Hola de Los Cambios

Todo está bien aqui en Precursores!

It´s been a wonderful change here, and I´m excited to subject myself to the will of the Lord in this next change. Whether it´s with E´Castro or not, I know that I, as well as barrio precursores and this sector are in the hands of the Good Shepherd.

We have a goal of 8 baptisms this week! We are super excited as zone leaders, and we are going to communicate that excitement to the zone this wednesday in our Zone Meeting. We have planned to immitate the Mission Council meeting to effectively communicate ´la vista´. We plan to also teach about how la obra de salvación es una obra de amor, and how important it is to help less actives with the commitments!

We´ve made a few plans with our stake representative over missionarywork and we are excited to work more closely with much more communication these coming months. Dad, do you have any tips or suggestions in regards to working with the stake?

Sé me asombro el deseo de uno que nunca havia sido rechazado por su religión por compartir su testimonio con so amigo. Sé qu la fe ey el conocimiento espiritual tajaban en contra del temor. Sé que un testimonio de un hijo de Dios que haya experimentado un principio del evangelio recibe poder del espíritu santo que hacve que las cosas grandes y maravillosas en si sean simples hasta un niño lo puede entender. Se que por la expiación nosotros como herramientas o instrumentos impoerfectos dios se nos use perfectamente. 

[What amazes me is how people who haven't been rejected for their religion have such a desire to share their testimony with their friends. I know that faith and spiritual knowledge work against fear. I know that a testimony of a child of God who has experimented upon a gospel principle receives strength from the Holy Ghost, through whom great and marvelous things are made simple that even a child can understand. I know that through the atonement we are like imperfect tools and instruments that God uses perfectly.]

Por la oracion (2N32.9), el perdon, y el arrepentimiento podemos aprender perfectamente de nuestras imperfecciones. Sé que el autocontrol que ganamos por el ayuno nos ayuda acercarnos al reino de Dios. Së que Dios contesta las oraciones dichas y desdichas en los momento de cambio. Los siervos de Dios lleven su poder al salr de su ´propia tierra´. Sé que dios nos trata segun nuestros deseos y intenciones. Si tenemos puros deseos tendremos puros exitos. Por la expiacion podemos refinar dichos deseos y llegar a ser mas espiritual. Sé que el señor requiera un corazon cambiado y espiritu contrito porque es imposible perseverar hasta el fin sin los dos. 

[Through prayer (2Nephi 32:9), forgiveness, and repentance, we can come to a perfect knowledge of our imperfections. I know that the self control that we gain by fasting helps us to come closer to the kingdom of God. I know that God answers spoken and unspoken prayers in times of change. The servants of God carry his power upon leaving his "own land." I know that God tries us according to our desires and intentions. If we have pure desires we will have complete success. Through the atonement, we can refine these desires and become more spiritual. I know that the Lord requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, because it is impossible to endure to the end without both.]

Sé que Dios es un Dios de preparación perfecto, pero ya que no nos preperamos perfectamente, el tiene un plan de misericordia que nos permite recibir según nuestros deseos y no segun nuestras imperfecciones. Sé que es esencial formar una roca de un testimonio para edificar un fuerte servicio missional. Sé que nada hay que puede reemplacer las bendiciones de firmes cimientos de nada nos sierve ser condenados por conocimiento de los misterios si nos falta aplicar los principios. Sé que al ser obediente por razones equicocados, perdemos bendiciones. Al ser manso y humilde como el salvador, podemos recibir un gozo real al servir con todo nuestro corazon alma mente y fuerza. 

 [I know that God is a God of perfect preparation, but since we can't prepare ourselves perfectly, He has a plan of mercy that permits us to receive according to our desires and not according to our imperfections. I know that it is essential to form a rock of a testimony in order to build strong missionary service. I know that there is nothing that can replace the blessings of having a firm foundation. Knowing the mysteries doesn't do us any good if we fail to apply the principles. I know that when we are obedient for the wrong reasons, we lose blessings. When we are meek and humble like the Savior, we can receive a fullness of joy upon serving with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.]

