WEEK 55----DUNKED!!!!!!

This week has been a wild one. And whenbi say wild I mean wild!!!! Crazy busy so let's get to it. I'm only going to be telling the important things throughout the week.

Tuesday: We had an amazing district meeting. We learned how to better work with our new technology and how we can help our investigators through Facebook. Let's just say me and my comp killed it. We got a few lessons set up and we had a couple lessons over Facebook messenger. Later that day we had a lesson with Jason Hair to finalize his baptism program and set up a daybfor his interview. Let me just tell ya. Jason is amazing. We tell him what he needs to do and he does it no questions asked because he said, "Before I even started taking the lessons I knew it was true." Which if you didn't know never happens. So it was cool to see someone act without thinking because of how strong his faith was.

Wednesday: We had our last required lesson with Jason. And of course he said he would commit to living the 20 commandments and the law of Tithing which is amazing. So many people get caught up on those things. Anyways. That's the only my important thing about that day.

Friday: See as a missionary our weeks are very different than yours back at home. We dread Fridays and look forward to Mondays. So we had weekly planning as usual and that sucked, but afterwards the day went awesome. We had a lot of referrals to stop by and all of the answered the door except one and we got to talk to them and set up return appointments. It was awesome. Later on we had Jason's baptismal interview which went very well. All we had to do then was get him in the water and dunk him. AND IT HAPPENED, but more on that tomorrow. We then had a lesson after the interview with a family that is amazing. They are less active, but we have good lessons with them. They actually came to church on Sunday, so hopefully we can get them started backup again.

Saturday: The only really important thing that happened on Saturday was Jason's baptism, and it was a amazing. He was so ready, and the spirit was so strong.

Sunday: We had church for 7-8 hours...... Not important I just complain about that a lot. Haha. We also threw a child in a pool.

Well that is about it. I love you all I hope you have a good week. Talk to you next week!!!

WEEK 54?---This Week Has Been Chill

I'm sorry I've been slacking on emails. But today I'll start with something I heard this week that I will probably apply for the rest of my life. It's from Elder Natress of the Seventy, and also former Mission President of the Arizona Gilbert Mission he said, "Plan precisely, but execute flexibly."  I love that quote. As missionaries, not everything goes to plan. Lessons get cancelled, doors get slammed in your face, you go to contact people and they say they're not interested, etc. But you either have a back up or you have to be light on your feet to come up with something to do to be effective. I've found this quote to have already helped me in this work. I've never not been busy this transfer, and I'm loving it. Although my comp goes home this transfer and is a little trunky. He still realizes that he's not done until he's been set apart. So it's been a good transfer so far. 

Here is a quick funny moment of this week. So, we were having a lesson with our investigator this past Thursday, and we showed him a picture of Jesus getting baptized. And he said, "Woah is that guy really trying to slap Jesus!?" And his girlfriend (She's a member.)  called in from the other room and said, "NO!? That's him getting baptized!" We all started to laugh I felt bad cause of course he didn't know, but I couldn't help it. 

Well I haven't sent you an email for about 3 weeks and I'm sorry. So here is a run down of those 3 weeks. My new companion is Elder Ethan Mckown. He's been out for 23 months. He is from Odessa, Texas. We have been able to teach quite a few people. We have 4 investigators in this area and all are progressing which makes me so happy.  

We are teaching a lady and her 2 kids. Here's what's cool they are FLDS, so they already have a testimony of the BOM and Joseph Smith. We are just working now towards how there is a prophet on the Earth today.  We have a guy named Bob. He is in a part member and he is a stud. Last week he came to church by himself without his wife although he only stayed for sacrament meeting he still came and that's progress. 

Here are pictures of me and Elder Mckown at a Greek Orthodox Monastery. We went and we had a blast learning about these people who don't even leave this place, and the lives they live and how they worship. It was cool. All of them asked us about our lives and our religion so it was a win win.

I am having a blast in my new area and I love the people here. We are having a baptism this weekend for a stud, Jason Hair, he is so knowledgeable, and he us so open to everything. We are too stoked.  I hope all is well. I love you all and I hope you have a great week!

