October 3, 2016 - From Sam

Amazing week of General Conference... some amazing talks were given huh?

Yesterday we had changes. Elder Leiva will be leaving and Ill be staying here in Tierra Nueva and training a new missionary! Im more than nervous because my first experience training was horrible with E Camacho hahaha but Im hoping this one will be better. Its also a lottttt of extra responsibility already with District Leader stuff and training is going to be stressful. But I know the Lord has a reason for me to be with this new missionary and I will try to teach him and be the best example I can be. 

I felt like the main topics of General Conference were Repentance and the Plan of Salvation. Wow two incredible topics that have played such a huge part in my life.  President Uchtdorfs talk on Saturday morning was incredible. Do we take for granted, or take advantage of the Plan of Salvation? Are we sincerely grateful for the knowledge of the plan our Heavenly Father has for us? Do we take advantage of teaching and sharing opportunities with non members?

I also loved David A Bednars talk on Sunday afternoon. Especially the part about coming to truly know our Savior rather than know only about Him. His 4th point was Believing Him. Often we preach to others that Jesus loves them and you can be forgiven if you repent, but often we dont believe that applys in our own personal lives. As if for some reason we feel that we can not be forgiven for our own sins. I testify by my own personal experience that those thoughts are not of the Savior. He is always willing to forgive us no matter how far away we feel we have departed from Him. 

My final thought is from Quentin L Cook. He used a scripture in 1st Cor 2:1-5. Paul is speaking: ¨And my speech and my preaching was not with the enticing words of mans wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.¨

I often feel as if other missionaries know more doctrine and are better about knowing scripture or stories or whatever the case may be. Im not the best about whipping out scripture after scripture to prove something or demonstrate something. But I know the Lord has blessed me with a testimony as strong as anyones. Although we should always strive to learn more about the gospel, we dont have to be geniuses in the scriptures to be able to testify to others with the spirit and with power as Paul did. I am very grateful for that scripture in the New Testament. 

I love you all with all my heart. Have a fantastic week!

Elder Gurksnis

October 2, 2016 - From Mom

Hello my Elder Gurksnis!

What a week!  Conference, Kevin's wedding, and lots of family in town.  First of all, I sent a separate email with lots of pictures.  What you can't see is that I'm holding pictures of you on my phone so you could be "with" us this week:)  So wherever you see me awkwardly holding my phone up in the picture, know that you are on the screen there.  Kevin's wedding was truly beautiful!  (ps. I know where we will have your wedding reception now).  It was in this barn in Celina with a complete wall of windows that overlooked a pond and these huge oak trees.  Such a gorgeous venue.  Kevin and Misti both seemed so incredibly happy and I just feel so happy for Kevin inparticular.  I knew he was lonely for many years and he has found his life partner and I think they are very well matched.  Now if we can just get them activated in the gospel, that would be awesome.  I passed your info that you told me to give to Kevin.  He really appreciated what you said and expressed how much he wished you could have been there.  It's never the same without you.  We danced most of the night.  Great music!  You would have been proud of Gray, he has some moves:)

Kevin and his groomsmen performed for about 10 minutes this funny dance and song routine.  They finished with a "Dirty Dancing" lift at the end.  One of Kevin's groomsmen is Dustin Rykert.  You've met him but not sure if you remember.  He is 6'8" and used to play football for byu.  He is such a great guy.  Very active in the church and totally hilarious.  He did the lift so Kevin is like 7-8 feet off the ground.  I'm sending you two versions of this same video.  If you can see and hear one of them, will you send me a reply so that I know which version worked for you?  Then I can send future videos in that same version.  Hopefully one will work!  If you can't hear it, just sing "I've had the time of my life... and I've never felt this way before..." in your head as you watch the video:)

