This is lasts weeks letter. I already have yesterday's but I will post this one first!
Alex talks about the ripple effect that can happen by influencing just one persons life. Of course I've heard many stories about how this is true, but it got me to thinking about exactly how that happens. We can affect a persons life for good or for bad and it will ripple out and touch others and so on and so forth. It is so important to always have something to stand for. Find the one thing you know without a doubt to be true and start with it :) ...I also can very much relate to the story he told about the woman A.C. I am so happy that they are in tune with the spirit enough to feel someone's need. It is a testimony builder to me to hear her story and an even prouder momma that they were able to bring some comfort to her in her time of need!! God is mindful!! He sees, hears, and knows!! That brings unbelievable peace to my heart!!
The Rev is awesome!! Enjoy...
Another week in the Lord's vineyard
So what can I say... We did missionary work this week? :) That's basically what it was. There was some good things that we saw here and there. Over all it was pretty awesome. There's not much that I can say except that the Lord really does hasten his work though we may not recognize it at times. Before we write family we always write President first, but we also receive a letter from him that goes out to the whole mission. He said something that struck me, and it's something that I've heard in the past time and time again, and it's actually something I heard at a zone meeting we had this past week. President says,"The Lord is doing his work his way. He could really do the work on his own if he wanted to, but how generous the Lord is to give us the blessing of being able to participate with him." We gotta be grateful that we only are given once in a life time opportunity right? President also said that being able to touch one persons life will affect so many others in the future. It could be that that one person you taught and baptized will raise a family in the gospel, who knows! But that's a perfect example of Hastening the Lord's work. Sometimes when missions are tough and may seem like things are regressing rather than progressing, I have to look back and see that somewhere we touched someones heart. Our area isn't baptizing a lot right now but I know it will be soon. Our less actives and recent converts that we're working with are beginning to see the difference without the gospel in their lives and are beginning to come back. Once they all do they'll bring their friends and loved ones with them.
Well I think you all know pretty well that we are still finishing up on our new member lessons. They're starting to come around and I think we almost have about 6 of them finished in a matter of week? Our investigators right now are still C. and her family of 5, and O. We weren't able to catch them this week because our schedule got super busy, and theirs as well. We were supposed to have dinner with the both of them this past week but got cancelled. We just gotta keep on following up with them! Y. and K. interestingly came to church this past Sunday... Yesterday evening my companion felt impressed to go and talk to a less active member named A. C., which is someone we've never talked with before, and she moved to Tulare in December so she was fairly new. When we went and visited we asked how she was and everything, and she started to cry. She said that she so badly wants to come to church but that she was going through such a rough time with a separation that she's had with her husband for about 2 years now. She had also mentioned that they were married for 15 years have 4 girls and were sealed and made covenants in the temple. She had also mentioned that ever since her separation she had made mistakes and she feels unworthy in so many aspects, such as praying. We assured her that the Lord is waiting for her, he wants to forgive her, only through the atonement of Jesus Christ will anything and everything become better. The spirit was strong in her home and she requested a blessing and we left from there. It was a touching experience for me to be able to have seen the spirit guide us through that whole thing.
Well only a few people have changed from transfers. Our new zone leader is Elder Lundberg, we still got Elder Wain. I don't know if I ever mentioned Elder Lundberg, but I served with him in Hughson and when I heard he was coming here I was so pumped!! We've already had a lot of fun this transfer :)
That's crazy about the team!! And I completely forgot that there are less teams in the region, so that gives them chances of playing more eh? I remember my sophomore year that's how it was. Carbon beat somebody (a higher seated team) and we had a home play off game, won it, and went to state. Maybe that's what'll happen for West?? That's sweet!... Tell Marz to watch out for them skin walkers, they'll eat you alive!
I appreciate the stories and cool stuff back home, but I gotta go here pretty soon. So let everyone know I love and miss them, and write me or something once in a while yeah?
I love ya family
P.s. there's this thing in Salt lake called an Iron rod necklace? Could you maybe look into sending me that please.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
This week's update
Alex and Elder Corona are staying in Tulare for this transfer. He is happy about that :) His two solid investigators dropped them. He gives a brief explanation and said that they would be fasting for them last Friday. I hope all went well. Sometimes when you're scared to commit to something completely you will find the tiniest reason to say no. I hope that they will be able to look past their heads and listen to their hearts!! I'm sure in time it will all come about. We'll keep them in our prayers for sure!!
They also got to serve a group of Relief Society women at a function they had. Gave him some good workplace skills ;) He felt very accomplished and said it was a success and that they may have a future in the business of waiting tables :) hahaha!! He's still enjoying every moment :) Love him MUCH!! <3
Enjoy...
This week's update
So transfers happened, or at least the transfer calls. Elder Corona and I will be staying together again for another transfer here in Tulare, and I am also the Tulare District Leader for another transfer. I'm excited to see how it goes! The mission is good as always and the Lord's work hastens everyday. Only a few people are changing their areas. One of our zone leaders is going to Visalia this next transfer, which will be his last in the mission, and he will no longer be in a leadership position. I'm kind of sad to see him go because he does an awesome job and helps our zone a ton!... It's crazy how time just flies!! I have been out for about 7 or 8 transfers now and I believe there's 18 or 19 in an entire mission. I can only imagine how the missionaries feel that are going home in like 2 days already.
It was kind of a normal week that we just had except for a few service activities and such. Today we are a little late to write emails because we were in a hospital to give a blessing to a members dad. It was a good experience for the family to feel the Lord's comfort afterwards. Then we went and finished some errands and what not... Our investigators are doing great! For the update on Y. and K. They basically dropped us :( and it was tough to bear. We went over to teach and read a scripture at their house. And the night before our visit my companion and the spanish group leader went over to their house to help resolve any concerns that she has about church funds. She basically is going poor and needed some assistance but the church doesn't offer loans and things such as that. So they tried to help her understand the importance of it.... Anyways when we went to visit she told us that she was so close to being baptized but then backed out because of the churches financial obstacle. We weren't able to help her with anything concerning the matter either. She says she'll keep coming to church and things such as that. Elder Corona and I fasted for her on Friday and we're just hoping and praying for a miracle that she'll be humbled... Not much we can really do for her :/ On the bright side though we still have C. and O. in our teaching pool. You can just tell that they feel such a different spirit with us and in the members home. They're both great people and have awesome potential with their families. We invited C. and a few of her family members to be baptized and they said they would but that they'd like more time to think. After we did they did have TONS of questions for us!! So that's a good thing! We've also invited O. to be baptized as well. She said yes :) and we're working towards the 8th or 15th of march being her date.... Our other investigators are still on their little plateau like G. and Ye. They've been doing alright, but still haven't been able to attend church. But Ye. is getting married in 2 months!!! Now she'll be able to be baptized. YES!! Her and her boyfriend have been together for like 7 or 8 years. Crazy huh!
