Huehue is so much calmer during Christmas than it was
when I was serving in Chichi at this time last year. The biggest reason is
Chichi was having their big fair. It is just crazy how different it can be from
one area to the next. Anyway I haven’t kept track of my tortilla count the last
couple of weeks so this week I had 15. We definitely don’t eat as many tortillas
here in Huehue.
Missing Nibbles
Elder Moncada: The Boss
As you know Elder Duncan of the Seventy came to the
mission on Thursday and Friday and wow, it was amazing to watch him and hear
him speak. His main focus was on the way we as missionaries can truly feel and
see the hastening of the Lord’s work. It was very interesting to see the
numbers he showed us. He said for example if we had 100 members in the whole
world, 36 are from the US/Canada, 18 from Latin America (Mexico/Central and
South America) and then the rest of the world had 3, then he compared those
numbers to the less active members; wow that one is a punch to the gut. The
numbers show that 8 are active in Latin America and the US/Canada is like 18
are active. He said it is time to change those numbers, yes the Lord has
accepted this work, but it is time to change and do it more His way. Then he
said, “Whoever doesn’t want to work , go home, go home and prepare better, we
will gladly take you back, we need you but we need you to be ready to keep the
Lord’s pace and if that means going home to be more prepared then do it.”
Everyone was dead silent when he said that, it was sweet. As we came home that
night, I felt horrible, I felt so small, so unprepared, I felt like nothing. I
knelt in prayer that night telling my Heavenly Father that I felt small and
unworthy to His holy work. For this is Thy work to save Thy sons and daughters and
how could someone like Thee trust me to do Thy work. I pleaded with my Heavenly
Father that I needed dirección en tu santo obra, (direction to do thy work). I
thought I knew how to do His work but I realized I don’t truly know how to do
His work at His pace. I need a lot more faith. After my prayer I went to bed
and as I woke up the next morning I felt so much better, I felt like everything
will be fine. I knew He would guide me one step at time. As I have thought back
on this experience and I have been praying for guidance and I didn’t receive it,
I wondered why. I found my answer through the words of Elder Bednar; maybe He
trust’s you enough to know what to do. I testify of that, especially in the mission
there will be times when we don’t have a clue what to do but deep inside we
know, and He wants us to trust and follow that feeling. He trusts us we just
have to believe in ourselves as He believes in us.
Viaje a Belén
"Angels And Shepards"
"Wise Men"
By the way at the conference with Elder Duncan on
Thursday I was able to talk to the elder that was called as the new Branch
President in my old area, San Antonio Huista. His name is Elder McDonald, so in
the Hustias they have Mac 1 which is me and then Mac 2 which is him.
The Huista Macs
Elder Mcilmoil And Elder McDonald
On Friday we went to Xela to have special meeting with
Elder Duncan as zone leaders. All I can say is that he blew our minds open and
showed us what we are doing wrong and that we have so much to learn. He put a weight
on our shoulders, which is good since we all committed to be His representative
when we received our calls. It was amazing to see him teach by the spirit and
he taught a lot differently with us than he did at the 3 zone conference on Thursday.
He taught us about repentance and said why are you here, well your here to teach
repentance, because if people don’t repent they cannot enter in God’s kingdom.
If you don’t teach repentance, those you teach will not know or feel the power
of the Atonement which is everything, so Elders and Hermanas (the sister
leaders) I invite you to repent today and change today. As he said that I began
to think about what repentance really is. I now understand that repentance isn’t
just for our sins. It is for us to be better every day. After Elder Duncan left
President Smith asked us what is repentance and I said it is this, it is not
only for our sins buts it is for us to be better. As Elder Bednar said, “If
today you are a little bit better than you were yesterday, then that's enough.
And, if tomorrow you are a little bit better than you were today, then that's
enough.” Then I said for example if we have struggles reading the Book of Mormon
every day and we give a better effort to read the Book of Mormon every day that
is repentance. It is the chance to get better and President Smith said exactly.
