This week Zach and his companion had a conference for the zone leaders. Now, a couple weeks prior, my parents received a message from Zach's mission president asking for pictures of our parents hands. I guess they were used during this conference when a slideshow was pulled up. Here is Zach's experience with that:
" A little bit into the conference assistants pulled up a slide show that showed two hands. They asked everyone if they recognized the hands. No one knew who they were of. All of a sudden they zoomed out and it was a picture of a lady that I had never met. The assistants asked us if anyone recognized the women in the slide show. An elder from the zone raised his hand and said thats my mom. He went up to the front as he was indicated to do and they asked him what the hands of his mom has done for him. He began to cry and explained in few words what the hands of his mother had done for him. They proceeded by showing his dads hands. They then kept going. Filtering through every zone leader. Until we were all crying. There was about 25 missionaries maybe less and we were all crying. They then ended the slide show showing two hands. The hands of our savior and they asked someone 'What have these hands done for you?'"
Zach went on splits with another Elder in the mission, Elder Camp. They went to interview a woman who was wanting to get baptized. She told them that she felt like she was not ready to get baptized. Zach knew in his heart that she was ready to take that next step. They decided to kneel down together while she asked the Lord whether she should be baptized. He told her to ask the question, end the prayer, and listen tot he spirit. She said the prayer, and they sat there fora bout 10 minutes, when she looked up to the elders with tears in her eyes, and said "yes, I am ready!" She was baptized the next Saturday.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Week 70: Adventures of God's time
Alo everyone!
Well we as a family received awesome news this week from Zach, and it was a return date! This means for us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! He will be returning June 21st, and we seriously can't wait. Zach is really not looking forward to leaving though. He loves the people of Chile, and is heartbroken thinking about not seeing them again.
Zach is thankful for all of the skills he is learning: leadership skills, nun-chuck skills, service skills, bow-staff skills... These skills are why the mission president chose him to be a zone leader this transfer. He is over 24 missionaries (the second biggest zone in the mission). He is always taking calls from other missionaries and helping them out, so they are really working him to the bone (which he loves). It is probably helping him to not get fat from all the good food. The name of his new area is Los Angeles. I know what you are thinking... No, he is not in California now, though that would be fun for us because we would totally go sneak over there to see him.
This week Zach and his companion, Elder Peck were able to help a family of four. The mother was recently baptized into the church, and her husband is without a job currently. This was really weighing on her, as they are struggling financially. Luckily, our family had a similar experience several years ago. He was able to share this story about our family with them, and help them understand that God had not deserted them, but we just need to be patient. Our time is not always God's time. The story really touched the mother and she told Zach that she really needed that story. Never would have thought our struggle would be able to help another family, but it did. Maybe we were meant to experience it to help this family? Who knows! Our time is not God's time!
For p-day this week, Zach got to do his favorite thing... Soccer! He played soccer on a field with 30 sweaty elders. They were then able to go to Papa Johns and eat some yummy pizza :)
Well we as a family received awesome news this week from Zach, and it was a return date! This means for us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! He will be returning June 21st, and we seriously can't wait. Zach is really not looking forward to leaving though. He loves the people of Chile, and is heartbroken thinking about not seeing them again.
Zach is thankful for all of the skills he is learning: leadership skills, nun-chuck skills, service skills, bow-staff skills... These skills are why the mission president chose him to be a zone leader this transfer. He is over 24 missionaries (the second biggest zone in the mission). He is always taking calls from other missionaries and helping them out, so they are really working him to the bone (which he loves). It is probably helping him to not get fat from all the good food. The name of his new area is Los Angeles. I know what you are thinking... No, he is not in California now, though that would be fun for us because we would totally go sneak over there to see him.
This week Zach and his companion, Elder Peck were able to help a family of four. The mother was recently baptized into the church, and her husband is without a job currently. This was really weighing on her, as they are struggling financially. Luckily, our family had a similar experience several years ago. He was able to share this story about our family with them, and help them understand that God had not deserted them, but we just need to be patient. Our time is not always God's time. The story really touched the mother and she told Zach that she really needed that story. Never would have thought our struggle would be able to help another family, but it did. Maybe we were meant to experience it to help this family? Who knows! Our time is not God's time!For p-day this week, Zach got to do his favorite thing... Soccer! He played soccer on a field with 30 sweaty elders. They were then able to go to Papa Johns and eat some yummy pizza :)
Week 69: Adventures of goodbyes
Dear Family,
This week was crazy! Just to let you know we have our transfers tomorrow morning at 9 am. I recieved a call from president last night and he said " Elder Van Pelt how are you doing?" I told him I was fine. He responded to me and said he had been praying alot recently to know who would be the new zone leaders for this transfer and told me he recieved revelation and a strong impresion that I needed to serve as his new zone leader. I was shocked! I was not expecting that kind of call. Butterflys shot through my body as I accepted the call to serve as zone leader. I will be in the zone of Los Angeles Sur..... San Martin. My new companion will be Elder Peck. He also is from Texas. Ive heard some great things from him. I will also be going to the most hot part of our zone so wish me luck with the heat. While you guys are cold and freezing, I will become darker then dark!
