December 30th, 2013

Hey everyone I was so excited to be able to skype on Christmas Eve. I will honestly never forget what was said. The part that I hope to never forget is when Chase said I love you Braiden. That honestly brought tears to my eyes. We had an interesting "Feliz Navidad!" We are now in a trio for about a week until the new Elder gets his companion. So we are working in both areas which is kinda hard becase its really big and we don't know the other area. But its been fun learning and working together. I have been eating plenty of tamales, and the majority of them come from Veracruz. I really like the tamales made with banana plant leaf. There is quite a big difference here in how Christmas is celebrated. Here they just have huge parties, and set off illegal fireworks. It's cool and all but not quite my thing for Christmas. We still have yet to see snow but it's still really cold. The weird thing is that I know its colder in Utah. This past week we had some good lessons that we taught. We have been using a lot of the story of Christs birth in Luke. I love reading it and sharing the message of our Savior's birth. This week was also a bit of a struggle having everyone go away for vacations. That's the hard part is finding people in their homes.

This week we are probably going to have the chance to go to the Temple again. We have a mission goal to have more baptisms for the dead than the SLC temple. Right now we are in second, which is pretty cool. So this week we are going to be working with some of the recent converts to do their family history work

                    

Well all is well with me and I hope that all are having a feliz Diciembre!

Love, Elder Thorpe

December 23rd, 2013

Hola y Feliz Navidad!!!

I hope all back at home is having a super Feliz Navidad! I was so happy to receive my packages this week. I was also so happy to see inside them so many letters from all of my family! This last week we didn't do too much. But we did have our mission dinner which was super fun and awesome. We also sang in all the 4 stakes in Juarez. It was such a wonderful experience and the spirit was so strong.

During this letter I'm just going to answer some of the questions that I was asked in the letters.

Have you baptized anyone? X5

Yes, I have been able to have three amazing baptisms. They are such amazing people and I was so fortunate to be able to help them change their lives.

Are you fed?

I eat every day with the members and the food here is AWESOME!!!

Do you like your companion?

I haven't had a companion that I haven't liked. Each one of my companions is a servant of the Lord as well as I am. One thing I have learned during my mission is to have charity for all. I love all of my companions, and all the people of Juarez.

Do you use a bike or a car?

I walk every day and it is awesome. I walk about 8 miles every day. It gives me a bunch of time to think and reflect on my life and my purpose. I also love to sing hymns as I walk.

I know this church is true! I love this time of year and the chance we all have to remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ!

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the ^aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

 11 For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.

 12 And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:8-14

I love you all and hope you all have a merry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Thorpe

December 16th, 2013

Hola Familia,

I have been having such a great December here in Mexico. I have been enjoying the cold, strange as that sounds. But its actually been pretty nice. I have been super excited as we have been preparing to sing in all of the stakes in Juarez. We are somewhat starting to adjust to our area and we are starting to actually have a lot of success in our area. A recent convert in our area had a huge party at her house and we stopped by to visit. Her son returned home from being in a rehabilitation center for drugs and alcohol. His sister has a bapstim date for this saturday but we will see if that happens. We were also visiting her brother and he seems pretty cool. We are going to try and put a fecha. I have the goal for about 5 baptisms between December and January.

We have been struggling a bit with the Work of Salvation in our ward. I think the problem is that the members really don't understand how it works or the leaders don't quite understand.

I'm super excited for next week because one its Christmas, and two I GET TO TALK WITH MY FAMILY BY SKYPE ON THE 24th!!!! I love this time of year, I really do. One thing that I really like about this time of year is to sing the Christmas hymns. I, like dad, Love the hymn Silent Night. I love to sing it and I truely feel my Saviors love as I listen/sing.

I hope all is going well in Utah and all is well with everyone who reads this. I love you all and hope you all have a Super Merry Christmas!

For unto us a ^achild is born, unto us a son is given; and the ^bgovernment shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The ^cMighty God, The ^dEverlasting Father, The Prince of ^ePeace.

2 Nephi 19:6

Love Elder Thorpe

December 9th, 2013

Hello and Feliz Cumpleaños a mi hermanita Brooklyn! 14 años que suave. Espero que tengas un muy feliz cumpleaños!!!

