WELCOME HOME ELDER CHRISTENSEN!

Elders Monsen, Christensen & Young!

COUSINS!!!!!

Elder Christensen "Here He Comes" 3/26/2012



Hermana King, Elder Christensen and Presidente King at the airport!

Here he comes!

You sent your son we send you home a Man of God. You can be so proud he is wonderful.

This is a hard day for us but we are so happy he is going from our arms to yours.

Take care of our Elder "C" we love him so much.

"Go Homers Elders Monsen, Christensen & Young"

Have so much fun he has miracles to share.

God bless you all,

President & Hermana King

3/19/2012 Elder Christensen "This Is It"

We went to do SERVICE!! I LOVE YARDWORK
TONS!!! Get ready front yard!

I... am not really sure how to feel right now... It`s like somebody put all of the possible attributes into a blender and turned it on high for a few minutes... Just a jumbly mix of... emotions... I`ve been able to leave my Utahnic bubble for two years and put myself in the shoes of a Chilean... Living their culture, speaking their language, and walking their streets... The only difference between us and whatever person in the street is the eternal message, the good news, the beloved gospel of Jesus Christ that we have in our lives. It`s been hard.... I`m not exactly sure how to put 2 years of feelings into one last email to the friends and family.

I`ve changed. WE`VE changed... Why? Because we`ve all progressed. We`ve all experienced an emotional spiritual supercharge. I am SO grateful to my Heavenly Father for letting me serve a mission... For letting me call myself Elder Christensen and proclaim his gospel to his children here on earth... It`s so simple... So easy to understand and perfect to apply... I feel like the same person but at the same time I feel like... not at all. Now I`ve seen with my spiritual eyes.. Now I know how to set real, worthwhile goals AND acheive them... Now I know WHAT MATTERS. THIS is what matters. It`s not about who has the coolest phone or clothes or any of that garb... What matters is who we are now, and what we will become.. Then it becomes our duty to GET IT.

Birthday Cake!!! Peaches, cream and manjar.. Wow.

This week we`ve seen miracles... On Sunday we had FOUR of the inactives that we`ve been working with for some time now ALL show up. They are from different families... I was just. BLOWN AWAY when I saw one, then two, then three, then FOUR all show up at different times. Not to mention one of our investigators went as well. I was honestly overwhelmed with the spirit. We`ve spent time with these people... we`ve spent tears with these people.. But really, all we did was teach.. The spirit and the Lord did the rest. It`s amazing to know that one has played a part in God`s eternal plan and that HE is making a difference in their lives. 

I am so happy as well that I`ve had THE BEST family and friends supporting me through these two years. THANKS SO MUCH to everyone who did so much as send a little card or wish me happy birthday. The little push that I receieved from each one of you has helped me think, plan, and keep working here in Chile. NOW... I need your help here. I`m about to be LAUNCHED into some strange 4th dimension and put back into the real world.. Things are gonna be weird.. It will be VERY different. I will now be a very much more capable Elder Christensen in a very familiar yet different place.... I`ll need your help to keep the focus and move on. Life moves on right? It`s on to the next stage... EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY. Thats the plan. Teach, preach, HELP everywhere possible. Lift where we STAND!!

To be honest I don`t have more words than these to describe how I feel. I wish I could put it all into writing so you could truly understand... I KNOW with all my heart that this is the true gospel restored today on the face of the earth. This is GODS will that we are bringing to pass every day. He loves us and has an eternal plan of happiness for us.. Just like an inteligent father sends his or her daughter to school when they are young, our Heavenly Father has sent us here, to this earth, so that we can become great. Let us treasure this time... Let us treasure every minute of our earthly probation and do what it is that we were fore-ordained to do. I KNOW that God has put his prophet on the earth to lead and guide us.. He knows the fathers will... He knows the fathers plan... He knows the fathers face... Through the fruits that he shows, we can be lead by the hand of Christ all the way back to our fathers presence. I know that the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ... Some of you know... many of you don`t... Before the mission I read that book in ONE WEEK... did I get anything? No. Did I understand it? No. Did I learn it all? No. I just read it so I could say I read it and go on a mission..... NOW I KNOW THAT EVERY WORD CONTAINED IN BETWEEN THOSE TWO COVERS IS FOR OUR BENEFIT. I spend 30 minutes on ONE PAGE now just analyzing and looking up other scriptures....Searching diligently.....Feeling the spirit.... KNOWING for myself that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I love this. I love this so much. There is no other way to be happy apart from this. THIS IS THE WAY AND THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. Thanks Nephi.

President, Sister King and I... Zone interviews...

I`m grateful for my family. I`m grateful for this church.... I`m grateful for all of the tools that we have that help us grow closer to our heavenly father...... I`m grateful for who and what I`ve become. I`m grateful for this 2 year experience of a lifetime..... "I know that my redeemer lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives"......... It`s been wild. It`s been great. It`s been true. The time has come to put it into practice now... My last words come from 2 Timothy.... 

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

See you soon. Love, your son, your friend, Elder Kurtis William Christensen.

3/12/2012 Elder Christensen "Here I Am"

My companion and I at church. Know you like the paisley!

Friends and Famliy!!! This has been such a great week here in the work of the Lord. As always, I`m happy to be here working and preaching our fathers eternal gospel. We had some POWERFUL lessons this week.. I had my socks ripped off by the spirit a couple times to be honest... Like wow..

My companion and I in front of a huge fountain!

