Dearest family,
I don't want to tell you much so we'll have stuff to talk about when i get back, but I just wanted to share some thoughts that I've had over the past few days as I've been reflecting over my mission. I've had a lot of time to think these past few days since i've been traveling a lot (8 hours on Saturday and 3 hours yesterday).
On Saturday, I had two interesting conversations: one with a leader from a Baptist church and another with a young man studying to be a Catholic priest. It was sad to see how twisted or ignorant their views were about the gospel of Christ. They had no idea what grace really is. We are so blessed as members of this church to have the restored gospel of Christ. We know that we are saved by faith and works through grace. We can of our own selves do nothing. This gospel is simple. It is no secret or mystery. Rather, we have a living prophet who helps us discern truth from darkness. There is only one truth. There is only one lifestyle that can lead to a Godlike life. And Christ has already walked that path and given us commandments so we cannot go astray. We cannot just pick and choose what we think is applicable to us---what is comfortable for us to live. This life is about stretching to reach our potential by applying the atoning blood of Christ.
Also, while I was traveling by myself on the van to Tacloban, I was talking to a few of the passengers beside me, introducing the Restoration. Then someone in the back of the van asked if I was a Latter-day Saint. I said yes and asked him if he was. Turns out he was the Branch President of Guiuan! (the south-eastern tip of Samar, the south part of Borongan zone) He was impressed that I was still sharing the message even though I was going home. It made me think that no matter what calling I have, I should always share our unique message. And I never know who is watching me, haha.
This morning we ate breakfast in the mission home and they had us mark our favorite scripture in their giant Book of Mormon. I chose 1 Nephi 19:9 about Christ's pure love:
9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.
This scripture has been a big theme throughout my mission: the enduring and enabling power of charity. In other words, the character of Christ. "Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward. If such a capacity is indeed the ultimate criterion of moral character, then the Savior of the world is the perfect example of such a consistent and charitable character." ~David A. Bednar
I've also been studying about the lives of the apostles and saints in the book of Acts. It's amazing to see the testimonies of Peter and Stephen after the Resurrection of Christ, as compared to beforehand. I feel like a similar change has happened in myself. Before my mission, I had a strong testimony, but I didn't really take up opportunities to share. But serving as a full-time missionary has helped me open my mouth to everyone and anyone that I come into contact with. I know that this gospel is both a blessing and a responsibility.
Last night, we had a devotional at the mission home and we each had the opportunity to bear our testimonies. I shared about how I've come to realize that God is always in charge. He has a perfect plan. And He is actively involved in our lives, not just watching His plan unfold. The greatest miracles to me actually haven't been the dramatic ones like the Typhoon Yolanda or sudden conversions, but rather the tender mercies of the Lord. In my journal everyday I have been keeping track of the small, unnoticed things that slip my attention during the busy schedule of the day. And I am continually amazed by how God is in the very details of my life. He has everything worked out to the tiniest or most insignificant part. It brings great reassurance and comfort to know that God cares and will continue to provide for me.
"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." ~2 Nephi 26:24
I don't feel worried at all to go home. I feel peace and I'm excited for the future. :)
LOVE YOU ALLL!!!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Days Left: 10 My last full week as a full-time missionary
Dearest family,
We had two great baptisms this week—one is another potential Melchizedek priesthood holder: Dennis Morales. He is the last member of his family to be baptized, so now they are a complete family! Also, Aquino was the one to baptize him and Moniecel. And he blessed the sacrament for the first time yesterday. We’re trying to get him involved as much as possible in serving and using his priesthood. Because of Aquino’s example, Dennis also wants to be active in using the priesthood. He wants to baptize our next candidates in December.
Our success in Can-Avid comes because of the members. Every evening we work with two Relief Society members who give us referrals for the professors at the local university and other professionals. After a few months of working with us, we’ve noticed that these sisters have become fearless in sharing their testimony with all their friends and family. They know how to be a missionary and open their mouth to everyone, not worrying if they will be rejected or not.
Cool story: One of our investigators, Rowel, hasn’t been reading or attending church after several lessons. We were preparing to drop him until he is ready to keep commitments. Saturday evening we visited him and asked him if he had read. To our surprise he actually read for the first time. Not only that, but he is almost to the book of MOSIAH!! (that’s over 200 pages). He told us of his desires to get rid of all his vices and join our church. His countenance has completely changed after he had started to “feast upon the word.” The power of the Book of Mormon is real! It is the converting power to change lives. To change our very character.
Glenn still isn't allowed to continue the lessons or attend church BUT a few days ago, he asked for another Book of Mormon to give to his friend! That's the true sign of conversion: when we SHARE the gospel!! He's going to be just fine, it'll just take time.
We've been back to the police 2 or 3 times now and things are still going great! We've been able to narrow down the officers to the ones who are willing to act and are truly interested. Also, we taught the prisoners the Plan of Salvation, focusing on repentance and the Atonement. Two days later, they have already read up to 2 Nephi 2! They have nothing else to do, haha.
