Tulancingo,Mexico - June 27

Hey Mom, 

I really am ok! President Egbert gave us a new rule as Zone Leaders that we have to go to Pachuca each Pday to pick up materials and packages, that's why I haven't had much time in the past few weeks as well as this week! Every thing is great! If I don't have time to read your emails I always print them out to read them so don't worry!! Things are great!! I tried talking to President Egbert about extending my mission but he told me it would be better to talk with President Kimball to see what he says. Today the Kimballs arrive to the airport and tomorrow the Egberts are going to the Airport to leave. Its a quick transition. We just have to keep working hard and being obedient to what ever change President Kimball makes!! I was reading this week the book that you sent me for my birthday called Believing Christ, Its real great!! It has helped me understand a lot better the "saved by grace, not by works" principle. Even though it is very important to strive to keep the commandments, we have to realize that alone, we will never be made perfect. We need to accept the atonement in our lives and always repent and try harder!! I love you tons Mom!! Have an amazing week!!

Elder Paynter

 Mexico-June 13

Hola a todos! Saludos de México!

Hey Family! How are you all doing? I'm great here!! Thank you all for your birthday wishes! I had a great birthday! I keep realizing that time really does fly!! The mission is great! Elder Medino and I are working hard to help as many people as we can! We are doing great! Today we had a Zone Activity so we don't have much time to write, but I wanted to write to everyone to tell you all thanks and also to share my testimony. I love the Scriptures. Many times as we study throughout the week, there are so many scriptures that just have a great impact on me, even if they are scriptures that I have read so many times before. As I was reading in the 128th section of Doctrine and Covenants, I read a few verses that just shot pure power into my testimony! As Joseph Smith explains the importance of proxy baptisms and keeping records in the church, he takes a moment to encourage and lift the members of the church saying, "Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!" As I read this verse, it helped me remember the mercy and love of our Heavenly Father, as well as the importance and eternal greatness of his work and his plan. I know that this church is true. There is no doubt in my heart. I know that this work is the work of almighty God and it is to change the world. I know Christ lives, and is ever willing to lift us up on his shoulders and carry us home, if we will only turn our hearts unto him. I love my Heavenly Father. I love the Gospel! "Brethren,  Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing." I love you all and miss you very much!! Stay safe and do what is right!! 

Elder Paynter

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?