1.) We had a huge miracle this week. We read the family proclamation to the world with an inactive man and his active family... They have hugeeeeee marital problems and many reasons why not to be happy.... Really sad... Anyways, this was like the 3rd or 4th POWERFUL lesson that we had with them regarding these things.... This time was sick. We talked all about satan... How his goal is to destroy the family and assure that we do not get our goal of eternal life together... The first presidency warns us of this... RIGHT THERE. Its so clear. I love the fam proc.. It`s amazing. We were at church the next day and to my AMAZEMENT, HE WALKED IN.. HUGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Miracle.. My jaw literally dropped wide open. Super emotional. Kinda sad though because his wife got up and bore her testimony.... really she just ripped him apart along with her kids.... I don`t think she saw him come in the back but I felt..... really bad..

Beasty sombrero much? Know you love that one Sister Tawny!

2.) Had a family home evening with another family that is all active... The 19 year old girl has NO testimony of the church and just goes because her mom obligates her.... She actually doesn`t believe in God at all... We figured that out just BARELY after out appointment had ended.. We taught them this day about the gospel of Jesus Christ. You all know it.. 5 steps, faith, repentance, baptismal, gift of the holy ghost, endure to the end... It was average at best.... We closed as usual and then we noticed that the girl was just laughing and making fun of the lesson.. You could almost say she was mocking God.... I got sick to my stomach and didn`t want to be there but my mouth opened and I asked..... " Usted todavía cree en Dios?" Do you still believe in God? She laughed and sputtered out a really cocky... NO. I DONT... In my head the entire lesson we had just taught disappeared and we started another one... We asked her about this life on earth... Why are we here? What do you think? She believes that we are all here on a "mission" and that once it is completed, we will all receive our rewards depending on the work that we`ve done on earth... ***The spirit hit me in the face at this point and told me to go to Alma 30... The story of Korihor... I actually had no idea why I was going there apart from the fact that I knew "satans doctrine" appeared there..... President King taught us all about "satans doctrine".... and as the promise is made in the scriptures, it was given to me IN THAT MOMENT what to say... We read from 12 to 18.... I was actually really really really mad... she was just LAUGHING at us... She said... "Oh so now I`m the antichrist like Korihor?" At first she was laughing, but that laugh quickly turned into DUMBSTRUCK. It happen to fall on me to read verse 17... Halfway through I realized that those were her EXACT WORDS.......
  "every man afared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength"

The spirit did some hard hard hard working right there.... Honestly.. God used my companion and I to give a very loud warning cry to one of his daughters here on earth. It was honestly... Insane.... We left her with the strong commitment to pray and ASK God if he existed.... ASK WITH FAITH and you WILL receive an answer.. Simple recipe... and it`ll never change.

My companion Elder Braddy and I in front of a cannon! Ignore the finger tip!

Those were some of our big highlights this week... I would tell more but I`m out of time unfortunately...... I just wanted to leave you with my personal testimony yet again... HE LIVES. I KNOW HE LIVES. I know that his gospel has been restored to the earth in its plentitud and its perfection. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. THIS IS THE WAY. I testify that the Lord really does work through small and simple things.... that he really does teach us LINE UPON LINE... That is how I`ve been built up during this time.. That is how the Lord has changed me. Slowly but surely. I know of a surety that these things are true and that this is the only way that we can actually be happy.... I hope that this week brings the best of results to all of you and that you can continue faithfully serving and building the kingdom of God on the earth.

My last leadership meeting.... Elder Monsen, Elder Lewis, Elder Barrett and I in the hall. SICK! 

 Much love,

Elder Christensen.

3/5/2012 Elder Christensen: "The Church and Coca Cola"

Okay lets get down to it. Not lots of time here...

First comes first... The title of this email... FUNNY STORY.. We get into this house right? Miracle! These people were amazing. Anyways, they start asking us questions about the church right? Then this one comes out... The dad told us that he heard our church was founded by coca cola... He heard that that was how we were able to achieve such a world-wide influence. I laughed out loud and just shook my head.... Did I tell you guys about the lady who told us that Joseph Smith was swallowed by a whale? She claimed Joseph Smith took credit for what Jonah did.... Ya... BEWARE of false doctrine much? Haha.

It`s been a rollercoaster ride this week. Not really sure how it already disappeared. We burned our totts off walking in the sun though. The members told us that it was 38 degrees farenheit here 2 days ago... Needless to say we are taking Lotsssssssssssssssss of cold showers. Also, we went to a guy in our ward`s house this week that you guys would LOVE. Mom it has a huge vineyard full of grapes.. I got some sick pictures for ya.

This is MY VINEYARD!!!

We`ve been working a lot here with the less active people as well as the leaders of the ward.... What is the difference between knowledge and inteligence? Kinda a weird question right.... There are LOTS of smart people in this world... The sad thing is, there are many SMART but INACTIVE people... I`ve run into people that are wayyyyyyyyyyy smarter than I am with the gospel yet they refuse to go to church and take the sacrament... Hmm... Where more is given more is required.... and he who doesn`t use that will have greater condemnation... Knowledge transforms into inteligence when it is APPLIED. For example.... I can KNOW that cafe rio has delicious salads.... But if I do nothing I`m going to die of hunger.. Correct? I need to put my knowledge into action, get up, and go get myself a delicious salad! THEN it becomes something inteligent.

Like my grape necklace?

