Elder Reed shared his love with everyone - and he was amazed at how quickly another week flew by!
Elder Reed shared that they got to go to Cieneguilla for preparation day and play kickball - and he really enjoyed it :) He said that they also talked with the Bishop of their ward and are really excited about the help they are receiving.
This week, Elder Reed and his companion did a LOT of walking and were trying to find more people to teach and also to find investigators or less-actives that have come to the English classes that he teaches. Elder Reed shared that he now has 3 fully-Spanish-speaking companions in his room (in other words, they are all native Spanish speakers). He said that has helped him to speak even better Spanish. Yet it has also caused more difficulty in his English speaking [which is able to be heard in the recordings, but I just grin and enjoy hearing it].
They didn't have a lot of time to study this week, as they had a lot of meetings and trainings. They were glad to have the trainings, but also missed having that time of study. They received a call during the week from the mission president's wife, with a referral from someone in the States - it was a wonderful blessing! They went to look for the person and searched for a time, and eventually found where the person lived, but they weren't at home. However, hopefully it will work out in the next few weeks to meet with him.
President Boswell shared with the missionaries that if your faith doesn't change in the course of your mission, you have come here in vain. He then extended an invitation for the missionaries to pray to the Lord and ask how strong their faith is, and ask for opportunities for their faith to grow. Elder Reed took up the invitation, and was given opportunities that were difficult that helped him to see where his faith was at, and to help grow his faith. Remember, if you ask the Lord, He will answer!
Elder Reed also shared a story of a lady in their area who had been in another stake and had moved a couple times, then was now in their ward. She hadn't been to church for a year and a half because of something unkind someone had said. Elder Reed cautioned everyone to be careful what you say. Try to say things that would uplift others, because it can be such a blessing if you do, but can be so harmful if you don't. Always always always be kind to others!
The Elders had been looking for this lady for about an hour and a half, and weren't having any luck. They had about given up when suddenly the woman's son found them! What a blessing! They were able to talk with her and help her feel welcomed to come to church.
Elder Reed said that they had a multi-zona conference, and he was excited to get to see all the missionaries and see President Boswell. There will be fewer missionaries in the near future in that area overall, but the work is still going very well!
Elder Reed thought he would share a riddle for this week - and you can email him your answer [because I don't know yet!] -
"If I say that every monkey can see three monkeys, how many monkeys are there?"
Stay tuned for the answer!
Elder Reed shared his love again and hopes that you are all strengthened by the tests of character and of faith - remember that blessings come as you choose the right path -
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
June 27, 2016 update
[Pictures first!]
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| Many elders getting ready to eat pizza - YUM! |
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| "The new missionaries and their trainers! We lost about 25-30 missionaries, but gained 9!" |
Elder Reed only had a quick update with a few pictures. Elder Reed is excited about his new companion, and is ready to help him learn as well as learn from him.
Elder Reed has felt stressed this week as he's now district leader again and a trainer too, but he is doing the best he can. He said that he feels there is never enough time in the day, but he does try to write in his journal [at least a line or two] each day.
Elder Reed shared that he really enjoys being in his mission, and loves the people. He shared that he sometimes gets down when people don't come to church, but he does see blessings happening. He shared about a lady who lives very far away from the church building [on the boundaries of his area], but who wants to come to church and learn more about the gospel, which is awesome!
Elder Reed is grateful for his missionary companions, and his mission overall. He said to keep doing what the Lord would have you do, and you'll be blessed!
Until next week - remember to count your blessings - you may be surprised at how many there are -
June 20, 2016 update
Elder Reed said that he woke up and saw this:
Elder Reed also shared the book they use to track different things like contacts. While he said it's not about the numbers (and it isn't), he was very pleased with the work they were doing! It's always good to see progress!
Elder Reed sent a recording from the previous week that hadn't gotten to us, so he was explaining some things from the past week. He explained that their preparation day for two weeks was on a Tuesday, which really is different for him. [Elder Reed does like routine :)] They were able to go to the temple, which they loved. His spiritual thought for that recording was to always live worthy to attend the temple, even if you can't get to one right now - live worthy of those blessings.
From his recordings this week, Elder Reed shared that he will knows the details of the transfers for this time around (which he wanted to wait until the end to share with us). Elder Reed was excited that, on their preparation day, they were able to find a deal on pizza and they had pizza twice and loved it :) They had a hawaiian barbeque chicken pizza (or two) - ha ha.
Elder Reed shared that they had some understanding come as to why some of the investigators weren't progressing - things like alcohol and addictions. It was a bit discouraging, but they continue to love the people because that is what is most important. Elder Reed and his companion testified about the Book of Mormon and felt that it was helpful in several situations.
