Merry Christmas everyone! Feliz Navidad! Meli Kelikimaka (hawaiian)!

This Christmas has been a blast...literally. Fireworks went off like crazy last night. 

One of our investigators had come to church last week and is looking to really know if it is true. Last week he could only attend for one hour, but he said he would make plans to attend all three hours to really see what it was like. He turned off his phone so that no one would call him for work and he told his boss that he would be busy for most of the morning. He came to church, only to find out it was only one hour this week! He laughed and we used the opportunity to have him talk to the bishop. It was good to see him apply his faith, and he was blessed in a way he may not have been normally.

Also we ate a ton of Turkey. Literrally, a ton. 

I know the Lord lives. He was born in a manger, the humblest of all places. Can you imagine being one of the shepherds seeing the Lord at His birth? Sometimes I wonder if I could look at the baby Jesus, and recognize Him as the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. 

Because of HIm, we can repent and grow. What a gift.

Because of Him, the end doesn`t exsists. What a gift.

Because of Him, I will see you again someday. What a gift.

Elder MacGregor

Hello everyone!

This week has been the best. We have had a TON of spiritual lessons. The spirit has spoken in abundance, and i want to share one of the most powerful phrases I have heard. ``My companion has left his family, his counrty, I have left my work and my studies to be with you today. I would not do this if I was here to trick you. I would not feel good with myself. I am here before you today to testify that I KNOW that this is true, and I know it will bless your life.``

I testify to anyone reading this. I know the gospel is true. If the mission was longer than 2 years, I would go longer. I love it. The poeple here are so wonderful. This Christmas season I hope you are all happy and safe. 

A missionary Chrsitmas is the best Christmas.

Much love, Elder MacGregor

Feliz Navidad! Meli Kelikimaka (that is hawaiian, shout out to Tutu and Grandpa)

This week has been a good, solid, missionary week. Yesterday to #lighttheworld we are supposed to share our favorite scripture in social media. What did you share? I would like to share one in Mosiah. Imagine te power of a prophet of God as he testified of the Savior. Mosiah 16:9 ``He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light thatis endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a lifewhich is endless, that there can be no more death. ``

I testify with Abinadi that Jesus is the light of the world. Because of Him we can be forgiven and find a fulness of joy.

Here is a quote I have from a conversation this week. One Elder asked a member of the ward if dinosaurs existed,

``Brother **** did the dinosaurs exsist?``

``Look Elder, are you going to talk to people about dinosuars or Jesus Christ?``

Despite what I know all of you are thinking, I was not the one who asked this. 

I hope you are all lighting the world and having a wonderful Christmas season.

Elder MacGregor

Hey everyone!

This week has been a week for the Pioneers! That is to say we walked and walked and walked and walked. But I still stand by my statement that a mission is way easier than tubing upstream on a river. I hope the young men still aren`t doing activities like that. Maybe a 50 mile hike uphill both ways should be the next activity.

I had a eye opening experience this past week. During a large part of my mission, I have always thought ``burning`` people with the scriptures was a lot of fun. Someone would say somehting or a misionary would do something, I open my scriptures and BAM wickedness destroyed! I always loved the sound of my triple opening up because I would always know someone was about to get it.

That changed this past week.

We met a young girl, 22 years old with a son of 2 years. Her partner had left her, her mother had left her, and she was about to get kicked out of her apartment. No job, no income to care for her son, and she has been sick this past week so she had not even food to eat that night. The only thing she knew is that she believed in God. I remember opening my scriptures, it was the same sound of the pages, normally signalling that someone was about to get burned, but this time the objective was 100% different. 

I was searching for a scripture to give this girl hope.  

Ether 12:4 ``Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might withsurety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the righthand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh ananchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.``

``whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world``

If you belive in God, you have the surety. The 100% chance surety, that things will be better. In spanish it comes across as you have the right to hope for a better world.

Part of believing in God includes believing that the situation will improve, no matter what the situation is. By believing in God you can be without a doubt that things will be better and it will all work out.

