Week 4

Four Weeks and I still remember the first day that I came into the MTC. Not a ton has happened in terms of fun and exciting things here in the MTC, but the things that have happened have changed my heart and made me more receptive to the gospel. 

Wednesday: 

The day started off rough, we were late to service, barley made it in time for breakfast and we had our bags locked up. I couldn't help but smile the entire time though. I got to missing home and my best friend today, but I know that were under the same moon. The most important thing today though was being able to learn that a mission in patience and hard work, and I intend to work hard.

Thursday: 

My language is coming along more and more now. I can confidently teach in Spanish and I just love it. Don't get me wrong it gets difficult, but I am on the Lord's side I know that he will help me.

Friday:

Just a normal day at the MTC.

Saturday:

Today was a day that changed a lot of things for me. The day started with service and it felt good. Elder Jones and I both have decided to increase our vocab in Spanish as well as try and read the scriptures in Spanish along side the English book of Mormon. This day I decided to study prayer. I have so many questions that I wanted to seek guidance on that I spent most of the day in serious reflection. I also learned today with the help of Hermano Thompson how I can ask inspired questions to better help investigators. It just made me think more. I love the sisters in my District, because that night during Hermana Larsen's lesson I was able to talk to Hermana Tait about the things I was thinking about she then told me that I was right to pray and that I would receive an answer. She gave it to me that night though she told me that I need to put my whole heart in this mission even though part is still at home. I have done better with this. Oh and guess who is now a Zone Leader! Yup me and Elder Jones are both serving as Zone Leaders its kind of nerve racking really you don't want to mess up, but I love these missionaries so much. Tonight we also did a Hakka for the leaving missionaries and it was awesome. They loved it. 

Sunday: 

Today's focus was on repentant and it was fantastic. I learned so much about the atonement in my life I never thought could possibly be done. That night the speaker spoke about being worthy to be on a mission and if were not to get worthy while we are here so we don't carry that around with us. I honestly thought about somethings that I have done and got discouraged. That night though I prayed with a broken heart and a contrite spirit calling upon God to forgive me and accepted the atonement in my life. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard before in my life, but I have never felt more peace in  my life before either. 

Monday:

Today was rough, but it's when things seem wrong that you mustn't quit. I began the day feeling a bit antsy and discouraged I was scared. The thing that brought me hope though was when I prayed for peace and I felt it. A lot of what was learned today can be said that you funnel everything down to the need of the investigator. This entire day I have felt peace from my Savior. I should have mentioned earlier, the speakers that have address us Elder Godoy and another who I can't member his name have spoken on repenting now and not putting it off. Elder Jones and I have both been experiencing peace and we cannot be more thankful for our Savior. We started our Zone Devotionals again and the Spirit was so Strong with the message and how Elder Jones and I bore our testimonies of Christ. I learned today that no matter what you have done that Jesus Christ knows how to succor his people. This verse in Alma 7 has new meaning to me. "Succor" in Spanish has a different meaning, it means to run to. I know that there are days that are hard that nothing goes right, rest if you must, but don't you quit. It's when things seem worst that you mustn't, (From I poem I like) even more so why would you when you know that Jesus Christ will run to you to save you. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Redeemer he is the Almighty God, Counselor, Wonderful, the Prince of Peace, The One and Only Christ Jesus. I know he lives and cannot wait to share this same message with the people of Mexico. I leave this solid witness and testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

We'll both be under the same Moon

God Be With You Till We Meet Again,

Elder Perfili 

P.S.(Thank you for the letter keep them coming I'm sorry if I haven't responded yet.) 

week three

Wow Three Weeks in The CCM (MTC)!! Its been a really odd week because we have moved from West to Main. We got a new District and they are awesome I have gotten to know them really well and I love them. There's nothing really cool to share about the MTC right now other than my language is coming along and we did TRC's and all the investigators said that me and my companion have some pretty good Spanish. I don't have a ton of time to write because I went to the consulate today and today is P-Day so I'm sorry again because this is going to be a bit of a short message. The consulate I went to today  was in Salt Lake and I literally went, took a photo and gave them my right and left finger print, and that was it. It was really kind of easy and the person from Church travel that helped us served in the same mission that President Francis is presiding over, it is really is a small world. Oh so the things I learned this week were this. 

Patience: Me and my companion taught an investigator this one day and it went horrible. I was so upset with myself, but from that experience I learned that i need the Holy Ghost when I teach and even more so I need to be patient with myself and the lord, because this work and my learning comes through my hard work and in his own due time.  

