Hello family,
Another week has come and gone. We had a good week and it looks like are going to bring some new members into the branch. All is going well with my new comp.
At the start of the week, my companion was having problems with his inner ear. It seemed to be swelling up and hurting him so they had us investigate to see if there was an Ear Specialist here. We found nothing so they told us to leave on Tuesday and take a bus to Bucaramanga to see the doctor there. Soooo we drove down, got to the clinic, my comps ear was already feeling better, they gave him some medicine and we came back home. The day was kind of wasted but we did get to eat lunch with a member family from my first area which was nice.
This week until the last few days the intense heat kept up but now we've had a few cloudy days with a little rain. We had some cool experiences this week. One night we went with Sister Ramirez to visit a young mother from the branch who was having some difficulty with their living conditions etc so we shared a message with her and offered to help in what we could. On the way out of the neighborhood we saw an open house and felt impressed to talk to them. We found a lady and her husband who were very receptive and happy to have met us. We watched "The Restoration" the movie about Joseph Smith and the first vision and the wife said she really felt a peace as we talked with them and that she had always had the same question about why there were so many churches in the world and which was the truth. So we left them the commitment to pray and ask if what we taught was true and we have another lesson tomorrow to see how it went.
We also have continued working with the Caballero family; we had a lesson on Saturday with them. We invited John (17) who always goes with us and is getting ready for his mission and Gina (another YM from the branch). We had a really good lesson and taught about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We got to the section on baptism and taught it and invited the daughter (Saira) the son and the dad of the family to be baptized on the 27th and they all accepted. The mom has been inactive for a long time but is now starting to come back. Unfortunately on Sunday the dad didn't come to church so we are going to have to work more with him but the 2 teenagers came and really liked it and bonded well with all the youth here so they seem to be sure for the 27th. We’ll have to work hard with them because now is when the most temptations always come but things are looking good and I am very excited to have such great people who are receiving the gospel.
Sunday was also another good day. The classes etc are all functioning very well. One of the speakers didn't come so I spoke again, but I had a few things prepared on faith so it went well.
I am getting along very well with Elder Moreno, he is a very good guy so we have made good friends and he has helped a lot. It’s amazing how fast the weeks go. The transfer is already half over! It could be that I only have 3 weeks left here. I almost hope I get to stay a little longer. Although it’s a sauna here I really have gotten to love the people here a ton and it’s going to be tough the day I get transferred.
After I finish this letter, we are going to go play basketball with some kids from the branch and then it’s back to the battlefield. For this week, my comp and I have decided we want to work harder than we ever have and we have set a goal to teach 35 lessons. So I’ll have to fill you in on how it went next week.
I really know the church is true, it’s amazing how much the spirit teaches you and inspires you when you study and look and ask for it. My testimony has grown so much here. Well I love ya lots fam, have a good week, be of good cheer. Elder Barnard
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, February 08, 2010
February 8, 2010
Hey Family
It’s been another great week. We are in the hottest time of year here and it’s been... hot. The other day it got up to 107 and they said it "felt like" 116 with the humidity factor. So there has been plenty of water being drunk and plenty of sweating. But it’s always worth it when you get home and turn on the nice cold AC. This week we have made progress in both aspects of the work here and also had the Zone Conference in Bucaramanga so it was a good week.
We found a family to teach and found out that the mom is a member that has been inactive forever; all she basically remembers about the church is that she got baptized but never really went back. She was excited that we knocked on their door and to have us there. She said she really wanted her kids to have that type of influence in their lives and wanted them to go to church and stuff. The husband is a little bit closed but we are making friends with him and he will come around soon. The good thing is the mom and her daughter came to church and really liked it. The used to be “wild” youth of the branch made her feel welcome and took her to the class and talked with her and everything. We even got her signed up to go to seminary which starts next week. We also have found a few other families in our neighborhood to start working with so we now have some potentially good and progressing investigators.
On Friday we had the Zone Conf in Bucaramanga. Elder Gagliardi (My comp as AP) is now training to end his mission. The conference was really good. President Hacking talked a lot about obedience and how important it was for us to obey even the littlest things. We stayed the night in Real de Minas (My first area) where my first son Elder Larson (from Ogden) is now the zone leader and that always makes a dad proud.
The branch keeps on improving also. We had a very spiritual fast Sunday and lots of good testimonies. We got back up to 50 people again and our average for the year now is about 49 which is 10 up from what it was last year. The classes all turned out well but the biggest way I think the change can be seen is that the investigators felt good. Everyone welcomed them and chatted, they learned in the classes and the environment is just improved. We also had Priesthood executive committee and we are going to put emphasis on getting the home teachers and visiting teachers organized for good. Things are going very well with my comp and we are working very well together. The only problem is that he has something wrong with his ear and it’s like swelled up inside so we are going to have to go see a doctor tomorrow.
I have been reading the book of Mormon in every spare second to finish on time with the mission goal and it’s awesome. Every time you find new light and new inspiration from it. I am now about to finish Heleman and I’ve only need to read about 8 pages a day now to finish on time. I may have already said this but I want to invite you all to make sure you are getting your daily dose of scriptures. It really makes a difference when you have a good morning and a good study. My testimony and understanding of the gospel is growing tons. Before the mish I had my testimony because I felt it, but now I can express my testimony with scriptures and more understanding than I ever had, and at the same time I realize there is soooo much more to learn.