This week I’m going to put a better effort into talking to everyone. So to
close I invite all of you to be a little better this week. Give the gift of
being better every day to the Savior.
Grilling Up Some Dinner
Brotherly Love
Life Is Great
What I love about Mom is how she made Christmas special
and what I love about Dad is the moments we had shoveling snow.
Con mucho Amor, Ducks Forever,
Elder Mcilmoil
December 22, 2014
Giving Back
Action Shot Of Elder Moncada
Scriptures of the week: Luke 2 and Isaiah 9:6"
Each of us is an Innkeeper who decides if there is
room for Jesus." Neal A. Maxwell
I have some great news to share….I am going to Xela on
Friday for a training meeting with Elder Duncan!!!!!! On Thursday we are
having a multi zone conference with him here in HueHue. I am stoked, I love
when General Authorities come and teach us. That is one thing I will miss about
the mission is having the General Authorities and their wives come and speak
just to us.
Saying Goodbye To Elder Albert
Elder Albert is longer a part of our companionship;
President Smith changed him to a different area. So after having four comps and
then three comps, now it is just Elder Moncada and I. Changes are in three
weeks and we will find out if I am going to kill (send home) Elder Moncada or
if one of us will be changed to another area.
Dr. Brandon This Is For You
Zone Photo Shoot
Anyway this week was a good week, a very tiring week,
which is great. I don’t think I have ever been this tired in my life. tal vez
escribiré esta email en español, pero nah, terminare en español (maybe I will
write this email in Spanish, but nah, I will finish in Spanish.) Yesterday I
was talking to Josue after Sacrament meeting and I told him I will be home in
six months. He couldn’t believe it. He said I remember when we first met, more
than six months ago. He then asked do you want to go home. I said not really,
yes there I things that I want to go home for, but to be honest I don’t want to
go home. He asked me why. I gave him one answer, la gente (the people). I then
shared this with him, I never thought before the mission I could have a love so
strong for people, but I do. The blessing is the people. I said, Josue the only
comfort I have when I leave is that I will be with my family. I don’t care that
I am going back to the states, have the comforts of home or eat good food
(jajajaja/hahahaha) none of that matters to me, the only comfort is that I will
be with my family again. I will always have a very special place in my heart
for the people here. I will miss them more than words could ever express. He
asked if I was ever going to come back. I told him I can’t say when but yes I
will come back. My parents have said they want to visit here; hopefully we can
all come together. The reason I share this is for the future missionaries,
soften your heart now for the people you will serve. You truly are standing in
the place of the Savior. You are His hands. Prepare yourself to devote all your
time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal
affairs. As you do these things, the Lord will bless you and you will become an
effective advocate and messenger of the truth. I also promise you will be
blessed with His love and the people will feel that love. In the words of Elder
Holland, “Although I may not be my brother’s keeper, I am my brother’s brother,
and ‘because I have been given much, I too must give.’”And to all you missionaries that are serving,
treasure the people you are among, love them, love them unconditional, that is
the way He loves you.And for you returned
missionaries, I ask you what are you doing for the people that you so dearly
loved and served? The way you have chosen to live after returning home would it
make them happy or break their hearts? Think about that. All I can say is that
being blessed with the Savior’s love is something amazing, it is very special,
and being able to show that love to the people lost in the traditions of their
fathers, is something even more special. His gift to us is His unconditional
love, discover it, embrace it, and share it every single day.
This Place Was Once A Capital (AD 250-600)
As we reflect on this past year and as we focus on what Christmas
is really about, we should ask ourselves DID YOU LOVE ME THIS PAST YEAR? He
loves us. His love is just not available for just one day, His love endless. I
testify as we teach others the true meaning of Christmas and share the message
of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ; we will feel love, a small
glimpse of how much God truly loves us. Love everyone, just like the Savior.
entonces mis hermanos/hermanas, le quiero mucho, y estoy muy agradecido a mi padre
celestial para esta oportunidad que tengo para representar el, y compartir el
mensaje de amor divino, y para ser un mensajero de la verdad. (my brothers/sisters,
I love you, and I am very grateful to my Heavenly Father for this opportunity
that I have to represent and share the message of divine love, and to be a
messenger of truth.)
