29 OCT 2018 ~ Week 10 Leaving MTC: Travel Day! Australia Bound!

Good evening family and friends,

This is Elder Escamilla's mom, Misty. Unfortunately, we will not get an email this week from Elder Escamilla, but instead a special message he expressed with us from his heart during his travels. Today has been a beautiful day. We've had the pleasure of receiving two phone calls from Elder Escamilla during his layover at Salt Lake City Airport and Los Angeles Airport.

He is so excited to get to Australia to share the same joy he feels with the gospel in his life. His commitment to serve a two-year mission is worth the temporary sacrifice to leave from home, our family, West Point, and friends! I could hear the joy in his voice and see his beautiful big smile! His message was loud and clear of his love for Jesus Christ, the gospel, the scriptures, and God children. As you've probably heard, he does have a strong testimony and he says it in Korean too, so please take some time to listen to it even though you may not understand. (attachment) It is beautiful.

He did want me to tell everyone "Thank you for the birthday wishes and cards!" He actually forgot it was his 21st birthday until his district reminded him with a little celebration! 😊

This evening, I received a surprising text message from a total stranger who is a former Bishop from Memphis, TN. He stopped to visit with the missionaries while they were waiting at the Los Angeles Airport and bought a few missionaries hamburgers and had the opportunity to get to know them a little. He did marvel about Elder Escamilla and said he was an awesome and amazing young man, along with his journey at West Point and serving a mission. We were truly thankful he shared a picture and a video with us.

Traveling missionary companions to Australia.


God Be With You Until We Meet Again


Elder Escamilla's testimony in Korean.

22 OCT 2018 ~ Week 9 in MTC: The Final Stretch, Part 2....

반갑습니다!!

Well I FINISHED WEEK 9 OF THE MTC!!! I know what you’re thinking, “shouldn’t you be on a plane right now to the Land Down Under? Shouldn’t we be getting an email after your 2 days of traveling?” Then I would say “those are fantastic questions. Great, high quality questions...” So, here’s the story: It’s Friday, my district and I are gearing up to get on our planes to head out and start harvesting for the Lord. Our zone leaders come into the classroom abruptly, and tell me that they have a phone call for me from the front desk that I need to take now. Well with this abruptness and out of the blue entrance, of course my mind starts wondering and trying to figure out what in the world is going on. I go out of the classroom and answer the phone. I’m told that I need to go to the travel office immediately. So I go down and am told that my Mission President doesn’t want me... kidding, totally kidding President Runia. No but he did decide to have me come next week with 7 other English missionaries so we can arrive during the transfer. For some reason, non-English speaking missionaries going to Australia are all off by a week from transfers while English speakers come in right on transfer date. So instead of traveling alone today, I’ll travel with 7 other missionaries next Monday. So I get an extra week of learning Korean, studying the Book of Mormon, helping the newer Korean speaking missionaries, and do family temple ordinances. I was disappointed at first, but what honestly hurt the most was saying goodbye to my district. It was gonna happen eventually because I’m the only one going to Australia that is Korean speaking. We grew a lot together as a district and they became my family. I saw their high and low points. Watched them grow. Then they saw the same from me. When I was the district leader for the first 3 weeks, Heavenly Father let me see a glimpse of His love for them. Afterwards, that pure Christlike love grew for each and every single member of my district. I know they are gonna change lives. Out of the other districts I’ve seen, I was blessed with one of the most obedient, spiritually sensitive, motivated, hardworking missionaries. Our goal was to go out and do the Lord’s work and help His children come to know that there is a Supreme Creator who is all powerful, all knowing, and ultimately our Heavenly Father. He provided a plan for us to return to Him that is made possible through Jesus Christ. Additionally, through Jesus Christ, we can overcome any weakness or trial, and come out stronger than before. Our goal is to some day reach perfection, but that is only possible through Jesus Christ. We’re not trying to increase numbers or get more money. We’re just trying to help people find true, pure joy. Joy that lasts longer than just in the moment or far greater than just “having fun” or “being happy”. I’ve felt it and I just want others to feel it too. It’s the greatest thing in the world. More powerful than any drug or authority.

