New mission president arriving

June 30, 2014 

Hola familia,

It was a great week. A lot of good things are happening. We had a pretty good turn out at church. Rosa and Bernardo are some investigators we have. They already look like members. They love church. This is the second Sunday in a row that they have fed us after church. They feed us more than the members do. haha

President Turner fly's in today. I won't meet him until Thursday. I am way excited for that. I won't see President Holm until after my mission. It was sad to say by to him for the last time, but he told me to count it as a blessing to have two mission presidents on my mission. 

I have been doing way good. I did something to my back, its the first time it has happened. It is fine though, it not that bad. I still do everything i am suppose to. so don't worry. But besides that i am doing great. We got some new missionaries in the Zone and they are cool. We have been having a good time with them. We have been getting up early in the mornings to play some sports for our workouts. That has been sweet. We have been playing soccer in honor of the World Cup. Everyone know i am Colombian so they keep me updated. I was way pumped to hear that they won. 

Elder Dembinski Jokes up about this week. He always says this week is over, even though its Monday. Its because this week we have a ton we have to do. We have two exchanges, we are meeting the President on Thursday and on Friday we have another meeting with him all day. So this week is going to fly by. 

The work has been going good. Thanks for all you do. I do appologize for such a short email this week, but i just don't have much time. I love all of you. You all enjoy your week. Love you tons.

Elder Franco

Last time with President and Silster Holm

June 16, 2014

Hola Familia,

Another week flew by. Its so crazy how fast the time is going by. We did have zone conference this week it was fun. IT was kinda a sad one. it was for some people the last time they are gonna see president Holm and sister Holm. I think i will get to see him at least one more time. I don't know why i wasn't in any of the pictures. I remember Sister Holm taking some pics. Oh and actually we did run out of time. we were suppose to take pictures with president and sister Holm. But we didn't have to do it. 

But President told me that he would see me after my mission. He also asked for the address and phone number. He said he wanted to go visit you guys. So hopefully he will. That would be way cool. 

Well yesterday we had a way good Sunday. We had 2 separate families come to church and they loved it. Gaby and Eddul came and Bernardo and Rosa came as well. Gaby and Eddul really want to be married and baptized. So we have been trying to figure it out for them. But it has been really hard. In our County they can't get married because they ask for a lot of stuff that they don't have. So we thing we have to go to greenville. We have been a little stressed. Because they really want to get baptized but they can't unless they get married. They are willing to do whatever but the city has been really hard to work with. so just keep them in your prayers. I am sure, we could figure some things out. 

Both those families are way cool. they just love everything we are teaching them and they really want it. It is cool to see how much they want to be happy. and they love the spirit they feel as they come to church and they want that with them all the time. I forgot to tell you about Bernardo. he worked at a restaurant that required him to go to work every Sunday. So we didn't really know what to do. But then we call Rosa just to see how they are doing and then she tells us the Bernardo last day at work is Saturday. We asked why and she said that he wants to start going to church every Sunday. It was way cool. I was humbled by that young couples faith. He was able to find another job that does not require him to work on Sundays. It strengthened my testimony and helped me realize more that we still have a God of Miracles. I love those people, they are acting on their faith and God is blessing them.

There has been a lot of good things going on. The Lord has been seriously blessing us. We have been very grateful for that. We have been very busy, but we have been working really hard. And we have been seeing some of the fruit of our labors. 

Family i am doing way good. I love being a missionary. I hope that all of you are doing way good. i love you all so much. and i am way grateful for all that you all do for me. I honestly feel your prayers, and am strengthened by them. In less than 3 months i will be the Oldest Spanish missionary here on this mission. Oldest mission wise. I honestly cant believe it. I remember the first Spanish training meeting i went to. and i was the Youngest Missionary in that room. And very soon i will be the Oldest. Time goes by way to fast. I love you all. thanks for everything.

Elder Franco

Time is flying

June 9, 2014

Hola Familia,

This week has been way fun. This week has gone by way to fast. i can't even believe it. A lot of good things have been happeing. I  am glad to hear that you all have been doing really good. And been enjoying your time. I hope that everyone is enjoying there summer break.

So ZTM turned out to be way good. it was a lot of fun. Everyone said that they really liked it and got a lot out of it. 

I can't remember if i have told you about our investigators Gaby and Eddul. Well they are not married and have to little kids. They are way cool, we have been working with them for like two weeks now. They are seriously awesome. So we been talking with them a lot about getting married so that they could get baptized. And after praying about it they have decided to do it. So they are gonna get married and Baptized this month. We are pretty excited about that. It will be mine and Elder Dembinski's first time marrying someone. So since they only speak spanish. i think we are gonna call President Acosta and ask him if he would come marry them. If he is not busy i am sure he would me more than happy to do so. Gabby and Eddul are pretty excited to. It is gonna be cool. so that has been going way well.

