Christmas gift exchange

Christmas is almost here!

Well this is the season beloved of the year, sing a rhyme Christmas time is here! I’m very excited and pleased to have the privilege to address you all this week. So first things first my companion and I are going to baptize this Saturday!!! It really is Christmas. As well this past week a lot went on. We had our Christmas dinner with our Mission President who came to San Luis and every missionary as well. My companion and I were in charge of organizing a lot of it as well. It went very well our mission President and his wife sung for us and we ate, spoke, and gifts were charred, but not in our zone we will be doing that on Christmas. As I saw a few old companions you might recognize him, one of my best companions Elder Cauich. After the dinner we worked very hard during the week, but it’s amazing for how hard you can work and you still battle in finding investigators. Its hard work, but I know that God is blessing us with baptisms soon. As well this weekend was awesome! Why, I’ll explain a new Stake President has been called, and Elder Piper of the Seventy came, unfortunately we lost our Bishop and we had to watch it from a webcam in our church building and not in person at the stake center. Everything was great about the conference, but it funny we didn’t have a stake president and now we don’t have a Bishop, but as well we have a ton of support from the ward right now and I feel soon that if it continues that the Lord will be moving his work forward here. 

So this week being Christmas we have given a million messages it seems about why we celebrate and why we should remember it and for whom we celebrate it, but I wanted to share something that I learned from a family home evening we had this week. In 2 Nefi 31. We read about the doctrine of Christ and we read why Christ was baptized, and even more so why his example is the one that we need to follow. If we read in the first part of the chapter it explains his baptism and why he did it, but why did you do it? Or Why haven’t you done it? If we think about it he came to earth to atone for our sins, but the first thing he did was make a covenant with God through baptism. As we follow this commandment of God we are literally following his example, but accepting him fully as our savior. It is not sufficient to just speak and say with words. We need to accept him by being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God and as we do so we show our faith, repentance, and desire to return with God and our families for time and all eternity. Christ showed us that it is only through baptism that we are saved, and can enter into the Kingdom of God. I know that when I was baptized I accepted Christ and that because I have done so my life is dedicated to the building of Gods kingdom on earth and that others as well make this covenant. Because this is the path and there is no other under the heaven or earth which salvation is given. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Elder Perfili

dedication of the Tijuana Temple

Well this week has been absolutely full of adventures, and experiences I don’t think that I will forget. As well I traveled a lot. It kind of reminded me of how during the holidays many travel, but to visit families I did it to visit investigators and missionaries, but I absolutely love it as well. So on Mondays we normally have family home evenings with the members to help our investigators, recent converts, less-actives, and members so that they can fellowship one another, and on Monday we had a very successful one. Our investigator for sure will enter the waters of baptism this month! On Wednesday we had exchanges with the assistants and we traveled to Aguascalientes to work with them in their area. It was fun going to Aguas, but as well it was an amazing learning experience. We were with Elder Cusworth, and he is awesome! It was fun as well because I had served in their area before with another Elder so we went and visited a few people that I had visited about more than a year ago. As well I had a very good time teaching. On Thursday I then went on another exchange with missionaries in my zone and I traveled to their area. I was extremely excited as well because I had the opportunity to get to know more missionaries and their areas. After the exchange on Thursday I went on another exchange with my district leader to a small town or "Rancho". Oh how it felt like home to be there, because I absolutely love those places. It was a very authentic area as well. It’s cool the story behind the place its name is Villa de Reyes, or Village of the Kings. I enjoyed it there and on Saturday we worked with other Elders and at night we watched the cultural event for the dedication of the Tijuana Temple. As well we ate tacos and I finally tried tacos de cabeza y ojo. Translation: Tacos of head meat, and eye. They tasted delicious. On Sunday though was the pinnacle of the week as we watched the three dedicatory sessions of the temple. President Uchtdorf and Elder Oaks came for the dedication. The spirit was so strong, and as well another house of the Lord exists in Mexico. 

Well just a small thought for this Christmas time. In the Book of Mormon we read in ·3rd Nefi 1 about how the sign of Christs birth appeared here in the Americas as well. I love the manner in which the story describes how the believers had so much faith that they continued to believe even if they faced the penalty of death, but it’s the non-believers in who I want to focus. If we read the story we read that they tried everything to destroy them, but when the sign of Christ’s birth appeared they finally believed, but some died as well for the iniquities they had committed. The scriptures continue saying that the Devil saw this and worked harder in tempting them, but the people continued in believing. I love that, Why? Because once they saw this glorious sign they were able to receive the blessings of God. As well a Prophet of God had told them. Why do I love this, because of I think of those who haven’t seen the sign and continue not believing, but when we share they are able to see and receive these blessings that they so desperately need, or even more the knowledge of how we are saved and by whom it is. I know that our Savior desires for all of us to be saved, and he desires more that we truly see him, and his love for us. I know that as people see him and his matchless love they will not be turned away by the devil if we help. 

I LOVE YOU ALL 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili 

"Happy Birthday" as Frosty would say!

My Beloved Brothers and Sisters. How Grateful I am for this time of year in which we remember the birth of the savior. So this last week went by very fast. The weather here has been cooling down quite a bit. This week as well I had the opportunity to go to Aguascalientes for a meeting with leaders and President Villarreal. I was able to see old friends and as well receive a lot of information and things that I need to do better. As well this week we had our Zone Conference with the President. It went very well and I am very excited after having left the conference, but after the conference I had to travel for an exchange to two areas 4 hours away from the city. Their names are Cardenas and Rio Verde. It was extremely tiring the travel, but the missionaries were thankful that we went to visit them. I love the small cities that are outside of the larger ones they hold a special place in my heart and they are beautiful. After we returned to San Luis and had a few hours to work. On Sunday we had the opportunity to go to church, but it was kind of crazy because a women unfortunately fell into a diabetic coma during a class and we began to help her out. She is all right, but it was very crazy for a Sunday service. Then in the night time it was awesome because we watched the Christmas Devotional. I love it and the messages that they shared. 

