Final blog post of Elder Reed's Mission

Hola, yo soy Michael Reed. Hi this is Michael Reed signing in here trying to wrap up a two year real –life-without-actually-having-to-think-about-yourself-school experience. I have seen the good and the bad side of life, spoke and exhorted drunkards, taught those high on weed or marijuana, had life-changing spiritual experiences, and even got to see my mom and brother in some of the sketchier parts of my mission! Wow what a ride! 

I am glad to have been a tool in the all-knowing hands of the Lord and I am very grateful that I can say that I have done all that the Lord asked me to do and I am soooooooooooo very excited to know that there are MANY MORE OF YOU WHO CAN SERVE TOO!!!!!!!!!! :) How can you possibly pass up an opportunity so immensely gratifying spiritually to have your life blessed by serving others 24/7?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! There is no other way under Heaven that you can do more good in such a short amount of time at this point in your life! 

That is my final message to all of you! If you have the option to serve, think about it! Really think about it because God is just waiting with His hands on the “give me blessings button” for your selflessly devoted work for His children! There is no greater call than to teach the Everlasting Gospel! I promise you that!

-Michael

Peru Lima East Mission 2014-2016

Sept. 5th, 2016 update

This week, Elder Reed sent the following in his email, which was titled "last time writing family from peru":
"

LOVE YOU!!!!!

Elder Reed"

The time is really winding down quickly!

Elder Reed said that this week for him was super stressful. He said that there were a lot of negative things that happened in the week, but, as always, he's still here, and he learned something from those trials. 

Elder Reed shared that something really cool happened there - they have been contacting people who speak English! He found someone who had lived in Cleveland Ohio! He was SO excited to find someone who knows where Ohio is and has actually lived there - he was so excited that he gave him a hug! :) They talked for a little bit about Ohio, and football and baseball. He really enjoyed that.

For their preparation day, they moved some furniture around and then they ate and were able to watch The Testaments movie (a Church film) and then they were able to rest. That doesn't usually happen, but they were grateful. 

Elder Reed shared that they were also able to find quite a lot of people who, as the missionaries explained who they were and their message, that they were very positive about baptism. One man, in particular, after speaking with them at length, said that if he knew from God it was right, he would be baptized. God answers prayers!

The missionaries took some time and helped other missionaries in another district and had quite an experience - they had lots of doors slammed in their faces and very disagreeable encounters. It was difficult, but they made it through that experience.

Another super strange thing happened, that happened this week is that Elder Reed had a phone number show up on his cell phone that they use and it was from Ohio - definitely unexpected! He didn't answer it but it was definitely strange!

Until the next blog post, Elder Reed wants you all to know how much he appreciates the love and support! He couldn't have made this journey without you!

[The final post to this blog will be done by Elder Reed himself when he returns to the States... stay tuned!] 

Aug. 29th, 2016 update

(L to R) E. Gozalvez, E. Lopez, E. Hawks, E. Reed at the Lima Temple

Elder Reed said that this past week, he has been a little under the weather, but it was a busy week. They had a multi-zone conference that took the whole day and they loved it! He ended up giving a talk during the meeting, and he learned that we all need to be willing and ready to give up all we have to be able to see fruits of our labors. 

For example, a mission. Once you forget about yourself and you start worrying about the needs of others, and you don't realize how much time has passed, that's when you realize that you've done your work. 

This week, they also worked and worked a lot, and they found SO many cool people and were really grateful for the experiences. They found people ready to hear the Gospel and learn more about the Savior. This week, Elder Reed contacted one person from the Bronx (yes, New York, USA). He was so excited! Elder Reed was able to contact in English, for the first time in his whole mission. :) He loved talking to him! Then, a few days later, he found the guys' uncle! What a wonderful experience!

There were a lot of tests this week, but always remember that God is just and He will remember all that we have worked to do. Hebrews 6:10 - "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

Until next week, remember to count the many blessings all around you!

August 23, 2016 update

This week, there were no photos from Elder Reed, but he shared in his weekly report that he really really loves playing futbol [soccer] now - he LOVES it. :)  

Elder Reed said that this week was quite a lesson on enduring to the end. He said that there was a situation that happened with an investigator. He said that in the Preach My Gospel book (one of the books the missionaries use to study and teach others), there is a part that talks about how you know you will have success if you are doing everything that you need to do, by feeling the Spirit, obeying the commandments, and go about the work, you will have assurance from the Lord that you are having success, even in spite of others and their actions. It may be difficult when others choose things that don't bring the Spirit, but the Lord knows your efforts, and their hearts, and He loves each of us very much. That never changes!

Elder Reed shared that, this week, they went on divisions and talked with people, seeing how ready they were for baptism, and Elder Reed was able to feel the Spirit - he is grateful for those moments of clarity. He said that there's no place like home - meaning, he was away from his regular area for 2 days, and he was very grateful when he went home to the place he's been used to. :)

Elder Reed shared that there were 2 drunk people that talked to them, and it was definitely an interesting experience for him. He pleads with us all not to drink and drive, and to do what it takes to be safe. There is safety in obeying the Lord's Word of Wisdom. 

