Chile Santiago East Mission

Gabriela Zone Apartment Inspections, Friday, February 10, 2012

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Elders Daines and Christensen serve as the Zone Leaders in the Gabriela Zone.

Vicuna Mackenna Zone Apartment Inspections, Friday, February 10, 2012

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Elders Tooley and Firth are serving as the Zone Leaders in the Vicuna Mackenna Zone.

Javiera Carrera Zone Apartment Inspections, Thursday, February 9, 2012

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Elders Jofre and McNeil

serve as the Zone Leaders of the Javiera Carrera Zone.

Elder Mientus has special permission to have facial hair because of a skin condition that he battles every day.

La Florida Zone Apartment Inspections, Thursday, February 9, 2012

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Elders Isom and Bowen serve as the La Florida Zone Leaders.

Returned Missionaries

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We love seeing our missionaries who have returned home
and have moved to "al proximo nivel" in their personal lives.

Alicahue Zone Apartment Inspections, Wednesdey, February 8, 2012

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Elder Gundestrup and Elder Bench

serve as the Zone Leaders of the Alicahue Zone.

Nunoa Zone Apartment Inspections, Wednesday, February 8

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Elder and Walker and Elder Christopherson
serve as the Zone Leaders of the Nunoa Zone.

Apartment Inspections, Tuesday, February 7, 2012

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Las Condes Zone Apartment Inspections, February 2012

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Elder Burton and Elder Taylor are serving as the Las Condes Zone Leaders.

We enjoyed our visits to every apartment

in the Las Condes Zone on Tuesday, February 7, 2012.

La Reina Zone Apartment Inspections, February 2012

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La Reina Zone

Elder Miller and Elder Bench are the La Reina Zone Leaders.

We felt the enthusiasm of these fine Elders

as we met with them in their apartments on Tuesday, February 7.

We Love Our Missionaries!

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The Santiago East Mission Received 13 New Missionaries on January 24 and 25

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On January 25, 2012 we met with all of our new missionaries and their trainers in the Las Condes Chapel for an oreintation and lunch. We felt the great love that these missionaries brought with them, and we knew immediately that they would bless our mission in unusual ways. These missionaries were an answer to President and Sister Laycock's prayers for more Latin missionaries in our mission. We needed these fine young men to come and be the Angels that take the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who are searching for the truth.. The Lord needed these fine young men to come to the Chile, Santiago East Mission. We were so grateful for their safe arrival.

Thirteen total new missionaries arrived. Nine came from the Chile CCM, and the other three came from other CCM's in South America. Their names are: Elders Aguirre, Ayaviri, Ayuso, Bustamante, Carvajal, Cordova, Diaz, Insfran, Menendez, Rohre, Rossell, Vega, and Velandia. What a wonderful blessing they are to us and to the Chile, Santiago East Mission.

New Missionary Orientation

Las Condes Chapel, Santiago, January 25, 2012

New Missionary Orientation

Las Condes Chapel, Santiago, January 25, 2012

Elder Miguel, President Laycock

Santiago Airport, January 24, 2012

Sister Laycock, Elder Ayaviri

Santiago Airport, January 24, 2012

Seven Missionaries Returned Home in January

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President Laycock, Sister Laycock, Sister Verastegi

Santiago Airport, January 5, 2012

It is a mystery to us how Heavenly Father causes us to love every one of our missionaries so deeply. It is as if they are own children. We want them to succeed in every aspect of their lives. We pray for them all to be able to return to their homes, remain active and faithful in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, find eternal companions, and create eternal families. We hope for all of them to gain the gift of eternal life through their faithfulness and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. We love them all dearly, and we will miss every one of them so much. We look forward to seeing them often over the coming years of our lives. They inspire us in every way.

Sister Laycock, Elder Villagran, President Laycock

Santiago Airport, January 24, 2012

President Laycock, Elder Besich, Sister Laycock

Santiago Airport, January 23, 2012

President Laycock, Elder Bess, Sister Laycock

Santiago Temple January 2012

Sister Laycock, Elder Montecinos, President Laycock

Santiago Airport, January 24, 2012

Elder Deaver, President Laycock, Sister Laycock, Elder Hooser

Santiago Airport, January 23, 2012

President Laycock, Sister Laycock, Elders Montecinos, Hooser, Villagran, Deaver, and Lopez

Santiago Temple, January 20, 2012

President and Sister Laycock had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Santiago Temple with these Elders as they faithfully completed their mission service. (Actually, Elder Lopez will not finish until March, but we invited him to accompany us a little early.) Then we spent the day with them and showed them some of the important cultural sites in Santiago and learned together. We enjoyed a sweet lunch with them, and promised to stay in touch over the years of our lives.

