WEEK - 24 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Hola familia!!
That´s awesome you got my package! That´s so cool that nothing broke! The pictures haha…uhh.. yah my eye. I got mugged two weeks ago, it was awesome!



Haha just kidding! The last Saturday that Elder Sander was here, we were hurrying to visit a family that said they could come to Church with us. We got in a taxi and hurried off, when we got there I jumped out of the car in a hurry and dropped 10 pesos, when I went down to pick it up I turned around real fast and hit the door of the taxi with all the hurry of a missionary that only has 5 minutes before he has to be in his house! I didn´t realize what happened at first, I think I blacked out. I picked up my glasses (which didn´t break, woo hoo!) and turned around to leave. Elder Sander looked at me and said “ooh, que paso?!” It started bleeding pretty bad so we hurried to the closest members home, when they weren´t there we turned around, I couldn´t see very well and didn´t see the huge GERMAN SHEPHERD chasing us. Aye cay aye! Elder Sander chased it away, and we hurried to the next closest members home. We got there and the Brother started calling everyone he knew to find a doctor. The doctor of the mission told me I just needed to go to the hospital because it was too late to go to DF. Turns out there is a sister in the ward that is a doctor, they took me to her house and she talked to President and told him he could trust in her. She gave me anesthesia and stitched me up! It was pretty funny, because that picture makes it look way worse than it was. It was right after she had put iodine on it. The next day at church everyone asked me “ooh que le paso elder?!” (What happened to you?!) I told them and with the most serious face I could, I said- “ Elder Sander hit me.” Then he would say, “Hey I had to give him something to remember me!” It was pretty funny. Now I don’t´have a scar or anything, the sister stitched me up pretty good!
So, this week was absolutely amazing. Elder Mora and I saw the hand of the Lord in the work. We saw miracles- so many I don´t think I have time to write them all.

Last week, a member found us to give us a referral. Julian a less active member, but wanted to know where and when church was. He also wanted to give us the referral of his girlfriend, Ibon, that lives in Palmar. Turns out the missionaries before us taught her but she didn´t want to be baptized. She went to church with her boyfriend, and I am pretty sure she will get baptized.

I gave my first blessing this week. We were walking to visit an old investigator, and an older guy yelled at us “Elder! Como estan elder! Hey you´re elder too?!” haha, he told us to come in to his neighbors house and visit her. This older sister is very sick, she´was baptized about two years ago, and can´t go to church because she´s so sick. We went in and visited her for a little bit, shared a scripture and when I asked if we could help her she asked if we could pray for her. I asked if she had received a blessing and she started to cry. I guess the doctors had just visited her and she was a depressed because of what they told her, she asked for a blessing and when I turned to Elder Mora he told me to do it! I was a little scared, but it was amazing. In Spanish when you give blessings you have to use the “tu” form of words, which we don´t use ever, we use the more formal, “usted”. As I gave the blessing, I was able to speak in tu and I know it wasn´t me! The sister was crying after and thanked us for passing by. We told her we weren´t planning on coming this way and she just looked and said thanks.


Last week, Beatriz and her husband told us they would get married in August. Elder Mora and I decided to really work with them and try our hardest to help them realize they need to complete with the commandments. We prayed so hard for them and that was when we saw the miracle. We went to visit them in the middle of the week, and Beatriz said she had a dream that she and Gonzalo were down the street from their house, but had to walk all the way around a long ways to get there. She asked us what that meant, and that’s when my creative companion stepped in. He said “ Hermana, the Lord is trying to tell you that you can have all these blessings right now if you´ll just walk down the street, but you want to walk all the way around to get to your house. Hermana, you need to get married this week.” “ You know, I was thinking the same thing.”
We helped them get everything in order, and we went early with them Saturday morning to take pictures. The judge is our buddy, he likes the missionaries because they always bring people to get married! Elder Mora and I were their witnesses. We were so happy they were finally married! They took us to a seafood restaurant after, I haven´t had that for a while! We had this awesome soup in a huge bowl. The weird thing was that it came with just about every type of seafood there is!



Sunday finally came and it was so awesome. It was ward conference for Constitucion (Beatriz and Gonzalo´s ward) and it was awesome! So powerful. The Bishop (Gonzalo´s brother) gave an awesome talk on families, missionary work, the temple. He started to cry as he talked about being sealed to his family in the Mesa Temple. After, Elder Mora and I were both busy receiving referrals! Everyone was motivated to give us referrals. We have a lot of work this week, lets just say that. Oh yeah, and they didn´t have a pianist so I played the piano. Haha, lets just say I need to practice a little bit!

It was awesome, all of my converts were there. Belen and Diana came with their mom, Euri was there with his whole family, Ana was confirmed in Palmar. Consuelo, Leilani and Joel were there too- guess what? Joel is the first counselor in the Deacon´s quorum! He passed the sacrament to us, and he was wearing the tie I gave him. It was awesome.
Elder Mora and I tried to make their baptism as special as we could. We brought a whiteboard and wrote “ Welcome to the Baptism of Beatriz, Pablo y Ariel” We had the fake flowers from the sacrament room in front of the door for the baptismal font, and music playing. Jessica gave me a CD with piano music that we´ve used a couple of times, tell her thanks for me.

