This Is My Beloved Son - Hear Him.

Hello everyone. Hope things find you all well. I am doing well. I have been transferred as of Monday, March 3rd, 2020. I am now in Villahermosa, Tabasco, México in the city/area of Indeco. I was able to speak with my family for only about ten minutes yesterday evening, March 16th.

Click here or the image below to see map and the location of Indeco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México.

My new companion is Elder Ortiz. I have been able to learn a lot from him in just about two weeks; a short time. I  have met many current investigators, members of the church, and many others that have accepted me. I will miss many in my previous area, Coatzacoalcos. My heart is full of fondness of the time there and those that I was blessed to teach and know; I will talk to and keep in touch with many there.

Elder Ortiz has helped me learn some effective teaching methods that will be of great help today and in the future while serving as a missionary of the Lord and sharing his Gospel. Upon arrival here, an investigator family has kept me fed with many tacos and other great food. We have even played some soccer with some children.

 I hope all is well with each of you during this time of uncertainty regarding the COVID-19/coronavirus. Pres. Whitworth and Sister Whitworth have instituted a constant reminder for each  missionary that of the need to incorporate personal hygiene and other areas that can be done to help prevent the spread of the virus. I am truly grateful to my Heavenly Father to be able to serve him as a missionary at this time and here in this mission. There is no other place I would rather be or anything that I would rather do. My testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel has grown so much these past few weeks!

God bless each of you. Thank you for your prayers for me and all the missionaries that serve throughout the world.


-- My mission president, President Clark Whitworth and his wife, Sister Jennifer Whitworth sent the following email to parents/guardians of all missionaries serving in the México Villahermosa Mission on March 6th, 2020 regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.

Dear Parents of Missionaries serving in the Villahermosa, Mexico Mission,

We are very grateful to have your Missionary serving here with us in Villahermosa. We love the missionaries very much and their health and well being are extremely important to us. The COVID-19 virus is receiving world wide attention. We want to reassure you that everything is well here, and that we are taking appropriate steps to protect the missionaries health.

 Missionaries are receiving a reminder to follow standard preventive health practices, such as

 - Frequently washing hands
 - Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold-like or flu-like symptoms.
 - Thoroughly cook meat and eggs.
 - Cover nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.

The Missionary Department is closely monitoring the development of the COVID-19 throughout the world and is in close contact with Area Presidencies, area medical advisers, and health professionals, who will let us know very quickly if any additional measures need to be implemented.

Even though your missionary is in a low risk area for international travel, we take this very seriously and are following all safety precautions.

Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

President and Sister Whitworth

President Russell M. Nelson shares a message of hope and peace during the March 2020 COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. He encourages members to take care of themselves and to carefully minister to those in need.

Pres. Russell M. Nelson - Message of Hope and Peace - COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

-- Pres. Russell M. Nelson, March 14th, 2020 shared the following:

My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain.

These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways.

So, during these uncertain times, be comforted by this promise from the Savior. He said, “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say.” I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws.

I love you. I pray for you. And I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him.

-- President Nelson shares a message of hope during the March 2020 COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The Prophet encourages members to care for themselves and minister to those in need.

Listen to the Voice of Jesus Christ

Listen to the Voice of Jesus Christ: #HearHim

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord!

( 2 Corinthians 4:5-9 )
[week beginning, Monday, Feb. 24th, 2020]

Hope all is well with everyone. It has been very rainy here in Coatzacoalcos. We are doing well. Lots of teaching lessons/discussions; including new contacts; some of those are a few referrals from members.

I was only able to chat with my family this week; so next week I will try and bring my web camera and mic/headset to the internet cafe.

There are lots of street vendors selling difference items. My companion and I saw these Wiley E. Coyote (Looney Tunes comics) figures, I got one for me and Ivan (our friend that owns the Internet cafe); however, the one for me needs a little, black name tag. It's the coyote from the cartoon that my parents watched when they were young. I didn't know who they were til my parents told me. I guess I am too young to know who Wiley E. Coyote is.

Elder Smart & our friend, Ivan as Wiley E. Coyote - mine is missing its tiny, black name tag.

My companion, Elder Lima is from Brazil. Also, he is a pretty good cook. He made a Brazilian Torta - a desert torta. It was real good. Apparently, there are many types of tortas. Some with chicken, tuna or other types of meat; then others with a more desert type filling for the torta. A torta de limão (Brazilian Lime Pie) is a very popular one from certain parts of Brazil. He also made one with tuna fish and the exterior tasted close to what is similar to cornbread.

Unfortunately, I have been a bit sick lately - a cold and flu virus. I got some antibiotics/medication from a medical doctor here in the branch. I think it might be a sinus infection. I will start taking the antibiotics today - hopefully they will help.

