Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God...

Howdy from Texas!

I can't express how great this past week has been in helping others feel of the peace and joy that comes through living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been very exciting being able to see others come into the fold and experience the many blessings found in the Lord’s church. For my ponderize scripture this week I wanted to focus on how the gospel can fortify us and strengthen us in our everyday lives. In Ether 12:4 we read:  Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. That hope and faith that we have in our Savior and in His Gospel creates an immovable anchor that helps us stand firm in our beliefs and testimonies.

I love the scripture as well in Helaman 5:12 : And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. I know as we secure our anchor and build upon our foundation in Christ, we will have the strength to resist the temptations and trials that we face. We will have the ability to develop our testimonies and love for our Savior and His Gospel.

This week has been a very spiritual week for me. We had the opportunity on Wednesday to watch a world-wide missionary broadcast featuring many of the apostles and those in the missionary department. Many talked about our new purpose as missionaries to "Teach repentance and baptize converts". Elder David A. Bednar talked about the importance in being in tune with the spirit and discerning the needs of the investigators and those that we teach. Those that we teach must recognize the Holy Ghost and allow Him to create that lasting change of heart. One speaker talked about the importance in extending invitations in order for others to begin that process of change and experience the amazing blessing of repentance. They made a big emphasis on working alongside members and helping less actives and recent converts. Elder Dallin H. Oaks concluded with the invitation for us missionaries to be deeply rooted in the Gospel and to increase in those skills that would help us reach and accomplish our purpose. It was such an amazing opportunity to hear counsel from our leaders and to receive direction as we strive to learn and improve in the work.

We have been getting a lot of new investigators as well. We have been going by Lucrecia who has been very receptive in taking the lessons and is looking forward to learning more about the church and in reading the Book of Mormon. We too have been receiving many referrals from the other missionaries in our zone as well as those who request us to come to their homes. There is so much work to do! This has been such an amazing opportunity to work as hard as I can and to see the miracles and tender mercies in the Lord’s work.

Saturday was such a spiritual day! We were able to have Greg’s baptism that night and it was amazing being able to see all of his family there to support him. Throughout all the picture taking and preparation, Greg just couldn't stop smiling.  It was very neat being able to see his preparedness and his sincere desire to become a member of the Lord’s church and to taste of the joys that come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was very amazing seeing him come out of the water, completely clean from his past and able to walk in a newness of life. We had the opportunity as well to stand in the circle to confirm him a member of the church. That was a very neat experience and I can't express how much joy we had for him taking this first step in his eternal progression.

I am so very thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is truly the way back to our heavenly home; to be with our loved ones for eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father. I know that my Savior lives. I know that he atoned for our sins. He took upon himself our infirmities and our sicknesses. Through him, we can overcome all the challenges that we face. I know that he is there for each and every one of us. He desires us to come unto him and to receive enduring peace and a fullness of joy.

Thank you all for the emails and the letters. You all mean so much to me. I hope you all have an amazing week.

 Love,

Elder Munro

Elder Munro, Elder Nelson, Bishop Zendejo, Greg Gallardo, Elder Brough

I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth...

Howdy from Texas! This has been a great week and I am so very thankful for my Savior and for his Gospel. I know as we continuously strive to live the Gospel and increase our love and devotion to our Savior, he will support us in our trials and will help us reach our eternal potential.

My ponderize scripture for this week is D&C 110:3-4 : His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:  I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. I love this scripture because of the many different characteristics that describe our Savior. He truly is the only way for us to make it back to our heavenly home. We can always look to our Savior for help, guidance, and peace.

We have had a really great week! We are now able to cover the 10th Ward and the Spanish Las Palmas Ward in the South Zone. We have been having a lot of success with finding new investigators and working with the Las Palmas members. We were able to run into many less active members as well as a deaf member who has been less active for a long time. It was really neat being able to communicate with him and to see his desire for us to come by again. It has been a great opportunity to see the members coordinate and fellowship our investigators so that they have a strong foundation as they are learning more about the Gospel.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to have Esme's baptism! It was such a great day being able to see her baptized and become clean. This Gospel is truly the greatest blessing that we have in our lives and I am so very thankful for those who desire to come into the fold and become part of our Heavenly Father's kingdom. He truly loves us so much that He provided us a way to return and live with Him again someday.

Gregg will also be baptized this coming Saturday as well! We are so excited for him and can't wait for him to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and to be able to receive the priesthood.

This is kind of a short email but I want to thank you all for the letters and emails! I hope you all have a great week!


Love,

Elder Munro

Elder Munro, Elder Nelson, Elder Brough, Esme

I Am the Resurrection and the Life...

Howdy from Texas! This has been a very spiritual week for me and I continue to find so many blessings and tender mercies in the work. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to help others see the light and love of our Savior. My ponderize scripture for this next week will be John 11:26-27 : Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? I love these scriptures because it is through our Savior that we are able to overcome physical death. Through him we are able to overcome the effects of sin and be made clean to return to live with him again someday.

