Week 40: 7/2/2028- "A Good Week This Week!"

July 2, 2018

“A Good Week This Week!”

Dear Familia, Amigos y Mundo! 

This week was a very interesting week with highs and lows, of course, but mostly highs! I can say that I am seeing the fruits of our labors and this week was definitely a fruitful week. We have honestly been working hard in doing all things possible to have the Spirit with us always like being obedient with exactness and by helping those with whom we are teaching right now. In this moment we are working with 2 families who are great. In the first family, the father is a member, but his wife and their son who is 9 years old aren’t. We have been trying hard to get appointments and to get them to church. Finally, we had an appointment where we talked about the Restoration and its funny because the mom loves it, but the son loves it even more and he’s really smart. I see a bright future for this family! Well, they finally went to church this week which was a huge step for the mom who a devout Catholic. So, for her to go to church was a big step for her and the family. The other family has a somewhat similar situation as the other except that the mom is a member and we are teaching her two 2 kids right now because, the dad and the oldest son don’t want to listen. I feel as we teach the two kids we will be able to talk to them as well. This week was special because we set a date for the baptism of the 2 kids and they said yes! Now, here’s the thing, baptisms can’t happen if they aren’t attending church and they hadn’t attended up until that point. All I can say is that I was very happy to see the two kids and their mom there at church this week! So, we had both of these families as well as some other investigators at church this week. It was AWESOME!! I can testify that after all the hard work, and as you try your hardest to be obedient, and as you try to be the best missionary you can that the Lord does bless you! It’s not because you walk the fastest or that you are always on the GO,GO,GO,GO but rather that you try to seek the Spirit by being obedient, reading the scriptures, praying with faith, and once again, USING THE SPIRIT! I just really am loving what I am doing! I can testify and say that the Book of Mormon is 100% true! Not only I can say that, but so can one of our investigators! He will also be getting baptized on the 14th of July and was with us in an appointment with another investigator. So, we asked him how he came to know that the Book of Mormon is true. He gave a strong testimony that when he started to read he found comfort with a hard situation that he was in and he said that when he was reading in 2 Nephi he found his answers and that the Book of Mormon helped him find comfort and resolve his problems. Then, he looked this girl in the eyes and said, “I can truly say that this book is true and that it is really the word of God equal to the Bible and we can find out when we read it and pray about it. I know it is true.” Then My comp and I were just in awe, like wow! He has a testimony. So, honestly, it is as easy as that to know the truth by just reading a little bit at a time and, of course, praying as you read. Ask if it’s true. I would hope that some of my friends back home that aren’t members read this and apply it to their lives too. Because, I know that if you do you’ll feel the same way as this man Johann who came to know that the Book of Mormon is true for himself. Thanks for everything! I love you all! I am really loving it here and I love the fact that Colombia beat Senegal and we are moving on and that tomorrow we are gonna kill England! COLOMBIA!!!!!! COLOMBIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VIVA COLOMBIA!!!!!! JAMES FALCAO CUADRADO!!!!!!!

      

Love,

Elder Weaver

Week 39: 6/25/2018- "Working Hard and Getting Work Done"

June 25, 2018 

“Working Hard and Getting Work Done.”

Dear Familia, Amigos y el Mundo!

     This week wasn’t like crazy, but at the same time it was. I don’t know how to really say it another way, but overall it was a really good week! On Tuesday, I got to go out on intercambios (exchanges) with Elder Vincent who is the bomb! I love that guy and honestly, I have learned a TON FROM HIM! He is a great example of just being happy always and letting things roll off your back. He works really hard and isn’t afraid to take suggestions or to just do something. For example, we had an appointment that fell through and the last thing that I wanted to do is contact because here in Bogotá it’s like, “Hi, we are...” and they just keep walking and completely ignore us. But sometimes you got to do what you got to do. So, we went out and contacted and there is just something about contacting with another gringo that is just way fun. We went out contacting and just went out and talked to any and every person that we could see. And really that’s how it is supposed to be! Anyway, at the end of the day I learned a lot from him and I think that no matter what we need to stay positive and have that hope and that faith. We need to think how maybe that appointment might have fallen through to give us another opportunity to find someone who really wants to hear the gospel message that we have to share and so we need to search for that person. 

