Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Week 87
Here is the latest letter from Jacob. The weeks are passing quickly and soon it will be August 15th and he will be home. The time has passed so quickly.
"Hey there everyone! Thanks a lot for the letter and the moral support, we had a very solid week and I'm really getting excited to work this week. There's not much new, we've been very busy and this week we're going to be much busier, but it keeps me going. It wasn't as hot this week, and we're almost done with the hottest month of the year. Next Wednesday, we're going to head up to an old castle called San Juan if you wanna look it up, I'm sure everyone will want to visit Veracruz in the family... That is kind of a tough part of The Book of Mormon, but there's all sorts of treasures to find too. That's a very interesting find in New Mexico, what else do we need to prove the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon? That's wonderful news about the Church, I hope Mitt Romney gets a shot at anwsering questions about the Church and bearing testimony of it, maybe he could pass Obama a copy of The Book of Mormon... Who's he going to run with? We saw an article in the paper about the Church down here, I have no idea why it was printed but it mentioned that a Bishop of a local ward slipped in soapy water and possible fractured some bones. It was the strangest article I've seen in awhile. Haha, we sent off our third companion for a few days to cover a sick missionary's spot. Well, thanks for your prayers, I hope everything goes well with the family. I'm trying to work the hardest I can knowing that the time is ticking away, just keep on praying for me and the people that I'm here to teach. I love you all and I can't wait to hear from you next week!
-Elder Butterfield
Week 86
Well no email today because we talked/skyped with him on Sunday. It was so nice to hear and see him It was a nice visit with him. No post this week.
Week 85
So excited to get my last skype/phone call with Jake before he is home for good. Here is his latest letter.
"Hello! Sorry I couldn't write on Monday, it was a busy day. I'll certainly be calling on Skype around 4:00 on Sunday, don't miss it! We only get 40 minutes to talk (new rules) but it should be alright. Yesterday, we went to the Zone Leaders' Counsel and afterwards President took us to see La Laguna Verde that is the only nuclear power plant in all of Mexico. It was quite an amazing sight I must, I'll explain a little more on Sunday.Thanks and I'll talk to you soon!
-Elder Butterfield
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Week 84
Well here it is week 84 and here is Jacob's latest letter.
"Hey there! What a pleasure it is to hear from you all! It's actually been scorching hot here, but I'm constantly rubbing sunscreen on my face and arms. It was a tough week, but also a blessed week. We were given the priviledge of helping a couple get married and baptized in a little branch where there are no missionaries. They had been going to Church for more than a year, but they weren´t married because the man needed to get divorced (something difficult to do in Mexico). They were baptized in one of the gourgous beaches here in Veracuz. Thanks a lot for sending me my schedule, when do you want me to return home? This week there are going to be some transfers in the zone and we're going to receive another companion who has had a tough time recently. I'm really excited to get out and work and do everything I can for the people here. Could you tell my sisters to write me? Haha, I certainly appreciate their letters of support every once in awhile. Well, tell Pat that I say hi all the way from Veracruz. I'm struggling but I'm certainly growing and experiencing the power of the Atonement. There was never any event of equal importance neither will there be in our history and existence. I declare that Jesus Christ lives and that He knows and loves even the worst of sinners. His grace and mercy are great enough to defeat any affliction of ours, there is not much more to preach about, there is not much more to study about when one begins to understand the shere awesomeness that is the Atonement of Our Lord and the Sacrifice of Our Father in Heaven who withstood the pain of watching His perfect Son suffer without a single complaint. I love the Lord and we must offer a sacrifice similiar to His if we are to become His disciples.
-Elder Butterfield
Week 83
Well here we are at week 83 can't believe it. The time is slowly winding down and I am looking forward to my last phone call from Jacob before he is home. Here is his latest letter.
"Hey there, thanks a lot for the email! What did Elder Wilson speak on? Is the Stake going to split? Thanks for going to the temple, it is the best way to pass a Friday night. Could you send me my schedule and the classes I'm going to be taking? I'm not opposed to taking an extra Math class. If you feel like I should live on campus again that's perfect, I would probably like living in apartments, but on campus is fine too. The weather is fine here, just really hot, it's tough walking around all day in the sun, but I'm always sure to put on sunscreen or as they call it here, ''bloqueador.'' I'm not in need of anything right now, I just always enjoy the packages with random things inside. We had a tough week because no one showed up to Church, but we're putting our trust in the Lord. I really want to finish up strong and I don't want to waste time either. It's time to be converted and stick it out, I'm really going to have to rely on the Atonement for focus and strength. It's been such an amazing experience, I really don't want to come back the same. I look forward to talking with you all on Mother's Day, and I'm sure you all too. I love you all for the constant sacrifices you've made for me and because you didn't give up on me when I acted poorly. It's a true lesson in patience and I thank you for teaching me it. Well, I better get going, it's time to work!