There is an indescribable joy that comes from giving hope. I testify that it is much more rewarding to give hope rather than burn. Much more rewarding. I invite you all to search fro a scripture that could give hope into someone else`s life.

Elder MacGregor

PS I hope everyone is #lighttheworld everything

#lighttheworld 

This week has been pretty calm, we have seen a lot of miracles and lots of people have accepted baptizmal dates. We are very excited.

I want to just share a single story. The husband of a recent convert has been very, very closed to the gospel. He allowed his wife to be baptized, but from there he did not want to know anything. zero zip nada.

Yesterday we expressed a need for service, that we are looking for ways to serve and how to help. The convert told us that she needed help painting a room, and that only her husband would be home at the hour we needed to paint it. We knew this had been an answer to our prayers and we prayed that the Lord would open his heart to trust in us.

I don`t paint like Leonardo Davicci but it is prety close.

We laughed with him the entire time, and at the end of the project he invited us to have a family home evening one day. (we explained what it was and he got very excited)

The Lord answers prayers and it is the best.

As we are entering December, I invite each and every one of you to pàrticipate in light theworld, the church iniciative for Christmas. 

https://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_FR_24-11-2017_dMIS_fMORG_xLIDyL1-A_

I know it will draw you and your lives closer to the Savior, who is the light of the world.

Elder MacGregor

Hello everyone!

This week has been a week.

To start, we have been asking members the same question Elder Nelson askeed us in general conference. What would your life be without the Book of Mormon? What would you not know?

My favorite answer so far has been from our pensionista: ``If my life was without the Book of Mormon, I would try to find the Book of Mormon¨

One of my favorite scriptures thsis week is found in the Book of Omni. Omni 1:9 ¨Now I, Chemish, write what few things I write, in the same book with my brother; for behold, I saw the last which he wrote, that he wrote it with his own hand; and he wrote it in the day that he delivered them unto me. And after this manner we keep the records, for it is according to the commandments of our fathers. And I make an end.¨

I find it funny how Chemish`s brother wrote in the Book the same day he gave it to his brother.

What would your life be without the Book of Mormon?

I kow that without the Book of Mormon, I would not have the assurance that Jesus is my Savior, and that He paid literally everything for me. Thanks to the Book of Mormon I have that knowledge.

I hope you all have a wnoderful week! I know this gospel is true and that it blesses lives and families. 

Elder MacGregor

This week I have been reading Ether. One of the passages that stood out to my attention was Ether 6:3 ¨And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.¨

I have changed a few words that stood out to me....

¨And thus the Lord caused [his disciples, misisonaries, young men, etc]  to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.¨

We are here to give light to our fellow travelers. God has us here in order help our siblings.

This week our investigator got to church before every single member. He asked us if church is so impórtant why everyone would show up late. 

I pose the same question, if the Savior is so important, why would we show up to His ordinances late? It is the most holy moment of the week, and it is something that we should all strive to be on time for.

That is all I have for this week. We did a lot of walking. WOOHOO

Elder MacGregor

Hey everyone!

That´s right, I got bit by another dog. In our area there is a small community of house without and address and we pass by a lot becuase everyone is humble enough to listen. I got bit by a dog and the owner came out and got scared I would curse her house or something. I said not to worry and wondered when we could come by to visit. We are going to bring her the restoreed gospel thiss Thursday.

In other news, my companion´s brothers got baptized! He is (or was) an only member, and already the gospel is working magic in the life of his family. I know it can do the same in yours too. 

We also went to another Christ statue. This isn´t the same one as last time, it is different. But remember, there may be more than one statue of Christ, but there is only one Christ.

One thing I try to remember to keep my hopes up is that missionaries are AUTHORIZED  servants of God. I like to think of seeing things from a birds eye view, and me and my companion walking in the street, being the only ones authorized by God in the area to do what we are doing. It is an interesting thought, and a great blessing.

Sorry for the short email, but there are a lot of pictures so I hope that makes up for it.

Have a great week!

