Find Them that Will Receive You - Week 79.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Find Them that Will Receive You - Week 79.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Hi everyone! Well, Elder Somoray and I are doing well here... It's kinda funny when people would like to change my companion's name to "Elder Samurai" 'coz they say it's easier to pronounce.

Anyways, this week was great! We'll be having a baptism on the 26th! Wee! He's so progressing! He's Brother B. He was referred to us by her aunt. He wasn't baptized in the church since his active grandma died when he was 6. His family is less-active but he's aware that his family are members. It's his first time to be taught though and he's progressing! We're teaching him together with his brother who is a less-active as well as their cousin.

Our other IBDs still have some concerns so we still need to focus on them. As for the Less-Actives, they are progressing! 10 Less-Actives in our area came to church last Sunday! It was really great to see them at church. Some of them have been already interviewed by Bishop. It's really great to have the help and trust of the members here. We were invited last Sunday by the ward council as they prepare their ward mission plan. I'm looking forward to the progress of the work here.

In our work one day, we did what President counseled to us, to "open our mouths". While going to our appointment, we were able to talk to a two people. As we talk and told them our purpose, the other guy invited us in their house. We were a little hesitant since we're on our way to our next appointment. We just opened our mouth so as not to miss any opportunities. We were just planning to have a return appointment with them. He was eager to invite us in and get to know his wife. They let us sit down, and Elder Somoray and I agreed to teach them right there and then. Turned out, they have been prepared by the Lord! They are a family. We'll never forget the words in brother's prayers, he said, "I wish they wouldn't get tired of visiting us here and sharing God's words", though he said it in Cebuano. Nevertheless, it was a spirit-filled night for all of us. We were all edified. After the lesson, Elder Somoray and I were so happy. We would never find people like them have we not open our mouths. It was so great! We're preparing them to be baptized by next month. I can't wait to talk more about their progress.

That's our week. We just had our zone interview last week. Everything went fine. President focused on obedience and I give salute to that! Hahaha... We're really enjoying our time here. It's so cool to be full-time missionary... So, till next week again!

Thank you all! :) Have a great week! :D

The Plan of Salvation - Week 78.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

The Plan of Salvation - Week 78.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Well, thanks a ton for the mails guys! I really enjoyed it :D

This week was a learning week for me. Ever since, Lesson 2 is one of the things I'm not that familiar with but I know it. Then, this past week, one of the primary kids passed away. It was a shocking news for us since that kid was one of the coolest kids in the primary. During the funeral service, I pondered upon my experience here on earth, how all of us will die eventually. Then, during the talk of one of his relatives, sharing his account before he passed away, I couldn't help myself but realize how members of the church to have a knowledge of the restored gospel and be sealed together as a family. That kid and his parents are not yet sealed. It was a sad experience. When we taught his father, who was 3 years less-active, he and his wife decided that they will do all they can to be sealed for time and eternity. Now, I'm looking forward in teaching the couple and help them work out their temple goal. It's heartwarming to see how God loves us so much and how grateful should we be to know that Christ overcome the sting of death because of his resurrection. It made me appreciate more the plan of salvation.

Aside from that, we had 9 less-actives at church last Sunday. Yup, the Lord is blessing us in our work. We had 14 referrals this week! It was overwhelming for me and Elder Somoray. So, we need to contact most of them this coming week, knowing that we'll still be receiving more. Haha.

Also, we had a picture with a stray away cow while going to our next appointment. Elder Somoray and I stopped for a moment and took some pictures with it. It was funny 'coz we did had a hard time getting near it. So, that's the nearest that we could go and take a picture of.

Last Saturday, we had our Community Service Project. Tree Planting! It's my first time in my whole life. Hahahaha! So, it was fun despite the scorching heat of the sun. And, we had it done in a beautiful field. It made me appreciate God's creation more.