Love you all,
-Elder Butterfield
Monday, April 16, 2012
Week 82
I am totally caught up on letters and I will try really hard to keep it that way for the last few months. Here is Jacob's latest letter along with a couple of pictures.
"Hey everyone! I thought Erica would be headed to Canada, but I guess it will be even colder than I thought! Elder Gunther, my former companion, has a brother that served there and I hear it gets pretty chilly; and we thought we had it bad in Wisconsin... Haha, that wonderful news, I believe Erica will be in the MTC for quite a while, maybe I'll be able to write them. I'm doing fantastic here and I'm really set on working hard to help out the mission and the Lord. This week we found a number of new people and although everything wasn't perfect, we ended very well. On Saturday we were blessed to enter the temple with one of the converts from my first area (my companion had met her too) and I did the work for her late husband in the initiatories and the endowment. She was then sealed to him in a very brillant and spiritual ceremony. I love this Work and I am amazed at the mercy and the love the Lord has for us. On Sunday we ended the week with a baptismal service of a young boy named Gabriel. It has been a week of pure miracles. I hope you share these experiences with Mitch and Erica and I will certainly let them know too. Thanks for sacrificing so much for me and I love you all.
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey everyone! I thought Erica would be headed to Canada, but I guess it will be even colder than I thought! Elder Gunther, my former companion, has a brother that served there and I hear it gets pretty chilly; and we thought we had it bad in Wisconsin... Haha, that wonderful news, I believe Erica will be in the MTC for quite a while, maybe I'll be able to write them. I'm doing fantastic here and I'm really set on working hard to help out the mission and the Lord. This week we found a number of new people and although everything wasn't perfect, we ended very well. On Saturday we were blessed to enter the temple with one of the converts from my first area (my companion had met her too) and I did the work for her late husband in the initiatories and the endowment. She was then sealed to him in a very brillant and spiritual ceremony. I love this Work and I am amazed at the mercy and the love the Lord has for us. On Sunday we ended the week with a baptismal service of a young boy named Gabriel. It has been a week of pure miracles. I hope you share these experiences with Mitch and Erica and I will certainly let them know too. Thanks for sacrificing so much for me and I love you all.
-Elder Butterfield
Monday, April 9, 2012
Week 81
Here is the latest letter from Jacob.
"Hey there everyone, Happy Birthday to Stryder too! We had a very busy week with activities, divisions, training meetings and a lot of tracting. The whole country is on vacations and I think they all go to Veracruz, haha, it was the hottest it's been down here, and I got a little sunburnt the other day even with the sunscreen I put on (I now am certain to reapply every few hours). The beach is packed and there are quite a few people the left for the week. We had an activity with the young men from one of the stakes, and we went on divisions for a few days. The young man that was with me was very shy, but willing to share his testimony. We've been experiencing tough times here, but we're not losing the faith. We just found out that we're getting about 30 new missionaries in the mission and I'm sure some will end up in our zone. It's time to prepare for the big division of the mission and we have to lead it. The leadership is essentially the same out here, but I would say that the Mission President is more active here. The missionaries have to do a great deal of things for each branch and ward, but it's basically the same. Before I close we went to the acquarium today and it was quite spectacular, we'll come visit it sometime in the future. Well the time is going by fast and I love it! Talk to you next week!
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there everyone, Happy Birthday to Stryder too! We had a very busy week with activities, divisions, training meetings and a lot of tracting. The whole country is on vacations and I think they all go to Veracruz, haha, it was the hottest it's been down here, and I got a little sunburnt the other day even with the sunscreen I put on (I now am certain to reapply every few hours). The beach is packed and there are quite a few people the left for the week. We had an activity with the young men from one of the stakes, and we went on divisions for a few days. The young man that was with me was very shy, but willing to share his testimony. We've been experiencing tough times here, but we're not losing the faith. We just found out that we're getting about 30 new missionaries in the mission and I'm sure some will end up in our zone. It's time to prepare for the big division of the mission and we have to lead it. The leadership is essentially the same out here, but I would say that the Mission President is more active here. The missionaries have to do a great deal of things for each branch and ward, but it's basically the same. Before I close we went to the acquarium today and it was quite spectacular, we'll come visit it sometime in the future. Well the time is going by fast and I love it! Talk to you next week!
-Elder Butterfield
Week 80
I can't believe we are at week 80 and only 5 months to go. The time moves along so quickly. Jacob included two pictures this week so here is his latest letter along with a couple of pictures.
