Hola Familia y Amigos!
This week was really good because Bernardo got baptized. It was a
really good baptism considering the amount of people that showed up
but his wife was there and the spirit was very strong. Baptism is just
the beginning to a greater life and is not the end of the path for a
disciple of Jesus Christ. As we are baptized by proper authority we
are washed clean of our sins and become new but Baptism is not
complete without the reception of the Holy Ghost which is when we
receive a complete remission of our sins. I know that this was a great
decision for Bernardo because it was for me when I was 9 years old. I
know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ and that as I
continue to follow the commandments I will be blessed and will receive
peace and guidance in life. I would invite all of us to more fully
look for how we can have greater peace and happiness in life.
Other than the baptism it was just another normal week of
missionary work and we saw some good miracles and we were able to help
a few people. I know that work and service are the best things to help
us become more Christ like because that is all that Christ did while
he was here on earth. Find opportunities to serve and become more like
him. I love the Savior and this Gospel. Have an awesome week and serve
the best you can!
Love
-Elder Espinoza
Here is a picture from the Baptism.
Monday, January 2, 2017
April 4, 2016 The Spirit of God like Fire is Burning
Hola Familia y Amigos!
This week was really awesome. Elder Bills
and I went to Onix's house for dinner which was pretty good and the
lesson we had with her was good as well. That was our last night
together as companions. On Tuesday I received Elder Strong and we had a
killer day! We knocked doors until 6:30 and found some awesome people
that are interested in learning so that is super exciting. Then we went
to Natile Garcia's home for dinner. She is a member in the Ward and it
was probably the most spiritual lesson I have had on my mission the
spirit was so strong that I couldn't stop thinking about it the rest of
the night and the next morning. Her husband Alberto is a non-member and
has been investigating the Church for four years. She shared with us a
goal that she wants for her family which is to have Alberto baptized by
the end of the year. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to
be an instrument in the hands of the Lord and for the promptings of the
Holy Ghost because without them that lesson would not have been as
powerful as it was. I love the Gospel and the opportunity I have to
serve the Lord and the people here in New England.
Also
General Conference was this weekend and I am so grateful that I know we
have the true authority of God to act in His name for the salvation of
His children and that we are guided by a Prophet today to help us in
these times. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he saw God
the Father and the Son our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that he was
called to restore Christ's true church here on the earth and I know this
because I have read the Book of Mormon which is the evidence that all
this is true. Read it and ask God if it is true and you will receive an
answer from the Holy Ghost that it is true. I know that as we follow
Jesus Christ and the truths that have been and were restored to the
Prophet Joseph Smith that we can receive greater peace and happiness in
life. Have an awesome week. By the way it is snowing a lot here and it
started this morning and its April gotta love New England! Also please
pray for Bernardo as he is preparing for his Baptism this Saturday!
Love
-Elder Espinoza
March 28, 2016 - Transfers
Hola Familia y Amigos!
This week was not very eventful for the last part of it because
Elder Bills had an ingrown toenail that he got cut out and he couldn't
walk for the past 3 days. But the beginning of the week was really
good.
We had a lot of lessons with members and we were able to share
the Easter video with them all. We also had a lesson with Bernardo and
it went really well we rescheduled his baptism for the 9 of April and
he is excited for that date. Also we had transfer calls this week and
I will be remaining in Lawrence 4 for another transfer! I will be
receiving Elder Strong who came out with me and we will be going home
together! It will be such a fun transfer. He is from Santa Ana,
California and he loves to do photography, film and all that kind of
stuff. He is from the same place my trainer Elder Flores is from.
Well sorry this is so short but nothing much else happened this
week. More I for next week. I would just like to tell you all that I
am grateful for this Gospel and I know that Jesus Christ lives. He
died for our sins and rose again on the third day and he lives today.
I know that through him we can find new life and be happier than ever
if we haven't already found his love. Have a great week and talk to
you next week.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
This week was not very eventful for the last part of it because
Elder Bills had an ingrown toenail that he got cut out and he couldn't
walk for the past 3 days. But the beginning of the week was really
good.
We had a lot of lessons with members and we were able to share
the Easter video with them all. We also had a lesson with Bernardo and
it went really well we rescheduled his baptism for the 9 of April and
he is excited for that date. Also we had transfer calls this week and
I will be remaining in Lawrence 4 for another transfer! I will be
receiving Elder Strong who came out with me and we will be going home
together! It will be such a fun transfer. He is from Santa Ana,
California and he loves to do photography, film and all that kind of
stuff. He is from the same place my trainer Elder Flores is from.