Sé que al dejar a un lado cualquier norma, reponsabilidad o caristeristica de nuestro oficio, perdemos una parte correspondiente de nuestro apartamiento. Sé que la obra del señor tiene su propia forma debida. Sus palabras no son las nuestras y sus pensamiento tampoco, sino nuestra doctrina es su doctrina, nuestras palabras son sus palabras, nuestras acciones son sus acciones, y nuestras voces son su voz. Sé que no es solo es importante escuchar por el voz del espiritu y seguirlo sino tambien serlo y esforzar producir las mismos frutos. 

[I know that shirk whatever norm, responsibility, or characteristic of our duty, we lose a corresponding part of our... I know that the work of the Lord has its own proper form. His words are not ours and neither His thoughts, rather our doctrine is His doctrine, our words His words, our actions His actions, and our voice His voice. I know that not only is it important to listen for the voice of the Spirit and follow it, but also to live it and try to bring forth the same fruits.]

Se que la seperacion del pecado o apartamiento del mundo facilita el progreso espiritual mientras estemos en este apartamiento cada cosa mundial nos roba de dicho facilitimiento. Sé que la oracion y es espiritu de oracion son esenciales para el apredizaje particularmente la aprendizaje espiritual. Sé que para perseverar hasta el fin, debemos mirar adelante hacia Crist, asegurando cada dia que malana seremos feiles. Sé que no somos perfectos y que por la expiacion podemos recibir un perdon por nuestros errores pero me encanta saber que gracia a la expiacion podemos perdonar perfectamente a los que nos ofendan. Sé que el don del espiritu santo es un gran privilegio y un tierno misericordia del senor al esforzar siempre tenerlo, seremos guiado a la perfecion. 

[I know that the separation from sin or setting ourselves apart from the world facilitates spiritual progress.  When we are in this calling, every wordly thing robs us of this help.  I know that prayer and the spirit of prayer are essential to learning, particularly spiritual learning.  I know that to endure to the end, we must look forward to Christ, making sure every day that we are remaining faithful.  I know that we are not perfect and that only through the atonement we will receive forgiveness for our mistakes, but I love knowing that because of the grace that comes because of the atonement we can perfectly forgive those that offend us.  I know the gift of the Holy Ghost is a great privilege and a tender mercy of the Lord to always strive to have with us, guiding us to perfection.]

Sé y agradezco el papel del espiritu santo en hacernos comprender nuestros testimonios y poder aplicarnoslas y ayudar a los demas comprender. Sé que el nuevo y sempiterno convenio que es el evangelio es infinito y no cambia.  Es seguro y recto en un sentido verídico y eterno., Amo a mi dios pr tenerlo y a mi salvado por poder seguirlo. Y al Espíritu santo por lo pequena parte que tengo esperanza de comprender. Se que cuando submitimos nuestro voluntad al sepr aumentael poder de nuestra autoridad, aun cuando nuestros deseos y sus sesuos sean lo mismo.Se que Dios es con ciente de nuestros esfuerzoz y de vez en cuando nos regala un milagro. Podemos verlo para descansar sin quearnos Peisagado o como un boos para salir adelante.

[I know and am grateful for the role of the Holy Ghost in helping us understand our testimonies, apply them, and help others to understand them. I know that the new and everlasting covenant that is the gospel is infinite and doesn’t change.  It is sure and straight in a true and eternal sense.  I love God for having Him and I love my Savior that I can follow Him.  And the Holy Ghost for even the smallest part that I can hope to understand.  I know that when we submit our will to the Lord's, He increases our own authority, even when our desires and His are the same.  I know that God is aware of our efforts and every now and then offers us a miracle.    ...]

Lo siento, es escrito muy rapido y tiene muchos errores, pero es la verdad!

[I'm sorry,  I wrote this very fast and it has lots of mistakes, but it's all true!]

Les amo mucho!

Love, Elder Hicken

Hola de la ultima cuenta regresiva

Todo está bien aquí en Precursores!

It seems like our whole zone is sick! But I think it´s our fault: we went to la parque de las aguas late at night as a zone last wednesday. [From my research online, it's an amazing park with lots of incredible playable fountains...here's a youtube video to give you an idea].

Although we didn´t get wet, it was pretty cold for a long while and most of the latin missionaries aren´t used to such immunity stress. Did you go there when you were here?

