Hola a todos! This was a fast week. I remember last Monday sending an email out. Time does fly. It’s crazy!

I remember at home when my Dad cooks Hungarian Goulash or Gulyas. It takes considerable time to prepare the vegetables and meats and authentic spicing for the stew and then it takes hours to cook so that the ingredients can blend together into a perfect blend of richness and satisfaction. I have been thinking about the time it takes for someone to learn the Gospel for the first time and take the actions in their lives based on what they learned to be true. This time like in the Hungarian Gulyas is simmering time and it can take week, and months, and years to take its full effect in the lives of those we meet. In many cases, I will only see a small part of this simmering time in the lives of those around me, but I am grateful to have filled a role in increasing the happiness of others.

In this regard, I have learned to be patient with people we are teaching because it is very easy to think: ‘Oh they need this right now and you teach it to them and they are done.’ But it doesn’t work like that. I have learned that our friends we teach take time to grasp these lessons and it takes time for them to apply these concepts into their lives.

Yesterday we visited a member from our ward and had a great conversation with him. We talked about a time for those we teach to be ready to become members of the Church. At times, I think: ‘Oh you need this and you can get baptized after we complete this,’ but no they need their time. The attribute I have been working on this week is patience with our friends.

President Dieter Uchtdorf taught in his April 2010 Conference talk entitled “Continue in Patience”:

“Patience — the ability to put our desires on hold for a time — is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter.

“Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action and offers hope for peace.”

I appreciate the journey I am on and the words of those like Pres. Uchtdorf who help me keep perspective on my experiences. I have enjoyed my mission and the experiences I have had in my personal studies. I have enjoyed learning and growing and talking to as many people as I can. Missions are hard but they are referred to as ‘a labor of love’ because it is true we as missionaries are in a labor of love.

Thank you all for your love and comments on Facebook. Continue to read these emails and pray for our friends! You guys are awesome.

Have a great week! BUENE SUERTE!! ✌️ ❤️ 😎 

Hola a todos! With this month being the time that basketball fans come together from all over the country in hopes their team will do well in the several NCAA basketball tournaments, I recognize the fun and fellowship that can be experienced from sports like these. I have certainly enjoyed my fill of sports and other great activities on my weekly preparation day, but this one was extra special because President Smith was able to join us. Sure we wanted to play well, but most important was that a group of missionaries who have been working so hard together were able to play together if only for an afternoon. It was a magical moment and a great memory.

Amidst the frantic pace of life – our own March Madness, it is essential we come to understand and recognize our life purpose. The Lord cares about us and blesses us with moments of joy in life and for me joy in my missionary work.

This week was a long week but it was well worth it. My comp and I taught so much this week and finally got to meet with a referral family from the Phoenix Mission. They have three little girls who always their parents on Sundays: “Are we going to church today?” This is the question we should be asking ourselves. Am I going to make time for the Lord today by worshiping Him? As a missionary, this is all I do. I worship Christ by teaching others about His restored Gospel and bringing them back to Him. It truly is a joy and a labor of love.

In Preach My Gospel on page 127, it talks about diligence. “Diligence is the steady consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord’s work.” This is so true when we are diligent in the Lord’s work we strive to become better and have a desire to change. In Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-28, the Lord teaches:

 27 Verily I say, men [and women] should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

 28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men [and women] do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

I really like this scripture because it talks about having a good cause and by accomplishing that cause you will receive a reward in heaven. Missions are very hard because I have had experiences on my mission that have put my Testimony to the test. I have enjoyed my time out here serving the Lord and His children. I know that this is the true church upon the face of the earth and that no other church can replace it. I am grateful for each of you and love you all! Talk to you all next week!

Buene Suerte esta semana! 😎 ✌️ ❤️ 

Hola a todos! In my talk last week on Repentance, I mentioned some examples from the Book of Mormon of great people who prioritized repentance in their lives. One such individual is the Brother of Jared (or Mohonri Moriancumer as we learn from more recent revelation.) The story of the Brother of Jared illustrates that when we repent, we allow ourselves to receive greater blessings. One great blessing that he received was seeing the Lord’s Hand touch the glass stones to provide light for the ocean-faring ships about to travel to the New World. Not only did he see the Lord’s hand, his faith enabled him to see the Lord completely.

On that note, this week I saw the Lord’s hand in my missionary work, but the week started out a tough one. I guess when we experience the darkness the most, we can more easily recognize the light when it comes. Many of our friends we have been teaching have been too busy with work and its difficult not feeling like my time is being well used. Yesterday though Sunday March 5th,2023 we had a large miracle. Recently the Mesa Maricopa stake has been adding Spanish translations to their sacrament meetings and that reminds me of back home. We had a lady come to the Vineyard Ward yesterday and a random family with three children came a swell. We have been teaching the lady for some time now but having more of her family show up as a miracle for us. Since it was fast Sunday, I was hoping we would have some sort of miracle and see the Lord’s hand and we did! It was awesome. We have set up a time to go visit them Monday evening this week and I am super excited!

