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 :)

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

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

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.

Halloweeners of Chile

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.

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

Week 65: Adventures of smoke in the air

Dear Family,

This week was an interesting one. I have felt so close to my savior this past week. It was a beautiful and hardworking time with lots ups and downs. I´ve really realized that through our difficult trials we are blessed. I´ve seen the hand of the lord in my life. Especially in my heart. For the past few months I have struggled with loving the people here in chile, because every day you have to deal with people who make fun of missionarys and the church, who slam doors in your face, and much more.

I have been praying really hard to develop charity and love for these people. I really do care about all of the people. Gods changing my heart through my experiences. I feel like we all can go through a change of heart or love. We can either appreciate our experiences and have a faith in Jesus christ and his plan, or seal our hearts and close off from giving thanks to god. What are you going to do when trials hit your car door?


A Strange Call At 9:15 pm:

It was 9:10 pm and we had 20 minutes till we ended our day. We had been teaching and talking to people all day and I was super tired. My companion sugested that we go talk to our neihbor until the end of the night, but I had a distinct impresion that we should go to the park. When we got there we had recieved a call from the mom of krishna. ( Maritza ) I answered the call and she was super nervous and stressed about something. I could tell in the tone of her voice.

She then said her family had gotten into a fight and Krishna ran off. Shes 14 years old. A pretty little princess like her should never be out at night. It is not anything like Utah were all the kids can play night games and you are basically pertected by the surounding mormon homes.

Well guess what... there on the other side of a small grassy field we found Maritza who was talking to us on the phone. We talked to the mom and she was really upset. She didn´t know what to do with her life and what she should be doing to raise her kids. The whole family has been hit with about every trial that could happen to anyone. We sat Maritza on a bench and she began to cry. We comforted her with the hope of the gospel.

Krishna later came home and we had a great tender moment with her mom and learned a lot about what we can do to more fully help them in their lives.


Smoke In the Air:

As we were following the impresions of the holy ghost we were led to an area that we had never contacted before. We knocked on a door and a women came out named luz. She was a sweet lady who never talked to mormon missionarys but she had talked to about every other missionary there was. She said she was willing to listen.

When we entered the house I recognized the oder of cigarette smoke. She is a women of 45 years. We shared with her about Jesus Christ and his plan and why he can to the earth and that through his example we can return to heaven clean and pure. I then said " I noticed that someone smokes here" She then looked at me very oddly and said, "yes I smoke. I have had an adiction for all of my life almost." I asked her if she would like to quit so that she could be more clean and healthier. She told us it would take a miracle and then paused for a few seconds and said. "It´s strange. This morning I was praying to god to help me quit smoking because I failed my health exams and needed to give up smoking." She then said "Why did you knock on my door? How come you guys never have Knocked my door until I prayed this morning?"

I promised her that we were on the lords errand and we were here to bless her life and help her give up her addiction. What an amazing miracle right? Keep her in your prayers.


In Conclusion:

I hope you all stay safe and keep doing the things god wants us to do. Obey the commandments and we will recieve blessings. Love you so much! Until next time.



With Love,

Elder Van Pelt



P.S. I made a tortilla and it came out to be like the face of dobbys friend in harry potter the one that lives in the house of black.

Week 64: Adventures of drunk Hulk

First of all I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the best mother in the whole wide world. I have been given so many blessings, thanks to you mom. I miss you dearly and think of you every day. I wish I could give you the biggest hug but for now I send my love and prayers. I miss you a lot and hope you know that with out you in my life I wouldnt be who I am today. The talk that president holland shared in general conferance of mothers was my favorite talk. I know that you are an incredible person.

Also everyone here in chile when I show them your photo thinks that you are my sister. They always say... " Wow shes your mom? Shes so young and beautiful!" Great choice dad you picked the best mom in the world. Love you mommy.

The Work:

This week was super hard as far as the work going. We tracted a lot and taught less then usual. We tried our best to find the people who are ready for baptism and have found many new people to teach. As far as our investigators are going prebisto is still not yet baptized and doesnt have any plans yet for baptism. Also krishna our 14 year old investigator is still going strong and going to church and progressing. We are trying to get her whole family to church this week so we can start planning for their baptism. They are such an awesome family and need to get baptized they are so prepared.


Drunks Are Like Hulks:

This story isn`t necesarily spiritual but its kinda funny. We were on a street contacting people and looking for some elect children of god to teach. It was about 4 pm and while we were walking down the street in the heat of the day and I saw a guy across the street yell up in the sky.... grab his t-shirt and rip it. The guy obviously was angry about something. He then took off his shirt and shook it in the air like Rocky Balboa. He proceded to flex like the great hulk. Sadly he didn`t have any muscle so what he was flexing was fat. My companion had a laugh at this as we just stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and watch this experience take place in front of our eyes. There are a lot of drunks here in chile.

