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.

The Change

Well, I never know where to start.... But I got a new comp. Elder Sanchez had some bad problems with his back…so he had to go back to his house for therapy…for three months.. very sad and tough for him as he didn’t want to go home but he had too.

Saying Goodbye to Elder Sanchez - exchanging ties

 I got a new comp yesterday, Elder Castro.

 He is Peruvian. He’s a stud. He has been out on his mission for 21 months, he knows his stuff. He is about mom’s height, so my confidence is pretty high.. haha, no. But he has helped me so much gain my confidence back and helping me learn the language. As he knows like no English, so I am learning so much, in just these past 24 hours. It’s amazing!

My pensionista is so awesome! She is so tiny!

It’s sad no one in Lima got to watch or go to church last Sunday. They had elections that happen every 4 years. We didn’t get to watch conference.. It was terrible knowing that all you were at home with your sanitized food receiving revelation from the Lord. When I have to wait another week to receive mine...

I am so excited to listen to conference and hear real English. And watch and listen to the prophets words in English, not translated.

I have a testimony of the Prophets words as I am memorizing the first vision, and the power in those words as we teach the restoration of the gospel. The power of the words and the truthfulness of the words as the Holy Ghost testifies of the truth and pierces the hearts.

and interesting this I figured out the other day with Spanish words again. idk why but I like doing this.

the word oro means gold, and another word for oro is I pray.

where is your gold?

where is your treasure?

2 nephi 9:30 .... your treasure is in your heart. Where are your desires?

Are you praying all throughout the day or just at night or maybe in the morning. or only when you eat. cuz you are too tired at night and in the morning.

Are you communicating with your father who knows all? Who can give you revelation in your life, at any moment? Or do you think you don’t need any help, everything’s all good for you?

2nephi 32:8-9  ....Who do you listen to?

I can testify, and I will testify that this is the only way we receive miracles. is through prayer.

It is the only way.

Elder C!ark

D&C 9: 8-9

Riding in the Moto (tiny taxis)

We don't have time to waste it

Wow. Time flies… I can’t believe I have already been here for 1 month. Time flies. Take every opportunity in life. We don’t have time to waste it.
Alma 34:33
And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

Woke up to an earthquake the other day. It was pretty sick, thought it was my comp going crazy for a sec. I love how there is an store everywhere you turn here, like with fresh bread and snacks it’s the best. Plus I get to play frogger everytime I cross the street! But we only have one life... plus the sun is never out..the sky is always white or grey.. it’s so humid my clothes grow! But the rain here is like a slow motion cold sneeze to the face! It’s weird…

The other day we had two lessons. One was with Fernando. 22 yrs old. You could see the light in his eyes, his desire to learn more, it was amazing. And the other lesson was with  Luis. We show up to his house. He was high and he was trying to hide it… but when he felt the spirit, you could see him settle down and stop fidgeting and moving all over the place it was incredible to see the spirit change his countenance and help him gain a desire to stop smoking and drinking.

Colossians 3:10 ´..put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created you´

12. put on... elect of God, holy, beloved..

23 ..whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as the lord, and not unto men. !!!

24. knowing that the lord ye shall recieve the reward of the inheritance. For ye serve the Lord Christ.

Elder Cl3rk

Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 Different Views

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!!!!