First the funny example, and now the serious one......... I KNOW that the sacrament is something necessary in order to renew my baptismal covenants AND maintain the spirit with me.... That is knowledge.. As well it is a blessing. You could go as far as calling me STUPID or UN-INTELIGENT if I didn`t apply this knowledge and actually do what I know is right... It`s something simple, but its often looked over..... 

DyC 93:28 He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
31 Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
37 Light and truth forsake that evil one.

Elder Monsen and I at Presidents House. You KNOW that tie is SICK!

We have the choice every day to receive and rejoice in the light. Like I said, lets be inteligent. Sounds funny, but behind it all it has a deeper meaning.... If you are in a fallen state, it is important to maintain a constant vision of what you want to become. Maintain the eye of faith and see the end results from the start... Thats one of the greatest lessons I`ve learned in my entire mission. SEE WITH THE EYE OF FAITH. Nobody sets your limits except yourself. Who says you can`t set a baptismal date in a contact today? Only YOU impede yourself.. So set your goal... Receive the KNOWLEDGE, and apply it. That is how we become inteligent....

Alma 32:40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word (Place your goal here instead of word), looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

If we don`t see with this eye, all is impossible.. All is lost... Remember that through Christ we can become anything we want... He made it possible. I hope you all have a great week and that you can really think about your futures.... Today is the day to change.

Much love, Elder Christensen.

PICTURES!! FINALLY! YEAAAAAAAAAA!

Our group of.... Well.... Really old missionaries.....

2/27/2012 Elder Christensen "Small and Simple Things"

Hey there everyone. It`s been a great week of work ONCE again doing that best thing a teenager can do.... I`ve felt a lot of gratitude these last few days regarding my mission, and who I am. I honestly feel SO blessed for everything that has happened to me during this mission and as well for the things that happen every day... I read something interesting in Preach my gospel... I don`t remember exactly what it says but its like.... the best way to be humble to God is through gratitude..... I really liked that and it got me thinkin.

We did LOTSSS this week.. My comp had to get his chilean identification renewed so we had to head down to santiago... Can`t lie I felt like I was back in the office haha. We also found some sweet ties being sold right outside the registro civil... o sea... its like the government... I dunno. Can`t describe it.. Where foreigners go to become legal! But anyways these ties were cheap and sweet! It`s like a missionaries dream to find sick cheap ties so we were happy.... Also we got together as a zone and did whats called a cosechón... It means harvest in english... We just all get together and take the trash out on ONE sector... Thats a LOT of priesthood in one place hahah. Had some success there..

More than anything I`m grateful for where I am, and who I`m with. My comp is amazing. Step by step we`re seeing changes in the ward. One miracle is our mission leader. When I got here he was DEAD. Just going to church and that was it.... leaving after first hour... But now? We have our meeting with him EVERY week.. Also, we got him to come out with us! We had a MIRACLE and got into the house of a contact we did a few weeks back. It`s amazing to see the fruits of your labors.. This guy has cualquier enthusiasm and he`s excited now to work with us. I just wanted to share my testimony with you guys this week about doing the SMALL and SIMPLE things... In our ward we get like... 30 people to church every week.. I feel bad for our bishop because he has SO much on his plate.... Basically we`ve just gone to all the leaders of our ward and shown them our desire to WORK. To be PUT IN during the clutch moment. To lift where we stand and support everyone.. however we can. That`s what has sparked the change in the people.. You can`t just do something and expect instant changes. No. It doesn`t work like that. GOD doesn`t work like that. These things require time, patience, constant nourishment and attention. ( Alma 32:37-43. ) It depends on US. Our desicion to do what is right. AGENCY.. I KNOW that everyone thinks I`m that person who needs things NOW.. Mom I know you even put "urgent" as my ringtone on your phone...(By the way I heard that song this week and it brought a tear to my eye) But now? I know who God is.. I know how he works... I have a testimony that everything works out how it should and when it should.. Sometimes we want things our way right now.. but its not like that... Sometimes we want the results of hard work without actually doing any work.. but that? IS NOT FAITH. We have to be constantly looking forward with an eye of faith if we actually want to get anywhere in life. If we can`t see with that eye? We will NEVER achieve what it is that we want in this life. (Ether 12:19, Alma 32: 40)....

I just wanted to end with these scriptures that have to do with what I`ve written about today....

DyC 64:33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

In spanish it says... "No os canséis de hacer lo bueno....." DO NOT become tired of doing what is good..... We as members of the church are doing it! We are putting the foundation for the church in years to come. I know it`s HARD to be consistent with a calling... I know its HARD to have a real responsability in this church... But we can do it. We are all that the Lord has to build and fortify his church in these the latter days. Heres the invitation that King Benjamin gave in Mosiah 5.....

15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.
Lets do it. We`re a team. On top of that, GOD and his son Jesus Christ are with us. I can testify of this work. This IS the church of Jesus Christ restored on the earth.. The only way.... and there is no other way... (2 Nephi 31:20-21)

Hope the week is as good for everyone else as it is for us here in Peñaflor. Sigamos adelante con buen animo hermanos míos.... Yo se que Nuestro Padre Celestial está con nosotros y nos ayudará a que seamos ejemplos de los creyentes....

Elder Christensen.