"Hey there! It's certainly a busy time here and I really enjoyed it, we set goals with the other zone leaders for the entire mission on Tuesday and then had splits with another companionship this week. Here are some fun pictures, one is from a ranch, it's of two trees intergrowing, the other... well look closely. Conference was quite enjoyable although I was a little sick this week, I'm pretty sure it's the new, much hotter, climate that's trying to confuse my body. Mikkal would certainly enjoy it here, and the city is actually full of tourists for ''Holy Week'' vacations. The Conference was a delight, I especially enjoyed the common themes interwoven into the talks, themes such as conversion, the Atonement and the family. We watched it from the stake center, which is on temple grounds, so it was a very calm and peaceful experience. Next week I may be blessed with the opportunity to enter into the temple with a convert from my first area (if you still have my letters her name is Carmen and I'm sure I wrote about her). I certainly love this area and I'm learning more every day about how I can be a better leader, teacher, friend and family member. I must say that President Monson is certainly a Prophet of God and that this is the only true and living Church on the face of the earth. We experienced a great deal of adversity here, but it's all for our good. 5 months left, it's time, more than ever to work in the lord's vineard. I invite you all to help out in this great cause, after all, I feel that we as a Church can double the number of converts we have each year.
Thanks again and I love you all!
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there! It's certainly a busy time here and I really enjoyed it, we set goals with the other zone leaders for the entire mission on Tuesday and then had splits with another companionship this week. Here are some fun pictures, one is from a ranch, it's of two trees intergrowing, the other... well look closely. Conference was quite enjoyable although I was a little sick this week, I'm pretty sure it's the new, much hotter, climate that's trying to confuse my body. Mikkal would certainly enjoy it here, and the city is actually full of tourists for ''Holy Week'' vacations. The Conference was a delight, I especially enjoyed the common themes interwoven into the talks, themes such as conversion, the Atonement and the family. We watched it from the stake center, which is on temple grounds, so it was a very calm and peaceful experience. Next week I may be blessed with the opportunity to enter into the temple with a convert from my first area (if you still have my letters her name is Carmen and I'm sure I wrote about her). I certainly love this area and I'm learning more every day about how I can be a better leader, teacher, friend and family member. I must say that President Monson is certainly a Prophet of God and that this is the only true and living Church on the face of the earth. We experienced a great deal of adversity here, but it's all for our good. 5 months left, it's time, more than ever to work in the lord's vineard. I invite you all to help out in this great cause, after all, I feel that we as a Church can double the number of converts we have each year.
Thanks again and I love you all!
-Elder Butterfield
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Week 79
I can't believe how fast the time is going. Almost to week 80 it just doesn't seem possible. Well here is Jacob's latest letter.
"Hey there! Thanks for the letter, sounds like things are going well for you all up there. On Tuesday I arrived here in Veracruz, there was actually an earthquake (just a shake) that the whole city felt just before I arrived. My new area is very different from my old area, but I think I'm going to like it. We have two wards, one is actually the chapel that's right in front of the temple and the other one is a little smaller. The wards are probably the strongest I've had in my mission, with a number of return missionaries and solid members. My companion is Elder Sanchez, from central Mexico, he's younger but has a lot of experience, we're the Zone Leaders and our zone consists of 11 companionships. We work a lot with the members and every Sunday we have to go on divisions. It's a great opportunity to learn and serve and it's going to cost a lot with so many companionships, but I'm looking forward to working with everyone. Veracruz is very, very hot, and it's pretty croweded because we're right next to the beach and vacations are starting. I'm very excited and although I don't have much time left, we're going to really work hard to baptize every week. Conference is a wonderful experience and we hope to bring a number of investigators to hear the Prophet's words. All I can ask is that you keep on praying for me so that I can help and serve these other missionaries as I strive to help the Lord in His great Work. Thanks for your prayers and I love you all very much. Can't wait to hear from you all next week!
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there! Thanks for the letter, sounds like things are going well for you all up there. On Tuesday I arrived here in Veracruz, there was actually an earthquake (just a shake) that the whole city felt just before I arrived. My new area is very different from my old area, but I think I'm going to like it. We have two wards, one is actually the chapel that's right in front of the temple and the other one is a little smaller. The wards are probably the strongest I've had in my mission, with a number of return missionaries and solid members. My companion is Elder Sanchez, from central Mexico, he's younger but has a lot of experience, we're the Zone Leaders and our zone consists of 11 companionships. We work a lot with the members and every Sunday we have to go on divisions. It's a great opportunity to learn and serve and it's going to cost a lot with so many companionships, but I'm looking forward to working with everyone. Veracruz is very, very hot, and it's pretty croweded because we're right next to the beach and vacations are starting. I'm very excited and although I don't have much time left, we're going to really work hard to baptize every week. Conference is a wonderful experience and we hope to bring a number of investigators to hear the Prophet's words. All I can ask is that you keep on praying for me so that I can help and serve these other missionaries as I strive to help the Lord in His great Work. Thanks for your prayers and I love you all very much. Can't wait to hear from you all next week!
