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

Conferencia de Estaca

January 26, 2015

Dear Family,

I can definitely say I have accomplished much in these wards. After working for months, I have regained the confidence of the mayor parte de los miembros y podemos trabajar juntos en apresurando la Obra de Salvación. El Presidente confirmed with me that they´ll open the other area to missionaries here really soon, so our goal right now is to capacitate the members of Palmeras while we adjust the main part of our attention to Los Altos (which is well needed, truly). We also had the chance to help a few members out with service, moving furniture and cleaning up a bit. This week we also have plans to help Julio receive his Patriarchal Blessing. Beto Arredondo, our very young Elder’s quorum president invited us to make visits with him, but as we already knew it is extremely difficult to reactivate the Priesthood Brethren who have lengthened themselves from the church. We are trying so hard to contact the families of the few new investigators we have, and we are seeing progress.

Monday a sister from Palmeras invited us to eat, so we challenged her to bring a friend who is not a member or someone who hasn’t been to church for a while. It turns out the sister invited a timid single adult who works a lot, and we invited her to stake conference. Ramon is crazy, he also showed up to the conference, along with a young women who really just lacks a baptism. Two other sisters brought references from other parts of Tijuana to see Elder Jesus Alfaro Ortiz Tirado, a gringo from D.F. Our presidente de misión tambien estuvo presente. Everyone there talked about the various things that any member can improve on, and we even had to chance to listen to the testimonies of a few recent converts in the Stake, one which I interviewed in the Sister’s sector. I expect to see greater enthusiasm and support from the ward in fulfilling their responsibilities. Oh! And guess what? My First convert and a member who I reactivated here both received the Melchizedec Priesthood Yesterday! That is truly conversion and growth of the church of God.

As for food, we’ve been eating the same stuff- everything really tasty. Rice, chicken, beans, Rice, spaghetti, beans, stir fry dishes, even hot dogs! Así es (So is) the typical food here, nothing strange but really good. Today I order sushi from the fast food joint where Cesar Valdez works, and he is still pumped four months after his baptism. I can’t use chopsticks to save my life, but that’s why I am on this end of the Pacific Ocean. We gave a bit of our leftovers to a new investigator, Jose, because the last thing missionaries’ need is more pizza.

Have Jake write me, now that his leg has recovered and he can serve with all his might, just remind him to use his mind too. He’s already got heart and strength. How many missionaries do we have out in the ward? Stake?

I know that this is the true organization that Jesus Christ established when he ministered unto us. I know that if we develop our hope in him, any one of our God-given abilities will improve and strengthen. I know that this is a very real and worthwhile cause which I am dedicated to and privileged to be a part of this great haste in these latter days. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of our Loving Heavenly Father. I will continue to labor beside the Lord here in Tijuana, and I shall wait and trust in the promises He has made us. 

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

LAL

These were sent with no name or information - I'll update with such when I get that.

LORENA SE BAUTISÓ!

Jan 19, 2015

Dear Family,

Lorena Medina was baptized on Saturday! This week was awesome; we completed a lot, and even baptized someone without a Ward Mission Leader or Bishop. That was a bit of a show, but I am so glad that we can see how our efforts can bless the life of others. Lorena's boyfriend, Pedro, has plans to propose and get married soon, so in a year they can get married in the temple of Tijuana. He has been a member for a few years and has family that came to see the baptism that I recognized when I was in Reforma, Estaca La Mesa. Their little boy is so funny. After I performed the ordenance, their two year old Pedrito asked, "Te mojaste?" o "Did you get wet?" We taught a lot of people, and we have two other investigators who are almost there, Ramom y Fermin. They also gave me mews this week that with the 20(+) missionaries that we'll receive in February, they are making plans to re-open Palmeras, so the missionaries here only have to work in one ward! Our main goal these weeks is to capacitate the members in Palmeras, find a Ward Mission leader/Bishop for Los Altos, and Keep baptizing!

I am glad that Mom is keeping herself entertained with her wreath business, and I hope the weather... Normalizes? Here the people take notice of any little change, 

Alex Peacock? I am forgetting who I'm related to and how. That is so special to hear that Ryan and Liselle Had their baby, the role they have as parents is extremely important. I have the blessed responsibility to not only establish the church here, but to work with the families in order that they can recieve eternal blessings.

The work continues, it is difficult, they put higher restrictions on us missionaries and now it is even tougher to communicate with the Sisters in my district, and help them fulfill their goals. I see many new beginnings and many bases being build for a mighty armada of Righteous servants en this land between lands. I am proud to be a missionary, and I know that I represent the church of God. He talks to us through his Prophets, and will never cease to do so. I know hat we all can participate of the love, mercy, of our Savior, and receive eternal blessings from our Heavenly father, a just and loving God.

Well, as for the food, nothing new- everything mexican and scrumptious. We actually cancelled the lunch appointment yesterday, because we were at the church from about 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so we decided to pack a lunch. We took a big notch out of the junk food that I received for Christmas/my birthday. I still have two boxes full. About the last package I received from Grandma Tobler, remind everyone that there is still an unnecessary quantity of packages being sent to the American Missionaries. I will write you when I need something. As for the moment, just ink for the wood pen, maybe a belt, ties and pants never hurt. I need better ideas to guard and keep papers and booklets that I plan to bring home.

