Elder Christensen‏

¡¡¡Holaaa mi familia y todosss!!!
 
How is everyone doing? I hope that this letter finds everyone safe and
sound, like always! Well, we had another baptism yesterday, Nidian.
She is an old investigator that my comp and his old comp had left
because she wasnt progressing. But, one day we were walking in the
street and she ran up to us asking when the next baptismal service is!
So, we returned to teaching her, and yesterday she was baptized!!
Awesome!!! She has such great faith... Get this. Her mom didnt give
her permission to be baptized for anything, but she, being 18, took
the situation into her own hands and came and was baptized! She truly
is scared of her mom... I think she is abusive. But then on Sunday,
she didnt come to the meeting. Soo... she wasnt confirmed. Come to
find out that the parents actually put a lock on the door so that she
couldnt leave. Wow! So, we'll be talking with the parents soon to help
them understand. Crazy huh? This saturday we are preparing another
baptismal service! :) Some of the Vilca Family will be baptized. Minus
the dad, and a brother. They still have problems with the Word of
Wisdom. But, the mom Nicasia, her daughter Edith, and her son Jaime
will be baptized saturday! Its gonna be big too. They are planning on
food, family, and friends all attending! I'm pretty stoked! Other than
this, the work is progressing really well. I'm pleased to say the
least. We have a reference from other missionaries in our zone for a
kid that they have been teaching and he supposedly had a date for this
last saturday... So we will try to have him baptized this saturday as
well! The work is really progressing here in Juliaca.
 
Now dad, yes. Winter is slowly approaching. And no, we do not have
heat. I dont know of anyone in this town that has heat. Im still
studying in a coat, scarf, but I lost my gloves! :/ so I need to buy
some more... But from what I hear, the winter is horrible here. Babies
die from the cold. Literally. It hails a ton, and a couple years ago
it snowed. So who knows! Its supposedly summer right now, but feels
more like winter. The natives are weirded out too.
 
Now, there are a couple things that I NEED!:
1. My patriarchal blessing.
2. Line of Authority
3. Ideas for games to play for FHE!!!!
 
Please please!! I need them!
 
Scriptures of the week for the past 4 weeks... Haha I keep forgettting!
1.D&C 4:2
2. Matt 10:19-20
3.John 6:35&37
4.Alma 53:20-21
 
I'm finding out that when I am really focused on the work, the time
flies by. Literally! Im so grateful to have this oppurtunity to serve
my mission here in the wonderful country of Perù! I love every minute,
and I wouldnt trade this experience for anything! I finally got some
letters, after like 3 weeks of nothing! Sad, huh? And where are my
pictures family? Its not that hard.... Boys, help them out! And thanks
for writing me! I really love to hear from all of you! I dont have
much time, there are no pictures, I forgot to bring my camera! :( I'm
sorry. So, I hope that you all have a great week, and that you are
keeping me in your prayers! I can feel them, so keep them coming.
 
Con muccchoo amor...
Elder Jordan Van Christensen

Family!!! Much love...‏

Ahh.. My wonderful family and other loved ones!
 
This week truly has flown by. I was so surprised on Sunday, I was
like, wow! This week is already gone. Its crazy how time goes by in
the mission. Dad, I guess you're right... I'm 25% done. Weird to think
about.
 
So about our investigators. We have 4 people with a baptismal date and
they are for sure gonna be dunked, if it be the Lords will! We have
Nidian this Saturday, and 3 members of the Vilca family on the 26th.
There are a lot of more people that can be baptized this month, all we
need to do is to be obedient, and WORK. This last Saturday we
organized an activity called "Puertas Abiertas". Which means "Open
Doors" in English. We printed out 1,250 cards that we passed out to
the organizations in our ward, and we passed out ourselves. Also we
appeared on 2 TV stations, with a personal interview. Who knew that my
15 minutes of fame would be in Peru? Hahaha it really was so awesome.
One station made a copy of the interview, but they cant find it
somehow.. So we'll be nagging them to find it so I can send it home!
Anyway, on Saturday about 40 people showed up. A ton less than we were
hoping for. But, nonetheless, it was a success! We have their
addresses, names, and phone numbers. The only thing is, is that almost
all of the references we have are in another sector.... Sweet! But I
don't have a problem as long as they work and baptize them all! ;)
 