The Hospitial Is Great:

We went to visit a member at the hospital this week, he is super sick and needed a priesthood blessing. We had the privilage of going in and blessing this man who was suffering from diabetes.

When we left the hospital we ran into a 45 year old women who asked us to visit her 15 year old daughter in the hospital. She told us that she had tried to commit sucide by pills. When this random lady told us this story my heart sank thinking how could a little 15 year old princess try and take her life. We told her that we would love to visit her. She told us to visit her sunday. ( The following day)

The next day we visited this little girl and she was excited to see us and talk to us. We shared with her about the book of mormon and the hope we have in life and the wonderful joy there is to be seen. She seemed to open her eyes and feel the spirit. We did our best to invite the spirit in the croweded hospital. We will be seeing her later this week.

In Conclusion:

I love you family. You are incredible. I think and pray about you every day. Keep doing what is correct. Keep showing your love and faith in your day to day activitys. I know that this is the true gospel, restored to the earth today. Familys can be together forever. Love lasts forever and we are going to succeed in obtaining ever lasting life, only if we follow christs example and do the will of the father.

Echeleganas....



Love Always,

Elder Van Pelt

Week 63: Adventures of a spiritual Saturday

Dear Loving Family,

I have some wonderful news for you all. This week was a crazy week full of work and miracles. I was also very spiritually fed from general conference. Wow wasn`t it amazing?


Spiritual Saturday:

This last saturday was a day full of the spirit wasnt it? After the first session we baptized Javiera. She is 14 years old and was able to get baptized. My companion baptized her and it was a magnifacent and wonderful baptism. She came out of the water super happy. Her cousin who is not a member went and told me. Wow I really like this church. She stayed for the second sesion of conference and loved it. We are going to try to teach her now also.

Transfers:

Can you believe that we already have transfers? My companion and I are staying the same. We have a lot of people who have potential to be baptized this month. This last week we had 7 investigators in church. We are going to be working even harder to have a few more baptisms.

I will also be district leader again. There are 8 missionarys I have to watch over including myself. This transfer will be a good one. Throw some prayers in for all of our investigators and our district.


Serving With Everything:

One thing that called to my attention from general conference was that we need to have courage to have faith and keep doing what the lord wants us to do. How beautiful is it to be members of the church of god, and to have access to the brilliant knowledge of the gospel. As we put fourth our faith by steps of courage we will progress to the mansions of heaven.

I know that as members of the church of jesus christ we must have hope for the future. Living and standing up for what is good. I believe that is that familys can be eternal but only by living the commandments and following gods will. Familys are the most important thing we have. I know thats true. Time after time I have seen that in my life and even more so in my mission.

This life is hard sometimes but as we live the commandments and do what is right we will be okay. And as we follow our perfect example we will be led back home... home which is our mansions above with a joy that is unbelievable. Follow Jesus Christ! We need to right now and forever to be together forever.


Love You Always,


Elder Van Pelt

Week 62: Adventures of the under cover missionary cops

Hello everyone!

Robbings And Under Cover Cops:

A month ago our church building was robbed not once but twice. All of the pretty paintings of Jesus Christ were stolen. All the members were super worried and upset that the beautiful paintings of Jesus Christ were just robbed.

This last week we went to a ladys house. Her name is patricilla and we were going to teach her for the first time. Shes like 40 years old and has lived a sad life of drinking and being consumed by many addictions. We stopped her in the street and she said she need help. She told us she had been praying for help. She called us her guardian angels.

We passed by friday at about 11:30 am. She answered and we stepped foot into her house. The first thing I noticed was the smell. It smelled like wood polish all over the house. The next thing I noticed was a very familiar painting. I looked at it and told her "thats really pretty" and she replied, "Thankyou". I then glanced in another direction but very confused I did a double take at the painting. There in front of my eyes was one of the stollen paintings. What the heck!!! She said it was a gift from a friend, who bought it from a gifted kid. Suposedly he painted the picture of christ with the children by the well and then signed it as the year 1975 at the bottem left corner. Hmmm thats weird.

We taught her quickly in her living room about abandoning her past and addictions and following christ. We invited her to be baptized which she accepted. After that we closed the lesson which was filled with the spirit with a lovely prayer that she offered to say.

After that we started to ask her more about the painting and where she got it. I felt like an under cover cop. We ended up telling her that the painting she had was stollen and was part of the church of god. Her face then turned red and said "WHAT" She started to freak out and get super worried like we were there to turn her in.

In the end she told us that she was going to give us the painting back and also find some of the other stolen paintings.



My Testimony Of Christ:

Our trials help us and humble us so that we can come unto christ more fully. I know that through our experiences we gain beautiful new perspective of life. Our life is like a smal black dot drawn on a white board. Eternity is the white board. We have to make incredible decisions everyday that will draw us closer to our savior.

Christ paid for our sins he suffered for us so that we can return to the presence of our loving heavenly father. Everyday we need to start out on our knees to pray for the blessings and strength to keep shining bright of the love of christ. We need to be the light of the world.

