26 NOV 2018 ~ Week 4: Bush Fires and Trade-Offs

좋은 데이 Mates!!

Well this was eventful well that is starting off eventful too. So let's start!

Bush fires... If you heard news of fires in Australia, that was us! The area I'm in is not quite Outback but is more wilderness but with a lot of trees. It was windy and a fallen over power line sparked a decent size fire. It was a couple miles away from our apartment and cut us off from some of our areas in Nelson Bay and Lemon Tree Passage, ruining our plans for the day. Helicopters and planes were flying over our area for 2 days straight trying to put out the fire. Some people were evacuated, but fortunately no severe damage was done. We just had to deal with the thick smoke that covered the town. All is well though.

My companion, Elder Scott, is the district leader and we have had the opportunity to do trade-offs with the other Elders in the district. So I've had the opportunity to do companion exchanges with Elder Hirst in the Charlestown area and once of our zone leaders, Elder Tobler. These were some of the best days, to see other ways missionary work is done. These Elders are great missionaries. From them I learned a lot about planning, goal setting, effective study and their experience in working with Australian people. These days were productive and felt truly Spiritually driven. It was inspiring and gave me hope that even after a full day of appointments falling through, unavailable friends we're teaching, hours of door knocking that result in "no thanks, we're good" or "that's cool, good for you everyone needs something to get them through" or "what do you have to say about what is said in Revelations about not adding anything more to these things. I've got a Bible I'm good." Then after a full day of what may seem like no progress or good was done, with 10-20 minutes left to make one last inspired visit. We could've called it a day, we had done a lot of work. It was Thanksgiving night and we had plans for a makeshift feast. We said a quick prayer to know where to go or who to visit because we had set goals for the day and we were determined to achieve those goals. Together we thought what type of person to visit and my companion for the day was able to think of someone to visit (since we were in his area).

Then finally, after a full day of what one may see as a failed day, we were blessed with the opportunity to share a message with a struggling recent convert. Before going in, we made a brief plan of what message we were gonna share after my companion briefed me on his situation. We went in and as we began sharing the message, the Holy Ghost began shaping our lesson into something completely different than we intended. We didn't even share what we planned, but we identified this good Brother's concern and struggle and were able to offer a message of hope and sincere testimony because I could relate to him with personal experience. He was struggling with feeling very inadequate compared to the other members who seemed perfect. We bore testimony to him that if church was only for perfect people, no one would be able to go. Church is a hospital for the spiritually sick, which is everyone. We all struggle with our own personal issues and no one is perfect. We told him to NEVER feel too inadequate to come to church. That church is exactly where he needed to be to overcome his issues. We encouraged him also with my favorite thing I've realized through my studies.

Who did Jesus Christ call to be His apostles? He could've called the Pharisees or Saduccess, they were knowledgeable of the scriptures and such. He could've called the rich to find His church and members. No, He called the fishermen. Even if we feel inadequate or small, think of how the apostles felt. However they went on to change the world. A couple of fishermen. Who knew. We are all fishermen in our own way, but Christ will work through our weaknesses as we realize that we need Him and rely wholly on Him. Then as we do this, He will work miracles through us. So my prayer for one opportunity to teach someone throughout the day was answered during this lesson, and it was even better as the Spirit was our companion during the lesson. He was touched immensely and we offered a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity that day.

Then the adventures continue as we make our way to our next trade off in Tamworth which is further inland and more bush/outback. Should be fun as we spend 2 days there. Then to top off the next 2 days, we hit a kangaroo on our way over. All alright, just took out one of our headlights and shook up Elder Scott a little. So stay tuned for our next adventures in Tamworth and in Australia. Strange land for sure. Love you all, take care.

Elder Escamilla
Australia Sydney Mission
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호주 스다니 선교부

P.S. We have a baptism on Saturday! First one in our area in a couple years. So everyone's excited. My companion's first baptism



Our makeshift Thanksgiving dinner with our Zone Leaders


the view of the smoke from our flat as we were studying. The smoke and fire was much worse the day before.


the remains of the fire in our area. Ton of smoke afterwards completely covering everything


In our area, instead of pigeons being the normal everyday bird, it's these beautiful parrots!!! I feel like I'm in the zoo because of the wildlife


Weird to drive on the opposite side of the road.


We hit a kangaroo but we are all alright, just took out one of our headlights and shook up Elder Scott a little.

