Dear Family and Friends,
This has been such an amazing week! We have been seeing many blessings in the work and we are thankful for the many miracles that we see and find everyday. It has been an immense blessing being able to serve here in this area and in being able to work closely with the members of 10th Ward and Las Palmas. They truly have an amazing desire to do missionary work and to find and bring back others to the gospel and to the Lord's church. I have been thinking a lot about how we should serve and help others back into the church and even how specifically we should serve God. That led me to Doctrine and Covenants 4 which reads:
1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
Many think this scripture involves specifically the full-time missionaries in preaching the gospel, but we see as any who embark to serve our Heavenly Father and his children, are called to his work. If we have true desires to serve our Heavenly Father and do so with all of our heart, might , mind, and strength, we will be able to help others find the light and joy of the gospel. No matter if we feel inadequate to share the gospel with others, as we have faith, hope, and charity, we will be able to have His enabling power to help others find His love in their lives.
Yesterday was an amazing day! We had the opportunity to have Juan's baptism and it turned out really good. The Spirit was very strong and it was very neat being able to see so many members there to support him in being baptized and in taking this new step in his life. It was very special as well to have Bro Brooks baptize him who the week previously received the Aaronic Priesthood. It was truly a neat experience being able to see a recent convert use his priesthood in the ordinances of salvation. It was amazing being able to see the fellowship in the Ward coming together as we had a Ward dinner afterwards. It has been such an amazing opportunity being able to work along side the members of 10th Ward and in seeing the strength of the Ward grow and grow.
Our area also turned into a bike area! We are now only on bikes which will bring us many great opportunities to talk to more people and share the gospel. I have always loved being on bike and in seeing San Antonio in a new way that you don't see while your in a car. It will be a great blessing in the coming weeks seeing and finding those who are ready to receive the Gospel. We already ran into a war veteran, Jimmy James, who talked to us much about his faith in Christ and how it carried him through the trials of his life. He has an amazing understanding of the bible and we were able to give him a Book of Mormon which he was pretty interested in. We hope to see him again in the future.
We have been working with Maria Banda in helping her become ready for baptism this next month. We're excited to see how church will bring peace and joy into her life. I know as she continues to live the gospel and search the scriptures, she will have that lasting peace in her life. We have also been meeting with Victor Rodriguez and talked with him about the importance of strengthening our faith and and in studying from the scriptures. It has been very amazing seeing his strong faith in the scriptures and we are hoping that he will have the desire to read from the Book of Mormon and pray about the things that we teach. As he prays and reads, I know he will feel of the truthfulness of the gospel and in the restoration.
Sorry for the short email but I want everyone to know that the gospel is true! It has been restored through a latter day prophet once again upon the earth. We must continue looking towards our prophet and apostles for guidance and direction. As we follow our Savior and continue on the gospel path, we will be led safely back to our Heavenly Father's presence. How amazing it is to have the fulness of the gospel here upon the earth!
Hope you all have an amazing week!
Love,
Elder Munro
Monday, April 25, 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Dear Family and Friends,
What a week! We have had such an amazing time working here in this area and we have been seeing many miracles and tender mercies. How truly exciting and joyful it is to labor in the lords work. I am truly thankful for this opportunity to help others come unto Christ and feel and experience the eternal blessings found in his gospel.
Lately, I have been thinking much about the importance of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. I remembered a scripture in John 20:30-31: "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon was written and is given to us that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that through Him, we can receive eternal life in the presence of our Heavenly Father. How truly amazing it is to have another witness of Jesus Christ and as we follow by its precepts, we will never be led astray. How blessed we are to have the light of the gospel and the light of Jesus Christ as found in the Book of Mormon.
Yesterday, Bro. Brooks was able to get the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained to the office of Priest! We are excited to see him participate in his priesthood duties and even participate in the sacrament next week. I am so very thankful to have had the opportunity to teach Bro Brooks and to continue visiting with him and seeing him progress and improve. We have been teaching his younger daughter Maryann the missionary lessons and we hope to see her progress as well. It has been very neat as well seeing Ramon and Sis. Lopez at church. We're excited to see Ramon get the priesthood as well and to see him pass the sacrament. It is truly special to see others engage in the gospel and to experience the many blessings found in the Lord's church.
