Week 47... TRANSFERS!!!

Hey guys!!

So this week on Friday me and Elder Gil had exchanges. I served for 24 hours with the District Leader. We had a few very interesting thoughts and conversations we shared with one another. One of which I will try to briefly recreate here.

So for Companionship studies he started out with "Christmas is next week. What are you going to get Jesus for His birthday?" We started comparing notes a lot back and forth, discussing in depth what we will get Jesus for His birthday. 2 Nephi 2:27 states " Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." So what do we really have to give? "all things are given them" so everything is a gift unto us. So we cant really give anything to Christ because its all His anyways. But the first of that verse also says "men are free to choose" so we have our agency. The only thing that we really own. So, this Christmas I exhort you all to keep this in mind. Not only remember Christ, or the "true meaning of Christmas" as everyone says, but to remember that the only thing you have to give Him is your agency, so do it. "Choose liberty and eternal life" choose to honor Christ and do the things you know He wants you to do. Choose to love Him and in doing so keep His commandments as He illustrates in John 14:15. I hope that you all have a very wonderful Christmas and that you all really will remember Christ and all He has done and what that means to you.  

This is the degrees on Christmas day!

Thank you so much for all the support!

Love,

Elder Lloyd

Week 46!!!

Hey Everyone!!

How are you all doing? Is everyone getting ready for Christmas in like a week and a half?! Crazy!! I seriously cannot believe that it is already the end of the year. Time has completely flown by. It is really kind of cool to look back over the past year and see all the good times, hard times, and growth. It really is neat.

This week was good! It was a rather odd week though. Well, we did odd service. So a lady in our ward that we have been trying to get back to church, the friend of Alma, is going through a rather rough divorce right now. It is super sad. So then she got word that her lawyer is helping out her soon to be ex husband. So, she calls us up one afternoon and asks us to come help her translate a ton of legal stuff from English, the language is written, to Spanish. The language she speaks. It was really kind of difficult. I'm sure you have heard from missionaries that they get a good grasp on the "church talk" in the new language. Well, they are right. Turns out, all the legal stuff isn't "church words".... but thankfully God makes up the difference for His servants. A few times I said stuff in Spanish that I didn't know before but it felt right. Elder Gil, who's parents are from Columbia, looked at me surprised and said "I knew your Spanish was good, but I didn't know it was that good..." I smiled and said "Yeah, well me neither" It was super cool.

Another cool story: so this same member brought another friend to church today. It was super cool. After the meeting, we talked to her. She told us how she absolutely loved the services, and wants to learn more and join our church. Her only complaint was it was far away. Timidly we ask where she lives, not really wanting to know the answer. She says in Torrence. Right in the middle of the Los Angeles mission. Super lame we can't teach her, but on a happy note, some other lucky set of missionaries will get the referral. I hope they aren't knuckleheads and get the job done with the Spirit.

A lot of what happened this week really just set the stage for an AWESOME week this week, starting out with tonight booked full of appointments. I am really looking forward to this coming week. Really, every week here is a little better, but regretfully, a little faster.

Alma 30:8 reads "For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve." I really don't have much to add to that. Choose today, right now, as you are reading this who you will serve. There is no middle ground. As the world turns darker, choose where you stand. Will you serve Jesus Christ and accept the blessings and long term joy and happiness? Or will you choose Satan, which may offer short term pleasure, but in the end, long term misery. I pray that you will choose a life as a disciple of Christ, as this is the way to eternal happiness.

Thank you all for all the love you have shown me and my family week to week.

Love,
Elder Lloyd

Week 45!!!

Hey Everybody!

This week was a pretty good one! I enjoyed it a lot. We did a lot of finding still this week but that is okay. We are finally making some headway.

Kind of a cool story about that. So Saturday night, all of our plans fell through which is lame, but it happens. We don't exactly have enough people to fill up the evening with backups and such. We were riding by to get to a members house to ask for referrals and Elder Gil turns down to go to another members. He comments to me how it is cold outside, and this member is closer. So, we go visit her. We kinda talked for a little bit about how some things in her life are going, then I pull out my bible to read James 1:5 which reads "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." This is the scripture that Joseph Smith found that inspired his prayer that ushered in the First Vision and the Last Dispensation. My intentions were to share it, explain the significance of it, bear testimony, and ask for a referral when the Spirit is there really strong. I find the verse, then the small talk stuff kinda dies down, I ask if I can share a scripture, and there is a knock at the door. Then, this member's friend, Alma, walks in. So, not knowing anything about this friend or her religious background, I share the scripture and explain the significance of it in a little more detail then originally planned, then Elder Gil came in with a very sincere testimony on the First Vision and explained the Book of Mormon, then the member bore her testimony on the Book of Mormon and what is means to her. Alma LOVED it. It was honestly one of the most powerful lessons I have been in. And, it was all impromptu! She graciously accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon and is very excited to read it. I feel like its safe to say that it was the Spirit guiding us to this members house when Elder Gil decided to stop. Afterwards, me and Elder Gil had a long talk amongst ourselves about the Holy Ghost and how He guides us without us even knowing a lot of the time, and the miraculous nature of the events that night, and how it is one of those "miracle finding stories" you always hear missionaries talk about and you want one. This is exactly the experience we both have been praying for.

I would like to invite you all to take James' promise and if you lack wisdom, pray about it. God really will answer your prayers and help you to come to know the truth.

Thank you all!! Especially this Christmas season! I really appreciate all your kinds words and support!

Love,
Elder Lloyd

Week 44!!

Hey Everybody!!

This week was good! I'm not going to lie, it wasn't the best thing in the world to have Thanksgiving without all the family.   But hey that's all good. if i really wanted to be home I could have went home :) It really wasn't all that bad. We were able to keep distracted by the 4 dinner appointments we had! If that doesn't fill you up I don't know what will... I haven't been that full my entire life except back in July when I did an exchange with an Elder in the Samoan Ward!  

So kind of a cool story. We have been doing a LOT of finding the past week. That is really all we have been doing. A lot of the time, It seemed really really fruitless. okay it didn't just seem, it was fruitless. Last Saturday we had a "blitz" in the sister's area in our zone. That means all the missionaries in our zone split up one area and knock it to death. We almost didn't go because we had one of our only lessons of the week scheduled but we really felt like we needed to go. So we exercised our faith and decide we need to go. We were going to see if we can reschedule the lesson, it really can be a risky move to do it but we were going to try. Then the lady actually called us and said something came up at work so we rescheduled it because of her. Or so she thinks. So, we went to the blitz. It was kind of annoying to be knocking in someone else's area when we don't have people to teach in our area but it is where we needed to be. So, we go through the rest of the day Saturday. Then Sunday we went to Church and a family walks in. Turns out they live in our area but Elder Gil didn't know that. She is a member but is less active and he isn't a member. So, because we exercised our faith and went where we needed to be, God provided for us a family we can teach. We haven't been by yet, but this week we will go and talk to them.

Alma 34:41 reads "But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions." I like it a lot. It has actually helped a lot. To me it says something to the effect of "hey Elder Lloyd, you may not be teaching right now as much as you'd like to be, but be patient. You will find." I also find it interesting how it says "have patience" as opposed to "wait patiently." Patience is key in our hard times. But, so is our efforts. We cant sit on the sidelines and wait for them to pass, we need to be actively engaged in bringing about the change we want.

Thanks a lot for all your love and support! Especially in this Holiday Season. May we all keep the true meaning of Christmas near our hearts as we celebrate this year.

Love,

Elder Lloyd

Week 43!!!

This week was pretty good! It's stinkin cold down south though!!! Its closer to the beach so its more humid and has the ocean breeze. This week it was cloudy and rainy for most of the time. The first time I've really seen that here in California. I have no idea what the degrees were like outside, but I'll tell ya what, I never thought I'd find myself getting cold in California... I think I've been here too long... haha
So, my new companion is Elder Gil. He is a super cool guy! He is new in the mission, just finished up training and they sent me in to make sure his trainer did it right. May have been their mistake. I guess we'll see! :) He was raised in Utah, born back east but both of his parents were born in Columbia so he has super good Spanish which is never a bad thing.

