May 25th, 2015

Dear Family,

This week was such a great week for Elder Salinas and I. Today during companionship study this morning Elder Salinas and I were talking about goals and why we set goals and how we can achieve the goals that we have set. As well as last night Elder Garcia (ZL) and I were talking about how we are able to have success in our areas. I feel like it truly depends on our faith and our confidence that we have in our Father in Heaven. It doesn't matter what area we are in, if we have the confidence and faith, we are able to see miracles.

This last week we also had the opportunity to bring a lot of our investigators and less actives to the temple, which was such a great experience for them. Each and every one of them said that they felt something different that they had never felt before. We were able to testify that what they felt was the spirit of the Lord. What a great blessing it is for the people here in Trujillo to have this Temple, to be able to draw closer to the Lord. We look forward to this next week and in bringing as many investigators and less actives to the temple so that they are able to feel the spirit that is found inside it's doors. My companion and I went to the Temple on the right day because we were able to see President Marler there as well as Elder Uceda (member of the 70) and the Temple president! It was good to converse with them for a little bit.

The work is hastening as the Prophets have testified. I am able to see the fruits of the work every week. Just a week ago we had 284 members come to church and this last Sunday we had 308. The Lord is hastening his work, and I feel blessed to be part of the work that he has.

I love you all and hope you have an amazing week!

Love,

Elder Thorpe

Trujillo Temple with Elder Salinas

May 18th, 2015

May 18th, 2015

Dear Family,

This last week has been such a great week. These last few weeks have been full of finding new investigators and helping others progress in the Gospel. This last Saturday we had a baptism for the Hermana Clementina, which was really good. For the two weeks that I have known her, I have seen such great growth with her. We were able to bring her to the Temple which was really good for her. She felt the need for temples and has committed to enter in the temple one year from now. 

This last week we recieved 21 new referrals and the week before we had 26, so in total we had 47 referrals these last two weeks. I don't boast of myself and the work that Elder Salinas and I have done, but I boast of my Father in Heaven, just as the sons of Mosiah did. Becuase I know without him, I am nothing. I constantly see his hand in his work on a daily basis. I am in awe in what he does and how involved he is in every aspect of this great work. 

This next week, Elder Salinas and I want to focus on finding the investigators that can progress and want to accept the gospel. We have made plans with members of the ward to help us in accomplishing our plans and goals that we have set. After the training that we had this last Sunday, as a ward council we set goals in how us missionaries of the ward and the members work together in this great work of Salvation. I am excited to work more with the members on a daily basis and look forward to continue serving here in such a great area.

I love you all so much! I hope that you are all doing great and that you have an amazing week. I pray for you all daily and thank my Father in Heaven that you are all in my life!

Love,

Elder Thorpe

May 11th, 2015

Dear Family,

This first week here in Esperanza has been such a great week. When I first got here, planning was a little difficult because there weren't a ton of names to put down in the agenda, and I felt bad because I didn't know just about anyone in the area. We made a goal as a companionship to search for new investigators to visit. The last few days we have been focusing on asking everyone for referrals and for people that are ready to accept the gospel. I have no doubt that new areas and new companionships bring miracles becuase within the last 4 days, Elder Salinas and I were able to receive 26 referrals and 19 of the being from members. We were also able to contact 15 of them and have set up appointments to visit them. We have set some pretty strong goals in the last few days to be able to help this area out. Also we look forward to bringing investigators to the temple and in helping them understand the true reason why we are here on the earth.

As a district we have set a few goals to focus on our planning sessions, lessons with members, and baptismal invitations on the first visit. I look forward in working hard with the Elders here in this part of the vineyard and in helping the Lord in his great work. 

When I first came here to this zone and district I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect. I feel like the nerves have gone and that all I can do is serve with all of my heart. I know that if I do that and search for my Saviors hand in my life, I will be blessed and will be able to do all that my Father in Heaven needs me to do. I know that through revelation and diligence I will be able to understand my reasons for being here and will be able to do all that is asked of me.

Love,

Elder Thorpe

May 4th, 2015

Dear Family,

Well another 6 weeks have passed so that means... Cambios!

Last night I received a call from one of the AP's and received the assignment of being a district leader in one of the biggest zones in our mission. It is known as the power house of our mission, so I am a little nervous, but super excited!

This last week of the change has been a good one. The work continues to go forth here in Chao as can be seen by the growth of the church here. I have seen a branch transform from the time that I got here until now and I look forward to hearing about the progress it will have in the future.

It has been such a great time serving here in Chao. I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to spend a good part of my mission here and in getting to know such great people. I truly love the people here in Chao, but as Nephi says, I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded me. I know that the work in Chao will continue to go forth and that many more people in this area will be blessed. I look forward to serving the people as well as the missionaries in Esperanza.

I gratefully accept the assignment and opportunity to serve as a district leader in the zone of Esperanza and I look forward to seeing great growth in that area.

Saying goodbye is going to be a little hard because I have grown to love the people here in Chao, but I am super excited for the opportunities that await me in Esperanza!

Love,

Elder Thorpe