So this day a small Christmas message. I loved the talk by Elder Uchtdorf about the Generous One. I loved the message that he shared about how our Father in Heaven is the Generous one. I think about this and how God gave us the greatest gift that we as his children can accept. The Son of God, the Price of Peace, the Almighty God, Comforter, Jesus Christ. I know that a Savior was born and that the Bible and Book of Mormon contain his birth and his divine mission that we strive to learn and follow. 

Elder Perfili

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again 

Current companion

Seeing old companions

So well I’m going to be brief for lack of time. This first week was pretty good I’m very excited to be here in this new area and in my new assignment. So this week was a little difficult in finding new investigators, but we have an investigator that’s progressing toward baptism! I’m pretty excited for her. As well my companion and I had interviews with our President this week on my birthday. I told my President it was my birthday so we took some selfies which I sent. As well thanks for all who sent birthday wishes top me. It’s strange knowing I have 20 years. So San Luis is very interesting. It’s been pretty cloudy these past few days as well kind of cold. We had a few reunions this week with the assistants and I saw a few old friends as well as my old companion Elder Cauich man was I happy to see him. We actually share a church building here. He is in the other zone, but the wards here share their church buildings. The ward she is great. Lots of people are in church on Sundays. Well I’ll more for you all next week and thanks so much! 

This week I learned a few interesting things. Firstly that the church has a perfect organization and on the other hand why we hear the same teachings over and over again. Right now in my mission were just starting to come alive, but as well we need something else. As I thought this week and in a reunion that we had I heard this simple advice to how we can be successful. Follow the Prophet. The Prophet holds the keys to the church of God here on earth and he tells us all that we must know. He gives us promises and we just have to listen and do. It’s that simple. So why don’t we? Maybe we're prideful or we haven’t listened, but I know without a doubt if we listen and obey God will send blessing.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

Interviews with the President.

On my birthday!

Transferred to San Luis

Well brothers and sisters once again I have been transferred, `but this time

I’m in San Luis Potosi. Here I arrived early in the morning with my new companion Elder Castañeda. Elder Dominguez my other companion stayed in Jerez. I arrived and was able to see some familiar faces, but as well we left the bus station to go to the house. Right now I’m just getting to know my area and bearings. I would first like to share what happened last week in Jerez though before I continue. Last week was special. We were able to continue helping the two young women and one had an answer to their prayer! They both really want to know the truth and I’m positive that they will baptize there! As well through contacting and asking for referrals we found a man who is extremely interested in the church and wants to know everything about because he once went to an open house of the temple. After those experiences Elder Dominguez and I kept looking and we just kept finding. The only thing though is they just have to come to church and everything will fall into place. So know for the few things I’ve seen here in San Luis all the taxis are green. The people are still catholic and the city is very interesting. The city receives a lot of visitors from the United States. I have to admit I do miss Jerez, but God has prepared something special for us here in San Luis I’m sure of it!

Well I just would like to share a short scripture. It is in Alma 29.6 the scripture speaks of how he feels in his calling. I like what he says when he says why he should desire more than to what he has been called, or to preach the gospel. I think about this sometimes and remember that God has called me with a special purpose and that as I fulfill that purpose I and he will feel satisfied, but what more can we truly desire if we are serving in a God given calling. Where he knows we should be. I know that God calls ordinary people to his work and makes them extra ordinary. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

saying good bye to Elde Domingez

Conference in Zacatecas

My beloved friends, family, and all those in general, how grand the work of the Lord! So in this week we had some difficulties, but in the end it was still a good week. My companion and I get along really well he is actually about to finish his mission but as well the transfer ends this week! How fast time can fly! As well this week we have continued working with the family that is less-active whose daughters aren’t members, they are progressing, but we changed there baptismal date. As well this week we had the stake conference in Zacatecas this week. It was fun, but at the same time it was difficult for some of the members to come. The cool part though was being able to see members from Ojocaliente at the conference even more so one of the investigadores that I began teaching there! They all saw me and saw AYY ELDER! It was a nice to see familiar faces. I also enjoyed the talks and the messages that were shared by the stake presidency here. The focus was a lot in the family, but as well they focused a lot on the personal inactive that we should take in living the gospel and keeping the commandments. 

As well a fun fact for you all. Here in Jerez it is the original place of the tostada and its salsa. I have never in my life had tostadas with salsa that have tasted do delicious in my life, but here in Jerez. They actually celebrate a day for the tostada. Me and my companion today decided to go and try some of the different venders and there tostadas were really good. I’ll need to take pictures to show you how they prepare them, but normally it’s just a tostada that they dip in the salsa.

So this week I wanted to share a quick message about a scripture I was thinking about. In Alma 22 we read of the conversion of the King and how he conducted his prayer. I need to translate in my head right now what he said, but here’s the best try at it. "Oh God, Aaron hath told me there is a God, and there is a God, you are God, what would you give to know me, I would give all my sins to know thee,” this is the part that I enjoy. The King is invited by Aaron to pray and the King does it right ton the spot to test the words of Aaron. What I thought about though was in the prayer he offered and what he was willing to give up, his sins. Sometimes I believe that we as imperfect people try to justify our errors and keep making mistakes by saying some other day I'll try be these errors big or small, but this King after hearing about the Savior immediately decided to give up all his sins in a matter of minutes. Are we willing to give up what we do wrong, or as well do we want to repent? I know that the God of Israel came and suffered for the sins of mankind making it possible to be forgiven and abandon sin. I know that God forgives and that if we repent then we will as well come closer to God more than in any other way we can change and we need to! I am trying to change every day and as well abandon my sins because I desire to know God more and to serve his children. I testify of these things. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili   

