Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed

Hello everyone! This week has been a very great week for us in the work of the Lord. I strive everyday to improve and to become who the Lord needs me to become. It's amazing being able to see how much a mission is changing me and helping me to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I cannot express the blessings that I have received as I have been out on my mission. This truly is the restored gospel here upon the earth. We are so blessed to know where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and desires all of us to experience the fullness of His Gospel.

My ponderize scripture for this week will be in Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." No matter what we are going through, our Heavenly Father is always there to help us and strengthen us in times of trial. He loves us so much and desires each of us to be happy and to experience joy here on earth. He gives us trials here on earth because He knows they will make us stronger and that our love for Him and our testimonies will grow deeper. I am eternally grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. He will always be by our side to help us along the way back to our heavenly home.

Daniel has been progressing pretty well. We weren't able to have his baptism this past Sunday but we are hoping that he will be ready and prepared in the coming weeks when we visit him some more. We are so excited to see him baptized! Ramon has been doing well as also. His knowledge of the gospel has been strengthened as well as his desires to be baptized. It's amazing to see how well he has been able to retain the missionary lessons that we have given him. We can't wait to see him baptized as well!

We are just waiting for Juan Cruz to get his interview with the stake president and then he will be ready to go to the temple! It will be an amazing experience seeing him and his family at the temple. We've been able to go by and visit Greg as well. He's been doing really good! It's great being able to see his faith and knowledge of the gospel grow. We also look forward to seeing the Lozanos become active again in the church and seeing them go to the temple. It has been such a blessing being able to see so much potential in this area. I know as we exercise our faith in the Savior, we will be able to further see miracles in the Lord's work.

On Friday, we had the opportunity to have a zone conference with all of the near by Zones in San Antonio. A lot of the training's that we received was for strengthening our abilities in listening and understanding others in the lessons. Throughout the whole meeting, a major emphasis was on less actives and part member families. They are often called the 'Gold Mine' because of the incredible potential in finding those who are receptive and ready to be baptized. Being able to work along side members helps fortify their desires to stay active in the church. It is such a great opportunity being able to work with the less actives and part member families in our area. There is so much potential and this truly is such an effective way of doing missionary work! The council that we receive from our leaders is truly inspired. I know as we reach out to those who are less active, we will be able to help them return to the church and enjoy again the amazing blessings that are found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am eternally grateful for this Gospel and for this opportunity to serve a mission. I know that my Savior lives and loves us all so much. It is so amazing to think that the true Gospel is here upon the earth and that we have a safe way back to our Heavenly Father. The path may be hard, but it will all be worth it in the end as we live the gospel and continue strengthening our love for our Savior and our Heavenly Father. As we continue to keep our Heavenly Father's commandments, we will be protected from the outside forces that try to distract us. We can always find peace and protection from our Heavenly Father and our Savior.

Thank you all for the love and the prayers!! You all mean so much to me. Hope you all have a great week!!



Love,

Elder Munro

Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

Howdy from Texas! This has been a very great week for us in helping others come unto Christ and in strengthening the members of our area.  We have been seeing a lot of miracles in the work and I am so very thankful for the evidence of our Heavenly Father's hand in our lives.

It has been amazing being able to see lives change and improve through their faith in the Savior. I would like to share a few ponderizing scriptures that deal with faith. In Ether 12:6 we read: "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." We also read in verse 12 : "For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith."  It is through our faith in the Savior that we are able to overcome trials and receive answers to needed prayers. As we extend our faith, we will be able to see miracles more abundantly in our lives. I know as we put our trust in our Heavenly Father, all trials and challenges will be overcome and we will strengthen our love for Him and His everlasting gospel.

I am so very thankful for the miracles that we have been seeing in the work. We have been able to go by Daniel Brooks for a few lessons in preparation for his baptism this next weekend. He is progressing extremely well in overcoming his habits with the word of wisdom and was able to get Sundays off to go to church! It's amazing to be able to see his faith increase and strengthen. I love being able to see people become converted to the gospel and to see the love that they have for their families and for our Heavenly Father.

Ramon has been progressing as well! He is developing a greater understanding of the gospel and in retaining the principles that we have taught. It's great being able to use object lessons to help him learn and to grow. I know the more simple that we can teach, the greater the ability for the Spirit to testify of the truths that we share. It will be truly amazing to see him in the waters of baptism this coming month.

We have been working with a few members that are preparing to enter the temple as well! We went by the Garcia family yesterday and talked about the safety and security that we have in going to church and in living the gospel. We also talked with the Lozano family about becoming active again in the church and in attending the temple regularly. They are such an amazing family with a lot of potential. I am so excited to see them progress and experience again the blessing of the temples.