Also we have another family that we have been working with Rosa and Bernardo. They are way cool as well. Rosa Couldn't come to church yesterday and Bernardo got lost and didn't have a phone to call us. So after Church They both came and told us what happened. so Rosa knows how to get there because she came before but it was Bernardos first time. so when he picked up rosa they came. So we gave them a tour of the church, and answered some questions they had. IT was way cool. He felt pretty bad that he didn't make it, but he will come next time. 

Me and Elder Dembinski have been just getting along way good and been working way hard. And the Lord has really been blessing us. The members have been noticing our hard work and that has been motivating them too. They are supporting us and want to help us. The branch should be started by the 15th of July. That is what we are hoping for, but we will see what will happen. It is close though. 

This week is gonna be crazy too. We have a Zone Conference coming up on Friday and we got some stuff to plan and prepare for that. it is going to be president Holms last Zone Conference so it has to be a good one. 

Family, i am loving my mission. Time is going by to fast, its not fair. I just love what i am doing, and the feeling that i feel while doing it. I really know this is where i am suppose to be. I love all of you. i hope that all of you enjoy your week. 

Elder Franco

In the new area as a zone leader

May 19, 2014

Hola Familia,

It has been a crazy week. But one that i will always remember. Leaving Orangeburg was not the easiest thing. There were a lot of people that i loved, but the Lord needed me somewhere else. i said my goodbyes to everyone in Orangeburg Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday Morning i had to be in Irmo. I really am going to miss a lot of people from Orangeburg. I promised a lot of people that i would come back and Visit. So we are gonna have to take a trip down to SC sometime. It will be way fun. haha

So on Wednesday, brother Ostien took me to Irmo so i can receive my new companion and my new area. My new Companion is Elder Dembinski. He was trained by Elder Herrera right after he trained me. We have been wanting to be companions for a long time. And we were finally put together as Zone Leaders. We are serving in Winsor Lake. It is in Columbia. There is quite a bit of Spanish, we are trying to start a branch. it is suppose to start no later than the end of next month. We are way excited about that. I am grateful that i can be part of opening a branch like i was in West Columbia. We live in a apartment with two other spanish elders. Elder Call and Elder Burk. they are awesome. I know them pretty good as well. we are having so much fun together. 

Being a Zone Leader is just a lot more busy. Its a good busy, we get a lot of phone calls and have to do a lot of planning. we have 3 pretty huge meetings coming up, and we have to plan all of those. We also have to do a lot of exchanges with other missionaries. Our Zone is not as big as i thought it was gonna be. there is only 34 missionaries. We have a big area that we have to cover though, its fun. We have a car all to our selves now. I haven't had to bike since i have been here, which has been kinda good because my bike is still in the shop getting fixed. They are suppose to call me next week so i can go pick it up. 

My second day in the area Elder Dembinski had to go to the temple with a family in his last area. so i had to stay with another missionary. I had no idea where anything was, but we were able to figure it out and still have an awesome day. There were a few times, where we were pretty lost, but it all turned out to be way good. I like it here in this area. There is a lot more hispanics than there were in Orangeburg and Sumter combined. I am speaking spanish all day, so that is way nice. 

I do wear the shoes my dad gave me, i am still breaking them in. My first day with them i did a lot of walking a got some blisters, but they are doing the job. 

Oh did i tell you that this thursday is my last interview with president holm before he leaves. He goes home July 1. I am sad about that, i love that man so much. He has taught me a lot, and has been a great example to me. He came up to me after transfers and told me that he is excited for me to be a Zone Leader. It meant a lot coming from him. On Thursday i am going to tell him to go over to the house to eat dinner. I don't think he lives that far from us. I want you all to go to his home coming, he is an amazing man. I am so grateful that i had him as my mission President. I still remember my first day when he told me we will be here most of your mission, i can't believe he is going home so soon. 

Family i am doing so good. I love my mission, it means so much to me. I loved all that i have learned from my short experience on a mission so far. this gospel just makes so much sense. I have learned a little bit of other religions and they make no sense. I know that this Gospel is true. i know that is the one and only church of Jesus Christ and i am so grateful to be a part of it. I love you all so much. thanks for all you do and your wonderful prayers. I promise i feel those prayers strengthen me everyday. take care. Love ya.

Elder Franco

Called to be a Zone Leader!

May 12, 2014

I don't got much to say. I already told you that i am getting transferred to a new area to be a Zone Leader. I don't know where, your gonna have to wait and find out next week.

I am sad about leaveing this area. I told the Bishop here it is a bitter sweet. And he told me its like that because i have been working hard and been doing what i am suppose to do. That meant a lot to me.  I love the orangeburg ward.