On the Lord's errand

So this week was absolutely wonderful. This week as well I would like to thank the Yorba Linda Third ward Young Women for the package as well as some of the young men. So this week started off a little slow because of the Holiday, but it was also a good thing because we were able to analyze what we need to do better. During this week we began to look for families as well as less active members. Also we had the opportunity to see more members go to lessons with us. The best part of this week though was a less active family that we found that the two oldest daughters aren’t members and they accepted a baptismal date in December! As well we were able to continue teaching the investigator that came to church last week, as well as visit a lot of our recent converts and less active members who also came to church this week! Really the week was incredible. On Friday though we came together for a Zone Conference and received a lot of information. We learned the importance once again that we have to work with the members, but as well to baptize. As missionaries our purpose is to baptize and as we search for people to teach whether it’s in the street or on member lists or the best way MEMBER REFERRAL'S. Our purpose is to invite others to some unto Christ and I know that if members and missionaries work together we find successes. 

So this week I had been doing a lot of thinking about what makes a successful missionary. I began to think about some of the missionaries of the Book of Mormon o how Alma and Amulek teach in perfect harmony as well as testify with power. Ammon and how he taught King Lamoni, but I like Aaron story the most right now because this is how a successful missionary works I believe. Aaron began to preach the gospel, but just began to preach and cry repentance. Now the people he teaches hearing this only decide to throw him in prison. Once Ammon frees him from prison the scriptures say that he left to preach the gospel, but his time he left to do it with the Spirit guiding him, and once he did this he had success. By following the spirit he was lead to Lamonis father the Lamanite King and converted not only him, but the entire city of the King. From the story of Aaron I realized that if we follow the spirit the words will be given to us, but we will be lead to those who need to receive the gospel because they are prepared. As well the other part that we are called to teach by the spirit and if we do so then it is of God and his hand will be there, but if we don’t teach by the spirit we are limited to our own success, which is a very small portion of what our real potential is. I know that if we listen the spirit will guide us to those who need the gospel and give us the words we must say.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili       

Costumes Katrina and Katrin from Del la Des Mortes

Happy Halloween or Feliz Dia De Los Muertos

Happy Halloween! Well it’s a little late for that but as well for you Mexicano’s Feliz Dia De Los Muertos! So the last week was full of travel and traditions here in Mexico. So on Wednesday I had to go to Zacatecas to sign documents for my green card. After that we spent the week looking and looking, but we just couldn’t find people. Then Saturday arrived and I was expecting the streets to be filled with children, but instead nothing just a normal day. On Sunday though I was in shock! The kids dress up and leave to the streets, and on Monday they do the same. Its two days of Trick or treating here! The other thing is that the costumes here are very different. The kids here paint their faces and this is there costume or they just put a mask on. The popular costumes here are Katrin or Katrina these are the skeletons that you see as people in Mexican art and after that Chucky. As well the people here make the kids work a little harder to get there candy, the kids have to sing in order to receive their candy. It’s pretty funny to be honest because in Mexico it’s different in every part, but in Jerez they have to sing. As well on Sunday we had an investigator in church! She is very funny and very nice. She’s a little older, but we have a good feeling the lords put us in her path. 

Well the normal tradition for Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is to go to the cemetery with your family to visit your dead family members. The family as well place a photo, flowers, and food on the grave of the person. At night they say that the person returns from the dead and eats the food. The following day they return to see the food gone and place more flowers. Why do I tell you the tradition because? As these people remember their dead we do as well, but we know that it’s not the end. The Plan of Salvation clearly teaches us the God created a plan in which we would be tried and tested and in the end we would have to die, but that as well because of Jesus Christ we one day will rise from the dead. The Plan of Salvation gives us the opportunity to not just remember our loved ones, but that through Christ and his Gospel we will return to live with them and our Heavenly Father if we come to know of them.  Know that this Plan is real and that it is perfect. I testify that families can be together forever. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Hurricane Weather

 Hello brothers and sisters it’s crazy that we are once again in that holiday time of the year when it’s Halloween and before we know it Christmas. This week was tough, not because we didn’t have a lot of work, but because it was full of teaching moments that really pulled and refined me, in the end though I am extremely grateful. On Monday we spent the day teaching a recent convert whose name is Erika she is very funny because she can talk for hours. On Tuesday we then taught a few new investigators and a recent convert Carlos. His story is really cool but he is a very nice guy and his wife is the sister that served her misión in Anaheim California. We spent the week teaching, but on Friday is when we learned about the Hurricane. The entire day it rained and we worked the entire day wet and tired. Then at the end of the day we learned that the hurricane was going to pass right over us, but we slept the entire night in peace and the following day was rain free. A true blessing. We then continued work with the investigators that we have two families, but they didn’t come to church on Sunday! It’s frustrating when this happens, but something that is necessary for an investigator to want to come to church is that they know someone there. Today as well I took photos of a few of the church’s here in Jerez which are the oldest churches here in Jerez. This week I’m excited because I’m going to get to see Halloween here in Mexico as well as Dia de Los Muertos. I’ll take pictures if I can.