Bishop Ortiz (Gonzalo´s brother) gave an awesome talk on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I baptized Ariel first, then Pablo, and then Beatriz. When I asked Beatriz her name she told me her married name, I didn´t know you have to use the single name and had to baptize her twice. The Spirit was so strong in their baptism. The kids were so excited. After when we were changing, I heard Ariel and Pablo talking. Pablo asked Ariel, “ Ariel, como te sientes?/ How do you feel?” “Siento frío!/ I feel cold!” haha It was hilarious. Then Ariel surprised me and said, “ I feel clean, and new!” It was neat to see a 9 year old notice the difference.

After the baptism we watched the Restoration, and Beatriz closed with the prayer. She asked Heavenly Father to bless those who weren´t baptized, that they could be baptized. We had two investigators in the room, remember Ibon? She was there and we could tell she felt the Spirit. Also, there was the mother of two teenagers. She isn´t a member, but they are. After the baptism she said “ I can´t wait for my baptism!”

This week was truly amazing. A lot of hard work, but it always pays off. Jorge is hopefully going to be baptized this week. He knows he needs to be baptized, he just doesn´t know with what church! We´re going to work really hard with him this week.
Time to go, love you all. Thanks for all your support.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Ras (that’s what elder Mora calls me, I guess my name is too long! haha)

WEEK - 23 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Hola Familia!
I’m here in Pachuca with my new companion, Elder Mora my ¨brother¨! Elder Sander was his dad also, so that makes us brothers! He was a District Leader in the other zone in Pachuca and was a Zone Leader before that.

This photo is at the mission home at transfers 6-16-09. From L to R Elders Mora,Sander,Trev,Fulton (see generations" photo in week 19)

He’s ready to work hard. I told him our area is full of ¨golden’s¨ just waiting to be found. We knocked doors like crazy this week, but only had three that came to church. I think it’s a trial of our faith, but have no fear! We’ll find the elect because they are out there!


Ana was Baptized 6/20/09 L to R Elder Mora, -,-,Ana, Trevor
We prepared Ana for her baptism on Saturday, we told everyone that she was going to be baptized, and she said she was ready. So we got everything all set to go and went by her house half an hour early to get her. When we got to her house she was bathing her girls and getting ready to leave…to her mom´s house! She told us it was urgent and needed to go, but we insisted that she go to her baptism first and then leave to her mom’s. She said okay and we got to her baptism thirty minutes late. I baptized her, and she looked so happy after! She was a little sad that Elder Sander wasn’t there (I guess she forgot he went home) but I told her I would tell him. The best part was when they asked her to give the closing prayer, she was a little nervous but did without help! Normally we need to help her remember some parts of the prayer, but she remembered everything. The Spirit was strong in her baptism, and I know she felt it. I really feel grateful for all of my blessings. Ana lives in a block house, she and her three daughters sleep on one small bed. They have food to eat, but few clothes. I think they have clothes but they are really old. She doesn’t know how to read, and has a really hard time remembering things. I know this gospel has the power to change lives because it truly changed her life. She can remember so much more now, and I can tell she knows what the Spirit feels like.

This week, we are really going to focus on Jorge Hernandez. His wife is in the state of Chiapas and he wants to wait till she gets back, and who knows when that will be! He has committed to baptism, but wants to wait. So we challenged him to pray to know if he should be baptized this week. I know the Lord works miracles when his children ask that- remember Diana and Belen? Also, Beatriz and Gonzalo are hoping to get married this week. I don’t know if my persistence is such a good thing, they told me that they wanted to wait another month and I insisted that they do it this week because there’s no reason to wait! They finally said okay, and I think we will have to persist a little more so they actually do it.

I need help! I need some FHE ideas, some games lessons etc. I remember we did a bunch of fun things but I’ve forgotten! Por favor!
We finally received some pic's of the luxiourious missionary apartment. Actually it seems to look pretty good for what you would think is in Mexico.
l
la casa- The elegant Living room

La Casa- looking from the front door

That tiny area to the left is the kitchen! haha . . . . yet I still lmake awesome pancakes when we have time. Oh and PB&J, all of my companions are going to learn that word!

The other elders before us broke the other bed, so one of us sleeps ont he ground! haha, its comfy though dont worry.

Well we’re going to finish the Book of Mormon this week! It has been one of the best spiritual experiences I have ever had. I have felt the spirit so much, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that this sacred book is true and testifies of Jesus Christ.

In the MTC, they promised us in five months we would speak the language if we worked hard. I completed five months yesterday, and I don’t speak like a Mexican but I know that I have improved because the people don’t look at me like I’m crazy when I speak!

Well I need to go..I´m so thankful to be serving the Lord here. I have seen so many miracles, this really is the work of the Lord.
-Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 22 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Below is a link to a GoogleMap of Trevors mission area and his area in Pachuca, zoom in to see a closeup.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114054482221229652040.0004666afc317de7d9100&ll=20.228125,-98.888067&spn=1.837441,2.463684&z=9">

La mano del Señor (the Hand of the Lord)
Hola FAMILIA!