-Elder Butterfield
Week 78
Here is this weeks letter.
"]Hey there! We had a wonderful week and now it's actually my time to head on out and go to a new area. I've been here in Gutierrez Zamora for over 5 months, longer than anywhere else, and I will certainly miss it. This week was very special for a number of reasons. First, we had a very well planned baptismal service with two true converts entering the water and making a covenant with our Heavenly Father. Alberto, an architect, who is the ex-husband of a member was a true miracle. I actually met him in December, but I had trouble seeing a future member in him. But with humility and patience on his part and the part of his family, he accepted the Lord's commandments and His restored Church. The other person that was baptized was a young girl named Guadalupe. Her neighbors are inactive but they gave us the referral. Lupe (nickname) is the only member of her family, her two younger siblings haven't even gone to Church. After she was baptized, we invited her to bear testimony, although nervous, she showed a strong conviction of the Lord's love in her life. Later that evening, the Bishop invited her to be confirmed and attend the temple the following morning (the temple is about 5 hours away and they have to take a bus to attend). It was a very spiritual event, and really one of the sweetest moments I have experienced on my mission. On top of all this, the Bishop received the order to start having Sacrament meeting in Tecolultla (a neighboring village) so that the members there would be able to attend (it's sometimes difficult because of travel costs or distance). We had had the goal of starting up large family home evenings to maybe someday start a branch, but we didn't know that the Stake President would plan it too. Monday night, we held a family home evening with a few members from Tecolutla and it was there that the Bishop announced that we were going to start having Sacrament meeting in Tecolutla. About 35 people came to the meeting (held in a member's house) and the Bishop was very pleased. Now it will be a new missionary's opportunity to start up a branch in such a pretty place. The Work is going forth, it's time to rescue the inactives and those that do not know God. I love this Work and I thanks you all again for giving me this opportunity. I love you all and next week I will be writing you from Veracruz!
-Elder Butterfield
"]Hey there! We had a wonderful week and now it's actually my time to head on out and go to a new area. I've been here in Gutierrez Zamora for over 5 months, longer than anywhere else, and I will certainly miss it. This week was very special for a number of reasons. First, we had a very well planned baptismal service with two true converts entering the water and making a covenant with our Heavenly Father. Alberto, an architect, who is the ex-husband of a member was a true miracle. I actually met him in December, but I had trouble seeing a future member in him. But with humility and patience on his part and the part of his family, he accepted the Lord's commandments and His restored Church. The other person that was baptized was a young girl named Guadalupe. Her neighbors are inactive but they gave us the referral. Lupe (nickname) is the only member of her family, her two younger siblings haven't even gone to Church. After she was baptized, we invited her to bear testimony, although nervous, she showed a strong conviction of the Lord's love in her life. Later that evening, the Bishop invited her to be confirmed and attend the temple the following morning (the temple is about 5 hours away and they have to take a bus to attend). It was a very spiritual event, and really one of the sweetest moments I have experienced on my mission. On top of all this, the Bishop received the order to start having Sacrament meeting in Tecolultla (a neighboring village) so that the members there would be able to attend (it's sometimes difficult because of travel costs or distance). We had had the goal of starting up large family home evenings to maybe someday start a branch, but we didn't know that the Stake President would plan it too. Monday night, we held a family home evening with a few members from Tecolutla and it was there that the Bishop announced that we were going to start having Sacrament meeting in Tecolutla. About 35 people came to the meeting (held in a member's house) and the Bishop was very pleased. Now it will be a new missionary's opportunity to start up a branch in such a pretty place. The Work is going forth, it's time to rescue the inactives and those that do not know God. I love this Work and I thanks you all again for giving me this opportunity. I love you all and next week I will be writing you from Veracruz!
-Elder Butterfield
Week 77
I am way behind but I must admit that this week we didn't receive a letter and I had to wait until the next week and then we got two letters. So here is the letter for week 77.
"Hey there! Another great week came to a close and the work is continuing very quickly. If anyone asks, I'm doing wonderfully and enjoying my time here. We had a nice baptismal service after Church (which was interesting because it was a fast Sunday) of an 8 year-old girl named Nancy. Her parents still aren't ready to get baptized, but they allowed her to do it. The pictures I'm sending are of some really delicious quesadillas that we ate with a member, also of the casero, that is, homemade, guacamole that went along with the cheese filled delights. Also, I included a picture of the young girl we baptized last week after Stake Conference and one of the young lady that got married with a member and in the same week was baptized. We're experiencing a great deal of success and it's all been blessings from the Lord. Hopefully I'll be able to send a letter home these days, anyone else you want me to write? Is anyone else getting ready to serve a mission? Well, I'll I can say is that I'm happy that the Lord has blessed you all so much. In all parts of the world the Work is improving, remember what President Hinkley said, ''great will be the day when the members not only pray for the missionaries, but are active in the work themselves'' (paraphrased). One day (not too far down the road) we should have an Oregon branch, it's very possible and it would be a great experience. Well, I love you all, I can't thank you all enough for the letters and support, this is truly where I should be. I love this Church and my mission. I'm not going to return the same, but you're going to like the different person a lot more.
