December 28, 2015

New Year!

Hello everyone!

How was Christmas for everyone?  Dont have too much time, but next week we will be emailing from our normal place so no worries!   Pretty filled week with our big Christmas conference where every single missionary was there in the chapel, some 180+ i think , just sharing lots of pictures from all over the year, also had lunch and LOTS of presents and gifts for us all.  As well, each zone put on a skit for everyone to see, and we chose to do "what if angels were late"  super funny and made everyone laugh.  But all in all just lots of good fun.  I was one of the angels, amongst those others who were angels with me, were just "kickin it in heaven playing cards"  ill try to get the video somehow for everyone to see  but in the meantime, I say to everyone the same things I am teaching people here about Christ and His gospel.  

We in our lives have a purpose, to return to live with Heavenly Father and our families for eternity.  The sacrifice that Jesus Christ gave for us ensured that we would live again after we die.  In order, however to receive all that the Father has and live with Him again, we must follow the gospel, or that perfect path through Christ to Him.  There is only one way back.  He has given us that way because of His goodness and grace.  Will we do all that we need to to receive this reward, or will we take our probationary time here on earth for granted?  Let us follow diligently and lovingly follow the Savior and His way.  In whatever trouble we have in our lives we can receive all the help from Jesus because He loves us that much.  Let us pray fervently every day, read the scriptures that so many have given lives for which are "profit and learning", and we must go to church every Sunday to renew those convenants and promises we make with our Father in Heaven.  We cannot afford to slip.  Most of all, let us always stand in defense of the eternal truths of God, right against wrong, never-changing nor bending from eternity to eternity..  The commandments are there to save us.  Follow them to be safe from that potential spiritual death that will rob us of those precious gifts that Heavenly Father wants to give us.  I rejoice and am so thankful for the love the Savior has for me, that I have 2 years to represent him teaching these things to those that want to hear. This same love is there for you all always.  I am sad for those that choose not to listen and desire that change of their hearts.  Heaven sheds its tears over those not desirous to receive eternal happiness.    "Obedience Brings Victory..And Victory..is Life." -Jem'Hadar

I love this quote.  Couldnt be more simple or easy to understand.  Until next week!

Elder Newman

Christmas Day

Josh and I along with their mom and Alan were delighted to see and speak with Brandon and Natalie on Christmas Day.   The picture is of a post that their mother posted on Facebook.   

So proud of them.   

December 14, 2015

Not sure what to call this letter, ha ha.

Hello everyone!  

Not too long of a letter today, just getting ready for Christmas.  First of 2 of them in the mission.  Definitely will be new experience.  Christmas time is where we can see others with new eyes.  It is why we feel more in the spirit of serving.  How grateful I am that we have been asked to serve others.  Though most people view it as a chore, because we dont get anything out of it.  Where are our hearts when we serve others is the question. 

 I watched a video yesterday, a commercial rather, from Asia about some insurance company.  No, Im not watching TV, this was at a fireside. And I have no idea where it ties in with the company but the message was that this young man gave all things happily to each opportunity to serve, he put a dying plant under running water, helped an old lady with her food cart up the curb, gave his food to a hungry dog, hung some bananas on a neighbors door, gave whatever cash he had to a girl begging for money to go to school.  The next day he repeated these activities in his day, some onlookers shaking their heads.  I suppose they figure that he wont get anything out of these moments he gives.  The following day again, same things.  but by the fourth day is the precious one, where the dying plant is now blossoming, He and the old lady are now great friends and he is helping her sell her food, just enjoying himself.  The dog has come home with him and loves he new owner, the little girl is missing from her begging spot because he looks and sees her in her school uniform while getting ready to pull out his wallet, and Each time he serves, He is smiling and joyful, as are the others that he serves, though not at first.  

Why is it that we serve others and get nothing in return, so to speak.  Or why is it that God has commanded us to serve others?  The reason why he served with genuine charity is because He is receiving something: he receives emotions, he witnesses happiness, he feels love.  Others may be confused at first, but after a while they are changed because he wanted to see them changed, wanted them to feel loved, because he was like the Savior.  If we serve all year round, we must doubly do so this time of year.  It is also a time for me to contemplate the things God has given me.  Oh, how thankful I am that I am permitted to wake up and breathe every morning.  This is the mercy of our Heavenly Father that He shows all His children.  

Well, I thought I would just share that because it really made me feel good and happy.  Service brings happiness.  Charity is the pure love of Christ.  This is the work of God among us.  Christmas is great.   \m/  haha  I love you all.  11 more days  =P  

Elder Newman 

December 7, 2015

Hello everyone!

So I know that it has been some time now that I have written about my experiences and time here.  The honest truth is just that some other things have been in the way to where I dont feel as joyful or excited to write lately.  Dont worry!!  I feel great now though!  just wearing my santa hat writing you all. We have been having some experiences as a district to unify ourselves and to up our Animo here.  Really all in order to help ourselves be more committed to what were doing out here.  To most, everyone knows what a missionary is and going on a mission.  I feel impressed to tell you that it so, so much more.  This is a great test for anyone who decides to serve.  You come to know who sent you to serve.  You come to realize and treasure who it is that the Lord has asked you to find and rescue from that spiritual darkness or absence.  Every single member of the Church is a missionary.  It is them who carry that light that is shone forth when they made that promise to God to stand for Him.  

Matt 22
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

 38 This is the first and greatcommandment.

 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Everything we do depends on whether we really love God, and we choose to follow His Son, Jesus Christ in all things, to keep His commandments.

In all our efforts to live each day the best we can to the example of Christ, there are forces that attempt to have us break these commandments that God gives us to have happiness and guidance in our lives.  Obviously I have not mentioned all , but just 2 very important ones.  I love the Lord, and all He has done for me in my life with my family.  By loving the Lord, I want to obey His commandments.  They aren't from my church leaders, nor my mission president, nor the apostles or the prophet's (though they ARE revealed to us through them) but they are God's.  As I have said before, probably 4 weeks ago, again Im sorry to everyone, they..will..never..change.  They are eternal, and it is by and ONLY through Jesus Christ by following His gospel, that we might receive eternal life.  I love how it says "might" meaning it is possible, NOT guaranteed.  This is the way to come to know our Heavenly Father again, and to be sealed with our families for eternity.  

I really do love the mission.  For the past couple of weeks I have been contemplating on what my thoughts are about being here.  Not about leaving or anything!  I just mean reflecting on the time here Ive had so far.  The realization that these are souls that dont have the light or complete light for that matter in their lives.  Christ calls imperfect people to perform His great work.  What an immense amount of trust He places in us, and oh, how much more we must do all we can to Keep His Commandments and Love God in ALL that we do.  I know He lives, and that our Father in Heaven will give us all the help we ask for because He loves us.  We have a choice always to be happy.  It really is a choice from us.  And only God can give that happiness to us, for no thing on this earth that has been created by man can do such a thing for eternity, but only the Son of God and His words, our families and the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation are we able to have everlasting happiness.  

I love you all and will send pictures next week.  A ton too.  I forgot my camera cord today.  bummer!   but I love you all.  Follow the Savior!  After all, following God and His ways is really the only intelligent thing to do and much easier, rather than fight and be stubborn and miss out on the blessings only He can give.  Mucho amor por ustedes! 

Elder Newman