On Saturday was our service activity. It was mainly for the church and the relief society. It was like a special lunch and activity with Teriyaki steak and all sorts of good foods. Four of us elders from Tulare went and served as waiters for the relief society. It was pretty fun! We served about 50-60 people? After it was over I thought that we could make some pretty good waiters :) for serving that many people!!
Well I've been going over my time for emailing and I have to go real soon. But I want to say that I wish the best for West and Mar as they continue with their sports! Hope all goes well there! There's always room for improvement and learning to finish but they sound like they're being studs and working super hard. I'm excited for softball and baseball too... Tell Grandma that I wanted to write her this week but that I ended up super busy. Miss and love her. This week we're actually going to the farewell for missionaries in Fresno and so we'll be getting our dose of testimonies and it's going to be great! Tell Justin to hang in there! I'm proud for his efforts :) he's doing a great job
Love Elder Horrocks
They also got to serve a group of Relief Society women at a function they had. Gave him some good workplace skills ;) He felt very accomplished and said it was a success and that they may have a future in the business of waiting tables :) hahaha!! He's still enjoying every moment :) Love him MUCH!! <3
Enjoy...
This week's update
So transfers happened, or at least the transfer calls. Elder Corona and I will be staying together again for another transfer here in Tulare, and I am also the Tulare District Leader for another transfer. I'm excited to see how it goes! The mission is good as always and the Lord's work hastens everyday. Only a few people are changing their areas. One of our zone leaders is going to Visalia this next transfer, which will be his last in the mission, and he will no longer be in a leadership position. I'm kind of sad to see him go because he does an awesome job and helps our zone a ton!... It's crazy how time just flies!! I have been out for about 7 or 8 transfers now and I believe there's 18 or 19 in an entire mission. I can only imagine how the missionaries feel that are going home in like 2 days already.
It was kind of a normal week that we just had except for a few service activities and such. Today we are a little late to write emails because we were in a hospital to give a blessing to a members dad. It was a good experience for the family to feel the Lord's comfort afterwards. Then we went and finished some errands and what not... Our investigators are doing great! For the update on Y. and K. They basically dropped us :( and it was tough to bear. We went over to teach and read a scripture at their house. And the night before our visit my companion and the spanish group leader went over to their house to help resolve any concerns that she has about church funds. She basically is going poor and needed some assistance but the church doesn't offer loans and things such as that. So they tried to help her understand the importance of it.... Anyways when we went to visit she told us that she was so close to being baptized but then backed out because of the churches financial obstacle. We weren't able to help her with anything concerning the matter either. She says she'll keep coming to church and things such as that. Elder Corona and I fasted for her on Friday and we're just hoping and praying for a miracle that she'll be humbled... Not much we can really do for her :/ On the bright side though we still have C. and O. in our teaching pool. You can just tell that they feel such a different spirit with us and in the members home. They're both great people and have awesome potential with their families. We invited C. and a few of her family members to be baptized and they said they would but that they'd like more time to think. After we did they did have TONS of questions for us!! So that's a good thing! We've also invited O. to be baptized as well. She said yes :) and we're working towards the 8th or 15th of march being her date.... Our other investigators are still on their little plateau like G. and Ye. They've been doing alright, but still haven't been able to attend church. But Ye. is getting married in 2 months!!! Now she'll be able to be baptized. YES!! Her and her boyfriend have been together for like 7 or 8 years. Crazy huh!
On Saturday was our service activity. It was mainly for the church and the relief society. It was like a special lunch and activity with Teriyaki steak and all sorts of good foods. Four of us elders from Tulare went and served as waiters for the relief society. It was pretty fun! We served about 50-60 people? After it was over I thought that we could make some pretty good waiters :) for serving that many people!!
Well I've been going over my time for emailing and I have to go real soon. But I want to say that I wish the best for West and Mar as they continue with their sports! Hope all goes well there! There's always room for improvement and learning to finish but they sound like they're being studs and working super hard. I'm excited for softball and baseball too... Tell Grandma that I wanted to write her this week but that I ended up super busy. Miss and love her. This week we're actually going to the farewell for missionaries in Fresno and so we'll be getting our dose of testimonies and it's going to be great! Tell Justin to hang in there! I'm proud for his efforts :) he's doing a great job
Love Elder Horrocks
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Greetings from your missionary
Alex had a bit of a rough week but his spirits are still high as usual :) I also had no idea that the church owned vineyards! That's kind of cool he got to work in one of them. Wonder how it compares to working on the farm?? ;) lol. I must admit that when he said he lost every single picture back to the MTC my stomach was SICK!!! UGH!!! I'm soooooooo sooooooooo soooooooo grateful that someone knew how to "undo" that one! ...He keeps inspiring me to look for the good in all things and him just saying I miss you mom made me cry like a baby... OF COURSE! I'm so glad he's doing well!!
Love him <3
Greetings from your missionary
This week has been rough!! But I can't complain because there's good and bad weeks. We weren't able to see a lot of success this past week because of luck, and a few missionary responsibilities outside of teaching people. Nevertheless, there's always some kind of great experience that comes from your mission EVERY single week. I have a feeling this week is going to be a lot better though! It started off well this morning. We had a member call us and ask us to come and give a blessing to one of her friends that's a non-member, her name's O. She was going through some court issues and some hard times. When we gave her the blessing she felt tons better. We talked a little bit with her afterwards and laughed and joked because of our chicken experience this past week, she thought that was pretty funny, we basically just got to know her a little bit. Now we have a return appointment with her to come by again with our member. The Lord always puts prepared people in front of us!
So we went and did some service in the vineyard on Saturday. We put up some fence posts and rebuilt some fences. The field we worked in is actually a grape field owned by the church and a bunch of voluntary workers come and work. I guess the church owns a whole bunch of fields out here in the valley, it's kind of cool. When I took some pictures I come to find out after we finished working that all my pictures clear back from the MTC had been formatted and deleted on my camera. OHHHH I was soooo mad!! But no worries now, I luckily met member out in the field from Tulare English that he knew how to informant my pictures. Thank Goodness!! So I still got most of my pictures :) maybe I'll send a few if I have some time.
The missionary life is good as always. We've been really trying to get this area going by finding through members. Which has been successful thus far, we just got to help them be committed to coming to church before they can be baptized. Y. and K. are still coming to church like they have been. They're both so ready to be baptized but they're just being so stubborn. This past Sunday in Gospel principles class was about retaining a remission of your sins and Y. and K. were both there talking about it with baptism and everything. That just tells me right there that they're so close! It's something we'll just have leave up to the Lord... C. is doing awesome! I'm not sure if I mentioned her yet but her and her family would be great members! They've been coming over to one of our members house to have lessons there, and we can tell that they feel the spirit telling them what we say is true. I hope and pray she'll be receptive to a baptism invitation, because we haven't quite gotten there yet... Ye. and G. hmmm they're both doing good I'd say. They've both got different work schedules now and it's more difficult for them to schedule an appointment with us right now... We have one investigator right now named Os. who is a very big potential. He's super cool and loves talking with us. I've only been able to speak with him once, but he was found before I got to Tulare. Him and his whole family are very nice, and very receptive to us. I wish I knew more about him so I could tell you more but we do have an appointment with him this week I believe, I'll let you know how it goes... the new member lessons are going great! Seems slow but it's actually picking up. At first it was hard to know where to begin and now things are coming in order. Like I say, President Clark is an inspired man and if the Lord tells us through him to find investigators through members and RC/LA's then it's gonna happen. And it has been happening through this whole new member lesson process.
