Answers to all your questions

Every meal always has chicken and rice. It’s amazing, other things I really have no idea what it is but it’s good. My pensionista is hna Carmen. She is like 4 feet tall it’s awesome. Sundays are amazing because that is when all the families are together and we have lots of success.

For example, Saturday, after a rough unsuccessful day, with 3 cancelled baptismal dates we had a man get out of a taxi and then he called us over. Told us about his life and how he’s been inactive for 10 years but he wants his family to have the gospel in his life. So we met with his fam that night and one of his friends. His wife was very interested, so they attended church yesterday. They were very impressed and hungry to learn more. So we taught them last night and were able to commit his wife Elizabeth to baptism and a marriage date. It was a miracle. As my companion and I were all down and out, we need to find a family, and right then this man called us out. If we were not there right at that time, there would have been no way, we could have found them. 

And no I am not singing in the choir, maybe later down the road when I actually understand hymns in Spanish. And we are in a ward, in a room the size or the relief society room. We have ward council meetings every Sunday that take about 3 hours. Very good and intense meetings. Yesterday we whipped it into 4 wheel drive. 

Yes I have a bedroom, and the bed is average. It’s possible to sleep when you climb hills all day. But it’s tough when we are always skipping meals. AS we are running , sprinting home. its awesome. mission life.

Bathroom is weird, I will have to send a pic cuz the setup is backwards.

And all of our baptismal dates got moved to Oct.

I believe that preach my gospel is not just for missionaries! I believe that is for everyone! Every member a missionary. And Noah you better start studying. haha. It is a very powerful and inspiration book.

I believe there are two types of leaders in this world. Loving or demanding. You love, lift up, give compliments, help your trainee gain confidence. Or you demand perfection and focus on the negative. Which one are you…

 The other day I was on splits for the day with another companion. After watching the restoration video about Joseph Smith, I was able to give the invitation for baptism to this lady. She said she had already been baptized in the Catholic Church. So I shared a scripture in Ephesians 4.5   1 baptism, 1 faith and 1 God, and talked about how many other faiths and forms of baptisms. Then gave the inv. again. She then said yes. The spirit was there. That was the one reason it worked. And the restoration story is the most powerful part of the 1 lesson.

Seguir , which means follow is in the word, seguridad, which means safety. John 8.12 ... Matthew 15.14...don’t follow the blind haha.

John 15.13..15  greater love hath no man than this , that a man lay down his life for his friends. Mi verdadera amigo.

#lder Clark

 

SEAHORSE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER SANCHEZ

 

Faith vs Fear

The other night our neighbors partied hard, like crazy hard. Blasting their music so loud till 5 in the morning! It was crazy. Guess it’s an every other Saturday thing... it was terrible waking up every hour to terrible spanish music. Plus I guess it is normal to ask older people how old they are, they take no offence to it. Neither when they call you fat. This man at church said to this lady, sister you are such a pretty fatty lady, but in spanish. I was dying. Plus people cannot say my name to save their life. Like Elder Clak, or Clerk, Cleak. It’s bad haha, I thought it was easy.. but no. But when they do get it, they are like ohhhhh yeah like Clark Kent!!! Supaaman!

I had an amazing experience this week, as I felt the spirit work through me in many lessons. I told myself I was going to put all my trust in the lord, and not think of creative or ways that I wanted to teach the lessons. I felt the spirit put words into my mind and out my mouth, the words that I had been so diligently studying. In Romans 8: 24 'for we are saved by hope. But that is seen is not hope. For what a man seeth, why doth he hope.' I needed to put everything in the lord’s hands and let him do his wonderful magic! The spirit is the teacher!

I received some letters this week thank you! One goes along with my past story and helped me as well! But first . the word espera means to wait, and the word hope is esperanza which is hope. We just need to wait! Hope however wait as well.

Elder Anderson talks about this in his talk perfect. 'you know enough'

I love this

'Faith is not only a feeling, it’s a decision! We need to choose!'  'Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time'!!!
Christ said 'be not afraid, only believe'!
I can testify of this! I feel myself crumble with my words when I feel myself doubting... But when I have no worries and I am calm and let the lord do his work. When I am calm, everything is perfect! This goes for everyday life as well! Trust in the lord with all your heart! And let him guide you in all things that you do!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Not in your own thoughts or ideas of how to do things or think would be better because it seems logical. The Lords knows all!!! TRUST in him.

