Back to the grind.

Hello friends and family!!

Well as you can imagine, after a week with lots of baptisms and success in that aspect of the work, this week consisted of lots of finding and teaching those who we already have, helping them to accept baptismal dates and come to church. I'd like to take a second and tell you about the people we are teaching right now.

So, Reiden Flores (the guy that we found a couple weeks back in the yellow house) has been reading the Book of Mormon, and this past week, he accepted a baptismal date for the 20th of July! Its exciting, and also kind of a bummer now that we are putting the baptismal dates for after I get home, but Elder Farnsworth is going to have lots of success with his new companion here in a couple weeks. For now we are going to get these people ready and help them to receive answers to their questions and prayers, and come to church.

Jose is 14 year old kid that we are teaching, and his little sisters have joined in too. It's a little different teaching them, because of economic issues in their family, they haven't been able to go to school, so they don't know how to read. It's a challenge at times, we have to teach SUPER simply, and use lots of pictures. They have gone to church a couple times when we have gone to pick them up, but we are still trying to figure out if they are going to be ready for their baptismal date, which is July 6th. We kind of did a test to see if they would come to church on their own, and they didn't. We are going to work with the ward a lot on this one to see who can help them to come and stay active in church. We will see if they end up getting baptized on their date, but they will be getting baptized in the near future.

Leonardo, the kid who was supposed to get baptized last week, but had some problems with his aunt is back on track! We were able to have a great chat with his Aunt this past week, and we were able to clear up some questions she had, and help Leonardo out with some of his own questions. We got permission from his Aunt, and if all goes well, he will be getting baptized this Saturday!

We have lots of other new people that we have been finding and teaching recently, we have lots of great things happening in the area!

Hope you all have a great week, love you all and keep the faith!

Elder Newman

Dad, that's way cool that you are getting back out on the mountain bike. Cam Bikes would be so proud! We are going to blow our goals out of the water, going to give it everything we have these last few weeks! Love you Dad!!

Mom, those pictures of Sarah playing on the Jazz court are soooo cool!! I bet you guys enjoyed
Strawberry Days a lot! Those pictures looked super awesome, Love you Mom!!

Emma, look at you, you are a working woman now!!! Those pictures and videos are classic, look at you at parades, with food handlers permits, and all sorts of fun stuff!! Love you Emma!


Sarah, your pics on the Jazz court are super cool!!! You look like a baller!! Strawberry Days looked like tons of fun, and well done on the practices! I'm looking forward to hearing your songs on the ukulele! Love you Bear!!

Callie, sounds like a good time at the parade with lots of candy! You want a Hydroflask? You should ask Olivia Dodson about hydroflasks, she loves hers.  Love you Callie, can't wait to see you soon!!

Jackson, sounds like you had a great week!!! Lots of work, way to move on up there at your job! Cant believe Madi Aston is home, tell her I say hi!! Love you Jackson!!!!


Callie’s Questions:

1. Callie wants to know who’s the last person you taught? 

We taught an 18 year old guy named Dennis Rojas. He is our pensionista's nephew, and he came to church that morning, and we came by and taught him yesterday night.

2. What are the desserts like there? Do they have alphahors like they have in Uruguay? 

Most of the time its fruit. Other times we will have like a popsicle, or ice cream.

3. How’s Elder Farnsworth doing? 

Elder Farnsworth is doing super super well! He is a great missionary, and he explains things super clearly for everyone we teach

4. What is the most spiritual thing that happened this week? 

Probably sharing the First Vision with Dennis

Intercambios, Bautismos, and Soaking Wet Confirmations

Hello Friends and Family!!!

Well, I spent like half the week outside of my actual area. We were doing exchanges with the District Leaders of the zone and I got to work with Elder Saavedra and Elder Beazer. Both are great Elders, we had a good time! With Elder Saavedra we were kind of all over the place getting baptismal interviews, English class, and lessons covered, but we got everything done which was a blessing, and were even able to find a couple of new people to teach in the process. With Elder Beazer we had a more traditional/normal day. We taught lots of lessons and found lots of new people. It was lots of fun to work with him, we are from the same MTC district, so we reflected a lot on the good times from the MTC nearly two years ago. All in all lots of good things happening here in the zone!

Well, we had the baptisms of Rodrigo Veliz and Guadalupe Medina. It was a great baptismal service, great to see the progress and fruits of our labors this weekend. One of the missionaries who had previously taught Guadalupe was able to baptize her, and I baptized Guadalupe's little brother Angelo. Elder Farnsworth baptized Rodrigo. What a great service, lots of members came out to support too. They were all so happy after the baptism, it lit up my day to see their smiles, it was a very fulfilling moment. I am so happy to be here in Suarez!

The next day, we had their confirmations. We looked outside right after getting ready, and it was raining SUPER hard. The streets had filled up with nasty black water, and we just looked at each other and said, "We need to make sure that Rodrigo and the Medina Family make to church okay before going to pick up the investigators." We grabbed our rain jackets, umbrellas, and all of the courage we could muster up, and headed out. They were all getting ready to go anyways, but we left them with our umbrellas so they could get to church semi dry. We then ran over to the investigator's house, and went to church. We didn't get there dry to say the least. We were soaked!!! We sat down near the back of the chapel to try not to attract much attention, and then Bishop called us to the front to help with the confirmations of Rodrigo, Guadalupe, and Angelo. With water dripping all over the place, we went up and did as Bishop asked. Lots of people asked if we owned umbrellas after. All we could do was laugh. Gotta love the mission!!

Well, really great week, only a few more left. We are going to take advantage of these last couple of the transfer. Love you all tons!

Love, Elder Newman

Dad, it was so good to talk to you yesterday!! That's a great moment of Kenz wrecking on the slalom ski. I need a video! Love you Dad!!

Mom, sounds like a great girls camp!! I really liked the pics of the Yuba trip. Looks like a fun trip!! Love you Mom!

Jackson, THE CHEESY CHEDDARBURGARS ARE BACK! OH BOY THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!! Sounds like a great week, Jackson. That's crazy that Maika is headed out! Love you dude!!

Callie, that's so fun that you got to spend the week at Grandma's! That's so good that you got to see Mom and Dad and everyone. I'm looking forward to giving you a hug soon! Love you Callie!!

Emma, girls camp, surprise birthday parties, and Yuba Lake sounds like a fun week!! Looking forward to seeing your Infinity War scene remakes when I get caught up! Love you!

Sarah, looks like you had a great girls camp! Nice job on 9 square, we are definitely going to have to play when I get back! Love you, Bear!!


Mom’s Questions:

1. How were the baptisms yesterday? 

Very good!! Leonardo was the only one that was not baptized, he had some problems with his aunt, we had to postpone his date.

2. You mentioned there are 20 elders in your zone. Are there no sister missionaries in the zone? How many missionaries are in your district and what are they like? 

Its the only zone of 100% elders in the mission. We have a district of 8 elders, and they are awesome!

3. How many members attend your ward? How many less actives are there? Do you help with reactivation? 

We have lots of people in the ward. We don't help lots with reactivation unless there are nonmembers present. But we try to help whenever we can!

4. Since you are coming home soon, what is the first food you want to eat when you get home? 

I want white chicken enchiladas. Please.

Ultima Entrevista, Consejo de Lideres, Missionary investigators.

Hello friends and family!!

This week, Elder Farnsworth and I had what will probably be some of our last interactions with President Rodriguez here in the mission. President finishes up on June 29th, so we had what were pretty much our exit interviews with him on Wednesday. He talked to me about continuing all of the good habits I have obtained here in the mission for when I get home, and finishing my mission with all diligence, sprinting to the finish line!

We had Consejo de Lideres the next day, where all of the Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders, and the Assistants gather for a training from President, and then we talk about how we can improve the work, and better serve the missionaries of our respective zones. President talked to us about the Atonement, and of its central role in the Plan of Salvation. It was a super uplifting training, and then President and Sister Rodriguez shared their testimonies of missionary work. It was an amazing training, and it was super fun to see lots of my friends here in the mission at the Consejo!

We had a cool moment with Leonardo this week. I wasn't at the visit with him on Friday due to a companionship exchange we had to do with some missionaries that were having some challenges. We were out looking for a lady that lives nearby, and we saw Leonardo outside, so we went over to say hi and see how he was doing. He asked if we could come and help him out with his English homework. We sat down and began to help him, and his English homework was actually talking about Family History work. How crazy is that?! We explained the English, and then took advantage of the opportunity to teach him a little about Family History Work and Temples. He is progressing super super well, everything is looking good for his baptism this coming weekend.

Rodrigo, one of our other investigators that is getting baptized this weekend came to church with one of his member friends, Rogher. Rogher got called as a ward missionary a couple weeks back, and after church we held a training with our ward mission leader Hank Felipe for all of the new ward missionaries, so Rogher came and Rodrigo tagged along. We began by splitting them all into companionships, and then we did a couple of practices as part of the training. We asked for volunteers, and Rodrigos companion volunteered to go and teach. Rodrigo without skipping a beat hopped up there and starting teaching and testifying and he isn't even a member yet!! What an awesome kid!!

Well, it was a super super fun week. Elder Farnsworth and I are having lots of fun, and we are seeing lots of miracles here in the area. Leonardo, Rodrigo, and Guadalupe will all be getting baptized this coming weekend if all goes according to plan. Pray for us!

Love you all tons, have a great week!!!

Love, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Dad, well done on making an absolutely legendary trip at Lake Powell! I'm sure everyone had a blast!! Love you so much, looking forward to talking to you on Sunday!!

Mom, wow, those are some cool experiences, the hand of the Lord was visibly present in the trip! I'm glad the Lord answered my prayers and that you were protected. What a fun trip. Love you so much!!

