#noSplash

Hello friends and family! So, the biggest piece of news this week is that our friend A*** did not end up being baptized as we planned yesterday. There was a lack of communication, and she wasn't able to make it to church. Gladly, we can simply push it back a week! So she should be baptized this next Sunday.

Our friend, D*****, came to church by surprise! He texted us 15 minutes before church started, letting us know he was on his way. He had a great time, and we are super happy for him. 

We also found another part-member family. The mother was baptized roughly 10 years ago, and when she moved here 5 years ago she stopped going to church when she couldn't find the chapel. But we found her and her husband on the street the other day and they were all for us coming by! The mother C***** is super solid. Her husband E**** seems to be less excited but willing to get closer to God. So we are going to keep going by.

I went on an exchange with Elder Farnsley this week. He is from Georgia and we had an awesome time together! all the appointments we had fell through, so it was simply just knocking a lot of doors that stayed shut. But he didn't let that get us down. Later that day, we saw an elotero (street vendor of corn) walking down the street. I bought both us of elotes! But if any of you decide to do the same, don't make the same mistake I did by asking for extra chile. Your lips will be burning. I'll attach pictures.

They have come out with a new Preach My Gospel! It's basically the same as before, just with a lot of minor tweaks and changes. This is such a testimony to me of continuing revelation through modern-day prophets. The Bible and Book of Mormon can only take us so far, but I'm so glad that the Lord has chosen men on this earth to lead and guide his church and the affairs of his people!   www.lds.org

Con Amor, 

Elder Horton

Elote

District pictures

#Cooler

I thank my Bolivian buddy Elder Stewart for lending me his cold weather for a couple of days. We have had a good spurt of 70 degree weather with some light rain. 

We've also had a spurt of success, so I appreciate all the prayers from you wonderful people! I can truly say I felt the power of those prayers and I'm not sure this work would go anywhere if it wasn't for all the people around the world praying for the missionaries.

About 2 weeks ago we met a man named Daniel. He seemed very interested on first contact. We gave him a few scriptures to read over text, and got a return appointment. In that return appointment, we taught him more about the Book of Mormon through the Restoration and invited him to be baptized on the 8th of July. He's one of those people the Lord has prepared.

Other sad news, Maria Z. (the one who believed the Book of Mormon is true before we met her) has seemed to cut all ties with us the missionaries. We visit and call multiple times a week and nothing... Even when she's home she won't come out to meet us! Jeffery R. Holland has said that he believes that us as missionaries, in order to understand something of the price that has been paid by Christ, we may have to feel some of that burden ourselves. This includes shedding one of the small tears he shed. When I think of Maria, I shed a small tear.

But, the Lord's work always moves on.

I also want to give a shoutout to Elder Curtis Larsen and Elder Reid Puzey who have recently finished their missions. Well done boys! (And to sister Sydney Lewis, who is close.)

Elder Price and I have recently started to work more through the members of the church. We all know that missionary work goes faster and more efficient when all of you, as members, take an active part in the missionary work. We all have desires, it's simply that some of us just don't know how. Maybe you have a friend you want to share the gospel with, but you're nervous. If that's the case, reach out to the local missionaries and they can help you. I encourage you all (especially the youth) to begin helping the Lord's work move forward by speaking with the missionaries and asking how you can help.

This is the Lord's work. This is the true church. Anyone who wants to know that can read, ponder, and pray about the Book of Mormon. That is our evidence. Don't believe me? READ THE BOOK.

Con Amor,

Elder Horton

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Found a beetle who I really bonded with.

Planning...planning...planning

Spanglish

The awesome Jimenez Family

#Tests

Hola y'all!

Well I've had an interesting week.

I know we all have times in our lives when we feel the Lord is truly testing us. We go through trials, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel but feel like that light doesn't get any bigger. It can often feel like we are trudging through the pits of life, and we wonder, "how can God be the cause of all this?" I still wonder that sometimes. We met a lady named Marcela yesterday who felt the same way. She has been going through some hard trials for the past 15/20 years. She has a terrible memory, and barely remembers her name. Her family doesn't let her leave her house for fear that she will get lost. She felt desperate while talking to us. In that moment, I felt a little what she felt. Desperation, because sometimes no matter what you do things can't get better. But a firm testimony in Jesus Christ helps me to get out of situations and "funks" of thought just like that! I felt the power of my testimony as I bore it to her about God's plan for us. I bear that same testimony to you all! God has a plan for us personally, and together for all of us as his children. I know that. It includes trials and difficulties as well as joys and successes. Let's not forget that we are here on this earth to learn and grow. Tests will always be the constant, and the variable will be how we react to each tests the Lord sends our way.

What trials are you going through personally, where you ask why God has sent you this? I invite you to look at the purpose of this life as contained in Alma 34:32 and consider how that certain trial will help you arrive there. Sorry I don't have a lot to report on this week, but have a good week and I will talk to y'all next Monday!

Con Amor,

Elder Horton

#work

Hello families and friends! So happy to be writing you all once again!
So this week has been very good. We have seen a lot more success than recently. Let me tell you a little about the people we are working with.
Maria Z is someone found by other Elders and referred to us. Upon further meeting and talking with her, we found out that she had previously been taught by missionaries. She has her own Book of Mormon, and ever since they stopped visiting her 2 years ago she has continued reading it. She finds it clearer than the Bible and believes it's true. Yesterday she came to church for the first time! She loved it! We are so excited to help her progress to her baptismal date on the 17th.
we have Angie as well. She's 9 years old and is part of a family where some are members. She has a desire to be baptized, and so she is also preparing herself to be baptized on the 17th. That should be a big day, if all goes well.
We also have a nice lady named Ana. She was a referral from her brother in Utah. We have been able to speak with her a little and she is interested in the message we have to share. She spoke to her brother and he encouraged her to hear us out. It should be interesting to see what she says the next time we visit.
Another man we are teaching is named Jose. Our first visit with him, when we were teaching the Restoration he broke down in tears. He's searching for something more in his life. Happy for him, the Gospel of Jesus Christ can fill that hole.
I know this is the work of the Lord and that he is at the helm. Wherever we are, I know he guides this work to bring to pass Salvation for all those who hear his voice and the voice of his servants. Even though my time is short here in the California Long Beach mission, I'm learning every day. I know Jesus is my Savior, I know the Bible and Book of Mormon are true, I know that this life is short and very important. So go out and make the best of it you can!
Con Amor,
Elder Horton

Hey there

Mongolian BBQ

Exchanges