     Then, the rest of the week flew by! But, I can’t lie we had our days where we wished we just had an appointment. Once again you have to make the best out of the situation. But the best day was hands down Saturday! We had a baptism! This lady named Paula Flores got baptized and she is absolutely amazing! Honestly! She has gone to church without invitation and has received all of the lessons and it just came down to whether she wanted it or not. Well, clearly, she wanted it! Now there were a lot of people who helped with her from our mission leader to other members in our ward as well as from other wards, past missionaries and, most of all, our Heavenly Father who I think helped her realize that now was the time. Her baptism was amazing I was a bit stressed because she hadn’t left her house yet when the baptism was about to start but luckily our mission leader has a car, so he went to get her and she arrived and we were able to start the baptism. The talks were great and heart-felt, the hymns were great, the ordinance was amazing, and the best part, was her testimony. Now we had a unique experience with this, because an old friend of hers that now lives in another part of Colombia sent her testimony so Paula could see it. This really touched the heart of Paula, as well as myself to see someone so far away show that she still cares. Paula’s testimony was amazing, and it is clear that she has a testimony of this gospel. She recognizes God in her life and she knows that this was the right step to help her as well as her son to grow and learn in the gospel. All I can say is that at the end of the day I am happy to be a missionary. I don’t do this for the numbers, I do it because I love my Heavenly Father and Savior, and the people of Colombia! I am just happy because those moments make the hard moments bit sweeter and all worth it! I love what I am doing, and I love being here! I know this Gospel is true and I know that when we have the Book of Mormon and the Bible that we have the plentitude of the gospel. This gospel is Pure happiness and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else! 

Love,     

Elder Weaver

Week 38: 6/18/2018- "Hey, So I Met an Apostle, So That's Cool..."

June 18, 2018

“Hey, So I Met an Apostle, So That’s Cool…”

Dear Familia, Amigos y Mundo! 

     So, this week was super busy! We literally only had one full day to work because we had our last multi zone with Presidente Laney. Super sad! Then, we had to travel to Buccaramanga to see Elder Stevenson! The APOSTLE! YEAH! It was pretty cool! I can say 100% that that man is a man of God and was called of God to do His work as an apostle because it was interesting.... He really didn’t share anything ground breaking with us. Honestly, just really short and simple things that I already knew.But, the power I felt as he spoke with us was something else. For him to say, “I know that Christ lives” was like.... Woah... he KNOWS. And it’s because he really is a special witness of Jesus the Christ. He shared a lot of things with us and I am not going to mention it all, but I will share the things that stuck out most to me. First, being that he basically started by talking about after the mission. Which, for me, was a little weird because well... I have more than a year or something left... And so, you would think that hearing that would make you feel like, man I want to go home but, it’s quite the contrary. He talked about how we need to be careful that when we go back home that we don’t stop doing the simple things such as reading our scriptures. He talked about how if he, for example, were to talk to me 60 days after my mission, that he better hear that I am still reading the scriptures every day! Because that’s how the bad things get to us when we stop doing the simple things. He said that if we read 60 days after our mission then we will never lose the habit or our testimonies! Then, he talked about how we can be more successful in things as missionaries. For example, our invitations to people can be so simple, but we sometimes overlook them. We need to do them. Then he looked at President and Sister Laney and said, “Look at them Elders! You want your wife to be like this woman! You need to try your hardest to find a woman like her!” Man, honestly, I can’t even tell you how much I felt the Spirit. The gospel is simple, and he only focused on those simple things. It was just how he said them. It was by the Spirit. And honestly, I learned a lot just from that. I walked away from that and I said, “Wow!” Because he knows, I know, and we all know that this gospel is true. So, to see a man who is an apostle talk is amazing. It really helped solidify my testimony that we do have a Prophet and Apostles on the earth today!! 

     Apart from that really there wasn’t anything too ground breaking happen this week. We have to work hard this next week to find more people, and to really just work hard to complete the promises made by the apostle. I guess I could share one more thing. In the Multi Zone Conference we talked about things us as missionaries need to drop. We have left sooooo many things and so what is holding us back? We need to drop everything. Drop the pride. The girlfriend. The car you had. The World. Because if we don’t, what’s the point? You left your family and everything for 2 years if you didn’t give your all, it would all be in vain. Well that really hit me and motivated me to try my hardest to drop everything from before my mission for now. It’s hard sometimes but, it is possible, and I know I will see blessings. I know my Savior lives and that this is the TRUE church. I think many of my non-member friends read my letters and probably think, wow, cool he’s really having a great time, and really don’t understand that this is true this isn’t just another church. I am talking about the True church here. Just think about that! We have the plentitude of the gospel. Everything. The Church of JESUS CHRIST is here again on the earth. Just think about that... What if the true church was here? Again on the earth.... Wouldn’t you want to be a part of it?