2/20/2012 Elder Christensen "Busy Busy Business"

WOOOOOOOOOOOoooo! Changes have come and gone.... My new companions name is Elder Braddy from North Carolina.. I saw this kid get BORN in the mission! He has two changes less than I do and we´re already having a ton of fun here in Peñaflor. This week we walked like latter day children..... We walked and walked and walked and walked.................. Haha. The country is such a great place. Let me be honest... We just eat random stuff off of trees like plums, apple pears, and black berries... Its... wonderful. We were eating TONS of blackberries and then randomly we saw a dead cat on top of the bush... Definatelyyyyyy gross.... Spit it all out. Other funny things that happened...... I got bit by a german shepheard on the hand. My own fault for trying to play with it.. Everyones gotta get bit once in the mission right? DONT¨ WORRY THOUGH... I am already all healed up. I don´t have ANY rabies either... Last funny thing... This random girl like... proposed to my comp and I.... SUPER GROSS.... we just were contacting her sister and she was saying all kinds of stupid stuff.... The worst one was that one though..... "Just so you guys know, I´d get married to either one of you."................. Ahemmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... Ya...... We just laughed over that one for a few hours. 

Okay now that I got all the cuestiones locas out of my mind, let me talk about the gospel. Here in our zone, we have this initiative to take our pictures of Christ around and use them to get into peoples houses... On Wednesday, we were knocking doors and we found this guy who was ticked off with the missionaries... Apparently, one time some missionaries were really mean to him in his house so he HATED them from that moment on... Anyways, after a few minutes of conversation and testimony bearing, he let us into his house... We basically just talked about God... Who he is, his natural being, what role he plays in our lives... This guy was sick! Honstly super cool. He had a few particular things he wanted us to pray for... his family is pretty messed up and they live in separate places... so he wanted to ask God for unity and blessings in his work.... He asked me to say the prayer and we kneeled just like always... I dunno this was kinda weird...the spirit was STRONG there... you could have cut it with a butter knife... I don´t even feel like I spoke during that prayer. It was like God just took over and talked through my voicebox.. This man FELT Gods spirit. He FELT his love... He just sat there for several minutes and cried....We testified that it was his spirit...Super super fuerte.. After that he gave us the tour of his house haha. Kinda funny. We´re gonna pass by there this next week.

Just wanna end with a scripture.... 3 Nefi Chapter 13

     19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;

     20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

     21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Try to see with celestial eyes this week. Often times we get lost and focus on things of this world.. We won´t take any of that with us to the next life..... We need to be constantly focusing on worthwhile goals.. CELESTIAL goals.... may we lay ourselves up treasures in heaven... Hope all goes well this week. Love you all! Elder Christensen.

Pics... I only took like two.. I´ll take some with my new comp this week and send them next week! Love you! Take care! Chaoo!

2/13/2012 Elder Christensen "Dios nos da milagritos"




Our zone picture!!

  Okay guys... I have like no time once again. Sorry this always happens. It`s been a week full of adventure and MILAGRITOS...Miracles.... I`ve been able to see God`s hand on various occasions.....

I got to go on divisions with an Elder from Australia this week......It was funny because in the same house that night, we had an Australian, a Canadian, an Argentinian, and an American.. (Me... yours truly.) We all had a bunch of different slang and words we were using at the same time without really even meaning to haha. Anyways.... Our day was pretty frustrating... We got SHUT DOWN a couple times and we had a few lessons that didn`t go well either... On top of that, their baptismal date priscilla stood us up and had some family problems that may impede her from being baptized... After that stand up, we tried to do a contact and once again got SHUT DOWN...... I could tell that my comp was kinda down.... then he started to cry in the street.. Just out of pure frustration... I felt pretty bad to be honest. Horrible...I kinda froze and didn`t know what to do... The first thing that came to my mind was just testify.. I testified of God`s love... and of this mission that we are serving... It turns out that this companionship has been really frustrated because they feel they have been working hard and having very little success....We probably talked for a good ten minutes in the street before working again.... It was POWERFUL.  Maybe one of the most powerful things I`ve lived on my mission. THE VERY NEXT HOUSE we knocked, they let us in and we blessed their house.... Honestly it was pretty amazing. Right when we said amen, one of the guys asked us..... ¿Ustedes pueden regresar cualquier día de la semana? He asked if we could come back ANY day.... then he explained to us that he had just gotten out of jail... and that he wanted to follow the path of Christ... I was honestly blown away. I KNOW that God loves us and blesses us with miracles... Also I saw the BIG smile on that Elders face as we walked out...



Me and the Aussie Elder... SICKEST division ever!

BUT HOLD ON PEOPLE thats not it...... Later on, this random guy started yelling at us and motioning to us... He looked like your typical drunk... so.... we ALMOST didn`t go talk to him... but something told us to.... so we did.. TURNS OUT... he`s an inactive member from the year 1993 who wants to come back to church... Also, he had the missionaries coming over to their home in the south to give his family the lessons so they could be baptized... They are pretty new here to Peñaflor... Anyways, we met his wife, they told us a bit about themselves, and set an appointment for the next day... I didn`t go, but the Elders went and they said the people even have their TEACHING RECORD from the missionaires in the south, and that it`s like all the way full... They just need to go to church and they are ready to get in the water. TWO HUGE miracles in the space of only a few hours. I KNOW that our Heavenly father is aware of us.... He knows how we feel and what our needs are. It was amazing. Honestly...



Me getting my haircut haha. The guy cutting it happens
 to be the... well.. mission leader.