[From Brent:]  Yes, we loved it.  We didn’t get wet either as it was pretty chilly.  We only had a couple of hours, but we stayed at Hotel Anthony’s which is right across the street on the back side of it.  We didn’t make it to the far side of the park, but we have some great video and had a lot of fun.

We´re excited to teach the zone this week! I really feel like I have recieved revelation in order to help us along!

No me queda mas tiempo que para testificar que Dios vive! Su hijo tambien! Su espiritu lo testifica, y yo tambien! 

Amo la obra!

[I don't have much more time to testify that God lives!  As does His Son.  His spirit testifies of this, as do I!  I love this work!] 

Thank you for your faith! 

Love, Elder Hicken

Testimonio

Surprise! I`m writing on wednesday! I just want to share my testimony from this past week!

Se que el verdadero progreso puede requerir dejar atrás cosas, personas, o costumbres que mucho amamos pero al someternos a la voluntad del señor recibiremos bendiciones mas grandes. Sè que el adquirir atributos cristianos requiere uso dedicado de la expiación. Tal arrepentimiento conlleva un cambio de corazón que nos lleva a hacer lo bueno según el ejemplo del maestro. Se que no hay mayor ventaja que la comprensión de los primero principios y ordenanzas del evangelio. Sè que los hábitos no nos brinda salvación. ¨Velad, pues, para que esteìs apercibidos¨somos agentes y tenemos que actuar. Sè que debemos hablar con todos pedir referencias a todos invitar a todos amar a todos y adì seremos llenos, TODOS, con el espíritu de la obra! Sè ahora cuan esencial es el deseo como el primer paso del proceso de Fe. El deseo nos distingue en que nivel espiritual estamos y que grado de bendiciones recibiremos. Se que al ser apartados como representantes del Señor Jesucristo tenemos un gran llamamiento y un poder que se puede magnificar a dios se deleita en hacer grande a sus siervos. Se que la humildad es como una valva de poder espiritual que cumple la promesa en DyC 121:45-46. Sè que Dios nos ama muchísimos pero me es increíble que está dispuesto a darnos cualquier cosa que sea para nuestro beneficio si se lo pedimos. Sè que por medio de preparación podemos satisfacer nuestra acción y junto con la oración consagrarlo para nuestro bien. Sè que dios tiene muchas bendiciones disponibles para nosotros y solo se depende en nuestra iniciativa en pedírselas. Pedid y recibirás. Pedid con todo vuestros corazones que les de la caridad! A el que la posea en el postrer día, le irá bien!

Les amo mucho! Sed fieles!

[I know that true progress may require leaving behind certain things, people, or customs that we really love, but by submitting to the will of the Lord we will receive greater blessings.  I know acquiring Christlike attributes requires dedicated use of the atonement.  Such repentance involves a change of heart that leads us to good according to the Master's example.  I know that there is no better way than through the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.  I know that habits do not bring us salvation.  "Watch, therefore, and be ready".  We are watchmen, and we must act.  (see watchmen)  I know that we should talk with everyone, ask for referrals from everyone, invite everyone, love everyone, and by so doing we will all be filled with the spirit of this work!  I now know how essential it is that the first step is Faith.  This desire to have faith distinguishes what level we are spiritually and to what degree of blessings we will receive.  I know that by being set apart as representatives of Jesus Christ we have a great calling and power that can magnify and glorify God.  He delights in showing His power through his servants.  I know that humility is like a shell of power that fulfills the promise in D&C 121:45-46

 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

I know that God loves us very much, but it amazes me that He is willing to give us whatever we need for our benefit if we but ask.  I know that through preparation and prayer, we can consecrate our actions for our good.  I know God has many blessings in store for us that are only made dependent upon our own initiative to ask for them.  Ask and ye shall receive.  Pray with all your hearts to that He will give you charity!   ...and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. (Moroni 7:47) 

I love you all so much!  Remain Faithful!]

Hola

This week has been a great week, for Elder Castro and I personally as well as the Maranga Zone. As a zone, we improved in every key indicator, except for less actives activated. That is our ´humble point´. We´ve got to get going with the informes de miembros nuevos y reactivados so that the less actives start to progress. We´re working with the stake on the 15 names in ward council, but it´s a slow ´repentance process´.