    

Love,

Elder Weaver

Week 37: 6/11/2018- "Did I Do A Good Thing Today?"

June 11, 2018 

“Did I Do a Good Thing Today?”

Dear Familia, Amigos y Mundo

     So, this past week with my new companion was great! He is from Perú and he is really funny. I’m not gonna lie, he is on the little bit more rare side of things but that’s what I like about him. I don’t feel overwhelmed with how much he knows, and I don’t feel like I’m in a shadow. In fact, it is the exact opposite! We laugh so much in the street. Honestly, I think I like the little bit more weird but energetic people the most. He really is a great guy. He’s from the coast so he talks suuuuuuuuuuuuper fast and so it’s good for me cause I have to listen a little bit more. I feel like I will learn a lot more Spanish too. That’s another thing, yeah, I’m still learning! I can talk to anyone and everyone but I’m still learning and with him I can ask questions sin miedo (without fear)! Which is great! Just know I am really happy, happy, happy! We really are starting to see more and more miracles and it’s interesting how in one week so much happened because we changed the little things. Being just a little bit more obedient and when the 2 people in the companionship are obedient you really see more and more things happen. 

     Now, we didn’t have appointments every hour of every day but what we did do was work hard in any and every possible way looking for references we receive in the mission page, from members, and looking for ourselves. It’s been tough but, one day we received a miracle call saying a guy from Bogotá south has received the first lesson and he has a baptismal date, but he lives in our area! This guy in great! We talked with him and he really is what you would call a person who has a contrite spirit and a broken heart. As we talked with him we found out many things that have happened and believe it or not it’s all from a girl. A girl broke his heart and so he started to talk more with his family about the church because they are members. He says he really finds peace in the Book of Mormon and he really has just come to the realization that this is the true church. And well, we talked with him more and he went to church and family home evening with the young adults in the ward and he took us this morning to the center of Bogotá! And freak this guy is GOLD! He for sure will get baptized! So that’s one miracle I saw this week but another was the reason this email is titled, “Did I do a Good Thing Today?”

     

     This past week was hard work. It came to a day where basically no one was answering, and we only had one appointment at night. So, we got things figured out and we met with our mission leader in our ward and talked about the investigators we have and what we should do. BUENO, then after that I didn’t know what to do, but I got a feeling I needed to visit a member. She is super sick, and she can’t even leave her bed. She is like 70 years of age so it’s just bad. Her granddaughter lives with her but really doesn’t seem to do anything for her which is kind of sad. Her granddaughter is nice but just super busy and never really around. Well, I felt prompted to bring a few Liahona’s (church magazines) to her, because she can only read and watch TV so it’s pretty boring for her. We went over there and spent time with her talking, reading the scriptures, and just really listening. She talks and talks and talks. The thing is, not many people visit her and so we really are just there so that she feels loved and so someone can listen to her. Imagine being in a bed day in and day out with nothing to do. You might want to talk to someone. Well, after a while we had our appointment, but as we were leaving the appointment cancelled... I was devastated, and honestly, really sad. Like have I done anything good today or did I just waste the Lord’s time? As I looked back on that day I knew I did something good. I helped someone in need. I remember when I was a kid in the Parker Stake there was a missionary was in our ward and he was tone of the best missionaries we had ever seen. It wasn’t because he had a bunch of baptisms. In fact, from what I rememberhe never had a baptism. But, he served everyone from members, to neighbors, to random strangers. He was self-less. This is  that’s really what my mom and dad taught me. They said to us, “Kids, do you know why he’s such a great missionary?” We all took our guesses and we were all wrong. They said, “Because no matter what, he just served. He served the members of this ward and anyone he could and he changed the ward.” I took that as inspiration. That, in fact, yes that day was good! We had 0 appointments, but it was a successful day because I did something good by serving a sister in need. So, the question is, did you do something good today? Did you lift another person up and help them? Did you give a person in need your coat and maybe a little bit more? I sure hope you can finish the day and ask yourself that question and respond saying, “Yes, yes I did!” In doing that you know your Heavenly Father is happy with you! I love you all, I know this gospel is true and I invite you to just take a peek in that book we have, which IS another testament of Jesus Christ! 

