Just an INVITATION...

HEY  FAMILY!

Well, I loved all the experiences you guys shared! Seriously! I am so happy to share missionary work there in the States. That is what I like to hear!!!!!   War against Satan... kick some butt ALL OVER THE WORLD! hahahaha! Sorry, it is because I just got done playing soccer, and I am hyped!

This week has been super great.  Well...yeah....we will go with that-  Super great! I was in Guadalajara on Monday and got home at 11:00pm.  We worked on Tuesday and woke up at 3:00 in the morning Wednesday to go back to Gaudalajara and have the confrence with Elder Christensen, a president of the seventies. It was seriously great and we were on fire... Ready to teach and save the world.  Then we had to travel 6 more hours and we got home too late to preach,  so we had to wait for the next day. But seriously, I love it!  That many missionaries in one place?  It was super cool.  I think it is because everyone has a general understanding of how the mission is.  It is like veterans all meeting together to work and improve the missionary work.  I loved listening and understanding a little bit more of how I can share in such a better way!

But enough about my personal progress, we had a lot of progress in our area this week and lots of work. We are still progressing with Oscar, we should be waiting like 2-3 weeks for him to be baptized.  Amelia... we are teaching the lessons over again for her to remember! She is progressing so well, and she is super great.  She said the other day, "If I get baptized, I can get the Holy Ghost right?  I want that so I can help my family."  It was one of the best things to explain what and how the Holy Ghost works with people, and for her to understand and have that desire!  We have many others,  sorry if I don't tell about them every week but they are also progressing and also have goals for baptismal dates.  One of these is Alejandra. A different one that the singer.  She is pregnant and is also is progressing really well. She was having some problems (sickness and things with her pregnancy) and I was able to help her get better and fixed up good after a couple days...She was a little suprised I knew something about pregnancy, so thank you Mom!

We also found a new family this week.  One of our investigators, Ramona (is getting baptized soon also) has some neighbors.  Ramona is a little bit older and lives with her kids.  But at times she gets lonely.  One of her neighbors, Israel (sick name) is 10yrs old and wanted to be her friend so he gave her a chicken. (I wish I could just give someone a chicken to be there friend).  Later he wanted to go with her to church. Then we visited with Ramona and Israel, and then Israel's family.  Israel listened to 2 long lessons, taking it all in and smiling the whole time.  He and his parents are now planning for baptism, and are going to church!  I just wanted to share the story because it is super amazing.  The Lord works every week in ways we don't know. 

Those are the best things I have to share this week. I have been really happy about many things this week, just waking up every day to share the Gospel.  I know that is super cheesy, but I am serious! Also, to know that I have the Lord and the Holy Ghost as companions all the time! I know when it is offended and leaves, or when we can teach and everything works good.  I hope you guys remember that... you have a companion at your side 24 hours a day! He is on your team and he wants to help you. I just wanted to write the last quote that was in my folder before I left on my mission... "Be the person, that when you wake up in the morning and your knees hit the ground to pray, Satan says, "Oh crap! He is up."  Remember that... to keep fighting and to pray for the help of the Spirit.  The Lord is preparing people for you too! You just have to invite them to do something.  Keep everything up!  If you can't tell, I love hearing about the missionary work there in AZ!  I love you!  Stay safe!  Know I think about you all!

Love,

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman!

A Little late :(

This email was from 2/11/14 and Lincoln was traveling to and from Guadalajara for mission conference.  Sorry I am so late in posting, to much going on that week and not enough time...

Hey Fam! 

Sorry, I couldn't write yesterday, I was in Guadalajara for my temporary residence and was traveling all day! And, I don't have a lot of time but I did want to update you on my week! So here we go! 

