Power of 3--Villa Lobos Mariscal 17

Hey Family!!!!! 

This week has been amazing!!!!! 

To be honest, it started off dryer than I have ever experienced. On Tuesday, we went to Santa Fe on divisions with the assistants to the President which was awesome!!! 

On Wednesday, we watched the world-wide broadcast to the missionaries in all of the world. It was titled, "Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts" They spoke a bunch about how many times we assume that the people already have faith in the lord and we mention that they should repent and then JUMP to the baptism. The majority of the world believes in the name of Jesus Christ, but don't have actual faith in Him,  .  .  . because they don't know how. 

Elder Duncan on Sunday reminded us that each and every human is a christian because all that are here already chose Jesus Christ. Everyone believes in him and beilieves the True Gospel, they just don't remember it. Their spirits do though.

Alright,

There is a simple power of three that is the center of a strong base in life and in the Gospel. It is almost too simple to believe it's grand power. It's even so simple that you all already know it. 

1. PRAY always asking inspiration and asking questions to the Lord.

2. READ the scriptures EVERY day.

3. ATTEND church every Sunday. 

In spanish, Orar, Leer, y Asister spells OLA. which is the same sound as Hola or hello. We teach this to the members with an object lesson with the three cups and three butter knives or forks and a ton of novel-sized books as the "burdens of life" the three utensils are Pray, Read, and Attend. We tell them we see the simplicity of these things and doubt that they can support all of the burdens of life. We challenge them to use the utensils with the cups in a triangle and the utensils on the ground inbetween each cup as a connecting line. They can move the utensils but not the cups to make the books float or rise above the ground in the center of the cup triangle. They try and try and become frustrated and give up. They doubt. We teach them that if we confide and trust in the Lord by always doing these three things, He will teach us how to form a strong support with them to support whichever weight. We put the tips of the utentils on each cup and make an overlapping triangle with the other ends in the center of the cup triangle (the cups are upside down) This can support up to about 25 pounds. We put the books on it and then add more and more and more. 

SO. . . 

Are you praying every day? there is a difference between saying words for prayer and PRAYING.

Are you reading even just a tinsy bit of the Scriptures and the Book of Mormon each day?

Do you attend Church EVERY Sunday?

Trust in the Lord. HE knows the way.

If you do not know yet if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, or if the Book of Mormon is true, This is the very SAME recipe to know for your self if it is all true and directed by God himself. Put God to the test. He has said, "Prove me now in this".

-Read the Book of Mormon and Pamphlets from the Church and medidate their contents.

-Pray and literally ask God each day something like this, "Father, is the Church of Jesus Christ thy Church? Is the Book of Mormon True? Is it inspired by thee?"

-Attend or visit the "Mormon" church on Sundays without one single commitment or obligation to obtain your very own experience. Would you rather experience the peace and Holy Ghost for yourself or would you rather continue only being told about it. 

More than 15 millions people around the World have tried this recipe and have recieved an ANSWER from GOD. I am one of these people. I KNOW becuase GOD has answered me. Put it to the test. 

It's like lemonade. You need 1. Water 2. Lemon 3. Sugar 

Without one part you don't get lemonade. Follow in faith.

Okay. If you want to know how I feel right now. Read Alma 17:23 from the Book of Mormon

 23 And Ammon said unto him: Yea, I desire to ^adwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.

also,

remember this about sacrifice 3 nephi 9:19-20

 19 And ye shall offer up unto me ^ano more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.

 20 And ye shall offer for a ^asacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I ^bbaptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not. 

No more time. Love ya all!!!!!! write me about your life and what you are learning. Share with me a missionary experience that you have had.

-Elder Olson

January 23, 2017 They Don't Want the Doctrine -- Villa Lobos, Mariscal 16

Hey family,

This week has been fantastic! Even though it wasn't the most successful week you've ever seen. I love the work so much. Just to help someone change their life and their eternity. However, it is not just them; their whole family becomes more united and their eternity as a family becomes their new vision and motivation to be happy and obedient to the Lord all of their lives. Or it could be said, to abide in Christ's love all of their lives.

This Tuesday we had Interviews with President Caffaro. It was very special! We will now have interviews every 6 weeks instead of every 4 months. I asked him how I can do the will of the Father to the fullest or do what He would do if He (Heavenly Father) were here. He said that doing the Will of the Father means listening for impressions of the Spirit and Acting. The more we act upon what the Holy Ghost prompts us to do, the more promptings we will receive. The less we act upon . . . the less we will receive. We can actually allow the Holy Ghost to direct our lives. We can get to the point where He can tell us each and every step of what to do. To the point where we would actually be lead to do exactly what Heavenly Father would do if he were here. COOL!