Elder Reed said that they were able to give service and help a sister build an outside kitchen because her son is coming home from his mission and they were able to help out with that.
Elder Reed said that, even though there are some tough times, there are always good points in the week too. Elder Reed got to see the mother of a less-active family that he taught while in Huachipa (the mom is active, but the rest of the family is less-active). The mom was visiting her son in Huertos and he was grateful to see her and her son and get to visit a little with them. He is grateful to see how much your example counts for good for others, even if there aren't a lot of baptisms. Always treat others like they are the most important person in the world, because they are. When you leave them, people will think well of you, and you will have made a good difference in the world.
Elder Reed shared that he and Elder Mamani did a LOT of work there in Huertos, and were very grateful for their time together, and have seen improvement from the last transfer. Elder Reed shared that it is so important to fellowship those that are learning about the Gospel. It's so important to help them to know they are loved!
And now, the news is that Elder Reed will be getting a new companion. He will be getting a brand new missionary and he will also be a district leader again. He doesn't feel prepared at all to be a trainer and a district leader - he hopes to keep up with the hard work that was being done, and he feels a bit overwhelmed at the moment. However, he knows that the Lord doesn't call the prepared. He calls the unprepared so He can prepare them. :)
He shared his love with everyone and hopes that, wherever you are, you find success and give it your all in whatever you do - the Lord will bless you as you do!
Until next week, remember that you are loved, even if it doesn't always feel that way. The Savior and our Heavenly Father always love us, no matter what. See Romans 8:35, 38-39.
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| Quite a foggy winter morning :) |
From his recordings this week, Elder Reed shared that he will knows the details of the transfers for this time around (which he wanted to wait until the end to share with us). Elder Reed was excited that, on their preparation day, they were able to find a deal on pizza and they had pizza twice and loved it :) They had a hawaiian barbeque chicken pizza (or two) - ha ha.
Elder Reed shared that they had some understanding come as to why some of the investigators weren't progressing - things like alcohol and addictions. It was a bit discouraging, but they continue to love the people because that is what is most important. Elder Reed and his companion testified about the Book of Mormon and felt that it was helpful in several situations.
Elder Reed said that they were able to give service and help a sister build an outside kitchen because her son is coming home from his mission and they were able to help out with that.
Elder Reed said that, even though there are some tough times, there are always good points in the week too. Elder Reed got to see the mother of a less-active family that he taught while in Huachipa (the mom is active, but the rest of the family is less-active). The mom was visiting her son in Huertos and he was grateful to see her and her son and get to visit a little with them. He is grateful to see how much your example counts for good for others, even if there aren't a lot of baptisms. Always treat others like they are the most important person in the world, because they are. When you leave them, people will think well of you, and you will have made a good difference in the world.
Elder Reed shared that he and Elder Mamani did a LOT of work there in Huertos, and were very grateful for their time together, and have seen improvement from the last transfer. Elder Reed shared that it is so important to fellowship those that are learning about the Gospel. It's so important to help them to know they are loved!
And now, the news is that Elder Reed will be getting a new companion. He will be getting a brand new missionary and he will also be a district leader again. He doesn't feel prepared at all to be a trainer and a district leader - he hopes to keep up with the hard work that was being done, and he feels a bit overwhelmed at the moment. However, he knows that the Lord doesn't call the prepared. He calls the unprepared so He can prepare them. :)
He shared his love with everyone and hopes that, wherever you are, you find success and give it your all in whatever you do - the Lord will bless you as you do!
Until next week, remember that you are loved, even if it doesn't always feel that way. The Savior and our Heavenly Father always love us, no matter what. See Romans 8:35, 38-39.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
June 14, 2016 update...
[This post will officially catch up Elder Reed's blog. Hopefully it will be updated more in real-time, as he only has a few months left. He is excited and sad for that at the same time - definitely mixed emotions, as he has grown to dearly love the people of Peru and the work he is doing!]
Elder Reed said that this week was very awesome, though quite a challenge. They reached a goal they had set with a lot of effort, yet it was reached. They wished that they had also had more help from the members this week, but they continued on and are grateful for the work they are doing for the Lord right now. The goal they had has taken many weeks, so it didn't come quickly, but working towards it slowly is the key.
Elder Reed didn't have a lot of time to share things in his letter, but he did say he'd been to the temple and loved it, and even had pizza, which he loved as well. :) Also, they got to see Elder Rasband and got to shake his hand. Elder Rasband shared how much the missionaries are loved by the Prophet, by the Apostles, and by the Lord. Elder Reed shared that he knows that these men are called by revelation, inspired by God. What a blessing!
Elder Reed shared his love and thanks and will share more next week!