Elder MacGregor

Here in Lima they do Halloween! also this time of year is a catholic holliday i think so everyone carries a statue in the street and praise the ``Lord of miracles.`` It happened last year this time of year as well. lots of catholics here, and lots of Apostsasy.

This morning we went for a hike. We went to the biggest hill in all of Lima. Mom we were literally above the clouds. It was insane. 

This week my companion and I were fasting to find new investigators and put new batismal dates. Instead, our phone stopped receiving signal. Our appointments fell through, and the bishop was unable to meet with us as we had planned. I was really upset that day. 

However, what was interesting was the next day. Literally nothing had changed. We were dealing with the same circumstances,but my attitude changed. I suddenly felt a lot happier, and I was a lot more excited to talk ot people in the street. 

The fast did not change my circumstances, it changed me. 

God did not solve all my problems, but he gave me energy to work and prepared the way so that we could solve them. We were able to find investigators and invite several to be baptized. I know it was because my attitude changed. Because of that change, the circumstances changed. 

That has been another powerful lesson I have learned here on the mission. God does not change the circumstances, he changes the people and they change their own circumstances, using the way he prepared.

I think an Apostle said somethign simliar to that once, I like it and it wasa good lesson for me.

You can just copy and paste the email for the group, I would like them all to learn that lesson.

There is a real power in fasting.

Elder MacGregor

Good week everyone!

This week Elder Chacon and I moved into our new room. The first night we slept on air mattresses. Mine had a hole so I woke up on the floor. The next day all our mattresses and bed came in so we are okay now don´t worry. However they forgot to bring a table so when we plan we move our refrigerator to plan to meet investigators.

I have run out of time so i will just share a quick thought. There are two ways to react to a call to repentacne. Read Helaman 15 and let me know what they are.Then act in the way correctly.

I olove you all EVERYONE CALL MY MOM AND TELL HER HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

SHe is without a doubt the greatest blessing in my life, one of the most tender mercies God could have sent.

Elder MacGregor

Hey Everyone!

This week I wrote on Wednesday because I am training a new missionary! His name is Elder Chacon and he is a awesome. He worked in the port of Guayquil Ecuador, and is a convert of 2 years. He has a testimony for the world to hear and I know he is going to change my life and the lives of many.

This past week there was a big game of Peru vs colombia in soccer. When Peru scored a goal everything went NUTS. Fireworks! Crazy screaming people! Honestly if people coulnd`t react more like that when the missionaries walk in the room that would be awesome!

I testify God lives. I know He leads this work, and He works with us more constantly than we realize. The mission is funny in that you think you will feel the Holy Ghost 24/7. You don`t. But at the same time, you come to the realization that the Holy Ghost is with you a lot more than just in lessons or study, and then you realize that you have had these feelings your entire life, and that now you are learning to recognize them, and then you realize God lives and He loves you and He always has. This is my testimony.

Also, this next Sunday is Perù census day so we are going to be stuck in our house all day. lame I know but we obey, honor, and sustain the law.

Elder MacGregor

Hey Everyone, I am using an english keyboard with spanish typing so there is no question mark and I am frankly too lazy to spend the 45 minutes requireed to find it so if this letter is without correct punctuaion forgive me please.

This week we have seen the power of referrals. We are currently supposed to receive 2 referrals daily, which means we have to ask literally everyone who they know that would be interesting in hearing the message of the restored gospel. Ons street contact presented us to his grandpa. One investigator introduced us to her entire family (they also served us coffee which was quite and interesting whay to start the missionary discussions). With just small faith and small actions, the Lord blesses abundantly so everyone can here the message of the Restored church.

Also I am sorry I dont have any pictures this week............. next week I will have more I promise.

Here is the greatest story from this week before we went to get breakfast.

This week we accidentaly left our house without the keys. We live on the second floor. We were able to get into the gate that goes up the stairs but into our room it was impossible. We went up to the roof to get a ladder to go through the window but the ladder was too big to bring down from the top of the house. It was a ladder from a cartoon. It was 8 feet tall and pure wood. Instead we had to get a step ladder. It was took short. So we got a table and a step ladder. and then I got up through the window. They chose me because I was the skinniest. Grabbing the keys from the table I let my companions in and in complete victory we at bread and butter with ham. The breakfast of champions

The Lord loves you. I love you. I know that this is His work, and that the spirit is the real teacher.

