última semana en Los Altos- ya que encontré mi casita

March 23, 2015

Dear Family,

This week- we didn't baptize, but we did so many other miraculous things! Ramon and Gabby in the last week decided hat baptism wasn't necessary, and that really had my companion dis-animated for a couple days, until I reminded him all of the others we have to invite to come unto Christ We still have a lot of good things occurring and it makes me fells superb to know that finally changes are happening between these two wards. We have the baptismal service of two little girls this week. We have families with baptismal dates for every week en April, and many who are committed to see General Conference the opening weekend of the next month. 

My companion is awesome. I will continue to enjoy serving beside him this last week and entrusting him with my converts the delicate situations that always exist in the ward.

We got to know an American brother who looks like Santa Claus and his wife yesterday. They served us lasagna.

It is good to know that life continues in WJ, although Dad's allergies have returned and has gotten everybody sick once again. :P I hope everyone still feels in good shape to keep staying strong in all your pursuits, spiritual and temporal. It is amazing to hear your interactions with the Elders there, and I hope the Elder returns home with a triumphant heart. This work is amazing, it is a unique time I have to share this message of salvation to all of my brethren in Tijuana, and I hope every missionary appreciates this privilege and responsibility that we have accepted. The Lord is guiding us in all we do, and can continue blessing us in every phase of life we pass through. Help Kenzie prepare for her mission, because I can’t do a whole lot from another country.

He disfrutado mi tiempo en este área, y la mital de la lucha ha sido con mi mismo. Sé cómo ser un mejor líder y cuando enfocarme en las necesidades del barrio o las necesidades de la obra del Señor. He visto progreso, y aun tenido la oprtunidad a ver mi primer converso en Miramar florecer, y él esta a punto de ir a la misión. Sé que todos mis conversos pueden disfrutar del gran gozo del evangelio y quiero ayudar a mas misioneros y investigadores sentir como me siento yo.

With gratitude and lots of love,

Elder Tobler

DOCE!

March 16, 2015

Dear Family,

I forgive you for the missed emails, all is well in Zion for the moment.

We had twelve investigadors at church yesterday! Many progressing, and we have baptisms planned this week and for the next month and then some! We have nine committed to a particular baptismal date, with a few old investigators and the world to contact and invite for the last week in April and in May.

My companion is really cool, undoubtably one of the best missionaries I have been with. He has 7 month in his service and likes paisley ties. He plays American football and is a bit of a kid at times, but is strict when it is demanded. I am nearly opposite, but not one-hundred percent classic Utahteco. I like striped ties, I am a skinny cross-country runner, and I really love Mexican food. I continue eating more tradicional Mexican styles than my companion. I eat pozole with cabbage and salsa; my companion gets spiced out with out extra salsa. I have not even had time to eat the last bit of peanut butter, but it is almost gone.

Our p-days have been really cool; we have been chilling with the zone leaders a lot. Last week we went to Playas to look in the flea market, and this week we looked in our own sector today. We just ate brick-oven baked calzone, a bit pricey, but I really enjoy these brief moments we have to unwind and recharge. Between the interchanges and P-days the Zone Leaders know and trust us well. Oh, and this morning we helped a less-active sister knock down nearly a barrel of lemons. 

I won't lie that makes me bueno, not jealous but strange because I never saw the missionaries at home. I hope they are doing well and that they are enjoying their service and hard work for these two short years.

We are also having a heat spell here, but not nearly so hot. I hope all goes well between working at school and going to school for everybody.

I know that this is the Church of God, I know that we have the chance to receive revelation for ourselves and we have the chance to help those who surround our life. I know that I posses the Priesthood authority of God, and I strive to use these powers to my fullest potential. I gotta go!

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

Elder Jimenez regresó a la Zona Tijuana

March 9, 2015

Dear family,

This week felt quite normal, but in reality we fulfilled a great many things. In order to begin, there are many members in both wards that are reactivating, and we are receiving more support from the bishoprics to keep furthering our work. Many of our investigadores are assisting regularly, and we have many baptisms coming up in a few weeks. There was emergency exchanges in the District, the president decided to put Elders back again in the other sector, because it was too dangerous for the sisters. Hermana Rodriguez and Hermana Leon were both a little bummed, because the had many people committed to baptism and are within their last two month of the mission, but changes are the only thing that’s normal here. Now the Secretaries are working their which means I am district leader over my trainer!

