Five very special baptisms! 9-23-17

Let me introduce the Aguayo Regalado 

family from Ahuacatlan.

Here is my journal entry from Saturday:

What an unbelievable experience we have had today.  We drove to Ahuacatlan to attend the baptism of five brothers and sisters.  Brother and sister Aguayo Regalado are a blended family, and together have 8 children. Three of their older children are grown and on their own.  
One of their older daughters is a member of the church. Sister Aguayo Regalado is also good friends with the group leader, brother Pichardo’s daughter, who gave a a reference for the Aguayo Regalado family to be contacted by the missionaries in Ahuacatlan, which is just outside of Jala, and is in our assistant's area.

The assistants contacted the family, and they responded beautifully, recognizing the truths of the gospel, accepting the principles and doctrines, and desiring to be baptized and become an eternal family.  

They have made the necessary changes in their lives, and have seen first hand the blessings of the Lord come swiftly to them. Their older son is now taking the lessons, and is feeling the desire to follow his parents and younger brothers and sisters examples.

As is always the case, there have been challenges and difficulties along the way that they have had to deal with.  

Brother and sister Aguayo Regalado have been finalizing the paperwork for their marriage to be official, and have a baptism date in the coming weeks... but their five children were anxious to be baptized, and did not want to wait.  So, today was the day!

They chose a most beautiful place to be baptized right there in Ahuacatlan.  A secluded natural spring of clear water, with waterfalls spilling into other pools of water, and rock steps and winding pathways, build years and years ago, leading down to it.  It was gorgeous!  And reminded President and I of what the Waters of Mormon might have looked like.

Honestly, and seriously it was an incredible experience.
What a special feeling we had there, likening this place to another place so long ago where the same essential saving ordinances took place.

Saturday morning,we picked up our assistants, Elder Long and Elder Torres at the city plaza in Jala, and met the Aguayo Regalado’s, all piled into their big van, the children all dressed in white.  The group leader in Jala, brother Pichardo, had picked up district leader Elder Solares and his companion Elder Ramirez at the bus stop.  The Vazquez family, and President and sister Ocampo, President Clayton's mission presidency counselor and their daughter also joined us.  We car pooled through the pueblo of Ahuacatlan, and then pulled off the road and drove for some time winding along the dirt road, and passing corn fields, and palm trees going deep into the woods.

Finally we parked our cars tightly back to back just off the dirt road. And walked down steep rock steps down, down, down towards the sound of the water falls.  Each step revealed just how secluded and private, how gorgeous and perfect this place was to have these precious children be baptized.   

Well… it was a perfect and a priceless experience.  

I hope the pictures will do justice to the scene we witnessed.  

Each child chose a different priesthood holder to baptize them.

17 year old Miriam Yanely Aguayo Regalado - brother Pichardo

15 year old Enrique de Jesus Aguayo Regalado - brother Vazquez

14 year old Nancy Coret Zamorano Jaimes - Elder Long

13 year old Nahomy Lizeth Aguayo Regalado - President Ocampo

11 year old Christopher Alexis Aguayo Regalado - Elder Torres

My heart was filled each and every time I heard the words having been commissioned of Jesus Christ… (habiendo sido comisionado porJesucristo), and as I watched these honorable and worthy priesthood holders perform this most important and sacred ordinance.

I am positive angels were there to witness this glorious event… just like they have countless, countless times before.

I hope I never forget this day.  I truly and earnestly hope,  I never forget this day.

Here is the Aguayo Regalado family with their

five children ready to be baptized.

Here they are below with their older   

daughter and her little son, on the far left.

Pictured below with President and I,

and President Ocampo, 1st counselor in the 

Mission Presidency, on the far side. 

This spot was just so beautiful! 

We took lots of pictures. :)

Elder Long and Elder Torres 

My favorite picture of the day.

Each of the children chose someone
different to baptize them.

Pictured from left to right.

Brother Vazquez ~
with 15 year old Enrique de Jesus Aguayo Regalado

Elder Long ~
with 14 year old Nancy Coret Zamorano Jaimes

President Ocampo ~
with 13 year old Nahomy Lizeth Aguayo Regalado

Elder Torres ~
with 11 year old Christopher Alexis Aguayo Regalado

Brother Pichardo ~
with 17 year old Miriam Yanely Aguayo Regalado

What a beautiful day.

Baptisms 9-25-17

Welcome to our newest members of the Lord's church.
1.

This is Sister Silvia Guzman. Silvia is a woman who very valiantly put her trust in God despite many family trials and doubts about the church. After 5 years of investigating the church and searching for her answer, the great day arrived. Now she knows that the church is true and saved her life.

