April 28th
I went to the temple today, and learned a little something about faith, or rather, my faith was strengthened. I normally don't go to the temple with a question because I'm afraid that I won't receive an answer while I'm there. Before I went to bed last night, I thought about it, and decided I should go with a question. My companion asked me a question and I thought about it. I couldn't answer it, so I took it to the temple. Lo and behold, I exercised faith and received my answer. It took me a little bit of studying, but I finally got it. Faith is such a deep yet simple subject. You can't have fear if your going to have faith. Don't worry about whether or not promised blessings and answers come soon. Just trust that they DO come.... always. There might be times that I don't receive my answers in the day that I go to the temple, but I know that as I continue going, and that as I read the scriptures, I WILL receive my answer.
Speaking of Jotty waiting for his mission call…I think our stake needs a mission prep class. I hear of a lot of wards and stakes in the USA have them.
Things are going well. We have a couple new solid investigators. One of them is a guy named Edgar, who used to meet with the missionaries, but was never sober. He finally sobered up, quit drinking, and wants to get baptized. Two others are Jose and Rosalva, a couple who are kinda going through some rough times. He's just been diagnosed with some mental disorders. He's really nice when we're around and I'm excited to be working with them.
Well, that's all for now.
P.S. I should be able to capture some live footage of zombies here in Las Vegas soon.
May 5th
So we set two people for baptism a couple days ago. Their names are Gaby and Brittany. Gaby is a mother that we contacted on the street. She said that she wasn't too interested, but that she wanted us to teach some stuff to her children, Brittany and Ashley (9 and 7 years old respectively). We taught them several lessons, and she
would "listen" as she did other things. Then she noticed that we used the Book of Mormon. She wanted to learn more, and she came to church as well. At our last appointment, she talked about how she really liked the things that she heard. She was quick to accept a date, and her older daughter is also wanting to be baptized. We are really excited,We had a Zone Conference on Monday, and let me tell you it was an amazing experience. President Christensen talked a lot about light,and about how we all have it, some more than others. We took a small hike up part of a mountain, and he invited us to take a couple of minutes, go to a secluded spot, and evaluate how much light we've gained since being on a mission, and how we can improve it. As I pondered, I felt the Spirit tell me (and I wrote this down too) "The attitude that I carry now is the same attitude that I had developed in the pre-existence. I promised my friends up there that I would find and teach them. Did I make a hasty promise, or was I a man of my word?" I have always considered myself a man of my word. I think you guys have too. I always knew that I made promises to friends, but when the Spirit had me ask myself whether or not I was a man of my word, I was struck to the heart. I want to work hard and fulfill my promise that I made. They were apparently very important to me back then, so why not be that important to me now? I love how the Spirit communicates with me. I love revelation.
So, to plan ahead. I'm planning on calling on Mother’s Day at 1:30 my time, which will be 3:30 your time. If it's a little later, it's because I'm still biking home from church. I'm looking forward to it.
We just got a missionary who came straight out of Russia. He is awesome! He knows English pretty well too, because he spent some time in Nebraska as a foreign exchange student.
I've been reading the New Testament again lately, and it's really depressing on how the Pharisees just didn't want to get it. Jesus one time talks about shooting beyond the mark. Think about it: If you want to hit the target with a firearm, do you shoot at it, or pick a target beyond the bull's eye? So many times the Pharisees went too far in explaining and interpreting scriptures, when in all reality, the answer was right there in front of them. Sometimes we do that too. We search and stretch our answers out in order to accommodate us, but the answer is right there. One example is caffeine. So many LDS say the caffeine is against the word of wisdom. Do they say it to it to make themselves seem more righteous? While it isn't a bad idea to avoid caffeine, it is nonetheless, a personal choice. The Lord only says, “hot drinks“, which specifically means tea and coffee. Shooting beyond the mark. It will destroy us if we don't watch out.
May 12th
The costumes look really good Mom. If you lived in Hollywood, you'd totally get hired. Then again, if we were in Hollywood, we'd also be surrounded by idiotic liberals. Wait sorry....... I'm supposed to refrain from political discussions right now.
We had a lesson with Gaby and Brittany. While we where teaching her about blessings, I asked her a very simple question that I usually ask all our investigators, "What are some of the blessings that God has given you." She then started to get teary and told us of her violent and tragic childhood, and how she's felt that God has been ignoring her, or that He doesn't love her. She said, "I want you both to tell me that I'm wrong, that I've misunderstood. I've been thirsty for a long time, and I want to know God." When we first met her, she didn't seem that interested. She just wanted us to teach her children. Like her, there are people out there that are, like Gaby said, thirsty for the truth. They look normal, and act normal, but deep down inside, they are dying. They long to know that God loves them, and that he has a plan for them. They search for answers that have long been unanswered. We never know how someone really feels until we introduce them to the Gospel. When they realize that we have the water that they've been looking for, that is when they open up. It was a big testimony
builder for me. These people ARE out there. We just have to find them.