Elder MacGregor

Hey everyone!

So it turns out there are a TON of hills in my new area. Seriously I am waking up with a cramp every morning it`s the worst! Guess it shows how out of shape I am. Never skip leg day.

Also this is the most dangerous zone in the mission suposedly. Everytime we tell memebrs that we wre in the Pamplona ward they freak out and say that we are the tough ones. I only have seen one freaky thing so far. Last week we were walking at night up the street. Some man walked by us and he had a screwdriver up his sleeve like an assassin knife. I said buenas noches and he didn`t respond, just keeo trucking. A few steps later I looked back and he was starting at me DEAD IN THE EYE. Probably the first time I have been scared on my mision. Those screwdriver assassins are scary.

I want to just share my favorite thoughts from this last general conference. First of all, I will never forget the reverence that feel over the room when they announced Elder Hales`passing. I know he was a true Apostle of the Lord. The excerpt from his talk which Elder Anderson read really touched my heart. Only those who never faultered in their testimony of the Savior saw Him after He was resurected. 

Let that try to be us so we can see Him when he comes again.

Elder MacGregor

Hey Everyone!

This week has been the strangest in the mission. We finished Elder Halliday´s training so I have been a fly on the wall this week.I have been third wheeling in case he needs help and asks me a question. I have used to opportunity to search the scriptures. When you read the war chapters with the mindset that the Lamanites are sin and we are the Nephites, it is super interesting. It is reading the story of how we can defend ourselves from sin and continue to make righteous choices. All of it includes having faith in the Savior, just as the Nephites did.

We also diluted mosquito poison this week, that is the photo attached. I got it all over my hands and everything like a true professional.

This week we also went to the Area offices. Honestly working for the church would be a blast. There are pictures of the Savior everywhere and everyone talks about Mormon things. The most inappropriate comment I heard was someone telling me he didn´t like Star Wars. Even in stressful situations you can see that the work of the Lord is divinely guided, and that He really is involved in every detail. He watches over us more than we can even imagine.

This will be the last time I am emailing on Saturday I believe. chances are I will leave the office next week, so it is back to good old Pday on Monday´s! Whoohoo! 

I have learned so much here. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure and I know that He is blessing you in this very moment. Stop and think about the ways that He is blessing you and I know you will be able to recognize His love.

Here´s a blessing.... General Conference is this week! God is going to speak to us again!

Much Love,

Elder MacGregor

PS   

just a short email this week, I have been transfered to San Gabriel and my Pdays will be Monday again. President already told me that I am going to train a new missionary next transfer. So I am in a trio for the next 3 weeks. 

My new companions for now are Elder Infante and Elder Supayane.

(When I was the health secretary I actually sent Elder Supayane home for health reasons. He came back and now he is my companion hahahahahaha) The Lord works miracles. 

Elder MacGregor

no letter- just photos

Hey Everyone!

This week I got a new companion...... Elder Halliday! He is Perú Lima South´s next health secretary. I will be training him for the next 2 to 3 weeks and then I will return to the mission field! He has really come her in the thick of it. His first day in the office there were 3 doctor appointments. However he is a very positive guy and he is doing really. He is going to do a good job.

This week has been insane. We got transfers, so we had to coordinate everyone's travel, and then prepare to receive new missionaries. On top of this we had some training to give to new missionaries, and then we had to plan to meet Elder Oaks today. 

Elder Oaks! Definitely the highlight of the week. He is a lot bigger than you think he would be. When he started talking, his booming voice couldn't help but make me smile. It was EXACTLY like general conference, only it had a lot of extra power behind it. We also got to shake his hand! I have now met Elder Cook and Elder Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. They are indeed two very different men with two very different teaching styles. 