District leader responsibilities are good I suppose. I'm starting to adjust to certain responsibilities now. This past week I had to do stewardship papers for the first time and that was different. I basically have to write and give an explanation of every missionary, how they're doing, what they're doing, basically everything and then they're sent into President Clark so he can use them for transfers. It kind of got me scared, I hope they're accurate :) haha. I guess we'll see this Saturday when transfer calls come. Can you believe that? Transfers already?? It feels like I just got here and that I was in Lindsey not to long ago.
So I guess sports is rough too? Wow this week must have been rough here and at home haha. Well like I always say, there's room for work and improvement but just keep playing hard.
Well guess what. The zone has planned another time to go to McDermit again today how bout that! So I'm going to have to make this another short one. I love you all and miss you so much. Take care this week and I hope it's a lot better than the past one. Tell Grandma I love and miss you her too. Sorry this had to be so short!
Love Elder Horrocks
P.S Brother Garcia is a good man :) he's definitely helped me to learn some lessons out here. He showed me your letter too :) Love ya and miss ya mom
Love him <3
Greetings from your missionary
This week has been rough!! But I can't complain because there's good and bad weeks. We weren't able to see a lot of success this past week because of luck, and a few missionary responsibilities outside of teaching people. Nevertheless, there's always some kind of great experience that comes from your mission EVERY single week. I have a feeling this week is going to be a lot better though! It started off well this morning. We had a member call us and ask us to come and give a blessing to one of her friends that's a non-member, her name's O. She was going through some court issues and some hard times. When we gave her the blessing she felt tons better. We talked a little bit with her afterwards and laughed and joked because of our chicken experience this past week, she thought that was pretty funny, we basically just got to know her a little bit. Now we have a return appointment with her to come by again with our member. The Lord always puts prepared people in front of us!
So we went and did some service in the vineyard on Saturday. We put up some fence posts and rebuilt some fences. The field we worked in is actually a grape field owned by the church and a bunch of voluntary workers come and work. I guess the church owns a whole bunch of fields out here in the valley, it's kind of cool. When I took some pictures I come to find out after we finished working that all my pictures clear back from the MTC had been formatted and deleted on my camera. OHHHH I was soooo mad!! But no worries now, I luckily met member out in the field from Tulare English that he knew how to informant my pictures. Thank Goodness!! So I still got most of my pictures :) maybe I'll send a few if I have some time.
The missionary life is good as always. We've been really trying to get this area going by finding through members. Which has been successful thus far, we just got to help them be committed to coming to church before they can be baptized. Y. and K. are still coming to church like they have been. They're both so ready to be baptized but they're just being so stubborn. This past Sunday in Gospel principles class was about retaining a remission of your sins and Y. and K. were both there talking about it with baptism and everything. That just tells me right there that they're so close! It's something we'll just have leave up to the Lord... C. is doing awesome! I'm not sure if I mentioned her yet but her and her family would be great members! They've been coming over to one of our members house to have lessons there, and we can tell that they feel the spirit telling them what we say is true. I hope and pray she'll be receptive to a baptism invitation, because we haven't quite gotten there yet... Ye. and G. hmmm they're both doing good I'd say. They've both got different work schedules now and it's more difficult for them to schedule an appointment with us right now... We have one investigator right now named Os. who is a very big potential. He's super cool and loves talking with us. I've only been able to speak with him once, but he was found before I got to Tulare. Him and his whole family are very nice, and very receptive to us. I wish I knew more about him so I could tell you more but we do have an appointment with him this week I believe, I'll let you know how it goes... the new member lessons are going great! Seems slow but it's actually picking up. At first it was hard to know where to begin and now things are coming in order. Like I say, President Clark is an inspired man and if the Lord tells us through him to find investigators through members and RC/LA's then it's gonna happen. And it has been happening through this whole new member lesson process.
District leader responsibilities are good I suppose. I'm starting to adjust to certain responsibilities now. This past week I had to do stewardship papers for the first time and that was different. I basically have to write and give an explanation of every missionary, how they're doing, what they're doing, basically everything and then they're sent into President Clark so he can use them for transfers. It kind of got me scared, I hope they're accurate :) haha. I guess we'll see this Saturday when transfer calls come. Can you believe that? Transfers already?? It feels like I just got here and that I was in Lindsey not to long ago.
So I guess sports is rough too? Wow this week must have been rough here and at home haha. Well like I always say, there's room for work and improvement but just keep playing hard.
Well guess what. The zone has planned another time to go to McDermit again today how bout that! So I'm going to have to make this another short one. I love you all and miss you so much. Take care this week and I hope it's a lot better than the past one. Tell Grandma I love and miss you her too. Sorry this had to be so short!
Love Elder Horrocks
P.S Brother Garcia is a good man :) he's definitely helped me to learn some lessons out here. He showed me your letter too :) Love ya and miss ya mom
Sunday, February 1, 2015
?Como Andan?
Alex said this week was the funnest he's had thus far. He got to butcher some chickens for a family and he said it was a blast!! Honestly some of the pictures made me a little sick to my stomach (lol) but, I can see in the pictures that they had fun doing it!! No worries... I didn't post the absolutely yucky ones! ;) What can I say!?? He's doing amazing!
I talked with Brother Garcia again this week. He reminded me of what a hard worker Alex is and that he never gives up when he's presented with a challenge! The words he said touched my heart :) I am so happy he is among good people and that they can see the things we've always known ;) He also mentioned that their group is at 40 members and not 40 families. They're working hard to build their branch. Keep them in your prayers!!!
Love my boy <3
?Como Andan?
Hello mi familia. So you'll never guess what I did this week!! It was pretty gnarly! But you'll read on during the letter about the events that went on this week. So how is everyone?? I don't have a lot of time to write again today because we have to go to the McDermit center at 2 again to play some more ball. I enjoy playing but I hope it isn't an every week thing. It cuts back on my time to be able to finish all my other stuff for preparation day. Anyhow, so this week was awesome! It was actually one of my favorite weeks on my mission. All of the California Fresno Mission is kicking into gear. We had a zone conference this past Thursday in Visalia and it was so powerful! The spirit was so strong there! I always am stoked when I hear that the Lord is hastening the work, but he is doing it in so many ways that I don't think I would have understood before my mission. I'm always stoked when I hear that we baptized over 1,000, and that we're 1 out 3 missions that's baptized over 1,000. The other 2 missions were Provo and Ogden I believe. But still! Pretty sweet right? We're not content though, we're still working really hard to get that same goal, our actual goal is 1,342 for this next year. So hope and pray that we'll continue forward with this goal, by doing the work the Lord's way!
