Putin' in Work

Enjoying it here - especially with this house of elders. Me, Portillo, Hershberger, and Contreras' eyeball

Work
We're working hard, and I know very well how to work without wasting time, but I still need to figure out how to organize the schedule so I can write letters, journal, talk members into coming with us on lessons, set appointments, verify stuff, study, and rest.  Time management is still a difficulty.

Frankly, it's been a tough week. Lots of members cancelling at the last minute. And with the mission focus of lessons with members, well, without members, we don't have many lessons.

In fact, we currently do not have any investigators. Nada.  But, we did get four lessons Friday morning by teaching in the gates of people's houses and handing out the pass-along card with the Church Easter video Principe de Paz (Prince of Peace).  Moises, elder Fuentealba's brother, came with us.

Hot cocoa with Diego

Trying to not let the lack of investigators get me down.  I am focusing on the positive this week!

April Showers
The rain arrived Thursday, and came pretty hard on Friday. Diego came with us to our appointments and gave us hot cocoa because it was cold.


Noche de Hogar
This week's Family Home Evening with the ward was an activity that focused on following the Spirit where we blind-folded someone and guided them with one person whispering directions in their ear, while the rest of the room was a cacophony of sound.  One person attempted to confuse them more by whispering opposite directions in their other ear.

The task was to get across the room to the Prince of Peace card. It was a demonstration of following the Spirit and the Prophet in order to get to Christ.

Found out that Rodrigo, our ward mission leader (holding the #TodaLaFuerza sign) who returned recently from his mission, trained a missionary who was with me in the CCM (Mexico Missionary Training Center) - Elder Rocha from Las Vegas.  Small world.


Easter Week
Well, it's Easter week. How grateful I am for the Savior's life and sacrifice. Our message is to share His life and love and light with the people of Chile, so they know who they can turn to for life and love and light.

When investigators are hard to come by, and time management seems to be a little allusive, I try to not let the voices of guilt or discouragement overspeak the Spirit.  Like the ward members in our blindfold follow the Spirit's voice game, I too, can listen carefully to the One who speaks peace to my heart.

I will close this blogpost with our scripture for this week.

And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; 

for is we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation;

for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay,

that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness,

and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.

Moroni 9:6

Putin' in work!

Happy Easter, everyone,
Elder Connor Nef

"Awakened with a Renewed Spiritual Freshness"

After investigating the church for more than 15 years, I had the privilege to teach and see sweet Sonia baptized. Here, Elder Contreras and I pose with and Sonia and (editor was not told the name of the gentleman).


Rapper Sebas #TodaLaFuerza

Sebas is my bro and loves helping missionaries (he's the guy who likes to rap).  The #TodaLaFuerza sign (All the Strength) is our mission motto, you could say.



Elder Tesch, Teacher of Missionaries

Elder Tesch's mission is teaching the missionaries in the mission. Because he has always been called to the far corners of the mission, this was my last chance to see him before he returns home.



Adios to Mission-Bound Leo

Leo, a local member, joined us at our Zone conference. He is leaving on his mission soon, making this one of my last chance meetings. He'll make a great missionary.



P-Day Basketball

Basketball with fellow missionaries and a few members is always a blast. Leo (right), Rodrigo, our ward mission leader (back-center) and his sister Claudia (center) pose with us.



Conference Week

This week was conference week - General Conference and Zone Conference.  And every conference whip out a batch of cinnamon rolls (a family General Conference tradition I brought from home).

We made invitations to General Conference for our investigators.

Conference is always a welcome boost, especially now since my comp and I are starting from scratch in building up this area. Honestly, I can use all the inspiration I can get.

Normally, I'd offer a list of my favorite conference talks, but this time it would be too long.  Really great messages.

Well, Friends, I think it fitting to end this post with a quote from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's concluding message.

"As we fill our hearts with the love of Christ,

we will awaken with a renewed spiritual freshness

and we will walk joyfully, confidently, awake,

and alive in the light and glory of our beloved Savior,

Jesus Christ."

Here's to a week, awakened, and full of joyful confidence!
Elder Connor Nef

How Beautiful Upon the Mountains

Coastal cliffs of Concepcion, Chile

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!