Texans Gone:
We sent Elder Gibson on the bus yesterday at 5 pm to start his journey back on home. I was super sad and very happy for him. It was a bitter sweet kind of experience. While his bus pulled off I cried. I cant help but cry when I say good bye to those I love. Elder Gibson was a great example and Im going to miss him. By the way mom and dad he will be going on over to utah and I told him that you guys would take him out for lunch. Would that be alright? His name is Jacob Gibson for his face book so you guys can chat and see if he wants to go out to lunch. If you take him out you will not regret it. He is the funniest kid ever!
Pitrufquen City:
Im going to miss Pitrufquen alot! We said good bye to most of the members and are going to visit the rest tonight to take some photos. The hardest thing about the mission for me is saying goodbye. Even with an eternal perspective in thought....that I will see the people I love again after this life, will still make me cry. I think its just built in me that im a sensitive guy and that when I say good bye I have to show it by my emotions.
I love this work though so much. I dont ever want to end my mission. I want to stay here in chile. I have fallen in love with teaching the gospel to those who dont know the truth. I have been changed in so many forms and have learned so many incredible life decisions and experiences in such a short amount of time. I am forever grateful for my savior jesus christ and the blessings that I get for serving as one of his representatives.
In Conclusion:
I know this is gods work. I know without a doubt that the book of mormon is the word of god and that as we study the book of mormon we will begin to see the truth and learn of gods commandments. Although we are all so imperfect we can truly be clean of sin and be made perfect as we take steps on the perfect plan of god. Although we are not perfect yet, every day we can take steps as we obey the commandments and stand up for what is right. We are in a war. A war that has been going on since before this earth. This battle must be fought by charity,hope and faith. We are the army of god, his first string warriors. We are here on the earth to prove ourselves worthy and qualify ourselves for the kingdom of god.
I know each of us are children of god with talents to bless and strengthen us and others. May god be with you all. Love you so much and hope to hear from you all real soon.
Elder Van Pelt
This week was crazy! Just to let you know we have our transfers tomorrow morning at 9 am. I recieved a call from president last night and he said " Elder Van Pelt how are you doing?" I told him I was fine. He responded to me and said he had been praying alot recently to know who would be the new zone leaders for this transfer and told me he recieved revelation and a strong impresion that I needed to serve as his new zone leader. I was shocked! I was not expecting that kind of call. Butterflys shot through my body as I accepted the call to serve as zone leader. I will be in the zone of Los Angeles Sur..... San Martin. My new companion will be Elder Peck. He also is from Texas. Ive heard some great things from him. I will also be going to the most hot part of our zone so wish me luck with the heat. While you guys are cold and freezing, I will become darker then dark!Texans Gone:
We sent Elder Gibson on the bus yesterday at 5 pm to start his journey back on home. I was super sad and very happy for him. It was a bitter sweet kind of experience. While his bus pulled off I cried. I cant help but cry when I say good bye to those I love. Elder Gibson was a great example and Im going to miss him. By the way mom and dad he will be going on over to utah and I told him that you guys would take him out for lunch. Would that be alright? His name is Jacob Gibson for his face book so you guys can chat and see if he wants to go out to lunch. If you take him out you will not regret it. He is the funniest kid ever!
Pitrufquen City:
Im going to miss Pitrufquen alot! We said good bye to most of the members and are going to visit the rest tonight to take some photos. The hardest thing about the mission for me is saying goodbye. Even with an eternal perspective in thought....that I will see the people I love again after this life, will still make me cry. I think its just built in me that im a sensitive guy and that when I say good bye I have to show it by my emotions.I love this work though so much. I dont ever want to end my mission. I want to stay here in chile. I have fallen in love with teaching the gospel to those who dont know the truth. I have been changed in so many forms and have learned so many incredible life decisions and experiences in such a short amount of time. I am forever grateful for my savior jesus christ and the blessings that I get for serving as one of his representatives.