I've been studying about how Christ is the true vine, from John 15:1-5. It teaches that every good thing comes from Christ. Without Christ, we are truly nothing. We cannot bring forth any fruit of our own efforts. Christ is the vine and we are the branches.
I love you all! SEEYA NEXT WEEK!!! KITAKITS!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
We had two great baptisms this week—one is another potential Melchizedek priesthood holder: Dennis Morales. He is the last member of his family to be baptized, so now they are a complete family! Also, Aquino was the one to baptize him and Moniecel. And he blessed the sacrament for the first time yesterday. We’re trying to get him involved as much as possible in serving and using his priesthood. Because of Aquino’s example, Dennis also wants to be active in using the priesthood. He wants to baptize our next candidates in December.
Our success in Can-Avid comes because of the members. Every evening we work with two Relief Society members who give us referrals for the professors at the local university and other professionals. After a few months of working with us, we’ve noticed that these sisters have become fearless in sharing their testimony with all their friends and family. They know how to be a missionary and open their mouth to everyone, not worrying if they will be rejected or not.
Cool story: One of our investigators, Rowel, hasn’t been reading or attending church after several lessons. We were preparing to drop him until he is ready to keep commitments. Saturday evening we visited him and asked him if he had read. To our surprise he actually read for the first time. Not only that, but he is almost to the book of MOSIAH!! (that’s over 200 pages). He told us of his desires to get rid of all his vices and join our church. His countenance has completely changed after he had started to “feast upon the word.” The power of the Book of Mormon is real! It is the converting power to change lives. To change our very character.
Glenn still isn't allowed to continue the lessons or attend church BUT a few days ago, he asked for another Book of Mormon to give to his friend! That's the true sign of conversion: when we SHARE the gospel!! He's going to be just fine, it'll just take time.
We've been back to the police 2 or 3 times now and things are still going great! We've been able to narrow down the officers to the ones who are willing to act and are truly interested. Also, we taught the prisoners the Plan of Salvation, focusing on repentance and the Atonement. Two days later, they have already read up to 2 Nephi 2! They have nothing else to do, haha.
I've been studying about how Christ is the true vine, from John 15:1-5. It teaches that every good thing comes from Christ. Without Christ, we are truly nothing. We cannot bring forth any fruit of our own efforts. Christ is the vine and we are the branches.
I love you all! SEEYA NEXT WEEK!!! KITAKITS!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
 |
| Oceanside baptism for Moniecel and Dennis, with Aquino as baptizer (Aquino was just baptized himself just 2 weeks before)! |
 |
| meeting with police.. . ignore whatever is on my shirt, lol |
 |
| visiting the prisoners in jail! |
 |
| last district activity |
 |
| people like to decorate their homes with egg shells. . . .????? |
 |
| baptismal candidates |
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Days Left: 16 - His Grace is Sufficient
Dearest dear dear loving kind family who loves me,
We had the coolest finding opportunity this morning!!!! One of our awesome Relief Society members (sister Morales) recently just started working as a office worker for the police station. Last week we dropped by to meet Sister Morales there, but she wasn't there. Instead we ended up talking to the police there. THEN, we were invited by the Chief of Police in Can-Avid to attend the conference for all the police this morning after the flag raising ceremony! he asked us to share a message to improve the moral standards of the policemen!! So this morning we had planned on teaching about prophets and the Word of Wisdom. But as we started the lesson we told them to feel free to ask questions. Right away, the chief of police asked us about the Book of Mormon. The officers were all very intrigued in our message and asked question after question. When we finished, they were disappointed that it was over and asked us when we'll return. :) yayayayay potential priesthood holders!!!! The only problem will be getting them to attend church on Sundays because of their work schedule.
Brother Aquino Irasga continues to be awesome. This Sunday he was ordained to the office of a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and gave a talk about obedience in Sacrament Meeting. And he has plans to go to Cebu Temple with or without the branch. He's determined to go as soon as possible and he's super excited about family history!!
Glenn's wife is completely against his baptism. And he can no longer attend the lessons or church. He's really upset. He relapsed drinking again. Maybe that will show his wife that he won't be able to progress spiritually unless he lives the standards of this church. We haven't been able to contact him for this past week, but we text him daily. We also had a fast for him with the members in Can-Avid. His faith is really being tested.
I know that God lives. He is a God of MIRACLES! I know that He is an active God. He is not just sitting back and watching His plan unfold. Rather, He is working alongside us. I like to think of the parable of the olive trees in Jacob 5. He is busy working and laboring for our happiness. Everything we do is not of our own strength or credit. Everything good we do, whether we acknowledge it or not, is because of Christ. Because of His enabling power. Truly we are less than the dust of the earth without Christ. Despite all our weaknesses, His grace is sufficient if we continue in the straight and narrow way. All He asks of us is progression, not perfection in this life. I know that everything happens for our good. Yes, everything. Like we heard in last General Conference, every trial is an opportunity for us to look up, and say "I know what this is: a chance to prove myself."