Our investigators are doing pretty good! We actually got 1 or 2 this past week thanks to our members. One of them is named C. We taught her about the plan of salvation and families and she enjoyed it. She especially enjoyed it because we were able to do it in a members home. We have our two that are still progressing right now, Y. and K. We've been focusing on being a searcher when they read the scriptures and not just a reader. We know that if they "liken" the scriptures to themselves they'll be able to understand them more. So basically we're helping them to live the scriptures rather than read them. Other than our investigators we're still working on finishing the new member lessons. Some are wonderful, and then some are super hard due to the fact that some have hardened their hearts more than others. Those who have opened their hearts to us are those that have found new investigators for us. Like C., she was found in a recent converts house that we're finishing new member lessons with. So you see, the Lord is hastening his work HIS way! It's pretty cool. A quote that's shared all around our mission that's from Elder Bednar, says, "If we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always gotten." and certainly things are changing and are more efficient in the Lord's work
So I can definitely say this week that my testimony of service increased! Along with that we had TONS of fun. The craziest and funnest service on my mission just happened this past week. The sisters in Tulare asked Elder Corona and I and the other Elders in Tulare to go and help out. This service was on Friday and Saturday for a less active/part member family who live out in the middle of nowhere on a chicken farm. We were able to be chicken butchers for a day!! We ran around and we caught the chickens threw them in the cage and took them over to the chicken slaughter and we decapitated their heads!!! We hung them upside down and cut them with the knives, we used the slaughter table, we did all sorts of things. At first I had a weak stomach but after a while I got used to it. We looked pretty barbaric doing it too hahaha. It was seriously one of the funnest times of my mission! I have pictures and I'll try and send some (but viewers discretion is advised haha). I would also be careful about who sees them as well :)
Well I told you my letter would be short. But I still have a little time so I might send some pictures. If you had any questions for me this week, I'm going to have to answer them next week, sorry about that! I love ya, and keep the faith! I'll print off your letters and remember to read them :)
Love Elder Horrocks
I talked with Brother Garcia again this week. He reminded me of what a hard worker Alex is and that he never gives up when he's presented with a challenge! The words he said touched my heart :) I am so happy he is among good people and that they can see the things we've always known ;) He also mentioned that their group is at 40 members and not 40 families. They're working hard to build their branch. Keep them in your prayers!!!
Love my boy <3
 |
| Barbarian's... Right??? ;) He's such a nerd! |
 |
| This is the first chicken they butchered. The look on all of their faces makes me laugh. |
?Como Andan?
Hello mi familia. So you'll never guess what I did this week!! It was pretty gnarly! But you'll read on during the letter about the events that went on this week. So how is everyone?? I don't have a lot of time to write again today because we have to go to the McDermit center at 2 again to play some more ball. I enjoy playing but I hope it isn't an every week thing. It cuts back on my time to be able to finish all my other stuff for preparation day. Anyhow, so this week was awesome! It was actually one of my favorite weeks on my mission. All of the California Fresno Mission is kicking into gear. We had a zone conference this past Thursday in Visalia and it was so powerful! The spirit was so strong there! I always am stoked when I hear that the Lord is hastening the work, but he is doing it in so many ways that I don't think I would have understood before my mission. I'm always stoked when I hear that we baptized over 1,000, and that we're 1 out 3 missions that's baptized over 1,000. The other 2 missions were Provo and Ogden I believe. But still! Pretty sweet right? We're not content though, we're still working really hard to get that same goal, our actual goal is 1,342 for this next year. So hope and pray that we'll continue forward with this goal, by doing the work the Lord's way!
Our investigators are doing pretty good! We actually got 1 or 2 this past week thanks to our members. One of them is named C. We taught her about the plan of salvation and families and she enjoyed it. She especially enjoyed it because we were able to do it in a members home. We have our two that are still progressing right now, Y. and K. We've been focusing on being a searcher when they read the scriptures and not just a reader. We know that if they "liken" the scriptures to themselves they'll be able to understand them more. So basically we're helping them to live the scriptures rather than read them. Other than our investigators we're still working on finishing the new member lessons. Some are wonderful, and then some are super hard due to the fact that some have hardened their hearts more than others. Those who have opened their hearts to us are those that have found new investigators for us. Like C., she was found in a recent converts house that we're finishing new member lessons with. So you see, the Lord is hastening his work HIS way! It's pretty cool. A quote that's shared all around our mission that's from Elder Bednar, says, "If we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always gotten." and certainly things are changing and are more efficient in the Lord's work
So I can definitely say this week that my testimony of service increased! Along with that we had TONS of fun. The craziest and funnest service on my mission just happened this past week. The sisters in Tulare asked Elder Corona and I and the other Elders in Tulare to go and help out. This service was on Friday and Saturday for a less active/part member family who live out in the middle of nowhere on a chicken farm. We were able to be chicken butchers for a day!! We ran around and we caught the chickens threw them in the cage and took them over to the chicken slaughter and we decapitated their heads!!! We hung them upside down and cut them with the knives, we used the slaughter table, we did all sorts of things. At first I had a weak stomach but after a while I got used to it. We looked pretty barbaric doing it too hahaha. It was seriously one of the funnest times of my mission! I have pictures and I'll try and send some (but viewers discretion is advised haha). I would also be careful about who sees them as well :)
Well I told you my letter would be short. But I still have a little time so I might send some pictures. If you had any questions for me this week, I'm going to have to answer them next week, sorry about that! I love ya, and keep the faith! I'll print off your letters and remember to read them :)
Love Elder Horrocks
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Mis Paisos (My countrymen)
You can tell he's getting busier in each letter. The good thing is, he's enjoying every second of it!! I love seeing his own progress... He is growing in so many ways :)
I actually received a message from Brother Garcia on FaceBook last Monday. I was confused and thought that he was maybe one of Elder Corona's family members from St. George because it said he was from St. George also, but he is actually the Spanish group leader in Tulare. He said it was a pleasure to have Alex there and he was always happy. He also thanked me for my willingness to be away from him for two years and that he was greatly missed from his last assignment. Brother Garcia has been there for 5 months and moved from Saint George. When he first got there, they only had about 3 families attending the group but now they have about 40 members that are constantly going. He said that the stake president said he'll give the group 6 months to get ready to become a branch. He also said that he knows Al can make a difference and that he will stay in touch here and there sending updates... I feel so blessed to know that there are people out there that are watching out for my son and his well being.
He also had a training on the positive things that can come from social media and he challenges all of us to post one thing each week that will help spread the word of the gospel. Whether it be a video or a quote or your favorite talk :) So start thinking about what you can do to help spread the word!!! One a week!!