Well this week was somewhat better than my last week we had more success! We actually received like 7 new investigators and the work is improving quite a bit. It's been really a bipolar week in respect of the weather. It's changed from cold to hot almost every other day.

I was super excited to be able to see the Christmas Devotional. I really loved the talk by Elder Nelson as well. I loved the part when his grandchildren were singing "Im trying to be like Jesus." I absolutely love that hymn. It really made my day.

But what I loved most was when we all sang Silent Night. I couldn't help but have tears. I felt the spirit so strong and I felt my Saviors love for me. I know that Heavenly Father loves all his children because he sent his only begotten son into this world. I know through the Atonement of Christ we can be saved. I love this time of year when we are reminded of our Savior. As missionaries we are going to have the opportunity to share the spirit of Christmas with all. We are going to be singing in all the stakes of Juarez and then later we will be singing in some public places.

I know that my Savior lives.

 Elder Thorpe and new companion

Love Elder Thorpe!

December 2, 2013

Well as all of you are probably assuming I got transferred, that would be true. I am actually not that far from my old area. We are actually neighbors. We share the same building so I get to see all of my old friends from Oasis. All of the JAS were asking for my Facebook so I'm sure it will be fun to continue to talk to them after the mission as well. The coolest part that happened before I got transfered is we had a baptism. It was actually really fast. In the morning during our personal study, her daughter called us and said, "My mom wants to get baptized this Saturday." Ha ha so that was cool. We taught her everything in about two days and baptized her the next. It was super awesome.

 

I am a little sad that I did get changed from my last area. But all for the better. Now I'm in the East stake. I'm in a Ward called Aeropuerto, which translates to airport. It's been quite a hard week actually because I'm opening a new area with a new comp. Its been kind of hard to go and search out all of the investigators and members in the area but we are surviving. I'm pretty bummed because we went from a super awesome house to a really crappy house that has nothing and its super cold at night. In the morning, because we still dont have gas, we shower with freezing cold water. But all is well and it will get better.

 

We went to the temple again. So that was super awesome. I was super busy confirming about 150 youth so that was super cool. There were about 500 people who went to the temple with us so that was such an awesome experience.

 

Elder Salines returned once again to Juarez because the leaders here just don't get it. The Lord truely is hastening his work but his servants are lazy. Last night to all of the Ward councils of Juarez and to President Derbez, he promised that the missionaries will in the mission will have 1,000 new investigators by January. That was super awesome. He is such and awesome General Authority.

I'm soooo looking forward to talking to you on the phone this Christmas I hope all will have a super awesome Christmas.

 

 

With much Love,

Elder Thorpe

 

 

71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and ^alabor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the ^blast time that I shall ^cnourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.

November 18th, 2013

Well this was the best week of my mission so far! It was incredible to see the Lords hand in our work that we did and in my life. Everyone here is getting all excited for Christmas and its been super awesome. This week we were teaching a family who are less active and their son isn't a member of the Church (he's 10). But they are such a super awesome family and they are progressing so much. We taught them about the Doctrine of Christ found in 2 Nephi 31. It was awesome to see their understanding of the gospel expand in their minds. I wasn't completely sure but I kept getting strong promptings from the Holy Ghost to commit Gael (the 10 year old) to baptism. After that he said yes and that he would pray to know if this is the true church. Then we felt prompted to commit his dad to prepare to baptize his son if it was him who his son chooses for his baptism, and he said yes as well. That was such a huge blessing for us this week. We want to have him baptized on December 22.

Also this week we decided to look for many new investigators through the area book. If you don't know what it is, it's a book with all of the names and addresses of people that we have taught or contacted. And let me tell you there are a ton of names. But we decided to contact about 8 families. Out of the 8 we recieved 4 new investigators this week and that has been our goal as a zone to receive 4 new investigators every week. That was such a blessing for us this week.