In Conclusion:
I know this is gods work. I know without a doubt that the book of mormon is the word of god and that as we study the book of mormon we will begin to see the truth and learn of gods commandments. Although we are all so imperfect we can truly be clean of sin and be made perfect as we take steps on the perfect plan of god. Although we are not perfect yet, every day we can take steps as we obey the commandments and stand up for what is right. We are in a war. A war that has been going on since before this earth. This battle must be fought by charity,hope and faith. We are the army of god, his first string warriors. We are here on the earth to prove ourselves worthy and qualify ourselves for the kingdom of god.
I know each of us are children of god with talents to bless and strengthen us and others. May god be with you all. Love you so much and hope to hear from you all real soon.
Elder Van Pelt
Week 68: Adventures of the girl from Santiago
Dear Family,
What a crazy week its been here in chile. I am learning a lot about my self and my savior. I have encounterd a few people this week that have tried to bring down my spirit in this great work and also my work ethic, but I guess that my testimony of this church, the book of mormon and the love of my savior and father in heaven have blocked my view of these people.
As life progresses we will see a lot more damaging events hit our lives. We may have heart breaks, trials, addictions, etc. That cause us to look around and panic for a second but I feel like im learning through trial and error that as problems become visible we must look at it with eyes faith and a hopeful heart. Any trial can be overcome through the faith and hope in our savior Jesus Christ.
Service On A Saturday:
This week we had planned to do a service for the inactive member. Sister luz. She is that nicest lady ever. She was baptized 10 years ago but never went to church. We found her and now are helping her son learn of the truth. His name is nicolas.
Anyways..... We showed up to her house saturday morning at about 10 am and were ready to clean up a part of her backyard for a garden. When we showed up there was a girl visiting luz whos name is Annais from santiago. She is 17 years old and was super interested in the work that we do. She started asking us a bunch of questions about the church and even spent her vacation time to help us clean up and put up a fence to keep the chickens out of the garden.
When we finished we had lunch with the family and invited Annais to go to church with us the following day. She accepted the invitation to go to church and even wanted to read the book of mormon so we gave her that also.
She went to church wish us sunday and absolutely loved it! She has never been baptized in a church before and accepted to listen to missionarys over there in santiago. We got all of her contact information and then we parted our ways. When we said good bye I kinda felt deep down that she is going to get baptized. Thats my hope at least. What would had happened if we never would had planned that service with sister luz?
Our Trip To Country:
We have a bunch of country land on the out skirts of pitrufquen... well do you remember that family we found when we entered the gate of the mansion? Well we finally went out to the yard keepers house in the country. They live in a beautiful area. ( Ill get photos next week) We shared about the book of mormon in 3 nefi 11 and read together as a family. The cool thing was the electricity went out so we read under a candle. The spirit was so strong in their home and the mother even started to cry because of our visit.
When we left we had to hitch hike back home. A friendly chileno picked us up in his truck and we drove all the way into town. What an awesome experience. Never thought I would hitch hike really in my mission.
Miss you all so much and think and pray about you all. Thanks grandma for your wonderful package. Just got it the other day. You are the best! Thanks everybody for your prayers. I really feel them.
May god bless you is my prayer.
love,
Elder Van Pelt
What a crazy week its been here in chile. I am learning a lot about my self and my savior. I have encounterd a few people this week that have tried to bring down my spirit in this great work and also my work ethic, but I guess that my testimony of this church, the book of mormon and the love of my savior and father in heaven have blocked my view of these people.
As life progresses we will see a lot more damaging events hit our lives. We may have heart breaks, trials, addictions, etc. That cause us to look around and panic for a second but I feel like im learning through trial and error that as problems become visible we must look at it with eyes faith and a hopeful heart. Any trial can be overcome through the faith and hope in our savior Jesus Christ.Service On A Saturday:
This week we had planned to do a service for the inactive member. Sister luz. She is that nicest lady ever. She was baptized 10 years ago but never went to church. We found her and now are helping her son learn of the truth. His name is nicolas.
Anyways..... We showed up to her house saturday morning at about 10 am and were ready to clean up a part of her backyard for a garden. When we showed up there was a girl visiting luz whos name is Annais from santiago. She is 17 years old and was super interested in the work that we do. She started asking us a bunch of questions about the church and even spent her vacation time to help us clean up and put up a fence to keep the chickens out of the garden.
When we finished we had lunch with the family and invited Annais to go to church with us the following day. She accepted the invitation to go to church and even wanted to read the book of mormon so we gave her that also.
Our Trip To Country:
We have a bunch of country land on the out skirts of pitrufquen... well do you remember that family we found when we entered the gate of the mansion? Well we finally went out to the yard keepers house in the country. They live in a beautiful area. ( Ill get photos next week) We shared about the book of mormon in 3 nefi 11 and read together as a family. The cool thing was the electricity went out so we read under a candle. The spirit was so strong in their home and the mother even started to cry because of our visit.