Well I love the fam; you’re in my prayers and till next week. Elder B
It’s been another great week. We are in the hottest time of year here and it’s been... hot. The other day it got up to 107 and they said it "felt like" 116 with the humidity factor. So there has been plenty of water being drunk and plenty of sweating. But it’s always worth it when you get home and turn on the nice cold AC. This week we have made progress in both aspects of the work here and also had the Zone Conference in Bucaramanga so it was a good week.
We found a family to teach and found out that the mom is a member that has been inactive forever; all she basically remembers about the church is that she got baptized but never really went back. She was excited that we knocked on their door and to have us there. She said she really wanted her kids to have that type of influence in their lives and wanted them to go to church and stuff. The husband is a little bit closed but we are making friends with him and he will come around soon. The good thing is the mom and her daughter came to church and really liked it. The used to be “wild” youth of the branch made her feel welcome and took her to the class and talked with her and everything. We even got her signed up to go to seminary which starts next week. We also have found a few other families in our neighborhood to start working with so we now have some potentially good and progressing investigators.
On Friday we had the Zone Conf in Bucaramanga. Elder Gagliardi (My comp as AP) is now training to end his mission. The conference was really good. President Hacking talked a lot about obedience and how important it was for us to obey even the littlest things. We stayed the night in Real de Minas (My first area) where my first son Elder Larson (from Ogden) is now the zone leader and that always makes a dad proud.
The branch keeps on improving also. We had a very spiritual fast Sunday and lots of good testimonies. We got back up to 50 people again and our average for the year now is about 49 which is 10 up from what it was last year. The classes all turned out well but the biggest way I think the change can be seen is that the investigators felt good. Everyone welcomed them and chatted, they learned in the classes and the environment is just improved. We also had Priesthood executive committee and we are going to put emphasis on getting the home teachers and visiting teachers organized for good. Things are going very well with my comp and we are working very well together. The only problem is that he has something wrong with his ear and it’s like swelled up inside so we are going to have to go see a doctor tomorrow.
I have been reading the book of Mormon in every spare second to finish on time with the mission goal and it’s awesome. Every time you find new light and new inspiration from it. I am now about to finish Heleman and I’ve only need to read about 8 pages a day now to finish on time. I may have already said this but I want to invite you all to make sure you are getting your daily dose of scriptures. It really makes a difference when you have a good morning and a good study. My testimony and understanding of the gospel is growing tons. Before the mish I had my testimony because I felt it, but now I can express my testimony with scriptures and more understanding than I ever had, and at the same time I realize there is soooo much more to learn.
Well I love the fam; you’re in my prayers and till next week. Elder B
Monday, February 01, 2010
February 1, 2010
Wow, it’s still weird for me to see 2010 when I write the date and now it’s already February! Time really is flying, I am loving life here where I am and we have had a very good work week. I was glad to hear that everything is going well with the family. I can tell that our family is being very blessed.
President Hacking called the other day to see how all was going. He said he knew I had a lot on my plate but that we were doing a good job and to keep working. He also said that they are planning to put in the first councilor as Branch President the first week in March. That is so exciting. I have one month left being Branch President which is good. It’s been such a learning experience and so far I feel like we have done a lot but at the end of the day these people are the ones to take charge. I know that there are only 3 branches right now but I hope and pray someday down the road that there will be a Barranca Stake. I would love to come back to Colombia to attend the first stake conference.
It was a very good week here in the Lord’s work. This was the first week with my new comp. He is very outgoing and bold when he teaches and contacts etc. Elder M is excited to work hard and talk to everyone and invite them to listen to us. So I can tell it is going to be a great help to have a motivated companion.
We found 19 new investigators this week and although it’s a given that not all (or many) will progress, I have faith that there are some "elect" in there and we will keep looking for the rest. We have a challenge in the mission to read the Book of Mormon before March so lately I have kicked it into high gear because I was behind but it’s been great and I keep learning tons every time.
We are now settled in to the new house and have spent the last few days getting to know all the neighbors. We have found a few investigators among them. We are set with AC in the study room and bedroom which is always great and we have a fridge, ironing board, stove and sandwich cooker.
Lately, I have been making crepes just like the ones we have at home. We found some maple syrup at the store and so we have been eating delicious crepes for breakfast. There is also a little cement soccer court by our house so we have been going in the mornings to jump and do exercise etc. I’m actually the same weight I was when I started the mission.
Sunday we had a great day in church. The good thing is that every week church is improving and the organizations are now working. They are planning their own activities and the classes and meetings are spiritual. This week I decided to visit the youth Sunday school and it was a good class. Yes, the same teenage kids actually listened to their teacher and had the spirit there and learned. I really love the people here. I am very confident that some of the new people that we are going to be bringing to church will be able to feel the spirit now and be able to progress.
Today for P day we went to David and Shirley’s and had a little barbecue and ate mashed potatoes and just rested. Tonight, it’s back to work - we have a family home evening and it’s off to start another good week of work.