It was difficult to say good-bye to them, but we know that their influence will be felt among the missionaries, members, and people in Chile forever. We are so thankful for their faithful service. We love them all dearly!!! We will miss them tremendously. They have been a great blessing to all of us in the Chile, Santiago East Mission.

December Baptism

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We enjoyed many baptisms during the month of December.

New Missionaries Arrived on Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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On December 13, four New missionaries joined the Chile, Santiago East Mission. We oriented them, interviewed them, had a delicious meal with them, and then sent them out to their areas to begin teaching and preaching the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were excited, and their trainers were looking forward to helping them be the best they can be. We are very thankful for these fine new missionaries.

Two Missionaries Returned Home During December

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We love our missionaries. And we miss them when they go home, but we know the Lord will watch over them and help them to do and become all that He wants them to do and become. We know their influence will be felt in Santiago forever. We love our Missionaries.

Assistants

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Missionaries Blessing Lives in Santiago!

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Christmas 2011 Activities at the Temple

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During the month of December, we enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Christmas on the Temple grounds. It was a great blessing for our missionaries to get to bring those they were teaching to see the beauty of the Temple grounds and to participate in the programs and displays and tours of the Temple.

We feel blessed to have the Santiago Temple in our mission. We feel the powerful influence of the Temple in all that we are working to teach our Chilean Brothers and Sisters. As we teach and baptize people, we always try to point them toward the Temple. We know that we must help them to make and keep sacred Temple covenants if we want to truly establish the Church here in Chile.

When we bring people to the Temple grounds, they feel the sweet spirit that is always there, and they want to know more. They want to go inside and enjoy the spirit they feel in even more abundance. Our missionaries are able to attend the Temple quarterly during their service in the Chile, Santiago East Mission. This is a great blessing to all of us individually and Collectively. We have four Sisters who serve at the Temple. They always look forward to being able to serve there.

Christmas 2011 Mission Activity: Day Activities, Dinner and Fireside

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Our mission Christmas activity on Monday, December 5, 2011 was a great success. During the day, we gathered at one of the beautiful Santiago Parks where
we played games to build team unity and love among our missionaries.

T
hen we went to the Lynch North Chapel for a Fireside and Christmas meal together. It was a wonderful day full of fun, learning, and love. At the end, we watched "A Christmas Carol" and ate real popcorn and empanadas. Our missionaries were happy to see this movie, since President Monson had talked about it in his Christmas Devotional talk on December 4.

We were very grateful to our Assistants, Elders Stark and Deaver, and to our Office Elders, Elders Orozco, Besich, Tooley, and Smith for their diligent efforts in planning and preparing this activity.

We all felt a renewed desire to serve the Lord as we reviewed our goals together and planned for the month of December to be a "White Christmas." We love our missionaries very much. They are obedient and diligent. They are working so hard to bring the true and restored gospel of Jesus Christ to their Chilean Brothers and Sisters.

Christmas 2011 Mission Day Activity

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Christmas 2011 Mission Dinner and Fireside

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Christmas 2011 Mission Day Activity

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Christmas 2011 Mission Day Activity

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Christmas 2011 Mission Day Activity

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Christmas 2011 Mission Day Activity

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Christmas 2011

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Our Christmas 2011 activity was so meaningful for all of us. We were very thankful to be serving together as missionaries in the Chile, Santiago East Mission.

Every one of our missionaries is giving himself or herself to the Lord in remarkable ways. We are working to take ourselves and our mission to the next spiritual level, and we know that with the Lord's help, we will achieve success.

We love our Missionaries, and we enjoy spending time with them. We love our Savior, and we are thankful for His birth, His life, and His Atonement. His love makes it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father as eternal families.

Mission President's Seminar November 2011

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November 29 through December 2, 2011 all Mission Presidents in Chile along with their wives, the Area Presidency, Area Medical Advisors, and others spent the week together planning and preparing for 2012.

It was a glorious opportunity for us to ask and answer questions while enjoying the majesty of Chile. We received inspiration, and we rejuvenate ourselves. We are so very thankful for the advice and counsel we received, and we are especially grateful for the inspiration that came to us through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

We have been so blessed to have wonderful leaders as we have served. Elder and Sister Corbridge, Elder and Sister Zeballos, and Elder and Sister Richards are inspired and inspiring. They have changed our lives and made us want to be more devoted servants of our Heavenly Father. They love all of the people of Chile very much, and they especially love the missionaries who have served so faithfully.

