Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Present Times Two!

December 23, 2013

WASSUP!

So President Essig challenged us at the beginning of this month that for Christmas we were to give Christ a present of one person being baptized. I've really been focused on that goal personally and have been thinking about how I could accomplish it. My companions and I were able to give Jesus Christ two presents in two people being baptized!!!


Matias (Priest), Francisco, Benjamin and Sebastian (Priest) at baptism in Lo Prado 2 on December 22, 2013

BENJAMIN AND FRANCISCO GOT BAPTIZED YESTERDAY!!! It was an incredible and very spritual service for me personally. I'm so excited for Benjamin and Francisco for all they have done and the strides that they've made to be able to be baptized by water. Next week is baptism by fire baby!!!

Boy did we REALLY have to work for Francisco's baptism though. This is the experience that I want to share in my letter home this week. TONS of miracles happened in a short lapse of time so that Francisco could get baptized, that's for sure...

My companions and I had taught everything to Francisco and it just came down to his interview on Saturday and baptism on Sunday. We had planned everthing out with him so that he could be at his house at 4pm on Saturday for the interview and obviously go to church on Sunday morning and be baptized after church. Well, what we had planned definitely didn't work that way. On Saturday, Elder Richardson came and did the first interview for us and everything went smoothly. We then went to Francisco's house and when we got there, he wasn't there. We talked with his Grandpa and he said that Francisco had gone to Estacion Central to his cousins house since it was his birthday and they were going to celebrate it. The Grandpa's like don't worry though because Francisco will be home a little later. Elder Richardson returned to his sector. We planned to go to Elder Richardson's sector with Francisco and do the interview in the evening. We kept calling almost every hour and Francisco never came home! It came to 9pm and Francisco still hadn't gotten home from the birthday party that he was at, so we asked Francisco's dad for the number where he was so we could talk with him and basically tell him to get home as fast as he could so that we could do the interview. Francisco's dad first gave us a wrong number...after trying and trying to call Francisco over and over again, I was praying in my heart that Francisco's dad would answer and give us the right number (this was at like 1030pm and Francisco's dad had already told us that he was going to come home on Sunday!) Francisco's dad finally answered the phone and gave us the right number! We called Francisco at his cousins home at like 1120pm and they were up just playing video games and I was just like...Francisco, you have to come home tonight or there's no way that you're gong to be able to be baptized the next day! Francisco's like ya I'm going to talk to my uncle right now so he can bring me home and I can get right to bed so that I can get up bright and early and go to church tomorrow! I was like ya and we need to do your interview as well in the morning before church starts!! Francisco's like ya that's fine don't worry about it Elder. We got up a little earlier and called Francisco so that he could be ready in the morning for his interview and he was like...Elder, I can't get baptized today. My dad said that I can't. (We had already taught the mom a few times and she had understood the importance of baptism by authority and immersion and had signed the form for Francisco already. I thought that the mom had talked to the dad and everything was ok, but apparently not.) We hung up the phone and I'm like we've got to pray for a miracle to happen. We gathered around and knelt down and pleaded to our Heavenly Father that he would help Francisco's dad understand and soften his heart. When we were done, we headed over to Francisco's house in faith that he would let Francisco get baptized. My companions and I arrived and Dabne (Francisco's mom) had just gotten home from her night shift. We were like so your husband doesn't want Francisco to be baptized?? She's like...no, he's gonna be baptized! I just talked to him and he's going to let Francisco be baptized today. I literally started jumping up and down in excitement. I didn't even know what to do!! We called a member from the ward so he could take all of us to Huelen since Elder Richardson had already turned around since we told him that Francisco's dad said he couldn't get baptized. The member said he could take us to Huelen so we hustled over there. Francisco had his interview and we arrived at 957am with three minutes to spare before Sacrament started!!! The person that was going to baptize Francisco never came to church so we talked to another Priest in our ward and he said that he would be happy to baptize Francisco. That was probably the craziest morning of my mission, but I thanked Heavenly Father soooo much for those miracles that he was able to do for us. He is so merciful and I was so lucky to be able to see them all happen. That was a huge testimony builder for me that Satan puts tons of obstacles in the way but our Heavenly Father is much more powerful and nothing is impossible with Him on our side. Basically the Lord is awesome!

 

Elder Jenson, Dabne (Francisco's mom), Francisco, Matias (Priest in Lo Prado 2) and Elder Jenson's companions at the baptism December 22, 2013

Thoughts/Highlights of the week:

1. We never had a ward Christmas party...we had our Ward Conference yesterday and the theme was "venid a mi todos los que estais trabajados y cagados y yo os hare descansar...porque mi yugo es facil y ligera mi carga." It was pretty sweet!

2. I got the Rafie's package!! Tell them thank-you and I love them so much!!! :) I also got alot of letters. Thanks for the support and prayers.

3. My camera died. I have a few more picts of the baptism and 12 Days of Christmas but you'll have to wait a little longer. Sorry!

4. I love serving the Lord "a full" like it's said here during Christmas time in Chile. Like I said a few weeks ago, there's nothing that brings greater satisfaction than serving the Lord. There's not a better present to give Him than doing His work.

I'm REALLY excited to see my family on Christmas day! It's gonna be great to see you guys again. I love you with all my heart. I hope you can feel it!!!!! Best Christmas day present! :)

Don't have any more time left. I hope you ALL have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year this year. Serve someone!

Love,

Elder Jenson

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Miracles and Seeing the Lord's hand in ALL things!

December 17, 2013

What's up?!


Santiago Chile Temple December 15, 2013

This week was sooooooo awesome!!! We literally had so much success. I'm so grateful for the blessings that the Lord has given me and continues to give me here in Lo Prado 2! Since I'm in a trio, we have been able to do a bunch of divisions. We did three this last week...divisions are when a member accompanies us and we split in two groups of two and do double the work. I've been going with the members and am having so much success teaching with them. The two that accompany us a lot now are Leo and Ricardo. They're both priests that are 18 yrs old and are preparing themselves to go on missions. Their stories are pretty awesome. This week because Leo and Ricardo were able to accompany us, we were able to teach 32 lessons! 18 with a member and 14 others. That was pretty awesome.

The most incredible part was because of all of our hard work and obviously with the Lord's help, 6 investigators came to church and 5 of them are progressing towards baptism!! The 6 investigators are:

Benjamin: Basically a stud. He's going to be baptized this Sunday!!!! We're so excited for him. All we have to do is finish teaching the lessons this week which we are planning on. Benjamin's been to church 4 weeks in a row. Veronica, his mom, is now an active member in the church again after being less active. Pretty sweet.

Francisco: Should be baptized this Sunday as well!! Were still working on his dad though because his mom says he can be baptized but his dad doesn't really like the idea. We're trying to really work with the whole family...but its a little bit hard. Francisco is so awesome and faithful!!

Jabiera: Sooooo awesome. She's going to be baptized not this Sunday but the next! She's now been to church two times in a row. Jabiera needs to come this Sunday and the next to be baptized. She is definitely gonna do it. Jabiera really had a great time on Sunday night with the Christmas presentation on the Chilean Temple Square!!

Silvana (16 yrs old): A newer investigator that we found through a less active member. She's golden!!! We've taught her about the Restoration and also a lot about the Book of Mormon. She's really making some progress and has her baptismal date for the 5th of January. This was her first time to attend church Sunday and since she loved it so much she came to the Christmas presentation at the temple Sunday night and had a blast. Silvana told her mom, Beti, about it all and Beti was like, dang I should've gone!! We have had some really sweet lessons with Silvana lately....just when I think about her I get this huge smile on my face. Last night we had a sick lesson. Ricardo and I went to Silvana's house to teach her and all of a sudden Luis showed up (her neighbor that's the ward secretary). Luis accompanied us to the lesson with Silvana even though he was getting home from a long day at work. Silvana told us during the lesson after Luis and Ricardo shared their stories about how they found out that this was the true church that she had asked God if it was true and she has felt her answer!!! That's the best when investigators feel the Spirit and know that this gospel is true!!!!! Love it.

Joan: Went to church and is progressing towards a baptismal date of the 29th of this month. We're praying that Joan's moms heart will soften. Joan was also given permission to go to the presentation on Sunday so he came with us and loved it...he's gonna be a stud missionary someday!