So this week, I just wanna share some things that I learned from each member of my district that helped me grow and on my journey to become a more Christlike missionary:
Elder Malaskey: this message is so important that people will pull it out of the garbage (literally) to know of it. Also, you taught me to continually open my mouth. Always be willing and eager to share thoughts and try even if you may fail. To truly be like Nephi in 1 Nephi 4:6
Elder Lucas: I love how he just knew everyone in the MTC. Not from before the mission, but had taken time to truly meet, get to know and connect with as many people as he possibly could. Even if we were running late to something or trying to get somewhere, he would always take the time to build relationships and connect with all.
Elder Madrona: He showed me to not be afraid to let my guard down. Even though we saw this later and he learned this himself at the end. Letting yourself be vulnerable sometimes let’s people see the real you makes your words all the more powerful.
Elder Streeter: You are very easily the next Elder Uchtdorf with all your plane talk and love, but I loved watching you grow and become a great district leader that God qualifies those He calls. I know calls are inspired and I truly felt Gods guidance and love through you. So thank you for acting and speaking by the Spirit.
Elder Johanson: Thank you for being my reminder of quiet time during the last few days. It was a reminder to use that time properly. Even though I wasn’t doing anything wrong and was sharing experience or advice with other missionaries. That was my time to ponder over the days events and prepare for the next day. You were just helping me.
Elder Torres: You’re just a huge teddy bear that always rejected my hugs. I aspired to have the doctrinal knowledge you had in your short 4 years as a member. You were called as a Seminary teacher shortly after you were baptized and you sacrificed your dream to come out on a mission despite not wanting to originally. I look up to you.
Elder Kunde: Thank you for keeping the mood light and making learning 한국말 fun. You showed me that people are always watching even when you think they aren’t. Thank you for thinking a lot of me and helping my self-confidence. Now you can stop looking at me haha.
Sister Johnson: Thanks for showing me what it looks like to truly draw people to you from the light of the Gospel that shines so bright from you. You brighten everyone’s day and everyone enjoys being around you. You know how to take a joke and dish it back.
Sister Wray: You helped me realize how important it is to not only love the people, but also to just love yourself and appreciate yourself every now and then. You helped me see some things about myself that I overlooked.
Elder Bae: I’m so glad you joined us from Korea. You were patient with my lack of Korean and poor Korean. Man you’re so great.
Elder Hwang: You reminded me to just find joy in the journey, beyond always working. One of the most important lessons, because this is a gospel of joy, God gave us the Plan of Happiness. “Men are that they might have joy”.

These missionaries are gonna be incredible and I was so absolutely, beyond belief blessed to have each and every one in my district. That’s what made it so hard to say goodbye to them. They became family and I can’t wait to see them again after the mission and be as the sons of Mosiah and Alma in Alma 17.

Ready for another great week in the MTC.

Elder Escamilla


New and improved nametag! P.S. it says Elder Escamilla, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in case you weren’t sure


My district saying goodbye to Sister Oh one of our phenomenal Korean and doctrine teachers. She was a perfect Christlike teacher and helped all of us immensely. Brother Oh too, but he was more of the comedic relief haha.


We had a surprise new district of missionaries come in this week which was unusual because they normally come in 3 week cycles, but this time it was after 2 weeks


Filipinos and their selfies and pictures


Always a good day when the 호주 flag is flying


Elder Hwang and I’s nonmember (Dajeong Kim/김디정) that we’ve been teaching for the past 3 weeks. We became really good friends by our last visit and tears were shed.


Gotta get in all-Filipino picture obviously. We got 3 new Filipino missionaries and they still don’t believe that I don’t have any Filipino in me. They think I’m lying. My accent when speaking Tagalog got decent so they are still convinced I’m Filipino. I just keep pointing at the Book of Mormon say that “this is my family history”


Our last picture together as a whole district 


One of our last times singing together as a district. "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" (in Korean)

https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/god-be-with-you-till-we-meet-again?lang=eng

15 OCT 2018 ~ Week 8 in MTC: The Final Stretch 🇦🇺


안녕하세요 제 진국들과 제 가족,

Well this is it. Final week in the MTC, lets go!!

