Learning, Learning, Learning...

Dear Family,

This week we learned so much. We learned that our planning is not the best. We also learned that we are not teaching through the Book of Mormon very good. We learned that unity is how we teach with authority and power. Last of all, we learned TO HAVE FUN!!! 

This week we had only two committed to come to church and the problem was we lost a lot of investigators this week. The two that were committed were Rafael and his future wife. However, he exploded on us and let us have it about how disorganized our ward was... unfortunately, it is true. We got concerned and brought it up in ward council.The ward doesn't believe us... so we also learned the ward does not trust the missionaries. Fun, right? 

Well, on the happy side, I realized that every day is a gift and our missions are only so long. We had a great talk from an ex-missionary. He let us know that he wishes every day to go back to his mission and be better. Then he explained success to us. Success is when we decide what we want to become and do in our missions. I want to tell you what my goals and hopes are, but no until I come home will I want you to see them. Merry Christmas. It gave my companion and me so much more hope for our missions. But this is the truth: Many missionaries base their success is how many baptisms they have--in this mission, especially. It is the reason why we are here. We are here to baptize and bring
people to the truth of the restored gospel.

Through faith, repentance, and baptism and receiving the holy ghost and helping people to endure to the end. We INVITE all to come to Christ. Our success is based on what one dedicates his time to. Is it to the lord or to another thing? I want to dedicate all my time and energy to the Lord because I realize I only have 18 months left. I hope to become more like Christ every day.  

I am so excited for the upcoming change. I feel I will be
here again, and if not, I am excited to go to a different place. My leaders have helped me so much this last change. I have grown so much especially in patience. Yes, it is true. Ha! 

But hey, keep the faith, fight the good fight. Yo espero que todo esta bien. Les amo

Elder Thompson


October 13, 2014

Family,

Wow! This week was killer. Rafael couldn't come to church with us and we are really sad for him. He can't get baptized until the next change. We were super sad this week as we brought nobody to church for the first time in a long time. My companion and I had an amazing talk, and we discussed what our weaknesses and strengths were. Everything is
okay right now! 

Well, Family I also was a little more saddened as one of my friends in my old ward in Technologico died this week. This brother is Hermano Acosta. He was an amazing member, always willing to help the work of salvation and always wanted to help the missionaries in any way possible. He often said that he has had every office in the church from primary to bishop. Except one--the ward mission leader. He was always so jealous of the person who had that job. Right now I know he is preaching the same stuff as we are to other people on the other side who have not received it. How blessed we are to have the gospel in our lives and to have the opportunity to share it. 

Elder Bednar this last conference talked about how our members should share the gospel. That is my invitation as well. Bring someone to church this Sunday that does not
know about the gospel. Do no be afraid and share the gospel. Right now! That is my motto as well. It is scary being a leader because everyone is looking to you and your faults are made bigger than they are. I also learned this week when people judge it is because the don't understand everything and make quick judgments. 

This week my district had a lot of drama. It was bigger than it needed to be and my leaders judged me because of it. We need to be patient and full of charity in all things because if not, we are nothing. I have learned so much things [I think he means 'many'] this last change and this change has been by far the fastest. In less than two weeks it will be another change and I can't believe it. 

I know that this church is true. I know that when we share the gospel we feel a joy better than anything else. I know Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. I know my Savior went through everything I go through and understands everything. I love the Atonement. I hope that we can all apply it more in our lives. In the name of My Savior and Redeemer, amen.