Well sorry this is so short but nothing much else happened this
week. More I for next week. I would just like to tell you all that I
am grateful for this Gospel and I know that Jesus Christ lives. He
died for our sins and rose again on the third day and he lives today.
I know that through him we can find new life and be happier than ever
if we haven't already found his love. Have a great week and talk to
you next week.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
March 21, 2016 - Snow?
Hola Familia y Amigos
This week we had an awesome Zone Conference on keeping the Sabbath
Day Holy and what that means. It was great also because we talked
about how we can keep it holy on and when we finish our missions.
Something cool that I learned is that the Sabbath is a sign between
us and the Lord. Meaning that if we want to show our greatest love to
God on his day then we need to be doing all that we can on this day to
serve him. Which means to serve others, read the scriptures, go to
church and partake of the sacrament. As we do these things and focus
that day specifically on spiritual things we will grow in our
knowledge of the purpose in life, where we came from, and where we are
going! I love the Sabbath Day and I would invite all of us to find new
ways that we can more keep it holy.
Also this week Bernardo was not feeling very good on Monday and
we weren't able to have any lessons with him this week because he said
that he had stomach pains. So he went to the Doctor because it was
hurting him pretty bad and they found out that he had something wrong
with his Gallbladder so they had to do an operation to take out
"stones" that were in his Gallbladder. We went over yesterday and gave
him a blessing. Hopefully he will recover quickly but it is looking
like we are going to have to postpone his baptism which would have
been this weekend but it's alright because things happen for a reason
and I know that the Lord will take care of everything. Also a funny
thing that happened while we were giving the blessing is that as we
were blessing him his mom was there. She is 94 years old and a little
bit senile. She was screaming the entire time "Why are they baptizing
him he's already been baptized!" And Bernardo's wife Belkis was trying
to get her to be quiet but she wouldn't so we had to re-start the
blessing.
Other than that it was just a normal week in missionary life and
I love being a missionary. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that he
loves us. Have an awesome week.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
It also randomly snowed last night.
This week we had an awesome Zone Conference on keeping the Sabbath
Day Holy and what that means. It was great also because we talked
about how we can keep it holy on and when we finish our missions.
Something cool that I learned is that the Sabbath is a sign between
us and the Lord. Meaning that if we want to show our greatest love to
God on his day then we need to be doing all that we can on this day to
serve him. Which means to serve others, read the scriptures, go to
church and partake of the sacrament. As we do these things and focus
that day specifically on spiritual things we will grow in our
knowledge of the purpose in life, where we came from, and where we are
going! I love the Sabbath Day and I would invite all of us to find new
ways that we can more keep it holy.
Also this week Bernardo was not feeling very good on Monday and
we weren't able to have any lessons with him this week because he said
that he had stomach pains. So he went to the Doctor because it was
hurting him pretty bad and they found out that he had something wrong
with his Gallbladder so they had to do an operation to take out
"stones" that were in his Gallbladder. We went over yesterday and gave
him a blessing. Hopefully he will recover quickly but it is looking
like we are going to have to postpone his baptism which would have
been this weekend but it's alright because things happen for a reason
and I know that the Lord will take care of everything. Also a funny
thing that happened while we were giving the blessing is that as we
were blessing him his mom was there. She is 94 years old and a little
bit senile. She was screaming the entire time "Why are they baptizing
him he's already been baptized!" And Bernardo's wife Belkis was trying
to get her to be quiet but she wouldn't so we had to re-start the
blessing.
Other than that it was just a normal week in missionary life and
I love being a missionary. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that he
loves us. Have an awesome week.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
It also randomly snowed last night.
March 14, 2016 - Bernardo's Interview
Hola Familia y Amigos!
This week we had a pretty
good week. The only thing that has been hard this week is that I got a
cold so that has made working a little bit more difficult but other than
that things went alright. We weren't able to see a ton of our
investigators this week but we were able to teach Bernardo on Monday.
Bernardo also had his baptismal interview and he passed! Please continue
to pray for him so that he will continue firm.
Also this week we went on Exchanges down in the South of Lawrence or
my baby area as we call. It was so cool to be able to talk to Jaime and
Victoria and be able to see how they are doing. Jaime has been busy
with work but still has desires to learn. Hopefully she will continue to
learn and make those changes in her life. Victoria is doing well the
only thing that is hard for her is moving back and forth from the
Dominican Republic so she doesn't have anytime to hear from the
missionaries. Other than that everyone else down there is doing well.
The rest of the week was not very eventful outside of that we had
Bernardo and his wife at church this week which was really cool and the
ward is really bringing them into the ward.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve the people
here and to spread the glad message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus
Christ. I know that it is true and I know that Jesus Christ lives. Have
an awesome week.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
Also check out this new Easter video that the church has put out.
