Sept. 14, 2015 update

"Me on a hill that we climbed for the last preparation day! Man was that cool... i'm not leaning on that rock behind me!"

"some milk and cookies that we were able to enjoy thanks in part to a package I received and part from the members here in San Borja"

"Members of the ward mission coordination meeting"

"Those at the baptism!"  What an awesome looking group!! :)

"Cool napkin I found here in Lima!"

Elder Reed's letter was short this week, but he sent lots of cool pictures! :)  From Elder Reed:

"Howdy there Neighbor (put name here),

This week was awesome! We had a bunch of stuff happen: we had divisions with our District Leader, he interviewed an investigator for baptism, and she was baptized on Saturday! The really cool part was the amount of people that were there at the service. I think we finally got across to the ward the importance of supporting the souls who have begun the same journey we are in. 

This week was also really special because now we know that the members in the ward trust us! What a great feeling it is!

We have also found many people who are willing to get their spiritual motors running again [- one in particular comes to mind]! We were even able to walk to church with him and commit him to speak with the Bishop this Wednesday! :)

Sorry this letter is so short, but just know that all is well here in San Borja :) .   See you next week! 

Elder Reed"

~~~

NOTE from Elder Reed's Mom: I know there were serious earthquakes in Chile a few days ago, which isn't really that far from where Elder Reed is (tsunami/ocean effects are a possibility there in Lima) yet I feel at ease in my heart, even though we don't have word if anyone in the Lima area was affected. We are praying for all those who live in the area of Chile affected by this devastating event, praying for them to have peace and comfort during this difficult time. Every prayer helps! If you feel inclined, offer up a prayer for them as well. Miracles can happen through prayer!

Until next week..... remember that the blessings of the Lord are for each of us, and that He loves us all more than we can understand.

Sept. 7th, 2015 update

Some pictures from Elder Reed (his own words in the quotation marks...)

"Bread and cheese (BOTH WERE AWESOME!!!) from a recent convert that travelled to Cusco for a month"

"a gift from the Bishop and his wife" - Elder Reed really likes his A&W Root Beer :)

"the first Nuevo Sol that I found in almost a YEAR of searching that is from the year 1995 [when I was born]! I'm never going to spend it!"

Elder Reed's letter this week talked about how they were kicked out of one of the wealthiest parts of their area, San Isidrio. They were confronted with a security patrol guard who said the people were calling in and reporting a disturbance - Los Misioneros. Apparently, there had been a lot of robberies lately in that area, and the people were afraid that the Missionaries would do the same. Not fun!

Elder Reed's spiritual thought this week: "My message this week is that money, whether it is in dollars or yen, doesn't mean you are happy. The rich have their hearts and minds set on the things of this world (for the most part, there are always exceptions), and they think that they have it good. They aren't wrong in, at best, they are set for a serious crisis, but the Gospel is truly the most precious treasure one can have. This is the only treasure that is given freely to all and requires only the willingness to accept it. The only things that it lacks is people who are willing to take hold of it and that is where you and I come in. We are here to be messengers and we will be even more blessed for our service being rendered."

Elder Reed's non-spiritual thought talked about how, being in a companionship of two North Americans seems to really make the time FLY away. :)

Until next week's update, remember to count the blessings - they are there!

Aug 31st, 2015 update

Time is flying by so quickly! 11 months through now, and soon it will be a year in the mission field! WOW! :)

Elder Reed was so incredibly excited in his letter this week - they were blessed to have Elder David A. Bednar come and visit with their mission! He also had some really exciting opportunities as well! From his weekly letter to his Mission President hat he shared with us:

"This week, Elder Maxwell and I as a companionship saw a large number (very large indeed) of miracles in San Borja this week! First off, we were, by divine revelation, placed together as companions. Secondly, from day 1 of our time together, we have been progressing bastante [quite a lot] with our investigators and we have even set a baptismal date with her after receiving a TON of reasons why she couldn't accept one! Thirdly, we have had a varon [man] accompany us to every appointment that didn't fall through!

Fourth, we met a lady in the street that wanted us to pray for her, but had great difficult listening to us about what we teach and why we teach about a Restoration! After my companion and I explained to her more on the subject, she seemed more interested and accepted the phone number of the Elderes in Limatambo. Then when we ended, we asked if she knew anyone that was having problems in their life that could benefit from the knowledge of a restoration. She started to say no, but, as we watched her think, something in her eyes changed and we could tell that Espiritu Santo [the Holy Ghost] was working in her and she led us right to another lady who couldn't meet with us at that moment, but we will be coming back!