Juan is ready for baptism! We have been working with him pretty frequently this past week in helping him with the word of wisdom and he has made a lot of progress. His understanding of the gospel has been increasing and it is amazing seeing his testimony grow and strengthen. I am very excited to see his example help his family in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can't wait for next weekend!
Yesterday, we were able to see Maria Banda at church! We have been seeing a lot of progress in her understanding of the gospel and in her desire to become better in her life. Each lesson that we have with her, she has been able to pick up gospel subjects fast and easily. We hope to see her baptized at the beginning of next month. It has been an enormous blessing being able to work with those who are prepared to receive the gospel. We weren't able to see the Ochoa family at church but we hope to continue meeting with them this next week and in teaching Damian and Maria more.
We were able to meet Victor Rodriguez and his family yesterday and taught them about the restoration. It was neat being able to see his faith and his belief and knowledge in the scriptures. Victor told us of his relationship with our Savior and his sincere desire to follow Him and to do what is right. It has been a blessing in finding those even in other faiths that have amazing values and standards. We are excited as well to continue teaching them and in seeing them find the light of the gospel.
I can't express how much of a blessing it has been to be here on my mission. I have been learning many things both temporally and spiritually. I am so very thankful to be able to learn more about my Savior and His gospel as well as the importance of the restoration. Our Heavenly Father truly loves us so much as evidenced in the restoration. I know as we continue to increase our knowledge of the restoration of the gospel, we will find our Heavenly Father's love more abundantly in our lives. He wants us to continue learning and growing so that we can become the sons and daughters of God that we are destined to become.
Thank you all for the thoughts and the prayers. You all mean everything to me! I hope you all continue reading and searching the scriptures, they will truly lead and guide you in all that you do. Hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Munro
Elder Lambert and Elder Munro (Don't mind the background haha)
What a week! We have had such an amazing time working here in this area and we have been seeing many miracles and tender mercies. How truly exciting and joyful it is to labor in the lords work. I am truly thankful for this opportunity to help others come unto Christ and feel and experience the eternal blessings found in his gospel.
Lately, I have been thinking much about the importance of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. I remembered a scripture in John 20:30-31: "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon was written and is given to us that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that through Him, we can receive eternal life in the presence of our Heavenly Father. How truly amazing it is to have another witness of Jesus Christ and as we follow by its precepts, we will never be led astray. How blessed we are to have the light of the gospel and the light of Jesus Christ as found in the Book of Mormon.
Yesterday, Bro. Brooks was able to get the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained to the office of Priest! We are excited to see him participate in his priesthood duties and even participate in the sacrament next week. I am so very thankful to have had the opportunity to teach Bro Brooks and to continue visiting with him and seeing him progress and improve. We have been teaching his younger daughter Maryann the missionary lessons and we hope to see her progress as well. It has been very neat as well seeing Ramon and Sis. Lopez at church. We're excited to see Ramon get the priesthood as well and to see him pass the sacrament. It is truly special to see others engage in the gospel and to experience the many blessings found in the Lord's church.
Juan is ready for baptism! We have been working with him pretty frequently this past week in helping him with the word of wisdom and he has made a lot of progress. His understanding of the gospel has been increasing and it is amazing seeing his testimony grow and strengthen. I am very excited to see his example help his family in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can't wait for next weekend!
Yesterday, we were able to see Maria Banda at church! We have been seeing a lot of progress in her understanding of the gospel and in her desire to become better in her life. Each lesson that we have with her, she has been able to pick up gospel subjects fast and easily. We hope to see her baptized at the beginning of next month. It has been an enormous blessing being able to work with those who are prepared to receive the gospel. We weren't able to see the Ochoa family at church but we hope to continue meeting with them this next week and in teaching Damian and Maria more.
We were able to meet Victor Rodriguez and his family yesterday and taught them about the restoration. It was neat being able to see his faith and his belief and knowledge in the scriptures. Victor told us of his relationship with our Savior and his sincere desire to follow Him and to do what is right. It has been a blessing in finding those even in other faiths that have amazing values and standards. We are excited as well to continue teaching them and in seeing them find the light of the gospel.