This week as you all are listening to conferance, pray that your testimony of Jesus Christ will be strengthened. He is our foundation and rock. If we have him we will not fall. We maybe stuck in a storm of trials but we will be firm and stand boldly through the trials of satan and life.

I am an imperfect man, following a perfect plan. Although I am imperfect, im following a perfect man.

Love you all so much. So So Much!



Elder Van Pelt


Photo of The members in Gorbea. We had a district conferance so they all came to pitrufquen.

Week 61: Adventures of a Chilean Rodeo

Soooooooooooo... Zach went to a rodeo this week. Not like Fiesta days, it was like a rodeo for baby Chilean kids. It was to celebrate independance day in Chile. They also got to watch a parade along with the rodeo.

Here is a little excerpt from Zachs letter:

"This week I was really trying to study charity and putting christ at the foundation of everything I do. I realized that when we have doubts or problems we have, we need to just relax and take a break so that we can figure out what it is that is causing the problem. Then we fix it through careful prayer and scripture study. These simple things really help. I promise.

I was also thinking about my life and how everything has played out. Sometimes I think of the hard times ive been through and ponder about how I got through them. We as humans have a natural man or women who always is fighting against the way of god. Its just normal. The first thing I belive our natural man will fight is our faith. More specifically in christ. As we put christ at the center of our lives we notice small changes that ultimatly effect our lives in ways we never would have imagined.

Although the light of our hope may be dimmed, we can rekindle the fire of faith and love. By doing so we are shown the iluminated picture of our surroundings which is the hope that everything will be okay in the plan of god. We are litteraly his children and he loves us and has a plan for each of us. Do you hear that? I hope you do! You know who im talking to... So keep on moving forward my loving sister and family. Put god at your driver seat. Let him take control of your life. He will guide you through the path of life."


Hasta luego!

Week 60: Adventures of 100 doors and 1 person

Alo everyone!

Zach is so happy with his life right now. He is a missionary serving as a district leader in Chile, and it truly is blessing everyone. He recently used an activity to teach the other missionaries about the holy ghost. It was an activity that I remember doing at our family home evening many years ago, so I am glad it stuck with him. He blindfolded one missionary and had him look for pieces of paper that Zach had spread through out the room. The trick was that the blindfolded missionary had help, another missionary representing the Holy Ghost. The room was also full of the rest of the missionaries who were trying to lead him in the wrong direction, representing Satan. He also bought all the missionaries in the district Tic-Tacs, and decorated them to say "count your many blessings". I am actually quite impressed with him, is he sneaking on Pinterest? Who knows...

A young investigator has the opportunity to get baptized this week or next week, so lets all keep her in our prayers. The bishop is a little weary because she is so young at 14 years old, but she has support from her family and has a testimony of the truthfulness of the church. Apparently Zach put in some calls to some important people to change that, because he obviously doesn't want people to be denied baptism for fear they may become inactive.

So a cool experience that happened recently with Zach is he and his companion were out tracting in a new area. They had knocked on a TON of doors, and no one was willing to listen, even being rude to them. When they felt they were not going to find anyone, Zach saw a house with lights on, so they decided to try knocking on the door. Zach was in a grumpy mood, so he had a grumpy face (obviously), but before his knuckle hit the door, he had a feeling that he needed to be smiling when the door was opened.

He knocked.

A woman opened the door, she seemed sad, so it was a good greeting for Zach to have a smile on his face. Her husband had been arrested the night before due to some things he had done, would be on trial, and could face up to 5 years in jail. She let the Elders in and soon after she told them that they were sent from god. Zach told her the experience they just had, knocking doors over and over again, with no one wanting to hear from them. She replied "Keep knocking doors. If you knock hundreds of doors, that is fine, because you will find the one person who needs you." Zach realized then, that if they had given up after their failure, they wouldn't have found this woman who was in need of their help.

Zach found one of their investigators on the street drunk the other day, so that kind of stinks... Definitely something that you guys can pray about for Zach to help him defeat his addiction.

That is all for this week!

Hasta luego!

Week 59: Adventures of the hot Tuesday

I feel like I am not able to talk in english anymore. When I write letters I feel like they sound great and awesome and I try my best to spell and write gramatically correct but I am sure that some of you have to read my letters twice just to know exactly what im saying:) Thanks for you patience.

We are working super hard and seeing a lot of miracles. We have found many new methods to teach and have found many new people to teach. We are currently set to baptize prebisto, who went to church and has been a miracle from god. Also our little javiera who is 14 years of age who is super excited to go to church and get baptized. When I teach her I feel like she is my little sister. Shes the nicest little girl. Keep them in your prayers so we can get them baptized.