Also, President told me, "Please teach the elders that they are not here to change the investigator's religion or to teach the doctrine of the Church but rather to help their investigators to have a conversion to Christ." 

ssssssssfffffpoooxkxkxkxkxBOOM!!!!!

It's a simple saying, but to actually apply it changes everything. As simple members of the Church, we feel as though it is so difficult to share the Gospel and that everyone shuts us down. The people simply do not want to change religions nor learn what we believe because it makes them feel confused against what they believe. People just want to be happy and follow Jesus Christ. What we share is the same, but how we share it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. 

Instead of "in the church, we believe that families should be strong" (for example). You could ask, "What do you want for your family/kids?"  . . . "God desires . . . "

Instead of "We believe in another book that is called the Book of Mormon  . . ." you could say "God loves all of His children and has directed all of them. The ancient records of Jerusalem and their communication with God is called the Bible while those of the Americas is called the Book of Mormon"

Well my examples aren't too good right now, but think of the concept more. It changes EVERY conversation that I have here. Who do you represent? Another religion? Or Jesus Christ himself? If you have been baptized by the authority of God in His church, you have taken upon you the name of Jesus Christ. 

Oh! I thought of another example! Instead of "we believe that our church has the authority of God and is the only true church . . . " (almost everyone says something like that)   you could say, "Going to church and praying alone isn't going to save us. What saves us are the ordinances or sacred actions like Baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost for example. It is necessary that we do these under the authority of God. How necessary is it then to find out where the authority of God is?" 

The idea is that we focus directly on their direct relationship between them and Jesus. When they grasp that same focus, they themselves will look for His truth and find the Church. When they are in that search is when we can present the Truths of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

Talk about that idea more as a family and you will be able to apply it much better than I can. It will make the difference.

I love you all. Sorry for not sending very many pictures (I do it through drive). These computers are full of viruses and ruin whichever memory we put in it. It just ruined one of my camera cards and last week it erased my companion’s whole last year of pictures before he could save it. 

Obedience is how we show our love to God. Obedience=Happiness and Peace. There is no other way nor other name other than Jesus the Christ (read that book!). 

Because Jesus lives, there is only one truth. Believing in His name only is not enough. We all believe in the same God, but do we do it in His way or in our own convenient way?

-Elder Olson

September 7, 2016 Familia Eternas, what would YOU do for one?-- Peronia, San Cristobal 14

Hey family and friends,

This week was absolutely amazing. Elder Araya is the Bomb and wants to become the Atomic Beast!!!! We are working on personal character development on the side of teaching repentance and baptizing converts to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

This week on Sunday, so many wonderful people came to church. Claudia Vasquez, a nice young lady with an alcoholic Husband and a cast on her foot, came on Sunday. We met her in the street on Saturday and she poured out her needs to us. Our relief society president gave her a ride and she bore her testimony in sacrament meeting on Sunday starting with, "Hello, this is my first time ever to be here" It was a great testimony. Luis and Gloria came with their two little kids. They can feel the power that there is in the Atonement of Christ to repent and be washed clean of sins. They are willing to do anything to obtain their eternal family. They are also working towards a baptismal date right now. Adolfo Florian came as well and brought his family. His son Antoni is the one that is my best friend and we always do the ninja turtle handshake. Adolfo is the guy that sells food on the corner and always yells,"  HAAAARRRMAAAANOOOOOOSSSSS" (Brothers!). Kimberely Chopen came again and said we have to teach her more because she just wants to get baptized already. 

Elder Araya and I also have been having a ton of fun. We wrote letters to Santa Claus as Christmas happened to jump off to the 3rd of October this year (conveniently at the end of changes). The next night we made a giant blanket fort. We are having a lot of fun here but in the things of the Lord as well. Elder Araya is like a brother to me. He is my first companion that is younger than me. But just by a bit.

Are we Valiant in our testimonies? I LOVE that word. That is the one word description of my personal plan and vision of the Future Elder Olson (Ammon). I want to be VALIANT. Look up Doctrine and Covenants 76. Those who do not inherent the Celestial Kingdom (where families can be eternal or forever) are those who were not valiant in their testimonies here on the Earth. 

Mami Caffaro, My Mission President's wife, suggested that we enter buses singing to throw things for a swing. On my way here to write, I sang "I know that my redeemer lives" to the bus and then declared the restoration to all. Some very neat contacts came from that. There is not enough time left for us to do more or less of these things. We must ALWAYS declare and share the restored gospel. Our Savior is coming soon, we need to prepare the world. ALL OF US

I love you!!!!!

