Aug 26, 2013- our UTES in Mexico City

 Elder Lloyd and his new companion Elder Rodriguez

Just another week in Paradise in the work of the Lord! This week being with my new comp has been so awesome. It is so great to see all the awesome ready missionaries that are coming into the field. He is a great, hard working kid! Such a great blessing to be with him!
We were suppose to have the baptism and marriage of Adáns parents this last week, they were going to sign the papers on Friday, but called us on Wednesday and they were in a fight and don't want to get married and want to wait for the baptism. It is true that when we put them on our list, so does Satan. This week we had the privilege of being part of the baptisms of 2 great people. A mom named Vanessa and her son Ivan. We meet them about 2 weeks ago and they are such great people. Her mother and little brother have been members for over a year now, and her dad about a year. At first we were teaching her, Ivan 14, and her daughter Karen 13 in the house of her mother in law. Her husband didn't want anything to do with us. After a little bit we got kick out of that house because they are super Catholics and don't want us in there. Soooo we moved to the church. We had great discussions with them, the bad thing after a while, and we don't know why, is Karen didn't want to talk with us anymore. And it was so apparent to me the strong impact the example of her family has had on her. That is why she decided to talk to us and make the commitment of going to church.
We all know it and it is so simple. But it is more and more apparent to me how it is more important than anything to be an example to others, and leading others by example. It is so amazing what it can and will do.  In a book called True to the Faith, it says that we have a great responsibility to preach the Gospel as members, and the best way to do it is be an example, like our brother Jesús Christ. People will see a difference in us, a light, and feel different around us and follow. One of my favorite quotes says, "Be the light on the top of the hill that people can follow, that doesn't mean a flash light shinning in everyone's eyes."
That is what the family of Vanessa has done for her and her son and I know that they will do the same for the rest of the family. He gave us a ride home from the baptism, and REALLY warmed up to us, we gave him a Book of Mormon and talked about it on the ride. And he even gave us a hug when he dropped us off. (wasn't expecting that) With faith and hard work, we will see miracles!

Lots of love

Elder Lloyd

Ivan, Vanessa, the missionaries, and her brother that baptized them.

New area, New Companion--Aug 19, 2013

Another week that just flew by that is for sure! But another great one none the less!
Looks like I will be receiving more changes, AGAIN, ha-ha. I get the blessing of being able to be with one of the new incoming missionaries, which will be a great experience. But I'm going to miss my old comp!! We had been blessed enough to be a part of the baptism of Adán this week. It was such an awesome thing. The pump wasn't working so we had to fill the font up with gallon buckets, from the well to the window, to the font. With four missionaries working, we got it done right in time!  As you can see in the pictures, our President made a surprise visit to the baptism of Adán. It was such a great experience having him there. 
During the week we met Adáns family, his mom, little sister and stepdad. We are now teaching them and are so excited because they are progressing so well! During one of our lessons with him and his family, his stepdad told him to make sure he knows what he is doing, and that he really wants this. It was so amazing to hear his answer of, "I know what I want, I have prayed about this, and I have my answer. I know what I need to do. I have also decided to prepare myself to serve a mission in 2 years when I'm 18 like these Elders." What a kid! But his Mom told us that it wasn't always like this. She told us, about just a couple weeks ago, how he would come home drunk, and smelling of smoke. And she said look at him now, as he was leaving the house in a white shirt and tie, going to get signed up for Seminary. She told us that she never thought it was possible, and he would never change. It was called to my attention to show her in Matthew. It is Matthew 19:26Where Jesus Christ says, For of men this is impossible, but of God everything is possible.
I KNOW that is true!! Just when we think something is impossible, when we feel that someone will never change, that we ourselves will never change, if we are trying to do it on our own. It is.... But like Christ says, through God NOTHING is impossible. I have seen it many times already on my mission in the little 8 months that I have. Literal miracles, but there is one distinct common theme, it is all through our loving Heavenly Father, and doing what he wants us to do, in following our brother Jesus Christ. We are seeing this in action in so many peoples lives, a Lady named Vanessa, and her 2 kids, a great 19 year old named Adrian who is more then ready to be baptized, but we just have to wait for some papers from the Church offices. It is so amazing to see!
I love you all!
Hope all is well.
Elder Lloyd

Adán, his little sister and mom, President Hall and the family that referred him

Adán, Elder Mendez ( From Ciudad Apizaco Tlaxcala Mexico), and I

Adan with President Hall

No limits to family happiness and strength - Aug 5, 2013

Another week down in Mexico! I was recently moved, well yesterday to another area, it is on the out skirts of the mission and is a little different, not as densely packed, but still unbelievably packed, ha-ha! I am with a new comp. from here in Mexico named Elder Mendez. He has been in the mission for 4 months and I am expecting great things. Nothing but hard work for the Lord!

 This past week we have been working a lot with a couple families. They are SO great and have so much potential. We set goals with 2 of the families, one being the family of Luis- to not only to be baptized but to be able to go to the temple in one year from their baptism. It is a thing that is the most beautiful thing that they could do as a family and I know that. They are going to have to work hard, But I know that with enough faith they are going to do it! The common theme that I have been seeing in these families that we were working with is the lack of the head of the household, the father. We know how important it is and especially with the priesthood, and with the incredible support and gifts of a wife. There are no limits to family happiness and strengths. This last Sunday Luis's stepdad came to church, and he was alone, (Luis was at a camp- out with the ward). I know that is how they are going to reach and complete their goal of the temple. It is by the great example of an incredible Dad, one of which I was and am SO blessed to have!

Love you all,

Elder Lloyd