Love,
Elder Weaver

Week 36: 6/4/2018- "The Refiner's Fire"

June 4, 2018

“The Refiner’s Fire.”

Dear Familia, Amigos y el Mundo, 

      I can say that I maybe have been through some of the most mentally challenging things a person can go through before the mission, as well on the mission. I am really grateful for it. Because it is impossible for me to change and become a better man if I don’t go through the refiner’s fire first. This past week I had the opportunity to talk with my "Father" of the mission. My mission President. I have really learned a lot from this man. He took the opportunity to meet with me this week after I had just gone through some hard events in my mission. I really just appreciate the man a lot. He told me, "Elder Weaver you really remind me of me.... and that can be a good thing or a bad one. I am just like you. I was a wrestler and I just grew up knowing that there’s only one way. That’s just how a lot of us wrestlers are. There’s only one way and in this case its God’s way. So, it is really hard when people don’t follow the rules. Often I even get very mad, but we need to strive to learn to act and not react. Too often we react and basically that just ends up crushing a person and not resolving anything, but if we act we keep a level head and little by little things will get fixed." If you can’t tell, I have had a huge problem with disobedient missionaries. It just so happens that I have had to deal with a few of them. What happens is that I am either patient and wait, or I act by serving or doing something to take care of it. But, when it gets to numero 100 I just want to blow up. So, this is no secret…I have gained a lot of patience in my mission. But God seems to want to try me a bit more. I can say through these experiences I have become more humble and patient and able to learn to listen and then act. This past week was great after my interview with President Laney, I really just tried my hardest and am still trying to apply the advice he gave me. I know not everyone is perfect and neither am I. We are all on the same journey, it’s just that some people are in different places. I just need to recognize that and strive to love people for who they are and give them the gentle nudge every now and again. I know I am not perfect. But, I sure am trying to be more and more like the Savior each day. I just want you all to know that I am doing great! There are problems in life for sure, but if there were no problems there would be no purpose here on earth. We wouldn’t be able to grow. I think I gained a greater testimony of this these past few weeks. We are all here to grow. Including me, and growth comes individually, and in a very personal way. 

     Elder Cantos has been transferred and now I am with Elder Aguilar. He is from Arequipa, Perú and he is a character, I know that it’s going to be fun. I am excited and ready. I am going full-gas-vomit here in Granada! I love the work. I love the People. I love what God is doing to make me into a better man. It’s hard but worth it. It’s always worth it. ALWAYS. I know this work is the work of a loving Heavenly Father, and I am a part of this great truth. I love you all! Thanks for the emails!

I Love You All! 

Elder Weaver

Week 35: 5/28/2018- "God Keeps Sending People to Comfort Me!"

May 28,2018

“God Keeps Sending People to Comfort Me!”

Dear Familia, Amigos y Mundo, 

     I am sorry but this week’s email is not going to be long. Let’s just say that I had a difficult week. I found myself on my knees a lot trying to find a ton of strength. Once again, the Lord sent people to help me! First off, we had to do divisions, because we had a lot of appointments on Sunday! So, I got to be with a man that I consider to be my now 3rd or 4th dad. Well, he counseled me a little bit. I have gotten really close to him and his family and really, I find a lot of joy just being with them. We were walking back to his house when I asked him a question. Not only him but his wife and the brother of his wife helped me out a lot. They were all missionaries and they really just showed their true love for me by helping me and telling me that the way I am is good and that I shouldn’t change. They told me that things happen in the mission where you might struggle, where we fall or even doubt people or other missionaries in the mission. But, I just need to stay strong and keep doing what I am doing, because it is the way our Savior would have me be. When I felt lost I was found by people that helped me feel like I actually am a very capable young man with a lot of heart and really this was an answer to my prayers. I find it interesting how God keeps sending these people to help look out for me. I love you all and I’m sorry that this email is so short. I am good, so don’t you worry! (Mom) I know the gospel is true and this work that I am doing is true. This is the TRUE church of Jesus Christ! I know it! 

Love you all! 

Elder Weaver

Week 34: 5/21/2018- "I Can't Take the Credit"

May 21, 2018

“I Can’t Take the Credit”

Dear Familia, Amigos y el Mundo! 

