At this point in his mission, Ben was transferred to a little town called San Quintin. As many of you know at this past General Conference it was announced that a temple was to be built in Tijuana Mexico. That was very exciting for him and all the other members, leaders, and missionaries in that area. I really like that letter from his Mission President because it is so true. Any time we as individuals, or as a people, take a step in the right direction, Satan is always there to try and bring us down. That is why it is so important that we focus on what is really important in our lives and cling to our standards and our beliefs. We can't get discouraged or stop trying because it might be harder that we had originally anticipated. We must renew and strengthen our resolve to live righteous lives. You know revenge is frowned upon because we are supposed to love our enemies? Well, Satan is our enemy and he tries his hardest to get us to sin and go against what we know is right. To get "revenge" on Satan all we have to do is choose the right. Throw right back into his face everything he tempts us with by saying "no", or in some cases saying "yes." Say no to seeing that inappropriate movie. Turn off the song when you feel uncomfortable. Say yes to reading your scriptures. Say yes to going to seminary, but go ahead and say yes to the snooze buttons a couple of times:) Hey, we aren't perfect; all the Lord asks of us is to always be striving.
Alright starting off with the answers to the questions San Quintin is amazing it is a promised land, my companion is a really sentimental guy and is totally awesome and we are pumped to work here, the work is awesome and way different, the branch has between 120 and 140 members that go every week and the church is about to start building a chapel for the branch so all the members are super excited. The last Elder here finished his mission here so didn´t leave too much but that is perfect becasue my companion and I are going to start working in another area about 30 minutes away. My sector extends fro Manadero until Lazaro Cardenas. The Spanish here is a little different there are a lot of people that dont speak Spanish, and speak dialects, they also say Los Globos instead of Sobreduelas. The Elders don´t do to much in the branch leadership. And yes I did get the package my last day in Pinos and my comapnion got the pen after I left. I hope Michelle posted to the people that that direction now won´t work for me it is now back to the old mission address. I did buy the bike 700 pesos and then 100 pesos for a seat.
Fun Story of San Quintin there is a Mormon Polygamist colony in me sector on the maps it shows up as Los Molinos but here it is know as Zarahemla. And it is forbidden to contact there, think about living in Utah before Wilford Woodruff and thats what it is like. As for other news there is problem with the Camera, I don´t know how to describe it but it pretty much donesn´t take picturess anymore becasue the screeen stops working. As for fun scriptures DandC 31-3-5, 50.23,1 Tim 4.12, and for dad Alma 30.7-that if you know a law is unjust and dont do anything the sin falls on your head as well.
As for things I need could you all send me in email maps of all the peuplitos close by and ideas for games in a noche de hogar. And share with me your expericens of how keeping the Sabbath Day holy has been a blessing in your life.
I love you all till Next Week,
Love, Elder Baria
Letter from the Mission President
Estimados Elderes y Hermanas:
Estamos al igual que todos los miembros de la Misión muy felices por el anuncio del Templo. El templo será una gran bendición para la vida de los miembros pero a la vez para todos los habitantes de Baja California Norte, Sur y Sonora.
Teniendo esto en cuenta también hay alguien que NO esta muy contento con este anuncio: SI, Satanás el enemigo de toda justicia y verdad.
Hemos visto una baja sustancial en los números y bautismos de la misión. Al hablar con los misioneros hemos observado que todos siguen trabajando fuerte y esforzándose por cumplir con los indicares claves, consiguiendo nuevos cada día y llevando nuevas personas a la iglesia cada semana.
Esto me indica que Satanás ahora está trabajando muy fuerte para impedir que la gente progrese y se bautice. El sabe que aquellos que se bauticen ahora serán de los primeros que entren al templo cuando ya esté dedicado.
Por esta razón no podemos desanimarnos ni dejar que Satanás gane terreno. Tenemos que trabajar más fuerte que nunca. Tenemos que hacer un esfuerzo sobre humano para cumplir con los indicadores claves y mantener nuestro enfoque de un bautismo cada semana por compañerismo y mantenernos espiritualmente dignos, mediante la obediencia, el estudio diario, la oración y deseo sincero de hacer las cosas que Nuestro Padre Celestial nos requiere.
Demostrémosle a Dios que El no se equivoco cuando nos llamo a esta misión en este TIEMPO. Estamos aquí ahora porque el confía en nosotros y sabe que no nos dejaremos ganar de Satanás. Que vamos a dar todo lo que tenemos para encontrar a los escogidos y mantener los conversos que entraran en su Santa Casa.
Vivamos dignos de esta hermosa época en que fuimos llamados.
Con Mucho Cariño,
Presidente Heyn
For those of you who aren't fluent in Spanish, here is the English translation:
Dear Elders and Sisters:
We like all members of the Mission are very happy with the announcement of the Temple. The temple will be a great blessing to the lives of members but also for all inhabitants of Baja California Norte, Sur and Sonora.
With this in mind there is also someone who is not happy with this announcement: Yes, Satan the enemy of all righteousness and truth.
We have seen a substantial decline in the numbers and baptisms of the mission. In speaking with the missionaries we have observed that all are working hard and striving to meet to designate a key, getting new ones every day and bringing new people to church every week.
This tells me that Satan is now working hard to prevent people from progressing and be baptized.He knows that those who are baptized will now be the first to enter the temple when it is dedicated.
For this reason we can not discouraged or let Satan gain ground. We have to work harder than ever. We have to make a human effort to meet key indicators and maintain our approach of a baptism every week for fellowship and stay spiritually worthy, through obedience, the daily study, prayer and sincere desire to do the things that Heavenly Father we require.
Let us show God that He is not wrong when we call this mission at this time. We are here now because he trusts us and knows that we will not gain from Satan. We will give everything we have to find the elect and maintain the converts who come into His Holy House.
Live worthy of this beautiful time when we were called.
With love,
President Heyn