Elder Reed wanted to finish by sharing his testimony: "Hard work pays off. If you keep your head level, and you keep going forward with all of your might, that 1) you won't notice the passing of time, and others are growing up too, 2) you will be so happy in the work of the Lord! I know that my Savior lives and Christ is the head of this Church, and we are His brothers and sisters! We are children of God, and as such, we can't afford not to let others know about that, to live it!"

Elder Reed asks you to talk to those around you, to work thru any issues you have with others, and to bring more love into the world -

Until next week, remember that love can make a huge difference and continues out in great waves, if we let it!

Aug. 15th, 2016 update

Elder Reed said in his letter that this past week was very busy, and that the next week will be busy too. He said that this week was stake conference [a regional meeting of several wards and branches of the Church] for the Central Stake (where he is located) and an area representative of the Church and it was very exciting for them. 

During the meeting, the mission president shared with the members about how the missionaries had shared with him (the mission president) how a 96 yr old man had been taught a lesson about the Gospel and, right as the lesson was done, this man knelt and asked God if the message was true! And God gave him an answer that it is true! God does answer prayers!

Elder Reed shared that another thing that happened this week that was really cool was that he went on divisions with an Elder in a different ward and they had a lot of success talking with people. They also appreciated the help that the ward members gave to them in their efforts to share the Gospel

Elder Reed shared that he wants everyone to know to keep working hard until the end. Just keep working hard. Something Elder Reed was told by his Aunt Bonnie is to keep working and stop saying how much time is left because, basically, once the time is gone, it's gone, so make the most of it! :) He appreciated that counsel, and from his Dad too. 

President Boswell told Elder Reed to just enjoy the last 6 or so weeks, it's where everything comes together. So to relax and enjoy the time serving.

Elder Reed said that this past week, they met a lot of resistance again too. He said that on Sundays especially, it seems that Satan works super hard to discourage, to distract, to keep the Spirit of the Lord away. Elder Reed said he doesn't really like living in a big city, as so much seems "anti-Spirit", but they made it through.

Elder Reed shared that he loves everyone and is grateful for the support and love. His spiritual message this week is short. Repent. Try to be better. Overcome pride and get on your knees and ask Father in Heaven for forgiveness and help to overcome. More blessings will come as you strive to repent and improve each day.

[No pictures this week, but hopefully next week! :)]

Aug. 8th, 2016 update

Elder Reed and his companion at weekly internet time :)
(Nice sweater, Elder Reed!)

Elder Reed shared that he's now in El Agustino area and he felt very welcomed into the new area by the members and he was very grateful. He also said that he has never seen so many people in one area, but he is excited to get to learn the area and the people there.

Elder Reed shared that there were many miracles. They met a 96 year old man (a very active 96-yr-old!) who wanted to learn about the Gospel and he was very ready to learn what they were sharing. This man's grandson is also so ready to hear the message of the Savior - it's a wonderful blessing!

Elder Reed said that he is still a District Leader over a smaller area geographically, and there are all Elders, no Sisters. He said that's a different situation that he's getting used to as they work to plan different things. He said being a leader is quite a challenge at times.

Elder Reed shared that his companion (E. Gozvalez) is very loved in this area and he enjoys seeing that. He and his companion get along very well. They also got to have fun playing "futbol" [soccer] on their preparation day with other Elders, and Elder Reed enjoys that activity a lot now.

This week was a short update, but Elder Reed shares his love with all of you!
Until next time, remember that there are blessings all around!

Aug 1, 2016 update

There were no pictures this week, but Elder Reed shared that this week was super crazy. The additional missionary was there for the week and he really fit in with the missionaries there. They enjoyed having him there. :)

This week, Elder Reed and his companion found many people to teach, which is wonderful news! However, they are closing the area that they are currently in (Huertos II) - that was pretty stressful. The Huertos area will now just be one large area and have just 2 missionaries instead of 4. Elder Reed also found out that he will be getting transferred.

Elder Reed will now be serving in the stake Central (Central Stake) in the mission, in the El Agustino area - his last area of his mission. He will be with a missionary who has just finished his 12-week training and Elder Reed will still be District leader. He is excited and nervous. :)

Elder Reed shared that whatever challenge you are going through, it's worth the anguish [if that is the right word - he couldn't tell for sure]. It's worth it. Whatever challenge you are going through, remember that God loves you. He wants you to be safe, and to love your neighbor. God knows what you are going through. 

Elder Reed said that everything that you will ever have to do that has to do with righteousness, all of the tests and trials you have to go through, it's worth it. It doesn't matter if you are weak or strong, black or white, from Asia or Peru, God blesses us for righteous actions. He smiles even bigger when we repent of our sins. 

Elder Reed also shared that it doesn't matter who we talk to, as long as we are trying to tell them how the Gospel can change their lives, we will be blessed for our actions. Always remember "I am a missionary" and always remember "I don't have to wear a missionary name tag" - there are innumerable blessings from serving the Lord!

Remember to see the blessings in your life - they are there!