I love you family, I am always grateful for your support. You’re always in my prayers. You said the young women sent a package several months ago, but it has never arrived so I hope that it was not stolen.
I will talk to ya next week, with mucho amor, Elder Barnard
President Hacking called the other day to see how all was going. He said he knew I had a lot on my plate but that we were doing a good job and to keep working. He also said that they are planning to put in the first councilor as Branch President the first week in March. That is so exciting. I have one month left being Branch President which is good. It’s been such a learning experience and so far I feel like we have done a lot but at the end of the day these people are the ones to take charge. I know that there are only 3 branches right now but I hope and pray someday down the road that there will be a Barranca Stake. I would love to come back to Colombia to attend the first stake conference.
It was a very good week here in the Lord’s work. This was the first week with my new comp. He is very outgoing and bold when he teaches and contacts etc. Elder M is excited to work hard and talk to everyone and invite them to listen to us. So I can tell it is going to be a great help to have a motivated companion.
We found 19 new investigators this week and although it’s a given that not all (or many) will progress, I have faith that there are some "elect" in there and we will keep looking for the rest. We have a challenge in the mission to read the Book of Mormon before March so lately I have kicked it into high gear because I was behind but it’s been great and I keep learning tons every time.
We are now settled in to the new house and have spent the last few days getting to know all the neighbors. We have found a few investigators among them. We are set with AC in the study room and bedroom which is always great and we have a fridge, ironing board, stove and sandwich cooker.
Lately, I have been making crepes just like the ones we have at home. We found some maple syrup at the store and so we have been eating delicious crepes for breakfast. There is also a little cement soccer court by our house so we have been going in the mornings to jump and do exercise etc. I’m actually the same weight I was when I started the mission.
Sunday we had a great day in church. The good thing is that every week church is improving and the organizations are now working. They are planning their own activities and the classes and meetings are spiritual. This week I decided to visit the youth Sunday school and it was a good class. Yes, the same teenage kids actually listened to their teacher and had the spirit there and learned. I really love the people here. I am very confident that some of the new people that we are going to be bringing to church will be able to feel the spirit now and be able to progress.
Today for P day we went to David and Shirley’s and had a little barbecue and ate mashed potatoes and just rested. Tonight, it’s back to work - we have a family home evening and it’s off to start another good week of work.
I love you family, I am always grateful for your support. You’re always in my prayers. You said the young women sent a package several months ago, but it has never arrived so I hope that it was not stolen.
I will talk to ya next week, with mucho amor, Elder Barnard
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 25, 2010
Hola fam,
It’s been another hot week in Barranca. It’s also been another hot transfer in Barranca. Another 6 weeks is all over and that means more changes in the mission. This transfer there were 20 missionaries leaving and 20 new ones so lots of changes in the mish. Here in Barranca there have been a few. Elder Williams got transferred to Bogotá (I’ll miss him) and tomorrow his replacement from Paraguay comes. Elder Jimenez, my good buddy from Argentina also got transferred to finish his last transfer in San Gil and tomorrow Elder Furmanski (Utah) comes to be Elder Zari`s companion. And last of all, my son Elder Ravanales has been transferred. He is getting shipped off to San Luis (Bogotá) and my new companion comes tomorrow. His name is Elder Moreno. I am pretty sure he is from Bolivia. When I was the AP I got to know the new missionaries coming in so I already know him. He seems like a really humble, good guy. Now he has about 7 months or so in the mission so he should be a good help. It will be sad to see little Ravi leave but transfers are a good thing and always a good learning opportunity. I imagine he is a hard worker so I think we will do very well.
Some branch members got to go to the temple. They have been saving up by selling tamales (not like the Mexican ones) and actually a really good group went. There were at least 20 and two couples went to be sealed :) I did some last minute interviews for a few that went and then we wished them off on their bus from the church. It was great to see what an exciting and spiritual experience it was for them. They say the youth did baptisms like crazy and they were all excited and you could really see how happy and uplifted they were from the trip. Unfortunately they got home really late Saturday night (early Sunday morning) and some didn’t make it to church.
It was one of the most spiritual Sundays we have had. The individual faith and commitment of our members really help. We finally have all the organizations and classes organized. With the uplifting experience of the temple attendance and the increased enthusiasm of the members now working, our branch is doing great. As we went around Sunday and spent time in some of the classes etc. it was just really rewarding to see people teaching and participating in the class and planning activities and being friendly with each other. Comparing it with 2 1/2 months ago, it really seems like a new branch and the attitude is so positive. I love the people here. It is great getting to know them and listen to them and talk with them and participate in the activities etc. There are people here who are actually doing things like the Savior in his church. So our plans will be to continue visiting them and serving them and looking for those who are lost and keep on keeping on.
Investigator life is stiiiiiill hard. Marissa is seeming like she isn’t going to leave her boyfriend yet and we find investigators but they don’t seem to progress. I think now that the branch is looking better we are going to start working harder with the members to get references from them instead of knocking on so many doors. We have a mission challenge to finish the BoM before March so I’m using every spare second to read and it’s great. It’s amazing how you pick up new things and feel the spirit every time you read it. I really do know the Book of Mormon is true, with tough time like there have been here, it’s been a big help to me. I love the great examples of missionaries in the Book of Mormon.