Also this week we had the opportunity to work a lot with FamilySearch and look for names for the members in the work to bring to the temple to do baptisms. It was super awesome seeing the members get excited over their own family history work. On Saturday we got to go to the temple, we were originally told that we would be baptizing members. But the temple president told us that they already had someone and didn't need our help. Then we were told that they needed help with witnesses in the sealings. But they didn't need help with that either. So all of us 8 Elders were standing in the dressing room trying to think of what to do....Then the Temple president came to us and said there was only one person in the next session and they needed help in the session. Now our Mission President was very strict about us not entering into a session. But the Temple President said he would call and ask if we could. Later on we were told that we could enter into a session and we all got super excited.

It was my first time in Spanish I really wasn't that nervous at all because I can understand/speak spanish just fine now. But as I sat there and learned more about Gods plan for us, I couldn't help but have tears. I know that God loves me and that he made this beautiful incredible world for us. I know that He loves each and everyone of his children and so he sent his Son to suffer and die for us, so that we can once again return to live in his presence. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that this is the true church and that in this church is where the Priesthood of God is found.

I love you all and miss you all!!!

Love,

Elder (Braiden) Thorpe

November 11th, 2013

Well this week was some what a struggle we were running all over visiting the members trying to get their Family History work. In the end we didn't get very many names. So they canceled the Temple trip and it's going to be this Saturday. As the missionaries we are going to baptize and confirm all of the people we are hoping for about 100 names, who knows. But this week we are going to be working really hard with all of the members.

I spoke in Church as well this Sunday. I spoke on.....Family History (what do you know haha) I spoke on how the Savior loves all and wants all of us to return to live with our Father in Heaven. I also spoke on how there are two parts to the work of Family History, there is the part of those who have passed on, and the work that we as members need to do. And without both parts they can't return to live with us as a family in Gods presence. After we spoke in church many people came asking what they needed to do to find their Family History Work. It was super suave!

We are quickly approaching transfers and I believe that I will get changed to a new area and my companion will start to train a new Elder (an American). Everyone is super anxious for the new missionaries because there will be American Sisters, and it has been a long time since there were American Sisters in Mexico. The mission continues to grow and progress every week and it's pretty crazy the changes that continue to take place.

In December we are going to have a music and the spoken word. I'm super excited for it. We are going to perform in all of the Stakes which is 5 and in some malls around Juarez. I think it will be a neat experience and we will find many new investigators. This is always my favorite time of the year. I love to feel the spirt as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I'm so glad that I am a missionary and I feel so blessed to be serving here in the Ciudad Juarez, Mexico Mission. I love the Savior and his teachings. I Know that Families can be Forever.

Love,

Elder (Braiden) Thorpe

November 4th, 2013

Nov.4, 2013

Well this week was one of my hardest weeks in the mission and why is that, because of stinking Halloween. It was super hard to find people in the house because all were either at parties or out doing something for the holiday. And yes they actually do celebrate Halloween here because it’s a border city. But I will have to say its worse in the USA. But as well this week was somewhat a good week we had success finding a new investigator through a less active family, which is super awesome. It’s a young boy with the age of 9 years. He seems pretty excited to be listening to us and hopefully we can reactivate his family so his dad can receive the Priesthood and baptize him. That is our goal. As well with that we have an investigator who is super awesome her daughter is the only member of the church in their family, and this last Sunday she accepted baptism. She will be baptized Dec.17. I don’t think that I will still be here but I hope she stays strong and continues onto baptism.

I believe that it is the season of giving blessings, because in this last week we gave about 4 or 5 blessings. I finally have it all memorized in Spanish so I can give the blessing without reading cards or the white bible. I’m so glad and blessed to have the Priesthood in my life. (When you get the chance I need my line of authority its now a requirement in the mission) But I am super excited with the progress that I have made over these almost 8 months.

I’m super excited for this weekend because this Saturday we are going to the TEMPLE!!! It has been so long and I am super excited. We are going as a Stake and it’s going to be my first time in Spanish I'll let you know how it goes.

I love you all and miss you all and am so excited to feel the Spirit of Christ this Christmas. Love you.

