Well, Christmas was amazing! In it's own way jaja. But besides the fact I got to talk with my wonderful family! Best part of CHRISTmas. the word "mas" means more in spanish. And the word or name Christ is in Christmas. So in this time or the time that passed we need more of Christ!

But something we can’t forget is to continue to think of him. Not just during this time, but forever. and what he did for us, and the gift we have to repent and change and use the "enabling power" of the Atonement. There is a power in the Atonement, where if we have faith in Christ and his Atonement(that it was true and the sacrifice was for us) then we can repent. And change and have this new power in our lives to continue to change in our lives for the better. and then we can make promises with the Lord. And endure to the end through this repentance! It’s a gift. He is the gift.

I don't have so amazing experience to share.  But we were able to teach this elderly lady, who had lots of pain in here knees and lots of problems and challenges with the family and   So we got to share about this time of CHRISTmas and who we remember. Jesus Christ and what he did.  His sacrifice. Alma 7.11-12*****

how not all of them are members. (this was before Christmas)

And how he knows our pains , and through him and only through him we can be saved. But only if we repent.  the atonement is for all. But the salvation is only for those who use and apply his sacrifice, through the comforting power of the Atonement. She just started crying, as she explained all of her problems and pains that she has, and how she can feel that Christ knows her pain.  For this, she goes to church and  strives to read the words of the book of mormon. after we read alma was when she felt his love and just broke down in tears.

She felt his love. And the trueness of the words of the Book of Mormon.

REMEMBER HIM

6lder Clark

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!

Christmas is quite different down here haha, as you can imagine. They all started decorating about maybe 10 days ago haha. They are late for everything haha.

But this Christmas is more than just the presents and all the chocolate. As we are using ¨the gift¨ -Christ- to contact those who need to know what he did for us. And what it truly means to be a brother or sister of Christ. This is a time to remember what he did for us, The Atonement. Not just his birth, but also his miracles and his sacrifice.  As we remember these things, his doctrine, his sacrifice, we understand the true meaning of Christmas, and why he is THE GIFT for all of us this Christmas season. We understand that he knows my struggles, he knows your struggles. He knows, that’s why he is always right there with us.

Isaiah 53: 3-5, 7-9

Isaiah really explains something touching in these verses, as the Saviour was silent before he was crucified for all the sins of the world. and that through his stripes were are healed.

Through his stripes we are healed.

Wow.

We know that there were only 3 that made it back to Christ. But how many left for this journey. I’m sure there were many, but only three.

Because they were willing to make to the long and rough quest. We too can be like one of the 3 kings, and endure to the end! And know that there is something better waiting for us and the end of the quest.

I know Christ suffered all. But suffered it for us, so that we could return to him. So that we could have a hope, for a better world after this. Ether 12:4. I know Christ lives and that he knows all of our afflictions in this life. And that’s why we need to Remember the true significance of his life in this CHRISTmas season.

Ether 3:14

Alma 7:11

I wish everyone a very MERRY ´CHRIST´MAS !

Love

Elder Clarkmas

He gave no explanation to these pictures. The only explanation is that this tie has got to be a gift, or he wouldn't be wearing it. I'm suspecting the Bailey's. But the fabric looks like it was made in Peru.

We also learn that his nose is clear of any infection :)

MY FIRST BAPTISM

I had my very first baptism this past Saturday. It was very powerful and a wonderful spiritual experience for me! Especially since I have been working with Fernando for a very long time, since my first transfer here actually. He is 22 years old, and is ready to move on with a new life. Told us that he wants to serve a mission! As I said the powerful words of the baptism, I felt the power of the priesthood. I truly felt them!

As I took him under the water, and he came out a clean and new man. I asked him how he felt afterwards, and he said he felt different and new. I told him he had no sins and was completely clean. He was like, really! now I just got to keep it that way.  haha. But I saw the new light in his eyes.

After being 5 months away from home tomorrow, and have one convert. I can say that I have a convert that will endure to the end. IF my mission was to end today , I wouldn’t be frustrated that I only had one convert my whole mission. Just like Pres. Hinkley. Because I can say that I have been converted. FOR LIFE. Till the end. I’m not saying the conversion process is over. because it’s a  life time process. I just know that no matter what happens after this or ever today, nothing is going to stop me from doing the Lords will, or  enduring to the end!

2Nephi15.9

Elder Clrrk

Fernando & Elder Clark

Elder Castro, Fernando & Elder Clark in Lima, Peru

"The Fall"

A couple days ago I forgot how to walk, and I tripped and fell out of nowhere haha. But I know that I forgot this for a reason ..

