Los Argentinos humildes

July 15, 2014

Hey family!

So we had transfers today. Elder Pirez left to become the new assistant to President. He will be really good for the mission. Elder Peralta stays here with me, and the new zone leader with me is Elder Mederos. He is also from Uruguay. I really am so excited to work with him. This is his last transfer in the mission. He is filled with so much love. I really am honored to serve with him.

So this week in world cup... first of all, President gave us permision to watch the game last wednesday. It was really fun to watch it with Oscar and his family. Argentina won in penalty kicks, so that was super fun. We then had to run back to our pension, but we had to go the back way to avoid seeing people. Everyone fled from their houses the moment Argentina won. They all headed to the park to eat, drink, and be merry. But I couldn't let anyone see I was a gringo, because gringo and german is the same to them haha. It was an adventure. A car full of drunk argentines passed by and screamed "Argentina!!!" and we had to act like we were celebrating too or else it would be dangerous, so we screamed back, "Sí! Argentina!!!"haha. But we got home in time and safely. The people were so crazy outside. 

Then Sunday, we were in the pension basically all day after church. Argentina lost, but they still found reason to drink and celebrate haha. So they paraded through the streets (much less than the previous night) to celebrate that they got 2nd place in world cup haha. But now everything is basically normal again. I just don't make jokes anymore that Im from Germany.

This week it was amazing to see the changes in Cecilia after her baptism. Before she was really shy. She listened to us, but never looked us in they eyes or asked questions. But the day after her confirmation, she was a completely different person. It was amazing to see. She is already helping her inactive sister and sharing the gospel with friends. Ah! I love conversion. 

I dont have much time because we are going to play soccer... The work is going super well. This last week we really didn't work that much because we had to go to the hospital twice at 4 in the morning because E Pirez had some problems, but he is okay now. But we are finding more and more prepared people. I know there are people everyday to find. The world is ready! 

I love this work. I am happy and cherishing every moment. I love you all! Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Tenney

Fourth of July Wedding, July 7, 2014 letter

July 7, 2014



Familia! 

This week was sooo good. It truly was a 4th of july week I will never forget. 

1st of all, mundial (world cup) continues... We had an awesome devotional this week as a mission. After the devotional President told us we were going to have a cultural activity haha. So after the devotional, we all watched the Argentina game on a huge projector. It was really fun. This week he told us we can watch the game with members. It is so cool to be here during this time. The people will be so humbled and prepared if Argentina loses ;) 

There were a lot of great things that happened this week, but the best day was the 4th of July. I began the day singing "the star spangled banner" to my companions, which I surely enjoyed more than they did. After getting all ready, wearing my patriotic suit and tie, we headed off to the wedding of Alejandro and Cecilia. I was filled with so much pure joy. It all seemed so surreal. 3 months ago, when we first met this family, they were broken, Cecilia said she wouldn't get married, and it seemed like there was no way to help them. Now, 3 months later, we were on our way to their wedding. I pondered the transformation we saw in them, I thought of Alejandro and his great faith. Even when we dropped them and didn't think they could progress, he kept going. He, alone, did all the papers so he could get married; He led his family in prayers every day; He read with Cecilia who can't read. He did everything. It was a miracle to see the enabling power of the atonement in this humble man who just wanted a new start. I truly felt like I was on my way to the wedding of my brother, which was a tender mercy with Garrett's wedding next month. 

Here, in Argentina, weddings are different. Basically you have to go to a government building and a woman there reads to you about marriage and the commitment you are making to your spouse, they ask if you accept this commitment, and you sign a paper. You also have to have 2 witnesses, so I was one of the witnesses. Alejandro and Cecilia couldn't afford a ring, so I gave them an "HLJ" (CTR) ring haha. So they used one of those cheap CTR rings as their wedding ring in the ceremony. It was really sweet. I think you can see it on Cecilia's hand in one of the pictures. Also, after weddings, it is a tradition to throw rice on the couple as they are leaving...so needless to say we bought some rice to throw haha. It was all so fun. 

