October 17, 2017

Ya i dont know how to describe my feelings right now... I am sad because my mission is coming to an end yet I am happy to see my family again... I will probably never see these people again in my life... especially my companions so that bums me out a bit.

My companion is feeling better for right now... we both caught the cold so that kinda sucked... but we stilll worked hard and visited the people. This next week we have planned what is call a noche blanca... or white night... where all the zone has put their baptismal dates for the 22 of October. Sadly many of the baptisms have fallen through, but there should still be 10 baptisms at the end of the week... A sweet way to finish the mission... From our ward two are scheduled to be baptized.... one is fore sure and the other.... is still doubting... could you please pray for Vivana Eloirraga... please....

This week we had some fun searching for rooms in Kennedy.... exactly the same area where I started my mission...we spent a night and later an entire morning searching for a room, and the penscion. We found a nice room and then called President... later wednesday we picked up Elder Soliz and Elder Tudela from the bus station... they came from a place called San Ignacio which is a 9 hour bus ride... The assistants gave a some money so we went and bought pollo a la brasa... then we took all their stuff to their room... It is nice seeing my first area... it gave me the whole nostagic feeling.

Later in the week we did an interchange with Elder Huancaya. It was great...

Well, iam going to enjoy this last week of my mission

oh yah happy birthday Dad and Terron

Elder Mecham's Last Testimony in Zone Conference

October 10, 2016

The zone training went very well, it was sad to give my final testimony infront of all of the elders, but that is how it goes... the mission goes by so fast. The zone training was interesting because President Williams shared with us his favorite talk of conference at least for missionary work. He really enjoyed the talk by Elder Anderson when he talked about missionary work and compared it to a huge puzzle. He shared the scripure in Daniel 2 44 45 which talked about the stone that was cut out of the hill without hands and the dream which was interpreted perfectly by Daniel. President said that we are the ones the interpret the dream to all the rest of the world... also that this work will never fail and it cannot be stopped. He later gave us all puzzles and told us to put them together.... we did, but later he said that all of us did it wrong... then he showed us that there is an order to follow. Like finding the border pieces, matching groups, not forcing the pieces, and not taking too long on one piece... Later he compared each step to the work... we need not force investigators but teach by the spirit, also if the investigator is not progressing... well we must drop the investigator and look of the chosen sons and daughters that are being prepared to receive the Gospel. Also that we must have a plan and work starting with the people near the chapel and then later working to the limits of the area. ... it was a great comparison and application of the talk.. . finally he took one piece and gave it to each of us and said that we are important key pieces in the puzzle for the preparation of the coming of Jesus Christ.... each of us are key.

This week we worked with the family Carlos Bonilla. We are rescueing the family and preparing their daughter for baptism. All oft the family made it to church except for the dad. We are trying to help him become active again so that he can have the priviledge of baptising his daughter. Teaching the family is always an interesting experience because the daughter Jaditiza is a very timid girl. She is advancing in her reading in the book of mormon. She is setting the example for her family because she is the one that motivates the rest of them to read to Book of Mormon and pray. Although, when we ask her questions to make sure she understands at times she is too shy to respond even though she may know the answer. Yesterday we explained the law of chastity to her 3 times to make sure she understood... patience is a virtue ... it is the whole teach people and not lessons... each time we taught her in a different way.... we even showed her a video.... she will be ready for the 22 of October.

The family in Kennedy is doing okay. We went to the lesson with them on Sunday, but sadly we found the Dad drunk, so we rescheduled for tuesday. We are going to set goals to help the dad stop drinking. I know that he will be able to stop drinking, because I have seen complete changes in the lives of other investigators during my mission. Especially the recent convert here in Moshoqueque.... I feel that visiting this family with Gian Franco ( CR) will give them hope for change and also we animate them for their baptismal goal.

This week I stayed in Moshoqueque with elder Romero. It was a pleasant work visit. It was great seeing how much Elder 

My companion is sick right now,,, but he followed your council and took some Ibprofen.... I can testify of the power of IBprofen...it saved me when I broke my toe.... haha.

Romero has progressed since the beginning of his mission. He has lost the fear to talk to people in the street and he teachs well. We set goals with Elder Aceldo on how each of us could improve as leaders, missionaries, and as people.

October 3, 2016

The zone training went very well, it was sad to give my final testimony in front of all of the elders, but that is how it goes... the mission goes by so fast. The zone training was interesting because President Williams shared with us his favorite talk of conference at least for missionary work. He really enjoyed the talk by Elder Anderson when he talked about missionary work and compared it to a huge puzzle. He shared the scripture in Daniel 2 44 45 which talked about the stone that was cut out of the hill without hands and the dream which was interpreted perfectly by Daniel. President said that we are the ones the interpret the dream to all the rest of the world... also that this work will never fail and it cannot be stopped. He later gave us all puzzles and told us to put them together.... we did, but later he said that all of us did it wrong... then he showed us that there is an order to follow. Like finding the border pieces, matching groups, not forcing the pieces, and not taking too long on one piece... Later he compared each step to the work... we need not force investigators but teach by the spirit, also if the investigator is not progressing... well we must drop the investigator and look of the chosen sons and daughters that are being prepared to receive the Gospel. Also that we must have a plan and work starting with the people near the chapel and then later working to the limits of the area. ... it was a great comparison and application of the talk.. . finally he took one piece and gave it to each of us and said that we are important key pieces in the puzzle for the preparation of the coming of Jesus Christ.... each of us are key.

This week we worked with the family Carlos Bonilla. We are rescuing the family and preparing their daughter for baptism. All oft the family made it to church except for the dad. We are trying to help him become active again so that he can have the privilege of baptizing his daughter. Teaching the family is always an interesting experience because the daughter Jaditiza is a very timid girl. She is advancing in her reading in the book of Mormon. She is setting the example for her family because she is the one that motivates the rest of them to read to Book of Mormon and pray. Although, when we ask her questions to make sure she understands at times she is too shy to respond even though she may know the answer. Yesterday we explained the law of chastity to her 3 times to make sure she understood... patience is a virtue ... it is the whole teach people and not lessons... each time we taught her in a different way.... we even showed her a video.... she will be ready for the 22 of October.