Chewed Ears:

Me and my companion were tracting houses at about 3:30 on a hot tuesday. It was one of the first days were we just wore sweeters to work. We were tracting and happen to knock on a door with two old grandmas. Oh no not this again. They invited us in and we sat down. We were on a coach and one old grandma was in her seat and her daughter who was 65 or so was in her wheel chair. They were very kind and gave us a drink of water, but when they started talking they attacked us with there giber gaber and started talking about things that didnt make to much sense. They started telling us all about their life story.

Soon after they went off talking they split like torpedos and just imagine this my companion was on the left side talking with the old grandma on the chair about all her wonderful child hood storys and I was being talked to by the lady across from me in her wheel chair. They both were talking and at some points they seemed to higher there tone so they could speak over the other one.

Now you know why I named this one chewed ears. We came out of that house with 30 minutes waisted without teaching them one thing because they didnt want to listen. Urrr!

Old Ladys Again:

It seemed I had a lot of experieces with the old ladys this week. We were walking down the street at about 12:30 and were headed to a place we had not been to before to tract. On the road we ran into another old lady who was super funny at first and I was excited to write down her direction and visit her.

But while we talked to her a little bit more she started saying things like "ooh your eyes are beautiful" Thats not a big deal coming from an old lady and its better coming from her then little girls who laugh and giggle as we pass by. My companion and I get that every day, little girls giggling and what not because we are greengos.

But anyways this old lady then started saying some other flirting sentences to me. We then quickly told her good bye after writting her direction down. But right then and there she said to me with a firm voice. " Give me a kiss!" She followed this statement by puckering her lips and moving closely into me. I took a step back and offered an extended arm. That was a scarry moment. I have never almost been kissed by an old lady before.

Yeah have your laughs about elder van pelt having all of these old lady stories. I feel like when I get done with my mission Ill have loads of funny old grandma stories!

Zone Conferance:

Being the district leader now I have the privilage in teaching our district every week and helping them through there needs. This week though we had a zone conferance where our whole zone met together and we talk about the goals, visions and plans that president has recieved from the lord to guide our mission.

I was asked to talk about prayer and may I just say that it was a very exciting moment to stand infront of the whole zone and help the missionarys. I felt the holy ghost guide my words as I presented the lesson I had prepared for, for a few days. I taught with such power and authority from the holy ghost that everyone was taking notes and very atentive to what I was saying. I felt the holy ghost bare witness to everyone in that room that what I prayed, prepared and thought about for days was true. They all commited to better there prayers with god and to be exactly obedient.

The Miracle Of Prebisto:

Friday night it was late and we hadnt had any appointmentes because they fell. My companion and I went to a dark and secluded area where we offered a prayer to ask who we needed to visit. After offering the prayer my companion told me " We need to visit Prebisto" I agreed and we went on over to his house.

Right when we got there he was just about to close the gate and lock up for the night but said, " Hey guys come on in" We went on in and offered to help him with his reading in the book of mormon.

In his small house with one light shining not to bright we read together the experience of our savior visitring the Americas. When we finished this chapter he looked at me and said. " That just answered all of my doubts and I know its true." We then told him schocked " Will you be baptized on the 26th of september?" He accepted and went to church this week excited and ready to take the step of baptism.

I came out of that lesson learning many wonderful experiences of listening to the holy ghost and representing the lord in all times.

In Conclusion:

I know that im a representative of christ and that through his example I can be more like him and help others find their light that they are missing. This is a beautiful and amazing work that I am apart of and am blessed to be here representing on my Name tage: My family, The Church and The Savior.

Love,

Elder Van Pelt

Pictures: 1. Family home evening with javiera ( She is in the owl sweeter)

2. Eating at KFC with a member named Jaime. He is awesome!:)

Week 58: Adventures of Chilean sausage and the card shark

Dear Family,

You all are my family and should all be addressed by family, because we all are sons and daughters of god and apart of gods family. Love you all and hope you all are safe. I am doing well. As far as health and life goes I am a happy camper. I have been really trying to gain more love for everyone here in chile. Love is something that I cant seem to understand but as I draw closer to jesus christ who is my perfect example I seem to develop this love. Jesus christ really is our savior and through who we may become perfected and develop those attributes that may be rough around the edges.


The Work:

Brothers and Sisters this is a great opportunity to let you all know that javiera will be baptized on the 19th of sept. She is really progressing and has made the decision to be baptized this day. YEAH!!!:) We have a family home evening this Tuesday and we will be playing pit ( The card game you sent me) and making some brownies! We are really getting the members involved here. The members have been leaving with us and we have seen a lot of success with our investigators!:) We are hoping to get a few baptism squeezed into this month.

P-Day:

Today we played soccer at the church and made what is called choripan. Its an amazing sausage here in chile in a small dinner roll. MMM soo good. We will spend the rest of our day relaxing and getting ready for this week.


When Satan Fights We Must Fight Back:

Recently pitrufquen has gone through a few blows to the face due to infidelity in the familys. There has been two familys effected by the temptations and whisperings of the devil. I sat in a small two storie house and watched a wife cry on the couch for the dificult situation she has encounterd with her husband.

