Week #13 ~ Photos

The District

Piano Teaching Equipment

Yet Another Instrument to add to the repetoire

New staple -- homemade tortilla

First Casualty -- Dog bite

The streets of Guatemala City

 

Monday, 23 Octobe 2017 ` Week #13

Hello Family and Friends -
 

This new transfer is starting super great!!! My new companion is Elder Cruz: knows sufficient English, knows how to breakdance, knows how to be a friend to the people, just one more transfer than me in the mission, and is super spiritual. He is quite the stud and he's been training me very well.

I couldn't write much but I had a couple of experiences. One of them was being bit by a dog this past Sunday. That was wild. Thankfully it was a little dog, little bite, and wasn't fuming from the mouth. I will definitely survive, don't worry. I got help from members and from the mission nurse, one of the members being a nurse too. I am a little afraid of dogs at the moment but all is well with my soul.

And I have been only a little bit down on myself, but only because we are actually doing really well right now in the area, and I at times feel like I am not contributing a lot. But in a recent visit with Karla, who is ten years old, we were making sure that we could get her date for baptism all figured out. The problem at first was that her mom doesn't want her to get baptized, at all. But her grandparents have been bringing her to church and have been there with her in each one of our visits. Anyway, for her to get baptized, her main provider has to give a signature for approval. We thought this was her mom, and had fear that it might not work out. What we came to find out is that her main provider really is her grandmother. She is definitely going to get baptized. Karla is super intelligent and super sweet. And when Elder Cruz asked her who she would like to baptize her, she glanced at me. And I was about to cry. Recently, my Spanish has been improving, so I have been able to communicate more. And I have been really good at being a spiritual mentor for her, as well as her piano teacher. Her first piano lesson she cried because it was her first time playing and she was nervous. I was eventually able to cheer her up, and I have poco a poco been able to be a source of encouragement for her. SHe is the only one in her own family who wants to be baptized. I was able to witness to her that she is here to be an example to her family and to her grandparents. I will be in this area for a short time, but I hope she keeps a good spirit and stays a good influence on others all her life.

I hope all of you stay safe and have a great week!!!!

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

                           New Companion/Trainer ... Elder Cruz from Honduras

Monday, 16 October 2017 ~ Week #12

Hey everyone!

Right now I'm feeling a little bit inadequate, I'll have to admit! My trainer Elder Cortes is going to a different area to be a Zone leader, and in a dangerous zone too! I will therefore be staying in the same area, Ermita, and be gaining a second trainer for these next six weeks (every change is six weeks). His name is Elder Cruz, super new, having had 5 months in the mission so far, he will be district leader in the area we are serving, and he does not know a word in English. But that is all I know. I bet he is going to be awesome, and I have heard he is "super pilas," and he will know how to navigate once I show him around. It will be a bit awkward at first, and I'm probably going to have many awkward moments with those who I have visited up to this point. But I feel like I have improved a lot just in these past six weeks, and I will be a fully trained missionary by the end of these 12 weeks.

Just this past week, I have only experienced some sickness, and we have only had two days where almost all of our appointments fell through. "Que chafa!" This really doesn't happen a lot but we have done great work, and I owe all of my success as a missionary secondarily to my trainer Elder Cortes who has served me well, and primarily to God. These next few weeks I will have the opportunity to be more responsable for the progress of everyone I know, because I will be showing my trainer around to everything. I would be vain to not ask for a prayer nonetheless because I know that this will be a challenge and I am going to need lots of help in helping my new companion around with only so much knowledge of my area, acquired by my sufficient but limited Spanish. But whether this turns out to be a smooth transition or a rough and challenging one, this will be for my good. And those who have known me to be a little bit unsure of myself, a little less definite in my answers, and remember a little less than is convenient, will rejoice to know that these are things that the Lord will be improving from within me, gradually.

Besides changes coming up, this week has been a little bit less uneventful. But I will follow up with more.