I can't express how much of a blessing it has been to be here on my mission. I have been learning many things both temporally and spiritually. I am so very thankful to be able to learn more about my Savior and His gospel as well as the importance of the restoration. Our Heavenly Father truly loves us so much as evidenced in the restoration. I know as we continue to increase our knowledge of the restoration of the gospel, we will find our Heavenly Father's love more abundantly in our lives. He wants us to continue learning and growing so that we can become the sons and daughters of God that we are destined to become.
Thank you all for the thoughts and the prayers. You all mean everything to me! I hope you all continue reading and searching the scriptures, they will truly lead and guide you in all that you do. Hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Munro
Elder Lambert and Elder Munro (Don't mind the background haha)
Monday, April 11, 2016
Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
Dear Family and Friends,
This has been a great week for us in the work of the Lord and we have been seeing much progress here in the San Antonio East Zone. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to learn and progress into who the Lord needs me to become as a missionary and as His disciple. I am truly thankful to be here on a mission and to help others find the joys of living the gospel and feel of the peace that our Savior brings into our lives. It is comforting to know that we have a true source that we can turn to that can help us through our afflictions. I love the scripture in Mosiah 24:13-14 : “Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.” It is amazing to know that our Savior will always be there to lift us in our afflictions, that we will be able to endure them. Though our Savior may not take all of our afflictions away, He will ease those burdens and we will be able to feel of the comfort that comes through His infinite atonement.
This past Wednesday, we had the opportunity to have our Zone Meeting with President Slaughter along with our Zone Leaders. President Slaughter talked about the sacred calling that has been extended to us as well as the process in which a call is given. All of the mission calls in the world are made by inspiration through any of the apostles and the missionary board. They in turn are guided by the Spirit as to where we should go. It's pretty neat to think that an apostle personally assigns us where the Lord would have us go. We are then set apart from the world by our Stake President and are ready to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. President Slaughter also talked about Patriarchal blessings as well as the endowment as ways in which missionaries are able to receive strength, guidance, and spiritual power even before coming out on missions. It is amazing to think about the importance of this calling that we have and the duty to live worthy of it every day. It is such a blessing to be a missionary.
This past week has been such an amazing opportunity for us to extend the temple invitation given by President Monson to the less-actives of 10th Ward and Las Palmas. It was very neat being able to see their desires to attend the temple grow and strengthen. How special it is to know that we can be eternal families as we make and keep the covenants that we make in the temple. We can have that added strength and power to overcome the temptations of the world as we go to the temple and ponder our divine potential as children of God. I can't wait to see the progress of the members here and to see the strength of the wards grow in the gospel.
We have been able to meet with Maria Banda from the Las Palmas Ward in teaching her the gospel and preparing her for baptism at the end of the month. It was a blessing to hear that she will be able to get Sunday's off from work this coming week to go to church! We are hoping that she will still be available throughout this week that we can be able to continue going by her and teaching her more about the church. We know as we exercise our faith in the work and in being obedient, we will see those miracles and blessings in the work and that she will experience the blessings of being baptized. We have also been able to visit with the Maria and Damian Ochoa who have the potential to be baptized at the end of the month as well! The only obstacles that we have found is that Maria needs to get married to Bro. Ochoa and strengthen the family in scripture study and family prayer. It will be special to see the family united as they live the gospel and continue to learn and progress. We continue to work with the Oliveira family as well as with Juan in helping them overcome their challenges with the word of wisdom. We know as Juan exercises his faith in the gospel and in the enabling power of the Atonement that he can be ready to be baptized and receive the blessing of the gift of the Holy Ghost. It will be exciting to see their family grow and overcome these trials and challenges through the gospel.
It has been a blessing being able to hear from you all back home. I love you all so much! I am truly thankful for amazing family and friends. Hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Munro
This has been a great week for us in the work of the Lord and we have been seeing much progress here in the San Antonio East Zone. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to learn and progress into who the Lord needs me to become as a missionary and as His disciple. I am truly thankful to be here on a mission and to help others find the joys of living the gospel and feel of the peace that our Savior brings into our lives. It is comforting to know that we have a true source that we can turn to that can help us through our afflictions. I love the scripture in Mosiah 24:13-14 : “Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.” It is amazing to know that our Savior will always be there to lift us in our afflictions, that we will be able to endure them. Though our Savior may not take all of our afflictions away, He will ease those burdens and we will be able to feel of the comfort that comes through His infinite atonement.