Have no fear, but faith. And believe in him!

Elder Cl€rk

2 Nefi 4.34 ---Confianza---

                                  Brandon said Elder Sanchez bought and A-mazing cake!!!!

More about Peru

I need to talk more about Peru. I am in the area of San Juan. Solidaridad. Nice area, about middle class status. Everything in Peru is dusty… Everything gets dusty, then it gets wet, it’s awesome. 

The best are the mini taxis, picture a motor cycle with a box around it, where they cram 3 to 4 people inside. And then they whizz around everywhere. And then the buses, those are crazy. They pack about 1 million people in this bus that is as tall as me. Not enough seats, you have to stand, then the bus is constantly stopping and speeding up. People getting in and out, you have no balance its crazy!  There are dogs everywhere. A good dog fight every day, nice free entertainment for everyone. And American music is the thing here. Not the good kind, the stuff on the radio. Oh yeah don’t forget the fancy t-shirts with English lettering. Like: ``angry beast man`` I really don’t think they know what that means or if they think it’s something cool… but the thugs around here look like the chumps back at home its super funny but hard to take them serious when they really are serious. 

The best is getting all of these weird looks from everyone especially all the kids. And then the awesome gringo chants. Like: Gringo habla! talk white boy! It’s funny but sometimes annoying. But I love the people, and want to teach them all about the gospel!

The food here is amazing! I will probably come home fat...no not really, I would cry. But I think that I am addicted to Inca cola. It’s amazing! Plus it’s freezing! Freezing.

It is very challenging with some of our investigators because they must be married first, before baptism. And they have to assist church for at least 3 weeks and all three hours… Very challenging but we were able to commit 3 more to baptism! Super exciting! 

I have been so humbled these past weeks as all I can do is rely on the Lord and put all my trust in him in every lesson. 

Heb. 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him

Christ is the author, but only if we obey.

Alma 7: 11-13
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

These verses help me always remember that he has atoned for every single one of my sins, every single one! 

READ Elder Bednar’s talk, “Atonement and journey of mortality”... I would write more about it because I love it so much, but don’t got much tiempo.

``I suspect that many members of the church are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming and cleansing power of the atonement...than they are with the STRENGTHENING and ENABLING POWER!` it’s not only for sinners, it’s for those who are striving to become better!

D&C 76:19 And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about.

Love Elder C1ark

He is wearing someone else's pants and shoes! Doesn't he look like a total AZ- trying to keep warm?

https://webmail.west.cox.net/do/redirect?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252Fmaps%252F%2540-12.1667085%252C-76.9783647%252C3a%252C55.4y%252C252.57h%252C77.21t%252Fdata%253D%25213m4%25211e1%25213m2%25211sV-6qknvuJMe7WlF2D4MAJw%25212e0%253Fhl%253Den

Follow this link and it will take you down the streets Brandon was on in this photo! Thanks to his Uncle Ben for finding this, Ben served in the same mission Brandon is-so cool!

                                                        View during the day from apt.

                                                       View during the night from apt.
       The bald hill(unlit) you see, with a light on the top...the light is a huge statue of Christ!

Raw week number !1¡ and many to come!

 I Love Peru! The food has surprised me! Everywhere that I have eaten I have liked it, like a lot. Plus things are exciting pretty normal as well haha. for now... But I guess sickness is big issue down here... But I know even if I get sick, it won’t stop me, even if I get pneumonia or lose all of my limbs.

I have felt the spirit all week! And I don’t think that I have ever been so happy for such a long period of time in my life before!  Plus I noticed that when I am praying, there is a difference when I pray… my knees don’t hurt. If you truly want to pray, on cement or dirt, your knees won’t hurt. I have felt the power of prayer so much as I am constantly praying and asking for guidance from the Lord. ****Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  

As we pray for the spirit and help from the Lord, in what are the needs of this investigator, or how we can improve. 