Then the most important part, they were baptized that night :) they were so happy. This couple truly is a miracle for us. It really blows my mind how they changed. They both had to leave so much behind for this, and it was by no means easy, but...ah, what a miracle. But the miracle wasn't just them, it wasn't their will power, nor our teaching, the miracle was and always is CHRIST. It was HIS power who strengthened and pushed Alejandro to keep going even though he was all alone. It was HIS strength that gave Cecilia the ability to forgive and forget the mistakes of the past. It was HIS inspiration that HE sent to us to know how to get the help of the ward. HIS spirit that inspired the members to help. That is the miracle. He is the miracle. The power of Jesus Christ that He grants to every one of us as we follow Him is the miracle. 

I testify that we can overcome any weakness, addiction, or fear through HIS strength. Everyone can change because HIS miracles are available for everyone.

I'm loving every moment here.

Have a wonderful week 

Love,

Elder Tenney 

The moments I always dreamed of. June 30, 2014

June 30, 2014
Heyyyyyy! 

This week was awesome. This morning we had to go to the doctor again, but this time for Elder Peralta. He had an ingrown toe nail so the doctor had to cut it. It looked painful, but I have to admit, it was kind of funny hearing his high pitched screams haha.  But he is okay now! 

This week was awesome. We had an emergency zone meeting because the zone had a really bad week and we weren't accomplishing what the Lord expected of us. Things improved a lot this week and every companionship seems to be more obedient now. 

So before my mission, all my life I dreamed of the mission and imagined the incredible experiences where people would just be amazed by this message. This week there were experiences that were exactly like I imagined, where in the end of the lesson both the investigator and I were left in aw by this message. Ah, I love this so much. 

We also had the baptism of Aldana this week. It was a miracle. She has changed so much. In the morning Satan was doing everything to stop her from being baptized. There were so many problems that happened. But Heaven's help made it possible. She was so happy. That night, after the baptism, we talked about the last several weeks, the challenges she faced, and the person she has become. I could see the light in her. It is one of the most joyful things to see these people weeks after applying the atonement and being transformed. I know that power is so real. Her baptism was such a miracle. 

Yesterday I went with the Elders quorum President to visit a friend of a member. His name is Mauro. He told us of the problems in his life, he recently seperated from his spouse, who has a lot of problems and he is really worried about her and the children. His wife treated him horribly, but he still cares so much for her. I told him that I know God truly loves him and wants him to hear this message. We had planned something else, but I felt he needed to learn about the restoration. After several minutes, when I began to talk about the atonement and what Christ did for him, he paused me, "wait..." he said. He thought for a few seconds. "When you talk about these things, about Christ...when you say his name, I feel something, there is peace in your words...I feel peace, at home, comfortable. It is something I haven't felt in a really long time." Tears filled my eyes, because this moment is what I have always dreamed of, really, I hardly felt worthy to be in this moment with Mauro. We read in Galatians to show him what he is feeling. After he accepted to be baptized, I taught him about prayer, he said, "Could you please pray for my ex and her kids?", I asked him if he would like to say a prayer for them, and to know if the things he learned were true, if this really is the true church of Jesus Christ. He then said one of the most heartfelt prayers I have ever heard, pleading with his Father for the people he loves so much, who have lost their way. And pouring his soul out in gratitude for the opportunity to hear this message of Him and to know if it was true. I was in a hurry to leave because there wasn't anything better that we could do for him than to leave him with the spirit that was in that home. We left, and I walked away feeling like I was in the same dream I always had as a kid dreaming of this moment. 

I am sooo privildged to be here serving these people and witnessing these miracles. I love inviting others to come unto Christ. 

Love,

Elder Tenney

Share it like Mika! 6-23-14

6-23-14

Hey family!

We had to go to the doctor this morning again so my companion could get some x rays because he still has some problems, so I don't have much time, but this week was good!

President called us this week and told us we would be getting another companion. So now we are in a trio. Our new companion is Elder Peralta, from Paraguay. He is great. There are a lot of challenges about being in a trio, but I love the challenge and opportunity to grow. 

So we went to the zoo this week! It was good. It was very...north american. I saw a white tiger which was cool. 

Argentina won again in the world cup. People turn into animals during soccer games and after haha. It is awesome...when they don't throw things at you because your American. And that didn't happen this week so it was awesome. There was a crazy woman driving by in a car and screamed, "Woooo! Lets go! Lets go! Argentina won! what are you doing (pointing to a group of guys walking on the street) We won! What are you? peruvians?" haha. Everyone says the US is playing really well, so thats good.