Love,
Elder Matua 

Greek Orthodox church visit

My new comp, Elder McKown

WEEK 49- I Love Bella Vista!

Well this email is going to be short cause we have a lot to do this week, and we are running everywhere to get things done, so this week we have seen so many miracles with the people that we are teaching, and even the members doing missionary work. But, first let's start with some funny moments this week.
1. I scared THE CRAP out of Mama Hoopes.
We stopped by to grab some left overs, and to chat for a second. It seemed as if no one was home because they were all in their rooms. Well we walked upstairs to find out where they were, and we heard the door unlock so we started walking back down to see who it was, and PERFECT! Mama walked in totally clueless that were there, and I let out a most girlyest scream and it was amazing. To me it was, but Mama started crying. She said, "I thought my family was dead!?" I felt bad, but I loved it.

2. We tried to talk to this guy on the street. He was in his drive way just standing there. We started to approach him, and as we tried to start a conversation with him. His big ole' wifey come stormin around the corner, and just starts screaming at us. This guy was like a child when she came around. She was saying like, "I'm tired of this s***. We are not doing this today! Jimmy move your a**." And the guy shut down, and put his head down, and started walKing with her saying, "Sorry guys. I really am." And she would scream at him to shut up and not talk to us. It was sad for him, but we just laughed our heads off after they walked inside.

3. We had Zone Sports with the Florence Zone. We played scatter ball. ULTIMATE SCATTER BALL. So scatter ball is just a free for all dodge ball game. But this time we had 2 teams the Bella Vista Zone, and the Florence Zone. The Ultimate part of the game was we were playing with huge exercise ball. Well like always I show no mercy, and this sister was getting mad because our Zone was winning and she doesn't take losing very well. Anyways I was getting fired up and I was going HAM. Well I had the ball and the Sister was in my sights. I cornered her and I took that ball, jumped in the air and chucked the ball at her. Yeah that was a mistake. Her face turned bright red, and she yelled at me so bad that it went from yelling to sobbing in a matter of seconds. Did I feel bad?? Not really cause she was only mad that they were losing.. So yeah. It was a funny moment to me, but not to her. Hehe oops!?

Well I know I said I had a lot of miracles, but I have to go, so I can't get to them this week, but I will for sure get to them next week! I love you all and I will talk to you soon! Love you!!!

WEEK 47-CON FUEGO!!!!

Okay this week was so busy, so I will hit the main points.
1. We had a baptism for Alex Caraveo.
2.Our Investigator Katie is making leaps and bounds to make it
to her date of the 26th! (This Saturday)
3. I will not be listening to any Christmas Music this year.
4. We thought we broke our 2017 Toyota Corolla....

1. So Alex's baptism was amazing. It was kind of hectic, because first there were no more baptismal suits, because our zone had 6 baptisms play the Stake baptisms.. Elder Endrizzi and I got there late due to our dinner. But everything else was amazing, I got to speak and witness. His dad baptized him, and it was just perfect. Alex is such a stud and he knows his stuff. Now let's all pray that Viri will come around.
2. Katie is doing amazing!!!!!!!!! We only need to teach her 2 more lessons, and have her interview. She came to church and LOVED it! She told us she had A LOT of questions from Church. She is just way solid, and loves the gospel. She is going to make an amazing member hahah.
3. Alright, so Elder Endrizzi and I have not any music in the car except the freaking Christmas album from Pentatonix.... I am so done with it. I have the whole thing memorized.. each part, each song, and what order the songs are in...... Therefore we will not be listening to and sort of Christmas Music come winter...
4. Okay so in our area we have like 36.5 miles which is 1332.25 miles total. as we were driving around finding a house. Our car which is a brand new car, literally only 300 original miles, started squeeling like a freaking pig that just got shot in the leg with a 22.. Anyways we were freaking out cause we literally just got the dang thing. Well as we continued down the road we discovered it was the front passenger side wheel. So we pulled off to the side of the road and propped our heffer up and took the wheel off. We then discovered it was a small little pebble that was lodged in between the brake disc and the brake caliber. if that's hoe you spell it. It was an adventure haahah.

Well there is our week. I am loving this area and the people here. I love you guys and I will talk to you next week!!