Missionary transfers are next week. Since I have been here a long time there is a chance I will get transferred. I will continue to work hard with the time here, and I will wait and see what happens with upcoming transfers. We are seeing the efforts of our work as we are teaching a lot now - I just don't know that I want to get transferred; I will miss many great people that are my friends here in Coatzacoalcos. Our work here, first with Elder Horn then Elder Lima, has brought about some opportunities with some awesome investigators! I know that I  have helped the Savior be a part of their lives and  helps them find and learn of his Gospel. It will be a great blessing in their lives as they continue to learn of the Savior.

We had zone conference this week - since my first area was a fairly large distance away from other areas it is hard to get to know other missionaries. Some advice the mission president, President Whitworth told us at the Zone Conference was the importance of proper planning, day and week planning and helping people know the importance of coming to church - that of church attendance.

Recent Coatzacoalcos zone conference.

A few of us missionaries from a couple of districts went out to eat. It was fun to get to know them. This was just before Elder Horn got transferred.

We have been helping a few members bring their friends or investigators to church with us each week. It has been a great blessing to help and invite them to church with us. There was another one of our investigator's friends came with him this past week. We told his friends that they too are both welcome any time.

I promised our good friend Ivan (the owner of the Internet cafe) that I would have my mom send us her Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe so that I could make cookies for him - imagine that, funny. Maybe between the Elder Lima, Ivan and myself we could do it.

México is great (or I can say México is lit). I love the people here and the work! Time is going by fast, very fast. I have grown personally and my testimony has grown in these short six months. Also, my faith has increased. Literally having faith is the key; having faith means you have hope; having hope means you have charity; having charity means you are trying to become like Christ - which is enough.
Take care, bye for now.

2 Corinthians 4:5-9

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Image by Dav Tres from Pixabay

Investigators, Missionary Discussions and Wet Shoes.

[ week beginning Monday, Feb. 10th, 2020 ]

Hope all is well with everyone. I am doing well here in México. However, it is hot a lot of the time or otherwise raining-sometimes a heavy downpour. I understand it is snowing most of the time back home. Sometimes I miss the cold weather and snow. It has been rainy/stormy down here for the past few days - feels like forever, yet it cleared up on Sunday, yesterday.

Recently, it has been hard to get a solid, reliable internet connection with my family back home to be able to talk via video or chat. I have only been able to do a short online chat with them on Mondays. Hopefully this situation will improve in the future.

We have been teaching an awesome family; a member of the family, a young man is especially interested in hearing and participating in the missionary lessons. The picture below is of his younger sister, Sua. She is very sweet. When the family comes to church with us, she always wants to sit next to me. Sua and her family live right next to the Gulf of Mexico, the ocean, so we often get some great pictures on the beach. My shoes get soaked by the waves. It is worth it though - it is beautiful here. Sua will find seashells for me.

Elder Smart & Sua, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, México.

Elder Smart (foreground) and Elder Lima.

The Spanish language is coming along well. I can understand pretty much what everybody says now or at least what they're trying to say; which is awesome! Many people that speak faster, I have to listen for just a bit longer to get used to how they speak.

We are trying hard to get a part member family back to church. Often, many, including families will go for a period of time by not attending church which is unfortunate. However, we are doing are best to see that this does not occur with the members here in the branch.

I am learning about the culture here too. For example, it is not rude to say, "Give me that." One does not need to say, for example, "Can you please pass the salsa." People think it is funny when I say, "Can you please pass the tacos." It is also an insult to point with your finger - different cultural norms that I have learned. I recently have had sushi and fried banana - very common food here in Coatzacoalcos.

We have also have been teaching a nice man who is a taxi driver. However, he did mention he may be going over to Cancun to drive a taxi as it is getting to be Summer and the busy season in Cancun.

Also, we have been teaching the wife of a man who is a Baptist minister who we met while riding in a taxi; we had a good discussion with him in the cab. He seems to know lots about our church.

Ivan, himself and his father own the internet cafe and convenience store next to it. Benito, who is a friend of Ivan often is helping at the internet cafe. I taught Benito how to tie a tie. That was fun.

It has been great to have Ivan and Benito come to church with Elder Lima and I.

Have a great week. Talk to you next week.

Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, México.

[ week beginning Monday, Feb. 17th, 2020 ]

It has been rainy, hot and then cooler here in Coatza. Recently we had interviews with Pres. Whitworth. They always go well. I learn a lot from him when we get a chance to visit together. This coming week we have a zone conference.

(Left to Right) Elder Lima, Elder Smart, Pres. Clark Whitworth, (not sure of order  next), Elder Schill, Elder Gonzalez.

