Alma 26:15 IBIZA!!!

Wonderful Family and Friends,
  

I love you people, just so you know. :) Don't forget it!! Sorry if this is going to have to be brief and to-the-point. :)
  

This week has been so much fun! MISSIONARIES HAVE THE BEST JOB EVER!!!!!

Read Alma 26:15
   

Nice quote from President George Q. Cannon:

No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character, He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday, the same today, and He will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come. We have found that god. We have made Him our friend, by obeying His Gospel; and He will stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed or overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and the purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments.

Letter to President Pace:

Dear President,

The work out here is going so well!! We are making so much progress with our investigators!!

I know that prayer, fasting, and exact obedience bring miracles, President, and I know that Élder Dean and I are being surrounded by miracles. We are having so much fun working together, and I know that as we are continuing to work on our personal goals of obedience and humility, we are going to continue being blessed, and our prayers will be answered and we WILL help families be baptized in the coming weeks!!

When investigators love the Spirit they feel around us so much that they keep inviting us to birthday parties, then we know that we're doing something right. When we find less-active members who had no idea that the church existed on our island, and find entire families who are interested in having us visit them, then we know that the Lord is blessing us for our efforts and obedience.

We love you, President!!

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

Family, (I consider you my family if you are receiving this), I love you. Read Alma 5:12, and share it with someone who needs some hope. The Spirit will bless us if we are obedient!!

LOVE YOU SO MUCH I'M PRAYING FOR YÁLL!!!!

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

P.S. No, I haven't gotten the package yet, because it's too big. I´ll be getting it in pieces over time, I suppose. I love yáll!! I will send pictures and videos, soon!!

The Work on the Island of Ibiza, Spain

Beloved family and friends,

I love you all so much!! I am doing great!! Missionary work is so much fun (and the not-as-fun parts are SO GOOD FOR US!!!)!!!

 

This week has been a little weird--we spent almost half of it in Palma de Mallorca for Zone Enfoque, and then President Interviews, and then for the Halloween party in the Stake Center in Palma. It´s hard to set visits with people when you can't meet them ("Yeah, I'm sorry, we won't be able to make it because we'll be on a different island for the next few days. See you at church on Sunday?"). 

 

You know, even though getting people to come to church on Sunday is a challenge, I know that as Élder Dean and I work on being worthy of the Spirit´s companionship, we will be guided to find prepared people, and to help our investigators really progress and come to realize their eternal potential as God´s children.

 

This is my President´s Letter for this week:

 

Dear President,

 

The work in San Antonio is progressing, if not as quick as Élder Dean and I would like, it is progressing nonetheless. We´re visiting a few families (Milton and Aileen, and their two children Antony and Shirley from Ecuador; Merari and her daughter Dayana from Colombia; Oscar (Milton's nephew), his family and his nephew Joel; Amparo from Colombia, and perhaps her Ibizenco husband and stepdaughter in the future; and Verónica and her daughter and son-in-law Georgiana and Luis, from Romania) who are all interested in learning more about the restored gospel. We are also trying to work with the few less-active families here, paying particular attention to Luis and Paola's family. 

 

We love these people, and I know that they love when we visit them in their homes because they always tell us how peaceful they feel--they love the Spirit!! I know that as we are worthy of the Spirit, and continue trying to cheerfully and obediently love-find-love-teach-love-baptize-love these people, we will see even more miracles here!! I´m so grateful for the gifts of fasting, prayer, studying, planning, and teaching!!

  

I have been praying that Élder Dean would be able to see a baptism this month. I sense that it´s a little frustrating for him that other missionaries that came out at the same time as him are seeing so much success, and I want so badly for him to know that he can also be an instrument in the Lord´s hands that helps people decide to be baptized, too. I pray for miracles to show him, for him to see. I know that Heavenly Father will answer the prayers of humble and obedient missionaries.

 

Scripture that defines our work in San Antonio, Alma 26:15 -- "Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work."

 

I'm striving to continue focusing on serving Élder Dean, as you suggested. I love my companion -- he has such a sense of humor, and a sincere desire to do his best! Our numbers might not satisfy us, but our efforts aren't always captured by the numbers we report. President, I know that there is a standard of excellence, and I know that Élder Dean and I can get there. This week we will work even harder than we have been working in previous weeks. This is the work of Salvation for my people, my family, and we will NOT slack off or take this work lightly!!

  

With love,
Élder Zubeldia

 

One of the miracles of this week is that there is a newlywed couple from Layton, Utah that just moved into San Antonio!! San Antonio is one of three bigger towns on our island, and something that has been a problem the last couple of months is that the national education system just established a requirement for all schools in Catalunya and the Balearic Islands to teach equally in Spanish, Catalán, and English. This has made our free English classes a much more popular option, and we're seeing a LOT more people attending!!

