his life, so he decided to be baptized. A week after his baptism, another member of his group was baptized. A week or so later, all of them got a phone call from their "patron" (boss) called and said they had one day to make it to Illinois to start their new work site there. We didn't even get to say a real bye.

A month later I called Mario and asked how everything going in Illinois. He said they were all happy and working hard but that the closest church was 45 minutes away and they didn't have enough gas money to make it. So they just read the scriptures together on Sundays. I jokingly asked him if he was dating anyone and he said no. Then he explained why he wasn't. He explained that he wanted to only date people who were members of our Church so that he could be married in an eternal family in the Temple.

A week later I tried calling back but his number had been disconnected.

2. The Rodriguez Family

This was the first and probably biggest family that I'll teach on my mission. It was two sisters with their total of 7 kids (five of whom were old enough to be baptized). We loved teaching them. It was crazy (as you can probably imagine in a house of 7 children under 16 years of age) but so much fun. One of the sons had been in gangs before he met us but got out of all of that. The daugthers all decided they wanted to serve missions and go to BYU.

Two weeks after their baptism they stopped going to church. A few weeks after that the son got back into his gang. A few weeks after that he was involved in a shooting outside his house. A few weeks later the whole family was evicted. I havne't been able to get in touch with them since.

3. The Ochoa Familya (Lilia and her children: Ana, Ismael, Eduardo, Miranda, Alex)

Talk about amazing families. When I met them, Lilia was a struggling but incredible single mom with five kids between the ages of 19 and 2. She worked delivering newspapers from 3 to 10 each morning. She was Catholic and a loved her Church, but her kids didn't. At all. The only reason she was even talking with us in the first place was because her best friend has invited her to our church once and her kids had loved it. As we taught them their lives began to change. They seemed happier. Their house was more peaceful. That isn't to say their lives became perfect, but they were happier.

We're not at about their six month mark as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lilia is now in the leadership (which is called a Presidency) of the youth group for teenage girls (which is called Young Womens) in the congregation she goes to. Ismael blesses the sacrament (bread and water) each and every Sunday because there aren't many other young men to do it. Eduardo passes the sacrament to the congregation each Sunday. Miranda is still her sweet angel self, and Alex...well....Alex is still a little crazy 3 year old child who listens to no one but his mom. Ana, the 19 year old daughter who wasn't baptized with her family, has gone to church a few times since their baptism. Lilia's mom comes on occasion and Lilia has been able to share the Gospel with some of her friends and other family members. Both Eduardo and Ismael have gone to the Temple on youth trips and Lilia is going to go for the first time in a few months.

 

4. Lynette

Lynette is the college aged girl who was baptized about a month ago. We're teaching one of her best friends and she has a list of 10 other people who she wants to invite to church (both familiy members and friends). She wants to go the Temple soon with some of her friends and has thought about serving a mission (with a lot (A LOT) of insistence from us). She is planning on going to BYU (woot woot) and is just so happy. 

Take these examples for what you will. But what I've learned is that those who follow the Gospel faithfully will always be happyier. I know that as we follow Christ we will find a peace amoungst the chaos around us. If you want to know more about any of these families just shoot me a letter and I'd love to tell you more.

Love ya'll,

-Elder Colton

A Little Help From God

Hola mi familia y mis amigos,

 

I now know even more certainly that God really helps us out quite a bit as missionaries.  For the last few days I've been sick as a dog with headaches and stomach aches and body aches and every other type of ache you can have.  But the cool part has been that as soon as I pray and then walk out the door to start "preaching the word" (as the hispanics say) I feel totally fine.  I can walk/drive around all day and have no real problems.  But as soon as I step foot back in our house, then it all comes back and all I do is lay in bed, attempt at studying the scriptures, and try to live.  It's been really weird. 

 

This week we have transfers so I'll be with a new companion starting on Wednesday. 

 

Love ya'll,

-Elder Colton

"A Real Invitation"

Hola mi familia y mis amigos,

Greetings and Salutations from Layton, Utah.  We have had an incredible past two weeks.  For starters, last weekend the Lopez Family was baptized.  Originally Franciso and Martina (the parents) only wanted their children (Josh and Yoli) to be baptized because they had never been baptized into any church.  But once they understand that families can be together forever because of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, they realized that they wanted to do it as well. They now have the goal to go to the Temple together as a family in a year and be create a marriage without any of the "til death do you part" stuff.

Their baptism was originally going to be 6:00 on Sunday but our Bishop asked us to change it to 6:30 so he could be there.  We forgot to mention that to the Lopez's so they arrived at 5:30 like we had originally told them.  With the Lopezs was Martina's sister, Gloria, and her husband, Juan.  Gloria was baptized 7 years or so ago but Juan never was.  Just four months ago he believed there was no God.  But then another set of missionaries invited him to pray and ask God if he was there.  God answered.

