Miracles still happen people!!!!

  

Algunos fotos de este semana!!! La Familia Thevenin nos hiciceron SANCOCHO!!!! Habia como 10 libras de arroz con el Sancocho tambien.... No podiamos caminar despues!!!! (Some pictures from this week!!! The Thevenin family made us SANCOCHO!!! There was about 10 lbs of rice in the Sancocho...we could not walk afterwards!!!)

It was great to  see Eggy in the photos!!! He looks great! It was also really nice to see my other family all together! WE HAVE A BAPTISM THIS WEEK!!! WOW WHAT A MIRACLE!! We have a young woman named LUZ we are teaching. She went to EFY and has come to church like 12 times but her parents wouldn't let her get baptized... Me and Elder Gomez did a fast almost 2 months ago for her. As we left the Internet center last Monday I got a call saying that her parents had said YES! She had asked so many  times but one day as she was reading the Book of Mormon she heard the Spirit say to ask her parents NOW. She did as she felt and her faith worked a miracle. This young lady walks 15 minutes to a  main road in the country where she lives and then hops a "Pick up truck taxi" for 30 minutes just to come to church... She is already in the book of Alma chapter 17! I was studying the scriptures this morning and came across one I love in the book of  Joshua... It says:
 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Miracles still happen people!!!! If they don't it's just because our faith isn't strong enough and we have to do more to strengthen it. Love you all!!

Tambien los cuatro elderes de mi distrito (The four elders in my District)

Hey pops... Well it has been an emotional roller coaster of a week... Lots of little problems here and there but all is well. WE WALKED SO FAR the other day... We literally went over and hour Power walking to an investigators house IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. We even had to cross a MAJOR HIGHWAY to get there! LOL BUT the lesson was incredible. It is a family of 8... We sat all the kids down and talked about Prophets. The Spirit was INCREDIBLE. The kids were so smart!!! They knew all the answers BEFORE their parents. Saul who is the dad LEFT his work he was doing at the moment and told the guy he wasn't going to do the job because he had to be somewhere more important... He then told us he is saving up for a car so that he can bring his entire family to church so that they can all be baptized... Then this humble family who lives in a wood house even FED US. They will be amazing members one day. Saul says the gospel has given him hope to have his family again. He and his wife divorced but they are now speaking of marriage BY LAW (that never happens here)... I have been praying for Eggy. I know the Spirit will guide you on your decisions for Sunday School, You're my dad you've always put a great example of choosing the Right. In Priesthood we had a strong lesson on families and the role of Fathers and once again I found my self full of gratitude for you and for mom. I love you  pops. I hope your week is filled with Missionary opportunities. 

Tuvimos  que poner la cancha de Volibol de la manera Antigua! jajaja (We had to setup a volleyball net old style) 

My companion is helping me learn a lot about PURE CHRISTLIKE LOVE. My comp has Zika or a really bad heat rash... Lol THAT'S THE MISSION LIFE hahaha I am getting incredibly dark but life is great..and getting a new comp every transfer is not easy... Imagine changing kids every 6 weeks... And you have to live with them for 24 hours of the day 7 days a week without being out of  eyesight or sound... lol 
Hey we have to go... I need to go buy a thermometer for my companion... lol Talk to you  later!!! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!!!!!!!! I love you a ton mom! Little less than 4 months and we'll be hugging our eyes out in the airport! Ya'll are the best!!

Elder Hefner

Hey Elder Hefner. Is the Mission tough?

They really wanted to take district photos... 

Well during our last zone meeting my Companion Elder Gomez got up and the first thing he said was " I am so grateful for my time here in La Vega I have learned so much this transfer from Elder Hefner"... it filled my heart to the brim. 

My last picture with Elder Gomez... He got transferred and moved up to District leader in Esperanza!! It was my 1st time in the field being district leader in that same area for 6 months! PRAY HE CAN WITHSTAND THE HEAT!

I hit kind of a low point this week. I was just so INCREDIBLY tired and my new companion needs a lot of love. One morning I went to my suitcase and felt as though I should go through the Old letters I have received. I opened one I got from the Young Men from Kissimmee and it was from Matthew Strickland. It was very short and all it said was " Hey Elder Hefner. Is the Mission tough? I hope it  strengthens your testimony. Stay Strong." The minute I read those inspired words the Spirit touched my heart and I began to weep. It's funny who the Lord uses to fulfill his will and show his love. I walked around the rest of the week with that letter clipped in my name tag.. We have several people who are progressing. We had a new family come to church this week as well!!!

