See you soon

See you soon, that was the message I got today along with the following pictures.....

He is getting ready to leave so this must of been his going away party!

He found a car model named after him, to funny!

Extremely Catholic

So this week as you’ll see we had a baptism. Her name is Alejandra she is the investigator that gave us the boxes. I can truly say that she as well was a chosen one from God, because she has sacrificed so much to become a member of the church, Originally she didn’t want anything to do with the church, she was extremely catholic and made it known to us, but with time she began to soften her heart and she truly converted to the gospel. I will never forget after she had learned about the Sabbath day and knowing that she would have to work on Sunday quit her job to be baptized and stay active in the church. She is incredible, and the best part is that she was a reference therefore we should recognize that as we share the gospel with our friends that they do become converted just as we are if we invite them and teach them with the missionaries.

goodbye Elders Jones and Froisland

An investigator made these for Logan and his companion!

baptism

Daniela and Jessy

The Doctrine of Christ

Brothers and sisters, I hope that all is well and that you are found in the care of the Lord each day. So this las week was the leadership conference and it was incredible, but before I jump I’ll explain what happened before. On Monday my companion and I were extremely busy running from place to place because sometimes Monday we still have to work. After running around all day and working during the night Elder Garrido and Elder Matos came for exchanges. Elder Matos had been a good friend of mine during the mission he goes home this transfer, but he was able to serve Colinas when he began and that’s the area that I’m working so he had a fun time working with us in the area. Then on Tuesday all the zone leaders arrived for the conference on Wednesday. The conference was extremely special also, but extremely special. After having had the conference my companion and I were able to get back to work in the area. Were very excited also because we have great families right now. All of which have the potential to be baptized! I’ll send the photos of the baptism when it passes. As well we went to a baptismal service of the sister missionaries this week. It reminded me of my baptism, the sister missionaries are working with two less active families and in these less active families are children that were able to be baptized. The part though that reminded me of my baptism was when the children sang a special number that I sang in my baptism "I Like to Look for Rainbows". It was a very spiritual service. 

Now briefly I wanted to speak about The Doctrine of Christ. This as I had mentioned earlier was the theme of the leadership conference that we had. As many may know the Doctrine of Christ consists of exercising Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. Our purpose as missionaries is to invite everyone to apply and live the doctrine of Christ. In 3 Nefi 11 the savior teaches us his doctrine, but does it in a way that is easier for us to understand why we to should invite others it come unto to Christ. He says,   32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of theFather, and the Father beareth record of me, and the HolyGhost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bearrecord that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the sameshall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. As Christ explains without baptism we cannot be saved. As missionaries and members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints the work that we do when we invite someone to be baptized is not to only join the true church of God, nor is it only to feel pretty or special, yes it implies the cleansing of sin, but as Christ invited the Nephites he invited them so that they could enter the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ knew that the only way we can return to live with our Heavenly Father is through baptism and the confirmation by someone holding the proper priesthood authority. I know that the invitation I extend is the same that he extends that through his gospel we can be baptized, confirmed, and endure to the end by going to the temple and living the gospel daily. I love the gospel of Christ and I know that it is only by this doctrine the one and true doctrine of God the father and his son and the holy spirit that we can be saved. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

I LOVE YOU ALL 

Elder Perfili

talk about home teaching

Well I’ll be brief this week for the message. Things continue to progress in the area and the mission. This week we had several conferences with our mission President in the three different states. He and his wife are excellent teachers and are so loving toward the missionaries. As well having gone around the mission I was able to see a few old area such as Ojocaliente Zacatecas. I am extremely glad as well because my companion and I are learning so much from our new President and the missionaries. Our area as well is increasing in its progress we have been truly blessed to find great people to teach. This week as well we will have leadership conference so it should hold a lot in store for us. 

So this Sunday I was able to give a talk and I wanted to share a few parts from it. Also to explain a little bit on Sunday we had a surprise visit from an area seventy and all of the stake presidents from the mission. So I was a little pressed for time, but I believe that the spirit did guide my words and I’m positive that he taught. So my topic was on Home Teaching. As I studied for the topic and what I should say I was reminded of the wonderful experience that have and that I will always remember of grandma. As we home teach we are not just visiting people, but we are guiding them to the temple, but more importantly we complete the promise of the savior in 3 Nephi 17:6-8. We bring his children back to him so that they may be healed. Be active members, non-members or less active members, all are in need of his healing power and they all need our time, talents, and means to lift them up and be healed through the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL 

God Be With You Till We Meet Again 

It's when things seem worst that you must'nt quit

I’ll be short this week I’m sorry for not having written a small not at least. My new mission President has arrived and he is amazing. His name is President Hernandez and Sister Hernandez. He was a director in the MTC in Mexico before coming to the mission. He came with his five kids also so the mission house is now full. President and Sister Villarreal returned Friday morning. It was strange seeing him leave, and I am grateful that he was my mission president for the greater part of my mission. The weather here in Aguascalientes has been strange. It’ll be hot during the day, but at night it begins to rain a ton. At least two or three days this week we walked in the rain completely soaked, but smiling the entire time. We have been having success in the area little by little these past few weeks, and we are extremely excited because we are confident that we are going to baptize. 