This week we had two intercambios [exchanges], one with the assistants, and one with Elder Mallea. Elder Mallea is a great missionary. While we worked together in his sector, Elder Coloma and Elder Castro worked miracles in our own sector:

Rodrigo was baptized yesterday! Along with Rosa, the mother of a recent convert who has waited SO MANY YEARS to be baptized. Half her family are members for 20 or 30 years...but she is loving having the spirit with her always! She is so happy!

Rodrigo is super excited to share the gospel with everybody and their dog, and is seriously thinking about going to serve a mission. What an amazing experince to be trusted with someone so important and prepared like Rodrigo. He has shared with his friend, Martin, who, in turn, recieved a miracle answer where he heard a voice confirm that what we are teaching him is the truth. He is preparing for baptism on May 3rd. 

I´m learning at 100mph!

Testifico que el Libro de Mormon es la palabra del Señor, la qual lleva un poder inspirador que elimina la tentacion y supera el pesar. Sé que nuestros caminos son preparados según nuestros deseos, y que el espiritu mora en un otro nivel de pensar (Isaias 55:7.8) lo cual podemos alcanzar por medio de la oracion y el ayuno. Testifico de la importancia del dia de reposo, y de los attributos de Cristo.

[I testify that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God, which brings inspired power to remove temptation and overcome grief.  I know that our life paths are prepared according to our desires, and that the spirit dwells in another level of thinking which can be reached through prayer and fasting.  (Isaiah 55:7-8 for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord...).  I testify of the importance of the Sabbath day, and the the attributes of Christ.]

I love the work! It´s physically exhausting and spiritually vivifying! Keep the faith!

Love, Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!

Hola de la Conferencia (General Conference!)

send me your favorite scriptures!

Happy Birthday Tauna and Grandma! Here is a picture of us with your cake. Except we ate it. Sorry. 

Todo está bien aquí en Precursores!

We´re excited for interviews this week! I told the asistants that we could use help converting hope into action; into faith.

On that note, I studied this morning to be able to present how I feel with respect to faithful goals. After looking for scriptures and doctrine on the matter, I realized that it is just to big a subject to treat adequately with an hour of study and 15 minutes of lecture. So far, I have found core doctrine in three main chapters, and three important verses:

• Mormon 9                                                 
• Ether 12                                                    
• Moroni 10 
• Matthew 28:19-20 
• 3 Nephi 18:31-32                                            
• 3 Nephi 27:27

This upcoming week I plan to study a bit more, and be able to present fully what I have learned in future letters and conversations.

This week I have learned the importance of setting goals so that in the future we can measure our progress. I remember the feelings I felt when Sister Borg explained to us that she can see our progress, even though we can´t see it. It´s like my family: they send me pictures, and everyone seems so much older, though they have no idea. Sometimes we need to look ourselves in the mirror spiritually, compare ourselves with a snapshot from the past and see just how much we have grown.

Con amor, Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!

Hola del zoologico! (hello from the Zoo)

I have the spanish-english song about the zoo stuck in my head [click here to hear it and get it stuck in your head, too :)  The second song in the video is the 'volar' song he liked as a kid.], the one from the tape with ´volar´ that I liked. Also recently I have had stuck in my head that song...you´ve gotta work that brain-figure it out! There´s no need to scream or shout, you´ve gotta shake that thing you´ve got upstairs you´ve gotta use that thing that´s under your hair. [click here to hear it] jaja good times on road trips and driving home from soccer games...

Anyway, this week is going to be a little fast, we´re always dealing with getting our time cut short for different things that happen in the zone. As I get better with managing my time, in general and on the computer, the Lord sends me more trials to deal with.

Todo está bien aquí en Precursores!

This week has been really great for us! We have 7 on date, which is a record for me, and 8 progressing! To keep you informed on Rodrigo, I want to share with you what happened this Sunday:

After going to church with us and learning all about the Plan of Salvacion from premortal life to physical death,  Rodrigo left the chapel and decided to go with his friend to her ward in the afternoon. There, he learned all about the Plan of Salvacion from Physical death to the kingdoms of glory! After our lesson with his grandmother, mother, and he, Rodrigo expressed to my companion the following:

        ¨No siento que el dia 19 me debo bautizar. Quiero saber si puedo cambiar el dia.¨[I don't feel that I should be baptized on the 19th.  I'd like to know if I can change the date.]