Fifth, We were blessed to be in the presence of Elder David A. Bednar and wow... I thought I was about to explode with happiness with what he told us we could do and the blessings we would receive from following through it as devoted agents of the Lord and not just objects to be acted upon!  Sixth, this Sunday was the BEST!!!!!!! I've never felt so charged from a Sacrament meeting and Gospel Principles class! The teacher changed the topic last second to the Restoration and it was perfect for one of our investigators! It helped strengthen her testimony and mine!

Seventh, we were "assaulted" by a wave of [men in the Ward] that desired to teach with us and now we have 6 days of lessons with members!!!!

Those are only some of the most prominent miracles that we have seen here this week! I wish you a wonderful week and a happy Monday!  Love, Elder Reed"

Elder Jeria in the internet cafe that is used each week to write home/read emails.

Elder Reed and Elder Maxwell - companions!

Aug. 24th, 2015 update

Elder Reed shared some photos and his family letter this week - :)

"Me after a preparation day in the mission (the elders in my zone played fútbol together: 5v5" :)

"Me, Elder Orosco (in the back 22 months, Ecuador), and Elder Jeria (16 months, Chile)" - a great looking group!

Elder Reed wanted to give a shout-out to all those who had a birthday this past week [there are lots of August birthdays!]. 

From Elder Reed's letter: "Today is the last day of transfers which is, again, incredible! What is super exciting is that this week something/someone really special will be coming to the Peru Lima East and North missions. I mention East first because (every missionary knows this) "my mission is the best mission in the whole-wide world!" I won't get too specific until it comes to pass so that I don't jinx the event into not happening.

I am also aware of school starting back up for you parents and school-aged people. I have only a few times I can say "good luck" because I am here in Peru continuing to learn, but teach as well! You can really surprise yourself about how much you know when you begin to teach! As well as learning from the people and their habits, there is also learning from the language standpoint. I remember 3 sister missionaries that served in the ward Los Sauces with me [and they] said that understanding and comprehending a new language begins with listening & understanding and later speaking & understanding. I don't think I would have made it through my first 4.5 months without them!

My spiritual thought this week comes from my experience this week with reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. We were meeting with a less than happy recent convert. She had been unhappy because she had stopped praying, stopped reading the Book of Mormon, and most importantly, she stopped praying about the Book of Mormon! [In the Doctrine & Covenants and the Book of Mormon,] it says that is we desire happiness, we should study the words of life; that if we desire the Spirit in our lives, we must study and pray and then will our tongue be loosened to the confounding of the wise (Doctrine & Covenants 11:21, Alma 37:6-7). That will bring the Spirit. That will make your life happier! That I promise you! Of these things I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  Until next week, Elder Reed"

August 17th, 2015 update

Elder Reed's update this week (letter first, then pictures, and thanks to Elder Reed's brother for transcribing this!):

"17 Agosto 2015

Dearest Family & Friend

This week I walked and walked and then when we couldn’t think of anything more fun to do we walked some more!  Nah, broma!  ☺But all that walking wasn’t in vain because I get to give a 10-15 min talk yesterday and I was blessed to have an interesting conversation with someone here in San Borja who has been having some trouble with peer pressure/social pressure.

First off I gave the discourse on Missionary Work… what else?! Apparently it went great because I only said, “I thought my companion stole/used all of my material, but it is ok” and later “Amen.”

The second point I would like to address is a bit lengthier. The topic sentence, though, would be: “Who am I?” Then the world seems to be completely against us and we don’t seem to have any choice because we want to fit in and have friends or fun we need to remember these words: “who am I?”

I will give you an example. I, Elder Reed, am 20 years old, I was a student of [a high school] in Ohio, I am a person with green eyes and I am about 5’10” tall. What am I forgetting? There is a Children’s hymn with just the answer we need: “I am a child of God.” What does that mean?

First off, let’s start by looking at what God cannot do and what He can do… in that order: nothing and anything! God is Almighty, All Powerful, and All Loving. He wants us to succeed. He gives us trials so that we might one day return to live with Him, the Creator of our soul and body (Abraham 3:24-26). If He wants something done it will get done!