  

Justin Smith, from Missouri, and his wife Chelsea, from Layton, came because Justin was selected from a program at the UofU to teach English here in San Antonio!! He's apparently been here since September, and we just discovered each other the other day!! He served in San Diego, California, and I know that he will be a HUGE help in San Antonio!! What are the odds that, on top of them being Mormons on Ibiza, they happen to practically be from my hometown? God works in mysterious ways, even through people who went to Layton high!!

 

Speaking of which, when I went to the Trainer Training meeting in Barcelona a couple of weeks back, I found FOUR other missionaries that are now in our mission who I went to school with!! On Palma are a couple of missionaries that came out with Elder Dean that are from Farmington, Utah. Davis County people are gathering for the Lord's Reconquista of Spain!!! We have the BEST JOB EVER!!!!

 

Thank you so much for you emails and letters!! I love hearing about how you're all doing, and how you're all accelerating the work where you are!! I'm so grateful to be serving shoulder-to-shoulder with you wonderful people!!

 

I love you all, and I hope to hear more about how you're all doing. Preach to the choir moment: READ THE BOOK OF MORMON EVERY DAY. PRAY. FAST WHILE YOU PRAY. And when you feel happy (because doing these things cheerfully/sincerely guarantees you will), notify your face -- nobody wants to join a church of grumps!!

 

Love you!!

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

Week 20

Beloved Family and Beloved Friends,

I love you so much, just so you know!! Sorry for not writing on Monday--it was a rare combination of unforeseeable ridiculousness that will NOT become a habit!

Alright...I don't know if I've got much time, but let me try to sum things up for you all:

I love it out here; my companion and I are two fresh missionaries excited to get to work, and we're seeing miracles!! Investigator families keep inviting us to birthday parties and dinners, and my stomach is applying for Ecuadorian citizenship. ;) We're really striving to be worthy of the divine companionship of the Spirit, and we know that it is possible through fasting and prayer; it is in our most humble moments that we have the greatest miracles. We're having a sort of crisis here in our branch, but it is okay, because the Lord is on our team and we and our leaders are being guided on how to help and bless this island.

I'd get into more detail, but I've got to go.

I will DEFINITELY write more next week, and pictures are already on the way. :) I'm sorry for my imperfections and my lack of diligence in writing back letters to you all, but I want you to know that my companion, my fellow Ibiza Elders, our branch, and our investigators are being blessed and I'm trying my best to help them feel how important they are, and what God has in store for us all.

I'm safe, I'm happy, and I'm committed--don't worry about me!!! I love you!!!

I love you!!!

Elder Zubeldia

San Antonio, week 1! :)

Hey beloved family!!!

 

Haha, well, I don't have any time left but I just wanted to say

 

I LOVE YOU ALL SO SOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH, ¿VALE?

 

Read D&C 58:28, and if you can, rewatch/reread Edward Dube's Conference Talk. Heavenly Father has given YOU the power to do much good. Trust in God, and trust in yourself, because He trusts you!!

 

San Antonio is great. We're working hard, and we're doing a lot of walking and contacting. :) I probably would've felt discouraged at how it's going a week or two ago, but now, I just feel like everything is going to be alright, and that we really are going about the Lord's work. :) We see miracles happen all the time; little packages from heaven that light up our days. :) My companion Elder Dean is a stud, and he also wants to work hard. His spanish is doing well, and it's always getting better, and I know that as we're obedient that we will be the missionaries that Heavenly Father desires us to be.

 

Have a fantastic week!! INVITE SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON!!!!!!!!!! PRAY TO HEAVENLY FATHER AND ACT ON THE ANSWERS THAT COME!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Simply,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

Lord, I would follow Thee

My cherished family and dear friends,

I love you all. :) I just needed you all to know, in case you've forgotten. :) What's more, Heavenly Father loves you, even if you feel like don't always deserve it. So, remember, and remind yourself often!

This week has been insane, and I will start with last Saturday night: apparently, without any of us four missionaries here on Ibiza (a small Mediterranean island -- again, please don't look it up) realizing, this week was Transfers week (every six weeks the mission switches missionaries around, according to where Heavenly Father needs them -- so I am now in my fourth transfer in Spain, my third transfer on Ibiza). 

The surprise came that our district leader was assigned to work back on the peninsula (mainland Spain); that I will be moved to the new area of San Antonio, Ibiza (which was opened last transfer by my district leader and his trainee-companion, Elder Dean), and that I will be finishing the training of Elder Dean this transfer. It didn't really hit me that night, or those next days. My previous companion will be assigned to work with the Elder who came yesterday, who was part of the first pair of missionaries who originally opened Ibiza almost 2 years ago ¨(the members are so excited that he's back!), who will also be our new district leader of the "Ibiza and Menorca District" of the Balearic Islands Zone.