Well this week I was thinking about what it is that I can do better to be a more effective and successful missionary. I then heard about three or four times this week about the talk that Elder Durant gave which is in English I don’t know the word, but in Spanish it is meditizar. To ponder 80% and memorize 20% of a scripture of your choice. I like that he promised that we would increase our knowledge of the scripture, but as well we will change our thoughts. As we choose to ponder on the scriptures we begin to elevate our thoughts and as we do so we invite the spirit to be with us. If the spirit is with us then we make good desciones. As well if we ponder on the scriptures we make ourselves mentally and spiritually strong in keeping pure thoughts. This week I am using a scripture in Alma and I lie the idea of doing this because I really do feel that is we follow the invitation of Elder Durrant that as we do it over a long period of time for example 52 scriptures for one year and our goal is for 2 years, then we learn 104 scriptures, but if we do it for more years our knowledge and our reward is greater. I know that the scriptures are the words of Christ and that they will tell us all things that we must do. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili       

the two oldest church's in Jerez

First week in Jerez

Well another week and in a new place. This week I was able to get to know a little bit better my companion, but as well I got to know more my Zone Leader as well. So the area in which I serve is a ward. There are four missionaries in total, two Elders and two sisters. I still am in a small city, but the city is still really big for us four. My companion and I were working a lot this week in finding, but as well in teaching less actives. I am still getting to know the ward, but what I have seen I have enjoyed. The city here is very similar to Ojocaliente, because it’s extremely colonial. Work right now with investigators as pretty good this week, because we found about 8, a family as well. Unfortunately though on Sunday we weren’t able o see any of the investigators in church. It’s alright though, because it’s the first week. The ward here is kind of small, but the members are very friendly. This week as well I went back to the city of Zacatecas with one of my Zone Leaders for exchanges. His name is Elder Greene, and he is a really good missionary. In Zacatecas I was able to once again experience the very high hills of the city these hills are like those of San Francisco, but I enjoyed learning from him. 

This week I had been pondering a lot about my work and what I need to do better. I think we all do this now and then and it’s important, but I found that when we do this that for all the pondering that we do as well there is something else we can do. Every night as we kneel down in prayer this is our opportunity to give an account of what we have done in the day. I was reading Preach My Gospel, and I learned something, and that is when we are praying that we still ask our Father in 

Heaven as well, "What Else Can I do?” I know that if we have thought it out first in our mind and we then ask God that he will tell us what we should do. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili  

Transfer to Jerez, Zacatecas

Well Brothers and sisters I have been transferred to another area. I left Rio Grande today with my companion and we arrived in Fresnillo. From there we left once again to Zacatecas and after 6 months in Fresnillo. I’m back again in Zacatecas and in another one of the small cities outside of the big city. There is a song in Spanish that says, "Si Señor Yo Soy del Rancho", and at this point I can say that where I have served has been soiled ranchitos. I’m excited though because I’m now in Jerez Zacatecas as the District Leader. I don’t know how that happened, but okay. My companions name is Elder Dominguez and he is from Puebla Mexico like my trainer was. He actually ends his mission in two transfers as well. Well I don’t have a ton of news on the new area, but I do want to say what Elder Paniagua and I were able to accomplish in the area before transfers. Throughout the week we were looking for a lot of new investigators, but we lost a lot, and as well we are having a few problems with the investigator that was going to be baptized. At the end of the week I was worried, but everything on Sunday was perfect because we were able to move into the new chapel. The new chapel was absolutely amazing, and it was a powerful testimony meeting. The spirit was so strong this day and I know that I received an answer to my fast. 

Well I don’t have a lot to say, but I do want to share my testimony on fasting. This weekend as many of you all did I fasted. I was able to abstain from food and water for 24 hours for the purpose to receive personal revelation, and I received it. I like the explication of the fast that my companion gives he says when we pray is a very soft knock at the door of God, but when we fast it’s a great big pound that opens the door a little bit faster. I know that this is true and that the law of the fast is a true principle of the gospel. I know that as Isaias promises that when we do so that the Lord will respond by saying, here I am. Of this I testify.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again  

 Elder Perfili

One Year Closer to God

Well my brothers and sisters I'm going to keep this letter short. This week was full of lessons and lots of learning moments. Throughout the week we had lessons with some of the investigators that are progressing, but they are struggling because Satan really stinks. Something that I saw those that was key in helping them was that we brought a member and that these members borre a very strong testimony that helped them to stay focused and that the Spirit could testify to there hearts of what was being said. As well we had exchanges with the Zone Leaders this week and we were able to learn a lot from them or at least I was. One thing was to just do the absolute best that you can. On Saturday and Sunday we were truly blessed to hear from Prophets and apostles of God and see three more be called and sustained as members of the quorum of the 12. The talks this conference were amazing and I loved every single one of them. Unfortunately though this week we won't be baptizing, we had to change the baptismal date of the woman we have been teaching. It hurts, but She'll be ready and strong. As well exciting news for the Branch here, they finished the chapel and we're going to be in it on Sunday. For those who want to know transfers are at the end of the week and were hoping no, but six months here probably means it's my turn. Wherever I am though I know who I am serving.

Well yes I have one year in the misión I have to face it, but I just want to share with you the gift of what happens when we put God first for a year of our lives. I  came to my misión as a very confident 18 year old Young man who thought he knew what a misión would be like. I discovered an adversity I had never encountered before and a range of emotions that I never thought possible. This year of my life I would never trade it for anything because I have grown closer to God. I have come to know him a Little bit better and he knows me better now as well. I know without a doubt in my mind I am a participant of this his work and that he is guiding me everyday. In one year I have come to learn more of the commandments of God and repent and keep myself worthy. For one year I have felt the presence of God in the best of times and the worst. In one year I have come to know that the Gospel of Jesús Christ has been restored and that it has a prophet on the earth. In just one year I have grown closer to God I can't wait to know what two years is like.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

Eating brains-----yuuuuuck

Hello once again family and friends IT’S GREAT to be able to address you once again this week. Well this week was incredible and the coolest part was that I wasn’t even in my area for a few days this week. The week started of pretty good because on Monday we had some good lessons. On Tuesday we had exchanges and I went to the area of the other Elders with Elder Mandujano who is in his training just like my companion. I got to know some of his investigators and members a little bit better. I t was also a pretty cool experience because we found family that they are now teaching which is progressing, well, pretty well. As well in the exchange I was able to learn more about him he is from the state of Mexico. He is older than I am, but a very good Elder. We finished our exchanges, and I learned that one of our investigators finally accepted a baptismal date as well as that we have a lot of new investigators to teach! That was extremely good news for us he baptism is for the following Saturday and we are very excited we just need to finish a few lessons and shell be ready I know it. After that the weekend was pretty slow, but we found people in their homes and those who really do want to learn more, and one day be baptized.