I LOVE YOU FAM!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
We had the coolest finding opportunity this morning!!!! One of our awesome Relief Society members (sister Morales) recently just started working as a office worker for the police station. Last week we dropped by to meet Sister Morales there, but she wasn't there. Instead we ended up talking to the police there. THEN, we were invited by the Chief of Police in Can-Avid to attend the conference for all the police this morning after the flag raising ceremony! he asked us to share a message to improve the moral standards of the policemen!! So this morning we had planned on teaching about prophets and the Word of Wisdom. But as we started the lesson we told them to feel free to ask questions. Right away, the chief of police asked us about the Book of Mormon. The officers were all very intrigued in our message and asked question after question. When we finished, they were disappointed that it was over and asked us when we'll return. :) yayayayay potential priesthood holders!!!! The only problem will be getting them to attend church on Sundays because of their work schedule.
Brother Aquino Irasga continues to be awesome. This Sunday he was ordained to the office of a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and gave a talk about obedience in Sacrament Meeting. And he has plans to go to Cebu Temple with or without the branch. He's determined to go as soon as possible and he's super excited about family history!!
Glenn's wife is completely against his baptism. And he can no longer attend the lessons or church. He's really upset. He relapsed drinking again. Maybe that will show his wife that he won't be able to progress spiritually unless he lives the standards of this church. We haven't been able to contact him for this past week, but we text him daily. We also had a fast for him with the members in Can-Avid. His faith is really being tested.
I know that God lives. He is a God of MIRACLES! I know that He is an active God. He is not just sitting back and watching His plan unfold. Rather, He is working alongside us. I like to think of the parable of the olive trees in Jacob 5. He is busy working and laboring for our happiness. Everything we do is not of our own strength or credit. Everything good we do, whether we acknowledge it or not, is because of Christ. Because of His enabling power. Truly we are less than the dust of the earth without Christ. Despite all our weaknesses, His grace is sufficient if we continue in the straight and narrow way. All He asks of us is progression, not perfection in this life. I know that everything happens for our good. Yes, everything. Like we heard in last General Conference, every trial is an opportunity for us to look up, and say "I know what this is: a chance to prove myself."
I LOVE YOU FAM!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Days Left: 23 The days are hast'ning on
Dear family,
I was singing Hymn 207 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear the other day and I really like the 3rd verse:
For lo! the days are hast'ning on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the evercircling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heav'n and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
It reminds me of the hope that we should all have of better days to come. We all have something good to look forward to, despite whatever clouds of trials that may darken our days at present. The prophets before Christ's birth looked forward towards his earthly ministry. And now we look forward with an eye of faith for the end of this world and the beginning of a new.
Our sacrament attendance soared to 50 this week! A family we have been working with for the past few months decided that they are ready to return to church after 10 years of inactivity. They also attended the baptism and reconnected with many of the members. Alex Pino, the father, is a Melchizedek priesthood holder so he’ll be a great help to the members here in Can-Avid. We aren’t even a group yet because we don’t have enough priesthood or a group leader. But hopefully by the time I leave it will be well on it's way.
We had our first baptism this Saturday: Aquino Irasga! (Moniecel's date is postponed to the same date as Glenn and Dennis, November 22). It was amazing!!! President and Sister Maurer and about 50 people showed up! It was the best way to celebrate the anniversary of typhoon Yolanda. Aquino was interviewed for the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday and he already is planning to go the Cebu temple, even if he goes by himself. He gave us another referral for a professional family that we visited last night: Gerry and Arlene.
We ended up toploading a jeepney for two hours to get to Borongan last monday and then we took a van to get to Tacloban. We left at 5am to try to get a ride but didn't arrive until almost 8pm. So tiring. And the next day we flew to Manila! Guess what!!! We ended up having extra time to go to the Manila temple!!!!! All the sessions were full but we did intiatories and child to parent sealings. So beautiful. I can't wait to go to the temple all the time when I go home.
Scripture of the week: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 I've been studying about the purpose of weaknesses. I love how Paul talks about his "thorn in the flesh" and the way we access grace and power.
7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the
messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above
measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I
rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for
when I am weak, then am I strong.
I know that no matter what struggles we are going through, we can lay our burdens at Christ's feet and give it up to God. We can feel peace NOW. That is the promise of the Comforter.
I love you all a billion times bajillion! plus eternity. :)
Sister Amanda Smith
Amanda isn't able to send us pictures anymore since her internet is too slow. We've been pretty lucky to become friends with a member (Rhod Coles Basio) there who shared these pictures and words with us:
I was singing Hymn 207 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear the other day and I really like the 3rd verse:
For lo! the days are hast'ning on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the evercircling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heav'n and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
It reminds me of the hope that we should all have of better days to come. We all have something good to look forward to, despite whatever clouds of trials that may darken our days at present. The prophets before Christ's birth looked forward towards his earthly ministry. And now we look forward with an eye of faith for the end of this world and the beginning of a new.