Whoa, what a great week! We definetly saw miracles- again! This work is full of miracles.
I´m going to write quick! Before I forget-

Elder Sander´s last week! I´m so grateful he is my trainer. I learned so much from him. He is an awesome teacher, he knows how to answer any question that anybody asks him! Its´really cool. I hope I can be a teacher like that. We worked hard his last week, we were supposed to have around 6 baptisms, but one family of three has to wait until they get married, another sister didn´t feel ready so shés watiting. This week we baptized two, and THAT is the miracle I want to tell you about.


Belen and Diana Velazquez-Ambriz. Belen is 9, Diana is 10. We found them one day we were walking along and I saw a ¨Paleteria/Ice cream shop. We decided to try it…well I decided I wanted to try it. (Come on I hadn´t had ice cream for about a month!) We walked into the shop and bought our ice cream, and I decided to contact the sister who owns it (It´s in her house). She told us she knows us, and I asked her how. She said shés been inactive for a while, and when we asked to visit their family she said NO. We left and I kinda forgot about this family until we remembered the ice cream! So we went back, and I asked her if we could visit them and she said yes! That was last cycle I think… anyways, we´ve been visiting them ever since. Their dad didn´t give them permission to be baptized until a few weeks ago. Then when we asked the girls (who have been going to church for a year and a half) if they wanted to get baptized, they said they wanted to wait another year to feel more prepared! This week we knew it was the last chance, we stopped by and encouraged them to pray to know if they should be baptized this week. They said they would. The fact that they even accepted to pray about this week is a miracle! These girls were so set on waiting a year, and their mom wasn´t going to say anything to change them. We came back later this week and they said they were ready. Their uncles baptized them Saturday, and yesterday they confirmed them!!

Something I have really seen, is the power of the Atonement in people´s lives. The power this gospel has to change people´s lives. You remember Beatriz, her sons Pablo and Ariel. She´s the sister in law of the bishop. We have been working with them since the week I got to Mexico. At first she was very closed, didn´t want anything to do with the church but let us come and teach her. After a while she said she would be baptized! That was amazing to hear her say that, but we could tell it was mostly because of her husband. We went by last night so Elder Sander could say bye, and she said she really has changed. She told us she really didn´t want us to come over and teach her, but now she knows she needs to get married first and then be baptized.
I know this gospel is true. Christ is at the center of it- He has the power to change lives. As we put our trust in Him and his Atonement, we will change. That is one thing that I can say for sure- no matter what, after a lesson people are always more open and a little closer to Christ. Beatriz changed, Belen and Diana changed, Consuelo changed. All of them came closer to our Savior as they kept their commitments. I´m so grateful to be here in Mexico. They told us yesterday who has cambios or changes, and I´m staying here and receiving another missionary! (different than training, there was only one new Mexican missionary) I´m so glad I get to stay here, because there are so many that can progress and receive baptism. This really is the work of the Lord, and everyday we see ¨la mano del Señór¨. Thank you for your prayers and support, I love you guys.

Con mucho amor,
Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 21 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Mexico City East Mission - I counted 164 Elders, 20 Sisters, 8 Senior. Total 192 Missionaries (click on photo to enlarge)
8 de Junio de 2009
HOLA HOLA! Que tal?

Whoa, what a week!! We had some great experiences, and learned a lot!
What is that saying in the Rasmussen house again? Mom’s always what?? Yeah, I know- RIGHT! I thought they were just kidding when they said it rains every day here during summer…they weren’t. Last Monday after Teotihuacan it was pouring.


Souvenirs from teotihuacan, I hope they get here!
And was I ever grateful to have those awesome boots Mom insisted I bring. Let’s just say the drainage system isn´t very good here…as in, the main street, Federalismo, has about two drains. So when it rains for thirty minutes it looks like a river! En Serio! (we´re a little downhill)


L toR: Elder Sander, Jamie Morales, Benita Morales and Trevor (Love those pictures in white ! ! ! )
Benita y Jaime- It really is a miracle that we found this couple. This is the hermano we found when we were walking and knew we had to come back to that street. Jaime has a kidney problem, and has to go to dialysis every other day. His wife, Benita, is a really nice lady. She was open to the message of the Restoration. Thanks to the testimony of her husband, and the promise that comes with the Book of Mormon she was converted. Her baptismal interview was Friday, and when we visited her a few hours before she told us she wasn’t sure about being baptized. We promised her if she read and prayed after we left, she could receive an answer. We waited for them at the Church, and when they came we asked Benita how her prayer went. She looked at us with a smile and said ¨Very good!¨ The next day we went to marry them in a city close by. The Judge is a friend of the missionaries and gave us a discount! We baptized Benita the next day…barely. She’s in the ward Palmar which starts at 11. We were there at 9 for Constitucion when the lights went out! We didn’t even think much about it until an hour and a half before her baptism when we realized- we need electricity to pull the water from the well to fill up the font! We thought of a bunch of things we could possibly do to fill it up. We thought of siphoning the water out, of calling a truck to come fill it up, going to another building…when one of the members said ¨why don´t we just break the well open? ¨So we did! Some one had a hammer and they broke the lock! Some young men ran home to get buckets, while we started with what we had. We ended up filling up big trash buckets with water to fill the font, it was quite a sight. I was pretty wet before we even started.
When the meetings ended we started the baptismal service. I was in the water first and I thought it was pretty darn cold, but Benita after said she didn’t even feel it! After I baptized her she was crying. I am so thankful to have this opportunity! It really is the best feeling in the world! I can´t describe it. I thanked Heavenly Father after for sending us this success, because really if we have any success at all it comes from Him!