Elder Oaks spoke to us about mantles, such as the mantle of a prophet, a bishop, and a missionary. A mantle is something that covers us, and it can sometimes paralyze us with fear, but it will always give us something to fill. He described it as a young boy wearing Elder Oaks' suit coat. Obviously it is too big for the boy and he has to grow into it. When the Lord extends a calling to us, it is something that we grow into. When we grow into that mantle, he will often release us and we will move on to fill another mantle.

He explained that when we fill our mantle as a missionary, we will take it off. Just like a jacket, we will grow out of it. We need not be worried, as the Lord will move us forward to another part of his work. 

He then went on to say the following, "When I take off my mantle, there will be a funeral."

Work to be converted to the gospel. Partake of the Sacrament each week. Read the scriptures, show love one to another. Regardless of whatever circumstances are happening, if we work to be converted, He will make out of us more than we can make out of ourselves.

Pretty soon my P/days are going to be Monday again. Until now I have no idea where I might be going, but wherever it is, it is where God needs me.

Elder MacGregor

Hello everyone!

This week has been incredibly complicated, and it would be impossible to share it all. To keep thinks short, one Elder had to go into emergency surgery at 11pm on Monday. I spent the night in the hospital waiting for him to come out. He came in at 3 am and we slept in the habitation room. After the drugs had worn off, they came and brought him breakfast. The first thing that he asked for is if there was any for me.

I serve among the presence of angels. Even in the most dire of situations, this missionary looked outward. I can only hope to do the same.

There is no better experience than the mission. Nowhere else would I have met such wonderful people, or have been pushed so hard to be my best.

Also, transfers are coming. I will be leaving the office pretty soon and returning to good old missionary work. I am SO excited.

I love you all,

Elder MacGregor

Hey Everyone!

It has been another amazing week here in the Mission! 

I want to start with a scripture that has been coming to my mind recently. 2 Nephi 2:24 ¨But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.¨ I have had so many questions while her on the mission. Why did God call me here? What does He have in store for me? How can I be a better representative of Jesus Christ, not only in the mission, but after? How have I gone a whole year without watching Star Wars?

This spoke to me that I need not worry, just keep the commandments and smile.

We went to the temple this week. The Lima temple is truly a beacon to the world. I found a young man from a ward I served in 6 months ago. He received his call to go to the Ogden Utah mission. In the Lima temple you find faithful members from all of Perú, it truly is incredible. We had to wake up at 4 am to get to the session on time. It made me think about the sacrifices many modern day pioneers make in order to make Sacred Covenants with the Lord.

Everyone! Go to the temple this week! If you are unable to, make it your phone wallpaper for one day. They are truly beautiful, Holy houses.

This past Wednesday my MTC companion had to come to the office. We took a picture. I have compared them to now and one year ago. 

This week is a short email. But there area  lot a picture, and a picture is worth 1000 words. 

President´s birthday was this past week so we celebrated!

I know the Book of Mormon is true. God speaks through that book. When we take time to read it, ponder it, and pray, our lives are changed for the better and we become more and more like the Savior.

ELDER MACGREGOR

Misión Perú Lima Sur

CAN YOU BELIEVE A YEAR AGO THAT I WAS ON A PLANE TO PERU? I REMEMBER THEY HANDED ME A PAPER ASKING IF I WAS BRINGING ILLEGAL PLANTS. IT WAS IN SPANISH SO I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND IT. ALSO WE WERE DEBATING WHETHER WE PUT OUR REAL NAME OR IF WE WRITE ELDER ----. 

BEST. YEAR. EVER.

Secretario Personal del Presidente

Secretario de Salud

Hey everyone!

This week has been a bruiser. I am exhausted. I don´t understand how people can live life and not just be tired all the time because for sure I can´t do it. I have a miracle to share.

