Hi hi hi!
Wow, it´s December. I can´t believe it´s already here. I absolutely
love the christmas season, even though it´s still weird to me that
it´s summer, but the spirit of the season is a special one. Thanks
for the update on the family! I´m happy to hear that everyone´s
keeping busy as usual and all are safe and sound. After all of these
projects that Dad´s doing, i can only imagine myself on the way home
from the airport, looking out the window and and having you pointing
to things on both sides of the rode and saying "and dad helped built
that, and did that, and helped fix that, and built that...." haha,
keep it up corn pops!
also, just to mention, tiffani has a "new boy" and i haven´t heard
anything about him? I´d love to hear the down low on what´s going on.
Glad to hear that Tiff´s still craze on the dating scene. But, i do
get a say on your selections tiff, that's a given.....i may be in kinda
"odd missionary mode" but my judgements are still in tune ;)
This week we had stake conference which was great. President
Giuliani and his wife had a chance to speak, as well as all the
members of the stake presidency. A message that I loved from the
stake president was on the topic "procrastination following a
conference." All saints must make the effort to apply the words and
councils of the Lord´s immediately after hearing them. By applying
the words to our lives, they help us to be more in tune with the
Lord´s will. But, as often is the case, with immediate application of
a principles and without setting goals, a "wise thought with good
intentions" simply stays that way, then fades away.
Maria, our investigator, broke her arm this week and was not able
to attend the conference with her husband, but our other investigator
German was able to make it. Entering the doors with his shirt, tie,
and suit coat, it was a flashy entrance. He enjoyed the conference
and currently has his baptismal date for the 29th.
I had an amazing experience this week on the blessing of the holy
ghost by keeping the commandments. Presidente Giuliani spoke to us on
the importance of obeying with exactness, and i strived to put the
council into actions, writing down a few rules that i at times struggle
to follow. Yesterday, as we were walking to an appointment with a
recent convert, i felt an impression as we reached the corner of a
block. I felt like we needed to knock a house. We kept walking,
walking, and walking, and as we walked the sensation grew stronger and
stronger, until finally at the last house on the block, i decided to
knock it. A lady answered the door, we presented ourselves, and we
quickly came to know that they had recently moved there from another
part of town. Her husband had been baptized a couple years ago, and
they had gone to the church together many times. The great part: she
invited us to come back in a few days :)
I know this is the work of the Lord. I know that Thomas S. Monson is
the Lord´s Prophet in these latter-days.
Thanks for everything!!! LOVE YOU
Elder Winger
Monday, December 3, 2012
On the Lord´s Errand 11/26/12 week 93
Hey family!
So today I had the chance to watch "on the lord´s errand", the
biography of Thomas S. Monson. What a incredible man. I know that he
is the Prophet of the Lord and his life example of selfless dedication
to helping others really touched me this morning. I can´t thank you
enough for raising me in the true gospel of Jesus Christ and for your
examples to me. I am so blessed!
This week we´ve had a little bit of struggles with disappearing
investigators and those who have simply lost interest, but President
Giuliani shared a scripture this week that has really been a great
motivator DyC 128:22:
Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and
not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your
hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth
into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to
the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which
would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners
shall go free.
María and Hector are continuing to come to church, 3 weeks in a row!!
It´s really a miracle to see the Lord´s power change people´s lives.
Also, the book of mormon is really doing it´s part in their
conversion. They told us at our last lesson "we don´t usually watch
tv, don´t like to read the newspaper, or any other reading material or
entertainment for that matter...but all we want to do is read this
book (pointing to the book of mormon), and this book (principles of
the gospel)."
Thanks for all your support and prayers!! I can´t wait to talk to you
on Christmas DAY!!!! Have a safe, yet very enjoyable week.
THANKSGIVING AT GRANDMAS!! send everyone my love.
Elder Winger
So today I had the chance to watch "on the lord´s errand", the
biography of Thomas S. Monson. What a incredible man. I know that he
is the Prophet of the Lord and his life example of selfless dedication
to helping others really touched me this morning. I can´t thank you
enough for raising me in the true gospel of Jesus Christ and for your
examples to me. I am so blessed!