Yesterday when i got off the call i went and talked to the Holstads i accedently made sister holstad cry. I said "man i am gonna miss you guys". and then she broke down crying. her husband told her to stop. They are just way cool, i love them so much.

What really touched my heart yesterday was Jacoby. he is a 13 year old kid. He is a member, he lives in a tough situation. He loves to joke around and make fun. But when i told him i was leaving, he was really shaken up. I love that kid, i pray that he can always stay true to the faith. It was funny because he came up and told me that he cried only a little when i bore my departing testimony. He asked if i could go by and see them one more time before i leave. i am going to go say my goodbyes tuesday.

I am also going to say my goodbyes to the Marinos on tuesday, that is going to be a sad night. I love that family so much. I was so happy when all of them came to church. We had a way good group show up yesterday. that was nice.

Family i am doing way good. There is no where i would rather be, than in south carolina. I love my mission, it means so much to me. I never would of thought that a mission could bring you so much joy and blessings. I wish everyone could have the expiriences that i have had. Even the tough things is a great blessing! i love you all. I thank you for your prayers, i promise that they are felt. I hope that you feel mine! I read a quote not to long ago. it was by boyd k paker " there are few things more powerful than the prayers of a righteous mother." I promise that is true. thanks for all you do and all your support. Love ya.

Elder Franco

Easter!

4/21/14

Hola Familia,

I hope you all had an awesome Easter. And felt the Spirit very strong. It sounds like all of you have been doing really good.

 

This week has been really cool. We had a way good meeting in West Columbia on Thursday. It was way fun. President Holm was there and we just had a really good time. I learned a lot from that meeting. The thing that impacted me the most was at the end when president holm was kinda giving the last training befor the meeting was over. He showed a clip. I think it is from a movie called "face the giants" i think a christian church made it. Well anyways, the clip was about a football team, and there was this kid that was kinda being negative and the other kids listened to him. so the coach called up the kid and blind folded him and he told him to do a bear crawl with a kid on his back. he didn't say how far he had to go, but just to give him his best. The kid thoght he would probably get to the 30 yard line. so the whole clip was the coach motivating this kid to keep on pushing to not give up, and to give him his best. Well the kid made it all the way to the in zone. Then we talked about how that applies to us as missionaries. Sometimes we don't give our best, we think our best is something, but god know that its not. It just really impacted me, and made me think to leave it all on the field. Sometimes it is way hard, and you get a little discouraged but its only for a small time. I came out of that meeting with some ideas. I already work hard, but sometimes i work hard at not the most effective thing. so i am going to be smarter with my time, because time does go by way fast.

 

My Easter was also way good, it was a good church service. While at church a family invited us over for dinner. we had a good time with them. They have a little girl her name is joni, she is like 9 and she hid some eggs for us in her living room. so we had an easter egg hunt. It was funny because when i opened my eggs there was nothing in them. She didn't want to give us her candy. IT was pretty funny!

 

Also yesterday President Holm left us a voice mail. so me and elder Montgomery heard it together. and it was president holm and he said elder franco can you please call me as soon as you can. Elder Montgomery was like shoot man, i hope no one in your family died. I told him not to say that. haha He sometimes thinks of the worst thing possible. But i called president holm and he told me that he is giving me another companion. so we are gonna be in a trio. This missionary had to go home for a little bit but is coming back today. President holm just asked if i could be a good companion to him and let him know how it goes. He is coming tonight. I am excited. We have a tiny apartment, i don't know how all of us are going to be able to live there. But i know that we will make it work.

 

Family I thank you so much for all you do. I really do feel all your prayers, they help me so much. sometimes i don't know how i get through somethings but i know its because of your faithful prayers. I hope that all of you have an awesome week. I love all of you so much, i hope and pray that as you do the small and simple things, you come closer to our savior and our father in heaven. you all take care. I love you.

 

sorry for such a short email. I just don't know what else to say.

 

Elder Franco

Busy Week

4/14/14

Hola Familia,

Como estan? Its been a way fast wek. I cant believe it. A lot of cool stuff happened this week. Right when i sit down to start writing an email, i feel like my mind goes blank and i can't think of anything that happened. haha

It was just a good week. I felt like i was pulling a lot of the weight in everything, but we had an exchange this week and it really helped my companion out. he just built confidence and got excited about the work. So it has just been a great week, i haven't had to get on him or anything like that this week. and we have just been really unified and we have put someone on date everyday this week. I think we will keep it up, it has been a lot easier since the exchange. Good things will continue to happen.