This past Sunday we found another investigator, Joan. We were teaching a lesson in the office and he walked right in and asked to know more about our church. We changed the lesson to focus on him and his needs. He is very timid and doesn´t talk too much. Towards the end of the lesson he explained how he came to enter the chapel. He had a job interview at a burger joint and passed by the chapel. He saw it was closed, but it drew his attention, and he wanted to come back. A day later he had a dream where he saw the chapel, and he knew he wanted to come back. He got lost looking for it, but when he found it he noticed the door was open. Immediately he felt immense fear to enter. He imagine seeing dogs coming out to bite him or a guard with a gun telling him to move along. However, he decided that the worse that would happen is that he would get bit or that he would get told to move along, both of which he was okay with. It was very interesting to see the ends Satan will go to to keep people from obtaining the truth. We gave him a Book of Mormon and committed him to read Alma 34. When he came back on Thursday he said that when he was reading he felt the desire to keep reading. That was when he told us that he had read something that had changed his life forever. He wasn´t willing to tell us, as it was very personal, but I have seen firsthand the power of the Book of Mormon. 

The power of the Book of Mormon is real. I have seen it first hand.

I have been working on making commitments to investigators as a missionary. I actually have been practicing as a health secretary.

¨okay Elder -------- I would recommend you take ibuprofen and water.

¨okay¨

¨Elder -------, will you take ibuprofen and water for the next hour?¨

¨yes, I will¨

¨I promise you will feel a lot better, and that the pain in your legs will go away as you do these things¨

¨Thanks Elder MacGregor¨

It may not translate 100% but I always try to be a missionary in whatever way I can.

I hope everyone is excited for the eclipse this week. While you are watching it, I invite you to imagine this scripture ¨all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.¨- Alma 30:44

I know God created the Earth for us to bless us. And what a blessing it is.

ELDER MACGREGOR

Misión Perú Lima Sur

THE BOOK IS BLUE, THE CHURCH IS TRUE!

ALSO WE DID MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING ON THE BEACH BUT I DON´T HAVE THE PICTURES TO PROVE IT!

Secretario Personal del Presidente

Secretario de Salud

Hello everyone!

On Wednesday we went to the Area Offices for training and it is always fun to see missionaries from other missions (Also Elder Godoy from the Seventy works there, we didn´t get to see him but I bet he was upstairs somewhere¨). Afterwords we got to each lunch at the Perú MTC were I was almost a year ago. We also met a surprise friend at lunch, Ex Elder Sosa! I was grabbing some salad and then I turned around and there he was! He was my first zone leader and it was incredible to see him again. I actually had been praying to get the chance to see an old friend, knowing we would get the chance to pass the by the MTC. I had been thinking of my old MTC teacher Hermano Palacios, but God did me one better and there was Hermano Sosa. He is a teacher at the MTC and we talked all during lunch it was great. It was so funny to think that just 6 months ago he had been in the exact same place were I was. 

The following day was a lot less than exciting. One Elder from Ica came up to go to the clinic. The appointment was at 5pm, but they told us the doctor was operating, and wouldn´t attend until 6:30pm. So we waited and waited and waited. At 9:30pm he was still operating and then the secretary came out and said he wouldn´t be attending anymore. We did some contacting while waiting, but us and 7 other patients waiting had lost their entire day waiting. He decided he would like to go back to Ica and just cancel the appointment. It was 4 hours of my mission and my life I may never get back. But not all of life is perfect that´s just how it is.

This week we went to ancient ruins for pday. It was by Pachacamac, where I started my mission. It was a school where people studied about God and worshiped. Turns out, they weren´t allowed to start studying until they were 8 years old (wink wink), there was also a font that had been most likely used for ceremonies (baptismal font). I took a few pictures that are attached, and one obvious Book of Mormon clue. Here is were the descendants of Lehi and Nephi live, so it only makes perfect sense. 

Finally, after almost a year in Perú I finally got a picture with a llama. As you can see we got along quite well. I have seen enough youtube videos to know he was about to spit, so I jumped when he got close hahaha. However he was just playing. He got me good.

I know God lives. Jesus Christ is His Son, and our brother. Prayer and faith pay off, it just takes patience. Sometimes a LOT. but if you are praying to have patience wouldn´t it make sense you have to wait for it?