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there! Another great week came to a close and the work is continuing very quickly. If anyone asks, I'm doing wonderfully and enjoying my time here. We had a nice baptismal service after Church (which was interesting because it was a fast Sunday) of an 8 year-old girl named Nancy. Her parents still aren't ready to get baptized, but they allowed her to do it. The pictures I'm sending are of some really delicious quesadillas that we ate with a member, also of the casero, that is, homemade, guacamole that went along with the cheese filled delights. Also, I included a picture of the young girl we baptized last week after Stake Conference and one of the young lady that got married with a member and in the same week was baptized. We're experiencing a great deal of success and it's all been blessings from the Lord. Hopefully I'll be able to send a letter home these days, anyone else you want me to write? Is anyone else getting ready to serve a mission? Well, I'll I can say is that I'm happy that the Lord has blessed you all so much. In all parts of the world the Work is improving, remember what President Hinkley said, ''great will be the day when the members not only pray for the missionaries, but are active in the work themselves'' (paraphrased). One day (not too far down the road) we should have an Oregon branch, it's very possible and it would be a great experience. Well, I love you all, I can't thank you all enough for the letters and support, this is truly where I should be. I love this Church and my mission. I'm not going to return the same, but you're going to like the different person a lot more.
-Elder Butterfield
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Week 76
This latest letter is very short but there is a picture included so I guess that makes up for it.
"Hey there! Everything is going well here, I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better now. I'm not sure when I'll know which mission I'm in, I'm too focused on the work here. There are more people preparing to get baptized every day and the mission split will really help the work out here. I don't have much time, but I'll send you pictures to let you know what's going on. We had a young girl get baptized yesterday and a recent convert was able to baptize her. Well, I'm out of time so I'll be talking to you next week. Love you!
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there! Everything is going well here, I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better now. I'm not sure when I'll know which mission I'm in, I'm too focused on the work here. There are more people preparing to get baptized every day and the mission split will really help the work out here. I don't have much time, but I'll send you pictures to let you know what's going on. We had a young girl get baptized yesterday and a recent convert was able to baptize her. Well, I'm out of time so I'll be talking to you next week. Love you!
-Elder Butterfield
Week 75
I get caught up on these posts only to fall behind. Here I am two weeks behind but I am going to try and be better for these last 6 months. Here is Jacob's letter for week 75.
" Well, I'm going to list the news because I don't have too much time to write, we'll start in order. Tuesday: A young couple got married for free from our branch, we helped them organize their papers (the girl is an investigator)
Tuesday: My companion turned 21!
Tuesday (later): We had a mission conference, which seemed interesting to us, normally they're smaller conferences. President Treviño announced that he had received a letter from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In this letter it was stated that as of July 2012, the Mission Mexico Veracruz would be split! That means that the northern part of the mission will be called the Mexico Xalapa Mission and the southern part will remain the Mexico Veracruz Mission. For two months, I'll be in one of the two missions. What a blessing, it was truly an emotional moment.
Saturday: The young girl that just got married was baptized (pictures next week)
Sunday: Another young girl was baptized in our Ward.
It was an incredible week, full of blessings in every minute. Pure miracles, thanks for helping me stay out here, I look forward to serving the Lord with even more for these next 6 months! Love you all.
-Elder Butterfield
" Well, I'm going to list the news because I don't have too much time to write, we'll start in order. Tuesday: A young couple got married for free from our branch, we helped them organize their papers (the girl is an investigator)
Tuesday: My companion turned 21!
Tuesday (later): We had a mission conference, which seemed interesting to us, normally they're smaller conferences. President Treviño announced that he had received a letter from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In this letter it was stated that as of July 2012, the Mission Mexico Veracruz would be split! That means that the northern part of the mission will be called the Mexico Xalapa Mission and the southern part will remain the Mexico Veracruz Mission. For two months, I'll be in one of the two missions. What a blessing, it was truly an emotional moment.
Saturday: The young girl that just got married was baptized (pictures next week)
Sunday: Another young girl was baptized in our Ward.
It was an incredible week, full of blessings in every minute. Pure miracles, thanks for helping me stay out here, I look forward to serving the Lord with even more for these next 6 months! Love you all.
-Elder Butterfield
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Week 74
Here it is week 74 can't believe it. I look back at the last 18 months and can't believe that we are almost to the last leg of this journey. It is hard to believe that the time has past so quickly. Here is Jake's latest letter and a picture too!