Elder (Braiden) Thorpe

October 14, 2013

Well this week was a bit frustrating really. We had the idea of working more with members and we were super pumped because of General Confrence. But as hard as we tried nothing was happening for us. The good is that we contacted many old investigators and a few look like they could be progressing inv. But we will see. The weather continues to drop here and so soon cold will be upon us. The members here say its like Utah here at times. It even snows if you can even believe it. This week I have been finding myself reading more about Ammon and his mission. I feel like that has been helping me to keep going. He truely is one of my Heros and one of the reasons for serving a mission. One thing that I have learned as a missionary is to keep moving my feet no matter what. Keep searching keep trying because in the long run someone is being blessed.

Cambios were this Sunday and I'm still in Oasis. It looks like I'll be here for another 6 weeks. But I know it's because the Lord has something in store for me here.

Elder Thorpe

October 29, 2013

This week we did some service for an older couple which was super wet. We along with a few other Elders cleaned out a tank for water for the shower and sink

It was super awesome and we had such a spiritual experience in the end. After a while I went above the tank to take buckets of water and dump them into the road. I decided that I didn't want to use my shoes anymore and I barefooted the rest of our service. It felt so great to take my shoes off and not wear shoes for about an hour. ha ha Anyways in the end we were talking to the older couple and they both were in need of a blessing. I was asked to bless the wife, and I felt a bit intimidated because I'm not used to speaking in tu and when you give blessings you speak in tu. But I felt the promptings of the spirit telling me that I needed to bless her. As I placed my hands on her head I felt the spirit extremely strong and I said things that I could not even imagine that I would say. I was saying words in Spanish that I didn't even know that well. I felt the words coming from my lips were not my own words, but the words of the Spirit.

Also this week we have been trying to figure out why we haven't been having the best success. We have been thinking a lot about our less actives and why we have so many. We started to ask some of the less actives and members why they thought there are so many. Most of them said it is because of two sisters in the ward who are "attacking the other sisters." So we have quite a bit of work ahead of us.

Also this week we had an awesome opportunity to give two blessings to another family. The husband is a member but less active and wants to be sealed with his wife. And his wife isn't a member and wants to be sealed as well. I think she has a bit of fear of baptism. But now its looking like she will accept. They are both sick and the wife is actually pregnant and is sick because of the pregnancy. So we gave them a blessing. It was a good experience to teach about faith in Jesus Christ and the Priesthood.

Well I love all of you and pray for you all the time.

Love,

Elder (Braiden) Thorpe

October 21, 2013

Well this week was a great week! We actually started to improve on working more with members. It was super awesome. I came up with an idea to have some of the members go out and look for the less actives and bring them back to the church for a special message on Saturday. We organized all of our District for a special message and when the members returned with the less actives we sang "Nearer my God to Thee" and "Abide with me Tis Ev'en Tide" and in between we had a few Elders share testimony. It was really spiritual and really nice. From this activity we had 5 less actives return to church.

On Sunday I was getting a bit frustrated because no one was letting us into their houses for a lesson and was getting a bit sad that we didn't have any visits for the day. Then my companion said something to me that really got me going and got me excited. It's translated into English not sure if it sounds funny or not it sounded a bit funny in English to me. "How many times was Jesus Christ rejected, but was always there." I really liked that and it helped me to keep going because I represent him and I need to be like him.

I love you all and I keep working hard!

Love,

Elder (Braiden) Thorpe

Carrying on the tradition in Mexico. Ice cream after the priesthood session.

October 7th, 2013

Hola,

Este semana fue bien suave. Estabamos trabajando con muchos de los menos activos para traerlos a la Conferencia General. Encontrabamos un nueva investigador bien animada para escuchar a las lecciones. Yo se que esta obra es grade y maravillosa y estamos en los ultimos dias de la ultima dispensacion.

Well enough of my Spanish. I was super stoked for confrence this past week. I've actually been waiting for conference for about 2 months and it was well worth the wait. As I was watching I was thinking about how I really would have taken advatage of the time I had at home during Confrence and enjoyed it more with my family. I then couldn't help but have tears during the Priesthood session to think that all of the royal army of God was gathered together to listen to the Prophet of God. It was hard as well thinking that I was not with my Dad and Brother my friends and my fellow soldiers in the Royal Priesthood Army. I know that this work is true with all my heart. I know that we are in perilous times like many said and for that many are fighting or are against the Church of God. It was said in the last days that mens hearts shall fail them and that there would arise a great and abomnible church against God. We are in these times and it is our resposability to RISE UP!!! I am so proud of my younger brother Austin who is rising up to face the great and terrible serpent and push forward with this work. He is such a great example to me of a missionary. I want to be a missionary like him and reach out and be a friend to those who need a friend. I wish I could be there for the18th to see this young man enter into the door and get on the path to Eternal Salvation.