Elder MacGregor

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all had a good week! Mine has been an adventure to say the least. There has been an all time high on sick missionaries which means my schedule has become more busy than ever. On top of that I have become district leader to the Assistants, so that means I need know the missionary handbook like the back of my hand. I am so under-qualified. 

I normally don´t share health stories because they are either way too gross or just too dumb. However, this week on missionary got chicken pot. He is isolated in his room currently and is unable to leave. We have already sacrificed his companion to be stuck with his so if he gets it too it will be quite a shame. So far he has enduring. However, that isn´t the worst part. As most doctors know (but I didn´t because I repeat I AM NOT A DOCTOR) chicken pox is more contagious before there are a ton of pimples. This missionary attended district meetings before he had a lot of pimples. So he was around members of the district when he was most contagious. We will know in about a week if the chicken pox has spread to other missionaries or to the entire zone. It has been quite a week.

Despite all of this, I have found a new favorite scripture in the Book of Mormon. It is found in Alma 26: 35 ¨Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.¨

I belong to a wonderful mission, with a wonderful Mission President, with wonderful companions and a wonderful gospel. I have a loving family with some of the best brothers anyone could ask for. They aren´t perfect but hey you can´t ask for too much. I have a loving father and mother, who have supported me in everything I have done except for whenever I pushed off cleaning the bathroom. Fun fact I actually enjoy doing the dishes now. Because of the Holy Temple, I will live with them forever.

I have wonderful friends who have also supported me in ways they cannot imagine. They have been examples to me, and an uncountable blessing.

I have a Savior, who has never given up on me, and never stopped believing in me. He has showed His love in uncountable and incalculable ways. I know that He lives.

¨´Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began´ -Ammon ¨ -Elder MacGregor

Hey Everyone! This week has been a week of miracles! I will copy what I wrote to the Mission President because it is written so perfectly it could be scripture. Not really but if someone could edit it and make it Book of Mormon language it could be.

This past Saturday there was a ward activity. It was a potluck and members played football, pretty simple. Towards the end of the activity three Venezuelans came in with duffel bags. Their names are Angel Sr, Angel Jr and their friend Leóndo. We found out they had just gotten to Perú that very day. They had been robbed in Ecuador on the way here and had absolutely nothing. Now they only had the clothes on their backs and a duffel bag each. They went to stay with a friend, but when they went to his house they found 12 other refugees and there was no space. They then just left and started to walk, and just by chance came across the chapel and walked in. They got food, and the members quickly organized for them to stay in a hotel room that night. The next day they came to church, and in the same way the Elder´s Quorum President organized to find them a room to stay as well as food. It was an awesome way to see the ward act and help these refugees.

Another miracle was Hermana Mercedes or ´´Meche.´´ We contacted her about a week ago and she began to cry, telling us about her trials and her son, who has some bad habits. When we went to teach, Elder Morales stayed behind to train Elder Cornejo and I visited with our mission leader. We talked about trials and we felt impressed to watch the mormon message ¨Mountains to Climb¨with Elder Eyring. As it showed the different type of trials, Meche began to cry. We talked more about finding hope through the Atonement of Christ (Moroni 7:41) and told her the way to participate is the Sacrament. She committed to coming tomorrow. 

There were a lot more miracles but the last one I want to touch on is Israel. During the 6/12 week training while we were downstairs preparing final elements for our taller, one man hit the doorbell, and said he wanted to know more about the church. He came in and we gave him folleto 1 and 2, as well as a Book of Mormon and a Liahona. We watched 2 mormon messages. When we wrote down his address, we found out he lives in the East mission, in the Salamanca ward. We gave him the address and hour of the meeting, and even the number of the Bishop there. I passed the referral directly to the Surco zone leaders and asked for a followup. The next day they called and said that the Hermanas in Salamanca visited him. He said he had been reading the Book of Mormon and had already read the folletos. The Hermanas had a baptism planned that day so they asked if he would like to come. He waited for a minute and said, ¨Yea lemme get my coat¨

Truly this week has been incredible. I love each of you so much and hope that you too have a wonderful week.

