Week #12 Hot, Hot, and more Hot

Hello Everyone,

So this was a tough week.  This week, it was very hot, lots of lessons fell through, we got rejected a ton, and we were tired from doing service on pday last week and waking up at 5am for a meeting saturday.  Friday-Sunday, we had like 3 lessons...we were walking the streets literally from 3-10 every day with maybe a hour lesson each day.  I got a little irritated, but Elder Peck was able to pull me back in lol.  We both had to do that a little this week...we were running on like no energy.  

I had the opportunity to talk with a man named Cristian who is openly a Satanist.  He basically told us that we were dumb for believing what we believe and that we should do whatever we want to because it is more fun.  We obviously couldn´t really do anything...we just told him a little about what we believe.  As we were walking away, I was prompted to testify to him.  I turned around and said " Hermano, I know with all of my heart that the Book of Mormon is true.  It is the words of God.  Through the Book of Mormon, we know how to live a happy succesful life.  We know how our father in heaven wants us to live and who he wants us to become.  I know that your Heavenly Father loves you, and wants you to return to him.  God bless you and thank you for your time."  It was definitely an experience...it was the first time on my mission that I´ve been worried about my safety.  Especially when he went inside to get his Book of Mormon.  (It was burned...i thought he might be getting a gun.)  I felt the power of evil in those moments...never begin to believe that it isn´t real...it is just as real as the priesthood.  

We stopped to talk to some younger less actives (like 18 years old) and I had to use the bathroom, so they let me.  One of the guys is really good at guitar, so he was playing Enter Sandman by Metallica...the mom walks in and says "Why did you let THEM in?"  We respectfully replied "We are only using the bathroom hermana, forgive us."  Though this doesn´t really bother me, it is appalling to me that someone could treat another human being in that manner...like they´re scum.  I will always remember my feelings when I heard that and pray that I never make someone feel that way, ever.

With every bad, there is a good.  I experienced much good this week.  Saturday, I got to be an usher at our meeting...in attendence was Elder Nelson, Elder Vinas of the Seventy, and President Christianson of the Seventy.  Elder Nelson talked about missionary work (surprise) and it was a good talk but the real cool part came when he stopped right before his testimony.  Bowed his head for twenty seconds or so. Looked at his translator and motioned him to step away from the mic and delivered THE MOST powerful testimony in perfect spanish with what I can only describe as the voice of thunder.....it was incredible. The background story is he cant speak or understand spanish. He used headphones and had all the talks being translated as they went.  When he said HOLA it was very clearly a gringo (i am chileno now).  I was blown away.  I got to shake all of their hands.  It was a great meeting.  I felt the spirit during Sister Nelson´s talk too.  She talked about being able to see concourses of angels when we teach because it is not only us there, but also all of the ancestors of the person empowering us so that the person can feel the spirit, be converted to do their ordinances for them as well....I might have cried just a little bit.

I had a promting to say something during a lesson that was COMPLETELY off topic....I shared a verse and the hermana said " That´s why I know the church is true..."  She just sat there smiling and shaking her head up and down.  I don´t know exactly what she meant, but I know I touched her heart.

I noticed something today.  We teach this girl Camilla and her uncle Manuel always sits in on the lessons.  He is an active member of the church.  He is old, has poor health, has no kids or wife,  has a speach impediment so he is hard to understand, can´t read.....but this man is SUCH an example to me. 

Alma 32:21"And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." 

Doctrine and Covenants 6:36  "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."  

4Nephi 1:15-17  "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

 16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner oflasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

 17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God."

Manuel is such an example...he relies on nothing but faith.  Not even the faith of what he reads (because he can´t), but the faith of others when they testify of the scriptures and of Christ.  This is a perfect love of Christ.  He has the most powerful prayers that I have seen...he speaks from his heart.  He truly is a disciple of Christ and has devoted his life to learning of the gospel.  Manuel is a man of integrity and for that he has my utmost respect.  I aspire to one day have the faith that he has..with confidence to act on this faith in everything I do.  My prayer is that all of you would strive to have this kind of faith.  If you achieve it, you will see and be a part of many miracles in your life.

I love all of you.  This is the work of our Christ.  Hope for all things in Christ.

Con amor,

Elder Jackson

Week #11 Work, Work, Work Does Not Make Elder Jackson A Dull Boy

This week was another great week to be in the service of the Lord.