I loved Confrence so much and I learned many things that I can improve on. I loved Elder Hollands talk as always. It was truely inspiring and something that I needed to hear. I also loved how many talked on the importance of families in these last days. It's true, the family is the most important group in the church. It is the safest place that we can raise a family and teach gospel principles without the influences of the world. I also loved how many talked on the Atonement. We are not perfect like the Savior and we will not be perfect in this life, but throught the Atoning sacrifice of the Savior Jesus Christ we can become better. I know that these leaders of the church truely are chosen MEN & WOMEN of God. I know that my Savior lives, and because he lives we can too.

LOVE,

Elder Thorpe

Elder Thorpe,Elder Salinas (Area Seventy), Elder Hernandez

Flooded street after a rainstorm

Flooded park.

September 30, 2013

Well this week was super awesome! We have been continuing to teach Antonio more and more and he keeps progressing as a new member of the church. We taught him about the Priesthood and how it is such an important power that we receive as men of the church. We also explained about the importance of the Temples and our family history. In this mission we are starting folletos (can't remember the word in English) that are all about family search and our genologia (as well I cant remember how to spell in English). These folletos are going to be the first in all the church, and we have the great opportunity to start this awesome work. On October 15 we are going to send the folletos to Church Headquarters and they are going to see if they were successful. If they were all of the world is going to have these folletos. How cool is that. I'm starting to fill mine out but I still have things missing.

Dad: I need your birthday/place and the day you and mom were married/the place as well. I also need the birthdays of Grandma and grandpa and the day and place they were married as well as for both great grandparents. I dont know the names of grandpas parents, if you can find that out and send it to me that would be awesome. (by next week)

Mom: same for you I need info of your side of the family.

As well I need a brief story of each person that I can write beneath their name. Dad if you can translate them in espanol that would help me a ton. If not no worries I can speak spanish and translate just fine. I think. haha

This is such an awesome opportunity that we have in the mission and I am super happy to be serving.

We also had our primary program and as I sat their and listened to these sweet children sing and bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, I couldn't hold back my tears. As I was sitting there I remembered the scripture of the Savior when he said:And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And ^anow behold, my joy is full. And when he had said these words, he ^awept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and ^bblessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again; And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones. And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and ^aencircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.

I love to listen to the Primary. The children truely have a sweet spirit.

I love all of you and hope all is well.

Love,

Elder Thorpe

Elder Thorpe hits the 6 month mark.

Elder Thorpe, Antonio and Elder Hernandez

September 23rd, 2013

Well this week was just awesome. I really felt something pushing me along as I strived to work hard to serve the Lord. I know it was the Spirit. I don't know this week I just felt it really strong. This past week we really strived to help Antonio to quit smoking. We visited him everyday and every day we shared some scriptures and some encouragement, and it really did help. Antonio was baptized on September 21, 2013. He went from smoking a whole pack of cigaretts plus a day to being clean and ready for baptism in 3 months. I was super happy for him that he made this step in his life. I honestly can see what my purpose is here in the mission. I'm not here to baptize, I'm here to change lives. I know that this is the purpose of all of us in this awesome work. We have such an awesome opportunity to bring others to our Heavenly Father.

Wherefore, you are called to ^acry repentance unto this people.And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one ^asoul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
D&C 18:14-15

I am so glad to be serving a mission. I have dreamed about these days all my life, and now I am finally here.

I love all of you so much and pray for each and every one of you individually. You are one of the many reasons that keeps me going.