He is doing well :) :)
Mis Paisos (My countrymen)
Another week has flown by! Great things are happening for us left and right. We've seen good things, but the work with our investigators has become a little bit slower. That doesn't mean the Lord doesn't continue his work though, right now we've been asked strictly from the bishop in Tulare to focus on finishing the new member lessons. It's been good and a hassle at the same time, the members have helped us a little bit, but they've been busy with work, family, all those good things
I actually had not realized until this week that our Spanish branch is actually a Spanish "group". It's so much smaller than a branch, I didn't even think that existed but it does! We've also only got about 5-6 priesthood holders so most of the group are women. This past Sunday we had our ward conference and businesses and such. The stake president was there and he talked about a powerful message! He really brought hope and faith into the branch. His name is President Christianson, he talked briefly about the growth of the Spanish group. He said that revelation comes in many different ways and that just recently he had a dream about the Tulare Spanish Group. In his dream he said he saw priesthood holders and the chapel was filled with men, and that in the course of 6 months or so they could become a branch again, and there would be missionaries serving from that branch... Now he's not the prophet or anything but he does receive revelation for our stake if needed. The people were so touched when they heard this! I heard originally that it would take about a year or so to bring it back to a branch, but the stake president said about half of that. Sweet!! After he finished his talk/testimony. Our Spanish group leader, Brother Garcia, was conducting and before he ended sacrament meeting he shared his testimony about that dream that President Christianson had. Brother Garcia said that he also had the same dream!! It was touching at the point, and the spirit was so strong. I love the Spanish culture, they receive revelation in the coolest ways.
Friday was a great day! We had a leadership training meeting for district leaders and zone leaders and I will say it was probably one of the best training's I've had on my mission thus far. Two guys named Brother Donaldson and Brother Tanner presided there. Brother Donaldson is from The District 2 video for missionary training if none of you knew that. They were both from the mission headquarters, but Brother Donaldson was a previous San Diego Mission President. He talked about how he hated Fresno (because we smashed all the other California missions and still do ;)) but NOW he loves us haha. They talked about us being the only mission in Cali to baptize over 1,000, and how soon the mission will be split and lose about 3 stakes. So that hinders our chances of baptizing 1,000, but they called us out and told us to repent if any of us thought it was impossible. They further went in to the training and gave us further inspiration of what we can do to plan better to hopefully reach our goal again. THE BIGGEST message I got from it was is that God is the master planner of our lives, if we choose to let him be. If we are doing the absolute best we can in our efforts on our missions and in life he'll make us happy and give us opportunity to reach our goals.
Those were the biggest two events of the week. The missionary work and progress of the people were teaching is still good. We've been constantly looking for investigators through members. Right now we have Yo. and K. and they're still doing good. We just got to get them to have a closer relationship with Heavenly Father, which they've been doing great with! But God will, in his own time, bring them to the waters of baptism... So they're the only 2 progressing investigators in our teaching pool. We think that one of our investigators named G. will see sooner progress with baptism here soon. She likes us and enjoys it when we come over. We've only been there twice for her daughter Jade who's already a member. G. has been seeing the growth in J. and is becoming more receptive to hearing our message... One thing or idea we've seen for new investigators from the training this past Friday was the usage of FACEBOOK!! Or any other social media for that matter! If you thought Zuckerberg or whatever his name is made facebook, you're all wrong haha. God made social media. The stats of facebook was that on average a person who posts something on facebook, 53,000 other people will see it. They also said that 2 billion of God's children are all connected through facebook, WOW! So they've asked us to ask our members to post at least one thing a week so that we might receive a referral from a member. Whether it's a Mormon message, bible video, anything that will make the work hasten... So a challenge back home is post at least one thing that you like and share it with friends :) these things were made for a reason.
Responsibilities as a district leader are getting better. I definitely learn a lot as I go, sometimes it's stressful but it's normal. I'm working on becoming a multiplier and helping the area and the missionaries in Tulare. Training's can be tough sometimes, they're not just like normal talks or anything. It's really giving prayerful consideration on how I can uplift and better my district. Aside all of that being a district leader is pretty fun!
So everything home is good still?? I'm happy to hear that! Sounds like you guys also had a ward conference and I'm just as excited for Justin. People are doing great back home! Sports sounds like sports for sure. Marz is doing good I hear and Weston is struggling? Dang, I'm sure they work hard too with the new coach and everything also, tell him to keep tearing it up and just play, he's a stud... Sports for me was good this past Monday! We went to McDermit Rec Center and played some basketball and a little dunk ball too. I saw Elder Moody and Charlie there. I'm glad I'm close by to see them, they've always been great friends. Elder Moody is going home March 25th! Dang that's crazy!!
I'm happy to hear everything at home is still good. I'm glad the Lord watches over them while I'm out... Well I have to head out but I will hear from ya'll next week?
I actually received a message from Brother Garcia on FaceBook last Monday. I was confused and thought that he was maybe one of Elder Corona's family members from St. George because it said he was from St. George also, but he is actually the Spanish group leader in Tulare. He said it was a pleasure to have Alex there and he was always happy. He also thanked me for my willingness to be away from him for two years and that he was greatly missed from his last assignment. Brother Garcia has been there for 5 months and moved from Saint George. When he first got there, they only had about 3 families attending the group but now they have about 40 members that are constantly going. He said that the stake president said he'll give the group 6 months to get ready to become a branch. He also said that he knows Al can make a difference and that he will stay in touch here and there sending updates... I feel so blessed to know that there are people out there that are watching out for my son and his well being.
He also had a training on the positive things that can come from social media and he challenges all of us to post one thing each week that will help spread the word of the gospel. Whether it be a video or a quote or your favorite talk :) So start thinking about what you can do to help spread the word!!! One a week!!
He is doing well :) :)
 |
| Playing around at a members home |
 |
| Missionary tradition for year mark. Elder Corona burning his white shirt. |
Mis Paisos (My countrymen)
Another week has flown by! Great things are happening for us left and right. We've seen good things, but the work with our investigators has become a little bit slower. That doesn't mean the Lord doesn't continue his work though, right now we've been asked strictly from the bishop in Tulare to focus on finishing the new member lessons. It's been good and a hassle at the same time, the members have helped us a little bit, but they've been busy with work, family, all those good things
I actually had not realized until this week that our Spanish branch is actually a Spanish "group". It's so much smaller than a branch, I didn't even think that existed but it does! We've also only got about 5-6 priesthood holders so most of the group are women. This past Sunday we had our ward conference and businesses and such. The stake president was there and he talked about a powerful message! He really brought hope and faith into the branch. His name is President Christianson, he talked briefly about the growth of the Spanish group. He said that revelation comes in many different ways and that just recently he had a dream about the Tulare Spanish Group. In his dream he said he saw priesthood holders and the chapel was filled with men, and that in the course of 6 months or so they could become a branch again, and there would be missionaries serving from that branch... Now he's not the prophet or anything but he does receive revelation for our stake if needed. The people were so touched when they heard this! I heard originally that it would take about a year or so to bring it back to a branch, but the stake president said about half of that. Sweet!! After he finished his talk/testimony. Our Spanish group leader, Brother Garcia, was conducting and before he ended sacrament meeting he shared his testimony about that dream that President Christianson had. Brother Garcia said that he also had the same dream!! It was touching at the point, and the spirit was so strong. I love the Spanish culture, they receive revelation in the coolest ways.