Yes, I'm still with Elder Cunha. He's a great guy, even though our personalities clash at times. He's taught me a lot about accepting positive criticisms and being humble. I've really enjoyed serving with him so far.
We just dedicated the new mission office today. Just like the temple dedications, we had a mission culture celebration afterwards. All the in-valley zones came and did some skits and songs. It was really fun. Some of the missionaries in our mission have a lot of talent.
We got a referral from another missionary for a family that wants to learn. When the other missionaries met them, they asked questions like "How can I get the priesthood?" and "How can we be married for eternity?" We have our first lesson with them at 6:30. I'm excited to teach them.
P.S. Pres. Christensen says that I have to do something about my suit soon. My pants are so worn out. I’ve mended them as much as I can but they are about to fall apart.
May 19th
I DID get the suit and it DOES fit. I was so happy Mom. I think I was happier than when we got the Xbox 360 from Uncle Ross and Aunt Hannah. It fits very well and it feels very comfortable.
Everything else is fine. I'm very content right now, especially because I don't have to worry about a HUGE GAPING hole in my pants. Thanks a TON!
I have gained an even bigger testimony of the scriptures since I've been on my mission. I've received so much strength just from reading them, and they have answered several of my questions. Reading the scriptures is a commandment. The Lord expects us to "treasure up the word." Those who wrote the scriptures sacrificed time, talents, strength, and sometimes even their lives to give us what we have. How would they feel that we weren't using what they gave us. You know how it is Mom. You've seen several of your own children under-appreciate things that they have. Sorry to be preachy. I didn't mean to sound that way.
Something else happened in the past week that struck me. Do you remember Luisa? The cranky old lady? Well, she's been really sick and we've had a hard time getting the members to help her. We've done a lot for her, and when she needed to go to the hospital she wanted us to go with her. We called the Zone Leaders to get permission to leave the zone, and they asked the assistants, which ask President. Instead of going back down the chain of command, President called me directly. He told me that because we are missionaries, our sole purpose is to be master teachers of the Doctrine of Christ. We can't spend our time helping out people with their personal problems. While it hurt me to hear that, I realized that it's true. Our purpose is to teach the Doctrine of Salvation, and not to solve every little problem a person has. President said that Elder Cunha and I have a big heart (it's true, we both do), and that it'll be hard to leave it alone, but that we needed to have members or others solve the physical needs for us. Attitude really does depend on us. Ultimately, it IS Christ who makes the actual change, but WE have to ALLOW Him to change us.
Also, just a question for you. I've been thinking this for a while, and I want to know. Why is it that people feel safe around me? Luisa said that she wanted me to go to the hospital with her, because she sees me as the son she never had. She feels confident in me, and she feels safe around me. She's not the first one to say that either. _____ told me the same thing. She said she doesn't normally trust men, but that she trusted me a lot and felts safe and secure around me. What do you think?.... I don't really understand.
I don‘t know a lot that‘s going on right now but I hear enough to know politics are getting even more corrupt now. It's completely changed the mind of the people from being productive to being lazy. I was talking to someone and he said that the time when politics started to get corrupt is when the leaders started getting paid for their work. When this nation started, we had a semi-lay presidency. Like the church, the leaders back in the day didn't get paid. They had their own jobs. They did receive a little stipend in order to pay for travel expenses. I understand that there is more to do these days, but they honestly have too much money coming to them. That's the big motive: money, power, and the glory of man. Well, anyways, enough of my rant. Dad, I‘m sorry you have to put up with stuff like that.
I'm good here. Nothing big happening to us, but there has been some stuff happening. Someone just got murdered here near where we live. Don't worry though, because we are safe. This area is pretty sketchy though. There are a lot of people that only want welfare help too. Have to sift through a lot.
May 26th
I'm now in the East stake in the Ensign ward. I'm still in Spanish and am serving with Elder Carrasco. He came into the mission with me, so I've known him for a while. He's a way cool Elder, and is very kind too. I'm happy to be with him so far. He speaks more Spanish than English, so this'll be great.
WOO! Go Brice! Glad he likes Cub Scouts. I hope he stays in Scouts. That'll be so good for him AND his parents. I learned a lot in scouts, but it still pales in comparison to the things that I've learned on my mission.