Jackson, sounds like you, Walker and Coleman had a killer time! What a bummer that you lost your phone!!! That's so cool that Ramsey is home. Let him know I say hi! Honestly, the responsibilities are pretty similar to what I was doing out in Camiri, it's lots of fun! It's sometimes a little difficult having to worry about 20 other elders, but the good thing is the district leaders are doing a killer job. Love you bro!

Callie, OUCH! Don't burn your fingers!! I saw some great pictures of your dance recital, and of going to Matilda! I'm glad you had fun at Lake Powell! Enjoy your week at grandma's house!! Love you twin!!!

Emma, glad you guys had a great time, the pictures showed that you guys had a party out there! Nice job on the deck start!! Love you Emma!!

Sarah, nicely done in your basketball tourney!! Way to ball out on those older girls!!! I am sure you are going to have a super fun time at girls camp, have a great time bear! Love you!!!

Mom’s Questions:

1. Any updates on the young man in the yellow house you found last week?

We taught him again this week, and this time with his mom!

2. How are the baptism plans coming along? Still on track for June 15th? 

Everyone is doing great! We are going to work hard this week to make sure that everything goes according to plan!

3. What is your ward/branch like in Suarez? 

Really great ward!!! lots of support, we get lots of help!

4. What is your house like? Do you live with any other missionaries or is it just you and Elder Farnsworth? 

Just the two of us!

5. What fun facts can you share that you have learned about Elder Farnsworth this week? 

Elder Farnsworth is the youngest of 5 siblings, he was born in Arizona, but lives currently in Lehi, where he went to high school. He is going to go UVU when he finishes his mission, and he loves rap music. We get along super well!

Week One here in Suarez 2

Hello Friends and Family!!

This week flew by!!!! Lots of proselyting and getting right to our responsibilities here in the Zone. I am here in my eighth area, so its nothing new to me that once again, I'm here in a new area getting to know the ward, the converts, and the investigators. I am in the Suarez Ward, in the Merced Stake. I have loved getting to know all of the people we are teaching and the members. This is a very, very blessed area, and I am grateful for the chance to be here.

Here are some of the people we are teaching! Right now, we have three people getting ready for baptism for the 15th of June. Their names are Rodrigo Veliz, Leonardo Mullo, and Guadalupe Medina, and the great news is that all 3 attended church this week!!

Rodrigo Veliz is 14 years old, he actually has attended church for nearly a year, he was getting ready to get baptized but sadly lost contact with the missionaries for some reason.. Well, we got back in touch with him, and he is getting ready to be baptized! We taught him about the Plan of Salvation, and he wants to live with the Lord in the Celestial Kingdom, he is super excited for his baptism!

Leonardo Mullo is also 14 years old, his cousin got baptized about a month ago, so he has been helping us out with the lessons by sharing his testimony about the principles we teach. We have been teaching him about the commandments. He understands really well the concept of obedience and is very excited for baptism as well!

Guadalupe is 9 years old, she is from a partial member family. She is really excited for baptism, and our ward mission leader Hank Felipe (who might be one of the coolest people I have ever met, he is from the Dominican Republic and loves basketball) has been helping a lot with the fellowshipping of her family.

So, lots of great people! We have been finding lots of great people too! We had a cool experience while we were out contacting. I am still new to the area, and sometimes I'm kind of lost on where I am. Elder Farnsworth turned and said to me, "We are just contacting right now, so any house that you feel like knocking, go for it." I looked around, and this yellow house just caught my attention, and we went and talked to a guy who looked about 25 years old. It started off as a pretty normal contact, but little by little we found out that he had gone to church many times, his cousin is a returned missionary, and already has a copy of the Book of Mormon! Crazy how the Lord directed us there, lots of great things happening here.

Here are some of the scriptures I liked this week!

Acts 4:33, "With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 6:10, Missionary Work

Well I hope you have a great week! Love you all tons!!

Elder Newman

Dad, wow, lots of exciting stuff happening! Enjoy the vacation, I'm sure you guys will have a great time! Looking forward to hearing about it and seeing the pictures! Love you Dad!!

Mom, those Graduation pictures were super awesome! Exciting stuff with field day, soccer tryouts, and Lake Powell! Have a fun and safe trip, Love you all tons!!

Sarah, CONGRATS on soccer tryouts! That's so fun that you get to play with Tess again! I bet you and Emma had lots of fun with the graduation outfit! Love you bear!

Callie, great job graduating from second grade! I bet you and Miss Derksen will have lots of fun! How fun playing volleyball with the Reays! Love you Callie!!

Jackson, country dancing? Sounds interesting! I bet you and Coleman and Walker are going to have a real fun time!! Tell them I say Hi when you get the chance! Love you dude!

Emma, wow, I saw your pics from graduation, you look amazing! That's so crazy to me that you are graduated  from high school, when I left had just finished Sophomore year, you are so grown up! We are having a good time, we definitely get lots of funny looks for our height, hahah. Love you Sis!!