We had a zone conference this week. Elder Packer of the 70 came to us and talked a lot about family history. It really was super cool! I learned a TON about why its important and how we can use it to invite the Spirit super strong. When you speak of ancestors, from you parents to your far back ancestry, its almost impossible to not have the Holy Ghost testify to you of the importance of families, and the eternal significance. That is what the Spirit of Elijah is all about. I have an invitation, all who read this go tell someone a story about one of your Grandparents. Maybe tonight at dinner take turns sharing your favorite memory of your grandfather to your family and pay attention to your feelings. I promise you you will feel the love of our Father in Heaven as you do. If you cant at the dinner table, call a friend on the phone and really give it a try. I promise you as you do, your personal testimony of the importance of families and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will increase.

As far as the work here, its not the fastest I've seen it before. Okay, not even a little bit. Lets just say we are doing a LOT of finding. That's okay though. finding is always good. I really do have a super good feeling about this area and this transfer. Me and Elder Gil are getting along great and having a blast, and getting stuff done all at the same time! As of now, I don't have any good stories to share, but I do know that the Church is True and that me and Elder Gil are here for a reason. Now we just gotta find out why and be ready to be the tools in God's hands when we find out. I Love my mission so much. Even the slower weeks like this week are still remarkable. I really thank God everyday for the chance I have to be here.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "In every thing give thanks " I firmly believe that. I actually saw that on the side of a bible church and liked it a lot.   Especially this week with thanksgiving and all that, remember to pray and thank our Father in Heaven, who gave us all we have.

I love you all!

Elder Lloyd

Week 42!!!

Hey Everyone!

This week went entirely too fast. The day I have been dreading comes tomorrow... transfers...

I have a lot of friends going home this transfer who have fulfilled their 2 year missions and are ready to return to their families.

Missions are really interesting. The biggest roller coaster of emotions I have ever been on.

So, tomorrow morning I will ship out of Pico Rivera and head over to Cerritos.

I really liked the time I spent here with Elder Lund. We really got along great better then a lot more then my other companions, and we met a lot of really cool people here. I made a lot of like long friends here, and I feel very privileged to be part of their lives and to be able to share my testimony with them.

It isn't ever fun leaving an area, but the Lord has better plans for me elsewhere. There are more people for me to touch. Elder Lund will definitely keep working good with the people here.

So, my new address is

16221 Cornuta Ave, Apt. 30
Bellflower, CA 90706

So as far as the work goes, we didn't have very many lessons. Gloria and her daughters are still on track to be baptized next Sunday!

Love ya all!!

Every transfer there is a fireside for the departing missionaries. This is me and Wendy. We took this picture at that fireside.

I almost forgot! Alma 34:33 says "and now as I said unto you before as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life which is given us to prepare for eternity behold if we do not improve our time while in this life then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed" So, repent before it is too late! :)


Love,
Elder Lloyd

Week 41... TRANSFERS!!!

Hey everyone!!  

So, its some other holiday today... meaning I am back at Staples... haha.

This week was super stinking fast!! But, it was super good! So, it's transfers next week, so don't send me any letters that wont get here before next Monday. Me and Elder Lund had a good run together, but now I guess it is going to come to an end. We have already been together for 4 and a half months, and that is a lot longer than usually a companionship stays together. We really do work well though.

This week, we went by Gloria's house. She is an investigator we have had for a while now, a few weeks, but hasn't really been progressing. She has a few kids, so we ask her again if we can meet them. Then, on Friday, we have a meeting with all the Elders in the ward I am serving in. We discuss how we can better get the members to work with us effectively. We discuss how we need to try our best to get members to come out with us, then get them to share a testimony about their missionary experience to the ward in priesthood or relief society. So, we do it. We called up Gloria and asked if we can come meet her family. She says yes. We found out at church last week that Wendy knows her daughters. So, we call up Wendy and Rosa and ask them to come with us. So they do. We taught possibly the most powerful first lesson about the restoration I ever have. Then Wendy bore one of the most heart felt testimonies I have ever heard. Gloria's daughters were glued to Wendy. You could feel the Spirit testifying to them that what Wendy was saying is true. Then, they all accepted baptismal dates as a goal to work for later this month. It was sooo good!! Members, please go out with the missionaries. I testify to you that miracles WILL happen if you choose to sacrifice a little and help out the missionaries in your area. Souls WILL be blessed. Lives WILL be changed.

That's my cool story of the week. I hope you all enjoyed it! :)

Alma 32:27 reads "But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." If you can do no more then desire to believe, work on that desire till you can believe. I promise, if you take the time to act on the desires of your heart, if they are righteous desires, that desire will work inside you and you will be blessed.

Thanks for all your kindness and support! I wish I had more time, but we should probably get out of Staples' hair.

Love you all!

Elder Lloyd

Week 40!!

So, sorry Mom... don't be mad at me... but, I spent to much time emailing others and forgot to do this one first... now I'm out of time and have to write something in here super quick...

This week was pretty good!  It went sooo fast!! I think it was the temple trip.  Usually they make time speed up a bit for the week! 

So, we have this investigator that the English Elders gave us.  Her name is Gloria. She was taught a bit in English but wasn't getting it so we are trying in Spanish. We got her and 3 of her daughters to come to church with us.  It was super cool!! Turns out, they have been going to the same school as Wendy since elementary. So, Wendy is going to help us teach them.  It's pretty cool.

I wish I had more time this week. but I gotta go.

Alma 28:14 says "And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life."  I like that allot. Its so cool! Sorrow because they don't know God, happiness because they do.  This is why we need to share the happiness we have.

Love you all!

Elder Lloyd

Week 39!!

Hey Everybody!!

This week was pretty good! IT was kinda crazy though... On Thursday we had Zone Conference which was super cool. I really do love President Tew and the direction he is taking the mission. He has helped so much! We are breaking records all over the place in this mission. In the past 10 weeks, there have been 51 baptisms! That is remarkable!! I am so thankful for his service here! The conference was all about how to teach with power. How to teach in a way to allow the Spirit to be there and testify to everyone present that what we are saying is true. It was one of the most powerful Zone Conferences I have been to. I really CANNOT believe that it has been 3 months since the last one!

This morning we went to the temple. I really, really love that place. My favorite place on Earth. No where else can you feel such a spirit of peace and calmness that allows you to go and to rest from all the cares and worries of day to day life and do selfless service for one who can't do it for themselves. No where else can we be sealed to our families for all time and eternity, never to be separated again, that knowledge gets stronger and sounds better the longer I have been out.

Saturday we had a free car wash at the church. It was GREAT!! The members teamed up to wash and dry the cars and provide refreshments for the people, and while their cars were being washed, the people were invited into the church where the missionaries were waiting to give them a tour of the building. It was crazy successful. We washed some 46 cars and had about 24 tours (Not everyone was willing), and most of them had multiple people on them. One was a friend of Wendy's that she invited. She has only been a member for 3 weeks, and has done more missionary work then I did the first 19 years of my life...

Also, I moved. Not 100% sure why, but the senior couple that is in charge of apartments and cars calls up Friday morning and says "hey Elders, not sure if you heard, but effective immediately, all for man apartments are closed in the mission. Be in your new apartment tonight. The manager will give you more details." So, we go to the manager, and she says we live upstairs now. So we pack up our stuff and jump ship. It was kind of annoying to move last minute, but its all good. But, now I have a new address. It is still the same complex, just a different apartment, so my address is 9128 Burke St, Apt. #348, Pico Rivera, CA 90660. But, don't worry about anything still in transit. Our roommates, well old roommates, still live in 120 so all mail that is in transit will still make it to me.

That's my week in a nutshell! Love you all!