In the good news of the week... after 2 transfers of living in bad apartments and hotels and far away houses, we finally have a house in our area. I don’t remember if I wrote last week but there are some members who have a house here that they rent out and the people who were there just left, so we got the contract done right away. They fixed it up a little and now we are all moved in. It’s about 12 minutes to walk to the chapel and it’s in a decent, quiet neighborhood. It’s not the nicest house and it’s little but it’s what we need. There are3 little bedrooms, 1 bath, a tiny kitchen and a place to hang up the clothes. But there is a park nearby to do exercise in the mornings so we are very happy. Also the mission let us put in AC so we now have nice air conditioners in the bedroom and study room. I guess when things are too easy they aren’t worth it. I know this will be a great lesson / experience for me to remember throughout my whole life.
Well I am about out of time. And so we start another transfer in Barranca. I want to make the most out of it. I want to be a really helpful Branch President and give my best effort. I’m excited to see how things go with my new comp and get started working with him. Thanks for everything fam, I will talk to ya next week. Love Elder B
It’s been another hot week in Barranca. It’s also been another hot transfer in Barranca. Another 6 weeks is all over and that means more changes in the mission. This transfer there were 20 missionaries leaving and 20 new ones so lots of changes in the mish. Here in Barranca there have been a few. Elder Williams got transferred to Bogotá (I’ll miss him) and tomorrow his replacement from Paraguay comes. Elder Jimenez, my good buddy from Argentina also got transferred to finish his last transfer in San Gil and tomorrow Elder Furmanski (Utah) comes to be Elder Zari`s companion. And last of all, my son Elder Ravanales has been transferred. He is getting shipped off to San Luis (Bogotá) and my new companion comes tomorrow. His name is Elder Moreno. I am pretty sure he is from Bolivia. When I was the AP I got to know the new missionaries coming in so I already know him. He seems like a really humble, good guy. Now he has about 7 months or so in the mission so he should be a good help. It will be sad to see little Ravi leave but transfers are a good thing and always a good learning opportunity. I imagine he is a hard worker so I think we will do very well.
Some branch members got to go to the temple. They have been saving up by selling tamales (not like the Mexican ones) and actually a really good group went. There were at least 20 and two couples went to be sealed :) I did some last minute interviews for a few that went and then we wished them off on their bus from the church. It was great to see what an exciting and spiritual experience it was for them. They say the youth did baptisms like crazy and they were all excited and you could really see how happy and uplifted they were from the trip. Unfortunately they got home really late Saturday night (early Sunday morning) and some didn’t make it to church.
It was one of the most spiritual Sundays we have had. The individual faith and commitment of our members really help. We finally have all the organizations and classes organized. With the uplifting experience of the temple attendance and the increased enthusiasm of the members now working, our branch is doing great. As we went around Sunday and spent time in some of the classes etc. it was just really rewarding to see people teaching and participating in the class and planning activities and being friendly with each other. Comparing it with 2 1/2 months ago, it really seems like a new branch and the attitude is so positive. I love the people here. It is great getting to know them and listen to them and talk with them and participate in the activities etc. There are people here who are actually doing things like the Savior in his church. So our plans will be to continue visiting them and serving them and looking for those who are lost and keep on keeping on.
Investigator life is stiiiiiill hard. Marissa is seeming like she isn’t going to leave her boyfriend yet and we find investigators but they don’t seem to progress. I think now that the branch is looking better we are going to start working harder with the members to get references from them instead of knocking on so many doors. We have a mission challenge to finish the BoM before March so I’m using every spare second to read and it’s great. It’s amazing how you pick up new things and feel the spirit every time you read it. I really do know the Book of Mormon is true, with tough time like there have been here, it’s been a big help to me. I love the great examples of missionaries in the Book of Mormon.
In the good news of the week... after 2 transfers of living in bad apartments and hotels and far away houses, we finally have a house in our area. I don’t remember if I wrote last week but there are some members who have a house here that they rent out and the people who were there just left, so we got the contract done right away. They fixed it up a little and now we are all moved in. It’s about 12 minutes to walk to the chapel and it’s in a decent, quiet neighborhood. It’s not the nicest house and it’s little but it’s what we need. There are3 little bedrooms, 1 bath, a tiny kitchen and a place to hang up the clothes. But there is a park nearby to do exercise in the mornings so we are very happy. Also the mission let us put in AC so we now have nice air conditioners in the bedroom and study room. I guess when things are too easy they aren’t worth it. I know this will be a great lesson / experience for me to remember throughout my whole life.
Well I am about out of time. And so we start another transfer in Barranca. I want to make the most out of it. I want to be a really helpful Branch President and give my best effort. I’m excited to see how things go with my new comp and get started working with him. Thanks for everything fam, I will talk to ya next week. Love Elder B
Monday, January 18, 2010
January 18, 2010
Hey there good old fam.
It’s been another week here in Barrancabermeja, Santander, Colombia. Just when I thought I was getting used to the heat I think we got struck with the hottest week yet. So we have drenched shirts every day but that’s life.