Missionary work is so tough but when those miracles come it makes doing the work worth it. I am enjoying my mission because I have learned so much from being out here. I really like chapter 17 called The Great Plan of Happiness that the prophet Joseph Smith wrote. He talks about the adversary having no control over us if we don’t give him that control. 

“All persons are entitled to their agency, for God has so ordained it. He has constituted mankind moral agents, and given them power to choose good or evil; to seek after that which is good, by pursuing the pathway of holiness in this life, which brings peace of mind, and joy in the Holy Ghost here, and a fulness of joy and happiness at His right hand hereafter; or to pursue an evil course, going on in sin and rebellion against God, thereby bringing condemnation to their souls in this world, and an eternal loss in the world to come.” 

“Satan cannot seduce us by his enticements unless we in our hearts consent and yield. Our organization is such that we can resist the devil; if we were not organized so, we would not be free agents.”

Let us keep our faith in the Lord and always remember the adversary is out there and he is trying to use his tactics to bring us all down. DONT LET HIM DO IT TO YOU! The joy in this life is way too precious for things like that to happen. When you feel like you are under attack from the adversary, remember to say a prayer for protection and I know the lord will come to your aid. 

I love you all and hope this week treats you well! You all all amazing, fantastic people. Have an awesome Week! Buene Suerte!!!

✌️ ❤️ 😎

Hola a todos! This week has been a hard week. We had a young girl drop us because her dad didn’t agree with what we were teaching her. This is one of those times in my mission where I really depended on the Lord. It was a difficult experience because I wanted her to get baptized and feel the joy and happiness.

I am in Mesa Liahona Dos now with Elder Romero my 13th companion in my mission. Isn’t that just so crazy. He is from the Las Vegas area and is a great missionary to be around. We work so well together and are unified all the time. To have hit my 17th month mark on my mission. I feel like I have been out for my whole life. I have really enjoyed the spiritual experiences I have out while serving these two years.

I recently gave a talk in Sacrament meeting about the importance of repenting each day. I have found that Repentance isn’t a consequence it is a gift from God to make us better people and to help others better their lives too. I have been a district leader for almost a transfer and a half now and it has helped me break out of my quiet bubble. Many people say that a mission is hard. Let me tell you THEY ARE COMPLETELY CORRECT! The mission is a trying mixed-emotion time. I am glad I have had the opportunity to serve and have to push now to the finish line.

In PMG pg 51, it says that the Atonement (meaning becoming ‘at one with God’) is a remarkable gift that we have in this life. “God cannot look on sin with any degree of allowance, and sin prevents us from living in His presence” This portion of PMB is so true this is why we must all repent each day. 

If any of you would like my talk on the Atonement, send me an email and I will email it to you! 

Love you all and here is a scripture for the week! 

Moses 6:56 

“Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence; for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time.”

Have a great week and God Bless! ✌️❤️ 😎 

Hola a todos! This week was a blast! We had 2 people at Sacrament Meeting this past week it was a miracle. I feel that working with members is a very important responsibility as a missionary. I really enjoy working with members because they have the strongest testimonies.

This past week a family I had dinner with threw me a surprise early Birthday party since my Birthday is on March 21st the 1st day of spring (a full month an a half away😂🥰 . To understand my feelings on this topic, one has to understand that I come from a party culture. It seemed like growing up that my Mexican side of the family always had reasons to celebrate and we had parties for all kinds of occasions. Sometimes multiple parties for the same birthday or wedding. My Dad’s side of the family is pretty festive as well. In my family, we didn’t celebrate birthdays for just a day – we celebrate a birthday for an entire week. The art of celebrating is a great tradition that can really help families and communities come together. And sure enough we need the celebrations to forget about the gloomy days and focus on spreading joy. So much to my joy, I realized this very thought Barrera family spent so much time putting that party together for me and my roommates. It was a great experience and I am so grateful to the them for doing that and hope to stay close to them in the years to come.

In Preach My Gospel on Page 217, it talks about ministering assignments. It says ” with approval of your mission president, local leaders may consider asking full-time missionaries to assist in ministering assignments on a limited basis. That is so awesome because members are very important in the Lord’s work. Members are important because:

1: They make friends with those we teach.

2: They are given many opportunities to do visits that they wouldn’t get to regularly do.

3: They are great examples to those who are learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I am grateful for members and how they work each day by growing their testimonies. Those that are reading this email if you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints I invite you to reach out to your local missionaries Elders or Sisters and ask about going on visits with them. THEY NEED YOU! THE LORD NEEDS YOU! 🙌 I know that if you do this you will feel the most love and joy you can ever feel.