"Love You Elder Mac"
But This Is Goodbye
What I love about Mom and Dad is the love they spoke in
the home, Love You Two.
con mucho amor, ducks forever,
Elder McIlmoil
December 15, 2014
Look What We Found, Church Christmas Float
Scripture of the week: D&C 64:33
The little things matter.
He loves you today and always.
“Try a little harder to be a little better.” President Gordon
B. Hinckley
I’m going to start off by sharing what I learned from
President Smith this week in our monthly meeting with him. We read part of Alma
43, he then asked what we learned and I shared what I learned from verse 2,
which reads, "Y no diremos más acerca de su predicación, sino que
predicaron la palabra y la verdad de acuerdo con el espíritu de profecía y
revelación; y predicaron según el santo orden de Dios, mediante el cual se les
había llamado.” (sorry it is in Spanish) it says something like this; we won’t
learn about their preaching from how many knocked doors or street contacts,
stats do not mean anything. We learn when teaching the word of God is through the
espíritu de profecía y revelación (spirit of prophecy and revelation).
President Smith then asked me what is the spirit of prophecy. I shared my
thoughts. He then taught me what Joseph Smith said, “No man can be a minister
of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of
prophecy.” In Revelation 19: 10 John the Revelator says that “the testimony of
Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” To be a minister of Jesus, a man must testify
of Jesus; and to testify of Jesus, a man must have the spirit of prophecy; for,
according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. We
must pay whatever price of faith and obedience is required to retain this great
blessing. This great blessing brings light and certainty and peace. What he
taught and shared with me was an answer to prayer as I have been thinking a lot
about the spirit of prophecy. We have been able to share this message with the
members we have been meeting with this week. As I have been thinking more about what
President Smith taught me, my eyes have been opened to a new perspective to the
light of Christ. Last night I learned from the First Presidency’s Christmas
Devotional that I need to continue in the light I have received and follow the
Lord’s example to do good.
Feliz Cumpleanos Elder Moncada
Also this week we had an activity hosted by us. We showed
the video Joy To The World and we also showed He Is The Gift. We also shared a
message about Christmas. We had about 50 in attendance and maybe 10 people were
members, so we had a lot of investigators and potential investigators come. It
was super sweet!
I Will Go Where You Want Me To Go
Zona HueHue Centro Almuerzo
As I end this email I want to share an experience I had.
When I opened the first day of Christmas Mom sent me, there was a quote (Mom
thank you for that quote, it was inspired!) HOPE IS NEVER LOST. As I read over
and over that quote I knew the Savior gave to me the gift of hope. It is
through His atoning sacrifice that He gave me the gift of hope when I fall
short. That hope brings life eternal and a forever family. We had a lesson
about the plan of salvation with a family and the wife had lost her husband. I
asked her do you think you will ever see your husband again and I then asked
the kids if they thought they would ever see their Dad again. They all said no.
We then explained that families are forever and hope is never lost. I testified
it is through the Prophet Joseph Smith’s humble prayer that the gospel of Jesus
Christ was restored. His humble prayer brought hope through the understanding
of our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and forever families. President
Uchtdforf said, ”No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because
of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the
ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations
surrounded by those we love.” Now as I
read that quote Hope Is Never Lost, I give thanks to Brother Joseph and his
humble prayer which brought forth the knowledge of the atoning sacrifice of
Savior Jesus Christ which gave all of us the gift of hope. I share the same words
as what a leader from SOY (EFY Guatemala, December 2-7 2014) shared this Sunday,
she said one of the youth in my group said I am grateful for Joseph Smith, if
it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be here (members of the true church) today, I
bear witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith, for he is/was a prophet of God. During
fast and testimony meeting on Sunday all the youth that went to SOY shared
their testimony. They also shared how SOY changed their lives. All the single
adults that were leaders at SOY also shared their testimonies. It was so
powerful. If there was theme to the testimonies shared it would have been
families are forever, the temple and the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was a
powerful meeting, a great way to end and begin the week.