First experience, one night this week, we were having trouble...our lessons fell through...our divisions fell through...and nobody wanted to talk to us.  We decided to do something different.  We decided to go to another church.  We went to a Pentacostal church here.  It was at night on like Wednesday, so there weren´t many people there, but it was a good service!  The pastor had a good lesson.( Though he was off just a little bit when he said that their church is the only true church because the Bible is the only book that talks about Christ. lol)  The people of the church were super excited that we came!  Afterwards, they gave us CHILEANO HUGS! ( For the women, includes a kiss on the cheek with a hug)  We realize that we aren`t supposed to do that, but if you don´t, it is really disrespectful, so we felt that if we didn´t it would hurt the work...so we went with it.  One of the things I liked about the sermon, was that the lpastor said "God didn´t create evil...there is evil in the world because of the poor choices of US!"  So true.  

Another experience that was pretty sweet...so we were walking in the street one day...again not having much luck, but I walked by a Catholic women in the street and said "Hola, buenas." In Chileano, that means "Hello, good evening."  She just smiled at me and said "Elder bendiga."  That means "Elder, bless you."  That was very refreshing, especially since usually the Catholics are very hateful towards us.  It is just nice to see somebody else that understands our purpose, to invite others to come unto Christ and be perfected in him through the power of the atonement...nothing more.  :)

The last thing is kinda funny.  So we were preaching a lesson one night with a recently reactivated family...the Acosta family.  The parents are active now, but now we´re working on their kids. ( One has an interview tomorrow to receive his calling by the way.)  I had had like  two sandwhiches already, so I was feeling pretty good.....the hermana just stared at me and said "Elder, pancito." lol That means, "Elder, there´s bread." lol  Or, in other words, eat more!  So to be polite I ate another two sandwhiches....she looks at me "Elder, pancito." LOL Long story short, she wasn´t satisfied until I had eaten like 7 sandwhiches...and she gave us chips to take home. lol

The verses this week are as follows: 

1)  Omni 1:26 " And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue infasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." 

2) Alma 28:14 "...And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord... 

3) "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in ^agood works, that Christ, the ^bLord God Omnipotent, may ^cseal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who ^dcreated all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

I felt inspired to share this this week.  I feel that as a body, we do a pretty good job at being dedicated in our works and activity in the church, but there is room for improvement.  With every act of love and obedience, we draw closer to the Lord.  Although acts of love are very important and leave a lasting impression, they mean NOTHING if you don´t allow the gospel to change you.  As Omni says, we should offer not just our works, or our tithing, or our energy, but our ENTIRE SOULS!  There is a monumental difference in a missionary that does good acts, and one that gives his soul to the Lord...it is readily apparent when you see it.  It is the same with members of the church....with all of us!  We all have the potential to be changed, but many of us don´t allow it.  If we allow this alteration of our souls to occur, we will become like Heavenly Father, and he WILL seal us his....for now, and for all eternity.

I just want to testify of the changing power of the atonement.  It is perhaps our greatest gift from Heavenly Father, behind maybe only our agency.  The atonement will carry you, through all of your trials and tribulations and your heart-ache, but you have to let it.  I am so greatful for the gospel and the Plan of Happiness.  I pray that each of you would allow yourselves to be changed, to be perfected, through the atonement of Jesus Christ.  This is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Con Amor,

Elder Jackson

Week #10 Walk, Walk, Walk

Alan

So this week was full of...you guessed it...WALKING!!  Haha  We walked for like at least 6 hours every day this week...and this week was pretty hot, so of course I got sunburned.  I didn´t have any sunblock, and I considered it an emergency, so I used my emergency money to buy good sunblock and aloe very...its super expensive here!! It cost $34.  

So this week, I went on divisions with Elder Johnson...he´s a greeny too. lol.  So it was interesting having a companionship that both Elders only have a month in the mission.  It was a really good day though...we taught really good lessons and got to know each other a lot better.  He is a typical Utah Mormon.  lol.  Born in the church..happy family, has a full scholarship to Utah State, but might go to BYU.  Haha

Saturday, we had the privelege of going to the temple with Axxxx and xxxxx, and their sons,  it was super amazing.  They were going for the first time...they have a goal to go and be sealed as a family in a couple months.This is one of my families here.  I love them so much.  They have come so far in such little time.  xxxx received her new calling last week...she had the handbook for her calling read that night, and invited us over for once to help her with her class for this week. ( Which we hear was awesome) They are truly examples to me of the power of the atonement in our lives.