Alma 24:19 reads "And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace." I like this one a lot! I hope that we can all be so converted that we are willing to suffer even unto death to not commit sin. Many of these Lamanites were killed because of their beliefs. In the past few months, my testimony has grown to the point where if I was required, I would seal my testimony with my blood. And I hope the Gospel means enough to you that you may be willing to do the same.

Love,
Elder Lloyd

Week 38!!!

Hey Everyone!!

So, I don't have a lot of time. I forgot to do this one first this week... how are things?

This week was pretty good. I don't really have a lot of stories though from this week. It was slower, a lot of knocking and finding. We did find a few great potentials that we are excited to follow up on!

We found a lady named Brenda with three kids who moved here from Mexico last February. She is super cool, and loved the lesson on the Restoration! We are going to follow up with her on that, and I am pretty sure she will get baptized. Her husband still lives in Mexico for a little bit more until he can move here.

I really have no time this wee so I cant respond... sorry!

I love you all!!

Mosiah 3:12 says "But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ." so be sure to repent so you can inherit salvation.

Love Elder Lloyd

Week 37!!!

Hey Everybody!

So, no idea how long I have on this computer... I am on probably the smallest laptop ever made in the middle of Staples because my man Columbus managed to shut down all of L.A.'s libraries. Also, sorry to everyone who I have not responded to yet... due to random events, my email time keeps getting cut short. One day, I'll get caught up again... 

This week was pretty good! I was privileged to Confirm Wendy in Sacrament Meeting yesterday. It was super cool! I was kinda nervous though... I had never done that before, and it was in Spanish... It was super cool though!! I am still super humbled by the opportunity Elder Lund and I had to teach her family and baptize Wendy and Rosa! I cant wait for Bryan and Christian to get baptized! I'm not sure I'll be around to see it happen though... but, I feel like that it will happen and Wendy and Rosa would be glad to let us know.

So, this week was kinda slower. Pretty sure it was one of those, "Hey Elders, don't get cocky about Wendy" weeks.

So, the Staples employees are looking at us funny, so I better wrap this up before they kick us off...

3 Nephi 23:4 reads "Therefore give heed to my words; write the tings which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles." Basically, Jesus is telling the Nephites to write down His words so that they can make it into the Book of Mormon. I think we should all take the advise of Jesus and give heed to His words. Especially after the General Conference we just had. I challenge all of you to restudy the conference talks, and also all the scriptures.

I love you all! Hopefully we will be able to go email at the Stake Center a little later, and I can respond to a few emails. If not, I'll talk to you next week! Love you!

Elder Lloyd

 

Week 36!!!

 

So, I was not transferred. Elder Lund wasn't either. We will be serving together for another transfer! I am excited! This week was amazing!! I LOVED every minute of conference! I learned so much and I cannot wait for the Conference Ensign to come so I can learn even more!

So, Wendy made it to all 4 sessions of conference sessions which is somewhat a miracle. Especially considering the fact that for 3/4 of that she wasn't even baptized yet. Which brings me to my next point... Wendy was baptized!! I'm soo happy!! It was a long journey, but it's a big change. These things take time. She really was so prepared by the Lord when we found her, it just took her a bit to convince her of that. For about a week there, after we finished all the lessons we teach and we were going reviewing and going over stuff like the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet, She said after this week that literally every day, she'd have a question about her reading or something, then me and elder Lund would stop by and teach a lesson on it. All with out us even knowing! Elder Lund shared an experience with her about when he was deciding to go on a mission and he prayed and asked God if he should, then opened the scriptures to a random page and read in Doctrine and Covenants where it said to go on a mission. Wendy decided to try it. In her words she "prayed for an answer originally, but [she] already knew she needs to do it. So [she] prayed for a confirmation then opened up to Alma 5 which talks a lot about repentance. [She] guessed it kinda answered her question but not really, until she came to the last verse which reads 'I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church; and unto those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life.' and [she] instantly knew that it was her answer from God. Right after that [she] went for a run and pondered that and came to the conclusion that because God answered [her] prayer through the Book of Mormon that [she] needs to be baptized. That [she] really does know the Book of Mormon is the true Word of God, and that this is Christ's restored church" The opening prayer to Wendy's baptism was offered by Rosa, who is still one of the most sincere prayers I know, who said "we know that this day there are parties in the heavens for these two people being baptized today" (a fellar named Tony was baptized in the same service). I thought a lot about that. The Spirit hit me very strongly and testified to me once again of the importance of this missionary work. That it isn't just something to do because I had nothing else going on, but it has eternal results and blessings for many many souls. I add my testimony on to the testimony of Wendy's that I know this church is the true Church of Christ. that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and through that book may we all come closer to Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, in any other way. I would challenge all who may be reading this wondering if they should join this church, or return back into activity, to prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, and to come unto Christ and be Baptized.

I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Week 35... TRANSFERS!!!

Hey Everyone!!!

So, do to a series of unfortunate events, I have very limited time to email today. Long story short, a 70 is coming to speak to our mission in November sometime. So, to know what our mission needs, he asked us all to fill out a survey provided in an email. So, I log on to do it, and it took a good chunk of my email time then all of the computers in the L.A. library system crashed...

So, a very abbreviated email to tell you I am still alive is all I have time for real quick before P-Day ends in a few minutes. So, this week was pretty great. Bryan didn't come to church though again which is super lame. Not sure why. Wendy says she thinks he just doesn't do good with commitments. But, Wendy was still at church. We are going to have to drop Bryan though which is super lame. But his time will come, especially after he sees Wendy. Just like how Wendy decided to hear us out more after her mom's example.

We haven't talked to Salva and Fila at all. Salvador's daughter came in from Guatemala to attend General Conference so they have been super hard to find.

And speaking of General Conference, Mosiah 3:13 reads, "And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them." I am incredibly excited for General Conference. As this scripture says, God sends prophets to guide us to Christ and receive exceedingly great joy. So, I invite you all to listen to as much Conference as you can! Preferably all of it, and more then just listen, jot down a few notes, and live what you learn!!

I love you all lots!!
Elder Lloyd

Oh, and it is transfers, so don't send me any mail that wont get here by Saturday! :)

Week 34!!!

Hey Everyone!

This week was pretty great! Still here and loving life in Pico Rivera! I LOVE the people here so much! This week was kinda slower, but that's okay. One of the highlights for sure was a big conference we had all about finding. It was super good! I learned so much about how I can become a better missionary. There is a section of Preach My Gospel all about talk to everyone you see. President Tew gave a big training on why it says "with" as opposed to "to" everyone. Then the assistants to the President gave a good training on how to better use the gift of discernment to know how to talk with everyone and say what they need to hear right in that very moment to make them see that this Gospel is exactly what they need right now. It is very cool. As we have tried to put this to the test, me and Elder Lund have definitely see the Lord's hand in EVERYTHING we do. And speaking of seeing the Lord's hand better in our lives, how is every one's Daily Miracle Journal going?

We are still working with Rosa's kids Wendy and Bryan. They are coming along great, but Bryan wasn't at church yesterday so he wont make his goal of being baptized on September 29. Wendy said she is "almost convinced, but she's not quite sure" and said she has a few questions for us, but then she didn't want to ask them anymore. We still don't know if they are doubts or if she wants more clarification on something? I guess we will see. Really, they are both super ready for baptism. We just need to get Bryan at church and then convince them they are ready.

Fila is frustrating. Salvador told us he wants them to be baptized, but Fila is "scared to pray because [she's] scared to receive an answer." Now I may be wrong, but I think that that means she has felt the Spirit in our lessons a few times and now has a hunch we are correct and is scared to pray because then she will find out that we are right and if we are right, she has to change. Change isn't exactly easy or fun so I kinda don't blame her I guess... But really? Like come on, just pray! Isn't it important to know the truth? Her daughter Marlen is doing well. She prayed and read "and got emotional" and now really wants to be baptized and really wants her mom to pray too. As soon as her mom will pray, we can baptize them. It took a long time to build her trust... and with transfers coming up, I am scared that if me or Elder Lund are transferred then the trust will be gone with the new Elder...