So short story and my Book of Mormon thoughts:

So in the MTC there’s a weird phenomenon where you just run into the same companionships everywhere. Our first 6 weeks we had several sets like this but then they went home because I mean who is at the MTC for 9 weeks? Oh wait yeah that’s me. Anyways, we got a new set that we always run too. It’s a Sister tri-companionship made up of an Hermana from Mexico, one from Mongolia and another Sister from China. Each going to different parts of the U.S. so they are in the MTC for 9 weeks to learn English. We first met them during General Conference when we were in our international seating, because my companion and I are international. We got talking to them to practice our Spanish since Spanish is super fun to speak. So we talk a lot with the Hermana, learn a little Mongolian and some Chinese. Well one day we were leaving the cafeteria and we say our “Hola, come esta” as one does in Spanish. Usually the Hermana is very chippy and happy and excited to be able to speak Spanish. Well this time she seemed very cast down and sad. So I re-ask her. She then goes on to tell us about a distressing email from home that she got and then her struggles with English, and her teacher giving her a rough time about not speaking Spanish and speaking English. This was affecting her and getting to her. So as my companion continued to keep the conversation alive, I felt like I should share a passage from the Book of Mormon. I know there is power that comes from the Book of Mormon when we need support or hope. So I had to look quickly because we had to go and the conversation was gonna end soon. So not knowing what to share I started flipping through my last study area. I was drawn to a passage in Alma 26:27-30. In this passage, Ammon is discussing and glorifying God as a result of their successful mission among the Lamanites who used to love killing his people, but now would give up their lives rather than fight back and break the promise they made with God: to never take anyone’s life again. As a result these people would lay down their lives because of their love for God and their hatred of sin. Ammon talks about how God promised him and his fellow missionaries that if they were patient in their afflictions that they would have success. As a result of their patience, they were the instruments and the means by which these bloodthirsty people would become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, repent, become clean and receive forgiveness from all the killing they had previously done (Alma 24:23-24). So I shared this with this Hermana that her afflictions were learning English, but if she was patient she would receive success. That God wanted her to hear this message and it was specifically talking to her. At this time she was tearing up and the Holy Ghost and love of God was present. We testified that things would get better and with God she could do it. She thanked us and this was exactly what she needed. A couple days later we caught up with her and asked how things were going. Well she told us that an additional affliction she was having at the time was a very aggressive, rude, mean and demanding companion who was making her life miserable. As she told us this, the verse we shared with her couldn’t have been more perfect. Read the scripture we shared and you’ll see. I know that there are no coincidences. Keep in mind all this took place in Spanish. There’s no coincidence I still remember my Spanish from high school about 5-6 years ago. Not perfect, but the Spirit knows perfect Spanish.

I love the perspective that we gain from Alma. First off I just love all of Alma, I’m in Alma 32 now and just in love with Alma. Anyways, when reading Alma 31 you get the prayer of the wicked Zoramites and Alma and his brethren and sons behold all the wickedness, pride, etc. of the Zoramites. Dumb idols (I love that the Book of Mormon calls them dumb), perverting the ways of the Lord and all that good stuff. After we are given a clear depiction of what type of people the Zoramites are, we get Alma’s prayer. He prays for strength to bear with his infirmities, and suffer with patience the afflictions that will come because of the iniquities of the people. He prays for comfort to his souls in Christ, and prays to success. So we get this beautiful prayer that results in him clapping his hands upon his fellow laborers and being filled with the Spirit. After reading this and thinking what a beautiful prayer, I thought why are we getting this prayer? Yes he’s demonstrating we should always pray. Yes it’s good to pray. However, I think he’s praying because he’s buckling up and he knows that this mission in particular is gonna hurt. It’s gonna suck. It’s gonna be difficult. To think that Alma would consider this mission to be hard says a lot. Considering all that he’s previously done and especially after his experience in Ammonihah (Alma 8:8-14; 14). Where the people rejected him at first and cast him out. Then with Amulek, contending with Zeezrom who was the most expert lawyer and in the devices of the devil. Then after finally having much success with the people and finding hope for the city, only to have the most wicked bind them up and put them on a hill to watch a terrible scene take place. The scene being watching all their new friends and family that they just brought to God being cast into a large fire, being burned alive. Woman and children. Then if this wasn’t enough, the wicked would keep them bound up in jail for “many days” x 2 (so probably a couple weeks), to consistently be mocked, ridiculed, questioned, suffering hunger, thirst, being naked and constantly being smacked in the face by all those who came to mock them (people basically lining up). If this Alma, who experienced this on his previous mission, is now praying for strength and comfort before going among the Zoramites knowing that this mission is gonna hurt... Like man, this is the real deal.

