Monday, 23 July 2018 ~ Week #52

Weekly Letter 52: The One Year Mark

Hello everyone! How was your week?

My goodness, has it already been a year? How very quick it went by! Nevertheless, just looking back at journal entries from past weeks, I am amazed at how much the Lord has helped me through the many trials I have had on the mission. I have learned more about true humility and dependence on the Lord through these many trials. And the truth in the following scripture has made more sense to me, the which I wanted to define my mission.

Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humblethemselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weakthings become strong unto them.

I remember even after my training, I was still a bit timid and struggling with the language. I didn't have the most skill in gaining confidence with others. Talking with strangers on the street was something scary for me. I was worried more about how to teach the Gospel than how to live it. Now, I cannot say that these are things which I do perfectly now, but what I can say is that I have less fear upon doing these things, and rather I enjoy them. And rather than being impediments, these have become ways in which the Lord could use me as an instrument in his work. What it required was really humbling myself before him, recognizing my strengths and my weaknesses before him, and having a want to change motivated not by shame of having the weaknesses, nor pride, nor worldly sorrow, but motivated by Godly sorrow, and consecrating the gifts I already have to develop the gifts I want to the cause of the Lord. It was indeed an exercise of faith, hope, and of charity. And as I have, through my own Gospel living, conquered my weaknesses, I have experienced more of the joy of being a servant of Christ. I am not perfect, but I am made better, and have been refined by my Maker. And I would that everyone could have that joy in their lives.

So it is my invitation to you, to recognize God as your loving Heavenly Father, who already knows what you need before you ask. And I would encourage you to pray to Him about your desires, your fears, your weaknesses, your strengths, and your transgressions. Pray to him about the things you have done during the day and what you plan to do the next. Pray to Him for forgiveness. Pray to him that He might forgive those who have caused harm to you, and forgive them. Pray to Him asking for answers to questions that you have, and do all that which is in your ability to obtain it. Pray for blessings for those you know, and do what you can to be the means by which He can bless them. Pray for strength to go on, and take the first steps in the task in which you need strength. Pray for faith, and do that which would require more faith than you have right now. Pray for hope, and pray for charity, and act in the same way. Pray for strength against temptation, that the devil might not sift you as wheat. And I can promise you, that if you strive to pray in this manner, and live in such a manner, your relationship with God will become stronger, and you will be happier. The Savior indeed provides the strength we need to live His Gospel. He has made it possible through His sacrifice for us to find eternal life. And I know that this is His Gospel and His Church. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a wonderful week! And in the good and the not so good, count your blessings!

Your friend and servant,

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

Elder Dredge wishing this was his missionary ride, 

alas his feet are his only mode of transportation for the next year.

Always neat? or Just for the picture?

Missionary Casa Decorating

Monday, 16 July 2018 ~ Week #51

Hey folks! How goes everything in Gringolandia?

I just want to say that I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve a mission. I put on a plaque and carry a Book of Mormon everyday to help the world around us find their way back home and find peace in Christ. I think I, along with 70,000 other young men and women, have the best job ever.

In Acatan, Elder Cuatetl and I are basically working with members of the Church when we can, and we are finding lots of results. I think I have already shared some feelings about sharing testimony in previous weeks.

So I would just like to say, and bare my testimony, that this is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. The way back home and the way to find true peace is in complete dependence and humility before Christ, cultivating faith in Him, repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the only way, and it is the best way. And all those who wish to know of its truthfulness can read the Book of Mormon, which is the evidence of the restoration of this Gospel. It has been lost for centuries, and now in these last days it has been brought back to the earth by way of a prophet named Joseph Smith. Through him, the Church of Jesus Christ was restored, along with the holy priesthood, the authority to act in the name of God as possessed by the ancient prophets and early apostles. I know that this is the true Church, because I have found in it that peace which comes only by way of the Holy Ghost. I hope that every soul on earth can at least learn of this Gospel. I know that Christ lives, and continues to inspire men to do good. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a wonderful week! And always remember to count your many blessings.

Your friend,

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

Monday, 9 July 2018 ~ Week #50

Buenos dias, amigos! Que tal han estado?

Well this week I'd just like to share some highlights:

1. Elder Cuatetl and I got reprehended by some authorities in a residential area. We were knocking a door. We explained to them it was someone we knew and expressed our understanding, but nonetheless... we know they're after us, hahaha. So we're going to be more careful, but nonetheless more bold in the mission work.

2. We were struggling in our tracting one evening, and all of a sudden this group of three university students walk by, buy something, and give each one of us a bottle of water and some bread, and expressed their gratitude for our service. It was as though we were soldiers. I just felt super grateful. It was a particularly hard day, but nevertheless I knew the Lord was watching after His missionaries that day. That doesn't happen a lot, so I was just grateful that they passed by us.

3. We've been playing soccer with some youngsters on the street, and we were able to gain the confidence after a lot of time to teach them. (They only wanted to listen if we would play with them.) And in the process, they have been learning some English. "Fetch!"

This week was a bit hard, but we are being more creative with our circumstances. Acatan is a richer area, and so in a lot of parts there are folks that just don't want anything... that is, entire residential areas. But we are still receiving revelation. I like to say in times and places like these, "La revelacion nunca se para!" (The revelation never stops!) And I would like to share a scripture on this.

18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.
19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.
21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

My brothers and sisters, it is my testimony that God still does wonderful miracles. He would not cease to do miracles for His children, for He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He would not cease today. He will continue to bless us always, and his promise, that if we ask, we shall receive, is still in order today. There is no situation which we confront in which he cannot help us overcome. And he continues to inspire us, His children, to do good and to do better, according to the words of the prophets, and according to the promptings of the Spirit, and according to the light of Christ which is in us. The Book of Mormon is a central evidence of this -- that by way of a modern prophet he still prompts men to do good, and continues to speak to prophets as He has done in olden times, for He has said,

8 And gave him [prophet Joseph Smith] power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;
9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;
10 Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them—
11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holywork in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old;
12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. (Doctrine and Covenants, section 20)

I know that He has helped me and inspired me to do good and to improve, and to overcome my trials, by way of the Spirit, and by remembrance of the Holy Scriptures. I know that Jesus Christ lives and continues to inspire others to do good as well. And I know that this is His Church. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My beloved brothers and sisters, have a wonderful week! And never forget to count your blessings.

Your friend and servant,

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

Zone 16 - Acatan, Zona Palmita

 Guatemala City

Zone Pday Playing Soccer

Only Gringo in the zone, made him goalie!

New area, new hacienda!

Pday with new companion

Elder Cuatetl

Monday, 2 July 2018 ~ Week #49

Hey folks!

 How has your week been? I almost thought I was in the States again actually, because my new area looks, well, almost exactly like over there.

I will send photos next week, due to ending an activity with my zone a bit late, but here's what I can say. Acatan is a marvelous area, and is actually the richest area in my mission. It's mostly residential areas, so it is very safe. The work is a bit hard, because we are not allowed to knock the doors of strangers in those residential areas, but we do what we can. And I have a new companion whose name is Elder Cuatetl. I just have to say, he is a stud. He is from Puebla Mexico and has 8 months in the mission, and yet works like he has a year in the mission. He is very humble and diligent, and just overall wonderful. We hit it off super well, so we are going to work wonders here in Acatan. I will report more on what goes on here in Acatan, and make sure that all the photos that would describe what it is like are sent next week.

Anyway, what I have come to find here, because of the residentials here, is that the most effective way to get the word out is to work with the members of the Church and encourage them to share the Gospel. We have a plan for them to follow each month to try out as families, and we are already seeing miracles come out of this. And so I want to share a principle out of this, because I am inspired by what feelings the members have shared with us.

