Elder Bednar and Baptisms

This week flew by pretty fast. We worked pretty hard and we got stuff done. On Saturday we had the baptism of Karol. 

Jackson, Karol and Elder Bittencourt

There was some miscommunication on the time of her baptism so not a lot of people came, only like 5, but it was one of the more spiritual baptisms that I have been too. The spirit was super strong and it was just cool. Karol's parents are of different religions and they were very against her getting baptized but she decided to get baptized. It was just super cool to see how strong her testimony is. 

With Maria, we were finally able to have her baptism. 

Maria on her baptism date.

Maria used to live in front of the church but her and her two kids decided to move up the valley where the other 2 elders of our ward are and where she had some of her own land. On Saturday we went to her house to help them move and to do some service, and it was kind of sad to see. Their house was just a small wood shack and her son's bed was just outside with a piece of wood over it, kind of like a shelter with some blankets. But we were able to help them move out a lot of trash, dirt and rocks. Its just very humbling to see the conditions of some of the people that live here. 

Right now we have William, Saif, Kati, and Alexander. Alexander is an old investigator from Venezuela that came back to church and after we went and taught him and he accepted to be baptized the 22 of June. He has to travel 3 hours everyday for his work and sometimes it's hard to have lessons with him so please pray that he can find work that is closer to his house. William is doing super good and progressing. His baptism might be for this Saturday so pray that he can continue progressing! Kati and Saif didn't come this Sunday because they slept in. Their mom didn't come because she decided to work, and we talked to her about being a good example for her kids so please pray for them that they can come to church. 

This week on Friday, Elder Bednar is coming to talk to all the missions in Lima, and I am super hyped! Elder Bednar is my favorite apostle so I can't wait to hear from him. So I'll let everyone know how that goes. Que tengan una buena semana!.

The Mission

Well the mission is going good. I am learning a lot of stuff and changing a lot. Going on a mission is interesting. It's something that completely changes you and there's stuff that you just don't understand unless you go on a mission. I encourage anyone that is debating on going on a mission to go because, honestly, it is something that will change you forever. 

So right now we are teaching William, Karol, Sair, Kati, Diana and Maria. Maria and Karol should get baptized this Saturday, so that's good. My comp and I are just chilling. He's a good guy. I hope everyone back at home is doing good! 

Preaching in Zarahemla

Things have been pretty good this week. Elder Bitencourt is my new companion, and he is awesome! He is from Brazil, and he is a very hard working, consecrated missionary. He's pretty chill so we get along great. 

Elder Bittencourt and Jackson

Right now we have 5 people with a baptismal date and it's going great right now down here. Just being able to serve my mission down here in Peru makes me so happy. Right now reading the stories of Alma and the 4 four sons of Mosiah just makes me think of where I am because we are literally teaching descendants of some of the Lamanites, and we could literally be preaching where they preached, so it's just really cool to be down here at this time of my life. I am very happy right now. The mission is hard but it teaches you good things. 

I am also very thankful for Jesus Christ as my Savior.  

His Atonement is something very sacred that is very hard for us to comprehend but it was an act of pure love for us and I can't be more grateful for what He did. 

I hope everyone has a good week. I'll send some more photos next week.

Transfers!

Well transfers came again and I'm going to an area called Chaclacayo! It's hills and dirt! Haha, I'm super excited and I can't wait for what's going to happen. My new companion is Elder Bittencourt and he's from Brazil so maybe I'll learn a little bit of Portuguese. Last week was good. Adolfo went to church and is progressing very well. Victoria is moving to another part of Peru but we sent her info to the missionaries down there. Well I hope everyone has a great week. I'll update everyone next week on what happens next.

Elder Burley and Jackson at Zacateca. They make amazing popsicles.

Jackson's Zone