First, I hope everything is well! Vacations in Utah sound super great!  I loved seeing pictures! I hope it was wonderful.  I am happy you guys were able to feel the Spirit and everything that week! Also, FAYE. YOUR HAIR IS SUPER LONG. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! Are you gonna cut it off or keep going?! I was super suprised. And D looks super smart. hahahahahahaha! Just had to say that. You all have super sick style:) 

 Also, yes, I am still with my trainer. We have been here a quarter of my mission, and I know basically everybody.  We are gonna be killing it in this area:) We found out something... we started visiting people the Monday and Tuesday after changes and we saw something...that I think woke me up a little bit.  As we passed by our recent converts, less actives and investigators, we saw tears in their eyes, more than once - them saying, " The Lord answered my prayers. I kept hoping he would. "  Two things I learned. 1. That people really love me the same I love them!  Maybe I can't always show it, but they can feel it and I am hoping I can transfer that Christ like love to them.  2. Elder Monsalve and I know how to teach faith really well...so well that if those people keep praying like that, the Lord will never change me to a different area!  I might be here for a LONG time...hahaha!:)   

So, this week we have been here, in Mexico teaching people Salvation every day...the normal. But of course, it has been amazing! Many blessings, and many signs that I know this is the Lord's work. 

The Romero family wasn't able to go to the temple because of finances. And also, because they left in January not Feburary. So, we helped with the finances part. He recently got a new job, and one day we were talking and he said, "Elders, we aren't going to be able to go to the temple."  I don't think he expected my reaction of, " Brother Romero, you are going to go to the temple and getting sealed to your family if you have the faith. Don't you dare doubt God. Let's get to work." hahahahaha! That night we set up a budge, and they definitely will be ready by March, IF it is the Lord's will.  But we can't go with them, it is a new rule...but it is totally ok:)  

Also, we have been talking with Oscar, he has been having problems with his future wife, because he couldn't pay for his house.  So he moved in with her.  No, don't worry, they are in different rooms and they read the law of Chastity pamphlet every night!  hahaha! But he won't be able to get baptized if she can't get her birth certificate and they can get married - because it is also a rule...have to be married to the girl your living with :)  So we have been helping them figure that part out. They have been trying everything possible and we finally have a plan that will work. They will get the birth certificate the 13th, get married the 14th, and he will be baptized the 15th... IF the Lord wants.:)  That is something I have learned a lot about. Sometimes, we want to just do the things.. but I have figured out that in every facet of my life, I should ask God because it is important. So we have faith, and we will see how everything goes. Then we recieved fruits of our faith. 

One of the best things that happened this week was on Saturday.  Amelia (Saul's Mom) accepted a bautismal date and is preparing more for that day.  She testified that she knew the church was guided by Jesus Christ and that she wanted the gift of the Holy Ghost to help her and her family.  It was a great moment for Elder Monsalve (pronounced Monsalvay) and I, to be able to see that light in her eyes.  She is super super stoked and is preparing really well...  more blessing we get to see.  

And finally, we were able to teach the singer, Alejandra.  She is a singer and is now turning down all of her work on Sundays to go to church and obey that commandment.  It was a great week, when we were able to see the work the Lord does for us, always behind the scenes. Every day is a blessing, and I am always excited to put on that name tag and be a servant of the Lord!!!!

I hope that was an ok letter! I am trying to do better! I am doing so well, and I hope you guys are too! I love hearing from you. And I think about you each and every day. Thanks for all you do. Love Always!

Love,

Elder Lincoln Ellis Goodman

Short but Sweet :)

Elder Lincoln wrote this the same time he wrote the poem for his cousin.  Short and sweet but we sure love hearing from him!!

Fam Bam!!!!

   Was that a pic of Saul with you and your companion? (me) yes!   How was the work this past week?(me)  Super AWESOME!  All of Saul's Family is now listening, and we are also progressing really well with Oscar.  He is getting married to a member the 14th of Feb, and baptized 15th.  It will be great!  We have many others, that we have recently found, who are working really well.  And of course, we are working with less actives every day!   What new things have you eaten?(me)  um.....pig ears...and I learned how to suck the marrow out of a bone. hahahahaha!   Do you need more recipes to make and experiment with?(me)  um...I don't think so.  Everything is well and I eat good! We don't have much time to cook! hahahaha! So maybe you get to go to the temple with Romero's this month?(me) That is a sad part... it was in January, and they couldn't go.  But they are planning for March except we can't go with them:/ But I hope we can activate somebody soon! I want to go to the Temple!!! 

Medicine (totally forgot that in the last package, but didn't know if you found some)- (me)  Medicine would be nice, but I can buy it here if need be. I can't find an inhaler... well, one that works.  I bought one for about 3 bucks (that was the most expensive) and it isn't actually medicine....it is like air in a can....so if you could send one or two that would be great! 