"Well, I have at least another 6 weeks here, it's alright because we have a number of investigators that are almost ready to get baptized, it should be a pretty good transfer. The week was pretty good, although a little chilly and wet. There's always trials and tests with every investigator and even with the members, there's even more personally, but you just have to take it one day at a time. There's an opportunity to grow everyday and there are also many opportunities to make mistakes. I feel like Mormon, I can't even relate the hundreth part of everything I have experienced, felt, seen and heard in these 17 months. Everyone has a story and it's a privilege to listen to the experiences and ideas of others. Well, I love you all very much, I love the mission and I love the Lord. Every young man must serve a mission, I can't even tell you how many people are waiting out here. My area has more than 20 small ranchos, there are only enough missionaries for a fraction of that and all the people waiting for us. We need more missionaries, and better ones. Thanks for helping me be a soldier in God's army.
-Elder Butterfield
"Well, I have at least another 6 weeks here, it's alright because we have a number of investigators that are almost ready to get baptized, it should be a pretty good transfer. The week was pretty good, although a little chilly and wet. There's always trials and tests with every investigator and even with the members, there's even more personally, but you just have to take it one day at a time. There's an opportunity to grow everyday and there are also many opportunities to make mistakes. I feel like Mormon, I can't even relate the hundreth part of everything I have experienced, felt, seen and heard in these 17 months. Everyone has a story and it's a privilege to listen to the experiences and ideas of others. Well, I love you all very much, I love the mission and I love the Lord. Every young man must serve a mission, I can't even tell you how many people are waiting out here. My area has more than 20 small ranchos, there are only enough missionaries for a fraction of that and all the people waiting for us. We need more missionaries, and better ones. Thanks for helping me be a soldier in God's army.
-Elder Butterfield
Monday, February 6, 2012
Week 73
I am right on time this week with this post. It looks as if he isn't quite done with the work in the place he is currently serving as he is going to make it through another round of transfers and he is staying put. Here is his latest letter.
"Hello! Well, tomorrow there are transfers and guess what... I'm staying! That means that I will have at least 6 more weeks in Gutierrez Zamora! The work here has been flying, we've been seeing a lot of investigators everyday and the time is just flying by. We had a baptism in the little branch, I baptized a young man who's been going to Church since September. Later, we started working in the little beach town called Tecolutla, we have a goal to start a branch out there, but we need the Lord's help to do it. There are some great opportunities to preach the Gospel and build the Lord's Kingdom. We've got our work cut out for us, but it's going to go by very fast. It's going to cost a lot of work, bu it will be done. Sorry I don't have any pictures, but the computer is kinda slow. I love you both for giving me this great opportunity to preach the Gospel and serve and love others. Hopefully everything is alright at home, I hope Lesley and Keith have a good time, that's great to hear that everything is going well for them. I love you all, I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, this Church is based on Their foundation, I know because of the Holy Ghost, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
-Elder Butterfield
"Hello! Well, tomorrow there are transfers and guess what... I'm staying! That means that I will have at least 6 more weeks in Gutierrez Zamora! The work here has been flying, we've been seeing a lot of investigators everyday and the time is just flying by. We had a baptism in the little branch, I baptized a young man who's been going to Church since September. Later, we started working in the little beach town called Tecolutla, we have a goal to start a branch out there, but we need the Lord's help to do it. There are some great opportunities to preach the Gospel and build the Lord's Kingdom. We've got our work cut out for us, but it's going to go by very fast. It's going to cost a lot of work, bu it will be done. Sorry I don't have any pictures, but the computer is kinda slow. I love you both for giving me this great opportunity to preach the Gospel and serve and love others. Hopefully everything is alright at home, I hope Lesley and Keith have a good time, that's great to hear that everything is going well for them. I love you all, I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, this Church is based on Their foundation, I know because of the Holy Ghost, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
-Elder Butterfield
Week 72
The time is passing so quickly and soon it will be only 6 months before Jacob will be home. A lot has happened this last week as we have moved back to Wisconsin from Oklahoma. Poor Jake won't know what his address is. Well here is his latest letter.
"Hello family! Sorry to hear it's chilly in Wisconsin, but it's a sacrifice for a large blessing that you will receive. Your last decision to move to Oklahoma turned out alright, I'm sure this one will too. The family is going to be very spread out, wonder if we'll all return to Utah someday, haha. That's something different from Mexico, when someone gets married, they usually live with their parents or other family and all of their kids. They don't spread out much over here. Last week was great and this week was also wonderful, we've been finding a number of people to teach, and yesterday I went to sacrament meeting in the little ranch community while my companion stayed here. We taught an investigator who has been going to Church for months and yesterday he accepted the goal to be baptized this Saturday. My companion stayed here in the city and 6 new investigators came to Church! Everything has come to pass by faith and diligence. We're very spread out these days, but everything is going well. I must admit that working with the members is the greatest way to advance this work. I have been able to announce the program from our Mission President in sacrament meeting and the members have truly responded. I would like you to think about sharing the Gospel with our neighbors, it will certainly bless your lives. Well, I am very excitetd to continue in this great work, and when I return, it will just be the beginning. I love you all, and I will be expecting your package with eagerness. I hope you all (especially dad) enjoy these pictures.
