April 19, 2015

My report is small.  Here’s a short snippet:

One story is,,,,,we have spoken with a young couple recently.  And we finally were able to make a set appointment with them.  The young man allowed us in.  We begin teaching him of the importance of the Book of Mormon, and after reading the first paragraph of the introduction of the Book of Mormon, the girlfriend, who was sleeping walks out and begins to tell us off, because of what her pastor and others have said to her about us.  We try to explain in the best way we can and give them the opportunity to just listen, but we were asked to leave.  I’m over here fighting for the truth wherever I go!  This is nothing new! :D

Onward.

Fight and Live for Gospel Truths and Standards

This past week there was a Quinciñiera in the church building.  We were invited by the young lady to attend.  Mine and Elder Frandsen’s first yet.  I remember the Quinciñieras of the spanish branch back when Dad was the Branch President.  The Quinciñieras are a huge tradition.  Quince, meaning 15, is a big birthday party (close to the grandeur of a wedding reception) for young women. We entered, planning to only attend a portion while meeting some non-members.  The traditional thing is that all the guests arrive first, and wait until the young lady enters. The young lady enters to music while all are watching.  She walks around, showing off her dress and all, then greets all the guests briefly one by one, and takes pictures with them all.  Then she dances the waltz with a father or father figure, then with all other guests.  Other stuff happens too now, but we weren’t there to see it.

This is the “hot” place where we do cyber.

Can you find Elder Frandsen??? :D

In a many “normal” Quincinieras around these parts, things begin calmley, but as the night goes on things turn to disaster as everyone, even the once nice, little ladies begin to drink, and party as if nothing matters.  Usually ending in fights, drama, and wasted hearts.  But this Quinciniera wasn’t part of “the norm”.  This young lady entered with a perfectly beautiful and at the same time completely modest dress.  There wasn’t any alcohol.  Only, happy, cheerful young people and children dancing and having a good time.

The next day, we visit for the second time with the family Moreyra, who surprisingly enough had been to the Quinciñiera.  They live in front of this young lady’s home.  They began to unroll to us their awe-inspired and sincere thoughts on how perfect the Quinciñiera was.  They asked questions of “how did the youth behave so well?” “How was it such a splendid time?  Nothing like the profane other parties we try to stay away from.”  They expressed to us how this young lady has experienced many familial problems, lives with her grandma, yet is so cheery, serviceful, and clean.  The young lady often springs to action to take care of the little Moreyra kids so that the mom can go run errands.  We related to them that these are blessings of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. They want to come to church to really see what is taught and what goes on.  They told us they couldn’t attend yesterday, but that this coming Sunday they would.

Here we experienced the powerful consequences of righteousness put into action.  Seeing the truth that others had put into practice has given them real hope that their family can be that cheerful, God-loving family that they want.

On the other hand, we also see as missionaries, the devastating effects of letting standards down.  Because it affects everyone. In an ever-growing world of vanity, fornication, and pride, we as people who understand Gospel truths and standards must fight for them, we understand the consequences of righteous truths put into action and how it affects society for the better.

The restored Gospel is true, Joseph Smith was a prophet, Thomas S. Monson and the Quorom of the Twleve are prophets today.  God does send forth commandments to His children, and we will have peace if we live and fight for them.  Our families will be safe, our homes protected, our societies enriched as we choose, individually, to learn of what is truth and to practice it.  Truth is found in the Book of Mormon and in living-day prophets chosen by God, not by themselves, as one lives the principles forged by God and delivered through The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Be ever faithful and true!

Elder Orme

“Follow the Prophet”

Hey Hey Hey!

Easter was a big hit huh, especially with the conference and all.  Lo siento, I don’t have much time, but some of my thoughts:

When somebody really reads the Book of Mormon without judgment, they will simply know that it’s a miracle, that it’s true, that Joseph Smith and all the prophets leading up to Thomas S. Monson are true, that God lives, that God speaks, that God works, and is ever mindful and merciful to His children.

Like Bishop Martin, who I was told spoke on how it is a miracle in our day, I testify that that’s an unequivocal yes. Bishop Martin is absolutely right. The Book of Mormon is a complete miracle.  What more of a miracle could you want??? It is an absolute sign that God is mindful of His children, lives, and speaks, and that we had better listen.  I always pray that people will open their hearts simply to understand what this Book is, where it comes from, and what it says.  Because if they do, they will without any doubt, simply come closer to that God that gave them life.  It’s not solely a catchy primary song “follow the Prophet” but a life-course to live by. We all know from scriptural evidence what happens to those who choose not to heed the prophet.  And oh is it sweet and fulfilling to have this knowledge and choose to live by it!

One of my favorite lines from the conference was a quote from Nelson Mandela, “I’m no saint, unless a saint is a sinner that keeps trying.”  Then later from the Dale G. Renlund “If you are a sinner that keeps trying, you are a Latter-Day Saint.  If you are a sinner that’s stopped trying, you’re a Latter-Day Quitter.   If you don’t recognize that others are trying, you are a Latter-Day Hypocrite.”

May we all read the Book of Mormon daily, follow the Prophet, be filled with love and follow the Spirit.  This life is beautiful and amazing!  Thanks to all the trials, we can recognize that!  In trials, just continue making the best decisions you can and it will turn out right.  Give and receive.  Love you all.

Capitán EO