President Laycock

Chilean Countryside

Mission President Seminar, December 2011

Chile Mission Presidents and Wives

Area Presidency and Other Area Members

Mission President Seminar, December 2011

Elder and Sister Corbridge

Mission President's Seminar, December, 2011

President and Sister Laycock, Sister Memot (Area Psychologist)

Mission President Seminar, December 2011

Chile Mission Presidents and Wives

Area Presidency and Other Area Members

Mission President Seminar, December 2011

An Uninvited Visitor in the Lynch North Chapel

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Elder Muniz and Hermana Flores

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We love our Missionaries so much! We will miss these fine Missionaries, but we know the Lord needs them in other areas where they will serve their families and their Wards and Stakes. They have been a great blessing to the Chile, Santiago East Mission, and their influence will be felt here forever.

Chilean Youth Are Amazing! We Love All of Them Very Much!

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We Love Our Mission!

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What a blessing it is to work together with wonderful people in the Lord's Vineyard. We love the members and the missionaries of the Chile, Santiago East Mission.

Specialized Training in Every Zone and District Classes During November

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Specialized Training in Every Zone and District Classes During November

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During District and Zone Classes in November, we took the opportunity to review what Elder Quentin Cook and Sister Cook taught us during their visit in our Mission. We will be better Missionaries because of their wise counsel and good example.

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Mission Activity

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Santiago East and West Missions

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Missionary Work...We Love It!

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October Mission Activity

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October Mission Activity

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Chile Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Missionary Work in Chile

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We enjoyed the week-long celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the first Chilean Mission of the Church in Chile from October 8th-15th. We wish every one of you could have been here with us to enjoy the festivities and participate in the amazing activities. It was in every way, spectacular. On October 8, we enjoyed a fireside at the Lynch Norte Chapel which was broadcast to many Stake Centers throughout Chile. We learned about the past 50 years of the Church in Chile. Then Elder Zeballos of the Area Presidency asked us what will happen in the next 50 years of the Church in Chile. It was absolutely beautiful. During the week, we had visitors and investigators who wanted to learn and discover who we are and what we know and believe. It was wonderful!

On October 15th, more than 22,000 people gathered in a beautiful open-air Santiago Stadium just as the sun was setting on Santiago. It had been rainy and cold all week, and we prayed for good weather. It was perfect... no rain at all, just clear skies and fresh, cool, clean air!

First, we were privileged to hear from Elder Richards, Elder Zeballos, and Elder Corbridge (our Area Presidency) in a fireside setting which was perfect. Then we were entertained and taught through an elaborate and beautiful presentation which included nearly 3,000 youth from throughout the Country of Chile and many others. The dancing and music and costumes were colorful and artistically designed and created. We were thoroughly overcome with gratitude and love for our Chilean Brothers and Sisters and their overwhelming National Pride. The giant jumbo trons featured none other than a video of several of our missionaries teaching and preaching the Gospel and serving their Chilean Brothers and Sisters.

Our Missionaries were part of the program. Along with the missionaries from the North, West, East, andRancagua Missions, they were seated in the stands near the stage. A touching scene portraying a beautiful, faithful family saying good-bye to their son as he left to serve his mission brought tears to our eyes and filled us with gratitude for the Missionary Program of the Church. Then the spotlights flooded in upon the gigantic force of Missionaries wearing beautiful white shirts and huge sparkling smiles. In powerful, faithful voices, they sang, "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go." It was spectacular! We felt such an outpouring of the Spirit. I don't think there was a dry eye in the entire stadium as the missionary on the stage, lovingly left his family and walked quietly across the stadium field pulling his suitcase behind him. Accompanied by the beautiful voices of our missionaries singing, it was a heart-warming setting and scene, and we were filled with the spirit of missionary work and its importance in our lives. Every person in the stands felt incredible gratitude for missionaries and the missionary program of the Church because of course, they were all brought to the true and restored Gospel by their own set of missionaries. They reverence and pay homage to all missionaries because they are so very grateful that some missionaries found and taught and baptized them. They know that without missionaries and the sacrifices they make, they themselves would not be members of the true and living Church. It was so powerful and so very beautiful.

The presentation depicted different historical episodes of the Americas along with the development of the Church in Chile. Music and dances from three continents were included with spectacular, gorgeous costumes designed and made by parents and volunteers.

We are constantly amazed at the talents and abilities that make possible these presentations. We know that without the help of the Lord, none of this would be possible here in Santiago. This was clearly a labor of love that has had remarkable influence here. Many people are wanting to know more about the Church because of this activity. We know that the positive effects of this celebration will be felt for years to come. We are so thankful to have been a small part of it all.