Actually on the weekend I had a noteworthy experience. I ate what are called Cessos or Brains. The brain of the pig can be eaten here. So i decided to try it, and it wasn’t too bad it actually tasted pretty flavorful.

So this week I am very grateful to be able to once again listen to the words of the Prophets and Apostles, especially with the good news that three new servants of the Lord will be called. It’s sad to know that three died, but it’s incredible to know that the Church of Jesus Christ is led by revelation. I know that God Lives and that his son Jesus Christ is at the head of this His church as well as that he leads it through a living prophet and apostles. I know that and invite you all to listen to them this conference with the goal to receive revelation and the truly hear the voice of God through his servants (D&C 1:38). I know these things are true and you will to just as you listen to the words that they will say.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili

Mexican Indepandance day, me as the pinata

Well brothers and sisters it has been a wonderful week and it really was full of a lot of things both ups and downs, but the downs don't really even get to you when you are serving the lord with all your heart. So this week on Tuesday was the Mexican Independence Day and it's very interesting how they celebrate here. On the 15th they just take things slow for the day, and at about 11 or 12 at night they sound out the "Cry" of Independence with Fireworks and Cannons. As a district we took photos and celebrated with a Piñata (ME). No don't worry they didn't get any Candy. So after Independence Day it was work and it was a week where with a holiday it can be difficult to find people in their homes, but we managed to still find people ,and as well to contact a large number of people so that we could have more people to teach the following week. Really the weeks go by so fast sometimes it hard to remember what happened, but on Sunday we were able to see one of our investigadores who has been coming to church for a month now. She has been bringing her kids with her as well and we are really working hard so that she will be able to baptize before the transfer ends. A Little bit about my companion now though. So he is really, really, really cool and very Smart. He is also very funny because last week while we were watching the cultural event for the temple he was freaking out the entire time because he saw a lot of people he knew. As well when he wears his glasses people say that he looks like a mexican Harry Potter, but without the wand.

So now for my thought this week. Life as a missionary sometimes is difficult with a lot of ups and downs. It's a lot of rejection and as well joyful moments when you feel closer than ever to your savior. As well in our lives here on earth we all face challenges. On earth we will all encounter moments of adversity. Adversity can be two things, a way to grow and progress, or it can be a crippler in our lives. As participants in the plan of our Heavenly Father we choose to come to earth and be tried. Adversity is how we can progress or be crippled. In the Book of Mormon I love a story in which the people of Alma are under captivity to the Lamanites, but rather than just give in they keep pushing and praying, and you know what happens? The Lord answers their prayers and tells them that tomorrow they will be released. In hard time what is our first reaction? to get stressed,frustrated and panicked, or is it to immediately go the Heavenly Father and Jesús Christ and ask them what it is that they want us to learn and how, and what we should do? I know that sometimes I do the first, the second option is the one that I choose to do now and will continue to choose. God and Jesús Christ are here to help us in our experience on earth to progress in times and trial and I know that they always will. Of that I testify.

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Mexico City Temple Rededication

Hello family and Friends. This week I have to inform you wasn't this most fantastic, but it really was a good week. On Monday it was a normal preparation day that was full of cleaning. Afterwards on Tuesday we worked and began to look for more new investigadores as well as those that we have. Right now we're teaching a lot of families. The goal is that we find as many families as we possibly can. We actually have some families that are making good progress as well. On Thursday we had a surprise Zone Conference with President Villarreal who interviewed us as well as taught us about the importance of the Book of Mormon in our proselyting.After the conference on Thursday Friday was work, work , work. On Saturday in preparation for the rededication of the Mexico City Mexico temple there was a cultural event that was held in the Federal District. It was a play with a story of a man and his conversión and an explanation of the Book of Mormon. it also displayed the history of the church in Mexico. It was incredible the cultural event I loved it! As well some of our investigators came to watch it! Then on Sunday we went to Fresnillo to see the three sessions of the rededication of the temple. President Eyring and Elder Holland came as well as the Area Presidency of Mexico. It was really a special event and the spirit was so strong in each sesión. I wish i could tell you all what I learned, but because it was an extensión of the temple we need to keep the sanctity of it. The temple rededication really was the highlight of my week though.

Now for the spiritual thought. So with the rededication of the temple I would like to share with you my testimony of the power and the holiness of these sacred places. The temple is the house of the Lord. I know that in the temple we make sacred covenants and that we should keep ourselves worthy so that we may go as often as possible. As well I know that in the temples that the power to seal a family for time and all eternity can be found there. AS well i know that the temples are the closest places on earth to connect us with our father in heaven and that we truly can feel his presence there. I know that as well it is our responsibility to look for our ancestors so that they too can receive these ordinances.