I pondered and meditated on how ten years of marriage was just gone away and all of their goals and life ambitions were just swept. He left his wife and a small 6 year old girl behind.

Just so you know she is doing better but for about 6 months they were inactive and werent doing the small things such as reading the scriptures and praying and going to church. Satan finally got ahold of this family. Do the simple things and they will build our concrete foundation for the lord jesus christ who is our rock.

This experience made me think about my future and what I want to do and who I want to have at the center of my life.


In Conclusion:

I know that Jesus Christ is our savior and that we must be reading, praying and going to church every week. On top of that we must strive every day to obey the commandments of the lord. If we dont we are as the dust in the wind. Satan is trying to destroy familys and we need to protect our familys now and until the end of time. I know who I am. A son of god. I know who you are, and we must stand together and rally up our forces like moroni did with the title of liberty. Because every day things will get worse and it will be harder and harder to protect our familys in the world of free agency, where more people are turning to the strength of man then trusting in our savior. Trust in him and we will not fall.


Love,

Elder Van Pelt

Week 57: Adventures of another Texas roundup

This week was incredible and I am so blessed to be a missionary here in chile. It breaks my heart to think that I will be ending my mission in less then 10 months. I have buckled down and have been working extra hard.

My companion and I have a baptism coming up with an investigator named Prebisto who is complete gold! He is just awesome! He has had problems with alchol but is working hard to give it up. He lives with his dad who is sick and cant do anything. The gospel has given him friends, love and hope. He has already began reading the book of mormon and has gone to church twice. We are very blessed. I know that it was because of hard work and being obedient that we are blessed with this amazing man to teach and help.


Texas Adventures Again! :

Well transfers are today and there are a few changes. I stay with my companion to finish up his training which is a blessing to do so. Elder Clark is a great guy and we have been seeing a lot of success.

Late last night I got a call from the assitants and they told me that I would be District Leader this transfer. Training and being District Leader. This is an incredible opportunity for me to serve others. I love helping people and am excited to be able to help other missionarys.!:) Wish me luck, hopefully I dont loose more hair or get any more grey hairs.

Also we live with the zone leaders and one is leaving and guess who is coming.... Hes from Texas! Elder GIBSON! We are starting up the Texas adventure again. He was my companion in lagunillas and now will be my zone leader. I love that guy. WOOH Texas. Shout out to sister Peterson who is in Houston Texas right now. Texas is the place to be.


Tender Miracle:

So we lost contact with sonia our deaf investigator. Well actually we got booted off her front door step. The mom who lives there absoluetly hates us. We passed by 3 times and everytime we passed by the mom said get out of here but in very mean wording.

Well we were in the street yesterday at about 9:00pm when we found sonia with her 2 little girls and she was super excited to see us. She told us "how come you havent passed by?" We responded very curiously " Your mom wont let us come by" She then said I want you to come by. We will see her wednesday at noon. Pray for us. She is an amazing lady and I cant wait to teach her again.


Conclusion:

Well I know that this week was a great one, thats because we are living exactly obedient. We are recieving many blessings from god. I sometimes wonder how special I am to have such amazing blessings such as... Teaching the restored gospel, training, being here in chile, serving as a messenger of jesus christ etc. I have so many blessings. I love this great work and I dont want it to ever end. I want to stay here forever! It truely breaks my heart to think of ending my mission.

I know that this is gods work and that if we are obedient and ready to work he will bless us. I am weak and have many defaults and problems, but hey I know that god is with me, that angels are with me and that although Im not perfect I can do this beautiful work. Anyone who is wanting to or thinking about serving a mission must make the decision to serve. It is the best thing you will ever do.

I can say with a certainty that I have a realtionship with my father in heaven and that I know that others can also.



Love you all so much,


Elder Van Pelt


Photos of prebisto and also angel and mercedez. The daughter of angel is planning on baptism very soon.

Week 56: Adventures of the ultimate testimony

Zach is really having a lot of success in Chile right now, it seems like he is getting baptismal commitments left and right! I don't know if it is his studly looks, or if he really does speak Spanish THAT GOOD. Though the letter was pretty short this week, he was able to testify of the Holy Ghost and the part that he has played in Zach's mission. The miracles that happen, could not exist without him.

Week 55: Adventures of sweet hermana Sonia

Alo!

Well, Zach was able to baptize sweet Hermana Luz, if you don't remember her you can click HERE. She started attending church again and loved it. She has become so happy, and has been accepted into the family ward where she feels accepted. Thank you all for praying for her!

Zach's testimony of the Book of Mormon:

"When we taught today there was one moment when everything went quiet and I looked in the eyes of those we were teaching and I bore a testimony coming from my heart, that the Book of Mormon, which I had in my hands was true. I have proclaimed that phrase many times in my mission and still a sweet spirit fills my heart and lets me know that what I am saying is true. I thank God for being with me, by sending his sweet testifying spirit into my life. I know that the Holy Ghost is the teacher and I am an instrument for God in this work. I know that I am a representative of Christ."