      This week was hard.... Yeah, it was hard for a few reasons, but it was also great at the same time actually! I know weird! Well, it was really hard honestly because I was so sick that I could barely breathe at all! I swear that I about died! Not really but, it was bad! I looked like I got hit by a truck, slapped in the face, and run over one more time! Ha-ha, I was not feeling the hottest in the world, but I pushed through. It makes some days a little long when you’re sick, but the problem with me is that if I go back to the house and rest I feel even worse about myself! I always want to go, go, go! I just can’t do it I’m crazy that way! Then, I also found out a lot about myself if you know what I mean! I was studying the scriptures and really pondering things while reading in my “Preach My Gospel” manual and well, I was in the section about humility (again, you’d think that I would be humble already) and I found so many good things! I just fell in love with the Book of Mormon all over again! Because this book is a book about people for people! It literally helps solve any problem that you might have. In my case, it was getting over a bit of pride, while also finding the courage to say things that needed to be said. I found that as I applied the things I learned I was actually a lot more happy! I felt a bit of my burdens lifted off of me! So yeah, that was cool! Then, of course, the best part of the week was the amazing baptism that I had! 

      Now this is why I titled this email, “I Can’t Take the Credit” because I literally just can’t. I can maybe take 2% of credit! But, in reality, I have 2 amazing missionaries to  thank who were here before me; my comp and also Elder Shaw (an Elder that I know and met when I started the mission). He really is just a great missionary. I absolutely love that guy and he really taught this amazing girl that we got to baptized! The baptism was amazing for a few reasons, namely because there was a ton of people there to support her in the church! That was just amazing to see! This girl has a powerful testimony! I was stunned! I never really knew how strong it was until I heard her bear it. I honestly don’t think that you really know how strong a person’s testimony is until they share it. She blew me away with the Spirit! I was touched and felt honored to be there and to have at least had the few lessons I had with her! Truly, it was an amazing experience! I know my email might be a bit short today, but I just want to express how, yes sometimes the work is hard, but if we are patient, humble, diligent and obedient we can really see miracles and really see changes in the lives of others and in our own lives as well. I think that the thing I learned the most was just to act. ACT on impressions from the Spirit and ACT when something needs to be said! So, ACT! I love you all and thanks for the emails and support! I love what I’m doing here!

Love, 

Elder Weaver

Week 33: 5/14/2018- "The Temple, it's Been TOO LONG..."

May 14, 2018

“The Temple, it’s Been TOO LONG…”

Dear Familia, Amigos y El MUNDO! 

     I am very excited and PUMPED because of a few things. First being that I got to talk to my family which was totally chevere (cool)!!! SO, usually what happens is that people get all sad and stuff after and, I am not gonna lie, I felt that a little bit after the goodbye part, but I got over that feeling when I woke up this morning and went to the temple! I love the temple. Do you guys know how long it has been since I have been to the temple? 6 MONTHS! And for all those who don’t know what a temple is; it is different from the churches we have all over the place, these are sacred houses of the Lord where we get to do other ordinances and covenants. Often it is a place to receive answers because it is literally the house of the Lord. The Spirit definitely dwells there. Always!  So, when I went I was trying to figure what I needed at that point and it was actually the opposite. As I was sitting there I wasn’t thinking about myself at all, I was thinking about the lovely people here and what I can do to help them get baptized as well as other people that I know and love back home and what I could do for them. I was sitting and thinking and praying about all of this when I felt the Spirit move me. I felt an answer come to my mind which is actually a simple answer that I teach about all the time. Have faith, be faithful, and basically everything will happen and work out well. Now, I don’t know if that means it will all happen right here and right now. I actually assume not. But, that answer to just to have faith brought peace to my heart knowing that all I need is that. In time and more importantly in Gods time it will all happen as it needs to happen. I love the temple! I think it would have been nice if they built a temple in Barrancabermeja because it sure does just help me a lot to figure out things. 

