Elder Curtis Sudbury

Elder Curtis Sudbury

Monday, September 26, 2011

Did you say...Elder?

The Hombres in the District

Celebrating with plenty of food

Little donut for celebrating

Letter from Curtis September 26, 2011

Hello Family,

 This week was rather uneventful. I went on exchanges with the zone leaders and with one of the companionships in my district. It was altogether uneventful. All is well. Raimundo accepted a baptismal date for the 22nd of October. :)

 The only really interesting thing in the news is that we've received a senior couple. Élder and Sister Oillataguerre. He was born in Argentina and she was born in Chile, but they come recently from Australia. I have the privilege (at least until they change me) of being their district leader. :) They will be in a neighboring ward mostly working with less active members. They are a delight. Sister Oillataguerre reminds me a lot of Mom. I hope they enjoy their mission service.

 As General Conference approaches I wanted to just say how much I LOVE General Conference! General Conference (for those who read the blog and don't know) is when the current apostles, prophets, and leaders of the church speak to the world. It is always a spiritually uplifting experience and I always receive a LOT of personal revelation from the Spirit. General Conference for years has been better to me than holidays or summer break. I always look forward to the words of the Prophets.

 A quick explanation about the pictures. In Mexico the proper way to celebrate the Mexican Independence Day is to dress up in false mustaches and paint your face red, white, and green. I sent a few pictures of my district and I celebrating in this traditional manner :).

 This week's letter is brought to you by the hymn The Morning Breaks

1. The morning breaks, the shadows flee;
Lo, Zion’s standard is unfurled!
The dawning of a brighter day,
The dawning of a brighter day
Majestic rises on the world.
2. The clouds of error disappear
Before the rays of truth divine;
The glory bursting from afar,
The glory bursting from afar
Wide o’er the nations soon will shine.
3. The Gentile fulness now comes in,
And Israel’s blessings are at hand.
Lo, Judah’s remnant, cleansed from sin,
Lo, Judah’s remnant, cleansed from sin,
Shall in their promised Canaan stand.
4. Jehovah speaks! Let earth give ear,
And Gentile nations turn and live.
His mighty arm is making bare,
His mighty arm is making bare
His cov’nant people to receive.
5. Angels from heav’n and truth from earth
Have met, and both have record borne;
Thus Zion’s light is bursting forth,
Thus Zion’s light is bursting forth
To bring her ransomed children home.

This is the first Hymn in the hymnbook that is seldom known in the church due to its arrangement. Nevertheless, it is the song that precedes every Music and the Spoken Word, a program that is at 9:00 every Sunday (right before general conference this Sunday). I know the truth of this hymn. Angels from Heaven and Truth from the Earth have borne record that this is God's Church and Kingdom and that He is guiding it again. I know that we should all give ear to the Prophets of God. Imagine that, Prophets of a living God! What a wonderful knowledge we have. I add my voice to those angels and that record that Jesus is the Living Christ. I know of His reality and His love. I have no doubt. He is my best friend and my Savior. I will spend my life bearing testimony of Him and His Church.

All my Love,

Élder Sudbury

Monday, September 19, 2011

Letter from Curtis, September 19, 2011

Dear World,


It's been an incredible week. We have seen many miracles. We finally had people come to church! We had four investigators arrive at sacrament meeting this week. We were so happy! Raimundo came and we think he liked it. Diana and her kids came because she got sick so her work gave her the weekend off (against their own will), people started coming up to us on the street asking to talk. We started finding people who were interested, and altogether it was a good week. The ward, due to the misunderstandings and our explaining them, has built up a lot of trust in us. We are very grateful that the Lord has helped us in so many ways. We are trying new things to find new people. We are learning and growing.


The Mexican Independence Day wasn't as crazy as last year. They're still tired ;). All was well. I'm making a flyer to put up around our area, so I haven't much time this week. Suffice it to say that all is going well. God is blessing us in many, many ways.