I am so happy mom with the Temple! And so jealous! How great! I am so happy that you were able to share that like a missionary :) 

 Also, youth confrence sounds SICK. I am so happy that all went well! I hope dad is well! And I am sure that ALL was super cool!  Also, thank you mom for sharing how it was and that lesson about self-worth vs. self-esteem. 

I hope all of the family is good, and that everyone is doing well! This week, we finally played futbol!!!!!!!! I was soooooo happy! And they said something like "dang, that white boy has got skill!" I think I always look a bit more on the heavy side and I think that they definitely weren't expecting me to run so fast. 

Our area is progressing really good. We have activated families, and taught many! Valle Dorado (one of our colonies) knows us by "the colombian" and "elder Buenhombre" hahahahahaha! I love you! sorry I can't share so much! But you guys are always first in my mind, and who I write! I love you!!!!!

 Show message history

Tribute...

 This is Joshua Roberts.  Although his life was not very long, he managed to teach us all how to love.   Josh loved everyone and always wanted to hug you or hold your hand.  We will miss his hugs, but his presence will be felt every time we remember the love of our Savior.  Thank you Josh-man, for loving us and teaching us how we should love one another.  When Elder Goodman found out about his beloved cousin, Josh, he wrote this poem....

Remember the Plan.

Do not stand by my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep,

My body is gone, there is no life left,

It will move no more, it is there to rest.

But my Spirit is living, it won't die.

I wouldn't just leave you there to cry. 

I'm in the green grass, the feelings you get when you pray,

I'm there for you every single day.

You know the plan, I'm better with my body there.

No restrictions, no heavy burdens to bear.

I'm free, I can do so much more here,

Remember that, when you want to shed a tear.

I know that is what everyone says, but the key is to TRUST.

To say to the all-knowing "Ok. Comply to thy will I must."

Maybe it isn't specifically easier that way,

But know that you will always make it to the next day.

Look for those signs that the Lord will send,

With him as your light, your life will begin to mend,

And I will never leave, I'll be by your side,

When you fall down, or get dominated by the tide.

We will fight as a team, and then in the end,

We will meet, and be together once again

I will tell you I love you, I will give you the biggest hug I can give,

But for right now, enjoy that you live!

The Lord has promised you and I something great,

We can be together forever, no terminating date.

All you have to do is endure to the end,

No matter the trial, no matter the bend.

One step at a time, steady and sure,

Look to the future, the time will go by like a blur.

But please, don't stand by my grave and cry.

Because I am not there. I did not die.

Like I said, not sure if it is good. But if you think it will help somebody, that is great. Love you all! And if I was there I would have given you all big hugs!!

Love,

Elder Goodman!

I.LOVE.EMAIL!!!

Of course, Lincoln's favorite way to answer my questions is to cut and paste like a Q&A!!

1. How is Saul like helping you with the lessons?(me) He testifies hard core! He has been doing really well and it has been great to see him share his testimony. The other day, we were talking with a girl, and she was explaining all the problems she had in her life. He then basically punched her with the Spirit when he said, "I don't think you are understanding the words of the missionaries. You are lacking the first step in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith." He went on to share how if he didn't have faith, he never would have recieved an answer.  It was great!  He then went on to say, "Elder Goodman, share that scripture you shared with me about faith and how we need to experiment" (Alma 32). It was crazy how he remembered random things like that and testified so strongly of what he knows! So...yeah,  hope that explains about Saul.  2. Are his mom and dad listening, are they interested?(me) His mom yes! She is going to church every Sunday but doesn't want to give up coffee.  She thinks we are her lost sons. She heard something that me and Elder Monsalve might change and started straight up crying. For such a rough lady (she is like a tough mexican cowgirl) it was tender to see her love for us and how much we have helped that family. They are really important to me and it will be hard if we change!!! Also, Saul's dad is starting to listen more too.  He thinks we are counselors for life or something, and we have had to go a little bit slower so he can understand what we want to teach. But the home of Saul is changing, and you can see it, in everybody there. It is wonderful how the gospel is blessing their family!!!!

3. Is Oscar reading an praying for an answer?(me)  He recieved and answer and is always saying, "I am a soon to be mormon."  He also has given us refrences! He keeps reading the Book of Mormon, we just have to wait the 5 sundays in a row to baptize somebody!  