Our sacrament attendance soared to 50 this week! A family we have been working with for the past few months decided that they are ready to return to church after 10 years of inactivity. They also attended the baptism and reconnected with many of the members. Alex Pino, the father, is a Melchizedek priesthood holder so he’ll be a great help to the members here in Can-Avid. We aren’t even a group yet because we don’t have enough priesthood or a group leader. But hopefully by the time I leave it will be well on it's way.
We had our first baptism this Saturday: Aquino Irasga! (Moniecel's date is postponed to the same date as Glenn and Dennis, November 22). It was amazing!!! President and Sister Maurer and about 50 people showed up! It was the best way to celebrate the anniversary of typhoon Yolanda. Aquino was interviewed for the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday and he already is planning to go the Cebu temple, even if he goes by himself. He gave us another referral for a professional family that we visited last night: Gerry and Arlene.
We ended up toploading a jeepney for two hours to get to Borongan last monday and then we took a van to get to Tacloban. We left at 5am to try to get a ride but didn't arrive until almost 8pm. So tiring. And the next day we flew to Manila! Guess what!!! We ended up having extra time to go to the Manila temple!!!!! All the sessions were full but we did intiatories and child to parent sealings. So beautiful. I can't wait to go to the temple all the time when I go home.
Scripture of the week: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 I've been studying about the purpose of weaknesses. I love how Paul talks about his "thorn in the flesh" and the way we access grace and power.
7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the
messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above
measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I
rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for
when I am weak, then am I strong.
I know that no matter what struggles we are going through, we can lay our burdens at Christ's feet and give it up to God. We can feel peace NOW. That is the promise of the Comforter.
I love you all a billion times bajillion! plus eternity. :)
Sister Amanda Smith
Amanda isn't able to send us pictures anymore since her internet is too slow. We've been pretty lucky to become friends with a member (Rhod Coles Basio) there who shared these pictures and words with us:
 |
| Baptism of Bro. Aquino Irasga & Bro. Alphy Anacio |
"Mrs. give me my last cup of coffee," Bro. Aquino said before he decides to join the church and be baptized...
(On the second visit to Bro. Aquino's house he decided to put away all his vices, the alcohol, cigarettes & coffee and said i am old now and i want to change myself for the better, i want my children to be proud of me, that their father is no longer drinking alcohol, smoking & other vices, i want to join your organization, i want to be baptized. --Bro. Aquino)
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Days Left: 31 - All Souls Day
Dear family,
Happy Halloween! They don't really celebrate Halloween the same way here. Instead, they go to the cemetery, sit on the coffins of their ancestors, light candles, and leave flowers. It's a Catholic tradition. Unforunately, that meant our attendance went down, but we still had 7 investigators attend church in DapDap (every first sunday we travel 20 minutes to the neighboring city for fast and testimony meeting). One of them was a new investigator who came for the first time! Emmanuel, a former chief of police! So he has a car!!!! on our way to church, we were praying that he would show up. As we turned the corner on our way to church, we saw his truck parked outside the meetinghouse!!! (he is the only one that has a car that came to church--most people have motors or ride public transportation). Aquino brought him--Aquino is a fabulous missionary because he's a retired politician and everyone knows him. Very influential.
Yesterday was Aquino and Moniecel's baptismal interview! they both passed and the baptism will be this Saturday (in the ocean!!!!!!). President Maurer will be attending!!! The whole branch loves Aquino to death because he's super outgoing and very passionate. He's definitely a future leader! RIght now our branch president is 25 and he only has one counselor. ANd there's only one active Melchizedek priesthood holder in Can-Avid. So i'ts pretty amazing for us to be having this much succes with how tiny the town is here.
This past week, Aquino asked us for a list of all the members, especially the less-actives so he can visit them all and bring them back to church!! And he's already planning strategies to help with retention and rescue. He' s the most golden investigator ever. He works with us a lot and we are introducing him to all our investigators. Just last night we had a group lesson with Toni, Dennis, Aquino, Glenn, and our R.S. branch missionaries. It was awesome!!! Now they don't feel as alone with all the persecution that is happening.
Glenn came to church! And at the last prayer meeting for his Catholic Couples for Christ group he announced that he was being baptized into our church! His wife still absolutely refuses to read, but she'll still listen to the lesson. At the group lesson last night, we all counseled together about how to ask his wife's support for his baptism. Hopefully it goes well! keep him in your prayers. His baptismal date is November 22, as well as Dennis Morales. :)
Can you believe that by next fast Sunday i'll be home??? I bore my testimony yesterday about sacrifice. If there is anything that keeps us from praying, reading the scriptures daily, going to church, and keeping the commandments, we need to take it out of our lives.