I know God lives! He has a work for all of us to do. I know President Nelson is a prophet of God. He guides this church under the direction of Heavenly Father. I love you all and hope this week is a blast! ✌️❤️😃 

ELDER BALDWIN

Hola a todos! This week was awesome. We have been biking a bunch now since we don’t have a car in bustling Mesa, which city by the way is quite large so our bike rides are not typically short ones. This has been my first time biking for about a month now. Biking is so fun but you get exhausted very fast. Glad the weather is still on the cool side. The summer heat can be tormenting.

This transfer I have been the district leader of my district comprised of 3 elders and 8 sisters. It has been a blast being in this position for a while now. I have learned so much and understand the importance of looking after others and seeing how they are doing. This is exactly one of the traits of Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. They look after all their children on earth and give them what they think is best for them. Heavenly Father loves us so much He even sent his son Jesus Christ to come down to earth and die for all God’s children so their sins can be forgiven. Isn’t that just showing charity? Well I think it is.

In Preach My Gospel on page 124 it’s says that charity is a gift from God. This is a large and rewarding attribute that we can obtain if we just learn of it in the scriptures. There are many scriptures that talk about charity but Moroni 7:47 is one of my favorites and you may remember me quoting in before:

“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”

Just as it states that charity is the pure love of Jesus Christ and It endureth for ever, I have found this to be a true and guiding principle. I believe this with all my heart. I have enjoyed being district leader because I have learned how to overcome some fears I have been facing since before the mission. I was afraid to lead. I had some experience, but it was easier to let others put themselves forward. I never felt I was ready to lead until quite recently. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow and love in a new capacity.

Missions are great experiences that need to occur. They teach you how to truly have faith is Jesus Christ and how to depend on Him when times get tough. I now out nearly a year and a half and I feel like I need more time serving. Once you come out on a mission you don’t want to go home on most days because of the spirit and joy you feel each day not having to worry about school or work. I have enjoyed my mission so far and will continue to enjoy it. Life is good when you are on a mission serving the Grand Master of the universe ✨️ 🙌 🙏 

I love you all and hope this week is a blessed we for each of you. Remember that God lives and loves each of you. You guys are awesome and I look forward to when I can say I did my best God I served to the best of my ability and am happy I did so.

Have a great week! 🔥😀 ✌️ ❤️ 

Hola a todos! This week was awesome. I was transferred to a new area called Mesa Liahona Dos. This is my first time being moved from Spanish to Spanish. It has been a crazy ride since I will be hitting 16 months Friday Jan 27th! Time flies so fast and I am surprised that I am two thirds finished with my mission experience. I have learned so much, grown so much, and have overcome a few fears before I came out.

This week though has been a blast. We had two friends come to Sacrament Meeting and one of our friends brought one of their friends as well. Miracles upon Miracles. It is such a tremendous blessing to see these people decide to come and partake of the enjoyment we feel each day we are serving. It is difficult sometimes but it is well worth it to serve for two years or 18 months. I have been trying to practice charity lately and it has been a blast.

It says in Moroni 7:48:

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified.”

I really like this scripture because it explains that we are trying to become more like Jesus Christ. This scripture is perfect for sharing with our friends about the true love we can all feel if we choose to have charity. One verse earlier in Moroni 7: 47, Moroni defines the meaning of charity:

“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”

It is true those who are found with charity at the last day like it says in this scripture will have it when Christ come again. I invite you all to apply this charity attribute into your lives. As you do so, you will feel pure joy.

I could be doing a lot of things right now. Everywhere I go there is a demand for my time and attention- for good and for bad, for selflessness and for selfishness. I could be making money. Looks like McDonalds want us all right now – as customers and employees. 😂 But I only have a short time in this phase of my life to grow and make an impact. I choose to be here in Arizona – now in Mesa leading a district of dedicated and faithful fellow missionaries. And when my time is done here, I hope to have made a lasting impact for good in the lives of many. I love these people in Arizona. And it is a joy serving among my fellow missionaries. I continue to learn so much from them and take great joy in our daily ministry.

I love you all and remember to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ. I am excited for these last months of my mission. It’s crazy to think I only have 7 months left. It goes so fast! I love you all and have a good week! 👍 ❤️ ✌️ 😎 

Elder Baldwin 

Hola a todos! Happy New Year! This is so crazy. I have been in Arizona for a full year now. It has been quite the adventure learning and growing and meeting new friends along the way. I enjoyed spending New Years building a Lego set I bought at a service project the day before. This service project was at the Saint Vincent De Paul thrift store. This store is like any other regular thrift store. We helped move furniture and fridges to those who had bought them. I especially enjoyed putting in order the bed frames they were selling. Every time I leave this place, I feel 3x better than when I first came.