Secondly as His children, we can also do anything that we desire so long as it is within the commandments and will of Him who gives all. If He wants us to refrain from drinking, smoking, and chewing WE CAN DO IT. If He wants us to be sexually pure WE CAN DO IT. If He thinks it is wise to become an Eagle Scout WE CAN DO IT. There is nobody who can make you do anything that you don’t want to do. I know from sad experience that I have no more control over my neighbor than my neighbor had over me! If we succumb to the will of another it is only because we allow that person to control us. The same thing applies with Satan. He can’t make us do anything. He can whisper and shout in our ears the things he wants us to do until he’s blue in the face, but ultimately it is our choice! As a shining example of resistance I would reference you to my younger brother Adam! You are the best Adam; don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise! :)

In conclusion we are sons and daughters of a God and as such we are entitled to his love, guidance, help, and forgiveness if we mess up!

I testify that the words that I have written are true and that we should always be ready to respond “I am a child of God and He has sent me here to testify of truth and righteousness” and I so do it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

 Love,Elder Reed  "

The pictures Elder Reed sent:

Apparently, this is just a baby cucuracha [cockroach] - yikes!

For this week, Elder Reed said "Hope you have enjoyed your week and spent it wisely! Remember who you are!" Have a great week!

August 10th, 2015 update

Time is flying by! It's been 10.5 months already!

Elder Reed sent the cover of a 2014 Ensign magazine, with the following information: "This is a pic of that issue... and I know who is in it and where it was taken!!!!!!!!!! the boy is the son of my pensionista and the girl is his cousin! They live in the same house I do!!!!!! WOW I FEEL SO COOL!" See below...

It is definitely a small world in the Gospel! :)

Elder Reed said: "This week was a bit trying with the drizzle and colder weather, but I can't believe that ANOTHER week has flown by!" Very different from the heat of the Ohio Valley right now. :)

Here are some excerpts from his weekly letter: 

"Dear Family y Amigo(a), I just want to write Happy Birthday to all of you out there who have recently, are, or will shortly be celebrating your birthday!

This week was a week of miracles. First off, we had interviews with President Boswell. I have never before in my life been more at ease with the prospect of an interview than I am with my very own mission president. Second, while we were there waiting in line for interviews, we received a training for the Church referral site... If you have a referral, try to use "Referral Manager"... if it doesn't work, talk to the missionaries in your area. 

The third item on my list is that these past 2 weeks have seen a dramatic increase in the number of priesthood holders willing to go out with us to teach lessons. I felt very blessed to be in a ward where the member response is very much alive!

The fourth and fifth items are people we've met that we have started teaching. They both are what we as missionaries would call "chosen ones" because of their willingness to accept the Gospel [with all its truths] and here again: members coming with missionaries to the appointments! If you can help, please please try to find time to help the missionaries in your area fulfill their calling as servants of the Lord... [there are needs all around for help like this!] You will be blessed [as you give of your time for the Lord], the missionaries and the other person will be blessed, and there will be an extraordinary opportunity for the investigator to be fellowshipped, and you will have found a new friend! :)

I hope you enjoy your week! Love, Elder Reed"

August 3rd, 2015 update

Elder Reed's update this week consisted of the family and friends letter, so I'll type it here for you all:

"3 Agosto, 2015
Dear Family and Friend,
  How have you all been lately? I have walked a lot every day this week in the hopes that we will find a lesson. This week has been the 4th of July for Peru (the 28th of July is when they celebrate Independence Day). Almost exactly like the school district [back home in Ohio], we got no break for the 3 days that there was ABSOLUTELY NOBODY in the streets or in their homes. We've contacted mostly, but the Creator of All hasn't said "when there is a holiday, thou shalt rest (if thou be-ist mine missionary)", so I guess we continue until we become sick, are released as missionaries, or both.

  This week was cool (other than the walking we did) because we met with a member whom we have never met before and is having troubles in his family and he prayed. He prayed that he could receive help. We weren't told this until after my companion shared Alma 8:14-15. Read it and then read this paragraph again. That lesson sure made my day much better! [We never know how the Lord will have us help others!]

  Many people say that missionaries are angels in the flesh. The question now is, what is an angel? An angel is simply a heavenly messenger. With that in mind, all missionaries have been called by a living prophet of the Living God. They are later set apart for a period of time as messengers of the restored gospel, a heavenly message. Now we put together the two pieces of information and we have divinely called men & women who carry a message from heaven: Angels. 

  I bear my testimonio to you all that if you are willing to put God before yourself, you will not only be benefiting yourself, but the lives of all those around you. This is what God wants. This is why He wants it this way; you and I and everyone can be real instruments of good in His hands.

  I love you and wish you a very good week filled with blessings from on high!  Sincerely, Elder Reed"