Love: One night this week I taught my District in a short devotional about love. I showed them the Mormon Message Enduring Love. The quote at the end and the video are a great thing to learn about missionary work. I told them that the best possible way to serve your mission is to Love them! Even if you didn't baptize a ton of people, if I Loved them with all my heart it was a successful mission.  

The Worth of the Gospel: John 7:14-16 (Or something around there) When I read this immediately realized that all thoughts about myself shouldn't be. i learned that i am not greater than He who has Sent me, and that his work is far better than anything I am told to do. I now realize that I am doing nothing but that which the Father commands and that is what I will strive to do for the rest of my mission.

I love the gospel and cannot wait to share it with the people of Aguascalientes Mexico. This Gospel is true and all things in the world point to the existence of a God. I KNOW it is TRUE.

Again I love you all so much, sorry if I haven't responded to a letter. Please write. 

We'll both be Under the Same Moon 

God Be With You Till We Meet Again 

Elder Perfili 

New address

My address is new its Elder Logan Jonathan Perfili 

Nov 10 Mex, Aguas 

2013 N.900 E. Unit 383 Provo, UT 84602

Logan was moved to the main campus so he has a new address.

Please if you have a moment he would really like a letter from any one who has a good thought or a kind word of encouragement.  He is having a few growing pains at this time.  I know as his mom I worry about him to much but he would sure love to hear from some of his friends and family.

Thank you all who have been so supportive of his decision to serve.  

Stephanie

Writing Logan a letter

If you would like to send Logan a letter in the MTC there is a website you can use to have things sent the same day if you get the letter done by 11:00 am or next day.  The website is http://www.dearelder.com/index/inc_name/home . When you go on the website you just need to open an account to write a letter.  To fill in the information about Logan you need Elder Logan Perfili, Unit 383 and estimated MTC departute of November 10.  You do not need a mission code.  There is not a charge to do the letter but you can make a donation if you would like to.

He would love to get letters from all.  His P-day in the MTC is on Saturdays and will try to answer letters on that day.

October 11, 2014

Well it has been a week living at the MTC and boy its going by fast!

Sunday-

General Conference is absolutely incredible at the MTC and it is amazing to see the number of missionaries that are here in the MTC with the soul goal in mind of spreading the gospel to the world. I ended up seeing Elder Gieger on Sunday and I gave him as big a hug as I possibly could have he said he had been looking for me but found out how all the Spanish speakers are on West Campus, but we are being moved up to the Main Campus in a week. I forgot to mention last week my first day here I saw Elder Weaver. He about jumped out of his seat when he saw me and gave me a big hug and said youll love it here dont worry. On Sunday night we had a devotional and the speaker was Vai Sikahema! He talk was about the continuance of missionary work after the missionary and that we should encourage our parents at home also. He shared an experience of a time he was flying and he began talking with a woman about our church and a little boy wearing BYU shirt was sitting next to them as well. He talked about how the church teaches children about the fall of Adam and hoping that The little boy in the BYU shirt was a member asked him to recite an Article of Faith about the fall. The boy responded perfectly!! Unfortunately he never progressed past that initial discussion with the woman. He kept in touch with that little boy though and he is now serving a mission. In a recent letter he sent Via received the little boy now missionary revealed that though that woman wasn't converted that Via was converting him that day. We never know who in listening, but its important to open or mouths and share.

Monday-

Just class and eating. The language is coming along and we continue to teach Anna she is very receptive to the spirit. I just need to practice my Spanish a lot more!!

Tuesday-

Just class and studying, and when I say studying I mean for 16 hours a day we are dong nothing but learning the word of God. Its amazing the things you can learn when you really take the time to study and ponder them.Elder Nielsen spoke at the devotional tonight and it was great. He spoke of the things we should do as a missionary so that we don't wish we had when we get home.

Wednesday-

The days just move by so fast its crazy! Today is the one week mark and we honestly cant believe it sooner or later well be leaving to! Class is fantastic and Hermano Thompson said he has a surprise for us. As a district we had to say goodbye to one of our Sisters. We found out that she had been praying since she arrived if the mission was still the right thing for her, and she found through personal revelation that she was being called to do something else with her life. The experience was sad and eye opening all at once. It's honestly like losing family when someone in the district goes home, but we know God has a plan for each of his children and we support her decision.