So get this. In my area, we actually cover a part of the Strip. Yeah,the STRIP. I thought it interesting to note that the closer you get to the casinos and to the strip, the poorer the housing is. The closer you get to the temple, the better the housing is, and the calmer it gets. Also, the streets on the strip are four lane highways. There are expressways, and the freeway also has several exits and entrances the Strip. But at the temple, the four lane turns into a turn lane. It reminded me about the scripture that says the way to salvation is NARROW, and few remain on the path, but the gate to sin is WIDE, and the road down to damnation is WIDE as well. Many that live near the Strip live in poverty and poor housing, and it's really noisy and sketchy and dirty over there. Over by the temple, the people live in peace and serenity. Housing is big, comfortable, and clean. I'm NOT saying that money is happiness, but it did get me to think about sin and obedience. Those that indulge in and live near sin, live in spiritual poverty, while those who live in the ways of God, have a mansion in His courts on high. They are Spiritually secure and are at peace. Interesting correlation eh?
I DID get the package. Thank you so much! Even though I'm over a thousand miles away, you still manage to do things for me. Man, I've already past my 18 month mark. I'm only 5-6 pounds heavier than when I started, but I'm working on coming back lighter than when I left. Something that I've been doing to help me eat less is sunflower seeds. Sometimes I eat, not because I'm hungry, but because I simply want to eat something. It helps curb my appetite.
Jotty must be dying like I was when I was waiting for my call. Wouldn't it be cool if he came here with me? I've heard of that happening before. I could only be so lucky.
I appreciate you sharing your testimony Dad. We taught this one person who is 69 (Luisa), and on the brink of death. She has several serious medical problems. She's scared to death of death (I know, very punny). Whenever we tried to talk about the Spirit World and what happens after death, she'd start to cry and to get frantic. Several people have asked me before whether or not I was afraid of death. I've responded, and I honestly believe with all my heart, that while I would be afraid of the pain, I do not fear death in the least bit. I like you, KNOW where I'm going after I "go the way of all the earth." It doesn't scare me. I look forward to the resurrection and receiving a perfect, muscular, handsome, all-powerful and all- knowing body. Doesn't that sound like fun? I'm not saying I want to go right now, because I'd still like to finish my mission, get married, have a family, do other things... but if the Lord called me right now, I'd have no fear.
Sorry I went and rambled. I think I get that from you dad. Haha. Speaking of "Mexican" grill out, if that's what you really want to do, I'll have to do some cooking. Latinos don't out-grill us Southerners, but they DO have some interesting flavoring techniques. I'll have to show you some day.
June 2nd
Wow.... Mom, a 16mm kidney stone? That‘s impressive! I'm so glad I drink lots of water. Some of the missionaries have had them too. One of them, said it was a living hell. The way he said it made me laugh, but I thought "YIKES!" It must be super painful.
I think it’s great that Jotty is going to Mexico for his mission! I WISH I had as much time to prepare as he does. Keep nudging him. I wished I had learned when I was younger that you know what you’re doing.
So, I'll tell you a quick story before I move onto answering Jotty’s email.
On our way here to email, we just experienced a small miracle. Yesterday, while waiting for the other missionaries to arrive so we could start a service project, we went around and talked to people. I was in front, and felt inspired to turn on an alleyway. It wasn't a strong impression, just a very small one. I talked with two men who, despite being rough-looking, were very kind and listened to what we had to say. We talked a little bit about the plan, and asked them if we could come back. They declined but accepted a card. When we gave them the Mormon.org card, one of them said he wanted to give it to his brother, who really liked studying about Jesus. The other one, Mark, continued to carry on the conversation. We talked about the supposed "end of
the world" and talked about how since we don't know when he's coming,we need to prepare ourselves. After a couple minutes, we invited them to check out the website themselves and then left. We just saw Mark today. He stopped us and thanked us for talking to him. He said that he's only seen missionaries on the streets, and was surprised that we went down an alleyway. He said it was God who sent us to talk to him.
Since yesterday, he's started reading the scriptures again, he's confessed to his employer that he was stealing drinks and promised that he would stop, and is looking for a rehab center to help him get off of meth. I was really happy. He's homeless, so we won't be able to teach him right now, but I know without a doubt that if he were to die today, he would accept the Gospel in the Spirit World. I love how the True Gospel causes a reaction within the people who are earnestly seeking it. This was definitely a testimony builder.
Yep, regarding the guidelines on feeding the missionaries…we've "raised the bar," on mission diligence. For me, the whole dinner thing is to make us utilize the best proselyting hours effectively. Spanish people seem to ALWAYS be late. Since they are
late, we start dinner late and end up proselyting late. Hence, all dinner appointments must be no more than an hour. No dinner appointments must continue past 6:00 pm
either. If the members are late, eat dinner quickly. If you don't get to eat, go out and work--you'll be blessed for your sacrifice. I'm actually happy though. It's a challenge to be more diligent and to sacrifice more. I'm excited to see what blessings come to the mission.
