November 26, 2012 Teaching Hope, Faith and Joy in the Atonement

Toy given to Elder Bryce so he could complete his collection- from McDonalds

Elder Bryce and Elder Hendricksen

Elder Bryce and Elder McDougall

Elder Bryce and Elder Lopez

Dear Family,
Well, everything here is going just great. For Thanksgiving, we went and taught some people. We didn`t get to celebrate it really. But, oh well. Yeah, I don`t remember what type of tie the gray one is, but I will look. Thanks for finding the other tie though, that is awesome that they had another one. Well, I can`t remember if I told you this already, but, for Christmas and for Mother`s day we get to skype. I`m not sure where or when, but I will get more details later. Well, I have a few more things to ask for, but if it is too much, don`t worry about it. I don`t want to cause to much stress. So, if you haven`t already gotten the watch bands, you don`t have to get them anymore. Elder Leonardo told me that I can get some here for really cheap. Also, I was wondering if they had a CD for the Golden Days. The birthday celebration for President Monson. That would be really cool to have. Also, if you guys could send me a picture of the man hut and my room. Also a picture of Tyler holding Rex (or Matt if he wants to). I want to see how big Rex is. (Rex is our big orange cat) From the last picture it looked like he was huge! Also, if you could send me a copy of Come Thou Fount (the hymn version) and the EFY Medly piano music. That would be awesome! Sorry, this is a lot of stuff. Once again, if it is too much to ask for, don`t worry about it.

This week has just been really great. We had two baptisms on Saturday and it was amazing! Both Bayron and Hermana Aracely have really strong testimonies. Bayron is 14 and he is really great. He was the one who`s mom wouldn`t let him get baptized at first, but we got her to agree to let him. However, the cool thing was that the family of Bayron came to his baptism! Bayron is the only one who is a member and we are planning on teaching the rest of the family.

We have been finding a ton of new people to teach. We have about 14 progressing investigators and more that aren`t really progressing. The Lord has truly prepared this area! We also have been visitng a lot of the less active members and trying to reactivate them. That has been going really well. Yeah, we have been truly blessed. This ward has been really helpful and they are always willing to go with us to teach others. It has been a huge blessing. One of the goals that we have made as a mission, is to focus every lesson on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This is by far my favorite thing to teach about. Sometimes we just take a whole lesson and talk about it. Every time that we do, the Spirit is so strong. 

I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, because without it, we honestly have nothing. We have no hope, no feelings of peace, happiness, or joy. We will always have feelings of guilt and sorrow. However, Jesus Christ atoned for each one of us because He loves us. This is what our hope, faith, and joy is, that we can become clean through His Atonement and that we can return to our Father in Heaven once again. This is what our message is all about, that there is always hope and light. Well, I love you guys so much and I hope that all is well. May we always remember the promise given from God in D&C 18: 15-16. Until next time!

Love,

Elder Bryce Rodney Hales

D&C 18: 15-16

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!"

Instant Messaging:


Yeah, I sent the letter 2 weeks ago. So hopefully soon. 

Well, my mouth is doing alright. There was just a time when I had a really sore throat with a ton of cankers in the back, and on the inside of my lip and tongue. But, everything is good now. My tummy is doing alright. There are times that are better than others, but, yeah, it is doing just fine. 

Pupusas are AMAZING! Last night we had some of the best ones. They are made of corn tortillas, and then you can put basically whatever you want in the middle. You can put beans and cheese (my favorite), chicken, pork, etc. You guys will have to try them. I will try to get some recipes. There is this thing that we eat here that is really good and I think really easy to make. It is rice, milk, and cinnamon. The milk is warm/hot and it is amazing. The food here is really good. A lot of rice and beans.

Well, I have just a few more minutes. Tell pops that he can do this. I know that he can do this and that there is nothing that we can`t do if we have the Lord on our side. I am so grateful for you and Pops as my parents and for my brothers and sisters. I am so grateful to have been born in such a great family. There are many families that have major problems and can`t work them out. But we have managed to overcome all of these problems with the help of the Lord. This was actually something that we had to talk about with a member this last week. We talked about how Satan is trying to destroy the family and that as a family, they need to work together and overcome their differences. With the help of the Lord, all things are possible.

Well, I now have to go. I love you guys so much and will write to you next week. It will come a lot faster than we know it!

Love,

Elder Bryce Rodney Hales

Letter to Matt:

Yo Matt!

So, I heard that you went on a date. And you didn`t tell me.  It`s ok, "I forgive you.  Because that is the kind of person I am. Humble. A humble Genius."  NAME THE MOVIE! hahaha. You never thought that you would here that question in 2 years! hahaha. Well, how are you doing bro? Hey, good luck on your finals coming up. I know that you will do just fine. Just remember to always pray and to put your faith and trust in the Lord. He will help you. Hey, I think that it would be a great idea if you would have study time with Ty guy. Help him to really know the scriptures and PMG. Not only will it help him prepare for his mission, it will greatly bless his life, and the lives of his friends by his example. Well, bro, you will have to keep me posted on how things are going at home. Also, you will have to let me know how it goes with J. Maybe some time after school. Well, I love you bro, and will talk to you later!

Seamos fiel, pues!

Elder Bryce Hales