So this last week I was reflecting on the results of my work these last two transfers. I began to look back and see the effort that I had made in doing my best, but still didn’t see results. I continued to look and to search and try to find the way to do it, but what I discovered this week was the opposite. I saw something that I had never seen, but with more power. This week my companion and I everyday saw that the Lord gave us person after person to teach and share the gospel. On top of that those that were accepting the invitation to be baptized and confirmed. I have honestly seen the hand of the Lord in this his work. I truly have been able to be a witness of his love. This Sunday words from a favorite poem came to mind, "So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, it’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit!” King Benjamin explains it perfectly when he says that all God requires is that we are obedient and he will bless us immediately. I know that it’s true. If we do all that we can and stick to the fight God blesses us, and in our case blesses us by blessing his children. I love this gospel and know that God is our loving Heavenly Father! Jesus is the Christ. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

photos for 6/20/16

the power of decisions - 6/13/16

I was getting ready for girl's camp then at camp so letters are a bit behind.

Well once again it is my blessing and opportunity to write you this week. The weather here is changing for those that are curious. Right now it begins to rain for a few months and then it goes back to being hot. This week were in the state of Zacatecas for a few days working with missionaries. While there I was able to once again see the giant hills that seem impossible that someone could live on, but they do. As well when we went to Fresnillo I was able to work in the city and check up on how the elders of Rio Grande have been doing. After traveling we returned back to the Aguascalientes and had another conference with the missionaries. - Its nice because the zone here is full of missionaries that I have known for a long time. My district leader is Elder Jones, my companion from the MTC, and Elder Paniagua, my trainee, are here with others. President Villarreal is keeping the mission on its toes which is a great thing. As well the transfer is ending next week. How time flies here. 

So this week in many of my personal studies and conferences with President Villarreal this week I have been thinking a lot about the message our beloved prophet Thomas S Monson gave in this last general conference. He spoke about the importance of making choices, or better yet decisions. As I have pondered on this I think about why he would God through him would convey this message. As I thought I came to see why. Every day as we all very well know we have to decide between good and evil, better and best, repentance and sin. Every choice we make can bring us closer to the throne of God or farther away. Our choices though also provide the way in which we can progress or fall backwards. As a missionary I make desciones every day that affect others and me, but these descions when taken with the spirit or the determination to do good allow for a loving God to help me learn and grow. The prophet said that we should choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. As a sure testimony I express to you that the more we base and make desciones on what our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ require us to do we will be led to them in every step, and have the growth that we so desperately need in the mortal experience. I know and testify that repentance is a crucial decision that we all must make and that it is a harder right, but a blessing at the end of the day and will be throughout eternity. This is my humble testimony and I share it with love in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

 Well there is a lot that has happened in these last few days. For example we traveled a lot the mission visiting the different zones in San Luis Potosi. I was able to actually visit a few old areas also. For example I went back a ward that I served in called Joyas. I was able to teach with the missionaries from there and also see the people that I had taught and see the converts that I was helping progress in there conversions. After having visited San Luis we then traveled to Matehuala which are two branches that belong to the mission. Its a really nice little town it kind of reminded me of the smaller cities in the united states. Really beautiful place and time to have been there. After visiting Matehuala we then returned back to Aguascalientes and there was stake conference this weekend. This weekend as well the area seventy that came spoke about the prophetic priorities that the church is placing. These will be given to the bishops and stake presidentes and then the church as a whole. As missionaries though our mission president has asked that we study them as well to be able to help the members put it in practise. Also here in Mexico there is a new ley about same sex marriage. The country hasn't approved it and as members of he church here they are talking about sharing what we know to be true. It reminded me of Prop 8 when I lived in California. I know that the lord will be watching over us and will protect his children though. 

