Mission Detail

The church has been in the Monterrey Area since 1922 but as you can imagine if you know the history of Mexico, the first 20 years were rocky. Religious persecutions of all kinds took place beginning in the late 1920′s. It wasn’t until the 1950′s that the first district was organized here. Our actual mission, the Mexico Monterrey West Mission was formed in 1994.

Our mission consists of twelve stakes and two districts. In Monterrey, which is in the state of Nuevo Leon, the mission includes six stakes. The rest of the stakes are in the state of Coahuila. Three stakes are in Saltillo. Two stakes are in Monclova. Piedras Negras has one stake with the two districts about an hour away from it to the south Nueva Rosita and to the northwest Acuña. Both Acuña and Piedras Negras are border towns with Texas.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Maria's Husband

Hey everyone!

This week has gone great! 

 This last Monday was pretty crazy because we had a lesson set with Maria Monday night at 8 and when we got there they weren't home. The door was locked and her husband was locked out of his house as well. We felt impressed to talk a Little more with him one on one about the choices his family is making and the blessings of an eternal family. He didn't seem too interested at first but when he responded he showed the he was a least listening. Later on in the week we met up with Maria and she told us a Little about what they have been going through lately. That they have been really stressed out and had been fighting and even were about to split up. But because we talked with him about the church and why his family is doing these things his perspective changed and they are doing good now. I have no doubt in my mind that the lord was there with us that night. I am so grateful for the guidance of his holy spirit. I know the lord is always there trying to help out his children!

Elder Ahlmer







Saturday, July 26, 2014

Trainer










                                                                                                                                                        July, 26, 2014

Dear   Elder Alhmer´s Family:

It is my pleasure to inform you of an important leadership assignment that has been given to your son Elder Alhmer .  Because of his obedience, faith, and great abilities as a missionary, he has been asked to serve as the trainer of a new elder.  I want you to know that this assignment is inspired and, because of its importance, is only given after much prayer and pondering.
A trainer establishes the standards for a new missionary.  He must be exemplar in his study of the scriptures and the gospel, in his obedience, hard work, teaching abilities and in all other aspects of missionary work.  The habits of work, planning, and spirituality that he instills in the new elder will establish the course of the rest of his mission.  He will need to give his companion the best beginning possible and provide him with the training, attitude, and direction that will allow this new elder to have a successful mission.  This is a great responsibility, but I have faith in Elder Alhmer , and I trust that he will complete this assignment with the same diligence that he has shown in the past.
Sister Swapp and I appreciate Elder Alhmer  for his efforts to carry the work of the Lord forward in this assignment.   We express our appreciation to you for having raised such a fine young man.  One who loves the gospel, loves the Lord, and serves him with all of his heart, might, mind and strength.  It has been my pleasure to get to know him and to work with him as we build the kingdom of God in these latter days.
May the Lord bless you while your son is away serving in this marvelous work. 
Sincerely,

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President Edward M. Swapp                                   Sister Jayne Swapp
        President, Monterrey West Mission                                           Sister Swapp, Monterrey West Mission 

   swappem@ldschurch.org                      Jayne.swapp@gmail.com

Monday, July 21, 2014

Maria del Sororro Baptism

hi Everyone!

This week was good! Of course the highlight was yesterday when Maria del Socorro and her 3 children Kevin, Bryan and Brittany were baptized! Baptisms are always super stressful! Especially in this area because we have to really make sure that people come and give their support. Everything turned out great! even Brittany who's really scared of water didn't have any problems! PresidentSwapp and his wife came which was awesome but added to the stress level! Its really cool to be in this are where the Temple is because we right then and there got to talk more about how baptism isn't the goal the goal is to be sealed as a family in the temple! After Maria was baptized she shared her testimony and I felt the spirit so strong it was an amazing experience! I love being a missionary! Its crazy hard at times but moments like yesterday easily make it all worth it! Her baptism really was a miracle. They way we got to know her was from a reference and I know that the lord put his hand in making sure we got really lost for a few minutes because she lives in one of the highest parts of our area and when we knocked her door she had just barely gotten home like two minutes before. I know that the lord has been with her as she was being taught. Even though she passed through moments really hard during the time we taught her she was able to stay strong. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have been given to know her family and be part of the change she has made in her life. The other day her two 10 year old boys told us that they both want to serve missions. 

Also this week in the mornings we have been helping a new member dig out the foundation for his new house and carry the cement up the hill to his house. You could say I have never been so tired! The hill where we have been digging is straight up unstable rocks and it takes so much effort just to make a little difference. This next week Ill be taking pictures of whats been going on! One things for sure with the heat the huge hill that we are walking on all day I have been losing some weight! 

I hope everyone has a great week and is enjoying their summer!

Elder Ahlmer



Monday, July 14, 2014

God Work

Hey everyone! 

So this week was amazing I have been so highly blessed I cant believe it! I honestly have been watching God work miracles everyday. I think It finally clicked this week that I need to be searching but they are there! I love the branch that Im in even though their a little lazy at times! I have gotten to know some of the biggest examples I have ever seen. 
Hermano Santana he is 84 and was a mission president. He has one of the most powerful testimonies that I have ever seen in my life. He loves the lord with all his heart and I look u to hi for everything! 

And Maria del Socorro! Shes getting baptized this week with her two sons! Im so excited for her she is amazing! She is such an example to all and I know that she will be able to help us get the branch excited to start working! She has been talking with friends and family and so many have started to progress! She is a true example to all about how the lord can bless your life by helping others! 

Have an amazing week!
Elder Ahlmer

Monday, July 7, 2014

Estanzuela - Maria del Socorro

Hey everyone

So this week has been awesome. I am really going to like these two changes in estanzuela. So now that we know our area we arent walking up and down the mountain all day everyday. Thats a nice break. We have meet some people really cool and a lot of them are progressing well! First Maria deSocorro, Shes a mom of 6 kids and her mom is also listening to us which is awesome. They came with us to church for the second time this Sunday and loved it a lot. after church we took a walk around the temple and they are so excited for their baptism the 20th of this month. Also we met someone named Paulo hes an older guy but he loved the church so much he even gave his testimony in the high priest class. as he left he told us ill see you two here next week. he says the funnies things sometimes it reminds me of grandma mac and her word slips. 

Today in the morning we got up and tried to climb cero de la silla but we kinda got a little lost anddidnt want to bush wack so we came back down and are planning on going up next week. oh i didnttell you but if you remember shad enos. Hes in the same branch as I am and we eat together everyday. We shared a seminary class together. Its pretty fun talking about people we know1 the branch we are in is way cool i like the members a lot1 

(By the way this week the shift key doesnt really work good) 

I hope everyone had an awesome 4th. i guess I'm officially mexican not seeing fireworks...

Elder Ahlmer