Thursday- 

Surprise we have a new teacher! Her name is Hermana Larsen and she served in Argentina. She brings the spirit, but when she teaches it is like drinking from a fire house! I'll have to admit though. I became so overwhelmed as she taught us all these things that we need to do as missionaries. We need to focus on the investigators and how to connect them to God. The problem though was I was trying so hard that I finally just made myself upset and felt just helpless. My companion Elder Jones asked what was wrong later that night and I just told him I was so overwhelmed I didn't know how I was going be a missionary! My companion the great guy he is gave me a big hug and told me he loved me. That night I prayed so hard for the strenght and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Friday- God Answers Prays

Today was a day that had  nothing but the personal revelation that I had been seeking. Hermana Larsen taught on Stress in the morning. I learned that stress is a normal part of missionary life, and that Stress+Rest= Growth. It was like a light ulp killed ini my head! It was like a complete and total gift from God. I learned from her lesson that once I stop worrying about the things at home and just focus on the Doctrine of Christ that I can truly see the many gifts that God gives me each day. Then later that day Hermano Thompson taught us this principle: Consecrate yourself and lock your heart. As missionaries our sole purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ how are we to do this if we don't banish the things that prevent our growth and our ability to become like Christ? We must have love in our hearts for everyone (not to find a spouse), a testimony and above all the spirit there also. He also taught Spanish and how to greet people and begin a lesson. The part though that was a complete and total answer to my prayer is when we did scripture study and he told us how we can study the scripture, but also. He said he hopes we'll be good missionaries, but we wont be great until we learn how to be like the master teacher, Jesus Christ. He told me right there that I need to literary become Christ and I know that, that is exactly what I want to do, become Christ.

I Love you all and hope that you know this. I will see you all soon after all were all under the same moon. If you want to write me use Dear Elder. Im sorry, but i still need to find a way to send picture so bear with me.

God Be with you till we meet again,

Elder Perfili

First letter

Hey Mom! So its my first email and I was told to tell you that I am alive and dong well. Which is all true. The first day was a little rough everything happened so fast that once you guys dropped me off I found out that I would be staying on West Campus for three weeks and then the lasts three weeks I will be on main campus. Its a very exciting time here at the MTC. My companion is Elder Jones and he is a great Elder. He has a super strong desire to learn the language to to teach the gospel, just as I do. My district is made up of 4 Elders and 4 Sisters. The sisters are a true blessing in the district because they keep us in line and are extremely helpful. I met the Branch Presidency Thursday night and they are truly the lords messengers. I was called as District Leader for the first three weeks being here at the MTC, who knows maybe a Zone Leader in the last three weeks. The entire time I have been here it has become more and more clear just how much I didn't know about teaching the gospel. I have learned so much Spanish and teaching it has been crazy! My Spanish is coming along though, Hermano Tompson is the best teacher I could have asked for. He brings the spirit with him every time he teaches. I'll email you again on Sunday hopefully, and I'm so glad to hear that all of you are having such a good time. 

I miss you guys, but I know that this is the Lord's will for me.

I love you all, especially my family.

Elder Perfili 

mission farewell

Forgiving Others:

 Good morning brothers and sisters, as many of you know I will be serving a mission in the coming days and have been called to serve the wonderful people of Aguascalientes Mexico for two years and am very excited. I was asked by Brother Seymour to speak on forgiving others and the scripture I was given was D&C 64 9-11 (Read Scripture). Now the first question that came to me was how can we forgive so easily and also forget. Through my research I found a talk by Marion D Hanks and his answer was simple, but I feel is the exact answer of how and why we forgive others, Love. In Elder Hanks talk he shares one of Christ’s last messages which was, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends.” Now if we are true friends of Christ then why would forgiving others be difficult for some and why can’t they have love in their hearts?  Someone has written: “… the withholding of love is the negation of the spirit of Christ, the proof that we never knew him, that for us he lived in vain. It means that he suggested nothing in all our thoughts, that he inspired nothing in all our lives that we were not once near enough to him to be seized with the spell of his compassion for the world.” When I read this I felt an immense power witness of the truthfulness of this statement, and that we as God’s children cannot afford to negate ourselves from his love if we to want to be called not only friends of Jesus Christ, but brothers and sisters of our Savior. To illustrate this point I have a personal experience that goes perfectly. During my senior year I came in to contact with all sorts of people. Few of which I called friends and acquaintances. One day I went shopping with friends to go and buy a new pair of shoes. We went to the store and the first pair I saw I bought it was an easy trip. Driving back to my house though we began having a conversation about my radio not working and one of those two friends said something to me that greatly offended me. I didn’t let her know, and instead I let it grow and fester in my mind and in my heart for the next few days until finally I unleashed an assault of hateful and rude things and demanded an apology for the words that had been said. By doing this though I had only made the situation worse and created even more of a problem with my friend. Now to speed the story up I forgave her and she forgave me, but I first had to humble myself and realize that the feelings of hate were cutting me off form the presence of the holy ghost and most important my Father in Heaven. I learned firsthand that when we withhold love from others we can no longer have the spirt present. This experience changed my thoughts toward those that have wronged me, I no longer feel hate and anger, but love because I want them to know that I love them and also want both of us to feel the spirit again. There is another personal experience that I would also like to share that taught more of forgiveness. I again was with a friend this one though being very close to me. We were driving home from a practice for our graduation ceremony. We began discussing our plans for the night and how our families would be involved. I then said something I knew as soon as it left my mouth was wrong and shouldn’t have ever been said. My friend immediately dropped me of at my house and left upset, angry and disappointed that I had let her down with my rude and ill-mannered phrase. After she dropped me off I thought about what I said and knew that it was wrong and just hoped that she could find it in her heart to forgive me. Shortly after she had dropped me off she came back to my home and asked that we could talk about what I said. I began to ask for her forgiveness, but little did I know that she had already forgotten what I said and had forgiven me because she loved me. How great an example of love she is to me especially because she is so close to me and to know that she did not harbor feelings of hate, but love. Sometimes though I think we forget that the most important people to forgive and love is our self. There is a Mormon Message I like that is a perfect example of this. I am just going to summarize for the sake of time, but a man begins by telling his story of how he was a complete and total mess from drugs and alcohol and had been sent to prison twice in one year. In prison he came to the conclusion that this was God’s way of telling him he needed to change. He prayed with sincerity that night and asked how he could possibly be forgiven when he heard this answer “Mark it’s because I love you.” Shortly after his release he went to BYU and had some bad experiences he relapsed with drugs and got involved in a robbery. He hid in a bush outside as the cops gathered around the store, and began to think of how he could have robbed this individual and the fear he saw in the eyes of those he had robbed form. He was almost about to take his life when he said the world stopped and that same voice spoke again saying, “I’m still here”. To speed the story along he turned himself in and spent another nine years in prison, but said that it was worth it, because he knows now that his Savior lives and loves him immensely. He now lives happily with his wife and son Ammon. From this experience I learned so much that not only should we forgive and love our self no matter what, but that our Savior loves us no matter what our faults and weaknesses are. As members we should realize that we are not perfect, but that we can be perfect through the example and atonement of Jesus Christ our savior who loves us and forgave us of our sins and weaknesses. I believe that once we forgive not only are we making our self more Christ like, but we ourselves begin to enjoy the world around us. We see everyone as our brother and our sister of our Heavenly Father and can truly be happy and have joy in our hearts. When we forgive we are able to focus everything that we have on the building up of the Kingdom of God and to be a true friend and family member to Jesus Christ. There is another story I would like to share with you now which I believe will build upon the commandment of forgiving.

My Big Brother

When I was just a small child, I had a favorite big brother. He was great to me. He'd put his big arm around me and we'd go scampering down some cool dirt path. At times like this I felt ten feet tall. He didn't seem to mind me tagging along one bit, and there was nothing I liked better. 

I was so proud of him! When I was with him I felt like I was beaming stronger than the sun. He was good at everything. I never could seem to match the mountains he made out of sand. Mine always seemed to crumble and sag, but his would stand as firm as the Rocky Mountains. 

Dad always tried not to show how proud he was of him...him being the oldest and all, but his smile always seemed to be a bit brighter when my big brother came around. 

I felt that my world had collapsed when he went on his mission. Dad and Mom both had to fight back the tears. He called Dad and Mom regularly and let us know how much he loved us. He even told us about how great his mission was, so Mom wouldn't worry. 

The persecution was really bad there as the church was just getting started. But he never seemed to let himself get down, even though the people wouldn't believe his message. We'd all share in his joy when he'd get some new converts, but I don't mind saying that I was scared that the nonbelievers would do something to him. It even got to the point where men were plotting to take his life. But Dad never seemed to be worried for some reason. 

Then one day we received word that his mission had ended, but not as most men's do. I was struck by the terrifying news. 

They finally got hold of my brother. The big brother that I had played with. The one who never seemed capable of doing anything wrong. My big brother who loved everyone he knew, and who most everyone loved. 

They beat him and mocked him. He suffered all they did to him without striking back. Why would anyone want to hurt my big brother? I couldn't understand. 