The last thing I`m gonna share... We were doing some SIMI work this week.... looking through ALL the member records and visiting them in their houses... We got to this one, and this lady was MEAN. She just said... I DONT WANT YOU TO EVER COME BACK HERE..... What can I do to get my name off of the church lists FOREVER? Man... it made me so sad... She didn`t even care.. We tried to reason with her and there was no hope.... I was BLOWN AWAY.... How could someone get baptized, and then just completely TURN on their experience? Turn away from their covenants? Turn away from GOD? There are so many people like this that are lost... just lost..... Just please maintain your testimonies.. How hard is it? Read, Pray, go to church.. Pray... repeat.... NEVER be lost. Maintain both hands and all ten fingers on that iron rod... CLING to it. By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. Remember that.

My comp and I eating Chinese food about an hour
 ago... Ohhhh yeaaa!!

Well.... getting changes tomorrow. I`ll get my last comp and we`ll be ready to rock another change here in Peñaflor. I hope you guys all know I love you tons... Keep up the hard work. Lift where you stand.

Much love, Elder Christensen.

Take care guys. Godspeed.

2/6/2012 Elder Christensen "Without it, we are NOTHING!"

Found some sick train tracks... Yea.... had to take this pic..

Hey there guys! Man this week flewwwwwwwwww right by. It seems like we just get so busy sometimes that by the time we stop to take a breath the week is over... Is the real world like that too? Haha. Let us begin.

We had a sweeeet special training this week in Maipu. (Laugh it up Colby... laugh it up..) It had to do with "Santificando el´día de Reposo"...... What does the word.... Sanctify mean? Holiness... Purity.... cleanlines... Basically, here in our mission this is one of the most broken commandments in the church. HONOR THE SABBATH DAY..... keep it holy.... This meeting honestly hit me in the face like a ton of bricks people. We should do things that help us become closer to God.... I started thinking a lot about my life before being a missionary... I would go to church, get home, throw my stuff on the floor, change, eat something, and go downstairs to play Halo... Like everyyyy week. Then in the night time, I would do laundry and clean my room a bit.... Maybe do some homework... EVERY................ SUNDAY.............. Sure that`s not BAD by any means.. I wasn`t buying stuff, out at the movie theater, or playing organized sports! But hey... I was doing other activities that may be numbing to the spirit of the Lord that SHOULD be present with us on this sacred day. Thats why it`s a rest! We are taking a worldly rest and focusing on the spiritual side of life only. Man... Looks like there`ll be some changes in the future... We should do entertaining things... things that help us grow in love and unity as a family... But we should try to do that through other entertainment that isn`t "Worldly"...... Am I preaching doctrine here? I dunno.... Am I saying what HIT ME IN THE FACE on thursday? Yes..... We need to PURIFY the sabbath day... not just go to church and stay inside....

Elder Monsen and I... Presidents House..

The NEXT day, Friday, we went to presidents house for our monthey Zone Leader Council... as they call it. Super long but SUPER good. We got lots of new and inspired initiatives to apply here in the mission. Once again... talking about charity. BIGGEST attribute ever... GO AND READ 1 CORINTHIANS 13.... That one will change your life... Maybe even make some cross references to Moroni 7 if you have time. CHARITY PEOPLE..... I just want to attach one verse....

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
We can have ALL of those wonderful gifts.... we can be amazing people..... but if we don`t have charity? WE ARE NOTHING. Man... we all need to work constantly to obtain this one.... Just read that chapter and be blown away!

Last thing... sorry... not a lot of time..... Moses 1:39..... Very known Scripture right?

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Elder Fuhriman and I.... Presidents House...

Gods work... His true purpose... his plan... is to get us BACK to his presence.... To help us acheive an eternal life of happiness with our families.. Simple. But what is our job? What can WE do? Link that to DyC 11:20.....

20 Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.

POWERHOUSE.... A member shared this one with us and it really impacted me. OUR work is to obey... To do what he has already commanded us to do. WE are the ones who complicate it and try to get fancy. It`s like sports... We can just do the classic and well known layup, or we can try to to some 360 dunk and blow the whole game. I know that Tawny has been saying.... its simple... its easy... and I`m here to testify that it IS. ITS SO EASY. It`s all been done before. It`s prepared. Its GODS ETERNAL PLAN and he has commanded us to OBEY with all of our might mind and strength. That`s it. We can do it. This mission has helped me so much in my spiritual progression as a child of God and with every coming day, I become stronger. Obedience is the first law of heaven my friends.

Found this HUGE spider right by my desk...
Freaking huge. We burned it with matches. Hahah...
 Got that one on video.

Well.... Thats about it... I`m gonna see if I can`t send some pictures today... Super ghetto computers everywhere I go. Lots of bad luck! Hope all is well and that they continue to that way for everyone no matter where you may be. Love you.

Take care,

Elder Christensen.

 YOU ROCK!

1/30/2012 Elder Christensen "The Story of the Lightbulb"

Hey family and friends! It`s been a super busy week here in El Sauce.. I can`t believe its already over... We had a lotta things goin on.... We had zone conference, ward council ( MILAGRO!), baptismal interview, and the baptism itself. Somehow, we still managed to have a decent amount of success in our sector. The Lord is really blessing us. I actually had the opportunity to interview this lady named Mirta Rubio for her baptism.. Man it was incredible... to be honest. This lady is like 60 and her conversion story completely blew my socks off. She had a dream and she saw her grandson who had passed away... He told her that he wanted to be together with her one day and that she had to talk to her daughter that day... She woke up, went and talked to the daughter, received the missionaries, and got baptized. She went 3 weeks in a row and even got up her first sunday to BARE HER TESTIMONY!!! Wow.... anyways.. this lady had already lived the principles of the gospel and just needed an "Empujonsito" as she said... or just a little push in the right direction. I would say there were about 70 people at her baptism. HUGE status. One cool thing... We talked for about 25 minutes in the interview before we even prayed. It was kinda out of control. She just started talking and telling stories IMMEDIATELY. But... I loved it. I learned a lot from her. She actually BORE TESTIMONY to me in the interview... she just said.. I want to assure you that THIS is God`s church.... and that it is all true.... I sat there shocked and was just like... uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhm.... Whos doing the interview here? I felt like maybe I should get re baptized! Haha. No. But it was incredible to see somebody so prepared by our Heavenly Father...