Besides these news, I just want to remind everyone--I want to remind you, to remember your talents. You have a mission to fulfill, and you have been given gifts, some which you have had even before being born. Jeremiah 1:5 accounts that we had a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father before birth. I know that God is your Heavenly Father and He loves you. And by His grace, He has given you talents, that you might have your own unique way to serve your fellow men. Whether it is playing an instrument, or working hard, or having good memory, or being a good listener, or being able to lift someone's spirits, or being a leader, or being obedient, or being thoughtful, or being patient and accepting of others, it is a gift from God, and is given to you because He loves you and knows that you can use the gift for the benefit of others out of the goodness of your heart. So before you try and figure out how to improve your weaknesses, remember your gifts, and think of how to improve these things. Read books, ask others. And then help others with their own gifts, and share yours as you do so. I know that in my life, I have benefited much from the gift of patience that God has bestowed in others. I have benefited also from the gift of being accepting, and the gift of being a good teacher, and the gift of being thoughtful. Many of my friends and those that I know have this gift, and I am ultimately grateful for this.

I love you all, and I hope you have a wonderful week.

Elder "Pues, es como Derecho pero sin la O al termino" Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

P.S. I almost forgot, we have keyboards too!!! This is super exciting! This made the last piano lesson actually really efficient. I'm going to be staying in this area probably for a while, just so that I could get at least one member to play hymns well. But that is all good to me, it is a service that I am happy to give. And thanks to this convenience, teaching the piano will be a lot easier, and the ward will much sooner have more piano players. And... my new companion can learn the piano too if he hasn't yet, haha. (We are keeping one at home for preparing lessons... and for messing around too after 9pm).

Tuesday, 10 October 2017 ~ Week #11

Hey folks!

This week I had many opportunities to discover more of my role as a missionary, as well as share with how members of the Church can be missionaries too. Regardless, in my journals, I put headlines to more easily navigate on what day happened what, and a few were:

4 oct The Spirit overcoming sickness, stress, and anger

6 oct The importance of the BOM

7 oct Becoming a more confident teacher

8 oct Learning about Missionary Work

On 4 Oct, I was a bit frustrated because I've been really having trouble with opening my mouth. I was having fear of talking to people, and later after the opportunity passes I have been becoming depressed. Though Elder Cortes was trying to encourage me, I just got more upset when he said, "You can't be afraid, you have 5 weeks in the field." But later on he was telling me that when he was in his own training, his trainer challenged him to go out and talk to people in the bus when they were in a bus. And that's really where I want to get, doing that with ease. I don't think I did too bad with just conversing with friends back home.... but when it comes to iniciating conversation, that's where my big weakness is. I never really saw myself as that social, but I am being prompted to talk to people on the street anyway, this by the Spirit. Right now I am still working on it, but I know that it takes stronger faith, and this is exactly what I need.

The next day while on divisions, me and the zone leader were being hugged by the drunk guy on the street. I kinda felt bad because I was starting to laugh, but though the guy was drunk and poor, we did not have money to give, and really he wanted it. He was just like, "Tiene pisto... Estoy triste, estoy bien triste." Elder Loewen was just looking at me like, "Don't give him nada, he's trying to take your money." After the guy hugged us a few more times, we gave him a picture of Jesus, invited Him to Church and went our way. I couldn't account it very well but in the moment it was seriously funny and probably one of the most interesting 2 minutes I have experienced in the drunk side of this area.

Every now and then in the evenings Elder Cortes and I pass by a group of kids and we teach them a little bit how to beat box, and they ask us to sing and make animal noises. If anyone was wondering, I think I make a pretty good Donald Duck impression... and I think I beat box at least at a mediocre level.

And this past Saturday I was teaching piano to 8 students. This next Saturday, according to changes that the zone leaders will be making, piano lessons will be not just for the ward, but for the stake. The ward is the congregation of people that live in a certain area. 8 come to this. A stake is a group of wards bundled together, and this stake has at least 5 wards. So I'm super super super super super hyped and a bit nervous but overall hyped.