My zone before transfers

And my Companion is very special.. he is a recent convert to the church... He Was baptized in 2014 waited exactly a year and then came out into the mission. He has 9 months. President sent him here so that I could help him out and so that I could learn more charity. He reminds me a lot of Mary... LIKE A LOT. BUT he loves to clean so the house is always spotless! hahaha

My new companion! Elder Moran from El Salvador... needless to say I won't be speaking English anytime soon LOL ...Love this guy...

Let Eggy stay as long as he needs... even until after I get back. I WILL GLADLY TAKE THE COUCH! That't one thing that I love about Dominicans... they ALWAYS invite people in and are willing to give THEIR LAST PESO to give food and clothing and a room to others. It is INCREDIBLE the amount of love they have... THEY even make Extra food just in case a neighbor comes by when they are eating because they would feel bad if he went without.. and a neighbor ALWAYS comes... I am really glad he is staying in my room... 

Hey i have to go though... I love you a ton.. HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!! Make it a great week! Make sure to pray fervently. We can't force anyone to feel the spirit but we can pray that their hearts will soften and open. Love you Both with all of my heart. GO BE MISSIONARIES! Tell dad that even though he took off his tag awhile ago he will forever have the responsibility of Preaching the Gospel. YOU MOM are his eternal companion that will bring a STRONG second witness and testimony to the things he knows and has learned and will pierce hearts as only Sister Missionaries/members can do. Work in a team and with a Spirit of Unity and the Spirit CAN NOT be restrained. Miracles will happen. This is the only true church of Christ upon the face of the earth. Remember that. Dad holds the same power with which worlds were made and holds THE DUTY of Preaching the Gospel as a High Priest in the Holy Priesthood. I have the utmost confidence in you both and in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Master, our Brother, and our Exemplar. All my Love, 

Elder Hefner

Also Hermana Zegarra went home! It's scary to think all these sister who I came into the field with are ending... 4 MONTHS LEFT 0_o




.Made Fried burritos for the last time as a district!

Them who are upon the isles of the sea

Picture from the following week for the computer did not allow him to upload pictures





Hey Pops... Everything is going great... Either me or my comp is being transferred... I think it will be me but I am not sure... It Doesn't matter really. I was thinking a lot the other day about several things and the change the Lord has done with me. I can't lie I am EXHAUSTED. I met with a 70 yesterday and he looked at me once and could tell I was about ready to fall over and take a nap where I was standing LOL. He Looked at me and asked how I was doing... I said GREAT.. He looked at me again and then said Are you sure? with a smile I said yea I am good... It made me chuckle. I was going through Memory lane and thinking of Tanden the other day and the small part I played in helping him get on the mission.. It fills my soul with complete joy to know that he is leaving... If you could get his email for me I would love to write him to see how he's feeling. I will keep Ben in my prayers... Love you dad. Keep the Faith
Elder Hefner

Hey mom....I was writing a lot to my mission president... He seemed really tired this morning when he called... MY COMP is moving up to District Leader... So that means one of the two of us is leaving Wednesday.. I think it's me... all the signs are there.... I probably won't get to see Saul baptized.. He could just move me to be a District Leader in another place... I have been District leader for a year and 3 months.................................................. I wouldn't be mad either way..... lol And I hope so... I sent him that same scripture. I think he is just exhausted from doing so much AND being a full time dad of 3 kids... One being 6 years old..... I am sure he is pushing himself to the very limit honestly...AND we have to non members who went to EFY that came back yesterday and sought us out... They told us they wanted to start the discussions IMMEDIATELY and wanted to be baptized. The 18 year old one said he wanted to serve a mission !!!!! It was incredible...

Naaa I am good.. BUT what you can do is send a little mail pouch that is yellow just with Visine in it... My eyes are messed up... LOL That only costs 3 dollars. Elder Tuckers mom has sent one EVERY WEEK of his mission! lol I made Fried Burritos for my District today... They were all VERY happy.... lol

Na it's ok I think I want to see you guys in the airport.. The ride home will be tough enough.. I feel like it's just something I need to do by myself. And Yes I am I would rather not talk about it... Na I am not sick my eyes are just SUPER dry... Dad will understand me about the Plane thing... Plus I have always dreamed about coming home and seeing you guys at the end of that hallway in the Airport. Plus we have to go on the Cruise Immediately so it would be easier.. 

Honestly mom I have changed alot.. I love you guys.. I have to go now. Hurrah for Israel!
I love you both a ton... I just resent my email to dad... Tell grandma thank you for the recipes!!! I didn't have time to write anyone else just you and dad! TALK TO YOU NEXT WEEK!!!!!

