Letter from Curtis October 31, 2011

Dear Family,

It was a bit of a strange week. We had very few lessons. Nevertheless we had quite a few new investigators. We passed by some old investigators and had quite a bit of success. The Lord is blessing us in some ways and trying us in others. I know it is all part of His perfect plan to help both us and this area, but it's a little exhausting. :)

I feel like I'm going to be changed from this area this transfer. I don't know where I'll go, but I think I'll be leaving soon from here.

Part of the reason this week has been a bit slow is because of a national holiday known as the Day of the Dead. In México we celebrate the passing of ancestors. We make altars, have chocolate skulls, and various things. It's a very commercialized holiday here in the Federal District, but it's still fun to see.

We went to a hill called Cerro de la Estrella nearby here this morning. We were there as the sun came up. It was cold but pretty. On that hill every spring they do a reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ. The person who plays Christ is pardoned of all his sins by the catholic church. They actually crucify him. I've never seen the event, but it is very well known here. I haven't the time today to send the pictures, but I'll send them soon.

All is well here in México, overall.

This week's letter is brought to you by the hymn Onward, Christian Soldiers:

1. Onward, Christian soldiers!

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before.

Christ, the royal Master,

Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle,

See his banners go!

[Chorus]

Onward, Christian soldiers!

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before.

2. At the sign of triumph

Satan’s host doth flee;

On, then, Christian soldiers,

On to victory.

Hell’s foundations quiver

At the shout of praise;

Brothers, lift your voices,

Loud your anthems raise.

[Chorus]

Onward, Christian soldiers!

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before.

3. Like a mighty army

Moves the Church of God;

Brothers, we are treading

Where the Saints have trod.

We are not divided;

All one body we:

One in hope and doctrine,

One in charity.

4. Onward, then, ye people;

Join our happy throng.

Blend with ours your voices

In the triumph song:

Glory, laud, and honor

Unto Christ, the King.

This through countless ages

Men and angels sing.

[Chorus]

Onward, Christian soldiers!

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before.

I didn't like this hymn for many years. I don't like the image of Christ crucified, and this hymn talks a lot about the Cross of Christ. Nevertheless, this hymn is very powerful because we are very much at war with Satan and his hosts. We must stand against all evil. I know that this Church is the Kingdom of God and this Kingdom is at war. I hope against all hopes to be part of this battle until the end of my life. I know that God lives and this war is very real.

All My Love,

Élder Sudbury

PS Mom, the package is in the customs office in the airport in Toluca. They weren't answering me, but if you call them some other time you might have some luck. The problem seemed to be that they believed the package was worth more than you declared on the customs declaration. If you want, try to recover it. If not, let me know and I'll cancel the credit card and have a new one sent. I don't know how much it was worth, but you declared it to be worth 45 dollars. I wish you the best of luck. :)

With Love,

Élder Sudbury