21 NOV 2018 ~ Week 3: If You Need a Lawn Mowed, Call 'Navajo Mow'!

안녕하세요!!

So this week our Mission President gave us permission to go to the temple, so our P-Day changed to today which is why I'm emailing today.

So 2 Aussie Culture... Tips... Lessons... Something...
- So Aussies call flip flops, "thongs"... Yeah I'm sure you can already guess. While we were visiting with Angela, a lady from the Jehovah Witness faith, talking with her. Her daughter walks in and says she's going to the store and asks if she could borrow her thongs... Fortunately I was already exposed to this, but it was still very weird and very... yeah...
- So in Aussie Land, Land of the Bajillion Spiders and Spider Webs in your Face, words that would be deemed as curse words in America in church are actually fine and casual. Nothing over the top, but enough to surprise you when it comes from the mouth of a member. The words I'm talking about are the upgraded versions of "darn" or "darn it". So when a member drops something at church and says "dang it" (their version), my eyes would pop open, ears perk up and kind of just look at them and see if anyone else heard it. Turns out it's doesn't have the same right in America. Don't worry Mom, I'm not gonna come back with this habit, hopefully...

So this week we finally launched an idea that I had during my first time knocking on doors. That first experience was SO GREAT that I immediately thought of a different way to do door knocking that would help us to get to know the people slamming doors in our faces (hope you heard the sarcasm). I'll be honest, that first experience really sucked. Yes part of it was because of how unkeen Aussies are of religion. Second is that I disliked how salesman like it came off as, and just felt insensitive. Contrary to our message, which is most sincere and personal message in the world. Where we are invited to find out truth for ourselves. So while we were getting yelled at for scaring kids by standing still, I noticed how unkept a lot of the lawns were. Usually, before people close the doors we tell them that we offer service, anything that they may need. Of course, we're in our white shirt and tie so I'm sure they're thinking "In those clothes?" Then since Aussie's are really turned off when talking about religion, but the closest we've got to bring lessons with people and connecting with them (like Corinne from last weeks email) came because our service would soften their hearts. So this is where the idea was born.

We've been working the past couple weeks to attain a lawn mower (which we found in a junk pile of the side of the road), getting fixed by a wizard in our ward, and fine tuning our mowing skills. We finally put everything together and put our idea to the test. As a result, the hearts are much more softened. If they are willing to keep listening after we say "We're missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", and hear that we're offering free service. Then the responses have been a complete 180. People usually respond saying how nice that is and how they wish they had something to do but theyre ok at the moment. However the 2 lawns we've mowed, we were invited inside and able to share a quick message and make a personal connection with the family and we leave our numbers with them. As a result we learn about the many horror experiences that many Aussies have with religion in the past, which had deterred them from seeking religion. As we share our experiences, explain or church and bear testimony, you could see how they notice something different about us and our religion. Then we have a new friendship and a foot in the door.

At another door, we met a guy named, Matt. Matt is an aspiring NBA player, going to college and hoping for a shot in the States. Well he opens the door, appreciates our desires to do some service, briefly get to know him then give him our phone number on a Book of Mormon pass along card. He sees the card and starts asking questions. He's Roman Catholic and had been active with it for awhile being raised in it, but had differing views with the religion. He says he's curious and is wanting to learn more about more religions. So we give him a Book of Mormon and briefly teach about what the Book of Mormon is. He takes it and agrees to look at it. We have a lot of hope for him and he seems very promising. Maybe the next Utah Jazz player. But hearts are being softened by a lawn mowing idea that people would chuckle at. Best idea? Probably not, a lot of tome devoted to a lawn, but we've seen more results from it than the classic door knocking.

So a scripture that I read this week that I couldn't relate to more than now is found in Alma 26:36-37  "... 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..."

I'm truly a wanderer in this strange land of Australia. People from all walks of life and with some of the strangest life situations that I've never seen or heard of before. However, Good is mindful of these people in this strange land.

"... 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"

The fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is for everyone. Not just Americans or the Gentiles.but for everyone. The Book of Mormon (taken place in the early Americas before and after the life of Jesus Christ) and the Bible (life in Jerusalem) combined show that God is not just the God of Israel, but of the entire world. He is mindful of all His children and wants nothing more than for them to be happy. I testify that these things are true, with every fiber of my being, I know it's true. How do I know?