Love,
Elder Thorpe

 New companion Elder Hernandez

Sept.16th. 2013

Well this week was a really wet week. It rained here for about three days straight. It was kind of crazy considering most of the North part of Juarez was completely flooded. Even parts of our area had many streets flooded. But we were all safe and protected. Our house was in perfect condition and nothing was ruined. We also had kind of a difficult week as well, our investigators Luis and Haydee will not be able to listen to us in the night because Luis now is working two jobs. So this is kind of a problem. Were working a lot with our Ward Mission Leader to see if there is any thing that we can do. But we also had some good news Antonio has the baptismal date for the 31 of Sept. and is looking like his baptism will happen. Something that has been really hard for me is being in the house....why.....well because we have to speak english in the house and my comp. doesn't understand english. so its been kind of a struggle trying to teach him english.

This week for some reason I've been on a hunt or a search to learn more about the Atonement. I don't know why but I love learning about the Atonement. Ive been studying it out really hard searching scriptures and Jesus the Christ, listening to talks. I found something really interesting that I would like to share.

In 1 Nephi 8:10 it says
"And it came to pass that I beheld a ^atree, whose ^bfruit was desirable to make one^chappy."

now what is the tree, the tree is the love of God.

And we read in John 3:16-17
"For ^aGod so ^bloved the ^cworld, that he^dgave his ^eonly begotten ^fSon, that whosoever ^gbelieveth in him should not perish, but have ^heverlasting ⁱlife.
For God ^asent not his Son into the world to ^bcondemn the world; but that the world through him might be ^csaved."

THE ATONEMENT.

haha

I love studying the scriptures and learning more and more.

I love you all and miss you all.

God be with you till we meet again.

Elder Thorpe

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September 9th, 2013

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! I hope you had a great birthday. I was definitely thinking about you that day.

Now for my first week as a trainer. Let me tell you it was exhausting. It's a lot different having a native companion. One he can't speak English. That's super hard because at the same time it's a rule that we can only speak in English in our house. So that's been pretty hard. The other hard part is he speaks really really fast. So sometimes its a bit hard to understand. The good is that he speaks Spanish, ha-ha, because it is helping my Spanish a ton. Also he is able to help a lot in the lessons with investigators. He's actually a really cool companion, and we have a lot of things in common. I'll send a picture.

Domingo, we had a meeting with Elder Salines, of the Seventy, in the Area presidency of Mexico. We had a training with our Lider Misional & counselor of the Bishopbric (really it should have been the Bishop). But we had a really good training on the Work of Salvation. We talked about how missionary work is more the responsibility of the members of the Church. That's really interesting, but it makes sense the members are the ones who will be in the Ward always. Also there is a new rule after the missionaries first baptism they don't baptize again, the members baptize. But it was a really good training and I learned quite a bit.

It's still hot here and I hope it starts to get cooler.

This week was also a bit hard for me because for some reason I really missed my family. I'm not sure why, but one day it just hit me. So I started to pray for help so that I could continue to work hard and stay focused. As we went out to work after I had finished praying, the impression came into my mind "Sing Families can be Together Forever" so I began to sing/hum. As I pondered on the words I started to feel much much better.

I have a family here on earth.
They are so good to me.

I want to share my life with them through all eternity
Families can be together forever
Through Heav'nly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.

That's awesome about BYU. Hopefully they actually have a good season this year.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Elder Thorpe

September 2,2013

So this week was pretty cool. Bueno with our  investigators they are going to wait a few more weeks for baptism which is all good. In reality they really do need time to prepare. A couple that we are teaching right now Luis y Haydee told Elder King and I that they want us to be here for their sealing in the Temple. They even said that they want us to be the witnesses of their sealing! So thats pretty cool, we will probably baptize them in a few weeks because its a new rule here in Mexico that all our investigators need to attend the church 5 times before baptism.

Elder King goes home in a few days and its kind of sad to think my trainer is leaving! But I know we will continue to talk and be friends after the mission. So that means Im getting a new companion. But who will it be? Well actually I know who it is. His name is Elder Hernandez he is from Veracruz and he just arrived here in Mexico! So that means that I am a trainer. Its kind of hard to believe considering that I only have 5 months! But I know that the Lord has something big in store for me. I know that with hard work, faith and a lot of prayer I will have the help I need. Because of what the Lord has promised us in the scriptures.