Friday was a great day! We had a leadership training meeting for district leaders and zone leaders and I will say it was probably one of the best training's I've had on my mission thus far. Two guys named Brother Donaldson and Brother Tanner presided there. Brother Donaldson is from The District 2 video for missionary training if none of you knew that. They were both from the mission headquarters, but Brother Donaldson was a previous San Diego Mission President. He talked about how he hated Fresno (because we smashed all the other California missions and still do ;)) but NOW he loves us haha. They talked about us being the only mission in Cali to baptize over 1,000, and how soon the mission will be split and lose about 3 stakes. So that hinders our chances of baptizing 1,000, but they called us out and told us to repent if any of us thought it was impossible. They further went in to the training and gave us further inspiration of what we can do to plan better to hopefully reach our goal again. THE BIGGEST message I got from it was is that God is the master planner of our lives, if we choose to let him be. If we are doing the absolute best we can in our efforts on our missions and in life he'll make us happy and give us opportunity to reach our goals.
Those were the biggest two events of the week. The missionary work and progress of the people were teaching is still good. We've been constantly looking for investigators through members. Right now we have Yo. and K. and they're still doing good. We just got to get them to have a closer relationship with Heavenly Father, which they've been doing great with! But God will, in his own time, bring them to the waters of baptism... So they're the only 2 progressing investigators in our teaching pool. We think that one of our investigators named G. will see sooner progress with baptism here soon. She likes us and enjoys it when we come over. We've only been there twice for her daughter Jade who's already a member. G. has been seeing the growth in J. and is becoming more receptive to hearing our message... One thing or idea we've seen for new investigators from the training this past Friday was the usage of FACEBOOK!! Or any other social media for that matter! If you thought Zuckerberg or whatever his name is made facebook, you're all wrong haha. God made social media. The stats of facebook was that on average a person who posts something on facebook, 53,000 other people will see it. They also said that 2 billion of God's children are all connected through facebook, WOW! So they've asked us to ask our members to post at least one thing a week so that we might receive a referral from a member. Whether it's a Mormon message, bible video, anything that will make the work hasten... So a challenge back home is post at least one thing that you like and share it with friends :) these things were made for a reason.
Responsibilities as a district leader are getting better. I definitely learn a lot as I go, sometimes it's stressful but it's normal. I'm working on becoming a multiplier and helping the area and the missionaries in Tulare. Training's can be tough sometimes, they're not just like normal talks or anything. It's really giving prayerful consideration on how I can uplift and better my district. Aside all of that being a district leader is pretty fun!
So everything home is good still?? I'm happy to hear that! Sounds like you guys also had a ward conference and I'm just as excited for Justin. People are doing great back home! Sports sounds like sports for sure. Marz is doing good I hear and Weston is struggling? Dang, I'm sure they work hard too with the new coach and everything also, tell him to keep tearing it up and just play, he's a stud... Sports for me was good this past Monday! We went to McDermit Rec Center and played some basketball and a little dunk ball too. I saw Elder Moody and Charlie there. I'm glad I'm close by to see them, they've always been great friends. Elder Moody is going home March 25th! Dang that's crazy!!
I'm happy to hear everything at home is still good. I'm glad the Lord watches over them while I'm out... Well I have to head out but I will hear from ya'll next week?
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Hola Familia!
He didn't have a lot of time to write last Monday and no pictures were sent. He had some wonderful experiences tho. His testimony continues to grow!! I had to look up what the Holy Death Religion was. I still don't know much about the religion but the statues ARE scary looking! Good call on the blessings ;) Prayers to all those mentioned.
Enjoy!!
Hola Familia!
So I have super super duper short time to write because we have an activity in about an hour in Lindsey with our zone and a few other zones too. We're going to be playing basketball and football and doing other stuff at a place called McDermit in Lindsey, it's basically their recreational center. But how is everyone?? Another week just flown by right? This week has been hectic and busy. Elder Corona and I have been trying to organize so many things. Stake correlation, baptism records, other stuff past missionaries didn't do, a whole bunch of missionary stuff. It's been just a blast :). Thankfully it's all taken care of now and things are starting to come back to normal.
So the work in Tulare is doing great so far! It hasn't been like on fire or anything, but it's starting to become steady. I've heard stories in the past where it was great one year and then less busy the next, but it's just steady right now. What the bishopric and other ward councilmen have advised us to stay focused on recent converts and less actives still. Especially here in Tulare. Just a quick history background, there are about 41 baptisms that happened this past year and 27-30 of them haven't had new member lessons completed which isn't very good haha. So in Tulare we're at a point to focus ONLY on less actives and recent converts rather than our investigators. So all of the updates on how our investigators are doing will slowly start to become how our less actives and recent converts are doing. But we never know because usually we always find some pretty solid investigators and baptisms through our RC/LA's... We have about 4-5 investigators right now and 2 of them are solid. Yo. and K. (K. is Yo.'s son) are those two, and they've been coming to church numerous times. The only thing that's holding them back is Yo.'s boyfriend. She says she wants to wait for him to get back from Syria and that she doesn't feel like she's ready :/ as for K. he can be baptized but he has some social things (I can't be to explicit about them) but we're working gradually with them both. We still have G. and Ye, the two sisters. We've found out that G. might be a bit more solid than Ye. We finally contacted her this past week, and she told us that she was willing to hear the lessons and see what it's like. Her daughter J. is already baptized and G. has seen that she's always been a lot happier since then. She's got that influence!
There is one specific less active that could use your prayers. They're the M. family. Before Elder Corona and I came here the Father of the family used to be part of the Spanish branch presidency, or at least he helped conduct sacrament meetings. He was very strong and then I guess over time he just got anti'ed or fell away by things of the world. It was unfortunate for the branch because they were a very strong family and they were married in the temple and everything, and for some odd reason. I'm not sure exactly why he fell away but I've heard it was some things to do with the Restoration of the Church. I don't know, but we could use your prayers on their behalf because they're a great family... There are other RC/LA's of course, as I've already mentioned, but little by little they're coming back. We've got one that came back to church yesterday after he relapsed back into smoking after his baptism. His name is F. and he's a great kid, just has the wrong friends. But he hasn't smoked in 4-5 days or so since we've talked to him?? He's doing great!!
This week had a few cool/crazy events that happened. Elder Corona and I on Saturday went to a recent converts house to throw out her holy dead statue. Before she was baptized she used to be part of a holy dead religion and she asked us to throw it out for her because she was scared to do it. We threw it out in her back yard and her boyfriend lit it on fire haha, and then she asked us for a blessing after so that she could feel better, or so that she could feel comfortable in her house again and then we gave a blessing on the house. She felt a lot better :). Shortly after Sister Niumatalolo and Taula called us and asked us to go and give a blessing to one of their members, for Sister Taula, AND for the members home. So we went over there and gave them blessings and right about when we finished it was the end of the day. So it was a sweet day to end the day right? :) God needed us in different places at different times for the power of the PRIESTHOOD! It was definitely another testimony builder that God guides us and the Priesthood is real.