Serving one another is the easiest way to gain the confidence of members and non-members, strangers and acquaintances. We had multiple opportunidades to rebuild a bit of the house that burnt down a few weeks ago, we are cleaning up a bunch of weeds for a few members, and we are always aware of chances to serve those who we meet. We have increased our contacts as a mission, and I feel that the number of new investigadores is going to stay very high these next few months, which in turn results in more Brothers and sisters making eternal covenants with God. In our sector we aim to fulfill our goal to baptize four people this month and in April.

I know that this work is real, and that dangers are always present. I strive daily to remain clean and obedient in order to receive the blessings my father in heaven has prepared for me. I have no idea when I will receive these great gifts, or if the Lord desires to build me up a little more before he blesses me, but I know that He has a plan for me, one where I can live eternally with the family I have and the family I will have. I have a role to fill here in Tijuana, and I need to keep inviting everyone to come unto the savior and redeemer of the world. I can fell His endless love for me, and I seek His spirit constantly. This is my moment to actively establish the Kingdom of God on earth, and I enjoy every day I have to be in the service of our Lord. I love you all, and I will write more next week.

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

Soy Superman, mas bien seré él

March 2, 2015

Dear Family,

These two weeks have been absolutely incredible! We have had 9 people committed to baptism for a week, with many people in church on Sunday; and then we increased this week, with 12 committed to baptism, more investigadores attending church and nearly everyone progressing! And I have had a lot of fun in doing so. Last week we played basketball with the Zone Leaders and a few of their investigadores on P-day, and we are visiting the world! We have nearly contacted a whole colony en Los Altos and we only see things getting better. We also dedicated two days in the reactivation, visiting a few members in neighborhoods that we don't visit all too often. 

The food here continues to be tasty. Sister Jones spoiled us again last week with a tower of pancakes. Yesterday we ate an all-carne dish, and I still am diminishing the Christmas Stash, now that it's March. 

My companion is also really glad that we are doing awesome He is a tight missionary, but has not had a lot of good companions nor many baptisms. I feel proud to see that he can see the first fruits of his obedience and his true effort. The Sisters are in process of emergency exchanges, so my district will turn inside out. Oh, but the president did confirm to me that I will change sectors for sure in near the end of March. 

Dad, how are the Boy Scouts treating you? I really enjoyed those years in scouting, and I hope you are still enjoying helping other boys become better young men. Let Cami know that I feel her stress of school, if I could help her I would. Tell Ex-misionero Griffin that I still laugh every time I see a bag of skittles, and thank him again for all of the jokes and the joy he gave me.

To add to the letter, it rained yesterday and today. It was well needed, and even though many people didn't make it to church and it changed our plans, we are all very grateful for the moisture. 

The coolest part of the baptismal dates we have is that they are families that are coming unto Christ, not just individuals. The gospel really does bless the home, and we must remain diligent in order to receive the blessings of His mercy and His Atonement. When one home becomes converted, it influences their other family members, their neighbors, their ancestors, their friends, and their posterity. I know that the family does last for the eternities, if we do all we can to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. I have this great privilege and sacred responsibility to assist these families accomplish this ultimate goal. I love the Lord, and I desire the salvation of my brothers and sisters here en Tijuana. I know this is just a moment in the plan God has for every one of us, and I hope to enjoy all of it.

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

Y Elder Tobler estaba en el desierto por 40 años

February 16, 2015

Dear Family,

To begin with, the zone leaders informed me on Saturday night that I am to stay here for another translado mas; So, I will be working between these two wards in the same area for 7 1/2 months of my mission straight, nearly a third of these two years I have devoted unto the Lord. Let's get to work!

This week had a lot of high hope but there is still much success for the future. Ramón and Fermín both started the week with an interview ready, but only Ramon was actually interviewed. We are dropping him completely, because the only thing he lacks is the desire to follow through and apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to his life. But it didn't all go terribly bad. This last week we pushed ourselves as a mission to increase the number of people we contact and find, and in doing so we received a boatload of referencias from the mission offices. One of the families in particular is extremely prepared, and we wish to see them baptized an el fin de este mes. We have had two low months baptizing as a mission, and the president is really urging with a strong hand that we find people in order to establish the church. The two wards are doing all right, we are going to lose a councilor en one ward and in general they need to kick it up a notch.

Other weird comments to add to the mission experience: This morning I killed a rat that was roaming around the apartment complex; Last week I bought some sweet Xolo sport gear that a dude of a brother sold me, not that my soccer skills have improved at all. 

