Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Excerise Your Faith

¡Hola!

It´s been a crazy week! We are working hard and there seems to be a lot of opposition in the work. Even still, God led us to find several amazing new families to teach who are looking for God in their lives. One family recently lost a son and another has a newborn daughter. The people are in really key moments in their lives and I pray that we will be able to help them see clearly.

We haven't been taking very many pictures, but we made a delicious chicken alfredo.

Three people went to church this past Sunday, all for the first time! That morning, we past by to walk together with one of them who wanted to go. He has so many problems in his life that it´s been hard knowing where to start to help him out. But as he sat in church, there was a noticeable change in him. He told us after the meeting "when are you going to visit me again? I´m going to have everything swept up when you come." We don´t make the change in them. The Holy Ghost helps them make the change in them as they begin to keep the commandments and live more righteously. A great example is King Lamoni in the Book of Mormon. Only when he prayed to God for forgiveness did he have the mighty change. It´s the same way for us. Only as we exercise our faith by living what we know with we receive the joy and peace we search for.

"And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them (Mosiah 4:10)."

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and the more I learn about it, the more I want to follow Jesus. My weekly challenge is that you each study a basic principle of the gospel such as faith, repentance, or one of the commandments and then set a goal to apply what you have learned. As you do, I promise that you will have greater peace and joy and will grow in knowledge of God.

"And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true (Mosiah 4:12)."

Have a happy week!
Elder Cloward


I bought a really cool statue of an Argentine Gaucho (cowboy).

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Training!

¡Hola todos!

My companion took a picture of me!
This week has been soooo exciting, first waiting until Wednesday to know who my new companion would be, meeting him, and beginning to teach him everything I know from the start. His name is Elder Roberts and he is from Georgia. He did a lot of sports in high school, has a huge family, and is a hard worker. He has a fresh perspective that has enlivened the work here in Saenz Peña and in my mission. We have been learning a lot together about following the small promptings of the spirit as we find new people to teach. Just yesterday, we were walking in the cold to the next planned lesson and a man entering his house called out "¿que estan haciendo en el frío?" After asking what the man had said and understanding, my companion suggested we turn around and tell him. We went back and shared the Book of Mormon with the man, who didn't have very much time, but is searching for the truth in his life. I am so happy to be training a missionary that is ready to give his all. We will be working really hard these next few weeks!

There is a couple, the Diaz, that the missionaries have visited for over 20 years that finally this week decided to get married and be baptized. There are still several obstacles that are keeping them from doing it. Please pray for them!

Fathers day was a really special day for us. It made me so happy to be able to tell people "fathers day is the perfect day to show your love for your Father in Heaven and go to His house."

We like to eat! I'll have better pictures next week.
There was a member here that was super busy cleaning her house. We insisted in helping her clean and we got to help her clean mold that had started to grow on her ceiling. As we were there, she told us that she would be busy and might not be able to attend church. I shared that I had never done homework or school related projects on Sundays and that God blessed me to never have to turn in a late assignment. It made me so happy when she chose to go with her two daughters and put God first.

My invitation this week is to examine your daily habits and choose one that you want to replace for something better. For example, instead of reading Facebook posts, you could write letters of encouragement and love to your neighbors, friends, or relatives. As you choose to make better choices, I promise that God will help you see your potential as His son or daughter and you will feel closer to Him.

Have a happy week!
Elder Cloward




Sunday, June 18, 2017

A Baptism and a Testimony

Hurray for another week in the best two years so far of my life! I know that God has a perfect plan for me, so as I do my very best to obey Him, everything that happens is what is best for me. That brings me joy. If only we could always step back a moment from every situation with gratitude and our end goal in mind, I know we would find more joy.

My old zone. We are each holding up the number of transfers we have in the mission. 17 is the max amount of transfers. I've got two more!
I have been assigned to train a new Elder in the mission. I am excited for the chance to guide another missionary in his first few steps of his mission. I am very likely to finish my mission as a trainer because I only have two transfers left. We will see what God has planned. It will be a lot easier to stay focused, that´s for sure!