This week's letter has been brought to you by Be Thou Humble:


1. Be thou humble in thy weakness, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee,
Shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.
Be thou humble in thy pleading, and the Lord thy God shall bless thee,
Shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that he cares.
2. Be thou humble in thy calling, and the Lord thy God shall teach thee
To serve his children gladly with a pure and gentle love.
Be thou humble in thy longing, and the Lord thy God shall take thee,
Shall take thee home at last to ever dwell with him above.
I love this hymn, but this week it had a greater meaning for us. We had to be humble to receive the blessings of the Lord, but He blessed us incredibly. I can't express how incredible it has been this last week serving in the hands of the Lord. God is watching over us and guiding us. I know He lives. I know that He is in charge of This Work. I know that Christ is my Savior. I have felt His redeeming power in my heart many, many times. He is in charge of my life. I am grateful. I know. I wish there was a greater, stronger word to say just how sure I am. I know. That is all that is important. :)
All My Love,
Élder Sudbury


Monday, September 12, 2011

Letter from Curtis September 12, 2001

It was a hectic week. We had our greatest successes in this area so far, but we also had our greatest challenges. We had been working with one less active member about whom I wrote last week. She's a body builder and during our first visit with members she talked about some of the things that she was doing to tone certain parts of her body. One of the members was offended and thought that we, as missionaries, should have stopped her. That was the beginning of problems. She then offered to wash my handkerchief, the which she had used during the lesson. I insisted that I was planning on washing it the next day. The other member thought that word exchange constituted a type of flirting of which I've never heard. Then she lent me a jacket because I just have my waterproof shell and it was cold. My companion has a thicker jacket and so she didn't offer him anything. The member didn't hear her comment about how thin my jacket was and so thought that the flirting continued. Later we commented that, due to how deeply affected she was by what had happened, we should probably visit her, if possible, once a day for a week. The member that thought we were being imprudent and flirtatious, now seriously concerned, called the bishop the next day. Later another member saw this less active member touch my leg as we were climbing the stairs. I think her legs hurt and she reached out to support herself, but of course that is a cross of conduct. I forgot about it, but the member, two days later, commented it to me. We went that same day to explain, as lightly as we could, some of the rules about missionary contact. That same member, however, had also called the bishop. There was a less active family that asked us for a blessing for a child who was going to have a circumcision. We hesitated for a moment thinking who could accompany us and, in that short time, they were offended and asked us not to give the blessing. Later the word got to the bishop that they didn't want missionaries to come by ever again. Turns out they just didn't want the non-member son to feel pressured but that they were willing to have a visit from missionaries whenever they pass by. Another less active family told the bishop that we were "not at all spiritual" when we visited them. Turns out that their version of spiritual was playing and joking around with them, something we didn't feel comfortable doing due to certain environmental factors at the time. By Friday the bishop was highly concerned and had all the members who were going to accompany us cancel until he could talk with us. His cell phone had fallen in water and didn't have our number or know where we live, so he didn't talk with us until Sunday. We were confused and a little angry about the conduct of the members and the bishop because we, oblivious to the many rumors, felt innocent. Our ward mission leader talked with us about them all on Saturday and we cleared up all the stories. He agreed that they were all misunderstandings, having investigated with most of the less-active members to see what they meant when they made certain comments. The bishop called us in for an interview and we explained, with the help of the ward mission leader, everything that had happened. He was somewhat astonished as to the many rumors but saw our sincerity. It was a very complicated week.

We knew Satan was going to work against us, but we never expected this particular attack. The bishop was going to call the mission president to inform him of our "outrageous conduct," when our ward mission leader insisted on checking the situation himself befor that measure was taken. I now understand, to a greater extent, the meaning of the scripture "Pray always, that ye may come off conquerer, yea, that ye may conquer Satan, and escape the hands of the servants of Satan, who do uphold his work." I'm grateful for prayer and the good sense of leaders to check stories and to talk with us.

This week's hymn is Master, the Tempest is Raging


1. Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness.
No shelter or help is nigh.
Carest thou not that we perish?
How canst thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threat’ning
A grave in the angry deep?


[Chorus]
The winds and the waves shall obey thy will:
Peace, be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, be still; peace, be still.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, peace, be still.


2. Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled.
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul,
And I perish! I perish! dear Master.
Oh, hasten and take control!

[Chorus]
The winds and the waves shall obey thy will:
Peace, be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, be still; peace, be still.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, peace, be still.


3. Master, the terror is over.
The elements sweetly rest.
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven’s within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more,
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor
And rest on the blissful shore.

[Chorus]
The winds and the waves shall obey thy will:
Peace, be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, be still; peace, be still.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, peace, be still.