As Zach and his companion were tracting this week, they happened upon a little 8 year old girl and her mom, who accepted their offer to be taught a lesson. The mother is deaf, so they tried to teach her, to the best of their ability and with the help of her daughter translating, she accepted baptism. Well the next time they showed up at their door, you better believe they were prepared. They brought big poster boards with bright words and pictures. That day, they taught the restoration without a single spoken word.

Tis all for this week, so HASTA LUEGO!

Week 54: Adventures of going bald

Alo everybody!

Hope everyone is eating lots and lots of shaved ice for Zachy and sending those warm vibes his way! He is apparently having a pretty stressful time in his new area getting used to this whole training stuff. I mean this kid is losing his greying hair people. He is looking more and more like our dad everyday ;) Just kidding dad. (but really, he is a little bald.) There is a lot of bulk on his shoulders to do everything right and have fun while doing it. He also wants everyone to know that he is losing himself in the work and though he is tired and stressed, he is learning more patience and love than ever.

Alright, now Zach has started a prayer list this week I guess, so lets throw them all into the mix. I wont post their names here for the public eye, but lets all just pray for those who need some little extra blessings this coming week, who Zach had in mind. He cares deeply for so many people he is teaching and has just been stressing about them.

So Zach has started teaching a cute little lady, named Luz. (Arent we glad the little grandmas stopped being so mean to our little Zachy?) Zach said Luz reminds him of our sweet great aunt Peggy, and is taking care of her 85 year old father alone after her mother passed away 10 months ago. Zach and his companion visited her and were prompted to leave her with a message of the plan of salvation. When they returned a few days later, she quickly sat them down and told them about a dream she had that very night. She told them that her mom had visited her and told Luz that she was fine, before opening the doors to heaven and disappearing into the light. WOW! Well Zach was going to ask her to right then and there, but remembered that she had already been baptized about 10 years ago haha. So now the challenge is attending church and learning more about this wonderful plan our Heavenly Father has for her.

That is all for this week, hope y'all have a wonderful week!!!!

Hasta la vista baby

!

Week 53: Adventures of the bird poop bombing of 2015

Hey guys! Another week, another letter. Zachs letter was great this week, so I just had to post it word for word. I laughed wayyyyyyy too hard.

"Dear Family,

What a crazy and stressful but exciting and awesome week. If I could put to words what happened this week it was that!

Adventures Of Training:
I recieved my companion (My kid) on wednsday! His name is Elder Clark and yes Ryan he was in your Young Single Adult ward. He is a great guy full of energy and a bright smile. Although he cant communicate fluently just yet he gets his point around as he speaks and bares his testimony. The amount of words dont matter when you have the spirit and this guys got it!:)

We started our first day going to our sector on a 5 hour bus ride. I leaned to him and a few other elders and asked if they wanted to contact this bus. So we did. We sang to 50 people on a moving tour bus. That is the experience my kid got on his first day. I wish my trainer did that! We also worked very hard in our new sector. If you dont already know we are in pitrufquen now. We didnt know any of the streets or any members for a few days so tracting was our only option. We have 6 people preparing for baptism right now so keep them in your prays. Rosa and her daughter are preparing for baptisam in 2 weeks so pray really hard that we can get these two amazing ladys in the waters of baptism.

Our first day working together my companion had a wonderful experiance. We were in a park at about 8:50 at night when we pulled out a small map that we managed to find and use to find street names. We were using our small phone that is managable to use, no where near iphone 6 but it managed to shine some light on our small map. As we took a look at our map we heard a weird noise. Very loud almost like a storm. Well we took a look up in the sky and above us were thosands of small birds. My companion then yelled AWWWWW POOP!!! Imagine a bomb field in W.O.W 2 that is what it was like. Could you imagine. Thosands started firing at us!!!! That was our first day together.


80 Pounds Of Potatoes:

We got a call from a member on our 2nd day working to help one of her friends out with her house. She was moving houses and we agreed to show up and help her out with some muscle. Well we were about 20 minutes into helping this lady out when she said she needed some help with her potatoes that she had stored in a very large bag. I having born born of goodly muscles bent down in an atempt of lifting the 80 pounds of potatoes. As I stretched down and lifted starting from the legs down tried heaping them up onto my shoulder. As I flexed I heard a very scary sound followed by a loosening of my pants specifically in the thigh area. I ended up wripping my pants from the front to the back. Ive never had that happen before. I either have been getting so muscular from walking all the time or have been gaining some weight down below. :)


In Conclusion:


There were many experiences that we have had this week that caused me to see the hand of the lord. I am seeing as my time goes further and further in the work and deeper and deeper in the work that I am deependent on the holy ghost and god and jesus christ for this work. I am only an instrument in this great work. I have the great privilage of representing christ in these last days. We all must have firm testimonies now and if you dont I ask you to get one becuase times I coming when we must defend our beliefs. I know that the authority of god is on the earth that I hold this authority and that we have a testimony that christ is the savior of the world and that is the book of mormon. Love you all and have a wonderful week."