Throughout this week I have seen many different types of people that’s for sure. However, in lessons you can tell the difference between those who seek the truth and those that are happy with where they are. Those who are humble, and those who are a little too proud about themselves.

We were able to commit someone to baptism yesterday. Very humble man. My companion and I could feel his humble and kind spirit!  We have 3 set baptisms for Sept. Very excited!!! Plus we found a very enthusiastic fam as well, who have said they know our message is true! And want to learn more, very engaged fam (Cruz.  

Matthew 28.19 *Go ye therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

I love this verse, because it is so important that we teach simply, that we are here to help you come unto Christ. Ephesians 4:5-6 Teach that there is one God, one Baptism, one faith, and that we are all brothers and sisters in this life. We are all in this together, to return back to our true home with our father in heaven so that we have true joy in this life! Eternal Life.

I love this gospel. Sorry I know I say that a lot but I know that there is nothing I would rather be in. Nothing I would rather be doing. Preaching HIS gospel & teaching what I know to be true with all my heart!

Thank you for all the prayers and support.

Love Elder Cl4rk

Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost

The view from his apartment

Elder Clark & His Trainer Elder Sanchez.

While waiting for his visa, Elder Sanchez served his mission in El Salvador. Uncle Dave Glazier was his mission president in El Salvador!. Aunt Bev and Uncle Dave trained Elder Sanchez! They also know his father. After Elder Sanchez's visa came, he headed to Lima Peru South. Now he is training Brandon with the knowledge the Glaziers gave him!

So Sweet!



This is where they email us.



                                Only Elder Sanchez & Brandon live in this apartment.

                           It doesn't look like they have a closet to hang their clothes in.

               Here is where they both study.

*Mom post---Brandon has been very worried about his knees hurting during prayer. At home he usually kneels on a pillow. It hurts  his knees to kneel, even if it is on carpet.  He was really worried that while teaching people in their homes, it would hurt to kneel on tile or dirt floors. So he took his basketball knee pads! He was convinced he would need to wear them under his pants. We were super happy to read his letter this week of his knees not hurting :)

*We were able to write back and forth a bit, He said, “we have a sweety, kind little lady that cooks for us sometimes & does our laundry” I asked if he is sleeping and he said “perfect ! best sleep I have gotten ever!”In response to missing the scout labor day 5k breakfast, he said, “Wish I had a good breakfast this morning haha.”

Leaving Mexico - Off to Peru!

Monday morning 6am
 

Hey Madre! I am leaving in about 3 hours or so for Peru. Just wanted to let you know. idk if I can email you when I get there but we'll see, and yeah hopefully I don't get duffed!

We were able to zoom  into his flight itinerary and find out the information we needed track his flight. We watched for 6 hours and 11 minutes :) We didn't hear from him until Wednesday at 10:30am. Sounds short to you all, but to this missionary mom, it felt like forever. I was grateful to know that the plane arrived safely :)

District 19A Mexico CCM

Such a great looking group of missionaries!

I was sent this from someone in the CCM, not sure when it was taken, but definitely before haircut day-haha!

My Cheesy Basketball Analogy

Learned so much over this past week that's for sure! There are many missionaries here at the CCM who only have a testimony of this wonderful gospel. Not many missionaries are Converted!  Many people fall here as their testimony is tested, many don't turn to their God to help pick themselves back up, but others do their best & put their 100% trust in God to help them get back on their feet.

"Why do we fall, so we can learn to pick ourselves back up" this is probably one of my most favorite quotes not just because its from batman but, however we cannot pick ourselves back up without the help of the Lord. It’s like laying on the ground without any arms or legs and trying to get up.. It’s impossible. This past week I failed because I needed to be compelled to become humble. When I got ill so did my humility. However like in Alma 32:16 "blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble." I am striving to stay humble without experience. Become "TRULY HUMBLE"

Learned a lot this past Sunday as we got to listen to Elder Holland, my favorite. here are some notes:

-I am a 1st grade Surgeon & we are all the "HOPE" of Isreal

-Do you love "me"?---then Feed my sheep- forever!
-Don’t turn you back on this Gospel, stay your course, you can’t go back.