And picture from the night Bernardo got interviewed. Bernardo is the third one on the left.
March 7, 2016 - Two Weeks of Fun
Hola Familia y Amigos!
Well a lot has happened in two weeks so let's get right into it. 2
Sunday's ago during Ward Council we found out that a less active who
is returning (his name is Bernardo) that we are working with, his
records were lost and there is nothing that says that he was ever a
member other than his own testimony so we have the fortunate blessing
on the 26 of March to see him baptized! He is really awesome and loves
to serve the missionary by giving us rides on P-day and feeding us
after appointments. I love this man he is so awesome and I can't wait
until he is able to go to the temple which is his own personal goal.
We have a temple trip planed for all recent converts and others who
are able to go to the Temple on April 23 and Bernardo has that as his
goal to go on that date so that is super awesome.
Also 2 weeks ago we were able to have a awesome lesson with
Edgar. We shared about the introduction to the Book of Mormon and he
already feels that it is true. It is really cool because even though
we have only had two lessons with him he already feels the
truthfulness of the message. He really wanted to come to church two
Sunday's ago but we weren't able to talk to him on Saturday night when
we were supposed to have another lesson with him so he wasn't able to
come. Also a bummer about this situation right now is that every time
we go by now his family answers the door and either says he is not
home or they don't even come and answer which has been hard but we
have faith that we will have contact with him again. Please pray for
him and that we will be able to have contact with him.
Also two weeks ago one of our members in our Area name Josefina
invited her friend Felix to hear the lessons which is super cool
because that is what we are trying to accomplish as a mission right
now is to have every member invite one person to hear the lessons in
their home. It is really awesome that she has that desire to continue
trying to find others to learn and have the lessons in her home. I
would invite all to either hear the message of the restoration or if
you already know that it is true to invite someone that you know to
hear and figure out if it is true because I know that there is nothing
in this world that can bring so much joy and happiness as this message
brings to me.
Last week was a little bit rough because Elder Bills has a sore
throat and is a little sick still. He wasn't feeling very well the
last end of the week and when we we t out to start working it was hard
for him to breath while walking. He is doing better now and we should
be able to work all week this week and onward. Please pray for him
that he will stay healthy so that we can have a good last three weeks
of this transfer.
As far as miracles go for last week we were able to teach Belkis
and Bernardo the Word of Wisdom and they accepted that and are
willing to follow it. Belkis is Bernardo's wife and she has been
taught all the lessons but something is holding her back from baptism.
I know that as she continues to study just as anyone that the answers
to all question will come and the way they come is through sincere
pray and reading from the scriptures everyday.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve others and to be
able to see the joy that brings the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
into the life of someone who has had troubles and difficult trials. I
know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ that we can be lifted
up into a higher state of joy than anything the world can give you in
order to supplement the eternal joy that comes through repentance and
the sincere desire to continue on the straight and narrow path which
is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that
he is our Savior and Redeemer and that our Heavenly Father loves and
knows each and everyone of us individually and perfectly. Have an
awesome week!
Love
- Elder Espinoza
Last week we were helping a member do service and a raccoon was in
their storage unite that we were helping to clean out. Here's a
picture of the raccoon.
Well a lot has happened in two weeks so let's get right into it. 2
Sunday's ago during Ward Council we found out that a less active who
is returning (his name is Bernardo) that we are working with, his
records were lost and there is nothing that says that he was ever a
member other than his own testimony so we have the fortunate blessing
on the 26 of March to see him baptized! He is really awesome and loves
to serve the missionary by giving us rides on P-day and feeding us
after appointments. I love this man he is so awesome and I can't wait
until he is able to go to the temple which is his own personal goal.
We have a temple trip planed for all recent converts and others who
are able to go to the Temple on April 23 and Bernardo has that as his
goal to go on that date so that is super awesome.
Also 2 weeks ago we were able to have a awesome lesson with
Edgar. We shared about the introduction to the Book of Mormon and he
already feels that it is true. It is really cool because even though
we have only had two lessons with him he already feels the
truthfulness of the message. He really wanted to come to church two
Sunday's ago but we weren't able to talk to him on Saturday night when
we were supposed to have another lesson with him so he wasn't able to
come. Also a bummer about this situation right now is that every time
we go by now his family answers the door and either says he is not
home or they don't even come and answer which has been hard but we
have faith that we will have contact with him again. Please pray for
him and that we will be able to have contact with him.