Okay... So this week we listened to some talks on my iPod while we went to sleep. One of which was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf`s talk about "The lightbulb". Super good talk. He tells the story of a plane that crashed and killed over 100 people... All of this because of ONE little tiny 5 cent lightbulb that failed to illuminate. This was the light that showed whether or not the landing gear of the plane was down... They got distracted, panicked, and weren`t paying attention to the constant descent that the plane was making. All of this could have been avoided had they just stayed the course and payed better attention... He went on to explain that its the same in life. We need to stay focused on the MOST IMPORTANT THING and work for IT. Not losing our focus... This can be hard... it requires FAITH, and consistency. I found a story that is strikingly similar in my scriptures... In Alma 51.. One of the war chapters believe it or not..... Moroni is one of the best leaders there is... great example... there began to be contention and problems between the people... a little group called "Kingman" were the ones causing it all as well.. What happened? This people became divided.... They stopped worrying about the most important thing, (Their freedom? The existence of their people?) and started worrying about something much less important.... which was the changing of a few laws and the placement of a king over the land.... In the middle of a war, why in the WORLD would you worry about such stupidity? Goodness.. anyways, this contention cost Moroni and his people... We read....

Alma 51:2 Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people, and subjecting them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites, behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore.

23 And it came to pass that the Nephites were not sufficiently strong in the city of Moroni; therefore Amalickiah did drive them, slaying many. And it came to pass that Amalickiah took possession of the city, yea, possession of all their fortifications.

26 And thus he went on, taking possession of many cities, the city of Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton, and the city of Omner, and the city of Gid, and the city of Mulek, all of which were on the east borders by the seashore.

27 And thus had the Lamanites obtained, by the cunning of Amalickiah, so many cities, by their numberless hosts, all of which were strongly fortified after the manner of the fortifications of Moroni; all of which afforded strongholds for the Lamanites.

All this happened..... because they LOST THE VISION.. They LOST THE FOCUS.... Just like one little 5 cent light bulb can kill 100 people, one little stupid contention caused the death of many and the loss of many cities..... So we can apply lots from this... We need to have our GOALS, and stay focused on them. Little things like sports, movies, music, video games, etc, shouldn`t take our eye off the prize. Let us maintain the focus on the task at hand and, with the help of God, endure to the end. Hope all is well there. Take care. Have a great week. Elder Christensen.

PICS.... Ya.... well..... I attached my pictures and its pretty dang fishy... I dont want anyone getting any viruses! Looks like it`ll have to be another week. Truth be told... Internet cafes= Not very good! Sorry everyone!

1/23/2012 Elder Christensen "Strict Obedience=Eternal Happiness"

Hey there everyone! Man I have a lot to say and only about 15 minutesto say it so.... LETS GO!

This week... Well.. the cosa de mayor importancia... we set a baptismal date with a ten year old in our sector! To most missionaries this seems like something easy but this girl? Is probably smarter than I am haha. Not that that is saying

much... but anyways... At first she was really shaky... her name is Aline (Ah-leen) and she wants to be SURE that the church is true before getting baptized. We painted a big rock and wrote "Orar" on it with sharpie... she keeps it in her pillowcase which is cool! So the fecha is set for the 26th of Febrero. We have our work cut out for us and shes got to be praying constantly.

We had a leadership meeting in Maipú that was super good. It went from 10am to 5pm (ARE YOU SURE!?!?) but it was honestly amazing. President King is the man plus the classes that we had were amazing. We have excellent Zone Leaders and District leaders in this mission. Even President says that the mission is the best its ever been... All the leaders are just Powerhouses! You know what I think the reason is? Two things.... 1.) A desire to work... A desire to thrust in the sickle..... 2.) STRICT obedience to the mission rules. That right there is a recipe for success.

We had a sweet lesson on obedience in our Zone Leader Council up at Presidents house a couple weeks back and I`d like to share a little thought from that.... The lesson was called.... The transforming power of obedience... SICK. President told us a story of a missionary from our mission who went home not that long ago that made him sad... He said that in his last interview, this missionary explained that he was plenty happy without having to obey the mission rules AND that the Lord was still blessing him with success... President said that he KNOWS the Lord loves us and is going to bless us... right? The difference is, that through obedience we can receive even MORE blessings. God will ALWAYS give a commandment AND a blessing together. Thats just how he is. ... Heres a scriptural example.... SWITCH the words kingdom for state of happiness..... (DyC 88; 21-24)

21 And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom (State of happiness.) even that of a terrestrial kingdom (State of happiness.) , or that of a telestial kingdom.(State of happiness.)

22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom (State of happiness.) cannot abide a celestial glory. (State of happiness.)

23 And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom (State of happiness.) cannot abide a terrestrial glory.

24 And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom (State of happiness.) cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory. (State of happiness.)