On Saturday we went and did a service project. It was way fun. The project was to tear down and replace the shingles of a roof for another church. We got there early and when i was right about to start working, i heard someone yell at me and when i looked up at the roof to see who it was, it was President Acosta. he had come down to help. I was so happy to see him. We were able to catch up a little and talk about the branch. After we finished cleaning up all the shingles that were all over the floor we got up on the roof and started putting shingles back on the roof. I got to build better relationships with the members, and have a good time with them. After we finished, the members of the other church made us lunch, and then President Acosta gave us a ride home. He is coming again in two weeks to finish the other side of the roof. I forgot my camera that day, but if i go next time, i will make sure to take it.

This sunday was Elder Montgomery's birthday, so on saturday when we went to the Marinos to teach an english class they fed us tamales and we kinda had a little party for him. But as we were leaving they gave him gifts, and they also gave me gifts. There were three families there the marinos, the andres, and the tolentinos. and they all gave him and me birthday presents. I don't know why they gave me stuff but i was way grateful. We both got two ties and 20 dollars. I told them thank you so many times but i don't think that showed how grateful i was for what they did. I love that family so much. Those three families are related. they are three sisters all married. they are awesome.

Yesterday after church we went on splits with two members that speak spanish. I went with Brother Chipman and Elder Montgomery went with brother Youngkeit. We got a lot done. It was funny because brother Chipman took me out to see some family that was like 25 minutes away and he took me there like at 8:30. So we got talking and we didn't leave till like a little after nine. but we forgot that the car was still at the church and i had the keys. And on sunday nights you have to come in early so you can report key indicators. and the district was calling me while i was with brother Chipman trying to give me there key indicators. It all worked out good though. I wasn't late in turning them in or anything. Brother Chipman was laughing he just told me to blame it all on him.

We didn't have the biggest turnout at church we only had three people show up, but next week will be better. i know we will get a good amount of people to come next week.

Family i am doing really good, i am having a blast here on my mission. Things are starting to pick up and we are seeing the hand of the Lord in our work. I hope that you all remember our Savior especially during this Easter season. I hope that you all have a fantastic week, that you all may be able to enjoy Easter, and feel of the special spirit that is around us this time of year. I love all of you. You all be safe.

Elder Franco

Not getting transfered

3/31/14

Hola Familia,

I am emailing way later than i usually do. I bet you thought i wasn't gonna send one this week. What happened was that one of the Elders had a Doctors appointment in Columbia. So we had to get up early and drive up to Columbia. It is like a 45 minute drive up. it is not too bad. So we were up there all day and we got back to the apartment got in our car and came here to email before we have to go back and go to work.

 

We had fun in Columbia, we ate pizza at sams club and then we went bowling.  Some other missionaries there in Columbia came as well. It was way fun.

 

Well i am not getting Transfered. I didn't think i was but i was still a little nervous because i wasn't sure. I am here at least one more. I am happy, there is still quite a bit of work that i want to get done here. We had a pretty good sunday yesterday. We had a pretty good group of hispanics here. 2 of them were non members. Bishop is really excited that we are helping bring more people to church. This Sunday was Fast and Testimony meeting, translating wasn't too hard. I also taught gospel principles, i like doing that i learn a lot as well when i teach.

 

I am trying to think what other stuff happened this week. I gave two baptismal interviews for the sisters investigators. That was pretty cool, you don't get a ton of opportunities to do that. What the interview is, you just ask certain questions and determine if they are ready for baptism or not. It was cool. They both passed and were baptized this weekend.

 

We are doing pretty good on investigators, we haven't been able to see them as much as we want to because we have been really low on miles, and they are pretty far away to be biking. So we have had to find members to take us. We are working with a lot of really cool people. There is the obsticle of having to get them married. It is hard for people who don't have papers to get married here in Orangeburg. You have to go to another county and get a marriage lisence. That is some of the stuff we have to figure out and deal with.

 

It has been a way fun week. It has been going way fast. I am way excited for general Conference this upcoming weekend. they are just awesome and you learn so much. I hope that all of you have some of your questions answered and recieve some personal revelation. I know that the men we are going to here from have been called of God. I know that the message that the Prophet is going to give comes from our father in heaven. Amos 3:7. I love you all sorry for the short email this week. Be safe , and enjoy your week.

 

Elder Franco

March 2014

3/24/14

Hola Familia,

Como estan? This week flew by. I don't know where the time went. We had a meeting and i also went on an exchange in West Columbia. Thats Probably why time went so fast this week. We have been keeping ourselves pretty busy.

 

So on Wednesday we had a Spanish Training meeting. Those are my favorite, all the spanish missionaries come from our mission. It is a way fun meeting. I think right now we have the most spanish missionaries than we have ever had before. We have like 26. One goes home this transfer and also one comes in. Me and Elder Montogomery had to give a training. It was fun. We weren't super prepared because they didn't tell us untill the night before, and in the morning we didn't really have time to prepare either because we had to get up early to drive to Irmo. The Whole meeting was in Spanish and so was our training, it was cool. We gave a training on "Teaching when you find, and finding when you teach." It came out good. I like giving trainings, you learn a lot, and they are just fun to give.