Whew! That's our week. We're getting more loaded each day. But, we're learning so much! 'Till next week guys! I love you all! Have a great week ahead! :D

Sincerely,
Elder Dimazana

The Power of Fasting - Week 77.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

The Power of Fasting - Week 77.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Hi everyone! Thanks for the e-mails! :)

This was a great and spirit-filled week for me and Elder Somoray! I can't wait to tell you the miracles that we've experienced this week! :D

First, we'll be having a baptism next month. We just found him last Friday and he's willing! He came to church last Sunday too and made friends with the young men. He is brother Kerin. We're grateful because when we see people in our paths, we try to talk to as many as we could and one of them is brother Kerin. It was a blessing indeed. His goal date for baptism is on the 19th of October. He's progressing, so we'll focus him more in the coming weeks.

Aside from him, we had a couple of less-actives who came to church last Sunday! Elder Somoray and I were so happy that day. Words can't describe the feeling that we've felt during the moment they went to the sacrament hall. During one of our evaluation, Elder Somoray and I agreed to do something for them. So we planned to fast for them, most specially for the Laguit Family. We felt that Sister will come to church in no time. As we fasted last Sunday, we felt a subtle impression that it'll gonna be a great Sunday. At church, Sister came with her whole family! We were not expecting it! She wasn't sure to come to church either when we last taught her but she was there! It was a miracle. After 2 years of inactivity, she came back. Elder Somoray and I were so grateful for Heavenly Father's love for them. We really felt it and continually feel it in our lives as we meet new people. We're grateful for fasting for them. My testimony about fasting have increased! It helped me develop my faith. We asked Sister what inspired her to go to church (since we were expecting her to come to church a week later), she told us that the Spirit kept prompting her to go. So she did. It was so great!

The ward is doing well. So many members are working with us and giving us referrals. Even the investigators that we are meeting are giving us as well! The Lord is helping us so much! Everyday, when we go home, we always thank the Lord for the wonderful work that we have each day. I remember when the Relief Society President invited us to a dinner appointment, she told us, she like to have us there in their house. Haha! It was a manifestation of their trust to us. Not just her, but the other members that we visit as well. I'm just so happy for this week.

I would like to share this great experience that Elder Somoray and I had last Sunday. While contacting one of the member's referral, we got to meet this man in the waiting shed. The member's referral was there too. He was listening to us while we introduce ourselves to the person we just contacted. Then, since the person we planned to visit to is so busy, I got prompted to talk to this man. Little did we know, he was hungry to learn more! It was a spiritual experience for us. The man told us that he would love to listen to us and he wants to know more. He's been a Christian for 10 years but he's still confused to where is the truth. He's golden! We're trying to get to him though since it's a family. We know that Heavenly Father will help us by preparing people to receive the Gospel. We'll report on them in the coming weeks too.

Elder Somoray is doing well. I'm continually asking for the Lord's help in training him. We're having a great time together. I'm grateful to train him and for the future ones who are coming. Haha! Lowie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe we're on the same mission!!! Can't wait to see you here! Woot! :D


I've never been this eager to work ever. Hahahaha! And, I really felt the joy that comes from this work. Work, work, work! Just a great week! Oh well, till next week guys! :D

Sincerely,

Elder Dimazana

On to my 7th Trainee! - Week 76.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

On to my 7th Trainee! - Week 76.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Good day guys! Well, we run out of time yesterday because of so many errands. But everything was worth it so we got permission to e-mail today... So, there's so many great things going on here!

First of all, I'm grateful for the Lord's trust in me in training Missionaries. I was looking back towards the trainees that I've handled so far. 1 is currently in the office (Elder Ambrosio), 2 are now serving as leaders in the mission and have already trained (Elder Castillo, Al and Elder Capoquian), and 2 are now training (Elder Dulam and Elder Respicio). It's been a great experience to train these 7 wonderful missionaries! Now, with me training Elder Sumoray, it'll be another learning experience for me. I guess, this is the best contribution I can make in the mission. Haha!

As for our work, it was a great week for me and Elder Somoray. I can't wait to tell you what miracles have happened in just a span of few days.