Chile Celebration

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Chile Celebration

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Chile Celebration

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Chile Celebration

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Chile Celebration

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Chile Celebration

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Can you find your Missionary among the army of Missionaries in the Stadium? This was a powerful part of the program. All of our Missionaries, combined with the Santiago North, Santiago West, and Rancagua Missions sang, "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" as the touching scene of a missionary saying good-bye to his family took place on the stage. The missionary then walked alone all the way across the field, carefully pulling his luggage behind him. There was not a dry eye in the entire stadium. The offering of a missionary is a sacred and wonderful part of the Lord's Plan of Salvation. It really is so beautiful and sweet.

Chile Celebration

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Another touching part of the program was the depiction of the pioneers and their numerous sacrifices. We reflected upon the gratitude we feel for the many pioneers who made it possible for all of us to enjoy the fruits of their many labors and difficulties. Our hearts were filled with gratitude and thanksgiving as we watched these pioneers pull their handcarts across the prairies on their journey toward Zion.

Chile Celebration

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Chile Celebration

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Christ's visit to the America's was, for us, the most powerful part of the entire evening! A hush fell over the audience as this portrayal filled our hearts and minds with gratitude for the Atonement and for the sacrifice of our Savior.

Missionary Visits to Chile

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During the week of October 11-18, we enjoyed many fun visits from Missionaries who have served in Chile. We love every one of them and are so grateful for their service here.

Devotional, October 8, 2011

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On October 8, 2011 a Devotional with our Area Presidency was broadcast from the Lynch Norte Chapel to many Stake Centers throughout Chile. It was a wonderful evening which began the week of festivities celebrating the Anniversary of 50 years of Missionary Work in Chile. We enjoyed it very much. At Elder Zeballos' suggestion, we all turned our thoughts toward the next fifty years of Missionary Work in Chile and what we can accomplish if we all work together to do the Lord's work in the Lord's way. We are so thankful to be a part of this great work! Our Missionaries are working so hard to make their service here meaningful in every way.

New Office Staff Beginning in November, 2011

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Office Missionaries of the Chile Santiago East Mission and Sister Laycock at the Airport

Elder Deaver, Elder Smith, Elder Phenix, Elder Tooley, Elder Besich, and Elder Stark

We could not ask for better, more faithful missionaries to keep the office in order and help our mission always move to "al proximo nivel."

Chilean Cultural Event Involving all Missionaries from the Santiago East Mission

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http://www.lds.cl/s/

Chilean 50 Year Celebration of Mission Work

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http://lds.org/church/news/chile-celebrates-50-years-of-missionary-work?lang=eng

El Barrio, Consistorial

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Sister Kemp with Sister Laycock and three Sisters at the CCM who will be coming to our Mission all joined in the activity in the Consistorial Ward. It was fantastic!

One of the dear Sisters made a missionary doll for President Laycock. What a treasure! We love our Chilean brothers and Sisters so much. They are always so loving and sweet. We are so thankful for their kindness and charity.

The Consistorial Ward had a wonderful Missionary activity. The Elders and Sisters from the Chile MTC all participated in a joint Missionary activity and then later attended Sunday meetings. President and Sister Laycock presented a devotional during the third hour of the block meetings.

President and Sister Laycock also had the opportunity to attend the Javiera Carrera joint Stake Mission activity during October. In this activity, the missionaries joined with the Stake Youth who served a mini mission, including personal and companionship study, language study, and proselyting activities throughout the afternoon. The activity culminated in a Stake Devotional in which a special video presentation containing the testimonies of the majority of the missionaries who have served from the Javiera Carrera Stake. The video presentation also included a slide presentation of pictures of Santiago East Missionaries. President Laycock, President Faundez, and Sister Laycock spoke during the fireside. What a marvelous and wonderful blessing it was to be with the Javiera Carrera Stake.

During October, President and Sister Laycock also attended the La Florida 1 Noche de Hogar. President Laycock spoke on the topic of eternal families and related mission topics, and then delicious food was served.

During October President and Sister Laycock also visited the Tobalaba Ward where President spoke on the important mission of pioneers. It was a wonderful evening with refreshments and a video, "Seventeen Miracles."

We enjoyed each of these activities tremendously, and know that those who attended and participated were blessed. Our missionaries were instrumental in making these activities happen. We are so thankful for faithful missionaries who work so hard to serve the members of their respective wards.

Day of Good-byes

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We were grateful for the opportunity to spend the day with our Elders and Sisters completing their missions. We attended the Temple together and then travelled to various cultural sights in Santiago. We ended our day with a dinner and time for advice from President and Sister Laycock. The meal was delicious, and the day couldn't have been more perfect.

We Always Enjoy Meeting the Parents and Family Members of Our Missionaries

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It was a great pleasure for us to meet the fathers of Elders Measom and Jacobs along with Elder Jacobs brother. When we met the dear fathers who raised these two fine Missionaries and then unselfishly shared them with the Lord for two years, we could immediately understand how these young men have become such devoted servants of the Lord. We are very thankful for wonderful parents who teach and lead their sons and daughters to serve the Lord with all their heart, might, mind, and strength.