We watched conference over at Laurette's house on Sunday morning with all our family in town.  We actually got a picture of me, my parents and all 8 kids for the first time in almost 7 years.  I was looking around at my siblings, aunts and uncles and cousins and thinking about how grateful I am for the rich heritage we have of church activity in our family.  Of course there are some who have left the church or really never were truly grounded in it.  But I'm so thankful that we aren't alone in our beliefs and that we have the support of parents and family that love the Lord and are trying everyday to follow His teachings.  I LOVED every bit of conference!  So many talks that seemed to speak directly to me.  I thought of you many times too.  Thinking that so much applied to you and your growth and your experiences.  I loved Sister Reeves talk about the early return missionary who returned so valiantly.  Not a dry eye in our family during that one.  I also loved Elder Bednar.  "The phrases "ye never knew me" and "ye know me not" should be cause of deep spiritual introspection for each of us.  Do we only know ABOUT the Savior? Or are we increasingly coming to KNOW him?"  I've been thinking so much about this lately and whether I am immersing myself in the gospel enough.  Do we have a testimony?  That is really important.  But more important than just knowing the gospel is true, is immersing ourselves in the gospel and living it... becoming who Christ sent us here to become.  You are inspiring me to be better.  To do better.  To do the hard things that are sometimes required to be truly "converted" to the gospel.  Thank  you my son for your wonderful example.  Maybe you could share some of that talk with Axel so he could understand how important his actions are.

I think Taylor's baptism is postponed.  Her family found out about her UVU interview and freaked out.  She's coming over tomorrow so I'll know more then.  But in January, she'll be on her own so she can make decisions then that her family won't be so involved in.  I hope she watched conference some this weekend.  I felt bad that she couldn't really watch with us because we were gone so much of the time due to wedding and family stuff.

Another big event this week is Taylor Austin... I know she wrote you because Kellie sent me a copy of the letter.  She is still waiting to find out if she has to come home or not.  I think conference this weekend slowed everything down regarding a decision since some of the decision makers are involved with GC.  However, she feels tremendous peace about her decision.  I know she sees you as such an example and it helped her to have the courage to take care of her confession.  She feels a tremendous burden lifted since she spoke with her Mission Pres.  Kellie has been pretty emotional this week because she knows how difficult it will be if she has to come home.  Taylor suffers from some anxiety and depression and since she has been on her mission it has been all but gone.  I know (and you know) how much Satan works on you when you come home.  I just pray that if she does have to come home, she will be committed to resolving whatever she needs to resolve and then returning to complete her mission.  It's been so incredibly good for her.  You have really been an example and inspiration to her.

We have been praying for all of your investigators.  How is it going?  How are the Gomez and Lopez families doing?  I hope GC helped.  How are you doing?  Feeling?  Does the time feel like its going quickly?  

I deposited $100 into your checking account this week so you have almost $200 in there now.  Your savings is growing as we put $100 per month in there too for your birthday/Christmas gift.  When you get home, you'll have a little nest egg to go back to school.  Did you secure the cash and credit card we sent with you?  Do you have it in a safe place?  Did you receive your birthday package yet?  If not, I'm hoping you will this week.  You have to wait til your birthday to open it!  

I love you so incredibly much, my son!  Each and every day I pray for you multiple times.  I always pray that you know and feel how much your family loves you and that you feel your Savior's love for you too.  I can't wait to hear about your week!  I'm home all day so I'll be here when you get online.  

Have a wonderful week sweet boy!

I love you forever!

mom

xoxo

p.s. Did you get my message that I sent Wilhelm?  Te amo mucho!

p.s.s. Abby said that Te amo mucho doesn't make sense.  Is that the right grammar for I love you?  Hoping you can clear up our Spanish dispute:)

September 26, 2016 - From Sam

This week was pretty amazing. We had 8 investigators in church this week which was incredible! All of them who previously only stayed for sacrament meeting are all now staying through the classes and Priesthood and Relief Society. We've seen tons of miracles. 

The hermanas in my district when this change started had 4 new investigators in two weeks and maybe one or two investigators in church. Theyve been continuingly getting better and better every week until this week they had 15 new investigators and 4 people in sacrament meeting! They completed the mission goal for the first time in their missions. I was super proud of them.

One experience I wanted to share: Me and Elder Leiva were having a deep conversation this week and were talking about a lot of things hes gone through in the mission and his conversion story. He was telling me about his first two changes compared to this change and basically long story short he said, "even though on my missionary papers it will always say Elder blank trained me, you were my trainer in the mission and taught me how to work hard and dedicate this short time to the Lord, and how exact obedience brings miracles." We were both tearing up. 

It was a humbling moment and I wont ever forget what he said to me. His mission experience has been almost identical to my first, because I said the exact same thing almost word for word to Elder Funes who was my second companion but my real trainer in the mission. Ill always be thankful and indebted to Elder Funes because he truly changed my life. I was more than humbled in that moment knowing that that's the effect Elder Funes had on me and to know that my companion told me of the affect I was able to have on him was the same.

I dont share any of these experiences for my own praise, but so that hopefully yall that read them can feel the spirit through my experiences and become closer to our Savior. 

"For behold, in my name they are called. And if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand." Mosiah 26:24

Have a great week.

Love always,

Elder Gurksnis

September 25, 2016 - From Mom

Good morning my son!  

It's Monday!  My favorite day!!!!  The only bad thing is that I slept thru my alarm this morning and completely missed seminary.  Major teacher fail!  But now I get to talk to my son, so all is good in the world!

How was your week?  How are your investigators progressing?  When is your next changes? How are you eating and feeling?  Are you taking your vitamins???  Isn't it good to know that I will always be your mommy:)  No matter your age...:)

We had a pretty uneventful week.  However, I did have a missionary lesson on Wednesday with Taylor.  Bro. Osbourne (operation underground railroad) joined us and talked to her about how his family and inlaws were completely against him joining the church.  It was interesting to hear his story.  But he told her that all the worst things he imagined could happen if he joined the church (with his family relationships) did not happen.  It hasn't been completely smooth sailing but his family has slowly come to better understand his decision and are more supportive.  I reminded her that the world asks to see miracles so that they can "believe."  However, the gospel teaches us that faith comes first and then miracles can happen.  Its our faith that instigates miracles.  So the missionaries set a baptism date and she agreed, somewhat timidly.  I'm not sure if she'll actually go through with it but I know she wants to.  October 22 is the date I think.  Say some prayers for her family to soften their hearts and for her to act in faith.

Also Bro. Osbourne is going to Guatemala City in a few weeks.  He asked if you might have any investigators or recent converts that he could meet with and he could share his conversion story with them?  Very cool opportunity.  I'm not sure of the actual dates yet, but keep this in mind and I'll let you know next Monday.  We are going to talk about it this week.

Noelle and her family will be here Wednesday this week for the wedding and Gray comes in Thursday.  Oh how we will miss you!  Have I told you lately how you are my hero? :)  I'm so incredibly proud of you.  I love everything about you!  I'm bringing your picture to the wedding so we can have you in the family pictures.  

I wanted to share with you something that I'm studying this week.  Its from Matthew 7:21-28.  Its about the wise man who builds his house upon the rock by not only being a hearer of the word but also a doer.  The foolish man was not a doer of the word, a hearer only and so the foundation of his home is destroyed with the winds and storms of temptation and trial come.  

The interesting this is that whether your foundation is on the rock or sand, does not change the weather.  Having a sure foundation (Read Helaman 5:12) won't eliminate rain, storms, hurricanes or hail; it only ensures that we won't crumble when they come.  When we turn to God during our trials, he will be our greatest ally to get through them.  It's like the word "hearken' so often used in the scriptures.  To hear is good, but to hearken (hear and obey or act) is much better.  We can't just talk about following Christ, we have to BECOME followers by doing what he asks.  You have shown us such a wonderful example of "becoming" and "hearkening".  

Baby boy, I can see you have lots of letters to read so I won't take up too much of your time.  I can't wait to hear from you!  I'll be here online when you get here:)  

I love you more than the sun, and the moon, and the stars... infinity + infinity and even more than that!  Keep me in your pocket so I can always be with you.  

xoxoxo

mom

September 19, 2016 - From Sam

It was another good week in the Guat! Lots of amazing experiences. 