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again    

When God is put first

Well how absolutely amazing this week has truly been. First things first Happy Labor Day to all those celebrating. Well brothers and sisters I'm going to begin with the first part of my week. The first part of the week was actually pretty good, but it still was lacking something. We were teaching and as well contacting a lot, but really something was really different. On Thursday this week we had to leave and go to Fresnillo for our monthly Zone Conference. there we were inspired to elevate and vision and faith through the goals that we are putting in our missionary planner. For those of you who are not familiar as Missionaries we work according to goals and we measure our progress to find out how we can better work along side the Lord in his work. The conference had me thinking this weekend and on Saturday it was incredible. For weeks and for a very long time my companion and I have been having an interesting time finding everyone, but on Saturday things turned around. We began the day a Little late, but found a new person to teach after we found another and then another, and then a family called us over to put an appointment with them and a woman as well and someone has a reference for us. It was as if the Lord was literally sending people to us to find. I can not lie no deny that really God was there the entire time helping us to find these his children. Then on Sunday we found another family. Truly the week started off slow, but it changed at the end. As I said in the beginning of my letter, at the starting of the week something was missing. At the end no, why I cant say fully, but I do know that a major part was that my companion and I began to confide more and more in the Spirit to lead and guide us, we began to trust fully in Gods and that he would lead us in our teaching, contacting, and day. This week my faith increased. Why because I don't have to will nor the desire to believe that I am possible of having done so much work, but rather that the Lord is helping me to be a part of it and it Works a lot better when I work a long side him by the direction of his spirit.  

I was just finshing a moment ago saying my testimony grew this week therefore I want to share it with you about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesús Christ. I know that God is our loving and Heavenly Father and that he wants to bless us and does so through his góspel which he sends to us by the words of his Prophets who are men called of God and hold the Priesthood of God as well. I know that as well because of Gods love for his children he sent his son to establish a church with prophets, apostles, teachers, etc, and that when Jesús came he performed the atonement which makes it possible to live here happy and successful in our goal to return to God, I know that the church that Jesús established was lost as well as the Priesthood too, but God once again called a Prophet of God and restored his church through a Young man named Joseph Smith. That he also gave us a way to know if it is true that he restored his church. Its called the BOOK OF MORMON and it testifies of a restoration of the góspel of Jesús Christ. I know as well that God listens to prayers and that if you pray to him with a sincere desire to know he will manifest the truth of it unto you through the Holy Ghost. I know and I know with out any doubt. I share this with you in the name of Jesús Christ, Amen.

11 months

Well it has been another month and I cannot believe that as well i finished another transfer here in the misión. Right now I’m still here in Rio Grande with Elder Paniagua and I’ll be finishing his training. In the District though we did have transfers Elder Lezana left and is now in San Luis Potosi. Elder Tito is still out district leader, but he is also training a new Elder now. Now for a recap of the week. On Monday we just contacted people. On Tuesday we had a few lessons, but we are working really hard on finding new people. Wednesday we had a lesson that was alright, and we then left for Fresnillo to stay the night with the Zone Leaders before we left the following day to a conference in Zacatecas. On Thursday we went to Zacatecas and had a conference with the misión doctor on our health and learned the 10 commandments on health. While I was there we learned a lot of things that we have to do as missionaries to keep ourselves healthy and so that we truly can serve with all our heart might mind and strength. As well I sent a photo, but I was able to see my companion from the MTC, Elder Jones, and we took a photo. On Saturday and Sunday was the Stake Confine here, but we didn’t go to the Stake Center instead they transmitted it from Fresnillo to Rio Grande.

After having our conference on Health I had been thinking a Little bit on how we can keep ourselves spiritually healthy. Thinking about it I thought about what the apostle Elder Bednard told us. Elder Bednard say that if we want a way to stay strong members of the church that every day we should read from the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It is another testament of Jesús Christ and testifies of his life, misión and appearance in the American continent. As well the Book of Mormon is the fullness of the góspel. The Word fullness really does mean COMPLETE; WHOLE; EVERYTHING. The Book of Mormon contains it all, the answers that we need and the Gospel of Jesús Christ that is necessary to our salvation. I know that as well this book testifies of a restauration and that God has placed his church here again with the priesthood that Christ posed and as well that it is led by prophets. How do I know these things, just by Reading the Book of Mormon I have come to know and by praying as well. I invite all of you who have read and especially those who haven’t to read the Book and once you’ve finished to pray and ask God with all energy of heart and I know he will tell you it is true.

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Elder Perfili  

This is from last week 8/24

Hey my beloved brothers and sisters, well where do I begin because this week really was special. So I can’t lie to you all the first few days of the week were rough my head was running all over the place in the misión and other things that stressed me out, but I know that God and Jesús Christ have helped me and they are still helping me. This week was kind of difficult in finding new people to teach. We have been contacting more as well as looking for references, but it seemed like every house we went to we couldn’t find anyone. However we didn’t let this affect us at al because we continued the search to find those who are ready. As one thing I have been focusing on is my study and I cannot go without my study for one day or I just feel different. I believe for sure though that the spirit has been able to be in our lessons because this entire week I felt so powerful and sure of what I was saying and the spirit was testifying. The best part of the week though was to see the investigators in church we had almost all of our investigators there in church on Sunday and some with their family members that we have never taught! That as well was super amazing after working the best that we could we still saw a great result at the end of the week.

Throughout this entire week I was thinking a lot, about a range of subjects, but it was one thing at the end of each day I knew I needed more and more and, I am working harder to do so, is the spirit. As I say the week was difficult in finding people, but at the end of each day I still felt a warmth and a calm spirit telling me that everything was all right. Day after day working and finding minimum results and I was still feeling good, how is that possible? We know that the spirit is the consoler and the person that our heavenly father has given us to lead us and guide us, even more to comfort us. The spirit is who helps us as missionaries and children of God carry out the work of salvation through his whispering and warnings. The spirit is essential in missionary work, but even more so in our lives because without it we don’t have this heaven sent gift, one that is truly divine and the closet gift we can receive as members of the church of Jesús Christ of Latter Day Saints to experiment the eternities. I love the spirit, but even more to making the sacrifices necessary and being diligent even tough to search for his presence. I know that the Holy Ghost will guide us if we listen and especially confirm to us at the end of a long day that it’s alright and tomorrow well try harder

Elder Perfili

Adventures in Rio Grande

Well my beloved brothers and sisters I hope that all is well with you as you are reading this email. The week as usual went by at a lighting speed rate, because once again I’m here writing you all. A quick recap of the week, Tuesday; we had a lesson with the family that came to church last week and it was awesome i am positive that they are going to progress. Wednesday to Thursday: Working and a lot of contacting, Friday a zone conference with Presidente Villarreal and the assistants. Saturday and Sunday slow days, but a lot of good progress with my companion. Right now the weather is pretty hot, but they are days with a light breeze and clouds. The sky here is absolutely beautiful because it is so clear during the day. My companion as I’m sure i have told you speaks English so we have the opportunity sometimes to contact people in English as well as practice because he says i need to. On Friday we spoke with our misión president and he explained a ton of information about our misión and the productivity that we have.