This week we´ve had a little bit of struggles with disappearing
investigators and those who have simply lost interest, but President
Giuliani shared a scripture this week that has really been a great
motivator DyC 128:22:
Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and
not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your
hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth
into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to
the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which
would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners
shall go free.
María and Hector are continuing to come to church, 3 weeks in a row!!
It´s really a miracle to see the Lord´s power change people´s lives.
Also, the book of mormon is really doing it´s part in their
conversion. They told us at our last lesson "we don´t usually watch
tv, don´t like to read the newspaper, or any other reading material or
entertainment for that matter...but all we want to do is read this
book (pointing to the book of mormon), and this book (principles of
the gospel)."
Thanks for all your support and prayers!! I can´t wait to talk to you
on Christmas DAY!!!! Have a safe, yet very enjoyable week.
THANKSGIVING AT GRANDMAS!! send everyone my love.
Elder Winger
Thankgiving!!! = Happy birthday to Elder Paredes 11/19/12 Week 92
HEY FAMILY!!!!
THANKSGIVING is just around the corner. Lucky for me my companions birthday is today, and for his present i bought him a delightful lunch. A big-mac combo meal. Haha, it´s not quite like thanksgiving at grandma´s house, but i´ll be eating plenty of food anyways :)
Today we received the announcement of new transfers! I´ll be remaining here in Azcuenaga for another transfer as zone leader. That´ll make it 9 months in 6 weeks. Haha, it´s quite a long time to be in one area, but i really do love it here and it´ll be fun to keep at it here. I think when i received the call to serve in the Rosario Argentina mission, the Lord literally meant only the city of Rosario. In 6 weeks i´ll have the achievement of 15 straight months here. hoo ra rosario.
This week was quite interesting! So sunday, i was expecting to be leaving this area to go to another, so i basically gave my farewells to all the members and investigators here, so i sent a few pictures of that....but i can´t wait to see the traumatized faces this sunday of everyone at church. Elder "the curse" Winger is here for another round. haha, they don´t actually call me that..... yet.
We had 2 investigators in church this sunday, Hector and Maria. When the Lord said that people are being prepared by angels to receive the gospel, he was telling the truth. This couple has come to church 2 weeks in a row, are reading the book of mormon, Teachings of George Albert Smith, Principles of the Gospel, and pamphlets of the commandments. When we pass by their house to teach a lesson, instead of asking them if they read and what they read, i ask "what didn´t you read?" They are an incredible family and have a baptismal date for the first week of January. In our last lesson, we talked about the book of mormon and left a pamphlet of the Word of Wisdom for them to read before our next visit. When we went by a couple of days later, before even starting the lesson, Hector told us that he was down to 1-2 cigarettes per day. We asked him, "how many were you smoking before" and he told us, "30." God is a God of miracles. And that leads me to the scripture of the week!
John 15:5 5 I am the avine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without bme ye can do nothing.
Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your aunbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have bfaith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this cmountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be dimpossible unto you.
Moroni 7:33 And Christ hath said: aIf ye will have bfaith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is cexpedient in me.
I know that faith is a principle of power. Thank you so much family for everything! I´m so grateful to hear that everything is doing well and i thank God everyday for your well being. I´m happy to hear about all the adventure planning going down (plenty of golf and family time) and it´ll be SO FUN. It means so much to have a family like mine. I wish you a fantastic week and, until the next, keep safe and happy.
Elder Winger
THANKSGIVING is just around the corner. Lucky for me my companions birthday is today, and for his present i bought him a delightful lunch. A big-mac combo meal. Haha, it´s not quite like thanksgiving at grandma´s house, but i´ll be eating plenty of food anyways :)
Today we received the announcement of new transfers! I´ll be remaining here in Azcuenaga for another transfer as zone leader. That´ll make it 9 months in 6 weeks. Haha, it´s quite a long time to be in one area, but i really do love it here and it´ll be fun to keep at it here. I think when i received the call to serve in the Rosario Argentina mission, the Lord literally meant only the city of Rosario. In 6 weeks i´ll have the achievement of 15 straight months here. hoo ra rosario.