I know, from personal, recent experience, that in the storms and tempests of life, if we are on the same boat as the "Master of Ocean and Earth and Skies," we will never be moved. I know that He is powerful to protect His servants. I know that Satan is the master of rumors and gossip and that they are two powerful tools to destroy the Servants of God. If Christ and Joseph Smith and Alma all had to suffer that, I know that I can survive it as well. I must, however, live my life to their stature, "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." I know that Christ lives and hears my prayers. I know that God will protect His servants if they look to Him. I know that They are real and can give us real guidance. This is Their work. I know that this is the work of salvation, which is the reason that He who Would Not Be Saved tries so hard to destroy it. I know that God, in the end, always triumphs with His saints, no matter what happens.

All My Love,

Élder Sudbury

Monday, September 5, 2011

Curtis' letter, September 5, 2011

Well, it was a bit of a better week. We are being tested and tried to see if we will keep going strong even if we see little immediate results. We are comforted by the fact that our efforts will prepare the way for future missionaries to be able to do great things here. We are contacting a lot and we have some good plans to help ward members fulfill their responsibilities this week. All is going well.

We met up with a lot of less active members this week. All of them have had a very hard time. Among their experiences are dictatorial non-membr husbands, alcoholism, imprisoned family, suicide attempts, deaths, and less-than-noble jobs to try to help family members. Life is never easy, but they are finding peace in coming back into the gospel. My testimony has grown a lot this week helping them apply the atonement and feel the Holy Ghost.

We haven't done much else this week. We've been working hard, but we're finding few people. God is helping us. I know He is preparing me specifically for the people I meet. We met an ex-presbyterian-jehovah's witness-catholic this week and the many people I know are helping us resolve his doubts. I don't know many missionaries who would be ready to explain his many doubts lovingly. God puts us where we need to be.

This week's letter is brought to you by the hymn Abide With Me; 'Tis Eventide:


1. Abide with me; ’tis eventide.
The day is past and gone;
The shadows of the evening fall;
The night is coming on.
Within my heart a welcome guest,
Within my home abide.
[Chorus]
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
2. Abide with me; ’tis eventide.
Thy walk today with me
Has made my heart within me burn,
As I communed with thee.
Thy earnest words have filled my soul
And kept me near thy side.
[Chorus]
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
3. Abide with me; ’tis eventide,
And lone will be the night
If I cannot commune with thee
Nor find in thee my light.
The darkness of the world, I fear,
Would in my home abide.
[Chorus]
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.

We sang this hymn with a 106 year old less active woman yesterday. She believes firmly in the gospel, is blind, and one of the pioneers in Mexico. She's a marvel. What she has held onto for over a hundred years is what I hope to hold onto for eternity. I know that this is the True Gospel of the One True and Living God. I know that God is my Loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I wish I could express how deeply in my heart I have felt the truth of the Gospel. I know the Gospel is true. I know that Christ Lives. I know that anyone who so desires will know for themselves if they ask that same God. It is true. I know it because I asked. The less active members here know it because they feel the Spirit assuring them of their path on the way back. I know it is TRUE!


All My Love,

Élder Sudbury


PS Mom, good luck. I don't have any way to really help you from here. You'll be just fine. Dad, it's not super unsafe here...they don't do anything to missionaries. They know we don't have any money ;). I don't feel like it's winding down. Quite the opposite, I feel it's accelerating and becoming busier and busier. Melanie and Tim, do you know if it's a boy or girl? SalleeAnn and Matt, will you send me your plan for the 21 day challenge? Noella, send pictures, if you can. JuleeAnn and Chris, let me know what Boston's like to decide if I should go ;). I won't send pictures this week because I'm using a bit of a slow computer, but I have some. I'll tell you more experiences when I come home ;).

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Picture from Mexico Mission

Letter from Curtis August 29, 2011

Well, sounds like you've all had an interesting week in the States...Hurricanes, earthquakes, marriage proposals, job offers, and more...I'm glad I'm here in quiet old México. ;)


We had a hard week last week. We only had 6 lessons in all. The elders before us didn't leave us even one progressing investigator...so we're starting from scratch...again. It's a very long area. It takes us about an hour and a half to walk from one end to the other, but only fifteen minutes lengthwise. It's relatively square, thin, and long. We're adjusting well. Our area borders on Benito Juárez and Iztapalapa. It's considered a somewhat dangerous area, but not too bad, all things considering. We don't have any part of our ward prohibited to visit for danger concerns, so it's not too bad at all.


Our ward seems excited to do missionary work. They're a little unsure of exactly what is a Ward Mission Plan and only have Ward Council once a month, but they are progressing, which is what's important. We're finding where we fit with them.