        My companion responded positively, but obviouly concerned, to which Rodrigo responded:

        ¨¿Podría ser el dia 12? [Could it be the 12th?]

After talking about his schedule, he is planning on performing the ordinance that will seal the covenant he has made in his heart on Sunday the 13th, at 1:00, after the Sunday meetings. We might see attendance similar to that of general conference-he makes friends so easily with the members. We love him and are working our best to keep his family excited to learn more and follow his example when they too have made such a covenant in their hearts to follow the example of Christ.

So far, Elder Castro and I have improved greatly in our punctuality, and we are excited to see the blessings flow.

We´re super excited to learn in our leadership training meeting tomorrow!

I wrote a ton to President Borg today, I don´t have a whole lot to write. Things about mission things, so to not bore the audience, I have omitted it.

I´m sorry I didn´t share my testimony last week in my email! Time flew so fast I didn´t have time! And now my time is almost up, so I´ve got to testify:

Sé que la energía y el poder de amor es directamente relacionado con la fe. Al asociarnos con amor divino, seremos renovados, motivados, elevados, y purificados para ser mas como nuestro todo amoroso padre Celestial. El Libro de Mormón supera toda origino humano, y al ayudar a las personas a leerlo, les invitamos a venir a Cristo y al leerlo invitan un poder divino en sus vidas. A pesar de la carga que sea nuestra, podemos cambiarlo para un yugo ligera y fácil- la cruz que se nos dará por Cristo Jesús. Así hallaremos descanso en este mundo infiltrado con error y tinieblas. Dios mostró a José Smith las planchas 3 anos antes de dárselas para traducir. Dios no da mandamientos sin prepararnos la vía de cumplir. Esta vida es un tiempo para prepararnos para aparecer ante Dios. Dios es un Dios de preparación, lo sé. La fe es el primer principio del universo. Es el base de toda energía y acción. Por la fe andamos ahora pero en el futuro, no solo andaremos. Sé que la debilidad del ser mortal es la diligencia y por eso tenemos necesidad de enfocarnos. Al enfocar y crear hábitos, progresamos en una purificación que nos guía al salvador del mundo.

[I know that love's energy and power is directly related to faith.  As we utilize divine love, we become renewed, motivated, elevated, and purified to be more like our all loving Heavenly Father.  The Book of Mormon surpasses all things of human origin, and by helping people read it, we invite them to come unto Christ and upon reading the book, they are inviting a divine power into their lives.  Although the load is ours to carry, we can change it for a yoke that is light and easy -- the cross that Jesus Christ gives us.  That is how we will find rest in this world infiltrated by wickedness and darkness.  God showed Joseph Smith the plates three years before He gave them to him to translate.  God does not give us commandments without preparing a way for us to achieve them.  This life is the time for us to prepare to appear before God.  God is a God of preparation, I know.  Faith is the first principle of the universe.  It is the basis of all energy and action.  By faith we walk now but in the future we will not only walk.  I know that the weakness of the mortal being is diligence; therefore we must stay focused.  By focusing and creating good habits, we will progress in a purification guided by the Savior of the world.]

   

I just want to share with you one thing I fasted for this past week: the abilty to magnify not only my calling, but help others to be magnified by their callings, and in turn, to do the same. 

• Joshua 3:7 -- And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
• 2 Chronicles 1:1-- And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
• D&C 41:1 -- Hearken and hear, O ye my people, saith the Lord and your God, ye whom I delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings, ye that hear me; and ye that hear me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with the heaviest of all cursings.
• D&C 76:5 -- For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

Love Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!

Hola!

Todo está bien aqui en Precursores!

Estamos viendo milagros aqui! [We are seeing miracles here!]  There isn´t time to write or read them all, but here´s the low down. 

Apart that we have 8 children of God with a set goal for baptism, 7 of which were there at church, and progressing rapidly, they each have their miracle story. I just want to share one of them.