Elder Elmer, Elder García  

Ella es la hermana Silvia Guzmán. Silva es una mujer muy valiente que puso su confianza en dios a pesar de muchos desafíos familiares y algunas dudas de la iglesia. Después de 5 años investigando y buscando su respuesta, llegó el gran día. Ahora ella sabe que la iglesia es verdadera y salvo su vida.  

2.

Baptism of Yahir and Giovanni. We had the pleasure to teach them. They are very responsible, they strive to live the Gospel in their home, and both are a light for their family through their obedience to the gospel principles. They decided to enter the waters of baptism and follow the path the Savior showed us. They want to be missionaries one day when they are older.

Hermana Andrade - Hermana Velasquez

Bautismo de Yahir y Giovanni. Tuvimos el gusto de enseñarles. Son muy responsables, se esfuerzan por vivir el evangelio en su hogar, ambos son una luz para su familia por medio de su obediencia en los principios del evangelio. Decidieron entrar a las aguas del bautismo y seguir el camino que Cristo hizo para ellos. Quieren ser unos misioneros cuando sean grandes.

3.

4.

Brother Marcelino was a reference from his brother who is a member. He started to attend church a little more than a month ago. We met him and started to teach him, after we started teaching him he told us that he had separated from his wife for religious beliefs and that’s when he decided to become closer to his Father in Heaven and with a strong desire to learn more he accepted every commitment. From there he strove to receive a testimony that the church is true by praying, read the Book of Mormon and prepare to be baptized. By doing this he received many answers from the Holy Ghost, thanks to him gaining a testimony his family members are now preparing to be baptized as well, and he is preparing to go through the temple to do baptisms for his ancestors. He has a true desire to serve in God’s work.

Elder Solares, Elder Ramírez  

El Hermano Marcelino fue una referencia de su hermano quien es miembro. El comenzó a asistir a la capilla desde más de un mes. Lo conocimos y comenzamos a enseñarle, al comenzar la enseñanza él nos contó que se separó de su esposa por diferencias religiosas así que el decidió acercarse a la iglesia y con un firme deseo de aprender más, acepto cada compromiso. Desde entonces él se ha esforzado por recibir un testimonio de que esta iglesia es verdadera al orar, leer el Libro de Mormón y prepararse para recibir un Bautismo. Al hacer eso el recibió muchas veces una respuesta del espíritu, gracias a que el recibió su testimonio sus familiares ahora también se preparan para recibir un Bautismo, y él se sigue preparando para asistir al templo y bautizarse por sus antepasados. Él tiene un deseo sincero de servir en esta obra. 

5.

Hector is a very humble, good guy. From the first moment we met him, he showed his desire to follow the Savior and what he always said was that he wants to be able to be with his wife for eternity. He really had lots of progress from the second we gave him the Book of Mormon he was reading it, said his prayers and every Sunday he showed up early to the chapel, that’s how his testimony was forged. There were many trials the week of his baptism, but with faith and desire he could accomplish it, now his next goal is to go to the temple.

Elder Mejía y Elder González  

Héctor es una persona muy buena y humilde. Desde que le conocimos mostró su deseo de seguir al Salvador y lo que siempre nos decía es que quiere alcanzar la vida eterna junto con su esposa. Realmente tuvo un gran progreso desde que le dimos el libro de Mormón lo estuvo leyendo, hizo sus oraciones y cada Domingo llegaba temprano a la iglesia, así fue como forjo su testimonio. Hubo varias pruebas la semana de su bautismo, pero con fe y animo pudo lograrlo y ahora su próxima meta es el templo.

Baptisms 9- 11- 17 and 9-18-17

Here I am trying to catch up with all of the baptisms we have had here in the mission. :)
** please note that not all missionaries send in photos and write ups of the baptisms they have...              here is a sampling of the baptisms from the past few weeks.
1.

There was a lot of opposition before his baptism, but he overcame all of his trials. He had a couple of doubts but with time they went away. Now, after being baptized he prays for strength to continue keeping the commandments. He is converted.

Hermana Pérez, Hermana Cabrera  

Hubo mucha oposición para su bautismo, pero él pudo superar cada una de estas pruebas. Tuvo algunas dudas en el camino que fueron desapareciendo con el tiempo. ahora en sus oraciones él siempre pide fortaleza para poder vivir los mandamientos. Es un gran converso.

2.