With the Caraveo Family

Elder Endrizzi

Oh So TRUE!!!

WEEK 45-I Got a Brown Companion!!

Hello Family and Friends,
This week has been a splended one. Here are some highlights to my week that put a smile on my face. Today I will be starting with the things that made me chuckle.
As we were in our automobile driving to an activity for our zone we came upon a stop light. At this particular light we heard this obnoxiously loud sound. As we neared the light we discovered that it was an elderly woman in her mid-high 50's with a burrito in her hand head banging to a song performed by Fetty Wap, this was at 7:30 in the morning.
This particular event made my companion and I feel somewhat very uncomfortable. We were at a member's home, and as we were speaking to this Brother when his wife came out of their room, said Honey I need you. Now this is what made it awkward. The Brother giggled as he went in. We had not turned around or anything. We just sat, and stared at each other wondering why he had giggled? Elder Endrizzi and I were in a weirdly dimmed living room, and we sat there for a good 30-45 minutes before they both came out of the room.. We just sat their awkwardly as we talked.. We try not to assume, so I will leave it at that for you..
Okay now that the funny moments are out here are 2 miracles that I will never forget.
1.) This last Sunday I was able to watch Edgar Caraveo, the father of the Part Member family we are teaching, receive the Aaronic Priesthood. Now he is able to baptize his son and his wife. I will never forget that!
2.) Elder Endrizzi and I were headed to Potential Investigators house out in the middle of nowhere. They live next to like 3 houses which are pretty spread apart. Anyways, the person we went to go see wasn't home, but we got back to the car, and as we opened our doors a Hispanic man was yelling from a ways off, and running to us. When he got to us he asked if we knew any spanish. Luckily my companion did, so the guy continued, and explained that he is a recovering drug addict that needs god, and wanted to come to church and learn more of the mormon religion. It's been a awesome week.

Elder Wilcox (my 1st comp in the mission) and Tillotson

Another sunrise hike

Well I love you all! I miss you and wish you all the best. May God bless you in all that you guys do. Have a good week!​

New Comp--Elder Endrizzi (from St. Paul MN and he's Japanese)

WEEK 44-ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

What. A. Week. I haven't seen so many miracles, funny moments, rainy days, etc. in this short of a time span. I think you get the point. A LOT has happened this week and I will try my hardest to fit it into one email. Well here we go. 1. WE HAVE AN INVESTIGATOR ON THE VERGE OF BAPTISM! 2. We've been working with this family, trying to get them to come to church. 3. A Recent Convert spanked me. Real awkward. 4. I have learned the patience is key in everything we do in life. 5. I think I will forever have anger issues because of Zone Sports. And last 6. It is easier to stay in shape than to get in shape.

1.) This one is pretty self explanatory, but we've been working with The Caraveo family for about 6 months now. They are awesome. Well we committed them to watch Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration. Now the Caraveo family is a Part Member family. The dad was baptized a long time ago and now he wants his family to enjoy the blessings of the Gospel. Anyways, their Son Alex is on fire keeping commitments. And he retains information like a flash drive. And the Mom after watching the movie brought up that she wanted Alex to be baptized. So as we met on the 3rd time this week the parents agreed that he just needs to learn a little more before they commit to a date. So we are right there with him, and since I'm not getting transferred, hallelujah, I'm not giving up on this family. They are so dang close.

2.) Alright try to keep up with me in this one. We are working with a family of 3 women. A great grandma, her daughter, and her daughter's granddaughter that calls her grandma mom. Make sense? Haha, so we've been stopping by this miracle family for about 3 weeks now trying to get them to church. We got the Great granddaughter, Gigi, to activity days, so a step in the right direction. Well today as we were just about to close the doors to start sacrament meeting, low and behold Gigi and her grandma/mom walked in with huge smiles on their faces. Oh I just wanted to walk up onto the pulpit and scream, "THEY MADE IT EVERYONE!!" Then just go sit down. We were so excited. As we sat next to them they asked a few question and luckily I knew the answers (that doesn't happen often...). We will now try to finally teach them and see if we can't dunk these ladies!!