I am impressed to say that sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others is indeed a way to heal. It is not just the delivery of a medication for the sick, but is also indeed the medication itself. I have a firm testimony that if we share our testimony with others, our faith in Christ can strengthen, and our testimony can grow more. The blessings of the Gospel are not just for those who live it, but for everyone who lives on this planet. The heavens are not closed, but are indeed open, and we open them when we share the love that God has for us, with our fellow men. It is a wonderful Gospel, and it is a perfect plan designed by a loving Heavenly Father. And how wonderful it is that the ways to experience the blessings of the Gospel include the very learning of it, the applying it, and the sharing it with others. And I would hope that anyone who reads these words of mine would be more willing to learn it, to apply it, and to share it with others. It is not just a perfect Gospel, but also a simple one. I would want anyone in the world to know and experience the blessings of what it is like to constantly express thanks to God, to receive in answer from God, to receive pardon from Him, to center each day on what Christ would do, to experience trials knowing that it is part of a plan, to experience a change of heart, and to do things which are hard but are what the Lord wants. I don't think there is any better way of living life than living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that this is His Gospel, that He is the Savior and that He is the head of this wonderful Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know these things, because I have applied them, through trial and error, and I have obtained the confirmation of the Spirit that these things are true. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a wonderful week, folks. Always count your blessings!

Love,

Elder "Drech" (Dredge)

Monday, 25 June 2018 ~ Week # 48

Hola, mis amigos! Que tal, como estan? Espero que tuvieron una buena semana.

This week we had the chance to hear counsel from our mission president as well as some other Church authorities, and to apply it, as well as go to the temple. I was impressed very much this past week by the experiences which I have had. I am coming to realize what real faith in Christ is and how it affects the way I live. This is something that I realize is of great importance, and I feel a need to share it.

Have we realized how much our Heavenly Father has blessed us throughout the week? Do we remember the plan that He has for us -- that even if we forget, or if we don't want, He wants us to come back home and strive to become more like Him? Do we look at the things that we have, including the families we have, the talents we have, the home, etc., and give Him credit and thank Him? What or where would we be without these things? He loves us, and He wants to inspire us to love Him in return.

I can't write much, but I would just say, if we realize our need for Him, and feel a sincere desire to develop a relationship with Him -- that is, if you in this moment could feel that desire right now, to come to know Him more as your Father -- I would ask, what are you willing to do to strengthen the relationship you have with Him? Are your prayers sincere to Him, expressing to Him the things that you need and want? Are you studying the Scriptures with the desire to understand His will more and receive revelation from Him? Are you keeping the commandments with sincere intention? Have you been baptized? and if so, are you striving to keep the covenant you made with Him and the Savior upon being baptized? And is the life that you life day by day, week by week, a reflection of the desire that you have to repent, and become more like Him? And are the thoughts and feelings that you have, even down to your very intentions, sincere, reflecting upon that desire?

We do not need to be perfect in this life. What our Heavenly Father hopes is that we take advantage of the great gift He has given us -- His Son and His sacrifice -- and repent, with not the intention to become the person we ourselves want to be, unless that is exactly the kind of person our Heavenly Father wants us to be. And He is the one who can help us. Our Savior is our helper in the whole process, and He is anxious every day to do so. We can become a little bit more like our Savior every day, and we can rely on Him. And I testify that He lives. He has helped me through many particularly dark moments where I couldn't even focus, where I was depressed, where I was self-critical, and He was there to comfort me through every temptation. Through the tender reminders of His Holy Spirit, He has inspired me to be more like Him and to use the strength that I have to dedicate it to Him. I know that Christ is our Savior. And I know that if we strive with sincere intention to serve Him, He will help us to do so. I say these things in His sacred name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a wonderful week, my friends! Enjoy it, and never cease to count the blessings in the process. The Lord does not need to be thanked, but how much we need to be thankful!

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

Saying adios to some of the people from Pinares 1

Monday, 18 June 2018 ~ Week #47

Hey folks!  

How has your week been? Did you have a goat interrupt your conversation with a drunk man this week? If so, I'm impressed, but let me ask, did another drunk man come in and get sent out by the first drunk man's wife? If so, you must have had a pretty wild week, but allow me to ask again, did you happen to see the first drunk man's son perfectly sober one day, and the next day drooling on the grass? I think you might take the card. Let me know if you have seen the following step, I have yet to see more myself.

This week has been more interesting, at least according to the things that we have seen, but nonetheless we have been maintaining an attitude of not making anything a routine. Yes, there are a lot of things that missionaries do that we do everyday. The missionary life is actually quite routinely if you take a look at our schedule. And it can be if you let it. But nothing needs to be a routine.

And allow me to share an experience why we need not let things be a routine. We visited a young mother this past week, having helped out with a move with a neighbor of hers, and we visited later on and we were inspired to share a scripture, 3 Nephi 13:25-34 (Jesus Christ sharing the Sermon on the Mount with those of God's children who lived in the Americas). We read up to the following.

25 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and said unto them: Remember the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have chosen to minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, takeno thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

We asked her to read the following verse, but she asked us to wait, because she needed a moment. She was weeping. We sat in silence, feeling the Spirit very strongly. She shared with us her experience of separating from her husband and starting to work and to study to provide for her children and care for them and the struggle she's been having with the transition. And she told us that even up to that point, she had received an answer to her prayers, because she herself had cried out in the week before, "What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" We helped her apply the verse, listening intently and encouraging her to have faith. We continued to read the following, and I ask that whoever reads or listens to these verses think and ponder intently on them, asking yourself how you say the same things, or how you have said the same things this past week.

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

I strongly encourage you all to think about the things you do in life, and continue to do them, but take a moment to consider how it is all part of the big picture. Think about your relationship with God, your relationship with your family, and the relationship with your fellowmen. These, after all, are things which are most important, and are indeed the things which stay for all eternity. Do not forget to acquire wisdom and Christlike attributes, but nonetheless these things come as you develop your relationship with you Heavenly Father. I encourage you to focus on those things. Everything else is just stuff when you look at the big picture. So look at it all from a Gospel perspective. In your work, how are you developing your relationships with others and-or serving them? In your studies, how are you developing your relationship with God, and investing in other relationships? In your past times, how are you developing your relationship with your family? These are the things which matter the most. I have learned for myself that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is centered on these things and how our Savior can help us have more joy in these things. And I have learned for myself that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that it is the one and only true source of pure joy. I invite you all to learn it and live it. I know that these things are true. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a wonderful week, my friends. Don't forget to count your blessings. Those are special ways in which the Lord blesses your life every day.

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

Monday, 11 June 2018 ~ Week #46

Hey Folks!

How was your week? This one went by strangely fast for me. There has still been some commotion with the volcanoes, but don't worry about me in terms of that. We only received ash for two days. But we have been offering lots of service to the folks over there in Esquintla. The members of the Church over here have been helping out a lot in shipping materials, packages and clothes to our brothers and sisters over there. We as the missionaries just helped pack. But I am thankful to be a member of a Church that cares for itself and cares for the poor and afflicted.

This week was hard, and very testing on our faith. We are falling a bit into a routine and we are in need of changing it, and receiving revelation more. So I just want to share a thought on faith. Let us remember that faith is not just belief, but is action. If I believe I can lift that pencil on the desk, I will do it, and that is by the faith that I had to lift the pencil. But faith in Christ is different. If I believe I can push a mountain, and I push it, I might not get so far. But if I believe Christ can, then I can do my part to push that mountain. Though I can't push that mountain, God can. That is faith in Christ. I would invite you all to reflect on how we can be more faithful followers of Jesus Christ, believing in His divine mission and our ability to follow Him. I know that Christ lives. He has given me more strength than my own to bring to pass His purposes. I have seen it in the walking and the talking of my companion and I, nevertheless more importantly in the changes of the lives of the folks we talk to. That isn't by us. The people don't change their lives for the missionaries. They change their lives for Christ. It is slow many times the progress on that hill of these people we teach, but they are climbing it. I know that this is Christ's work, the work that I have been privileged to take on. I know that He died for us, and helps us every day to become more like Him. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a wonderful week, everyone! Count your blessings always, in good times and bad times, please!

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission

This the northern part of their area of Zone 18