As I was learning about how missionary work applies to more than just missionaries, I wrote down the following thought in my journal:

When we read the Scriptures, and know how to apply them in our lives, we can, in a way, live the Scriptures - truly living what we believe. Thus, when others (friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers) ask us about our lives and watch us in the way we live, they give themselves their own invitation to essentially read the Scriptures.

The Scriptures are the words of prophets inviting us to come unto Christ, so when we live the words of prophets, we come unto Christ. Thus when others are curious to know how to live our lives, and our lives are centered on Christ, they too come unto Christ. And inviting others to come unto Christ is essentially what missionary work is.

(As Elder Holland has said in his talk this past General Conference:) Many times when we read the Scriptures, we feel discouraged, or at least we feel that they don't apply to us, because the things that the prophets require us to do and the things that they themselves do seem outside our ability. However, we can progress. Jesus commands us to be perfect. Despite this, we cannot be perfect in this life. Nonetheless. His Atonement is perfect. and His grace is sufficient, that by developing our faith in Christ and true repentance, we can improve every day. By our own means we cannot return to the presence of God, but by the help or strength that God provides, we can - and this is grace. We are not only saved by grace; we can be changed by grace.

All of this can be summed up as so:

The more you read the Scriptures, the more you apply them,

the more faith in Christ you develop, the more you pray and rely on Him,

the more grace you receive, the more strength you have,

the more you change, the more Christlike you are,

the more that others too may come unto Christ as you have.

And seek the examples of your friends and family and neighbors and coworkers too. Whether they read the Scriptures too or not, we all have gifts. These are gifts from God, whether strong from birth or strengthened through trial. Observe everyone you know. Focus on the good in them. Then in spare moments think and consider. What gifts do they have? How do they have them? Is it who they are? Did they have to change to be that way? What do they think about, to be that way? What are their habits? What can you do to have that strength too? Don't envy others for what they have, whether they boast of what they have or not, but rather give your excuse to admire them, and furthermore to compliment them and to ask for help. We might have the same gifts, and perhaps we might not have the gifts that others have in our own lives. So it at least a blessing in your own life that they have that gift. Just as this is so, you are blessing in other's lives because of the gifts you have. Write them down and remember them, and strive to strengthen them. Often times we may struggle to apply the scriptures in our lives, but it is really a lot simpler when we take time to think about the people who are dearest in our lives who, by divine grace, are excellent examples of the Christlike characteristics and possessors of the spiritual gifts we cherish and desire to obtain.

Consider these things. Seek the best gifts, count your blessings, pray often, and share the love that you have in your heart with those around you. I love you all.

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

Monday, 2 October 2017 ~ Week #10

The week after General Conference

When I write these, I go back into my journal just to give account, and I have to say, some times these things feel really long ago. Might I add by distance of time and emotion.

One of these past days was super, well, poopy. Our apartment is probably one of the best in the mission, and yet still.. it has some problems. We needed to get a plunger in this penthouse. Probably an hour, no more than that thankfully, was spent on just fixing it. But then there has been no problems. And there was much rejoicing.

To provide a picture of how it is here, I must say, in plenty, plenty, plenty of areas, it smells like feces. And there really are drunken men who anxiously wait for "gringos" (young men from the States) to pass by so that they could either say "Hey! What time is it!?" or "HEY! Good morning, how are you!" It's kind of funny, to be honest. And at this point I have been offered alcohol twice by said men. Some Elders who live close by lost a bunch of investigators because of a gun threat. Literally the man said, "I have killed Mormons before, and I will kill you both too if you don't stay away." Three quarters of their area was shut down because of this. So that's pretty peligroso! Oh, and I got a nice sweater from the store. Elder Cortes wanted me to get a snapback and shades along with that so I did that too!