Mosiah 15:16

Okay, since I've been out on my mission, I've already gone through 5 pairs of shoes. I don't know if it's the miles I walk or the way I walk - either way, I am rough on shoes. Picture does not show it, but the damage is in the soles. They get ripped, chewed and rubbed to the metal.  "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet?" Apparently, not in my case.  But a new pair just came in the mail from home and they feel great!  Gonna be walking in comfort.

Worn shoe next to new shoe

Baptism of Carolina

Carolina was baptized this week and confirmed on Sunday. Arismendiz returned for her special day. Here we are in a picture with her mother, her son, Santiago, and Karim.


Introducing Elder Contreras
Let me introduce you to my new companion - Elder Contreras.  He is from Santiago Chile. A really smart, well educated guy.  You know, Chilean missionaries, I have found, teach the best because they are in their element - their territory. So I plan on learning a lot more on this transfer with Elder Contreras.

Elder Contreras cooking up something good

Around the World Ping-Pong Tourney
The ward activity this week was really fun - an Around the World Ping-Pong tournament.  Everyone had a blast.

This weekend is General Conference. I look forward to hearing from the Lord's servants, bearing testimony of Him who is the Author of Peace. On that note, I'll leave you with this verse.

O how beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings,

that is the founder of peace, yea,

even the Lord, who has redeemed his people;

yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people.

Mosiah 15:18

Now that's something beautiful.  Time to go publish Peace!

Happy Conferencing, everyone,
Elder Connor Nef

Two Baptisms This Week!

Baptism of Sabastian and Fabian Montecinos

Our two Sebastians were baptized! Happy day.

Sebastian Montecinos
Sebastian Montecinos and his 8 year-old brother, Fabian did not have baptismal clothes because the ward has lost track of the baptismal clothing they have loaned to other wards in the stake.  So the day prior to their baptism, we ran to Conce looking for whatever outfit would be appropriate for their big day.  And, well, my comp and I ended up purchasing white lab coats. They were long and white. What else is needed?  So Sebastian and 8 year-old Fabian were baptized in lab coats.


Sebastian Sandoval

Baptism of Sebastian Sandoval

Sebastian Sandoval almost did not make it to his baptism.  He ended up being three hours late because his futbol tournament went longer than expected and his ride home fell through.  So the guy ended up walking all the way home clear from the other side of town.

These two young men will be great missionaries to their families and really strong members.

Elder Jose Augusto Texeira

Visit from Area Authority, Elder Texeira
One of the pick-me-ups this week was a visit from the Area President, Elder Texeira.  He is from Villa Real, Portugal.  He's a fun guy. Knows five languages.  Loves a good story.

One of his focuses was empowering the missionaries to go out and Find new investigators by talking with anyone and everyone.  I have to be honest - I had stopped doing this - talking to everyone.

Seems I'm not the only one and that's why his remarks were geared to motivating us to open our mouths more.

I swear, if there is no one else who has been changed from this conference, I have.  I am not going to sit by and watch one of the major experiences of my life pass me by.  I felt like the Apostle Paul when the Lord told him:

"Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace."

Acts 18:9

Sun over the hills of Chiguayante

Cambios
Well, transfer calls came, and my companion is being transferred, and I am staying in lovely Chiguayante with a Chilean companion - Elder Conteras.  I'll tell you more about him next time.

Now, we must find, find, find.  Pray that doors are opened for us.

Until next time, everyone!
Elder Connor Nef

Comida Con Familia

Familia Rios Arroyo

All my pictures are with food this week because, well, we had a lot of really great dinner appointments. Let me introduce you to some of my Chilean families.


BBQing with Familia Rios Arroyo
The familia Rios Arollo threw us a Chilean BBQ. This family makes me feel like family.

I love meat!

Mati, the teenager, and Hermano Arrollo (guy with the mustache) come with us on visits all the time. Mati is my crazy bro and Arroyo is my crazy grandpa.


Tacos with Familia Seguel
Familia Seguel (another part of my Chilean Family) made us tacos. Believe it or not, tacos are not common here. Tortillas are a rarity. That's Sebas on the left. He likes rapping, and is pretty good, too.

Familia Seguel

Sebastian Sandoval
Sebastian Sandoval, our investigator who is getting baptized this Saturday, had us over to eat with his parents and sisters. He in the center giving the thumbs-up.

Familia Sandoval

Earlier that day we had helped the Sandovals paint their house.  They entrusted me with the electric spray paint gun and I think I painted my comp more than the house.

Sebastian is basically with us every day. Whether it's a church activity or a visit, he asks to tag along. And since he is such a great kid, we welcome the company. He told us that he is sharing the missionary messages and pamphlets with his friends.

Golden!


Sebastian Montecino
Another Sebastian is scheduled to be baptized on Saturday. Sebastian Montecino.  We visited him a few times this week to prepare him thoroughly for his big day.


Sonia
Sonia, another golden investigator set for baptism in 2 weeks, is doing well. Had a small scare on Sunday, though.

Sonia pulled us aside and said that she could not be baptized the 25th because her friends from another ward have their temple trip and won't make it back in time. So now she is getting baptized the 23rd! A Thursday.  Listo!


I've had a really difficult week in some aspects, but being around some good food with great families, well, there's the silver lining.  Looking forward to Saturday's baptisms.

Can I ask for your prayers this week?  Thank you.

Blessings to All,
Elder Connor Nef

In Between the Biobio and the Beach

Elder Portillo, a member, and me at the Biobio River

On a successful afternoon helping teach lessons in another district, Elder Portillo, a member, and I pass along the Biobio river. Let me tell you a bit about the Biobio.

Biobio River

The Biobio is not only Chile's widest river (the average width is 1/2 mile wide), it is one of country's longest.  This large beauty rises in the Andes and flows northwest 380km (236 miles) across the central fertile valley clear to the Pacific Ocean. 

Biobio was named from Mapudungun, the ancient language of the Chile's native people (the Mapuchen).  They considered it to be a river of life.

Waffles in Concepcion

Had to go to Concepcion to work out some matters and I found a street food cart selling waffles. Mmm. Whipped cream, bananas, and manjar in a waffle. Life is good.

Journaling

Several days this week, we helped a member make journals for a few local schools - collating, punching, and binding.  My job was clipping the metal bindings.

Clearing

Saturday our zone got together for a service project where we cleared out grass, weeded, filled holes, chopped foliage, and removed trees.  It was a blast.

Coastin'

Today for P-day, we took a hike to the beach where I found a purple crab and a starfish. Cool.

Sandwiched in between the Biobio and the beach, it was a pretty productive week.  A lot of teaching. Several service projects.  Moments of helping fellow missionaries. On top of that, we have an investigator, Sebastian, committed to baptism, and four investigators came to church on Sunday. 

What a blessing!

Wishing you all a blessed week,

Elder Connor Nef

Happy Birthday, Lauren!!!!

The Ability Which God Giveth

From Zone conference a couple weeks back  (photo: mision chile concepcion blogpost)

A Good Week
Oh, sure, we had the ups and downs of scheduled and cancelled appointments, progressing and non-progressing investigators, energy ups and downs.  But by the end of the week, we added a numbers of new people to our teaching pool, we had investigators at church on Sunday, and one of our families set a date for baptism.

Tuesday, in particular, was a miraculous day, as far as missionary work goes. We found a handful of new people who are interested in our message, and we had nine lessons with a member present. That's a pretty great day.  We were even able to do a small service project - cleaning up the church grounds.

me, Elders Hershberger, Arismendiz, and Portillo ready for church clean-up (well, Hershberger will be ready in a minute)

The Ability Which God Giveth
Since Zone Conference, I have been thinking about the differences between the previous mission president and our current one, and how each had his own unique abilities he brought to this mission.
I've also thought of how each missionary carries his/her own set of talents and gifts we bring to this work.

When we are given a call to serve, God calls, not just the person to the work, he summons those gifts as well.

"If any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability which God giveth,

that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 4:11

When God gives an assignment, he also gives a skill "to every man according to his several ability" (Matt 25:15).  His intent is to use our experience and creativity and gifts and uniqueness - to share His Light. As He calls, He equips.  As He equips, He calls.

What are your abilities?  We all have something.  Look back over your life. What have you consistently done well?  What have you loved to do?  Stand at the junction of your affections and successes and - boom - find your uniqueness.  Don't worry about skills you don't have.  Don't covet strengths others do have.  Just bring out your own exclusively-you.

"Stir up the gift of God which is in thee."

2 Timothy 1:6

Stir it Up
What I've learned is this: When you magnify Christ with your strengths, when your contribution enriches God's Plan, your days grow suddenly sweet.  So let's stir it up!

I don't know why everyone gives the-thumbs-up when a picture is taken here.
Sorry, I got caught up.

Here's Wishing Us All a Sweet Week,
Elder Connor Nef