Also two weeks ago one of our members in our Area name Josefina
invited her friend Felix to hear the lessons which is super cool
because that is what we are trying to accomplish as a mission right
now is to have every member invite one person to hear the lessons in
their home. It is really awesome that she has that desire to continue
trying to find others to learn and have the lessons in her home. I
would invite all to either hear the message of the restoration or if
you already know that it is true to invite someone that you know to
hear and figure out if it is true because I know that there is nothing
in this world that can bring so much joy and happiness as this message
brings to me.
Last week was a little bit rough because Elder Bills has a sore
throat and is a little sick still. He wasn't feeling very well the
last end of the week and when we we t out to start working it was hard
for him to breath while walking. He is doing better now and we should
be able to work all week this week and onward. Please pray for him
that he will stay healthy so that we can have a good last three weeks
of this transfer.
As far as miracles go for last week we were able to teach Belkis
and Bernardo the Word of Wisdom and they accepted that and are
willing to follow it. Belkis is Bernardo's wife and she has been
taught all the lessons but something is holding her back from baptism.
I know that as she continues to study just as anyone that the answers
to all question will come and the way they come is through sincere
pray and reading from the scriptures everyday.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve others and to be
able to see the joy that brings the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
into the life of someone who has had troubles and difficult trials. I
know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ that we can be lifted
up into a higher state of joy than anything the world can give you in
order to supplement the eternal joy that comes through repentance and
the sincere desire to continue on the straight and narrow path which
is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that
he is our Savior and Redeemer and that our Heavenly Father loves and
knows each and everyone of us individually and perfectly. Have an
awesome week!
Love
- Elder Espinoza
Last week we were helping a member do service and a raccoon was in
their storage unite that we were helping to clean out. Here's a
picture of the raccoon.
February 29. 2016
Sorry everyone we don't have a lot of time this week so I will Email you
an update for two weeks next week sorry everyone have an awesome week
and I love all you.
February 22, 2016
| |||
Hola Familia y Amigos!
This week was a little bit rough because Elder Bills got sick a
couple days and so we did not have the full week to work but it was ok
because we were able to have contact with our investigators Leo and Iris
last night.The lesson went alright we were able to share the
Restoration with them and they have a lot of questions so it shows that
they have desires to learn which is really cool. Other than that lesson
we were able to visit a lot of our members in our area which is great
because our mission is focusing on working with members in order to help
the work in the mission progress. It was really cool when we visited
one of our members, Carmen Mateo, she is really awesome. A few weeks ago
she quit her job so that she could start coming to church again and she
has invited her friends to learn. She is on fire and wants to come out
and teach with us which is really cool.
During my studies recently I have been trying develop greater faith and
how I can better follow Christ through my faith. I have learned that in
order to gain greater faith in Christ we have to put our faith to the
test and at times go through trials in order to show God that our faith
is stronger than the temptations and whatever else we go through in
life. I know that trials are placed before us not only to help us
develop faith in the Savior but they allow us to grow into the beings
that God wants us to become.
I know that
through the Savior we are given greater opportunities to have greater
happiness in this life. I know that our Savior Jesus Christ knows every
little thing and every big thing that we have gone through so that we
can turn to Him and find greater peace and happiness. I really love a
scripture in the Book of Mormon which is in Alma 7:11-12 which says:
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and
temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled
which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his
people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." I know that as we have faith in the Savior we will be blessed and we will have the strength to overcome any trial that we face in this life. Hope you all have an awesome week and that you continue to develop greater faith in our Savior.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." I know that as we have faith in the Savior we will be blessed and we will have the strength to overcome any trial that we face in this life. Hope you all have an awesome week and that you continue to develop greater faith in our Savior.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
February 15, 2016 - Below Zero!
Hola Familia y Amigos!
This week was really cold it got bellow zero and it was super hard
to walk. Other than it being really cold this week we had some great
miracles. At the beginning of the week me and Elder Flores were able
to go and teach the Castillo family. It was Elder Flores's last
appointment as a missionary and it was cool because the appointment
was my first appointment in the Mission with him as my trainer.
We were also able to pick up a new investigator named Edgar and
he is super interested in the message. We were able to extend the
invitation to be baptized and he accepted but obviously he needs more
time. We also were able to have some good lessons with the members in
our area and they seem to be excited to share the gospel with others.
We were also able to do some great service with helping to set up and
prepare food for a party that our Ward had. I am super excited to be
able to serve the Lord and help others come closer to our Savior. Have
a great week.
This week was really cold it got bellow zero and it was super hard
to walk. Other than it being really cold this week we had some great
miracles. At the beginning of the week me and Elder Flores were able
to go and teach the Castillo family. It was Elder Flores's last
appointment as a missionary and it was cool because the appointment
was my first appointment in the Mission with him as my trainer.
