Heartbreak in Tarapoto (and MPLN office)

We received a note from Elder Wright’s mom in Chubbock, Idaho this past week. She passed along part of her son's email. He is in Tarapoto, where Landon was before he was assigned to the office. This is what he had to say:

“This morning we are all sad. We had a 15 year old boy from the ward who was found drowned this morning in the river. This boy and his family are newly converts of about six months. Elder Rich baptized them when he was here. He was a great kid. This kid was baptized first, and then following his example, his family was later baptized. It’s just kinda sad that a kid so young had this happen. It really makes ya think about the plan of salvation. We went to give a blessing to the mother this morning. I just can’t imagine how hard that would be. Everyone here in the ward is pretty upset. I just can’t imagine how a family who doesn’t know about the Plan of Salvation, can stand to go through this. It’s hard enough when we do know. It makes me want to share the gospel even more.”

We passed this information along to Elder Rich. He read the email yesterday. He is heartbroken.

Landon’s letter: "As I opened the email this morning, I knew right who it was, without even seeing or reading any names. I ran right to the phone and called the missionaries in Tarapoto. It’s Paul, mom. The oldest son of Giovanna and Pedro, the family that I baptized. He got caught under a log and drowned. I feel horrible and tears still come to my eyes every time I think about it. I miss them, and they are going through so many problems. I will call them tonight to talk with them. I feel horrible and there is nothing I can do but pray and hope they come around and realize this life is not the end."

"How can this be, mom? People so great, who accepted everything and now this….. Only God knows why!! I feel horrible. Pray for them. Thankfully, I was able to go to the temple today and was able to put their names in the temple and pray for them there."

Please join with our family in praying for Pedro and Giovanna and their youngest son - and for Elder Rich, as they mourn for their son, brother and friend.

Preach My Gospel

All people on the earth were members of God’s family in the premortal life (see Acts 17:26-20; Hebrews 12:9). We are part of God’s family in this life and can enjoy even greater blessings as members of His family in the life to come. We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God. This knowledge gives us a sense of identity and belonging. It gives us reason to hope for eternal life in God’s presence. We understand these basic truths because of the Restoration. Teaching restored truths to your brothers and sisters is your responsibility and blessing. Like Alma seeking to help the apostate Zoramites, you can pray: “O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ. Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious. . .; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee” (Alma 31:34-35). (Preach my Gospel: A guide to missionary service.)

We are happy - It's all good

"We had 3 baptisms this past week. Pedro and Giovanna got married and then baptized and Hermana (Sister) Rosita was baptized also this past weekend. It was a great day. They are happy, we are happy, all is good. We have lots and lots of families that we are teaching. Man, it’s a tough life down here, but the Lord provides."

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Okay, well this week, I had the most humbling experience of my mission and my life so far. I don’t know why it hit me so hard, but it did. I'll never forget it. So this family, the parents and two kids. They are such a strong family. So they aren’t the richest people in the world. They work to provide directly for the family.

Well, the mom has a job that she works on Sunday. So we told her that the Lord will bless her, and to just ask for time off every Sunday for the mornings. We thought that her boss, who is a Saturday worshiper, would understand and be reasonable. Well, Saturday night, she and her husband were talking, and they decided if they're going to follow this church, because they know it's true, they are going to do it with everything they have, and complete every commandment, not just a few. So the mom asked for time off, and the boss didn’t give it to her. The boss said, "If you don’t come to work, you won't have a job". Well needless to say, she came to church, and now she doesn't have a job anymore.

They're suffering and are poor, but they are happy and blessed in other ways they couldn't be, by working on Sunday. I cried for them. I felt so bad, but at the same time, through all the pain suffering and poverty, there was a spirit of love and of knowledge that they are right with God. I can't really explain it that well, but wow… I'll never forget it, and let's say I'll never take a job that puts me to work on Sundays. I love you all and I testify that you will be blessed for not working on Sundays, and keeping that day holy. I love this gospel and I love this work. I love you all.

Here are pics of the Church in Tarapoto