We have been teaching a family that might be ready to be baptized soon. This family was a reference from a member. They will be baptized after I get transferred most likely.

The father wants to have the gospel in his family - for his young boys! This is great!

I am grateful for all the things that I am learning here, the language, things about me, about others, about who the Savior is, and even sometimes about being comfortable in uncomfortable situations. There are many things a mission teaches you. Most importantly, is my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has grown immensely.

This past week we were invited to have dinner at one of the counselors in the Bishopric/Branch Presidency here. He thanked us for our service and blessed us that we would continue to have heavenly, angelic beings protect us as we go forth sharing the Gospel. However, we must continue to be obedient and stay close to the Spirit. It was a nice blessing to hear.

The members of the church, investigators and everyone is genuinely willing to help the missionaries, feeding us and doing a variety of other things for us; just being concerned about us is an awesome feeling.

There is a member here that has a crocodile. He wants us to get some photos of it and some photos of me holding it. Not sure about that. Sounds interesting though.

Image by chatst2 from Pixabay

My companion and I often get invited to a home to eat with member families. One such occasion was this past Friday. We both had an opportunity to share our testimony and a scripture. The Spirit was strong and present while we shared our testimonies with the family. It was a great. We thanked them for a great meal and for having Elder Lima and I in their home.

Ivan, our friend, makes us "killer" hotdogs; he puts bacon around the hotdog with jalapenos, queso, ketchup and mayonnaise. They are very good. I am gaining too much weight. Yet, I still am trying to use my jump rope. Love you all. Have a great week.

Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent.

Image by John Hain from Pixabay

Doctrine & Covenants 19:16-19; 23,24

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

24 I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.

Good Afternoon!

Hope everyone is well. Things are great here. One afternoon during this past week we tracked into a gentleman, Good Afternoon - 'Buenos Tardes.' Elder Horn and I learned he had been taught by the Elders/Missionaries some time in the past and had in the meantime learned about the Jehovah Witness religion from their representatives. However, he really wants and has a strong desire to visit with us - Elder Horn and I (prior to week ending in Dec. 29th, 2019).

There has been lots of Jehovah Witnesses in our area - in large groups, often twenty or more that we have noticed lately. Many times they wear sombreros - this increases the reason of late that we, Elder Horn and I have talked with many of them about the Gospel and our beliefs; and they let us bear witness to many of them with our personal testimonies. We have been teaching a man whose brother is a Pentecostal Pastor. As we have taught him, it is apparent that he has some bias with his brother's beliefs. We have had many discussions with him about their beliefs and what we believe.
One of their beliefs being, "We [members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints] are  not literal descendants of God." We have a belief and knowledge on the contrary (prior to week ending in Jan. 5th, 2020).

God is not only our Ruler and Creator; He is also our Heavenly Father. All men and women are literally the sons and daughters of God. “Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal [physical] body” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 335).

Every person who was ever born on earth is our spirit brother or sister. Because we are the spirit children of God, we have inherited the potential to develop His divine qualities. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become like our Heavenly Father and receive a fullness of joy.

Scripture References

Psalm 82:6

Acts 17:29

Alma 40:11

Doctrine and Covenants 90:17–18

Moses 3:5

Ivan and Benito (both work at the Internet Cafe), our good friends have come to church and have sat by Elder Horn and I. I think this is great! Ivan has been kind to teach me how to make really good authentic Mexican food! and my favorite drink, Horchata.
Recently, I have had a little girl in the ward, who is a child in a part member family who we have spent the time to get to know, seek me and Elder Horn out at church. This little girl will come over to me in church and want to hold my hand - the family just laughs - makes me smile!
Two new stakes have recently been created in the mission.
We have been teaching a man named Jose. We met him in a taxi. We have committed him to be baptized on the 2nd of February (prior to week ending in Jan. 19th, 2020). It is my hope that it will go through and be successful.
Elder Horn got transferred - about eight hours by bus; East of Coatzacoalcos Veracruz . I have a new companion. His name is Elder Lima. Elder Lima is from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (as of Jan. 27, 2020). He does not speak any English. Looks like my Spanish is going to get really good really fast.

Mathew 19: 14-30
23  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24  And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25  When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
27  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Image by David Peterson from Pixabay

Merry Christmas! - ¡Feliz Navidad!