I love how Jesus Christ teaches. He is the master teacher. I was reading recently in Luke 9:46-48:
46Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of themshould be greatest.
47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child,and set him by him,
48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in myname receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth himthat sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall begreat.
Humility is the key to opening all the other doors of Christlike attributes. In order to change, develop or learn anything in this life, we must first be humble.This is the attribute that I'm learning the most these last few weeks of my mission. I feel like this area and Sister Chu are exactly what i need to learn true humility. One of my top goals for how I want to be like when I go home is to be humble. So these experiences are exactly what I asked for and need.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Love always,
Sister Smith
Happy Halloween! They don't really celebrate Halloween the same way here. Instead, they go to the cemetery, sit on the coffins of their ancestors, light candles, and leave flowers. It's a Catholic tradition. Unforunately, that meant our attendance went down, but we still had 7 investigators attend church in DapDap (every first sunday we travel 20 minutes to the neighboring city for fast and testimony meeting). One of them was a new investigator who came for the first time! Emmanuel, a former chief of police! So he has a car!!!! on our way to church, we were praying that he would show up. As we turned the corner on our way to church, we saw his truck parked outside the meetinghouse!!! (he is the only one that has a car that came to church--most people have motors or ride public transportation). Aquino brought him--Aquino is a fabulous missionary because he's a retired politician and everyone knows him. Very influential.
Yesterday was Aquino and Moniecel's baptismal interview! they both passed and the baptism will be this Saturday (in the ocean!!!!!!). President Maurer will be attending!!! The whole branch loves Aquino to death because he's super outgoing and very passionate. He's definitely a future leader! RIght now our branch president is 25 and he only has one counselor. ANd there's only one active Melchizedek priesthood holder in Can-Avid. So i'ts pretty amazing for us to be having this much succes with how tiny the town is here.
This past week, Aquino asked us for a list of all the members, especially the less-actives so he can visit them all and bring them back to church!! And he's already planning strategies to help with retention and rescue. He' s the most golden investigator ever. He works with us a lot and we are introducing him to all our investigators. Just last night we had a group lesson with Toni, Dennis, Aquino, Glenn, and our R.S. branch missionaries. It was awesome!!! Now they don't feel as alone with all the persecution that is happening.
Glenn came to church! And at the last prayer meeting for his Catholic Couples for Christ group he announced that he was being baptized into our church! His wife still absolutely refuses to read, but she'll still listen to the lesson. At the group lesson last night, we all counseled together about how to ask his wife's support for his baptism. Hopefully it goes well! keep him in your prayers. His baptismal date is November 22, as well as Dennis Morales. :)
Can you believe that by next fast Sunday i'll be home??? I bore my testimony yesterday about sacrifice. If there is anything that keeps us from praying, reading the scriptures daily, going to church, and keeping the commandments, we need to take it out of our lives.
I love how Jesus Christ teaches. He is the master teacher. I was reading recently in Luke 9:46-48:
46Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of themshould be greatest.
47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child,and set him by him,
48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in myname receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth himthat sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall begreat.
Humility is the key to opening all the other doors of Christlike attributes. In order to change, develop or learn anything in this life, we must first be humble.This is the attribute that I'm learning the most these last few weeks of my mission. I feel like this area and Sister Chu are exactly what i need to learn true humility. One of my top goals for how I want to be like when I go home is to be humble. So these experiences are exactly what I asked for and need.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Love always,
Sister Smith
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Days Left: 37- Hebrews 11
Dearest family,
It’s weird to realize that the world keeps moving on even though I feel like I’m in the twilight zone here in the Philippines. It’s always summer so I feel like no time passes at all.
I hope Dad’s recovery from surgery goes well so he can give me a decent hug, haha. And Alex’s job sounds crazy! He’s a zombie target for a shooting range??? That’ll be fun for him.
Also, congrats to Terin and James!!!!!!!!!! I can’t put enough exclamation points.
Aquino is still going strong. However, Glenn is facing persecution from his wife. She joins the lessons but refused to read (we’re pretty sure she knows it’s true but she doesn’t want to leave her comfort zone). Now she won’t allow him to attend church again. Super sad!
I’ve been studying a lot about faith lately and I love the chapter in Hebrews 11 that shows all the things we do through faith. Read it! Sorry this letter is super short this week. . . Next week will be better!
LOVE YOU ALL!!
Sister Amanda Smith
It’s weird to realize that the world keeps moving on even though I feel like I’m in the twilight zone here in the Philippines. It’s always summer so I feel like no time passes at all.
I hope Dad’s recovery from surgery goes well so he can give me a decent hug, haha. And Alex’s job sounds crazy! He’s a zombie target for a shooting range??? That’ll be fun for him.
Also, congrats to Terin and James!!!!!!!!!! I can’t put enough exclamation points.
Aquino is still going strong. However, Glenn is facing persecution from his wife. She joins the lessons but refused to read (we’re pretty sure she knows it’s true but she doesn’t want to leave her comfort zone). Now she won’t allow him to attend church again. Super sad!