Anyways, this week we saw miracles with Aldana! Aldana was super prepared. She had some doubts about her baptism this coming week, but she has been reading the Book of Mormon everyday and it took away all doubt. I asked her if she had been reading the Book of Mormon and she said, "of course! Isn't that obvious?" haha. So she is all good for her baptism!

Another miracle we saw this week was with my favorite members, the family of Oscar (who still isn't a member), but his wife and daughters are incredible. Mika, who is 16 years old, wants to go on a mission. This week she made the goal to talk with the people in her classes about the gospel. And she asked all of her classmates for their address and asked if she could pass by with several friends from her church who teach people about Christ. She gave us like 8 addresses! It really is an inspiration for me. She doesn't have any fear and was so happy to be able to share the gospel. Even when people said no, she wasn't discouraged, just said "it's okay..." and shared it with someone else!

We also had the baptism of Martin this week which was great. His Mom and her boyfriend came to the baptism. His mom before didn't want anything to do with us, but still wanted martin to be baptized. At the baptism, I talked with her boyfriend, miguel, and he is super prepared and he wants to be baptized too! It is such a miracle because Martin needs support from his mom and maybe this is the way to get it!

So things are great. I am so grateful for the time I have here and the opportunities to learn. I love the gospel! It is what people need to be saved and be happy, so don't be scared to make someone happy! Everyone should go and share it like Mika!

I love you all so much! I will have better awesome experiences next week!

Love,

Elder Tenney

Cambios del espìritu! June 16, 2014

6-16-14

 Familllyyy! Hey! 

I don't have much time because today isn't p day. This week it changed because our zone is going to the zoo on thursday with President!

This week was so great. There were so many amazing moments. We were so busy so everything is kind of a blury memory.

As I'm sure you know, Mundial (world cup) has started. It is so crazy here. I love it. It is so awesome to be here in this time. Everyone has their argentina flaggs out, they are selling argentina things in every store, and literally everyone watches the game. It's not like in the US where there are people who don't like sports, so they don't watch the super bowl or something like that. It doesn't matter what you like, everyone watches when Argentina plays. Luckily we were able to go to the house of Oscar and his family. He was watching the game, but we were able to talk with the rest of the family while he watched the game, then when there was a break we taught a short lesson. We had to get home early because everyone celebrates with fireworks and gunshots, so it is kind of dangerous. When we were walking home, it was awesome because literally no one was on the street. I only saw 1 car on our way home, and usually there is a good amount of trafic. It is such an awesome cultural experience. 

Anyways, this week it was so awesome to see the changes in Bianca after receiveing the gift of the holy ghost. We were teaching her parents, and she tapped my shoulder, and asked me, "there are lots of poor people, right?" I responded "yeah,"."We have to help them. They don't have food, or a place to live. We need to help them, right?". Tears filled my eyes, because we were sitting in her house where 9 people live that is only a little bigger than my bedroom at home, and they are always eating either bread or rice, because they can't afford anything else. And she was so concerned about the "poor people" who need help. I responded, "yes, we need to help them."

 Later in the week her parents gave us a referral of a neighbor,so Bianca went with us. We talked with a woman who was very catholic and set on that and told us she didn't want to talk with us. Bianca tapped my shoulder and asked me, "Should I tell her she lacks the holy ghost?" hahahaha. It was so funny. I almost said yes...but decided it wasn't the best idea. But really it has been so awesome to see the changes in her. 

Yesterday, we had a lesson with Aldana, a single mother who we found this week. For some reason, I felt that we should teach the plan of salvation. As we taught about this plan God has for us, the spirit was so strong. She told us about her grandfather who raised her, who passed away. She said she wanted some way to help him or something. We told her about the temple and she started crying. It is literally the first time she has heard where is her grandfather, and what is her purpose here and to know it is ALL thanks to Jesus Christ. Ah, it was such a beautiful moment. I love the gospel! She is going to be baptized on the 29th! 