As for baptisms, we don't have any set right now, but that might change tonight. We're teaching to young adults named Hilario and Modesto. They both have good questions, and try to understand what we teach them. Elder Carrasco and I think they have a lot of potential.
Yes, I did see Elder David Jones at the temple. It was good to see him. He’s a bike Elder and has lost some weight and he has a great spirit about him even though he is still a little shy. We get to attend the temple every transfer, but only if we're in the valley.
I'm really enjoying the mission right now, and am trying to do my best. It's hard, but
it's always worth it.
June 9th
Mom, I like your comments about the "rescue" program. I think that that's what too many people think as well. A big problem that we have in Spanish work is that home teaching is always low. People just kinda expect things to happen, and aren't really proactive and anxiously engaged. Of course, not all Hispanics are like that. One thing that Jotty will learn is that the Mexican culture will make him work hard. He'll have a LOT of baptisms, but he'll have to work extra hard to keep them active. He's gonna have to be patient too, because they will rely on him and his companion to do things that aren't really in his stewardship.People will call him instead of their home teachers for blessings. They will rely on him for other things as well. He'll have to do a lot, so he'll need a LOT of patience.
In fact, Jotty will be in Dale Galinski’s mission. That makes things even better. I'm hoping that Dale will get to train Jotty. As for Mexico City, I hear that most of the
problems are at the border, in places like Tijuana, Juarez,Chihuahua, Mexicali, etc. Mexico City will be rough, but I don't think that Jotty will be in danger. You have to have faith that the Lord will protect him as long as he doesn't put himself in danger.
It's pretty sketchy out here too, but I don't worry. We've narrowly avoided several catastrophes simply because the Lord watches over his servants. Not that things can’t happen to missionaries, but remember that the Lord protects his servants.
Well, the work is going slowly but surely. We have two people set for baptism. One of them, Hilario, is really trying to find the truth. After we gave him a baptismal date, he tried to help his roommate to accept one too. We still need to work with Modesto (his roommate). He's a little more timid than Hilario. The next one is Grigorio. He just showed up to church one day. We talked to him and set him in the hallway. He'd talked with missionaries before, but couldn't get baptized because he had "too much work." Now he doesn't have any. A blessing in disguise. Hehehehehe
June 16th
Pictures will come, but I have to get an envelope first. I'm kinda at
a standstill for a moment. I'll try to email some pictures next week,
and then I'll send you the rest via snail mail.
Yeah, when I get home, a restaurant and a movie sounds great. I'd like to eat at an “In 'n' Out“, but since we don't have any down there how about Olive Garden?
Dad, that revelation experience you had was simple, yet sweet, wasn't it? I've had
the joy of experiencing revelation many times as a missionary. I
understand it a lot better. I'm really excited to apply the things
that I've learned out here when I get back home. We'll see what the Lord has for
me when I return.
I’m sorry that Sister Sitz is doing so badly. She sure has been through a lot. Tell her Hi for me. Would you also tell Francis and Sis Rankin Hi for me? I miss our home teaching families. We are actually assigned families to home teach out here. It's cool but it‘s hard to work it into our schedule sometimes.
June 23rd
Mom, thanks for the “extra words“. I knew narcissistic, but I didn't know copasetic nor dialectical. I think dialectical is the word for me. I do tend to look at things from a logical point of view. With God's logic of course. The devil has his own logic as well.
So, the area just experienced a miracle. We went from 0 set to 5 set in one week. Two of them are from Cuba. They know nothing about Christ, which makes me more convinced that communism is of the Devil. As we talked they paid a lot of attention,and at the end of the first lesson, we set them for baptism. They are awesome. They came to church and participated in discussions. I'm really excited for them. Cubans are very talkative and friendly people. They don't deserve the kind of lifestyle that is in Cuba. They are rationed food every week, and have no freedom of religion. Do people really want that to happen to this country? I don't want to get too political at the moment, but I fear that this country is headed in that direction.
I've been doing pretty good so far but there IS something that I could use though. If you happen to get the chance, would you be able to order two more ribbon cartridges for my typewriter? I'm on the last one now. Also, Mom, I wanted to thank you for teaching me how to clean. My companion and I have been doing the cleaning for us and the other two missionaries in our apartment. It's helped us maintain a more Spirit-filled atmosphere.
Te quiero mucho!
Elder Miles Parker