But that day that I fell, I learned a lot of lessons, not just from "the fall of Elder Clark", but others as well.

It was a day where I struggled with understanding the people for some reason.. and even my comp and things.. I couldn’t talk very well, it was just rough.

But I want to share a spiritual experience that I had. I remember just thinking to myself... wow this is very challenging for me, and I was just in my room looking out the window, and looked up to the sky, and questioned this to myself, "is He really up there, watching me, helping me, guiding me?" And right then I had a firm firm confirmation that He is there. I heard myself say, He’s up there, He knows what He is doing! He knows.

I know He is there! I know He is with us.

WE JUST NEED TO KNOW

I love this hymn , Be still my soul. As I read the words that are so powerful and true.

Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side

with patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order provide

in everything change he faithful will remain

be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend

thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

be still my soul when change and tears are past

all safe and blessed we shall meet at last!

So true are these words.

and this verse in nefi.

2nephi 8.12 ... I am he. yea. I am he that comforteth you. Behold who are thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass.

We are children of God

He will lead, teach and guide us through this life, and we will see him once more, if we are willing to do his will.

Not many people know this, that’s why it’s our job to share it . We need to let our brothers and sisters know. They don’t understand why He suffered for us, but hopefully we do. But we Need to share it.

THEY NEED TO KNOW!

Jacob 1.19 - just like Jacob says. It’s our responsibility ! Or the blood will be on our clothes.

Seek the kingdom of God first.

Elder (lark

*We will have a baptism this Saturday. Hopefully two. But one for sure! Very excited!

There is a day that I will call you and coordinate about when we will call each other. It will be next week I think when we will coordinate the call. I love you mom! And you better know it haha! but I really do. I think about you

Brandon's Voice recording November 4, 2014

I didn’t get to record yesterday; I was in an interchange with Elder Bearings.  It was pretty chill. I’ve learned a lot in these past 2 days. A LOT…haha. A lot about myself, and things I need to do.  But I got to eat Skippy peanut butter yesterday, A Yay, it was legit. I almost ate half the jar, but yea, the story is this family had some peanut butter and I saw it and I guess this other missionary brought it over, he was visiting the family, he’s from the USA.  It’ll probably be the last time I eat peanut butter in like forever. But yea I was pretty hyped up about that. But yea, today was an interesting day, not very successful with lessons and stuff, but it was kind of weird coming back from change and it was just kind of hectic, but it was I don’t know, it’s still kind of sketchy with my companion, we’re not talking much still, and it’s dumb and everything was kind of bothering me. But there was a miracle that happened today, I can say that for real. A strange but marvelous miracle happened today.  So we were just walking normal today going from an investigators house, it was blazing hot, we were just walking and we saw these dogs fighting up ahead and I was like oh wow and we were walking downhill and out of nowhere all of a sudden I just go DOWN, my ankle twists, rolled BAM! The phone falls out of my front pocket, I totally stepped on it and slid on it and scratched up the screen.  I hit the Road “Pfhh!” My ankle is in so much pain, and I thought are you serious?! It’s blazing hot & I just totally ate it! And my companion had no idea what happened cuz I was behind him, he didn’t even see me AND I JUST ATE THE FLOOR LIKE NOTHING. It hurt so bad, I got up and tried to walk & thought, NO I can’t have this right now…we live on a mountain of hills & it’s so hard to walk.  It still hurts right now, like it’s dying, But something changed after this, I don’t know what it was, it might have been, I don’t know cuz I feel like it was a humbling moment. It kind of lightened everything up & me and my comp started talking again, it was like “chill”, I don’t know what it was, but it was a miracle… I’m just tired…sigh.. Things went back to being more relaxed, I don’t know how to explain it, I felt more calm, like I do now, I feel better about it, I don’t know what it was. I feel weird saying this, but I feel more humble, I don’t know if that is arrogant…yea it’s probably arrogant to say Ah I feel humble (chuckle) But I feel humble. The lesson we gave was better, it was just more calm, I felt like I was myself & we were working together teaching. I don’t know what it was, but all I know is that it was a miracle from the Lord. It doesn’t make sense, but yea, I’m in a lot of pain & I’m really tired- it’s 10:20pm AHH- I got 5 hours of sleep last night.  Elder Bearings just kept talking, I was like Dude, I gotta to go to bed & he said, I don’t want to go to bed. I couldn’t tell him cuz’ he wanted to talk to me about all this stuff.

So today was a miracle, I learned a lot.  I’m trying to do better.  I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO GET BETTER AT. SOO MANY THINGS.

