All is Well! - Week 52.Serving in Bulua

Hello everyone!

Doing fine now and enjoying the work! Yeah!

First of all, grateful for the conversation I had with our Mission President. It was really relieving to me!

As for our work, well, I guess I learned a lot. I'll try to always look on the positive side of things. Change is for the better.  I guess I'm pressuring myself too much. Though I don't notice it at times, but I'll really work on it to help me gain the ability President taught me. As we woke up this morning, Elder Castillo and I really had a great conversation with him. I guess I'm just a bit impatient at times. Haha! I'm getting excited this next transfer and I'll always be open to my companion. Like what you said, if it's hard in the mission, it's even harder after the mission. So, I really need to grab the opportunity to change a lot here. My mission had really molded me and made me better each day. And there are still a lot of things to do and learn.

We had our specialized training last Monday with the Zone Leaders and Elder Ruivivar and I did some team-teaching on working with the members, their importance and how could we help them become member-missionaries. I shared some story with them relating it to missionary work that the greatest source we could have in furthering the work are the members. We have learned a lot in that training, even I as well. It's really important that we get the trust of the members. In Preach My Gospel there's a question for us Missionaries to evaluate ourselves if we are becoming a "burden" or a "blessing" to the bishop and the ward. So, if we're panted or we don't know where to go, we'll visit a member, share with them and ask if there's any help they need from us, that we're ready to serve them. We're getting more dinner appointments and it's great because those are from the Less-Actives, so we're getting to know them and at the same time, build their confidence and rekindle their testimony to go back to church.

Elder Capoquian and Elder Castillo did so well in their training. Elder Castillo is now working on his listening skills while Elder Capoquian is working on with the language and BRT skills. I think I really have learned a lot in the training. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow. And I really need to adapt and love my companions. For the past weeks, I'm feeling better unless I relapse. So, I will make some goals and ask help from my companion to avoid any relapses again in the following weeks. Training a Missionary is fun. In my case, double the fun. Haha! At times, I do feel down. But, it's all up to me and my choice to be down or not. One thing impacted me the most in the blessing that President has given me to be honest to myself and to enjoy the work. I really need to work on it. It was a wonderful blessing. It comforted me and made my day.  I guess that's what I feel with the leaders in the church considering that I don't have much of those father-son discussions and conversations.

The District is doing well and we know we'll be making some improvements this coming transfer. We're getting united. And we'll see with the coming weeks. On District Meeting next Monday, we'll conduct a simple activity to know each other more in the District and what can we do to help each other. It'll be something to look forward to.

So that's our week! Thank you everyone! I love you all!

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

Humility all the way! Week 51.Serving in Bulua

Hi guys!!! I'm staying and, have no twins anymore. One is getting transferred. But, to the other room! LOL! It was funny but cool. We're going to have 2 more in the District which makes 8 and it'll be loud and fun.

Still having some stress with work but President counseled me a lot. I love talking to him! He's really called of God to take care of us in our stay here in the Mission. Also, I'm really learning so much! I still have a lot of things to work on to and change. Haha. But it's for the better.

Work's good. I love the ward and the members! It reminded me back at the stake. But, time sure is fast. I'm reaching my 1 year next weeks, fast and testimony sunday. Cool!

So, hope to hear from you... Mail or e-mail me...

Have fun and have a great week! ^^

The District 3? Jokes! - Week 50.Serving in Bulua

This was a great week again. First of all the adjusted Missionary Email Policy made me so much happy because my bestfriend and I can exchanges e-mail now. We are so much delighted with that announcement.

Anyways, I'm just thrilled with the announcement yesterday during our zone training meeting. It really made my day. Haha. I always love trading Missionary Experiences with my bestfriend.