Sunday, we had to break the news to the branch, and there were many tears. One of our recent converts was so overwhelmed with sorrow that she had a panic attack and fainted; I caught her in my arms and laid her on her back on some chairs, and then (as calmly as I could) asked for the other elders to give her a blessing (I was still trying to steady her and keep her conscious). The Priesthood power and authority from God is on the earth today, and I felt the change happen right below my hands. She suddenly relaxed, and was strengthened. We spent the next hour comforting her, singing hymns, and bearing testimony through the scriptures. The Spirit does have the power to guide and comfort us.

Monday, the members wanted us in their homes, and so we spent the day with them sharing scriptures, fond memories, and extending commitments to really read the Book of Mormon as families. (Mondays technically aren't Preparation Days during Transfers -- they make the day that the missionaries will be doing traveling (Tuesday) a Preparation Day so that the traveling doesn't interfere with proselyting hours. But, since we had forgotten about transfers, I had set up a ton of appointments in Ibiza for Tuesday, and so had the San Antonio elders. So...we didn't really have time for Preparation Day this week. We did try and write our families-friends on Tuesday, but my keyboard was on the fritz, and I didn't realize how to make it work until I had already tried to sign in about 10 times and got locked out. That's why I'm writing so late in the week. :/ Hermana Pace said that it is a commandment that I write every week (haha, I'm not complaining!), and she told me to use this time to write.) That night, the branch put together a farewell fireside for Elder Bozarth; there was so much love and appreciation felt there. What a sign of a missionary who is on-purpose!! Afterwards, we had our own private party amongst ourselves in piso. I love my fellow Ibiza Elders, and the wonderful members and people of this island!!

Tuesday, we took Elder Bozarth to the airport, more tears, and then we came back home wanting to get even more work done here. I went with my previous companion, Elder Lindsay, and visited our investigators, to let them know that I was leaving for San Antonio, but that I will see them at the church on Sundays and for activities. We had beautiful experiences with our investigator families; they felt the powerful peace and love of the Spirit, especially as we sung hymns for them, and testified of the merciful plan of happiness that Heavenly Father has for us, of the reality of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and of the veracity of the Book of Mormon. It was starting to sink in that I really was going to be assigned to be Elder Dean´s companion: that my responsibilities would be, in effect, different. I didn't feel ready or worthy, and to be honest, I´m still dealing with that, but the Trainer Meeting the next day was a huge blessing and comfort to me.

Wednesday (yesterday), I flew into Barcelona and went to the meeting. I don't have tons of time left, but here is a couple of the things that came to me as I was listening: 

There is no greater blessing than participating in the Lord's Work--There's no way we can do this sacred work our way; we must do it His way by KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS.

Heavenly Father, I don't feel ready, but if you will help me, then I will do my best to do everything you ask of me.

The Lord has sent us here to bring people unto Him -- WE CAN DO IT; it'll happen as I'm dedicated, obedient, and focus on finding, teaching, and baptizing.

How successful our mission is depends on how we use our mornings... so it is in the little things that we accomplish great things (Alma 27:6-7) We will be exactly the kind of missionary that we want and work to be.

This really will be a wonderful time on the mission. I need to teach by example and through love--merely telling will never be enough. So if I need to teach by example, I need to try and follow Christ's example -- as His representatives, He doesn't ask anything less than our best efforts.

Everything will be alright; Heavenly Father will help me be worthy of this assignment, and we will help people come unto Him through the waters of baptism together!!

I love you all so much!! This work is so much fun!!! I feel like I'm receiving the strength and joy and love that I need, and the problems that we had before seem so small now. Thank you so much for your support, love, and counsel. I love you all so much!! We are going to see so many miracles in San Antonio, I can feel it!! We're going to have so much fun going about the work together!!!

I pray that everything is going well for you all, and I'm so glad to have you all in my life. This week's challenge: put the words of the prophets (from Conference and from the BoM) to the test--see if you don't get blessed by your sincere efforts to invite people to come unto Christ. I know that you will be blessed and helped by God as you labor in His work.

Simply,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

This week in Ibiza

Here is what I wrote to my Mission President this week:

Dear President,
 
I am doing well, and I know that Heavenly Father will always help me when I'm doing less-well. We are seeing miracles in contacting--we have been contacted by several people who seem sincerely interested in learning more about the church (we just got three more investigators on the way to write these e-mails), and I know that it is because of the Spirit of cheerful obedience, gratitude, and hope. 
  
Our members here are amazing!! Because of the loving relationship we share between ourselves and the Lord, they want to help us out in the Work of Salvation here on Obedience Island. From what they keep telling us, we are going to have at least 20 nonmembers coming to the activity we're all planning for this Saturday. Miracles are all over the place when we've got the Spirit and the strength to share a smile!!
  
With the Lord´s help, NOTHING is impossible. 

 

Thank you so much, President, for responding to my last e-mail! I´m so grateful for everything that you and Sister Pace do for me and our mission. We´re always praying for you both!!  

