Happy Thanksgiving!

The Weslaco Elders at the Jess home for Thanksgiving dinner!

November 16, 2015

Brandon sends his love. 

November 9, 2015

Letter to all! My friends and family

Hello everyone!

This week has been difficult on many fronts.  Firstly, we had Transfers again!  I stayed here in Donna while my other 2 companions have been moved out.  We are no longer in a trio, just back to 2 of us.  His name is Elder Jensen, we are going to do many good together here in our area, teaching the people here the things of God, and His Gospel for their happiness.  

There are so many things that are going through my mind as I write this letter for everyone to read.  I will put it simply, Ill allow everyone to arrive and formulate their own thoughts.  But I know where I stand.  My stance is with Christ in all things.  Through Him is where I know I will never be led into darkness.  I am a missionary and representative of Him and His Gospel and teachings.  As Jesus Christ loves all and every one of us, the example He has set forth for us is very clear.  The world is heading further and further into darkness and confusion.  The truths and the laws of God are being challenged and attempted to be torn down by he who had opposed God, our Father in Heaven from the very beginning before the world was, when we lived in Heaven as Spirit children. 

 The family is especially at the center of the target pool, amongst all other things such as sin and leading men away into spiritual darkness and being separated from God.  This is the very reason why the world needs Christ.  As missionaries, we are teaching that there are 3 things we can do to remain suspended in safety, above all the rest of the world and its attempts.  We invite all to Pray every day, pouring our hearts always unto our Heavenly Father the things that we desire to share with Him, things to ask for.  I know He will always answer our Prayers, as each one we give is recorded in Heaven.  Second, read the Scriptures every single day.  What more could we ask for then words directly from God, to help us and guide us and provide us with peace and safety in our hearts.  I definitely can attest to this as I havent even been doing this lately as part of my daily morning studies.  But the last two days have been really helping me to smile more, and having cheer in my heart.  There is power in the Scriptures, primarily the Book of Mormon.  I know that the scriptures are true by reason and experience, but I surely know they are by the Spirit of God.  The standard works of scriptures provide the eternal knowledge we need to survive in this world.  

And last, going to church every Sunday.  Jesus Christ gave us His church so that we may be healed, every single week, especially with the Sacrament.  It was a gift to us, because our Heavenly Father loves us so much.  Let us always be humble and treat the Sabbath day as a delight, filling our hearts with joy.  There is revelation we may receive for ourselves, to help us with the things we may be struggling with, or things that cause us to ponder where is the truth.  

I know that I have a very literal Father in Heaven, that Jesus Christ is the Son of that God I have aforementioned, I testify that Joseph Smith was a real chosen Prophet of God to bring back the church and the Priesthood of God.  I know for myself that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true, restored church on the earth again, never to be taken away again, and is the Kingdom of God, where we are His children awaiting the Second Coming of the Savior.  That time approaches quickly.  Will we be ready?  Im still not, but I want to be.  It is my prayer that all of you, my friends and family, will be also.   I love you all, I thank you for your support, and I shall write next week!  =)   

Elder Newman II

November 2, 2015

Another week in His Vineyard

Hello everyone! 

It is great to be back on my feet and healthy.  The last 4 days I have been having heavy problems with my stomach and intestines, not to mention the 14 hours of sleep I had yesterday trying to let my system be cleared out.  Not sure what the deal is but no matter.  The important thing is that this week has been lessons of patience, obedience, and love for all and everything as Christ had, all through our trials and all will be made right.  The interesting thing is that when we have our times of challenges, do we endure well?  Is there something that we learned from it, or is it a time for wondering why to me and why is it this hard.  I just have a testimony that trials will always happen, and it is always to know who God is and to turn to Him in all things, to love Him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.  

Another week goes by, here in the mission for the Lord.  Every day is a day to serve Him, in the white field, sorting the wheat from the tares.  Helping people to know who their Savior is, to no longer have to walk in darkness by showing them the way we can receive all of our Heavenly Fathers blessings, and the closer we get to Him by following His Son, the Savior, we will receive all that He has one day.  I know this.  It feels so great and thankful for the truths that as missionaries we teach everyday.   BUT, we must want these things for ourselves.  In order to feel His love and blessings, we must want them first, and do all the things He asks of us. We must choose Him AND follow Christ.   And I do promise that as we do these things along the way, we will see His hand work in our lives, we will come to know the joy He intends for us to have, and that true happiness will help us to carry on with our lives, enjoying well to the end.  

Elder Newman

1 District meeting lesson.  dressed as Darth Vader  

2 We keep finding little kitties to save/return 

3 Apartment checks/ the awesome posse

4 some vultures we found   15 flying over us here( we were in the car)

5 another cool sunset