I’ve been studying a lot about faith lately and I love the chapter in Hebrews 11 that shows all the things we do through faith. Read it! Sorry this letter is super short this week. . . Next week will be better!
LOVE YOU ALL!!
Sister Amanda Smith
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Days Left: 44 Can-Avid, Borongan Zone - No Unhallowed Hand Can Stop the Work from Progressing
My dearest deary family,
Can-Avid continues to be amazing. Aquino (the former lay-minister and leader for the Catholic Couples for Christ) is still on date for November 8. He will be baptized along with another one of our investigators, Monicel. We also have Glenn (an active member of Couples for Christ) and Dennis (the husband of Sister Morales) scheduled for November 22! Aquino came with us to our lesson with Glenn last Saturday and then Glenn went to church for the first time with Aquino. I’m glad we’ve been able to help create relationships between investigators and members so they have a source of strength to draw on.
The persecution is starting to pick up here, which is a natural consequence of the success we are having. We are striving to have daily contact with our investigators to keep the Spirit strong in their lives and warn them of coming trials. We’ve had a handful of our investigators stop or drop off because of their relatives’ disapproval. But Glenn and Aquino are so solid! They both read and study like crazy. They are very excited for their baptisms and also for being pioneers in Can-Avid. During our last lesson, Aquino exclaimed, "We are PIONEERING!" They are already planning how to establish the church here. They are both professional so they are definitely future leaders. I wish I could see Can-Avid in a year’s time!
I've been pondering about the power of charity lately and I've realized that we can do everything with love. Love should be the motivating factor behind everything we do and say. There's nothing that we can't or shouldn't do without love. Anything we say or communicate should be done in a loving manner. We can be Christlike at all times and emotions. It all comes down to our agency: we choose to be Christlike, even when our initial reaction is the exact opposite. We can be the master of our souls.
LOVE YOU ALL TONS!!!! Remember, every member a missionary!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Can-Avid continues to be amazing. Aquino (the former lay-minister and leader for the Catholic Couples for Christ) is still on date for November 8. He will be baptized along with another one of our investigators, Monicel. We also have Glenn (an active member of Couples for Christ) and Dennis (the husband of Sister Morales) scheduled for November 22! Aquino came with us to our lesson with Glenn last Saturday and then Glenn went to church for the first time with Aquino. I’m glad we’ve been able to help create relationships between investigators and members so they have a source of strength to draw on.
The persecution is starting to pick up here, which is a natural consequence of the success we are having. We are striving to have daily contact with our investigators to keep the Spirit strong in their lives and warn them of coming trials. We’ve had a handful of our investigators stop or drop off because of their relatives’ disapproval. But Glenn and Aquino are so solid! They both read and study like crazy. They are very excited for their baptisms and also for being pioneers in Can-Avid. During our last lesson, Aquino exclaimed, "We are PIONEERING!" They are already planning how to establish the church here. They are both professional so they are definitely future leaders. I wish I could see Can-Avid in a year’s time!
I've been pondering about the power of charity lately and I've realized that we can do everything with love. Love should be the motivating factor behind everything we do and say. There's nothing that we can't or shouldn't do without love. Anything we say or communicate should be done in a loving manner. We can be Christlike at all times and emotions. It all comes down to our agency: we choose to be Christlike, even when our initial reaction is the exact opposite. We can be the master of our souls.
LOVE YOU ALL TONS!!!! Remember, every member a missionary!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Days Left: 51 Can-Avid, Borongan Zone Principles of godliness
Dearest family,
First off, I am some questions for all of you:
When did you first know the church was true? Or, what events in your early life contributed to your growing conversion? I want to hear your conversion stories. :)
Also, as parents, how do you cope when your children are outright defiant and disobedient?
We had a busy week! We had Zone Training Meeting, Zone Interviews with President, and of course GENERAL CONFERENCE!!! We were worried that we would have to go all the way to Borongan for conference, but a member here downloaded the talks so we could watch here.
Our investigators are continuing to progress and they attended General Conference with us. It's really so nice to be united with the members. We plan together for the area, they know most of our investigators, and they help us know where to go and how the investigators are progressing. And it's I love how the Relief Society is more involved than the single adults (usually it's the other way around). Now we can find appropriate fellowhippers for our investigators.
Aquino continues to be awesome. It's been 11 days since he's smoked or had a drink. Going strong! He's also inviting his friends and neighbors to listen to the gospel. He's on track for his baptismal date for November 8.