As for a spiritual thought, this week we have been doing a lot of conferences and this next week all the liders of the mission will be coming to recieve instruccion as well. So this week as I have been learning from the diffrent missionaries in confrences I learned the importance of the spirit. There is a time in a missionaries mission that they learn that they are not the teachers, but the spirit is. Now we teach the lessons, but we are not those that are really teaching. The spirit is the only true teacher. He as Christ taught would be left to counsel and testify of the truth to all who search. As missionaries, parents, and members of the church when we teach our gaol should only be to guide those whom we are teaching and that we assist the spirit. As we do so the spirit teaches them. When we teach our gaol is to use the scriprues,  questions, and invitaction that are appropiate to help them excersise faith in Jesus Christ and recieve a testimony by the holy ghost. Its not easy to teach in this manner, but I know that as we do so the spirit will be the true teacher and all we learn and be edified. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

The work of the Lord

My beloved brothers and sisters, it is a pleasure to be able to address myself to you all this week. The weather here right now is fairly hot, but nothing that is unbearable. This past week we again had a few meetings with the mission president and the leaders of the mission. Before that though we had exchanges with Elders form Fresnillo Zacatecas. It’s a very nice experience being able to go work with other missionaries, especially when they arrived to the mission at the same time that you did. The area is coming along, with all sincerity sometimes we don’t always have the time to be there, but the work that we have is coming along. I am confident that we will be baptizing next transfer. The ward here is also incredible and they have divided the stake so some members from my first ward in Americas are actually here in my ward now. My companions and I are very united in our work and relationship. Everyone brings something to the table.

So this week for as much as tried, prayed, frustrated, and worked we just had some difficult days. I arrived home one night and began to express how I felt to my companions. I began to think that I have worked hard, why then is it so difficult. My companion then told me something, it’s difficult because it was difficult for him as well. After all the frustration I began to think about what he said and was reminded of the talk by Elder Holland. As I pondered more I came to realize something profoundly. I saw myself as I imagine what the savior’s mission may have been. Every day with victories, and many defeats. The love he felt for us being here, and the disappointment that he had seeing us continue in our problems. The obedience that he showed forth and the desire to only do what the Father asked of him. I have now truly come to understand something. Our earthly life is full of challenges and trials as well as triumphs and moments of courage. I now see that it is all so that we may progress in this life and come closer to our Father in Heaven, but more importantly my mission shouldn’t be easy, because his mission wasn’t easy either. I shouldn’t nor should we think that it’s too much when in reality it is sufficient to mold us into more Christ like children of God and begin our preparation for future events and moments of our lives. I know that because Jesus Christ died for my sins and because he lived a perfect life I to can do as he says Follow Him. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I know understand why and that all is for my benefit just as it is for you. Of this I bare testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again  

Zone Conferences

Well there is a lot that has happened in these last few days. For example we traveled a lot the mission visiting the different zones in San Luis Potosi. I was able to actually visit a few old areas also. For example I went back a ward that I served in called Joyas. I was able to teach with the missionaries from there and also see the people that I had taught and see the converts that I was helping progress in there conversions. After having visited San Luis we then traveled to Matehuala which are two branches that belong to the mission. It’s a really nice little town it kind of reminded me of the smaller cities in the United States. Really beautiful place and time to have been there. After visiting Matehuala we then returned back to Aguascalientes and there was stake conference this weekend. This weekend as well the area seventy that came spoke about the prophetic priorities that the church is placing. These will be given to the bishops and stake presidents and then the church as a whole. As missionaries though our mission president has asked that we study them as well to be able to help the members put it in practice. Also here in Mexico there is a new ley about same sex marriage. The country hasn’t approved it and as members of the church here they are talking about sharing what we know to be true. It reminded me of Prop 8 when I lived in California. I know that the lord will be watching over us and will protect his children though. 

As for a spiritual thought, this week we have been doing a lot of conferences and this next week as the leaders of the mission will be coming to receive instruction as well. So this week as I have been learning from the different missionaries in conferences I learned the importance of the spirit. There is a time in a missionary’s mission that they learn that they are not the teachers, but the spirit is. Now we teach the lessons, but we are not those that are really teaching. The spirit is the only true teacher. He as Christ taught would be left to counsel and testify of the truth to all who search. As missionaries, parents, and members of the church when we teach our goal should only be to guide those whom we are teaching and that we assist the spirit. As we do so the spirit teaches them. When we teach our goal is to use the scriptures, questions, and invitation that are appropriate to help them exercise faith in Jesus Christ and receive a testimony by the Holy Ghost. It’s not easy to teach in this manner, but I know that as we do so the spirit will be the true teacher and all we learn and be edified. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

companion inventories

Beloved brothers and sisters, it is a very special time in my mission, why? I think that I have been learning more in my mission in these last few months that in my entire mission. I have the opportunity to travel every now and then and as well with that learn from a variety of missionaries. This week we traveled to Zacatecas and spoke with a group of them I am amazed because I thought that I was going to teach them when in reality they taught me. As well this week was full of work my companions and I are getting to know a little bit better the area so were finding a lot of new investigators right now. As well we hope to baptize this month or next, but soon. 

