Weekly Update -- January 30th, 2017

Hello everyone,

There has been a huge change in the missionary world this past week via worldwide transmition (transmission/broadcast) from the Executive missionary counsel presided by Elder Dallin H. Oaks that all the missionaries were able to see. One big change: Only four key indicators (Baptisms/Confirmations, Investigators at Church, Investigators with Baptismal date and New investigators). The other big change involves the schedule basically giving us freedom to move around aspects of our daily routine (personal study, exercise, etc.) before leaving the day. We're all very excited and I'm happy to see how all of missionaries are humble enough to take on the changes. One even said 'In leadership counsels we've been talking about how to solve a problem like putting bandages on a flesh wound. This is the change we've been looking for.'

I personally feel like these changes are helping me to adjust to coming home, BUT I'm not trunky (=wanting to come home). In fact, we are working a lot with the seminary teacher and youth leaders with the branch mission leader to use the extra freedom to focus on those between the ages of 15-25. We know they are especially important based on the words given by the institute Director/stake President Tapia (from Anahuac) and the Seminary 2nd counselor who came to the zone conference last Thursday. One said, 'Let us help you by bringing people to a place where they will be surrounded by the gospel and good friends their own age.' Good enough for me. The branch's seminary teacher is also much more enthusiastic seeing some help from someone else.

I invite you all to talk to the seminary teacher in your ward (wherever you might be) just to get to know him/her and ask if there is something you can do to help with the youth. Something that the seminary counselor told us to do as well. I know Heavenly Father loves the youth of His Church. If you're like one missionary who said 'But what if our seminary teacher is inactive?' do as he responded: 'Activate her!' Gotta love the mission. Love you all, thanks for your prayers!

-Elder Allgaier

Elder Charles before the transmition (transmission/broadcast)

new schedule (if you can make out the blur)

Missionaries who came

 'What's up dog?' -Elder Fernandez

Pekey in Fernandez's jacket

How we call for dats

Heading to Santiago for pday to fish (these police stands are pretty common in Monterrey) (we didn't have any poles to fish today, so the activity was postponed...)