Alma 5:46 "I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit..."

I love you all, our Heavenly Father loves you. You can find out for yourself and feel this love through prayer and reading the Book of Mormon. Try it out. You wont regret it.

Also, I got a phone call this week that my Cheii (grandpa in Navajo) just passed on. We'll miss you Cheii. Until we see you again, I'll do my best to take care of mom and dad. To take care of Paige and Mia. To take care of grandma. To not make mom or dad repeat themselves. I'll study hard and work hard (these are the things he'd always tell me before we said good bye to him. Every single time). I'll try to make you proud. Until I see you again, see you later Cheii. Love you.

Elder Escamilla
Australia Sydney Mission
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호주 스다니 선교부


Temple p-day at Sydney Australia Temple


My companion and I after church with the leftover sandwiches, we'll take all the free foods we can get!!


Our lawn mower idea in the working


Dinner with Branch President and his family


So the family history consultant of our branch is deaf, so when we visit with her we use a white board in order to be able to communicate with her. So as I was translating our discussion for her. I played a prank on her by writing in Korean asking "do you understand Korean?" In Korean. Luckily she has a good sense of humor so we had a good laugh about it.

12 NOV 2018 ~ Week 2: Gardens & Service > Doorknocking

G'Day Mates from the Land Down Unda!

Well I've survived a 2nd week in good ole Aussie land! So how is the work in Australia? Well it's difficult. Not many people are just religious or very comfortable with their lives. Some of the towns that we work in are a little rougher areas that I would compare to a Highland Falls just outside of West Point, and a lot of government housing. Then we also are right next to the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) base and there a lot of members who are in the Air Force, so I've been able to connect to them very closely because of my time at West Point. Surprisingly, every Aussie, I've told that I went to West Point, knows about West Point. Then the town we live in is like the part of Mesa that have bigger lots and properties.

So a lot of variety, but still not many Aussies are not too keen of talking about religion. So we'll either get frustrated, meet angry people or just no answer at all. So in order to change things up and hopefully get people to actually talk with us, we came up with an new idea. So usually before people close the door we tell people that we do service, whatever people need. Usually we say this while wearing our white shirt and tie, and I'm sure they're curious as to what kind of service we can offer in our white shirt and tie. So as we were walking from door to door one day, I noticed how unkept many of the lawns were and how badly they need a good lawn mowing. Sooo.... Instead of showing up door to door like a salesman, we are gonna show up with a lawn mower ready to do service! We searched all week and eventually found a broken up lawn mower, got it fixed by a genius in our branch and are all set to do some service this week. We figured this would be a good approach because most of all our people we are working with have only continued meeting the missionaries because of the service they offer and have actually had their hearts softened from the service and we've been able to share messages with them.

One example is Corinne. She's mom with 3 daughters, her husband and an absolute love for gardening. Missionaries have been going over to help with her beautiful yard and gardens for awhile now, and almost got the door slammed in their face until they offered too chop wood and have been coming over ever since. I met her for the first time this week and I don't think I've ever met anyone so perfect for the Gospel. She has got everything figured out about how to live the Gospel, strengthen your testimony, find out truth for yourself, having faith, one step at a time, just keep working, to not get frustrated from setbacks, and so forth... Except in the shape of gardening. When we got her talking about her garden, I just kept asking leading questions that would perfectly answer concerns about the Gospel or how to find out truth for themselves. Like:
     - "Did you ever expect your garden would become something this beautiful when you started?"
       "Oh no, never would've guessed."
     - "So you're glad you started your first little garden?"
       "Oh yes, if I never started I would've never been able to have any of this!"
     - "It took time right? It didn't come all at once right?"
       "Yes absolutely, it took a lot of time. Just one step at a time. A little here a little there."
     - "So you had to continually work on it right?"
       "Oh yes, if I didn't do anything then it wouldn't grow. Nothing would happen"