3.) Okay so when I say awkward I mean awka awkward. We were in the library getting some books for Gospel Principles. Well our recent convert and her grandson were in there for who knows what. As I was leaned over the counter signing that we took 2 books. Brenda, our recent convert, was behind me trying to get her little grandson to slap my butt. Well you guys haven't seen my backside in a while. I'll admit it I've gained weight but most of it is behind me not in front, so this boys target is quite big. Obviously not big enough this boy couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, he kept smacking the back of my knee. Next thing I know I hear, "No like this!" SMACK!! Yep now I have a bruised hip because I jumped forward thrusting my hip right into the counter too in front of me. The Second Counselor of the Bishopric, Brother Hansen, was in there and we met eyes like what in the world just happened. I didn't know what to do I just stood there trying to think about what has just happened. 2 thoughts came to my mind absolute polar opposites
1. Wow I never thought I'd get action on my mission.
2. Wow I am horrified. A 58-60 year old late just spanked my bottom.
I should have told her to smell her hand after she did that hahaha. Yeah #TautaisTimeOfTerrorAtChurch
#IamNowABelieberOfPTSD

4.) Here's a real simple one to get your mind of that last one. Patience is key. To everything you do in life. You need to be patient with a comp, roommate, spouse, children, the list goes on. Well my patience has been tried these past 2 transfers trying to find souls to bring into Christ. But just like fishing patience = fish, patience, long-suffering, diligence = miracles. I have seen the 2 wards I've been serving in just burst with work. It's been a tough road, but we got there and it's all because we had the patience, drive, faith, and diligence in the work.

5.) Almost done guys I promise. Zone Sports. It's brutal, crazy, hectic, chaotic, you name it. Especially when we play scatterball. It's a game of free for all dodge ball. It's a blast, until you let it consume you. Trust me. That's all our Zone wants to play, and my friends it gets heated. And I feel like a black out and go into a frenzy. Like Shark Boy when those singing bubbles drive him to eat through a metal cage, or when Bruce smells the blood Fromm Dory and tries to eat them. Anyways good thing I only have those episodes during sports and not when we get rejected and have doors slammed in our faces.

6.) Now I don't mean being in physical shape, but it does apply to it. What I am talking about is the Spiritual side of things.. Now the last transfer I had in my last area was rough and I let myself slip... BIG MISTAKE, but nothing I couldn't come back from. I have learned that it is way easier to stay in shape than to get into shape. It's been a long 2 transfers trying to get back into the swing of things. Not falling asleep during studies, having a good attitude of getting out and preaching, talking to everyone that you see on the street. But, I had a companion that whipped me into shape. Yes he was a pain in my rear end, but I have learned a lot from him. So here is a tip for all of you. Stay in shape it's a lot easier.

I love you all! Thank you all for everything you guys so for me. I miss you all!!!

FYI- I'm not getting transferred, I'll have a new companion on Wednesday.

Love,
Elder Matua

1. Studying on a mountain

2. #WhenTheMilkIsTooStrong 

3. I found a quarter on the side of the road, and it's as old as my dad.

4. This goes along with 1. We as a zone were dumb once again at 4 a.m. and hiked this mountain just see the sun rise.....................

WEEK 43- MUY CALIENTE!!!!

Alright so I have a lot to write about this week, and not a whole lot of time... So here it goes. 1. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel. 2. I love sharing the gospel with people. 3. Mama Hoopes and the Miracle. 4. 4 a.m. Hike up the San Tan mountains and 5. Don't try riding your bike over 5 miles in 117 degree weather with only 2 water bottles...

1.) Well the Sunday as I say and listened to most of the talks in the 2 wards I cover, and as I pondered on the words being spoken, and I felt like I got hit by a freight train. Like the Holy Ghost was the conductor and ran me over, and came back for seconds. I can't remember what I said, but I know for sure I cannot deny the feelings that I felt. And then later on that night as we went preaching the good word we came across a man who loves to debate on the topic of religion. And he was just talking, but I couldn't even understand what he was saying? Literally his mouth was moving, but nothing was making sense? I don't even think he was saying words, but the words I was able to hear as we were ending the 1 sided conversation, he said, "I don't believe in faith? Why get your hopes up for something when it's not even there?" It broke my heart a little. I felt bad for this man. What is the point of life if you aren't striving to reach for something better than this life? Maybe that's just me, but it just made me think of how lucky I am to have this Gospel in my life, and the people that surround me with the same morals and standards..

2.) The other day my companion and I had the opportunity to stop by 2 less active families and they were both home! (they are never home). Anyways, we shared with them Alma's conversion story and his committing to the will of God, and boy oh boy was the Spirit there to testify. Again 2 times in a weeks the Holy Ghost ran me over with his spiritual freight train, and it hit me hard as my companion and I were testifying to the families of the truthfulness of this Gospel and the blessings it brings to us as individuals but also the most important unit in God's plan, the family. I just love being able to e a conduit of the Spirit and being able to have him as a constant companion as I go out and spread the Gospel. It's a huge blessing for me.

3.) Okay, so if you haven't heard of Mama Hoopes yet the little X is on the top right corner of your screen. Just kidding, but for real she is amazing! Well one night we were headed to go meet with a non-member family that wants their daughter to attend activity days. So not thinking about her age we called Brother Kane to come, but it was a blessing that he couldn't come because this lady needed Mama Hoopes! And she came in confident bold, and exactly what this lady needed. It was truly a miracle because had Brother Kane come I don't think it would have gone over as well, and the the next day Mama Hoopes went back over with and activity days leader the next day and invitd them to church!! Sadly they didn't come, but they did say yes! So hopefully we can continue to go over and maybe start teaching them!

4.) Okay real short. This was a dumb idea. we got up at 3:40 a.m. to hike and see the sunrise as a zone. Yeah I am still dead from both getting up that early and also that hike was STEEP! Well the funny thing is we were lost for about 30 minutes because we forgot how to get to the trailhead, and so we had to rush up to the top and we made it just in time for the sun to peak over the Superstition Mountains! I think it's the Superstitions. I don't know Anyways it was really cool we had a devotional up there and then went and had breakfast as a zone.

5.) Alright this story has to be the dumbest thing I have ever done on my mission... Okay 2nd dumbest thing I have done on my mission. So we have a car right? Well we are limited on 700 miles a month, and we had a great idea to save on miles because we were getting too far ahead of ourselves. Well we planned on biking all day, and well our area is 36.5 square miles... Okay so we start our adventure, and we get about 5 minutes from the house when we realized oh shoot we each only have 2 water bottles... Haha instead of turning around we just continued on our journey into the "DIRT". We were going to try and get a hold of the Haynes family to talk to them about one of their home teaching families, and the try and get in contact with a less active family. 1st off my companion forgot to mention that he had no idea where the Haynes lived and that he has no idea if the less active family even still lived there! So pretty much we were biking over there for no reason besides to get some info from someone we had no clue where he lived. Well mapped out the ride was about 7 miles. The 7 miles turned into like 9 or 10.... And after dehydration started to kick in I had double vision. But I'm all good now. We made it to a members house just in time to cool down. Then they took us home #blessing. Let's just say we will never again do that again.

Well I love you all! I will talk to you next week, but until then. Alofas to you all!!

The AMAZING Hoopes Family

Gotta love WalMart

WOW!!!

Everything's better with bacon

ScatterBall

The ZONE

WEEK 42- I keep getting emails about how hot it is where everyone's at???

I am dying in this heat. And now Monsoon season is upon us...... This is the time where it'll be 120 degrees, and the it dumps rain for 10 minutes and the humidity goes form 0 to 100 real quick. We just walk around dripping our shirts become see through, and you stink like a wet dog.. I would kill for a 98 degree West Jordan afternoon. Haha but I cannot complain because me and my companion have been blessed for being out in that weather. 1. We saw 2 miracles with in one night with 2 Part Member families. 2. I found a new love for Preach my Gospel. 3. Sunday Miracle. & 4. The 4th of July.