Elder Hefner

My Mission Scripture. 2 Nephi10:21-25

 21 But great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea; wherefore as it says isles, there must needs be more than this, and they are inhabited also by our brethren.

 22 For behold, the Lord God has led away from time to time from the house of Israel, according to his will and pleasure. And now behold, the Lord remembereth all them who have been broken off, wherefore he remembereth us also.

 23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

 24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.

 25 Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY EVERYONE!!!!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY EVERYONE!!!! 

Hey Mom!!! Yea I heard about Disney Springs before I left!! YOU ALL LOOK GREAT!!!! Me and my companion are getting along AMAZINGLY! I am really hoping they leave us together for another transfer! "S" is doing good! We had an Incredible cita (appointment). I went on Intercambios (Exchanges) with the Elders Quorum President... He has the exact same life story as "S".. SO NOW "S" is inviting his wife (She's Separated from him) and their SIX KIDS TO LISTEN! HOW AMAZING IS THAT?!!! I really have felt the difference as I have focused on getting lost in the Work... The Key to getting lost in the work is charity.. and charity is the key to attaining and MAINTAINING Priesthood Power (Along with being Virtuous) . All is well right now. The Lord is giving me sufficient strength to keep loving the mission and continue on! :)


FOR 6 lbs of ribs and all that food it was only 30 dollars... TALK ABOUT AWESOME!!!

Also I need to start thinking about School... Really need to get my FAFSA Done....

Probably Valencia and then UCF... I have 3 years without Studying... It may take me a semester to get back into the Swing of things.... hahaha Hey I have to go though. I love you both SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HURRAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk to you all next week!!!!!! HAZ TU LO JUSTO!!!! Remember who you are!! :) BE that one family in the ward that every Missionary loves!!!

Elder Hefner

This is also the Bag of Elder Hefner ! hahaha 

This is our District and the 2 zones

So we had a giant barbecue! I MADE RIBS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST 2 YEARS....  I ended up cooking for almost 2 zones even though it was a "Bring your own meat and cook!" type of thing... District Framboyanes ate the best though... Potato Salad, Ribs, WATERMELON!!!, GRAPES, and DORITOS... It was so GOOD! To Quote Elder Tucker who goes home in 9 days... " That was the best meat I have eaten In 2 years..." LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

"DO YOU BELIEVE IT OR NOT?"

WE FINALLY have someone with a date for baptism. We have been fighting for 3 months to find someone. His name is Saul! The other day I got a little sick again and didn't know If I could make the walk to church. As I was sick The Spirit brought a distinct memory to my mind. The 2nd time my Mission President wanted to send me home, The Lord sent a Member of the 70 to my ward building and I was guided to ask him for a blessing. He happily accepted. He Didn't bless me to be healed but said " I bless you with enough strength to end your mission successfully and with honor." As I was bent over sick the Spirit POWERFULLY brought the words to my mind and said "DO YOU BELIEVE IT OR NOT?" I got up in that moment and left the house as fast as possible. During the 15 minute walk I sang hymns to take my mind off of it and RIGHT AS we crossed in front of the hospital a Haitian young man in a Doctors uniform turned the corner at THE EXACT SAME TIME AS US and began walking by our side. THE COOL PART WAS THAT IT WAS IN ENGLISH!!! He told us his name and said his family was Mormon and read to him often out of the pages of "The Mormon Bible" and that he really wanted us to come by and teach... He then took the long way home to continue to speak with us until we were in front of the chapel. He wanted to go to church right then and there but an urgent situation came up so he gave us all his information and told us to stop by... IT WAS INCREDIBLE!

We have been having blackouts lately so this is us planning... Going back to the times of Grandpa Hefner LOL

I have to get off now... I am sorry it was so short today.. Next Monday will be longer!!! I will be buying a little bit of food next Monday... FAIR WARNING! lol I am really grateful too you both. I can't tell you how much I love you. It's time to give it my all for the next 4 and 1/2 months. We as a family will cross the finish line together hand in hand. A Mission is a family affair. As you pray for me, I pray for you and as that happens we go from Earthly love into a more Celestial sphere of love and trust. HURRAH FOR ISRAEL. Hoy, Manana, y Siempre (Today, Tomorrow and Always)

Elder Hefner 

Btw I have seen Abuelos name 4x's this week!!!