This week was quite interesting! So sunday, i was expecting to be leaving this area to go to another, so i basically gave my farewells to all the members and investigators here, so i sent a few pictures of that....but i can´t wait to see the traumatized faces this sunday of everyone at church. Elder "the curse" Winger is here for another round. haha, they don´t actually call me that..... yet.
We had 2 investigators in church this sunday, Hector and Maria. When the Lord said that people are being prepared by angels to receive the gospel, he was telling the truth. This couple has come to church 2 weeks in a row, are reading the book of mormon, Teachings of George Albert Smith, Principles of the Gospel, and pamphlets of the commandments. When we pass by their house to teach a lesson, instead of asking them if they read and what they read, i ask "what didn´t you read?" They are an incredible family and have a baptismal date for the first week of January. In our last lesson, we talked about the book of mormon and left a pamphlet of the Word of Wisdom for them to read before our next visit. When we went by a couple of days later, before even starting the lesson, Hector told us that he was down to 1-2 cigarettes per day. We asked him, "how many were you smoking before" and he told us, "30." God is a God of miracles. And that leads me to the scripture of the week!
John 15:5 5 I am the avine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without bme ye can do nothing.
Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your aunbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have bfaith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this cmountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be dimpossible unto you.
Moroni 7:33 And Christ hath said: aIf ye will have bfaith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is cexpedient in me.
I know that faith is a principle of power. Thank you so much family for everything! I´m so grateful to hear that everything is doing well and i thank God everyday for your well being. I´m happy to hear about all the adventure planning going down (plenty of golf and family time) and it´ll be SO FUN. It means so much to have a family like mine. I wish you a fantastic week and, until the next, keep safe and happy.
Elder Winger
2 Vs 5. 11/12/12 Week 91
Hey family!
It looks like a sweet home alabama afterall. Thanks for sending the pictures, it looks like everyone had a fun time! And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, all the time is family time haha.
Things are going fantastic here in Argentina. We had the blessing of having a few new faces in church this Sunday. A couple named Maria and Hector. (the couple that had EVERYTHING happen to them as soon as we started coming by....i think i told you about them...) but yeah, they came to all 3 hours of church on Sunday and loved it. Yesterday we also passed by the house of a family with 6 kids, all at 6 years old or younger. A really great family and they have a baptismal date for the beginning of January (because they say they are going to be really busy in December, so we will see) but after the lesson we went out onto the patio in front of the house and played 2 vs 5 soccer (my companion and i against "minions" as i called them) we lost. by a lot. But everything is going well, just doing our best to share this marvelous message with everyone right?
I'm continuing to enjoy this experience of being a missionary, through thick and thin :) I have learned so much in the past 21 months (wow) and it is a privilege to be able to tell people everyday that Christ lives and his church has been restored. I love you all so much, thanks for your prayers and encouraging words!!! Keep on keepin on.
Elder Winger
Scripture of the week: 2 Nefi 33:10-11
Tis the season! 11/05/12 Week 90
hey hey hey fam!
As the holiday season approaches, we are preparing ourselves for a successful, yet toasty summer. we are currently at around 93 degrees or so with time to spare :) Hopefully my skin will turn itself brown instead of burn haha i wouldn´t mind tanning a little bit.
So this week was interesting, we had our monthly zone leaders meeting at the mission home, and President had just recently returned from a mission president´s convention where Elder Oaks, Elder Bednar, and Elder Hallstrom were present. It was a powerful experience to hear President´s remarks about the meeting and it´s always motivating to hear the support and counsel from the leaders of the church. I´m in a really interesting point of my mission as my feelings, desires, and thoughts are swirling around. The time is beginning to wind down but there is always so much to do! This past week i really took the time to enjoy, which sometimes is hard to remember to do in life haha. Anyways, i´d like to share a scripture with you!
Scripture of the week: Doctrine and Covenants 33:3, 16-18
3 For behold, the afield is bwhite already to harvest; and it is the celeventh hour, and the last time that I shall call dlaborers into my vineyard.
16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your ainstruction; and the power of my bSpirit cquickeneth all things.