Mosiah 2:22 reads "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you." Basically, if you first keep the commandments of God, then all other worldly things will work out and you will find a TON more happiness and peace in your life.

Thanks for everything!

Love,
Elder Lloyd

Week 33!!!

Hey everybody!

This week was a pretty good one. This week we were able to re find Wendy, Rosa's daughter. We still have no idea what happened, but the Tuesday right after Rosa's baptism, Wendy got mad at us and every time we would go over to talk to her she would get up and leave. No idea what was going on. Finally last Tuesday we were talking to Rosa's son Brian and Wendy didn't go hide but she only said like three words to us. She was being awkward about it on purpose and kind of being a brat. But, she felt the Spirit that was definitely there in the lesson with us. The next day we went to talk to Rosa. Wendy pretended like she was doing homework but she was really listening in. At the end of the lesson Rosa says "Wendy, the Elders think you are really mad at them" I was kinda annoyed because I didn't want Rosa to mess things up with Wendy again because we were just starting to get her back. Wendy said she wasn't mad at us and just said stuff happens. Elder Lund then distracted Rosa while me and Wendy had a heart to heart and I mustered up the sincerest apology I could offer her. And, thankfully it worked as two days later we taught Wendy and Brian the Gospel of Jesus Christ and committed them to be baptized later this month and I really feel like this is going to happen!

Rosa and Wendy were at church this week, not sure why Brian wasn't there, but after Sunday School, Rosa tried to leave to go try and find her other son Christian but Wendy asked if they could stay, so they did and Wendy went to Young Women's. She is kind of shy so this truly is a miracle!


In district meeting we talked about miracles. We were challenged to pay attention everyday to miracles around us and nightly, text one miracle of the day to the rest of the zone. I never thought to pay that close attention to the every day miracles, but there are sooo many miracles that happen all day every day it is crazy! I challenge you to do the same. Go get a little notebook and every night before you go to sleep, write down one miracle that has happened today. I promise that as you do so, you will come to see the Lord's hand in your life a lot more prominately.

Mosiah 3:19 "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." I like this one a lot. Strive every day to become like a child and to the things that God wants of you. As you put off the natural man, life will be better.

Until next week,

Elder Lloyd

Week 32!!!

So this week was kinda lame...

I guess we'll start from the top, last Sunday (not yesterday) Elder Lund and I were asked to give two blessings to two sick people. The daughter of a lady in the ward, and Rosa. So, we did it. then, Monday we have P-day, Tuesday Elder Lund is starting to get a bit sick. We worked anyways, that's just what missionaries do... We spent a lot of the morning helping a guy weed where he recently planted weeds, then we found Paulstina. The lady we are helping learn to read. We read the Book of Mormon to her for a little bit. That night we had a big meeting with all the ward missionaries where we are teaching them which doctrines we teach when and we are introducing them to the missionary manual Preach My Gospel. Well, Tuesday Elder Lund was really sick and, with the nurse's permission, he slept most of the day while I studied most of the day, Thursday was District Meeting and weekly planning and we had a family home evening with the lady who's daughter we gave a blessing too. It went really well. We watched the Testaments. Come time to leave, some one stole our front tires. Right on Elder Lund's birthday. Happy Birthday eh? Friday I was really sick, so my turn to sleep while Elder Lund studied. Saturday morning and Evening, we spent almost all day trying to get new tires. We were at bike shop and realized that the Elder who gave us a ride, was about to be late for an interview with President. So, we had no time to take us back so that took a good amount of time too. Sunday was good. Rosa was feeling better so she was at church and got confirmed. That was nice. The ward mission leader did it.

So, if I were to sum up this week in a nut shell, it would be with 2 Nephi 2:11 "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility." This is true. If you never had a bad day in your life, you wouldn't recognize the good days you have. So, this week was sent to me so that I may recognize that next week will be better. :)  

 

I love you all!!

 

Thanks for all you do!! Sorry I don't have an inspiring story this week...

Love,

Elder Lloyd

Week 31!!!

Hey everybody!!  

This week was pretty good! Me and Elder Lund are having a great time here in Pico Rivera. It was a little hot all week... upwards of 100 every day and decent humidity...

I kinda don't have a lot of time, Labor Day managed to close down all the libraries around town making two zones worth of elders using a family history center in a stake center. So, if I don't make it to your email this week, I am sorry. I will respond next week :)

This week we had a few lessons with Rosa and Wendy. Wendy is in a few A.P. classes at school so she hasn't had the most time to meet with us, so we have been reading the Book of Mormon with Rosa.

We also have had a lesson with Salvador, Fila and Marlin. Fila is doubting the Book of Mormon. She believes it is true, but doesn't know why it is important and thins that she can only have "one bible". We have been working with her reading and answering questions.

Mosiah 5:13 reads, "For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"

I like this a lot. We need to always keep Christ in our hearts and strive to be the best we can to better ourselves everyday and be Christlike. In doing this, we will come to know Christ and our faith in Him will be strengthened.

That's about all I have time for today. Thanks for all your love and support!

Love,
Elder Lloyd

Week 30!!!

Hello everybody!

I hope your week was as good as mine!!  

So, real quick before I get into the good stuff, I wasn't transferred. Me and Elder Lund are together again so feel free to send me letters to the same address :)

So this week we stopped by Rosa almost every night to try and build her up and keep her strong. Her baptism was approaching and she was starting to get really nervous and started panicking. We went to her house Thursday night and she said she got called into work because someone is sick. She has to work all weekend. All Sunday and she cant make it to church, or her baptism. Me and Elder Lund were in the calmest panic I've ever done. Just calmly sit and think how can i solve this for her? We decided to pray it out. We asked her to exercise her faith that it will work out. Saturday she told us that a lady asked her if she can cover for her to get more hours. God really does answer prayers :) Her story really is amazing. She met with the sister missionaries 5 or 6 years ago but only went to church once because she always had work. The Sisters were transferred out and she ended up moving a few blocks away and lost contact with the Church. The Monday before me and Elder Lund went in to this area, she finally saw the Elders at the store and got the courage to talk to them in hopes that it was the same church the Sisters were from. We got their referral and couldn't find her for about two weeks. Then we were talking to here for about a month. She already had sooo much faith but fell away from the Catholic church. She knew it just wasn't quite right. She said her faith really grew in God when she separated from her husband and knew that the world just doesn't care. The only one she could rely on is God. It was actually kinda sad hearing her talk about it. We were able to answer so many of her questions she had but she knew so much from the sisters. The others in the photo are Rosa's daughter Wendy, whom we hope will be baptised soon. She is super shy, but is warming up to us and will join the lessons now. and She definitely felt the Spirit at her mom's baptism, the Villalobos family. they helped us teach and (Spanish too lol) Hermano Villalobos performed the Baptism. He had to run after the baptism so I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet, but Elder Lund said that he pulled Elder Lund aside and thanked him for allowing them to help us teach. he hasn't been able ever in his life to be apart as something as beautiful as helping a random stranger who you dont even know progress and follow Christ and the sincere love that develops and the friendship they have made. Yesterday, my first baptism, was one of the happiest days of my life. I think the only day that can rival it, is from my last area, when the Alvarez Family came to Church for the first time. It really is so humbling to be apart of such a magnificent work as this. The Salvation of Souls.

I bear my testimony to you, that the Salvation of Souls is a real work on the Earth today. That Jesus Christ is our savior and Redeemer and that only through him can we receive the fullness of joy that we can inherit. The joy that only comes from following the teachings of God. It is never to late to come to Christ. Whether it be return to Him, or maybe find Him for the first time. I know that He lives and He loves each and every one of us more then we can comprehend. He wants the best for us. He is happy when we are happy, and sad when we are sad. They only thing he wants is for ust to come into his fold. John 15:14 reads "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". I bear this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

 

Week 29... TRANSFERS!!!

