Monday, August 25, 2014

August 25, 2014

Good Evening America  :)
I don't know why I just wrote that :) But anyway, I just want to share a few stories :)
One is about a Brother in our ward. He was baptized a long time ago. He and his family went less active for about 10 years They converted to a different religion but through it all came back to the church. They have a son who is on a mission and a daughter who is about to go on a mission. When I got to this area, Tatay (Father) was an "average member". He didn't go to church every Sunday but would go every other week!! He was one of those members who I thought would never do missionary work in his life. One Sunday we went and visited their family. We shared a message and asked for referrals. He was hesitant at first but gave us one. His family was flabbergasted, they said that we were the first missionaries for him to give a referral to. Then everything changed. He became super active. He is now the Young Mens President and now works with us every Sunday. His family still doesn't know what we did to him.... Missionary Work has changed his life :) It all came from a short little visit.
I then also want to share a story about a few investigators.
1) A man came up to us 2 weeks ago asking where our church was and if he could attend. My companion thought he was just another trike driver and almost blew him off... I am so glad we didn't. He came to church just like he said he would. It is amazing how the Lord is in the small details :) We are going to go find his house and teach him and baptize him.
2) Last night we taught 5 (19, 20, 21) year olds. One of them was a former investigator. When we found them they were all smoking and singing... Not the best atmosphere. When we talked to them we found out that they all were super religious. Not something that you would expect from a "Barkada" like that. We taught a powerful lesson. All I could think about all 5 of them is that they are all future missionaries ;) I know that they will get baptized. One of them has been really studying because he wants to find out about why he is here on this earth. We helped them answer that and they are super interested. Again, I don't know why I was led to find them. The thought just came into my mind to try them :) I know again that the Lord has his hand in all things :)
I hope that is enough stories for you  :)
I love you all
Elder Bigelow

Monday, August 18, 2014

August 18, 2014

So this has been the best week ever but also the worst!! This is an excerpt from my letter to my mission president, this was my week.
"We got punted more times than I can count this week, even from our most progressing investigators and members. They just were not at their houses. I know that it was something that the Lord knew I had to go through. I also got super sick from Thurs to Friday. I felt like this week most things just went wrong. The funny part about all of it is that I had been praying for trials so that I could prove my diligence to the Lord. Surely they came and I got through all of it. Even though the work was not the best this week, I know I have a stronger character because I continued to be diligent. I know that the Lord had his hand in everything that happened.

That sums it up. A crappy work week but I am still happy about things. The lessons we did have were super powerful and we now have 9 IBDs :) The Lord has also given me a huge assignment as a DL. I am going to need his help to fulfill this one :)

I just want to tell you about an experience to show that HF knows who I am. First on Wed I started to get sick, my tummy really started hurting. Thurs we worked, but I wasn't feeling the best. We worked in our farthest area, it was about 6:30 and I needed to go home. There is not trykes or anything at night in this area. So, we had to walk, about 1 hour. I kept praying and praying that I could get a ride home. Any trike that passed by didn't want to take us and what not. I was really hurting. Finally after like 10 min there came a van, the driver just said to get in, I am going to the main part of town. So as soon as we got home I went straight to the CR or bathroom. Lets just say I was in there for 2 hours. I have no idea what I would have done if I was outside our apartment. I am thankful that HF saved me from a super embarrassing and humiliating experience. I know its not anything related to missionary work but it touched me because I really felt that HF loves me :) I know he loves you to :) This is his work and I know it :)
I love you all :)
Love
Elder Bigelow

Monday, August 11, 2014

August 11, 2014

Hello Everyone :)
This week was just a normal week :) I just want to share some success with our investigators :) We had 8 come to church and 5 of them for their 1st time :) We have really been focusing on member missionary work :) The members are awesome here :) I just want to tell you about M and R :) They are 2 of my favorite investigators because they are 9 and 11. Their family reminds me of mine :) 3 boys and they just fight and are playing all of the time :) R reminds me of Braden. They came to church for the first time along with their less active Mom :) I am so happy !!  I don't really have too much more to say :)
I guess this week I have felt the spirit even more  :) I know that repentance is amazing even for small things  :) I really have been striving to be exactly obedient and I have seen the Lord's hand in everything :) Especially with the investigators. I have 1 and 1/2 more months here in San Quintin so I am going to make it the best ever  :) I would send you some pictures but I don't trust this computer shop! :P  
Sorry this letter is super short. I don't really have anything different to say :) I know that the is Christ's church and nothing will ever be able to take me away from that :) That's what a mission does to ya ;) 7 months I will be home !!!! Man time flies by so fast :)
Love
Elder Bigelow

Monday, August 4, 2014

August 4, 2014

Just a Normal Week!

So how is everyone doing? I hope great!! Because life is good :) Especially on a mission!! :) This week I want to share a story about Sister V :) She is 71 and just has a lot of problems in her life. Her husband died and she is having medical problems, financial problems and just the whole lot. She kind of reminds me of Grandma Biggs :) Short and just a funny woman. She got invited to come to church from another nanay (mother) here in the branch. She loves church, she says it different from all the other churches she has been too.  She has been reading the BOM but hasn't prayed about it. So, last night we went there and we bore strong testimony that the Lord has a plan for us all to be saved and she promised to pray about the Book of Mormon. The spirit was super strong. :)
She is our only Progressing investigator so far :) All the other have let us down because we were expecting 8-10 but only Nanay (Mother) came :)
Anyway we have been just finding and finding and finding. :) Working hard. I am on my 4th pair of rubber shoes...... And my good pair of shoes are close to being shot too...... they have holes :) Yep I do work!!! Joke!! I have been memorizing scriptures and I have done 5 in a week :) Its amazing what you can do with the Lord's help! :) Well anyway, I miss you all!! Pray for me that I don't get sick like all of my friends..... Nakakatakot iyan (that's scary) :P Anyway I love you all!!
Elder Bigelow