Things Are Good 02/25/2013

It sounds like everyone is having a wonderful time wherever they are. I wish you all the best, hope all is going well. Thanks for keeping me updated, I enjoy hearing how you all are doing. Things down here are going well. The work continues! It’s getting hotter; we find ourselves all ways crossing to the shady side of the street to avoid getting too toasted. We have been enjoying ourselves though. Sometimes the neighborhood dogs follow us around, we enter a house to teach and they wait outside for us and then we continue on to the next appointment. People here are very friendly and supportive. The members love to feed us and try as much as possible to make visits with us. I would have to say that it’s not the biggest town (it’s called Pemex City, but really it’s just a town) but its never boring here. We always have things to do and there are lots of people to visit.


We passed by this week to say hello to Rodolfo, a recent convert.  During the conversation I happened to ask him how old he was. He pondered for a moment, and then asked me what day it was. We responded well it’s the 22nd of February! Shocked, having had forgotten the date, told us it was his birthday, he was turning 71! So his grandchildren, my companion and I all sang him happy birthday which he enjoyed very much!


One of the members brothers passed away rather suddenly and it’s been pretty hard for him. I feel grateful though to know that he knows the Plan of Salvation and that this isn't the end. We have spent time with him and we try to teach but really all he wants right now is just someone to listen, so we listened and he seems to be doing better. Another members father passed away and she got sick at the same time. Things get tough sometimes, people go through so many things and it just amazes me how people can handle situations, however difficult they may be. I know the gospel surely helps.


Someone from the stake came to visit the branch and he shared a talk about afflictions, relating a story of a swordsmith. Someone asked the swordsmith how he made such marvelous, strong swords that never broke. He said the secret is knowing exactly how many times to hit the sword while making it to end up with the strongest, most refined sword possible. And so it is in our lives in comparison to swords, The Lord knows exactly how many hits we need to become the most refined people we can become, each hit has a purpose. As we turn to the Lord he will strengthen us spiritually and we will progress here on earth. He doesn’t promise we won’t have afflictions, but he does allow us to learn from them, if we so choose.

Love you all!

Elder Peine

Just me!

Rodolfo and his grandkids

Enjoying the Gospel 02/18/2013

We had a wonderful visit from one of the quorum of the 70 this week, Elder Daniel L. Johnson. Teaching the principals of the Gospel to investigators, less active members, and active members so that they understand was the main topic of the conference.


The primary had a baking activity and they asked us to join them at the end. We got to try there concoctions which actually turned out quite delicious. It was good to see all the kinds having a good time together.


We passed by to see on the members and it pleased us to see that one of the investigators was there when we arrived! The member had started making friends with the investigator which made us both rather happy!


We taught a less active member the Plan of Salvation who replied with surprise saying how he had never really thought to much about the plan before. We talked about the Savior and His atonement. He replied saying that he really needed to focus his life more on the Savior. He pointed out that He is the center of everything, for example even how we calculate time before and after his birth, and that he should be the center of our lives.  It was touching to realize how much Christ really should be at the front of our minds more and the impact that He can play in our peace, family, and everyday life.


I love the work. It’s fabulous. After having spend a day and a half in Villahermosa (away from my area for the conference) coming back to my area, it really did feel like home sweet home. I love you all so very much, may you all be guided by the Spirit, and may you recognize the many blessings the Lord gives us. I know he cares and works to bless us in so many ways.


With much love,

Elder Peine

Us with the branch president

Sunset

Primary!

A Childs Prayer- 02/11/2013

A little boy named David, who's family are members, was baptised this week. Brother Manuel, the Sunday school president baptised him and everything went wonderfully. To finish David was asked to say the prayer. With sincerity and love he thanked God for his baptism, for everyone that came, and for his family. He asked that everyone could be blessed and it was rather sweet. I think we all had a moment of silence right after, just in shock of the simple tenderness of a child's prayer.

My companion and I were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I enjoyed the wonderful spirit that was present in the small little sacrament room and am thankful to know such loving, wonderful people. Living the gospel has not been easy for most of them but their diligence and service is outstanding. They strive every day to be able to have a happy family even though setbacks do arise. We continue to work with the members in helping their friends learn about the gospel.

I love you all so very much. Enjoy this week!

Elder Peine

Sunset (its not This is The Place park, but its still rather wonderful)

Davids baptism

Congratulations David!