Rolling the Gospel Forward - Week 85.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Hello guys! :)

Well, it's really devastating to know the areas affected by Typhoon 'Haiyan/Yolanda' last week. Even though we're all safe, we extend our love and condolences to those affected by the said typhoon.

Anyways, this week was a great one for me and Elder Somoray. Finally, Bro. R has been baptized! Yay! Cheers! We held his baptism Sunday morning just before sacrament started. Hehe... It was great! Elder Somoray was the one who performed the baptism so it was all cool! ^^

After the baptism, and Sacrament Meeting, we were able to teach a young woman together with her friends and a priesthood holder of course. She's sister K. She's 12 years old. But, what surprised me and Elder Somoray was her experience. She went to church without her mom knowing! Oh my! She said, her mom wouldn't let her but her aunt wants her to go to church, so she did some hide and seek thingy to go to church. She was crying as she shares how she badly wants to come to church and be with her friends because she felt loved. Elder Somoray and I were moved by her desire. So, we will pray for her for sure and do all we can to help her. We know that Heavenly Father hears her pleads. It was even warm to hear how she prayed at the end of the lesson. She asked God that her mom would let her come to church. :(

After that, we have a new investigator with a baptismal date! Yay! He is Brother R, cousin of Brother R (the one who just got baptized). He is very sincere and we're looking forward for his baptism this December. Dunno if I'll get transferred >.< But, I just need to do what the Lord wants me to do.

Well, late night e-mails. LOL! We had our P-day at the office this morning, yup, office works! Haha! Lend some help there since they requested me and they don't have any working phone lines to contact TechSupport. Tiring! So much for P-day. Haha! At least, was able to serve them in any degree I can.

So, that's our week! Hope you'll keep me posted with what's going on with you guys! Haha! Less than 5 months to go and I'm home. 2 years is super fast! Guess that's the way it is. Thanks a ton! Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Typhoon?!!! - Week 84.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Hello everyone?! Whew! Well, that was a typhoon. Haha. We're all safe and sound here. Though, it did affect our work. Haha. But, this week is still cool.

First of is our unexpected appointment. Haha! Well, we had to cancel our appointment last Thursday and Friday due to precautions for the said typhoon. Then, a less-active couple texted and told us they really want us to teach them. I was a bit reluctant. LOL! But, they still insisted. Instead, they told us that they'll just come to the apartment owner's house (who is a member too and whose house is just under us) so we can teach them without the effort of going out. I can't forget the text of that mother. She said, "Elder because I want to know more". It impressed my mind to reflection. And it made me happy to be a full-time missionary.

Today, we had 3 birthday celebrants within the zone. So, I included a picture of a goose which we will be eating. LOL! Courtesy of one of the birthday celebrants, Elder Falgui. All was good. He is cooking 'Pinikpikan'. Dunno what that is but I'm excited to try it. Haha!

Anyways, had our PMG class with the ward last Sunday and had the privilege of conducting the workshop. I miss doing workshops. Haha! All went well. It was all about member missionary work. I even learned so much from that on how we could share the Gospel in simple ways. 

Had our Zone Training Meeting yesterday and it was cool. Haha! Tomorrow, Zone Conference. Be meeting many more familiar faces tomorrow. I'm stoked! Oh well, Dayan, are you married?! LOL! Also, Kuya Emman, I met this Aya Dela Cerna, she's from Gingoog. You know her?? What's the update up there guys? Hehe....