Also, on Sunday early in the morning we get a call from the ZL's
saying that they have a baptism this morning but they don't have
electricity or running water in their chapel at the moment. So we
change, and run to our chapel to start filling the font. Normally it
takes 1 hour to fill, but we got 3 buckets of water and filled it that
way as well. It took us 25 minutes! We were running around like
chickens with our heads cut off, but we got it done! I ended up with 2
cuts on my hand, and some wet pants. Haha, I don't know how I got cut,
but I just happened to look down at my hand and blood was dripping on
the floor. Haha, so yeah. They had their baptism, it went well, and
the water was freezing! Hahaha. We as a zone have a goal of 41
baptisms this month. Wow. Our goal is 5. I have faith that we will be
able to complete with our goal. I am sure with the help of our Savior,
we can accomplish all things! Like it says in Moroni 7:33. Look it up!
 
Well, other than these little things, not a lot has happened this
week! The work is progressing really well, and there are many people
to baptize. We are working hard everyday, and Mom, I'm keeping my
promise. I'll keep it forever! I love you so much mom, thanks so much
for your email. Oh, by the way I got the letter with the pictures from
Christmas last Monday, I forgot to tell you. And the letter from Aunt
Jacquie as well! Tell her thank you! And I will write Gram and Gramps
and tell them thank you! How nice of them!! :) Oh and Mom, Ash's
birthday is on May 9th! How sweet of her to remember your birthday? :)
 
I don't have much time left, I hope that this email finds all of you
safe and sound! I miss you tons, but as I focus more and more on the
work, its easier to not feel homesick. I thank the Lord everyday for
this amazing opportunity I have to share this gospel with the people
here in Peru!
 
Los quiero muchooo!! Cuidanse! Tu hermano, hijo, y amigo Peruano...
 
Elder Jordan Van Christensen
 
PS - Enjoy the pics, they are a few from my time in Puno! 

¡¡¡Holaaa!!!‏

Before I forget.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! I'm glad that you got your
letter, pretty sure its the first time I've used a typewriter! So it
was pretty cool. Lets see, so not a lot has happened this week. Pretty
average, not much to say. But, we have been working and helping the
Vilca family, and almost all of their family will be baptized on the
26th!!! 4 people. The mom, Nicasia, the kids, Jaime, Edith, and Dina
(she will be her step-daughter after she gets married also this
month). Freddy is who will marry Dina, and he used to listen to the
lessons and everything, but now I don't know what happened. Anyway,
Dina wants to be baptized before my comp goes home, but before she
gets baptized she has to be married. They only live together right
now, so yeah. That's how it goes! The father, Fredrico, believes in the
Book of Mormon, knows that he needs to be baptized in the same manner
as Christ, and he will be baptized. BUT, he is in debt to 4 banks, and
in his work they drink when they sign contracts and all that jazz. So,
he has a big problem with the Word of Wisdom.... As well as I would
say... 75% or more of Juliaca. I heard from a member the other day
that the people here work to drink. Right now is the biggest party in
Puno. Its called, in Spanish, "Virgen de la Candelaria". Its HUGE. But
its in Puno. Now, the parties start here in Juliaca in March. I've
heard... well, lets just say I've heard a lot of stuff that happens
and its really not that great. People get so drunk that they pass out
in the streets. They lose all ability to reason and then bad things
happen. So.... yeah. We'll leave it at that! Anyway, Fredrico will be
baptized, but first he wants to finish this work that he has so he
wont be tempted by the alcohol. He is afraid to fall after he
converts.

The language really is picking up! Whenever I talk with members or
investigators, they always ask me how much time I have in the mission.
I then ask them how much time they think I have. They ALWAYS answer,
"I don't know, a year? 18 months?" Hhaha! They're pretty surprised when
I tell them that I'm about to complete 6 months. "Wow, 6 months? You
speak really well for only having half a year...!" Talk about a
compliment! That really boosts my confidence. :)