In October, 2011 We Bid a Fond Farewell to 15 Excellent and Faithful Missionaries

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President and Sister Laycock were so grateful for this sweet and thoughtful gift prepared for us by Sister Tilley and all of our Missionaries. We will wear these special aprons with gratitude and happiness, and each time we put them on we will remember our wonderful missionaries...all of our missionaries whose signatures, you can see, filled every available space.

We will miss the influence of these fine missionaries in our Mission. They have served so faithfully and have completed every task that the Lord asked them to do with charity and determination. Their influence will be eternally remembered in the Chile, Santiago East Mission. Our hearts will always be filled with love and gratitude for all that these fine young people have become.

13 Elders and Sisters Arrived in the Santiago East Mission November 1, 2011

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We were thrilled to receive 13 new missionaries on November 1, 2011. Five Elders and 1 Sister came from the United States. Four Elders and three Sisters came from the Chile MTC. We could immediately feel the love that they brought with them from all over the world, and we were so thankful to have them join us in the Lord's Chile, Santiago East Mission. We traveled to the Las Condes Stake Center where we had a short orientation, introduced them to their first companions, fed them lunch, and then sent them off to their sectors for their very first day of teaching and preaching to their Chilean Brothers and Sisters. They were filled with joy and wonder as we drove through the streets of the city. Today was a National Holiday in Chile, so the city streets were quiet and peaceful. The weather was foggy and a little bit Chilly, but by the end of the afternoon, the sun was shining and welcoming these dear Elders and Sisters to beautiful Santiago. We loved each one of them immediately, and we could feel their deep desire to serve the Lord as His missionaries.

We enjoyed seeing President and Sister MacArthur at the airport. They were there to pick up their Missionaries going to the Chile, Rancagua Mission. We love them very much and are grateful for their faithful examples.

One special part of our orientation was when President taught us the parable of the Geese. We enjoyed every minute of learning together with these new Missionaries. They are intelligent, happy, brave, and loving.

13 Elders and Sisters Arrived in the Santiago East Mission November 1, 2011

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We enjoyed lunch together after we had our orientation. The lunch was delicious fettuccini, salad, and wonderful Chilean bread. What a great blessing it was to have so many wonderful new missionaries!

13 Elders and Sisters Arrived in the Santiago East Mission November 1, 2011

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Elders Deaver and Stark, our Assistants, shared Alfajores to welcome the Elders and Sisters at the airport. Alfajores are always a welcome, special Chilean treat!

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Another Fond Farewell

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We said farewell to Elder Boyce, Elder Nieves, and Elder Matthews on September 5, 2011. We will miss these fine Missionaries so much. They have served and blessed our Mission in so many ways. They have brought many Souls unto Christ. They have been faithful and loving and full of Charity. We love them very much, and we look forward to seeing them again and to hearing of their many successful life endeavors.

Mission Miracle

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We want to share a miracle with you. During July and August, we had a mission-wide fast to help us find new investigators to teach. We wanted to find many more people to teach, and we knew we needed the Lord's help to do so, so we initiated a fast. Each companionship of missionaries took a day to fast, and so the fast lasted forty days. We want to share with you just one of the many, many miracles that took place during that fast.

Our Assistants started their day of the forty day fast for the mission on Thursday, August 7 after lunch. They were fasting with a special purpose: to find someone to teach and baptize, to be able to be more obedient to the Lord, and to completely dedicate themselves to Him. The next day, after having finished their fast, they sat down, prayed to the Lord to please hear their prayer, and then they ate their lunch. Here is their account of their miracle.

"As we finished our meal, we sat in silence for a few minutes. The phone rang as we sat, pondering what we had learned from our fast. It was a man who identified himself as a member of our ward. He explained that his daughter had been going to church for years, and that he had not felt that he wanted her to be baptized. But he said that now his heart had changed, and that he would like her to be baptized the very next day.

She had been taught the lessons, and had accepted the truth, but she had never received parental permission from him until that moment. After the call, we sat in awe as we thought about how very much the Lord loves all of His children and will bless us as we choose to follow Him and plead for His help. The very next day, Saturday the 9th, the daughter was baptized by Elder Amado of the First Quorum of the Seventy and confirmed a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."

We testify that this is the Lord's work. He loves his missionaries. He works beside us every minute of every day. The great gathering of Israel is taking place all over the earth, and we see miracles like these happening every day in our Mission, and we know that they take place in every Mission all over the world. We are so thankful to be a small part of this wonderful work. We are thankful for the opportunity to see people change their lives and come unto Christ. We know that the Gospel changes lives in miraculous ways. With the help of the Gospel, people are able to make their lives better. Families are able to love one another more, and young Missionaries are able to become men and women of God who will be forever faithful and courageous and strong.

