August 5, 2013
Hola Familia!
I’ve been in Texas for 3 weeks and it’s awesome! I’m
serving in the North Donna area of McAllen; it’s very poverty-stricken. My
companion in Elder Sanchez from Mexico, and his old high school is now the Mexico
MTC. On my first day here with Elder S. I had the opportunity to give 3
blessings all in Spanish. Holy cow, I didn’t even know what I was saying but I
felt really good, and that is the Spirit, so I know that what I was saying was
good. The second day, we
had a lesson at a member’s house with one of her friends, it was going really
well – Elder Sanchez is a HOSS missionary – and he kind of looked at me and I
felt super prompted by the Spirit and then I asked the lady we were teaching if
she would change her life and be baptized, and she said YES! It was awesome! We
are still teaching her and hope to set a date soon. Also my first week we
taught someone in a drug cartel and that was a cool experience, too. We hope he’ll
come to church soon.
We are on bikes and I don’t think I’ve ever done a
harder workout in my life than those first two days – nothing at Ensworth or
working out with my friends at BYU can compare. I’m sore all the time, it’s SOOOO
hot here, I completely sweat through my shirt every day, and I’m sunburned to a
crisp so when I take off my watch it looks like I’m wearing a white wristband. I’ve
been chased by a dog every single day, and nearly bitten, so I’ve mastered the
sprint technique to get away and if that doesn’t work, then I swerve into the
dog a little bit to get it to move away. Haha – it’s all good!
Something really humbling and special to share:
About 18 months ago two missionaries in my area were killed by a drunk driver
while they were riding their bikes: Elder Walker and Elder Strong. We taught
someone this week who was last taught by them and it was a really humbling
experience. I later talked to a member who told me that one of these Elders
said the day before he died: “I will always be a missionary.” And he is.
EVERYONE here knows Elder Walker and Elder Strong, whether in the Church or the
community. These missionaries are definitely still working down here.
There are people who are prepared to receive the
gospel; we just need to give them that opportunity. It is such a blessing and
an honor to talk to people about the gospel and how they can turn their lives
around. Member work is HUGE! When we have members at our lessons with
investigators, they are much more receptive to our message.
I’m so happy, I don’t see how this isn’t the Lord’s
work. I bike around all day in 100-plus heat being chased by dogs, still not really
knowing the language, and always sweating, but I absolutely love it! Heavenly
Father has His hand in this work and I’ve seen miracles every day. I hope
everyone is doing well and if not, say a sincere prayer for help. He is always
listening!
Con Amor (with love),
Elder Christiansen
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| First apartment, looking into kitchen. Ethan's desk is in the foreground. |
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| Elder Christiansen at his desk in his apartment. What a face! |
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| Trying on a suit left by a previous missionary -- it mostly fits! |
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| Missionaries in Donna, TX gathering around a white-painted bike, honoring and remembering the lives and service of Elder Walker and Elder Strong, missionaries who were killed by a drunk driver 18 months prior. This group met to sing hymns and express gratitude for these elders. Elder Christiansen is second from right, beside a local member. |
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