Transfers. Elder Lundgreen was assigned to serve in the city of Resistencia. I will be training a new missionary in Saenz Peña!
While we wait for our new companions to arrive, Elder Butler and I enjoy our pizzas. Our companions get here today (Tuesday) and we get to meet them tomorrow (Wednesday)
Eduardo Perez was baptized this week! Last Monday, we asked him if he wanted to be baptized a week earlier than we had planned and he said yes! He was very prepared to follow God and it has been such a joy to watch him prepare to be baptized. He is exited to serve and is looking for more people we can teach, including many of his relatives and co-workers. From the beginning, he wanted to be baptized and is one of the most prepared people I have ever met that was ready to receive the gospel.

Eduardo Perez was baptized! We are so excited for him. He is super prepared to serve in God´s church.
All of the missionaries in our branch (4) got to give talks in the church service this past Sunday. I was the last one to talk and only had about five minutes to speak, but I talked about receiving a testimony of the Book of Mormon. As we read the Book of Mormon and apply what we learn, we learn of it´s truthfulness. However, we must also accept Moroni´s invitation to ask God in prayer if it is not true (Moroni 10:3-5) As we do, the spirit will confirm that it is true through feelings of peace and joy. I invite you just as I did last week, to strengthen your testimonies of the Book of Mormon and take the challenge of the living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, to read the Book of Mormon every day. As you do, you will find greater protection from the evils in the world and find greater peace and understanding.
We made pizza!
Have a happy week!
Elder Cloward






The Restoration

¡Hola todos!

This has been a great week. We did divisions with some of the other Elders in the district and I got to do a baptismal interview for one of the investigators in their area. I was happy to see his baptism in Saturday. Hermano Perez went to the baptism and to church this past Sunday. He is really excited for his baptism and we will see today if he will get baptized this week or next week. We are super exited for him!

I got to do the baptismal interview for this young man. It was exciting to be a part of his baptism! He goes to the other ward in Centro.
My companion and I have been a little sick this week, but we are doing much better. We have seem many miracles of protection this week from unexpected dangers and have also been guided to find several prepared families. One day, I felt impressed to contact a house in an area we in which we never had been. After clapping twice, no one was there. However, just as we were about to leave, a man walked by. "Elders!" He said. He and his family were members and had moved in to the house next door less than a week before. Latter, we passed by and we shared a scripture with the whole family. They are going to start going to the church again and have some relatives that could get baptized soon. I am happy to be a servant of God.

We play ping pong on p-days here.
I know that this church is God´s church on the earth. God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and called him to be a prophet. The priesthood is restored. The Book of Mormon is true. It brings me peace and answers when I read it. I promise that as you read the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true, he will answer you. This week, I invite all of you to read the Book of Mormon meditate in what you have read and then ask God if it is true. As you do, you will learn to appreciate the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love Him. I love His teachings!

I will be writing on Tuesday next week! We had a short transfer.

Have a happy week!

Elder Cloward



Old Friends- Preparation Makes a Difference

Hola!

Elder Lundgreen and me.
This was my first week in Saenz Peña! I have really enjoyed my time with my companion, Elder Lundgreen. He is really funny and has a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. He's still pretty new in the mission, but he is already confident and knows how to teach really well. We've gotten lost several times because he's also pretty new to the area, but we're making good progress.
We eat a lot, but Elder Lundgreen eats more. He ate 24 empanadas in one sitting. He's got an iron stomach!

There are many parts of our area that are dangerous. Please pray for all of the missionaries that we can be safe, especially after dark.

There is a man here, Hermano Perez, that has been going to church regularly for the past month and wants to be baptized. We are working with him so that he can receive a testimony of the Book of Mormon. We are excited for him! We also found a family that is willing to get baptized when they receive and answer to their prayers. At the beginning of the lesson, the father told us he had no desire to change his beliefs, but after the lesson, he said he would prepare to be baptized. That kind of change only happens when the Holy Ghost is present. He is so amazing as he touches our hearts and brings us peace. He tells us, this is true!

A member here has the Book of Mormon in more than 27 different languages! He helped us find some new people to teach.
On Sunday, we participated in a district conference in which all of the members of the church nearby attended. My companion and I were a part of the choir. When we sang during the meeting, it was our best performance. The spirit was present very strongly throughout the meeting and it really helped me to put everything back into perspective. As I said last week, it is hard to stay focused. Church meetings and activities help us keep our perspective centered on God's plan for us. I invite each of your to prepare for the next time you attend a church meeting so that you can receive the full benefit God is preparing for you. As you do, you will find greater peace and understanding.