Amaro: Been workin extra hard with him lately and fiiiiiinally he was given permission to go to church again with his gma. Workin on permission so Amaro can be baptized now. Ricardo has shared his powerful story with the family. The spirit was felt really strong. Ricardo was baptized at the same age as Amaro, 10.

Thoughts/Highlights of the week:

Opening a few days of the 12 Days of Christmas!! Thanks for sending me this!!! It's been great to share everything especially the candy with the people here in Chile...they literally love it all!!!

No Stewart or Thanksgiving package but lots of letters :) Thank you so much!

We had our mission Christmas party with President and Sister Essig yesterday. It was great to see everyone.

Our sector board is filled! Here's a picture of our sector board. Everyone is always like...Whoa! you guys have so many people to teach! How??
 



Being at the Santiago temple to see the special Christmas presentation. Everyone was invited to attend including members. We got there by riding the Metro and then the bus. Took an hour or so.


 
 
Special Chilean Christmas Presentation at the Santiago Temple December 15, 2013
 
 
 
Chilean dancers and singers at the Santiago Temple December 15, 2013


Missionaries were invited but could only attend if they brought at least 1 investigator....we brought 3! :)


Our investigators on the Metro headed to the Santiago Temple Christmas Presentation on December 15, 2013 (left to right) Jace, Joan, Silvana (sitting down) and Jabiera

Seeing the PINO FAMILY!

 
When we went to the Christmas Presentaion at the temple on Sunday night I saw the PINO FAMILY! Carla is now married and Javier leaves on his mission to Argentina in just 3 months! Maca is doing well and Tomas is so big now! Hna Juana Pino is doing great as well!!

Going to the Santiago Temple Christmas Presentation with investigators on Sunday was incredible!

Hearing David Archuleta sing at the temple. He was awesome!



Tell Tay I'm proud of him and I love him!!! I'm really glad he got some PT and the coaches are beginning to see his potential. He's a sniper!!!

It's really hard to just put one thing I love while being a missionary, but I think I'm going to have to say the miracles that happen on the mission and seeing the Lords hand in ALL things!

Excited to see and talk to the family on Christmas...5pm Chilean time! :)



I don't have any more time!! There's so much to tell you. I guess next week we'll be able to talk a little more :)

Love you all tons!

Elder Jenson



Monday, December 9, 2013

Happiest I've Ever Been In My Entire Life!

December 9, 2013

Hey all!!!!

 

Elder Paiva, Elder Jenson and Elder Jorge's first week as companions in Lo Prado 2!

My companions and I had tons of success this week, but man am I beat tired!! I'm sure giving all I've got here on the mission. There's nothing else that brings more satisfaction than working for the Lord. Like literally every single night we get home between 10:00-10:30pm and my body burns from the days work. That's when my companions and I plan for the next day and on top of that, we then take the time to write down all that we did in the area book and make all kinds of calls to motivate the district leaders and companionships in the zone to give it their all. So basically after we do all of this it's always like 11:15pm and there's no time to do anything but brush your teeth and go to bed! But all of that work makes me the happiest I've ever been in my enire life. Who ever knew that this happiness even existed! I love the Lord so much for all that He has given me. I feel that He is always blessing me with incredible miracles and seeing His hand in this work. I can't ask for anything more than that!

I was able to do two exchanges this week with Elder Bennett and Elder Lund. I did my exchange with Elder Lund on his fourth day in the mission and felt like that was going to help him a lot to have the vision to baptize right at the beginning of his mission so that he can have that planted in his mind. Well, it definitely worked a lot. Elder Lund came to the sector and we talked about different ideas all day long, about different goals he has and also how I can help him with those. Elder Lund is a great missionary! Elder Bennett was well trained from the beginning. He's in his 4th change and had already learned a lot of things which was really good. He actually taught me a lot of things!! I'm literally always learning. It's so awesome. We had a very successful day.

Ok so Javiera, Benjamin and Joan all came to church yesterday!! They all have a baptismal date which is really good as well so that they can be progressing! It's always important to give investigators the vision to be baptized!

Javiera is doing so well!! She has her date for the 29th of December. Javiera came to church yesterday and loved it. There were actually a lot of people in church that knew her because of her mom, gma and great gma. They had all gone to church many times in the ward and Javiera had come with them many years ago. It was great to see the connection made and the fellowship of the ward. Javiera is reading and praying every day and has found her answer!! Javiera said that before she started reading the Book of Mormon she had lots of nightmares at night where she would wake up crying and really afraid. Since she has read the Book of Mormon she hasn't had even one! Javiera realized the sign from Heavenly Father that this is the true gospel.

Benjamin-I'm pretty sure I've talked to you about Benjamin and his mom (Veronica) that WAS a less active member but now she's active!!! They've come to church now three Sundays in a row and Benjamin has his baptismal date for the 22nd of December, right before Christmas! Benjamin is so excited to be baptized and literally waits for my companions and I to come over to his house with the Book of Mormon, hymn book and the pamphlets that we have given him. I'm really excited for Benjamin's progress.

Joan is such a stud. We did his pre-interview for his baptism and he knew absolutely everything. Literally ALL we need is his mom's signature and he can be baptized a member of the church. Joan's mom has really softened up lately actually talking to us and since it was her bday yesterday I bought her a chocolate bar to maybe gain some trust there :) I'm pretty sure it worked! We just need Joan to pass his school classes!!

HIGHLIGHTS AND COMMENTS:

1. Tell Sister Clinger I don't know an Elder Calder and hello for me.

2. Elder Paiva has been on his mission for 14 mo. and Elder Jorge for 5 mo.

3. We have exchanges two or three times a week so different missionaries can see our sector and what we're doing to have success

4. Surprise me for my bday :)

5. There's 16 other Elders in our zone that I have to train

6. Totally cool that John and Mary had a new baby boy...tell them congrats for me and thank them for their prayers and love!

7. Lookin pretty sweet at Fisherman's Wharf and the Tower

8. This week there were no packages/letters because of the changes...I'm sure there's a few in the office that are waiting for me. Thank-you so much for all your doing to support me.

9. Highlight: Putting up my "Christmas Tree" this week! THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO MOM AND FAMILY!!!

Hope you all have a great week! Don't have any more time left. I love you all!

Love,

Elder Jenson

PS. Here's two videos that are pretty cool. You gotta check em out!

https://www.lds.org/youth/video/an-instrument-in-his-hands?lang=eng
(I thought of Tar watchin this one!)

https://www.lds.org/youth/video/a-secure-anchor?lang=eng

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

"Baptizer" in Zone Sanlen

December 2, 2013

Hey everyone!!!

 

Elder Jenson with members in Lo Prado 2. "I'm so excited that I'm saying here in Lo Prado!"

President has made quite a few changes here in our mission. He changed the leadership again in the mission. President is making a pretty big emphasis now on baptizing and because of that, he called 10 Elders to be "Baptizers" with the responsibility to train a whole Zone on how to baptize. President said that the Elders selected were the ones that have had the most success in the past 3-6 months. Here's the new structure...

assistants
baptizers (zone leader 1)
trainers
zone leader number 2
distict leaders who have never been trainers
senior companion


President called me yesterday and told me that he wanted me to be a "Baptizer" and lead the Zone Sanlen! He said that in 6 weeks (one change), I would need to do an exchange for 24 hours with every single Elder in my Zone and that for every exchange, I will be staying in my sector, LO PRADO 2, to show the missionaries in my Zone my sector and how I am having so much success. That's quite a responsibility President Essig and the Lord have put on my shoulders. It's gonna be tons of work, but I'm excited to serve and show missionaries how they can have even more success in their sectors and bring more souls unto Him!!

I am now with Elder Paiva from Argentina. He is the other Zone Leader with me (Zone Leader 2). I am also with Elder Jorge from Peru. I'm pretty excited for this change! It's gonna take all I've got!