 

After the Meeting i went Back with Elder Manwaring to West Columbia to have an exchange. I was so excited to go back to my old area for a day. I saw president Acosta for a little bit and his family they had to do something at the church, so i couldn't talk to him for long. I also saw Mari and Rafa, and some other members. IT was awesome to see them again. We taught some lessons and i introduced him to some people that i used to visit. IT was way fun. They all told me the same thing to make sure i go back and visit. I love that area so much.

 

It is the end of the month so we are super low on miles. So we have been biking a ton. WE have been pretty tired some days. And Yesterday when we were biking, i jumped a curb and did something to my bike and its not working. So Yesterday we were gonna walk everywhere, but the people we visit would just take us to our next appointment. so it worked out good. It was a tender mercy, because we were gonna walk a long ways. Today we will probably get our fair share of walking though.  I am going to try to fix my bike, but if i can't i will probably take it in somewhere so they can take a look at it.

 

On Sundays i am still translating and i am still teaching the gospel prinsibles class. That is good though, because that means we got less actives and investigators to come. The group was suppose to be a lot bigger yesterday, but we still had some. Next sunday we are expecting and really good size group. The Hispanics are starting to get excited here and are inviting people out as well. I know that good things are gonna start happening. WE are excited. We are also going to start English Classes this week. A lot of people have expressed interest in that. That should help us find more hispanics and build good relationships.

 

Family i am doing really well. There isn't really anything you have to worry about. i am doing way good. I am having fun, and i am still working hard. I love my mission and i love being a missionary. You are always in my prayers, and i love hearing from all of you. I am very gratefull for all your prayers, they honestly give me streaghth everyday. You all take care, and be safe. I love you.

 

Elder Franco

 

P.s. I forgot my camera at the apartment, maybe next week i'll send some pictures.

Holidays

12/30/13

Hola familia,

It was awesome being able to talk to you on Christmas. Time flew by, I wish

that i could of talked for a little longer. I had a good Christmas though.

I enjoyed it very much. It is a Christmas that i probably wont forget. It

was my first away from home, I can't believe how fast time is going. It

honestly just blows my mind. It was fun to see all of your faces, not much

has changed about you all except Davie and Klaras Height and Davies voice.

That was funny!

We did a pretty good job keeping our emotions in. The last minute or so

were pretty rough, but it was cool. I was worried that the next day it was

going to be hard to get back to work. and to regain focus. But it was bad

at all. The next day it was right back to work.

I don't think i have told you about any of my investigators. Well this

Sunday Elizabeth came to church with her two children. that was awesome!!!

What is funny is she grew up a Jehovah's Witness or But she was met with

missionaries before and when she started reading the book of mormon she

liked the name sariah so named her daughter that. She is awesome though.

Her kids were starving at church yesterday so she walked across the street

to a McDonald. she went really quick and came back and stayed for all three

hours. She and her kids loved it. We are excited to keep working with them.

We are also working with another family, Alfredo, Isidora and Henry. They

are sweet. They are from Mexico. and they love us. It has been a little

difficult to help them keep commitments, but i love that family so much. We

had a awesome lesson with them yesterday.

The Work is going good. We are finding new people to work with, and also

having some success with less actives. I just love my mission. I learn new

things everyday.

Well the next time you hear from me, it will be a new year. 2014!!! And you

will also be hearing from an old man. I will be 20 years old. That is

crazy! Some how a member that i don't know to well found out it was my

birthday and he is having us over for dinner. He said he is gonna hook me

up with some good food and chocolate cake.

I hope all of you have come up with some good goal for the upcoming year. I

pray that you just dont have fitness and education and financial goals but

you have also  Spiritual goals. A question that you should ask your selves

at the end of each year and frequently throughout is, Have i grown closer

to my father in heaven? I know if we focus on what really matter this year,

everything else will fall into place.

Family, I love you, i am grateful for you. You all are awesome! I hope that

you all have an awesome New Years. Please be safe, make 2014 the best year

yet.

Don't worry about me, i am loving it out here, and i am having fun.