I read this and I was just like dang. It reminded me of times at West Point where I too would have the same sick gut feeling, thinking “this is gonna hurt” and “this is gonna suck”. I don’t know what’s to come for these next 22 months in Australia. I may not experience what Alma experienced in the slightest, but I do know it will be my own personal version of it though. I know that the strength and comfort given to these brethren before going amongst the Zoramites is also extended to us if we pray in faith. If we do as Elder Bednar instructed in “Recognizing the Spirit”: Be a good boy, be a good girl. Remember and honor your covenants. Keep the commandments. Press forward and we will be guided in every step. Open our mouths and it will be filled. The scripture is PRESS FORWARD in faith, not stand around and wait in faith. There are times when we need to be like Nephi, in 1 Nephi 4:6 "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which i should do."

Then ultimately how is this made possible? How are our afflictions swallowed up? Alma 31:38 “... he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up up in the joy of Christ.”

Love you,

Elder Escamilla


Yes that’s a tiki piñata. Yes it’s being held up by a hanger. Yes it’s hung on a tree by belts.


Our district with 1 week left in the MTC. It was Sister Johnson’s Birthday so we threw a Luau Birthday thanks to the decorations sent by Elder Streeter’s Mom.



Elder Escamilla, Elder Bae, Elder Hwang

 

Don’t mind the too dominant male voice (that may or may not be mine) and enjoy my class’ opening song in 한국말
Nearer, My God, to Thee (Korean)
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-11-0080-nearer-my-god-to-thee?lang=eng

8 OCT 2018 ~ Week 7 in MTC: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

여차대회 어땠습니까?!?! 좋아요?!?!

Well it’s been an eventful week this week. Hwang 장로님 and I got a new companion from Seoul, Korea. His name is Elder Bae (배 장로님). Since he, as you can probably guess, already speaks Korean (Iknow crazy, gift of tongues is real) he’s only at the MTC for 3 weeks since he’ll be serving in the Korea Seoul South mission. So he jumps right in with my group. Which means, yes, I’m on my last couple weeks at the MTC! Tomorrow, we will have exactly 2 weeks left. Times has absolutely flown. Weeks feel like days and days like hours. I wish it would slow down for more time to become like Christ for God and the people of Sydney, Australia. However, I’m excited time is flying because I can’t wait to just talk to people everywhere we go, and share with them that God loves them and there is purpose in this life. So I'm a little torn, but in a good way haha. Then we got 20 new missionaries. All going to Korea or New York.... Yup, I'm still the only Australian.... I'm beginning to think that my mission is a fake mission haha. I'm excited though and still appreciate my hidden gem of a mission (Miss you Pete Fenton). 

So I'll share an experience that Elder Hwang and I had this week. This past week we started our Non-Member TRC. Which means that we started teaching a "non-member" on a regular basis. Yes, in Korean as you can guess. We don't know if she's actually a non-member or not. If she is, then she is a fantastic actor, because she has me sold. Enough to give away my marked up Korean Book of Mormon that was all tabbed up with references and highlighting throughout, because I really wanted her to have a Book of Mormon to read. So just slightly salty if she's actually a member, but totally worth it if she isn't. BoM, D&C, and PoGP combo in Korean anyways so not too worried anymore. Her name is Dajeong Kim (김다정). We taught her 3 times this past week and will be teaching her 4 times (I think, gotta look ahead) this next week. We started from the beginning with getting to know her. Her religious background. Why she's in America, and even at the MTC. We taught her about baptism, the Godhead, and the importance of the Book of Mormon. The first lesson was alright. Not bad, but we went over our 30 minute time by 30 minutes.... So yeah.... Then the next lesson was better, only 15 minutes over time. It's ok though, she kept asking questions. Then our most recent lesson, was over 20 or so minutes... Except this time it was much better. We were getting progressively better at teaching and answering her questions. However this past time was much different. This past time, the Spirit was there that we probably almost could've seen Him. It was so powerful. The words flowed out of my mouth. My understanding improved. Ultimately, we were vessels for the Spirit to touch her heart. We had decided to get Dajeong Kim another Book of Mormon except with her name engraved. We previously told her that we had a gift for her. We brought the gift and she was speechless and very grateful. Our lesson consisted of talking about the importance of Jesus Christ and why we need the Gospel if "I'm already happy". We talked about how life is difficult, challenges and trials will come. When they do, we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ to turn to in order to find refuge and relief. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we turn to in order to know that everything will be alright. That we will see my deceased family again in their healthy and free from physical disabilities. That when we are cast down, depressed or been crossed, we can turn to Jesus Christ who knows everything about being mocked, abused, and betrayed by His friends. The people who once welcomed Him into the city, betray Him and would rather have a criminal to have freedom than Jesus Christ. Who had done no wrong. It is through Jesus Christ that we can turn to to counsel with, because He has suffered for all our weaknesses, sorrows, trials, and imperfections. We testified of Christ. We testified of God's love for every single one of His children. Every single person that has ever lived and will ever live. He loves us so He sent His Son, to provide a path back to live with Him and our families for eternity. I testified of my conversion and decision to be baptized. I testified of how I have come to know that these things are true. We could very well tell she was touched and felt God's love. It was apparent in the atmosphere in the small room. We watched a video. We expounded the Book of Mormon by demonstrating that every question she asked could be answered with the Book of Mormon. We sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" as my companion was inspired to do so. We testified that we were representatives of Jesus Christ. That our words were God's words meant for her. It was powerful. It was sincere. It was.... I can't explain it well enough. I am SO grateful to be a missionary. That I can have many more experiences like this for the next 2 years. To help people know that they are truly sons and daughters of God. Our Korean wasn't perfect, at least mine wasn't. I hardly understand. However, the gift of tongues is speaking by the language of the Spirit. I know these things are true. I am called of God to represent Jesus Christ. To proclaim God's word to all His children. To help them find the truth. I'm so excited to teach Dajeong Kim again tonight and the rest of this week. 