As for our work, the three of us are very much happy being assigned here in Bulua Ward. Getting the trust of the members and really reporting as soon as possible to them regarding the work proved to be fruitful. I am so loving it here! Conversion is really hard in the area but we still need to stay positive about it. One of the great things that happened was 4 of the Less-Actives we're currently teaching was already interviewed last Sunday. It's so great and Bishop is really happy with the work. He's more on following up on us with our teaching pool so what we're doing really paid off. We are so happy with the progress of our Less-Actives. The shift to the center of strength proved to be fruitful. We know that at first it'll be a bit hard considering the number of Less-Actives here in the ward. Attendance here range from 65-85 a week. But we know and we are sure that Bulua has a bright future ahead of them.

We had 3 new investigators with baptismal dates! Two of which are golden. Meeting them was quite accidental as well so we believed that the Lord prepared them for us. We'll be focusing on them in the coming weeks to be able to help them receive the Gospel. Their questions to us are really interesting. I am so happy doing the work. I really am learning from this 12 weeks program together with Elder Capoquian and Elder Castillo. It's really cool! Focusing on the needs of the people we are teaching have been improving. Though, three of our investigators are having a problem because they were really pressured with their baptismal dates with the past Missionaries. We've learned in Preach My Gospel DVD Segment 1 that it should be helping people to get to baptism not to drag them to baptism that's why they are opening more to us. It'll take time for sure but we're continually praying for revelations on how we could help them more.

Coordination with the ward is so great! The members who are setting schedule to work with us are increasing! It just warms our hearts. I guess they got excited to help us with the work. We're doing our best with the Progress Records and the 3-in-1 forms so the Ward Mission Leader is closely working with us. We are so blessed.

During the week, I've learned so much about leadership. That as a leader, I can't just drag the Missionaries in the District to obey without doing it willingly. It's one of the things I'm continually praying to the Lord on how to lead them. And it did! Work in the District had a little progress but I'm seeing that in the coming weeks, the District will be working more harder than we've ever had before. Of course, we need to set an example first. And I'm looking forward for the next weeks here in the District.

Elder Castillo and Elder Capoquian's training is going well. Elder Castillo loves to talk so much that's why he got acquainted to the language a bit faster. Elder Capoquian is doing well in listening. It's one of the skills he's so good at. I am really learning from both of them. It's just so great. Sometimes, during our study, I told them that I am learning much from them. Haha. But it is true.

With regards to my condition, I've learned to find ways on how to understand why God gave me trials. And what I've learned this week is to look things on an eternal perspective. To see why I had to experience certain trials. To see that all things will always be for my good. It is something that I can learn from and be strengthened by. I am really loving the Mission so far and so much thankful for the changes it has brought to me to prepare me for the future. I have love working with the people that we are teaching and with the members as well. I have love my companions and learn to learn from them and serve them.

It's such a blessed week. That's our week.

Sincerely,
Elder Dimazana
Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

It's Legal to Hear from Others now! Yahoo! - Week 49.Serving in Bulua

Another awesome week. Good news is you guys can now e-mail me! But of course, it depends on the time I have to reply. But I would love to hear from you all!!!! 

This was the announcement:

February 27, 2012

To: General Authorities, Area Seventies, and Mission Presidents

From: Missionary Department (801-240-2222)

Subject: Adjusted Missionary Email Policy

Missionaries are to write to their families each week and are also authorized to communicate by email with friends, priesthood leaders, and new converts. Mission presidents should allow sufficient time on preparation day for missionaries to write emails and letters. While in the mission field, missionaries should receive authorization from the mission president before entering into communication, including via email, with converts and others of the opposite gender within the mission boundaries (see Missionary Handbook, 36–37).

It's so cool for the new policy but of course, help us to focus on the Mission. Hehehe... We're doing great and all are cool. The three of us are having a great time and I'm loving the work! 

Love you guys! Thanks for the support!

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

Awesome threesome! The Three Nephites! - Week 48.Serving in Bulua

Well, this was an awesome week. Haha! We really had a punted week but it was okay. Found a handful of less-active members. Still the work is progressing. I don't know what to say right now. There's so much happening in the area and I'm loving the area! Bulua is a really great area. And the members are so loving. They are so supportive. And we are finding ways and seeking for revelations on how to help the area progress. It's so cool!