So the Axxxx family was "reactivated" last week...or the mom and dad.  One of their sons, Gxxxx, was at church again this week.  This week, he wore slacks, button down, and a tie!  He looked so legit...super Mormon. So that was super awesome.  He made it even better later when he offered to go on divisions with us to a lesson!  When we showed up, he was dressed up again!  It is so awesome to see the change in him since his parents have been reactivated and active in the church.  He is a new person....he is truly a miracle for us.  Also this Sunday, his mom, Hermana Axxx, gave an AMAZING talk in sacrament meeting.  She was so excited to do it too!  Just awesome.

Today, we are having an ASADA, which is like a Chilean cookout.  We are doing it for our friend xxx´s birthday.  We are cooking steak, burgers, possibly having beans and macoroni, we have ballons, and are making a cake! :D  I am so excited to give xxxx a great birthday!

This week, we did a TON of contacts.  Probably like 30 hours of contacting out in the sun this week.  We were able to give out two copies of the Book of Mormon in one day...which is very strange to do here.  We had this one hour, that I´m calling "Rejection Hour" because we just got rejected time after time after time...harshly.  One lady came to the porton and I just asked how she was doing and she said " I´m busy." So I said alright, maybe another time is better?  She said "Perhaps never." and slapped the porton closed in my face.  It wasn´t like super hard for us, because we understand how they feel because we are both converts, but it is sad because they can´t realize the opportunity that is literally staring them in the face.  An opportunity to change your life, improve your family, and better understand who Jesus Christ is.  It´s sad,but in time, they will know.

The best miracle from this week, was our church attendence.  Last week, we had 42 people...this week we had 66!  We had 15 people that we got to come because of Buscar y Rescatar.  This included three father-led families.  The work truly is glorious when you put in more than the minimal.  The goal isn´t to be a great missionary, but a consegrated missionary...consegrated companionship...and to serve a consegrated mission to the Lord.

So a few weeks ago, we did a service at a church that is a religion called Baha´i.  One of the guys that was there invited us for once this Monday.  We ended up meeting with him and two of his friends.  It was so awesome so sit around and learn about each other´s religion.  They were all super nice people.  The best part, is at the end, we prayed like they do.  They do prayer circles...and they have read prayers.  So we did a prayer circle ( Elder Peck and I doing a normal prayer) and them doing their prayer.  The girl sang her prayer..super pretty.  It´s just so awesome to experience these things that you just don´t get serving in the states.

Last, we teach these people Ixx and xxxx.  They have a little boy and a little girl.  We have taught them a lot, but they have never come to church since I´ve been here.  This Sunday, they came.  I sat by them during sacrament and it was amazing.  Yesterday, xxxxxx got fired from his job.  We were in the same apartment complex that they live in just seing other people and happened to pass by their apartment.  We talked for a minute and then they let us in.  They told us what had happened, but they weren´t upset at all.  He said " There´s a reason why this happened and there´s a reason that you two just happened to pass by right now"  We talked and taught them a lesson on how God works differently in his work to make his will known.  It is so amazing to see these opportunities in other peoples lives, and especially when they recognize it too.

THis is the scripture for the week.

Let us be not slothful in this work.  If we will look to God for strength, we can accomplish all things for it is prepared for us.  We are all called to bring souls unto Christ, so that they may inherit what we have as well.  Do not deprive our brothers and sisters of this opportunity, and "go to work."

Alma 37:46 "O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way ; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live ; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever. "  Alma 42:31  " And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bringsouls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen."

I love this work so much.  This is the Church of Jesus Christ.  He is all powerful in his work and in his glory.  It is a privelage to be an instrument in this work.  I love all of you and miss you greatly.

Con Amor,

Elder Jackson

Week #9 Work, Work, Work

Alan,

This past week was super great!  It started off really slow because for like three days all of our lessons cancelled on us.  A dog just ran over to me and is now sitting at my feet as I type this. lol...his name is Lippy...he is kinda like the neighborhood pet because his owners let him out all day. 