4. How is your Romero Family, are they still planning on the temple next month?(me) Yes! They hit a wall at one point and were thinking about changing. We shared with all the power of our hearts why they should go NOW, and that if they had faith, they would have the power to do it. So as of now, yes, they are planning on going! They are going in February!  

5. Is your companion keeping up with you, does he participate in the lessons as much as you/equal share?(me)  Yes! We participate equal... more or less:) He is getting a little exhausted with the sun, but it is all good:) We are going to help him get more energy...somehow...  

 6. How are the other companionships in your area?(me)  They are doing good! We are helping them to contact and plan like champs. The missionary work is moving forward really well. 

7. I never see pics of you on the mission blog, guessing that you are too far out :(  (me) you are right. we are one of the farthest away.

 8. By the way, where are all these pictures you keep promising?(me)I'm sending them!

Also we found 2 new people! Jose and Roberto (I know that narrows it down to 75/100 of my friends here) But they are really cool! Father and son, and Jose is like 75yrs. old! We are teaching them, and they are progressing really well!!!!!!! And Alejandra, who is a singer, is also amazing! She is the one that Saul talked to about faith.  She has decided to get baptized and is preparing for that day!!! 

We have been having some great work here, and all is well. Love missionary work and I love being here, every minute of it.

Fun stories: We were a sketchy part of town, and were looking for one of our contacts. There was a wall that divided to houses and I was walking with my companion a couple feet behind. We passed the wall and there was three huge dogs... a Rottweiler, a boxer, and a lab/doberman pincher mix. Yeah.... My first reaction was "Oh freak."  And they started to charge!  I turned around and pushed my companion saying, " it isn't this house!" Then a thought came in to my mind "Man, turn around.  You have to find Fernando(the contact).   So I turned around again for some reason, and charged the dogs. That was crazy! They just about killed me, but then ran away to the wall and we passed by, and we contacted the man! He was chill. hahahahaha! 

Also,one night we were tired, and we hadn't had many visits. I wanted to drink something cold so we went to the mini store! I was looking for something called "Big Cola" there. I asked the man at the counter "Sir, do you have cola?" My companion started cracking up and I realized my mistake. You can't say cola here because it means 'tail'.  I was so tired and I hadn't realized.  I had asked the man, "Sir, do you have a tail?" He looked at me extremely confused and I just about died laughing afterwards. He has never looked at me the same since.

That is the fun stuff. I love you so much!

Well...hope everything made sense! I love you guys so much and pray for you always! Thank you for all that you do! Love you!!!!!! And if I can do better, let me know!!!

Love, 

Elder Goodman:)

 

Sad that I cannot upload the pics to this blog due to how Elder Goodman sent them...maybe from a different place, have no clue- enjoy them on fb!

 Show message history

Teaching God's children!

Hola Familia!:)

I hope this week has been amazing and that you are well.  Are you still losing weight? No.  

Are you sick?

 No. 

Are the members feeding you good food?

Yes.

No worries Mom! Thanks for your love and care:)

I am determinded to make this a good letter. Ready? SICK.

So, we have been focused a lot on finding a hundred different investigators. We have been working hard core, and my comp has more or less liked every minute of it:) hahahahahaha! One of those, my favorite, is Saul's dad:) As a recent convert, Saul is literally on fire... going every day to early morning seminary, going to church, and trying to share the Gospel. He has been coming with us on lessons and is really growing in his testimony. Part of that is changing who he is, and as he has changed, his parents have seen it. So Saul's parents are listening. Amelia (his mom) was listening before, but didn't like the Word of Wisdom.  Now, she understands a little more, and is working on knowing if the Church is true. Saul's dad is willing to listen. That is a big step! The first time we knocked on his door, he slammed it in our face. So it is a real blessing! 

Also, we have seen a lot of progress with other investigators! Oscar is one! He is doing so good! He has been reading every day the Book of Mormon and he shares with us all the things he learned. The man really knows how to apply the teachings to his life and he is progressing so well!!!! Also, he got engaged! hahahahahaha! Oscar is engaged to an american in our ward. IT IS PSYCHO. But, she made him promise they would be sealed in the temple, that he would be a worthy priesthood holder, and that they would keep going to the temple consistently. He of course, loved the idea, and it has been pretty crazy! The Lord blesses people, and families... Straight up!  Jesus and Monica had their baby and they want us to give her a blessing! She was born January 8th and they are talking about how wonderful it will be to raise her in the church -  AMAZING!! The Lord is helping the work progress in so many ways! It is crazy! 

Anyway... only some of the stories.  An interesting story -  We had a man we met....he thought he was Jesus Christ....that was a little difficult. Really....I think me and my comp were both a little silent...not sure what to say. But then, we just went on and just talked to him like we normally do.  As I testified to him, that he had a Savior, who he could get to know better through a book (Book of Mormon), the Spirit testified to me that it never matters who the people are -  they are all children of God. It isn't something I can explain. But it was awesome! 

We also got to go to a botanical garden. I will send pictures. But yeah. feels wierd to walk around in regular clothes. hahahahahahahaha! 

Love you tons:)  Hope everyone is awesome! I love hearing from you! Thanks for all you do:) Every day I pray for you guys! I love you soooooooo much! 

Love,

Elder Goodman:)

 Show message history

Progress at any level is amazing in and of itself!

Ma! Pa! Children!

   Hey! I am soooooo happy you got the package! whoooooooohoooooo!  But I love you all so much, and that is what I wanted to express most with those! Hope it worked.  And THANK YOU FOR THE PANTS. They both fit, but the 34 black pleated are SICK. I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT WITH THEM. It is so great! hahahahaha! I loved them really. Thank you soooooooo much. I was in need! It was the most wonderful present! Thank you for all you do!!!!! Really. I love you guys! 

   So, this week, it was pretty sick. First, SAUL WAS BAPTIZED! It was sooooooo wonderful. After 4 months of praying and fasting, the boy recieved a sure answer from the Lord! AND WHAT A WONDERFUL BLESSING IT WAS. He was so happy when he got baptized and he bore testimony of what he did to get there. The next day he was confirmed a member of the church, and afterwards he accompanied us to our other lessons.  He testified and told some of our investigators, "What you guys need is faith. I didn't have faith, so I didn't recieve an answer.  But these elders had faith, and then I experimented on my own, and now I know that God exists and loves me." To hear that was one of the coolest things in my life! It was great. Really, if you wanted to know...it was super cool! it was SICK.;) I will try not to use that word any more!

    Also, we have been talking with Oscar. He is a teacher... I think I told you, and he has like 3 Alumni that are members of the church. He is great and we found him in the street. He has gone to a baptism and church and he is reading the Book of Mormon! The man is on fire! He is super awesome and has a really noble spirit!  We hope that he keeps progressing.

    Also, the mom of Saul, went to church to see him confirmed. Afterward, she said, " I love it here. I plan to come every sunday. This changed who my son is. I know it can help my family." She is wonderful! And the words were perfect. Me and my companion just smiled and when she left we started going crazy. hahahahahaha! My companion has finally gotten used to me being a little energetic :)

   We also found new people! A couple, who were studying with the Jehovah Witnesses, but wanted to hear more. So we talked to them and they are really excited and love the message! The Lord prepares people. I testify that is true! I get to see it every day.

   So basically, this week was a week of growth, learning, and becoming closer to my Heavenly Father. Was it the same for you guys?! :) hahahahaha! I know that maybe it is difficult for me to say that, as a missionary, but I really mean it! I want the same things for you guys that I have and that is what I hope to show you through these letters! 

  I have learned a lot more about who is my Savior is this week. How the process of the Atonement works. I like  the explanation of  the purifying power of the Atonement. The Lord says "no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God."  Not... "no unperfect thing!" We can be pure through the atonement of Jesus Christ and work to become more like him. I love that! I love being able, every week, to take the sacrament and pick something I am going to purify..a habit. And I want that for you guys! It is an offering to the Lord. Like fast offerings, but every week. Give up a bad habit, or start a new  good one. I have been doing that for the past few weeks and I love it. I just wanted to share that with you!

  I hope this is a letter worth reading...haha! Sorry if it is random or not really interesting, but just know I love it out here. I love you guys too!!!!! I pray for you, and hope all is well, with ALL the family:) I am thankful we can be together for eternity. I am excited for that:) I love you so much!!!!!!! Hope all is well!!!!!  Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Goodman:)