If you noticed I am writing from a different email address. The church changed the whole system and now instead of dinky novell email with 50 mb inbox, we have myldsmail thru gmail with 7400 mb inbox. So that means all my contacts and organization stuff is much better and now I have room for all the pictures and letters in the world (whereas before I had to delete anything big) so that’s cool. the addresses were automatically generated so they stuck me with William instead of Will but oh well. They have it set up so that all the mail that gets sent to the old one will be automatically forwarded to this one at least for a while, but you might as well just start writing here. But no worries I got all the letters from this week.
Now as far as the work in this neck of the woods. We had another hot week of work. Lots of time looking for new investigators and lots of time preparing for the branch activity. We used an idea my comp got from a young men’s thing. We spent the whole week inviting people etc. and on Friday we had "Noche de los talentos". First we gathered everyone together in the chapel and told them we had gathered together ppl from all over the world to teach us their international talents. We invited the other Elders to help us. We then made copies of monopoly type money and gave everyone 10 pesos. In each classroom of the church we had different activates set up to spend your "talents" on. We set it up so that there was productive activities (in which you gain more talents) and unproductive activities (which cost talents to participate in) Elder Williams from Las Vegas had a "casino" with dice and checkers that you had to pay to get in and play. Elder Jimenez from Argentina had a tattoo shop (you pay and he draws something on your arm). And Elder Mura from Chile had a Chilean bar (pay for cups of pop). Then we set up Elder Zari from Peru (studied medicine) to teach some first aid and Sister Serrano (from the branch) to teach how to make little craft things. Those who participated in the productive ones gained money at the end. So we gave them 20 minutes to go wild. In the end all the little kids went crazy and wasted their money while the adults did the productive things and got more talents at the end. Haha it was supposed to work out so that at the end we could compare it to the parable but Elder Williams started gambling with the little kids and some left with like 200 pesos. Ha but anyway everyone really enjoyed it and it was a good time to raise unity with the members. After we watched a little ces video and had refreshments (potato chip mix, little sandwiches and juice) that we bought and the relief society helped us prepare. So at the end of the day there was a good turnout and it was a good opportunity to get together and have a good time as a branch.
Things were also going well with Marisa until our last lesson... we arrived to the dramatic moment, invited her to be baptized on the 23d and she accepted, but then said she wanted to clear up one thing first. She really isn’t married to her "husband", they just live together. Basically he works away from home 2 out of 3 weeks and is not very good to her. She wants to separate from him but it’s tough economically etc. so she said she would think about what she was going to do and have a decision the next time we meet. Obviously she can’t get baptized if she lives with a guy she isn’t married to so hopefully she will leave him but we have to just wait and see what she says. We just gotta keep looking and doing our best to help the investigators we have.
Sunday was another very good day in church. We had 54 people come which is less than last week but the drop off was very small and every week the enthusiasm seems to go up. We figured out that last year the average was 39 and in the last 4 weeks we have now had 50, 42, 60 and 54 so there are definitely more people encouraged and remembering their testimony. Usually the counselor in the district is there but yesterday he wasn’t so it was the first time I presided over a church meeting in my life. I gave a talk about the book of Mormon and why it’s so important and why I know it’s true. It went very well. Also we continue fixing up the organizations and finding assignments and giving attention to everyone possible. So on that side of the work I am very excited to see how far we can go. We are doing the best we can to help prepare Brother B and he seems to have come a long way also.
Another crazy thing on Sunday was that we had to rush and get tithing settlement done. They had told us about it a while ago but just barely explained to us how to do it with the computer system etc. So I used the advice President Hacking gave me about it and used what was in the manual and it went through well. It’s amazing how much some people just want to be listened to. It’s like a magic button when you invite someone into the office or shut the door or visit their house. People just need to talk to someone and tell them what’s going on, or what they’re lacking or what they need. It’s been really an experience to see the trust people put in you when you sit down with them and how much the spirit guides you to say what they need to hear and help them. That’s not just a Branch President thing, it's a missionary thing or a friend thing also. But having the chance to interview people has made me realize just how important it is to really listen to people. Just let them talk and take a load off their shoulders and then follow what the Spirit says to help them. So this is a big testimony builder, I can see how much the Spirit really can guide when you look to help and how it literally just puts words in your mouth.
The normal transfers will be announced next Sunday but they told us yesterday that because some of the new Elders are getting here early, about half of the transfers will be announced tonight. Traveling will be on Thursday.
In other news we found a member who is renting a little house finally in our area. We have wasted so much time looking for somewhere to live and there is NOTHING. So it looks like we will finally have a house. The last weeks we have been on the other side of the city with the Elders Zari and Jimenez in their house. At first we were in a hot room upstairs with a noisy fan. But now we found a way to get our mattresses into a little room downstairs that has air conditioning, so we have enjoyed that. It’s possible that we could be in the new house this week. We’ll have to see.
Today was a good pday. We went to the banks of the river here (like a dock thing) where you can see the river and they have fish restaurants all along the side. So we ate some good Rio Magdalena fish and got some good pics and then went and saw the big bridges that crosses the river. The other side is another area so we were on the very edge of the mission, and could even see the Colombia cali mission.
