The Filipino Squat (is not meant for Americans) -May 7, 2017

Hello everyone! 

So, this week was pretty great. we had a great week of serving others and teaching.

First off, we had an awesome experience with an investigator this week.  His name is John Mark and we had met him a couple of weeks ago through finding. We found him at his aunt's house though, so we weren't able to return to teach him at his home (in the Philippines, there aren't any addresses). However, while we were walking to one of our appointments, he stepped out of a house which, believe it or not, was his, and called us over. At first we were a little scared, most people don't call two teenage boys in white shirts and ties just to chat, nevertheless, we approached him. He smiled and asked us to share with him. We sat down, opened the lesson with a prayer, and began talking about Christ and His love for him.  We asked him how Christ had helped him in his life and he relayed a story about a motorcycle accident he had.  He told us how he thought he was going to die, but he woke up in the hospital. After he woke up, he resolved to follow Christ, for he believed Christ had given him his life to give him a chance to change.  He told us how he knew the message we had would help him come unto Christ, and he was excited to hear more about it.  We felt prompted to extend a baptismal date and he accepted for June 3.  We set a return appointment for this week and we are excited to see him progress.

Now, for the service. This last Saturday was the National Day of Service here in the Philippines, and our ward decided to go to an elementary school and repaint the desks and chairs of the students. It was a fantastic experience and I'm so grateful for it. However, my body hurts. The reason why is because of a stance called the Filipino Squat (you can probably look it up). Anyway, I was in that position all day while painting and, afterwards, my body wanted to kill me for it.  But, hey, a small price to pay for service right?  

I hope you all look for opportunities to serve this week.  Even if it may be painful, or you may be sore afterwards, remember that serving others also serves God. We are all brothers and sisters, so show your love for your siblings through some service this week! There is no better way to help others feel God's love!

Mahal ko kayong lahat!

Pictures - April 30, 2017

This is a gagamba fight, it's like pokemon here in the philippines. Me and my companion looked for some nice big spiders while walking home from our last appointment and we had a battle in our apartment.

San Lorenzo Missionaries

April 30, 2017 Blink and six weeks go by

Magandang araw mga kapamilya at kaibigan ko! 

Time flies so fast in the mission.  That's right, another transfer gone, just like that.  It feels like yesterday my companion and I entered San Lorenzo for the first time. It's hard to believe we've already spent six weeks there.

Anyway, ​this week was pretty alright.  We had more appointments cancel on us because it's school vacation right now, but we had some solid lessons as well. First off, we had a great teaching experience with our investigator, Norlene.  She has been praying for a while to find out whether or not the Book of Mormon is true and if Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  We had already taught her about prayer and how to receive an answer to her prayers, but she had never felt like she had gotten one.  Then, in our lesson this week we followed up on her prayers (PMG chapter 11 to all my missionaries out there) and she told us she knew that The Book of Mormon is true and she knew Joseph Smith was called of God to restore the gospel here on the earth in our time.  We told her that was great and shared our testimonies as well. Then something amazing happened, she asked to be baptized! We set her a date on May 27 and she is looking great to progress.  I can't wait to see the changes that will happen in her life.

Also, Nanay Selly is doing great. She came to church again this week and she is on track for baptism on the 20th. She is so excited about the gospel and we feel that she is converted and ready for baptism.

That's really all for this week. Keep studying the scriptures everyone, especially the Book of Mormon. It really is the key for continuing conversion (thanks for helping me understand that Dad :) ) Even if you are an active member of the Church, your testimony will become dull if you do not continually sharpen it with the Word of God. Daily, strive to feast upon the words of Christ, for they truly tell you all things that you must do.

Have a great week everyone!