Constitucion, Pachuca -February 22

Hey Mom,

Things have been pretty great!! Today we went "hiking" we took some pictures on a hill that sits on the side of the city of Pachuca! It was pretty great, and it was pretty hard hiking in missionary clothes, haha! 

This week has been a good one! We had a new investigator come to church and she is really interested in everything that we teach. Her name is Natali and this week we were able to schedule a baptismal date for the 26th of March.  

This Sunday at church , our bishop let us give a training to the members about how to find people with whom you can share the Gospel. It went pretty well!! We also had a ward lunch after the meeting and it was such a great opportunity for the Members to get to know each other a little more!! 

Our focus in the mission has been centered a lot in Repentance and Baptism. We have had to learn how to be a little bit more direct with the people we teach. Just like the prophets from the Book of Mormon, we have to learn to teach repentance through teaching in a strait-forward way. I, like Nephi, have come to have more charity for the people here. It is one of the most important parts of the mission, loving the people. But, just like him, it is hard to feel hope for them when they give no heed to our words. As missionaries the door is closed in our faces many times throughout the day! But as we focus on our purpose, it helps us feel a little more elevated to preach repentance and baptism to all the children of God! 

One thing I have learned in the mission is that Repentance isn't hard!! It is the easiest way to gain eternal life! God doesn't ask us to suffer all the consequences of our sins, as long as we repent and change our form of thinking and being. When Alma was talking to his son Helaman in chapter 36 of Alma, he described the pain and suffering he had to pass when he thought of the weight of his sins, but he also describes that it just took thinking of one called Jesus Christ who was to suffer for our sins. Once he recognized the way to overcome the heaviness of his sins, he immediately began to pray and beg for the remission of his sins. Once he felt that his sins were forgiven, he felt a joy that was just as intense as was his pain. Repentance is our only way to progress in this life and to gain eternal life! Repentance isn't hard at all!! It is always worth striving for! The call to repentance isn't a rude or disrespectful request. It is the truest form of showing love one to another. When I think of Repentance I always think of our Savior stretching his arms out, calling out our name and asking us to take the steps that are necessary to return and live with him!! I know he lives! I know that I am one of his many representatives, and I know the it is important that every one of us repents of his sins in order to obtain the greatest gift that our father can give us! Eternal Life!

Good to hear that things are going well for you!! I hope the kids know that I love every one of them! Keep taking lots of pictures because I love seeing them!! Great to hear the news about Cody!! I know he is going to be very happy!! I am feeling good Mom! I really do love being here! It has been such a great journey, and I know that the journey really is just starting!! I know that Christ lives! He is our Savior!! I love you so much Mom!! Take Care!! Love ya!

Elder Paynter

p.s. this week I got to star in a professional photoshoot for a cologne commercial... I hope you like the pictures!!!

So many pictures to post today, not sure which ones to choose...

 Headed out for a P-day hike in Missionary clothes?

And, cologne man?

 We are definitely blessed to be led by prophets and apostles. Men, called of God, to bear witness of His Son, Jesus Christ, as well as give us guidance and counsel.

President Holland is no exception...

It was my great privilege to address our remarkable religion teachers in the Church Educational System recently. In my message to them I said:

“If any of your students are unsettled, or if you are unsettled, reassure one and all that the victory in this final contest has already been declared. The victory is already in the record books—these books, the scriptures! We know for certain that if and when everything else in the latter days is down or dying; if governments, economies, industries, and institutions crumble; if societies and cultures become a quagmire of chaos and insecurity, nevertheless, through it all the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that bears that gospel to the world will stand triumphant. It will stand undefiled in God’s hand until the very Son of God Himself comes to rule and reign as Lord of lords and King of kings. Nothing is more certain in this world.” 

To view the whole talk... 

Constitucion, Pachuca -February 16

Hey Mom!
Great to hear that things are going so great!! This week was pretty great!! we have been able to have little bit more success! We have been able to be a little bit more direct with quite a few people! Ill keep the fasting and prayer idea in mind!
I'm glad you are being so faithful in your Book of Mormon reading! I really have come to love the Book of Mormon so much! There are so many things so simple and very important for us to know! I have come to know many great things while I have been reading the Book of Mormon! Today I was reading Jacob chapter 5 that talks about the Lord and the Vineyard. I love to read the Book of Mormon so much!! I also was reading 3 Nephi chapter 9 this week, I don't know why, but at times I just feel so much excitement when I read chapters like that!
Sounds like everyone has been really well this week! Keep on enjoying life and loving the Gospel!! I read a good quote this week that I would like to share with you this week!!  “We will attain our exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom only on the condition that we share with our Father’s other children the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and observe the commandments that will enrich our lives here and hereafter” -George Albert Smith. I know that missionary work is the opportunity that we have now to help in the restoring of the Gospel to all of God´s children! I invite you to share the Gospel with those who want to know the truth (its a catchy phrase). I know that it is our responsibility to share our blessings with others, I know that if we do, we will be truly blessed by our father in heaven with charity, even true love for his children!

I love you tons Mom!! Keep on being an example for everyone (especially me!)!! I love you and hope everything is alright!! Love ya!

Elder Paynter

 

 

 Constitucion, Pachuca -February8

 

Hey Mom!!

Things are going very well here!! This week we have had a little bit more success in finding people to teach! We hope that we can keep forcing ourselves every minute of the day, because the truth... its worth it!! And when I say that I mean to say it in general! The Gospel is worth it!! Every single Commandment is worth it!! I am so grateful for the Gospel and for the opportunity to live it every single day!! 

Great to hear that everything is going great!! I don't think you mentioned before that you were going to work in the open house! But sounds like a great experience!! I love seeing the pictures you send! Good to see some familiar/not so familiar faces!! the kids keep growing up more and more everyday!!

This week we have been forcing ourselves to be more Bold! One of our Zone goals had been to talk about baptism in EVERY lesson! It is part of our purpose here to call all unto Repentance and Baptism! Each and everyday I realize more clearly the importance of Repentance in the lives of every person, and if we are not calling people to repentance we are not fulfilling with our purpose. Repentance shouldn't be such a hard thing! It is the most loving and blessed invitation that our Savior Jesus Christ has ever given us!! It is the key to our salvation!! 

I really do love the mission! Everyday I feel Gods love, a love that I had never comprehended before the mission. It is an eternal love that he shows towards each and every one of his children! I hope that in this live each and every one of us may learn to feel and recognize this love in their lives. The Gospel is true!! It doesn't matter hoe many people may tell us that we are wasting our time here. I know that the blessings and consequences that the people here can receive from choosing to listen or reject our message are eternal. I know it is true!! I love the Book of Mormon and I love Missionary Work! The joy that we feel when we help our brothers and sisters to come to repentance is a joy that we will feel for all the eternity!! 

I love you very much Mom!!

Keep going to the Temple!! Love ya!!

Elder Paynter

¡México!

 

 

Constitucion, Pachuca -February 1

Dear Mom!!

I have read just a little of your letter this week and I am going to print it out so that I can read it later because today is one of those days when I don't have lots of time!!We have to go to our Zone activity right now!! This week has been really good!! President came to our district meeting and I got a little nervous speaking in front of him and the other missionaries but It went really well!! We talked about the importance of Repentance, and I really loved the story that president shared with us! It was pretty great!! I'm so proud of you and all the kids!! I hope you can all feel my love!! I can't wait to get home and talk to you all, but honestly I wish that day would come a little bit slower!! I love the Experiences and growth that I have gained in the time I have been here!! I really hope that the conversion that I am having here will last my whole life time!! I love the Gospel, because I know that it is good news for my soul and good news to every child of God who chooses to Follow Him!! I love you tons Mom!! Cuídese mucho!! Te amo!!

Elder Paynter

Homemade Salsa Verde!!

Anyone want to let them know Christmas is over??!!

Now this is hilarious! Somebody laugh with me, no chuckles in this household...This is definitely "Jordan-humor"....somebody????