This was a pretty great week. We did all sorts of different things. But I would like to focus more on what happened at the end of the week: Miguel`s baptism.

We met Miguel a while ago. He`s dating Marisol, a member of the church in our ward. She of course had talked to him about quite a few things, and he must have liked it, because when we first met him he invited us to go eat breakfast at his house (some delicious tacos). While eating we were talking about various things, but the conversation was interrupted by an abrupt question: "Can you guys help me to get baptized?"

At first in shock, we responded something along the lines of "of course we can" and shared a short message. Over the last few weeks we`ve been visiting him and helping him to develop faith in Jesus Christ and to repent in preparation for his baptism. The last little while we`ve tried to help prepare him not only for baptism and confirmation but also to be able to perseverar hasta el fin, although ya estaba listo.

Sorry, but having an English-speaking companion in a Spanish-speaking country leads to quite a bit of spanglish.

Miguel is a super cool guy. I`m so blessed to be able to help him in the process of his conversion. I`ve seen him come to know and love his Savior, and that is what this is really all about. I`m so grateful for the conversion and mighty change of heart that I am experiencing as well.

Love,
Elder Jayson Fraser

Brother Monroy’s descendants

This week has been fun. I´ve done lot´s of things; I feel like it´s been quite some time since last time I wrote. Let´s see where I get started.

If you remember the history of the church in Mexico (of which I´ve sent a bit of information before) you might remember Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales, two of the first members of the church here in Mexico. They lived in San Marcos, Hidalgo (in my mission but quite aways from my current area), and the citizens of San Marcos were not glad to see the church come into their town. On threat of death, these two men stayed faithful. Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales were martyred soon after their conversion, but their faith opened the path for the church this part of the Lord´s vineyard.

A couple of weeks ago Elder Macinnes and I were walking to an appointment and we saw a family walking the other way. We took the time to talk to them. They were all really friendly and accepted that we visit them. But for a couple of weeks we were unable to find them in their house.

When we finally found them they were in a hurry to get to the funeral of a family member. But we set an appointment to see them a few days later. As we talked he told us of his father who was a member of the church but had passed away years ago. As we testified of God´s plan for us and the restoration of the knowledge of that plan, Daniel Monroy and his family began to feel the truth of this great work.

I am so greatful for being a part of this great work, and for being able to help one of Brother Monroy’s descendants come to a knowledge of the restored gospel that he adored so greatly.

Love,
Elder Jayson Fraser

Progress -- What are your plans?

This has been a great week.

I would like to take this time to testify of the priciples of setting goals and plans and rendering an account of your stewardship.

In Chapter 8 of Preach My Gospel you can learn lots about those principles that have recently changed my life. It seems so simple -- set a goal, make a plan to achieve that goal, and tell someone how you´re going with those goals and plans.

I´ve seen it in my life and in those I serve. When we put a baptismal date, for example, people begin to progress much quicker. This week we had three investigators who were progressing slowly but for different reasons didn´t have a specific date for baptism. We realized our error and helped them to set that goal. Interestingly all three chose the same day. Now Jared, Miguel, and Flor are all starting to work much harder to get to baptism than ever before.

I have personal goals as well, and as I share them with God through prayer and with my leaders and mission president I´ve seen huge changes. I´m still far from perfect, but I´m certainly progressing.

And, of course, that progress is really thanks to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Love,
Elder Jayson Fraser