We also spent some time with some families teaching and sharing the joy we receive each day as we serve God. This is going to be a great year because it is the year I finish my mission experience! All these lessons I have learned will be applied to my life after my mission.

As each of us begins this New Year of 2023, let’s remember the importance of new beginnings and the opportunity we have to evaluate our lives and seek ways to increase our happiness. Hopefully, serving the less fortunate will be high on your list this year.

Thank you all of you for your love and support shown to me each day. I pray for each and every one of you and am honored to be carrying the Baldwin name. I am excited for what these next months will bring. Love you all and talk soon! ❤️ ✌️ 😎

Hola a todos! Christmas 🎄 was an awesome experience! I enjoyed pondering on the meaning of Christ’s birth leading up to that special day.  I enjoyed in my personal studies learning the shepherds who heard the good news while tending to their flocks of sheep in the field (Luke 2:8-11) and the three wise men who followed the star (Matthew 2:1-2): 

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.“

This story of the birth of Jesus Christ is one of my favorite scripture stories. Because of Christ birth, ministry, atonement, and resurrection, we can all resurrect and live with our families in the life after.

I had the chance to take our friend Jordan to the Mesa Temple to see the Temple lights. He had an awesome experience and I enjoyed testifying to him that this is the true work and that Jesus Christ will come again. I could see that he wanted to know more about what goes on inside the temple. We shared that we do Baptisms for the Dead (similar to what the Apostle Paul taught in 1^st Corinthians 15:29) because God is a God of second chances. He loves all His Children so much that He gives them many chances to accept His Gospel and to learn of Him. 

One of Christ’s attributes I really like is patience. This has been one of the attributes I have been trying to apply more in my life here on the mission. I have learned that good things come to those who wait. It says in Preach My Gospel on Page 126: “Patience is the capacity to endure delay, opposition, frustration and other feelings.” When you are patient, you can face life’s challenges much easier. I have been practicing this attribute each day of my mission and I have seen a big change in the way I think about things. Every day I put on a bracelet that says WWJD which means ‘What Would Jesus Do.’ The acronym reminds me each day of the choices I make. I imagine Christ standing next to me and watching what I am doing. I am truly blessed to be serving a mission at this time. I have personally witnessed many enjoyable experiences. I will forever be grateful for the choice I made to serve! 

Those who are thinking about Serving Missions don’t even think about it.

JUST DO IT!!! It will change your life forever. I can say it has changed mine. You will learn lessons and have experiences you will not receive any other way. THE LORD NEEDS YOU! 🙌  

Thanks for all your love and support you all have shown me. I love each and every one of you and pray for you all every day. May God Bless you all and may he protect you too! 🙏. Talk to you all next week! MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎅 🎄 ❤️

 

Hola a todos! This past week was awesome. Our friend Jordan has continued to take our lessons. I can see that he wants to change his life and come closer to know Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. We have had countless opportunities to teach him how the Book Of Mormon is a companion to the Bible. He is doing very well. Please pray that he continues to learn and one day be baptized to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of my mission buddies have gone home and I am learning how to continue my mission with out them. It is sad though because they have been here since I began my mission. I have learned many things from each of my mission buddies as well. 

TRIBUTE TO ALL MY COMPANIONS SO FAR:

• Elder Wangsgard my 1st half trainer: I learned how to push forward on my mission and never look back.
• Elder Epperson my 2nd half trainer: I learned to focus on the mission and do the best I can
• Elder Walton: I learned from him to let go of things that have bothered me.
• Elder Wright: I learned how to have fun in the mission.
• Elder McBride: I learned how to teach with unity and how to find joy in the work.
• Elder Ragan: I learned how to show love to those I serve here in the Scottsdale Mission.
• Elder Carn: I learned how to be a hard worker as a missionary.
• Elder Rasmussen: I learned how to share my thoughts when we are in companionship inventory in weekly planning.
• Elder Johnson: I learned to have patience and love for my companions.
• Elder Graham: I learned to reach out to others for help if I ever need it.
• Elder Stewart my immediate companion: I learned how to start contacts and how to turn it over to my companion.

All the buddies of mine have changed my life forever. Many have helped me open up to people out on the street and I appreciate them and love each of them! As I continue to learn more I will continue to pray for you all! 

Here is a quick scripture for the week found in 3rd Nephi 9: 14-15:

“Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.”

I testify that Jesus Christ created the world under the direction of God the Father. Jesus Christ is the Light and Life of this world. I wouldn’t want a life without Jesus Christ in it. I love you all and hope this email helps those who may be going through hard times. Love you all and talk real soon! ❤️ ✌️ 😎