Rodrigo is 23 and lives with his single mother and grandmother. Years ago he met a member of the church while working, but later lost contact. After several years, they reencountered recently in a plane, flying out of Lima. In the conversacion [conversation], she shared that she was working to be able to serve a mission--the church topic was out of the bag. Rodrigo, being a less active Catholic, was enchanted by the feeling of joy that his friend always seemed to feel, and asked if he could go to church some time. She invited him to her farewell talk (she has been called to serve in Temple Square). After church, as he was walking home with his mom, he passed us by [and] couldn´t resist a prompting to talk to us. He expressed his surprise on having encountered us, and that it must be a sign of something good. We set up a return appointment, and taught him the basics of the plan of salvacion [salvation] and the doctrine of Christ. He excitedly accepted the invitation to be baptised, and we set up a date for the 19th before commiting him to pray with all his heart to know if he should be baptised. The next morning he sent us a message expressing his positive feelings, and in the afternoon he ran in to the sister missionaries! He called us and we expressed mutual suprise, and invited him to read the pamphlet on the Restauracion [Restoration ... switching spanish for english is a good sign for a missionary being immersed in the language!]. The next day, on his way to work, he ran into the Elderes from La Libertad! He called us to express, once again, his surprise, and his feeling that God is putting all the pieces in place to help him know that we will guide him to his presence. We are excited to meet with him again this week and help his mother want to follow his example.

In the Work of Salvacion, not only our investigators are progressing, but our ward! Our ward council has been fantastically effective the past two weeks, and our missionary correlacion [correlation] is improving drastically. Our stake is very strong, thanks to the Relief Society, but the Priesthood pillar is hanging by a string. We hope to start the home teaching program this transfer in our own ward, and help the other wards to do the same. 

As zone leaders, Elder Castro and I have decided to focus our efforts in two main areas: (1) punctuality and (2) motivation. We want to keep a level of trustful respect between us and our district leaders, and the district leaders and their missionaries. Especially in a zone with many sister missionaries. We also want to comply with our responsibility to not only supervisar [supervise], or motivar [motivate], sino elevar, animar, inspirar, y bendecir [but also to uplift, enthuse, inspire, and bless]. Our main goal, is efficiently communicate ´la vista del presidente´ [the president's vision] that we recieve by way of the assistants.

Gracias por todo!

Elder Hicken

Hola de St Patrick's day

 Hola Presidente!

Todo está bien aquí en Precursores!

Everything seems to be taking a turn for the better. I feel much more comfortable as zone leader than at the beginning of the change. The worst part is how the whole change we haven´t finished our full hour and a half of internet. 

Other than that, our zone is picking up pace! Thank you for your help, we´re looking forward to changes next week!

Love, Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!

Sé que maldito es el que hace de la carne su brazo, o que confíe en su propio habilidad. La carne es nuestra debilidad y será hasta que sea purificada. No podemos fortalecerlo hasta perfección, sino podemos dejarlo en el alcanzo de la Expiación. Este semana fortalecí mi testimonio do lo esencial que es la fe para el progreso. A través de actos de fe, vayamos cumpliendo con el plan de salvación. Sé que sin un plan nuestra fe (1-deseo) nunca se concentra(2) y entonces nuestras obras(3) son ineficaces. Así que enflaqueceremos la prueba(4) y no veremos milagros(5). Pero con planes, saldremos exitosos con los milagros que mereceremos. Solo al pasar la prueba de fe viene los milagros. Con fe tan fuerte como nosotros tenemos pruebas fuertes, lo cual nos brinda milagros grandes!

Les amo a todos!

[I know that cursed is he who puts his trust in the arm of the flesh, or who trusts in his own ability.  The flesh is our weakness and it will be until we are purified.  We can not strengthen it ourselves unto perfection, rather we need to leave it in the reach of the atonement.  This week my testimony has been strengthened about how essential faith is for our progress.  Through acts of faith, we will fulfill the plan of salvation.  I know that without a plan our faith (1-desire) never is focused (2) and the then our works (3) are ineffective.  This is how we reduce the test (4) and do not see miracles (5).  But with plans, we will succeed with the miracles that we deserve.  Just  pass the test of faith and then come the miracles.  With faith as strong as we have strong evidence, that faith will bring grand miracles!  I love you all!]