Please listen to our Prophets words. They are true. Following these words, I left the auditorium absolutely astonished and speechless. My chest was swelling as the Holy Ghost testified to me that President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet called of God on the earth today. That Jesus Christ leads our church (listen to his last words and testimony at the end). This is truly God’s kingdom on earth. You can have the same feelings if you sincerely pray before and after watching this: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/media/session_4_talk_11/5845645176001?lang=eng

If you don’t know much about the church, who we are or unsure about what we stand for, watch this: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/media/session_1_talk_12/5845335557001?lang=eng

For those I didn't send emails to. I'm sorry. Our time is very limited. Please know that I want to, but unable to. Have a great week. Read the Book of Mormon. Pray. Keep God's commandments. Honor your Covenants. Become like Jesus Christ. I know your life will be far greater than you could ever imagine. I love you.

My Naval Academy buddy left for Singapore this morning.

Had to be done!

Found the Assantes! 

New missionaries 

New companion doesn’t know how to frown 

Eating Ramen (라면) like a true Korean

1 OCT 2018 ~ Week 6 in MTC: I Am Nothing Without God

안녕하세요 여러분!!

어떻게 지냅니까? 저는 진짜 좋습니다!! 한국말로 어럽습니다. 하지만, 하나님과 함께 할수 있습니다!! Well we have completed our 6th week at the MTC. Honestly time is flying. For the Koreans there are 3 groups here at a time. Every 3 weeks we get new missionaries and missionaries leave. So you have a baby group, daddy group, then grandpa group. We came in as the babies, and now we are the grandpa group... Can’t believe it. The Korean is coming. Today when I was praying out loud for our companionship during lunch and another Sister who is Korean and grew up listening to it told me she was amazed at how good my Korean was. She also told me that she had a friend who went to Australia, Korean speaking, but came back speaking terrible Korean.... She reassured me that my Korean was much better than his now and realized that she didn’t offer much hope. We just laughed. I know things will work out, I’m not worried. My companion and I’s Korean is about to improve exponentially these next 3 weeks because we will be having an Elder from Korea moving into our room tomorrow and we will probably have tri-companionship. So pray for us. We’ll have 20 new missionaries coming into our Korean branch on Wednesday. 17 Elders. We lost 11... gonna be busy week.

Funny story: During class our teachers were talking about family history. Then I (because of my wits and sense of humor) lift up the Book of Mormon and said "THIS is MY family history." The teachers look at me puzzled and I proceed to explain that I am a Latter-day Lamanite. The ones who the Nephites pray that the Book of Mormon will come to (Mormon 7). I explained I’m Navajo and shared my clans in Navajo. Our 2 teachers both just looked at me (they are originally from Korea) and ask “진짜?!?”(Really?!?) “Yes”, “진짜!!!” “Yes”..... “진짜?!?!?”.... “ummm, still yes”. We go back and forth like this for a couple more minutes as they continue to just look at me in amazement. It was funny, but true. I’m grateful to have that connection to the Book of Mormon.

