District meeting and sweet experience helping to answer a prayer

Well this week for us we just worked hard! Hahaha…I had a meeting with all the district leaders in Santa Cruz with President Willard. It was very good. I was asked to conduct the meeting and had the privilege of teaching the other leaders about Ezekiel 34. We talked about how to be good leaders of course. Our heroes in the Book of Mormon, the mission manual, and how to give good correction. It was really good :)

I'm district leader, but it´s a little different here in Santa Cruz than out in Camiri; my district is bigger. There are 8 missionaries instead of 4. I also don´t participate in the leadership conferences with the zone leaders. Just the structuring of the mission is different. Hahaha…I don´t have to do finances :D The zone leaders are actually a part of my district as well, so we check on one another mutually.

I´m really bad at sharing stories, but I had a very sweet experience this week:

As we were leaving our house in the morning to go out and teach the Gospel, a lady with two young sons called out to us, and we recognized them as a family that we had taught about a month ago. She asked us if we could visit with them in the evening, but as we already had a full schedule, we told her if we could find the time we would pass by. As it turns out, our appointment at 8 fell through, and we decided to go and visit the Soria Family. They lived rather far away so it was about 8:40 before we were able to start the lesson. So as missionaries we should be in house at 9. 9;30 as the very very last deadline. So we were really short for time, but as we started talking a spirit of peace entered into our hearts as we shared about the restoration and the experience of Joseph Smith. The weird thing is that we shared the exact same thing a month ago when we first visited them, yet we felt inspired to share it again. Then we reached the moment that during Joseph Smith´s search for truth, he read a scripture that changed his life. James 1:5 which says, ¨And if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and is shall be given him.

But let him ask with faith...¨

 

In that moment the mother of family got really emotional, and began to tell us that she felt as though she had been escaping in her life from God. She told us how just the day before she had been reading the Bible for hours, and could never find the scripture she was looking for. But that we came by, and through us, God gave her her answer. She hadn´t been praying much, and her family was going through many difficulties, but she felt the love of God as she read the scripture. I felt very blessed to have been in tune with the spirit so that through me he could answer the prayer of one of His daughters. :) Experiences like that really strengthen my testimony that God truly does love us, and is aware of our needs. :)

This morning as I was reading the Liahona of March, (ensign in the states) I was really interested in a talk written by Elder Oaks about the antichrists that are so present in our days. Hahaha..well I read the whole talk in Spanish so I´m not sure how well I´d be able to translate it to English, but we live in times where there are every so many voices telling us where true happiness awaits. Some say in solely doing what makes us feel good. Some say it is found within fame, fortune, titles, gifts, and other material things. Moral relativism reigns supreme. All believing that happiness and salvation can be found on our own, doing what we feel is right. However, I know that that is not the truth. Our loving Heavenly Father from the very beginning already knew how we could be happy and gave that way in the form of the Gospel! It is through our obedience to the commandments and our love of God that frees us and allows us to find lasting peace and happiness. I love the gospel with all my heart. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He knows us. He loves us. He pleads that we can follow His example. I have seen in the lives of oh so many the truthfulness of the words of Alma, ¨wickedness never was happiness.¨ My own life is a testimony. As I have striven to keep the commandments in my life, and learned to love my Heavenly Father and Savior, I have found peace and purpose in my own mind and heart. I am truly happy. I´m not perfect, but when I do make mistakes I know how I can be forgiven, and how I can then change. The gospel of Jesus Christ is glorious! I know God exists, that He lives and guides our lives. I know that He answers our prayers. Any of us can know the same if we but humble ourselves and seek for the truth. God has given to each of us the marvelous gift of being able to choose for ourselves between right and wrong. And as a missionary it is my wonderful job to help others choose the right! I know this is true with all my heart.

Have a wonderful week!

Elder Evenson

 

When my mind changed then my work changed and everything changed

haha way to go Wade (Wade got a 4.0 this last trimester)! That's great. I do know Porter (Wade's best friend). He's a good kid. I've really seen here in Bolivia how great of a difference good friends make. It's the difference between serving a mission and being addicted to alcohol and having a miserable life. The friends we have are so very important.

I've had 9 baptisms altogether! 7 since christmas :) the week after I left camiri another person got baptized that I taught. What has changed? My faith. Before I had a hard time believing that I actually could baptize.. But then that changed. There in Camiri I received the faith that I needed to go out and do miracles. I now strongly believe and know that there are many many prepared people just waiting to be baptized. That was all that changed :) When my mind changed then my work changed and everything changed. The things that I havent been sharing as much are the reactivated families. I think that Ive reactivated about 25 or 30 people as well. Those count the same as a baptism in mission work now. Good thing I have until November right?? I have a ton of more people to help!