This past week we had a pretty different change happen in our district. Elder Reyes had a medical issue this past week and he had to be sent home. Because of that we were able to spend some time with him on Tuesday. That day we were able to go and watch baptisms for the dead at the San Antonio temple. The spirit was so very strong and I know that this is truly the work of the Lord and that the work that we do for others in the temple brings many spiritual blessings. Afterwards we were able to go to the mission home to visit with President Slaughter and have some ice cream. It was such a great opportunity to talk with President about the Doctrine of Christ as well as the new Mission purpose statement that we received the week previously. Elder Reyes is such an amazing Elder and it has been an amazing opportunity to serve along with him. He has such a very strong testimony and I know he will be an amazing example to those of his family and friends back home. I can't wait to be able to see him again when he comes back to the field.

This week we have been able to meet with Gregg a lot more and we got him a baptismal date for the 17th of this next week! It has been amazing seeing him progress and overcome those concerns that he has had about baptism. I am so excited for him to experience the many blessings that come from being baptized and becoming a member of the church. I know that this  step will lead him to one of the greatest blessings in the church; in being sealed to his family for time and all eternity.

Yesterday was a very spiritual day. We were able to have our Stake Conference with Elder Joseph W. Sitati and Elder Jones of the seventy.  Elder Sitati talked about the parables found in Mathew 25 about the 10 virgins and of the talents. We must build upon our faith and testimony so that we may be able to be strong and endure to the end. Not only do we have to continue building and strengthening our testimonies, but we need to share our talents and strengths with others so they will be lead on the path leading back to our Heavenly Father. Elder Jones also talked about being firm in the faith and standing strong in what we know to be true. Because of the shifting values of the world, we need to be firmly founded upon the gospel and upon our Savior. Through him we are able to overcome the challenges and trials that we face in our day. I am so very thankful for a living prophet who receives revelation and guidance from our Heavenly Father. I know as we continuously look to the prophet and to our leaders we will be able to withstand the trials and challenges we face. We will be fortified and strengthened in our faith of the Savior. He will always lead and guide us as we follow Him.

Thank you all of the emails and the letters! It has been great being able to hear back on now you all all doing. I hope you all have a great week!

Love,

Elder Munro

Zone P-day

 Last lunch with Elder Reyes before he left at Buffalo Wild Wings

Elder Nelson, Elder Reyes, Elder Brough, Elder Munro (At Mission Home with Pres. Slaughter)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...

Howdy from Texas! I am so very thankful for this gospel and for the opportunity to be on a mission. I am so very thankful for the chance to see others change and become converted to the Gospel and to our Savior. Our Heavenly Father truly loves us immensely and wants us to return to live with Him again someday. For this week for my ponderize scripture I wanted to focus on our purpose as missionaries in Matthew 28:19-20: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

As well as this scripture, our mission got a new Missionary Purpose Statement that really focuses on the importance and sacredness of our calling:

"I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, called of Him through prophecy and revelation, and assigned to serve in the Texas San Antonio Mission.  I have been sent to teach repentance and baptize converts.  This is who I am and this is why I am here!

I invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

My decision has been made. I've put my hand to the plough. I've crossed the line.  So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Every Sister, every Elder, all in!"

I love our new missionary purpose because of the significance and sacredness of our calling. I also love that as we dedicate and consecrate ourselves, we will qualify for the miracles and blessings found in our Savior's work. This truly is the work of the Lord and will roll forth nobly and boldly till all will be blessed to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This past week has been really amazing. We were able to spend a lot of time with the less active members of the church in helping them become active again. It was great as well to spend time with the 10th Ward this past New Years celebration. There was a lot of fireworks and celebration in San Antonio. I love being able to look back on the year and see all of the many blessings that have happened to me and my family. I love also being able to make new goals and to strive to become more dedicated and converted to our Savior and his Gospel. I know as we make inspired goals and as we make a dedicated plan, we will be able to achieve them and become who our Heavenly Father wants us to become.

We had the opportunity this last week to start teaching a new investigator Esme. She has been really receptive to the gospel and she has a desire to be baptized on the 17th of this month! We're so excited to be able to go back and teach and help prepare her for baptism. We have also made a goal to help Gregg with getting baptized this month as well. He is incredibly ready and we hope that he will be able to overcome his concerns with being baptized. I know as we continue to go and teach by the spirit, we will be able to help him see the happiness and joy that comes from being baptized.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to have Obed's baptism! It was such an amazing experience to see Obed be baptized and to enter into the covenant of baptism and become a member of the church. It was very neat being able to sing 'Families Can Be Together Forever' at the end and to think that in a year from now, he will be able to have his family sealed for time and all eternity. I am so very thankful for our Heavenly Father's plan that we can return to live with him along with our families for forever someday. I am so very thankful for my family and for our Heavenly Father's love for each and everyone of us.

I cannot express how thankful I am for this Gospel and for our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. I am so very thankful for the tender mercies that come from our Savior and for the miracles that we see every day. I know that our Savior lives and loves us without end. He has given us this Gospel so that we can find happiness and joy here and a fullness of joy in the world to come. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and as we read and ponder its message, we will be fortified and strengthened through our trials and challenges. I know that we will never be left alone as we come unto Christ and become yoked with him. He will always be by our side.

Thank you all for the emails and for the letters! Hope you all had a great New Years celebration! Love y'all!

Love,

Elder Munro


Mom: hey mom! How was the news years celebration? Hope you all had a great time! Love ya!!

Elder Munro, Obed, Elder Brough