Elder Franco

Training Again, Happy Thanksgiving

11/25/13

Hola familia,

Well i am pregnant. haha I am going to train again. President Holm texted me Friday night and said to call him in the morning. I kinda already knew what it was about, but it was hard to wait. So on Saturday morning after personal study i called him. he Asked me if i know how much fasting and praying goes into transfers and i said yes. Then he asked me if i would be willing to train another missionary and i said i would love to. So tomorrow i go to pick up my new trainee. i am kinda excited, because i actually kinda know what i am doing now. and by Pregnant i mean i am training again. haha

Oh yeah, and President said we can also do some english work, but try to focus on spanish. I was happy about that, because if it were strictly spanish, it would of been hard. President Holm also released me as district leader, he said he wanted me to focus on my trainee. That was nice, it takes a little responsibility of my shoulders. I did have to do two interview this week though. As district leader i have to interview the people that want to get baptized here in sumter, and make sure they are ready. I thought that was fun. they were brother i think they were like 11. They passed. haha

Elder Malcom is getting transferred, me and him got along really well. But he has been in a zebra for a while so thats good they got him back to full english. It was hard for him to stay awake while i was teaching a Spanish lesson. haha 

We were suppose to have a really good Sunday yesterday, but non of our investigators came to church. it was very disheartening, but we just enjoyed church, and worked hard after. We are just gonna have to try something new next Sunday. I know that some of the people we are working with right now have some potential. 

I don't know if i have told you, i have been running into a lot of Colombianos. A lot of them were not very interested. They are way easy to talk to and it is easy to become there friends, but they just haven't been interested. We do actually have a appointment with a family from Colombia Tomorrow. I hope and pray that that will go well. They are awesome. It is a family of three, i have only met the mom. I am way excited for that lesson. 

 I know it is crazy that Thanksgiving is this week. It feels like it has came by way fast. I am excited for it. We are aloud to play in the Turkey ball here. but they are doing it the saturday after thanksgiving so we might have to ask for permission. I hope they say yeah because i have been inviting a lot of investigators. 

The weather here has changed fast. Yesterday was freezing. Luckily we didnt have to bike. but if it stays like it was yesterday man its gonna be cold. We have a car, but we have to do a ton of biking because we don't have too many miles. but it will be alright. 

well i can't think of anything else to tell you. I don't really know what you want me to tell you. I am doing fine, i love my mission, i am having tons of fun. I think that is all that matters. I hope that all of you have an awesome thanksgiving. I hope that you realize all the wonderful blessing that our Father in Heaven has given you. and i hope that your grateful for them. I love you all so much, thanks for all you do, i do appreciate your prayers and am so very grateful for your support. i love you all tons. Be safe, have fun. 

Elder Franco   :)

p.s. If your wondering why i haven't been sending pictures its because i haven't taken any in a long time. I need to repent, and do better. love ya. 

Visit from Elder Bednar

11/18/13

Hola Familia,

It was a fun week. i loved it. I had my interview with President Holm, and also David A Bednar came to the mission and he was with us for three hours. We could ask him whatever we wanted. except questions that won't really help us on the mission for example, where is the sword of Laban? or like where is Kolob? haha

This week we honestly knocked a ton of doors. Sometimes its kinda hard because its during the hours when everyone is at work or at school and no one is home. I don't really mind knocking i have gotten pretty good at making conversation and even getting into homes but sometimes i feel like it is very ineffective. But with our faith and persistence the Lord led us to some really cool people that i think can progress. We have been struggling with investigators falling off date and not keeping there commitments. especially church it has been hard to help people to come to church, because it is not fully Spanish, and there is not to many Hispanics so they just don't feel comfortable coming. We are praying and looking for a solution. I know one will come. 

I have been teaching a lot of lessons by myself since my companion speaks no Spanish. And i have been feeling that i am talking to much, but i didn't know what to do because the things still had to be taught. I found myself explaining it and not testifying of it. I realized i am not using my other companion which is the holy ghost. I realized with Elder Bednar that i was in the way of the spirit. I was letting the spirit do is job. I learned a ton from Elder Bednar and i am way excited to put it into use. I feel like i will become a way better teacher because of the great experience i had from elder Bednar. 

Well the Elder Bednar meeting was Saturday night from 6 to 9. It didn't feel long at all. The time flew by. I was watching the door as he walked in and right as he walked in I felt the spirit so strong, and i knew it was testifying to me that he was really an apostle of the Lord. I was an awesome feeling. It was a mission wide meeting so all missionaries in all of South Carolina was there. I think there are about 230 missionaries in this mission. Well he talked about a lot of things. he talked a lot about a pattern of teaching. it is the same pattern that Jesus Christ used when he taught. When we would ask a question he wouldn't just answer it, he would ask us super inspired questions and helped us receive an answer from heaven, and then he would testify of the answer that we received personally. He also talked a lot about faith. He compared it to jumping out of the boat. like in the bible when peter saw Christ and jumped out of the boat and was able to walk on water, but then when he took his gaze of Christ he started to sink.  

He compared that to our faith. How sometimes we don't know what to say or do. Or sometimes we are scared, fearful or doubtful. and we don't jump out of the boat. We are scared that we will drown. He testified that God will never let us drown, but he will let us choke on some water. I loved that. As missionaries we are put in some situations that we just don't know how to handle. His advise was just jump out of the boat, and you will know exactly what to do and say. Blessing and revelation come after the trial of your faith. 