Thursday we had to do a deep clean of the house...we got it looking GOOOOOD!  I even cleaned up the grill and boughtt some carbon, so we can grill now! ;)  I was able to weigh myself this week...I´ve lost 22 pounds since leaving the United States! I weight less than 200 again.  lol.  I was able to get access to my debit card after a few tries...finally! lol

So Sunday was our fast Sunday because we had General Conference the first week, Stake Conference the next, and now this one.  We all fasted for a specific purpose.  So during those first few tough days, we got yelled at a lot.  A couple guys told us "Grengos go home!!" lol  That´s my favorite, but it does kinda suck.  Another guy asked/yelled at me in the street "What´s wrong with you!?. I simply replied, "Nothing. lol" It was humorous.  It is sad for me though that these people are so in their own little worlds, that they´re too blind to see that we are only here to serve the people.  We also saw a drug deal in this plaza in front of this school...shame. 

Hxxxx, the guy that had a baptism date before, we have to give him more time because we have been praying about him, and felt that he needs to figure things out for himself...and we told him that when he feels ready, to let us know.  This was really hard for us, but especially for Elder Peck because Hxxxx is one of his good friends and one of the first investigators that he had...he cried during our lesson with him, but Elder Peck has a firm testimony of the power of answered prayers, and this is what we felt we needed to do.  

Later in the week, things started to pick up exponentially.  We had a lesson with this lady Mxxxx.  She is a super awesome less active!  We went there, and were talking to her next door neighbor before the lesson, but Monica came up to us and asked us to hurry.  We noticed two ladies standing in front of Monica´s house with her.  We went over to them, and it turned out that one of the ladies from the neighborhood knew that Monica is a Mormon, and so her and her sister went to her house to ask Monica if she could get the Elders to give her a blessing because she is really depressed about the death of her husband almost a year ago....AND THERE WE WERE!!  It is so amazing to me the timing of the Lord.  What are the chances that those ladies and us just happened to be at the same place at the same time??  We definitely felt the hand of God in that moment.  So we talked to her a little about what a blessing is, gave her the blessing, AND SHE SAID SHE WANTED TO START MEETING WITH US WITH MONICA!!  UGH, such an amazing experience.  We don´t have a whole lot of statistical "success" here in this mission, but an experience like that makes EVERYTHING worth it!  People are prepared to receive the gospel, and that is so apparent to me now.

The next night, we went to another lesson.  Our friend Jxxx is going to Miami for work for a month and wanted a blessing of safety before she left.   We showed up and gave her the blessing.  RIGHT after we said "amen" someone was at her door...it was our other friend Mxxxx. ( who is like best friends with Jxxxxx)  Turns out, she was leaving for Brazil in like two days, AND SHE WANTED A BLESSING TOO!!  So we had two blesings in one lesson...it was so amazing to be able to comfort the hearts of those we are serving. 

The Axxxx family, a less active family that we´ve been working with since I got here, received their callings in the church on Sunday!  They got called as the leaders of the YSA activities in the ward.  They are such amazing people...so the mom and dad got reactivated.  They were even at church EARLY!! (Big deal for Chileans...and Mormons...especially a Chilean Mormon)  They are super pumped for their callings...they have several super great ideas that we are going to be helping them with.  Now the even better part...they have three kids ( They are 30,25, and 29...which is normal here)  They all promised their parents on Monday that they´d start going to church again!  Elder Peck and I are super pumped for that.  Gxxxx, the 30, was at church Sunday with his girlfriend.  The hand of the Lord is so apparent in this family.  I love them so much and can´t wait to see what the Lord has in store for their lives.

Elder Peck´s birthday was yesterday.  We stayed up until midnight so that we could take a birthday selfie. ( only 30 minutes twako)  We all got him a couple presents.  The house present was a super sweet piñata!  I bought the piñata of his favorite soccer team here in Chile, Elder Johnson bought some candy for it, and Elder Ochard bought some carrots to put in it. ( Because Elder Peck is on his diet. lol)  We went to the family Corro´s house for their present to him... their son Diego(25), Elder Peck, and I took a picture.  It made it onto the fridge!! :D  Last night, the family Acosta threw him a birthday party...we had a ton of food and topped it off with cake. lol.  Elder Peck said that he got more spoiled here than he would have in the states. lol.  Super great day and a ton of fun.

As you can see, we had a ton of success this week.  I felt the hands of the Lord more this week than I have my entire life probably.  My prayers were answered.  It doesn´t mean that is was easy, but the opportunities for these experiences were there...and we took them!

Here are my scriptures for the week.  

Alma 37:6-7,16  "For ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.  And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.  But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold, no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words."  

