Hello!

March 24, 2013

Dearest Family! 

How are you all?  I hope that everything is going good!  From the updates, it sounds like everyone is staying busy, some sheet rocking, some chasing dogs, some coaching soccer, some watching babies.   I'm glad to hear that you are all doing good! 

Well this week was transfers......so that means we have been from here to there to farther there, and then back to here!  We went up about 20 missionaries this transfer, so we have been taking things from the capital to all parts getting ready for the increase!  Now there are 10 hermanas in the south. We went up from 4 to 10, so that 250% increase in sisters means a 1,000,000,000% increase in phone calls!!  Haha.

Anyway, this week was quite strange, we didn't really have much time to work in our area, but the little time that we did have was great!  We are working with our awesome less-active family, and they are doing great!  I even baked a cake for Hna. Aurelina's birthday!  Yeah, I baked a cake--it's not as amazing as that apple pie picture that dad just sent me, but it was pretty dang good! 

I was able to do an intercambio with the missionaries working in the area of Azua where I was with Elder Chinchilla, and remember the less-active member I told you about, I got to visit her again!  And her son is now getting baptized!  It is really fun to see the blessings that come.  Even though it is not "my" baptism, I'm grateful that I could have a part in it! 

My Christmas package was great!  Thanks for sending that!  It was really weird, it wasn't opened at all, and all of the chocolate and everything wasn't even melting!  I think it just came on the Pony/Dolphin Express to get here, but it came in good hands! 

Well, the transfers came, and it was the truth that I stayed here as Ayudante.  I'm disappointed, but after this much time it has become my life.  I can honestly say that I trust that everything happens for a reason, and that for some reason or another I need to be here.  I hope that I can take advantage of every moment and learn everything that I need to learn. 

It is pretty crazy that Spencer comes home this week.  Give him a hug for me.  I've always looked up to him, and not just because he's huge, but he's always just been an amazing example for me.  I owe a lot to the great friends that helped me stay on track to be able to serve a mission.

So, Friday we came in early because President invited us to do a P-Day with him on Saturday and go to the East Mission to visit the Colonial Zone.  It was really fun!  My first P-Day in 4 months was worth the wait!  It was pretty fun to see so much history, and I learned some good places to go visit when we come back (hint hint hint--that has been one blessing, I sure do know this country!)      

Also, there is a friend that I have from Bella Vista--Hno.Van Troi--who is pretty much the coolest guy I know!  He is an ambassador in Spain, and his company is the importer for all Motorola products in the Dominican Republic.  Basically, he is a well-off man, and he is heading to Utah on April 4th until April 20th, to go to General Conference and visit Utah.  Well, he would like to meet you guys.  He especially would love to go to Cabelas.  He wants to go hunting, shooting, basically anything that has to do with outdoors.  So, I think dad could probably help him out!  He reminds me of Craig Ludwig...but if you would be willing, that would be great! 

Anyways, I love you all!  I really am grateful for the chance to serve a mission.  As much as I miss you all, I'm loving it here, and want to keep enjoying my time as a full-time servant of the Lord!  I hope that this Easter week you can all ponder on the death and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and remember that he lives!  I love you all! 

Elder Reeder 

-- 

Excuse my failure to write.....

March 10, 2013


Dearest Family,

Well, I apologize for not writing quite as faithfully as I should, but its been pretty busy!  This week has been full of all sorts of experiences, but I want to start with a few things from last week.  Last week was a really interesting week, as we had the chance to give lots of blessings.  In two days we had the chance to give 4 different blessings.  It made me realize the importance of always being prepared, always having consecrated oil, always being worthy, and always having the Spirit to be able to pronounce a blessing from our Father in Heaven.  It is an amazing blessing to have the priesthood in our lives, and I have realized that we should be more prompt to use this sacred power. 

Last Friday, we were able to go to the Temple.  It is amazing how much you appreciate the temple when you don't have the chance to go whenever you want.  I hope that I can always maintain that desire to enter the house of the Lord for my whole life.  What a blessing it is to have the temple 10 minutes away from our house.  We, the zone of Azua, and San Cristobal, went to the temple together.  As we were waiting to enter the Temple, I found the missionaries that are currently in Madre Vieja Norte, and began to ask them how our converts were doing.  Agapito and Mami are doing great, and preparing to go to the temple!  (I'm going to call them tomorrow to see the date), and also Santo and Flor!  Seba and Feliz are both still active, and doing great!  My heart filled with joy as I heard that they were active and strong.