On Tuesday we had a multi zone conference and President Crapo asked me to sing ¨I know that my Redeemer Lives (Yo se que vive mi senor)¨. I feel like although i was nervous there was a really strong spirit. My zone came up to me afterwards and a few of them said specifically that it was like I wasnt even singing, but rather testifying in that moment that I know that my Redeemer lives. It was one of the most awesome things anyone has really ever said me. But I do know now more than ever with 100% assurity that my Redeemer lives. I love that hymn. 

When I came here, me and Elder Leiva basically started from 0. We inherited literally 0 progressing investigators. That was very frustrating at first. When I came here Elder Leiva had just finished his training and after about a week he told me that his trainer didnt teach him to work hard and they lost a lot of time just hanging out. They werent very obedient either. I know more than anyone that in training its never the new missionaries fault, so I didnt blame him for any of that. But I was somewhat frustrated that we had to start from 0. But we are truly beginning to see many of the fruits of many of the seeds we started to plant weeks ago. Our area has only had 3 baptisms in the past 5 months. Right now for the upcoming month of October we have two families that are almost certain to be baptised and two other men individually that are close to baptism. (Familia Hidalgo, Familia Lopez, Axel and Estuardo).

Im so grateful for the spirit that we are worthy to have with us each and every day for being obedient and worthy missionaries. God is truly using us as instruments in his hands.

¨But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom. But behold my joy is full. Yea my heart is brim with joy and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; Therefore I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things. Yea, behold, many might miracles we have wrought in this land for which we will praise his name forever. (Alma 26:11-12). 

I know that I am nothing and as to my strength I am weak. But I will rejoice in my God who has made us instruments in his hands in the bringing forth of many souls to Christ. I cant describe the difference in the spirit here in this second go around versus my ¨first mission.¨ But it is a great difference. 

I love this gospel with all my heart and I am willing to give up any of my will to the will of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. I know this message and this gospel are true. Plant the seed of faith in your heart and let it grow (Alma 32:28). 

Love always,
Elder Gurksnis

September 18, 2016 - From Mom

Hello my sweet son!  How is my boy this week?!  I can't wait to hear all about it.  Just an FYI, I never know when you'll be online (wish we could establish a fairly regular time so I can always be sure to be online when you are) and yesterday was Brookes bday so I'm taking her to lunch today to celebrate.  I'll have my phone and will do my best to be online with you.  I LOVE when we get to talk on Mondays so I'll do my best, but it might not go as smoothly.  Gonna say a little prayer right now that it works out ok.

So pretty good week.  A couple of tough spots.  Abby has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression.  She has started medication over the last week that I hope will help her.  I've notice her isolating herself and strictly depending on Cater.  It worries me so much because this is a time for her to develop her independence and confidence... but sadly there isn't much I can do about the boyfriend situation.  She lied to us about something this week so she is grounded from spending time with him outside of school for the next 6 weeks.  We set some goals about taking the medication, attending sessions with a counselor (she starts tonight), and finding more balance in her life with school, church, family, friends, and Cater.  If she can do that, then in 6 weeks they can spend a little more time together.  I think she actually seems to be doing better already.  She would never admit it, but not spending time with Cater seems to give her relief.  I know he is a good kid and treats her well, they are just toooooo young to be so serious.  She thinks shes gonna marry him (eye roll).  UGH!

Another tough spot, Grayson is going through some repentance right now and won't be able to submit his mission papers until December.  That means he is probably going to the Winter semester of school and leaving in May for his mission.  Of course I'm happy he is taking these steps, but I'm worried he is having some issues.  I'm not sure if he told you about this, but keep him in your prayers.  The good thing is that his testimony is growing so much at BYU and I know he is doing what he is supposed to do.  We all need the atonement and I'm glad he is learning that now.

So with all this... I don't want you to worry one bit.  I am only telling you now because I think both Abby and Gray are making improvements and taking the right steps in their lives.  I have thought a lot this week about how much Satan wants my children.  You each have such tremendous potential to do amazing things in this world and so he is working so hard on each of you.  But I always remind each of you (as we learn in the temple) Satan has the power to bruise your heal but you have the power to crush his head.  Just stay close to the Savior and all will be well.

This reminds of a lesson I taught last week about when Peter was called to be an apostle.  He had a horrible night of fishing with no luck. (read Luke 5:1-11) In the morning the Lord approached him and asked him to go to the deep sea and put down his net.  Peter's experience would tell him that there was no point in doing that.. he had a bad night and now the fish weren't going to magically appear.  But he chose to respond it faith by saying "nevertheless, at thy word I will let down my net."  The word nevertheless is so important.  Even when we don't understand why the Lord is inviting us or asking us to do something or obey something, nevertheless, we can obey anyway.  Can you imagine if Peter had not chosen to put down his nets and follow the Lord?  He may have been a good fisherman, but by obeying the Lord and following His plan for him, he was given a greater life than he could have imagined.  He walked with the Savior for three years, heard his teachings, felt his love and watched His miracles.  Better than an ordinary fisherman for sure.  

Pres. Ezra T. Benson said, "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.  Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life." 

That is what you get to do right now, my boy!  By returning to Guatemala, you have basically said, "whatever was important to me, I'm going to turn my life over to the Savior and let Him make something greater of me than I planned for myself."  I love that about you!  I know it wasn't easy and I certainly know it isn't easy now, but you have made a life changing decision to put the Lord first.  I'm so proud of you!  You are such an example to each of us and I'm so grateful for that.  I know you will grow this year in ways you never imagined.  And after you have completed your year, you will know that you gave your all to Him.  Then you can return home and see how you can put Him first here too. (your mission is just the beginning... so much more ahead of you). See how he will make something better with your life than you could alone.  (ps. I've already started praying that the Lord will prepare a special young woman for you to meet and marry .... is that crazy?  I don't think so.. LOL)

I think Abby sent you our video today.  I hope you can see it because its pretty funny.  I converted it to mp4 instead of the MOV before. I'm sending you a couple of pics of Gray.  One is while we were watching the byu volleyball game on tv and we could only see Grayson's hand but knew it was him because we recognized his nub.  HAHA  Then they showed him later and we could see his face.  A fun surprise!  Also a pic of me meeting Gwen:)

I love you my wonderful son!  You are the world to me and I pray for you many times each day.  Dad and I had a great night at the temple Saturday.  We put your name on the prayer roll the week before.  So we stood in the prayer circle knowing your name was on that list and we wanted to be a part of that prayer.  I hope you are feeling our love and the Savior's love for you!  You are my hero!

infinity + infinity and even more than that!

Mom

September 12, 2016 - From Sam

This letter will be short cause Im almost out of time, but it was another great week. 

First shout out to two of my best buds Branden Oliver for getting engaged to Nat J and Hunter Farr for getting married and sealed in the temple this past week! Love both yall

Ill just tell a couple cool experiences I had this week. First was Jose Maria. He was an alcoholic and has a huge desire to quit drinking and has been doing great. We gave him a blessing the other night and the next day he recieved a job and although he was paid 100 quetz he gave 95 to his sister and kept only 5 to eat so he wouldnt have the rest of the money to tempt him to buy alcohol. Its crazy because thats truly exactly what I wrote in my letter last week about taking steps to stay away from temptation.

We had 6 investigators in church this week and it was amazing. We have been blessed to have many investigators every week in church. At first it seemed no matter what the blessings we were receiving I was still thinking about the people who didnt come through. I always thought man but so and so didnt come or this person or whatever. But now Ive realized the blessings that I have seen and the true amount of success we have been having in our area these last three weeks. Im so grateful and I have quit counting the blessings I dont have and am focusing more on the ones we are receiving.

I know this isnt a super profound letter just short on time this week. Love you all! 

Elder Gurksnis