(from a phone call Dec. 25th, 2019)

Merry Christmas! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas. I did get my Christmas package from my family back home! It was great to have that for Christmas - enjoyed opening the package and eating the Christmas candy included. This coming week we will have a mission/zone Christmas party at the mission home.
This past week we needed to go to Villahermosa to help with Elder Horn's green card renewal. We went and stayed with the zone leaders on companion splits/divisions. I was able to sleep in a hammock - not sure I will give up a good mattress for a hammock, however. Within those couple of days, I was able to help teach some missionary discussions and bare my testimony for those that we taught.
This past p-day we had a small Christmas party at the church building - played some fun games and had pizza.
Recently, I spoke with a man as Elder Horn and I rode in a taxi. This man is a Pentecostal minister - we talked about how we, missionaries and members of the church celebrate Christmas and how Jesus Christ is the main reason for the holiday.
This coming Friday we will have a multi-zone Christmas party.
I have thought recently about what I could be doing now rather than a mission - there is nothing I would rather be doing than that of a mission! I am blessed and grateful to be a missionary for the Lord! God bless you all!
Have a great Christmas! - and a Happy New Year!

Elder Smart - second from the left, back row.

Luke 2: 1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Missionary Discussions and an Armadillo!

Hello all! Another busy week of appointments, contacts and teaching the missionary discussions. Recently, a young women in the ward  gave us a referral of a friend that she felt would like a visit and that would include a lesson from the missionaries. We called and set an appointment with this referral. We went to the home of the referral/contact; however, we went to the wrong home, a home that looked similar (both houses were orange). In our error we found another new contact -  a family! We set a future time to teach this family- who desired for us to come back and meet with them again. Additionally, we did teach the referral as planned. Also, we met a lady on the street named Eva. She wants us to come and visit with her and share a message of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Eva's husband, we have learned is a Pastor in the Presbyterian church and often goes to Cancun to help with the congregation there.We will be blessed to go to the Priego family home on Christmas day and have lunch. We will also get to see the fireworks they light to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Looking forward to that. We will also visit Ivan, a good friend that helps us each p-day (i.e. preparation day - each Monday of the week), on Christmas evening (prior to week ending - Sunday, Dec. 15th, 2019).

Armadillo ready to eat for dinner!

Recently, my companion and I visited a family from the ward. An armadillo apparently lived in the home as well. They said that we will have you both, Elder Horn and I over to eat armadillo soon! We did come over and eat some of it for dinner on the next visit! What an experience! - "just grab a claw....and eat." I did not necessarily like it, yet did not hate it. It tasted like turkey meat to me. It was a great dinner - just not sure of the main course, however. 😀

Elder Smart ready to eat armadillo - "Tastes like Turkey."

Merry Christmas! Have a great week!
Love you all.

Image by Alberto Rivera from Pixabay

Zone Conference and Flu Shot!

 Another busy week has come and gone. This past week [week beginning, Nov. 25, 2019] we had to travel to Villahermosa which is about 4 hours away, to the East of Cotza for a Mission Conference and Zone Conference - we left the day/afternoon before and will stay the night. All the missionaries were asked to get flu shots while at the mission conference even though I got a flu shot before I left, haha. It was great to see many of the Elders that I got to know and that came to the mission with me from the CCM/MTC in México City. It is hard to believe that I have been here in México for over two months. Time goes by fast.

(Left to Right) - Elder McMasters, Elder Burr, Elder Wilde, Elder Smart, Elder Cicerone, Elder Beus, Elder Atwood

It was also great to see my companion for the CCM/MTC, Elder Cicerone to my left in the photo. This past Saturday we helped a family that we are teaching paint the roof of their home. México is an awesome place; I feel it is my second home and I love it here and people I have met. I have made some great friends while here. There are large Iguana lizards that will often live in trees here in Villahermosa. I took a photo of one near the Mission home where we had our Mission Conference this past week.

Iguana near mission home, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México.

We often see street vendors while making contacts; one was selling some neat Lego ® sets of Batman, Thor, and the Hulk and other Marvel Comic sets - reminded me of when I was young how I liked to play with Legos ®.
We will travel on a boat to get from where we live to the main part of the city of Coatzacoalcos. I think that I might of told you, I often hit my head on this railing - you would think that I would learn; all the locals just look at me and don't laugh, yet I think it is funny. A man that is dressed like a clown comes on the boat and will tell us jokes for money -   that is worth a laugh also.
This coming Friday, December 6th I will be on splits with a Zone leader to be with me for the day in Cotza so I will need to have the day's work planned.

Image by coombesy from Pixabay

The sister missionaries in our district made red t-shirts for our district with our names on them. That was nice of them. I ate at a members home cows head meat with cream cheese, and lettuce in a tortilla. I did not even know what it was - wasn't bad. 

We met a Yuli, a member who is the owner of a pizza cafe that asked me what snow was like - "is it soft like in the movies?"

My companion and I are working hard - I am focused on what is asked of us to do. Have a great week!