-Elder Olson

August 29, 2016 Familia Chopen . . . and the gringo tico -- Peronia, San Cristobal 13

Hey family and all you amazing other people,

This week was truly amazing. I received Elder Araya, a tico (from Costa Rica) that speaks perfect English. He is quite a fellow. He went on a student exchange program to Sacramento California where he stayed with a Mormon family, the Morgans. There he fell in love with the feeling of the Holy Ghost and returned to Costa Rica to be baptized. He was baptized two years ago. One year later, his mother was baptized. He LOVES Disney, high school musical, Glee, whichever other show that no man would ever admit to liking. However, this kid rocks it!!! He is super-duper fun and it is so hard to talk to him in one language. I always forget that English was his second language and that he is not from the states. He has one little brother, but he was kind of like the father of his little niece because her mother sort of abandoned her so he spent all of his time with her. I am his third companion. We are both in our second area though.

Well this week we baptized Yenifer Chopen and Nahomi Chopen. They are sisters. Their whole family came to the baptism AND to Church and they loved it! There are three more baptisms waiting in this soon to be Eternal family. WOW! These girls are really special. On Sunday in Elder's quorum, Raul, their father told everyone, "Elder Olson is a witness that at first, I tried to put the brakes on my daughters getting baptized, but I now know without a doubt that they only did was is the absolute best for them. 

I love you all a ton load!!!! I also got the mini quadruple scriptures this week. They are super light. I feel like I'm flying around Peronia now.

Oh also a lady let us in to sing Families Can be Together Forever and in the middle her husband got home and was super angry and was really rude to us, then as we were going to leave, he came back and asked us to come in. He said, "As I walked from you guys to the back, something beautiful happened. I felt a warm peace that just took away all of my anger from this morning. I need to find out more about your church. Tell me everything."

I love the mission. I love the Lord. 

I love you all too. Sorry if this is really short.

August 22, 2016 A Wise Man Walks by Faith -- Peronia, San Cristobal 12

Hey family!!!!

I love you all so much! 

This week we have changes. Hermano De Leon becomes Wily once again and will be sent all the way to his home . . . about half a mile away. 

I will be staying here in Peronia and I will be receiving Elder Araya from Costa Rica. 

This week was very special. Here is an excerpt from my letter to President Caffaro:

"It was evident after reading your letter that there was a fecha de compromiso in our area. As it came down to it, the only eligible investigator was Nahomy Urisandy. On Friday, we went to teach her along with her two sisters. During the lesson, Nahomy said, "I want to follow Jesus Christ and I want to show my Heavenly Father that I love him, but I DO NOT want to be baptized." Your words came to my mind "Cada compañerismo ponga una fecha de compromiso esta semana. Sin faltar. Tengan la fe, diligencia, la obediencia con exactitud y verán milagros. Les prometo!" I wanted to say something directed by the spirit but just profound as can be to change her, but as I offered a prayer of faith, I felt to keep silent. After a moment the member shared a marvelous experience and after, my companion spoke. The room FILLED with the spirit. As it came my turn to speak, my eyes filled with tears. She excitedly accepted the invitation to pray. On Saturday her whole family went to hear Elder Cook. On Sunday, we asked if she prayed and how she felt, and she said, "I received my answer. I want to be baptized this Saturday with my sister." 

Thank you for having the faith in the Lord to challenge us to this. The Lord has done a great work here."

I used to want to be so righteous that angels would visit me, but the Lord teaches us that a wise man walks by faith. In Faith is POWER. We need to keep the faith and have more. Our faith manifests itself within our actions. ACT exactly according to what the Lord has asked and commanded. Worry about the things of the Lord afterwards and you will see the miracles!!!!!

This mission is so special. There is no substitute for the mission. I love you all so much!!!!

Read the scriptures!!!!! They are so special for YOU!!!! But don't just read to read. Set apart a time to STUDY!!!!! Say a prayer before and dedicate the time towards being God's investigator so that the Spirit can teach you. You will not want to stop.

Find your whisper. Find your unquenchable thirst. .  . for the Word of God.

Love, 

Elder Olson

#worthyandwilling

September 12, 2016 The Midnight Attack -- Peronia, San Cristobal 15

Okay family and all you awesomes!!!! First of all, HAPPPYYY BIIIRRTTHHHDAYYYYY SSSAAAAAMMUUUUEEEEELLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!! You are 12 already?! 

Now just close and open it again tomorrow. ..   .    .  .