We are opening a new house again. We got the gas connected today and all is going well. It's the rainy season here in México due to the same hurricanes that are hitting the States, so it's a little cloudy and wet, but all is well.


That's really all. We had a week of almost pure contacting with not too many results. I'll let you know how it goes next week. :)


A strange thing happened to me yesterday. We were in the Zone Leader Meeting and we were introducing ourselves. I was the one who had the most time in the mission. That has never happened to me before. Time is blowing by...


This week's letter is brought to you by the hymn Let Us All Press On:


1. Let us all press on in the work of the Lord,
That when life is o’er we may gain a reward;
In the fight for right let us wield a sword,
The mighty sword of truth.
[Chorus]
Fear not, though the enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord is on our side.
We will heed not what the wicked may say,
But the Lord alone we will obey.
[Chorus: Alto, Tenor, and Bass]
Fear not, courage, though the enemy deride;
We must be victorious, for the Lord is on our side.
We’ll not fear the wicked nor give heed to what they say,
But the Lord, our Heav’nly Father, him alone we will obey.
2. We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few
When compared with the opposite host in view;
But an unseen pow’r will aid me and you
In the glorious cause of truth.
[Chorus]
Fear not, though the enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord is on our side.
We will heed not what the wicked may say,
But the Lord alone we will obey.
[Chorus: Alto, Tenor, and Bass]
Fear not, courage, though the enemy deride;
We must be victorious, for the Lord is on our side.
We’ll not fear the wicked nor give heed to what they say,
But the Lord, our Heav’nly Father, him alone we will obey.
3. If we do what’s right we have no need to fear,
For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;
In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer,
And prosper the cause of truth.
[Chorus]
Fear not, though the enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord is on our side.
We will heed not what the wicked may say,
But the Lord alone we will obey.
[Chorus: Alto, Tenor, and Bass]
Fear not, courage, though the enemy deride;
We must be victorious, for the Lord is on our side.
We’ll not fear the wicked nor give heed to what they say,
But the Lord, our Heav’nly Father, him alone we will obey.

I know I have used this hymn many times before, but it is the one that describes how I feel right now. I must press on. I must wield the sword of truth with courage. I know that the Lord is on my side. That's not an idle statement, as many people use it. I'm not saying that the Lord always helps those that do good, rather that I know, personally and sincerely, that He is at my side. I can't describe the feeling of complete surety that I have about that. I know that The Lord, the King of Heaven and Earth, the Great Redeemer both lives and fights at my side. I know He lives because I counsel with Him daily and He gives me daily direction. I know He lives because I have felt His healing Power. I know He lives because He has protected me continually. I couldn't be more certain of His existence, His live, His power, His divinity, His love, and His reality than I am of my own. I know He lives. I know that He will prosper the Cause of Truth and that I will obey Him alone.


All my Love,

Élder Sudbury


PS Mom and Dad, thanks for the short notes. I hope you weathered the storm well. Melanie and Tim, my fly home date is the nineteenth...it's going to be interesting. SalleeAnn and Matt, please write with those ideas. I hope you enjoyed your retreat from the storm. Noella, I'll send a note in a bit, though you probably won't be able to read it... JuleeAnn and Chris, I'm glad you survived the tropical storm.


Letter from Curtis August 22, 2011

Well, it would seem the old adage holds true.� The only thing constant in the world is change.� We have been moved from Tlalpan, together, to Ermita.� I don't know much about the area.� In fact, it hasn't been a solo area for some time...we are essentially opening it...just like Tlalpan :P.�

In a world of change I'm more than happy to have the solid foundation that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.� There could never be anything more solid.� All things at all times have testified of our Savior and Redeemer.� There could be nothing more sure in the world.� I'm very grateful for the great Plan that I know is in place.� I know because I've asked and been allowed to see a small portion of that Great Plan of Happiness.� It is truly made for the Happiness of all people.

This last week was a good one.� Diana knows the church is true and will be getting baptized next week.� I truly believe that whoever it is that gets here will be able to help her.� She is truly ready to accept the ordinances of baptism and confirmation and begin her path towards our Heavenly Father.

Well...I don't know what more to write.� Nothing else has really happened.� We were just plugging along.� The ward is well into the process of making a ward mission plan.� All will be well.� I hope to hear great things from Tlalpan in times to come.

This email is brought to you by the letter X...it's just not used enough...and by the hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing


1. Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th誕ngelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!