I don't have much time, but we also were so blessed with miracles on Sunday of investigators who came and less actives. One miracle was Rosa, she hasn't gone in 13 years, when she was 16. At church, I thanked her for coming, and she was bawling, she told us thank you so much, and told about all the great memories that she remembered and the peace she felt there. 

I love this gospel and this calling so much. It is such a beautiful thing to bring the good tidings of Jesus Christ to these people. There are so many people who have never heard the truth, who are suffering, whom we can help. The gospel of Jesus Christ is what they need. It is the only thing that brings lasting peace and joy. 

I love my mission so much, it is such a sacred priviledge to be here and help these people. Christ does it all. 

I love you all so much! Have a wonderful week! 

Love, 

Elder Heath Tenney

Can't stop the miracles!

From: "Tenney, Elder Heath
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2014 11:04:44 AM
Subject: can't stop the miracles!!!

Hola Familia!

So many things happened this week that prevented us from working in our area, but ah, so many miracles happened to still make it an incredible week. 1st of all, Elder Pirez had more health problems, so we went to the doctor in capital, which is like an hour and a half away. He now has a pinched nerve in his back that is causing a lot of pain in his hip, so the doctor told him to rest for a couple of days and not work. The doctor is a doctor from the mission and he doesn't speak very much Spanish, so I am learning a lot of medical terms in translating haha. It was really funny hearing my companion yell in his accent, "YES!!!" when the doctor asked him, "does in hurt here?" haha. Luckily, Elder Pirez was feeling a little better so we went to work. 

Then the next day, we had several miracles in the zone of people who out of nowhere now wanted to be baptized, so we were in remis (basically a taxi) going to an interview, when the car broke down. So we waited for 40 minutes for another car to come. Then more problems...and basically it killed our whole day. But the miracle was the baptisms of the Elders and Sisters in the zone! 

So satan was working a lot trying to keep us from working in our area. But, he can't stop miracles!!!  We were working really hard with Joana and Dilan to prepare them for their baptisms. I really am giving all I have to help them become faithful active members, because it isn't easy, but I know they can do it. I was reading the reqirements for baptism in D&C 20:37 where it talks about repentance and humbling yourself before God, because that is what we want for them. But how do you help an 8 year old to repent? The answer I received reminded me how simple repentance really is. He just has to pray to God and change! He doesn't have to understand all the details, he just has to change and know God is happy when he changes. So that is what we did, we talked with Dilan about how he needs to obey his mom and not fight with his siblings. And if he prays to God and changes, he will be ready for his baptism. So he did it. 

On Sunday, we were walking with them to church, because the bus wasn't coming, Dilan's little sister was crying because she didn't want to walk. So we stopped for a second, and I said, "Why don't we say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father to send the bus?" His little sister screamed, "NO!!!" haha. But Dilan said, "I want to say a prayer!" So he said a short, simple, and beautiful prayer, "Heavenly Father, we thank thee for this morning and we thank thee for the bus that is going to come. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." And we kept walking, after a few minutes it came!

The bishop told us that Lautaro (another investigator - 9 years old) should be baptized as soon as possible because he said he should have been baptized a year ago and is already ready. So we scheduled the interview and Lautaro too was baptized Sunday! It was a great day. 

I feel like everyday is a battle, really, I have no doubts that God exists and is always there supporting us, protecting us, and fighting for us. I also see so much that satan is real, he does so much everyday to try to discourage us, distract us, and impead us from doing this work, not only to us, but the investigators. But he is kind of like the dogs that try to eat me daily, they bark and even sometimes bite, but if I don't give heed to them, they can't stop the work. And it is true, there are disappointments and negative things that happen, but if we just keep going the miracles will always come.

I am sooo grateful to be here. I love it. The atonement is real! I love Jesus Christ. 

Have a wonderful week! 

Love,

Elder Heath Tenney 

Manos en el aire! (From June 3)

From: "Tenney, Elder"
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2014 11:17:38 AM
Subject: ¡Manos en el aire!

Familia!

Ah, this week was spectacular. It was the last week of the transfers so we wanted to finish hard. It was so fun. The week was kind of crazy, we were super busy, but no one threw beer bottles at us, not even once! 

