From Chalco, Mexico
1. Elder and Hermana Bird send you greetings from the land of the
Lamanites - Chalco, Mexico. Here can be found many who are seeking the word of
the Lord. There are many servants of the Lord who have put on the full armor of
God and with the guidance of the Spirit, are bringing many to the fold.
2. In the year 2014, February 8, every missionary in the mission
arose early and traveled by taxi, van, bus or metro to arrive early at the
Stake Center near the Mexico City Temple. An apostle of the Lord, Elder Dallin
H. Oaks, declared that He wants everyone to be full time missionaries, not
worrying about home and family, and if they have girlfriends at home, don’t
worry about them either, they will all be married before the mission is over anyway!
3. Elder Oaks declared: “Teach part member families and get these
to find others who need the gospel. ”Be
fishers of men”, as Christ taught Peter. Start when you leave the house each
morning and have your lines cast in the water all day. Seek in all places for
those in need. Mexico has many baptisms. Denmark has less than one baptism per
missionary per year. In faith, every time a missionary knocks on a door in
Denmark, someone is baptized in Mexico. We help each other.
4. Elder Bird is starting a "hunt" for
all senior couples who are willing to be full-time or part-time missionaries in
the Chalco Mission, living at home and serving with their wards, with name tags
and all. There is a lot of work to be done finding the inactive members who are
losing their blessings because they have lost their way.
5. And behold, Hna. Bird finds great joy and satisfaction opening
the many boxes that arrive at the office with gifts of pamphlets and pass-along
cards for investigators, and recently there arrived 27 cases of Books of
Mormon, with 36 books per case! And lo, more need to be ordered !It’s as much
fun as Christmas!
6. And it came to pass that the young servants of the Lord have
been found lacking in training. Now that their moms aren’t around to remind
them (or teach them), some of their rooms are not a place you would invite the
Bishop, or the spirit. Mothers, please train up your children to understand
that Cleanliness is next to Godliness, and they will not depart from this
training when they are missionaries – and beyond. Prepare them with simple,
really inexpensive recipes too – besides Ramen (which probably really does
exist in most countries), and cold cereal.
7. And now, ye shall know that the easy cheese cake recipe can be
made even in Chalco, but even better with fresh squeezed lemon and lime juice.
Tacos in this country are made with small corn tortillas, two placed together
with chunks of chicken, pork or beef (or unknown) and hot sauce; sometimes
onion and hot peppers are included. A word of wisdom, for the benefit of all:
all things are to be used in moderation, and not to the excess that spicy foods
bring tears to the eyes. Another word of wisdom, to help keep the body healthy,
exercise. Now, the Birds do not have time that warrants buying a treadmill, so
Hna. Bird has taken to the stairs, four flights, 3 times each morning.
8. It should be remembered that we are to love one another at all
times and in all things and in all places, but one day has been chosen to
celebrate this commandment – el dia de amor y amistad – the day of love and
friendship. Many were seen carrying flowers or gifts to someone special. The
language of the chosen people has many beautiful and meaningful sayings. The
gift of tongues is well and alive, but at times it becomes difficult to just
speak English or Spanish, they go mano a mano.
Elder Bird even remembered to get a box of chocolates for someone who
really appreciates chocolate!
9. In the year
1945, Nov. 6, the temple endowment is presented in
Spanish, the first time the sacred ceremonies are presented in a language other
than English. Many made their way to Mesa, Arizona to receive this most
precious gift. Today there has arisen 14 such Temples in the land of Mexico.
Many go often to these sacred places of worship. The Birds had such an
opportunity to witness the great love and faithfulness of this people.
Attending a Friday evening baptism in Veracruz, there were more than 60 youth
in participation. They joyfully spent three hours completing the baptisms of
hundreds of people, including some of the Bird ancestors, already dwelling in
the spirit world. The following morning, again there were many happy people
waiting patiently, sometimes hours, for their turn to enter overflowing rooms
to perform endowments and sealings. Could this be the beginning of the day of
the Lamanite?
10. And there could be found in their many
houses of worship, many striving to learn piano to lift the hearts and voices
of the people. A surprise review of all their learnings will include M&M
rewards for every correct response! It is a curious thing that there are many
hymns these faithful ones have never heard! They plan to share these new found
hymns with their congregations, when they are well trained. They should start
playing the prelude music soon. And as a bonus, they will get a treat. These
dedicated ones get stars on their name cards each week when they do their
homework or play something perfect. They work hard because they love the stars,
and there are young and old assisting all the classes.
11. And it came to pass that more missionaries continue to arrive
every six weeks. New dwelling places must be found and prepared, which provide
safety and invite the spirit. This is not always an easy task, but having
faith, and praying always, and lots of footwork, the Lord prepares and provides
for His servants.
12. Behold the field is white (not with snow)
but already to harvest; and the many senior couples who are hearing the word
that too can be Senior Missionaries, are flocking to the work to bring
salvation to the souls of their families, friends and local ward members. Elder
Bird works with all his heart, might, mind and strength with Bishops and ward
councils to help recruit the army of those who possess wisdom and understanding
to embark in the service of God.
13. Harken, O ye people, Elder and Sister
Bird do not proselyte, but are kept busy from morning to night. Leaving by 10am
every morning (sometimes 7am on Sundays to arrive in time for the ward services
that begin at 8am) and rarely get home before 9:30 or 10:30pm. But they know by
assisting in bringing forth the work of the Lord, according to His
commandments, they and their children, and their children shall be blessed.
14. There is a season to be merry and to play “Yellow Car” or
“Coche Amarillo” that their souls may be joyful. It is a variation of the
American “Slug Bug.” There are many slug bugs in this land and everyone would
be constantly punching each other. Not so with yellow cars.
15. And again, there is much peace and joy in the children of the
family Bird because their children’s children, Cameron and Marissa, were
baptized by their fathers when they were eight years old, and they shall teach
them to pray and walk uprightly before the Lord. The Priesthood shall also be
part of the lives of the youth. Others are advancing and learning the ways of
Scouting. (We have some pretty special children and grand children!)
16. Therefore, ye shall find those of whom have been prepared,
which are many, in every place. Look on the street corners and wherever you
eat. Even the mail lady who brings letters to the office is ready for the Good
News and the light of the gospel. Eating tacos in the public square attracted
some who were excited to share their directions to be able hear more. Sharing
the gospel is easy when you remember that everyone knew Heavenly Father before
coming to this earth, and they just need their spirits touched to accept again
the truths they once knew. Find something each person is interested in and
incorporate that into a gospel truth.
Try it – you will be as excited as they are!
17. Behold, and lo, there are much people in this place, that have
opened the front of their homes as small stores of every kind. Anything one
might be in need of can be found in their doorways or on the sidewalks.
Bakeries, laundromats (they do the washing, ironing, mending etc.), fruit
stands, fresh meat hanging on pegs, stationery, tiny shops with a bit of
everything, floral shops, small racks of clothing (who knows if they are new or
used), tortillarias, and the list is endless. They use their abilities and what
they can obtain. One of the most common larger store is the shoe store! The
people do a lot of walking here – in spite of all the cars and taxis. The other
common needs are car repair shops (they drive really crazy) and spotless car
washes (by hand), in their yards.
18. Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. We salute you with love and fondness and pray the Lord send you
peace and comfort, health and joy.
Elder and Hermana Bird
Associated Pictures:
1. Bird anniversary at the Paraiso Restaurant
2. Corner phone booths