Hola...tarde :) [A Late Hello]

Sorry for writing late this week. This mission is a one of a kind experience.

Todo está bien aqui en Precursores!

We´ve had an interesting week, but it´s been more productive. We still have yet to set a matriage date for the Isasi family, which means they don´t have baptisimal dates either, but they have the idea of getting married and baptized the same day in their heads, which is great.

Teresa gave in on her iceberg this week. That´s the miracle of having a date set, is that it helps them progress! She loves the Catholic saints. She feels like they have protected her and answered her prayers all her life. We are going to try to convert her faith in the saints into faith in Christ. If you have any suggestions for us, we´re looking for divine help!

We´re trying something (regretably) new! No quemar a los misioneros! [Do not burn the missionaries!]  It's working miracles, or at least that´s how we feel. We´ve yet to see results in baptisms, but slowly but surely it´s raising the numbers that really matter. As we keep in mind that we are personal representatives of Jesus Christ, and that the missionaries we are speaking to are his sheep, we are feeling the spirit much more as we work together.

The big news this week is that I´m learning sign language. We have a few members in the ward whose parents are deaf and mute and we´ve gone to look for them, because their kids are less active. So now I´m learning and practicing with them. The teaching process is slow.

My companion and I are working a lot with learning english. We´ve been improving both our english and our spanish speaking, los dos [both of them]! I didn´t realize how much english I´ve forgotton (especially about the gospel) until a new sister from the states asked me to give her a blessing in english. It wasn´t the easiest thing. Elder Castro says that the spirit manifests itself differently through me when I speak in english as opposed to when I speak in spanish. Any thoughts on that? Interesting, is about all I´ve got.

Sorry it´s short! I´ve only got a half hour this week!

Sé que como representantes actuales de Jesús tenemos la habilidad de solidificar la fe do las personas en preparación por los milagros. Esto es nuestro primer propósito. Sé que quienes ensenan mas o menos del evangelio de Jesucristo no son suyos. Que tenemos que ensenar con el fin de aplicárselo el evangelio a ellos mismos por medio de aumentar fe y cambiar por arrepentimiento.Sé que las escrituras nos dirán todo lo que debemos hacer. Sé que según mi voluntad hoy Dios se encargó de mi aprendizaje para que aprendiera lo que el quiso. Sé que dios requiere todo y es posible darle todo por medio de la expiación. En ella debemos tener esperanza.Se que los dones del espíritu son disponibles a los hijos de Dios según so recepción del espíritu por la obediencia. Sé que los patriarcas son inspirados por un conexión fino con el espíritu, lo cual brinda poder según los dones del espíritu. Al ver nuestros investigadores en la capilla de su propia voluntad, y los lideres participa en el consejo de barrio, sentí la gratificación y gozo de saber que los había inspirado y motivado para cumplir con lo que el señor espera de ellos. Sé que planes son necesarios para lograr metas dignas: metas que requieren un mayor esfuerzo, pero son posibles. Sé que dios tiene un plan perfecto para nosotros que si o si se cumple. Cuando estemos donde y como debemos estar, recibimos las bendiciones. Mientras estemos en el horno de la misión, Dios tiene su receta y se está cumpliendo para que seamos una creación suya listo para la pastelería de la ¨vida después¨.

[I know that as actual representatives of Jesus Christ, we have the ability to solidify people's faith in preparation for miracles.  This is our first priority.  I know that people that teach more or less than the gospel of Jesus Christ are not His.  We have to teach with the in a way that they learn to apply the gospel to themselves in order to increase their own faith and to change unto repentance.  I know that the scriptures will tell us all things which we must do.  I know that according to myown will today, God took charge of my learning in order for me to learn what He wanted me to learn.   I know that God requires all and it is possible to give it all through the atonement.  In it [the atonement] we should have hope.  I know that the gifts of the Spirit are available to the children of God according to their reception to the Spirit through obedience.  I know that the patriarchs are inspired with an acute connection to the Spirit, which brings power according to those spiritual gifts.  Seeing our investigators in the chapel by their own free will, and the leaders involved in ward council, I felt joy and gratification to know that He had inspired and motivated them to fulfill what the Lord expects of them.  I know that plans are necessary to achieve our worthy goals:  goals may take a lot of effort, but they are possible.  I know that God has a perfect plan for us and no matter what it will be fulfilled.  When we are where we should be and doing what we should be doing, we receive blessings. While we are in the "furnace" of our mission, God has His own "recipe" and it is being carried out in order that we become His own creation, ready for the "bakery" in the "after life".]

