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"I Have Fought The Good Fight"

This is it, as I wrap up my mission I wanted to share one last testimony with all of you.

In these last two years I have learned some very life changing lessons. Some of which include; the importance of developing Christ like attributes, how to set goals and make plans, act on those plans, how to truly rely on the Lord, and so much more. I have seen the Lord use me as a tool to help bring peace and joy to His children here in South Florida. The people I've met, the experiences I've had, the difficulties I overcame will change me forever. I can truly say that I am a Life Long Disciple of Jesus Christ. 

I wanted to talk about the atonement of Jesus Christ for a minute. And how big of a role it has played in my mission. I have met a wide variety of people here in Florida, the rich, poor, happy, anxious, comfortable, struggling... Homeless, hopeless, depressed, lost, desparate, rejected, suicidal. There has been only one thing I have found that brings those people out of the darkness. That is the atonement of Jesus Christ accompanied by The Book of Mormon. I have seen how Jesus Christ's infinite atoning sacrifice change the lives of countless people. Friends I have met have made a complete 180 ° change in their life as they begin to read the Book of Mormon and repent daily. Not only have I seen this process help those that I teach, but within myself as well. As I strive to do better, and be better daily, I have seen the spirit truly change the way I think, act, and speak. It has helped me be able to see all the ways the Lord blesses me. As well as being able to recognize the promptings of the spirit, and act on them immediately. I have gained the ability to discern through the Spirit, what the Lord wants me to do everyday. He has been my constant companion, and my constant lifeline. I would invite everyone around me to continue to look for ways to improve. Ask the scripture says in ether, God gives us weaknesses so that we may be humble unto him. And the promise in that scripture is as we humble ourselves, the Lord will make weak things become strong unto us. A lot of times we are ignorant of the weaknesses that we have. For that reason we need to be in constant prayer and communication with God. He will help us realize our weaknesses and provide ways and opportunities for us to grow and turn that weakness into strength. The common saying comes to mind "Don't pray for patience", but please pray for patience. That is a big part of our experience here on earth. To have experiences to help learn and grow to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ and our father in Heaven, to become the sons and daughters that the Most High would have us become. And to fulfill our divine potential and live with our families in eternal peace and happiness. 

While we're on the topic of prayer, I feel as though without prayer, I would not have been able to finish my mission. The nights where I feel alone, when I feel lost, when I'm home sick, are the nights my testimony grew the most. It's the nights like these that forced me to my knees and beg for mercy and comfort. Sometimes, a lot of times it wasn't instant, but I promise you that it did come eventually. As a XC runner I always had the phrase "There's no growth in the comfort zone", but in that growth process we can find rest in Jesus Christ through prayer. We can have the Comforter visit us in our times of sorrow and pain. I have had many experiences, where investigators share their deepest concerns and life issues. And me being only 18 to 20, I haven't had a lot of life experience, so many times I would be at a loss of words. But as I have quickly offered prayers, and trusting in the Lord... I would open my mouth and it would be filled with the words the Lord would have me speak. I was truly a mouthpiece for those seeking guidance. As we are worthy of the spirit, or strive to be, we can all be a blessing and a light to those around us.

Friends and family, our Savior, Redeemer, Mediator, the Only Begotten Son of the Father truly does live. He walks with us. He suffered, bled, and died for you and me. But He raised from the dead. Resurrected. He gained the Victory over death in our behalf, so that we can all be saved and follow his example and be resurrected with a body rid of imperfections, pain, and physical suffering. He provided a way for us to find joy and happiness in a world of darkness. Seek Him. Fight for Him. Defend Him. He will be by your side. I know the Lord is always waiting with open arms to accept us back into the fold. He truly does look for the One. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Imperfect, but the one chosen to usher in the Restoration of all things. That by through him we have the Book Of Mormon. Which has the ability to teach us things about Jesus Christ that we cannot learn any other way. I know that it is scripture and the word of God. I know of assurity that as we keep the commandments of God, he will bless us in both temporal, and spiritual ways. I know that as we turn to him and trust him in our trials, that he will always support us and provide a way to overcome those hard times. I know this is the ONE TRUE CHURCH of which Jesus Christ leads and directs through our current prophet Russell M Nelson. I know that the priesthood power changes lives, and opens the gates of heaven to rain out blessings upon those who use it worthily. I know our body's are a gift from God. They are pure, and truly are our personal temples. As we treat them with sanctity and respect, the Lord blesses us so much that we will not have room to receive it. 