Basically the conversation continued like this. When talking about how life nowadays can be stressful and overwhelming with all of life's influences, I said "it was like a big mist of darkness that surrounded us and we need just something like a rod to hold onto to help us get through the fog, right?" Then she said "YES, absolutely like that." It was funny because I had just described the tree of life vision that Lehi had in the Book of Mormon, and she totally agreed with it without us saying it was from the Book of Mormon. She later took great interest in my Native American heritage (every Aussie seems to just absolutely love and are fascinated by Natives, super crazy). When trying to figure out how to transition our conversion from Native Americans to us sharing a quick Gospel message, the thought came to my mind to share the "Music of the Gospel" Mormon Message video and said, "Hey I've actually got a video on my phone of Navajo dancing and music, would you like to see it?" She was like absolutely! So we watched the video and it was the smoothest transition into a Gospel discussion I've ever seen. Not by my own abilities, but the Holy Ghost reminded me of this video that I hadn't seen in a long time but ended up being the perfect transition and we could tell that she was touched somehow by it. Her and her family are so absolutely ready. Her daughters are good and try to live good lives, she tries to instill good values on them, her and her husband are trying to give up coffee because she said it was bad for you. So perfect. Just a tiny string is keeping them back, but once it's cut they will just absolutely soak everything up and will be wonderful. I had a vision of them hosting Branch events or parties in their beautiful backyard. Kids running around and their family joining and becoming a part of the Branch family. They'll get there, I can feel it.

I know this Gospel is true. It can bless our lives in so many ways we don't even understand. But we have to let it and CHOOSE to let it bless our lives. We never force anyone, that is not the plan. We must choose for ourselves, we cannot force anyone to join. We experienced this one dinner with a good Brother of the Branch who's wife wasn't a member, but his impatience and immense desire for her to be a member was very visibly driving her away. Her entire family were members - husband, children (served missions), grandchildren (singing in Primary and preparing to serve a mission), except her. She was content with her life and thought she was doing her best to live a good life. However, we could see that the pressures from her family were affecting her and staying to drive her away and she was defensive of her beliefs. We tried sympathizing with her and told her we don't force anyone to believe our beliefs and apologized if it seemed that way. Unfortunately her husband was more impatient and aggressive of trying to get her to believe. We left the house saddened by this situation, that she was pushed away from the church, not because of the doctrine but the people. Don't be the stumbling block that keep people away from the church. Love people for who they are, whether they share beliefs or not. That's what Christ would do. Dont be a good companion friend, sibling or spouse. Be a Christlike companion, friend, sibling or spouse (cite my sources: Bro. Bartholomew, cant take credit for this).

When people ask us what we believe be firm and talk about it as if it is a fact, because it is isnt it? When people ask who is God? Dont say he's like our Father but in Heaven. Say He IS our Heavenly Father. Who is this Russel M. Nelson guy? Not: we believe or he's a cool guy who's like a prophet. No, he IS the prophet on the earth today called of God to lead and guide His church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints IS God's kingdom and church. If people disagree then that's ok but Alma grasped this idea in Alma 5:58, "And now my brethren, what have ye to say against this? I say unto you, if ye speak against it, it matters not, for the word of God must he fulfilled." Be bold, not rude or forceful, but have confidence and faith that the things you know are true. If you don't know then you can find out. Begin with a prayer then start searching the scriptures and find out if it's true for yourselves. We often tell people that sure maybe you could prove, by cross referencing the Bible and Book of Mormon and doing historical research, that The Book of Mormon is true. But there is no power in that. Instead our invitation and the invitation at the end of The Book of Mormon is to read it and study it for yourself, then "ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall all with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." 

I've done this and it has made the greatest impact on me than anything else in the world. Enough for this Navajo, Mexican, Filipino and Chinese looking, identity crisis having boy (me) to put everything on hold, sacrifice a pretty decent future, go halfway around the world to teach people he has absolutely no family ties to or any personal connections to in order to share a message about some Book. Spend 10 weeks studying Korean for an English speaking country, in a mission that has been trying to tell Salt Lake to stop sending Korean missionaries because there isn't a need for them, but they keep getting sent. Where the previous mission president has literally said that he doesn't know why Korean missionaries are here. Where my companion has only seen 3 Korean families as members of the church during his entire year of being on his mission, and the other Korean missionaries are guessing that I'm the last Korean missionary to be sent to Australia... Many people would immediately question why they were even here. But I know it is because God loves every single one of His children. Enough to send one person who speaks their language half way around the world in order to deliver the message of the Gospel personally to them. I know this is God's work. Why else would there be Korean speakers be sent to Australia? These calls aren't mistakes, but by divine inspiration. Am I having faith and hope because that's all I have to hold on to? Absolutely, but I can't wait to meet the person or people whom I was specifically called to deliver God's message to. Until then we'll keep studying and preparing for that day. Love you all, have a beautiful week.

Elder Escamilla
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WILD KANGAROOS!!


Spider of the week


Our Branch's chapel


These Aussies, just absolutely love Natives...


Elder Scott and I trying to bring some Korean in our non Korean area.


Elder Scott and I eating some Korean food.


Change of pace, tried some bike riding rather than the car


Well, self explanatory...

5 NOV 2018 ~ Week 1: In the Land Down Under

안녕하세요 Mates!!

If you're getting this email, then you know that I survived my first week in Australia! It has been very eventful, well where to begin...

My trainer is Elder Scott. He's 19yrs old from Utah, and has been on the mission for 1 yr & 2 months. Great guy, very knowledgeable of the area, good relations with the members, and also a Korean speaker like me!

Unfortunately, our level is about the same... and we are placed in an area with basically no Koreans. I haven't found any yet. The closest thing is a Sister in our Branch who served her mission in Korea. So a little concerning, but that's' ok. I like challenges anyways. I can't understand the accent anyways so there's my language immersion.

We have 2 potential baptisms coming up, which is great. We have Brodie, a baptismal date at the end of the month. Then I taught Jacob during Sunday School about the Book of Mormon and the Plan of Salvation. Then after the lesson he asked me about baptism. I shared with him my experience, what baptism was, why it's important, and the blessings that come from it. I asked him if this was something he was interested in learning more about and pursuing and he said yes. Later in the meetings I overheard him say that the Gospel just makes sense. So I'm excited to work with him and help him along the path.

Next, I've come to learn a very important lesson of missionary life.... We are poor. We live pretty frugally. Haven't eaten out yet since I've been out. We've have had ghetto lunches of whatever Elder Scott has had in the trunk of the car, like half bag of chips and chocolate... But that was more of a result of bad planning... I've never felt this poor before... So throughout the day I'll end up feeling starved, which isn't the best combination with the terrible feelings of jet lag I've had. I try to keep a good attitude but sometimes I think about it too much, and then we get blessed by someone offering us food and a member feeds us a wonderful meal and I am oh so grateful. Then I'm reminded of Alma 32:37-38.

So this missionary work is a very heart wrenching work. We were visiting one lady, we call her Grandma Jack. An older lady who absolutely loves the Bible. Loves reading pieces from intellectuals regarding the Bible that provide a different perspective and further analyzes the symbolism which she just gets so excited about. The approach I guess the missionaries have been taking in our area is more of being a friend and buddy buddies with the people they visit rather than... I guess being missionaries... who would want that, crazy... anyways, our visit with her was more like us checking up on our grandma as if we were in the area and seeing if she were ok... So no real lesson was prepared... more like did you read the Book of Mormon? No? Ok, cool all good, just get to it if you can.... I'm playing Junior companion and the Greenie and trusting and following my trainer and just following his lead... lets just say that we need to change some things. Anyways, as we were visiting and listening to her absolute love for the Bible I started tearing up a little. Because this was a daughter of our Heavenly Father who was lost. I could see the veil blocking her vision. She had done fantastic by loving the Bible, but was missing the full truth. She loved the intellectual men's words, but oh how she would lose it if she realized that I had the very word of God in my hand. I could see her in a temple session and she would probably die from excitement and absolute joy as she found the full truth. The Bible had given her this much joy, can you imagine how much more joy she would have if she realized what the Book of Mormon was and that Jesus Christ's true church was on the earth?!? She'd probably have a heart attack in front of us and beg for us to do her temple work or to baptize her.