Well I don’t think I have anymore news or comments about this week. I hope we can have success here and I’m interested to see what happens in the next week with transfers and the new house etc. Thanks for everything fam, I love ya much and have a good week. Love Elder Barnard
It’s been another week here in Barrancabermeja, Santander, Colombia. Just when I thought I was getting used to the heat I think we got struck with the hottest week yet. So we have drenched shirts every day but that’s life.
If you noticed I am writing from a different email address. The church changed the whole system and now instead of dinky novell email with 50 mb inbox, we have myldsmail thru gmail with 7400 mb inbox. So that means all my contacts and organization stuff is much better and now I have room for all the pictures and letters in the world (whereas before I had to delete anything big) so that’s cool. the addresses were automatically generated so they stuck me with William instead of Will but oh well. They have it set up so that all the mail that gets sent to the old one will be automatically forwarded to this one at least for a while, but you might as well just start writing here. But no worries I got all the letters from this week.
Now as far as the work in this neck of the woods. We had another hot week of work. Lots of time looking for new investigators and lots of time preparing for the branch activity. We used an idea my comp got from a young men’s thing. We spent the whole week inviting people etc. and on Friday we had "Noche de los talentos". First we gathered everyone together in the chapel and told them we had gathered together ppl from all over the world to teach us their international talents. We invited the other Elders to help us. We then made copies of monopoly type money and gave everyone 10 pesos. In each classroom of the church we had different activates set up to spend your "talents" on. We set it up so that there was productive activities (in which you gain more talents) and unproductive activities (which cost talents to participate in) Elder Williams from Las Vegas had a "casino" with dice and checkers that you had to pay to get in and play. Elder Jimenez from Argentina had a tattoo shop (you pay and he draws something on your arm). And Elder Mura from Chile had a Chilean bar (pay for cups of pop). Then we set up Elder Zari from Peru (studied medicine) to teach some first aid and Sister Serrano (from the branch) to teach how to make little craft things. Those who participated in the productive ones gained money at the end. So we gave them 20 minutes to go wild. In the end all the little kids went crazy and wasted their money while the adults did the productive things and got more talents at the end. Haha it was supposed to work out so that at the end we could compare it to the parable but Elder Williams started gambling with the little kids and some left with like 200 pesos. Ha but anyway everyone really enjoyed it and it was a good time to raise unity with the members. After we watched a little ces video and had refreshments (potato chip mix, little sandwiches and juice) that we bought and the relief society helped us prepare. So at the end of the day there was a good turnout and it was a good opportunity to get together and have a good time as a branch.
Things were also going well with Marisa until our last lesson... we arrived to the dramatic moment, invited her to be baptized on the 23d and she accepted, but then said she wanted to clear up one thing first. She really isn’t married to her "husband", they just live together. Basically he works away from home 2 out of 3 weeks and is not very good to her. She wants to separate from him but it’s tough economically etc. so she said she would think about what she was going to do and have a decision the next time we meet. Obviously she can’t get baptized if she lives with a guy she isn’t married to so hopefully she will leave him but we have to just wait and see what she says. We just gotta keep looking and doing our best to help the investigators we have.
Sunday was another very good day in church. We had 54 people come which is less than last week but the drop off was very small and every week the enthusiasm seems to go up. We figured out that last year the average was 39 and in the last 4 weeks we have now had 50, 42, 60 and 54 so there are definitely more people encouraged and remembering their testimony. Usually the counselor in the district is there but yesterday he wasn’t so it was the first time I presided over a church meeting in my life. I gave a talk about the book of Mormon and why it’s so important and why I know it’s true. It went very well. Also we continue fixing up the organizations and finding assignments and giving attention to everyone possible. So on that side of the work I am very excited to see how far we can go. We are doing the best we can to help prepare Brother B and he seems to have come a long way also.
Another crazy thing on Sunday was that we had to rush and get tithing settlement done. They had told us about it a while ago but just barely explained to us how to do it with the computer system etc. So I used the advice President Hacking gave me about it and used what was in the manual and it went through well. It’s amazing how much some people just want to be listened to. It’s like a magic button when you invite someone into the office or shut the door or visit their house. People just need to talk to someone and tell them what’s going on, or what they’re lacking or what they need. It’s been really an experience to see the trust people put in you when you sit down with them and how much the spirit guides you to say what they need to hear and help them. That’s not just a Branch President thing, it's a missionary thing or a friend thing also. But having the chance to interview people has made me realize just how important it is to really listen to people. Just let them talk and take a load off their shoulders and then follow what the Spirit says to help them. So this is a big testimony builder, I can see how much the Spirit really can guide when you look to help and how it literally just puts words in your mouth.
The normal transfers will be announced next Sunday but they told us yesterday that because some of the new Elders are getting here early, about half of the transfers will be announced tonight. Traveling will be on Thursday.
In other news we found a member who is renting a little house finally in our area. We have wasted so much time looking for somewhere to live and there is NOTHING. So it looks like we will finally have a house. The last weeks we have been on the other side of the city with the Elders Zari and Jimenez in their house. At first we were in a hot room upstairs with a noisy fan. But now we found a way to get our mattresses into a little room downstairs that has air conditioning, so we have enjoyed that. It’s possible that we could be in the new house this week. We’ll have to see.