I know I am a child of God, with Divine potential. He loves, cares, and watches over me. He is my Father, who blesses me. He leads me, guides me, and walks beside me. He has blessed me with an amazing family, especially my parents. Who are a constant example of holding tight to the iron rod through highs and lows. I pray for them daily. I know I can live with each one of my family members for eternity. That the family is ordained of God. Given to us to help support and guide us both spiritually and physically. 

I love you all, thank you for all the support. The emails, letters, texts don't go unnoticed even tho I was the worst at responding. I promise they made a difference to me in my mission. That's wraps, I'll see you all soon. 

2 Timothy 4:7

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

"God Hath Sent His Holy Prophets"

We've had a pretty amazing couple weeks!!!

Valle Family

Super amazing update for them. We finished teaching Ernesto, and the week of his baptism, Erick met with the bishop and got approval to baptize his son!!!! It was an amazing experience and the support from the ward was amazing!!! I was also asked to be the person to confirm Ernesto , which I've never done before and I had no clue that I was doing it lol. So I had a quick training from the ward counselor 30 sec before but it went great!! Erick throughout all the lessons was basically teaching them for us, it was so amazing to see him return to church. AND not only that...... The week after Ernesto baptism............. Erick got called as the Stake Clerk First Councilor in the Finance department. We talked with him and he said that he has been lookin' into it since they called him and he says it's basically what he already does. They are such a powerhouse of a family and I'm so happy I was able to be a part of their return. Ernesto is now practicing with the youth to sing 2 songs in a sacrament meeting  coming up. Ernesto also received the priesthood and will be helping pass the sacrament. Last Sunday was the first time I saw Erik and his wife take the sacrament. It made me want to cry, they have been to church every week since we have met with them, and they have not been taking the sacrament . So that was a tender blessing to see them participate.  They make me so happy!!!!!!!

Fiesta Latina

The Fiesta Latina is a massive annual party in the ward, where everyone comes and decorates a table with the country they are from. They make food, prepare song/dance, and just have an amazing time. We invited a ton of our friends to go, and there was a massive turnout. There were so many countries there, colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Brazil is even there, lol. We all tried food from different countries, and we had a USA table where we served root beer floats LOL. Funny enough so many people said they have never tried it and they loved it. A lot of people thought it was actual beer. We had some friends go and they absolutely loved it. Duan was there as well and he was having a time of his life.

Tabernacle Choir Concert

The day finally came where the Tabernacle Choir came and had their concert!! Before the concert everyone is outside waiting to get in. I was able to see all the missionaries and all my past members who I was really good friends with. It was such an amazing experience being able to have a little reunion before the concert! We had quite a few friends come as well, so we were running around everywhere trying to help them get in and get their tickets figured out. The choir sang a ton of different songs from different countries, and it was such a spiritual experience. We sat next to a couple friends and some elders, and we had super good seats as well!

Zone Pday

We were finally able to have our Zone today that we earned by reaching 100 baptisms in one month. And we literally played basketball and pickleball all day long. Me and another Elder went and got pizza and brought it back for everyone. There are only two sisters in our Zone, because the other two had to get et'd out. And so President told them to join another zone for Zone p-day because they would have been the only sisters, lol. So having only Elders on Zone p-day was super fun.

Maritza

We found a new woman recently, and we have been meeting with her semi consistently. We gave her a Book of Mormon and invited her to read it. The next time we went over she pulled out her Book of Mormon and she read what we asked her to read, and she highlighted a bunch of parts. And she had questions! It was so surprising and so satisfying that someone actually kept a commitment. She was able to make it to church last Sunday and we sat here next to one of our eternigators, and they were getting along super well. We're going over this week and we are going to try to put her on date.

Finding

Finding has been so difficult in this area. There are no apartment complexes, and almost all places are gated or "no soliciting". And I know we legally aren't soliciting but people don't like to listen, and I'm not going to start an argument, lol. But we have basically resulted to knocking all of these rich people's doors, lol, which isn't going great. We've tried everything we can think of and it's not working very well, so please pray for us!! 