I've been having these "visions" of the families we visit. Non-member like member. These visions are of their potential. When we visit with a broken family that we do service for pretty regularly, when we were with the family together in the kitchen chatting. I have this vision of them in the kitchen but on a Sunday morning getting ready for church and eating breakfast together. The family is no longer broken, but filled with absolute love for each other. Then I snapped out of it when they ask us where the church originated. This is it. This is the moment where we would get the ball rolling to fulfill this vision I've just seen about their potential. I look to my companion waiting to just follow his lead since he's seasoned and I'm think he's thinking the same thing. This family who have never received a lesson before and are about to receive the lesson of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ after several months of receiving gardening service from the missionaries. My companion opens his mouth and merely says that the church started in New York and then moved to Utah. I just sit there, absolutely shocked that this is all he could muster to get out... then before i could save and get something useful out, the moment is gone and the family needs to leave... It was a moment given to us on a golden platter and we did nothing with it.... There seems to be no spirit of urgency to get this message, the greatest message ever known to mankind, out to these people. The missionaries have been content with just making friends and visiting grandma and grandpa checking on them to see how bingo night went or how their grandkids are doing. Well don't get me wrong that's great and i think it's very important, but on the other hand, we're missionaries who are supposed to be bringing people closer to Christ. Additionally I understand every case is different and sometimes thats all we can do is be the grandkids or just offer service. But the other day we tried switching it up and actually asking if we could share a quick message and they were more than willing to listen. I don't want to make the other missionaries seem like their bad missionaries because they put on a good image for the Church and did a lot of service. But if these people are ever gonna reach their potential that God intended for them to achieve, we need to be bold and open our mouths and not be wishy washy. My companion has trouble with this. Rather than using church terms like companion or Apostle, he'll call me his "buddy or friend" when meeting other people, or call the Apostles these "good, cool, nice guys." His reasoning is that people would often get confused and ask what he meant or what those things meant. He got tired of trying to explain... I looked at him and told him, well isn't that the perfect opportunity for a missionary? To quickly and simply explain a lesson, and also to see if the people actually are listening? If they ask what is that, that's great because it shows that they're actually listening and trying to understand. 2nd it's the perfect opportunity to teach a quick overview of the Restoration or about Prophets and Apostles. Boom, easy. I think a lot of these missionaries think that they need a formal setting to teach a lesson where we're in a quiet place, free time and sitting down together. Well, as i look back we don't get very many of those opportunities because the rest of our time is spent getting yelled at by ladies who have to calm her frightened, scared to death daughter down from us merely knocking on the door and standing there, perfectly still.... So we need to take every single small opportunity we can get where people will even let us spit out that we are missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To let those small moments be led by the Spirit and allow these people to feel the special Spirit we carry with us, if we are worthy of it. This is done by having a bit of urgency and fire in your pants to share this message to every single person, the same desire that the Sons of Mosiah had in Mosiah 28:3-4. So it breaks my heart when we get to a door and they say their husband isn't home (because we can't enter a house with just the wife alone) and we say well we'll try again next week. NEXT WEEK!! Is this not the greatest blessing that anyone could possibly receive? Why not a quick scripture or video to watch later? Is this not the same fruit that Lehi desired of his sons to have that was described in Alma 32:42?! I just guess we'll let them wait to have this fruit for another week, they made it this far right? No, we can't wait. These people can't wait. They don't know it yet, but they are so desperately needing the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. We all do. We must share it, or else we'll be held accountable for it later. Can you imagine their response when they realize this incredible gift and find out that you've been keeping it from them this entire time? Can you hear them say "I suffered for days because of the loss of my family, because I thought I would never see them again. But you knew all along that this wasn't the case? You've known me for years but never thought to share this incredible knowledge?"  We need to treat this Gospel like Gold, because it is far greater than that. Please open your mouth.

We are gonna change the atmosphere in this mission. Miracles are gonna take place and our little branch of 30 is gonna be a booming ward. You know why? Because God loves every. Single. One. Of. HIS. CHILDREN. He wants every SINGLE ONE OF US TO COME BACK HOME TO HIM. HE WANTS EVERYONE TO FIND TRUE, PURE JOY THAT MAKES OUR HEART WANT TO BURST OUT OF OUR CHEST. Have you felt this? I have. It is the greatest thing in the world. I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints IS GODS KINGDOM ON EARTH. If you don't know it, then study the Book of Mormon and Heavenly Father will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. Please find out for yourselves, "for ye may" Jacob 3:2. And even all this ye can do if ye will Alma 33:23.

Long email, if you made it this far thank you. Not bad missionaries here. Its just good, better, best. They are in between good and better. Getting around doing some good. But i want best, and I think Heavenly Father and His Children deserve the best. I love you all, but more importantly Heavenly Father loves you. Have great week.

Elder Escamilla
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One less door to knock on during our rounds

This dinner with a part member family was a huge blessing
 
One of the many millions of spiders in Australia
 
Sharing some live oysters fresh from the ocean with Frank
Our small branch of 30 after church

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.