Trevor is the one in the middle with bent knees . . . . making sacred memories ! ! ! !

And to top it all off- Joel passed the sacrament this week! We each gave him a tie because he didn’t have many.
Oscar, Joel´s brother, doesn’t really want to go to church. He’s never been, even though every Sunday we go by to wake him up. He really needs the gospel right now, we’re trying to help him the best we can but he doesn´t want to listen to us. I’m sure he will, we just have to maybe pour water on him to wake him up one Sunday! Oh wait, we already tried that! haha

The sister in law of the Bishop, Beatriz, finally decided with her husband that they were going to get married. So this week we’re going to help them too! Elder Sander says I´ll be a pro at marriages before I leave here. Beatriz has two boys that are really excited to be baptized too! Also this week we´re going to help Ana be baptized. I think I’ve told you a little about her. Ana doesn’t know how to read, and has a hard time remembering things. So we’ve been visiting her a lot to help her. Elder Sander even taught her a little to read! She was supposed to be baptized yesterday, but couldn’t come. Also this next week, Jorge Hernandez could be baptized. I don’t know if I told you about him. He’s in his 30s, a lawyer, his wife is very Catholic, and is AWESOME! He is one of the most spiritual people we have taught. He knows he needs to be baptized, but is worried what his wife will say. She’s traveling and won’t be back until the end of this month, so he wants to wait. We’ve been praying for him to make the right decision and be baptized this week.



Dad, I promised I´d tell you about our Zone Conference. I have my notes here…
Well I told you a little about McConkear. I don’t´know If I explained it very well to you, I was in a hurry. It’s a verb that missionaries made up, it means to teach with power, exhort, animar con fuerza (I think that’s encourage with strength) so that they do something- or be baptized. Our Assistant gave that lesson, it was awesome!
Pres. Bulloch talked to us about our relationship with our companion. We read the chapters with Alma and Amulek, and how they supported each other and how we should really support our companions.

I love the Book of Mormon! I know it’s true! Right now we´re reading about when Christ came to the Americas, and it has so much meaning because I´m here where I am! President Bulloch told me in an interview that this is the land where the Book of Mormon took place. Teotihuacan was so awesome, and I really felt that what Presidente said is true.
I read this in my study this week, it´s one of my favorite verses…(I think probably one of every missionary´s favorite verses)
3 Nephi 5- ¨Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.¨
That scripture has so much more meaning, when you wear a badge that has His name on it. I´m so very thankful to be serving my Savior and Redeemer here in Mexico. This really is the greatest work! Whenever it´s a little hard, all I have to do is remember who I represent, and know there are thousands of elect people, just waiting to hear the gospel! Thanks for all your support, love you.
Con Amor,
Elder Trevor Rasmussen

WEEK - 20 PACHUCA, MEXICO

HOLA FAMILIA!

We missed the bus leaving Teotihuacan, and got here late. I´m trying to write as fast as I can. Thanks for the emails! I´m going to answer everything next week. Just a few things…

This week in our Book of Mormon reading, I felt really grateful for a Mother that taught me so well. In Alma 56Ñ46 and 47 it talks about what their mothers taught them, and I really know my parents taught me to have faith. Thank you!

Yesterday Pachuca played in the championship of soccer. They had the game here in our stadium! It was so crazy, because when they lost the whole city was dead quiet. When we asked two teenagers what happened one of them was near tears!

Trent I started laughing really hard when I heard you have a handprint on your back!! Haha

(Trent went to CA with a bunch of his friends to celebrate graduation. While at the beach Trent forgot to put sunblock on his back, but somehow came home with the imprint of someone's sunblocked hand on his sunburned back)

Dad, congratulations on your new calling. I´ll be praying for you!

Everyone! We need your help! There are two little girls in our ward that have been going to another ward, that know the gospel is true, and know the book of Mormon is true, and knew every part of the lessons, but are scared to get baptized. Their mom wants themt o wake up one day and say I wan to be baptized mom! Also, the sister of Consuelo, Rosalinda. She needs to go to church two more times, but has to find someone to cover her for work! I appreciate your prayers so much.

Dad, I want to tell you about our Zone conference, don’t´w orry I haven´t forgotten I took good notes. Soething I want to share real quick- there is a ¨verb¨here called McConkear. It comes from when Bruce R McConkie was in his mission and helped Dry Mormons to be baptized. We talked about how some people really do know the Book of Mormon is true, and do everything including paying tithing but don’t´want to be baptized. We talked about how to help them, I´ll write you more next week!

Maddie and Maeg, thanks for writing me! I´ll reply next week!


Sorry this is short, I´ll write more next week! I love you all, thanks for your support and love.

Elder Trevor Rasmussen

WEEK - 19 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Trevor’s district at the MTC 1/25/09 L to R Elders: Jason HURST (Artesia,NM), Trevor , Jesse SPENCER (Canyon City, CO), Jesse Kelley , Trevor Mays (Huston, TX), Trevor Isrealson (Providence, UT), Ethan Kartchner(Meridan,ID), Alex Bertin (Bountiful,UT)

Original MTC district: Elders Bertin, Mays, Isrealson, Hurst, Spencer, Kartchner, Rasmussen

Querido Familia,
Wow, what a great week!!! MULTI Zone Conference (I saw everyone from the MTC, that was fun!), Mission picture, and food! We ate this big sándwich called a torta. It was awesome.
haha today I contacted 15 peopel in a combi! I think they only looked at me and listened because it was funnyt o see a gringo speaking spanish! haha it was fun.

In the Mex., Mex City East Mission they have trainers like other missions but it seems the Elders like to take it to another level and show "Generations". This picture is for Trevor's comp. Elder Sander (he is Trevor's PaPa and is going home in about 3 wks.) it's one of his "family" lines. Making this a 4 generation picture ! ! ! Elder Pastrana would be his Great Grandson. Elder Sander even looks more seasoned. . . but remember it's not the years, it's the mileage and the road traveled. . . . he has been an awesome missionary ! ! !

Elder Sander trained Elder Mora, who trained Elder Howard, who trained Elder Pastrana, Elder Mora is training a new Elder Fulton from CA

Yesterday we baptized an 11 year old boy named Euri Jave. His family has been inactive for about 7 years and

This is a picture of hermano Sanchez their ward mission leader. He is coming up to Utah and has offered to help return Trevor's shoes to us.
our AWESOME Ward misión leader Bro. Sanchez helped us find them. We´ve been teachign them for about a month, and the family is starting to come back to church. There are about 5 families that live in this house, and I think they´ll all start coming back! Euri was pretty excited too.
Consuelo, Joel, and Leilani were confirmed this Sunday! Every Sunday we go to pick up new investigators and we were two minutes too late, when w ego to the church the doors were closed and we couldn´t go in. We missed their confirmation! We made it up to them though. I found a nice leather bound triple combination in the MTC, I say found because it was on the ¨offering table¨ or the ironing board where everyone puts their stuff that they dont´want. I also found a nice leather bound Bible and I decided that I wanted to give it to a convert in Mexico. Elder Sander and I wrote our testimonies int he triple and gave it to Consuelo later last night. She really liked it! Mom, Elder Sander and I decided our mothers dont´need to worry because Consuelo is like our second mom! Haha, last night she asked ¨You eat on Mondays right? Where are you eating? Are you srue you have food?¨Hahah!

We´ve been teaching Enmanuel and Cristina, they weren´t able to go to church yesterday so their baptismal date is the 7 of June. Cristina told us about a dream she had. She opened a White book and read something, she coudln´t remember what it said but knew that she had to stop smoking, and knew that it was from God. So she has just stopped smoking, from 5 a day to none! We have also been teaching two daughters of an inactive sister. The dauhters go every week to another Ward, but their dad wouldn´t let them get baptized until they´re older. Well now they´re older (11 and 9) but their mom doesn´t really want to go back to church. Yesterday they came! But their mom still isn´t sure about them getting baptized. We´ve been praying for them a lot, we hope their mom will let them get baptized this week. We have also been teaching the sister in law of the bishop. The brother of the bishop and her need to get married before she and her two kids can be baptized. They had a date set for this week, but now all of a sudden they aren´t sure about getting married. So we´ve been praying for them as well, we told them that if they keep putting the date off it will be harder and harder with more temptations. We have been teaching a lady named Ana. She is very humble and poor, She has 4 daughters, and can´t read. We started to teach her how t oread, which is pretty easy because she knows all the letters already. She didn´t come to church yesterday so her date is the 7 of June as well.

This week we saw a lot of miracles, with Cristina for example. I want to tell youa bout another one. We were walking in the street Puerto Tuxpan, when all of a sudden I Heard a faint voice say ¨hermanos!¨ Elder Sander adn I turned around at the same time, I looked at him and said ¨DId you hear that?!¨he said yes and we looked for sonmebody calling for us, but there was nobody. We were ina hurry to another appointment, so we memorized our location and hurried off. The next day we planned to knock all the doors near that area. As we were knocking, soembody had CCR blaring out their window, I thought that was kind of funny, I haven´t Heard that for a long time! When we finally got to the apartment with the music ont he 4th floor of the building, a man opened it. Without a Word from us he said ¨Come in, come in! Que dicen?!¨ We looked at eachother a little surprised and went in. We found out Jaime Morales has been inactive for 15 years, he was the secretary of his Ward and something happened with his family, married a catholic and has been inactive since. He has something wrong with his arm, and is handicapped. He and his wife went to church yesterday! We felt blessed that we were able to find him and his wife, and know we were supposed to find him.

This really is the work of the Lord! I know it with all my heart. I hope next time the Spirit doesn´t have to shout at me to get me to listen, so I can find more people like Jaime and his wife. I´m so lucky to be here, I´m learning so much everyday fromt he Book of Mormon and my companion. Thanks for all your support and emails, sorry I can´t reply to each of you individually.
Con Amor,
Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 16 PACHUCA, MEXICO

The Elders get together for some P-day "Futbol" fun ! ! ! !
Querido Familia,
Whoa what a week! We weren’t sure if we were going to have a meeting until Friday. As soon as we found out we went telling every member we saw that we were going to have servicios, and everyone told us “Thanks, but we already know.” We’re always the last ones to find out! It was so great to go to Church! I learned we take for granted some things like the Sacrament. We weren’t able to take the Sacrament for a month! Technically, we ( the missionaries) were considered inactive. Haha!
Saturday the 16, (the day before Sunday, the NIGHT before Consuelo and her family are supposed to be baptized) we went to Consuelo’s house at 7. We get there, and as we walk in I thought I heard a whisper that said “She doesn’t want to be baptized tomorrow.” Sure enough, the first thing Consuelo tells us is that she doesn’t want to be baptized tomorrow, but in a week. My heart sunk, I’m sure I probably made a funny face. Elder Sander acted like it wasn’t a big deal, I think a lot of people say that in the mission. We just talked to her, and told her about all the blessings that she’s going to receive. Her sister was there. This sister, Rosalinda, never has been interested in listening to us, but this night she was basically telling Consuelo that we were right and she needed to be baptized. She never said that night that she wanted to be baptized. We just went on to say “You’re going to need a change of clothes, sandals, a towel…and a smile” And that was basically the last thing we said about it. All during this her sister was peering over The Book of Mormon, reading very intently. We told her we’d like to talk to her as well, and promised her the Book has blessed our family and will bless her life. She held the Book up and looked at us and said..
“THIS Book has blessed YOUR family?! I want these blessings!....But I’m not going to be baptized” “Yes hermana, it’s okay. If we mark a chapter will you read it?” “YES!!...but I’m not going to be baptized!” It was so great to hear and SEE the example of Consuelo to her family. We left her 3 Nephi 11 and Moroni 10:3-5. I’m sure she’ll be baptized.
Well, Sunday finally came. We were praying all the night before and that day that Consuelo would come with the four things we told her she needed. We got to Church and…. What do you know?! Consuelo was there with Joel and Leilani with all their stuff in a big bag.

At 12 o’clock, we started the Baptismal service. We had the wonderful, sacred opportunity to help three of our heavenly siblings take upon themselves this covenant. I baptized Consuelo first, she was shaking because she was so nervous (probably the only person there as nervous as I was!...maybe.) Then I baptized Leilani. I didn’t explain very well that you need to hold your nose, and she came out of the water gasping for air…oops. Elder Sander baptized Joel after. It was the greatest feeling ever! I was so happy, but not just because we “baptized three”. These are real people, who through study of the Book of Mormon and prayer, changed. We saw the Atonement working in the lives, the change that can only come when we accept the gospel.

I’m so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed us with this success. We are doing this 90 day study of the Book of Mormon, and we’re in Alma right now. I’ve learned so much! Things I’ve never seen before (I think I’ve said this already, but it’s true. Every day!) I promise that when we read the Book of Mormon with a sincere prayer, we will receive personal revelation. In Alma, if I’ve learned anything I’ve learned that success comes from the Lord. Also, something I read this last week was something that came to mind after Consuelo’s baptism.
Alma 29:10. "10- And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me."
THAT is real joy, when we see children of our Heavenly Father coming unto Him. I’m so happy, I really can’t describe it. I think I could go the rest of my mission on this joy that I feel. I’m ready to go out there and get doors slammed in my face over and over again, just to find that family or individual that is prepared and ready to hear the Gospel.
This last week we found two “jovenes” or teenagers. Enmanuel y Cristina are progressing. Our only problem is that it’s hard to find them! Enmanuel goes to high school in the day, and at 10 he goes to work cleaning mcdonalds and gets home at 7 in the morning. Cristina works all the time, she was smoking 5 times a day but we foudnd them (again, not really us) and took them to Church. She hasn’t smoked- ONCE! She said her friends even offered it to her! This Gospel is amazing. I know this Church is true, I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that as we strive to come closer to Him, HE comes to us too. The Book of Mormon is true, and has the power to change lives. I’m thankful for examples like my parents and grandparents that keep reading that amazing Book. You’re a great example!
I love you familia, thanks for all your support!

WEEK - 15 PACHUCA, MEXICO

HOLA FAMILIA!!

It sure was great to talk to you all yesterday! I don’t have much time to write today, we weren’t able to go to Teotihuacan, but we went to Real del Monte. We’re planning on going next Monday to Teotihuacan.

Ok, whats wrong with this picture . . . . . . TIES have been vanquished by the Mexican Government . . . . instead of the FLU . . . .major cause of spreading the FLU ? ? ? ? Politicians . . . . go figure ! ! !