When we left we had to hitch hike back home. A friendly chileno picked us up in his truck and we drove all the way into town. What an awesome experience. Never thought I would hitch hike really in my mission.
Miss you all so much and think and pray about you all. Thanks grandma for your wonderful package. Just got it the other day. You are the best! Thanks everybody for your prayers. I really feel them.
May god bless you is my prayer.
love,
Elder Van Pelt
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
A surprise for you...
EXTRA PICTURES... Just because we as a family like to share Zach with you :) Enjoy the photographs of our handsome Elder having a fun October.
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| Halloweeners of Chile |
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| Egg toss champions! |
Week 67: Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (missionary edition)
Dear Family,
What a crazy week! I dont think I have ever been more tired and more overwhelmed in all my life. We as a mission are doing something called a 40 day fast when whe fast for one day and then for 40 days we go without something that keeps away the spirit for example one of mine was music. Sometimes I find myself singing songs that arent exactly church songs and Ive been trying to go without that for 40 days we are on our 20th day. Every morning we ask for strength to change and every night we give an account of how the day went. I have many small things that I am trying to change and this week seemed almost impossible to change them.
I figured that when I started this fast of 40 days it would be easy, but it seems that satan has picked up his game because he knows my determination to change. If we take a step into the darkness we find its hard and there is not much direction in our lives but thats when we need to put our faith in christ. The 40 day fast I thought was all about changing the small things but I have seen that its not about that at all... I am trying to learn to love god and his will and do what he wants and not what I want. Try the fast out. After 40 days you end with another 24 hour fast.
The Gate:
So Elder Clark and I found a super rich house and the gate was open just a little bit. For some reason we had desires to go and knock on the door. So we put our fears behind as we stared at the mansion and entered the small opening in the gate and walked to the nearest door. It was actually the care takers house that we knocked and guess what... he let us in.
Him and his family live in country outside of pitrufquen and his wife so happened to be there with him visiting for the day. We taught him and here and introduced the book of mormon and totally want to get baptized! How cool is that? When you put fear behind you and just do it... you become and instrument for the lord. The gate actually closed 10min after we entered. What would have happened if we were not there in that exact moment?
In Conclusion:
Follow gods will. Learn to love god, live the gospel and enjoy the blessings. I know that we are all children of god. He has a plan for us and has an infinit love for each one of us. I hope you all remember that. In times of trouble and gloom look to your father in heaven I like a scripture in Ether 12: 41. I know this is gods true church on the earth and that even though life will get hard we must keep on peddling up the tallest hill which is this life. But we are given christ to help us. Christs atonment is like our gear shift in a way. If we only had one gear on our bikes and we were taking on a mountain, it would be impossible even with the best of training... Christs atonent is our gear shift and if we use it, it is a huge blessing. It is An incredible help on the tall hill that seems so high.
Love you all,
Elder Van Pelt
P.S.
We Found one of the paintings that were stollen from the church about a month ago... We had the privillage of putting it back on the wall.
What a crazy week! I dont think I have ever been more tired and more overwhelmed in all my life. We as a mission are doing something called a 40 day fast when whe fast for one day and then for 40 days we go without something that keeps away the spirit for example one of mine was music. Sometimes I find myself singing songs that arent exactly church songs and Ive been trying to go without that for 40 days we are on our 20th day. Every morning we ask for strength to change and every night we give an account of how the day went. I have many small things that I am trying to change and this week seemed almost impossible to change them.
I figured that when I started this fast of 40 days it would be easy, but it seems that satan has picked up his game because he knows my determination to change. If we take a step into the darkness we find its hard and there is not much direction in our lives but thats when we need to put our faith in christ. The 40 day fast I thought was all about changing the small things but I have seen that its not about that at all... I am trying to learn to love god and his will and do what he wants and not what I want. Try the fast out. After 40 days you end with another 24 hour fast.
The Gate:
So Elder Clark and I found a super rich house and the gate was open just a little bit. For some reason we had desires to go and knock on the door. So we put our fears behind as we stared at the mansion and entered the small opening in the gate and walked to the nearest door. It was actually the care takers house that we knocked and guess what... he let us in.
Him and his family live in country outside of pitrufquen and his wife so happened to be there with him visiting for the day. We taught him and here and introduced the book of mormon and totally want to get baptized! How cool is that? When you put fear behind you and just do it... you become and instrument for the lord. The gate actually closed 10min after we entered. What would have happened if we were not there in that exact moment?