We were also able to pick up a new investigator named Edgar and
he is super interested in the message. We were able to extend the
invitation to be baptized and he accepted but obviously he needs more
time. We also were able to have some good lessons with the members in
our area and they seem to be excited to share the gospel with others.
We were also able to do some great service with helping to set up and
prepare food for a party that our Ward had. I am super excited to be
able to serve the Lord and help others come closer to our Savior. Have
a great week.
February 8, 2016 - SNOW!
Hola Familia Y Amigos!
It finally snowed this week and it is actually snowing today as
well. We finally got to help people shovel today which was a ton of
fun. We also saw some great miracles this week as well. We were able
to get in and have a lesson zeroth Leo and Iris who are now new
investigators and are super cool. We have an appointment with them
later on tonight. Also we were able to visit some other people and
just do the same old same old missionary work which is always fun. We
also had transfers this past weekend and nothing is changing. Elder
Bills and I will be serving for another transfer together so it should
be a lot of fun and I know that as we are diligent we will see a lot
of success. I am grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary and
serve those around me hope you all have a great week.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
It finally snowed this week and it is actually snowing today as
well. We finally got to help people shovel today which was a ton of
fun. We also saw some great miracles this week as well. We were able
to get in and have a lesson zeroth Leo and Iris who are now new
investigators and are super cool. We have an appointment with them
later on tonight. Also we were able to visit some other people and
just do the same old same old missionary work which is always fun. We
also had transfers this past weekend and nothing is changing. Elder
Bills and I will be serving for another transfer together so it should
be a lot of fun and I know that as we are diligent we will see a lot
of success. I am grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary and
serve those around me hope you all have a great week.
Love
-Elder Espinoza
February 1, 2016 - Work! Work! Work! There is nothing better then work!
Hola Familia y Amigos!
This week was a lot better than last! We were able to work
because Elder Bills' infection healed! The day we went out we were
blessed with an awesome miracle. We were looking for someone named
Anthony and he didn't live there but we invited the people that
answered the door to learn and they let us in. Their names are Marisel
and Ramon and they seemed really interested and we have an appointment
with them tonight at 6. Also this week we were able to visit with a
less active Bernardo. We brought Bishop and Bishops wife with us and
the lesson went well and at the end he said that he and his wife (his
wife Belkis, who isn't a member and is our investigator) would be at
church this Sunday. They came to Church which was super awesome and
they stayed for all three hours! It was a great relief and blessing to
see them at church because we have only taught them together once and
Bernardo twice now. Also we were able to get in contact with a less
active name Nina and we hd a good lesson with her and have an
appointment with her for Friday. I am so grateful that even though we
didn't work in our area for a week because Elder Bills couldn't walk
that the Lord saw how hard we worked and blessed us with the
opportunity to be instruments in his hands and see these miracles.
I know that through our Faith that great things are brought to pass
especially as we work to achieve the goals that we have set. I know
that through Jesus Christ we are given the strength and the capacity
to do all that is required of us. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that through
reading it and abiding by what it teaches will can come to understand
our purpose in life and come closer to God. Hope you all have a great
week!
Love
-Elder Espinoza
By the way it is 50 degrees here in Lawrence! It is definitely not winter!
This week was a lot better than last! We were able to work
because Elder Bills' infection healed! The day we went out we were
blessed with an awesome miracle. We were looking for someone named
Anthony and he didn't live there but we invited the people that
answered the door to learn and they let us in. Their names are Marisel
and Ramon and they seemed really interested and we have an appointment
with them tonight at 6. Also this week we were able to visit with a
less active Bernardo. We brought Bishop and Bishops wife with us and
the lesson went well and at the end he said that he and his wife (his
wife Belkis, who isn't a member and is our investigator) would be at
church this Sunday. They came to Church which was super awesome and
they stayed for all three hours! It was a great relief and blessing to
see them at church because we have only taught them together once and
Bernardo twice now. Also we were able to get in contact with a less
active name Nina and we hd a good lesson with her and have an
appointment with her for Friday. I am so grateful that even though we
didn't work in our area for a week because Elder Bills couldn't walk
that the Lord saw how hard we worked and blessed us with the
opportunity to be instruments in his hands and see these miracles.
I know that through our Faith that great things are brought to pass
especially as we work to achieve the goals that we have set. I know
that through Jesus Christ we are given the strength and the capacity
to do all that is required of us. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that through
reading it and abiding by what it teaches will can come to understand
our purpose in life and come closer to God. Hope you all have a great
week!
Love
-Elder Espinoza
By the way it is 50 degrees here in Lawrence! It is definitely not winter!
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