Also, 

Alma 31, 30-35  "O Lord God, how long wilt though suffer that such wickedness and infidelity shall be among this people? O Lord, wilt thou give me strength, that I may bear with mine infirmities.  For I am infirm, and such wickedness among this people doth pain my soul.  O Lord, my heart is exceeding sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ.  O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.  O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me- yea, Elder Orchard, Elder Peck, Elder Johnson, Elder Lawson, Elder Kamilos-yea, even all these wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ.  Wilt though grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because of the iniquities of these people. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.  Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee." 

I changed it a little, as I´m sure you noticed.  I love these scriptues because it talks about working through small and simple things.  I believe that the way the gospel works isn´t usually by some great thing happeneing, but a whold bunch of little consecutive miracles.  These miracles add up to something greater...something extraordinary.  These little miracles include praying, reading scriptures, being humbled, love, service, passion, and desire.  

The second set of scriptures, is my prayer.  I pray that the Lord would grant me the strength to bear all of the afflictions that I have experienced and am going to experience here with patience and with the love of Christ.  That through my example and the spirit that I have, that someone...maybe one person....would bring them unto Christ.  

I love the gospel so much.  My faith grows daily.  Every time I put my faith in Christ and the gospel,  I am proved time and time again that the Lord hears my prayers and that his love for me is unfailing.

I love all of you so much.  These two years are already flying by for me and I know they will for yall as well.

Con Amor,

Elder Jackson

Week #8 Druggies, Service, and Late Night Treks

Alan,

So first off, I want everyone to appreciate what they have.  These people in Chile make the best of their situations with what they have.  People literally, cut their yards with hedge clippers...and I saw a guy pulling a handcart in the street with his daughter and some lumber on it so she didn´t have to walk,so stop complaining about little things.  I know I certainly didn´t know how good I had it before this mission.

This guy tried to hit us while we were walking in the street one day....he was on a motorcycle...LOL  I´m certainly glad he didn´t, but it was pretty funny...he drove by super close and yelled at us.  Like the next day, a guy almost clipped Elder Peck with his van and called us stupid Grengos(White People). LOL  Which is really funny because Chile has a really thick European background, so there are tons of people here that are waaaay whiter than me. LOL.

Normal Street

Chilean Art

More Art

The story of this part of Santiago.  When Chile had a dictator, his name was Pinochet(The people overthrew him eventually and killed him), this part of Santiago was used by the government.  They used all of the houses here for like torture and stuff like that...there are rumors of tunnels under the streets...people have told us they know they´re there for sure...but IDK. Anyway, so a lot of this sector has hauntings, and that is what everybody says it is from. 

Grade School

Cake That I Made

Typical Sunset

This is the area of Santiago that I serve in. El Bosque, or El Boske

We were doing contacts super late like all this week because a lot of our appointments fell through, so we went to the park.  This guy yelled "HELLO!" at us to make fun of us, so we walked over to him.  LOL.  Which is funny because no missionaries ever do that,so they get really uncomfortable when we do that.  We walked over and he was drinking beer....turned out to be a super nice guy.  He asked about the church and I told him about the church..he wanted to know the difference between our church and the others, so I told him.  He said that all of it makes sense, naturally.  We left him with a pamphlet because he didn´t live here and left.  Right after that, this group of "high" kids did the same thing basically, so we walked over to them. LOL  One of the girls wanted a picture with us, so we took one. LOL  She was a snake ( What we call the girls that try to get with the missionaries)  She wanted us to stay there, but it was almost time to be home.  Another night, we did the same thing, and we found these guys named Francisco and Juan in the Park.  Juan was playing a guitar and Francisco was singing...they were actually really good.  They were on meth and cocaine.  They talked a lot about drugs and Juan even tried to get us to "do a line" off of the back of his guitar with him...we gratefully declined...he said he really respected us for that and for what we stand for...interesting what happens after 9 o´clock!  Another time, a guy on cocaine stopped us in the street and said" I´m not crazy! They said Jesus was crazy, and look at him!" LOL

Moon on morning

Elder Peck

I want to say, that we take home teaching for granted in the United States.  I think it´s safe to assume, that we think that we aren´t really hurting anyone when we don´t do it.  I have found a correlation in Chile.  Our ward has around 350 members....only about 40 are active...we have a 13 percent active rate....we have about a 3% home teaching record....you do the math.  I personally believe that that is a big reason why there are so many inactive people here in Chile.  It´s really not that hard to go by your people and,if nothing else, say " Hey, I was thinking about you and thought I´d come see how things are going for you"  Super easy and super effective.