Real del Monte was pretty cool, it’s a pueblo here in Pachuca. It’s also the highest altitude in MX. I bought some cool little things for you, whenever I can find a place to send them!
Random fact: With the influenza, I guess they say it’s dangerous to wear a tie. So we haven’t been wearing ties, I forgot to tell you that yesterday!
Well lets see…something I didn’t tell you all on the phone.. Our reading in the Book of Mormon is awesome! Everyday I find something new that I have never noticed before. As a missionary, there is so much that I can apply. Really we can apply it to all of us but I don’t know it just has more meaning when it says the Anti Nephi Lehi’s could never fall, because of the faithfulness of the sons of Mosiah and Alma! I realized I really want to become an instrument in the hands of the Lord. In Alma it mentions this phrase quite a bit. As I studied, I realized how I can become an instrument. I know as we work hard, put our trust in him, fast and pray, we can become this kind of instrument and missionary.
I know this is the work of the Lord. I’m so thankful to be a part of it! I know the message of the Restoration can bless people’s lives, I know that through the Atonement we can receive more joy than we thought possible. This is what I tell the people here, and it’s so awesome to see the change in people.
Coming soon…Elder Sander y Elder Rasmussen…en la ropa bautismal!

Les amo con todo mi corazón,

Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 14 PACHUCA, MEXICO

HOLA FAMILIA!

In spanish the song that says " shall the youth of zion FALTER, in defending truth and right?" (sorry I can only think of it in spanish) in Espanol its Fallará en la defensa...
Our theme for our District this month is, NO FALLO EN MAYO. And let me tell you family, no vamos a fallar en mayo, entiende?!?
Okay, first of all. This whole swine flu thing is NOT a big deal. There are 25 million people in Mexico City, and not that many are sick. And definitely not here in Pachuca. If it was a epidemic I think we would have met someone who was sick, or known somebody who knows somebody who is sick, but no. Don’t worry I´m still going to follow the rules and everything, I just don´t want anyone over there to worry, cuz really it´s not a big deal.

Wow what a great week! Well, a hard one, but a great one! It was only hard because we walked by hundreds of people we could of contacted but couldn’t! The Lord truly blessed us.

Por ejemplo, usually we go a whole week with maybe 5 or 6 referrals from members. This week, we couldn’t talk to anyone in the street but we could visit members. We received 14 referrals from members this week! All of them accepted a return appointment, and almost all of them have a baptismal date. Saturday night, we were walking home and a member happened to be walking out of her house. She stopped us and told us she wanted her friend across the street to hear the Gospel. We set up an appointment, and went last night. She just had a hernia and has a hard time walking around. We shared the message of the Restoration with her and her member friend bore her testimony too. It was really powerful, and I know Jovinta felt it too. We asked her to give the closing prayer and as she did, she asked Heavenly Father for a knowledge of how her family can be together forever or something to that effect (we had mentioned it earlier in the lesson) and as she did, she started to cry. After, we gave her a blessing. Elder Sander and I both felt during the blessing that she would be healed. I know she´ll be dressing in white here soon.

Another day we were walking (we do a lot of that) and a member pulled up in his car. He is a recent convert (Elder Sander´s “dad” baptized him) and he invited us over to share with his daughter. At first she was very closed, and didn’t really want to hear. One thing I can say is that no matter who it is, after we teach the first lesson people always smile a little more or are that much more open.

I found a quote in a little quote book I have that I like.
“No ray of sunshine is ever lost,
But the green which it wakes into existence needs time to sprout,
And it is not always granted to the sower
To see the harvest.
All work that is worth anything
Is done in faith.” –Albert Schweitzer

Elder Sander and I decided that is what we´ve seen. We have taught a bunch of people that don´t want to progress now, but I know we have planted some seed there.

left to right: Elder Kartchner, Elder Rasmussen,Elder May

Wednesday we took a trip to the Immigration Office, that was fun! All my district was there, minus Elder Bertin. Everyone has a sweet tan (we were all pretty white in Utah!) Everyone is excited, and doing well with their Español. We went to the Church office building after and President was there with all the secretaries and Assistants. He told me dad emailed him. I said uh oh, are they scared? And he said “ No Elder, su papá tiene mucho fe…mucho fe.” (faith) I know it too! I know my parents have mucho fe!

Okay, Día de Las Madres! We are going to call you Saturday night to set everything up.   It´ll be fun to hear from you all!

This week really was awesome. Consuelo and her family are anxious to be baptized! Theyre getting antsy, their date is the 17- IF we have meetings this week. We´re teaching Marisol, and she is really progressing. I could tell she felt the spirit when we last spoke. We bore testimony of the plan of salvation and how she can see her Mother again. Maeg, I heard about your friend. I´m really sorry. I´ll share with you what I shared with Marisol, 2 Nefi 2:24. I don’t have my English scriptures but it says “All things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things” My institute teacher taught us about that the day that Mr. Adams died. It gave me so much strength to know that everything that happens, happens because the Lord has a plan and a purpose for everything. He knows everything that is going to happen, and why they happen. We just need to trust in the Lord.

Well until next week! I´ll give you a call Saturday night around 6-7 your time. Love you all! I am so thankful to be a ´part of this work. I cant believe Ive been here a whole 6 weeks already! We´re in cycle 2 now! This is Elder Sanders last cycle, and we are going to put our trust in the Lord and go to work! Don´t worry, we´´ll be sending pictures of us in white here soon!

Con Amor,
Elder Rasmussen

WEEK - 13:2 PACHUCA, MEXICO

Hey Elder have you wondered why so many people
are wearing those funny masks . . . . . .