Many of the members in Villa Angela, my first area, came to the district conference here. Milton was a boy we began to teach right before I left the area. He got baptized! We were so happy to see each other!
The Caseres family from my first area. Their boys went on splits with us a few times and the family gave us lunch on Thursdays!
Leonel, an awesome young man from Villa Angela. Five of the youth I met in Villa Angela are serving in missions throughout the world and Leonel should be on his mission by next year!
Elder Cloward







Prepare for Eternity

¡Hola a todos!

I´m in Saenz Peña Chaco, in the Obrero branch! I wasn't expecting to go so quick. I'm going to miss everyone in Formosa, but I am super excited to get to know the people here. My new companion is Elder Lundgreen from Nebraska USA. He is super great. He´s been in the mission very little time, but he´s confident and happy. He´s a lot like me, tall, skinny, eats a lot ,and cheerful, and I know we´ll get a long well.

This past week, we had another baptism! Maria Da Silva accepted an invitation to be baptized this past Saturday. It felt a little rushed, but we felt that everything had come together for her to be able to make a promise with God and there was no reason to wait. These thoughts were swirling in my mind, even during here baptism. But as I baptized her, and sat beside her after her baptism. I could feel God´s love for her and her desire to follow Him. I felt the room filled to the brim with the joy in heaven for her decision. She is going to do a lot of good for her family and for the church.
Maria Da Silva got baptized!
This was in the font when we filled it up for the baptism. Ahhh!
I am happy and well! I know that when we follow God, trust in the Spirit, and are obedient, everything turns out okay. Focus on eternity, on our goal to live with God after this life, clean and pure, with all those you love. I challenge each of you to do at least one thing this week to prepare for eternity. That is the purpose of this life!

¡Que tengan una semana feliz!
Elder Cloward

Lots of mud!

It´s hard to walk fast to lunch when you can slip and fall. Even walking carefully, the mud splashes everywhere.



Baptisms to Come

An ¡hola! from Argentina!

We are really excited here in Centenario. This next week is going to be really busy as we work with four different people who are preparing to be baptized! On Friday, Lidia Jara... I mean Espinola, got married! She has been waiting for nearly two years and the day finally came. She was so happy and it was beautiful to be able to participate in such an incredible miracle! We have invited her to prepare to be married in the temple for time and eternity and we have faith that it will happen. She will be getting baptized on Saturday.

Lidia Jara, I mean Lidia Espinola´s wedding. Yay!
Lautaro and Fabricio are also ready to be baptized this Saturday. Sometimes they get what we´ve taught a little mixed up because they are so young. but they have strong testimonies and many people supporting them. As I look back to my baptism, I don´t remember much of what happened before, but I do remember that it was what I wanted and that I was my choice. I wanted to be good, and they do too!

Maria Da Silva is also very close to being able to be baptized. All of these people need many prayers!
This Saturday, we will be having a Capilla Abierta (Open Chapel) for all those who want to learn more about the church and what we do. We have a lot of work to do to get ready.

We got to sing in the stake choir this past Sunday and all of the practices we had came together to produce a beautiful sound. We felt the Holy Ghost as we sang and shared our testimonies with the congregation. I love to sing!
The choir assistant taught the stake choir really well.
The stake choir.
Elder Oliva and I are working really well together and yesterday, we were the means of answering the prayer of a family that was waiting for us. I am so happy that God trusts us with His work and that He gives us the opportunity to receive so many blessings. I love Him!
Elder Oliva and me on the bus.

Elder Cloward

A lot to clean up in our huge pension.






God´s Peace is Real!

It been another great busy week!

We had multi-zone conference and interviews with President Franco. I always feel better after these meetings because they help me put all of my thoughts, expectations, and actions back into place. I feel more at peace and I know what I am doing. I realized that this is how we should feel after partaking of the sacrament every Sunday. As we prepare ourselves for church meetings, they will become tools for our growth and meetings in which we can learn what we most need to learn by the spirit. I want to prepare not just physically for Sunday, but spiritually too.

Elder Oliva and me in the multi-zone conference.
A bunch of great missionaries.
We are starting to work even more with the members here and we have so many references, it´s difficult to visit them all! The ward has made a ward missionary plan and they have called an assistant to the ward mission leader. We also are making a list of all of the members that want to visit with us and the list is really long! The ward here has so much potential, we just have to help them reach their potential.

Elder Oliva and I were the last missionaries in Formosa to receive our interviews with President Franco.
I am happy to be a missionary. Every day, I realize more deeply how important my work is. We invite all, just as Jesus did, to be obedient, to read the scriptures, to pray, and to go to church so that the y can find peace and joy. As they do, we invite them to prepare to make  a promise with God and be baptized to receive even more blessings. God´s peace is real! I invite each of you to seek this peace this week by reading the scriptures.

Have a happy week!
Elder Cloward
Elder Oliva helped the sisters install their new water filter and chlorine dispenser.




Rainning Blessings

¡Hola todos!

It rained a lot this week! On Wednesday, it began to rain really hard, and instead of stopping quickly like it normally does, it kept going. The first day my companion got to Formosa, his boots got mixed up with another missionary´s stuff and that missionary ended up taking them. For all of this week, he had to wear his normal shoes in the mud. Finally now that everything is dry, we got them back. It was pretty silly. It was also pretty sad too. The very day it started to rain hard, we went to one of the poorer neighborhoods of our area and many of the houses were a foot or two under water and that was after most of the water had left. We ended up in it up to our knees trying to get to Facundo (a recent convert) to teach him. It was pretty funny to see his reaction. His house was fine, but he was not expecting to see us on his door step. There was another family that we were teaching that didn't have anything because the rain made it so they couldn't work. I am grateful for the means God has given me to work hard in whatever condition and to comfort and serve those who are looking for God in their lives.

On Sunday, we had our ward conference and a lot of people came, including some less active members we've been visiting. We were so happy to see them all! Several investigators came too. I was feeling a little sick that morning, but seeing so many happy faces and being able o sing in the ward choir made me feel a lot better. In the afternoon on Sunday, we practiced in the stake choir, and got to see the children´s choir practice. Their energy and excitement brought the spirit so strongly. I am grateful for the pure testimony of the children as they testified of their desires to prepare for their own missions and be good.

The stake primary choir. We were so happy to see Lautaro, his brother Fabricio and Fabricio participate!
That night, we had a lesson with the Da Silva family with another really strong family in the ward and we shared the story of the tree of life (1 Nephi 8). Each of the members contributed and at the end, we invited Daiana, the oldest of the Da Silva children to be baptized this Saturday. She thought about it and even considered a later date, but then said "no, este Sábado sería mejor." We are so happy for her! Please pray for her this week!

Keep sharing your lights!
Elder Cloward


God Makes His Leaders

¡Hola!

This was an exciting week of personal growth. I have felt that God has been watching over us and his children as countless times, we were directed to people who needed help or who were ready to receive Christ´s restored Gospel, whether on the bus, in the streets or in their homes. We also got to participate in a stake activity with all of the youth. We went with all of them to the central plaza in the city and gave out little cards inviting everyone to an activity that day and also to church on Easter Sunday. Each pair of missionaries was assigned to guide 6 youth 12 and older to share the short message. It was incredible to watch the army of youth in yellow "Prince of Peace" shirts march to the plaza and boldly invite strangers to learn more about the reason we celebrate Easter. Though no one we invited went to the activity, it was an incredible activity for the youth and it really strengthened my testimony of the power of sharing our testimonies.

We had an awesome activity in the plaza! I got to go with Guillermo, a soon-to-be missionary and invite people to church. His enthusiasm was incredible!
At the end of the activity, it started to rain and we ran for cover.
We all got wet.
All of the missionaries are also a part of the stake choir. Last choir practice, the ladies had a tough part they had to learn how to sing. I got to teach it to them, using my hand as a guide as to how high the note was. It was super fun and a little silly as I had to sing a little bit in a very high pitch. It´s wonderful to feel useful and I am so grateful that God made it possible for me to stay in school choir for 7 years, even when I was tempted to drop it several times. I know He has blessed me and I love Him!

I am excited to continue to work with Elder Oliva. He has a powerful testimony and though we are not perfect, I know God is using us to do a mighty work here. He gives us the courage and strength we need to be His leaders.

Have a happy week!
Elder Cloward