I then asked about Besy, and the response left me speechless.  The missionary told me, "Oh, you don't know what happened," with a concerned look on his face.  I immediately asked what had happened.  He then told me that the father of Ashley (Besy's little girl, that is in the baptism pictures), had poisoned and killed Ashley.  The missionaries explained that he was angry that Besy had separated from him, which she did to be able to be baptized, and for some reason he wanted to get back at her.  Tears swelled in my eyes, and a stream of emotions entered my heart.  Honestly, at first I just felt anger--how could anyone do that?  How could he take the life of such a precious little girl?  But it seemed to suddenly flow into peace, as the words of Mormon, in the book of Moroni, filled my mind.  I felt peace--peace and comfort--although my mind was struggling with such terrible news.  I entered the temple, somewhat in a whirlwind, but as I quickly found myself in the Chapel where I read the words....    "And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation.......For behold that all little children are alive in Christ. 

I found myself profoundly thinking about life, about family, about little Keagan, about struggles, but everything returned to Christ and His Atonement.  With whatever trial we face, we must return to the atonement.  What comfort it is to be able to participate in the power of the atonement.  In a way which we can't understand, He can comfort us.  In our most tragic moments, He can and He will comfort us.  I know that the peace I felt in the temple came from the Spirit, sent by a loving Heavenly Father to help me in that very moment.

An older member of our branch, Hermano Ortiz, has been a member for 27 years.  All of his children, and the majority of his grandchildren, have been baptized in the church, but only 3 are attending currently.  That leaves about 47 less active members in his immediate family.  Well, one day he gave us the "assignment" to rescue his family.  He told us that he was praying for them, fasting for them, and that he knew we would be able help them.  When we talked to the other members in the branch, they told us we were crazy.  "Everyone has visited them- ellos no estan en eso".  Well, repeatedly I thought of Alma, praying for his son.  Praying that he would stop trying to destroy the church and return!  I have repeatedly read this scripture...

"And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith." 

I feel as if we have been entrusted with a similar responsibility.  Well, at first it seemed somewhat helpless.  But now, we have been able to share with each and every one of the families, and even many grandchildren that live in our ward boundaries--about 23 of them--and we have committed 10 of them to go to church.  Last night we shared a Family Home Evening with one family and Hno.  Ortiz about repentance.  It was a special experience to see his eyes fill with tears as they shared that they had been waiting for us to come, waiting for the invitation, and that they have made the decision to return to church.  I feel privileged to be able to watch as the Lord works miracles.  It humbles me to see His mercy, and His love for His children.  It feels me with joy to know that I have had the chance to work in His vineyard. 

I am grateful that I have been called to be a missionary and representative of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for tender mercies of the Lord.  I am grateful that I was born into a family that lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for challenges that allow us to grow.  I know without a doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ lives.  He sits at the right hand of our Father, and at the head of His restored church.  I know that one of the greatest truths is that we can become like Him.  Just as we studied today, as man is God once was, and as God is man can become.  It is my prayer that we all have the goal of becoming as our Father is.  I love you all! 

Elder Riley Ted Reeder   

It's Been A While!

February 17, 2013

Dearest Family!

How are you?  How is everything going?  I hope that everything is going good!   Here in the mission everything is going just fine!  Last week was quite the week with transfers and everything, but we somehow got everything taken care of.  Monday was prepare transfer day, run lots of errands, just lots of craziness!  Tuesday, we actually had transfers, and I had to say goodbye to my buddies Elder Luzon and Elder Batista.  They really have become some of my best friends, and I loved the time that I had to serve with them!

I guess that's something that I really want to talk about today.  People.  I think that as time has gone on in the mission I have learned a lot about the importance of people.  As missionaries its really not that hard to run around and do "missionary work" to fill up a day, and report that you did a whole bunch of work.  But that is not really the point now is it?  As missionaries our purpose is invite others to come unto Christ, we focus on the person!

I was reading a talk that Elder Bryner shared with me that talks about leadership, and says that we should focus less on managing programs and be a lot more focused on people and ministering and helping people to learn and grow.  Wow, how great is that?  Its really easy to start "managing", with our families, our friends, in our callings, in just about every part of our life- whats important is focusing on the people.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to get to know so many missionaries.   Sometimes I feel like they are my kids- they cause pain, but the joy I get from them is muy stronger!  I love being able to talk to them and do my best to help them out, and I feel as if I am the one who leaves learning something.

Guess what? I have become 100% Latin.  I feel more comfortable around Latins than Americans!  I guess that's what living with a Latin for the last year does for ya!  I'm extremely grateful for the companions that I have had in the mission.  I really feel like I have made life-long friends- especially my companions from the office.

Anyways, back to the week!  Wednesday we had Zone Council, and after we had to take a zone leader to get an ingrown toenail removed.  Don't worry, I already knocked on wood!  That always brings back good memories...NOT! 

