That's my brother!

     Hello Everyone,

     Sorry I wasn't able to write yesterday because there were some problems with the computer, so I'm writing today! 

     First of all, on Wednesday we had the worldwide missionary broadcast. It was wonderful! And I also saw my brother Derek on the big screen!! I screamed and shouted in spanish, "thats my brother!!" haha!! Congrats Derek you are now famous to all the missionaries in the world! It was also wonderful to hear from the apostles and prophets. 

     The two sessions that I loved most were Elder Bednar (I know him) and Elder Oakes. When they talked about the holy ghost and his role in the conversion process. How that we need to be worthy of his companionship so he can testify to others through us. However, we can't force them to accept the gospel (2Nephi 33:1-2). And the need for repentance. It is so important that we ALL repent. Its the only way that we can return to live with God in his presence. Without being cleansed by the atoning blood of Christ, there is no hope. Its true, we will all be saved from physical death. So, based on our level of obedience and repentance will determine to which Kingdom of glory we will inherit. So the choice is yours, Eternal life or captivity and eternal damnation (hope that didn't sound too harsh!) Let's all repent and come unto Christ. 

     Transfers are next week so we'll see what happens. I think I might be leaving Ucum but who knows! Love you all and hope you have a great week!

     Love,

         Elder Strate

Greencard

      Hello Everyone,                           

     Well this week has been a bit hectic.

      So I got a call on Tuesday from one of the secretaries and he told me that I needed to go to Cancun. Because I needed to get my Green Card, which allows me to stay here in Mexico. Its like a temporal residency. So we went left for Cancun Thursday afternoon and we didn't get back until Saturday at about 5pm...so it was pretty boring. Didn't get much work done this week because of that. Oh, and I also got another toenail taken out! Yay!! Let me just say that I feel a lot better.      

      So, we didn't have the baptism this week. With the trip to Cancun and all, we couldn't get the interview done. And also, Ephraim didn't show up to Church yesterday. Which is odd because he always comes. We might have to drop him...we're working on that right now! 

       Thats about it for this week. Went by super fast and didn't get much done. However, this week we are going to have a special meeting. It will be a worldwide broadcast to all the missionaries everywhere! Looking forward to it! 

       As for me I'm doing good here! Thanks for all the love and support! 

        Love,

 

            Elder Strate

                                                     District pic

                                                       Sunset

Baseball!

      Hello Everyone,

      This week has been good. Last week on P-Day we played some ball! I bought a cheap glove, a few balls and a wood bat to play with. It was a great time! But it's sure been a while since I've thrown!! Wow, almost 3 years...too long! I taught my companion a few things too and we had fun! Just so you know Dad, I tried not to hurt my companion but...well..umm, the ball hit him in the face HAHA!! But hey it wasn't my fault! I told him how to hold the glove and everything and he didn't do it quite right haha. Luckily it was just the ricochet off of his glove that got him in the nose haha so it wasn't too bad. Oh, and I also broke the bat...which doesn't surprise me! 

 

     But something good happened too! As we were playing, I noticed someone watching us. He seemed really interested so I invited him to come and play and he accepted. His name is Manuel, hes 18 years old and he loves baseball. So we played for a bit and then we told him that we were missionaries and all, and he accepted an appointment! Yay! Turns out that his aunt is actually a member here in Ucum(which I didn't know before). So we are excited for that!

     This Saturday we should have a baptism. Ephraim feels like he is ready now. Atleast thats what he told us after Church yesterday. And I hope so! He is so great. He comes to Church every Sunday and loves being there too! He is definitely ready to make covenants with God. 

      Its great to see the Gospel change lives. Especially when we are able to help in that process. Our Heavenly Father is so wonderful for allowing us to participate in his work. I know the Church is true and that Jesus Christ Lives!! Thanks for all your wonderful examples to me. And also for your love and prayers! 

          Love,

               Elder Strate 

Happy New Year

     Hello Everyone,

     Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a great new year!! And a safe one too. We didn't do much here. We had to be in the house at 6pm for safety reasons. But thats okay. Like my mom always told me, "Better to be safe than sorry!" Haha. 

     These past few days I have been reflecting on this year of 2015. It went by super fast! And I spent the WHOLE year as a missionary! Wow! I have also been thinking about all of the many blessings that God has poured out upon me and my family. In fact, there are so many that I can't name them all!! 

      Now I am looking forward to another wonderful year with many wonderful opportunities in store.  Hopefully this week, we will have a baptism! Its not for sure, but lets hope so! 

     Sorry, don't have much time but I just want you all to know something. That Jesus Christ lives! And he loves each and every one of you. He knows your situation perfectly. He knows how to help you! It doesn't matter what the problem is, the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for all! I know these things to be true. Have a wonderful week and never lose faith!!

      My shoulder is healed up, my knee is healed up. I actually went and bought a cheap glove this week, some balls and a wood bat. We're headed out now to play some ball. I promise I won't hurt my companion!

      Love,

          Elder Strate