Juan Cruz was able to receive the priesthood yesterday! It's was great being able to see the smile on his face and the happiness that he has about him. We are excited to be able to see him go to the temple this coming month. I am so very thankful for the eternal blessings of the temple. As we go to the temple, we can receive strength to overcome the trials, challenges, and temptations that we have in our lives. The temple truly fortifies and strengths our testimony of our Savior and his infinite atonement. I know as we visit the temple often, we will build upon our foundation which is in Christ.

I want you all to know how thankful I am for the gospel and for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and loves us so much. Our Heavenly Father has given us a perfect plan and wants all of us to return to live with Him again someday. I know that Joseph smith truly did see God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel and is given to bring us happiness and joy in these latter days. I know that the priesthood is real and is available to us to bless and strengthen the lives of others. I can't express how thankful I am for this gospel and for eternal families.

Thank you all for the emails and letters! I hope you all have an amazing week! Love you all!

Love,

Elder Munro

"For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

Howdy from Texas! This has been a very great week for us in the Lord's work. We have seen many miracles and I am so very thankful for the opportunity to serve as a missionary. I continue to find many tender mercies in the work and in my own life. I know that this is our Heavenly Father's work to bring to pass our happiness and joy; for us to experience all of the blessings that He experiences.

My ponderize scripture for this week is going to be Moses 1:39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." I know that our Heavenly Father desires us to not only be happy and have peace in this life, but He wants us to return to live with Him again someday. Our Heavenly Father has created a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose in reaching our eternal goal and destiny.

This week has been a really great week! We have been able to go by many less active members from both the Las Palmas Ward and Tenth Ward and have been finding a lot of success. Daniel Brooks has been progressing extremely well! Dealing with the word of wisdom, he has been able to go from a high amount of nicotine dosage in his e-cigarettes to virtually nothing now! This has truly been a remarkable blessing and I know that our Heavenly Father has been helping him overcome these things. Each time we go by for a visit and for a lesson, we have been able to see his desires grow in being baptized! I am so very thankful to my Heavenly Father for blessing us with those who are prepared to receive and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Juan Cruz has been progressing a lot as well. It will be exciting in the coming weeks to see him receive the Melchizedek priesthood and receive his endowments in the temple. We haven't been able to go by Sophia and Carlos too much but we are hoping we can help them be prepared for their baptisms at the end of this month. It's always a great time being able to teach Ramone as well. He has an amazing spirit about him and it's truly amazing being able to hear his spot on comments in the lessons and in classes at church. I am very excited to see him baptized this coming March!

I can't express how much I love this Gospel. Our Heavenly Father knows and loves us perfectly. He is always there to help in time of need. I know as we go to our Heavenly Father in prayer, no matter how small or large our problems may be, we will be able to feel of His light and love for us. As we seek in faith, we will receive answers to our sincere prayers. He desires so much for us to be happy and to enjoy life here on earth. I testify that our Savior, Jesus Christ lives. Through His atonement, we can be freed from sin and become new again. He is the source of peace and comfort and will always be there to help us on our path and journey back to our Heavenly Father. I testify that Joseph Smith truly did see our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am so very thankful for the restoration of the gospel so that we can learn our Heavenly Father's plan and return to live with Him along with our families for eternity.

I hope you all have an amazing week! You all mean so much to me!


Love,
Elder Munro

Pics of their visit to the Alamo for P-day.

Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause...

Howdy from Texas! This has been a very special week for us in finding many who are ready to accept and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am continuing to find many blessings both physically and spiritually in serving the lord and laboring in his work. It has been such an amazing opportunity being able to strengthen my testimony of the Gospel and of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I can't express how much joy and happiness I have received in helping others feel of our Savior's love. The Restoration of the Gospel truly shows how much our Heavenly Father loves us.

My ponderize scripture for his next week is in D&C 58:27: "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness." I know as we use our agency to choose to bring to pass righteousness in our lives, we will see blessings and miracles come into our lives. As we put aside the temporal things for the things that will strengthen us as well as our families spiritually, we will grow closer to our Heavenly Father and feel of the light and peace that comes through our Savior and his Gospel.

This week we have been able to get a few new investigators! Through the less active project we have been doing, we found the Lopez and the Mendez families with un-baptized children. We have had an amazing time teaching Ramone from the Lopez family. He's 12 years old and loves to play video games as well. He is very intelligent in learning the Gospel and in picking up harder concepts to learn. It's always a fun time being able to do object lessons that really help him in relating to the subjects of the Gospel. We were able to set him with a baptismal date for the 13th of March! We can't wait to be able to continue going by and teaching him. We have also been teaching Sophie from the Mendez family. We have been teaching her about the plan of salvation and our purpose here in this life. We are hoping that Carlos, her brother, will be able to get active again in the church so he can baptize her!