2. Hail the heav地-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Ris地 with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
I know it's not Christmas, but I've been reflecting on just what an amazing message this is.� How incredible it is!� A child was born with no father but the Father.� He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament and he was born to be the Great Messiah of the New.� He was born, he lived, he died, and he lives again to give us second birth, that we may never again die.� It's the most fantastic, unlikely story that has ever existed...but it's true!� He was born and died in such a way as to bring us hope of miracles and freedom.� I know it's true.� History supports it, though it can't explain it.� The scriptures record it, but in my Heart I know because it's written there.� I know that He was born, lived, died, and that He Lives.� All these things happened just as we profess they happened.� Just imagine what that means!� We will live again!� We are reconciled with God, which could not happen without Him.� There is a Law.� Justice and Mercy are in full effect.� It is all true!� I know it in my heart because God has told me Himself in a Still Small Voice that has spoken to my heart for many, many years.� I know.� That makes all the difference.

All my Love,
ノlder Sudbury

PS Mom and Dad, congrats on the book, now hurry up and get it published :P.� Melanie and Tim, congrats on the newest little one to be.� SalleeAnn and Matt, I'm going to write a little bit apart to you two.� Noella, Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy Turkey.� Be careful!� JuleeAnn and Chris, I'll try to write a little note apart as well.� I love you all!

Letter from Curtis August 15, 2011

Well, I hear the United States has entered a bit of a crisis economically. I never thought I would appreciate being outside the United States to be sheltered from the storm of economic troubles. I'll be getting back at an interesting time, perhaps.

We had an exceptionally slow week. Last night we reevaluated ourselves and made some goals for our own missionary work. We had a total of about ten lessons last week. We went to the visitor's center but only managed to bring one person. We needed to change a few things. All will be well. You know that I have great faith that if we do our part, God will do His.

I was reading a talk given by J. K. Rowling that Dad sent me and I was impressed by something. J. K. Rowling had spent some time working in Amnesty International and was given nightmares by the pictures and stories of torture victims. She said (in effect) that we must empathize with other people in order to not become part of the evil that rules the world. Apathy is a great power that exists to destroy all of us. This gospel is all about other people. We are to "mourn with those that mourn" and "comfort those who stand in need of comfort." It is a great contrast to what the world teaches. I'm in an internet place that also has video games. A young man came in, wanting to play some game that has to do with special ops. I don't think it's really all that accurate, but for the last half an hour we have been hearing nothing but screams of torture and the sound (supposedly) of gunfire. This is a particuarly popular game (I'm not going to put the name of it so that I don't get sued :P). This is what the world teaches. If somebody doesn't believe the same as you, shoot them. If you need something from somebody, torture them. What a contrast to what the Lord teaches: "when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man...No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned."

I have learned to a greater degree that the ways of the Lord, the doctrine, must never change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Doctrine of the Church of Christ must never change. The principles may change, but never the doctrine itself. That provides a refuge from the storm. A rock in a world that is constantly changing, for which I am grateful.

Just a few thoughts :)

This letter has been brought to you by: O Thou Rock of Our Salvation


1. O thou Rock of our salvation,
Jesus, Savior of the world,
In our poor and lowly station
We thy banner have unfurled.

Gather round the standard bearer;
Gather round in strength of youth.
Ev’ry day the prospect’s fairer
While we’re battling for the truth.

2. We a war ’gainst sin are waging;
We’re contending for the right.
Ev’ry day the battle’s raging;
Help us, Lord, to win the fight.

Gather round the standard bearer;
Gather round in strength of youth.
Ev’ry day the prospect’s fairer
While we’re battling for the truth.

3. Onward, onward, we’ll be singing
As we’re marching firm and true,
Each succeeding battle ringing,
Earnest of what we can do.

Gather round the standard bearer;
Gather round in strength of youth.
Ev’ry day the prospect’s fairer
While we’re battling for the truth.

4. When for all that we’ve contended,
When the fight of faith we’ve won,
When the strife and battle’s ended,
And our labor here is done,


Then, O Rock of our salvation,
Jesus, Savior of the world,
Take us from our lowly station;
Let our flag with thee be furled.

I know that this is a battle. We are to strike to the heart. The difference between us and the military of today is that, instead of killing, we give life. We are warriors in the Battle for Truth. I know that this Church has that Truth. It is the only one with the Power of Salvation. This church is lead by Christ Himself. It is His to do His work. We are soldiers of Christ, giving life and salvation. I am proud to be part of this army for all my life, for I know it is True.

All My Love,

Élder Sudbury