Hey Everybody! 

 

This week was great!    Allot of stuff fell through so we ended up knocking a lot of doors, but over all it was a super good week! Last Monday, an hour before our appointment with them, a very sad Salvador called us and said that Fila doesn't want to investigate anymore. We were devastated. We let it blow over for a few days. On Friday I think, we went buy again and Fila was so happy to see us! She said that we missed our appointment on Wednesday. We were kinda confused. We talked it over, and decided it was just a big miscommunication. I guess if you get two white guys that pretend they speak Spanish and put them on the phone with Guatemalan then stuff happens... lol. I guess Salvador set up another appointment for Wednesday and we unknowingly said we'll go? lol. Spanish on the phone is one of the hardest things to do! I guess that's the price you pay for drumming for a few years...

We have been working a lot with Rosa lately too. She is super cool and absolutely loves what we are teaching! She is slowly making the steps to baptism that we are here to guide her too. 

I am so glad I decided to serve a mission. I LOVE it here sooo much. Me and Elder Lund have had a good transfer together! Its week 6 now which means it may be coming to an end, but I really hope we can have another together.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 states "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us." I never really realized how essential this is till my mission. A lot of people don't understand that the God Head is comprised of 3 distinct, separate individuals all that have the same purpose.

I love you all so much!  Thanks for your support!

Love,

Elder Lloyd

P.S. being transfers, make sure all mail that may or may not come makes it here before this Saturday :) I may be moving!

Week 28!!!

Hey guys!!

This week was super great!!

We had super good lessons with Salvador and his family!   Really, in one lesson, we were talking allot and he said that he was baptized 30 some odd years ago. That was really unexpected... We knew something was up because his late wife and daughters were baptized and served missions back when he lived in Guatemala. He said that he wants to start going back to church because he misses it. His current wife Fila was kinda upset with him... turns out she had no idea either... Unfortunately, they weren't able to make it to church. they had a family thing. But, we did find another lady named Rosa. She made it to church. She investigated 5 years or so ago but had to work on Sundays so she was never at church and never baptized. She loves our church though!!

Sorry, I am out of time this week. I will write a better one next week!

Alma 32:21 reads "Now i say concerning faith. Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things, but to have hope in things that are not seen which are true" 

Love you all!!

Week 27!!

Hey everyone!!

 

How are you? So a few weeks ago, Elder Nokes (some of you know him, some probably don't) Copied and pasted his president's letter to this email. I liked the idea so I am going to give it a shot! 

 

Dear President Tew,

 

This week was great!! I really love it here with Elder Lund! We are getting our teaching pool up and going, and we are finding some great people! We knocked into a feller named Salvador. He recently moved here from Guatamala. His now ex wife and his daughters all served a mission and stuff but he was never baptized. Not sure why. We talked with him and had a get to know you/how to begin teaching as we were knocking, left with a scripture and set an appointment for the next day. The next day, Thursday I believe, we had a full first and him and his current wife and daughter LOVED it. We gave them a Book of Mormon and the Hermana LOVED it. She read two chapters the first night. We haven't had a lesson since because they had a funeral they had to go to, but we did swing by and drop off another B.o.M. because we only had one last time. the Hermana went off saying how much she loved the reading and she wanted another assignment. Then, they came to church!!! The first investigator I've had in church. My last area was hard. just allot of empty commitments.  Well, after 6 months of trying, I finally convinced someone to come!  Granted I take no credit, but you know what I mean. I was so happy! I really think they will be baptized.  We have a lesson tomorrow with them!!   The daughter wasn't at church though... kinda lame.  Not sure why.

I LOVE this area, sometimes it gets hot, but a little sweat never hurt no one,  and I LOVE elder Lund. He is probably my favorite companion. I definitely get along better with him then my last two here and the one in the MTC. He kinda reminds me of my best friend back at home. We haven't even been in one argument. I think the 5 man apartment helps with that. I honestly would love to have another transfer with Elder Lund. and I firmly believe that the unity we have developed can and will allow us to summon the Spirit firmly and powerfully for the Salvation of Souls.

 

Thanks for all you do! Love Elder Lloyd.

 

So that's about all I've got this week :) I have zone conference on Friday! I'll let you know how that goes! There has been allot of rumours of a ton of changes and stuff happening some form the new mission President, some from Salt Lake. I'm curious to see what I find out! 

 

1 Nephi 3:7 reads "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." I really like this. It is true (like all the Scriptures :) ) that any and every commandment from God is possible. He will not require from us what we cannot handle. Sometimes it may seem so, But HE will ALWAYS help us out. The hard times are the times of growth.  

 

Thanks for all the support!! 

 

Love,

Elder Lloyd

Week 26!!!

Hey everyone!!  

This week was good!!

I hope all of you were able to have a good week as well!!

This week was great! Me and Elder Lund were able to find a few good people to teach. It has been a slow start but we are getting lessons back into our days again. Its great! I love my new area and Elder Lund allot! I love it because we are both equals. We have the same time in the mission, 6 months as of today!  It's crazy that I'm a quarter of the way done! And because we opened a new area, we have the same time here so we are both equals. I like it allot!

I have no time today, We had a trip up to the L.A. temple today which takes most of the day, also it is why Tuesday is P-Day instead of yesterday. I love the temple so much! Its one of those things that you don't realize you miss it until you go back. It is like most things relating to the Gospel, you receive so much happiness from the Gospel it is incredible. Then, when you do something you aren't supposed to be or something like that, your quality of life goes down. It's gradual enough that you don't notice until you get it back then your life is miraculous again as you start recognizing the blessings that come from the Gospel and Jesus Christ. I know this to be true with every fiber in my being. I have helped a few people the past 6 months realize this and come back to Christ. You have heard of them in my emails. One was a even a bishop. I bring him up because it really shows that anyone can stray away so we all need to be careful. But more then that, it shows the Love that God has for each and every one of his children. It shows His hand in our lives, and the power of the Atonement that he was able to realign his life with the teachings of Christ. I wish you all could have heard his solom humble testimony as he thanked me for not giving up and how much his life has improved since he has come back to Christ. I exhort all of you to come back into the fold of Christ. By that I mean that we are all sinners. But Christ loves every single one of us. Pick one thing and fix it.  Whatever just came to your mind, as i know as you read that, the Spirit will recall to you what you need to work on. Improve on that for a better tomorrow. Never stop doing the little things. They are important.

Luke 23:34. reads " Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." In this scripture Jesus Christ is hanging on the cross for all to see. Everyone was mocking and scorning Him. He prays to our Father in Heaven and pleads for Him to forgive His murderers. Right before He dies 13 verses later. 

If Jesus Christ will forgive his murderers, He will lovingly accept you back into his flock and forgive you of whatever you may need.

He loves you more then you can comprehend and wants the best for you. That's why he has established His church again on the Earth. That is why he called me and 80,000 other missionaries to go to all places and "invite all to come unto [Him]" (missionary purpose PMG PG 1)

Thanks for all your support!

I love you all!

Elder Lloyd

Week 25!!

Hey guys!

This week was pretty good! White washing with Elder Lund! It was a slower week. We did a few thousand doors (literally) and street contacted when we could. There's not near as many people here on the streets as there is in Long Beach. We only taught 4 lessons this week. It was a really slow one. We have found allot of potentials and some really cool people for this week though!  I will let you know how it goes! I love it here! Its super quiet all the time! I havent even heard gun shots once! lol.

Elder Lund is super cool! We get along great! he is more quiet then most other missionaries but I like it allot. We get along great!

I dont have a whole lot of stuff to reprt on this week. Next week will be more exciting!

Mosiah 2:17 states "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." So serve others because serving God is good :) as you serve, I promise more happiness then you can imagine will come into your life.