I feel love from my family so much. I got to share my testimony yesterday in front of my zone. I started tearing up, I felt the spirit really strong. It was really awesome. 

I feel the power of my family helping me out, I get to read their letters every day.  This awesome package my mom sent me with letters I get to open every day til Christmas. I received some letters from grandparents & from my dad with awesome history letter about Peru.

I’m getting fat, but I’m getting stronger.  My biceps are getting bigger, my stomach’s getting bigger, my head’s getting bigger, my ankle’s getting bigger HAHA I’m just getting tired- Chow

My Bishop

Don't forget what He did for you!

This week was great! We were able to find a wonderful family yesterday. As we worked in the manner of the Lord through the less actives. As we were on the rescue, says President Monson. We were brought to a family. They let us in and we introduced the little Christmas card, "He is the Gift". It’s a video on the church website. It is very beautiful. But they were able to let us in their nice home. As they have strong beliefs in Christ and God. But you could see the desire in the father’s eyes as he asked such good questions. But something I realized was that we would have never found them if we wouldn’t have been on the rescue for those other lost sheep. Do you duty first, then the Lord will bless us.

But I believe that the Lord can and will teach us something every day. Many small and simple things everyday.  2 Nephi 28.30-32  love these verses. As he is always there for us. His hand is always stretched out and willing to place a family in our path. If we are "willing to learn more" then he will give us more!

I believe that if we do not have a firm testimony of the atonement then we will fall away, those who don’t understand, fall away. They have doubts because they don’t understand that this is the only true church on the earth, because they don’t understand the Apostasy and the Restoration. They don’t understand. They don’t listen to those small and simple precepts that the lord gives us every day.

I will never forget the precepts that the Lord gives me. I will never fully comprehend the Atonement, But I will never doubt it.

Don’t forget what He did for you!

 2Nephi 9 & 3Nephi27

 Elder Cl^rk

He told me when he first arrived in Peru that his bathroom set up was all backwards. Looks like you enter through the shower maybe?

ARE YOU READY?

11/24/2014

I wish that I could remember all the things that happened in the week.. Because whenever I go to write…my mind goes blank .. like right before a test of something.

However, we were able to work hard this week, with our investigator with dates. With baptismal dates that is.

But we had a pretty crazy experience with a little moto car, that flew passed us on the road as we were walking on the side of the road, and it flipped over on and slid on its side.. I thought they were both done…we ran over and flipped it back over, but lucky they were drunk and probably have already forgotten the incident. They were ok. But they took out the whole corner of the part of the side walk… the motos here are pretty crazy drivers. however, this moments in life, I reflect back. ON what if we were standing there on that corner, or walking. We would have been done. The lord blessed us! We were on the opposite side of the street.

But the other thing that I was thinking about, is if I would have been on the other side of the street, would I have been prepared to see my saviour? DnC 38.30 

Am I ready? Are my desires clean? Am I able to stand in front of my lord confident of my works, in his work, that I have been diligent and worthy to represent him, to hold his name?

If we are prepared then we won’t fear.

So the question is.

Are you Ready?

Elder Clªrk

Christmas package arrived!  Woo hoo! 

The Work is Hastening

This week was changes. But the news is that I am staying here with Elder Castro. The saying is, ´´you get kill him´ because this is his last change here. So that means I get to stay here for 3 more months minimum. But I am excited to be here.

As we have two investigators that we have that are crazy progressing and are looking forward to their baptism date!

 First we have Fernando Peralta. He is awesome, as he told us the other day that he wants to serve a mission, jaja. We had to tell him, that it’s step by step. But he is preparing with force, as he studies the scriptures with power and is assisting church. 

Our second, is Katty Valles. She is amazing. As the other week she had already decided to shut down her business every Sunday, as she understands the purpose of the Sabbath day! She shared with us an exp she had with the book of mormon.  One day her daughter had to leave for some reason can’t remember.. so she was alone at home.. all sad. so she decided to read the book of mormon and she immediately felt peace and calm. she wasn’t sad anymore!

She is recognizing the influence of the Holy Ghost and truthfulness of the book of mormon.

alma 5.45-46

We all need to take the opportunity to have the assurity of the truthfulness of the book.

Got to go the temple and do some work as well. It was so cool to listen in Spanish.

The work is hastening! Everywhere. I testify that the work is perfect! It’s the same! The Lord is perfect.

Trust his will!

¿Elder clar?

The Lord knoweth all things from the beginning

We had some training this week from president. Our area and zones in Lima aren’t doing so well... But we got to listen and receive lots of personal revelation! As we learned many important and key factors that we needed to change and better.

But this week we had lots of success with our investigators as we had a total of 7 come to church yesterday. The best part was when one of them asked me this question but in Spanish. He said, what do I need to do to be prepared to be baptized? I was shocked at the question, I was so excited and ready to baptize him right there! 

Another thing that shocked me yesterday was when we were walking to an investigators house and we saw a man who was passed out on the side of the road, in this pile of rocks! I was dying. He was snoring! Reminded me of that man with guacamole on his chest, passed out, outside our hotel room in Las Vegas. Wish I had my camera.

I have a firm testimony that the Lord knows all things!

-words of mormon1.7
And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me.  And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.
And that he provides a way for all things!
1 nefi 9.6
But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen
DnC  101.16 ..and that we are to trust in him through our faith. know he loves us. and know that all things happen for a purpose DnC 122.7

And I know that this life is very difficult and we face these emotional struggles and physical, but I  know this scripture to be true, I trust in it.

Romans 8.18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

But it’s very important to give thanks, when we struggle. not just when things are all good. Thank him for the trials. because it means the lord knows you can grow, and that is time for you to grow and learn.

Congrats Kate and Hyrum on one of the best decisions of your life!!!!

Elder Cl8rk

This is the family that feeds them on the weekends.

Change always needs to be in order with God's will

At times we wonder why we don’t have something.
At times we wonder why.
At times we wish we could do better.
At times we wish we could have more.

But we don’t change.

When we have a goal that we have never achieved, we need to do things that we have never done.

Mosiah 8.18

Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.

I don’t think that I have ever thought so much in my life than out here on the mission.  But only thinking or hoping won’t baptize people. We need to do something. We can hope and pray as much as we want. But the TV is not going to turn off until you get up and get the remote. Some things got to change.

But the change always needs to be in order with God’s will. If that you get up to get the remote, but decide to change the channel to something that you wouldn’t watch with Lord. Then what.

Alma 5.

Elder C7ark

 FRUIT

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

All scripture is inspired of God

I love contacting people on the bus, like I shared the other week. But this week was more on the funny side. So this gringo man walks on the bus, and I was really excited, because I wanted to have my first contact in English. This man was an American I made sure of it before I started speaking to him, by asking him if he spoke English, and he just shook his head…I didn’t know what to do, I couldn’t tell if he was from Peru and didn’t speak English or if he didn’t want to talk to me.. I think it what a little bit of both. But my comp was dying!

The other day I ate something strange…my pension gave it to me and said it’s called 'cuy'... I heard them say mouse or something.. idk what it was but it was good! But had some strange after kick. It makes you burp a lot with some strange color numero 2's.

I got to give my first talk yesterday! It was very interesting! As all the kids and elderly men woke up from their seats and were all listening to every word. As their eyes were all fixed on mine, it was amazing and kind of funny, as the microphone broke! So I had to speak up my voice.  I was asked to speak on reading the scriptures!

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

2 nefi 32.3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

1 nefi19.22-23

All scripture is inspired of God! How do you think God feels when we don’t read the words that are inspired for us. And all scriptures tell us all things that we should do. All of the answers to our questions are in the scriptures not on the internet. And all the scriptures we need to apply to our life.

I had a question the other day. 'If we are resurrected after we die, and receive a perfect body, then why does Christ have marks still in his hands and his feet?"

1 Nephi 21.14-16 

For I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.
We are never forgotten or alone. He loves us and we are in the palms of his hands forever.

Change means Cambio, way or path means camino. Take the b out of you life and replace it with the n, the needs of your life, and you will be on your way to happiness and righteousness.

Alma 37.6

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Elder Clahrk

The Lord is with us all.

The Lord is with us all.  

I would like to share a spiritual experience I had the other day.

The other day as we were coming home in this crazy crowded bus, I had my bags with some food I bought and my scriptures. The auto buses are insane first of all. But I had my scriptures and bags in my hands, and one arm holding the bar above me. When a lady below me asked if she could hold my bags for me so I could stand normal. And so I gladly said yes. As she took my bags I had a thought I should contact this kind older lady. But then my second thought was, ahhh I’ll wait till there are less people or the noise goes down. But then it just got worse! Then I thought again,as my mind cleared and I listened. I heard a voice. That said. "Who do you fear, man or God, who do you really fear!" Wow. It hit me, as I really thought hard about the situation. I immediately started talking with this lady. As my words were smooth and she kindly listened and was very interested, and loved the short message I shared with her. But as time pasted and was finishing up the message, I noticed that there were about 2 others behind the older lady listening to me. It was amazing to have the Spirit work through me, as all I needed to do was listen.

Ever since that exp. I have not gone a time in the bus without a contact.