Until then, remember to share a smile with others - it could be the very thing they need to help them keep going.
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| At the Lima Peru Temple |
Elder Reed didn't have a lot of time to share things in his letter, but he did say he'd been to the temple and loved it, and even had pizza, which he loved as well. :) Also, they got to see Elder Rasband and got to shake his hand. Elder Rasband shared how much the missionaries are loved by the Prophet, by the Apostles, and by the Lord. Elder Reed shared that he knows that these men are called by revelation, inspired by God. What a blessing!
Elder Reed shared his love and thanks and will share more next week!
Until then, remember to share a smile with others - it could be the very thing they need to help them keep going.
June 6, 2016 update...
There were no pictures this week [going to have to talk with Elder Reed about that - ha ha], but he did share many things in his letter.
Elder Reed stated that he and Elder Mamani put forth a lot of effort and found great blessings for doing that - they have literally had people coming up to them to ask them about religion, about Jesus Christ, about being better people. It was a wonderful experience for them, strengthening their testimony of the work.
Elder Reed shared that the elections took place on June 5th, but that didn't decide the election, so they will have to have another election day in the future, which means no church for them on that day.
Elder Reed shared that they walked a lot during the week. One night, they had walked a lot and was searching for someone to teach a lesson to, and found a man who was very interested in the Gospel, and when they left, they realized that they were running out of time before they had to be back to their room (before their curfew time), and they didn't see a bus anywhere. As it turned out, they said a prayer and a bus came along just then, they hopped on, and were able to make it back to their room in time - what a blessing!
Elder Reed talked about the English lesson he was able to teach during the week as well, and he enjoyed that.
He also shared that sometimes, they are very straightforward in sharing the Gospel and the commandments, to not have fear of men. And when they do that, the Spirit can testify to the people who are ready and willing to hear and change and improve, to come closer to Christ and God. It's a beautiful miracle!
Elder Reed shared that the missionaries were looking forward to seeing Elder Rasband, and also to getting to go to church on Sunday. :) He is also excited that they will get to go to the temple again next week, which is a huge blessing to them!
Elder Reed's message is that, if there is arguing and it doesn't matter in the long run, stop arguing. It's not worth it. He shares his love and gratitude with you all. He is grateful to be serving the Lord, and is focused on serving Him and the people of Peru.
Until next week, remember that blessings come in many forms, but all of them are able to be recognized if we are willing to do so.
Elder Reed stated that he and Elder Mamani put forth a lot of effort and found great blessings for doing that - they have literally had people coming up to them to ask them about religion, about Jesus Christ, about being better people. It was a wonderful experience for them, strengthening their testimony of the work.
Elder Reed shared that the elections took place on June 5th, but that didn't decide the election, so they will have to have another election day in the future, which means no church for them on that day.
Elder Reed shared that they walked a lot during the week. One night, they had walked a lot and was searching for someone to teach a lesson to, and found a man who was very interested in the Gospel, and when they left, they realized that they were running out of time before they had to be back to their room (before their curfew time), and they didn't see a bus anywhere. As it turned out, they said a prayer and a bus came along just then, they hopped on, and were able to make it back to their room in time - what a blessing!
Elder Reed talked about the English lesson he was able to teach during the week as well, and he enjoyed that.
He also shared that sometimes, they are very straightforward in sharing the Gospel and the commandments, to not have fear of men. And when they do that, the Spirit can testify to the people who are ready and willing to hear and change and improve, to come closer to Christ and God. It's a beautiful miracle!
Elder Reed shared that the missionaries were looking forward to seeing Elder Rasband, and also to getting to go to church on Sunday. :) He is also excited that they will get to go to the temple again next week, which is a huge blessing to them!
Elder Reed's message is that, if there is arguing and it doesn't matter in the long run, stop arguing. It's not worth it. He shares his love and gratitude with you all. He is grateful to be serving the Lord, and is focused on serving Him and the people of Peru.
Until next week, remember that blessings come in many forms, but all of them are able to be recognized if we are willing to do so.
May 30, 2016 update...
Elder Reed didn't send pictures this week, but started out with a spiritual thought. He shared that there were elections on Sunday, June 5th, in the country, so they wouldn't be able to have church on Sunday (due to government regulations). So, the missionaries fasted. And during church this past week, Elder Reed bore his testimony to the members and shared that, even when he may not know exactly what to say, he remembers someone telling him once to just speak the truth. So, he did. He shared the truths that he knows, and he was grateful for doing so. Elder Reed shared that, sometimes we need to just step back, take a breath, and move forward, not to get overly-upset about little things. Another thing he shared is not to judge, but to show love to others.