I love you all!!
Elder Lloyd

Leaving the MTC... First day in the Field

Well, my first day was kinda… rough… I got up at 3:00 AM after going to bed at 12:30 AM. The bus ride to the airport was interesting. To drive by “home” again, to see all the things of my “past life” that I finally got used to the idea that it is going to be two years before I see them again. It was odd. Driving by the exits to my families houses, to school, to work… almost 20 years of memories that I almost got “put away” all come flooding back.

Finally, we get to the airport. I get all ready to go; checked in and such, and it’s time to find a payphone. I have been looking forward to this for the past six weeks of the MTC. But, now that I am here, why is it so hard to dial the numbers? Finally Mom answers. Luckily she was in a talking mood. I had no idea what to say. It was bitter sweet moment getting to talk to them (Mom, Dad and Brandon). I enjoyed it a lot, but it was kind of hard. At least I got to tell them “I love you” a lot more than a piece of paper can say.

The flight was good. It made me sick though. For three days I was dizzy. We had a big meeting with all the 32 elders and one sister on my plane. They made the assignments for our “temporary trainers”. Turns out President Bubert can’t get us all interviewed today. They set me up with Elder Kasen. He seems like a cool dude. He is going home in three months. He is very ready, and he will be the first to tell you. We had no lessons today. We went over a few things then went to dinner with two Elders in a Samoan ward. We waited around for an hour in their apartment until the member finally dropped off two subway sandwiches for the four of us. The Elders were ticked, but I didn’t mind. I was still sick from the plane. We sat around for another 30-40 minutes, which is really annoying. I didn’t come on a mission to sit around. Plus, the white handbook clearly states dinner is an hour max. Dad said that if you feel home sick, the best medicine is work it off. It’s weird, when the last thing you want to do is work, do it anyways and you will feel better. So, let’s stop sitting around and go try! Well, long story short, I didn’t talk to a single person positively! Everyone I talked to just wanted to hate the church and hate God and hate me for representing it. I have never felt so disliked by random strangers.

We walked and walked for 3 hours. Knocking a few doors on the way, but mainly talking to people. I thought my shoes were broken in; I guess not. By the end of the night, my feet had huge blisters all over. I literally walked till I bled, then walked some more.

Finally we get home. We planned for tomorrow, but I didn’t have a planner yet so I mainly just sat around while Elder Kasen did it; then went to bed. I was quite homesick. It has been four months since then and life is much better now and I understand why a lot of things happened that way!

Love you all!

Elder Lloyd

Week 24!!!

Hey everyone!!   

How are you?

This week was pretty good! I did a whole lot of exchanges again. I spent a lot of time in Samoan wards. I hope one day I get to serve in one for a little while! Their culture is AWESOME.

So I am getting transferred. I move tomorrow up into the Whittier West Zone. I am going to the Rio Ondo ward. Me and an Elder named Elder Lund are opening a new area and both of us have no idea what to expect. It is a Spanish area and he has been out as long as me. He was in the district next to mine in the MTC. I hope his Spanish is better then mine! haha. SO my new address is

9128 Burke street apt 120

Pico Rivera, Ca 90660

So feel free to send me all sorts of letters and such :)

So, my new area is in the hottest part of the mission, just in time for the hottest part of the year. Not exactly looking forward to that... I am excited for the transfer though. I am confident it will be a great way to grow for myself and that the Lord has prepared people for me and Elder Lund to go find and show them how to find the up most happiness in their lives.

Helaman 14:13 reads " and if ye believe on His name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits" basically, through your faith and conviction to Christ, you can repent of all your sins and be made happy :)

I love you all!

Elder Lloyd

Week 23- TRANSFERS!!!

Hey Everyone!

I cannot believe that it is already transfers again!! Time goes so fast! So because it is transfers again, I have a chance to be moving, so don't send mail to my apartment. Or at least do it soon. It has to get here before this Saturday, or I can't promise it will make it to me.

This week was good! We went on allot of exchanges again this week, so I don't have allot of stuff to report on from my area. The Alvarez family made it to church again. They missed two weeks or so and I was getting nervous that they went inactive again! But, things are still good with them :)

I did two exchanges in two different Samoan wards. It was AWESOME. I LOVE the people here. The Samoan people I shared a message with love the missionaries. They have ridiculous amounts of charity for us. It was really humbling. I have never eaten so much in my life. Thursday night for dinner was more than thanksgiving. For just me, they gave me a big ole steak, two giant turkey legs, two fried bananas, a turkey tail, two hot dogs, a big ole mango smoothie, two sodas, a ton of stir fry, a ton of rice and a ton of salad. I ate constantly literally from 5:00 to 5:55 non stop. Then they brought out dessert. By the time I was done, I took my last swallow and literally felt it hit the bottom of my throat. So, I figured I should probably stop now my stomach is literally full to capacity. So, I go and bike it off. That one meal kept me full from 5:30 on Thursday till lunch time on Friday. It was nuts. I want to serve in a Samoan ward. I'd be huge though... haha!

Alma 11:40 reads "And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else." That is about Jesus Christ. He suffered for each and every one of our transgressions, and he alone knows what you are going through. Reach out to him. Repent of your sins and inherit eternal happiness.

Love,
Elder Lloyd

Week 22!!!

Hey guys,

 

So I took to long on my other emails today so I don't have a whole lot of time today. But, life is good :) The weather is great here in Southern California!  Really, If you want my honest opinion, I don't like it when its sunny all the time. I get bored lol. I know I'm a freak :)

 

This week we did a lot of exchanges, Elder Huesca is the district leader so he needs to work with all the Elders in our district. and, there are 12 of us. So, I don't have a lot to report on from my area because I wasn't there for most of it... We did have a super cool lesson with a dude named Chris. He is 14, his dad wants us to teach him. its weird because our beliefs go well against his dad's beliefs but he liked them for Chris?  Anyways, Chris wants to be baptized, but, he stiffed us at church this week. I have been out for 5 months as of yesterday and I have yet to have an investigator at church. Its hard because allot of the people don't have cars and the members already carpool. You wouldn't know that because cars line every street you look at. I don't know who owns them all...

 

So, I lost my camera on Thursday I think. I was heart broken. I wanted to cry! I may not be able to send pictures home, but that doesn't mean I don't take them... I looked everywhere for an entire day, retracing footsteps and all. I prayed many times, and finally I found it :) I left it at a members house. I thought I put it in my back pack but I guess not. I'll have to be more careful next time!!

 

1 Nephi 15:24 reads " And I said unto them that it was the word of God: and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish: neither could the temptations of the adversary overpower them unto blindness and lead them away to destruction." Remember to always read your scriptures and go to church. The nourishment of the work of God really will always allow us to be kept safe from the temptations.

 

I love you all

 

Thanks for the support

Elder Lloyd

Week 21!!!

Hello Everybody!!!
 

This week was great! We found Mabel again. We taught her twice then she had family visit her for a week and she fell off the planet. We walked by her house and she was outside, and said she wants us to come by again! We are super super excited!

 

We also were able to pick up Erika again. Me and Elder Kasen got the referral for her a few months ago but nothing ever worked out. Me and Elder Huesca were out on the streets contacting and walked by her house and I thought what the heck, lets run up to her apartment and she let us in. She broke down almost in tears explaining to us how her daughter asked her "mom what are we? my friend says she's Christian" and she's says "I was like oh my gosh, I'm a horrible mom.  My kids don't have religion. I try to teach them about God but I don't know how!" and went on for almost an hour with all these questions and concerns and doubts. Literally every question she asked will be answered with the Gospel. We started a lesson one. We were in there for two hours and only got through the first two points (God is our loving Heavenly Father and The Gospel blesses families). She was in tears saying how she wants this and wants it now because we are answering questions she's had for a long time. Its kinda cool how the Gospel does that.