So, be seeing you all in 5 months of so! Time sure is fast! Oh well... Thanks for the e-mails! Keep safe! :)

Sincerely,

Sugar Cane? Anyone? - Week 83.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Kamusta?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good day!! Brother R's finally getting baptized! Yay! His interview with our Mission President wemt well! We still need to check up on him first and really prepare him to do that covenant with the Lord. Nevertheless, Elder Somoray and I were talking about the converting power of the Gospel. Knowing Brother R's life before, lead us to a discussion on how the Gospel can really change people's hearts once they learn the happiness it could bring them. It was thrilling, stressful, and hard! Hahaha! But, all was worth it... ^^

Anyways, work was great again this week. We tried finding in an area where I guess Missionaries have never been there before for so long. Elder Somoray and I will be fasting to establish the church there if circumstances are right, so future missionaries could work there. We're having a lot of progressing investigators and we're focusing on each one to really help them to get to the waters of baptism. We have 17 now progressing and counting. But, some are having a hard time to do this and that, now we know what it feels when investigators don't do this and that. Haha... It makes us unhappy for them because they're losing a lifetime of blessings. It's such a great moment in the Mission to work with a lot of people. We know that Satan will do everything to stop those people to progress but we have faith that the Spirit will touch their lives and testify of them of the truthfulness of the Gospel.

The C Family is one of the people we're focusing. Brother is so much interested although Sister still has doubts. We're praying and fasting for them to take those steps necessary for baptism. What happened last time was, we were able to teach the whole family for the first time! It was such a great opportunity and Elder Somoray and I talked about it and are carefully planning for them. We're hoping to see more progress from them.

Another family we're focusing is the B family. Sister is Less-active and the rest are nonmembers. A member is encouraging her and she will be coming to church this Sunday! Yay! We have hopes that they'll come as a family since we are already teaching three of her children and each has a baptismal date already. We're looking forward again for Sunday.

As for the Less-actives, all is going well. We had some less-actives come to church for the first time. It was wonderful. Fasting really works as always. Haha. I guess Elder Somoray and I really have faith when it comes to the power of fasting. We know that we are really entitled to the Lord's help for we are on His errand.

It's so heartwarming to feel the help of the ward. Bishop is helping us big time. I know that as we serve faithfully in each unit, despite the challenges we could face there, there is greater good along the way. It's one of the testimonies I've gained ever since. Sometimes, others may say it's hard in a unit because there's no support, etc. But, the Lord really has a purpose for missionaries to be in a unit because they are there to serve, to help, and uplift the members and bring much good in the area. It's so fun to do the Lord's work. I am really happy :)

Just want to share a cool experience where it brought laughter to Elder Somoray and me... We were in a teaching appointment when one of the youth confessed to us the reason why the young men are not working with me and Elder Somoray. The reason, "we're working so hard". LOL! It gave us a good laugh. But I guess, they'll understand the work better when it's their time to serve. Still, we're happy with a lot of members helping us.

So, that's our week. I love sugar canes! Hahaha! I had fun nibbling all of 'em. We brought some home but, mostly, it was me who consumed it all. Haha! Have a great week guys!

Sincerely,

Ups and Downs - Week 82.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Hi everyone! Thanks for the e-mails! ^^

Anyways, Meg!!!! Happy Birthday! Hahaha! Apir!

Okay, time for news. Sadly, our baptism got postponed. :( 

We were sad to move Bro. R's baptism. He's still having relapses with his word of wisdom problem. So, Elder Somoray and I decided to move his baptismal date to further prepare him. He told us how he felt disappointed and sad since he's having a hard time removing his word of wisdom problems. We showed encouragement to him that he can do it and it's great to see how he reaches to us for help. His baptismal date now is on November 3, so we'll update you more on that next week. Aside from that, he's still progressing in terms of other aspects. His aunt even told us that she's surprised as well of the changes Bro. Ronnie had made for himself. He's really so different from the first time we've met him. He loves the Gospel now. We could see how he badly wants to stay with his aunt so he could further learn more of the Gospel and receive the blessings Heavenly Father prepared for him.

Aside from that, we're still focusing on our progressing investigators and preparing them to enter into the waters of baptism. Bro. B is progressing! He's reading the Book of Mormon and is excited to learn more although he still has some doubts but we know that he has a testimony because he conveys to us his feelings most especially with the Spirit.