17 Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your alamps btrimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be cready at the coming of the dBridegroom—
18 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I acome quickly. Even so. Amen.
it has never been more evident, neither more important, to prepare ourselves for the approaching, second coming of the Savior. I know the reading and applying the book of mormon and scriptures are essential in helping us to "trim our lamps" and prepare ourselves for the day.
I love the Lord and his glorious work. I know this is his church and his kingdom and that Jesus Christ will come again.
Hope you have an incredible week and keep safe!!!! Love you so much and miss you.
Elder Winger
As the holiday season approaches, we are preparing ourselves for a successful, yet toasty summer. we are currently at around 93 degrees or so with time to spare :) Hopefully my skin will turn itself brown instead of burn haha i wouldn´t mind tanning a little bit.
So this week was interesting, we had our monthly zone leaders meeting at the mission home, and President had just recently returned from a mission president´s convention where Elder Oaks, Elder Bednar, and Elder Hallstrom were present. It was a powerful experience to hear President´s remarks about the meeting and it´s always motivating to hear the support and counsel from the leaders of the church. I´m in a really interesting point of my mission as my feelings, desires, and thoughts are swirling around. The time is beginning to wind down but there is always so much to do! This past week i really took the time to enjoy, which sometimes is hard to remember to do in life haha. Anyways, i´d like to share a scripture with you!
Scripture of the week: Doctrine and Covenants 33:3, 16-18
3 For behold, the afield is bwhite already to harvest; and it is the celeventh hour, and the last time that I shall call dlaborers into my vineyard.
16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your ainstruction; and the power of my bSpirit cquickeneth all things.
17 Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your alamps btrimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be cready at the coming of the dBridegroom—
18 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I acome quickly. Even so. Amen.
it has never been more evident, neither more important, to prepare ourselves for the approaching, second coming of the Savior. I know the reading and applying the book of mormon and scriptures are essential in helping us to "trim our lamps" and prepare ourselves for the day.
I love the Lord and his glorious work. I know this is his church and his kingdom and that Jesus Christ will come again.
Hope you have an incredible week and keep safe!!!! Love you so much and miss you.
Elder Winger
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Busy busy 10/29/12 Week 89
Hey Fam!
Well it always seems like things get the busiest towards the end of the month haha, so i might not have to much time to write today. But it was a great week! A couple of highlights were that Germán and his wife margarita (who´s in a wheelchair) came to church on Sunday!! They have come A LONG WAYS since we first met them a few months ago. Also this week , we knocked the door of a house and a lady came out with her son. She asked where we were from, and when i told her i was from the united states she said , "Oh wow! We absolutely love movies from the united states!" then she looked at her son and said "look son, he´s from the united states. Look how normal he is. Can´t you see now that they are NORMAL PEOPLE ?" hahaha it was way funny. I also showed them the family pictures i have, and they thought that Casey in his graduation photo was taken at Hogwarts.
Thanks for your thoughts and your prayers, i love you all so much!!
Scripture of the week: Proverbs 4:7. Always have scripture study first on your daily to-do list!
Elder Winger
Well it always seems like things get the busiest towards the end of the month haha, so i might not have to much time to write today. But it was a great week! A couple of highlights were that Germán and his wife margarita (who´s in a wheelchair) came to church on Sunday!! They have come A LONG WAYS since we first met them a few months ago. Also this week , we knocked the door of a house and a lady came out with her son. She asked where we were from, and when i told her i was from the united states she said , "Oh wow! We absolutely love movies from the united states!" then she looked at her son and said "look son, he´s from the united states. Look how normal he is. Can´t you see now that they are NORMAL PEOPLE ?" hahaha it was way funny. I also showed them the family pictures i have, and they thought that Casey in his graduation photo was taken at Hogwarts.
Thanks for your thoughts and your prayers, i love you all so much!!
Scripture of the week: Proverbs 4:7. Always have scripture study first on your daily to-do list!
Elder Winger
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Mother´s Day Encore 10/22/12 Week 88
HI!
As I think of this week, this classic primary hit comes to mind "primary children sang as they walked, and walked, and walked, and walked, aaandddd wwwaaalllkkeedd." Haha, but truly, it was a marvelous week.