More than anything I just want to share with you all a very important principle that we have be instructed in practicing in family and other relationships. As missionaries we have something that is called the companionship inventory. It consist of two elders or sisters taking the time to share what they do well as a companionship what they can work on as a companionship and then they get personal. They express the good things about their companion and the things that there companion can work on or improve to be a better missionary. Now in the church we have family counsels. This last week every day was a companionship inventory. Every day I learned from my companions and other missionaries what I need to be doing better. That I still need to be more patient, not stress as much, have a little more fun, etc. All of which edified me. After having learned all of these things I have come to love and learn that when I am told that which I do well and then hear that which I need to improve I truly progress. It may sound strange, but I can’t wait for marriage in which I will be able to do the same with my spouse. I know that the Lord had inventories with his followers all throughout his ministry. He always corrected his apostles and formed them into special witnesses of Jesus Christ. Nefi corrected his brothers and father. Joseph Smith corrected and was corrected by the lord. I know that as I receive correction that the Lord truly will make me into a holy man. As well I know that if you practice these same principles in your family, marriage, and quorums, the Lord will truly press and refine us into the heirs of the celestial king that we are. Therefore will you do it? I leave this blessing with you knowing that you will be blessed. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

No good effort is forgotten

Well it’s been a very busy week. There were transfers this week and I received a new companion. His name is Elder Hernandez and he is from Mexico City. He is a great Elder as well I have another companion who was with me last transfer Elder King. Elder King is going to end his mission this transfer so it’s going to be great learning from him I am so excited.

I wish I could tell you all more, but I just want to tell you all about an experience that I had this last week. So during the week my district leader called me and told me that the sister missionaries of my ward were going to baptize. Of course I was happy to hear the news, but what caught me off guard was what he then said,

 "Elder Perfili Diana is going to baptize and she has asked you to baptize her!”

To explain why this is so exciting. In my first area I served in Americas and the missionaries there are part of my district. This young women that had asked me to baptize her was a young women that I had found when I was in my first three months struggling to learn how to be a missionary. We found her family and they were less actives who wanted to come back. Before I left the area she said that she would get baptized, but I left and didn’t hear anything about her for about a year.

 I learned that she hadn’t been baptized still and that her family was still less active, but lived in the sister missionaries’ area now. Once I came to Colinas and was in the district I asked again and they said that they were still working with her, but she still didn’t want to get baptized. About a month later is when my district leader called and gave me the news that I had mention earlier in the letter. After 18 months of working with the missionaries Diana was baptized two Saturdays ago, and I performed the ordinance. It was such a beautiful experience knowing that my efforts in my first area had not been in vain, and that I was a part of a daughter of God coming home. Seeing this family was incredible I know without a doubt that the Lord loves his children and he loves me. I know that no good deed goes unpunished especially in missionary work. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Diana's baptism

a baptism

Well brothers and sisters another great week and with many miracles. To begin though my companion and I had a baptism! How wonderful it was, but I’ll get to that later. So this week began well and we did a few different exchanges with missionaries. I got to know a little bit better some of the Elders and how they teach. As well my companion and I went to Zacatecas this week and we visited the missionaries of Fresnillo and Zacatecas the two zones. We had a leadership conference with them and it was good. After having gone we then did quick exchanges with some Elderes in the zone of Fresnillo. After the quick exchanges we left to Zacatecas where we had another reunion with the missionaries which was very spiritual. Then in the same day we went back home, it was a lot of time in buses, but all worth it. Then this weekend we learned that our brother Jose Angel was going to be able to baptize this Sunday, but on the condition that the weather was perfect that day. He has an illness that one of his lungs is deteriorating so the weather affects his state of health sometimes. We were a little worried, but I know that God answered our prayers and those of Jose Angel. On Sunday morning we had a humble baptismal service and following the service he was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

So a small thought this week is this, that the power of prayer is incredible. I know without a doubt that God hears us and listens to our prayers and knows how to answer them. I love God and have come closer to him through prayer. I know him more personally now and I know that I lack still to come to know him more fully. I know that meaningful prayer can change lives, but not the will of God, Infect it will put our desires in line with his. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

What is the Book of Mormon

Well not much passed this week, but I didn’t want to leave without writing anything. 