Elder Moncada Showing His Tree Decorating Skills
What I love about Mom again is that she continues to do
my days of Christmas and what I love about Dad is that he put up the Christmas
lights so people could see the light of Christ.
con mucho amor, ducks forever Elder Mcilmoil
December 8, 2014
Companionship Study
Who Is The Rockstar?
Scripture of the week: Revelation 19:10
"The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed
hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may
combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go
forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent,
visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the
purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work
is done.” Joseph Smith Jr.
“The nearer a person approaches the Lord, a greater power
will be manifested by the adversary to prevent the accomplishment of His
purposes.” Joseph Smith Jr.
This week was crazy! First of all I am now in a trio, our
new companion is Elder Fachin. He is from Peru. All my comps have been from
Peru or Honduras, which is just unbelievable. It is funny to see the difference
in the words. A use of a word that is bad in Peru or Honduras is perfectly fine
here in Guatemala. So many things have different names in Peru and Honduras. There
are times when it is so confusing especially now that I’m serving with a
Peruvian and a Honduran. Enough of that, let’s get to the rest of the week.
Last night I was able to see a friend from Santa Ana, Alexis. We are super
close, so it was great to see him. He was visiting with family who are members
of our ward. It is crazy to think of all the connections people have and we
don’t even realize it until a random visit takes place.
This week we also did splits. It was crazy because
my comp was going with someone from the ward and there wasn’t another person
for me to go with. A returned missionary from San Antonio was in Huehue for
some kind of returned missionary conference so I called him to go with me. Now
that was a tender mercy. It was good to see him (Lacho) but the experience we
had at an appointment was even better. We went to visit with a less active
member and are focus was on the temple. I shared a very personal experience, I
did not have any intention in sharing this personal experience but I was
prompted to so, so I acted upon the spirit and shared my personal experience.
Then Lacho shared such an amazing analogy about the temple. (I just love this
analogy) He explained that the temple is home; our homes are not in San Antonio
or Huehue or in another country. Our home is the temple, for it is the house of
the Lord. As Elder Gary E. Stevenson
shared, “The temple will provide direction for you and your family in
a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from
getting lost in the ‘mist of darkness.’ It is the house of the
Lord. It is a place where covenants are made and eternal ordinances are
performed” When people ask, “Hey elder Mcilmoil are you baggy (trunky) my
answer is yes, because I can’t go home (to the temple) whenever I want. I can
only go home (to the temple) every 6 months. So ye I am beyond baggy. I just
want to go home (to the temple) to feel my Heavenly Father’s love and to feel
the eternal love of my family.
I love December not because mi cumpleaños (my birthday)
is in 28 days (jajaja/hahaha). I love December because it is CHRISTmas. I just love Christmas; it is
a time of giving and it is a time to truly remember Christ. He was the first
gift and He is the only gift that means everything. I remember the two Christmases
that changed me; the Christmas I spent at the Huntsman Cancer
Institute/Hospital with Gramma and my first Christmas in Chichi. Before those
two Christmases I was blinded by all the gifts, the toys, lights, stores, all
the things of the world. I never focused on the true meaning on Christmas which
is CHRIST. I know Christmas is Christ. So many people say Christ is Christmas
but then they go about buying way to many gifts and worrying about what we are
going to eat on Christmas day or who is coming or anything that takes their
heart and thoughts away for the true meaning of Christmas. We truly don’t take time
to slow down and teach the children:
“Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how
it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was
preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened
the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from
behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not
cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask him. The words choked in my throat, as I saw he had tears in
his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul
we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement, “TEACH THE CHILDREN!”
I was puzzled: What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with
one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I
stood there bewildered, Santa said, “Teach the Children! Teach them the old
meaning of Christmas. The meaning that a now-a-day Christmas has forgotten!” Santa reached into his bag, pulled out a tiny FIR
TREE, and placed it on the mantle. “Teach the Children that the stately fir
tree remains green all year round, showing the everlasting hope of mankind. The
needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of our prayers that always reach
God.” Next, Santa pulled a CANDLE from his bag.
“Teach the Children that the candle symbolizes that Jesus, God’s Son, is the
light of the world. When we see this light remember the One who overcomes the
darkness.” Once again he reached into his bag and then removed a
WREATH and placed it on the tree. “Teach the Children that the wreath
symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one
continuous round of affection.” Santa then pulled from his bag an ornament
of HIMSELF. “Teach the Children that Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity
and good will we show to others because God has given us His very special Son.
Don’t forget to tell the Children that Saint Nicolas was not part of the first
Christmas in Bethlehem.” He reached in again and pulled out a HOLLY LEAF. “Teach
the Children the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of
thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent blood shed by Him.” Santa reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and
hung it on the tree. “Teach the Children that the candy cane represents the
shepherd's crook. The crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back strayed
sheep from the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's
keeper.” He reached in again and removed a
delicate ANGEL and lifted it to the very top of the tree. “Teach the
Children that angels shouted the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. These
heavenly messengers sang ‘Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good will to
everyone on earth!’”
Suddenly I heard a
soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. “Teach the
Children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell, it should
bring people to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.”
Finally, Santa pulled out a beautifully
wrapped GIFT. He said, “Teach the Children that God deeply loves people,
so He gave them His most precious gift—Jesus, His only Son. When the wise men
arrived in Bethlehem, they bowed before the Child and presented gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise
men." Then Santa paused. He stared at the tree and seemed to be
pleased. I saw that the twinkle had returned to his eyes. He turned, looked at
me, and smiled. Santa offered these final words, “Remember to teach the
Children the true meaning of Christmas. Please don’t put me in the center, for
I am but a humble servant. Jesus Christ is the real reason for the Christmas
season.”
Let us take time to teach ourselves and our children the
real reason for Christmas. Let us take time and slow down and remember what the
first gift of Christmas was, it wasn’t wrapped, and it wasn’t a toy, or bought
in a store, it wasn’t a card, or cookies with a glass of milk for Santa, it was
a gift of love, hope, light, and truth. It was the priceless gift from our
loving Heavenly Father. This gift was in bundle of clothes and was given to us
in the poorest of conditions, the gift is Christ. The gift of Christ tells us
everything will be ok in our hours of despair, for He is our Savior and
Redeemer. Christ is the gift of eternal life. We must always remember and never
forget, HE IS THE GIFT. We as missionaries have been asked as everyone has been
asked to share He is The Gift. We are sharing the gift by handing out cards and
we also are going into homes and watching with people He is The Gift.
I love Christmas because it is all about Christ. And I
love sharing The Gift. I have learned through my studies the three wise men
were on the Lord’s errand to find the Son of God and give to Him gifts.
President Monson shared this thought, “When we find him, will we be prepared as
were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They
presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of
us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves: ‘Behold,
the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” May we give the most precious
gifts, our heart and a willing mind to serve others. This Christmas season and
every day let us reach out and serve, teach and help others to discover and
embrace The Gift. How will you share The Gift with others this Christmas? http://www.mormon.org/christmas
I will admit this week I haven’t been the most focused missionary;
I had to find myself again through my Savior’s love and by sharing The Gift.
What I love about Mom is that she still does my days of
Christmas and what I love about Dad is that he would make me wait on Christmas
mornings before I could come see what was under the tree.
con amor, ducks forever,
Elder Mcilmoil
December 1, 2014
Scriptures of the week: Mosiah 4:11–12, 19, 20, 26.
“Rich or poor, we are to 'do what we can' when others are
in need.’” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
“Don’t we all cry out for help and hope and answers to
prayers? Don’t we all beg for forgiveness for mistakes we have made and
troubles we have caused? Don’t we all implore that grace will compensate for
our weaknesses, that mercy will triumph over justice at least in our case?” Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland
Let us believe in the magic of Christmas again
“The simplicity of that first Christmas foreshadowed the
life of the Savior.” President Uchtdorf
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