Our hearts are filled to overflowing with all of the wonderful blessings that Heavenly Father gives us, His children. Listening to General Conference was a wonderful treat this weekend for all of us. We were especially touched by so many of the messages to and for the Lord's Missionaries. Of course, we know that we were so touched by these messages because of where we are right now, and because of the fact that we get to know and see so many of the Lord's faithful Missionaries as they work and serve every day. It is also because of our dear Missionary Son, Elder Landon Laycock who is working so hard to teach and preach the Gospel to his brothers and sisters in Uruguay. It is really a wonderful blessing for us to get to be Missionaries at the same time that Landon is serving. When he tells us what is happening in his Mission, we know exactly what he is experiencing. And all of the Mission language actually really makes sense...transfer week, Zone Conference, District Leader, Pension Inspections, Companion Exchanges, etc. When he tells us what is happening in his Mission, we just know, and we can picture it all in our mind. We love it! We are thankful for this year that we will serve while he is serving.

We are preparing for the celebration of the Anniversary of the 50th year of the Church in Chile. It will be a gigantic celebration that will be held in one of the big soccer stadiums in our mission. All of the country of Chile will be here for the celebration, and all Missionaries who have ever served here are invited. Our Missionaries get to participate. We will focus on bringing inactive members and investigating members to the celebration. One is on Saturday the 8th of October, and the other is on the 15th of October. The week between the 8th and the 15th will be filled with activities commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Church in Chile. It will be a fabulous week for missionaries to find new people to teach! A film crew from Salt Lake City came to our mission and asked to be able to accompany our missionaries so that they could film them as they go about their daily missionary work last week. They have been impressed by the spirit they have felt as they have been with our Missionaries, and our Missionaries are so excited!!!

We know that the work we are doing here is the Lord's work, and we are thankful to be a small part of it all. Thank you for your love and your prayers. Keep praying for Chile!

Feed my Sheep

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Our son, Elder Landon Laycock (Landoncito) is serving his Uruguayan brothers and sisters. We were happy to receive this picture this week. We know that Elder Laycock is feeding the Lord's lambs in Uruguay, just as our missionaries are feeding the Lord's sheep in Santiago. This photo is taken at an investigator's home where he was teaching and learning. He reports that the people of Uruguay are happy and helpful and humble. He loves them all very much. We are so thankful for the missionary program. It blesses our lives in so many ways every single day!

Blessings in Santiago

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Elder Maxfield and President Laycock

Elder Maxfield sent us this beautiful picture of Santiago that he took as his plane flew away from Santiago on the night that he completed his mission service. We thought that it looked much like a treasure trove of jewels, sparkling in the night. That is how we think of Santiago. Her people are jewels that sparkle and glisten in the light of the Lord.

We love going to the airport! We always enjoy those we meet there. We saw Presidente and Hermana Humphrey, from the Concepcion Mission. They always inspire us! We are grateful for their examples.

September 18, Chilean National Holiday Celebration

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We understand the National Pride that Chileans feel for this beautiful country! As we watched these breath-takingly beautiful Chileans perform through music and dance on September 19, we were filled with emotion and love. The Chilean people are stately and majestic. We love them, and we honor their culture and heritage. We feel so blessed to be able to get to know them and to feel of their royal birthright. They are truly wonderful in every way.

During the week of the 11th through the 19th of September, we were able to see and participate in many beautiful celebrations of this amazing Country. We pray for the Lord's choicest blessings to be upon this Country and her dear people.

Celebration of the Chilean National Holiday

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September 18 Chilean National Holiday

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19 New Missionary-Angels Arrived in the Chile, Santiago East Mission on September 21, 2011

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These amazing missionaries arrived on September 19. They had been in the mission for nearly two weeks on Friday, September 30, when we were able to meet with them and their trainers again for another orientation and to answer any questions they had. They were so happy and excited to be in Santiago. They reported to us that all was going well, and that they were working hard and learning the language and the PMG Lessons quickly. President Laycock got to give each of the Elder's a big hug, and I got to hug the Sisters! They each had their own concerns, but they were strong and brave, and they are growing in so many beautiful ways. They looked healthy and happy. We are so proud of each one of them, and we are grateful to have this opportunity to serve with them here in this area of the Lord's Vineyard! They inspire us. They are working diligently and pushing themselves to be excellent missionaries in every way. They really are Angels, bringing the world the truth of the true, restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We can see the light in their eyes. We are very proud of them.