Week 51-52: Zach is having a baby!

ALO everybody!

Well the last couple of weeks have been pretty exciting for Elder Van Pelt! Let me give you the dirty details...

First off Chile won the Copa America in Soccer, which is super awesome! Apparently after the win everyone went into the streets screaming "viva Chile!" Did I mention this was on America's Independence day. What a fun little party to have while we are all back here BBQing and watching fireworks. It probably helped to get his mind off of home. They spent the rest of the evening reading scriptures and resting from the pouring cold rain.

Zach found out that two investigators from his last area in Lagunillas were baptized. Javier and Sebastian, who is just 15 years old.

This last week, was actually Zachs last week in Gorbea. Crazy right? Its time for transfers again! It is just flying by! They really made it a week to remember though, they contacted more people in the last week, than they had their entire transfer together. This means, either they were slacking the rest of the time, or they really kicked butt this week... I think it is the latter option.

Zach will be giving birth to a healthy baby boy this next transfer, yes, he will be a DADDY! A missionary fresh out of the MTC. He had a lot of fun with Elder Giner and they got a lot of work done, but alas, it is time to go to, DRUM ROLL PLEASE... Pitrufquen! Luckily Zach lost his entire agenda this last week. So all of his schedules and everything, POOF! He was so worried about it, but when he prayed about finding it, got a comforting feeling that everything would be alright. That it was! He is getting transferred out of Gorbea so had no need for his agenda. God works in mysterious ways my friends.

In conclusion I will end with Zachs little exerpt from his last letter...

"I have learned a lot of things this last transfer. I've learned to be more obedient to the commandments and mission rules. With living the rules I've seen changes in me that are very noticeable. I have also learned a lot about love and trials. Love is something that can be hard to explain but through my experiences of tracting and talking with lots of people that usually slam the door in my face and also reject even saying hi I've learned love is something more deep. I love this people. The Chilenos are amazing people although I get sad when they reject the message of complete joy that could change their lives for eternity, but at least ive had the chance to really do my best and help these people and love them even when its hard to love. I've also struggled having the strength to work sometimes but every time I ask god to bless me with the strength that I don't have, I muster the strength somewhere and I know its from god. I know god listens to our prayers and helps us anytime and anywhere. Most of all this transfer I created a stronger bond and relationship with my heavenly father. I am eternally grateful for him helping me and guiding me through this life. I felt like my life was being guided by me, but as I put my trust, love and obedience in doing the will of the father and I know now after this transfer that he is guiding my life and changing me into who I must be. This simple knowledge of who I am and if im doing everything I should be is being answered as I put to practice the hope and faith to submit myself willingly, humbly and patiently to the lord. Trust in the lord. Even when you must take the steps of faith into the darkness of unknown, hardship or trials, we will be strengthened to do what maybe we cant do on our own."

Until next week, HASTA LUEGO!

Week 48-50: ONE YEAR DOWN!!

You guys, I feel not even worthy to bring you news of Zach! I am so sorry, we have been so busy the last few weeks and it has just been so hectic. No excuses. Just sorrow, for you guys missing out on Zachy-poo for 3 weeks!

On a brighter, better note, I HAD to write today. I just had to. Why you may ask? Because it has been exactly ONE YEAR TODAY since we said goodbye to Zach at the Salt Lake City airport. What a year that we have had... I will be totally honest, it flew by. I feel like it was just yesterday we were taking our "last" trip to Colorado before he left to Mexico. He was so nice and considerate, spending every last minute with each of us to help us feel like we spent a good amount of time before he left. I talked to that boy more in that last month, about more serious things, than I had ever in his life. He missed the birth of his second niece, and the growth of his first into a talking, walking toddler. He has missed birthdays, parties, jokes, death, happiness... But he has not missed half as much as he has learned and gained. I mean really, this guy really grew up (as if there was any more room for him to grow up). He is helping so many people, and they are taking such good care of him. I see these videos that are posted by members, where he is watching soccer and eating food with these beautiful people. He is doing so much good!

Alrighty, now let me catch you up a little on all that has been happening. Zach and his companion are getting along really well. It is winter in Chile right now, so it is very wet and very chilly, so they are out tracting in freezing weather. I never would have known how cold Chile gets in the winter.

I think Zach's favorite activity lately is contacting on buses, probably because there is no way for people to run away from him without jumping out of a moving vehicle, so they have to choose near-death or to listen to the Mormons. He has gained a lot of confidence from this.

Zach is pretty excited about the new temple being built in Concepcion. The construction won't begin until October from my understanding, but it is still an awesome thing to think about, that the gospel is reaching all ends of the earth and that the people of Concepcion will have their very own piece of heaven.