1.) So we have 2 part member families and they are awesome. We had a less with each of them on Friday. The first lesson went very well. We answered the questions they had about the church, and then as we were ending. We extended the invitation to retake the lessons, and they said YES!!!! What a miracle. And the same happened with the second family we went to see. The mom is Arabian, and funny story. Before I came to this area I found an Arabic Book of Mormon, and I don't know why I kept it? Well now I know. She didn't know the church printed books in Arabic. And that made her very happy, and as we were leaving we again invited them to retake the lessons and they said YES!!!

2. Okay every little free time I have I find myself always studying Preach my Gospel. I love it, and I have found that my teaching has been a lot better as I have bee doing this. And I am understanding the scriptures a lot better as well. I have been just flying through it and I've been soaking it up and loving every second of it! I would encourage those who are planning on serving a mission or are serving a mission, and even those old farts (no offense) that have served to read and study Preach my Gospel. You never know when or where you are going to be asked what us "Mormons" are all about. And I promise you as you teach and testify to them that the Spirit will be there to help bring the truth of your message unto their hearts, and hopefully that seed that was planted with grow into a strong testimony that will build up their conversion to this beautiful Gospel.

3. This is short we went 50% on investigators coming to church usually it's only like 1%, but we had a family of investigators come to church!! It felt so good to have them there and answer their questions right then and there where the Holy Ghost is guaranteed to be felt. I couldn't help but to smile and be grateful for that miracle the Lord bless me with.

4. The 4th of July. It was a blast!! So, we, as a zone got together at a church building to play some sports! Well one sport.... SCATTERBALL. It's free-for-all dodge ball. I wreck at it.. Not really.. I don't think there is a game where I don't get hit where it counts.... But it's always fun to take an hour and so and get all you frustrations out by wailing on your fellow servants of the Lord with dodge balls. It brings a smile to my face each and every time! We then had to go home at 9:00 and we watchd the fireworks from inside the house... Lame I know, but we has fun.

Well that's about it for the week! Until next time my friends! I miss you all! I hope all is well. I pray for you every day! I love you!!

WEEK 41-HOT HOT HOT

Alright my friends and family! Boy do I have an email for you! Life in AZ is looking up. 1.) I only have 3 weeks left in this transfer, and the past 3 weeks have been fairly good! 2.) I met a 93 year old women, and she is the sweetest darn thing you'd ever meet! 3.) I love riding my bike... Not. 😂 4.) I have learned something very valuable.

1&4.) So the past 3 weeks have been hard. Trying to find people to teach, keeping investigators around, just some discouraging things, but I have learned something very important that every mission... everybody should know. There are people out there that just aren't ready, but at least you attempted to plant the seed. I've been told this a lot leading up to my mission and while I have been out, but I guess I just pushed it aside, and forgot about it. Missionary work is hard, but so rewarding when you do all that you can. So we have had 2 investigators move away, and 1 that is almost about to move, and nobody is really interested, but we just keep treking. We have fasted and we have prayed. I'm not sure why this is happening. All my mission I have seen miracles and amazing things happen. But that's where the thing I learned comes into play no matter how hard the adversary tries to tear me down I'm not going to give up. If you could pray for the SanTan Heights Brenner Pass area will be blessed to see miracles that would be beautiful.

2.) OH MY GOODNESS. Becky Lund, 93 years of age. She is such a sweetheart. We went to go and see her yesterday, and she just had the biggest smile on her face. She said we made her day, no one besides he daughter comes to see her. That hurt my heart... Sister Lund is a freaking missionary, let me tell ya. She hands out Books of Mormon like candy, and she can't even walk on her own! That was a slap in the face, and a wake up call to me. She has such a strong testimony of the gospel. And she shares it with everyone that comes into the nursing home. I love her. And she is in pretty good health besides her not being able to walk. We shared a scripture with her and she recited it as we read it!? I can't remember the scripture, but it wasn't a scripture mastery or anything well known. I was blown away. Sister Lund id my hero!

3.) Here's the tip of a life time. If you ever come down to AZ, and want to ride a bike around town. Save yourself some money, and times. It's as if someone was sitting on your handles bars facing you, and they had a blow dryer turned on hot right in your face. Eyes burning, face on fire, eyeballs boiling. It's the worst.

Anyways I didn't have a whole lot of stuff for this week. I hope all is well at home! Until next week! I love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!❤