Because my time is short I'm gonna have to leave soon, I want to wish a everyone a great week! Know how much I love ya, and that I'm praying for you all the time! I'll print off your letters and read them later. Sorry this had to be super short!
Love, Elder Al
Enjoy!!
Hola Familia!
So I have super super duper short time to write because we have an activity in about an hour in Lindsey with our zone and a few other zones too. We're going to be playing basketball and football and doing other stuff at a place called McDermit in Lindsey, it's basically their recreational center. But how is everyone?? Another week just flown by right? This week has been hectic and busy. Elder Corona and I have been trying to organize so many things. Stake correlation, baptism records, other stuff past missionaries didn't do, a whole bunch of missionary stuff. It's been just a blast :). Thankfully it's all taken care of now and things are starting to come back to normal.
So the work in Tulare is doing great so far! It hasn't been like on fire or anything, but it's starting to become steady. I've heard stories in the past where it was great one year and then less busy the next, but it's just steady right now. What the bishopric and other ward councilmen have advised us to stay focused on recent converts and less actives still. Especially here in Tulare. Just a quick history background, there are about 41 baptisms that happened this past year and 27-30 of them haven't had new member lessons completed which isn't very good haha. So in Tulare we're at a point to focus ONLY on less actives and recent converts rather than our investigators. So all of the updates on how our investigators are doing will slowly start to become how our less actives and recent converts are doing. But we never know because usually we always find some pretty solid investigators and baptisms through our RC/LA's... We have about 4-5 investigators right now and 2 of them are solid. Yo. and K. (K. is Yo.'s son) are those two, and they've been coming to church numerous times. The only thing that's holding them back is Yo.'s boyfriend. She says she wants to wait for him to get back from Syria and that she doesn't feel like she's ready :/ as for K. he can be baptized but he has some social things (I can't be to explicit about them) but we're working gradually with them both. We still have G. and Ye, the two sisters. We've found out that G. might be a bit more solid than Ye. We finally contacted her this past week, and she told us that she was willing to hear the lessons and see what it's like. Her daughter J. is already baptized and G. has seen that she's always been a lot happier since then. She's got that influence!
There is one specific less active that could use your prayers. They're the M. family. Before Elder Corona and I came here the Father of the family used to be part of the Spanish branch presidency, or at least he helped conduct sacrament meetings. He was very strong and then I guess over time he just got anti'ed or fell away by things of the world. It was unfortunate for the branch because they were a very strong family and they were married in the temple and everything, and for some odd reason. I'm not sure exactly why he fell away but I've heard it was some things to do with the Restoration of the Church. I don't know, but we could use your prayers on their behalf because they're a great family... There are other RC/LA's of course, as I've already mentioned, but little by little they're coming back. We've got one that came back to church yesterday after he relapsed back into smoking after his baptism. His name is F. and he's a great kid, just has the wrong friends. But he hasn't smoked in 4-5 days or so since we've talked to him?? He's doing great!!
This week had a few cool/crazy events that happened. Elder Corona and I on Saturday went to a recent converts house to throw out her holy dead statue. Before she was baptized she used to be part of a holy dead religion and she asked us to throw it out for her because she was scared to do it. We threw it out in her back yard and her boyfriend lit it on fire haha, and then she asked us for a blessing after so that she could feel better, or so that she could feel comfortable in her house again and then we gave a blessing on the house. She felt a lot better :). Shortly after Sister Niumatalolo and Taula called us and asked us to go and give a blessing to one of their members, for Sister Taula, AND for the members home. So we went over there and gave them blessings and right about when we finished it was the end of the day. So it was a sweet day to end the day right? :) God needed us in different places at different times for the power of the PRIESTHOOD! It was definitely another testimony builder that God guides us and the Priesthood is real.
Because my time is short I'm gonna have to leave soon, I want to wish a everyone a great week! Know how much I love ya, and that I'm praying for you all the time! I'll print off your letters and read them later. Sorry this had to be super short!
Love, Elder Al
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Feliz ano!! (Happy new year)
Alex had a great week and loves the new area he is in. He gets to see everyone in Lindsay still because they are in his district. I got a picture from Charlie last Monday :) Alex was back in town and lookin' good!! His new companion is from Mexico but lived and graduated in St. George and is apparently a shorty ;) Alex should know EXACTLY how to deal with the shorties!! LOL. He's had to do it his whole life :) The shorties rule!!! (he knows it too) ;)
He's already got lots of work in Tulare... I'm excited to see "The Preacher Man" go to work there. It's contagious!!
Love my boy <3
Enjoy...
Feliz ano!! (Happy new year)
What a crazy week! Transfers are always a crazy thing because we have to get a lot of things prepared and ready for next transfer and all the while work at the same time. I've been chillen with my new companion Elder Corona. He's Mexican and he went to Snow Canyon High school in St. George. He graduated about the same year I did and has been on his mission for about a year now. His parents live in Mexico (I can't remember where exactly). We definitely are much a like! Just about as goofy as I am! So we make it pretty fun in Tulare. If I haven't mentioned yet, Tulare is about 10-15 minutes away from Lindsey so I still get to see Charlie, Elder Moody, and everybody else. I'm basically still in the same zone. I see all of them about every Monday and Tuesday for Preparation day and District Meetings. So It's great!!
Being a district leader isn't so bad I actually really enjoy it. I've had a lot of growth in one week, and I hope I can simply just do my best as a representative of Jesus Christ with little bit of a higher standard... I'm basically a normal missionary just with a bunch of more responsibilities. The responsibilities include things like me holding district meetings, accounting for missionaries and their work, baptism interviews for other missionaries in our district and other districts too (including Spanish), exchanges, leadership meetings, a lot of stuff. Basically I'm helping to build and sustain work and oversee proselyting efforts in Tulare. I have Elder Corona and I, Elder Enis and Elder Waine (Zone leaders, and Elder Waine is from England and has an awesome accent), and Sister Taula and Niumatalolo in my district. So my district isn't too big and they work really hard. Tomorrow I'm going to be holding my first district meeting so wish me luck!... Also I guess you could contribute by sending quotes to us. President Gelwix would always send us quotes and I enjoyed them. Activities, you can send those as well :) whatever works.
I love the people in Tulare just as much as I loved and still love the people in Lindsey! This past Sunday was a great opportunity to get to know everyone and listen to their testimonies. Elder Corona and I also did the same. It was funny because Elder Corona is a lot shorter than I am, he's about below my shoulder, and he goes up to bear his testimony and grabs the footstool instead of bishop lowering the podium for him hahahaha. He get's up there and says "Yes yes, I know I'm short" it was hilarious. He told me it's a tradition that his family has always done and so he does it every time he gets to a new area on fast and testimony meeting.... I guess the only downside is that we have our own car so the members don't pity us as much because we don't have to ride in the cold on bikes haha. So now we try and see if we can bring members with us in the car instead of them driving us around everywhere, or just go with them, either way... Right now we have 4 people who are potentials to be baptized here soon, I still don't know a lot of information about them yet. They are Yo. and K., G., and Ye. They all have specific and different issues, here and there and we're working really hard to help them repent because they're the most willing to change. Yo. is the mom of K. and they've been investigating the church because they know it's different, I'm not sure how long but they've been doing it for a while. G. should be baptized way sooner than when she wants to, if she wants to at all. Her daughter was baptized a couple months ago I believe and G.'s sister, E., is already a member, she enjoys having us over but she is probably a little hesitant to baptism right now. Ye. is E.'s, and G.'s sister too. So all three of them are sisters and two of them have potential to be baptized soon. From what I've seen it'll more likely be Ye. because she's keeping commitments and is progressing faster than the other. That's kind of the summary for investigators... Our biggest focus right now is finding through our members and recent converts less actives. If we continue planting and finding through them, they're going to make the difference bringing others to Christ.
Other than that there really hasn't been a whole lot that has happened other than transfers and work work work. We've had a lot of fix ups we've had to take care of. Baptism records were lost or were not turned in and so some missionaries are trying to turn in their records in order to bring more blessings to those recent converts. The last district leader that was here had a little bit of a struggle with that and so he basically left it to Elder Corona and I. Blaahhhhh it's been nuts! I've also been cleaning up after him too, he sure loves to leave his antiques and stuff.
I'm hearing good things back home :) Weston's tough, I'm sure the basketball season will start looking up soon. They are due for a win and whatever coach or the players ask of him I'm sure he'll do it, just tell him I said to keep his head held high and to put off anything else and just play! He'll tear it up. Marleigh is doing good too from what I've heard, tell her to keep it up for me.
I wish I had more time to say and write things but my time seems shorter every time I have to finish. So with that I love everyone of you and hope all is well at home. Stay true to the faith, and remember always that the Lord needs helping hands'
Love Elder Horrocks
P.s. I can't end without saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to my awesome Granny T, my cuz Buck, and little brother J.T.!! Happy birthday!! sorry it's a little late :)
He's already got lots of work in Tulare... I'm excited to see "The Preacher Man" go to work there. It's contagious!!
Love my boy <3
Enjoy...
 |
| Weird binoculars I found |
 |
| My new compa |
 |
| Picture Charlie sent me (momma) :) |
Feliz ano!! (Happy new year)
What a crazy week! Transfers are always a crazy thing because we have to get a lot of things prepared and ready for next transfer and all the while work at the same time. I've been chillen with my new companion Elder Corona. He's Mexican and he went to Snow Canyon High school in St. George. He graduated about the same year I did and has been on his mission for about a year now. His parents live in Mexico (I can't remember where exactly). We definitely are much a like! Just about as goofy as I am! So we make it pretty fun in Tulare. If I haven't mentioned yet, Tulare is about 10-15 minutes away from Lindsey so I still get to see Charlie, Elder Moody, and everybody else. I'm basically still in the same zone. I see all of them about every Monday and Tuesday for Preparation day and District Meetings. So It's great!!
Being a district leader isn't so bad I actually really enjoy it. I've had a lot of growth in one week, and I hope I can simply just do my best as a representative of Jesus Christ with little bit of a higher standard... I'm basically a normal missionary just with a bunch of more responsibilities. The responsibilities include things like me holding district meetings, accounting for missionaries and their work, baptism interviews for other missionaries in our district and other districts too (including Spanish), exchanges, leadership meetings, a lot of stuff. Basically I'm helping to build and sustain work and oversee proselyting efforts in Tulare. I have Elder Corona and I, Elder Enis and Elder Waine (Zone leaders, and Elder Waine is from England and has an awesome accent), and Sister Taula and Niumatalolo in my district. So my district isn't too big and they work really hard. Tomorrow I'm going to be holding my first district meeting so wish me luck!... Also I guess you could contribute by sending quotes to us. President Gelwix would always send us quotes and I enjoyed them. Activities, you can send those as well :) whatever works.
I love the people in Tulare just as much as I loved and still love the people in Lindsey! This past Sunday was a great opportunity to get to know everyone and listen to their testimonies. Elder Corona and I also did the same. It was funny because Elder Corona is a lot shorter than I am, he's about below my shoulder, and he goes up to bear his testimony and grabs the footstool instead of bishop lowering the podium for him hahahaha. He get's up there and says "Yes yes, I know I'm short" it was hilarious. He told me it's a tradition that his family has always done and so he does it every time he gets to a new area on fast and testimony meeting.... I guess the only downside is that we have our own car so the members don't pity us as much because we don't have to ride in the cold on bikes haha. So now we try and see if we can bring members with us in the car instead of them driving us around everywhere, or just go with them, either way... Right now we have 4 people who are potentials to be baptized here soon, I still don't know a lot of information about them yet. They are Yo. and K., G., and Ye. They all have specific and different issues, here and there and we're working really hard to help them repent because they're the most willing to change. Yo. is the mom of K. and they've been investigating the church because they know it's different, I'm not sure how long but they've been doing it for a while. G. should be baptized way sooner than when she wants to, if she wants to at all. Her daughter was baptized a couple months ago I believe and G.'s sister, E., is already a member, she enjoys having us over but she is probably a little hesitant to baptism right now. Ye. is E.'s, and G.'s sister too. So all three of them are sisters and two of them have potential to be baptized soon. From what I've seen it'll more likely be Ye. because she's keeping commitments and is progressing faster than the other. That's kind of the summary for investigators... Our biggest focus right now is finding through our members and recent converts less actives. If we continue planting and finding through them, they're going to make the difference bringing others to Christ.
Other than that there really hasn't been a whole lot that has happened other than transfers and work work work. We've had a lot of fix ups we've had to take care of. Baptism records were lost or were not turned in and so some missionaries are trying to turn in their records in order to bring more blessings to those recent converts. The last district leader that was here had a little bit of a struggle with that and so he basically left it to Elder Corona and I. Blaahhhhh it's been nuts! I've also been cleaning up after him too, he sure loves to leave his antiques and stuff.
I'm hearing good things back home :) Weston's tough, I'm sure the basketball season will start looking up soon. They are due for a win and whatever coach or the players ask of him I'm sure he'll do it, just tell him I said to keep his head held high and to put off anything else and just play! He'll tear it up. Marleigh is doing good too from what I've heard, tell her to keep it up for me.
I wish I had more time to say and write things but my time seems shorter every time I have to finish. So with that I love everyone of you and hope all is well at home. Stay true to the faith, and remember always that the Lord needs helping hands'
Love Elder Horrocks
P.s. I can't end without saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to my awesome Granny T, my cuz Buck, and little brother J.T.!! Happy birthday!! sorry it's a little late :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)