KINDA confusing but VERY true.... if we are not sanctified thorough our strict obedience to the law, we will not be able to receive the state of happiness that we really desire... Yes we will still be happy and we will still be blessed because God and Christ love us.. but, imagine what more we can do if we just OBEY. Like this missionary who had his interview with President... He had success! He was happy! But he could have gone even farther with the principle of self mastery and become more like God is. I love this church. I love the doctrine of Christ. Its the greatest. Last thing.....

DyC 78:7 For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.

If we want a place in the celestial world, its time we make celestial decisions... Its time we be obedient to EVERYTHING that God asks.... after all... our goal is Exhaltation. I know its tough to choose what God wants.... I know that Dad.. My dad... Will Christensen always was trying to put good principles on me... trying to teach me things that are correct... Did I want to do it all the time? Nope... Sure didn`t... I did NOT want to cut the lawn every wednesday.... I did NOT want to go to scouts and get merit badges..... but hey.... I obeyed (barely) what my earthly father asked and it has made me a better

person... I wish I could go back in time with the knowledge I have now and spend time only doing those things... the things I didn`t want to do... By being obedient to what our heavenly father asks, even when we don`t understand it, we achieve a GREATER state of happiness. Remember that in your crazy daily lives. I testify that the doctrine of Christ makes us happier. I`m living proof of it. I hope you like the new me because its a lot more obedient than it was before.... :) That’s chatter for another matter... I love you all and I hope you have a great week. Be obedient.

Chaoooooooo! Elder Christensen

Pics!! Uhhm.... Well.. I have some pics to attach but my computer is Ghettisimo. VERY ghetto.. Soo... next week? Double pics? Love you! Chao!

1/16/2012 Elder Christensen "Busy Week!"

HEY everyone.. wow. this week has been really excellent here in Peñaflor. Super tranquilo. I have like nooooooooo time to write though because I attached some pictures... that took a good chunk of time.. Anyways! My comp and I are doing GREAT. Having tons of fun and taking the trash out. We get along really well its kinda weird haha. Its kinda like the Lords spiritual scout camp out here haha.

The work is kinda slow but at the same time we are seeing CUALQUIER milagritos... We did a little cosechon this week.... its called a harvest. We got everyone we could from the ward and split up the SIMI... its like.. a roster of inactive members... So everyone took some names, some addresses, and we were off. My comp and I didn`t have too much success.... but the other groups? Found SEVERAL families who are part member, and want to listen to us! So we are stoked about that and we know the Lord is blessing us... GET THIS.... we stopped to eat ass.. (Remember thats FOOD people.. not a swear word!)..... at a place close to our house.... Then suddenly one of the workers asked if we could give a health blessing to a baby IN THE RESTAURANT... I was like... uhhh..... Uhh........ um...... We`re eating? Haha no I didn`t say that... we did decide that it was Irreverent though.... so we got her address and promised to pass by... turns out that this girl knows EVERYTHING about the church because her parents are members in a neighboring ward... she never got baptized because an elder offended her... Story of our lives... Anyways!! Her AND her friend want to listen to us.. Milagrito de verdad. We`re gonna be going by like every Sunday to see what we can do.... The Lord is truely blessing us and we can see his hand on a daily basis.

Okay... gotta wrap up.... THOUGHT of the week! Alma 34:38-39....

38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

39 Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.

These scriptures blow my mind!!! We need to make up our minds and DECIDE to take upon ourselves the name of Christ.... To receive the spirit... we can do this by being his witnesses EVERYWHERE and really deciding to give ourselves to him. Think of ammon..... In alma 17... 24 and 25... Lamoni offers ammon one of his daughters right? Had Ammon done that, he would have been a prince in the Kingdom... he would have been filthy rich and well off among the lamanites... I had NEVER thought of it like that...but because he had the spirit with him, because he KNEW his purpose and had taken upon him the name of Christ, he rejected that offer. HE KNEW that he could perform much good among the lamanites and convert many. That was where his heart was. That was his interest... His desire. He didn`t care about fame and riches... he cared about God and his will. We need to do that. CHOOSE GOD. Every minute of every day. Think about what you would do if you were in the prophets presence... Christs presence... Gods presence.. that will influence what you do, say, and think and whether or not you are capable to maintain the spirit with you... Remember... what is not light, IS NOT from God.... May you have a wonderful week. Much love!

Su querido Elder Christensen...

PICS!!! Lets be honest here.... theres a TON of pictures... NO time to put a caption today... We hiked up a HUGE hill for pday and took some SICK pics... My comp and I got a few pics together in there as well.. ENJOY! CHAOOOOOOO!

1/9/2012 Elder Christensen "Yoo"



My old companion who came down to visit at changes... Elder Gutierrez!

 Heyyyyyy! Well, as you know, changes came and went.... I was super duper nervous throughout the entire change meeting.... Its kinda sucky knowing that you`re gonna finish the mission in your next sector..... Actually why beat around the bush... ITS AWFUL! But hey, I got a sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet sector over here in Peñaflor. Elder Fuhriman is too dang sick as well. We`ve already spent a lot of time cleaning up the pension and making it look like a vacation spot. Haha. No not really..... but it does look nice and organized. I`ll get you some pics next week.

The ward I`m in is called "El Sauce" which I think means... the willow? If I`m not mistaken. It`s a big change from the city.... There is no smog whatsoever..... My first day I just stopped and sniffed up a big beasty breath of fresh air.... Man... its insane. I realized I was back in the campo when I rang somebodys doorBELL. It`s a literal bell attached to a string thats mounted way up on their deck. Haha. It`s already been great and I know we`re gonna work like crazy over here. I`M EXCITED to be where I`m at and with a good companion as well.