I am probably butchering all of this i can't explain it nor say it like he said it. I just know that the spirit taught me so many things that day. He told us that he is not teaching us anything the spirit is. 

he also promised us many things that if we did, we will never fall away. He said in his home he has a bookshelf with a ton of the paperback inexpensive copies of the book of Mormon. He said that each one has a different topic or keyword that he has read through and only looked for that. He said if we did that we would never fall away. He promised if we pray in faith looking for gods will not ours, we will never fall away. I know that is true. At the end we all had the chance to shake his hand, he looked right into everyone's eyes. I was a little nervous, but when i shook his hand and he was looking directly at me. i just felt loved, and peace. He was Truly an apostle of the Lord. 

I am doing great. i have had a great week. This week we will get transfer calls already. we will see what happens. I love you all and hope and pray that you feel the Lords love and blessing in your lives everyday. 

Elder Franco

New Area

10/21/13

Hola familia,

Well it sounds like you already know where i am. I was transferred to Sumter. I was put in a zebra. What that means is, i have an English speaking companion. So we do both english and spanish work. When we teach in spanish i do all the talking. Sometimes i ask him to bare his testimony and i will translate it. So my new companions name is Elder Malcom. He is from new mexico. I have been out like a month longer than he has. He is a good missionary. He is really quiet, but we are getting along really well. 

Well about Sumter, its probably the most ghetto place in south carolina. There is some streets that they ask us to stay off of at night. haha. Don't get worried its not to bad. Well there is a lot of work to be done here. They haven't had much success here in the past while. They haven't had investigators to church for over six weeks. The ward roster has over 1000 people on it. and we only have about 150 active members. So we have a ton of less active work to do. I am really excited. I kinda feel like i have been white washed into this area. Because Elder Malcom speaks no spanish, and he takes me to these spanish investigators, and i just have to figure it all out. Its been fun though. i feel like the lord is going to bless us. We have been working really hard, and being really obedient. We have been inviting everyone we can to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. We have seen some success. I haven't been able to meet any of the english investigators that we have. I have been trying to, but we just have not been able to catch them. 

Well i finally was able to ride my bike again. Its fun. i kinda missed it. but its harder to get stuff done. We still have a car, but we only have 200 miles for the rest of the month. so we are going to have to be biking a lot. it actually kinda been cold. nothing horrible. Like yesterday i was teaching a lesson to this lady outside, we couldn't go in because there was no man in the house. when i was talking i could see my breath.  Everyone is saying its gonna be a cold winter, it ok, i got a car. 

About west columbia. Man it was hard to leave. I knew everyone there, and here since it is a ward. It is gonna be hard to get to know everyone. President Holm said that the Bishop here was begging him for a native speaker. The Bishop here is way sweet. i do miss west columbia, but i am super excited about this area. Its gonna be tough, but i know there will be tons of miracles. 

Oh yeah, i am a district leader now. I really have no idea what i am doing. I am just kinda making it up as i go. On Thursday we have district developing meeting. And i am in charge of that. I am not to worried. im pretty sure i will figure it out. My district is pretty small. 

Well, i am still loving my mission so much. I cant believe that Lars is back. That just blows my mind. I love you all so much. And i am way grateful for all of your support. You are always in my prayers. Please be safe. love ya.

Elder Franco

Transfer News

10/14/13

Hola familia, 

This week has been crazy. Well i got the news on Saturday that i am getting transferred. Earlier Saturday morning i got a call and i was called to be a district leader. When they told me that i was pretty sure they were going to transfer me. A lot of Saturday me and Elder Barker spent at a laundry mat. We washed all of our clothes to make sure we would not take bed bugs to new house. We weren't even sure yet if we were leaving, but we were given hints. so we tried to get all that done. we didn't so we are gonna have to do a ton of stuff today. So like at ten o'clock that night i got the for sure news that i am getting transferred. 

Yesterday was a great Sunday. President gave me a little time in sacrament meeting to bare my testimony. It was kinda a surprise to everyone that i was leaving. so i get up there, and i start talking and i looked up and almost everyone was crying and it kinda shocked me, and i got a little emotional and i just told everyone that i love them and i thanked them for all there support. the spirit was very strong. And my heart was just touched to see how much everyone cared and loved me and was sad to see me go. After that we just kept going on with the regular sacrament meeting and at the end President Acosta gets up. and he just starts talking to me and the other missionary that is leaving and he thanked us for our service and called us part of the family, and then he got really emotional and said " as president of the branch i thank you, and i just want to say that, i love you". And when he said that the whole branch started to cry again and all during the last song. It was really touching. It was one of the most spiritual sacrament meetings i have ever been to. After sacrament meeting, sister Vasquez she is kinda new doesnt really know much of the missionary rules came and gave me a hug. President acosta saw and just laughed. There was also this one girl, its actually Jairos sister. She was crying a ton, it reminded me of when julie used to cry and coulnt stop. When i went to talk to her, it just melted my heart, she is such a good girl, i am going to miss her. All the acosta kids were way sad, especially the oldest, he is 9 years old and he did not want me to leave. The acosta family gave me this angle Moroni pin, it was really nice of them. Sister acosta thanked me for everything. It was a hard sunday. i never would of thought, that it would be this hard to leave. it hurts just like its hurts saying bye to family. For six months i have labored as hard as i can for this branch. and now it all comes to an end, the lord needs me somewhere else. I have so many mixed feelings, i am excited, but at the same time i am really sad that i have to go. it is hard to explain. This morning i was studying Charity and i feel like i have grown a little in this christ like attribute. I would of never thought i could love people so much. 

