Weeks 47 and 48 - June 27, 2022

One of the best weeks of my mission this week. 

We've been incredibly busy, but this week was nonstop again. Sorry for no email last week, we've had 0 time to stop.  Also, it's almost July already.  Good grief.

First though, Warriors got it done.  Just as Elder Sutton said, "Bendiciones from serving a mission." 

But this week was Zone Conf.  I was able to talk with President about how Chicorral needs a chapel and other things about the area.  He says that from the work we've done so far, he is going to start the process of approving a chapel for Chicorral!! So excited.  I love the people here so much and I know a chapel would help them grow.  Last week at church, we had 2 investigators and this week 3.  Plus, less actives have become more active recently and are participating in activities!!  It's so good to see this place growing and thriving.

As well at Zone Conf, one of my old companions told me that one of our old investigators has decided to be baptized!  I found this girl who was a family member of some other investigators that we were teaching, and I had her join in on the lesson, and now later she's being baptized, so cool. 

On Thursday, we had to go to Panca!  My very first area in Guate.  We had to go to get things from their house because the Elders are leaving it, but it was so crazy to be back in Panca for the first time since I got there 11 months ago. Seeing all the members and people there was awesome.  They were so surprised to see me again.  Now being able to speak Spanish, Kiche , being bigger, taller.  It was so fun. 

A miracle that happened this week was as we were trying to come home from another area at around 8:45pm.  We were asking for rides on the side of the carretera to take us back to Pologua (which is kind of sketchy) and nobody was stopping for us for a little.  So, I decided to say a prayer that someone would stop and take us because we had no other option.  And about three minutes later, an ambulance stopped for us.  We got in and met a couple from my comp's old area in Xela who aren't members, but we invited them to church, and they said they would go this Sunday.  Miracle.  The driver even asked us, "You guys aren't scared to be asking for rides right now?" haha. 

So many other great things happening and have happened. This week is transfers, but I doubt I'll leave.  There's no way I leave Momos haha.  But love you all! 

- Elder Copeland 

Week 46 - June 13, 2022

 What's up, everyone? 

Busy and crazy week again.  Had emergency transfers.  Elder Fabian got called to be the Secretary of the mission.  So, he went to the offices and I got a new comp.  His name is Elder Alguilar from Nicaragua.  He is still new, so I will finish his training this transfer.  Very serious Elder but likes to work hard. 

I'm, also, the District Leader now so lots to manage and do with training as well.  It's been another wet and rainy week, but we had a lot of success, too.  We found new possibles one day, and as we were talking to this guy, he starts calling his brothers and friends to come and listen to us outside his house.  We can't even get references from members, and this dude was calling everyone he knew haha.

Nothing really too exciting this week.  Our hno with a baptism date is on track for this Sunday.  But because there isn't a pila in our area, we have to do it in Momos.  We got invited to a wedding of one of our members, and once we walked in, everyone froze and looked at me like a ghost had ruined the whole ceremony.  It was funny.  It was live streamed and everything, but they couldn't continue until they got over that there was a gringo attending.

Love you all and read your scriptures.

- Elder Copeland

Week 45 - June 6, 2022

Top Gun!

Amazing week in Guate.  Constantly traveling or working, we're nonstop.

Tuesday, traveling.

Wednesday, we got to go through the temple as Zones.  It was an awesome experience just like every time in the temple. As I was praying for certain things, I felt the Spirit so strong.  I felt as if I had just been giving armor and a sword and could do anything.  It was a feeling of "time to get back to work."  It was so cool.  I love the strength and peace I receive every time I go through.

Thursday, viajando

Friday, had Divisions in Momos.  After lessons and working all day, the Stake President invited us over to his house to eat after a meeting with him.  We bought bread and eggs and his wife made it for us.  He's from Nigeria and just recently became Stake President.  So to talk with him and get to know him more was super cool. 

Saturday, binemanik

Sunday, our attendance at church was 35 people with 8 investigators!!  A lot better than 13 people our first week.  

After the meeting, we had a birthday lunch and dinner for the branch president's daughter and everyone stayed to eat.  Hopefully the investigators can see the family atmosphere of the church and continue coming each week.  I gave the lunch prayer in Kiche' and all the members only speak with me in Kiche' now haha.  Our Mission President has told us that they might be able to start construction of a chapel here soon in Chicorral!!

Also while at the temple, President told me he wants me to finish the Kiche' Book.  So I might start teaching Kiche' soon.

Love you all and update me on your lives.  Miss you all!

- Elder Copeland

Pics of the Week

Elder Fabiran fell asleep on Elder Copeland's shoulder while they were riding in a tuk-tuk