We also got to watch the "Joseph Smith, Restoration" movie. There were a lot of different things that touched my heart that i had not really noticed from the times before.  When Alvin dies I felt a piece of his pain… And I imagined how that would feel if that was me.. My testimony grew of the plan of Salvation& how we are only here for a short amount of time. Another thing is when Joseph says, "Lord, where art thou?". And the Lord promises this is nothing compared to the reward you will receive in Heaven. We will go through pain & sorrow but it will be nothing compared to the happiness and joy we will have in the thrones after this life.

The other day I had a very powerful but sad experience the other day with one of my other closest missionary friends Elder Hill. He is a very powerful and strong missionary with a huge desire to improve, serve the Lord, and helps and lift others. All he does is talk about his family and all of the wonderful experiences he has with his family.  He would always show me pictures of his family going hunting up in Idaho and what not. But then yesterday he gets called in by the President (pres. Pratt) and finds out (from his stake pres. on the phone) that his parents are getting a divorce. Family means everything to Hill. It just tore him to pieces as he was in complete shock. He never thought this would happen. I felt so bad for him... He keep telling everyone "if my brothers fall away just like my cousins , I am going to be so mad!" He kept saying that all those memories he shared are all gone now and they mean nothing.. I felt terrible.. He got offered to go home, but he said what help would it do for me to go all the way home when its not good enough to be here out on a mission, it won’t make a difference. I got to talk to him a little bit as I tried to give him a piece of advice or some comfort and help. I could feel his pain and anger… I only had about 5 minutes tops to talk to him.

I told him that his story reminded me of Alma the older & how he had so much faith & power of prayer, and praying so hard for his son that he came into the church. I told him you do the same through your faith & prayers for your brothers and family. Then, out of the blue i came up this cheesy analogy, about basketball, because that’s all I can relate to haha. I told him, life is a game of basketball, you have your coach, which is your mom and dad and they get a technical foul and are out of the game. And you are that player on the team who steps up, you are that team leader who brings your team all the way to victory, and in the end you get to come back into the locker room and celebrate with your "coach". You come back and get to rejoice with your family in the end! Hill was a baller back in high school so he liked that, however after that he told me he was just so worried for his brothers and if they would end up like his cousins who fell away and are now drinking and partying. And I told him that you got to tell yourself that "you are going to win the game" not "Im not going to lose this game". Try and flip the perspective of I can do this, my family will be back together. I tried to help him gain some more faith. Kinda told him how you can’t have fear & faith at the same time.

However as the day went by, his testimony grew 10 fold! He bore his testimony later that night and wow was it powerful. He said things like "now that this happened, I would not want to be anywhere else in the world except here. And when I get home and get married, my family is going to be the strongest family this gospel has ever had! My wife and I are going to be the Best companions in the world! No matter what happens we are staying together. And I am going to Peru and I am going to convert everyone I meet because I know this gospel is true!

You could feel the power and strength in his voice and power and strength that he had received from the Lord from this terrible and selfish act. I have a testimony that everything happens for a reason! Everyone experiences something difficult and challenging whether good or bad, to test them and bring them higher in this gospel. These trials are blessings, however it is very challenging to see them at this time for Hill, but his testimony is booming right now, and it was a blessing that this happened right now instead of in the field, or else he wouldn’t have all of his friends to love and help him.

Ether 12:6   ---"for you receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Crazy week. But it’s crazy to think that my time in this prison is coming to an end haha! Feels like I have been in here for an eternity but at the same time I thought I just got here. I am so excited to be in the real world and serve the people of Peru. I can’t wait. Wish my Español was a little better, but I just can’t wait to be out there bearing my testimony in my terrible Spanish!

Matthew 10:39

Matthew 11:28-30

Elder Clarl<

                                                             Elder Davis -  Baller

                                              Flight Itinerary from Mexico to Lima, Peru!

Pre Haircuts

Well, here comes an awful haircut.

 I've only had 2 haircuts in my entire life that were not done by my mom!

                                       

Elder Jenks Reaction to my haircut.

What is she doing?!?! Haha!

                                            Oh Man, this is worse than I could've imagined!

 

Everything happens for a Reason!