Ignacio Madrigal. Ignacio was a reference we received from the U. S. A. He met the missionaries om Long Beach, California while he was there on vacation. He thought it was very special that two young men would dedicate their time to share a message of Jesus Christ, especially since most young folks have different interests now a days. He returned to Tecomán and we called him on the phone so that we could set an appointment with him. Since the first appointment he was very willing to make the necessary changes in his life. He was so willing that he accepted a baptismal goal so that he could prepare to return to his Heavenly Home.

His strongest motivation to continue was the support of the ward members. They were very friendly and they helped him to feel loved and comfortable in the church. A strong feeling grew within his heart. His daughter also listened to the missionaries in California. She was baptized the week before her father. Now the two families are preparing to unite together for all eternity.

Elder Acosta, Elder Cabrera

Ignacio Madrigal, fue una referencia que recibimos de los EE. UU. Conoció a los misioneros en Long Beach, California mientras él estaba de vacaciones. Le pareció algo muy especial que 2 jóvenes dedicaran su tiempo a poder compartir un mensaje de Jesucristo ya que hoy en día tiene intereses diferentes. Él regreso a Tecomán y lo contactamos por teléfono para poder hacer una cita con él. Desde la primera cita él estuvo dispuesto a hacer los cambios necesarios en su vida al grado que acepto una fecha meta para poder prepararse para regresar a casa...

Su interés que le motivo a continuar fue el apoyo de los miembros del barrio. Ellos fueron muy amigables con él y le ayudaron a sentirse querido y bien en la iglesia. Un sentimiento grande crecía en su interior. Su hija también estaba escuchando a los misioneros en California y ella se bautizó una semana antes que él. Ahora los 2 se preparan para unir su familia para siempre.

3.

Baptism of sister Graciela! We met her through the family of her husband. She really wanted to know more about the Church. She could see small things that she needed to change to be able to be baptized. From the beginning she accepted her baptismal date and from there she completed with all her commitments that we gave her. She was very attentive and she had many great questions to help her be sure of what she was about to do. A daughter of God who is willing to follow the will of the Lord. Now with her husband far away for work and two kids on the way, she is excited to prepare for the next step

Elder Custodio, Elder Manua

¡Bautismo de hermana Graciela!! Nos conocimos por la familia de su esposo. Ella tenía muchas ganas a conocer sobre la iglesia y pudría ver y cambiar pequeñas cosas que fue necesario a bautizarla. Desde el principio ella aceptó su fecha meta y desde allí se cumplió con todos los compromisos que extendimos. Fue muy atento y tenía preguntas buenas para ser segura del paso que va a tomar. Una hija de Dios que está dispuesto para hacer la voluntad de él. Ahora con su esposo lejos por trabajo y con su niño y niña que viene, está animada a prepararse por los pasos que sigue.

4.

Amayrani and Tania are the first to be baptized in their family (which is 10 people).  Now they go to seminary every day. They are also helping their other sisters so that within a couple of days they can be baptized as well.

Elder Clawson   Elder Espinosa

Amayrani y Tania son las primeras en tomar de un bautismo de su familia (la conforman 10 personas). Ahora asisten a seminario cada día. Están ayudando a sus otras dos hermanas para que dentro de unos días también puedan bautizarse. 
5.

Family Pérez Baptism

They are a very special family, they accepted the Gospel in a marvelous way. The ward received them well and they have taken part in some activities. The sister Gaby already has a calling! They are very happy for their baptism and being able to serve the Lord.

Hermana Pérez, Hermana Cabrera

Ellos son una familia muy especial, aceptaron el Evangelio de una manera asombrosa, el barrio les ha recibido muy bien y han participado en algunas actividades. ¡La hermana Gaby ya tiene llamamiento! Ellos están muy felices por su bautismo y de poder servir al Señor. 

6.

Jorge was an old investigator since two years ago, and for some reasons was not able to be baptized then, but after some time, and for his age, he had the fervent desire to change his life, as he said, “Starting over.” He came with a member to the church one Sunday and chose his baptismal date that same day, (which is also his birthday). He was prepared by the Lord and reached his goal with Him, and now has begun his new life.

Hermana Villanueva y Hermana Rojas

Jorge era un antiguo investigador de hace 2 años, por muchos motivos no pudo tomar de un bautismo entonces, pero después de tanto tiempo y a pesar de su edad aun tenia el deseo ferviente de cambiar su vida y como él lo dijo: "volver a comenzar", llego con un miembro un domingo a la capilla y ese mismo día eligio su fecha bautismal (el día de su cumpleaños), fue preparado por el Señor y logro cumplir con él, ahora ha comenzado a vivir de nuevo.

7.

The young brother Gabriel is a very special and valiant 11 year old boy that has had many desires to be baptized and was always very receptive. Since the first visit with him, he began to read the Book of Mormon and is now happy to be a member of the Church and to be able to prepare to have the priesthood. Even though he is the youngest of his house, he is now a light and an example to his family members.

Elder Palenque y Elder Sevilla

El pequeño hermano Gabriel es un niño de 11 años muy especial y muy valiente que tenia muchos deseos de bautizarse y que siempre fue muy receptivo. Desde la primera vez que le visitamos empezó a leer el Libro de Mormon y ahora esta muy feliz por ser miembro de la iglesia y saber que se puede preparar para tener el sacerdocio. Aun que el es casi el mas pequeño de su casa, ahora el es una luz y un ejemplo para los miembros de su familia. 

8.

Baptism of Alondra and Junior

They are super loving and special. They have known the Church since November and Junior took the decision to be baptized. He really wanted to be baptized, and Alondra followed him. Both were excited and wanted to follow the example of Jesus Christ. The week of their baptism they saw many miracles which allowed them to be baptized. They are a special family and want to keep progressing. They are very excited to have the Gospel in their lives and they also want to be an example for their family.

Hermana Rojas y Hermana Galvez

Ellos son super especiales y amorosos. Ellos desde Noviembre están conociendo la iglesia, y Junior tomó primero la decisión de bautizarse el estaba muy deseoso de poder ser bautizado, y Alondra le siguió, los dos se animaron y quisieron seguir el ejemplo de Jesucristo, ellos en la semana de su bautismo pudieron ver muchos milagros y todo se formó para que pudieran bautizarse, son una familia muy especial, que quieren seguir progresando, están muy animados por estar dentro del evangelio, quieren darle el ejemplo a su familia también. 

9.

Brother Salvador Torres

And after many efforts and strategies, on the part of Sister Arizmendi and Sister Torres, Brother Salvador set aside his addictions to one side in order to follow the Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and was baptized by the proper authority. This was brought about because Brother Salvador gave place for the word of the Lord, and his soul was filled with great joy to see the changes in his life and that of his family.

There is no doubt that the miracles will continue and that God will continue being merciful towards the children of men, like what He has done for Brother Salvador.

Hermana Arizmendi y Hermana Torres

Hno. Salvador Torres

Y ocurrió que después de tanto esfuerzo y estratagema por parte de hna Arizmendi y hna Torres, hno Salvador dejo sus adicciones a un lado para poder seguir el ejemplo del Salvador y Redentor Jesucristo y ser bautizado con la debida autoridad, y esto se logro debido a que hno Salvador dio cabida en su corazón a la palabra del Señor y su alma se lleno de un gran regocijo por ver los cambios en él y su familia.

no hay duda de que los milagros siguen existiendo y que Dios sigue extendiendo su misericordia para con todos los hijos de los hombres así como lo hizo con hno Salvador.

10.

Miguel Angel is the boyfriend of an active member. For some time he didn’t believ in God, but after some days and months, he changed. He received an answered from God and felt that he was in the place that God wanted him to be. Not even the rain could stop him from having appointments that we had. He progressed a lot in these last few months, and tried really hard to prepare for the day he accepted to be baptized. Also there were some challenges the same day he was going to be baptized, but we received a lot of help from the Bishop, ward mission leader and members, and thanks to their efforts all ended well. Nothing can stop the work of the Lord and they were baptized. It was a miracle!

Hermana VEGA & Hermana HOOPER

Miguel Angel es novio de una miembro activa. Él hace algún tiempo no creía mucho en Dios, pero con el pasar de los días y meses, él tuvo un cambio. Él recibió una respuesta de Dios y sintió que estaba en el lugar indicado donde Dios lo quería. Ni la lluvia pudo impedir que él asistiera a las citas que teníamos. Él progresó mucho durante éstos últimos meses y se esforzó muchísimo para prepararse hasta ése día que él había aceptado ser bautizado.  Incluso, hubieron algunos desafíos el mismo día que se iba a bautizar, pero recibimos mucho el apoyo del obispo, de nuestro líder misional y de miembros, y gracias a ello todo salió con éxito. Nada pudo derrotar la obra de Dios, y sí pudo llevarse a cabo el bautismo. Fue un milagro!

Leadership Training

We began our leadership training with our Vallarta and Nayarit zone leaders.
We had a great day together with our district leaders,
zone leaders and sister training leaders.

President Clayton's teaching

*As leaders, part of our responsibility, is to motivate others.

  How do we do that? What is the key?

  We must be motivated - ourselves.

*Righteous leaders and patterns in the scriptures.

  What motivated them?

  How did they motivate others?

Discussion quote-

*”The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel”.   Boyd K. Packer

Absolute Truth:

1. We must come to know God, that He lives, that He exists, that we are His children
2. We must have a correct knowledge of His character, His power, His perfection, and

   His attributes.
3. We must know that our life is acceptable to Him, and in agreement with His will.

***These doctrines concerning God's true character are what Satan has obscured the most in our day.

Understanding Truths:

*Doctrine - WHY we do something
*Principle - WHAT must we do?

*Application - HOW do we do something

Example:
Doctrine - No unclean thing can dwell with God.
Principle - There must be an Atonement made.
Application - We must repentance.

Key points:

*Understanding true doctrine will motivate us, and change us if we will allow it to.
*Understanding God’s correct character allows us to have faith, confidence and trust in Him.

*Because we know and understand God’s true character we can more fully understand God’s plan as we deal with life’s varied situation
-as we face challenges here in the mission
-as we consider our personal trials
-as we try to make sense of what we see going on in the world around us.  
*In order to have strong faith, we must know that what we are doing in our life is pleasing to God..if we stray or get off track, we will feel troubled, personal guilt, and turmoil. We will feel a lack of peace in our life.
*The answer, the path, the way to feel God’s peace in our lives, is to keep ourselves aligned with God.
*Just begin doing the right thing and watch how the peace of heaven comes.   

*Joy comes into our lives by doing even the smallest and simplest things that God wants us to do.  

*Small acts of faith will bring small mercies and blessings, which will result in strengthening our testimony.

my teaching

(Notice the ibuprofen taped to my forehead).

Like medicine that must get inside of us to

begin working and make a difference in how we feel,

the teachings of Jesus, the doctrines and principles

of the gospel must get inside of us....deep inside us

in order for us to understand them and live them.

Unless we understand the doctrines and principles of the gospel

with our hearts, and feel the truth of them in our hearts.

-they will not stay with us….

-we will forget...

-the truths we once felt sure of, will fade and flicker.

Discussion on

Seeing, hearing, hearkening, and obeying.

*The heart represents our willingness to see and recognize God,

to hear His voice and to hearken to Him, and to obey Him.

Discussion:

Doctrine and Covenants 64:34

The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and

obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in the last days.

What does it mean 'to eat the good of the land'?

What might it mean specifically to us here in the mission?

(likening the scriptures to us)

What does it mean to give our heart and mind to the Lord?

Looking for patterns-
*Nephi

*Alma the Younger

The ear by which we hear the voice of the Lord and the

whisperings of the spirit is our heart.

EAR

HEAR

HEART

Doctrine & Covenants 1:1 - hearken (vs 12 prepare ye, prepare ye...)

3 Nephi 33:15 - This chapter is very short,

but it is chocked full of Nephi’s spiritual character.

'Thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey'.

How did Nephi come to have those words engraven into his heart…

so much that he ended his record with them?

How important is it to be obedient….

when no one is around, when no one is looking???

(spiritual integrity)

Missionary Handbook pg 7

*Strive to represent the Lord according to the highest standards of obedience and conduct.

*Words, thoughts, and actions in harmony with the message of His gospel

*Righteous conduct will influence your effectiveness as a missionary and your personal salvation

*Your conduct also affects the trust and confidence of nonmembers, members and fellow missionaries have in you

*Conduct yourself at all times in such a way that everyone who sees you will recognize you as a representative of Jesus Christ.

Quotes to Ponder:

*Obedience builds our spiritual character.

*Obedience is the 1st Law of Heaven.

*Obedience is an Act of Faith - as we obey, our faith is increased.

*The discipline contained in daily obedience and clean living.. builds an armor       

around you of protection and safety from the temptations that beset you. (L.Tom Perry)

*Faith is a gift from God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness...the  

greater measure of obedience to God’s laws, the greater will be the endowment

of faith. (Bruce R.McConkie)

*Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience to God’s laws.  Not a casual or

situational obedience.  If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient.

*Obedience shows our love for God.

*When obedience ceases to be an annoyance, and becomes our quest…

at that very moment God endows us with power. (Ezra Taft Benson)

Rise up ! Rise to the great challenge which faces you   Rise up!

Our assistant presenting and highlighting 

our new leadership Manual. 

hooray! 

Next, our leadership training with 

leaders from our Guadalajara zones.

And finally, Colima, Guzman and Manzanillo leaders.

Great training!