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

Now I want to tell you about the spiritual experience I had on Oct 4th, as written in my journal this morning. :)

  

I now realize that bearing testimony is a powerful tool in bringing the Spirit, not only into lessons and into the hearts of others, but also to our own hearts and lives. The power of the Spirit, and the sharp piercing of the truths that He guides us to express, can burst through, and clear away, any darkness that tries to settle in an chain down our spirit.

Mosiah 23:21-24 (yeah, you should take a moment to read it :) This is one that stuck out to me because of the study I´m doing with Katie. :) Heavenly Father is so incomprehensibly good to me!! Best life EVER!!!!)

We must never compromise our trust in God´s promise and powers of deliverance. Only He can deliver us from failing hearts and all forms of bondage. He only asks us to put our trust in Him, to show our love for Him by turning to Him always, and by helping others to choose the same. Only with Him will we feel the everlasting joy and peace that comes from His deliverance.

He loves me. I love Him. We will be happy forever as we all come home, together, to Him.

...

Haha, I learned so much this week, and I haven't even talked about the portions of Conference (Saturday and Sunday Morning, and Priesthood meeting) that I've been able to see so far!! Well, time is of the essence -- and Conference is on the internet!! If you, like me, haven't seen parts (or any) of the recent General Conference, INVEST 15-20 MIN OUT OF YOUR DAY TO DRASTICALLY IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE!!! With practically no barriers to having your deepest doubts and fears concerning God resolved, really LISTEN TO THE WORD OF THE PROPHETS, and put God´s truths to the test in your life. 

I know that you will feel the difference, if you sincerely give it a chance.

Only you can take your steps towards everlasting happiness and peace. The promise isn't that it will always be easy; the promise is that you will never be alone as you keep moving forward. :)

I love you!!

Simply,

Élder Zubledia

Tender mercies

My dearest family,

I love you so much. :)

This is what I wrote to my Mission President just barely (that which is in bold wasn´t originally there):

Dear President,

Thank you so much for this last Zone Conference. I really needed the spiritual manna that was there. Thank you for letting me know about my cousin, Élder Ward (Did you all know that he´s BACK IN SPAIN?!?! 8D). Thank you for the Gardeners (They are the senior couple who has just arrived in Palma and they are FANTASTIC--Mami, expect an e-mail from them sometime)--they are such a blessing to us all, and they bring so much spiritual strength and wisdom!! I need the strength that the "pleasing word of God" gives, whether from the Spirit, the scriptures, or from my leaders like yourself and Sister Pace.

I know that nothing is impossible. I know that Heavenly Father is happy when His children come closer to realizing how intrinsically valuable they are. I know that we all have supernal potential. I know that the Spirit, and the love of Christ, are necessary for us to progress, and to help others progress, on our paths towards our eternal self-actualization. I know that Heavenly Father lives. I know that He loves us all. I know that that is the reason for everything. I know that if we keep that in mind, and act accordingly, everything will be okay.

Thank you so much, President, for all that you and Sister Pace do for the Lord, the mission, these people, these islands, and for me. I´m praying for you, both. If there´s anything at all that I could even hypothetically do (Other than trying my best to be a hard-working, obedient, miracle-worthy missionary out here in Ibiza) for you two, please don´t hesitate to let me know.

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

We´ve had a slow week here in Ibiza (investigador-wise and progress-wise-in-relation-to-other-aspects-of-the-work-in-general), but you know what, that´s okay. I feel that, if this time is the time that Heavenly Father wants me to focus, then this time is being really well spent (in fact, it is probably being really well invested in future miracles that will come when we work as a united team, together with the Spirit). I know that there are no accidents, and that Heavenly Father´s plan is perfect. As long as I put all of my trust in the Lord, continue striving for obedience, and continue happily expressing love to my companion, I know that the Spirit will be with us, that we will see miracles, and that peace and joy will abide in our hearts.

DON´T EVER GIVE UP!!! If you read the Book of Mormon, ponder, and pray, every day, then you will have the Spirit with you, and you will be able to make miracles happen in your days. LISTEN TO GENERAL CONFERENCE AND TRY TO GET AS MANY  PEOPLE TO DO THE SAME!!!

God is real, He is our Father, He loves us, and He wants us to be happy. He has all knowledge, and has things to tell us so that we will be happier, because He loves us. It´s convenient, then, for us to listen to the things He has to say to us. We can come and listen and see for ourselves just those things He has to say to us this weekend. Everyone deserves to have the happiness that comes from having the knowledge that He wants us to have. PLEASE LISTEN TO ALL OF CONFERENCE AND INVITE OTHERS TO WATCH IT WITH YOU!!! 

Thank you so much for your e-mails!! I love you all so much. I am praying for you all!!

I love you all, so much.

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia