The Long and the Short of it!

Our missionaries come in all colors and sizes. As with the beautiful Garden of Eden was made lovely with its variety of flowers in many shapes, sizes and verities, so are the wonderful young men and woman who make up our mission with one desire in common…to serve the Lord with all their might, mind and strength.

A visit from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ

On April 30 at 2pm we were blessed with a visit from Elder Quentin L. Cook in Guatemala City. We had a very special meeting with him and his wife which included the Area Presidency, Elder Don Clarke, Shirley Christensen, and Enrique Falabella of the Seventy and missionaries from all three Missions in the City as well as streaming broadcast to our missionaries in Petén and Coban (including the Polochic and Senahu Zones). All together the audience totaled over 1200 in attendance.
Elder Cook reviewed for us the importance of seeking the spirit in both finding and teaching our investigators and using the inspired book for our generation of missionaries… “Preach My Gospel.” He told us to be mindful of the 4 Loves, Love the people, Love your companion, Love your Mission President and most important…Love the Lord.

Armies of Helaman

Guatemala is witnessing the greatest number of young men to submit applications to join us in our forces to accomplish the great work assigned us by the Savior, to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
On April 25, 2009 young men and women participated in the “Jornada medico” where they congregated in Guatemala to attend an event that would prepare more than a 1000 young men and woman to enter the mission field.
Latter-Day Saint Doctors, Dentist, and other medical professionals came from the United States, bringing with them supplies and equipment to examine, correct minor dental issues and help each prospective missionary fill-out their applications to be submitted. The young saints were accompanied by their priesthood leaders and those coming from distances as far away as Petén stayed as guest in the boarding house for those who come to the Temple.
Our mission saw 20 young men and 2 young women coming from Petén as well as 30 coming from the Polochic areas. Each one of the Stakes in our mission also had many fine young men anxious to do what was needed to complete their missionary application.
I was able to help in a small way by feeding our young people and also as a “barber” on Monday afternoon. Some of the young men were reluctant to part with their locks, but I was there to sooth their concerns. The event ended on April 22nd. Elder Clarke of the 70 proclaimed that by the end of this year, Central America would be self sufficient as a missionary force.
How wonderful to see the prophecies of the Lamanite people unfolding before our eyes!

Watch for us in October

The Church sent out a film crew (KSL- Carol Mekita) to tape a segment on the Church’s humanitarian efforts. We met up with them in Chulac on Sunday April 19th where they enjoyed the beautiful backdrop of the Polochic Mountains and the sweet humility of the Saints there for sacrament meeting. While there a very young little man came up to the President asking him to help him with his tie so he would look his best. We understand the segment will air after general conference in October. So don’t blink, because you might miss us!

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

We all know that the spirit cannot dwell in unclean things….Therefore I would like to present two fine examples of Elders who made sure their dwellings were fit to receive the spirit in both work and in order. Good Job Elders Greenwood, Velasquez, Lopez and Balux! Your Moms will be proud.

Jumping for Joy in Polochic

Our missionaries do enjoy Zone conferences. So much so that they just have to JUMP for JOY!

Mango Mania

April is the month for Mangos. Lush, juicy and sweet they are sold all over the mission at a fraction of what they cost back home. Sometimes they are just given to our missionaries by the sack full after harvesting a tree that may be in close proximity. Humm… I wonder if this was the forbidden fruit? I think it qualifies!

Blessing of a mission

On March 24 we were blessed to have our son Raul wed a wonderful young woman for Time and All Eternity. I was able to attend, however the President stayed in Guatemala to ensure all went well in this, the most important work on the earth. (see the slide show for complete pictures of the wedding)

Bienvenidos Nuevos!

Now that the rainy season is just around the corner, we can now pick up our new missionaries in day light and see their smiley faces and the excitement which they bring to the mission field. Welcome Elders Vargas, Barrientos, Hermanas Lebeau, Martin, and Duarte.

Adios Muchachos!

It is always a sad day when we must say Adios. Elders Nelson, Argumedo and Elder Colindres who asked to stay for two weeks longer so that he could witness a family he helped "bring unto Christ," be sealed in the Guatemala Temple. Que Dios los cuide y bendiga Elderes.