The First 12 Weeks . . .

To the new Missionary . . .

Welcome!

We are so happy to welcome 22 new missionaries to the

San Pedro Sula East Mission

(Twenty missionaries arrived from the Guatemala CCM, one missionary arrived from the Mexico MTC,  and we received one new sister missionary, daughter of one of our Stake Presidents,  from Honduras who is waiting to serve where she was called in Phoenix, Arizona)
(The Family Zalaya)

Welcome!

We're going to talk a little about what your experience will be like during the

First 12 Weeks

of your mission.

When the time period spent in the CCM or the MTC was decreased with the increasingly high numbers of missionaries serving, a new inspired work was added to the missionary library for missionaries serving everywhere across the world.




(the mightly crew of Assistants and office staff who helped us prepare for the day!)

It's entitled  - 

"The First 12 Weeks"

YOUR First 12 Weeks - 

Your experience in the missionary training center was designed to help you learn your purpose as a missionary and how to prepare and teach investigators by the Spirit, according to their interests and needs.

 Your purpose for the rest of your mission is to follow the promptings of the Spirit as you invite an increasing number of people "to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end" (Preach My Gospel p1).

To accomplish this purpose, you will continue to build on the foundation established at the MTC or CCM by understanding and living all the principles of missionary work found in Preach My Gospel.  Strive to become the kind of missionary who could, if called upon, train a new missionary by the end of your first 12 weeks in the mission field.





(funny story - we were expecting ONE Missionary to arrive from the Mexico CCM. Much to our surprise - two came walking out of the customs area! (Whew - not a mistake . . . just another returning missionary from Tegucigalpa on his way back home :)

(enjoying a fun game of "Missionary Jeopardy")



To accomplish this objective, follow these principles:

• Be obedient - to mission rules and the direction contained in the Missionary Handbook.  
• Love, serve and listen to your companion.
• Eagerly participate as a fully contributing member of your companionship.

The Lord has blessed you with unique gifts and abilities; use them to become the BEST missionary you can be.  Learn all you can from your companion, and apply the following guidelines as you study and proselyte together:

• Focus your study on helping your investigators prepare to make and keep covenants!
• Stay anchored in the scriptures and Preach My Gospel.
• Learn to effectively teach the doctrines in Preach My Gospel, chapter 3.
• Conduct effective daily and weekly planning, and be diligent in carrying out and adjust ing your plans according to the Spirit.  Use this time to seek revelation.
• Follow the training schedule in the booklet, The First 12 Weeks.  

(Interesting info - we now have three missionaries from Guatemala whose native language is

Q'eqChi - a native language of the Mayan - totally different from Spanish.  We also received our first missionary from Brazil!  Four missionaries who are learning Spanish, whose native language is neither English or Spanish)

Why do we do Missionary Work?

When the Savior walked upon the earth and established his church and taught his gospel, he said, 

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

(Welcome to beautiful Honduras - the mountains between Olanchito and Yoro)




Missionaries everywhere don't dedicate 18 - 24 months of their lives just to increase the membership of the church, or to "bring people into the church" or persuade them to live better lives . . . those are great blessings that can and do occur . . . and as always, we are mindful of the many churches and organizations the persuade men to believe in the Savior and go about doing good works . . .

But we are concerned about a higher purpose . . . missionaries dedicate their service, and teach and testify to help people make covenants with our Heavenly Father, that allow them to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and gain the blessings of Eternal Life.  The first of which is baptism and confirmation, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  

Elder Oaks reminds us - 

The purpose of our missionary work is to help the children of God fulfill a condition prescribed by our Savior and Redeemer.

The doctrinal basis of missionary work is the word of God, revealed in every age, that man cannot be saved in the celestial kingdom without the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and that the only way to lay claim to the merits of that Atonement is to follow the command of its author: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38).

We . . . are called to assist in that great effort.

Here in the beautiful country that is . . .

Honduras.

(I guess you can tell . . . I really do have a thing going with the cows here, they so delight me :)

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How Beautiful . . .

I've always loved the sound of this scripture . . . and until now associated it with the mountains that I love so much . . .

But today . . .

Something occurred to me . . .

and maybe you'll get a little glimpse from the message and photos that follow . . .

Abinadi quoting Isaiah  - 

15 And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!

   

 16 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!

 17 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!

