In the first month, 2015 A.D.
Dear Everyone,
I'm really glad to be serving a mission here in the
Philippines especially at this time. There are so many nice people who are
willing to listen to missionaries. I only wish I had more time to teach them.
Recently we've had a hard time getting members to work with us, and it's
resulted in some untaught lessons and unproductive days.
No matter what ward you're in or how many missionaries are
in your ward or branch you need to work with the missionaries. If you don't
know the missionaries serving in your area you should introduce yourself.
Regardless of your age or gender or activity in the church, the missionaries
need your help. Don't wait for them to ask you, ask them. The missionaries have
a lot on their plates and they will be pleased to receive help from anyone, but
especially from a member of the church who knows the doctrines and principles
of salvation. No matter how small your testimony may seem to you it may mean a
world of difference to someone. In addition, every time you share your
testimony it will grow.
If you are planning on serving your own mission you need the
experiences that can only come from working with real missionaries in real
situations. Pray for the strength to approach your ward or branch missionaries
and ask them what you can do to help them. If the missionaries themselves don't
seem excited about missionary work, a member who is excited about it might be
just what they need to awake their own desire to serve the Lord. Don't wait for
your situation to change, change it.
I've spent way too much time waiting for my ward to help us
with the work, but I've started asking them specifically. I'm trying to make
the best of my situation, and that's all we can ever do.
* * * * * * * *
I've been greatly blessed over the course of my mission.
I've rarely been sick; I'm yet to experience a hurricane; There was an
earthquake a few days ago, but I slept through it; I've baptized more people
than I ever thought I would, and my life has never been more full or
joyous.
At the same time, my apartment is 20 minutes away from my
area; my camera got stolen last week; two of my pants have ripped in various
places; I'm slightly behind on my laundry again; only one person came to church
this Sunday; none of our investigators are progressing; I don't know where half
of our members or investigators live; I hurt my back a few days ago; I still
don't speak the language fluently; and my shoes are on their last leg. (Pun
intended)
So why am I so happy? It's a fair question. My life isn't
easy, and I rarely get to do any of the fun things that I used to do. What's so
awesome about missionary work that makes it enjoyable even in the worst of
times?
It's the smiles on the faces of the people you teach. It's
the kids who call me Mr. Bean. It's the less actives that come to church. It's
the members who sacrifice their time to work with us. It's the stories that I
hear of people I've impacted without even knowing it. It's the scriptures and
the strength that comes daily reading. It's prayer and all the blessings of
strengthening my relationship with my Father. All these things make it all
worth it. No trial can take away the joy and no pain can take away the peace.
It's inexplicable.
If you think a mission is awesome you're right. If you think
it's easy you're insane.
In conclusion, I miss all of you dearly. Even if I don't
know you as well as I'd like to. Keep doing the hard things that bring joy, and
the sacrifices that bring forth the blessings of heaven.
* * * * * * * *
It's so hard to type emails when you have a time limit. It's
stressful and it makes me feel very rushed. I'll do my best though. I usually
do alright.
This week was very exciting. On Monday we went bowling, and
I single-handedly lost the game for us. There were 6 of us, and it was senior
companions against junior companions. We were losing at first and then we
pulled ahead in the middle, but when we got to the 10th frame we were tied. I
had been doing well. I'd gotten a few spares, but on the last two rolls I hit
less than 1 pin. and my companion, playing for the senior companions, got a
spare and then a strike. His first of the game. It was pitiful. But afterwards
we played billiards and Elder Seculles and I won.
I've been trying extra hard to be obedient this week,
motivated by a group of children that we've been teaching. If they're ever
going to truly progress in the gospel we need to penetrate their homes, and
convert their parents, and we're doing very well so far. With their parents
permission we took many of them to church last week. There were 17 of us total.
The hardest part was finding transportation to the church. We waited with them
on the side of the road for a jeepney that was going to the right place and had
enough room for all of us. We waited for about 20 minutes and then an old SUV
stopped. It was empty other than the driver. I was excited by the fact that we
finally had a ride, but then I realized that there were far too many of us.
This vehicle had 8 or 9 seats, and only because of the 4 makeshift seats in the
back. But we did it. 18 people rode in that car about 2 km or so. 1 driver, 2
elders, 1 member and 14 kids. The lack of seatbelts only made it easier to pile
in.
They had a great time at church they didn't all stay in the
sacrament hall for all of the meeting, but they enjoyed it, and even more, I
enjoyed sharing one of the most sacred parts of my week sitting next to the
kids that I've grown so close to.
They enjoyed the classes as well. I believe they made
friends, and their relationship with one another seemed strengthened. I can't
wait to follow up with them and ask them about the things they learned.
Sadly, not all of them obtained permission from their
parents, mostly because of their age. I know at least one girl spent some of
her Saturday night crying because she was not allowed to come to church with
us.
But they're awesome, and they remind me of my crazy little
brothers. They hang off my arms like I'm their playset, but I never complain. I
have so very little to complain about.
Wow, time moves on wings of lightning. I need to get back to
work and teach some more people. I'm sorry if you were expecting more this
week. I'll try to send more next week and I'll be better about sending pictures
too.
* * * * * * * *