Random stuff

We got a referral that I called and got to know super well, shared the scripture and asked her when we can go over. She said she's pretty busy but she invited us to her baby shower

Duan got the priesthood but couldn't go to church 'cuz the breaks on his car stopped working

My companion got a Costco card so we were able to grab some food from there. Remind me of home going with my Mama

Blanca Mendoza is a member who we are good friends with. She signed up for dinner and boxed up some food for us to pick up. She drew a picture and wrote our names on them

We got a new English teacher and he taught his first class, it was basically music as he had the students match the pitch of the piano 

Going home soon

Well it's starting to hit me pretty hard. I have my transfer interview and my departing interview this week. I just finished what's called My Plan, that missionionaries who are going home do to make plans and set goals so they have a direction when they get home. When missionaries get to that point it's basically over and now I'm starting to pack to go home, and to plan everything out. Last Sunday was fast and testimony meeting, because this week we have stake conference. The elders quorum counselor, Mark, told me to bear my testimony, lol, so I did. The ward hadn't really realized I was going home so soon. So after that sacrament meeting everyone was thanking me and basically saying goodbye, lol. Best part is that so many members are inviting us to come over to feed us one last time which is an upside. I'm still working as hard as I can every single day and taking advantage of the last few moments I have to serve the Lord 24/7.

Spiritual Thought

Mosiah 3:13

13 And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them.

Preach. General Conference coming up and we have the opportunity to hear from the Lord's chosen students. And they do exactly what the scripture says. Helping us gain our testimonies in Jesus Christ, believe in Him, turn away from our sins and to receive great joy. And not only that, but General Conference reaches almost every Kindred, Nation, Tongue, and People. 

I have a powerful testimony that their words and their messages come from the Lord, and they speak to bless us. If we have the Spirit with us as we listen, the Spirit will help lead & guide us to know/ earn what the Lord would have us do.

I'll hit y'all with my last email next week. But for now, the grind continues.

Love you all!! Thanks to those that take the time to read these emails, and even those that skip to the pictures, lol!

Elder Harbs

4 Week Departure Letter

Dear Brother and Sister Harbertson,

 

The day is fast approaching for us to say farewell to your missionary, Elder Harbertson who has labored faithfully for the Lord in the Florida Ft. Lauderdale Mission. He has been an excellent missionary and we are pleased to tell you that he has worked hard and brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to many people. You will undoubtedly notice that his righteous and obedient living has given him a maturity far beyond what you may have expected.

 

It takes courage and hard work to be an effective missionary. We want you to know the Lord blesses such missionaries when they accept this challenge. Your missionary has had a positive influence on the mission through his Christlike example and powerful priesthood leadership. In his capacities, he invited and helped others to come unto Christ. Through his obedience and service, he has helped to bring many souls to the Savior. We thank you for sending him to us.

 

We know you will feel joy and satisfaction at the time of his homecoming, realizing that your temporal and spiritual support have made it possible for him to complete his mission. Please keep phone calls, emails and letters positive and not homecoming related so as to keep your son working hard through the end of his mission. We feel indebted to you and your family for the help you have given him in fulfilling this important calling.

 

Returning home from the mission field presents a major and unique adjustment. All missionaries face the challenge of integrating into post-mission life and continued spiritual growth. During this time they will make some of life's most important decisions. There will be social, educational and work adjustments. Your son needs your patience and understanding during this transition time. May the blessings of the Lord be with you as you continue to encourage and strengthen him.

 

Sincerely,

 

President and Sister Cluff

Mission Leaders

Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission

"They Were Still His Brethren In The Lord"

Another week, another dollar. We had a super cool experience today so I'll get into that.

Familia Valle

We have been reaching out to all inactive members and part members to get tickets to the tab choir concert, and we called Erick Valle. He picked up and he said he was at his friend's house, and we talked about the concert super quick and it turns out we gave his friend an invitation and so we laughed about that for a min. But we set up a time to go by and get them the tickets. The Valle family consists of Erick and his wife Ana, with their daughter Mia who's 19 and a member, and their 11 year old son Ernesto. We went over there and met the family and they are super amazing!! Erick served his mission in Utah and we talked a ton about missions and the differences between then and now. They have been inactive for a good amount of years now. We shared a quick scripture and headed out. 