Dennis, his nephew, is also staying strong with following the Word of Wisdom. Before, he used to avoid the missionaries and wasn't really interested. Now, he'll randomly show up at our lessons with other investigators because his wife always works with us. He is thirsty for the word of God. And this week he gave away a Word of Wisdom pamphlet to one of his best friends, Peleo. Cool story: we were punted at one of our appointments while working with Dennis's wife and suddenly she had a strong prompting to drop by Peleo's house. He is a policeman who lives alone. His wife died of a heart attack 3 years ago and all his children have moved away from home. He just drinks and drinks every day so he's rarely sober. As we passed by his house, Sister Morales (the wife of Dennis) peeked in the window to check on her husband to see if he was drinking with Peleo. She jumped away excitedly and exclaimed, "They aren't drinking!!! Quickly, quickly, let's go inside!" So we taught brother Peleo about temples, the Plan of Salvation, and related it all to the restored gospel, our unique message to the world. He didn't say much during the lesson, but he was captured by our message. At the end of our lesson, he said that from his childhood and throughout his whole life he had never heard the gospel explained the way we explained it to him. He committed to really search and pray to know if our message is true.
Glenn, an active member of the Catholic Couples for Christ organization, just committed to be baptized! He's been searching online at mormon.org to find out more about Joseph Smith and he watched the Restoration video. He speaks like a member of our church and he loves how we have more complete knowledge about the Plan of Salvation. We feel like he knows this church is true, he just needs to sacrifice in order to come and follow. We will keep working with him to develop the faith in Christ to attend church and face his friends about his decision.
I know that this life is for our self-improvement, not self-contentment. We are being given trials to shape and mold us; we are learning principles of godliness. I really loved how Jorg Klebingat talked about smiling, looking upwards, and saying, "I know what this is: a chance to prove myself."
Anyhoo, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
First off, I am some questions for all of you:
When did you first know the church was true? Or, what events in your early life contributed to your growing conversion? I want to hear your conversion stories. :)
Also, as parents, how do you cope when your children are outright defiant and disobedient?
We had a busy week! We had Zone Training Meeting, Zone Interviews with President, and of course GENERAL CONFERENCE!!! We were worried that we would have to go all the way to Borongan for conference, but a member here downloaded the talks so we could watch here.
Our investigators are continuing to progress and they attended General Conference with us. It's really so nice to be united with the members. We plan together for the area, they know most of our investigators, and they help us know where to go and how the investigators are progressing. And it's I love how the Relief Society is more involved than the single adults (usually it's the other way around). Now we can find appropriate fellowhippers for our investigators.
Aquino continues to be awesome. It's been 11 days since he's smoked or had a drink. Going strong! He's also inviting his friends and neighbors to listen to the gospel. He's on track for his baptismal date for November 8.
Dennis, his nephew, is also staying strong with following the Word of Wisdom. Before, he used to avoid the missionaries and wasn't really interested. Now, he'll randomly show up at our lessons with other investigators because his wife always works with us. He is thirsty for the word of God. And this week he gave away a Word of Wisdom pamphlet to one of his best friends, Peleo. Cool story: we were punted at one of our appointments while working with Dennis's wife and suddenly she had a strong prompting to drop by Peleo's house. He is a policeman who lives alone. His wife died of a heart attack 3 years ago and all his children have moved away from home. He just drinks and drinks every day so he's rarely sober. As we passed by his house, Sister Morales (the wife of Dennis) peeked in the window to check on her husband to see if he was drinking with Peleo. She jumped away excitedly and exclaimed, "They aren't drinking!!! Quickly, quickly, let's go inside!" So we taught brother Peleo about temples, the Plan of Salvation, and related it all to the restored gospel, our unique message to the world. He didn't say much during the lesson, but he was captured by our message. At the end of our lesson, he said that from his childhood and throughout his whole life he had never heard the gospel explained the way we explained it to him. He committed to really search and pray to know if our message is true.
Glenn, an active member of the Catholic Couples for Christ organization, just committed to be baptized! He's been searching online at mormon.org to find out more about Joseph Smith and he watched the Restoration video. He speaks like a member of our church and he loves how we have more complete knowledge about the Plan of Salvation. We feel like he knows this church is true, he just needs to sacrifice in order to come and follow. We will keep working with him to develop the faith in Christ to attend church and face his friends about his decision.
I know that this life is for our self-improvement, not self-contentment. We are being given trials to shape and mold us; we are learning principles of godliness. I really loved how Jorg Klebingat talked about smiling, looking upwards, and saying, "I know what this is: a chance to prove myself."
Anyhoo, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
 |
| sister chu and i at the beach |
 |
| homemade dumplings taste sooooooooo goood! i'll make some for you. it's pretty easy. the dough is just water, flour and salt. you roll it out as thin as possible and make sure it's not too sticky. then you fill it with ground pork, cabbage, corn, ginger, pepper, and carrots. then you boil or fry it! dip in soy sauce with garlic. soooo yummmy. . . it makes a nice soup too. |
Monday, October 6, 2014
Days Left: 58 Can-Avid, Borongan Zone A Marvelous Work
Dearest family in the whole wide world,
This was one of the most exciting weeks of my life! We experienced so many miracles with the members here in Can-Avid. Day after day we keep finding potential priesthood holders through referrals from the members!!!