Tiny bathroom that we had to change i for an activity

Ice cream call Lenquix or in english it is called Tongue

Familia Acosta

Cookout with Hermano Soto

We had a lot of service opportunities this week.  One day, the zone got together and cleaned up a yard.  We cleaned up all of the trash, dead animals, fixed the grass, and had a good time!  Next, the zone got together, and cleaned up the median in between the roads one day on a major road....several people asked us about the church, and some even helped us.  Last, one day contacting, Elder Peck and I found a church of a religion called Baha´i.  We helped them to clean several of their rooms and do "Spring Cleaning".  One guy gave us his number, got ours, and invited us for Once one night. ( It´s their version of dinner, usually bread with guacamole or something small like that) Who knows where that´ll lead.  Service is sometimes very difficult to do, but it is an amazing way to meet amazing people, make a difference, and show your love for your brothers and sisters under Christ.

 This week for the scripture, I want everyone to read:

Alma 26:15-16 

15 Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlastinglight, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work.

 16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.

and then Alma 26:11-12.  

11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

 12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

It is a great scripture that I feel will bless each of your lives this week.  It is certainly how I feel about life now after experiencing the things that I have.  I hope that each of you would achieve this kind of love not only for our God, but for each other one day.

I love all of you.  This is the Church of Jesus Christ.  This is His work.  Todo del mundo neccessitan este evangelio-all of the world needs this gospel.  Do your part in the vineyard.

Con Amor,

Elder Jackson

Week #7

Alan,

So this was a very eventful week for me.  First off, I have been teaching this guy named Lucas for a few weeks now, he is 19.  I taught him a lesson about prayer this week.  I invited him to accept Christ into his life and to be baptized...he said not now, but that if he knows that this is true, then he will.  SO THAT¨´S GOOD!  Hernan fell through....he called us one morning this week and asked to borrow $10 for gas and so of course we said sure.  We got to where we were meeting him, and he was drunk.  He had driven there too.  We told him that we weren´t giving him the money because he´s driving.  We also told him that he isn´t ready to be baptized.  He antogonized Elder Peck about it, but I know we did the right thing...we will see where that goes.  He is kinda at the point where there is nothing more we can do for him...he knows the gospel...now he just has to humble himself and have a desire to work at this...we told him it isn´t easy, and that Satan is powerful, but that our God is the most powerful and that nothing is impossible with God on our side.

Home Sweet Home

spacious kitchen

My Desk

Bedroom

Living Room

Dining Table

storage room

On another note...Elder Orchard was making fun of Elder Peck for having christmas lights up year round...I told him about how we always have ours up because "we like to celebrate the birth of Christ year round...not because we are too lazy to take it down." hahaha

I think that General Conference was great...it was a tad difficult because I watched 8 of the 10 hours in Spanish, so my head hurt towards the end of the days. haha  All of them were great talks though.  I agree that the one about "Is it me?" is super great.  That is something that I am trying to work on in my life...it is a very valuable asset.

They are everywhere!!!

Lamonite?

Skyline

A few talks that I think that everyone should read or listen to...Slow to Anger, Missionary Work and the Atonement, and His Grace is Enough by Brad Wilcox.  These are all great..I listen to Missionary work and the Atonement every morning for inspiration.  

Just a few things,  I would like Yang and Austin´s emails.  If you ship stuff, you should use USPS...it´s safer.  I would also like Jocely Jones´email from facebook..im sure she´d give it to you. Yesterday, Elder Peck and I were walking, and we passed by this parked truck, and out of NOWHERE something fell from the sky and into the bed of this truck....Elder Peck and I kind of jumped and were just like...."What the heck??? Where did that come from?"  Super funny.  Also, we have service next week with some church...I cant remember the name of the religion, but it´s based out of Israel ( Not Judaism)  LOL I´m excited for that.  I had SUSHI last night for the first time here!  Just as good as I remembered! LOL

So about the mission, it is brand new.  It was made about the time that I was baptized.  President Cook is the first President.  It used to be part of both the Santiago West mission and The Chile Rancaugua Mission.  Super unigue.  The mission is really hard because everyone here is either a member that has gone inactive, heard the message before and isn´t interested, or they don´t like religion.  So it´s super hard to have "sucess".  My comp has been out 7 months and has no baptisms and has like 4 reactivations...it´s definitely not a mission for someone who is out to get numbers.  