These two elders have been working so hard, that Zach has been caught a couple times, falling asleep while saying his prayers. So now his most important goal is staying awake during his nightly prayers!

I will end with a little somethin' somethin' from Zachs most recent letter this week:

"This week Its been hard to love the people. Well I love them to death but when they deny to listen to us and make pathetic excuses not to listen to us it makes me sad. I've gotten to the point where I've been talking to people but without faith that they will except or confidence in excepting our message. It was a week of almost pure contacting. Luckily we have a few investigators that are on the road to faith, repentance and next stop baptism. Wish us luck. But this week I learned that love really is the most important part in this great work. Something President Bluth said is "There is no defense for love" This week i'm just going to hit everyone with love whether they want it or not. This world needs more love because the worlds hearts are closed. And the only way to open it is through love. I am going to try harder to pray and gain the gift of charity. I invite you all to do the same this week. I know its needed. Its needed now!"

We love this sweet Elder, and know you all do too. ONE YEAR DOWN PEOPLE! But I am excited to hear about all the other adventures he has over the next year.

Hasta luego!

Zach and his companion cut all this wood for a less active member. Needless to say, she showed up to church on Sunday :)

Week 47: Adventures of the Italian and the drunk

ALO!!!

Well Zach is in his new area of Gorbea. It is a tiny little town, like I said, in the southern most part of his mission area. His Italian cohort is Elder Giner, who is originally from Argentina, but has been living in Italy. From the sounds of it, they are both hard working and getting along great! Zach described him as his best friend, and every night they end up laughing themselves to sleep (sounds like a slumber party). The lord blessed him with what he needed and he needed an obedient, happy Italian. Gorbea is a rainy cold town, so basically Zach won't see the sun for a while, and he will always have an umbrella in his hand. There are only 30 members,  and the elders teach priesthood, Sunday school classes and give talks in sacrament every Sunday. He has his work cut out for him, but I think this is just what he has been waiting for.

Well there wasn't much in the letter this week, but there was one kind of funny story that he wrote about. Elder Giner and Zach were walking down a street when a drunk man yelled at them. He said, "HEY! I am gay.", he then looked Zach in the eyes and said that he had beautiful eyes. Well then... Instead of being freaked out, Elder Giner said sarcastically "Yes, he is very beautiful!". They both laughed and went on their way after giving him a tarjeta and an invitation to church.

Thats all for this week, just a little update. Anyways, keep them in your prayers as they have a lot of ground to cover in Gorbea.

HASTA LUEGO!

Week 46: Adventures of the salty mouth empenada lady

ALO 'erbody!

Here we go with another week come and gone. Zach will be heading to Gorbea on his transfer this week, which is a super tiny town on the southern tip of his mission area. It is winter right now in Chile, so it is even colder and even wetter. Zach will finally be a proud daddy... To a baby missionary from Italy. He will be the senior companion, so you know he is going to work this kid to the bone, in a loving way :). Gorbea is a lot smaller than Lagunillas, and they will be serving in a little branch of 45 active members, so they have a lot of work to do.



But we are getting too far ahead of ourselves here.

Lets talk about this last week with Zach and Elder Hill.They contacted one house this week that was pretty interesting.  They knocked on the door of a house and a lady (who was apparently of larger stature, because Zach said she needed to lay off of the empenadas) and she opened her kitchen window and said "yes?". Zach asked her what she was cooking  because of course, Zach is obsessed with food and wanted some, she replied with "leave!". At this point Elder Hill was behind Zach on the street contacting another lady, so he isn't in the picture yet. Zach told the empenada lady that he had come to give her an awesome picture of Jesus Christ, to which she told him (rudely) to leave. Well when food is involved, Zach is never going to leave, he is like a stray cat. Apparently she went off on him and started saying some words that are inappropriate for your innocent ears. Zach, doing what he does best, pulled out a guilt trip for her. Those of you who know him, he is very understanding, but he can totally make you feel sooooo bad if he decides to :). Now close your eyes. Just imagine this in your head, cause this was hilarious to me: He put his frowny face on and said "I don't know what you are saying. I am here in Chile alone and you dont want my photo?". Well finally while this is happening, Elder Hill has showed up behind Zach and just was staring at this lady, she told Zach "I dont think your friend back there can understand me." Bahahaha. I seriously cracked up with this story.

Zach gave a talk this last Sunday and was able to deliver a very powerful message after praying for help with the spirit. God and the spirit were such helpful tools to teach the members. There was even a guy who never wanted to listen to their message came up to him after sacrament and asked if he and Elder Hill could start teaching him.

Gloria, Zach and Maria. They are Jehovahs Witnesses, which is nearly unheard of to have a friendship with a Mormon missionary. So cool! They had a great little relationship.

Zach decided to send us a picture of his pee in a bottle. Soooo, I am going to embarass him and post it up here.