Wow, muchos cosas occured this week... don’t know where to start!
 Life is full of humbling experiences!!! (MTC)--***CCM, however I know that everything happens for a reason. The other day during a lesson, I felt very  confident & prepared in what I wanted to say... and when I say I choked ... I mean I choked haha. I mean I felt like a firefighter without any water or  his dalmation dog.  Showed up to the fire..choked. haha. I asked the  investigator "if you feel that these things are true, will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be ____ by someone holding the authority of the Preisthood of God?" I left out the most important word! I felt like a complete failure, like how am I ever going to do this if I can’t even teach a simple lesson & simple practice teaching...However, my companion Elder Smith & I talked about it and how not every lesson can be amazing and spiritual. Plus this is just practice for the real thing. I get really frustrated with myself.. as I compare myself to others. But that’s not what it’s about. I am here to learn, we are all here to learn! But Elder Smith gave me an amazing blessing of comfort & assurance. I was in tears, as I remembered the times back in grade school when I was wee lad struggling in school, trying to become a better reader, and a better speller. And I remembered being in tears because I was so frustrated with myself & I have experienced the same thoughts again of fear and doubt & embarrassment. But faith cannot exist when there is fear. But I remember my BEST FRIEND! Nick Allan being there for me with his arm around me, walked me home from school, comforting me.
Reminds me of Christ, and how he is always there for me, always there to bring me comfort and reassurance. These experiences , humble moments, happens for a reason. To help us turn back to Christ!  2 Nefi 19:17,21 20:4 "....but, his hand is still stretched out."  Be like Christ, be like Nick Allan and stretch forth your hand to help others, provide some one with love and comforting words, put your arm around a brother and tell you love him! I know the lord gives us these humbling experiences for a reason, these trials we face and challenges so that we can know without a doubt in our mind that when we turn to Christ he will bring us joy, comfort , and peace again!!! 
Mormon 5:17-18      "they had Christ for their Shepard, they were led even by God the father."
SCRIPTURE CHAIN- Mosiah 3:19----Mosiah 20:13-14-----2 Nefi 9:28-----Mormon 8:36-37----Mosiah 2:11,17     
*¨came up with that baby the other day.
 Stay far away from the line of becoming a natural man! Go away from the natural man!!!

Had another humbling experience... but this one was different haha. This CMM food finally got the best of me! I was sick as a dog! it was terrible.. I got the crew ship virus. The toilet and I got very personal... it was terrible! haha. I had to miss about two an a half days of class.. I was in so much pain with stomach cramps.. I was sick as dirt.. what can I say more.

 "There I sat all broken hearted,

  tried to poop but only farted,
  then one day I took a chance,
  tried to fart, ...... crapped my pantzzz!"
This ISN'T a true story yet... haha its just a little saying I picked up!

The other day we did a district fast for one of the elders in our district. Elder Meyers, a good good friend of mine. He is amazing, he knows so much doctrine. he inspires me to learn more.. but he has been terribly struggling with anxiety and depression bad. So we all decided to fast for him the other day.  After the fast He was completely changed! He felt amazing and like a new person! It was amazing, definitely a testimony builder of fasting for me and the whole district! Got to watch one of my most favorite mormon messages last night, by Pres. Hinkley. It's the story of two boys who initially decide to hide the man's shoes but instead wisely and kindly choose to place a silver dollar in each shoe. As they wait and see for the man to come back and see his reaction…The man knows it’s a gift from God and begins to pray about his family and how he is low on money and his shortage on food for his family.  I feel the spirit now just as I am writing about it.  I feel the spirit every time I watch this video! I challenge you to watch if you have or already have.

Reminds me every time how much I need to do more service for others and to be watching for opportunities, and to pray for these opportunities! This week has been a challenge but I know that the Lord gives experiences for many reasons so that we can remember our father in heaven & to remember that I am/WE are "Llamados a servir" --"Called to Serve" Him!

As I look back on my past several weeks in the CMM and pretty much my whole life, I find myself comparing myself with others to their bests or there weaknesses, whatever, it has prevented me from reaching my full potential and learning a lot more in my life! I am sometimes afraid of failure or not becoming "the" best.. I challenge you all NEVER to compare EVER!  Don’t let pride get in the way of anything.. because I know that if I let my pride get in the way then I cannot be a consecrated missionary.  The only comparing that should ever happen is to who you/I was yesterday. Strive to become better than you were yesterday!  Being humble to is key to everything.