Elder Reed shared in his letter that time keeps flying by, and that this past week was a good one for learning. They decided to go to try to search out people, and came across a woman who had been contacted by missionaries many years ago, but it was good to meet with her. They also went out to just talk with people, and had some interesting experiences. Elder Reed learned that there are some people who do not want to talk to you about religion, but are willing to just talk, which is a great way to show how the Savior lived.
Elder Reed also did divisions with another set of missionaries, and he got to experience a ward missionary night, which was awesome. On that night, there was a member of the Church who came in who was from another country, but was a political refugee now living in Peru. Elder Reed shared that it opened his eyes to that type of situation and how we all need to be mindful of that. He said that the man was very humble and willing to accept help from those in the ward there. What a blessing!
Elder Reed also shared that they have had some success in the southern part of their area, and he is praying that those they are teaching will choose to attend church as well. The missionaries also had some great help from the members, which is such a great thing!
Elder Reed hopes that everyone has a great week, and that they know he loves everyone - thanks for all you do to help and support this cause! :)
Elder Reed shared in his letter that time keeps flying by, and that this past week was a good one for learning. They decided to go to try to search out people, and came across a woman who had been contacted by missionaries many years ago, but it was good to meet with her. They also went out to just talk with people, and had some interesting experiences. Elder Reed learned that there are some people who do not want to talk to you about religion, but are willing to just talk, which is a great way to show how the Savior lived.
Elder Reed also did divisions with another set of missionaries, and he got to experience a ward missionary night, which was awesome. On that night, there was a member of the Church who came in who was from another country, but was a political refugee now living in Peru. Elder Reed shared that it opened his eyes to that type of situation and how we all need to be mindful of that. He said that the man was very humble and willing to accept help from those in the ward there. What a blessing!
Elder Reed also shared that they have had some success in the southern part of their area, and he is praying that those they are teaching will choose to attend church as well. The missionaries also had some great help from the members, which is such a great thing!
Elder Reed hopes that everyone has a great week, and that they know he loves everyone - thanks for all you do to help and support this cause! :)
May 23, 2016 update...
Elder Reed shared a picture, but we will do the typing first this week...
Elder Reed said that, this week, they had a lot of members accompany them to lessons, which was a very exciting thing for them all! It helped the missionaries a lot too. Elder Reed shared that they had a lot of success with the members helping them. That can make such a huge difference!
Elder Reed has continued trying to write in Spanish, to help him be able to retain the language. He shared that it is fun to try to read the Spanish and translate to English for us in his weekly voice recording. He said that the days are passing very quickly too. He enjoys being able to help serve the people of Peru.
This week, they taught a lesson in English, and people came to hear it. He felt that was really cool. :) Elder Reed shared also that the Bishop went with them to make visits to investigators and it was a great help to those they were teaching!
Elder Reed shared again that winter has finally arrived to his area, and it's cold in the mornings. He also said that he will have to break out the long sleeve shirts. [Ha ha] He said that it will probably be very difficult when he gets back home, as it gets MUCH colder than in Peru. :)
The spiritual thought for this week from Elder Reed is "keep going. When Life give you lemons, make lemonade, right? Because if you don't, the lemons will go bad, and then it will turn into pig swill." Ha ha! He continued to say, when the Lord gives you a job to do, do it, and you will be blessed! Be grateful for your parents, your children, and love them - that is what the Savior would do.
Until next week, remember to count the blessings!
This is Elder Reed and his companions, picking at the rocks - What a job! :)
Elder Reed said that, this week, they had a lot of members accompany them to lessons, which was a very exciting thing for them all! It helped the missionaries a lot too. Elder Reed shared that they had a lot of success with the members helping them. That can make such a huge difference!
Elder Reed has continued trying to write in Spanish, to help him be able to retain the language. He shared that it is fun to try to read the Spanish and translate to English for us in his weekly voice recording. He said that the days are passing very quickly too. He enjoys being able to help serve the people of Peru.
This week, they taught a lesson in English, and people came to hear it. He felt that was really cool. :) Elder Reed shared also that the Bishop went with them to make visits to investigators and it was a great help to those they were teaching!
Elder Reed shared again that winter has finally arrived to his area, and it's cold in the mornings. He also said that he will have to break out the long sleeve shirts. [Ha ha] He said that it will probably be very difficult when he gets back home, as it gets MUCH colder than in Peru. :)
The spiritual thought for this week from Elder Reed is "keep going. When Life give you lemons, make lemonade, right? Because if you don't, the lemons will go bad, and then it will turn into pig swill." Ha ha! He continued to say, when the Lord gives you a job to do, do it, and you will be blessed! Be grateful for your parents, your children, and love them - that is what the Savior would do.
Until next week, remember to count the blessings!
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