In fact speaking of the scriptures I have been reading about the dream of Lehi a lot during my studies and I have learned a lot about the Atonement and the Gospel. Ive learned the importance of Holding Fast to the Rod of Iron. I know that when we learn to take the scriptures and really strive to learn from them and apply what we learn in our every day lives, that is when we are Holding Fast to the Rod of Iron.

I hope everyone is as excited as I am for General Conference!

Elder Thorpe

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August 26th, 2013

Que dice! well this was an interesting week I was asked to speak in Church! I was asked oh about 5 min. before church started. So I had about 25 to 30 min. to prepare a talk. Now that really isn't a lot of time to prepare a 10-15 min talk (especially when you don't speak spanish very well). But I humbly accepted and went back to my seat and began to listen. I wasn't listening to the meeting, in fact I really wasn't listening at all. Instead I was praying and pleading with my Heavenly Father for HELP!!! As I prayed I listened, I listened hard. I needed help and I needed it right then and there. As I thought of what I should talk about, the impression came to me to read in Helaman 5. I read Helaman 5:12.
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

I felt inspired to talk on our savior Jesus Christ. I read about how Jesus was born of a virgin mother, and how he lived a perfect life and atoned for all of our sins. I spoke that we must build our foundation on the perfect teacher, and how we can follow him by repenting, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. I spoke how we can return to live with him and our Father in Heaven thanks to the Atonement. I then finished with my testimony of the Savior. I felt I had done a decent job when I had finished. Everyone afterwards kept coming up to me and telling me how good a job I did. But I almost feel like they are only saying that because my spanish is ehhh. But then I thought to my self that the Spirit is who testifies of the truth. I know I felt the Spirit when I testified of our Savior. I know that they all felt the spirit.

Afterwards also I asked Elder King how I did and he said I did good. He said that I said something funny. He said that I said that the Devil throws his taxes at us. haha.

But it's all good

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that he appeared before Joseph Smith and through Joseph Smith he restored his Gospel once again on the Earth. I know that he lives and that he loves each and everyone of us individualy. I know that through him all mankind might be saved.

I almost forgot. I also have been sharing a story of my biggest Hero in my life. It's interesting how we have ficticious heros like Iron man, or Batman. But the biggest heros in our lives should be the people who we know and Love. One of the biggest Heros in my life apart from my mom, is my Dad. He is truely a Nephi in these later days. I say this because of Nephi 16. Nephi and his family were doing everything right living the gospel responding to the Liahona. When a trial comes up. Nephi breaks his bow. His family starts to murmur but not Nephi. Nephi acts on this trial and makes a bow of wood. This is like my biggest Hero with his MS. My dad got this disease unexpectedly. But what he did is what amazes me. He acted on this trial. And he continues to act. He is my inspiration and I want to grow up to be like him.

Elder Thorpe

August 19th, 2013

Hello Utah! or wherever you are reading this! This past week was super awesome! We have these awesome investigators who want baptism. Our first lesson we didn't even talk about baptism and after the lesson I felt the spirit so strong and they asked if Elder King and I would be here for their baptism. We said claro! haha. They truely are awesome. They are living with a member family who is progressing a lot. Our investigators have been progressing a lot the only problem is we are helping the husband overcome his addiction of coffee. But the truth is it's going to be easy for him. He is the one who wants this the most he has what is truely needed a broken heart and a contrite spirit. They also came to church and stayed for all of it. They have a baptismal date for the 31 of Aug. or the 1 of Sept. Which are the last days of Elder Kings mission. We are super happy for them and super excited for their baptism. I feel everytime we leave the house happy. It's almost like something I can't even describe. I know its because I am where my Heavenly Father wants me and I am doing what he would want me to do.

Some other awesome news our old investigator Antonio. Well he wants to get baptized and is going to classes to quit his smoking. He keeps coming to church every week and Im sure that he will be able to be baptized by the 31 of Aug. or 1 of Sept. Things are looking good here in Oasis!

I know that the lord truely is blessing me here!

Elder Thorpe

Chosen by God to serve him below,

To ev'ry land and people we'll go,

Standing for truth with fervent accord,

Teaching his holy word.