The C couple are doing well. Brother knows Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and believes the Book of Mormon to be true. Sister is the one we're having problems with. Still, the Spirit knows what to do. We were able to commit Brother to be baptized on the 30th but Sister said that she's already baptized. We're focusing on them as well and we'll be inviting them to come to church.

Anyways, our Less-Actives are still progressing! The ward, most specifically the Bishop, is helping us so much! He had already interviewed most of the less-actives we invited him to meet during Sunday Services. Two of them are cousin and brother of Bro. R. We've really seen the changes in their countenances and how they are happy to be back at church and to understand the Gospel. They always surprise us when they share their spiritual experiences to us.

The ward is very supportive. I love this area, as well as my previous areas. It is really true that we are servants. Despite how hard others may say about the area, I do believe that the Lord has a way to help the area and to find people prepared to receive the blessings of the Gospel, may it be investigators, less-actives, or members alike. We are grateful for the ward's enthusiasm in helping us. :)

In my personal study this week, I'm almost done with the Book of Mormon. I really love how courageous Samuel the Lamanite was in preaching the gospel to the wicked Nephites. He has shown a great desire to help his brethren. It inspires me to even work more and to continually open our mouths.

Lastly, just want to share a message from our less-active who recently came back to church. It's heartwarming to know they are progressing:

"Hi elder musta kayo?dito na nga pala Ako sa Dubai sa husband ko maraming salamat sa prayer ninyo..tska sa maraming salamat sa pag encourage at naiinspire Ako sa tulong ninyo malaking Bagay para sa akin ang effort na ginawa ninyo sa aming family,kaka tapos Lang ng scripture study namin ni brother ngaun...again I'm happy that the spirit Is still with us and to my family, ingats kau lagi sana mas Madami pa kaung mabinyagan na mga souls at makilala nila ang tooting simbahan ng maramdaman nila ang tooting kaligayahan sa buhay ingats elders...till we meet again:-))"

Smile! Hehe... Well, transfers just transpired the past week. We did a lot this week to help our Zone Leaders with the transfers. Still, we managed to get the work done. This week, we'll be doing some finding! I can't wait how Elder Somoray will do his conversation approaches.

So, that's our week! I'll update you all next week. Ingats! :D

Sincerely,

A Mighty Change of Heart - Week 81.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Good day! Well, this week was an awesome week for me and Elder Somoray. We had a lot of great spiritual experiences in our work! It feels so great!

Things are going good and I'm enjoying the work each day! I am feeling the Lord's love in abundance! I can never tell how grateful I am to be here in the Mission Field. It feels wonderful! Sometimes, one day is short, hahaha! I guess that happens when you enjoy what you do. :)

Anyways, Sister D's baptism (the daughter of a less-active mother who is now active) was successful! Though it won't count to us as a convert since she's 8 years old, nevertheless, we're happy that she's now a member. The whole family are happy. Her mother has changed a lot! We could see in her countenance the change that took place with her. She always tell us that she feels the spirit big time now, and the favorite word she always tell us whenever we commit her to do something is the word "bound", from a scripture mastery in Doctrine and Covenants 82:10 "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." She learned it in Relief Society Class. Elder Somoray and I was so surprised with the great change she have now. She even fasted for a special purpose and she is so happy whenever she tells us her spiritual experiences. We're so happy for her and her family. Her husband is being encouraged too to be active. Sister will be flying to Dubai this Wednesday so we'll really miss teaching her, but we know that as she reunites with her husband, they'll do all they can to go back to the temple. We're so glad to be a part of their lives.

As for our investigators, we will be having a baptism this Saturday. Yay! He is brother R. We are so happy with the changes that are taking place in his life. This week, after we taught him about important commandments, we were surprised with the change in his countenance! He told us that he's realizing a lot of things and that he hungers to feel the Spirit more in his life. He's receiving personal revelation more than before and we are so happy on how the Gospel changed his life. His brother and cousin are receiving such changes in their lives as well. It's so great to see how the Gospel changes lives. Elder Somoray and I are so surprised with his countenance. It's just surreal! I know that as one knows more about the Gospel, it will help them become close with God.