Thursday it was back to the grind!  It felt really good to get back to work in our area after so long.  We really had a lot of success this week, and I felt great that we could get so much done in such little time!  I feel like the Lord just wants us to work just a little bit harder, and then a little bit harder, and then he's gonna open up the heavens and bless us!

A while back Elder Chinchilla and I were walking in the street when a guy on a scooter stopped us, and started asking us about the church.  He spoke really broken Spanish, but said he was a member and wanted to go to church.  We explained where is was, and the next week he came.  He came in jeans and a t-shirt, so I in justly thought to myself that he was a "church on Christmas and Easter" kind of member.  After the meeting, he asked me if I would be able to get him a triple and a bible, because he didn't have one, and I said that I would.  Well, today, he came again and I told him I had his books but I had left them in the house.  So, he said he would walk over with us after church to pick them up.  On the way over, I started asking about him.  I learned that he was a returned missionary, who served in TONGA, and finished 12 years ago.  He then explained that he had been extremely blessed and had the chance to baptize over 150 people.  He was zone leader, trainer, and an assistant.  When he finished, he returned to his country, studied medicine, and now is a Doctor.  His Dad was the first convert in an African country that I didnt understand, and his whole family is members.  He was also Bishop for 7 years.  All of this was shared in the most humble way, and with such gratitude to our father in heaven.  I was blown away.  He said he was here without any of his things, and for that he went to church dressed as he was, and that he couldnt work until he got his papers authorized.  It was a truly humbling experience.

Well, things are definitely a lot different with my new companion!  Its been quite the change, but I know that things are gonna be fine.  He is pretty new, so I gotta show him the ropes quick so next transfer I can get our there and work Elder Luzons tail off his last transfer in Pedernales! Hahah!

I love you guys, thanks for everything!  Mom, I know your packages never get here, but that's really not important.  Just having your support is enough.  I know that you and Dad have sacrificed lots so that I can be here, and I will be in debt eternally for that.  It is my hope that I have become the son and man that you want me to be.  Thanks for everything!

Love,
Elder Riley Ted Reeder    

Transfer!

February 9, 2013

Well, the news isn't exciting....I stay the same, just with a new companion.  Elder Chinchilla is now assistant in the capital, and I will be with a Elder Aguiñiga from Mexico as ayudante del sur!  Not much changing!!

Elder Riley Ted Reeder

La Iglesia De Jesucristo De Los Santos De Los Últimos Días

La Misión Santo Domingo Oeste, República Dominicana 

Where's the Keys?

 


February, 3, 2013

I'm good...I have a sweet experience that happened yesterday.  So, wanna hear my crazy story?  Yesterday at like 7:45 we were walking and I felt in my pocket and I thought crap...where are the keys, because I always have the keys.  Well they weren't in my pocket, or my bag, or anything!  They just happened to have the car keys, the house keys, the office keys, and the church keys, so it was kinda a big deal!  Well, it also just so happened that the whole city of Azua was without electricity.  So, we went running to the sisters house to borrow their keys to the church to see if they fell out there (because we had been there earlier in the day)  Well, we got there and there was no sign of them.  So, we decided to kneel down and say a little prayer, because if we didn't find those keys we were basically SOL.  So, we went back to the house to see if we could see them from the window....and lo and behold there they were on the table...inside of the locked house...that has barred windows, and has a padlock, on a metal door, and a locked door behind that.  Impossible right?  Well, we decided to go looking for a stick to try and fish them out through the window.  Well, before we even got to the parking lot of our apartment building we saw a stick- but not just any stick, this stick happened to be a stick of curious workmanship, a 2X4 with a nice little nail sticking out of the end, perfect for fishing our keys!  Well, we decided to give it a try, so we went to the window, and lo and behold the stick was no joke exactly the 100% perfect length, and the little nail hooked up the keys and the night was saved.  The Lord answers our prayers in miraculous ways!!  It was a good reminder that the Lord really hears our prayers!  We gave the stick the name of the "palo de Efraim"  (the stick of Ephraim), and Elder Batista calls it the "Holy Wood".  But really, it was a HUGE GIGANTIC BLESSING!