But that didn't speed up the process towards baptism too much (or so we thought).  Juan said he wanted to wait at least a year before being baptized (finding out that God exists had already rocked his world a little bit).  When he arrived at his family's baptism, his wife made a joke that he should get baptized with them.  So we also "joked" that he should do it.  He said he wanted to still wait a year so we left it at that.

Right about then Josh (the 8 year old) walked out of the bathroom in his wife baptismal clothes.  A few minutes later, Yoli came out of the women's bathroom in her white baptismal dress.  Five minutes later, Francisco came out in his white clothes.  Right about then, Juan told us he wanted to be baptized that night with his family.

He later told us that as he saw Josh walk out, he felt a warm feeling inside (the Spirit) that said he should be baptized, but he quickly rejected the idea.  A few minutes later when he saw Yoli, he said he felt the same thing but much stronger.  When he saw Francisco he told us he couldn't deny it anymore.  He knew God wanted him to be baptized. 

Juan, Bishop Barrera, Josh, Elder Rasmussen, Me, Yoli, Franciso, Martina

Josh

This Gospel is the greatest gift God has for us.  It is the way we can have a happy family here and is the only way we can have our families forever.  I know that to be true.  Through Christ and His Restored Church we can have complete happiness.  I know that is true because I feel it.  And I invite everyone to do the same by baptized by someone holding the restored priesthood authority of God that this Church holds.  Yes, that is a real invitation to you reading this right now.  Think about it.  Pray about it.  God will tell you that it is what he wants you to do.  He will.  And it will bless your life forever.

Don't hesitate to write me a letter if you have any questions (1428 W 1650 N #703; Layton, UT 84041).

-Elder Brandon Colton

Prayers for Lucio

Hola mi familia y mis amigos,

Well this week there is bunches to tell about, so I'll split it into three main parts:

1. Lynette was baptized on Saturday and it was incredible.  She invited all of her friends to come and nearly 70 people were at the baptism (normally there are 10-20).  Apart from the the baptismal font deciding to fill incredibe slowly and thus not being completely full for the baptism, everything went perfect.  It's an odd feeling to realize just how simple of a decision it is to be baptized, yet just how profound of a change it creates.  And it all started with one 18 year old talking with her best friend about God.

  

2. This week I need your help.  Each and every person who is reading this: I NEED YOUR HELP. Hopefully that grabbed your attention enough. 

One of the people we're teaching right now is a 17 year old boy named Lucio.  He's a stud and wants to be baptized.  Last night we went to Temple Square with him and while we were there, he said "I've already made my decision [about being baptized] and no-one can change that.  The only thing I'm waiting for is my mom."  Lucio's mom, Monica, lives in California and works everyday.  She wasn't planning on coming to visit for Christmas because she needs to work all next week. 

This is the point we are at right now:

1. There are two 22 year olds who have already served missions who said they will drive to California to pick up Lucio's mom

2. There are people who said they will pay for the gas, hotel, and the bus ride on her way home

3. Lucios says he will be baptized as soon as his mom gets here

There is only one thing left: Lucio's mom getting three days off of work.  That, right now, doesn't seem likely because of her schedule.  But, thankfully God really enjoys doing stuff that doesn't seem likely (examples: my baby cousin DJ living when she was born with basically half a heart, Mike Rettker not having failed out of school, plus all sorts of other miracles that ya'll can think of).  It would be fairly easy for God to give Monica three days off of work.  

So here is where you come in: We can't change God's will, but with our faith and prayer we can unlock blessings that he has held reserve.  So please pray for that this coming week.  Please pray that Monica will have three days off of work so that she will come to Utah to watch her son's baptism.  I know it's possible.  All God wants to do is shape the character of His children and bless us in the process.  It would change the lives of both Lucio and his mom immensely if she comes for his baptism.  Christmas is the only time of year where this is a solid possibility.  So...will you pray for Monica so that she will come to Utah for Luico's baptism?  If you say yes, thank you.  If you say no, then repent, say yes, and now I'll thank you :) It's going to happen.

Love ya'll,

-Elder Colton

And I haven't done any shout-outs for awhile but Grammie and Granddad definitely get one for this week.  They sent me a ham.  Yes, a Honey-Bake Ham.  Along with all sorts of other goodies (cinamon apple slices, etc.)  Not exactly what I was expecting when I got home for the evening, but very much appreciated.  It was exactly what both my companion and I needed on that exact day.     