The family in Kennedy is doing okay. We went to the lesson with them on Sunday, but sadly we found the Dad drunk, so we rescheduled for Tuesday. We are going to set goals to help the dad stop drinking. I know that he will be able to stop drinking, because I have seen complete changes in the lives of other investigators during my mission. Especially the recent convert here in Moshoqueque.... I feel that visiting this family with Gian Franco ( CR) will give them hope for change and also we animate them for their baptismal goal.

This week I stayed in Moshoqueque with elder Romero. It was a pleasant work visit. It was great seeing how much Elder 

My companion is sick right now,,, but he followed your council and took some Ibprofen.... I can testify of the power of IBprofen...it saved me when I broke my toe.... haha.

Romero has progressed since the beginning of his mission. He has lost the fear to talk to people in the street and he teaches well. We set goals with Elder Aceldo on how each of us could improve as leaders, missionaries, and as people.

 

 Well it is sad that I did not get to say goodbye to Grandma Ilene but I know that she is in the spiritual paradise right now so that is comforting. I will always remember her calls on our birthday to congratulate me... her birthday buddy. 

I hope you are doing well. It is so weird that I am about to finish my mission... It feels like I still have a lot of time left but I do not. The members are now counting my days... well at least Marco is... are old mission leader who is now first counselor. I will surely miss Peru and this people. And the opportunity to share the gospel 24 7... I mean I even dream teaching people... haha...

I am so glad to be in a new room... it is much bigger and the bathroom is much bigger than the tiny little one in the old room. The other room had other rentors that made a lot of noise in the nights so it kept us from sleeping. Also, something scary happened to me in the other room... During the night, while lying in my bed, my blanket was pulled and thrown off my bed... It messed with my head because my companion did not do it and it felt like someone ripped it of me... so So got up and went to the bathroom.... ya still confused... as I left... I am not kidding, I saw a Nun floating there.... well I ran to my bed and covered myself and prayed.... It was hard to sleep after that... but after that night is was normal again. So in this new room I feel like I wont have any problems with random nuns because the first thing we did was dedicate the room.

September 26, 2016

This week was interesting, we went to the hospital three times during the week and today we have the opportunity to make a fourth trip. I hope that my companion gets feeling better because he was in a lot of pain. We still were able to teach a lot of great lessons. Jaditza and her family are attending church, so we will be able to rescue the family and Jaditza will get baptized. Also the members brought a family of three to chruch and so it is always nice when the members are there to help out.

The bishop of Kennedy has a family of 5 that has been attending that wants to get baptized so this week we will teach them and help them prepare and reach their goal. I know that God is preparing peoplle for us to teach we only have to be willing to show that we confide in Him and are ready to go to work.

This month the zone did not have many baptisms but the next month there are already many dates that are preparting to get baptized. We are just making sure that the elders dont get down but keep working with patience.

It was a great experience to see the ward call a new bishop.. They called a great man... during the fast and testimony meeting this sunday I felt a strong confirmation that these men had been hand picked by God. I know that God is at the head of this church. 

I love this work.

Elder Mecham

September 19, 2016

This week went well.... Sadly Vivana Elorriaga did not make it to church this weekend so her baptismal date fell through. She was going to get baptized this next week. Now she will probably get baptized this next month on the 8th of October. She is doing well but she still has some doubts about why she needs to get baptized again if she had already been baptized in the Adventist Church. This next week we will review what the priesthood is and also what three important parts of a baptism... As we explain it here it is like making lemonade... you need the water, the sugar, and the lemon.... Well the same with baptism.... we need water, the desire, and the priesthood authority. If one is missing the baptism is not vaild in the eyes of God.

Jaricza Carlos Bonilla is doing well. Her father has the goal to get come back to the church so that he will be able to baptize his daughter on the 6th of October. We have already taught her about ther restoration and on sunday we taught her the plan of salvation. She understands well, but she is shy so some times she does not want to answer the questions we ask.

The Cabello Family sadly didnt make it to church... They are having a hard time remembering that they should read the book of mormon.. .This sunday we showed them the restoration video. Sonia said that she believed it all and that she was good. We then explained to her the importance that she needed to receive a spiritual witness of what we were teaching her.. We are need this certain conviction that this gospel is true and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God... The only way to receive it is one by reading, and putting in to practice the gospel... and then by asking God... I invite all you you to ask God again to know if the church is true and if the Book of Mormon is the word of God... I know that your testimonies will grow and be strengthened... I promise you all this as a respresentative of our Lord Jesus Christ...

I love peru

Elder Mecham

September 12, 2016

Hey I am doing well... This week was different yet fun... This week we went to the leader´s council with President and Sister Williams... It was great.. We talked about the doctrine of the laying of hands... Is it a practice or doctrine.. well it is doctrine. in doctrine and covenants 36 2 explains that when there is an ordinance with the laying on of hands it is as if Christ puts his own hands on their head.

We also talked about 1 Nephi 17 how nephi had many trials and difficulties yet he still pulled through... I love how he quotes the scriptures...

I am doing well. My companion does not have changes... This week Vivana and Jaricza attended church. They both have baptismal dates for the 24th of September.... I am super excited.... I 

We are doing great...

GO UTES

6 in a row......

September 5, 2016

Well another good week done and gone. It is crazy how fast this change has gone. We have worked hard together and hope to stay one more change together.

Sadly our investigators did not make it out to church this week so four of our baptsimal date fell through. It is sad to not see them come to church, but we are going to keep working with the Cabello family. Also this last week we found a less active family that went to church this week and the last week. We are in the process of rescuing them and also to complete the family. Their daughter Jaricza has 11 years and did not get baptized because the family became less active. We have put a baptismal date for her for the 24 of September.. We are making sure she is reading the Book of Mormon and attending and that she understands that she is going to make a promise with God. Also the other investigator that we are working with is Viviana...

The zone is doing well, this week there were many lessons with members and also a lot of other lessons. The zone had an average of 29.75 lessons per companionship. This next week Proceres is going to baptize two people. 

The thing that we really lacked was in contacts... this week we will put a emphasis on contacting.
 Well this is the last week of the change...  I really hope that President williams leaves me in this area

August 29, 2015

We had another great week and also we baptized Karol Llontop of barrio Puerto Rico. She was baptized on Tuesday and then on Friday she went to Trujillo and see the temple with her mother, and then sunday she was confirmed. The baptism went well. It started about 15 minutes late but we tried to get them there. The bishop from Urrunaga was the one to baptize her because he was the one to introduce her to the church. During the meeting the spirit was present. For me I felt the spirit strongly as we were waiting for her to change. We put some videos on and many really touched me heart. Especially one about temples and how we should be willing to sacrafice anything to be able to attend the temple. It is my goal after the mission to attend the temple weekly, so that I can have the strength and guidance I need especially in these times that are coming up.

We went to consejo de obispos this sunday and as a stake they put the goal to have 4 baptisms every month in every ward. They also said that on of the reasons that there are not many baptisms is because the ward missionaries, the ones that have them, are not attending correlation. They also committed again to do the family home evenings in their houses. We are going to do our best to have the strong bond between the members and the missionaries.

We finally found some more investigators. 3 came from a FHE with the Primary president. The coolest thing is that she brought them to church this sunday. We also found the rest just contacting and praying to be guided to the chosen ones.

August 22, 2016

This week we had a Multi zone with half of the mission. I was able to meet up with a lot of my buddies and also with Elder Darrington my son, so I was happy. The multizone was very spiritual and emphasized that we are a chosen generation and also the the end of the world is super close. In short Terms if the whole history of time is split into 12 hours with each of the dispensations starting with Adam and ending with the second coming we are at 11. Joseph Smith started the 11th hour so how much time do we have left. President Williams said that right now on the clock it reads 11hours 58 minutes... well he s coming... The good thing is that this is speaking in God´s time, but still all I can say is wow I have some prepartation to do. Because the Bridesgroom comes at 12 and I do not want to be with my spiritual lamp empty.

I also learned about becoming more converted. Even Peter the Rock as Jesus Christ called him needed to strengthen his conversion. As we know, after being with Jesus for more 3 years he still was not truely converted to the Lord. Later he denied Christ 3 times, but he later became the Peter we know now...strong firm and was willing to die for the name of Christ.

My question is how your conversion procress? I know that I lack a lot, but I know that it is possible,

my mission and it has changed my own life. For intstance, this week we visited Karol Llontop almost everyday of this week to help her prepare her baptism on the 23rd of August. When we talked about the Word of Wisdom, awesomly the sameday of the multizone we were super prepared... thank you, she took us directly saying, Look I have a problem I love Coffee and I do believe that I will be able to give it up. We shared more about the blessing and also we had her memorize Phillipians 4´13. She then asked us for a blessing. I was pleased to give her one in which I felt and knew that she would be able to leave the her coffee addiction. The next day she bought ECCO and told us that she would be fine. Later in the week she confirmed that she had been able to break the addiction, but that her head hurt alot... We told her that it would soon go away and she would have more energy. It is amazing to see the power of the Atonement in people´s lives. I love this Gospel and I am so glad that my older spirtual brother, Jesus Christ, suffered, bled, and died for me and all of humanity.

We did the work visit with Artesanos 1. I worked hard with elder Bravo. They are doing well, they just need to keep searching so that they can find some new investigators. They had a baptism this week so they are working well. I made sure to contact like crazy with them. In the afternoon we had 7 lessons and 23 contacts and also found a new family. They are doing well.

I am doing well and I hope the best for all of you guys... Love you to bits...

see you in 9 weeks

Tomorrow we have a baptism..

YEs

Elder Joshua Leo Mecham

August 15, 2016

This week was fun. Finally a calm and normal week to work in the work of the Lord. Last week was harder because we were busy with a lot of meeting and we traveled to the office many times, but this week we had time to just do what we gotta do, love the people and talk to anything that moves.

This wednesday we did a work exchange with the elders in Urrunaga. I went with Elder Aceldo from quito, ecuador. We worked hard and we found some more people to teach in their area. This tuesday, personally I placed 4 Books of Mormon. I love talking about the Book of Mormon... I know that it has a power in the conversion of all who read its pages. The things that are in it are worth more than gold, or any Diamond. It really does hurt a bit when people reject the Book of Mormon, but I look for the next person... Asi es la obra de Dios.... I know that the BOM answers the questions of the soul and clarifies all doubts that come from the bad translation of the bible. The 2 testify of Christ and both bring us closer. But as Joseph Smith said. it is the most correct book upon the face of the earth. The work visit went well... I have a picture with elder Aceldo while we were studying.

 Also this week we did a Missionary Night... the theme of course was the Book of Mormon.. After we played a game similar to pictionary just without pictures. Just the person had to describe the word without using works or jestures. Later we also played Ping Pong with the members... There is a picture of us playing doubles.

Karol Llontop is progressing and will be baptized on the 23rd of August... Mitchell's birthday. It is such a pleasure to teach her.

We are also teaching Yessenia Zuloeta and the family Cabello... Sadly they did not attend church this sunday so we had to move back their baptismal dates. Yessenia for the 2nd of September and The family Cabello for the 10 of September... We are working hard with them.

All is well

Elder Mecham

August 8, 2015

I do believe in miracles! It sounds a little funny or like a grew up watching a lot of Peter Pan, but this statement is truer than true. We have been teaching Yessenia Zuloeta for over 5 weeks now and she has been listening and completing with all her commitments except for one... she had never attended church. She has a bautismal date for the 27th of August and if she did not attend this sunday... well her fecha falls... We taught her saturday and committed her to come, she was undecisive, but as always we promised her blessings and poured out our testimonies about church attendance. She still was iffy about the decision. Later in the night we called her and she said if she was going to attend it would be a surprise... After I heard her reponse I thought, Whelp,,, there going her fecha. Sunday came and we waited, and waited. and then waited a little more... It was a great meeting by the way.. I really enjoy testimony meeting because the spirit flows and teachs while you listen and focus on not only what the members say, but also what the spirit said... I gave my testimony and then sat down and I felt that everything would be alright with Yessenia... After the last prayer, yessenia came up and said hi to us... She had entered and sat down on the last row without us nor the missionary leader noticing... wow suprise... she stayed the whole time in church, and later told us that she really enjoyed the 3 hours and that she felt she was heading in the right path. Bautismos!!! Animos!!!

We are teaching Carol Llontop of Puerto Rico... She is definately of the chosen investigators of God. This sunday we called the bishop of Barrio Puerto Rico and made sure that she was received with a warm welcome. Later we found out that Carol Llontop had also fasted. She is progressing and advancing for her bautismal date on the 20th of August.

The zone meeting went well. The missionaries received it well and now we are working hard to work hard and more efficiently with the members..

August 1, 2016

This week was interesting.... I SAW SO MANY DRUNK PEOPLE:::: THE LARGEST AMOUNT I HAVE SEEN IN MY LIFE....

But the peruvians are happy because now they have their new president and they are now ready to  receive the gospel. This week it was hard to contact new people in the street, but we did our best.... This week some druggiess offered us some Marijuana... never thought that was going to happen.... I told him no thanks of course...

This week we visited Gian Franco a couple of times... he is such an example to me. He gave up smoking and drinking all for the truth... This last month he was one of the very few that completed with his home teaching... 100 percent... what an example... He told us that every day he prays for his wife that she will be able to soften her heart and later get baptized. This next week they are going to advance him to the office of an Elder. Also he has the goal to make it to the temple this upcoming month.

This week was interesting.... I SAW SO MANY DRUNK PEOPLE:::: THE LARGEST AMOUNT I HAVE SEEN IN MY LIFE....

But the peruvians are happy because now they have their new president and they are now ready to  receive the gospel. This week it was hard to contact new people in the street, but we did our best.... This week some druggiess offered us some Marijuana... never thought that was going to happen.... I told him no thanks of course...

This week we visited Gian Franco a couple of times... he is such an example to me. He gave up smoking and drinking all for the truth... This last month he was one of the very few that completed with his home teaching... 100 percent... what an example... He told us that every day he prays for his wife that she will be able to soften her heart and later get baptized. This next week they are going to advance him to the office of an Elder. Also he has the goal to make it to the temple this upcoming month.

 

July 25, 2015

This week was wonderful... We did an interchange with the assistants... that was an interesting experience. I stayed in the area and my compaion went to the rich area of the assistants. I was with Elder Perez from Chile. We had a great time teaching together. I learned how to better teach and also contact new people. What I really like about Elder Perez was how friendly was with all the people. He also taught me how to better organize... I am really tiring to leave the bad habit of being unorganized and messy. I can say that i have improved a lot, but there is always room for improvement. It is just so hard to throw things away some times... I am not talking about trash, but things that maybe I will use in the future... hoarding is bad... hahahahaha.

We have been working hard with the members here in Moshoqueque, We have put an emphasis on having Family Homing Evenings with the elders and inviting a friend that is not a member. This week we had another family home evening with hermano Victor Mendoza and his family. We brought the Cabello family along to show them what the whole FHE is all about. It was a blast. We shared a video, and some spiritual thoughts about the temple then we played some games and ate a treat.... The game was super fun. We took two ties and played cat chases mouse... Basically, one of the ties is the cat and one is the mouse... the cat only needs to tie one knot, and clap 2 times while the mouse ties 2 knots and claps once. Basically the person that ends up with both the ties receives and punishment... in this case they had to run outside and Yell "Murio Mi Chanco!" or MY PIG DIED.... 

The Cabello family now has a baptismal date for the 27th of august... wie now have 5 people preparing themselves to get baptized... This work is so tiring, yet so energizing at the same time.

I know that my Savior is working by my side in this work... He lives and loves me and each and everyone of his children. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and played a vital role in my happiness. He brought back the fulness of the Gospel with also the fulness of its blessing. These blessings include the wonderful opportuniy to live as an eternal family.. I know if I keep my covenants I will be able to see aunt Connie again. President Thomas S. Monson is the living Prophet.. I love this Gospel....

I challenge you all to look for opportunities to share the Gospel with others... Really you all will find an everlasting joy if you do.. I know because I have felt it...

VIVA PERU! FELIZ FIESTAS PATRIAS

P de Patria

E de Ejemplo

R de Rifle

U de Union

Elder Mecham

July 18, 2016

We had a work visit with Artesanos 2 with elder Huancaya and Elder Phillips... I went with elder Phillips to there area. There room was nice and clean, and there area book was perfect because that same morning we had interviews. Elder Phillips is an amazing missionary. He teaches well, and he came prepared to the mission. The best part about him is his attitude. He always has a smile just like his companion. The area was hard though, but we did are best to contact and teach as many lessons as we could. we also visited a member shared a small thought and set up an return date for a family home evening with them where they are going to invite a friend.

This sunday we had 6 investigators in church and all thanks to a less active member who went a brought the family to the church. This member came out and visited with us and in the lesson he committed to bring the family. Cristian, the less active member, is going to be rescued this week, and this next lesson we are going to put a date on the Family of Victor and Sonia.

My toe is healing little by little, but I have changed how a walk a little putting more pressure on my bigger toe.. saddly my bigger toe now is swollen and tender, but it all will pass... We have to take everything that comes at us with patience.

Elder mecham

July 11, 2016

Another week down.. .the time is flying and it stops and the same time.. just kidding.. I am really enjoying my time and the opportunity I have to represent my Lord and  Savior Jesus Christ.

This tuesday I went to my first leadership council meeting. Basically all the zone leaders and sister leaders meet with President Williams and his beloved wife, and also the assistants to learn and prepare to give a training meeting to the missionaries in the zone. The meeting lasted 6 hours and we got to eat some good food. We ate some pizza hut type hot pockets. They were tasty.

In the meeting we talked about how we can improve our teaching skills and also what the name of the church means... Well we took each part bit by bit. LA IGLESIA DE JESUCRISTO DE LOS SANTOS DE LOS ULTIMOS DIAS.

The.... is important because it means one.. and the only one with the authority of God. The only one that Christ himself established and guides. For example Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 explains more.. .Read it...haha.

Church.... Ephesians 4 talks about why he established his church and how it was established. Also 3 nephi 27  1 to 7 talks about that it must have his name and that it must be established upon the same gospel.

OF in spanish has 17 definitions

 JESUS CHRIST... his church

Of 

LATTER DAY SAINTS

Saints are the christians or members of the church and strive to be perfect through the atonement of christ.. mosiah 3 19... 

That is a basic part of what the name of church means.

Also we talked about how we can be better leaders... 3 nephi chapters 1 t o 6 was accomplished because of the great leaders... 3 nephi 6 verse 4... We too can be these type of people if we humble ourselves before the lord and follow the promptings of the holy ghost.

ANIMOS::

I love Peru.. and these people

Elder Joshua Mecham

July 4, 2016

Happy 4th of July

This was an interesting week... We are working hard trying to find a lot of new people to teach and baptize. I am really enjoying teaching Gian Franco, he learns so fast and applies the teachings in his life. I feel like it is so important the we apply what we learn as we read, and listen to the prophets of old and the new ones.

That way we too can experience the joy and blessing of the gospel. Gian Franco received the Aaronic priesthood this Sunday. He is determined to keep pushing forward. He is striving to help bring his family to the gospel too.

During the Sunday meeting, some guy robbed a television from the stake center. It sounds crazy, but it happened. I am truly surprised at how sly the thieves are here in peru. A guy dressed in a suit with a hymn book calmly entered the stake center and sat down to suposively wait for an interview. He waited until no one was around and then broke into the clerks office and took to tv. The crazy thing is that  we were all the the chapel in classes. We just walked out the door with the television in a garbage bag. it makes me so sad that someone would steal like that. Lets just say that ward council all the members were very worried.  Crazy no... I almost did not believe it when they told us.

Today we made pizza with the bishop of  Kennedy. It was great be able to talk to him and the pizza was great

I love this work... And HAPPY 4th of july

Mom i have something to tell you.. .but please do not worry to much... we went to the doctor because my toe is still swollen... and they took x  rays.. .I broke my toe... the thing is I will still be able to finish the mission....Breaking bones actually did not hurt as much I a thought as it would.

I have gained so much respect for the pioneers... do not worry I will be fine... I will send pictures next week. ..because my sd card got a virus again... I have pictures of the x rays.

I love you so much.. And I will see you in 4 months well actually a little less

June 27

I would send pictures of the baptism but the computer is being dumb... it is not reading my usb.... until next week... sorry

What an interesting and great start in my new area in Moshoqueque.  The first day that I arrived I had the grand opportunity to meet Gian Franco.   When taught about temples and reviewed the baptismal questions with him, Elder Lagava let me know that we were going to fast with him that he could overcome his smoking addiction.  We started the fast together and then we made sure that he was in our prayers in every moment of the day.  The next day we went to see how his fast turned out.  He told us that eating was not even a problem for him (this was his first time fasting), but his addiction temped him.  He did it though, he broke the chain! He told us that when times were tough and Satan was tempting, his wife reminded him why he was fasting and that we were there fasting for him.  This really strengthened my testimony.  The fact that if we depend upon the Savior and give it our all, WE CAN AND WILL overcome our weaknesses.  The next time we saw Gian Franco we were heading to pick him up and take him to his baptismal interview.  He had a worried look on his face and it made me nervous..  He told us that the night before he called his father and told him about how he was going to get baptized.  He father, being part of another church, told him to investigate more and ask for more testimonies.  He put some doubts in his mind with some anitmormon doctrine.  So he asked us plainly for our testimonies and we bore them and help him clear his doubts.  He Passed the interview and then yep was baptized Saturday.

Elder Lagrava is a great guy, he is helping learn more scriptures to teach.  We get along well

I am here in the same zone in Dorado but in a different area Yes, I have had the opportunity to run into many familiar faces. For instance, the bishop that is friends with you ( mom) on facebook works in his bakery that is in my area. He invited us cake both of the times that we said hi. Sadly, the first time we were fasting so we had to turn him down. The next time we went I asked him about his little daughter and surprisingly he told me that it was her birthday, so I send my wishs with him. I am still anxiously waiting to run into some of my converts,,, they now have more than a year as members.

My new companion is a cool and very intelligent guy. He is from Santa Cruz, Bolivia and has 13 months in the mission. The thing is he is training me how the whole Zone leader works. He knows the scriptures very well. He even told me that before his mission he taught seminary for two years that helped me a lot. Zone leader is interesting for sure and requires patience and good emergency planning. We have now made two trips to the office to pick up materials that the missionaries in our zone have asked. We have the fun opportunity to take all the numbers from the zone and report them to the assistants... and we are in charge and giving reimbursements to the missionaries. the whole thing with money stresses me a little because we have to be careful with the funds. Also as zone leader we have a monthly meeting with President Williams and his wife, also the assistants to train us... later we give the same training to the elders in the zone. We also have the fun opportunity to do interchanges with the district leaders to see how we can help them and learn more from each one of them.. We also do a work visit with the assistants...

I am doing well... I am super tired... but I am already falling in love with his area

I hope you have a great 4th of july.... 

(two letters posted this week)

June 20, 2016

i GOT CHANGED: 

I am sad to leave this area. After having 5 months and 2 weeks here you really get to know and love the people here.  I am doing back to DORADO the zone where I started my mission. I will most likely finish my mission there. This next couple of weeks will be a bit stressful though becuase I was put as Zone Leader... Well, I really do not know how I feel right now. Tonight I will be passing by each house saying good bye... I will shed a lot of tears tonight. It feels like I am leaving part of my heart here in Las Brisas. I for sure want to visit here again. The only question in when and how to balance the trip with my studies and work..... I am triste.... sad...and nervous.

Photo from Pension

It is tonight before knowing the changes

We took this picture before the news of the changes

I Love this family

I will leave my son and return to Dorado

 

 

June 13, 2015

Gol Complete

Well what a great week!!!! We had some great experiences this week as we were able to see the fruits of our work. This week was all focused on Vanesa Cubas. How, when, why, and by who she was going to be baptized.

She had her interview scheduled for thursday in the afternoon, but when we showed up she was not able to come with us due to some family problems. Immediately we called the zone leaders to reschedule her interview. Friday came and we went over to her house to do some service and then take her to the interview. Again she had left for another important reason. At this point I was stressing out a bit, because it was the day before the baptism and she sill needed to be interviewed. We called the zone leaders again and canceled, poor guys, but then we rescheduled the interview to 7 at night. This time vanesa was able to make.. halelujah... she passed of course. Then we hurried and planned her baptism. 

Saturday came and in the morning we made sure that the font was full and we went and got baptismal clothing for vanesa and my companion. I felt that it would be really cool that my companion could do the baptism, this being his first area and first baptism, so I asked vanesa if my companion could baptize her. She was happy with the decision too. As we were preparing and waiting for people to arrive I received a phone call from president Williams telling me that he would like to attend the baptism.. What a surprise... It stressed me out a bit because the baptism was going to start in 15 minutes and no one was there.... I told him that it was probably going to start late... which is the peruvian time haha... he told me that he would come at 1:30pm.

The baptism ended up starting actually at 1:30pm... a small number of people showed up but enough to show the love and support of the ward. President and his wife also showed up. The baptism went really welll and everything turned out great. I really felt the spirit as Vanesa bore her testimony after being baptized.

She has taught me that in life we must be patient and persistent. She has also taught me the power of prayer. and the book of mormon in the conversion of a person. What touched me most is how she said that this is the only church that she has been able to feel the love of the Savior through each of the members.  I am so glad to be able to help this sister and daughter of God come to the truth and hope of the Plan of Salvation. Her husband passed away about 9 months and her biggest hope is being able to be sealed in the temple to her beloved companion.

it was great.

Also the people in peru were super happy when peru beat brazil...

P day infront of the big huge catholic church in chiclayo

June 6, 2016

Well finally the elections in Peru are over which means next week I get to go to church again. This Sunday was weird not being able to go to church and take the sacrament. I am so glad that voting in the States in not obligated.

Well guess what this next week or two we are going to have a baptism. Vanesa Cubas came back and now she is ready to (finally) get baptized. It took time and patience, I am amazed how things work out. When she left for Tarapoto to go work, I thought well good bye forever Vanesa I hope it all turns out right. I prayed for here, and then weeks later I felt like I should call her. She answered and turns out that she came back. When we finally were able to talk to her and have another lesson with her we found he very sad and in a lot of debt. She seemed like she had no hope and that she did not want anything to do with us. We did all we could to listen and comfort her and then we left some scripture passages to read in Ether 12 and other places. Then we did all that we could, we prayed, and then we prayed, and then we prayed some more. We even fasted for her. We were able to find her the next week and she seemed like a different person. I person that was happy and ready for change. We invited her to baptism and she accepted happily. Then we left her Mosiah 18 to read. She loved it. 

 What is funny is she needs to be interviewed again even though she passed the interview before, interviews only last for 30 days.

Well pray for her please.... The last couple days before the baptism are always the hardest.

We are doing well here. I am enjoying playing a lot of ping pong and soccer here every Monday. Elder Surco is doing well.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Remember ask yourselves I am looking for the truth? Then go and find it through prayer, scripture study, and church attendance and temple attendance.

May 30, 2016

Another week has flown by, I am amazed that we are already half way through the change, this actually makes me sad. Why?  Well time seems to be passing by too fast.  There are so many people to help and things to learn here with my companion and the investigators.

This week we went on two work visits. One with the zine leaders and the other with the Elders from Pradera.  It really helped Elder Surco lose the fear in contacting and stopping people on the street.  I stayed in the Brisas, my area, with elder Rodriguez and, wow, I learned a lot from this man.  Elder Rodrigues know how to work hard and bring the Spirit to each lesson.  In the morning, every person that we saw we stopped them and asked, the question, Are you looking for the truth?  Then immediately after twe taught them about the Restoration of the Gospel.  It is interesting seeing eachof the reactions to the question.  One sparked many great conversations.  Others responded that they already had the truth and that any Church that velieve that 2 angels come down from Heaven is of the devil.  It is so sad to see how wrong they are, but it is not thier time yet.  It is like Paul said to the Corinthians: "But the natural man recieveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Elder Espinoza and Elder Romero were having some difficulties getting use to each other, but it takes time to adjust to each companion. 
We are doing everything we can to strengthen the district.

We have 2 investigators that are doing very well.  One is Vanesa Cubas who is a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.  She has attended over 5 times and had all the lessons.  She was about to get baptized before, but the week before she traveled to Tarapoto for work.  The thing is that the job in Tarapoto did not work out, so she came back.  Now she is ready to be baptized.  What made me the happiest is that she told us she took her Book of Mormon with her and she read while she was there. 
I know that God blesses us if we work and are willing to be exactly obedient.  The change this woman has made is huge.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the key to the conversion of all those who want to be disciples of Christ.  The other investigator is Luiz Montalvo.  He is avidly reading the Book of Mormon and understands very well when we teach him.  The only thing that he lacks is that he needs to attend church.  His problem is that he is studying to be a Dentist and he is in the last leg of his studies to earn his degree and the title to establish his own practice; so every 15 days he has to do practices on Saturdays and Sundays.  Besides that he will be able to attend.

I am grateful for the opportunity to train Elder Surco because he as taught me more than I think I have taught him.  With Spanish the gospel and just how to be a better person. Thanks

Also something cool that we did this week is that we helped plant a tree with Oscar and Franco. The tree is some type of Ficus, but saturday afternoon we went over in our white shirts, haha, and went to work. The tree we planted was for the church by the way... 

Elder Mecham

May 23, 2016

This week was a great yet surprisingly week. With both ups and downs, surprises and disappointments. I really enjoyed the training we received this week. What touched me most was the part about Family History. I was overcome with a very sweet and joyful spirit as we watched the video. Now we are trying to implement all into the field. I know that the fruits will come. We started with a recent convert who is trying to prepare to be sealed as a family. They have seven months as converts and are going strong. We are mostly helping the father, Carlos Lozano, so that he can receive the Melchizedek priesthood. He still struggles to keep tithing, besides that he is there. It is funny how deadly accurate the 2016 plan is for the area that we need to ensure that all members, converts, and investigators understand the doctrine of Christ and tithing and the Sabbath day.
Carlos entered family search and started little by little. He is only up to his parents due to the lack of all his family dates. That is what happens when your parents were all farmers.

Elder Surco is doing well. He is a great support in all. Especially ward council. He had some experience as the second counselor of the Young Men, so he knows how to work more efficiently.

The only thing that we need to really work on is contacting. This week we are going to go crazy. I know that he we be a contacting machine in no time.

 

Well I wanted to send pictures today but this computer is super old and the usb does not work so you will not how my new companion looks yet. This week there was a multi zone with president and Sister Williams. They talked a lot about the doctrine of Christ and also about family history and how we can use it as a better tool. More it was explaining why we should be ready to teach and be proud of our family history. They showed a really cool video about it and while I watched it I really felt the spirit strongly. President said that basically if you want to have an experience with people on the other side of the veil basically do family history. I reflected back on my history from the Mecham side with the really cool story o Joshua Mecham whom surprisingly I share his name. He was the first convert of the Mecham family. Baptized at the age of 63 on a special day for both me and him. December 10. He saws served missions in to help the Indian nation. And he or his sons served as body guards for Joseph Smith. It is really interesting that I share his name because it was Grandpa Bitner that felt that I should be named Joshua. I am proud to be his descendant and proud for his decision because now over 7 generations later I am preaching the gospel to the Peruvian people. The Gospel is the answer to all the calamities in the world. In 3 Nephi 11. Christ establishes his doctrine three different times. The same number of times the Nephites heard his voice. That means that it is the thing of most importance. We as mortal beings suffer from so many weaknesses and it takes us more than one to capture the gospel. It take countless times, but when we do turn to God and Christ we are filled with joy.

DO family history..

Elder Mecham

May 16, 2016

It is interesting training; I now in the process of training a third missionary.  Each one of those whom I have trained have been dramatically different and have taught me many things.  Elder Surco really did surprise me when we started teaching.  He came very well prepared.  We knocked a door and he jumped right in, explained the Book of Mormon and gave it away within a blink of an eye.  I did not even have to explain how to introduce the Book of Mormon or anything...... I guess that is the difference when they speak the language already.

We have found some more people to teach through giving away more books of Mormon.  Our investigator that is closest to baptism, Eduardo is reading, he did not come to church with his mom this week, so we will have to move his date back a week to the 28th of May.

Elder Surco is from arequipa,, he is 21 years old and he is a convert to the church. He has now 9 years as a member of the church. I do not have a picture with him yet but I will send one this next week.

One of my old companions was transfered back into my district. I was with him here is the Brisas only a couple months ago.. Elder Isuiza it is nice to see you again.

I am doing, welll, Trying to do my best to obey and work hard and be a good example to my new companion.

This week Eduardo did not come to church because he was taking care of his grandpa. I mean it was sad that he did not come because he has a baptismal date for this week. Family always coming first though. 

May 9, 2016

May 9, 2016

I will be staying in the area and Elder Waddell will be leaving tomorrow which was very unexpected. I now will have 4 changes here in Las Brisas. I will be training Elder Zurco, something like that, from Peru. I still do not know from what part of Peru, but that is basically it. As for my zone in the mission, every single companionship had a change. There will be a lot of new faces and new experiences.

Something interesting is an Elder that went to his house for problems with knees will be coming back. He had 7 months in the mission when he left before and now he is coming to finish his service.

With the journal, I did not write yesterday, 

Elder Waddell was packing and then we enjoyed one of the last nights together chatting. This night I will make sure I write. To be honest I do not believe I will get much sleep this night becuase tomorrow Elder is gone. He still needs to finish packing and then we are going to say good bye to the gang. I feel sorry for the guy, he has packed his bags 3 times in the last 6 weeks. Packing is super stressfull and annoying so I was reliefed to hear that I would be staying. I will see Elder Waddell after the mission for sure.

Tell Malyssa happy birthday for me, since next sunday is her birthday. 12 years is a lot.

Love you

May 2, 2016

Well next week is mothers week which means that it will be the last time that I will be able to skype during the mission. I encourage you all to make and think of some great questions, comments... And also some cool stories and envents that have happened to you guys.

This week was another chill week. I found our yesterday that Vanessa Cubas came back from Tarapoto. so now we will start visiting her again. the only thing that is really sad is that she has a lot of debt so she will have to work on Sundays.. But I know that one day she will hit her goal of getting baptized.

April 25, 2015

My week was good, we did two different interchanges this week one with the elders from san jose obrero and another one with the zone leaders. It went well. The first one I was with elder reyes who just lost his father. He was doing okay, I could see the obvious signs of the stress of the loss. He was having some trouble getting along with his companion. We work hard and the day went by really fast. The only thing that was really weird was that the whole day I was super tired, I really do not even no why because i slept the night before.

The change with the zone leaders was interesting. The day we finished the interchange with san obrero we started the interchange with them. I went to the their area with elder banks who was the old assistant before. He is so full of energy it is almost inhuman. We contacted a lot and found some new people to teach in his area too. At night he told me a bunch of great funny stories and how he wanted to do a huge practical joke that would last over a year. The guy is hilarious.

During the week president williams and his wife decided to come and visit our room. It was really funny because we were listening to music and then I received a call from sister williams. I yelled at my companion to turn of the music and then i answered. It surprised us a bit, but luckily we had cleaned up the room in the room.. They came and it all went well, and we even receieved a plate of cookies.

The week was good and we found some new investigators. we are now teaching oscars older brother and he is very interested. we also found another who is named Luis that received us with joy.

 Well I hope all is well and you guys are doing well

April 17, 2016

This week has been a mix of a sublime week with a bitter ending... So far this week we have not too much luck with finding and teaching new investigators... We are trying and working... but it is hard.  The end of the week was great though.  We Made sure Reyna would have a wonderful baptismal this week.  We did some emergency planning when we found out there was not any baptismal clothes that fit her.  She is a plus sized women... So we went to a less active member who helped us expand the baptismal tunic so that it would fit better.  She did a great job and we even received a reference in the process. 
This baptismal service was amazing.  Most people were there waiting 30 minutes before the baptism started so that they could take pictures and listen to hymns to set the mood and invite the Holy Ghost.  The baptism started on time at 7pm and it went according to plan. The Spirit was very strong during the two talks and then later the bishop baptized Reyna.  The most powerful part of the baptism for me was the part with the testimonies.

We did interchange with Elder Romero and Elder Rojas... I went with Elder Romeero in his area.  He is doing well.  he gets a little nervous when he teaches but the man knows how to plan very well.  He just needs to come out of his shell. but he does the work fine...

Reyna's Baptism

Making quesadillas (photo from Martha -Pension)

March 28, 2016

Well that was my last Easter in Peru... Easter here is so much different. Since the country is catholic they focus more on the death of Jesus Christ then the resurrection. Here they have Thursday and Friday off then after Saturday it is just like a normal weekend for everyone else. I made sure that I did not have to eat fish on Thursday and Friday,... I like a good salmon and trout but they have some weird stuff out here... no thanks... sometimes they try serve it with head and all.... who want to eat the eye balls... ohh i guess they do.. yumm.. haha..it was funny though because the penscionista was heading to the local market and she bought a lot of meat and chicken so that we would have some for the semana santa. The bishop´s wife was there and she gave the pensionista a weird look and then asked what the missionaries would think that she was not going to keep the commandments and give us fish.... What do I think I think it is perfectly fine and that they are funny to believe in the some traditions of their fathers.......

Vanesa and Reyna both passed their baptismal interviews so we will be having some baptisms coming up this change. after conference and the national voting here. I am phsyced.... I also have another change here.... so I will be able to see and be there for their big day.

By the way my penscionista martha says hi and sends her love home to alll.. especially to my mom,,, and elder waddells mom...

she says.... Les quiero mucho... cuidanse... y gracias por sus hijos y su amor.

Well watch conference and love it.

Elder Mecham

March 21, 2016

Well that was another great week.... Well the highlights of this past week was that now Vanesa Cubas has a date set for a baptismal interview. She will be interviewed on Friday.... the only bad thing is that Friday she will be interviewed and then either the baptism will be this Saturday, which is not likely, or it won't be until the 16 of April... Why you may ask... well. An investigator needs to be confirmedasap so if she got baptized on a Friday before general conference then she would have to wait until the next week... which would be perfectly fine but here on the 10 of April is the Peruvian presidential election. Which prohibits any meetings religious of nonreligious. So there is not going to be church on the 10th due to the election... so weird... so she would have to get baptized on the 16th of april... I really hope that I am here to see it happen... well I am going to push for this week then.

Reyna Mori had her baptismal interview scheduled for this last friday but sadly she had to go to work... Then she could not even make it for church... I am worried about her. 

On Friday we had a Noche de cine or basically a ward movie night.. They left us in charge of finding a movie that was semi-religious... The only thing is how are we going to find a movie with our schedule... All we brought was MEET THE MORMONs which most people have already seen. What evs it was fun because the ward rented out a projector for 50 soles. the funny thing was it was for only an hour but the left if for 3 hours and only charged the hour. We drank for soda and ate some empanatas.. yum...

Saturday most of the lessons fell through so we contacted at tried to get into peoples houses. well my companion saw a service opportunity so he took it. He helped a school clear out some dirt... not just some it was a huge amount.... the best part is that we did not even know these people and we got super dirty in our white shirts and ties... Bucket by bucket we helped move huge piles of dirt. Service is always so much fun. The best part is I felt accomplished and happy... I challenged you guys to find these simple opportunities to serve. Now I can say that I helped build a school... that phrase just sounds cool.

Love you all