Daniel Brooks has been progressing very well and we hope that as we continue to go by and help him with the Word of wisdom that he will be able to have the faith that he needs to overcome these things. I know as he puts forth his faith, he truly can see miracles in his life! Juan has still been progressing in learning more and preparing for the temple. It will truly be an amazing experience being able to go with him when he receives his Endowments. I can't express how much I love being able to help others find the joy in living the Gospel. The future is looking bright for those that we teach and I am so very thankful for this opportunity to be a part of this work.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to help Ramone and his mom in introducing them again at church. The spirit was very strong throughout the day in being side by side with Ramone. It was amazing being able to hear him answer most of the questions during Sunday school. He is such an intelligent young man and I am excited to continue seeing how much he grows in the gospel.

It is truly a blessing to be a part of the Lord's true church. Recently I have been studying about the Restoration and how much sacrifice both Moroni and Joseph Smith made to bring forth the Book of Mormon and the fullness of the everlasting Gospel here upon the earth. We are so blessed to have the Gospel here upon the earth and to know of our Heavenly Father's plan for each of us. I know as we continue to hold on to the rod and continue feasting upon the words of Christ, our foundation will never falter and we will be strengthened in all that we do.

I would like to invite you all to truly ponder and pray over the message of the Book of Mormon and to let its words sink deep in your hearts, as we do so we will strengthen our love for our Savior and our Heavenly Father and our families will be fortified against the temptations of the world. Our Heavenly Father has given us a way not only to experience happiness and peace in this life, but a complete and fullness of joy in the world to come.

Thank you all for the letters, emails and packages! I love being able to hear back from home. I hope you all have an amazing week! Love you!!


Love,

Elder Munro

Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you...

Howdy from Texas! This has been such an exciting week for me and for our mission. My faith and testimony of this gospel has been growing tremendously. I have been striving to strengthen my desire to learn more about the gospel as well as to strengthen my skills in missionary work. My ponderize scripture for this week will be in D&C 68:6 : "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come." I love the first sentence to this scripture in that we should "Be of good cheer". Not only do we have the gospel, the church, and our families that bring us immense joy, but our Savior has said in John 16:33 : "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Because our Savior overcame the world, we are able to have His peace and forgiveness in our lives. Through Him we are able to be of good cheer because of His infinite gift; His Atoning sacrifice.

This past week has been filled with a lot of teaching appointments! We have been giving the temple prep class to Juan Cruz in the Las Palmas Ward. He is in his late 80s and he is very fun to talk to in Spanish. I am so excited to be able to see him get his endowments as well as receive the Melchizedek priesthood. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to teach Claudia and Gabby Hernandez the restoration of the Gospel and how it blesses the family. They have a lot of potential to be baptized this coming month. We also received a new referral from the sisters in our zone for a part member family; the Brooks family. We taught about the plan of salvation as well as our purpose here on earth to ultimately return to live with our Heavenly Father again someday. The father of the family, Daniel Brooks, has accepted a baptismal date for the 28th of this month! We're thinking that he is going to progress very fast so we may make his date even sooner. We have been going by a lot of our recent coverts as well as the less actives in our zone. We have been striving to really connect the Ward with those who are baptized and starting to become active again in the church.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to have both Obed and Esme confirmed as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was very neat being able to stand in the circle as both of them became members of the Lord's true church. Gregg was able to receive the Aaronic priesthood as well! We are excited to help him with his family history so he can go to the temple to do the ordinances for his deceased ancestors.

We also received information as to whether we would be transferred from our zones or if we would be staying. It turns out that I will be staying here in the South zone for another 6 weeks! I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be able to serve here in this area and to meet so many good people in San Antonio, Texas. I have grown to love the people in this area, especially the members and investigators that we visit and teach. This is truly a humbling experience being able to help others experience the joys of living the gospel and being unified and strengthened in the Lord's church.

I can't express how thankful I am for this Gospel. I know that my Savior lives and that he loves us all so much. I testify that he atoned for all the sins and mistakes that we have made and as we turn to him, we will find peace and joy here in this life. He has felt all of our pains, sicknesses and weaknesses that we have. He knows and loves us perfectly and desires to help us in times of need. As we continue to follow him and and endure to the end, we will qualify for the blessings of eternal life. I am so very thankful for eternal families; that we all can live together in the presence of our Heavenly Father with a fullness of joy.


Thank you all for you emails and the letters that you send. They bring me a lot of joy in hearing how everything is going back home. Remember that as we hold on to the rod and to our foundation which is Christ and His Gospel, we cannot fall. I hope you all have an amazing week.


Love,

Elder Munro

 Lackland Airforce Base (P-day visit)

Tracting in the nearby barrio (neighborhood).