Nineteen New Missionaries Arrived in the Santiago East Mission on September 21, 2011

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When we introduced these new missionaries to their new companions, we experienced an immediate bond among all of us. We were so grateful that we have such faith and confidence in the missionaries who were assigned to train these precious new missionaries. We know how very important the influence of a faithful, obedient trainer is in the life of a new missionary. Each one of these trainers will bless the life of his or her new companion throughout eternity in so many ways. Thank Heaven for obedient, wonderful missionaries! We love them so much!

Loading Luggage at the Santiago Airport

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We immediately felt such a deep desire for these missionaries to have the best mission-experience in the whole world! We loaded their luggage, and we got to know them a little better as we drove to a chapel in our mission where we had a short orientation together, and then we ate a delicious lunch together, and President Laycock interviewed each of them. We introduced them to their new companions, and they went out for their first day of teaching and preaching. They were exhausted by the end of the day, and each of them had the opportunity to get settled in their new "home" sleeping on their very own new pillow!

New Missionaries Arrived on Tuesday, September 20, 2011

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We received a group of 19 wonderful, bright, sweet, eager, smart, angel-missionaries on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. They were so anxious to get right to work sharing the Gospel! They had hundreds of questions, and they exclaimed over and over, "We are finally in Chile. This is our mission. We are really here. It hardly seems real." President Laycock and I were so grateful for their safe arrival. We welcomed 16 of them from the United States at the Santiago Airport, and then we welcomed the other 3 from the Chile CCM. We immediately loved them all so much. It is always such a miracle to me how Heavenly Father immediately allows us to feel such overwhelming love for each of our missionaries. The more we got to know them, the more love we felt for them and from them. They are a very loving and dedicated group of angels. We are so thankful for them!

Elder Packer's Object Lesson, "Presentation of the Cake"

2011-09-26T15:05:00.003-03:00

As we studied together during the past two months, always in our hearts was the desire to become better, more powerful, more capable gospel teachers. We understand that the Holy Ghost is the true teacher and that in order to be effective, we must always have the Holy Ghost to accompany us. But we also know and understand that we must do all that we can to be prepared and knowledgeable so that we can present the Gospel in a pleasing manner. We studied together and learned the importance of our successful presentation of the Gospel. Like this cake, the Gospel is always sweet and inviting. We must use our talents and abilities to present it in a pleasing way.

Elder Packer's Object Lesson, "Presentation of the Cake"

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Elder Nieves was the perfect volunteer for our object lesson!

He was eager to assist.

Elder Nieves was anxious to help us teach this principle...

...and to eat the delicious cake!

Our presentation of the cake (gospel) matters!

Thanks to Elder Nieves, our object lesson was very effective.

Elder Packer's Object Lesson, "Presentation of the Cake"

2011-09-26T14:49:00.003-03:00

Elder Miller volunteered to help us with the object lesson in one Zone Conference. He was perfect for the job. He enjoyed his cake (the gospel) very much!

Our August Zone Conferences were a "sweet" experience for all of us. President Laycock taught us about the absolute necessity of our becoming skilled gospel teachers. We reviewed together Chapters 2 and 10 of "Preach My Gospel," and we learned that it is our responsibility to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a pleasing way so that we can successfully invite many people to come unto Christ. We learned so much, and we rededicated ourselves to practice and to prepare even better.

August Zone Conferences

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In August, our Zone Conferenced focused on becoming excellent gospel teachers. We always enjoy being with every single missionary in the mission and sharing our thoughts and ideas so that we can become better, more powerful teachers and representatives of our Savior.

Mission Blessings

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Our Special Baptism

Elder Krewson and Elder Bench with President Laycock

Elder Stark and Elder Lopez with President Laycock

Elder Whitney with his parents and President and Sister Laycock

Our Dear Assistant, Elder Tilley

Nunoa Stake Primary Missionary Activity

2011-09-26T14:25:00.003-03:00

Our Missionaries in the Nunoa Stake were blessed in the month of August as we were invited to participate in a training for all Primary Students and their parents. We taught the children what they need to do to prepare to become representatives of Jesus Christ as full time Missionaries. We even held a mini zone conference in which they could all to participate. What a blessing for these children to prepare now while they are so young! Excitement filled the air as we worked together to teach these young people what they need to do to prepare themselves in every way to serve full time missions.

Nunoa Stake Primary Missionary Activity

2011-09-26T14:05:00.004-03:00

Elder Daines taught Primary Children

how they will need to dress to be good missionaries.

We love the children of the Nunoa Stake and their wonderful leaders.

These beautiful future missionaries were excited to learn.

Primary Children and Parents of the Nunoa Stake

gathered together to learn how to prepare to be missionaries.