-Elder Butterfield
"Hello family! Sorry to hear it's chilly in Wisconsin, but it's a sacrifice for a large blessing that you will receive. Your last decision to move to Oklahoma turned out alright, I'm sure this one will too. The family is going to be very spread out, wonder if we'll all return to Utah someday, haha. That's something different from Mexico, when someone gets married, they usually live with their parents or other family and all of their kids. They don't spread out much over here. Last week was great and this week was also wonderful, we've been finding a number of people to teach, and yesterday I went to sacrament meeting in the little ranch community while my companion stayed here. We taught an investigator who has been going to Church for months and yesterday he accepted the goal to be baptized this Saturday. My companion stayed here in the city and 6 new investigators came to Church! Everything has come to pass by faith and diligence. We're very spread out these days, but everything is going well. I must admit that working with the members is the greatest way to advance this work. I have been able to announce the program from our Mission President in sacrament meeting and the members have truly responded. I would like you to think about sharing the Gospel with our neighbors, it will certainly bless your lives. Well, I am very excitetd to continue in this great work, and when I return, it will just be the beginning. I love you all, and I will be expecting your package with eagerness. I hope you all (especially dad) enjoy these pictures.
-Elder Butterfield
Week 72
Well I always have good intentions to get this letters on as soon as I get them and I just get busy with life and forget. So here is week 72 can't believe the time is passing so quickly.
"Hey there! I'm still in one piece after the big golden birthday and things are going well. One of the recent converts did a little surprise party for me, it was pretty cool, I felt pretty special turning 21. There was still a lot of work to be done though. We had 4 baptisms yesterday and the whole ward was pretty excited. We were also chosen to speak in Sacrament Meeting which we used as an oppoprtunity to encourage the members to give us more referrals. Everyone that has been baptized here has been a referral since I arrived and it's just like President Hinckley's talk ''Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep.'' So now you return to the frozen tundra and the large house, I'll never experience Tulsa, but maybe that's a good thing, haha. That's interesting news about grandpa, certainly I'll be praying for him earnestly in these coming days. I think he'll be pretty resilient, but how blessed that he's found the true path so late in life! I didn't feel any earthquake, I think those are more common in the capital ofthe country, normally there aren't earthquakes in Veracruz I believe. I'm not craving anything, but I would appreciate letters from the family, friends and the Church. What's dad going to call his book? Let me know how everything turns out, I wouldn't mind writing a book when I get home too, it would be a great experience and testimony builder. Well, I love you all, take care and talk to you in a week!
-Elder Butterfield
p.s. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
"Hey there! I'm still in one piece after the big golden birthday and things are going well. One of the recent converts did a little surprise party for me, it was pretty cool, I felt pretty special turning 21. There was still a lot of work to be done though. We had 4 baptisms yesterday and the whole ward was pretty excited. We were also chosen to speak in Sacrament Meeting which we used as an oppoprtunity to encourage the members to give us more referrals. Everyone that has been baptized here has been a referral since I arrived and it's just like President Hinckley's talk ''Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep.'' So now you return to the frozen tundra and the large house, I'll never experience Tulsa, but maybe that's a good thing, haha. That's interesting news about grandpa, certainly I'll be praying for him earnestly in these coming days. I think he'll be pretty resilient, but how blessed that he's found the true path so late in life! I didn't feel any earthquake, I think those are more common in the capital ofthe country, normally there aren't earthquakes in Veracruz I believe. I'm not craving anything, but I would appreciate letters from the family, friends and the Church. What's dad going to call his book? Let me know how everything turns out, I wouldn't mind writing a book when I get home too, it would be a great experience and testimony builder. Well, I love you all, take care and talk to you in a week!
-Elder Butterfield
p.s. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Week 71
Well another week has past and we are at week 71. I can't believe how fast the time is passing and soon we will be at the 1.5 mark and we all know how fast 6 months goes by. Well here is Jacob's latest letter.
"Hey there! Thanks a lot for the letter. Prayers have truly been answered this week. Everything is going well here, a lot of answered prayers and wonderful experiences. I have really enjoyed the packages you've sent me, maybe you could ask some ward members or friends back home to write a short letter. Today all of the missionaries from the zone came over and we played soccer on the beach, it was a great time. We had an excellent day on Sunday and our desires are truly coming forth. That's some pretty exciting news about dad's book, I would love to read it and add suggestions. I was thinking about making videos of return missionaries and how their experiences changed their lives. We don't have changes for another 3 weeks, so it's possible that I stay here for a little while longer, which would be fine with me. I'm going to try to write letters next week and send them next week, I think it might be faster to send them through the offices. Well, we have a goal of 4 baptisms this week, and we've planned the baptismal service for Sunday afternoon. I'll be sure to send you all more pictures soon. Love you bye!
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there! Thanks a lot for the letter. Prayers have truly been answered this week. Everything is going well here, a lot of answered prayers and wonderful experiences. I have really enjoyed the packages you've sent me, maybe you could ask some ward members or friends back home to write a short letter. Today all of the missionaries from the zone came over and we played soccer on the beach, it was a great time. We had an excellent day on Sunday and our desires are truly coming forth. That's some pretty exciting news about dad's book, I would love to read it and add suggestions. I was thinking about making videos of return missionaries and how their experiences changed their lives. We don't have changes for another 3 weeks, so it's possible that I stay here for a little while longer, which would be fine with me. I'm going to try to write letters next week and send them next week, I think it might be faster to send them through the offices. Well, we have a goal of 4 baptisms this week, and we've planned the baptismal service for Sunday afternoon. I'll be sure to send you all more pictures soon. Love you bye!
-Elder Butterfield
Week 70
I am behind in getting Jacob's letters on the blog so I am not going to say much this week here is his letter.
"Hey there! What a great week. Everything is going well here and we're receiving all kinds of blessings although there are always challenges before hand. I hope you both make it to the temple, drive carefully, it can be difficult after too much travel, remember why you're going too. We're going to have a zone activity next week and all of the missionaries are coming over to our area, so that should be interesting, I'll send pictures. Don't worry about anything for my birthday, everything is going well. I'm truly loving my experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I'm so grateful that the Lord has blessed you all so much, I stand all amazed. Love you all!
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there! What a great week. Everything is going well here and we're receiving all kinds of blessings although there are always challenges before hand. I hope you both make it to the temple, drive carefully, it can be difficult after too much travel, remember why you're going too. We're going to have a zone activity next week and all of the missionaries are coming over to our area, so that should be interesting, I'll send pictures. Don't worry about anything for my birthday, everything is going well. I'm truly loving my experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I'm so grateful that the Lord has blessed you all so much, I stand all amazed. Love you all!
-Elder Butterfield
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Week 69
It has been a couple of weeks since my last post. We actually got to talk to Jacob through skype. It was so great to hear and see him. We got to talk to him for a full hour. It is so special to get those phone calls twice a year. It is hard to believe that only one more phone call home and he will be home. Whoa, the time has gone by so fast. He is Jacob's latest letter along with some pictures.
"Hey there! Thanks for the letter, the week was much more profitable and I'm enjoying it here. We passed the new year eating tamales at a member family's home, here's the picture. We were in bed at 10:30 but we woke up at midnight because of all the fireworks going off. A lot of people also make scarecrow-type figures that they burn to ring in the new year, basically saying goodbye to 2011, here's a picture of one. There are a bunch of tourists all over, because we're right by a beach, it wouldn't be a bad place to vacation. The attendence in Church was a little down, but we brought in investigador in a wheelchair. His name is Miguel and his very humble, he has a goal to get baptized the 14th. We had to travel all over the place but things are going well. We've been knocking a lot of doors lately, and we should be finding more people now that vacations are over. We're working hard and I only have 8 months to complete with my goals for the mission. It's really time to get to work. I'm thankful for your prayers and support, I am truly in love with the missionary life and the place and people I'm trying to help out. I hope everything goes well this week and I love you all!
-Elder Butterfield
"Hey there! Thanks for the letter, the week was much more profitable and I'm enjoying it here. We passed the new year eating tamales at a member family's home, here's the picture. We were in bed at 10:30 but we woke up at midnight because of all the fireworks going off. A lot of people also make scarecrow-type figures that they burn to ring in the new year, basically saying goodbye to 2011, here's a picture of one. There are a bunch of tourists all over, because we're right by a beach, it wouldn't be a bad place to vacation. The attendence in Church was a little down, but we brought in investigador in a wheelchair. His name is Miguel and his very humble, he has a goal to get baptized the 14th. We had to travel all over the place but things are going well. We've been knocking a lot of doors lately, and we should be finding more people now that vacations are over. We're working hard and I only have 8 months to complete with my goals for the mission. It's really time to get to work. I'm thankful for your prayers and support, I am truly in love with the missionary life and the place and people I'm trying to help out. I hope everything goes well this week and I love you all!
-Elder Butterfield
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