So this week I have gotten to learn a lot more about reaching out to the one. This is the of the most unique aspects of our Savior Jesus Christ. He came to save the world, but always made the time to change the lives of individuals through loving and caring, personal acts. My companion is struggling right now, he's newer here and is still adjusting to everything, and so I've had wonderful opportunity to see others reach out to him to help and strengthen him. haha I strive everyday to help him, but sometimes when you're with someone 24/7 they start to ignore you. haha ah so that's been a trial for me. But I, and he, have been greatly blessed as some of the leaders of the church here have lovingly reached out to Elder Jones to lift and inspire him to greater things. They didn't need to take the time to go and sit by him and give him advice and talk to him and get to know him, but they did. Even though no one asked them to, and it really isn't their responsibility. They were just acting as disciples of Christ. I love a scripture in Luke 22:32 that says something like, "When you are converted, strengthen your brethen." One small and seemingly insignificant act really can change the life of someone suffering or struggling with some inward battle. Reaching out to others can often be scary, I know, but it can make all the difference. I've been greatly strengthen in such moments as I've offered a small prayer in my heart for courage, and then opened my mouth. I've seen miracles happen! The Lord always helps us to have the courage to reach out and bless His other children. I love the Gospel. I know it's true. And I love my Heavenly Father.

March 2nd emails between Josh and me

MOM

So,  I've kept track and I believe you've had 8 baptisms now. Six since Christmas!  What changed since Christmas, do you think? 

JOSH

Oh good! Well actually 9! 7 since christmas :) the week after I left camiri another person got baptized that I taught. What has changed? My faith. Before I had a hard time believing that I actually could baptize.. But then that changed. There in Camiri I received the faith that I needed to go out and do miracles. I now strongly believe and know that there are many many prepared people just waiting to be baptized. That was all that changed :) When my mind changed then my work changed and everything changed. 

The things that I havent been sharing as much are the reactivated families. I think that Ive reactivated about 25 or 30 people as well. Those count the same as a baptism in mission work now

Good thing I have until November right?? I have a ton of more people to help!

So this week I have gotten to learn a lot more about reaching out to the one. This is the of the most unique aspects of our Savior Jesus Christ. He came to save the world, but always made the time to change the lives of individuals through loving and caring, personal acts. My companion is struggling right now, he's newer here and is still adjusting to everything, and so I've had wonderful opportunity to see others reach out to him to help and strengthen him. haha I strive everyday to help him, but sometimes when you're with someone 24/7 they start to ignore you. haha ah so that's been a trial for me. But I, and he, have been greatly blessed as some of the leaders of the church here have lovingly reached out to Elder Jones to lift and inspire him to greater things. They didn't need to take the time to go and sit by him and give him advice and talk to him and get to know him, but they did. Even  though no one asked them to, and it really isn't their responsibility. They were just acting as disciples of Christ. I love a scripture in Luke 22:32 that says something like, "When you are converted, strengthen your brethen." One small and seemingly insignificant act really can change the life of someone suffering or struggling with some inward battle. Reaching out to others can often be scary, I know, but it can make all the difference. I've been greatly strengthen in such moments as I've offered a small prayer in my heart for courage, and then opened my mouth. I've seen miracles happen! The Lord always helps us to have the courage to reach out and bless His other children. I love the Gospel. I know it's true. And I love my Heavenly Father.

Parts of a letter home; written in February, 2015

Bolivia sure is different from the states, from Idaho at least, it's so HOT here! :) I'm moving to Alaska after the mission, haha. I've seen every type of insect imaginable, from grasshoppers the size of my hand to cockroaches so big that they have wings and fly! I've had fleas, and been bitten by more mosquitos than I can count, and even received Dengue, a fun tropical disease that makes your bones ache and fever for a week! Santa Cruz is really weird because there are so many plants and insects, but there is sand everywhere! I love it, though. :) There are only 2 seasons here, really hot, and 2 weeks of cold. I could talk all day about Bolivia, but it sufficeth me to say that I love being here. 

Up until now I've had 9 companions, and 5 different areas. My companions have been from Chile, Colombia, California, Peru, Bolivia, Bolivia, Peru, Nevada, and Utah. A little bit of everything! They have each tight me important things that have helped me grow and change my life. Of all the things I've been as a missionary, I think my favorite is training, receiving a brand new missionary and teaching him everything. New missionaries are so full of faith and energy, it's a ton of fun. I've been a trainer 2 times, with Elder Pena de Peru and Elder Dyer from Nevada. They're the best! :) I've been extremely blessed to have been a part of many baptisms and reactivations. I love helping people come unto Christ. I know the Lord has always put me where I was needed most. He has been very mindful of me. :) The Lord knows what he's doing. He could do His work without us really! We are just blessed to have a part in it. 

One of my very favorite scriptures is this, "wherefore, be to weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that with is great. 