First and foremost, well, members are coordinating well with us. Referrals keep on coming and they are eager to help hasten the work forward. We've found a couple of new investigators to teach, and they have immediate fellowshippers. We're harnessing the power of the members to do the Lord's work, and it's making our days productive.

Our finding efforts are still on it. We're balancing our I2L efforts so that Elder Somoray can learn the language fast and at the same time, having time to ask for referrals. This Saturday, we got an appointment set with the Mayor, Vice-Mayor and Brgy. Captain here in Alubijid. we're excited! Haha.

Anyways, we had a Family Home Evening last Monday with the Laguit Family. Sister is Less-Active and it has been almost a year since she last experience doing that. We've shared a lesson with them using one of the scripture passages Elder Somoray and I like, it's in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. It's a verse that's well-suited for Sister and to really feel strong about coming back to church after 2 years of inactivity. We really felt God's love in that lesson and Sister was just in tears. I was looking at my companion and he was in tears too! It was a spiritual experience! Truly, the Holy Ghost have testified to us God's love for us. Sister Vanessa told us that before, she's not eager to hear from the lessons the past Missionaries are teaching her, let alone, even talking to them. But, she told us that she really felt our sincerity in helping her come back to church. It made us happy! Actually, I was not feeling well that day but I prayed and asked strength to the renewal of my body. It did! After that FHE. Normally, we don't proselyte in that area beyond 6pm since there's no more ride to get back home. So we walked all the way home, with smiles painted in our faces. We couldn't stop talking to each other how wonderful that lesson went. It's so great! :D

Also, yesterday, when we were on our way home after having Elder Somoray's glasses adjusted, we I2Led a Captain. He is Captain Roa. We had a lot of talk and as soon as we talked about families and testified to him how the Gospel can help him, he then became eager to listen to us, and even come to church! He'll be a prospective leader for sure. We already referred him to the Patag Elders since he lives there and not in our area. But it was great! It really pays off when you pray for unplanned opportunities. The Lord will surely guide you through the Spirit.

I've been learning tons of new insights from my studies as well as in my training. Elder Sumoray is very teachable. He takes delight in studying and really knowing the purpose why we're here. I guess that's why we love the Spirit working with us each day. Haha! We just feel we're giving it our all. Despite the exhaustion from work, we delight in it because it came from doing the Lord's work. ^^, I'm so glad to train a new missionary and help him how to love the people around him. I love this work so bad. It taught me how valuable the Gospel is to me and how others badly need it.

That's our great week! Thank you so much for everything guys, for the love and support. It's already "Ber" months, christmas is fast approaching! Hahaha!

Anyways, have a great week ahead! :)

Sincerely, Elder Dimazana

In Storms and Tears - Week 75.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Whew! Transfer week! Oh well. I'm a bit anxious on what will be happening this Thursday. Oh flip! My ZL is transferring. It's the fastest transfer for me I guess. Haha!

Anyways, this was a great week for me to ponder. Our counterpart missionaries, the Zone Leaders had their baptism last Saturday. Whew! Before that, we taught the kid a lesson while the ZLs are busy with transfer stuffs. So, we head to their home. And as we were on our way there, clouds are so dark and you could really  hear drum rolls. Haha! Still, we thought all would be well. As soon as we are about to start, a heavy out pour of rain occurred. It was scary since the winds are strong too. I could really tell there's a storm brewing somewhere. And, for the great part, we are near the sea! Lights went off, no electricity! It was 6pm. Me and my companion are still fine although we're worried on how to get back home. Haha! Who wouldn't? The house was leaking, some trees are falling down already, some fences are destroyed due to strong winds, and, lights are out. We still need to walk a fair distance to get to the highway. So we prayed. We prayed hard, me and my companion. After almost 45 minutes, the rain is subsiding. The lights are still out though, we still got prompted to teach the kid. Kinda hard but everything went well.