On Friday I had the opportunity of doing "divisiones" with the assistents to the president (change companions for a day), and i learned a bunch! Unfortuantely, me and my companion began working in the pooring rain...without an umbrella. Fortunately we found mercy with a member from the ward there and were able to enter the house, share a message, receive referencias, and even eat birthday cake leftovers :). Followed by a wonderful asado (argentine barbecue) at the mission home under sunny skies. the weather is. psycho. always. But it´s always fun to go to new areas, see new streets, meet new people. and i even got to ride co-pilot in the mssion van. stylin.
I learned a lot as well about the importance of working with members. We´ve been really focused on gaining an even stronger relationship this week with the members and fortunately we received 29 referencias of people that live in the area! Yay! But, more than just gaining a better relationship with the members, i learned about how important it really is that everyone shares the gospel. there´s a scripture in Dyc 38:40-42 that says:
40 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the alabor of his bhands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded.
As I think of this week, this classic primary hit comes to mind "primary children sang as they walked, and walked, and walked, and walked, aaandddd wwwaaalllkkeedd." Haha, but truly, it was a marvelous week.
On Friday I had the opportunity of doing "divisiones" with the assistents to the president (change companions for a day), and i learned a bunch! Unfortuantely, me and my companion began working in the pooring rain...without an umbrella. Fortunately we found mercy with a member from the ward there and were able to enter the house, share a message, receive referencias, and even eat birthday cake leftovers :). Followed by a wonderful asado (argentine barbecue) at the mission home under sunny skies. the weather is. psycho. always. But it´s always fun to go to new areas, see new streets, meet new people. and i even got to ride co-pilot in the mssion van. stylin.
I learned a lot as well about the importance of working with members. We´ve been really focused on gaining an even stronger relationship this week with the members and fortunately we received 29 referencias of people that live in the area! Yay! But, more than just gaining a better relationship with the members, i learned about how important it really is that everyone shares the gospel. there´s a scripture in Dyc 38:40-42 that says:
40 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the alabor of his bhands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded.
41 And let your apreaching be the bwarning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in cmeekness.
42 And go ye aout from among the bwicked. Save yourselves. Be ye cclean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.
What a blessing it is to live on the earth with the fullness of the gospel. Day after Day, trying to share this glorious message with God´s children, i´ve come to realize that 2 years just isn´t enough. Being a missionary is a lifetime pursuit! I am so grateful for your examples and testimonies, and don´t forget to give a copy of the book of mormon out to a non-member every once in a while eh? ;) Ok.
Enough of me, Fantastic news i´ve heard! First of all, fall weather in utah! definitely something to be missed. Glad to hear that the family has been able to get together and hang out! Sounds like a great trip is planned in the coming week as well to ALABAMA. I had a missionary in my zone last transfer that had served for 6 weeks in Alabama before coming here to Argentina. When I asked him about Alabama he replied, "I love black people:" hahaha. just sayin. Hope you have a great trip!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PACKAGE. I totally forgot i even liked huckleberries. It was a tasty treat. Today I found myself once again in the kitchen whippin up some pancakes. A few of us Elders got together to watch 17 miracles (again) and eat pancakes. An enjoyable p-day indeed.
Also tell Grandma Carma y Richard THANKS FOR THE DEAR ELDER PACKAGE! Me and my companion ate all of the cookies inside in 24 hours minus 23 hours. mmmmmmm thanks!
We have been blessed this past week with finding some new people to teach, so keep your fingers crossed that we can help them receive the gospel! I´m really enjoying being here, and am sad at how fast time is flying by! As dad wrote me in his email, it is certain that there are still plenty of things to do here.
Thanks mom for your testimony and for the quote. You´ve always been an inspiration for me. as well as dad. as well as the whole family. I´m so blessed! Hope you enjoy this week, and have a fun halloween! Until next week! LOVE YOU.
Elder Winger
Quote of the week! : When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel.
p.s. Yesterday was Mother´s Day in Argentina......it´s the only country that has mother´s day on a different date than in may......so Happy Mother´s Day Mom!
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