“For I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you to bear you up.” D & C 84:88

What a crazy week! First of all, I AM OKAY! We are wearing our nerdy dentists masks so we don´t get sick. It is actually kind of funny, on Thursday we were walking and I told Elder Sander that more people are wearing a mask than usual! Haha we didn't know until Sunday that this whole thing was going on. Some members gave us these masks, I didnt really want to wear mine, everyone told me I should and I still didn´t want to. I told Elder Sander we have a “spiritual mask” and we don't have to worry if we´re obedient. Then he said “ Elder, if you get this flu, you could get sent home!” “oooh…. Okay. I guess I´ll wear it then.” If you were here in Pachuca you´d laugh, lets put it that way. Here is how we found out about this whole thing…
I think I have told you about Consuelo. She is the “oro” or golden that we were led by the Spirit too! Seriously! We planned byt he spirit to go to that street, and I know that it was to find her. She has four kids, Oscar 14, Joel 12, and Leilani 10. She just got over a divorce, and I´m sure that's tough on her. We taught them almost every day last week, and they are doing awesome! They are keeping their commitments and every time the light of Christ shines brighter in their faces. It is so amazing to SEE the Gospel working in their lives. Anyways, Sunday comes along. We usually go by each of our investigators homes, the new ones anyways, to pick them up. We passed by Consuelos because we wanted to remind her and what not. So we go by at 9 45 and they´re not ready! She told us that she received a text from a “Sandy” saying that church was canceled! We told her no way, that somebody didn't want her to go to church! She said oh okay We´ll be there then! So a Little later we get to church and the bishop is out front with a really serious look on his face. He told us that Church was canceled for the week because of this flu. Haha…oops. Turns out a sister in the Ward texted Consuelo to tell her that it was canceled. Consuelo showed up with two of her kids too! We called the President and he told us to stay in our house yesterday and just rest. This week we can´t do any contacting and that's the next story…

This past week we worked so hard. Heavenly Father blessed us so much with finding people who are ready to hear the gospel. I went on divisiones with my Zone Leader Elder Tanner from Gilbert! Theres four of us from the Gilbert area here, Elder Tanner (Highland, he knows the Packer family) Elder Reed, and Elder Howard. Anyways, Elder Tanner and I were walking down the street Javier Rojo Gomez in the Colonia Santa Julia. We were looking for Calle 2 so we could visit a recent convert, but somehow we walked a Little too far.. like half a mile or so. I thought that was weird, and that for sure I should have seen the street sign. We back tracked a Little and found calle 2, and there walking down the middle of the street were a lady, her mother, and three kids. We introduced ourselves and asked if we could share this message with them. They said YES. So we went to their house and long story short they´ve accepted their baptismal date, 10 of May, and were going to go to Church if it hadn´t been canceled !
We found others to teach too, which is a real blessing because we can´t knock doors this week. We can only teach those who we had before, and last week Heavenly Father blessed us a ton with posible investigators. (sorry this computer is changing my words to Spanish! haha) I have tos ay the past 5 weeks were a Little bit of a trial. We were working hard, knocking doors and everything but not finding anyone who coudld really progress. Then week 5 comes and we finally have investigators progressing, with a baptismal date set! We are Reading the Book of Mormon as a misión in 90 days. I really like in Mosiah 24:15. I learned if I just need to submit cheerfully and with patience to ALL the wil of the Lord, even if that means no baptisms for a whole cycle! I´m so thankful for all the blessings from the Lord, I really feel blessed to be here.

Questions!
1. This is Elder Sanders last cycle, the one that's coming, or his last six weeks. He studied English before and he´s been learning here. He speaks English really well, but we speak in Spanish the rest of the time. When I really can´t understand he helps me out, but we´re going to start speaking English in the house so he can go to BYU.
2. There is a nice Little internet place right by our house, it costs 10 pesos a hour and is the fastest around.
3. Mom its okay to read my letters! Haha, dont worry about it! The numbers: The first is baptisms this week, the second confirmations, and the third is investigators at Church. The others are visits to members who need to be confirmed and what not.
4. Missionary work is awesome. It is harder than I thought for sure! I thought everyone wanted to get baptized! Haha just kidding. We´re working hard and I know that's what missionary WORK is!
5. The missionaries before us didn't leave us much to work with. All the investigators they had all need to get married or divorced and really don't want to do much, so we can´t help them. We basically started from scratch.
6. Haha the natives… some think I speak really good Spanish when I tell them I´ve been here a month, and some just look at me with scrunched faces even when I know I´m speaking understandable Spanish. I think they think to themselves •” Wait this guy is White, he can´t speak Spanish!” (Bro Taylor and I talked about this! haah)
Send more questions, I think I can tell you more that way.

Well I have to go. Don't worry!! We have protection from the Lord. Pretty soon I´ll be sending pictures of a baptismal Font! I love you all, hope you got the pictures okay!

Con Amor,
Elder Rasmussen
Ps- dad, the Church is in colonia Rojo gomez, street Emiliano Zapata and C.N.C. There is no number. Our house address is in the picture. Sorry I couldn't send more pics of the hsoes, if you need mroe i will next week.

ps- mom, good job at not having a break down! I´m praying for ya! We´re safe, really. Tell uncle George sorry I couldn't reply today

ps-i think its okay for everyone to write me, I just cant write an email back to them.