The training of my companions are doing well. I think I'm learning more from the training and it's so great! So, yeah. That's all for this week. Sorry for the short mail. Not enough time. Haha!

Love you guys! Thanks for the support!

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

Two Plus One! - Week 47.Serving in Bulua

Hello everybody! Well, this is an interesting week.Time flies so fast. My companion, Elder Zata got emergency transferred. Right now, I have two new companions, Elder Castillo and Elder Capoquian. Both of them are trainees! Yes, I'm training them at the same time. We're a trisome. So this transfer is really something to look forward to.

As for our work, there's so much things to do. Haha! But getting the members trust have helped us to know what we could do to help the ward and really strengthen it in our stay here.

Serving as a District Leader is really hard. Haha. Overseeing the District's work proved to be something. We had a mini devotional in our P-Day and I know it helped me to know the District better and we've set goals as a District.

Though things do happen at times here in the Mission. It's a challenge for me but trials proved to be a time of learning. I've learned so much here and I'm loving the work. During my interview with President, I shared to him the challenges that I had being a leader. He shared to me his thoughts and I am relieved that following the Missionary Handbook helped me so much. I know that sometimes, doing my job as a leader makes me unpopular with others. But it's okay. I remember one great line in the handbook that as Missionaries, our loyalty should be first with the Lord, then to our Mission President, and then to the Missionaries.

Well, I don't have the luxury of time to mail since there's so much to do. I've just been in the area for 11 days. Haha! So, this will be an adventure. So much things in store for this transfer. I'm a bit nervous about training two Missionaries at the same time. Haha! it's a new experience for sure.

So, yeah! Have a great week ahead guys and I'm sorry I haven't reply to some of your letters before. Been pretty busy but I'll try my best to write back. I love you all! :)

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission

D meets the Z! - Week 46.Serving in Bulua

Howdy yo?! Hmmm... A lot has happened. And yeah, I'm out of the office! Back to the full-time field work. Haha... I'm now here in my 3rd area, in Bulua. I was called to be the District Leader and companions with Elder Zata.

So, we are 6 in the District. The Patag Elders (Elder Lee & Elder Morga), us (Bulua Elders) and the Iponan Sisters (Sister Rivera & Sister Munar). A lot has happened this week. After training my office trainee Elder Ambrosio (well he's my first trainee in the mission, but in the office. Haha), did a lot of work. Whew, training is really exhausting. But nevertheless, I've learned a lot in the office.

Okay, as for the work. After I got here in the area, I was surprised because there's no work for the past days! Freak! But I understand since they are trisome for the time being since the former District Leader here is now in the office. Kind of a swap. LOL! But of course not! So, after placing my things in the room, I prepared my proselyting bag and then picked up my planner and told my companion, "Elder let's study and plan and then work". He was surprised of course because I just got here in the area and I'm in my work mode already. I was actually surprised too since I'm tired and exhausted but I was so hungry to work. So we did work and met the leaders and it was awesome.

Our area is a hard one in terms of conversion and retention. It's sad to see it but we know we need to a lot of work here! I'm dreaming to see the sacrament hall filled up with people. And also, the sacrament hall looks great! It's the first time I saw one like it in our ward since the front seats are different and it's so big! I guess the design is the same as the wards outside the country or so. But nevertheless, I love our chapel. Haha!

Monday came and had my first District Meeting as the new District Leader. It was nerve-racking since the APs were there. All went well and we learned about the importance of testimony in inviting people to be baptized. I've learned so much as I prepared what we'll be tackling during the meeting. There's so many challenges being a leader but I know that it'll be a great growth for me again. So much to do and so much work that needs to be done. But I'm grateful that the Lord has assigned me here. I'm loving the work and our companionship. We pledged to be both diligent and obedient everyday. Hehe...

So, yeah! that's our week. Looking for the coming weeks to come. Love you guys! I miss you too. Hope you could write me a letter though? Haha... Have a great week! Keep safe!

With love,

Elder Dimazana

Philippines Cagayan De Oro Mission