Two of the new investigators from the week are children of a less active member (Francisca) that Elder Breed and I found. Basically everyone in that house is a member except for Javiera and Diego (the new investigator). Francisca's mom and Grandma also live in that house and they are members as well...yep, 4 generations living in the same house. Tight family! Javiera is so excited. In one of our visits this week Francisca told us about her time in the church and that she liked it a lot and that she is happy she got baptized...right after that, Javiera's like...Mom, I wanna get baptized too!! We're like sweet!!!!! Javiera has a date for the 29th of December. That's gonna be awesome!


Highlights/Thoughts for the week

I never got the Thanksgiving package....not sure if it's gonna come? Haven't gotten the Stewart's package either...

Interviews with President went really well. He just talked to me about what I'm doing to have success, how I'm doing in my sector, how my companion is doing, what I can do to be a better missionary etc.

Leo baptized Rafaella and our Bishop confirmed her

Stephen Horsley's are getting so big!

Right now I'm in Doctrine and Covenants 47. I also study information for our investigators during the week

Haha Dad only wishes he could be a missionary now!

Chileans don't celebrate Thanksgivng at all. I actually forgot it was Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving...working hard!

That's pretty sweet the picture Tarryn drew at the Church History museum for me

Both Tar and Tal have T-bird shirts on! GO AGGIES!

Good job Mama on being on top of my scholarship :)

Soooooo sick you saw the Jabbawockeez. I loved them!

Susana said she "talked" with you this week! Alejandra had a baby girl named Scarlett.

 
 
Baby Scarlett at church for the first time December 1, 2013


Seeing my 2 "sons" I trained at the Mission Home this week!

 
Elder Breed, Elder Jenson and Elder Diaz at the Mission Home December 2, 2013


Ya, so basically we've been able to change our sector in Lo Prado 2 to a gold mine!! We've been able to find so many people and it's so awesome. I'm so excited that I'm staying here in Lo Prado so I can see more and more of the fruits of all the hard work I've put in to this sector! I'm glad President can see it as well and he's not changing me around like crazy.


Elder Jenson and Elder Breed on their last day in Lo Prado 2 together as companions (December 1, 2013). "Elder Breed and I were able to turn Lo Prado 2 into a gold mine!"

Hope you all have a great week. Thanks for all your love, prayers and support. I don't have any more time left! So much to write, so little time.

Love,

Elder Jenson

Monday, December 2, 2013

RAFAELLA GOT BAPTIZED!

November 25, 2013

Hey Everyone!!!

 
Elder Jenson getting ready for the Open House in Lo Prado 2 Ward November 23, 2013


Ok, so I'm literally sooooo beat tired from so much work that Elder Breed and I did this week to get this sweet Open House activity ready, had interviews with Pres Essig, going and renewing my visa to be legal here in Chile (getting up at 6am instead of 730am like usual two days in a row), and also RAFAELLA GOT BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!!! There was so much that happened this week!!

All I could think about this week was the activity and just hoping that the Lord would help us and we could just kill it. I think I used 150 minutes this week just calling everyone to plan and confirm everything for the activity. It was literally insane. I would lay in bed at night just planning and thinking about new or better ideas and then write them down so I wouldn't forget. Elder Breed and I had our Open House activity where we did tours of our church from 4-7pm! It was so awesome cuz every organization made a stand and display and presented what their organization was about for 2-3 minutes each. We had footsteps going from each organization room to another with different colors which was pretty entertaining. After that part of the tour we finished with a video of the Old Testament about the prophets which ended with the story of Joseph Smith. After the video, we took the groups to the cultural hall to show them all about the lesson pamphlets, mormon.org cards, family history, photos, reference table and obviously the food :) We were literally in the church from 8am til 11am cleaning so that it was all organized and presentable. From 11-1pm we put up all the stands and spent time finishing up odds and ends with the members. From 1-2pm we had a nice hour break to eat lunch. From 2-4pm we finished setting up everything with all the organizations, projector for the video on the stage, footprints etc. From 4-7pm was the activity. 25 NON-MEMBERS came to our activity and took the tour!!The members were pumped up because they said that an Open House had been done twice already but there had only been 4 or 5 visitors. This time it was 5 times that with 25 visitors. Hno Facondi (Bishop's 1st Counselor) told Elder Breed and I that there hadn't been a really well done activity from the missionaries in a really long time and thanked us for all our hard work. That was great!! After the Open House we cleaned up everything and got the baptism all ready to go. It went great and Rafaella was beaming!!! Elder Breed and  I stayed til 915 cleaning up everything and then we went to Rafaella's house to celebrate!! Amaro (Rafaella's cousin) took our tour at the Open House and saw the baptism and told us that because of the activity and baptism, he wants to be baptized as well!!! There's only two weeks left til Amaro's baptism!!!! Elder Breed and I are excited for him.

 

Elder Jenson, Rafaella, Leo and Elder Breed at Rafaella's baptism in Lo Prado 2 on November 23, 2013

On Sunday the Lord blessed us even more!!! Rafaella got confirmed and then there was the Primary presentation. When Sacrament was over I realized there was a mom (Veronica) and son (Benjamin) behind us that I didn't know. I went up to them and introduced myself. Veronica told me that she was a less active member but wanted to come back to church again. Benjamin really loved the Primary presentation and told me he was 9 years old. I asked him if he had been baptized a member of the church and he said that he hadn't yet...a few moments later in silence he was like...when can I get baptized?!?! I was like well we're going to pass by your house tonight to talk about that!! We did and Benjamin was literally waiting for Elder Breed and I on the couch. We talked about how baptism works and Benjamin accepted the 22nd of Dec. as his date for baptism!!! So sweet!!

 
 
Rafaella and her family support at her baptism on November 23, 2013 in Lo Prado 2



Thoughts/Highlights of the week:

Not sure if this is my last week in Lo Prado 2! Transfer week

Got my Christmas packages but still no Thanksgiving package :(

Good job Tar and Tal for your Young Women's talks :)

Love being a missionary!

Thanks for your prayers and support. I'm lovin life!


Hope you all have a great week. I love you all!!!

Elder Jenson
 

Monday, November 18, 2013

"HOW CAN I ASTONISH SOMEBODY TODAY AND WHO WILL IT BE?"

November 18, 2013

Hey Everyone!!!!

Having Elder Holland speak to our mission was soooo sweet!!! As I listened carefully to Elder Vinas (Area President from Uruguay) and Elder Holland, I literally felt like Nephi and Lehi in Helaman 5 when they were surrounded by fire so that those that wanted to kill them weren't able to. Well, there wasn't anyone trying to kill me, but I felt the spirit soooo strong in that meeting. Elder Holland talked to us for a little over an hour. It was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my entire life. He talked about various things some of the highlights being how something really bugged him and there's not a lot of things in this life that do that. One thing that bugs Elder Holland is when return missionaries don't stay in the church after they return. He told us that when we get back from our missions and we are giving our Homecoming talk, we need to just blow the back end out of the building and just level the place because we bring so much of the spirit!!!! I loved hearing that. Elder Holland told us that while we are on our missions, we teach the first lesson the most (The Restoration of the Gospel) and that sometimes we just teach the first lesson lazily like its nothing and we fall into that habit. We have many first lessons, but not as many second. He told us that when we are in that first lesson we need to ASTONISH everyone that we are teaching with our words. We need to just be teaching with so much power and authority that their knees (investigators) become weak and they have to sit back down after listening to us and then we leave. We need to teach the first lesson like that is their only chance in their entire life that they have to accept this gospel and we will never see them again. Elder Holland also talked about an 18 yr old boy who had won 4 olympic medals, had 22 world records and 37 US records in swimming. They asked him how he was able to do all of this at such a young age...He said that he could answer that in one sentence..."I kick when I don't want to kick and I stroke when I don't want to stroke." That was it!! That's the big secret!! If I want to be the best missionary I can be, I have to talk with people when I don't want to talk and work harder when my body tells me to stop!! Another quote I liked is when Elder Holland said that "The road to salvation has to pass through Gethsemane." If we really want to be disciples of Jesus Christ on the earth, then why in the world should life be easy?! It shouldn't!! Now we won't bleed from every pore, but there will be a few tearful nights and heartbreaks, but its OK!!

Now those are just a few things that Elder Holland said, but he definitely astonished me!! It really strengthened my testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel and because of those really powerful experiences, I can keep working really diligently to help rescue His lost sheep. It's obvious that Elder Holland was called of God as one of His apostles.

The day after Elder Holland, we had our district class. I was able to teach about how to use the Restoration pamphlet to teach lesson 1. I really focused on how to teach that lesson with power and authority since Elder Holland countlessly said that we need to teach that lesson with so much power that our investigators will need to take a seat again after we leave! I really focused on another phrase Elder Holland told us which was that we have to teach lesson 1 as if that is the ONLY time in our investigators life that they will be able to accept this message and then we will never see them ever again. As I really focused on those two things, teaching with power and authority and that this was their only chance, I started the demonstration (teach lesson 1 in less than 14 minutes) and I couldn't even get through the first point without getting emotional telling the investigator how much God loved him. It was like a train came and knocked us all over. The spirit was so strong. As I kept teaching the lesson, my eyes couldn't stay dry especially when reciting the first vision. I could barely say it! I finished the lesson talking about the Book of Mormon and how he (our investigator) was going to feel the spirit so strongly after he read. When I finished, no one said a word for about 30 seconds probably. I couldn't contain myself and started crying again because the spirit was just soooo strong in the room. Elder Cheshire was the one that I was teaching lesson 1 to. He said that I could've stopped after the first point and he would've listened to me. Elder Breed then spoke up and said that the lesson was taught with so much power and authority that we need to teach every lesson like that. The rest of the missionaries were asking me how I was able to teach that lesson so powerfully and I was like speechless. All I can say is I didn't teach that lesson...The spirit taught everyone there. I don't want to tell you this to sound my trumpet or beat my chest, but to just tell you that since then, I feel like the Lord has changed my heart and has helped me really LOVE the people I teach and remember when teaching a lesson, it is the only time that they have to accept this gospel. It's one of the most incredible experiences ever. That is really the potential that we have as missionaries, to really astonish everyone we meet. We need to do it!! Now it's not just the missionaries job either!...it' the members job to astonish as well. So all of the members that are reading this letter today have some homework!!! "HOW CAN I ASTONISH SOMEBODY TODAY, AND WHO WILL IT BE?"

Thoughts/Highlights of the week:

I'm feeling way better :) Thanks for the prayers!

Empanadas still are one of my favorites. I love the shrimp and cheese, pino and napolitano!! So good :)

Wow, that Indian food looks really good. That's one thing I miss....the food!!!

I really hope Joan will be baptized before I get transferred. Joan still keeps coming to church and is so prepared to be baptized!! Proud of that kid.

No packages got here this week, but I did get letters from you and dad, tar, tal, tay nana and papa. Thanks for all the support! I LOVE hearing from all of you.


Yo se mas nunca que la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias es el reino del Senor que de nuevo se ha establecido para nuestro beneficio en preparacion de la segunda venida del Mesias. Cristo vive. El nos ama y realmente quiere que seamos felices. Siempre esta con nosotros y se siente su presencia muy fuerte en la mision. Yo se con todo mi corazon que Jose Smith fue un profeta de Dios y que no fue mentira lo qu el dijo ni hizo. La evidencia es el Libro de Mormon!! Cualquiera puede tomar el Libro y leerlo. Les prometo que cuando lo hagan, sentiran el espiritu testificandoles que realmente lo que esta leyendo viene de Dios. Es su promesa (1 Nefi 1:11-12)! Lehi fue lleno del Espiritu del Senor. Pregunten a Dios y les hara saber por medio de ese mismo espiritu que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero. Eso significa que esta es la unica iglesia sobre la faz de la tierra que es verdadera y tiene TODA la verdad. Cristo dirige su iglesia, se lo prometo. Esto comparto con mucho amor en el nombre de Jesucristo, mi Salvador, Amen.

English translation of Elder Jenson's testimony:
I know more than ever that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church established for our behalf in preparation for the second coming of the Messiah. Christ lives. He loves us and really wants us to be happy. He is always with us and I feel a very strong presence of Him on my mission. I know with all my heart that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that it was not a lie what he said or did. The evidence is the Book of Mormon! Anyone can take the book and read it. I promise that when you do, you will feel the spirit testifying that it is the word of God as promised in (1 Nephi 1:11-12)! Lehi was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Just ask God and He will let you know by that same spirit that the Book of Mormon is true. This is the only true church on the face of the earth that is true and has ALL the truth. Christ leads His church, I promise. This testimony I share with you with a lot of love in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Amen.

One more thing...Rafaela will be baptized this Saturday after the ward activity that we planned!! Have her in your prayers so everything goes smoothly!! Love you lots!

Elder Jenson

Monday, November 11, 2013

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is in Chile!

November 11, 2013

Hey all!!

 
Elder Jenson, Elder Breed, Elder Chinga (Ecuador) and Elder Baldovino (Argentina) golfing at Cuidad Empresarial golf course October 28, 2013 (*all Elders pictured are in the same District and serve in the Lo Prado 2 Ward)


So to start my email I've got some news.....Elder Holland (yes, Jeffrey R. Holland....seriously though) will be speaking to us tomorrow!!!! Elder Holland will be speaking with our mission and two others. Elder Breed and I have to get up at 5am tomorrow to be able to travel to get there in time. I'm so excited!!!!

This week was a little bit slower since Elder Breed and I were both sick and had to go to the doctor and recuperate. We both were coughing non stop with all kinds of junk lodged in our throats that shouldn't be there. It was cool to be right next to the temple again though! Elder Breed and I were able to buy a few things in this tiny store that's basically a mini Deseret Book....very mini.

Our investigators are doing pretty well! Nico (12) and Angelo (13), cousins, came to church again this week and are progressing towards baptism on the 1st of December. Francisco also came to church for the third time in a row and is progressing towards his date of the 8th of Dec. Rafaela is doing good as ever as she will be baptized on the 23rd of November. Amaro is doing pretty well but couldn't come to church this week because Pamela (mom) is not letting him do anything since he's got bad grades in school. Kind of a bummer but hopefully Amaro gets those grades up so he can keep coming to church! The Fuentes family is doing pretty well although Hugo and Ana aren't really progressing. Hugo is struggling with keeping some of the commandmetns and doesn't want to get baptized until he feels ready to live them. Elder Breed and I have tried over and over again to help Hugo but he is now not coming to church so it's tough. Ana is strugglin a little bit as well because she feels she can't leave her Catholic religion. Elder Breed and I are continuing to work with her. Joan is doing awesome...basically a member but not baptized yet. Joan goes to mutual, church and all the activities. He's a stud. We dropped by Joan's house a few days ago with a baptism and confirmation form with his name on it. We filled it all out together and then we stopped at the end with the signature and were like...this one signature is the only thing that stops you from being baptized...get it done!!! Joan's got some homework :)

Thoughts/Highlights of the week:

Tell the Caballero family I love them!!!

I'm reading in D & C now. Im in section 36. I love reading D &C!! It's great to read the words from the Savior himself in our day! The Savior's so bold. I love it!

I'm thinking about getting a scripture cover. Thinking about the images I want to put on them and if I want one for my quad or my spanish scriptures...to be continued...:)

Tell tal....GO NUMBER 11!

Elder McKinley finishes his mission in 3 weeks!

There are about 250 missionaries in the mish

LOVE YOU MOM!! Glad you liked my letter just for you!!

Loved seeing the Santiago temple this week!



Elder Breed and I are hosting a PUERTAS ABIERTAS (Open House) on 23 November. We made big invitations and have put them up on bus stops and street corners and made small invites that we give out to our contacts. We've given out 70 so far and have a goal of giving out 110 invites this week!

No packages this week but lots of letters. Thanks especially to tay, tar and tal!! Love you all!!! Thanks for your support. Love hearing from you.

I love you all!!! Don't have any more time left!! byeeeeee

Elder Jenson!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

"I Love Miracles!"

November 4, 2013

Hey all!!


Elder Jenson working hard in Lo Prado 2!

This week was a good week! Elder Breed and I are working really hard and we keep finding a lot of new investigators and have been able to teach first lessons which has been really good for us. We were able to teach 10 first lessons this week which is a ton and also found 13 new investigators. There are a lot of prepared people in our sector that we are beginning to find and teach. It's great to see the investigators progress as they read and pray about the Book of Mormon and come to church.

 

Elder Breed and Elder Jenson searching for investigators in Lo Prado 2!

Two of our investigators are relatives of the Relief Society President in our ward....her daughter in law (Pamela) and grandson (Amaro). Amaro is Rafaela's cousin!! (they're both grandchildren of the Relief Society Pres. in the ward). Pamela hadn't really let Amaro go to church with his grandma or his cousin before but Elder Breed and I taught them about the Restoration on Saturday with the spirit and she softened up as the spirit testified to her that this is true. We invited them both to be baptized and they accepted. Amaro and Pamela are now really excited to be coming to church, reading and praying so that they can be prepared to be baptized. I love miracles!

 

Elder Jenson teaching a discussion in an investigators home in Lo Prado 2.

Elder Breed and I were able to have 7 investigators in church this week as well (rafaela, joan, carmen, javier, nico, carlos and francisco) and that was pretty sweet. We still have a goal to have 10 in church. We taught 24 lessons this week, 12 with a member present.

 
 
Another successful week in Lo Prado 2 for Elder Jenson!

Highlights/Thoughts of the Week:

Susana wants to talk with you guys!!

 
 
Elder Breed and Elder Jenson giving a thumbs up for dinner with Susana and her family!


Dad, Seminary works like this...it's tuesday through friday from 7-8 pm. It's just one class with all the youth of the ward from 14-18 yrs old. Vivana B. is the teacher and she's the Stake Presidents wife...They live in our sector!

Tar thanks for the spanish holiday ornament...pretty sweet!

Hugo and Ana are strugglin...They're not really progressing and we've tried everything in the book. We pass by their house a lot and the spirit is so strong, but they choose to wait....it's kind of frustrating, but we will be seeking more guidance for them this week.

I hear from my converts every once in a while...Susana is doing reallllly well. She wrote me and said that she goes to church every week and is loving everything. She said that her baptism 6 days after I left was awesome as was her confirmation. I heard from Sergio about a month ago and also talked with a few missionaries that have been to Vespucio. Sergio has the Melchizedek priesthood and is the young men's president now!!!!! What a stud. Kevin and his mom write me a bunch as well from Renca and Kevin is doing so well...going to seminary every day, passing and preparing the sacrament and preparing himself to serve a mission. I've heard good news from all of them!

Transfers are the 1st of December

Yep we definitely felt the earthquake on thursday. We were teaching carmen and then all of a sudden the house started to move haha but it wasn't anything serious...hope a bigger earthquake doesn't hit!

Good luck Tal with your bball game this week!! You'll do great!

Out 17 months...only a few flags left to take down in the kitchen ! Ha! Ha!

Well I feel like there's never any time to tell you much about the investigators we're finding and teaching, but you can see the ones we're focussing on in the picture I sent (*we never received this picture. Internet problems) I hope you have a great week! Thanks for your support.

 
 
Elder Jenson all dressed in white (September 29, 2013)!

* We were able to connect with Susana from Elder Jenson's mission. She shared these pictures that you see in this weeks blog. Thanks Susana!

Love,

Elder Jenson

Monday, October 28, 2013

"As a man thinketh, so is he"

October 28, 2013

Hey everyone!!

First things first...I'm staying here in Lo Prado 2 with Elder Breed for 6 more weeks!! President wanted me to finish his training here in Lo Prado and I'm grateful for that.

We are blessed every week to have quite a few investigators attend church. That has been great for Elder Breed and I. 6 investigators came to church yesterday although our goal was 10-20. That's how many committed themselves. You know how we as humans are....flakes. Elder Breed and I have a goal to have 10 si o si in church this Sunday!! I think something that we have been able to develop here in Lo Prado 2 with the Lords help is always focussing on church and baptism with everything we teach. Those are the two main points that we focus on to help our investigators have that vision of coming to church and being baptized. It has helped us a lot so our investigators progress towards baptism and know that they have to do it by coming to church. We have to BELIEVE as missionaries that we can baptize and have progressing investigators cuz if we dont...No progressing investigators and no baptisms. "As a man thinketh, so is he." I love the talk "Only an Elder". Here are the parts that I love...

Only an Elder
By Bruce R. McConkie

Brethren, what think ye of the office of an elder? Someone asks: "What office do you hold in the Church? What is your priesthood position?" An answer comes: "Oh, I'm only an elder." Only an elder! Only the title by which a member of the Council of the Twelve is proud to be addressed; only the title which honors the President of the Church, who is designated by revelation as the first elder; only the office to which millions of persons are ordained in the vicarious ordinances of the holy temples. Only an elder! Only the office which enables a man to enter the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and to have his wife and children bound to him with an everlasting tie; only the office which prepares a man to be a natural patriarch to his posterity and to hold dominion in the house of Israel forever; only the office required for the receipt of the fullness of the blessings in the house of the Lord; only the office which opens the door to eternal exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world, where man becomes as God is. Only an elder! Only a person ordained to preach the gospel, build up the kingdom, and perfect the Saints; only a minister whose every word is scripture; only the holder of that office which carries the privlege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, of having the heavens opened, and of communing with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn, and of enjoying the communion and presence of God the Father and Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. Only an elder! Every elder in the Church holds as much priesthood as the President of the Church. No apostle can or will rise higher in eternity than the faithful elder who lives the fullness of the gospel law. What is an elder? An elder is a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. He holds the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. He is commissioned to stand in the place and stead of his Master-who is the Chief Elder-in ministering to his fellowmen. He is the Lord's agent. His appointment is to preach the gospel and perfect the Saints. What is an elder? He is a shepherd, a shepherd serving in the sheepfold of the Good Shepherd. It is written: "And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." (Ezek 34:31) It is also written, and that by Peter, the first elder in his day: "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." "And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Pet 5:1-4) Know this: elders, who are standing ministers in the Lord's kingdom are appointed to feed the flock of God, to take the oversight of the flock, to be examples to the flock. What is an elder? "And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together." "Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question-unto what were ye ordained?" "To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth." (D & C 50:10, 13-14) An elder is the Lord's representative sent forth to teach his gospel for the salvation of men. Who can measure the worth, the infinite worth, of a soul, a soul for whom Christ died? And yet, is not the soul of an elder worth even more, for an elder is his minister to bring many infinitely precious souls unto him in the kingdom of his Father. Do all elders feed the flock of God, take the oversight thereof, and stand as examples to the others in the sheepfold? Hear the prophet answer: "Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?" "The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost." "Therefore, thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand." (Ezek. 34:2,4,10). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth. It is not a democracy, not a republic, not an oligarchy, not a dictatorship, not any form of government except a kingdom. it operates from the top down. The Lord speaks, and his servants obey. The elders go forth, and the people are taught. Our great need, the charge that is laid upon us, is to perfect the elders so they can feed the flock, lest the sheep perish for want of the word of God. The number one need within the Church today is to reclaim the elders so they, in turn, can "feed the flock of God." An elders quorum should be a school of prophets, a place where every elder and prospective elder learns what he and his family must do to gain peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come. But in all this, there is reward!  "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." "And he that reapeth receiveth wages." (John 4:35-36) "Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God." (D & C 6:3) "And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth to you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father." (D & C 15:6) Let us now, however, return to our theme, which is: "Brethren, what think ye of the office of an elder?" Only an elder! Only the office held by apostles and prophets in this life; only the office that they will have when they come forth in immortal glory and enter into their exaltation; only the open door to peace in this life and a crown of glory in the life to come. Only an elder! Only an elder in time and eternity! "What are we to understand by the four and twenty elders, spoken of by John?" The revealed answer: "We are to understand that these elders whom John saw, were elders who had been faithful in the work of the ministry and were dead." (D & C 77:5) Now, let us hear the words which John wrote relative to those who were faithful elders while in this life and who are exalted elders in the realms ahead: "Behold, a door was opened in heaven. And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment, and they had on their heads crowns of gold." (Rev. 4:1-2, 4) Only an elder! "They had on their heads crowns of gold." Moses prayed, "Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Num 11:29) Well might we pray: "Would God that all the elders among the Lord's people would be faithful, that they would feed the flock of God, that they would take the oversight of the flock, that they would be examples to the flock-all to the honor and glory of that God whose ministers they are." In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

This week I am going to share parts of this talk and help my District have the vision that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has for His children here on earth. It will be great for us to have a powerful and united District as we combat against Satan with much more power than he will ever be able to withstand with our diligence, obedience and effectiveness in His work.

Thoughts/Highlights of the week:

Hugo and Ana didn't get baptized this week. Ana needs just a little more time to be able to grasp this gospel and be able to make a covenant with her Heavenly Father to follow Him and His son forever. Hugo was right there, but in the end, he said that he felt like he wasn't ready to do it quite yet...He said that he knows he has to be baptized, but needs to have a stronger testimony. I think he's ready right now!!! Elder Breed and I have been encouraging, motivating and helping Hugo feel the Spirit so he can be baptized. Somtimes he still thinks that following the commandments are simply rules that the church has. His testimony will come from more prayer and fasting.

Our new investigators are doing well! Actually 3 of our investigators that went to church (Javier, Nico and Francisco) are some of our new investigators. A lot of our investigators have decided not to progress for different reasons but Elder Breed and I are still gonna keep searching and searching for His elite sons and daughters.

Got your Halloween package...thanks!

The members in Lo Prado 2 give us lunch (since that's the biggest meal here in Chile) from Tues thru Sunday at 2pm. We then have one hour to eat and then work from 3-10pm every day non-stop...at 10 we plan til around 1030-1040 and then eat dinner! at 1130 we're in bed beat tired!!

On Mondays (P-days) we don't ever go to restaurants. We usually eat in the house. Sometimes we eat completos or churrascos on the go. Sometimes when we go to malls we eat fast food...the best fast food restaurant here is BK for sure...the fast food here is definitely not the same.

Favorite meal here is asado (BBQ) or pure de papas con carne.

Good job Tarryn on NHS! I'm proud of you :)

What I miss from the states is GOLFING!!!!, mama's home cookin, sportscenter, golf channel and my family and friends!

All I want for Christmas is money so I can send my converts a little gift :)

I'm lovin my mission that's for sure. There's so much to do and so little time. I hope you all have a great week!! Thanks for your support. I'll be on the driving range in about an hour and that's gonna be SWEET!!!

Love you!!

Elder Jenson

Monday, October 21, 2013

Convert Yourself to the Lord

October 21, 2013

Hola!!!! How is everyone??


Elder Breed, Susana, Alejandra and Elder Jenson at the Santiago Chile Temple October 19, 2013

Ok, so basically SUSANA IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE CONVERT EVER!!!!! She has been progressing by leaps and bounds and literally has concerted herself to the Lord. Let me just tell you a little bit about what she did just this week!! Ok to start off, she works like a mother every day of the week except Sunday from 730am-6pm making candy in a candy shop. She comes home at 630pm just beat and never complains. From there, she has about four hours left in her day before she needs to go to bed to get some sleep for the next day and what does she spend it doing??

1. She reads the Book of Mormon every single day aloud so her family can hear it as well!
2. She had an interview with the Bishop on Friday so she could make a plan for her mission and how shes going to prepare, pay for it etc. (that interview went awesome by the way!!!). The Bishop gave Susana a Preach My Gospel and she reads it daily to prepare herself to go on a mission. Bishop said that in a yr she can get her calling and go on a mish!
3. Elder Breed and I pass by and teach Susana and her family almost every day of the week.
4. Susana was just called this Sunday to be a ward missionary!
5. Elder Breed and I went to the temple on Saturday with Susana and Alejandra and it was soooo awesome!!! We showed them the grounds (couldn't go inside) of the temple and they said that they loved it and want to come back and do baptisms next time!
6. Susana attended the Mission Prep class that is held Sunday mornings at 830am in the church, a class taught by Jace, a returned missionary. Susana arrived at 820am before us!!!!

Isn't that just a sweet week!!! Alejandra is also doing well. She is striving to keep up with her younger sister.

We had a sweet week in church bringing 7 investigators to church!!! It was so awesome just sitting in sacrament and having them all come in and enjoy the spirit!! Elder Breed and I were also able to teach 26 lessons this week! 13 with a member and 13 other lessons. 12 new investigators (34 investigators these last 3 weeks!!).

Highlights/Thoughts of the week:

Putting Tay's SUU team picture up on my wall in my room. Sweet!

Girls are lookin great with the Denver temple in the background. Love the temple!

Happy you felt like it was "Christmas in October" when you all received your handwritten letters from me in the mail this week! I was hopin you'd like em. Love you!!!

Transfers are Wednesday of this week. We don't know the changes yet....hope I stay!

Going to the Santiago temple on Saturday with Alejandra and Susana. I called and asked President Essig if Elder Breed and I could go and show Alejandra and Susana the temple so that they can prepare themselves to attend. President gave us permission! :)

 
 
Susana, Elder Jenson and Alejandra at the Santiago Chile Temple October 19, 2013


Pretty sweet symbol of all the work on my mission!!! Keepin these forever!

 
 
 
 
 


I don't have any more time left since I was sending a bunch of photos and trying to figure out a few more things on lds.org and such. Just know that I'm doing so well and that Hugo and Ana should be baptized this Sunday!!! Rafaela has now pushed her baptismal date back to the 23rd of November because of her mom that is now going to be traveling the country and won't be back for a long time....kinda sad since Rafaela is ready to do it like.....today!! Patience...

Thanks for your love and support. Have a great week all of you!!!

Love,
Elder Jenson

Friday, October 18, 2013

"The Priesthood is real!!!"

October 14, 2013

Hello!!!(what the flaites always yell to us in the street!)

 

Elder Jenson and Elder Breed at the Santiago International Zoo October 7, 2013
"We're lovin the mish!!"

So this week was pretty sweet! Susana and Alejandra were confirmed members of the church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost! That was a really cool moment just having them sit up on the stage while the Bishop and one of his counselors confirmed them members of the church. I loved it! Susana and Alejandra both had incredible blessings given to them so that they can be a light to this world and to their family to bring more souls unto Christ. After the confirmation, Susana came down and sat with me and was just beaming! She's like, "Elder Jenson, when they put their hands on my head, I could feel like a warmth, but not like I was hot physically, but inside me! That was so cool!" I was like, "Welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!!! The Priesthood is real!!!" She smiled...

Something incredible with Susana this week is that she said that she wants to go on a mission!!!! She's like, "I want to do what you guys do so that I can help others find the gospel." That almost brought me to tears listening to that. I'm excited to hear what the Lord calls her to do!! We actually had a special family night on Saturday night with the Fuentes family to talk a little bit about the mission as well as watch a few videos on the Mormon channel about it. Susana got even more excited! She's always asking Elder Breed and I what she has to do to be able to serve a mission. We're going to coordinate a Bishop's interview with her this week so she and the Bishop can make a plan for her to go on her mission in 1 yr! How sweet will that be!

Elder Breed and I were able to find even more investigators this week. We found 12 new investigators!! That's so awesome for us. Since we began focusing on a ton of contacts, we are finding a lot more people to teach. Elder Breed and I were able to teach 23 lessons this week which I think is the most lessons taught since I've been in this sector, or close. We changed our focus area where we're doing all of our work in a part where not a lot of missionaries have worked for a long time. We're excited to be finding more chosen ones. We did struggle with investigators in church this week with only two (Joan and Hugo). Everyone else flaked on us. Just means that we have to work extra hard this coming week! Eduardo, Anllelina and Samantha went (like always) and Susana and Alejandra got confirmed, so that was good.

I want to close with some thoughts for Taylor...

Tay,
Happy Birthday bud!! I hope you are having a great time up at SUU and are shreddin the nets showin who the Jensons are. I know you're makin a name for yourself up there and I'm really proud of you. I just want you to know that the time in your mission will be 100 times better than how much fun you're having at school right now!! It's important that you prepare yourself NOW for that experience instead of waiting til last minute. That should be the #1 thing on your list right now since the day is becoming closer and closer. I love you tons man and wish you the best in these crutial months in your life. Be a champion. Here's a quote I read here on my mission...
"A mans ambition is measured by whether his alarm clock is his best friend or his worst enemy."
Make your alarm clock your best friend!

Love,
Tan

Highlights/Thoughts of the week:

So sweet that USU golf is killin it lately...Higham winning last week and Seokwon this week!! Coach J's gotta be lovin it. I sure am!

Elder Breed and I set a baptismal goal for 3 in the District for October!

Rafaela had the flu this week so she wasn't able to get baptized.....we're hoping she gets better so that she can get baptized this Saturday!!!

Great job to Tarryn on Student of the Quarter!

Looks like your having fun over Fall Break!

Going to the Santiago International Zoo last week for the 2nd time!


Elder Jenson and a white tiger at the Santiago International Zoo October 7, 2013 "Pretty crazy!"


Elder Cambroni sent me pictures of Sergio and Susana's baptism. Sergio is such a stud!

This week I studied a lot about the attributes of Christ and I liked a quote in PMG about virtue. It says something like this..."Your virtue can be measured by what you do or think about while you're alone."

Tranfers are next week!! The change day got moved to Wednesday the 23rd though for some reason. The Area Presidency wanted it that way I guess. I think Elder Breed and I will stay here in Lo Prado though!

Elder Breed and I are doing good here in Lo Prado. It's cool to see Elder Breed's growth as a missionary each week. We're loving the mish!!

Hope you all have a great week!! Thanks for your prayers and support. Love ya lots!

-Elder Jenson

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

"Now is the time!!"

October 8, 2013

Hey everyone!!!

 
Elder Jenson's Lo Prado 2 Ward having lunch in between Sunday Conference sessions October 6, 2013. "It was soooo good! It was like a little picnic on ping pong tables haha :)"


Hope you all had a great General Conference!! I know I sure did! It was another awesome weekend listening to the Prophet and Apostles in our day instruct us about what we need to do in this wicked world to be able to overcome the obstacles, jump the hurdles, avoid the potholes and come out victorious in the end. I love listening to them. They have such keen minds and are so in tune with the Spirit. I agree with Thomas Monson when he said, "Now is the time!!" It's time to kick it in gear and talk to EVERYONE we can come in contact with about this incredible gospel that's the only thing that brings us true happiness. He was talking even more to the members than to us as missionaries!! It's time to hasten the work of our Almighty God and prepare the way for our Savior Jesus Christ's Second Coming. It is near and we need to give everyone one last chance to soften their hearts and change their ways to follow Jesus Christ in all they do. I love what Christ said to His disciples right before he carried out the most important sacrifice in all of eternity, the atonement..."be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)" I also want to add to that..."Let no man be afraid! (D&C 103:27)" We cannot be afraid to share this gospel. I have developed that attribute on my mission being able to speak with anyone we come in contact with...I didn't know how to do it before my mission. I wish I would've developed that before, but I can't live in the past, just make up for it now. Invite your neighbors. Invite your friends. Invite your teachers. Invite your relatives. Invite the old lady crossing the street. It doesn't matter! Just do it. Open your mouth No excuses.

There are 7 times in the D &C that says we should OPEN OUR MOUTHS:

Doctrine and Covenants 33:9-Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I am with you.

Doctrine and Covenants 33:8-Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness.

Doctrine and Covenants 30:11- And your whole labor shall be in Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you. Amen

Doctrine and Covenants 33:10- Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand

Doctrine and Covenants 30:5- Behold, I say unto you,(your name here)...for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel; therefore, fear not...

Doctrine and Covenants 71:1- Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant (your name here), that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.

Doctrine and Covenants 24:12- And at all times, and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men.

**What incredible promises that have been given to us if we are valiant enough to listen to the Lord, prophets of old and prophets in our time and open our mouth!


Highlights/Thoughts for the week

Sorry no email yesterday...we had Zone Conference!

3 investigators went to one session (benjamin, joan and rafaela), alejandra and susana went to two sessions (still investigators since they haven't been confirmed yet) and anllelina and her family went to one session as well. It was so awesome!!!

CSN update- We are now focusing tons on contacts in our mission! President is asking us to have 140 contacts a week now...10 for every missionary every day. Yesterday we had 4 hours of proseliting time since we had our Zone Conference. I was still able to talk with 10 people! I'm focussing on helping Elder Breed meet his 10 per day this week.

Elder Breed and I were able to find 10 investigators this last week!!! That's huge for us since it was a short week because of Conference. Of those 10 new investigators, Benjamin went to Conference and has a baptismal date for the 10th of November. Benjamin is 10 yrs old and is so excited to be going to church every Sunday, reading and praying.

Uncle Stephen is such a goof....always with his red beard

Pretty cool you got some pictures of USU mom!!!

Tell Andrew I loved seeing him in Papa's "missionary suit". That was cool!! Tell em I love em!

We're going to the Zoo again as a District activity today!!! Should be fun.

Our investigators are doing so well!!!! Don't have time to write about them, but Rafaela should be baptized this Saturday! Pray for her!

Fav talk in General Conference was by Elder Ballard!!! Motivated me a lot!

I finally received letters and packages...Got family package with memory card and also the one that Michael Horsley family sent me. Thank you so much! Love you all!

Hope you all have a great week!!!! And don't forget....OPEN YOUR MOUTHS!!

Love,
Elder Jenson

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Susana and Alejandra were BAPTIZED!

September 30, 2013

Hey All!!!

So I don't have much time since Elder Breed and I went to Plaza de Armas today for P-day. I showed Elder Breed downtown Santiago and he was pretty facinated with all the people and the "stuff" that's down there.


Elder Breed, Alejandra, Susana and Elder Jenson at baptism in Lo Prado 2 September 29, 2013 "I baptized Alejandra and Susana. It was a great experience."

Before I go any further...Susana and Alejandra were baptized this week!!! That was an incredible experience for Elder Breed and I here in Lo Prado 2 as the Lord is mindful of us and let us receive the huge blessing of baptizing these two children of our Maker. Susana and Alejandra asked me if I would baptize them and I said of course! Elder Breed was one of the testigos. I was pretty fired up as we were teaching them this week and just so happy for them and their decision to follow Christ. Nothing better than that...to be there teaching now a FAMILY and two of them (Susana and Alejandra) setting the example and being baptized to show the rest of the family how it's done. Elder Breed and I are now teaching not only Alejandra and Susana but Ana (their mom), Hugo (Alejandra's son), Maxi (their nephew) and Karen (their sister). The others that aren't in the baptismal picture are from another suberb of Santiago about 20-30 min away and are open to the fact of the missionaries teaching them as well. All of them loved the baptismal service! Alejandra and Susana were crying before and after the ordinance just full of the Spirit. Those were some really powerful moments. Alejandra gave a powerful testimony after she was baptized (Susana was a little scared to) and was so overwhelmed it was hard for her to express herself. She just thanked everyone for the support and that she felt a huge peaceful feeling. What Alejandra wants right now, and she always asks for it in her prayers, is that her family can accompany her to church. They all did yesterday!!


Elder Breed, Ana (Susana and Alejandra's mom), Susana, Alejandra, Elder Jenson, Jorge (little boy-Veronica's son), Agustina (little girl-Veronica's daughter), Veronica (Susana and Alejandra's sister), Kimberly (Veronica's daughter) and Hugo at the baptism in Lo Prado 2 September 29, 2013


Hugo and Ana now have a baptismal date for the 27th of October. They are determined to find out for themselves if this gospel is true. They already know it to some point, but they need to ask our Heavenly Father so that he can make it known unto them. Hugo and Ana are in the process of reading and asking and will have their answer soon! Hugo is a stud and loves to be with Elder Breed and I in the lessons. He's a smart kid who loves to ask questions so he can understand what we teach which is a good quality...if you don't understand, you can't just sit there...ASK! Hugo puts this in to practice a lot.

Alejandra, Susana, Hugo, Ana and Joan all came to church yesterday and also Veronica, Kimberly, Jorge and Agustina came for the baptismal service right after church. That was cool! The only bummer is that Joan's mom didn't give him permission to be baptized this Sunday. We fasted with Joan on Wednesday so that he would be able to get permission, and he will get it, but it just wasn't the Lord's will for yesterday.

Elder Breed and I were one of two companionships that completed ALL of the excellence norms for the mission! This means...3 baptisms in the last 6 weeks and 3 more investigators progressing that Sunday. I don't say that to say "meeeee!!" but just to show you how much the Lord is blessing us here in Lo Prado 2. The Lord loves us so much and through diligence, obedience and gaining the Lord's trust, His blessings come. Always!!

Also one last thing that is realllllly cool!! Anllelina got confirmed yesterday!! Eduardo, Anllelina's dad, was able to participate in the confirmation as Jace confirmed her a member of the church. That was pretty cool for my companion and I to watch! Eduardo also said the opening prayer in Sacrament meeting too!!! It's cool to bring families into the church that's for sure!

Highlights and Thoughts

We achieved our District goal for baptisms this month!!! Our goal was 3 baptisms and we were able to achieve 4!!! That came in part because of our Zone fast the 22nd of September!!

We're going to watch Conference in the Stake Center! It's gonna be sweet!! Second to last conference on the mish :(  All of our Zone will be there.

Tell Aunt Cheri's family that I'm praying for them!

Tay's looking good and bigger! Keep liftin buddy!

Pretty sweet Tallyn went to the temple with the Beehives. Good for them!

Studly for being in Forbes Dad!

That's a great decision to get baptized Avery!! It's always important to follow Jesus Christ and you did! :)

Hope you all had fun celebrating Dad's b-day. BTW-nice picture of the flags in the background...16 months today!


Well, that's all I have time for!! Thanks for your prayers and support. Hope you all have a great week!! I'll be thinking of you!

Love,
Elder Jenson

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Anllelina got Baptized!

September 23, 2013

Hey!!

This week was a great week for us here in Lo Prado 2!! Elder Breed and I were able to baptize this week and it felt really good! Anllelina got baptized!!! I'm really glad the Lord let us see that miracle in our sector after lots of hard work. I feel like the Lord is trusting me a lot with His children. I think that's one of the biggest things that we as missionaries need to do...gain the trust of the Lord first before we do anything. I feel Him trusting me more and more every day with His sons and daughters here in Chile. It's a great feeling.

 
Elder Jenson, Leo (Priest in our Ward), Anllelina, Samantha (Anllelina's sister), Eduardo (Anllelina's dad) and Elder Breed. Leo baptized Anllelina in the San Pablo Ward on September 22, 2013.

We had a crazy week with Anllelina this week actually...to begin the week she said that she wasn't ready to be baptized at all and that she felt really scared (crying while saying this). Elder Breed and I first listened to Anllelina for a while express herself. After discerning by the Spirit what we should say, we started showing tons of love for her and helping her remember all the great experiences she's had with us, especially when she asked God if this was true and how she felt happiness and excitement. After talking with her a few minutes about that, I felt like we needed to kneel down and pray to ask our Father in Heaven to help Anllelina feel peace and comfort. We did so and Anllelina offered the prayer. During her prayer, I was pleading from the bottom of my heart that the Lord would help her feel ready for Sunday. I felt strongly that the Lord was going to prepare her. We kept showing Anllelina our love for her and then finished the lesson. We told her that we were going to come back on Thursday so she could tell us how she felt again. On Thursday, we went by her house and she said that she felt ready and she was gonna be baptized!! Now how cool is that?? I know the Lord helped her feel His love..."amor perfecto desecha todo temor". That's definitely true. So, after we were set for the baptism, we found out there was no gas in the church and that it had run out!! That meant no hot water for the baptism. We called Eduardo and Anllelina to tell them what happened and we figured out a plan so that Anllelina could get baptized. One other companionship in the Zone was also baptizing, so we made plans to do it with them. It all turned out really well, but I was like frantically calling everywhere trying to figure out what to do for the baptism. In the end, all was well and Anllelina got baptized in the San Pablo Ward which is about a 20 min walk from our Ward.


 
Elder Jenson, Alejandra, Susana, Maxi (Alexandra and Susana's nephew) and Hugo (Alejandra's son) on 20 de Septiembre in Lo Prado 2 for a Ward Independence Day Celebration.

Even though we were not able to teach as much this week, Elder Breed and I gained a great relationship with a lot of our investigators through activities and celebrations that we were able to attend for the 18 de Septiembre...Independence Day here in Chile! We had 8 investigators attend the Ward activity and that was huge for us! Tons of members came up and fellowshipped our investigators and because of that, we ended up having a lot of investigators attend church yesterday! 7 investigators at church (Alejandra, Susana, Hugo (Alejandra's son), Maxi (Alejandra and Susana's nephew), Anllelina, Joan and Rafaela!!! 5 of them are progressing towards baptism (Anllelina (progressing towards her Confirmation), Alejandra, Susana, Rafaela and Joan) and 3 of them have their baptismal date for this Sunday (Joan, Alejandra and Susana)! Elder Breed and I have faith that they will follow through on this committment with the Lord as He makes them feel His Spirit and the courage to make the decision.

So, here's a sweet experience that Susana told Elder Breed and I on Monday night this week...In church last week, Susana heard (during the opening prayer), a whispering of the Spirit that told her that this is the true church. She immediately opened her eyes to see who had told her this and there was no one there...everyone had their eyes closed listening to the prayer. Since then, Susana's had tons of desire to be baptized.

Another cool experience...So, it's been so awesome to see the change in Alejandra and Susana since we began teaching them...Susana in particular. In the beginning with Susana, I remember going to church to teach her for the first time and she was like...don't ask me any questions, don't ask me to read, don't ask me to do anything! I just want to listen. After that, we started a short lesson with her and it was a little awkward to be honest. After that, we started teaching Alejandra a little more and invited her to be baptized as you know. Susana was like, "You guys are gonna baptize my sister? I never want to do that!" Before Susana knew it, she was reading the Book of Mormon, praying and receiving answers that this is the true church...she asked and felt like she was going to cry because the spirit was so strong, she heard the whispering in church, and on Wednesday her nephew that is disabled got lost for about 2 hours and during that whole time, all that we had taught her was vivid in her mind. Susana was reminded rapidly of the steps to pray and in the end, Agustin was found. After that experience, Susana got her whole family together and told them that this had happened. She shared her testimony and said that after that experience with Agustin being lost then praying and then finding him, she KNEW that this church was true and that she needed to be baptized. So cool!

Joan just came to church out of no where...he had been in Northern Chile for a week and a half. He told Elder Breed and I that he had gotten home really late Saturday night and that he really wanted to come to church so he showed up right after Sacrament started. So cool! Elder Breed and I weren't even planning on it. We like surprises like that.


President Essig, Elder Breed, Elder Jenson and Sister Essig on September 10, 2013. "Picking up Elder Breed at the mission home and headed to Lo Prado 2 for Elder Breed's first day in the mission field!"

My companion, Elder Breed is doing well. He has many great attributes one of which is the ability to bring the Spirit strongly into our lessons by testifying. We are practicing and planning our lessons more than usual so that Elder Breed can feel comfortable when it comes to teaching.

Highlights/Thoughts of the week:

We had two activities this week that were basically all day long! On Wed, the 18th, we had a Stake activity from 2-10pm. Rafaela went to that activity. Then we had another activity of Friday the 20th with the Ward and we were there from 430-10pm! We had 8 investigators go to this activity! So awesome. I ate like 8 empanadas between the two activities. We drank like 5 glasses of mote con huesillo and had a sweet barbeque with steak and choripanes....it was the life!

Mom....the greatest thing about being on a mission is...BAPTIZING :) To see those baptisms is realllllly cool.  Also seeing the changes in peoples thoughts, words and actions.

My clothes and shoes are holdin up just fine. Just a few repairs with the shoes and they're good as new.

I'm in Hebrews right now in the New Testament! It's so awesome...I love it!

I want to wish Dad a very Happy Birthday!!! I can't believe another year has passed on my mission. What you have taught me throughout my life has really helped me to convey the message of this wonderful gospel in a way that helps the investigators progress towards baptism. Thank you for your great example throughout my entire life and for your patience!! I know I wasn't the most obedient kid sometimes, but now I know the importance of that. Thanks for all that you do and just know that I love you tons!!! Hope you have a great birthday spending family time together,what you love best! Love, Tan

Well, that's all the time I have. I hope you're all doing really well! This is HIS work!!! I'm so glad to be a part of it.

Love,

Elder Jenson