HAAAAAPPPPPPYYYYY BBBBIIIIIRRRRTTTTHHHDDDAAAYYYYY JJAARROOOMMMM!!!!!

26!!!!

Well this week has been amazing. I have been using mom's awesome sewing skills to get a ton of contacts, lessons, and visits. I taught one lady how to crochet. Another, I visited to fix her sewing machine, and then I remembered in that Utah family reunion way long ago in the Lodge with pool and Ping-Pong where we did that skit where I got to eat fruit loops for my whole part and the other year our skit was when Jacob pulled the Leprechaun hat down over Seth’s face and I yelled out, HEY THIS IS A STICKUP!!!!! Well, there. Afterwards, Dad passed out mini looms to everyone. (A block of wood with a hole drilled in the center and four nails to make a loomed rope that comes out. Jarom made the longest). Well in front of Mommy Glendy we have a carpenter bud that makes those for me for 5 quets which is right around 75 cents. The People love those. 

Luis and Gloria are progressing like insanely crazy fast and want their eternal family more than anything!!!! The Gospel is so amazing!!! We are focusing on preaching, teaching, and declaring repentance but EXACTLY where it hits. If a man is smoking, I will not teach about keeping the Sabbath day holy, . . . I am going to DECLARE that HE NEEDS TO QUIT SMOKING!!!! If they are not married GET MARRIED!!!!!!. If they work on Sundays, STOP .  .   . and GO TO CHURCH. Just to clarify, I am not walking around yelling at everyone, nor am only telling them to change. You cannot combat an application of the Gospel with another Application. Christ never did that. The only way to combat an application in error is to teach the overlying principle, or even better, a step up, the doctrine behind it. They apply the chastisement themselves. We are seeing progress. Those who are not living in compliance with the standards, commandments, and rules of our Heavenly Father, they simply cannot enjoy all of the Joy and Peace that there is. That helps me to be valiant in opening their eyes to how change will make them more happy.

The rain here comes in like a wall of water, It is SOOOO cool. You can hear it coming and in the day you can even see it. You can be 100% dry and have a POURING world right next to you until it hits you. The clouds are a lot closer here so the storms move around very quickly.

Well on Saturday, our comedor (food lady/mommy) invited us to dinner in which the whole family came and they made us burritos. Then as I was getting ready to leave, they all came back out with a GIANT 3 leche cake. They told me it's custom to take the first bite with my mouth, .. .. .. then smashed my face in it. 

Last night, Elder Araya super surprised me at midnight. Well first, he snuck up behind me at my desk and blew up a giant popper of confetti all over me. Then told me we had to go to bed. Something felt weird under my head, there was a present there. As I opened it, it was socks and a whole set of permanent markers. I thanked him again and something still felt weird. Inside the pillow was Costa Rican hair wax. It's super awesome because when it gets wet in the rain it doesn't make your whole head gelly and gross.  .   .   . still felt something. He got me a snazzy alarm clock. AWESOME!!!!!! Then .   .   . at midnight, my companion told me to follow him with eyes closed. Then he gave me a bambooish pole. As I opened my eyes, I found a mini-me piñata, which I DESTROYED with much joy. My comp is the best! He made me breakfast today as well.

Well there is a ton-bunch of more cooliboppin stuff to share, but asi es la vida. I love you all!!!

Love,

-Elder Olson

August 15, 2016 The Original Truths restored -- Peronia, San Cristobal 11

Well family. There is no time right now. The timing was messed up and two zones came to write so I don't have very much time. 

This week I was studying "Preach My Gospel" and in chapter nine, it talks about how to find people. I learned that as we contact them, we need to teach them. I now contact by declaring that the original truths of God that have been lost for centuries HAVE BEEN RESTORED through a living day prophet. There is EVIDENCE of this. . . The Book of Mormon. Read it. We are finding some really neat people by doing this.

Jennifer Chopen turned 18 last Sunday and will be baptized the 27th of August. She is amazing and only has about 5 siblings that will soon be following her example along with her father.

Leave and strive through your day to be that valiant child of God that He sees you to be. Do all your acts with a prayer of Faith. Those that believe can do ALL things. If one believes, he will act, THEN God will bless him, he will believe more, .  .  . and act more. It only goes up. Believe and Act. Pray daily for missionary opportunities. 

This week we taught our first English class in Peronia and Invited about 300 people and they ALL came!!!!!! Well minus just about 294 of them. HA! 6 members came, but I love teaching. It is so much fun. I got that from Mommy and Papiodadio. Thanks. 

This mission is so amazing. I love you all. I love God just a bit more.

Love,

Elder Olson