 

True Greatness - The Story of the Flat Tire

IT GOES TO SHOW... IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT COUNTRY WE ARE IN... ELDERS LOVE FRIED BURRITOS. hahaha

HAPPY FATHERS DAY POPS!!!!!!! It's pretty funny... This week I shared our story twice about going to conference to help out struggling families who had disobedient youth. It truly brought the Spirit. They could truly see the love we have as Father and Son. We had a great week this week.... We had a man show up to church named Saul... We are pretty sure he is going to be baptized... And 2 of our Investigators have read in the Book of Mormon up until Mosiah!!!!!!! I AM SO STOKED...  I am still in the Mission zone 24/7. We are contacting A LOT and finding SEVERAL families. I am glad they called you to the Sunday School Presidency. TRUST ME. SUNDAY SCHOOL MAKES OR BREAKS SUNDAYS. What our Investigators remember most about Sunday is the classes. When they are good EVERYONE leaves so Spiritually uplifted. When they are just the teacher talking the whole time it's worse than Trigonometry zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... lol I am TRULY understanding the Atonement to a whole other level right now... I can't believe how close I feel to the Savior now... I hope all will be well this week... Love you dad

Elder Hefner

SOOO my old comp stopped by!!! SURPRISE!!!!! It was good to see " Elder" Suero again... 

 OK ANYWAYS I AM DOING FANTASTIC!!!!! lol We have seen a lot of good results this past week!!! Well this week we had a class In Elders Quorum about " True Greatness" it was ALL ABOUT SERVICE. That's when a great memory came to my mind that I haven't thought about in A WHILE. One day on the way to work at Disney I was driving and saw an older gentleman with a flat tire... I stopped and offered to fix it for him... I figured why not? I had a ton of time anyways... So I stopped and he gratefully accepted. I left and went on my way as if nothing even happened. When I got to work one of my friends Jim ( Names changed) stopped me before I clocked in and said HEY I saw you on the side of the road and already told the leaders what you were doing just in case you are late!! I said thanks even though I still had a ton of time until I clocked in. Later on I found my self in a working bay with Jim working side by side for 45 minutes. He immediately asked about the mission I was going to serve and asked for an explanation about "Mormon" beliefs... I gladly explained and was happy for the missionary moment!... Turns out that word got around of the act and "Jill" Also found me and began to ask A TON of questions about my mission and the church... It turned out she told me to sit with her after work (2200) and explain her everything... Word of my mission continued to spread and one by one people of all ages began to ask me questions. My favorite was when "Jake" Asked me right in the middle of directing a hundred people " Hey Tim I know about your mission and everything... I was born on your churches ranch actually and went to church with my friend a couple of times as a kid... But I have a sincere question... Who is Jospeh Smith and what's so special about him?" It was incredible to see how ONE ACT of kindness began a MISSIONARY WILDFIRE. I testify of the Saviors when he said that they "Shall see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven".... After all the Scriptures say that through small and simple things.. We will see miracles. 

I cook for them everyday but my one day off ( PDAY) They begged for Fired Burritos and then almost literally fought over the last two... lol 

THE MEMBERS HAVE SUCH CONFIDENCE IN US NOW! Before the area was dead but now we are seeing some real progress!!! Thanks for asking... The Bishop even called a special meeting on Sunday to talk about missionary work .. The first counselor said " WE finally have 4 good missionaries who want to work... LET'S USE THEM GUYS!!!" LOL We set up alot of intercambios.. " Exchanges". Hey I have to go soon... My Pday is over... I love you!!! Thanks for everything!!! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!! LOVE YOU MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Hefner

P-Day in Paradise

P-Day in Paradise

Hey momma! I am here!! I. AM. ALIVE. lol I am the same lol! I have some AMAZING pictures coming of us visiting a waterfall today. It was nice to get active LEAPING and climbing over giant boulders to get there. My mission president isn´t to worried about me. I saw him Sunday. He only joked about how skinny I have gotten lol

I LOVE YOU!!!! :) lol I really think the Lord is just pushing my limits and purifying me honestly... We found a ton of new people to teach and we are trying to work hard!!! Really this week was only 4 days so nothing really big happened... But we did find a guy named Saul that was really stoked to read the Book of Mormon!! He had a sincere desire to read and wants to come to church this Sunday! I am pretty excited to see were it goes! The Lord provides me the strength to leave everyday... MY COMP IS AMAZING. WE ARE THE BEST OF FRIENDS. He is really obedient and has a lot of energy. He is best friends with Elder Laureano and is from his same group in the CCM... HE´s been the greatest blessing to get me through everything !

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL. Remember mom.. No pain or affliction is greater than Gethsemane... If you really want to feel better study the life of our Savior. Because I have these afflictions The Lord has been able to Humble and purify me. Love you mom. With God all things are possible. 

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HURRAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!