I am doing really good though. I am sure i am gonna love my next area as well. I am gonna just as busy over there than i was here. I was getting to the point here, where on p day i can walk into walmart and see a hispanic and know where he lives. they recognize me quickly land then avoid me. Because i have knocked on there doors so many times. 

I have been really good. Its hard to leave my investigators. Especially Mari and Rafa. that is gonna be hard. I already have an appointment with them tomorrow night to go and say bye. it will be alright though. 

Elder silva is now out of training and he will lead this area. I think he will do just fine. He is probably gonna get a experienced missionary, so they are going to do good things. 

Family it is hard to express to you how much i love my mission. Time is going by way to fast. I can believe that i have been here in west columbia for 6 months. i dont even know where the time went. I love you all so much. i hope you are all doing good. Thanks so much for your support and love. be safe.

Elder Franco

Sep 23, 2013

9/23/13

Hola familia,

it sounds like all of you are doing really good. it makes me happy. The pictures you got from mari and rafa were not from the noche de talentos. It was from a zone conference. The mission has a facebook page and they post a lot of pictures of the missionaries. so that is where they got the pictures. Rafa was kind of embarrassed because he sent you a bunch of random pictures by accident. he only meant to send one. 

about the bugs. So we spent almost a whole day cleaning the whole apartment you have to do a ton of stuff to prepare for the treatment. It was this huge list of things that we had to do. it was annoying. Well anyways we did it. and the next day we waited for them to show up and they never did. so we called and they rescheduled it till the 24th without telling us. We were a little upset. but we got it done and now it is all prepared for Tuesday. 

This week went by way fast. it was fun though. we got a lot of stuff done. We have been having trouble finding new investigators, just because everyone is so busy and they don't let us come into there homes. we have been switching things up. This week, we did put someone on date. his name is Eliezar De la Rosa. He is way cool. he is young, he is only 17. he loved what we taught him and accepted everything. He couldn't come to church because he was with his sister. we are going to try to get his family more involved, so he can have more support. 

The branch is doing way good. i think this week, we had 45 people come. We had a ton of less actives come. that's good. we have been working really hard with some of them and trying to help them regain there testimonies. It so cool to see their progress, and when they start feeling the holy ghost again in there lives. It is awesome. I love the members of this branch they are so cool.

Also this week. I feel like everyone. well less actives and investigators are seeing and having experiences with la muerte. I have heard some really crazy stories this past week. We have been blessing a lot of homes lately. It is a great opportunity to talk about the authority of god. 

I dont know if i told you. but do you remember Estrella and Yair. my recent converts they are doing really good. Yair now has the priesthood. and they both have recommends to go to the temple and do baptisms. They are doing way good. they love it, it is so cool to see them still coming to church and there testimonies growing. I love them so much. 

Mari and Rafa still doing really good. coming a lot closer to god. still stuck on weather they should get married or not. I feel like mari is having trouble forgiving rafa for past transgressions. but with the atonement of Jesus Christ she will be able to overcome it. It just will take a little bit of time. I told them yesterday that the chances of me leaving are really high. They were a little shocked, and they both said that they feel like i am going to stay. I love them and wish i could stay, but if god needs me somewhere else i will happily go. I know how much heavenly father loves that little family. I know with all my heart that he has a plan for them. They will be baptized one day. Hopefully it will be sooner than later. 

I just want to share my testimony of the atonement. it is real, i have seen it so much here on my mission. I have seen it change peoples lives for the better. I am so grateful for my savior Jesus Christ and his sacrifice that he did for all of us. It is only through him that we can live with heavenly father again and receive eternal life. I love this gospel, true happiness only comes by living it. I hope and pray that everyone understands that. 

I love you all. I am so grateful for your support. I am truly blessed to have a family like you. I hope that you feel the blessings of having a missionary out in the mission field working his hardest. I love what i do so much, i will forever be grateful for this opportunity. be safe. I love you. 

Elder Franco