In Conclusion:
Follow gods will. Learn to love god, live the gospel and enjoy the blessings. I know that we are all children of god. He has a plan for us and has an infinit love for each one of us. I hope you all remember that. In times of trouble and gloom look to your father in heaven I like a scripture in Ether 12: 41. I know this is gods true church on the earth and that even though life will get hard we must keep on peddling up the tallest hill which is this life. But we are given christ to help us. Christs atonment is like our gear shift in a way. If we only had one gear on our bikes and we were taking on a mountain, it would be impossible even with the best of training... Christs atonent is our gear shift and if we use it, it is a huge blessing. It is An incredible help on the tall hill that seems so high.
Love you all,
Elder Van Pelt
P.S.
Week 66: Adventures of miracles
Dear Family,
Hey guys I love you so much. Whitney this last sunday a member spoke in sacretment meeting and she sounded just like you. I savored the special moment to think about how you are enjoying it up in south korea. Miss you a ton!
Ryan Van Pelt Hope You Are Reading:
Weird story... Yesterday we were walking down to a future investigator after two appointements fell and we ran into a guy who was from Antafagasta. I asked him if he knew a ryan van pelt and he said he did. He said he was teaching him and his family but didnt end up getting baptized. He was down here because of some problems with his family. We gave him a few bucks and some water because he was hitch hiking all the way back to antafagasta. It so happens I had an extra book of mormon to give out that day. I gave that to him. He said he is going to change his life around so he can get baptized there in Antafagasta.
Miracles Do Exist:
This is story about another guy we found in the street named Carlos Reyez. We talked to him when he was a little drunk and very upset. His family kicked him out of his house, he lost his job and didnt have any real help from anybody. We told him that we were messengers from god and would help him. We wrote down his cell phone number and called that night to set up an appointment in the church for the following day.
The next day my companion and I were waiting for him in the church for 20 minutes and just as I lost my patience and about lost my faith in teaching him that day... he showed up. He said he wasnt planning on coming but felt strongly to go meet up with us. After he left his house a taxi driver drove him into town for free. He told us it was a miracle from god because he had no money and If he wouldnt have taken that taxi, we would have left.
The following day we found him in the street and he said he had gotten into a car accident and told us he could have died. He said he knew it was a sign that he lived and that he needs to change his life and become a member of gods church.
This was a wonderful little story that occured to us this week. Isnt it amazing how god works his miracels.
In Conclusion:
I know that god is a god of miracles. I know I am in his great work. I am so grateful for you all so much. I miss you all so much. Keep your heads up and do what god wants you to do. I know that as we follow gods plan and commandments we are blessed. Love you all so much! Have a wonderful week.
Elder Van Pelt
Hey guys I love you so much. Whitney this last sunday a member spoke in sacretment meeting and she sounded just like you. I savored the special moment to think about how you are enjoying it up in south korea. Miss you a ton!
Ryan Van Pelt Hope You Are Reading:
Weird story... Yesterday we were walking down to a future investigator after two appointements fell and we ran into a guy who was from Antafagasta. I asked him if he knew a ryan van pelt and he said he did. He said he was teaching him and his family but didnt end up getting baptized. He was down here because of some problems with his family. We gave him a few bucks and some water because he was hitch hiking all the way back to antafagasta. It so happens I had an extra book of mormon to give out that day. I gave that to him. He said he is going to change his life around so he can get baptized there in Antafagasta.
Miracles Do Exist:
This is story about another guy we found in the street named Carlos Reyez. We talked to him when he was a little drunk and very upset. His family kicked him out of his house, he lost his job and didnt have any real help from anybody. We told him that we were messengers from god and would help him. We wrote down his cell phone number and called that night to set up an appointment in the church for the following day.
The next day my companion and I were waiting for him in the church for 20 minutes and just as I lost my patience and about lost my faith in teaching him that day... he showed up. He said he wasnt planning on coming but felt strongly to go meet up with us. After he left his house a taxi driver drove him into town for free. He told us it was a miracle from god because he had no money and If he wouldnt have taken that taxi, we would have left.
The following day we found him in the street and he said he had gotten into a car accident and told us he could have died. He said he knew it was a sign that he lived and that he needs to change his life and become a member of gods church.
This was a wonderful little story that occured to us this week. Isnt it amazing how god works his miracels.
In Conclusion:
I know that god is a god of miracles. I know I am in his great work. I am so grateful for you all so much. I miss you all so much. Keep your heads up and do what god wants you to do. I know that as we follow gods plan and commandments we are blessed. Love you all so much! Have a wonderful week.
Elder Van Pelt
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