Elder Cortes have been seeing some miracles as of late. One of them was this: A young woman (just turned 18) who had been away from home trying to find her birthfather for almost three weeks. We know about her because she had investigated the Church and we have been talking with her mom. We agreed to fast for her return. And she came back, thank Heavens, just this past week. The family is a lot stronger now. This reminded me of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I'm just happy to know that this young woman finally got back home.

And this past weekend was General Conference. This was a wonderful conference. We have had the chance to invite people to come and watch with us. What this was, was an opportunity for those who don't know a lot about the Church, to gain a closer look at what we really believe. We believe in modern revelation, and that we have a living prophet today. And by the power of the Priesthood, the authority to act in the name of God, the prophet calls Apostles, as even Christ himself organized the Church in His day, as well as other authorities to watch over the areas and stakes and wards all over the world. And these men and women are called to address the concerns of this generation and apply these concerns to how we can live the Restored Gospel. The first principles of the Gospel, the which are having faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and repentance, are simple in doctrine, but can be challenging to live in an ever-changing world. And because of the authority by which these men and women are called, these are truly the words of God, answering the prayers of His children in these latter days.

Elder Nelson in particular, from Conference, posed three questions.

1. What would your life be like without the Book of Mormon?

2. What would you not know?

3. What would you not have?

If you have read the Book of Mormon, consider these questions for yourself, member of the Church or not. If you have not, read it, ponder it, and pray about it. If you do that, you can only experience blessings.

Truly, if this book was not true, I would not have anything that I have right now, and I mean literally, unless by the grace of God I were to be snatched into the path I am on. If the Book of Mormon was not true, I would not have the family I have now. I was adopted via LDS Family Serivces. This is a family organization which is run by the direction and revelation of the Priesthood. The Priesthood was restored by Joseph Smith, whose authority came from Jesus Christ. If the Book of Mormon was not true, then Joseph Smith did not have the power to translate it, therefore was not called of God. And if Joseph Smith was not a Prophet, the Priesthood would not be on the Earth, And if the Priesthood was not here, the LDS Family Services organization would not be run by the Priesthood, nor would be an organization at all. And if the Book of Mormon wasn't true, my parents would not be members either, nor would have my birthmother. If the Book of Mormon wasn't true, I might be here on the Earth on this time, but I would not have the family that I have now. And if I was not born into the family which I have now, I would not have moved to Oregon, and to California, and to Oregon again. I would not have any of the friends that I have now. I would not have any of the experiences that I have had up to this point which have blessed the life that I have. I would not know how to play the piano. I would not be serving a mission. I would not have any of the blessings of which God has given me.

I am who I am because the Book of Mormon is true. I know my parents know it is true. I know my birthmother knew it is true. I know Joseph Smith knew it was true. And I know for myself that it is true. The Book of Mormon is a divine book, which testifies of the divinity of Christ. It is written of and by those who lived in the Americas, and knew of the Christ, years and years before and after His Resurrection. The men who inscribed the plates from which the book was translated were inspired, educated, and righteous disciples of Christ, changed by the grace of our Lord through His Son's Atonement, and they had a firm faith in Him even years before His birth. Whoever reads this book and treasures its precepts and applies them to their character with diligent study and fervent prayer will, and this is a promise, feel the Savior's love, and come to know Him, and be more like Him.

I am not a perfect person, but I do know that I am changed by the grace of God, and I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ was for me, as it is for everyone else. The Book of Mormon teaches that a man must have faith in Christ and repent. I know only a part of the process through which a man can be as changed by the grace of God as Nephi or Alma or Moroni, but I know from the part which I have taken, I have experienced fruits. I am a significantly happier, more cheerful, more willing to improve, more focused, and more faithful in my Savior because I have read this book and pondered about it. I invite all to take the invitation of our beloved prophet Thomas S. Monson, to read the book, and study it, and apply it to yourself.

I will probably not write as much in the coming weeks but I will still strive to share what I know and what I have experienced. This for everyone to read.

I hope everyone has a swell week this week!