Well I would just like to keep it short with my testimony about the restoration of the góspel of Jesus Christ. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that because he loves us he gives us the góspel of Jesús Christ to bless our families. As well that he loves us so much that he gives us the góspel through Prophets men of God that he has called and that he has given his power and authority to do so. These men preach of Jesús Christ and the importance he has in our lives. As well God loves us that he sent his son to atone for the sins of mankind and show us the way back through the church and ordinances that he established while he was here. I know that as well after the death of Christ and his apostles we lost this church, but that we as well have once again received evidence of a loving Heavenly Father who called Joseph Smith as a prophet and commanded him to write the Book of Mormon so that it could be a witness of the Restoration of the Gospel and the Church of Jesús Christ so that we may have the truthfulness of God and his góspel on the earth again. I know these things and invite every single one of you who doesn’t know or does stop ask God if he has restored all truth to the earth and he will tell you through the Holy Ghost.

I know because I have asked and I cannot deny it for that I share this message and testify that it is true.

I LOVE YOU ALL
Elder Perfili 

 Zone conference 

Importance of listening

¡HOLA A TODOS! Well to begin with the events of this week, I have to tell you once again it has been pretty beautiful to be here in the misión. I love my companion and the work well it’s not easy, but I know that it will continue to grow and get better the harder we work, but the more we involve the Lord as well. This week the weather has been pretty crazy with rain and then a ton of heat. Also the Catholic Church here has an event going on for 9 days that includes a festival and every half hour or hour the shot of a canon. My companion and I have continued to look for families to teach the góspel, and were having progress Little by Little. As well we have begun to involve the members more and we are really working to get them involved. I can promise you when I say this that the members are key in missionary work and without them it really is difficult. Friday we had a Zone Conference and received news that we will be able to watch the rededication of the Temple here in Mexico. I’m pretty excited to be able to see that. As well on Sunday we had one of the families that we are teaching come to church, they arrived a Little late, but they stayed for the entire service as well. Some days in the misión really are good, but others are amazing and I know that they will continue to get a little better every day.

This week I was able to continue to think and learn and grow as well. I studied a lot this week about the importance of listening. As a missionary one of our most important attributes to develop is the ability to listen to others. I think every time about how Christ listened to the questions and doubts of his apostles and his followers and because he had listened he was able to give them the answer and comfort that they stood of need in that moment. As we look at the Master Teachers example we see a clear visión of one of the best ways we can help others, by listening. As we listen to our Friends, family, co-workers, or people in the Street we can be led and guided by the spirit to tell share the góspel with them and to let the spirit touch their hearts. After we can then invite them to learn more and really discover for themselves the Restored Gospel of Jesús Christ. I know just as Elder Holland has promised that if we listen with our hearts we will be given by the spirit what to say and use the góspel to clear their doubts. I also know that if you are looking for someone to listen to that we have a Father in Heaven who will always listen to you and answer your prayers as you continue to speak with him. Of this I know and share with you all.

I LOVE YOU ALL

"We'll Both be Underneath the Same Moon"  

"God Be With You Till We Meet Again"

Elder Perfili

the life of a missionary

Well brothers and sisters another month down it crazy that the time goes so fast faster than I thought it would. The week went by super-fast to so there isn’t a ton of news, I know how boring, but I will tell you what happened. So this week we continued to look for new investigators and little by little we have been finding them. It has been absolutely awesome here in Rio Grande with Elder Paniagua as well because he is a lot more prepared than I was when I arrived to the mission. He and I this week have been working a lot on contacting and teaching as many as possible. It’s not always the result we want, but it’s not what we want it’s what the Lord wants and knows is best. This week we also had exchanges, and Elder Lezana and I had another day together to serve. The weather is pretty hot to be honest, and it looks like it’ll continue for a while. 

Well now it’s a part that I long for during the week to give a small message and testimony of the gospel. So this week as I was pondering in the streets with my companion my mind constantly reflected on the Christ like attribute of "Charity and Love". I began to think as well about the Savior and the love that he possess for us. In the 7th Chapter of Moroni in verses 43-48 I love changing the word charity for the word atonement. The scripture takes a whole new meaning when you read it. As I did that this week I thought about how we as children of God really are nothing without charity, because it is necessary to have the atonement of Christ in our lives or we really can do nothing. More than that though I thought of how I can possess this love. I then reflected on the scripture in 2Nefi2:30 when Lehi says that he only desires the eternal welfare of their souls (god’s children). I then realized that as we work in the Lords Vineyard this is the love that we should poses for our brothers and sisters who don’t know yet. I strive to have this love because I know that it is the only way to fully serve our Heavenly Father and show him in return that we really do poses the gift of charity (the atonement) in our lives.

I LOVE YOU ALL

"Well Both Be Underneath the same Moon"

"God Be With You Till We Meet Again"

Elder Perfili

Last weeks baptism

First baptism

Well the weeks I swear move at a rate that is unbelievable. To begin my companion and I are doing well and were learning each day from one another. The weather is getting hotter actually and were seeing less people in the streets because the kids are on vacation like in the states. The work is coming along and we are finding more, but we still need to find more if we want to help people come to the waters of baptism. Speaking of baptism my companion and I had one this last week, but more importantly was that Brenda made this covenant with God and is now a member pf the Church of Jesús Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I will send photos next week I promise. The baptism was simple, but the spirit was there. This week my companion and I also had the opportunity to see the importance that the members have in missionary work. Our recent convert was a reference from a member and the member was there to help her along the entire way. This member was key in the conversión of Brenda and I know without her it would have been difficult, but I also know that as much as we have the opportunity to share the góspel as missionaries it’s the members that really to help in the work of salvation. As well I hope you know that if you have questions about Mexico or anything I would be delighted to answer them for you.

Now today I was in my personal study and discovered something that I loved. I know that I have spoken about it before, but today it really was powerful what I learned about repentance. Repentance is the second principle in the Gospel of Jesús Christ, and it is necessary for our salvation. Without repentance we wouldn’t be able to change the things that are necessary to put our lives along with the will of God. As we repent we are doing all that is possible to do what God hopes and wants us to do. When we repent we are actually coming closer to God. Sometimes repentance is a Word that scares people because it means confession or embarrassment, but it means exactly the opposite FREEDOM. Freedom from the temptations of Satan and even more freedom from sin it means to really and truly stop what is wrong and do what is right FOREVER. Repentance is freedom to feel the Spirit of God more abundantly in our lives as well as one of the reasons we are here on earth. We have our entire lives to repent, change, and prepare to meet God, but it can be so much better and so much happier when we are using the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives to do so. I know that the Atonement is real and that it is eternal and will continue to be a part of our lives as well as lifelong repentance.

I LOVE YOU ALL

"God Be With You Till We Meet Again"

"Well Both Be Underneath the Same Moon"

Elder Perfili

July 13th

Well Hello to everyone and I hope that you are all doing very well. The weeks are moving by so fast, because we are were in the last week of the transfer, but that isn’t stopping us from working hard and working diligently. These weeks have been full of conversations on the street and lessons with a variety of religious beliefs. This week we spoke with Catholics, which is normal, but then theologizes and as well 7th day Adventist. One side note I have also spoken with the Amish, because they live here in this part of Mexico. They always stare at me which is normal, but sometimes more than the Mexican people. Right now its summer so all the kids are leaving school as well as all the people who are from the Mexico, but live in the United States come to visit. Right now the work load just continues to increase from finding one person to finding two. We have two investigators who have begun to progress a lot which are so close to baptism. It’s hard to think of lots of stories, but have one that passed today. So in the back of the house of prayer (Chapel) there is a very large area that was full of weeds that the Branch President asked if we and the members could help to clear it out. So while we were pulling weeds and cleaning it up out of nowhere a hen jumped out of the weeds and began to run away. Some of the members began to chase after it and try to catch it, but it jumped over the fence, and we found that it had laid eggs. It was funny though because it honestly appeared from nowhere and then just began to run.

Okay brothers and sisters were going to talk very seriously now. So I received the General Conference Talks from the Conference in April and there was a theme that was so visible and important. THE FAMLIY. Now I know that not everyone is married, but I know that you all have families, and as important as they are for you all they are even more important for God. God has established families for the sole purpose to come into this world and to learn in a place that is centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. More importantly though is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the way, manner, and gift from God that makes a family successful. Without the gospel it’s difficult, but with it the home really is heaven on earth. I testify that the gospel blesses families and changes lives, because it’s the way God has established that each of his children can truly, TRULY be happy here in mortality and in the life after.

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Well both Be Underneath the Same Moon

letter from July 5th

Brothers and Sisters how pleased I am to write you today and to inform you all of the wonderful life of one of the many servants of the Lord. This last week was full of good moments and ones that hit hard as well like any other, but at the same time I have really seen very many blessing of the Lord in my life. Right now we have continued to invite and invite and invite those in the Street to hear the message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our goal this week is to talk with more so that more will have the opportunity to really be untied once again with God. We have been teaching a few investigators and some are really progressing as well as changing their lives. We are extremely close to being able to help someone enter into a covenant with God through Baptism, but that’s for later. It didn’t rain too much here, but there are a lot of rain clouds in the sky. On Friday we had a zone conference which was very uplifting as well as delightful to have received a package and letters from the activity day’s girls and my family. The days go by extremely fast so sometimes it’s difficult to remember what to write as well as the fact that you just love everyday being out here in the field. It was a good week, but there is a lot more to be done in the coming weeks. Oh and don’t worry I didn’t forget to celebrate the glorious holiday of Independence Day. Today we threw our twist of a backyard barbeque, but with Carne Asada. Oh it was delicious!!

Well today I would like to speak about the first commandment that we have received. Obedience, but I would like to do it with the example of a Book of Mormon prophet whose name is Nephi o Nehi en español. Today I was Reading about the great example that he puts for all those who struggle with the courage to obey. He describes how obedience to God is out of love and out of a willingness to serve God, but it wasn’t just that he spoke of obeying the commandments of God, it was also that he obeyed them when it seemed absolutely difficult. He had been almost killed by an evil King, his brothers, and still he pushed forward knowing that if he was obedient to the commandment that God had given him that God would provide a way as well as bless him for his obedience. It caused me to think of how obedient I am to the Lord and the importance to cut out big things, but also the smallest things that keep the blessings of the Lord away. I know that as we take courage and are obedient to the Lord that we truly can be more in tune with the Spirit, and we truly can receive the blessing of God in our lives. I know because I am doing my absolute best because I know that all that he has given me the way and the reward, but when I have done my part. 

Elder Perfili

I LOVE YOU ALL

"We'll Be Underneath the Same Moon"

"God Be With You Till We Meet Again"