So this week and month the mission will be focusing a ton on what the Book of Mormon is. Many of us a members will know what the Book of Mormon is and how we would explain it those who are not members may have questions, doubts, or a limited knowledge of what the Book of Mormon is exactly. In my personal studies this week I had the opportunity to think and ponder on the different types of people that there are who may not or may know what the Book of Mormon is, but more importantly why it would have any relevance to them. If you are curious as to know or you think you know I would invite you to read the introduction of the Book of Mormon. There as you read what it has to say you will find a clear answer to the divinity of this Book. I will briefly summarize with my testimony that I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. That God's children here I America had communication with him as that they kept a record of these things for us. I know that the Book of Mormon teaches us truly how to find peace and the path to salvation if we read it and study it with the thought in mind. I know that the prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God and that it is the only book that brings us closer to God here on earth. I know because I have read, pondered, and prayed and the Holy Ghost manifested the truth of it unto me. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint is the true church of God and that Jesus is the Christ. This and more await for those who read, ponder, and pray to see if it is true.
 In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

travel

Well brothers and sisters it has been a wonderful week here in the best mission in the world! So my companion and I Elder Arnold were a little busy this week, but we learned and felt the spirit. So this week we also had been visiting a lot of the recent converts in the area because they truly are a sacred trust. After that on Thursday we left to go and visit another part of the mission called Matehuala that’s in the state of San Luis Potosi. We met with the missionaries there and had a small conference on different mission aspects. Right after we then immediately got on a bus and were headed right back for San Luis Potosi to have the same conference with the zones in the morning. They were very edifying and uplifting. After all the traveling my companion and I kept working hard in the area we are very close to baptism with a few investigators right now and we keep finding great investigators as well. The ward here to be super active so I am loving it here in Aguascalientes. 

Well this week my companion and i were speaking a lot about different gospel topics, but there is one that I want to share right now. So our mission president was teaching my companion and me about faith vs. the agency of the investigators that we are teaching.  He explained that our faith and there agency sometimes are like two fist that just pound each other all day long, because the investigator doesn’t complete with the invitation. Over time the two fists get tired, and neither is winning. As I thought of the relation I have come to see that we too as children of God are subject to this. When we use our agency to go against the commandments of God all we are doing is breaking ourselves over the other fist we try so hard to see that if it’s just one time that it’s okay, but all we do is break ourselves. The goal of the commandments of God are not o fight, but rather tie our hands together or hold them together in union, allowing us to stay safe from danger, and fell the love of our heavenly father, but it’s our choice to fight it or to allow it to change our lives. I know that as we oppose God we truly do hurt, break, and damage ourselves, but as we hold hands we will be protected, strengthened, and blessed. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili 

Leadership conference

Well the week went by very fast, but I learned a lot this week. So brothers and sisters being that its summer here in Aguascalientes it is getting very hot. It is very fun being here again with my companions. This week we had a leadership conference and during it we learned a lot about the role that the Holy Ghost has in our lives that he really is the teacher and converter. This week one of our companions had to go and help other missionaries so he isn’t with us anymore just Elder Arnold and I are here in Aguascalientes, but we doing well. The week I loved though because I just feel the spirit it’s a hard feeling to describe, but it’s something that happens when we live the gospel. 

So this week I have seen that sicknesses have been plaguing our mission as well as me. Don’t worry though I’m fine. During this time of sickness though I have truly saw the power of God manifest through the priesthood. I received a blessing in the coming days and I gave a blessing. The part I want to share though was when I gave a blessing. Now being that the priesthood is directly linked with the powers of heaven I cannot share everything, but I know that when we truly as priesthood holders exercise our priesthood worthily all our blessed. The blessing I gave was to a sister missionary and after the blessing we parted ways and began walking silently my companion and I to our class. No sooner had we gotten to the door of the class did he tell me Elder that was powerful! Reflecting on his words I know that it was, but is was Gods power that was manifest, not mine. I know that all who want can experiment it as well.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

Transfer back to first area

Well new news I had transfers to Aguascalientes. I am now in Colinas. It’s a very nice area actually I had served in this area in the beginning of my mission, but just on exchanges. I have returned to my first district as well. I was very happy as well because I was able to see familiar faces or members of the first ward that I was in. They too were happy to see me. 

So this weekend we heard from prophets and apostles. I was amazed at the power of the spirit that was present, but my favorite talk was by Presidente Russel M Nelson. He spoke in the priesthood session. It was an answer to my prayers. I love and am grateful that God has given me the opportunity to hold and use his priesthood, but I am even more grateful that I can use it to bless others. I know that the power of the priesthood has been restored, and that we as men must be worthy priesthood holders. For the powers of heaven can be called down by us, but we are also have to follow what the lord has told us today. (D&C 121:34-46) I love god and I love my calling.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

The power of Unity

Well-beloved brothers and sisters this week was incredible. The weather here is still the normal day to day changing from cloudy to sunny and other types. So this week as well with the weather changing everyday so was the way in which my companion and I had to do. We were pretty busy this week with a few different meetings and the Zone Conference with Presidente Villarreal. We truly were edified and taught the doctrine of the kingdom in that conference and we were taught the importance of always thinking baptism. The mission is coming closer and closer to completing its three year anniversary and the second mission president of the mission. It really is the time now than ever to teach repentance and baptize converts. My companion and I had a few experiences this week as well in finding people to teach. A woman went to church with her family last Sunday, but the other ward. The missionaries passed us the reference and we went to visit her. Truly God prepares his children is all I can say from how we were lead to this woman, as well she then as an investigator gave us the reference of her next door neighbor which was awesome because it’s a great big family as well in which we hope and feel God is preparing. I truly can say that my companion and I have had to be patient, but God really does love his children and leads us to them in his time. 

So as a spiritual thought and as the title of my letter I put the power of unity. My companion and I have been together for almost a transfer it’s the last week, but throughout it I have seen the more united we are the more power and more love I feel from the savior. As well the more that my companion and I have been working with the ward the more lively and happier. Why does unity have such a grand effect in us? I have come to see that as my companion and I teach the spirit fills the room, and we leave to do visits with the ward we leaved uplifted and edified. Just as God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost and very distinct and separate individuals who have their different responsibilities just as a missionary from and member of the church, they have the same purpose, "To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man". Just as we work together God and his son have always worked together and the holy ghost bearing testimony of them, when we as his children participate and help him complete his purpose we unit as children of God to make sure that no one has to suffer and to go without the joy that comes from living the gospel. I know that God lives and that as I work alongside him I come to know him more and I feel his love. I know that Christ atoned for my sins allowing me to become clean and perfect myself daily. I know that the Holy host bears witness of them and to me of the truthfulness of the gospel. I know that if I continue striving to unite my will with theirs one day I will be united with them in the Celestial Kingdom. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili   

Sunny, Rainy, Sunny again

Well another week here in Soledad and another week that means a letter. So first the weather here in San Luis Potosi is extremely strange. It can be very cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon, cold at night and the following day raining with heavy winds. This week passed just that and  it is the strangest thing in the world to be honest because you have to choose wisely if you leave the house with a sweater or decide to leave without one. So my companion and I this week and in others have been working a lot with the members of the ward. The ward here as well is working hard, because they can divide into two soon if they work harder. As well we as missionaries have a lot to visit and a very very large area. The members help make it a little easier. As well we have been able to find some new families to teach and were finding more investigators. Little by little were coming along here. As well this week we had exchanges with the district leader and I went to the other area. We walked the entire first day contacting, but no one was home. It just goes to show that not every day is perfect, but we still have to work we did talk with many, just no one wanted to let us share in the moment. Anyway after finishing the exchanges my companion and I have been working extremely hard. We really do hope to be able to baptize this month. 

So this week I was studying in Ether and it really is interesting. It is a very long story, but it speaks a ton about a lot of different changes in kings because some ruled righteously and others had their thrones taken by their sons and then their sons take back the throne and it continues like this for a very long time, now why would I be talking about this? So in Ether kings were given because the people choose them, but when the decision was made the prophet being the brother of Jared tried warning them to choose a different system almost knowing what it would cause and in the end the entire destruction of the Jaredite people. I find it interesting though that they still chose kings and its principle cause for the destruction of the Jaredites. The principle I learned though was this that if we choose to be ruled or that others may rule us maybe our lives stay in peace for a few years, but they slowly begin to destroy us. We are our own agents and therefore act for ourselves and should do so and if we do so our lives will be governed not by power, but the desire to come closer to God or better yet return with him and our families eternally, but the choice is ours and we can save our people or see their future destruction. I know that God trusts us to choose for ourselves. I know that by following the Savior we are brought closer to them, and we become more perfect ourselves. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

walking and walking

Well my beloved brothers and sisters I am absolutely amazed and tired after another week in the Lord's vineyard. So this last week passed by quickly and slowly, but it was full of moments that I don’t think that I will forget. So this week my companion and I left with our ward misión leader and did visits with him, but we also did exchanges or division with another member. While on division I was able to meet a lot of new people as well as my companion teach some very important people who some have accepted baptismal invitations. As well during this week we had our zone conference and during the conference we learned about the new standard that our mission President has given us a mission. It is incredibly high, but I know that he is inspired of God to give such a promise as well as a declaration of what the Lord has in store for us as a mission. During the zone conference I also saw one of my old companions or Elder Rosas and he told me about how Brenda an investigator had been baptized, as well as how some are in the process of becoming baptized! It made me happy to know that I had been a part of the process in helping them become baptized. During the weekend as well we had a few difficulties we walked a lot to explain how tired I was when we arrived home and after finishing planning I can’t remember anything other than crawling in bed and waking up the next morning. It was a good feeling, but the best one was seeing the help that we are receiving from the ward this week. 

So this week I had an experience that help me as a missionary. So we have an investigator that we found who has a ton of problems, but just one is that her husband is dying from cancer and she takes care of him from home. It was our second lesson with her and we asked if she had felt a difference in her life as she prayed in the manner we taught her. She then began to express how it not only was blessing her, but her family as well! I was shocked not that God blessed her, but that for something so simple God was blessing her entire family as well. I think on the experience and think of the hymn, "count your blessing name them one by one count your blessing see what God has done count your blessings name them one by one count you many blessings see what God hath done." If we really take the time to think the góspel blesses us in many ways and as a missionary it’s something that I love to do with my investigators so that they can see if they obey the receive and that God blesses them in their efforts to obey as well. I invite that you take the time to count the blessing the gospel gives and you truly will see what God hath done. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili 

Logan thought it was funny "gober" is a word even in Spanish.

So simple a child can understand

Well this last week was great. We baptized! I was extremely happy to see such a miracle, but as well the opportunity to help a family prepare to go to the temple. So this week we were extremely busy teaching our investigator (now recent convert) who has nine years old at the lessons. The week also was full of updating the ward lists to see who lives here and who doesn’t so that we can better work in the area. We walked a ton this week, but I still couldn’t be happier in another place in the world. As well we had interviews with our mission President and they were extremely edifying and uplifting. The week was full of activities, but those were the highlights basically, and for those that are keeping a countdown I still have 7 months I am still working extremely hard and extremely determined to find the remaining children that God has placed here for me. 

So the title of the message that I placed was, "So simple a child can understand", now I wrote that because of the little girl we baptized this week. So as we know the gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple that a child can understand, but to teach in a manner is difficult. I now have a lot of respect for primary presidents and teachers, because it is not an easy calling, but it is definitely worth it. The girls name is Karla and it truly was an adventure teaching her because as missionaries we are used to adapting our teaching to any need, but it was still difficult I can’t lie. In the end though she understood and was baptized now why would I be telling you all this? I find it somewhat peculiar how this all worked out. My companion and I had to explain in the simplest of terms, but sometimes she still didn’t understand, but when she did understand is when the spirit spoke to her. As I learned from this experience is that we need to let the spirit teach and as we do so we see that the spirit is who teaches and will help us as well to learn. I know that the spirit teaches us as well as the children and if we teach by that power the gospel will be so simple that a child can understand and an adult can teach it. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

Karla's Baptism 

Lost in the City

Brothers and Sisters I am very grateful for this week that I had and as well for the ward in which I am in. So this week we did a lot of walking and it’s because my companion and I don’t know the area very well, but it’s a good thing because we need to depend on the help of the members here. So my companion if I said or no I don’t remember is from Ecuador and he arrived in the mission the same time that I did. He is older than me, but he is a very good missionary. As well the area that I’m serving in is San Luis Potosi, but it’s not the city I am in another that touch’s it called Soledad. It’s called municipio here in Mexico. It is very large my area my companion and I walked a lot this week we almost left the city completely because our area has the airport. The members here are very friendly and want to work with us. I am very excited about this. As well my companion and I have a lot of work, but I’m confident that the Lord will bless us if we are diligent. The ward here is also very big we have an attendance of about 140 in sacrament meeting which the most I have seen in the areas that I have worked in. I really am excited to see what the Lord has instore for me here. 

So this week I had been pondering a lot about well my new area. For those that have been missionaries understand it can be frustrating sometimes when you get transferred and your area was just about to explode. This week I was thinking quite a bit about the why a thing would happen. I was thinking so hard as well I was causing damage to myself, but arrived the time and I realized something. The Lords vineyard will always need someone to prune it some parts will be very fruitful and others will need help in becoming fruitful, but the Lord knows where his servants need to be and he knows when is the right time to bring forth fruit, but a lot depends on the laborer. I realized that my area has been prepared for a very long time and that if the Lord considers it that fruit will spring forth here. I see that the Lord can make us his instruments in any place that we go and if we work together (members and missionaries) that the part of the vineyard in which we work will begin to blossom. I am positive of that I ponder on a few words and I poem that I have read, but it is very true, "It’s all in the State of Mind", God will guide us if our state of mind is in his children as well as our work. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili  

letter from 2/15

Well this week was so busy and so satisfying, but some good things have to come to an end. First of all I have been transferred! I am now with Elder Cevallos my new companion in Fresnos here in San Luis Potosi. Back to the week though Elder Rosas and I were working a ton! Elder Rosas unfortunately though was sick just about the entire week, but he also was a warrior in that he worked the entire week. So as well this week we had a lot of surprises such as our investigator left out of town for two weeks, the one that was going to baptize, but I know she will the following week, and many other things. My companion found a lot of new investigators, and he and I did a ton of work to help investigators come to church this week, but the most satisfying part of all the work was that we did it all with members! I was absolutely ecstatic that we were able to help members and they were kind enough to help us in return. At the end of the week we were extremely tired, but happy. It was hard though for my companion and me when we heard that we had transfers because we really didn’t want to be transferred, but it’s the mission life and as well the Lord knows where and with who we need to be. 