 

This week I have been thinking ALLOT about member missionary work. I learned some statistics for my mission. 1 in every 1000 doors knocked yields 1 baptism. 1 in every 900 street contacts yields 1 baptism. 1 in 3 member referrals is baptised. Members. We NEED you to help us! We had a District meeting on it last Thursday on the importance of members. Then, Saturday night the adult stake conference was on it, half of the general stake conference was on it. Then to top it all off, there was a world wide Leader ship training broad cast on Sunday. I have no idea if anyone knew about it or watched it, but it was good. I challenge ALL of you, I don't know who all reads this. Active members, less active members, nonmembers or anything in between. I challenge ALL to go onto LDS.org and watch it (maybe someone will put the link on the blog) It had some great enlightenment's on missionary work for all to hear. IT will enlighten you and allow you to feel the Spirit of the Work. If you already watched it, go back and do it again. Sit down with your families at a night that is convenient and watch it.

 

Members, we, the missionaries of the church, are called directly from God through his living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who is on the earth today to "invite others to come unto Christ..." (missionary purpose, Preach My Gospel page 1). We CANNOT do it alone and have any sort of success. I know the Gospel can and WILL bless the lives of all those who partake of it. If I didn't KNOW this with an absolutely surety in my heart, there is no way I would ever leave my family whom I love so dearly for two years. Because of the happiness I have from the Gospel and my love for our Savior, I couldn't imagine not sharing it.

 

“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior's doctrine of losing one's life to gain it.” —Pres. David O. McKay

 

"Every member...a missionary!" "True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men. This is the spirit of missionary work" -Pres. David O. Mckay

 

I could go on but I'm short on time. Take a minute and read pages 12 and 13 of Preach My Gospel.

 

Believe me, i know that it can be scary to extend an invitation to someone to learn about and live the Gospel. That is Satan telling you with everything he has got to never do it, for he knows the positive impact just one simple invite can have on anyone. 

 

Invite people everywhere. "They want 'peace in the world, and eternal life in the world to come' (D&C 59:23), but they are "kept from the truth because they know not where to find it' (D&C 123:12)" (PMG page 1) BE loud and proud about your religion and love for the Lord! I don't need to tell you of the happiness that you get from the Gospel, but i can promise you that much happiness awaits as you invite a soul to come unto Christ. I now it can be a bit nerve wracking, but the Full Time Missionaries of the Church are here to help in anyway we can. Believe me, the only thing that will make the missionary that you call and say "I have a friend but I don't know how to invite them" and allowing them to help you, any happier, is when they watch the said friend step into the Baptismal Font and make sacred covenants that will bless their lives for eternities on end. I may not have had the opportunity to baptise anyone yet, but I'll tell you what, I have seen many tears of joy from missionaries, new converts, and members who have all helped tremendously in "Inviting others to come unto Christ"

 

I love you all so much. Thank you for all your support.

 

Love

Elder Lloyd

Week 20!!!

Well, I guess I'm officially 1/5th of the way done!! Is anyone else as shocked as I am? Man time is flying by. It almost makes me sad because I'll be leaving here far to soon...

This week was good. We had one of our best investigators, Camelia, drop us though. That was sad. She is super super interested but her husband doesn't exactly like us.

We have had a hard time finding those we are supposed to be teaching this week. It seems that everyone keeps having stuff come up. But, it happens. Its weird. I'm not sure why, but sometimes it just happens in a week. No one came to church which was super lame. But that's okay. We have been doing a TON of contacting so next week will be better!!

I love you Lots!!

John 14:15 reads "if ye love me, keep my commandments" That one is one I have had memorized since before I could talk (only slightly exaggerating. ask my mom :) ) it is so short and so sweet you just have to love it.

Thanks for everything!!

Love

Elder Lloyd

Week 19!

Hey everyone!!

How are things going?

This was a great week!! I am really short on time right now, so I'll just run through a few main points.

My new companion, Elder Huesca, is a cool dude. He is a break dancer. He was born in Mexico and moved to Arizona when he was 9, so he can help me with my Spanish a ton!!

We have had a ton of success this week! We have just made sure to talk to EVERYONE on the streets. Instead of knocking, we just pick a street and walk down it. We found a boy. He is 17. We had our first lesson with him at his house yesterday. He asked what baptism is and what happens. Luckily, there was a baptism in the church an hour after that so we called a member and rode down there. He said "man, when can i get baptized? If I can have that feeling all the time, I want to do it now" hopefully his mom will let him. Since he is 17 we need her written permission.

A quick scripture to share:
Alma 41:10 "Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness"

I know this to be true.  That as we go through our lives, if we do good things, we will be happy.

I love you all so much!!

I've been trying to send pictures but the computer wont let me... I try a lot. The libraries in Long Beach are closed on Mondays so I can't do it there but hopefully next transfer I can get a computer that will let me.

Love,

Elder Lloyd

Week 18!!!!

Hey guys!!

This has been another quick week in the great city of Long Beach!! I hope all is going well for you all at home! I have very little time this week. I am super busy with getting Elder Kasen ready to ship off for home!! I drop him off at the airport at 5:30 A.M. tomorrow morning and I get my new companion, Elder Huesca. I've heard nothing but good things from him so I'm really looking forward to this next transfer. I am still in the same apartment and same area so feel free to mail letters again to the same address!!

The Highlight of this week was we had a big Family Home Evening with the Alvarez family and some of their family that lives here in Long Beach, including his uncle, who is the ward mission leader. We made graham cracker towers and compared them to the tower of babel vs the tower King Benjamin used to give his sermon and said to do everything with right intentions. It was super super fun!!

I really love it here in Long Beach. I'm really glad that I wasn't transferred!!

A scripture This week is Helamen 3:29. it reads "yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked" when i first got here, President Bubert challenged all the new missionaries to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days and promised that if we do, we will come to have a greater knowledge of the Gospel and be happier and closer to Christ. I'd like to issue that same challenge to all of you now. I promise you the same things. If you read the Book of Mormon, things in your life will be better. You will come to know of the important things and the little details that seem to not work out, will become minuscule and unimportant.

 

I love you all!!

Elder Lloyd

Week 17- TRANSFERS!!

Hey guys!!

This week was hectic... I am super super busy right now trying to balance Average day missionary work, zone conference, and helping a few people with the Government, and getting Elder Kasen ready to go home in a week!

We had zone conference this week! I loved it allot! I learned so much from missionaries who have allot more experience then me. It was kind of long, it took up almost an entire day. But, Its okay. It really helped me to know how to be better. It was almost overwhelming to think of how to apply all that went on!

We had a super good lesson with the Estrada family that I talked about a few weeks ago. They dropped us then fell off the radar for awhile and moved. Well, just out of luck, we found them. Turns out Hermano Estrada lost his job. Right after they moved into a bigger, and therefore more expensive, apartment and signed a year contract. We had a lesson on church. They haven't been in a long time. I shared my Dad's story of losing his job not to long ago. I'm glad my Spanish is finally getting good enough to do stuff like that on the fly (with the Spirit of coarse) instead of botch a memorized "script". It was really spiritual. I cried a little bit :) so did the Hermana. I thought it went awesome and they committed to be at church for sure!! They didn't come though... It was really sad.

This week, we helped out allot with trying to get illegal immigrants sorted out with the government. It was interesting. We helped one guy get all the stuff gathered together to send in his application to become a student/worker here, we helped another guy apply for state and federal aide for college, and I helped one guy who got fined a lot of money for having unpermitted structures on his house that the previous owner put up. It was a lot of back and forth translating from the government officials and the fellars we were helping :)

I really like this scripture. Its Jacob 2:8. it reads "and it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul" That's a pretty good one saying how if we go to church, our wounded soul will be healed. We all have wounded souls. That's just part of life. So, go to church and it will make your life smoother. simple as that.

So it being transfers this week, which is completely crazy how fast time is going, no mail to my apartment this week or i may never see it... Then next week I'll give out my new address if i was transferred.

I love you all!! Do good things!!

Elder Lloyd

WEEK 16!!

Man, time is really starting to FLY by!! It is crazy!! I guess this week was a day shorter because of the temple trip last week... but still! So many good things happened this week it was unreal!