Oh and good news is that I am in Garin another transfer and Elder Pirez too. I am so grateful. We saw so many miracles this transfer, but the miracles have just begun! 

I wish I had my camera with me on Sunday morning. First of all, it was a beautiful day with the sun shining, but we walked to church with Alejandro and his family and several other investigators. In the end, we were walking with a group of 15 people through the streets of Garin to go to church. It was such a beautiful sight. Then the baptism of Bianca was wonderful. 

This week was super fun. We are working with Joana to prepare her and her son for their baptism. She is deaf in one ear, and learns super slowly, so it takes a lot of patience and review to help her learn, but I love it. When we started teaching her, I'm not going to lie, I had the thought, "can she really stay active in the church?". But I was quickly corrected, and realized that is not the question to ask, but, "who does she need to become to stay faithful to the end?". So after that, I've been doing everything I can to help her become the person who Heavenly Father needs her to be.

We had an awesome lesson with Alejandro's family this week. His daughter, Bianca was preparing for her baptism, so we were reviewing "the restoration". Bianca and the other kids were having a hard time paying attention, so I decided to change things up. I stood up and told them, "okay everyone stand up for a minute. And I need your chairs." I took the 1st chair, and explained "Christ when he established his church, it had 3 pilars, 1st Christ, who was the prophet and leader." and placed the chair there. "Second, he called 12 apostles." and put the second chair. "3rd, he gave the authority to his apostles to baptize and to spread the gospel." Then I stood on the 3 chairs and said, "So now I am the church, and Christ established HIS church with these 3 things. But what happened to Christ?"...."he was crucified," they responded. "And years after, his apostles were killed too. So the authority, or the priesthood, was removed too...so now, remove the chairs..." So they removed the chairs, and I fell to the ground. They all yelled, "Nooo!!! Elder Tenney" haha. As I layed on the ground I asked them, "so what happened to the church?" "..It fell!"  they said. "SO the church wasn't on the earth for a long time and the people didn't have the truth that Christ established...but because He loves us, he did something really special TODAY. 1st, He called a prophet- Joseph Smith (placed the 1st chair.), 2nd, He gave them the authority again, so that they can baptize and help people. And 3rd..." they all were starring and listening attentively, "he called 12 apostles! (I stood on the chairs again) So TODAY we have exactly the same church that Jesus Christ established!!!" THey all started to cheer! haha. I continued, "with the same power to baptize and save people!!! And you are going to be baptized by that same power!" Now they were really pumped! They started a chant, "¡Bautismo! ¡Bautismo! ¡Bautismo!" hahaha. It was so awesome. I realized that maybe it was a bit irreverant, so we calmed down a bit and Bianca said an awesome prayer to finish.
I left with even more excitement and enthusiasm to share this message, ah! It really is incredible. We have great reason to chant "BAPTISM! BAPTISM!" and to throw our hands in the air, reverently rejoicing, because the Church and gospel of JESUS CHRIST is literally here on the earth. And it has the power to save us. All of us. So I am throwing my hands up in Argentina rejocing that Christ lives and is guiding His church and saving HIS people with HIS gospel!

I know that this is His Gospel. I know that we have full access to this redeeming power through the Church of Jesus Christ that is here today. So we CAN receive forgiveness, relief, comfort, and fresh starts, because Christ lives and is giving life to people TODAY. So throw your hands up and rejoice, because His kingdom is here!

I love you all so much! Have an awesome week!

Manos en el aire,

Elder Heath Tenney

La manera del Señor

May 26, 2014

Hey Family! 

Sorry I am kind of late on writing this week! We went to the temple this morning, which was amazing. Ah. I love the temple. Oh and before I forget, next week I will write on Tuesday because it is transfers. The temple this morning was great. In the session I sat next to Sam Zapata, a friend from middle school and my basketball team. He is great. It is crazy to think that 6 years ago we were sitting next to eachother in English class, and now we were sitting next to eachother in Argentina in the temple. So crazy. Even though I was super tired because we woke up at 3:30 this morning, I felt so much peace and received so much there. I love the temple. 

In his winter gear.

Oh and Happy Birthday to Scott! Scott is the man. Really, I have talked with so many people on my mission about how grateful I am for his example and his desires to serve. Scott is one of my role models. I hope one day I can be as good as Scott is. I love you Scott!

