Elder John-Gregory Sierra

REFLECTIONS AND ADVICE FROM ELDER SIERRA

Letter from June 16, 2014

Hola Mamá

Things are going better. We have been adding new investigators and the most recent is a young couple by the names of Oscar and Dolores (she likes to be called Lolita). They are so nice and very open to hear the gospel, not to mention very humble. They have been to many activities and to church, once, and they love what they are learning. They always invite us over to eat with them and always have wonderful and cheerful questions for us. They are truly a blessing. 

So, I am kinda freaking out because the transfer is going by pretty quickly. My companion and I were sitting down for weekly planning and he said to me, "Whoa Elder Sierra, you're getting old!" "Whatchu talkin' about? I ain't old." "Yeah, you are. After this, you've got only 5 transfers left." "No Elder Martinez I have 7!" "Where did you learn to count?! I'll show ya!..........see??" "WHAT?! I'm old!"

Never thought it was gonna happen. I am becoming a veteran....and I hate it. Just got a call from President the other day. My companion totaled his bike and he called the Assistants asking for a new bike. I wasn't paying attention when I was in front of him and I didn't warn him about a drop in the road and he nailed it. I got a call later and President said, "Elder, how come you didn't warn your companion? Now we need to get him a new bike." I'm all, "Whoa! When did this become my fault?" "Ever since I made you senior companion. Everything's your fault now lol.....better get used to it." 

So other than that, life is good. Life here is fast and is rolling downhill even faster. I lose track of things easily now and then when I look at the time, I think to myself, "Where does it all go? Yesterday, I came out of the MTC. I don't know what's happening." It's crazy. I love you Mom I will talk to you soon.

Elder Sierra didn't have a lot of time to write this week becasue he was sending words of wisdom to a good friend about to enter the MTC. Here are some of his thoughts:

...My only words of advice for you right now are to BE YOURSELF! Do NOT let ANYONE try to change who you are and where you came from. Love your companion, show abounding charity to ALL you encounter, Be an Example, Lead from behind, and when the time comes, Lead in the front as well. Follow the Spirit and heed its counsel. There is no better way to do missionary work than that. 

Also, remember to be patient with yourself. We are [Terrestrial] beings trying to perform a Celestial work. At times. we may feel [unclean], but that is only natural as we are sinners that are striving to become like Christ. However, we are the "LIGHT of THE WORLD". 

Also, be COURAGEOUS as you declare the gospel. Do not falter and trust that the Lord will show you what you need to do and what you must say. 

Be teachable. My greatest problem on the mission was the fact that I was not humble enough to change and to accept certain correction that held me back and hampered my relationship with my Mission President (for a while). However, the Atonement allows us to feel that humility and that alone is what motivates us to be Obedient. Obedience is the price, but it means nothing if it is not fueled with love; that is the motive. 

Above all, remember that missionaries are NOT ANGELS! We are NOT perfect. We make mistakes. When we accept that, then we will not beat ourselves up everyday. When I realized that, I was then able to humble myself...Remember again to follow the Spirit. He will let you know how to act. As we begin to perfect ourselves in Christ and accept that stumbling is part of the process, that is when the growth begins. The cure to all of this (at least for me) is the pure love of Christ. With this we can look past our faults and the faults of others. Jesus Christ loves unconditionally...

Always remember that the Lord's love is unfailing, I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Buena Suerte (good luck),

Elder John-Gregory Sierra