So an update on my companionship: So this week I learned that without God, I am nothing. Our companionship got really uncomfortable with a lot of tension and to the point where anything I said just worsened the situation or didn’t help. No correction or apology helped. My prayers changed from 'help ME to know what to do,' to just praying for God to 'help the companionship anyway as He saw fit.' Once I reached that point, help came. I reached out for help because I knew I couldn’t do anything. Then, things changed. Other Elders came in and counseled us, put things in a new perspective and inspired us to change. What helped during this was that I changed from wanting to change him to just changing myself. To focusing on charity. Searching the scriptures and Preach My Gospel to teach me the most important Christlike attribute: Charity and Love. I love Elder Holland’s talk: “The First Great Commandment” (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng). Will you please watch it?? If you do, email me and tell me about your experience. Through this talk, I learned that it really comes down to DO YOU LOVE JESUS CHRIST? HEAVENLY FATHER? If you do, then keep His commandments. We shouldn’t have to be motivated by blessings or promises. We should be motivated to serve Him and His children just because we love Him. Right!? If you love Him then just love your companion! (I know that message was meant for me). If you love me, then go to the temple. If you love me, stop drinking coffee. If you love me, listen to my servants the Prophet and Apostles of the Church. If you love me, then stay awake during General Conference. As you do so, since God is a loving Father, He will bless you because that’s just what He does. Are you excited for General Conference? Do you realize that we have Prophets and Apostles called of God will be sharing messages directly from God meant for each and every one of us? Do you treat their words as if they come directly from God? I can’t tell you how excited I am. This will truly be a historic General Conference. If you don’t know what it is. It is a bi-annual conference where the leaders of our church (aka God’s kingdom on earth), speak the words of God to the entire church throughout the world. Yes the words that God would speak to us. So watch it, you can find it here: LDS.org on Saturday and Sunday.

I want to testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Book of Mormon testified of Jesus Christ, all of it. Aaron, a Book of Mormon missionary from around 90-77 B.C., states: “the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory...” (Alma 22:14). Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet from 83 B.C., states: “ I say unto you that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto you concerning that which is to come is true and I say you that I know that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold it is he that comets to take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name” (Alma 5:48). Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Do you understand what all of this is about? While in the MTC, Jesus Christ is becoming more and more real to me. The scriptures become real. I also learned that we should stop looking and admiring the prophets in the scriptures because of their cool stories. Yes marvel and appreciate their accomplishments, but I guarantee that all of them would tell us that we’re missing the mark. It’s not about the story or them. They would probably slap us around a bit and proceed to tell us that it’s about JESUS CHRIST. HE is who we should be looking at and emulating. HE is our SAVIOR. Through Him we can overcome our weaknesses, receive forgiveness of our sins (Alma 7:11-13). HE is the answer. HE is the way. HE is how we achieve eternal happiness. I got slapped around a bit this week because of this. I got caught up marveling the stories and prophets in the Book of Mormon. I didn’t forget Jesus Christ, but I didn’t look for Christlike attributes through these stories or prophets. I didn’t look for Christ in each chapter. HIS name is on my chest for goodness sake. I was missing the mark. So I hope you can learn from my mistake and look for Christ in your scripture study. If you don’t STUDY the scriptures every day, SHAME ON YOU. You know what though? It’s ok, because you can repent and start reading today. There is no better time to start than NOW. So fix yourself and get to studying. God has a message He needs to tell you, but He can’t tell you unless you pray, read and listen. I love you. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints IS the SAME church that Christ established when He was on the earth. It is Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father who we worship and who lead our church. I know this. That’s why I gave up my family, West Point, career, dreams, pursuits, friends, and any personal life for 2 years. Its been the 2nd greatest decision in my life. 2nd to my decision to get baptized. I love you. Have a great week!

Elder Escamilla
Australia Sydney Mission
에스카미야 장로님
호주 선교부


West Point missionaries all over the world (L-R): Elder Frangia - Malaysia (Malay speaking); Elder Escamilla - Sydney Australia (Korean speaking); Elder Holt - Honduras (Spanish speaking); Elder Fuller - Sweden


Sunday temple walk


Birthday celebrations for Elder Streeter






We sent off around 12 missionaries heading to Korea. We knew these guys for 6 weeks and they were great examples and gonna change lives in Korea. These 2 were “제 아들들” or my sons.