DyC 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"
In our everyday life we have the promise, of the Spirit to be with us ALWAYS.

But however, we are not always listening to the soft quiet spirit.

And I will probably never see that lady again. But I know I did what the spirit wanted, because I was to listen to the spirit, the gift that we all have.

Elder Çlark

DyC 6:34

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

Response from questions.

 Are you in the same area & how is your new companion Elder Castro:

I am in the same area. And yeah my comp is awesome!

He has 21 months in the mission. He only has a little bit of time left.
He only lacks the faith and hope of a young boy haha...I will try and help him

Brandon I pray for you in every prayer...is there something specific I could be praying for you?  I always include health and safety as well as the gift of tongues. Is there more I can do for you?

Thank you mom! I need them! I need lots of them!

Gift of tongues! And the ability to have confidence with humility, and to not get discouraged with myself, and continue to have a strong desire to preach with lots of faith!

We asked if he gets to go to the Temple in Lima:

Hopefully we can go soon. The recent converts we can take pretty soon, and I think we are going as a district too next month.
love you mom!!! got to go. Stay beautiful and KIND. Never change!

Mom edit: I have no idea where he is getting his clothes he is wearing?!
He's cracking me up!

Don't slack because it's all good

First I want to say thank you to everyone!

Thank you for the wonderful soul satisfying goodies. And the inspiring words that I received.

Inspiring words from a Father, who has experience. Inspiring words from a loving and kind mother, who prepared and formed me to be prepared to serve a mission through her smart teachings and different tactics that she so diligently taught me as I would sometimes... most of the time stubbornly and cowardly...Arrogantly think were dumb or not cool. But they were my salvation. Loving words of a brother, a brother I pray for every night, and hope he is safe. As I remember all the times that he was the example to me. As he put up with my stubborness. Loving words and healing medicines from my Loving and sweet grandparents. And the cousins, how cute, didn’t really know how much they really did look up to me.

But I definitely needed this special package. As in the past week we have gone from having 8 people with baptismal dates to now... 0... as you see them fall into the evil and small snares of Satan’s traps, as he knows that they are making changes and have found the truth. So he works a little extra hard on them.

But as Elder Ballard has said in this last conference, these aren’t his exact words but:

When we are at our finest and life is all fine and dandy, is when we fall.  When we slacken our work.

I can testify of this. Period.

Watch yourselves always, in all. In all things.

Hel. 3.36

The 52^nd year ended in peace also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had gotten into the hearts of the people; and it was because of their exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land; and it did grow upon them from day to day.

But there is always a good side. My comp told me something very key, in our everyday lives. When we have these struggles, when we are down and out…We ask WHY. But instead we should give thanks. Not only when we have 8 baptismal dates. But also when we have 0. When we are throwing up, when we are asking the why... why father... why now... Instead, give your gratitude to Him. Because these things are only to better you, they are only to help you. Elder Uchtdorf talked about this is his last confernce talk last year.

2 nefi 4 ... powerful chapter. Don’t slack. Don’t let up, because it’s all good. Don’t slack cuz you think your 8 baptisms are set, your numbers are good. But also, also, also, don’t slacken your strength when things get tough. When you have 0. When you have these challenges. It’s only for your good.

But remember where your foundation is, or ask yourself, where is my foundation? In Christ or things of world that are somehow getting in the way...In this last conference they talked about or sited Hel. 5.12 about 3 times if I’m right. and you all know what 3 times mean.

But in this last conference. Revelation was talked about a lot. Revelation is key.

But remember to confirm this revelation with the Lord first. Preach My Gospel talks about confirming what you receive first. There is a difference between feeling the spirit and receiving personal revelation.

It’s so funny when people here say my name. because the -ark part is never together in Spanish so it sounds funny but after they say it, it’s always like ...clarrrrk... ohhhhhhh like Clark KENT!!!! Oh super man!

Elder Clark Kent

 

THE FIELD IS WHITE

After taking this photo, all of sudden I hear, "GRINGO!" and Elder Castro & I look up and there was a gang of guys throwing rocks at us. It was crazy!

We took off running!

Friday October 11th, after our appt. We were walking back home. about 10 feet in front of us was a bullet that struck the ground! It sounded like those cartoon bullet sounds with the ring/buzz sound.  A group of kids were by us, and they took off yelling some name that I didn't recognize. And by this time I was thinking...should we run? Cuz our house was only a few blocks away.  and then, the block a head of us was a gang of guys, lucky our house was to the right of us! Nothing happened after, but it was just the thought that creeped me out. But I know the Lord was watching over us.