Mishap with Letters

Hola mi familia y mis amigos,

Good news and bad news: 

Bad news first...I have recently discovered that some letters that have been sent to me over the past few months never arrived.  Unfortunately, letters get sent to our homes.  So when a missionary changes homes, the missionaries who lived there before him are supposed to give the letter to zone leaders and they are supposed to  pass the letters on.  But, it probably doesn't come as a shock that missionaries aren't exactly dilligent about that.  If you have sent a letter and haven't received a response it means one of three things: 

1. The missionaries in my old house lost it

2. I don't love you enough to respond 

3. I just forgot to respond and put the letter in my box

In the Spirit of Christmas, I think we should all just go with reason number one and forgive little old me if it was my fault.  How about it?

Anyways...

This past I was able to get to know Lynette much better (the one I mentioned in my letter last week)...  

She's freshmen in college here in Utah and had a few Mormon friends in High School.  Growing up she had a strong belief in God but came from a less-than-ideal family situation.  She grew up fairly independent and makes most of her decisions on her own, but still tells her parents about most things and listens to (not necessarily follows) their advice.  (Sounds like every college student on the planet...sorry Mom and Dad :) It's true)

When her friend, Ari,  first talked with her about meeting with the missionaries, she agreed mostly out of curiosity.  Let's face it: most people know some Mormon people but don't really know too much about the actually beliefs.  (I guess now is a good time to clear up one little fact: No, we don't have a seven wives!).  But as missionaries, we don't just teach people about our Church.  We help people increase their belief in God, change their lives so they follow his commandments, and them promise to follow him for the rest of their lives (which is what baptism symbolizes).  

Lynette realized that she wanted to do just that.  Obviously she still doesn't know too much about our Church.  She still has a whole lot of questions.  But she's felt in her heart (through the Holy Spirit) that this is right.  She wants to promise God that she will follow Him by being baptized.  

One of her best friends leaves home for his mission on December 19th for some far away country (sigh...).  So she decided to get baptized right before he leaves, which means that on Saturday at 1:00, she is going to be baptized.  (Picture to come next week).  

Her friend who introduced her to the church, Ari, is freaking out a little bit (to say the least).  But it's been a cool experience.  All it took was one friend loving her friend enough to talk about God with her, plus the other friend being curious enough and having a sincere enough heart to accept it.  

Love ya'll,

-Elder Colton

ps. Chances are that Lynette or Ari will stumble upon this blog at some point or another.  If you do, I hope I explained this all well enough.  And let's face it Ari, you are totally freaking out.  

No Greater Joy

Hola mi familia y mis amigos

 

Karina was baptized on Sunday! (That is the first exclamation point I have put in an email...so let that be a sign of how wonderful this is because words don't really describe it).  Last tuesday evening, Elder Thevenin and I went to visit her.  She had told us last Sunday that she wanted to be baptized but didn't want to choose a date yet.  So on Tuesday, we just asked her when she felt comfortable with it.  We handed her our phone to look at the calender and she said, "I've always liked the number two."  At first we assumed she meant in January, but then she said "but it's only in five days, can I be ready by then?" 

 

The sweet joy and peace that came over us when we heard her say that made me want to be a missionary forever.  Even thought I left that area on Wednesday (more to come on that) I was able to go back for her baptism.  Only Karina was baptized (Pablo is still taking his time) but she knows without a doubt that this is what God wants for her. 

 

Karina's baptism just reaffirmed to me how much Heavenly Father loves us.  He wants everyone of us to return with him and to do so, we need to be baptized by His authority into His Church.  Karina had made that step and now I get to be part of this great change in her life.     

 

 

My new companion is Elder Rasmussen from Liberty, Missouri.  He's been out about a year and a half, which feels weird because its the first time since May that I have a companion who has more time on his mission than me. 

 

We're serving in Layton, UT now which feels weird because it's the first time I'm outside of Salt Lake City for more than a year.  We're part of the Layton 3rd Ward. 

 

On Saturday, Elder Rasmussen introduced me to one of the people they are currently teaching.  Her name is Lynette and she is going to college right now. Her best friend, Ari, is a member of our congregation but growing up they never talked too much about religion (from what I understand).  Lynette knew that Ari was a Mormon and they had talked about it a little but not too much. 

 

But Ari decided to introduce the missionaries to Lynette and she agreed to meet so she could learn a little more.  Lynette agreed because she was curious about her friend's religion.  More to come later...

 

Love ya'll,

-Elder Colton

 

ps. If you haven't been to Mormon.org/Christmas you should check it out.  It might help you or your friends remember more about Christmas and less about the glitter and gadgets that come out in December