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

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