The Alvarez family was at church again this week! Thank goodness for that! We finally got the Hermano to come to Elders Quorum with us instead of just go to primary with his little boy! Last Tuesday, we had a super super good lesson with them. We went in there and read out of 3 Nephi. We read about the destruction of everything when Jesus died. Then we watched it on The Testaments. Then we read about when he came, then watched the film, then read what he did and the effect it had on people then watched the film. It was longer then most lessons we have had but it was sooo good. The Spirit was present unbelievably strong. I silently prayed my heart out that the Spirit would testify to them about these things and their truth and for help with a testimony. We finished the film and Sonya was crying and I bore my little testimony. The Spirit was so strong it was unbelievable. It was one of the strongest times i have felt the Spirit in my life.

We had a ward party last Friday for Mother's Day. They had a really loud sound system and i couldn't hear anything... My poor drummer ears don't quite work the best anymore. Especially trying to figure out Spanish at the same time! lol. They made the missionaries sing a Spanish song. They gave us the lyrics as we walked on the stage and played some song that we have never heard. It was horrible lol. We almost did good on the last chorus. Lol. The crowd loved it though!!

A quick scripture for you all. 3 Nephi 13:24 "No man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon" Now is the time to choose a side. We cannot be fence sitters. If you are not progressing for good, you are digressing for the worst. Choose now who you will serve and do it the best you can!

I love you all!!

Elder Lloyd

Week 15!!!

Hey guys!

 

Sorry I am a day late this week. We went on a temple trip this morning so we had to switch our P-Day to today. 

 

This week was kinda long. It was HOT!! 95 degrees yesterday!   Far to hot to be out knocking doors!! lol.

So, I really have no time this week.  My P-Day was really abbreviated today so I can't go in depth at all. Sorry!! I'll do better next week!!
 

The Alvarez family wasn't at church this week. It was really lame. We ran into them on the street. They said they had a mother's day party Saturday night and slept in. We have a lesson today to check up and see if they are still interested. I'll let you know how it goes!!

 

I hope you all had a good mother's day!! Mine was good :) It was nice to talk to my family :)

A quick scripture for you all. Helamen 3:27 "Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon him" I know this to be true. That through a sincere and faithful prayer, God will help us out with whatever we need. I have seen this so much in the past few months. I invite you all to try it this week and I know that as you do, you will truly be blessed.

I love you all allot!! sorry I am short on time!

Love

Elder Lloyd

Week 14!!!!

Hey guys!!

So this week was kinda slow. Not a whole lot happened. Not sure why, sometimes that just happens. But that's okay, there is always this week :)

This week we had a lesson with the Alvares Family about the Armour of God. It was good. We brought in pictures of a guy to draw the Armour of God on so the kids enjoyed it a lot while the parents got something spiritual. The brother had work yesterday, but the sister still came to church and brought their kids.

On Thursday, we had a mini exchanges (I went with one of the zone leaders for about two hours while our companions were at a meeting)  We taught a girl named Angie the first lesson. It went really well up until her 15 month old boys diaper kinda exploded. But she came to church anyway so its all good :)

On Friday, we were talking with the Luna Family. A part member family. The mom said she is from Honduras and has 22 brothers and sisters. Elder Kasen is all really?  She's all yeah   and shows us a family picture and says "they didn't have t.v. in Honduras in those days" it was pretty funny.

 

 

Elder Kasen shared this scripture in a lesson with the Luna Family and I really liked it so here it is :)

Mosiah 2:41 "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." I like that because it is true. The commandments may seem like they tie you down, but if you follow what God says, you will be happy beyond belief.

I love you all so much!

 

Until next week,

Elder Lloyd

 

WEEK 13!!!

Hey guys!!!

Man... I just don't know where to start this week! So much happened!!

The Alvares family and Hermano Lopez were at church again :) That makes it 4 Sundays in a row!!

Yesterday we went up to the Estrada's house to see if they really dropped us or not. Well, we walk up to the door and the wood door is off the hinges and we see through the metal grate door that they cleaned out the whole apartment. They said that they were moving the end of may. So we were pretty bummed. We had the general location where they moved so we were going to scrap our plans (we had no set appointments, we were contacting on the street while walking to different members homes). We turned right to go to find the Estradas, then i thought hey, lets just go check on Hno Lopez while we are here. So, i suggest it and we turn around to his house. Then, Hno Estrada runs out from behind a car and tells us how they moved this morning and we came at the perfect time. He gave us his address and told us to stop by. It was great!! So, we got them back :)

We have 17 elders in the LB 16 ward this transfer. That is a CRAZY amount. half of us is in one zone, the other half is in another zone. It is tearing the Elders, and therefore the ward, apart! So, Elder Kasen and I had the idea to make it all one zone. So, we both spend hours in lunch and companion study planning this all out. We had this whole presentation all set up. Then, we called up President Bubert and set up a lunch with him. We sat and talked for two hours about the problems with our ward and how our own zone will fix it. At first he wasn't to fond of the idea but towards the end, he really got thinking. Then we looked at the transfer board and planned it out a bit. A day later, President Bubert said he is 95% sure it is going to happen. It will improve the ward exponentially!! It will be great!!

The scripture this week is Malachi 3:10. It reads "Bring ye all the Tithes into the storehouse... and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for you to receive it" This is pretty cool. All through the scriptures we hear don't tempt the Lord. But here He is saying "try Me. See if I wont bless you!" So, what do we have to lose? I know that tithing is a blessing. When I broke my arm right before I left, and I lost a bit of pay check, I couldn't afford to finish paying for school, and my tithing and stuff I needed to buy so i could leave. I didn't know what to do. So, I thought whatever. I have to pay my tithing. The rest will work out. So I did. And I'm still not sure how it all worked out but my school is paid in full, and I have all the things I need to be here. So, follow the Lord's council. Try it. It works :)

I love you all so much!!

Elder Lloyd

 

Also, I forgot to send this last week. It is part of my last zone. I guess my camera sat too long and turned off the timed flash. But, I am still in it and that is what is important, right? ;)

 

 

Week 12!!

Hello world!!!

   So this week was kinda slow... There was the annual Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend so everyone was over there and not home. That's all good though!! Saturday dinner got cancelled so we went to taco bell and watched the race for about 20 minutes. I wish it was on a P-Day so we could have gone to the real race!! People tell me i am kind of a redneck, It may or may not be true. Especially now that I have been introduced to the Indy races!! :) It was pretty cool.

 

Also, neither me or Elder Kasen were transferred We are still in the same apartment with the same address (so you can send me mail again :) ) I'm glad! We get along great and I love the people in our area!! It was slow at first, but we have found a few people to teach so it's okay :)

So, this week we were in church. It was about five minutes into the meeting and the Alvares Family wasn't there. Elder Kasen was getting super bummed because last week they were there like 15 minutes early. I told him that maybe they are just running a bit late and that they will be here. I mean stuff happens right? And they acted really excited to come again when we talked on Thursday last week!! So, we just sat and waited and they walked into the meeting right before the Sacrament. It made me happy :) and, the talk was really good to!! they were all on temples and the blessings we get from them! It was just what they need!! I'm not sure how much they got though. It was two youth speakers and a high council man. The high councilor speaks English (which is good for me :) ) but the translator was really quiet so i don't know how much the Alvarez family caught because they don't speak a lick of English.

So I was thinking a lot about temples. I haven't been in 6 weeks now which was different because I went regularly before my mission. So, I was thinking about it and I miss it a lot!! In Doctrine and Covenants Section 138:48 "the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the dispensation of the fullness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of the children to their parents" This scripture is AWESOME!!! I mean, think about that... We are the only church on the planet that have the sealing power on earth that can allow us to be sealed to our parents for time and all eternity!! Its super neat! I really have noticed I kinda like my family and I wouldn't mind spending time with them for a little bit ;)

I love you all!!!

Elder Lloyd