My weekly scriptures are Alma 5:52 

 52 And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax is laid at the root of the tree; therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be consumed, even an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath spoken it.

52 talks about how there is an ax at every tree waiting to cut it down and cast it into the fire if it doesn´t put forth good fruit. 

and Alma 7:23-24.  

 23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissiveand gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

23-24 talks about traits that we should have to know that we are doing good work that is pleasing to God.  

I think that this is super important that we all remember this.  

You have three kinds of tress...ones that bring forth bad fruit...ones that bring no fruit...and ones that bring forth good fruit.  It says that all of those that don´t bring forth good fruit are cast into the fire...not the bad ones.  This is important to me because many people believe that is enough to do the minimal...or to be the tree that brings no fruit, but that isn´t true.  If we aren´t bringing forth good fruit, it´s the same as if we were a bad tree.  Verses 23-24 tell us how we can know that we are a good fuit bearing tree.  My challenge to everyone this week is to evaluate yourselves and ask yourself, " Am I bringing forth good fruit, or am I stagnant or bringing forth bad fruit?" Then act accordingly.

I love all of you and can´t wait to see yall!  This work is so amazing and though it is difficult, I can´t imagine where else I´d rather be. :)

Con Amor,

Elder Jackson

I have included serveral pictures from the past couple of weeks!!!  Enjoy!!

Week #6 In The Field

Alan,

This week was super busy!   I literally had to run home three nights to be on time to be obedient! lol   I got to meet a toooon of people...all super nice and just the most humble people ever.   Most of the people we teach are less actives.   We have around 50 less actives and 3 investigators.

We had a lesson this week with a couple named Ivan and Connie.  It is them and their son and daughter.  The kids are just adorable.  The kids served us ice cream when we got there.  We talked with Ivan and Connie a lot before we taught...just about music and life and whatever else was brought up. The lesson was AMAZING though!  Our lesson was on the power of the spirit.  Ivan began to expound on this experience at church where he felt a burning in his heart to go share his testimony, so he did.  He said that afterwards, he felt at peace and his heart was beating really slow.  I told him that I had had the same experience the other week at the fast and testimony meeting.  I testified to him that this was the Holy Ghost working in his life.  Super awesome experience.

On Monday, we ended up doing 4 hours of service for our friend Andreas.  He is 58, kinda hippie, and loves motorcycles.  We helped him sew two canopy tarps together…it was a long process.  Afterwards, we shared a scripture and he asked me about my testimony.  I shared it with him, and he said that it´s really powerful.  

One more experience.  We tracted into a guy named Francisco...he`s like 20.  We setup an appointment for him.  On the way there, we saw him in the street he lives on..he had two coke jugs and said he had to run to the store to fill them up and he`d be back in 15 minutes.  We went to do something else and came back.  We yelled for him...no answer, but we saw him in the window!! LOL We waited....he looked out the window again...still no answer...so we threw a restoration pamphlet in his gate and left....pure rejection lol

Also, another time contacting, I talked into the box at the gate so that they don´t have to go outside to answer, and I asked the guys name...he said, ELDER...LOL I looked at Elder Peak with a blank look, and said CIAO! lol

The best lesson this week, was with our friend Hernan.  We taught this amazing lesson with our ward mission leader Claudio on the example of Christ in our lives.  My comp, Claudio, and I are all converts, so we shared our conversion stories.  I shared our last scripture about the love Christ has for us, and he began to cry.  He described the feelings he felt when we were there and when he read and we explained to him that this is the Holy ghost testifying to him that this is true and that this is what he needs to do with his life.  I asked him is he would be baptized, and he said YES!  We set a date for October 25, so we shall see! :)  It was a very humbling experience to see the changes that this man has made in his life and the desire he has to serve the Lord.

Last thing and I have to go, I´m going to start sending an scripture of the week...the one this week is  Mosiah 18:21  I Love it and think it´d do wonders for everyone to read this.  :)

Mosiah 18: 20-24  

 20 Yea, even he commanded them that they should preachnothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.

 21 And he commanded them that there should be no contentionone with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knittogether in unity and in love one towards another.

 22 And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God.

 23 And he commanded them that they should observe thesabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God.

 24 And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support.

I`m so thankful every day for all of my blessings...my family, my friends, my comp, but most of all...my savior and his love for all of us.  I cannot even describe how it feels to be able to serve him all day every day....it is just the best!  I love and miss you all.

Till next week.

Love yall

Elder Jackson