(If you happen to have my email, tell me how life is going for you!)

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

PS:  For those of you wanting to "write" to Elder Dredge here is his email address:  It's the only way he can receive "love and support" letters from anyone.

braden.dredge@myldsmail.net

Wednesday, 27 September 2017 ~ Week #9

It is actually super weird to think that I have only been in a new country for just a little over 2 months. 2 months doesn't seem like long but it feels like I have been here for at least half of year. Regardless, I only have 11 more chunks of two months.

My main worries up to this point have been, well, not working hard enough in one day, not knowing what to say or do (especially say) in certain situations, and not having the right mindset or heart. Every day I feel like I could do more as I am serving with my companion, especially since at the moment I am still kind of the quiet companion, not always knowing how to respond or what the person talking to me is saying. And as I am going from appointment to appointment I want to talk a little more to the people on the street, but often I am a bit afraid because I either don't have anything to say or I do but I don't want to say it in fear of the response. And not having the right heart has an impact on that because I am truly anxious to open my mouth about the message of the Restored Gospel but I feel that it is overzealous to limit conversation only to preaching it, and I fear that preaching it without addressing the concerns of those who I talk to would be extinguishing the Spirit and not be teaching in the Savior's way. I know that this might seem a bit downgrading but missionaries are human too, and I feel like expressing my feelings gives a better look at what serving a mission is like.

Nonetheless, truly I am happy, and I am singing hymns and saying hello to everyone on the street, and I am excited to see how the Lord uses my strengths and abilities and turns my weaknesses into strengths. The Lord gives promises to all who keep His commandments, and it is true that when those who are called to the Lord's work, in whatever way, are changed and strengthened according to how well they magnify their calling. There truly is a law in Heaven, and there are immediate blessings in each covenant that the Lord makes with His sons and daughters.

More than this, just in general, the Gospel is truly a constant source of strength in any time. In this life we are meant to have trials and suffering and opposition of all sorts, but the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ allows for us to withstand it, as Christ suffered all of this for us. Opposition brings us to our Savior when we have faith in Him, and times of peace bring us to our Savior when we are thankful to Him. Every day, every hour of our lives, we can turn to our Savior, praying to our Heavenly Father in prayer for the strength that we need and thanking Him for the blessings we have.

Anyway, yes, I have been struggling with the language a little bit. Thankfully I have progressed from retaining 50, 60% of all the words I hear, to close to 90%! However, if I don't hear the first words of a sentence, I don't understand any of it... and this was my problem back at home anyway. So language study is a really key component to my progress in my utility as a missionary, and probably the most important thing, to be frank. And with my companion we have been struggling to contact just because of the nature of the area... A lot of people around here have not studied in school or have limited education, so they have jobs that do not pay as much, but they still have to provide for their families. Because of this, they work long hours. Many are security guards and spend one day awake and one day resting. No one is out during the afternoon usually. The night is really the key time to go out and work. And even in the night, there are people who still are not available and have only weekends. It is a bit surprising how hard it is sometimes to really find people to teach but we work with our circumstances and strive to do better every day to make use of the time.

I can't go without mentioning that part of my calling as a missionary in this particular area is to teach the members how to play piano, which is super super super super exciting for me. There are currently no members in my ward that play so for the past couple weekends I have taught about 9 people how to start, and some of the basics. It is a little bit hard how we do it because we have only one piano in the building and we teach 7 people at the same time for 2 hours but we make it work somehow. Thankfully we will get two more pianos to use so that more can be happening at once in one lesson, haha. Though this is only a weekly thing, this can benefit a lot the members here. Music is an important part of worship, and when there is even one member that can play hymns, the congregation can benefit all the more, as the Lord delights in the solemn worshop of singing hymns, and the song of the righteous is a prayer unto our Heavenly Father.

That is pretty much all I have for this week! I hope everyone who reads this has a great week too!

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

Elder Cortes (from Nicaragua), trainer & Elder Dredge