This past Wednesday, we had the opportunity to have our Zone Meeting with President Slaughter along with our Zone Leaders. President Slaughter talked about the sacred calling that has been extended to us as well as the process in which a call is given. All of the mission calls in the world are made by inspiration through any of the apostles and the missionary board. They in turn are guided by the Spirit as to where we should go. It's pretty neat to think that an apostle personally assigns us where the Lord would have us go. We are then set apart from the world by our Stake President and are ready to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. President Slaughter also talked about Patriarchal blessings as well as the endowment as ways in which missionaries are able to receive strength, guidance, and spiritual power even before coming out on missions. It is amazing to think about the importance of this calling that we have and the duty to live worthy of it every day. It is such a blessing to be a missionary.
This past week has been such an amazing opportunity for us to extend the temple invitation given by President Monson to the less-actives of 10th Ward and Las Palmas. It was very neat being able to see their desires to attend the temple grow and strengthen. How special it is to know that we can be eternal families as we make and keep the covenants that we make in the temple. We can have that added strength and power to overcome the temptations of the world as we go to the temple and ponder our divine potential as children of God. I can't wait to see the progress of the members here and to see the strength of the wards grow in the gospel.
We have been able to meet with Maria Banda from the Las Palmas Ward in teaching her the gospel and preparing her for baptism at the end of the month. It was a blessing to hear that she will be able to get Sunday's off from work this coming week to go to church! We are hoping that she will still be available throughout this week that we can be able to continue going by her and teaching her more about the church. We know as we exercise our faith in the work and in being obedient, we will see those miracles and blessings in the work and that she will experience the blessings of being baptized. We have also been able to visit with the Maria and Damian Ochoa who have the potential to be baptized at the end of the month as well! The only obstacles that we have found is that Maria needs to get married to Bro. Ochoa and strengthen the family in scripture study and family prayer. It will be special to see the family united as they live the gospel and continue to learn and progress. We continue to work with the Oliveira family as well as with Juan in helping them overcome their challenges with the word of wisdom. We know as Juan exercises his faith in the gospel and in the enabling power of the Atonement that he can be ready to be baptized and receive the blessing of the gift of the Holy Ghost. It will be exciting to see their family grow and overcome these trials and challenges through the gospel.
It has been a blessing being able to hear from you all back home. I love you all so much! I am truly thankful for amazing family and friends. Hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Munro
Monday, April 4, 2016
Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.
Dear Family and Friends
This week was great! Elder Lambert and I have had a pretty great week here in the 10th Ward and Las Palmas area. It has been an amazing blessing being able to work along side the members and less actives of this area. I have been continuing to learn many things here that I know I couldn't have learned anywhere else. I am so very thankful to be on a mission. My ponderize scripture for this week is Joshua 3:5: "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." Lately I have been having a strong desire to improve and to become the missionary that the Lord needs me to become. I desire to be the instrument that he needs me to be in His work. My sincere question leading up to conference was what I was going to do or change to become the priesthood holder and missionary that the Lord needs me to be. When I heard this scripture from Elder Holland's talk yesterday at conference, that was my answer! As we continue to sanctify ourselves and strive to improve, our Heavenly Father will work miracles and wonders in our lives. There are always things we can improve upon or change in our lives, but knowing that the Savior is there for us every step of the way will help us reach the divine potential that our Heavenly Father knows we can reach.
We have been able to visit with Juan and the Oliveira family in helping them overcome their obstacles with the word of wisdom and it has been going great! We were able to help them make many different plans to help aid them in overcoming this trial and challenge in their lives. It will be very exciting to see not only Juan to be baptized at the end of this month, but to see his family United and fully active again in the church. It will be very neat to set their eyes on the temple as well. The future is bright!
We have also been working with Carlos LaQue who requested the Book of Mormon and for missionaries to come by. It was pretty interesting to see the circumstances that he was in and to hear the stories that he had to tell. It has been amazing seeing his desire to understand the bible and to improve and become a better person. Many times he has expressed his desire to find peace again and to have his family back in his life. I know as he lives the gospel and as he follows the Savior, he will be able to find that peace and forgiveness in his life. We hope to continue meeting with him and in helping him see the blessings in being baptized into the Lord's church.
General conference was amazing! It has been such a blessing being able to hear from our prophets and apostles. They truly do receive guidance and direction in how we can have peace in this world and to help us live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was pretty neat to hear the talks relating to the importance of the family and how the greatest work that we will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes. How truly important it is to strengthen our families temporally but even more spiritually. As we base our homes off of gospel principles, we have the ability to withstand the temptations and evils of the world. Though we may still have trials and challenges in our lives, we will have a safe refuge to turn to to feel of the influence of the Holy Ghost and to feel of our Savior's love. How great it was to hear from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson! I loved his talk about using our agency to follow Christ and to choose to do the right. I loved how he said, "Choose the harder right, not the easier wrong". It is important to realize the necessity that agency has in our eternal progression. As we choose the right and keep the commandments, we will receive our eternal reward in the presence of our Heavenly Father. I really enjoyed the final talk given by Elder Holland as well. We can always find those things to improve upon and we will always have that heavenly help to reach our goals. Though we are not perfect in this life, we strive all we can to do our best. As we do so our Heavenly Father will make up the rest in our lives. It is a blessing to know that we are on a path and a journey in which we can grow into who our Heavenly Father wants us to become.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I love you all so much. Hope you all had a great conference weekend. Have a great week!
This week was great! Elder Lambert and I have had a pretty great week here in the 10th Ward and Las Palmas area. It has been an amazing blessing being able to work along side the members and less actives of this area. I have been continuing to learn many things here that I know I couldn't have learned anywhere else. I am so very thankful to be on a mission. My ponderize scripture for this week is Joshua 3:5: "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." Lately I have been having a strong desire to improve and to become the missionary that the Lord needs me to become. I desire to be the instrument that he needs me to be in His work. My sincere question leading up to conference was what I was going to do or change to become the priesthood holder and missionary that the Lord needs me to be. When I heard this scripture from Elder Holland's talk yesterday at conference, that was my answer! As we continue to sanctify ourselves and strive to improve, our Heavenly Father will work miracles and wonders in our lives. There are always things we can improve upon or change in our lives, but knowing that the Savior is there for us every step of the way will help us reach the divine potential that our Heavenly Father knows we can reach.
We have been able to visit with Juan and the Oliveira family in helping them overcome their obstacles with the word of wisdom and it has been going great! We were able to help them make many different plans to help aid them in overcoming this trial and challenge in their lives. It will be very exciting to see not only Juan to be baptized at the end of this month, but to see his family United and fully active again in the church. It will be very neat to set their eyes on the temple as well. The future is bright!
We have also been working with Carlos LaQue who requested the Book of Mormon and for missionaries to come by. It was pretty interesting to see the circumstances that he was in and to hear the stories that he had to tell. It has been amazing seeing his desire to understand the bible and to improve and become a better person. Many times he has expressed his desire to find peace again and to have his family back in his life. I know as he lives the gospel and as he follows the Savior, he will be able to find that peace and forgiveness in his life. We hope to continue meeting with him and in helping him see the blessings in being baptized into the Lord's church.
General conference was amazing! It has been such a blessing being able to hear from our prophets and apostles. They truly do receive guidance and direction in how we can have peace in this world and to help us live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was pretty neat to hear the talks relating to the importance of the family and how the greatest work that we will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes. How truly important it is to strengthen our families temporally but even more spiritually. As we base our homes off of gospel principles, we have the ability to withstand the temptations and evils of the world. Though we may still have trials and challenges in our lives, we will have a safe refuge to turn to to feel of the influence of the Holy Ghost and to feel of our Savior's love. How great it was to hear from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson! I loved his talk about using our agency to follow Christ and to choose to do the right. I loved how he said, "Choose the harder right, not the easier wrong". It is important to realize the necessity that agency has in our eternal progression. As we choose the right and keep the commandments, we will receive our eternal reward in the presence of our Heavenly Father. I really enjoyed the final talk given by Elder Holland as well. We can always find those things to improve upon and we will always have that heavenly help to reach our goals. Though we are not perfect in this life, we strive all we can to do our best. As we do so our Heavenly Father will make up the rest in our lives. It is a blessing to know that we are on a path and a journey in which we can grow into who our Heavenly Father wants us to become.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I love you all so much. Hope you all had a great conference weekend. Have a great week!
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