The Work of Salvation is designed to accomplish many things. It helps each individual person grow in their testimony, becoming more converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ while at the same time establishes the kingdom of God upon the face of the Earth. It demands that members and missionaries invite others to come unto Christ. It supports the new converts in the church, in order that they can become strong in their faith in the Savior and Redeemer. This same work counsels the members who have drifted away from the truth, always providing a way to return to the path. It instructs us to teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom in order to bring salvation to the living as to the dead, and teaches us to be self sufficient physically and spiritually. This conversion and growth in the church is measured and calculated, to further raise us higher and keep the work alive and vivid. I am extremely grateful to assist in this grand process in bringing the souls of our brothers and sisters to His presence once again.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, I hope the best for everyone.

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

Qué paso!!!

February 9, 2015

Dear Family,

First, this is an explanation of last week. First, super skinny me helped out Presidente Tirado get into his house, but the deal was first that he gave us a reference. And he came through. We are working with another family who really likes to play basketball. Then I sneaked in and opened his house.

A week ago I went to Independencia to interview an investigator, but it was a little iffy to start with. Alejandro came to know the church in other parts, so the Zone Leaders were just going to baptize him. We went to find him in the morning to confirm the appointment, and he was nowhere to be found. He doesn’t have a phone, so we were a little worried. We went to our next appointment in a park with a shy investigator of 20 years, Itzayana, and she was explaining to us that she just broke up with here atheist boyfriend when we saw Alejandro. We jumped at the opportunity to see what he has been doing. He told us a few things, that to the Zone leader Elder Martín made it clear that he was lying, and we decided to follow him; we also decided to drag Itzy with us. We stalked him through the central streets of the sector, Itzayana keeping an eye on him, while us two youth in white shirt and ties stayed out of sight. Suddenly, a member from one of my wards showed up with a 15 passenger white van, and we all hopped in and followed Alejandro to, well, a place all to well known for problems with Question 4. The member gave us a ride and we dropped off Itzy, and we continued working, seeing how clear it became what happened to the prospect baptism for the following day. That is how I became a spy!

A little old and sometimes grumpy lady took us to a little canyon to find a family whose house burnt down two days previous. We discovered that is was a less active family, with many members who are not baptized. We keep offering our service, and teaching them simple messages, but they still need a lot. We talked to a sister in the neighboring ward who works with "Charity Everywhere" and "A Spark of Hope" who may help us with a few of the walls and floors. It is an ongoing process.

To end with last week, we played basketball and soccer from members and investigators from both wards and we ate a bunch of tacos. I ate 17 with a soda, my companion ate 20 with 3 sodas, Alex (member) ate 20 with one soda and his friend Adrian ate 8. 

Last week and even this week we completed with a lot of goals and are hastening the work so much. This last week we found 11 new investigators, taught a ton of lessons with Jorge, and are doing all in our power to increase the workload and the output. It was all awesome- until nobody showed up on Sunday. The attendance was low, and of the 10 families we invited not one soul came to church. Not even Ramon y Fermin, who has their baptism programmed for this Saturday, the 14 of Febrero. I am looking forward to seeing another baptism, and we have translados next week so I should be writing from another part of Tijuana then.

I bought a few t-shirts from el Cuate, Hermano Cuautemoc who has a station in the flea market in the local soccer team. They look sweet!

I know the Savior lives. All we need to do is to construct our faith on this knowledge. He worked many miracles through this mighty principle in his earthly ministry, and He works miracles in our lives today. I know that Joseph Smith developed the faith necessary to ask God in the spring of 1820, and like him all of us can receive an answer to our prayers. I know that this is the true church, and that I know that the Lord has prepared so much for my life personally. He knows us, and Loves us. I am grateful to be in His service, and to help my brethren here come to this same knowledge. I invite all to grow in your faith of these things, and see what miracles the Lord will bring to pass in your lives and families. 

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

Espias de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos dias

Dear Family,

So, Want to know what I did this week? I broke into the house of the first councilor of the Stake, I became a Spy for a day with the Zone Leaders, we are increasing the workload, and we taught a less active family what is not a fireside reunion. I will leave you hanging ´cause I gotta go, but we are achieving more success here and I love this great opportunity to raise my voice unto my brethren here in Tijuana, and I appreciate all the love and prayers that I receive from Home. I know that this is the work of the Lord, and it is never easy but the sacrifice of our time, of our money, of all our energies is well worth the eternal reward our Lord has promised us. We have baptisms coming up, and I'll keep you informed.

Hey Cami I have a job for you- could you define the word Apprehensive for me? Please? Actually, Kenzie hasn't written me for a while, but I am glad she received her Patriarchal Blessing, and I hope she continues to prepare herself for the Call to serve our king. I hope President Starkie is all right, let him know that he doesn't need to worry about me. Send my salutations a Bro Kitchens.

I love you all,

Elder TOBLER