     So, as I was sitting here thinking to myself and typing this email another thing came to my mind. It is some great advice I was given. It is something that my older brother told me before the mission. We were in a meeting with a return missionary and he is going to help us out with our investigators and with the work in JAS (Young Single Adults) which is like young adults my age and slightly older (yeah, I don’t remember in English, sorry). But anyways, he was talking to us and I just noticed how happy he always is. Even in things that seemed to be a bit more serious he had a smile on his face and when he gave council I didn’t feel offended and I actually loved it. Basically, I did the opposite of what the old Elder Weaver would do. I took it. This advice reminded me of my older brother Connor. How with the people I will teach here on my mission we have to teach plain and perfect and just straight up. Like for instance, the law of Chastity we have to teach that with as much love as possible but still be direct and serious. Everyone needs to know that it is not just any old thing, NO this is GOD’S LAW! If you are not living this law righteously then you’re sinning. Sorry, but that’s just how it is. The great thing is that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all people can repent and be forgiven of what they have done. But, to continue in sin is not true repentance and it is indeed plain out sinning. Yeah, so I remember before the mission I asked Connor, “How do you teach things like that? How do you tell a person that is having sexual relations before marriage that they need to stop?” These things are kinda uncomfortable! He said the same thing, that you just have to give it to them straight. Cause if they don’t know the hard facts, they aren’t going to change. So yeah. That kinda got me a bit excited! Cause I was like YES, we are gonna start doing this the Weaver Way! 

The truth is that I don’t have a lot to say. I have a testimony and it’s really simple. I just want ALL of you to know I pray for you. If you are reading this then I’m praying for you! I love you all. And I love reading all the emails from my friends out on their missions too. I can totally relate to the problems and issues that you face. I see them and it’s like, Wow I’m that happy too! We, as missionaries, love what we do! The people that reject us, the people that tell us we are going to hell, I love that too! I know it’s weird! It can be shocking, but I can’t tell you how great this work is! Because those moments when you bear your testimony to someone you care about, and then see them finally take those steps in the right direction brings light into my world and makes the work I do all the more sweet! Well, All I can say is that this IS the church of the Son of God and there is no other. This is it, we don’t have to look any more and be confused. Cause its right here, you just have to take those steps of reading praying and going to church to find out for yourself! 

Love,

Elder Weaver

Week 32: 5/7/2018- "I Cried Guys..."

May 7, 2018

“I Cried Guys…”

Dear Familia, Amigos y el Mundo!

      Well! This week was interesting and cool I guess! Mostly I want to focus on 2 major experiences that I had which include my interview with my mission President! And, me crying my head off in a lesson! Sounds good? Good! It’s gonna be cool! Alright, so let’s start with the amazing interview I had with my President! I love this guy and I am really sad that he will be leaving at the end of June. In this interview I talked a little bit about my amazing older brother Connor. Then, President talked to me about when people started breaking 5-minute miles and then the 4-minute mile. He told me how no one thought that it was possible. Then when someone saw it happen all of the sudden a bunch of people started to break the 4-minute mile! He said, this applies here in Bogotá too! Let’s just say that here the missionaries think that it’s not as likely to baptize every month and well, that is false! He told me once missionaries see a person start to baptize here in Bogotá every week then all of the sudden more missionaries will see that and they will be doing the same exact thing. I want to be that missionary here! I know it is possible. I feel that sometimes missionaries can just be lazy and not want to really work effectively nor hard! And so, it becomes hard to baptize and complete the work of the Lord if no one is willing. But, if missionaries see that it is possible then maybe they will want to work harder and more effectively! I learned even more in this interview such as to continue in my efforts not to drop my standards, even if other missionaries here are not following the rules perfectly! He told me a story about him in the military and how he never dropped his standards. Well, I learned a lot from that and well you all know me, I will never drop my standards. To drop them is to drop my work here and let down all the souls here waiting for baptism! 