A mob took him to a hill just outside of town, and spitting on him, they nailed him alive to a cross. My soul moaned as I heard that he begged father to forgive them. Racked with unbearable pain, he gave up his life for what he believed. My big brother, my king, my idol was dead. I cried though what seemed to be the darkest day of my life. Where was my big brother with whom I had shaped mountains of sand? Why did he of all my brothers have to die like this? 

Time passed and I was called on my mission. Sometimes I forget what happened so long ago, but every Sunday a small piece of bread and a small cup of water remind me of what my big brother did for me and assures me that he yet lives.
 The part I would like to highlight though is the part where Christ’s love shines through the most and that is when he forgives those who are crucifying him. I try to imagine how painful and how much hate and anger he could have had toward his brothers and sisters who were crucifying him, but instead he loved them enough to go and to atone for the sins of mankind. I cannot wait to share this same message with the people of Mexico and to teach them of the love that both their God and Savior Jesus Christ have for them

Bear Testimony, In the name of Jesus Christ

Amen.         

Second letter

Hey Dad, Mom and those that are reading this.

So its been only four days, counting today here in the MTC and I have done nothing but love my time here. 

Wednesday

The first day here was probably the hardest. The goodbyes and then the complete and total shock that my call is no longer in training mode. The first day went by so fast it was almost a blur, I got my tag a PMG and then was directed to a bus that would be taking me to West Campus which is where all Spanish speaking Elders go and spend there time at the MTC. After dropping bags off at the apartment  then walked to my class over in the Raintree Complex and meet both my companion, Elder Jones, and my teacher Hermano Tompson. When I was told that it would Spanish from here on out there were half right. All lessons are taught in Spanish by hermano Tompson, but when he needs to teach us something of the utmost importance he addresses us and English. No matter the language though he still teaches with the spirit and is incredibly motivated to have us teach with the spirit and also in the SPanish language. Our first lesson was solely on our purpose as missionaries. Which is nothing but to INVITE ALL TO COME UNTO CHRIST!!!!!! No one not even those who feel there are not worthy or clean to be forgiven are excluded from the invitation to put off the carnal man and to be perfected in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was able to meet with President Nally and his wife today and shake his hand. Class has been fun though and the food has been good, so far. We did an interactive workshop with investigators tonight and learned that above all the needs of our investigator our so important so that we can learn how the spirit can touch them through our words.  

Thursday

  The first night and day are the hardest  was told, but it wasn't that bad. The District like I said in my previous e-mail here at the MTC is made up of 4 Elders ,including me, and 4 Sisters. I room with all the Elders who are just great. Elder Jones is my companion and his desire to learn the language is honestly so strong that I think I may need to pick up my feet a bit if I want to be able to communicate with him. The other two Elders are Elder Froicland and Elder Tolutalu. The Sisters here in the district are just amazing. There are truly the daughters of God! I forgot to mention that I was able to see Elder Weaver on Wednesday he bout jumped out of his seat when he saw me. We met with the Branch Presidency tonight and  was called as District Leader for 3 weeks. I feel an immense responsibility and power has been given to me. i know though that as I develop CHristlike attribute that  will be able to lead them the way that God would want them to be led.

Friday

We taught our first investigator and it was all to be done in Spanish. It was so difficult ,and my companion took lead the entire time thank goodness. I'm learning that a lot of the time I spend here is to do nothing but learn and to study. We are given 4 hours a day to study and it is so hard to stay focused sometimes, the time you spend truly studying the word of God is time that is well spent. The Zone Leaders are great and the Zone is just the greatest group o0f Elders and Sister's that I could be surrounded by. Elder Andersen and Elder Schlapi (The Zone Leaders) have taken me under there wing a bit which is helpful, but what is also helpful to know that every missionary here wants to help us. Its all one collective effort which makes the Spirit so strong here.

Saturday

Today is Confrence and it is such a blessing to have the Prophet and Apostles speak to us. I have felt the spirit so strongly and hope you do too as you listen.

Things i've learned this week. My purpose as a Missionary. That as missionaries and as members the only way to truly convert ourselves are to go from not Knowing but Doing, and from doing to Become. This is the true and only way the spirit can convert our investigators and ourselves. 

Im sorry I cant write more its hard to know what  to say right now, but I will get the mail soon and write those who have written me. Pictures will come I promise! 

 I leave my blessing of love and peace with you all that this gospel is true and is of complete happiness. 

I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls amen. 2Nephi 2:30

I love you all, 

Elder Perfili