Our missionaries assisted with a wonderful missionary activity

for the Primary Children in the Nunoa Stake

August, 2011

This activity is held around this time of year every year. The Primary children and their parents come and learn what they need to do to prepare to serve full time missions, and it is excellent preparation for the families of these prospective missionaries to begin right now to prepare to serve.

We are so thankful for faithful leaders who are doing the Lord's work in the Lord's way, who love these children and their families enough to help them prepare for mission service, and who dedicate so much of their time and talent to building the Kingdom of God.

As we spent the day with these young people, at one point, I looked into the bright, shining face of one of these beautiful and intelligent children. At that moment, for just an instant, I could see in my mind's eye what would happen to this child with the true, restored Gospel of Jesus Christ as the path of his life.

He would be happy. He would learn to love and to serve others. He would not yield to the temptations of the world. He would be active in Primary, then Young Men, and then he would serve a full time mission as a representative of Jesus Christ. Upon his faithful return, he would find a beautiful young woman to take to the Temple to whom he would be sealed for time and all eternity. He would enjoy children, and he would raise them to walk in the truth. His children, grand children, and righteous posterity would forever call his name blessed.

For me, this was a powerful vision of the beautiful, blessed life of a member of the true and living Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

We love our dedicated and diligent missionaries!

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Missionaries completed their service and returned home during July and August.

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Faithful Missionaries approached the completion of their mission service.

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Seeing Double in the Santiago East Mission

2011-08-22T20:46:00.003-03:00

The Santiago East Mission is blessed by the presence of two sets of twins and one set of triplets who were able to work together in Santiago for the last days of their mission service. The brothers that came from other missions in Chile reunited with their siblings to testify of the truthfulness of the restored Gospel. The Welling, Sheahan and Mayberry families have blessed the country of Chile through their consecration of resources to make their sons' service possible.

Seeing Double and Triple in the Santiago East Mission

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MTC Devotional with President and Sister Kemp and President Laycock

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President Laycock gave a devotional speech at the Santiago MTC. Nine new elders and one sister in the group joined the best mission in the World, Chile Santiago East.

2011-08-22T20:38:00.001-03:00

Snow in Santiago

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Snow in Santiago

2011-08-22T12:35:00.002-03:00

On Thursday August 18 2011, we were in a mission training with all of our new missionaries and their trainers at the Lynch North Chapel when the snow came. It snowed for nearly three hours. This was the first time we had seen snow in Santiago! It was really very beautiful, and it made us (President and Sister Laycock) feel like we were in Utah...just not August in Utah! Of course, President Laycock loves Christmas, so he immediately began to play some Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas music. It was fun to see many of our Latin missionaries experience snow for the first time. It was not fun to drive on the roads of Santiago during the storm. We hope the flowers at the mission home survive the cold!

Special Santiago Memories

2011-08-18T20:06:00.004-04:00

President Laycock was invited to speak to the missionaries in the CCM! He enjoyed getting to know the sweet missionaries and feeling their enthusiasm and their desires to serve the Lord.

President Laycock and the Assistants to the President enjoy "planning" meetings at special places in Santiago. Elders Tilley and Whitney are an important blessing to our mission. They work so hard and serve so many.

This view of Santiago from the top of the Cerro Sancristobal shows the beautiful, snow-covered peaks of the Andies Mountains.

More Faithful Missionaries Completed Their Missions During August

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Every single one of these fine missionaries holds a very special place in our hearts. The Chile, Santiago East Mission is stronger and better because of the service of these fine Elders and Sisters. Their legacy of love and caring will live forever in the hearts and minds of the Chilean people. We look forward with great anticipation to hearing of all of the good these young people will do in their little corners of the world. We love them all and are so thankful for the opportunity to have served with them.

Landon Left Argentina and Arrived in Uruguay on August 16, 2011 Tuesday

2011-08-18T19:50:00.004-04:00

Our son, Elder Landon Taylor Laycock left the Argentina MTC and arrived in the Uruguay, Montevideo West Mission on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. We were very grateful to get this picture by email from President and Sister Heaton. Landon spent almost three weeks in the Argentina MTC and then went from there to Uruguay! We are very excited to follow his mission experience. Spending two years here in the Chile, Santiago East Mission has been a great blessing and preparation for him. We miss him tremendously, but we have no doubt that he is where he should be at this time in his young life. We know the Lord loves Him and will work beside him.

15 New Missionaries Arrived on Tuesday August 9, 2011.

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We already love each of these wonderful missionaries. We met five of them at the airport and received ten of them from the MTC here in Santiago. We were immediately impressed with their intelligence, light, and love. We look forward to working with them in the Greatest Mission in the World!

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