"Behold, the Lord requires the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in the last days." D&C 64: 33-34

These scriptures always help me to remember the great importance of being strict with small things in m life like praying, reading scriptures, going to church, and doing service. I've seen how just an invitation to come to church has changed someone's life. It also helps me not only to be obedient, but happily obedient! that makes everything better. We can always trust in the promises of the Lord. If we dedicate ourselves to Him, He will bless us abundantly. I loved the talk by President Uchtdorf int eh last general conference to the women how he compared the commandments to vegetables. We like to eat the pea but groan with the carrot, but as every wise parent knows, children must eat ALL the vegetables to have a healthy body! We can't pick and choose which commandments to keep and not keep, otherwise 'commandments' would just be 'suggestions'. I keep a little card in my pocket that says, "Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles." I've seen the wonderful blessings of obedience as a missionary, and the miracles of a 'willing mind" when it comes to obeying them! 

I know this work is true. I know God lives and listens to our every prayer. He loves us. I know Jesus Christ lives and is our Savior. Only through Him may we be saved. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is true. Our families can be eternal. I know that true happiness comes through a life devoted to God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The commandments are the manifestation of the love God has for us; they are here to bless and instruct us! I know that anyone from age 10 to 110 can receive the same knowledge as I through sincere looking; prayer, study, and an open heart. Know that any stress or hardship can be taken from us as we open our hearts to He who suffered all. I know we will one day live again and stand before the Lord to give account of all we have done, who we are, and who we wish to become.

A letter to President Willard

This is my letter that I sent to President willard this morning, I
thought I´d share. :)

To be honest, this was a hard transfer for me. It was full of
miracles, but also full of many trials and low points. I feel like I
grew and learned a great deal though. At times I felt completely
worthless, as if all my efforts came out to nothing, and at other
times I rejoiced in the works and wonders of the Lord. I thought we
were going to have more baptisms and reactivations than we did.. The
enemy worked hard against us and our investigators. Very hard. The
last two weeks have been especially hard.
I can say with full confidence that I did my best to help Elder Jones.
I tirelessly strived to help him and teach him; give him opportunities
to teach and grow as well. But I often felt like I was just hitting a
brick wall most of the time. He has just struggled greatly between
doing what he wants and what the Lord wants. I struggled for a time
with that as well, so I understood. But for that reason it was a
difficult transfer for me. Haha it was a battle every day.. But the
Lord is teaching me many things. But I know I did my best President.
Thank you for helping him as well, he really liked the chapters you
gave him, it was interesting because my personal study of Alma 46-48
was about a really similar topic.  I love how the Spirit works 
I love being a missionary. I know this work is true. Enduring to the
end is the fun part. I know it isn´t always easy, but it is possible.
And it can be wonderful! It should be! I glory in the gospel. There is
nothing I love more than diving into the Book of Mormon and feeling
the Spirit communicate the Love of God to me. It changes the worst
moments, when you feel alone, to moments of peace and revelation. I
know Jesus Christ is my Savior and that His way is the only way to
happiness in this life and life eternal in the next.
Have a wonderful week President!
Elder Evenson

Good morning!

 

Here was the highlight of our week! The other elders had a baptism too! So that was a great weekend! The other person, Jose Luis is going to be baptized I believe next week. His family were in ¨El Campo¨ which is like in the fields, and so we wanted to wait for his mom and brothers to be there.

 

oh mom lo siento! I´m sorry!! I didn´t hardly write you this weeek! Sorry :( Next week will be better. I love you so much though!! Have a wonderful week! :)

letter from Josh this week

This last Little while i´ve been contemplating a wonderful quote by President Thomas S. Monson. He said, ¨When you are on the Lord´s errand, you are entitled to His help.¨ The life of President Monson inspires me so much. He has truly lived such a prophetic promise. I have seen it as well here in Camiri, the área that I´m at. I´ve been here about 7 months now, and it has been a time of truly great change for me as a disciple of Christ. It has been where I´ve learned how to consecrate much more of myself to my Heavenly Father through the wonderful companions and opportunities i´ve had to serve others. I´ve seen so many miracles here. So many!!! For example, this next saturday we are planning on having as a district 3 baptisms of people that have truly been miracles. Our great challenge here was being on the Lord´s errand. All missionaries ´do´ missionary work. They all go out and teach and talk to people and eat weird food, but we don´t always act as the Lord´s disciples. Sometimes we forget. Or sometimes we spend all our time just wishing we were at home, or that the misión could be over, or whatever other thing. That was me for some time as a missionary. :) But then I slowly began to change. I began seeking to do the Lord´s will and He put people, and talks, and messages into my life to help me change. :) And then my heart started to change! Began to love the Lord more. To have greater desires to serve, to forget myself and not think about glory or titles or anything like that. I was so prideful. So selfish! Well I´m still not perfect but I can happily say that I´m not who I was. :) And then the miracles started to happen as I stopped wanting to serve myself and start looking outwards. Again, not perfect, but I have desires to be like my Savior, and like president Monson and all the other amazing men and women I´ve met in my life. As I started looking to be on the Lord´s errand, and not my own, that was when the lord started showing his incredible power.