After that, I started to ponder that we really can't tell what could happen to us here and now. I shook my head after that and realized that I'm almost done with my mission! I still have a lot of things to do and improve. That night, I prayed that my remaining transfers will be great.

As for our work, we're still doing good I guess. Though, we had a lot of scheduled conflicts this past week so we weren't able to get a lot of work done. Still, we tried our best.

We had this one teaching with our less-active. She's still progressing! She really felt Heavenly Father's love as we taught her. We were with an auxiliary leader to fellowship her. Though, as we reached the climax of our lesson, our fellowshipper was so persistent for the LA to really come to church. Things are not going well. Haha! But the Spirit prompted us what to do. We respected her decision but me and my companion knows that she will go back. She said, "I know Elder, it's near. Just a few more time". After that, she started crying and thanked us for the sincerity and our persistence in teaching her. She knows that before, she has a bit hard-headed with the Missionaries, they didn't even had any chance of teaching her. It was 2 years, but now, she always tells us that she feels the Spirit big time. She's excited whenever we come. She's so honest to us. I know that the Spirit is really working on her. And me and my companion are praying for her.

From that experience, it was really heartwarming to see how the Lord works in people's lives. I've learned that we really can't force people to do something we want for them, but we can direct them to the path they could better choose. A path to go back to our Father in Heaven. It's just wonderful!

So, that's our week. TRANSFERS are up! Haha... Oh well... Have a great week guys! 'Till next week! :D

Sincerely, Elder Dimazana

Prayer and Confirmation - Week 74.Serving in Alubijid 2nd

Hello guys! Whew. Well, things are going well. I can't believe that the transfer's almost done! It was a freakin fast transfer! Haha...

Anyways, this week's great. Though we still need to exert more efforts. We found a couple of investigators and less-actives to teach. Our teaching pool is going bigger and bigger as weeks pass by. It's really cool to see how the Lord leads us in finding those people. I always love finding Less-Active members. Most of them are either offended or shy to go back because of their transgressions or heavy problems. So, seeing them open to us and trust us as the Lord's agents helps us to see the greatness of this work.

We haven't followed-up some of our investigators this week due to a conflict in schedule. Though, Elder Respicio's doing well and he's making progress both in the work and in his health. Me too. Haha. We're really trying our best to take things down slowly and learn from each other. Each day, we always goal to see the small things that the Lord wants us to see. Sometimes, when we get punted (which happens most of the time), we'll still be positive and say to ourselves that the Lord has something in store for us. And He does! We've been led to some people that the Lord wants us to meet. We'll be following-up on them this coming week.

As for the less-actives, they are progressing, not all of them though. Also, we do feel that the work is catching up slowly. Even though Alubijid 2nd is just on its 3rd month, I guess I really love opening areas. It's been the same when I got in Bulua. We've tracked down fruitful parts of the area so after this transfer, we'll expect fruits. We'll be praying and fasting for it. We have faith that the Lord will bless us. I know it because I've experienced it throughout my mission.

We had this one lesson, with Sister Vanessa. I really love teaching that family. The mother is less-active and brother is out of the country working, while the kids just returned to church with their grandparents. Hopefully, sister will come to church with her kids this Sunday. She's so progressing! I guess the Lord works in His ways. She always tell us that her faith is building and that her prayers are getting answered. We'll be happy to see them as a family.

Oh well, time sure is fast! Me and my companion are doing great and we're having fun. I don't know what will happen this transfer but I'm grateful to have a great companion. We're having lot of fun times at work, in the apartment and even just walking. Hahaha! Man, I guess I'm getting even more quirkier by the minute.

While traveling this afternoon, I was pondering on the bus and praying. I guess I'm rekindling my mission life so far. It's great and I've learned a lot. I'm grateful for how Heavenly Father responds to my prayers. Getting confirmation from those prayers are very rewarding. I guess one would always write it down on his/her journal. It's just rewarding.

Attached are some photos in the District. My companion's just so funny. Anyways, have a great week ahead guys!