     The other part (where I cried) was in a lesson with a Venezuelano, his name is José and he has a wife who is a member of the church as well. He is a bit inactive but is becoming more active again in the church. We have had a few very spiritual experiences with him but this time I cried! So, we started off with a great lesson to help with the confusion of the Book of Mormon, we explained that really it compliments the Bible. If I had all the time in the world I would say word for word what the member that was with us said. This other member with us was a missionary as well and he had an amazing plan. He started off with the history of the Bible and what happened to it. If anyone knows what really happened to it they would know that many parts were lost and the Bible in reality is incomplete. It is true but incomplete, because of all the things that it went through from rulers picking and choosing what they wanted in it to then other religions changing parts of it. Basically, like I said, it’s true but it’s just incomplete. So, if we follow the Book of Mormon we know that Jesus was in the Americas and talked and preached to these people. So, we know that He (Jesus) also taught the EXACT same things to the people here in America and to all his disciples and apostles allá (there)! OK, so we know that the Book of Mormon was translated and has NOT been changed one bit! It is the most true book in the world! So, if we read this book what do we find? We find THE TRUTH! The Book of Mormon filled those gaps and gives us the fullness of the gospel and it adds another testament of Jesus Christ, our Savior! HOW AMAZING AND COOL IS THAT?!!!? I think it’s cool. Well the spirit was hitting me really hard especially when José said he really is just having problems with the people in the church that say something but then are hypocritical and are drinking, etc. He finds that in all of the churches. He really wants to raise his family in this church but it is just hard to see that happen in the church. Well, I decided to share a few words about this and I told him that people aren’t perfect, but the Gospel is. I felt impressed to share my personal testimony with him. Just like Elder Zivic of the Quorum of the 70 personally told me to do. I just started with a personal experience. I won’t mention names, but I hope that this person reads this and recognizes that it’s her. I went to lunch with one of my friends, she is one of my best friends and is not a member. We went to Panera Bread a few weeks before my mission. I’m pretty sure and we were just talking when she asked me, "Why do you want to go on a mission? Why are you leaving behind everything and going on a mission for 2 whole years?" I was smiling and I just said to her, “Because I literally cannot bear the burden of not sharing this amazing Gospel with people. It just brings me pure happiness that no other person nor religion can because it is the truth! It is PURE happiness.” I was long gone crying by this point, but I addressed José and said, “I have felt and seen discouragement, sorrow and darkness in my life, but even in those moments I saw light and I made it through the dark because of this Gospel. ONLY the true church can bring everlasting happiness and help when the mists of darkness are around you!” Then I finished my story. I remember her looking at me and just saying, "Wow... wow... I have never seen you this happy before." And, it’s true because the Gospel lights me up, brings me happiness and lights up and brings any other person happiness as well. That’s what the truth does. After that I was WRECKED. My nose was stuffy and everything! But, I know it touched José. I know it did. And I will see him baptized. I love this Gospel guys. It brings me pure light and happiness that no other religion can. Because it is the truth. And I just invite you all. My friends especially who aren’t members. Just take a Book of Mormon and just pray about it and see if it doesn’t bring light into your world. Just see if it doesn’t change your whole life. Cause I know it will. It’s changed my life. And it’s changed millions and it WILL change yours. Thanks for all of the support guys I love you all and I am really happy where I am. I would rather be here than in any other place, even in Hawaii! 

     

Love,

Elder Weaver

Week 31: 4/30/2018- "Granada, Bogotá"

April 30, 2018

“Granada, Bogotá”

Dear Familia, Amigos y el Mundo, 

     Pues, pues, pues, pues! (Well, well, well, well!) Aquí estoy en Bogotá y hace mucho frió!! (Here I am in Bogotá and it’s very cold!!) Let me say, I was really worried because everyone knows Bogotá to be the hardest part of the mission. It’s usually cold here,  which means the people are cold, so it’s harder to get into homes to teach the Gospel and be able to share this amazing message that we have. But, we really lucked out with a few things! First, I got an absolutely amazing companion. He’s actually not from Ecuador like I thought he was. He was born there but then like 3 months later his parents moved to Florida and he was raised there. Then, right before his mission for a year and half he moved back to Ecuador with his Dad and learned Spanish by singing songs from here! He actually got pretty famous in Ecuador singing in concerts so that’s pretty rad! So now, I bet all you are wondering if we talk in Spanish or English and the truth is that we only speak in Spanish. I haven’t really heard him speak any English and when he does speak it he purposely says it in a very Latin kind of way ha-ha. But, it’s really great! I love him he’s completely different from the other comps I have had. He talks with me all day and really teaches great tips to help me with my Spanish and everything. His name is Elder Cantos. The other great thing here in Granada is the amazing members! Seriously, I have not seen members like this since I was in the U.S. of A! Seriously, they want to help out and they want to find people and they actually function like a normal ward and it really reminds me of my home ward. Honestly, they might even be a bit better because I swear no one gives references in the U.S. to missionaries. HA-HA-HA but seriously, its great here. I was worried…but my comp, the members, and even the investigators we have here are great! If we work hard I think that we could get 4 baptisms in this transfer. I’m excited to work here. I also hope I will be able to find my Aunt’s (she’s originally from Colombia) family here. We literally have the smallest area in all of the mission. So, it’s unlikely. 