This week was great. It was kind of crazy. The Lord has blessed us so so much. It seems everyday that we find some new person whom He has prepared. 

Yesterday, Sunday, was a super crazy day, so I can't really remember what all happened earlier, so I'll just start there. We woke up early and got all ready to go pass by our investigators before Church to check up if everything was good to go. 1st of all, we were walking by 2 dogs that were outside their fence (there are dogs EVERYWHERE) so that is completely normal. As we were walking by, these 2 normal looking dogs calmly watched us, then as we harmlessly walk by, THEY ATTACKED! First they ran to me, trying to bite me as I dodged their bites and managed to pick up a rock, so they ran...to my companion. So I was free and I ran. But my companion wasn't hurt that bad.... haha just kidding. So they ran to my companion and he tried to kick them as they got close. I acted like I was throwing a rock and they ran away from him so we had some space to flee. We turned the corner and thought all was well, but they followed us, so this time we really had to throw rocks haha. So finally we escaped.

Literally 1 minute later on this same street, we passed by a man, and I said, "good morning!". When he responded I realized he was really drunk. For some reason he got really mad that I said good morning haha. So he started yelling at us, "Who do you think you are?! Where are you from anyways? Germany? Hey! Come back here!" But we kept walking. We were walking when suddenly a beer bottle crashes to the side of us. We turned around to see another flying towards us. So now we had a drunk man, throwing beer bottles, following us. Luckily we were protected like Samuel the lamanite, well, that and he was drunk and couldn't throw very well haha. So we walked faster and lost him. He turned around and continued on in the direction where we had come from, where the dogs were waiting him haha. So Satan was working a lot yesterday. We got to Alejandro's house and he told us he wasn't going to go. AH! It hurts when investigators or members fall and decide not to go. So we talked with him about how going to church is what prepares him for his baptism and marriage. I asked him, "who do you think deosn't want you to go to church?"..."the devil..." he responded. We talked about how it is a war. Satan is always going to give excuses or reasons not to go, but God wants so badly for us to go so He can bless us. "So who is going to win Alejandro?" We asked him. "I think God will win..." he said. So he came! It was great to see Heavenly Father change his heart and they were so blessed for coming. 

Later in the evening we had a super great lesson with Kathy. I realized this week that in the mission, we have gotten kind of casual with things, searching more for numbers or to check the box instead of really doing what is best for every person individually (even when that option is harder). So I decided that I wasn't going to do that anymore. Starting with the retention lessons. So I called all the families I could think of, talked with everyone to see who could go with us to help us teach Kathy, but no one could. I kept going and thought of who else I could ask...and asked some more. Everyone said they couldn't, but I still prayed we could find someone so we could really do it in the Lord's way. When we were on our way to the lesson a family, who wasnt going to be able to, called us and told us they could. So we had an amazing lesson with them. The spirit was so strong and Kathy connected well with them and saw their examples. We left a powerful spirit in the home and it just left me amazed. The Lord's way is SO amazing. It is so much better than anything we could ever do. So from now on, the Lord's way is the way I will do everything. 

A couple fun stories. I was doing a baptismal interview with a little girl who is 8 years old, I asked her why she wanted to be baptized and she said, "so that I can be a daughter of God." 

Yesterday we had dinner with a less active family. All the family is less active, but their 4 year old daughter, Silvia, LOVES church and begs them every week to go. As we were waiting for dinner, I was talking with her and said something about being cold. She randomly disappeared. 2 minutes later, she came back with her little blanket that she gave to me, and told me, "so you can cover up!". Awwww. I want to be like Silvia. I love the times when you can see the light of Christ shining in people, especially in children, who are so much more pure, so much more aware of needs, and so much more in tune with the Lord's way than we are. 

Ah, I have been so humbled this week by so many things. I have so many weaknesses and am so imperfect, but I am learning that if we do everything in the Lord's way, and beg for His grace, it will always come. I know His grace is so real. I feel it everyday. Christ is everything. 

I love you all so much! Find someone who is cold and bring them a blanket this week! 

Love,

Elder Tenney

fotos: It is getting cold, so I am all geared up with my winter gear! 

Templo!