 Elder Higgs and I at changes

Got a couple little thoughts for you before I gotta run. Lets just say.... The Book of Mormon is.... SICK!

Mosiah 28:3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish ; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble .



PARENTS... This little full bread german shepheard is 6
weeks old..... the people bought him for 20 bucks...
SICK DEAL! Super Cute too

This is my attitude regarding the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..... It`s kinda strange... as you get "older" in the mission, you REALLY start to care more. You realize that everything... EVERYTHING... that we do as missionaries is important. I have come to realize that EVERY single person that we talk with is a son or daughter of God... I know that somehow, with some words and with the spirit, we as missionaries can touch the light of Christ in them and WAKE THEM UP. ¡DESPIÉRTATE! I know that every missionary has felt the sadness that comes after a really great lesson or contact.... where the spirit is just testifying like none other...... and you just spill your heart out and throw down some testimony... Then, after it all, they smile at you and say.... "No me interesa.... están perdiendo el tiempo aqui." Like the scripture says, I CANNOT BEAR THAT! Knowing that the eternal gospel of Christ is being rejected just hurts me.... I LOVE these people. I LOVE being a missionary... We just gotta work with all our heart, might, mind and strength, and the Lord will do the rest... Just the fact that the people use their agency poorly makes me... upset.. It`s out of our control though.... we can do all we can do.... and thats all we can do...May we remember that and use our agency well. I`ll close with this last one....

DyC 123:16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.

17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

Elder Monsen and I at changes

It`s amazing the influence we, as active members in the church have on other people...... This is one of my favorite scriptures found in the DyC...... It`s time for us to act... it´s time for us to serve... I just love what it says... Let us CHEERFULLY do all that we can...... everything that is offered to us.... then we can just stand still... because we KNOW that we are good. We know that we have done all that our Lord wants us to do. These are gonna be the best two changes of my mission here in Peñaflor. Why? Because we`re dedicated.... we`re converted... and we`re gonna do all that we can with BUEN ANIMO.... Just as the Savior himself did..... Amazing. This is Christs Church. I`m grateful that we can live happily and that we can be safe from evil if we just.... do as it says in the scriptures countless times.... Obey the commandments.... Endure to the end... How hard is that. It`s simple. We are so blessed to live in the time that we do.... May we remember that in our daily lives. Many members of our church have suffered and even died to get the church to where it is at this point today. Now it`s OUR turn to lift where we stand and take the trash out. So lets do it. I love you guys and I hope this can be a great week for you wherever you may be.

Take care.

Elder Christensen.

A VERY PAINFUL tie trade.... you be the judge... MOM.... I`ve said NO NO NO to everyone who has asked for that orange tie... but Elder Fuhriman is a baller... Couldn`t help it.... To this moment it is painful haha but check those paisley ties out! SICK! ENJOY!

1/2/2012 Elder Christensen "Nos Vemos Parque Combarbala"

Went on divisions... Elder Cervantes and I.

Hola Hola! How we doin? Man it sure was fun to see you guys on skype last week and to chat it up a bit. I can`t beleive that time is just..... gone. Tawny already finished. MOVING ON! New Years and Christmas were both pretty fun. Lotttttttttta alcohol in this place haha. We spent a lot of time just fortaleciendo or strengthening the faith of our members. The Atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is something amazing and we can all change our lives through it.

HAPPY NEW YEARS! Or.. if you`re a Christensen..
 MERRY NEW YEAR!!!

Well.... We got the call on Saturday and I`m being transferred. I had definately expected that though...to finish the mission with 5 changes in one place is... practically un heard of. Either way? I`m STOKED. The next two changes will be the best that I`ve had yet I can promise you that. WORK WORK WORK. That is the secret..... I`ve seen a great change in the members and the leaders of this ward during my 4 months here. We just try to do little different things to brighten up everybodies days... for example.... every day after we are done eating lunch with the members, we try to sing a hymn and just help them feel the spirit. Over time, the members have really come to treasure that. I spoke this sunday... ( SURPRISE! ) and I let them know that I really do love them and that I`ve seen the change in each of them. The gospel is amazing.... I will never stray from this camino and I hope that we can all be happy... as Tawny says... Find joy in the journey. Life principle right there folks.

We as missionaries can`t hold babies.... but the rule says nothing
 about dogs! Shes just a little smaller than Steffi.

Well.. my keyboard is super fome so I`m gonna finish up. Sorry this is short.... I want to remind you of one of my favorite scriptures.....

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.

36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.

37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

We have reason to rejoice because God loves us. This is his Church. I LOVE IT. If this is boasting, then let me BOAST. These are the latter days and we are in the middle of a spiritual war. May we remain faithful to our God by heeding to his word and that of his prophets. There is no other way.....

I`ll talk to you next week in my next sector. Hope all is well in orem.

Much love,

This is priceless... RIGHT NOW, as I was typing this letter, a cat jumped
up on to my desk and I started to pet it.... As sister King says with her
5 fingers..... 1 we 2 are 3 in 4 chile 5 now. Welcome to south america haha.



BEAUTIFUL sunset..... The catholic church there was just a bonus.

Ps Don`t worry about changes. Gotta run. Hvea a great week. I`ll go where you want me to go dear Lord. Even to the ghetto and dangerous place. I`ll say what you want me to say dear Lord.