A Letter For The Week

January 28, 2013


Dearest Family,

How are you guys?!  I hope that everything is going good.  As for me, things are going really good!  We had a really good week, one of the best of the mission for me!  I wanted to start out with something that happened last Tuesday.  Tuesday we were leaving the Distribution Center (which is on the temple grounds), heading out to Azua when we saw something really interesting.   The temple was closed for cleaning, and they had scaffolding and everything up to clean the Angel Moroni, it was quite a sight.  But what really impacted me, was when I saw a couple of men down by the temple with all of the chairs from the celestial room, you know those big comfy ones that couldn't possibly get dirty?  Well one was hand sanding down all the wood, another was there with a paintbrush painting the white, and another with an even finer brush painting the gold accents.  It was amazing to see the concentration and careful work that each of these men was doing.  It also made me think about the things that are found within the temple--they are always perfect.   If there is a problem, it is fixed right away.  Even if something isn't visually damaged, proper maintenance work is done.  I think it is really a lot like us.  To enter the temple we need to be 100% ready.  If there is a problem...we have to fix it to be worthy to be in the house of the Lord.  If we need to "sand down our paint and put on a new coat", we need to do it!  The temple is to help us improve, but we always need to be worthy to enter such a sacred place.

Cool experience #2.  On Saturday a woman that Elder Chinchilla and I taught in our last Branch was baptized!  It was awesome to have been able to participate in that, and to see her be baptized!  The missionaries that are there asked us to go help them fill up the font, because the pump in their chapel burned up.  So we took our buckets and headed over to fill up a font with buckets.  When we got there, we decided to try and do some redneck engineering so that we could fill it up a little more efficiently than with buckets!  Well a roll of duct tape and a few plastic bags later, we were ready to try it out.  It was then that we decided to say a prayer asking our Father in Heaven to somehow allow our garden hose to accept the pressure of a huge water line.  We then opened the valve and poof....somehow it stayed together!  Some call it luck, others know it was a blessing from the Lord!  Anyways, the font filled up just fine, and we took advantage of the time to clean the chapel.

We have quite a few investigators that are really progressing now!  Marcial and Elena (Familia Guzman) continue progressing.  His only doubt is that he was baptized in another church and doesn't think he needs another baptism, but we are helping him understand the importance of being baptized by someone who has authority.  We are also teaching Cristobalina, an older woman whose husband was a member and died about 4 months ago.  She says she feels a "power" when she reads the book of Mormon and is really excited about how she feels!

I got called out to give a talk yesterday.  I'm getting pretty good at preparing talks on the spot, but keep that on the down low so that they don't think they can do that when I get home.  Remember, the church is true!  With the Lord we can do anything!

Hmmm, I think that's about it for now!!

I love you guys!  I hope that you have a great week!

Love, 

Elder Reeder

 

-- 

Elder Riley Ted Reeder

La Iglesia De Jesucristo De Los Santos De Los Últimos Días

La Misión Santo Domingo Oeste, República Dominicana 

Another Week, Another Experience!

January 21, 2013

My Dearest Family,
 

Well family, there isn't too much news for this week!  This week we got the chance to do more house checks...not really that exciting!  But, we did get to go out all over the south, which is always an adventure.  I kinda feel like a truck driver, I feel like all I do is drive and drive and drive!  So I guess if I drop out of college, I could be a truck driver maybe?  We also moved a house of 4 elders in 2 trips with a Toyota truck...I guess I could also be a mover?  We moved 4 beds, 2 desks, a washing machine, a stove, 2 dressers, and 8 chairs.....in one trip!  When in La Republica Dominicana, do as the Dominicans do! 
 

We are teaching a way cool family right now, and they are progressing really well!  They are the family Guzman.  They have a son who is a returned missionary, but they never accepted the gospel.  The first time we invited them to church, they came, and they loved it!  (Of course they did, Elder Nelson spoke!)  They really want to follow God, and they are willing to do what He asks!  They have received the "seed" of a testimony, and feel as if the Book of Mormon is true, and that José Smith fue un profeta!  It is great to work with a family like them.

The conference that we had on Sunday for the Caribbean area really was an amazing experience.  I could feel that the messages were directed perfectly for the people, and for me, and it strengthened my testimony of the importance of living prophets.  Elder Zwick, President Beck, and Elder Nelson all talked, and it really was an amazing experience.

Today I feel like the Lord has answered my prayers.  These last 8 months have been quite exhausting, and today during our meeting with President, he said that at the end of this transfer (Middle of February) "it's possible" that I might get to "rest" from my labors here in the office and as ayudante!  It is not positive, but it is a possibility!  As much as I am grateful for my experiences and the countless things I have learned, I'm also ready to focus on an area, investigators, and my spiritual growth to finish things off.  But like always, I'll go where you want to me to go, Dear Lord.  Only time will tell!!

Well family, I'm grateful for you guys!  I'm grateful for your support, your love, and most of all that I got sent to such an awesome family!  I love you guys more than you can imagine, and I pray for you individually every single day.  I know Christ lives, I know that He is our Savior and Redeemer, and I know this is the only true church upon the face of the earth!  What more can I say?

Love,

Elder Reeder