I was extremely edified and instructed by the lord this week. If there is anything that I can comment it would be this: "Strip yourselves of all Pride and listen to your companion (Wife, Husband, Leaders, and the Lord). It is an incredible blessing that the Lord has called us to preach the gospel two by two. The benefits of a companion are simple, someone to talk to as well as someone to tell you what you need to do to get better and be better. My companions have been an absolute blessing to me because they have taught me so much and helped me to strip myself of pride and become a saint. The same principle should apply with those who are married and with those who are members of the church following the direction of their leaders. I know that if we are humble and submissive to our companions that we will leave stronger and happier than we have ever been. I love when my companion tells me and helps me to change and that the savior as well teaches me day after day that I must change. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Old Companion

New Companion

Obediecia

 Well sorry for now writing last week, but I promise that I’m alright actually last week I wasn’t able to write, but I saw three different General Authorities and shook hands with two. I Heard from Elder Renlund, Elder Mayans, and Bishop Causse. As well the wives of Elder Renlund and Bishop Causse. It was a very unique experience, but as well very strengthening experience. I was absolutely amazed with the testimony that he had and the spirit that you could feel in the room. After that we returned to SA Luis I forgot to mention we actually received permission to leave our misión and go to Guanajuato see him. This week though has been really good. I can say that my life is busy, but there is always time to do what the Lord needs us to do, This week my companion and I went to Aguascalientes again for a leadership conference and we both were a Little under the weather, but we left very edified and full of energy. We are extremely happy as well because we are going to be able to baptize this week! We are teaching an investigator in the Ward extension and she is extremely excited and prepared for it. As well it’s hard to believe, but we have transfers once again here in the misión at the end of the week. I have known idea either if I’m staying or leaving, but either way I’m happy because I love my area and the missionaries of my zone.

So I had been pondering a lot lately on a commandment that we must live if we want blessings. Obedience, or Obediencia. It is very simple and ties into everything else that we do. I have truly come to learn this commandment the more I live it. The scriptures are clear that if we obey we have the Lords promise and if we don’t obey and we have no promise. I testify of that principle. I know that when we obey God and his commandments he blesses us, and when we don’t we don’t receive his blessings and promises. I reflect on the advice that I received once from a leader and he simply said don’t doubt for any reason just obey and don’t doubt. I know that if we do this that the Lord will bless us in our lives I know that as we keep the Word of Wisdom we receive health, I know that if we pray God hears us ad responds, and I know that if we fast with a purpose he will help us receive the blessings. Therefore Obey! "Si me amais guardad mis mandamientos".  

I LOVE YOU ALL 

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

Whole mission

Auguascaleinte mission

Family Home Evening

Well my brothers and sisters this week I am thrilled to be able to write you all and tell you of the progress my companion and I have begun to have. So here in San Luis we have begun to work a lot more with the members of the church in our missionary efforts. We have a family home evening every week in the house of a member and form what are called nucleus's which are to strengthen members, investigators, less actives, and recent converts. It is a great idea that the mission is using and that helps the members and missionaries work together. To the part though in which we have progress, so we have been teaching a family of three and each one has excepted a baptismal date as well two have been coming to church they even came to stake conference this week. Also another investigator that we have is the granddaughter of our convert Magdalena. All were found through the assistance of members or in other words referrals. I know the word that all members dread when the missionaries come to eat, but it’s the only way that is efficient in helping Gods children be served, taught, and baptized. As well my companion and I have very little time together, but we get along so well. This weekend as well we had the opportunity to have stake conference and an area seventy preside during the conference. He was extremely funny and taught with power. We learned quite a bit which I would like to share later, but I know that God really does love us and there is no doubt about it. 

Well this week I feel the desire to speak about something I learned which I believe will benefit you all as well. So this year here in Mexico we are working a lot on strengthening the country so that it may be self-sufficient or that’s the goal. The Book of Mormon took place in the promise land, and where is the promise land, Mexico. Others might jokingly say that it would be somewhere else, but there wrong. The Book of Mormon was written as an evidence of the restoration, but in the first page of the Book of Mormon, Mormon clearly says that the Book was written for the Lamanites, and others. Where I’m going is that the Lord has made it clear that this is the same Promised Land that describes the Book of Mormon and it is the same promise that Lehi left when he said that it will prosper according to their obedience. I know that God has given me that opportunity to serve in this beautiful country, but more importantly help the promise of Lehi become a reality and that the Lord may truly be able to bless the earth through this country. I know that God calls ordinary men who make mistakes, but he makes them extraordinary in his timing as well as a nation. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili