August 31, 2015

Exchange Miracles, Spiritual teaching

Hello everyone,

This week has been super awesome!  I know I have been saying that but this time I wish to share with you an experience with one of our teaching visits we had with an awesome family.  They are this way because of their sincere interest to know a little more about the origins of the Church and why there are so many in the land.  Bingo, Impossible to hold back the opportunity to share and teach and testify.

We were able to help them understand questions about Joseph Smith and the reason for many churches and the real validity of the Book of Mormon.  I should mention that at this time we were on an exchange so I had one of the Zone Leaders as my companion just for that day.  But I feel that it was inspired to have an exchange right now because of how strong the spirit was in our testifying of the truth of this church.  This is why we always invite others and everyone we know and meet to read the Book of Mormon to ask for themselves the questions of their hearts about Joseph Smith and the book.  Again, if you have not read it, Please, I really ask and near beg you, just open it and see what it has to offer you.  I KNOW with everything that I am that it has nothing but truth contained in its pages, something that the world is losing and sorely needs.  It will strengthen or begin to grow your testimony and all one needs is a "particle" of faith.  To all that read this letter, I ask you to test the message and realize the divinity of our Savior.  If you are having a hard day and have read it before, READ AGAIN! No wicked man could write this book, neither could any good man write it, save it be by the power of God and to preserve the teachings of the prophets from this continent in ancient times that they spent their lives writing for us today, this day, to know what to do and who Christ is.  This morning I was reading about Alma, the younger, and how he use to be someone in open rebellion against God, our literal Father in Heaven, and tried to destroy the good and people and their faith.

After a sincere change of heart by a visitation from an angel, and experiencing how he was "racked with torment, harrowed up by the memory of my many sins"  He cries in is heart unto Christ if he would have mercy , being in the "gall of biterness"  With his sincere desire to change, "I could remember my pains no more; yea I was harrowed up in the memory of my sins nore more.

And oh, what joy and what marvelous light I did behold; yea my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!"

How can we not feel joyful if this could happen to him, then we can also do the same, and feel real joyful forgiveness and try again to do better every day with repentance.  This is why Jesus Christ came to this earth.  To completely give up what He wanted, save it be to want to suffer in place of us, and do exactly what His Father wanted and sent Him to do, to give us that second chance to come unto Him and to never hunger or thirst for peace or love or joy or forgiveness.  I know that my soul is joyful in knowing this and trying to live the best I can in His example to one day thank Him in person face to face bowing before Him and owing everything I have been given and do to my Savior.  I know I will live again, as will my family and everyone on this earth, because He lives! 

I miss you all and Ill see you in 22 months !  Woot!  Just around the corner.  

Elder Newman

I know Im not good with taking pictures but I will try harder to post more. 

My District

My district!

August 24, 2015

Hola todos,

I am sorry ahead of time that this weeks letter is a little short again but I promise a lengthy letter next monday.  I give my word on it.  BUT I do encourage you to go to the blog that my dad has set up to see all previous letters and pictures.  So thankful for that support and love he gives. brandnewmissionary.blogspot.com

This week has been very crazy, the first 3 days I needed to go with another companionship because of 3 day training that is for all the District and Zone leaders and my companion is our District Leader, so I was able to go into a trio and all on the bike.  Very fun, lots of work, and experiencing teaching with other elders.  Once back with my bestie, the work is just more finding, beginning to contact new people to find and meeting more of the members in the Spanish ward.  Many meal appointments which gave me more opportunity to use and practice my spanish and also to meet the members besides just on Sunday. 

As a missionary, I know that this is where I need to be.  Haven't seen why yet, but simply because the Lord has called me here and somewhere He will speak through His called servants to those that are ready to learn of the restored gospel and to come unto Jesus Christ, I know that He needs me here. 

I love being here and always learning something new every day.  The Lord always teaches us line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.  This is true.  But with faith in Him, I know we can come to know all things. 

Elder Newman

August 17, 2015

Phew!!  Finally made it to McAllen last Monday  It has been 10 days since I last wrote to you all but now it will be on Mondays just like every other missionary.  First day we met the mission president and wow, he is truly one who has been called of God to lead missionaries in the work of the Lord.  Coming from Chile, his spanish is super clear and crisp, it was awesome to meet him.  My first companion's name is Elder Blackman and he and all the elders in our district are super funny and all hardworking but also lighthearted and very loving of each other and jokesters with each other when the time is appropriate of course. 

We have been working in an area called Donna, TX that was previously closed but now has been reopened and so we only have a few records to go off of to figure out and learn who everyone is and such but we are trying hard.  We have begun already teaching people about the gospel and the work is progressing.  Maybe slow but still going.  

So this mission is one of the few in the world where we are required to be bilingual so there is both English and Spanish teaching and speaking so whoohoo! But dont worry, always ready for Spanish first.

We have already met so many people here accepting us to initially teach them but we have faith that we can continue to help them in all things that we can do to serve them.  Just to name a few, we have met Cruz and Tania and their family of 6 kids, who have always wondered for example what the difference was between all the churches in the world or even in just this town alone.   Bingo, entryway to be able to share with them the truth that we have.  What blessings they can receive if we can continue with them!  

I must be going but wanted to say to all that I made it here safe and that the work has begun practically right away on my second day here.  This is the only time I will say so because it is unecessary to mention but whooooooooo, it is super humid hot here, I thought we werent suppose to go swimming.  But literally as soon as one walks outside, you slam into a wall of moisture in the air and my glasses fog up every time=P  Love it here, wouldnt want to be anywhere else.  TMM esta impresionante!!!

No News is Good News? Haven't heard yet but I'm guessing he is there and will email soon...

For now here is some information about Brandon's Mission:

DESCRIPTION

The Texas McAllen Mission is on the border of the United States and Mexico. There is a large Spanish population and many Spanish and English speaking missionaries are called to this area. Missionaries called to this area can expect hot, humid summers and mild winters.

 Snapshot of the Texas McAllen Mission area – Texas is the second most populous US state and the largest of the “mainland” 48 states. Once an independent republic, Texas became the 28th state in 1845. The mission includes the southern part of Texas and borders Mexico very closely; hence, cultural attitudes are heavily influenced by nearby Mexico, especially because over 75% of the population identifies as Hispanic (of any race). Fun fact: the Texas McAllen Mission is the only “stateside” US mission where all missionaries are called Spanish-speaking!

THE CHURCH

The Church is strong in Texas, with both Spanish- and English-speaking wards proliferating. There are five stakes within the Texas McAllen Mission boundaries. Overall, the Church has an increasing presence throughout the state, with a total Church membership of nearly 315,900 in over 600 congregations and four temples.

FOOD

Missionaries eat a lot of Tex Mex. Those serving in the northern part of the mission can expect a lot of BBQ.

TRANSPORTATION

Depending on the size and location of your area, cars and bicycles will be your mode of transportation. If you are assigned to a bike area, you will want to purchase a bicycle that you can transport with you during your entire mission. It is simple to purchase a bike in the mission, so it is probably easier to wait until you are assigned to a bike area and purchase an adequate bike in the mission field.

SAFETY

The Texas McAllen Mission has been described as “very safe” by former missionaries. Missionaries should use proper bike etiquette when on the roads and ensure that their bikes are locked up securely with a U-lock to avoid bike theft.

LOCAL LINGO

The Valley: “The Valley” is a shortened term for the Rio Grande Valley, which is the area just north of the Rio Grande and the United States/Mexico border. The majority of the mission is located in The Valley including Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen and many other smaller cities.

Tex Mex: This term refers both to a local dialect—Spanish mixed with English but with a Southern accent—and to the food. Because of the mix between cultures, much of the Spanish food is cooked with Barbecue sauce.

Tie Diving: This term is used locally among missionaries. There are places in the mission called “Ropa Usada” (Used Clothing) where missionaries go “tie diving” and pay by the pound for used ties. This is a favorite preparation day activity for many missionaries, but there are limits to how often missionaries can go tie diving.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Missionaries will want a bike that will last throughout their mission and a heavy U-lock to avoid bike theft. Former missionaries also recommend carrying a Camelbak or similar pack that carries water while working in the heat.

PROFILE

COUNTRY: United States

MISSION PRESIDENT: President Fernando M. Mateluna

MISSION ADDRESS:200 W La Vista Ave
McAllen TX 78501-2131
United States

LANGUAGES: English

POPULATION: The McAllen-Mission metro area population is nearly 805,000 (2012 estimate)

DOMINANT RELIGIONS: Roman Catholic,

CLIMATE: Hot and humid in the Valley and Corpus Christi. Hot and dry in Laredo.

MAJOR CITIES: McAllen, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Kingsville, Mission

MISSION WEBSITES:Current mission blog:http://texasmcallenmission2013-2016.blogspot.com/
Alumni website:http://www.mission.net/texas/mcallen/

EXPERIENCES

What did you eat the most of?

“Tacos and flautas.” -Chase

“Tacos, tamales, menudo.”

What is the craziest thing you ate?

“Menudo. It is cow stomach soup and a Mexican delicacy.”

-Chase

“Crickets, cow eyes, cow intestines, cow brain and menudo.”

What was most surprising about the culture?

“There is a large number of transient people, many of which are illegal immigrants.”

-Chase

“There is a complete mix of Spanish and English languages in the culture. You will often use both languages combined.”

-Chase

What advice would you give to someone going to this Mission?

“People here are very loving and open. Don’t be afraid to talk to anyone.”

-Chase

What do you wish you had known before you served?

“Humidity is very different from dry heat.”

-Chase

 **DID YOU SERVE IN THE TEXAS MCALLEN MISSION? IF SO WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES HERE OR BY EMAILING US AT EDITOR@MISSIONHOME.COM**

August 6, 2015

The time has come at last!

Hello everyone

This is the final pday in the CCM. I fly to Texas this coming Monday!  WhooHoo! I cant believe it has been six weeks already, but then again it was forever ago since I arrived.  I dont remember really getting here.  But no matter, we dont and cannot walk backwards.  We move onward.  good thing too, because Im just itching to do nothing but teach all day.  Granted, being here is very necessary, but I am ready, and even then, none of us are really ever ready for anything. but that is the purpose of us being here on the earth, to learn and grow and progress toward our ultimate goal.  We may never be ready completely, but we can be always prepared.  For a trial, for a test, a great load to be placed, and even for the Second Coming of Christ.  We only know how to prepare because of what we learn from past experience.  This is the beauty and precious reason why we all chose to come to this earth.   

D&C 6:34, 36-37

"Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.  

Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not.  

..be faithful, keeping my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven."

This is true.  There will always be an opposition of sorts to all our choices.  But if the choice is good, and blessings are promised from God, and we read that it will bless us, then why would we hesitate, and fear the repercussions of something so wonderfully promised?  This promise is predicated upon two simple things-Be Faithful, and keep His commandments.  Let us press forward against the ever changing things of the world-for the ways of the world will never be the ways of God.  If we do these things, we shall always find rest in Christ and His church which has been restored to the earth, but is based in heaven, and has not come from anywhere else.

  Next week I shall be writing from Texas finally.  Until then!  

Elder Newman II