Thank you for all you do!

I love you!

Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!

Hola de Stake Conference

Todo está bien aquí en Precursores!

All is well, but just because we´re doing fine. Logros this week were a lot lower than we had expected, and we´ve spent a lot of time this morning searching for revelation. After studying a list of ´La Vista del Presidente´we have a few crazy ideas to try and edify the faith of our missionaries so that they can produce miracles. One thing we want to try is ´blitzkreig´ sectors by sending an entire district to work for a morning in one sector, focused on setting people on date and setting up return appointments. It inspires to have 6, or 8, or 10 people on date, even if only 2 or 3 end up preparing themselves to be baptized.

We´re going through the trial of faith with our golden family, and it´s going to be a trial of longanimity. We´re going to press forward!

Our investigator on date for this weekend is thinking twice-she used to be a hard-core catholic, but her less active granddaughter has softened her heart a little with a touch of humility in trials. We´re doing our best to help her recieve an answer.

I´m not sure why this came to mind this morning as I thought of what to write, but I feel that the Lord has something particularly unexpected ready for me. I am ready for whatever it might be, although I feel that it will be right where it will be most incomfortable.

I finally feel like I´m a good missionary. I´m ready to invite others to come unto Christ and help them receive the restored gospel. 

This past week was stake conference! Something I really liked was how President Borg, and also Elder Espinoza (70) made the members want to have missionary experiences, and then invited them to do so. It makes me want to do the same with every invitation I make as a missionary. Elder Espinoza invited me up on the stand to explain to everyone what an ´informe de progreso´ [progress report] is. 

Hooray! I sent messages to almost everyone in my inbox today! Which takes a lot of stress of my shoulders, so that I can feel the spirit and share my testimony.

Sé que las santas escrituras y el evangelio que se encuentra a dentro de ellas son infinito y perfecto Dios ha guardado santo esos libros para nuestro capacidad de necesitar. Martes aprendí la importancia de todo el ministerio de Jesucristo que no fue su expiación. Ahora comprendo mas la grandeza de llegar a ser mas como Cristo. Sé que la diligencia nunca es tarde. si perdimos una oportunidad de hacer algo puntualmente, no significa que ya no vale hacerlo. Sé que Cristo nos está edificando un ´ladrillo´a la vez. Cada desafió es engerido por el, para nosotros, y a medida que oremos nos será consagrada nuestra obra. El conductor del espíritu es la humildad, y que sin ella somos siego, más oblivio. Sé que hay un principio eterno atrás del poder de la voz cantante, y las palabras que emplea. Dicho principio inspira, motiva, eleva, y bendice, a los oyentes según el espíritu de la comunicación. Se que la obra de Salvación es una obra de amor, la cual no se puede cumplir en su extenso sin un porción de la caridad que Dios brinda a los que verdaderamente le siguen.

Les amo mucho!

[I know the Holy Scriptures and the gospel that is within them are infinite and perfect .  God has kept these holy books for our need.  Tuesday I learned the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ that was not the Atonement.  Now I better understand the grandeur of becoming more like Christ.  I know that it is never too late to be diligent.  If we lost an opportunity to do something on time, it doesn't mean that we can no longer do it...I know that Christ is building us, 'one brick at a time'.  Each challenge is engineered by Him, for us, and through our prayers our work will be consecrated.  The spirit is based on humility, and without it we are blind.  I know that there is an eternal principle about the tone of voice and words that we used.  This principle inspires, motivates, uplifts, and blesses those who hear according to the spirit of the communication.  I know that the work of salvation is a work of love, a love which we can not be fully met without the charity that God gives those who truly seek it.

I love you very much!]

   

Love, Elder Hicken

Hurrah for Israel!