Alma 26:12

ST John 11:10    15:13-15
Romans 8:31

Elder Cl@rk!

Me & all my homeskilletz! Elder Meyers is in the yellow shirt, Elder Lunt is to his right, really good friend, he's going to BYU to play baseball. Elder Jenks is in the striped jersey in the front with the neon socks, he's the funniest kid ever! And I'm on Elder Beckstead's shoulders, dude is chill as dirt. I love them all!!! Super chill guys

Here's a picture of Elder Beckstead. He's raw haha, he's from Mesa! He's already making plans for when we get back!

It's not all about you, it's about the people you serve

Time is flying by even though some days feel like forever. I hope I don’t repeat myself because, everything is just like an eternal cycle of the same the thing almost everyday. So it is very easy for most missionaries to slack off and not study.  I have seen this a lot in almost everyone, where it is easy to lose focus and determination to learn more, because they feel overwhelmed with how much they have to learn.  Many fall into this  lazy cycle of I need to take a break, many do not know how to work hard and be out of there comfort zone. I’m not going to lie, I find myself sometimes telling myself that I need a break. But then I remembered a devotional we had, don’t waste your time and more importantly the Lords time not, I need to do my part so that He can bless me. I had a really powerful experience yesterday, with my teacher and one of my fellow missionaries in my district. My teacher spoke to me about my progression in this work and how he would place me under his progression missionaries list.  Plus I felt the spirit soooo strong that night.  When I was talking to this missionary Elder Rindlisbacher, how he has been an inspiration to me for going on a mission (his cousin died couple weeks ago before his mission). And how he has been an example to me for how much work he has put into this language, and how he is terribly struggling with the language. But I bore my testimony to him that I know he will be a good missionary & he will learn this language, because he is putting 110% into his study and I know the Lord will provide! The Lord called him to this mission for a reason, and the Lord gives no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them!
1 Nephi 3:7

Last Sunday we had a devotional, and this speaker...forgot his name... taught about this wonderful work. He said something that was very interesting to me. "How much faith does it show if you are hoping it will rain but you don’t take an umbrella with you outside?" I thought that was interesting.

I have learned so much just over these past weeks concerning pride, Many missionaries like to talk about themselves and how they are prideful, kinda ironic, But many picture the mission only for them, however it is for you and will bless your life forever and ever. However it’s not all about you, it’s about the people you are serving and the lives you are going to change!  It’s about listening to their needs , and then being able to know what to teach them.  It’s about bringing the joy of the gospel unto others, it’s about them.

I have felt a piece of happiness, and how much joy we will feel when we return to live with God again! This is the Lords work, and we should obey the rules and commandments, because we love the Lord!  Not because we just want the blessings.

Helaman 5:17-19 really hit me preach with power! Astonish people, become  invested in this work! And help build this kingdom! Preach "My" Gospel! His work, his way! You want people to repent, He wants you to repent, you want people to stop bad habits, he wants you to stop bad habits.

The SECOND COMING has already STARTED! 194 years ago!

I’ll share some funny stories later, running out of time sorry. Thanks again
for all the prayers and support! Love you all and miss you all so much!

Elder CL$RK

Mosiah 27:25

And the Lord said unto me:

Marvel not that all mankind, yea men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters

Matthew 18:20 (don't worry mom)   ;)

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 Just for kicks 2 kings 2:23-24, Helaman 1:21

*He sent me in a very brief additional email that he is healthy & loves the letters from Dearelder.com--so thank you to all who have reached out and emailed him! He also added that he Goes to Peru August 26th

*A side note....for several years he said Helaman 1:21 was going on his mission plaque, he has loved this scripture for so long, just for the thought of someone being that strong.

He also is positive he will come home bald, hence the love for 2 Kings scripture

Kemish Martinez - our teacher

Taking a ride on a garbage can roller,

sporting his Duke blue devils Nike Elite Socks!

Boy do we ever miss him.