     I also found my family as in my Colombian family of the ward (if you understand that) like in the first day, La Familia Camacho! They are great! The mom is amazing she really is suuuuuuuuuuper cool! She loves American music and she knows a lot of English. Her accent isn’t quite American, but she knows what she’s saying that’s for sure. I love her, she’s great! I found a lot of great people here and I am just really excited to dig in and get work done! I’m going to go full gas vomit like my brother and get references like a crazy man, I want to teach these people the gospel! I’m really happy! I think mostly because I have a great companion who is my friend! Sorry if this email is really short but I really don’t have a ton to say! Love you all, I pray for all y’all and I am really just happy! Puro felicidad! I might be freezing my butt off, but I love it! I know this church is true and I know that the Gospel can even change the hardest of hearts and really make a person a way better and different person. I KNOW 100% that this is the true church of Jesucristo and that it is restored today! Love you all! 

Love,

Elder Weaver

Week 30: April 23, 2018- "So, Quick Story..."

April 23, 2018

“SO, QUICK STORY…”

Dear Familia, Amigos y Mundo

So, this past week was absolutely crazy!!!! We had a lot happen! First, we helped get a girl named Nayeli ready for her baptism and then we left Barranca to go to see Elder Zivic, a General Authority of the church (he spoke in the last General Conference, you can see or read his talk here…https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/he-that-shall-endure-unto-the-end-the-same-shall-be-saved?lang=eng). Apparently, Elder Zivic wanted to have a personal interview with just me! So, that was pretty cool. Yes, I had a personal interview with a General Authority! He is a great guy! It’s weird how much love he has and at the same time you feel like he stares deep into your soul! Then his capacitación (council) was amazing! After that amazing experience we went back to Barranca and had a baptism. Now, here’s the crazy part! Her name is Nayeli and her mom HATES the idea of baptism in another church, but Nayeli wanted it. So, we have to get a form signed by a parent to have the baptism because she is under the age of 18. Apparently, the mom took the form and ripped it to shreds and told her that she will live and die a Catholic... Ok let’s simmer down a bit please! Well, Saturday we went into her house in the morning to talk to the mom and well the mom still wouldn’t change her mind and even lied to us telling us that Nayeli wasn’t at the house... OK! But later in the day through her member friends la Familia Jalabe we found out that Nayeli was actually at the house. So, we ran over there 3 hours before the baptism to try to see if we could get the paper signed. NO! The mom was not having it! We asked if her dad could and the mom told the dad not sign the paper, so she suggested that we have her grandma sign the paper...I wasn’t sure if the grandmother could sign the papers or not? I had to ask permission and see. Apparently, it was fine to have her sign it. So, the grandma signs the paper, and we rush to change our clothes and waited in the church for Nayeli and la Familia Jalabe who were going to bring her over. Well, an hour passes and there was still no sign of Nayeli. The Zone Leaders had a baptism at the same time as ours and so, I just told them to go ahead and start. We got through almost the whole baptismal meeting before Nayeli arrived. Sister Jalabe the mom of la Familia Jalabe said, “We better do this quick and fast because the mom would not let her leave. Well, we got her baptized and wow, that day was rough! Let’s just say Satan did not want her baptized. Now, let me explain why it was so important she got baptized and we didn’t just wait. She has been through a lot in her life. She basically only lives with her family to have a house because she spends all of her time at the Jalabe’s house every day. Sister Jalabe is basically her mom. She’s had problems before with cutting herself and basically feeling alone. She was depressed and doesn’t have very supportive parents. Overall, this pathway is the best pathway for her and will change her life. I know that she will now grow and develop into a great woman. It’s great because she has the love, support, and help from a whole family (la Familia Jalabe) as well as the entire branch. 

I’m sad to say that my days in Barranca are over. I leave today, April 23rd at 8 pm to go to my new area in Bogotá. I’m sad to leave the family I made here in Barranca! I love them all, the members of the church, the investigators, the converts and just overall any and every person I came into contact with. Barranca is my family. The hardest goodbye was definitely with Evelyn and Pastor. I mean, I’m their Padrino (Godfather)! I literally am part of their family now!! But man, I almost cried. I think it will probably hit me on the bus, but I really do love them! I’ll miss everyone. I just hope Barranca knows that I gave all my heart, blood, sweat, tears and every fiber of my being to every person I came into contact with! Now I just have to keep doing that. On to my next area. I love you all! I’ll see y’all in Bogotá next week!

Love,

Elder Weaver