Today was a good pday. We went to the banks of the river here (like a dock thing) where you can see the river and they have fish restaurants all along the side. So we ate some good Rio Magdalena fish and got some good pics and then went and saw the big bridges that crosses the river. The other side is another area so we were on the very edge of the mission, and could even see the Colombia cali mission.
Well I don’t think I have anymore news or comments about this week. I hope we can have success here and I’m interested to see what happens in the next week with transfers and the new house etc. Thanks for everything fam, I love ya much and have a good week. Love Elder Barnard
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 11, 2010
Well fam it has been another good week here in Barranca :) We are doing very well right now and we had a good week of work even with the heat and humidity.
This transfer 18 Elders go home and 19 new ones arrive which means lots of changes. Last week I wrote Pres Hacking and told him a little of what was going on here etc, the challenges we’ve had and just asked for advice. So with perfect timing this week he came to Barranca to interview us all and then stayed until Sunday and went to our branch! The interviews went great. He asked what the challenges were here and about the church members. We have lots to do so we’ll just keep trying our very best. Pres Hacking really is great, he knows how to get you feeling good and inspired to do your best. He told me he knew I was under a lot of pressure here as Branch President in addition to being a missionary. He also said that I had and was gaining lots and lots of experience and when my first councillor was trained and ready to take over as Branch President, then he needed to decide at some point where else he could use me in the mish later on.
As far as the things here right now I would say they are at a high. As I said, President Hacking decided he would go to Pinos on Sunday for church, which is the first time in years a mish pres has gone to the little chapel house. So we didn’t have much time but we told a few ppl. Also our investigator Marisa and her 2 kids finally came to church and loved it. She is reading the Book of Mormon and is already in Jacob and says she really feels like it’s true. She feels peace when she reads. So we finally have progressing investigators.
Sunday was excellent. The attendance for sacrament meeting was up to 60! The average for all last year was 39 and the last 3 weeks we have had 50, 43 and now 60. The little chapel was about stuffed and Pres Hacking gave an awesome talk. As we were sitting there about to start he leaned over and said "What would you like me to talk about?" haha so I told him Unity and Love in the branch, because that’s what it needs. So he opened his scrips, took a few notes during the meeting and got up and gave a talk about unity and love in the church, cool. Then we combined Relief Society and Priesthood so he could give them the class and after church he got a few temple recommends taken care of. So in few words the branch is about at its high.
We have been all week with the list of neighborhoods visiting the less actives and although most aren’t even there anymore, we have found some and they are coming back. One brother who used to be branch president but went inactive has now attended two times in a row and it seems like enthusiasm is going up. Also for this Friday we have planned a branch activity. It is a cool idea my comp got from a young mens activity he did where you give everyone "talents" or coins etc. In the different rooms of the church we will set up activities where they can spend talents or earn new ones. Some of the bad ones are things like a tattoo parlor, a casino and the good ones are things like a first aid class or to learn other skills. So we are going to set up and decorate all the rooms to be different stations and then have a short message and snack. We put signs all over the church and have been giving little invitations to everyone with a line where they have to write the name of a friend that they will invite. So our hopes are that everyone possible comes and we fill up the little church and can build some unity and bring back some lost sheep.
So as you can tell it’s been an interesting week. We are very excited and things seem to finally be getting better. My little testimony for this letter is that adversity and trials really can serve to help us wake up and look for solutions and learn. I really am grateful that we can now see things improving in the branch as they have and I hope we can keep improving ourselves to keep them going.
I know the church is true. I love the gospel and my mission and the people. I’m learning a ton and I’m sure someday I’ll remember my time in Barrancabermeja as some of my best memories. You are in my prayers always and I know things will go well. Have a good week and we will talk to you next time. Love Elder B
This transfer 18 Elders go home and 19 new ones arrive which means lots of changes. Last week I wrote Pres Hacking and told him a little of what was going on here etc, the challenges we’ve had and just asked for advice. So with perfect timing this week he came to Barranca to interview us all and then stayed until Sunday and went to our branch! The interviews went great. He asked what the challenges were here and about the church members. We have lots to do so we’ll just keep trying our very best. Pres Hacking really is great, he knows how to get you feeling good and inspired to do your best. He told me he knew I was under a lot of pressure here as Branch President in addition to being a missionary. He also said that I had and was gaining lots and lots of experience and when my first councillor was trained and ready to take over as Branch President, then he needed to decide at some point where else he could use me in the mish later on.
As far as the things here right now I would say they are at a high. As I said, President Hacking decided he would go to Pinos on Sunday for church, which is the first time in years a mish pres has gone to the little chapel house. So we didn’t have much time but we told a few ppl. Also our investigator Marisa and her 2 kids finally came to church and loved it. She is reading the Book of Mormon and is already in Jacob and says she really feels like it’s true. She feels peace when she reads. So we finally have progressing investigators.
Sunday was excellent. The attendance for sacrament meeting was up to 60! The average for all last year was 39 and the last 3 weeks we have had 50, 43 and now 60. The little chapel was about stuffed and Pres Hacking gave an awesome talk. As we were sitting there about to start he leaned over and said "What would you like me to talk about?" haha so I told him Unity and Love in the branch, because that’s what it needs. So he opened his scrips, took a few notes during the meeting and got up and gave a talk about unity and love in the church, cool. Then we combined Relief Society and Priesthood so he could give them the class and after church he got a few temple recommends taken care of. So in few words the branch is about at its high.
We have been all week with the list of neighborhoods visiting the less actives and although most aren’t even there anymore, we have found some and they are coming back. One brother who used to be branch president but went inactive has now attended two times in a row and it seems like enthusiasm is going up. Also for this Friday we have planned a branch activity. It is a cool idea my comp got from a young mens activity he did where you give everyone "talents" or coins etc. In the different rooms of the church we will set up activities where they can spend talents or earn new ones. Some of the bad ones are things like a tattoo parlor, a casino and the good ones are things like a first aid class or to learn other skills. So we are going to set up and decorate all the rooms to be different stations and then have a short message and snack. We put signs all over the church and have been giving little invitations to everyone with a line where they have to write the name of a friend that they will invite. So our hopes are that everyone possible comes and we fill up the little church and can build some unity and bring back some lost sheep.
So as you can tell it’s been an interesting week. We are very excited and things seem to finally be getting better. My little testimony for this letter is that adversity and trials really can serve to help us wake up and look for solutions and learn. I really am grateful that we can now see things improving in the branch as they have and I hope we can keep improving ourselves to keep them going.
I know the church is true. I love the gospel and my mission and the people. I’m learning a ton and I’m sure someday I’ll remember my time in Barrancabermeja as some of my best memories. You are in my prayers always and I know things will go well. Have a good week and we will talk to you next time. Love Elder B
Monday, January 04, 2010
Brand New Year
January 4, 2010
Hey Fam,
Its been quite another week here in Barranca. The new year went very well. We went to David and Shirley’s again and had a nice dinner with the other elders etc, and then just hung out and talked again with the other elders. There were also a few of the elders from my group that are in Bogota so I talked with them a little.
With the new year we set high new years resolutions to do everything we can. So the year is very new but we haven’t wasted any time since it started and have been working 100%. It is really hard to find investigators who will fulfill their commitments but we’re going to keep looking for them.
The attitude of the branch is improving a ton and we can already see the changes. Yesterday was fast Sunday, the attendance was up again to 40 something members there. The testimony meeting went very well.
Also after discussion and prayer we decided how to fill many of the empty callings here and so between the 3 of us (me, comp, bro Benavides) we spent Sunday interviewing ppl and extending their calls to them. It was quite an experience. The members accepted their callings and most seemed very excited to have a job to do in the church and I know it will help many more get involved. After we had ward council with all the presidencies and started to get things planned for the coming months. This Sunday we are going to have a training session with all the leaders to teach them exactly what they have to do and how. Next week we are planning a ward party to welcome in the new year and just to have a good time and build unity. We are learning tons about how to manage situations etc in the church but like I said we are seeing tons of progress in our branch.
We just have to find the way to get some new people because that is our first job as missionaries. But I finished the list that has every neighborhood and all the members (418) that live in each one so this week we are going to see as many as we can. I have faith that we will find some people.
That is what is so great about the mission is all the lessons you learn and my testimony has been strengthened so much. So I know I’m not perfect but I have promised myself that I won’t waste one second of my last calender year in the mish, I can’t believe how fast it’s going. So I’m going to try my best to improve for this new year and hopefully the Lord can help me.
I love you tons fam, you’re in my prayers. Thanks for everything, until next time, Elder B
Hey Fam,
Its been quite another week here in Barranca. The new year went very well. We went to David and Shirley’s again and had a nice dinner with the other elders etc, and then just hung out and talked again with the other elders. There were also a few of the elders from my group that are in Bogota so I talked with them a little.
With the new year we set high new years resolutions to do everything we can. So the year is very new but we haven’t wasted any time since it started and have been working 100%. It is really hard to find investigators who will fulfill their commitments but we’re going to keep looking for them.
The attitude of the branch is improving a ton and we can already see the changes. Yesterday was fast Sunday, the attendance was up again to 40 something members there. The testimony meeting went very well.
Also after discussion and prayer we decided how to fill many of the empty callings here and so between the 3 of us (me, comp, bro Benavides) we spent Sunday interviewing ppl and extending their calls to them. It was quite an experience. The members accepted their callings and most seemed very excited to have a job to do in the church and I know it will help many more get involved. After we had ward council with all the presidencies and started to get things planned for the coming months. This Sunday we are going to have a training session with all the leaders to teach them exactly what they have to do and how. Next week we are planning a ward party to welcome in the new year and just to have a good time and build unity. We are learning tons about how to manage situations etc in the church but like I said we are seeing tons of progress in our branch.
We just have to find the way to get some new people because that is our first job as missionaries. But I finished the list that has every neighborhood and all the members (418) that live in each one so this week we are going to see as many as we can. I have faith that we will find some people.
That is what is so great about the mission is all the lessons you learn and my testimony has been strengthened so much. So I know I’m not perfect but I have promised myself that I won’t waste one second of my last calender year in the mish, I can’t believe how fast it’s going. So I’m going to try my best to improve for this new year and hopefully the Lord can help me.
I love you tons fam, you’re in my prayers. Thanks for everything, until next time, Elder B
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