Elder Esquinca, guaranteed is and will be my companion with the weirdest name that I'll have. His first name comes from Chiapas while his last name was jewish-italian, before it was adjusted when the Europeans settles in Central America. He teaches really well, has 5 months in the mission, but lacks the ability and natural urge to find new people to teach. He dedicated his High school life to American football (in Mexico) and has desires to play for BYU. He is really funny but really sucks at getting moving in the morning. He was born and raised in the state of Guanajuato, one of the very few missionaries that come from this part of Mexico. 

Send my love and well wishes to everyone else, to my close Friends and family members,

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

Felix cumpleanños a mí

January 12, 2015

Dear Family,

This week we realized the importance of working with the members again, just when our Ward Mission Leader told us that he´s taking his family to Culican... Let´s see who we can reactivate in order to replace him. I didn´t have time to make the brownie mix you sent me Mom, so we ate pudding for my Birthday. Saterdays are always so full, inviting EVERYONE to just come to church.

I finally brought the package that Grandma y Grandpa Tobler sent to the apartment, and it has MORE TRAETS AND FOOD! I didn´t even buy food todfay, I have been given so many things from the Christmas season. 

I did get a pleasing telephone call from the wife of the President on Saterday. She told me that the Lord was very pleased of my dedicated service so far away from my own home and the I am truely helping His children, my brotheren, to return to His presence. The Lord has given me one more year to live, that I may have the joy here opn earth and continue serving my fellow man. I love the Lord, and I know that this work is real and true. I love my family, and I know that I will return and have years more to continue serving Heavenly Father´s Children. 

Sincerely, 

Elder Tobler

LOL

This is a picture of my companion who played American football before his mission and goes for the 49ERS and the Cougars. I was receiving numbers and data from the sisters on Thursday night.

Elder Tobler se queda

January 5, 2015

Dear Family,

This week was a nice week to end training Elder Ruiz, and to end me time in this sector- but the Lord has other Plans. Elder Tobler se queda, and so I stay here to continue establishing the church here in the wards Palmeras y Los Altos. I will continue working hard and I hope this week ends better. I don’t have a lot to say since Thursday...

We received the Translados really late, on Sunday at 9. The Zone Leaders told me that I’m staying here, my trainee left to San Quentin (Far, far away), and that the most part of the Zone stayed the same. It is not a bad stake to pass this time of year, but I’ll be here until about Valentine’s Day. The President mentioned that December was not a good month for us, and that we can better ourselves as a mission. I night train again in February, but for now I’ll just focus on the baptisms we have right now. We have several for January and February, and I hope to find the other 3 baptisms for February and all 4 for the month of March.

Good to here that life is back on track in Utah, I hope there is plenty of snow to enjoy there as you all return to your classes. Kenzie mentioned to me in a moment that she wants to go on a mission- I want to confirm that thought before it was made public. I hope Livi is doing well and that she stops growing until I come home! Wow, and Kenzie is going back to college, I heard that it is ABSOLUTELY FROZEN in Logan. 

As for me currently I have a frog in my throat, just the funnier to speak Spanish as an American, but enjoying the mission. I should have an awesome birthday, since I’m going to be in this same sector after all.

I love this mission. I am extremely grateful for my president, and I am grateful for our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ, and I hope to live in His kingdom aside our Heavenly Father. I love you all, and I hope you can continue perfecting yourselves ddia con dia.

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler

FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!

Dear Family,

January 1, 2015

This week we had an awesome time! We enjoyed navidad and today we organized another game of soccer, this time with the Zone leaders. The sisters in my zone had one baptism and two confirmaciones, and it looks like these wards are finally going to have a baptism! We have two baptisms that are extremely sure in January, and we are filling up February rapidly. We saw Ceaser Valdez twice this week, and although he hasn't been able to make it to church His family is still doing very well, and enjoying the holidays. They have plans to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, and I offered them a room. I want to everything I can this week so that this holiday time they can go to church again.

The only downside- I don't know if I’ll be here to see all of this success. Translados are Monday, and odds are good that I'll be changed to another area. We had a hope that they would open Palmeras in order to ease the workload to something normal (if that even exists in the Service of the Lord), maybe spilling me and my trainee up to show the new companions the sector. They issue is that they are minimizing the number of missionaries in the mission to only about 200, and with two wards that don't take up a bunch of land and the minimal progressive results in the Work, it may be a long time before they re-open Palmeras. So, in short, odds are good that my newly trained son will stay here enjoying success in a tough part of the mission.

As for food, the only thing special about it was that there was A LOT!

We have found some really cool people to teach ultimately, and they appear to be receptive to our message.

I love this Fully Dedicated service to the Lord, and I am Grateful for the pains, the tiring days, and the heartache that passes in Mission Life. It gives me more joy only thinking in the success one could obtain, and the glory a soul can receive as they make their first covenant with our Heavenly Father. I know that he loves each and every one of us, and has given us this life to learn, experience, and prepare. I know that this is a real physical work that can bring families and influence the salvation of many Children of God. I hope that all is well at home, and I will write on Monday I believe.

Sincerely,

Elder Tobler