Rio Grande & Ushuaia Argentina

It has been awhile since I have written, and I apologize. I'm really trying to bob for all the apples I can get, and I don't feel like I have to time to take a breath!

I can't even remember what I wrote about the last time I did write... But I absolutely love the people here in Rio Grande. I love how God loves everyone of them. If we just open our hearts and look around, it isn't hard to see that God exists.

In other business not related to teaching, but very related to miracles, we went to Ushuaia this last week for district conference! I saw all the members from my first ward... our landlords, the Mena family. They are so sweet!  We slept in my old pension on the floor... can't say I miss being there, but the view is spectacular. It really was a last minute miracle that we even got there and then obtained food for 22 misionaries the night before the Sunday session.

I'd like to share a lesson on faith and grocery shopping. We went late after the Saturday session to buy noodles, hot dogs, and tomato sauce for the 22 missionaries that came with us from Rio Grande. The snow and wind was chilling us to our bones and the last bus for the night was no where in sight. We called for a taxi but no one answered. I said a silent prayer and waited. Wrong. We waited a long time. Nothing happened. Finally I decided we would either have to walk or go look for a taxi some other place. The moment I took a step, the bus showed up. Praying with faith requires action.

Other than that, we have lots of people progressing towards baptism! And not just progressing, but progressing in miraculous ways. I love the mission!

Once again, have to go! We'll see you all later!

Love, Elder Bartlett                               57 days remaining

In Ushuaia Argentina

Elder Bartlett & Elder Andreason

Ushuaia Argentina

Argentine Flag

Transfers are so sad

Dear family and friends,

I hate goodbyes... Elder Boyd was called to serve in Puerto Madryn in the very far north of the mission. Luckily my new companion, Elder Andreason, is super cool. It should be a good push to the end!

I love general conference! God really speaks to His children today through living prophets and apostles. I cannot deny that because in the act of pondering how to keep the teachings of 10 hours with me for the next six months, Elder Holland was inspired to speak about just that. Not only does God respond, He has an express line!

I love all of you,

Elder Bartlett

Rio Grande Argentina "He is there"

Sorry, we didn't have much time last week to write... This week was very sad, but also amazing! Sad because Elder Boyd is headed out to Puerto Madryn! He left today at 8:30... Sometime in the next couple days Elder Andreason should be here to be my new companion.

This week was miracle week! Out of no where an investigator in Tolhuin got married and the next day was baptized! Then by surprise President Rogers called and told the sisters that one of their investigators could get baptized! She had a rough travel towards baptism and had to leave behind her homosexual lifestyle, but she said that she felt so good after. You could see the light in her eyes and the love that she was filled with. It was beautiful.

Well friends, 3 more months. Time to sprint ;)





This week I received the absolute confirmation that God hears and answers our prayers.

Exhibit A

Monday night we were walking home, everything had failed that day, no one was home. We decide to use up what little time was left to talk to at least two more people. The last door we knocked on opened and, to our great surprise, let us in. We grew even more surprised as the woman who owned the house explained that she didn't believe in God. Okay... We began to teach, and she offered to read. When she asked questions, she accepted our answers. She did everything that someone who doesn't believe in God doesn't do. Why?

The second visit her sister was present and explained to us the depth of this woman's unbelief. Her sister explained that often she would yell out and accuse God of not helping her, of not filling her home with food or sending someone to do so. One night after a long day she yelled, "Where are you?" Then we knocked on the door. We testified of that we have a Father in Heaven that loves us, and that He sent His Son to save us. We testified that The Son of God suffered for our sins, died, and resurrected! I know my Savior lives, and I know God hears my prayers.

Exhibit B

We prayed to see penguins... and we saw PENGUINS!!

Love, Elder Bartlett

Elder Bartlett & Elder Boyd

Algunos Asuntos

Mom & Dad,

I actually just got all the papers to buy tickets to go home, so I'm in charge of filling everything out. The interview I'll ask President Rogers about, but I imagine he knows considering more than half the mission is going to BYU after! I'll see almost everyone after the mission!

Leadership Council (Elder Bartlett in the back row, middle, blond with glasses)

I am currently serving as the Zone Leader of Rio Grande, that's why I'm always sitting on a bus...

Thanks for always sending me pictures, it really keeps me going. You are the only ones that really write me anymore, but you do it so well that I am satisfied with just your emails!

Love,

Elder Bartlett

BAPTISMEl

aludos a Todos,

Elder Bartlett here with some grand news! Ignacia Villa was baptized and confirmed this weekend! The water was a little cold, but the Spirit warmed everyone up!

Beautiful.

2 Nefi 4:35

 35 Sí, sé que Dios dará liberalmente a quien pida. Sí, mi Dios me dará, si no pido impropiamente. Por lo tanto, elevaré hacia ti mi voz; sí, clamaré a ti, mi Dios, roca de mi rectitud. He aquí, mi voz ascenderá para siempre hacia ti, mi roca y mi Dios sempiterno. Amén.

He is my rock. He is my anchor. He is my power. I can do whatever He asks of me because He will help me, strengthen me, and show me the way. He loves me, and He loves all of my brothers and sisters.

Love,

Elder Bartlett

Ricardo & Ignacia

Elder Boyd & Elder Bartlett on right

BAPTISM ON SATURDAY!!

Ignacia gets baptized this Saturday by her husband, Ricardo. It was so special when we asked her who she wanted to baptize her, she asked him, and he asked us if he could. We said yes, and he started crying... This Saturday will be so cool! I'll make sure I get pictures ;)

Sorry for writing late, we had a meeting in Comodoro Rivadavia, and had to travel from Monday morning until last night. I can't feel my back, but my spirit is strong!

This last sunday, we had the biggest Gospel Essentials class I have ever seen! Seven people were there investigating, plus returning less-actives. Rio Grande is growing! I honestly wouldn't mind staying here to finish my mission... I just might!

Not much to tell, the work here is going great! Dreaming of home, but trying to stay focused and finish well.

Love to all those back home and spread across the world!

Elder Bartlett

Marriage

Queridísimos Brothers and Sisters,

I have a big anouncement! Ricardo and Ignacia got married! Ricardo is from Peru and has been a member for a few years. The missionaries started visiting Ignacia and she let the message into her heart, and started making changes! It was a long battle, but after several years, they finally got everything together and now she will be baptized the 12th of March by her husband who received the priesthood this Sunday! We are also working with their son, Marcelino. They are such a cool family!

In other news, Elder Bednar is touring South America, and we had a satelite transmission with him on Tuesday. It was the most remarkable experience I have ever had. It was a meeting that was completely guided by the Spirit, free of... It's hard to describe. He set up a situation where we were able to interact with him and he didn't KNOW exactly where we would go, but simply followed the Spirit and we all learned togeher. He truly is a man called and inspired of God to guide us in these days.

Shout out to my nephew, Eli, and neice, Lydia, for their baptisms! I am so proud of you! Also to my nephew, Matthew, for his birthday and receiving the priesthood!

Lots of Argentine love,

Elder Bartlett