Now, I want to focus on something that has really been on my mind this
week. A few days ago, my comp and I were walking home from our
appointments at around 9pm. He asked me the question, "How can one
come to know Jesus Christ?". I thought about it for a little bit and
then he asked me, "Elder, do you know Jesus Christ?" As I thought
about this, I thought that yeah, I know Him. We continued to talk, and
he then told me there are 3 ways we can come to know Christ. 1. Look
in a mirror at the end of the day and ask yourself, "Did I ask as
Christ would today?" 2. Reading of his words in the Holy Scriptures.
Not simply just reading, but studying and analyzing them. and 3,
Praying with a TON of faith. He continued to tell me, "There are many
missionaries that come and serve their mission without ever knowing
Jesus Christ. This is sad, you know why? Because they wasted 2 years
of their life." Wow, I thought. How sad is that? He then asked me
again, "Elder, do you know Jesus Christ?" This question made me think
and really weighed on my mind. That night after dinner, I stopped to
look at the stars, and my comp went up to the room. As I was gazing up
into the night I asked myself, "Do I know our Savior and Redeemer
Jesus Christ?" Then I started to cry. I realized that I really don't
know Him. Goodness, I don't know Christ... I then made a goal to really
focus on how I can come to know Him. Everyday I have been reading
Jesus the Christ, and everyday I learn more and more. I want to be
able to say without a doubt in my mind that yes, I know Him
personally. Don't get me wrong, I have a powerful testimony of Him,
and I know that He lives. I just want to know Him.

I miss you all. Have a great week! Keep me and my investigators in
your prayers. Enjoy the photos!

Elder Christensen

Missionary Moms Poem

 
A Missionary Christmas  (author unknown)

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because... This year I'm giving Christ my
son.

I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've reread November's Ensign, Felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because, This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion , their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him, I'm giving Christ my son.
I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their
shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him, that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter; I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make, This year... I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, The toll it will be taking.
For He has done it all before, Greater love - there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me, His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, The hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, Until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make.  This year...I'm giving Christ my
son.                                                               

JULIACA.‏

Holaaaaa como stannnn??

Well everyone, I'm here in Juliaca. The land of dust, mud, bitter
cold, wind, and RAIN. Parts of this city are really ugly, not gonna
lie. My ward is Wiracocha. Were actually right in the city, which is
pretty nice. Wiracocha is Quechua for God, or Lord. So, not too bad
right? Well, honestly, I really am loving it here. I already almost
have a week here and we had 2 baptisms! We have so many more coming up
as well! For the month of February we have the goal of 5 baptisms. But
I am confident that we will have more than that. We have been
"meticulously" obedient (I don't think I'll ever forget that from my
setting apart blessing) and we've really been seeing the blessings.
For example, we have literally had people come looking for us to be
baptized. There is a lady that is 83 years old and has bad problems
with her spine. She cant walk, but she wants to be baptized. So we
will do all that we can to help her be baptized. I'll carry her into
the water if I have to. The city yeah, physically isn't all that great.
BUT, thank heavens that the work is PROGRESSING!!!! I thank the Lord
each night for this change, even though I really didn't want to leave
Puno. I know that this change is just what I needed. My comp is Elder
Parraga, and is AWESOME! I almost want to cry, because I finally have
such an awesome comp. He's obedient, likes to joke, and we get along
really well. He will finish his mission this change, so that means
I'll be here for at least another change. I can already tell you that
I will learn so much this change. Our room is pretty small, but its
all good. The shower is cold, most days. We live with our Pensionista
again! So awesome. She cooks really good food as well. It literally is
freezing here. I study with a coat, blanket, my scarf, and gloves. It
rains like everyday. Dogs walk around like people. The roads aren't
paved. Well, in the center they are. Lots of mud. I almost got bit by
a wild dog the other day walking at around 8:30. It was dark and I
about stepped on his head. Jaja, but I dodged it!

Mom, I'm really sorry to scare you! Trust me though, I am safe and
sound. This area in Juliaca, there are more problems with "robbing",
but I'm not worried. I'm at least 6-8" taller than everyone here in
Peru, jaja.

Man, I don't have a lot of time. Bridger, just realize that girls are
like that man. She should trust you. Trust is the most important thing
in a relationship. I'll hand write you more details about this.

Ash, i love to read your blogs! I'm sorry I don't have time today, I'll
hand write you okay? Hope you're safe! Keep having awesome
experiences! Miss you.

Well fam, I know it's short, just know that I love each and EVERY ONE
of you so so much. I will talk to you next week! Enjoy the photos.
Baptisms of Milagros and her brother Nicolas. :) Gotta love it!!!!

Your son and brother and friend,

Elder Christensen