 18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the ^afeet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of ^bpeace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people;

-- Mosiah 15:15-18

• •
  In Isaiah 52:7, Isaiah poetically described people bringing a great message. Why do you think Isaiah referred to the messengers’ feet? (In the ancient world, before electronic communications were available, important messages were often brought by runners traveling on foot. Isaiah uses the messengers’ feet to symbolize the messengers themselves.) 
• •
  Who else brings the message of the gospel to the world? 

I've often thought . . . how precious are the feet of these missionaries that appear all blistered, infected, bitten by moquitos, ants, dogs . . . but to Heavenly Father they are beautiful . . .

beautiful messengers publishing peace.

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A New Year . . . Putting First Things First

New Year . . . and New Beginnings . . .

AS we recognize that a new year symbolizes a new beginning, an opportunity to start again, to put old habits behind and make a new beginning, with great hope of changing prior activities to realize a new and improved self . . . or lifestyle . . .

 . . . There can be little doubt when it comes to making plans, setting goals, and being accountable for actions . . . these are fundamental principles that would benefit the lives of people everywhere . . . but for missionaries of the Lord, these principles are paramount to experiencing success in the mission field.

They principles will also bless their life, education, income and families forever more.

For this reason, we put much emphasis on these principles .

(We are as the army of Helaman!)

Many people are disinterested in goal setting, in pondering on and expressing "New Years Resolutions" as they feel a sense of failure when they fall to the wayside after a few weeks or months.  But those that preserver, and set realistic goals that are achievable are able to accomplish great things.

What does a realistic achievable goal look like?

•  For one thing it should be specific.  Don't just say I will lose weight . . . say, "I will lose 10 pounds".
• Another . . . it should be measurable, "I will workout every morning at 6am".
• The goal should be attainable, as a missionary, we encourage them rather than setting baptism goals which are dependent upon another's free agency . . . to set teaching goals each week.  To challenge each investigator to baptism.  Those are attainable goals for a missionary, goals they can meet each week.
• Timely - each goal or plan should be accomplished within a certain time frame.

Other hints and tips for being successful 

. . . review your plans on a frequent basis, weekly or monthly and make adjustments to the plan based on your experience, keeping the end goal post in sight.  Work on these things with a companion, a spouse, your favorite cheerleader, a parent, a close friend, a support group . . . someone you can feel an accountability to for continuing in the goal, or readjusting to better meet the purpose.  These sort of things are always much more pleasant if you include a social side in your plans and work on things together.  

For those of you who see setting goals and making plans as a form of drudgery . . .

Here's a few unique ideas - 

. . . Commit to reading four books, audition for a play, write a business plan, learn how to zumba, start guitar lessons,  unplug from technology one day a week for a month, send handwritten thank you notes to 30 people this month, set a goal to do something for someone else!

There's nothing like the sweet feeling of success . . . even in the small things in life.  And the small things can soon become the big things . . . as we slowly climb a mountain or . . eat an elephant . . . 

Become  your best self - starting now!

An old proverb says . . .

 "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.  The second best time is now."  

Now is the best time to start becoming the person we want to be . . . we can do it.  Not only for 20 years from now, but for eternity.  

 18 Whatever principle of ^aintelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the ^bresurrection.
 19 And if a person gains more ^aknowledge and intelligence in this life through his ^bdiligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the ^cadvantage in the world to come. - - D&C 130:18-19

Don't let your fears stand in the way of your success.

As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained (Ensign, Jan 2014) 

"that even when we fail to reach our goals we are still empowered.  Even though we might fall short of the finish line, just continuing the journey will make us greater than before."

When we approach our goals this way, failure doesn't have to limit us.  

We sometimes delay, waiting for the right moment to begin.  Fortunately, each new day is a new moment to begin.  Today is a good day to start moving towards that eternal self that you desire.  That pricking of the heart to change a behavior, make a new start, move in a different direction.  Setting goals is a worthy desire.  And in the case of sin, the wonderful process of repentance allows us to clear the burdens of our hearts, to be free from the oppression and darkness and come into the light once again through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.  

Yes, there is much hope in new starts, in new years, new days and new beginnings.

And today is the day to get started.

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We Wish you a Merry Christmas . . .

To all of you wonderful missionaries!  

To those serving alongside us in Honduras, and to those serving from our wards back at home,
to all our Sunday School missionaries who prepared to teach and testify right alongside of us . . .

We want to share our testimony and holiday message of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We are so grateful to have this wonderful opportunity in our lives to bear testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ every day!  We hope to always carry this testimony in our hearts and remember to share it each day as we return home and continue in the

“Work of Salvation”. 

But what a blessing at this marvelous time in our lives to teach of the Savior and His sacrifice, love and atonement on our behalf each day of our lives. 

In Matthew 1:21 we read –

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins.”

How grateful we are for his infinite love and atonement, for he has truly saved us from our sins.

To understand this principle more fully we ask two questions . . .

Who is Jesus Christ?

And what is faith in Jesus Christ?

The easier question perhaps refers to our faith in Jesus Christ. 

Faith in Jesus Christ is the firm conviction that He is who He says He is and that He will help us when we seek Him.  Faith in Christ means trusting in Him, remembering Him, and following His teachings.  It is a conviction that He is the Son of God, “The way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

Which leads us to . . . Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God.  He is our Redeemer.  Each title points to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.  He suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each one of us two gifts -
1) Repentance, and 2) Forgiveness.  

Two remarkable gifts that are two different things and important to each of us as we make our way through our mortal experience here on earth.

Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved.  

Then his resurrection prepared the way for each person to overcome physical death as well.  These events are the essence of the atonement.  He therefore saves us from both physical and spiritual death.  He is very literally our Savior and Redeemer.

We love these two very sacred and different principles that describe who is our Savior Jesus Christ. 

It brings us great joy to proclaim to all that he will once again return to earth and reign in peace for a thousand years.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever. 

On January 1, 2000 the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued the declaration titled
“The Living Christ”.   

It begins –

“As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.  None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.”

Of Him the Prophet Joseph Smith also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him; that he lives!” 

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God’ and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father –

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22-24).

And we like the apostles and prophets bear testimony that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God.  "He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father.  He is the light, the life and the hope of the world.  His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. 

God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son”.

We are grateful to daily share this testimony now and seek to share this gospel message each day throughout our lives.

Much love to all

And best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

President Norman Klein and Hna. Kristin Klein

Honduras San Pedro Sula East Mission

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Christmas in the Tropics

Thanks to Beckstrom Buzz . . .

Who created this for us here in the San Pedro Sula East mission . . .

Just wanted to share this holiday thought for the day!

Thanks a bunch.

It just about sums it up :)

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Missionaries and Miracles

Welcome new missionaries . . . and on miracles . . .

Welcome - Welcome!  To all our new missionaries . . .

This transfer we had missionaries arrive from Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Peru, Chile, Brazil and Ecuador as well as the United States.

We now have approximately 216 missionaries here in our mission!!  With about 55 sister missionaries,  about 120 missionaries serving from Latin American countries, and the other 90 or so from North America.











We are so grateful for the service of all our missionaries.  They are truly outstanding young men and women.  We can see for certain that they have been prepared to serve in this important time period.



Missionaries and Miracles -

Missionaries everywhere experience miracles daily as they teach and testify of the Savior and his divine plan for each of us.  We believe in miracles here in the San Pedro Sula East Mission.  They come to pass as our missionaries exercise faith . . . and frequently after the trial of their faith . . . receive the tender mercies that bless the lives of those they come in contact with and share a testimony of the Savior.

These miracles and tender mercies are an important element in the work of the Savior, Jesus Christ here in the Latter-days.  As the bible dictionary reminds us, "Christianity is founded on the greatest of all miracles, the Resurrection of our Lord.  If that be admitted, other miracles cease to be improbable.  Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power."










Divine Spiritual Power - that's what we're talking about here . . .

We see it in the lives of our missionaries every day of the week.  It is such an amazing testimony and witness that the gospel message is rolling forth upon the face of the earth at this time and season, more so now, than ever before.

Yet . . . they do not come without much prayer, fasting . . . and indeed faith.















It's important to notice that some miracles come as signs . . . signs that our Heavenly Father and Savior know us, love us and desire to bless us when we are obedient and ask in Faith.  Some experience very visible miracles that change and bless lives.  Some receive tender mercies that prick at their hearts . . . and turn and change their hearts and minds.  Yet all . . . are natural results of the Light of Christ which is a gift given to all mankind everywhere.  Each in it's own way is a wonder, marvelous . . . and produce an intended effect on those who experience each miracle and tender mercy.

And yes . . . here in the San Pedro Sula East mission . . . and missions everywhere . . . they are extraordinary events caused by the power of God.  And important element in missionary work .  . . miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ . . .

 . . . received through and frequently after the trial of faith.

Moroni shares with us the promise . . .

 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have ^amiracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to ^bclaim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? . . . . . And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men."   -- Moroni 7:27 & 29

and again in Mormon 9:15 -

"And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do ^ano miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles." 

The "clave" is . . . the faith . . .

We have no idea the power of the faith . . .

Yet as in all things . . . we are subject to the will of the Father, as we all experience the greatest miracle . . . the remission of our sins, the opportunity to change our lives on a daily

basis . . . and receive the opportunity to return to the presence of the loving Father who gave us life.  As eternal families . . .

This is the greatest miracle . . . and all through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Whose birth we celebrate.









A few of our miracles and tender mercies . . .

A missionary shared that they were finally able to begin a friendship and gain interest in their gospel message with a person who thus far the missionaries had not been able to establish a relationship with.  They brought with them to their appointments, another who is herself just gaining her own witness of the  love of our Savior, and she shared her experience and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Through this experience this new investigator that previously none of the missionaries have been able to reach is now attending Sacrament meeting.   (The power of additional witnesses and the opportunity for service as we all look for opportunities to serve another!)

Some sister missionaries were teaching for the evening with the help of a member, as the member led them down a new street they had never been on before . . . they find a man whom they had previously taught but had become less interested so they hadn't seem him in a long time.  He shared with the missionaries that he had been praying for some time that he would be able to find the Sister missionaries, and he knew that if he waited in this spot they would be coming. He asked them to teach him some of the gospel principles he had questions about, and shared that he knew that the Sister missionaries coming to that exact location was an answer to his prayer! He now wants to continue to learn more!  (Being in tune with the Spirit is so important! Member missionaries are all so important in sharing the gospel, and Heavenly Father prepares each of us to contribute to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ!)











Another shares that the missionary heart and mind changes for him as he learns what it is to BE a missionary and not just serve a mission.  A change of heart and mind that will help him throughout his life as he will BE a forever missionary!

One missionary shares his experience of working with the Ward Mission leader in his ward . . . as they are out and about teaching, this wonderful member shares a message with the missionary that helps him to learn and grow in his calling, and strengthens him in the missionary work.  The exact message he needed to hear to give him an additional witness of the importance of his work here in Honduras, San Pedro Sula East Mission! (We can all lift another as we heed the promptings of the Spirit!)

Missionaries helped prepare the family they were teaching to receive spiritual promptings during General Conference by asking them to write down specific questions they needed answers to in their lives and then listen with faith to receive the needed answers.  The family received very specific answers to specific questions about what they needed to do to get their lives in order, progress in the gospel, and strengthen their marriage relationship.  Through this experience they have increased faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, and have a desire to be baptized.  They also experienced an increased love for the scriptures, the gospel message and a witness that our Heavenly Father lives and loves them!

(One of our previous Assistants to the President greets his family as they arrive in the Mission

 field to travel home with their missionary)

(saying goodbye to these missionaries as they see their final transfer . . . so happy for their families

 but we'll miss them a lot!)

One sister shares that she observed how another sister missionary served all those she came in contact with, even other sister missionaries as they greeted one another and she made them feel so special and important. She really lifted and strengthened others in her service and was a great blessing in her companionship as she also made such a difference in the life of her companion as she looked for ways to serve her.  The countenance of her companion has been uplifted a great deal by the service of another.  

Each of our missionaries share countless instances where they are blessed daily by the Spirit as they seek with faith to do the will of our Heavenly Father.  We can see the difference daily that they make in the lives of the people here in our mission.  They share the blessings of the gospel with many  every single day . . . and are truly changing the heart, minds and lives of the people they come in contact with.

From Doctrine and Covenants 52 - 

9 And let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way, saying ^anone other things than that which the ^bprophets and apostles have written, and that which is taught them by the ^cComforter through the prayer of faith.
 10 Let them go ^atwo by two, and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by ^bwater, and the laying on of the ^chands by the water’s side.
 11 For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in ^arighteousness, for the days come that I will send forth ^bjudgment unto victory.

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