Last Sunday, we had 85 members in attendance. It's so great to see how less-actives are coming back to church. We had 14 less-actives who came to church, and most of them have been interviewed by Bishop already. Elder and Somoray always thank God for how he blesses these people. We know that we are just instruments. And, these experiences touches me so much. It makes me love the Gospel more. I guess this is the joy that comes from doing the Lord's work. It is so surreal to feel that "burning in the bosom" whenever we work or teach someone. It converts us as well.

One of the greatest things that I've learned this week is the importance of members. We had this less-active couple who are struggling with their lives and sister wants to resolve it by going away with their daughter. It will sadden us if that happens. I kinda remembered how hard it is to not have the Gospel especially in a family setting. As the only member in the church, I've understood how Gospel really blesses our families. I have faith that in time, my family will receive the Gospel as well and enjoy the blessings that I'm receiving and the happiness that comes from it. We prayed for the Lord's help and the only answer we received is to have Bishop with us. Last Sunday, Bishop went with us to that less-active couple. We taught the importance of families, the roles of fathers and mothers and the eternal destiny of each family. God really loves them. We have felt it. Through the help of Bishop, they were able to not resolve it in running away. It gave them hope that all will be well as they try to be more faithful and patient with their trials. Elder Somoray and I are so much grateful with all the things that transpired this week. We're so happy :)

We're constantly improving ourselves to become better persons each day. Our companionship is just strong! We're happy with our companionship and for the things that we're constantly learning from each other. I know that as a trainer, I think I was the one who benefited much with the training. I know I've been training for a long time, but each trainee that I handle teaches me something so unique that it humbles me to know them better and to learn from them. I am so happy.

Well, that's our great week! I've attached some pictures. One was with Bro. Ezra Open. He was assigned in Masagana 2nd before with Elder Atwood. I met him here. Small world! Hahaha! Also, we had a picture of a primary whom Elder Somoray and I do play all the time. She's just adorable! Hahah! We won't forget her family. And, all the members here as well. They are so supportive. I am loving the area more and more. Hahaha...

Thanks for everything everyone!!!! Hope to hear from all of you again.

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana

Exclamation Point! - Week 80.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Aloha to all! General Conference was great! Haha! I've learned so much from it. I got to meet the members in my previous area since we are on the same stake. Haha! I had some pictures with some of the members and two of the coolest kids I'm close with.

So, what have you learned from the conference? Would like to hear from you though. One of the coolest talks I like would be the one with "Exclamation Point". It made me remember what one of the church leaders told us to "not put a question mark on a commandment where the Lord puts and exclamation point"... something like that. It's really great! And I know you guys also wrote down a lot of things. Hehe.

Well, Elder Somoray and I are having an increasing testimony about fasting. One day, as we evaluated, we talked about it and how it helps us to have "self-mastery". We recalled a recent talk in the Conference about it and discussed so many things! It was spiritual. I, myself can't believe I'm eager to fast for others. I guess that's inevitable when you're a Missionary and when you really care for them. We're having great experiences.

With regards to self-mastery, me and my companion are doing our best to overcome temptations. Kinda hard when your kabahays with leaders that are kinda off. But, we need to be patient and do our part of the work. Anyways, we're really enjoying it. :)

Early this morning we went to a mangrove rehabilitation site and spent some unwinding there. I really love nature! Hahaha! We also found some mudskippers there. So cool! They're fish with legs or something. The best part is, they kinda skip in the land, jumping all around. Haha! Hope you could see some! I've attached some pictures for you guys to see.

The mission is going way too fast! I can't believe it! There's still much work to do. So much more people to talk to and teach about the Gospel. I'm grateful to be a part of those 80,000+ missionaries serving all around the world. I'm grateful for Heavenly Father's love for all of us, most especially, I'm grateful for receiving the Gospel in my life. It made me understand that God has a plan for us, for us to be happy and for us to find peace in this life.

So, till next week then! :)

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana