" And now I say unto you that this is the order after which I am called, yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again."
Alma 5:49

Monday, June 29, 2015

My Time Here


Hey guys! I am really enjoying my time here in Ecuador. I love the people here, they are super open and loving. They live humble lives, and understand that happiness come from things bigger that those of this world. The food here is really good, especially in the coast where I am right now. Lots of fried fish! :)

During my time here, I have really grown to feel the love that the Lord has for me. I know that we have a Father in Heaven, that He loves us and wants the best for us. I know that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, here to earth to free us from the bonds of sin and death and to teach us the way back to Him. I know that as we follow His teaching, we will find happiness here in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. 

He has a plan for us, and He knows how to help us overcome the challenges we face. Even though this life is not perfect, we can find joy and hope through Jesus Christ. I hope that each one of you knows that there is someone that knows how to help you through your trials. If we trust in Him, He will lift and strengthen us. 

Wishing you all a great summer (yea, I know, it`s a little late:) and hoping that life continues to go well for everybody!

Elder Bahr





Tuesday, June 2, 2015

My time in Quininde


(Note from Elder Stephen Bahr's mom:  his birthday is on Friday, June 5th.  The packages we have sent in recent months have not been getting through.  For those who would like to wish him a "Happy Birthday", please email him at stephen.bahr@mylds.net - I know he'd appreciate it!)

Right now, we are teaching a couple of families and I am really excited! First off, is the L. B. Family, and they are just great. It is a mom (45ish) and her two daughters (23 and 17). The "husband" of the mom and the husband (they`re actually married!) of the older daughter work in Quito, and so we don`t know them yet. They are going to be coming out at the end of the month, and we are looking forward to talking to them as well. They are preparing to be baptized on the 6th of June (it`ll be a pretty sweet birthday present :). They are all progressing really well, just hoping that every thing goes well with the husbands. 

Update:  Yes, they are still planning on being baptized the 6th. I`m really excited for it. The family is showing great faith as they try to overcome the trials that they are facing.  Their 18 year old gas stove died last weekend. They are cooking with charcoal right now. Hoping that they can get something better here soon. Just makes me think of how grateful I am for all that we have in the States. But, despite the challenges, they continue to attend church, read in the Book of Mormon, and smile. They are great examples to me, and I can`t wait for the 6th. It is going to be a truly wonderful day.  They are all really excited to make this covenant with the Lord, and I`m really excited to be a part of the process. The mom has asked that I baptize her, my companion will be baptizing one of the daughters, and Elder T. (the district leader) will be baptizing the other.

We are also teaching the R. V. Family. They were a reference from the L. B. Family. It is a single mom with three kids (24, 21, and 19) and they too are really excited to be able to learn. They currently have a date for the 13th of June. The only challenge for them will be attending church. They live about 15 minutes from Quinindé (in bus) and they also seem to enjoy their social lives on the weekend :) But, I know that if they have the desires, the Lord will help them to come to church and receive and answer to their prayers. Just have to help them feel the Spirit and gain their own testimonies.

We are also teaching the M. C. Family. This family is a husband and wife (again, they`re married!) with two small children. The wife is progressing really well (her brother is a recent convert here, and he`s been helping alot). The husband has great desires as well, the only problem is he has to work on Sundays. We are praying that he will be able to find a new job so that he too can attend and they can begin down the path that will lead them to an eternal life together.

Update:  The M. C. Family has been listening to us for a few weeks now. The wife has come to church a few times and absolutely loves it. The husband is really progressing as well, especially when it comes to the Book of Mormon, but given he works on Sundays, he can`t attend. This week, we were able to share with them a little bit about the Sabbath Day. He told us that he was looking for a new job so that he too can attend church. He told us that he trusted that the Lord will help him, and that according to His timing he would be able to attend as well. I`m really excited for this family, and I can see their progress. I know that as we trust in the Lord with patience and faith, we will be able to see miracles. I am most definitely seeing one in the life of this family.

We are also teaching several other families and we are very excited for everything that the Lord is giving to us right now in Quinindé.

These are pictures from our recent district activity and bus trip to meet with Pres. Richardson.  Having a great time with those that I get to serve with.

Con amor,
Elder Bahr