Reach your Full Potential

Not quite sure where to start with this week ! Everything has just kind of meshed together.  its really strange. Been sick with a soar throat.. the worst.. so I haven't been working out. But I have learned so much in this past week with all that has happened, even though its not much. However I and everyone in my district has come to love our teach. Kemish Martinez, he is in the picture of us all in the classroom and he took the video.  He is an amazing teacher! he has taught so much over these past few days. "Stay in the boat, stay in the lords hands."  The boat is where we are supposed to be, stay on your mission, and if you quit you will be in dangerous territory.  "When the storms come, are you going to stay in the boat , or jump out ?"  Teach with simplicity & show your love and compassion towards them.  He taught us how to react , when an investigator says no to a baptism invitation.  If they don't feel ready yet you would say, well will you be willing to, when you FEEL & TRULY KNOW that baptism is correct, will you be baptized? He also taught a good analogy, about a mustang cobra, how would it feel to go 10 mph.. lame and wanted to go faster of course.. but how would feel to go 160 mph!?  Excited and reaching its full potential.  How would it feel if you just have a small testimony or teach just a few lessons?  Reach your full potential!  WE need to have good desires, we must desire to become our Best! And the Lord will provide.

I gave a talk last Sunday, went pretty good surprisingly... I actually talked at normal speed haha. And I knew what I was saying kinda. My talk was on repentance.  

The mangos here are amazing! I ate 6 of them in one day! haha. I experienced a pretty intense hail storm yesterday! it was so loud inside we couldn't hear ourselves talking! it was crazy.

Time is flying. The days seem like forever, even though the weeks go by quick.  We went to the temple today, it was pretty awesome, too bad its closed for some inside construction work.  But it is insane driving through the city and cars are near 2 inches away from you!  It was like an amusement park ride! The city is insane. Very interesting site to see.

During your mission, you can notice Satan's craftiness in everything and everyone around you, including your self.  During a service project , I found myself murmuring about doing service, when I realized I am helping someone, I should be very happy and proud right now.  But you can see how Satan will deceit the minds of many missionaries and trying to strike fear and doubt into their lives.  As he tries to make you focus on the negative, focus on how much you miss your family, how much stress and how many challenges you are facing. As he tries to influence the lord's servants to turn their back on this wonderful work.  He will place many opposing thoughts of doubt and regret!  I never thought that I would ever have any of these kind of feelings or thoughts about my mission.. But I did.. and it was terrible, a terrible feeling.  Satan know peoples weaknesses and knows how to inject anger, irritance, and pride into the hearts of many. If he can stop one, he can stop many.

However, if we have self-discipline and control over our thoughts, we will control our destiny. Mosiah 4:30 WE must rely on the Lord at all times and always be in tune with the Spirit. Or Satan will control our destiny.

As I watch my fellow brethren -missionary friends- struggle, because they let Satan inject some poisonous thoughts, influence their character. A contributing factor I think is their willingness to obey.  But I also have seen a positive side of others fighting back and learning to turn to the Lord and putting their trust in Him, but many do. Many have crumbled and are beginning to crumble, like last night their was a new missionary who was completely broken and in tears telling everyone that he needed to go home right now!  He was letting these thoughts over power him.  We, our whole casa, every missionary joined and knelt down in his room and said a prayer.  It was very powerful as you could feel every missionaries faith be put to work, and none of us had even known him. It was pretty amazing. And today I saw him, all dressed and ready. I hope he can pull through.

I love you all so much! I know this church is true without a doubt, this is the Lord's work! There would be no way I would know this much Spanish in only two weeks if it wasn't for the Lord. The Lords work is perfect.

Love,
Elder Clarkster

Window view outside of bus on the way to Mexico City, Mexico Temple

                    

                                     Elder Clark & Elder Smith at the LDS Mexico Temple

                                                         District 19A Mexico CCM

Elder Meyers pretending to teach (over whelm) Elder Clark Spanish

I'm so happy Brandon is still having fun!

Brandon played on a soccer team with Elder Garlitz when we lived in Layton,Utah! He's the Elder he has his back to.

                                                  
                                                  

                            
                                          Elder Clark & Elder Jensen

                                                                   Street in Mexico.