ELDER MACGREGOR

Misión Perú Lima Sur

HELPING ONE SISTER WHO HAS LOST HER VOICE FOR 3 DAYS

AFTER 5 MONTHS OF BEING HEALTH SECRETARY, I STILL HAVE NOT BECOME A DOCTOR

IN FACT, NOW I FEEL I KNOW A LOT LESS ABOUT MEDICINE

Secretario Personal del Presidente

Secretario de Salud

HEY Everyone!!

This past week the assistants went to ayacucho without us........ fortunately they took lots of beautiful pictures. As you can see we traveled with them in their hearts.

The area presidency has currently challenged everyone to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year. I have been taking that challenge and have learned VERY quickly the importance of Apostles. In the very first chapter of the Book of Mormon it mentions that Christ´s church was built with apostles. Speaking of Apostles, Elder Oaks is coming to visit in a month!! I am super excited, but at the same time it means that we have to coordinate all the travel plans for the entire mission........ but that´s a month away so I will stress about it later.

We are planning transfers this week. Here is a picture of the Chorrillos zone. 

This week I have really felt the importance of the Book of Mormon. It really is the word of God and it is so powerful, you just have to read it. When the spirit guides the lessons, it becomes easy to invite people to be baptized and preach repentance. In the words of Elder Bednar, living the gospel is easy, not living the gospel is hard.

Hope you all have a great week.

ELDER MACGREGOR

Misión Perú Lima Sur

SORRY FOR A SHORT EMAIL PLEASE DONT BE MAD

ALSO SHOUT OUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOCELYNE MORALES!

Secretario Personal del Presidente

Secretario de Salud

Hey Everyone!

THIS WEEK WAS 100% NUTS. The hospital we use for emergencies is in Lima, and we had to bring a missionary up from Chincha on emergency. This happened while we were outside of the office. We were in migrations extending carnéts de extranjeria and we were going to be there for another hour. When we do the legal stuff we always use cartas poderes, or the missionary signs their right so we can extend it for them.  Then we get them legalized and we go. This time we forgot to legalize one, so we had to call the missionary from his area to come to migrations ASAP. Turns out he was in the temple, and he had just got out. It was a tender miracle because the temple is way closer to his area so he was able to get to us way faster. At the same time I was calling the mission insurance to coordinate paying for the medical emergency (venomous spider bite). Basically I was calling the United States from my cell phone. Every missionary has a unique medical insurance number, and since I was outside of the office I didn´t have it, and they always ask for it. However, this time they didn´t! That was an amazing tender miracle! Everything was able to work out. Later the same day, I had to go to a medical appointment with a different Elder. While we were in the waiting room, the hospital held a fire drill hahaha. At first I was a little annoyed and then I realized this would be an awesome experience to write in my weekly letter. So we made the most of it and contacted a nice man while we were waiting outside. By the way, the Mission President and his wife were in Ayacucho.  Completely on the other side of the mission with very little phone signal, but somehow, everything got communicated exactly the way it needed to be. What a tender mercy. In the taxi back to the office, the driver turned out to be a less active man for 30+ years. The spirit was SO powerful as we told him the Lord still has plans for him and his family. It was one of the moments where I have been most direct in my mission, and I could feel that the spirit was touching his heart. 

I probably should mention that the assistants were also with President on the other side of the mission, and the other secretaries were down way south inspecting houses, so just me and my companion had to coordinate everything.

That´s just your average day in the mission :D

What a miracle it is on how clearly the Savior guides the boat. My testimony honestly grew so much, and I was so grateful and humbled by divine help.

Also here is the picture of us eating 10 pizzas from last week. Somehow didn´t gain any weight from it.

Have a wonderful week.

ELDER MACGREGOR

Misión Perú Lima Sur

ALSO I FOUND A GIANT COCKROACH  IN THE BATHROOM AND I HAD TO TAKE A PICTURE OF IT

Secretario Personal del Presidente

Secretario de Salud