We called him a few days later to set up and RA, and he seemed a little hesitant and not sure what we were trying to do. He said he would talk to his wife and call us later. Later that day he calls us and said he's going to be honest..... $$ He asked his son Ernesto if he wants to be baptized, and he said yes!! We felt inspired to ask him if he wants to be the one to baptize him, and he opened up about things he's dealing with and how he doesn't want to be an obstacle for his son and his progress. The Spirit urged us to talk about the strengthening and healing power of the atonement of Jesus Christ and how through him, we can overcome anything. He said he's down to do it. So we went over last Saturday and we taught the Resto to Ernesto with the cup object lesson, and Erick just flipped the missionary switch and taught half the lesson to his son lol. It was super sweet to see, him and his family really are amazing. We invited them to read the book of Mormon everyday together, and we invited them to church the next day. They ended up pulling up late but the ward LOVED THEM so much!!! The OG members remembered them and gave them hugs and a big warm welcome. A member even ended up crying when she saw them because it had been so long. It was really a tender moment for everyone. Now we have and RA for today and we are super excited to keep teaching them!!!!!

Andres

Andres is also an inactive member of many years. We had his information and no missionaries have been able to get in contact with him. We visited him and knocked the door twice with no answer. We walk back to the car and get in, and we look back and he's standing in the doorway in a robe with his hand above his head waving us over lol. We go back and he invites us in and is super happy to see us. We talked about his job and his family. He has an un baptized son, Drake, who's 19 and finishing highschool. We got to meet Drake and he's super cool and we connected really well. We invited them to all the activities coming up and Andres was able to go!!! He invited us to Panera bread, and bought us some sandwiches while he drank his coffee (we are working on that lol), but he just seems so happy to be talking with us and we have high hopes for them!!!

LAST TRANSFER 

My last transfer board dropped and me and my comp stayed together. The ward is super happy and excited to have us stay!! We are continuing to work super hard and the Lord is providing so many miracles for us so it just keeps giving us so much more motivation. This area not gonna lie has been difficult. Almost everyday we have almost all lessons cancel. For example on Saturday we were 1/8 on lessons, and Friday 0/6. It's been difficult finding new people that progress, but these tender mercies the Lord is giving us makes it all worth it. Crazy this is my last transfer, trying to wrap my head around it all...

Update on Cristhiam

I actually don't think I talked about her, we received a referral from about a month and a half ago, and we gave her a call. Turns out she's a member and hasn't been to church in like forever, but is going through a lot and wants a blessing. We were on exchanges to Elder Ellis and I go over and chat with her for a bit and give her a blessing. We end the blessing with tears and we invited her to come to church. We called Hermana Carreras (presidente de la sociedad Socorro), and they chopped it up quite a bit. Since then, she has been to church ever since and we love seeing her and getting to talk to her!!

Shout Outs

Mark is a super amazing member who served his mission in Venezuela and ended up moving there for 8 years, got married, and returned back here and he's the elders Quorum president. He's a powerlifter and absolutely jacked. He invited us over. He told us he hasn't had missionaries over in a long time because he wants the missionaries to be good examples for his children, so he felt very privileged to have us in his home. He's an absolute beast!!! Makes me happy to know he's recognizing our efforts.  And we had a BBQ and I had the best steak of my entire life. He had been grilling all day and it was SOOOOO GOOOOD!!!!! We also invited Duan over and we had a little FHE and Duan loved it!!!!!

Another shout out is Mark Morgan... 

Jason is a youth that I'm super close with, he's gonna put in his papers soon, and we did a little tie swap. He's super chill and super fun!! We play basketball on Wednesdays together!!

We also hit 106 bappys as a mission last month, crazy we reached it again!! The Lord is hastening his work!!!! 

Spiritual Thought

Short thought today, it's the sons of mosiah, who were against the church, had a change of heart when an angel smacked them upside the head, and became the greatest missionaries ever!! 

After lots of time the sons of mosiah bring apart from Alma, Alma was traveling to the land of Manti and came across the and here's what he said:

2. "Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God."

I could imagine his joy to see them again, but how much more happy he was when he found out they had stayed strong unto the Lord and "waxed strong" and held firm to the rod of iron. I hope all of us, everyday, are waxing ourselves in the knowledge of truth, by reading and studying the scriptures every single day, feasting upon the words of Christ, growing our relationship with him. 

I love you all tons!!! 

Hasta la próxima

Elder Harbertson