One of our most amazing experiences is with Brother Aquino, a former lay-minister for the Catholic church. This week we taught him the Word of Wisdom and he knew straightaway that he needed to stop his smoking and drinking. As we began the lesson and followed-up his reading of the Word of Wisdom pamphlet, his nephew Dennis (the husband of a relief society sister that always works with us) joined the lesson. Dennis is a non-member who has never been interested in the gospel despite many visits from missionaries. His wife excitedly joined the lesson. We taught both Aquino and Dennis about the power of the Atonement to change lives.
Towards the end of the lesson, they both solidly committed to give up their vices and be baptized on November 8. When we asked Dennis, he couldn’t stop smiling and gave us a big thumbs up. They both attended church for the first time yesterday (which was also the first time the entire family went to church together). Every first Sunday the Can-Avid group travels to Dolores for a combined sacrament meeting. Dennis’s wife bore her testimony about missionary work and how Can-Avid is ready to harvest. Then Brother Aquino stood up to bear his testimony too! He shared with the branch his decision to keep the Word of Wisdom. He related to us what he told his wife a few days ago:
“Honey, make me my last cup of coffee. Buy me my last pack of cigarettes. Then buy me my last bottle of wine." He shared how free he feels now and he ended by saying "I am the happiest man in the world." The members are very excited about the success that is happening; our branch president even said that Aquino is a potential branch president for Can-Avid in the future. The church is being established. :)
Another cool story: A few weeks ago we taught a man and his wife (Glenn and Dina) who are active members of Couples for Christ, a Catholic organization. We shared with them the Restoration and left them a Book of Mormon. We weren't able to have another appointment with them until this past Saturday, but we had been following up with him. Turns out, he loves the Book of Mormon and was so interested to find out who Mormon was that he skipped to the end and read the Books of Mormon and Moroni and then started 1 Nephi! We brought members with us to the second lesson this past Saturday and we were all blown away by his knowledge and love for the gospel. He admitted that he dislikes how his current religion doesn't follow all the 10 Commandments, but since he's made special agreements as a CC member it will be hard to leave. His concern is mainly social, not doctrinal. We know that in time he and his family will be able to develop the faith to be baptized.
Christian told us he's 70% willing to be a Mormon. We had our first lesson with him and he's unsure of commitment because this is the first time he's become more interested in religion. (His aunt gave him as a referral.) Appropriate fellowshippers make all the difference in the lesson.
Honestly, I can't even explain all the miracles we are experiencing here. A few days ago, I was just overwhelmed with all the success that was happening that I took some time during lunch to just say a prayer of gratitude for the privilege of being involved in this work. This is truly a great and marvelous work and God's purposes will be fulfilled no matter what.
Sister Chu is so cute and she makes me laugh everyday. She taught me how to make dumplings last Monday! I love hearing about her culture and she opens right up.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Sister Amanda Smith
This was one of the most exciting weeks of my life! We experienced so many miracles with the members here in Can-Avid. Day after day we keep finding potential priesthood holders through referrals from the members!!!
One of our most amazing experiences is with Brother Aquino, a former lay-minister for the Catholic church. This week we taught him the Word of Wisdom and he knew straightaway that he needed to stop his smoking and drinking. As we began the lesson and followed-up his reading of the Word of Wisdom pamphlet, his nephew Dennis (the husband of a relief society sister that always works with us) joined the lesson. Dennis is a non-member who has never been interested in the gospel despite many visits from missionaries. His wife excitedly joined the lesson. We taught both Aquino and Dennis about the power of the Atonement to change lives.
Towards the end of the lesson, they both solidly committed to give up their vices and be baptized on November 8. When we asked Dennis, he couldn’t stop smiling and gave us a big thumbs up. They both attended church for the first time yesterday (which was also the first time the entire family went to church together). Every first Sunday the Can-Avid group travels to Dolores for a combined sacrament meeting. Dennis’s wife bore her testimony about missionary work and how Can-Avid is ready to harvest. Then Brother Aquino stood up to bear his testimony too! He shared with the branch his decision to keep the Word of Wisdom. He related to us what he told his wife a few days ago:
“Honey, make me my last cup of coffee. Buy me my last pack of cigarettes. Then buy me my last bottle of wine." He shared how free he feels now and he ended by saying "I am the happiest man in the world." The members are very excited about the success that is happening; our branch president even said that Aquino is a potential branch president for Can-Avid in the future. The church is being established. :)
Another cool story: A few weeks ago we taught a man and his wife (Glenn and Dina) who are active members of Couples for Christ, a Catholic organization. We shared with them the Restoration and left them a Book of Mormon. We weren't able to have another appointment with them until this past Saturday, but we had been following up with him. Turns out, he loves the Book of Mormon and was so interested to find out who Mormon was that he skipped to the end and read the Books of Mormon and Moroni and then started 1 Nephi! We brought members with us to the second lesson this past Saturday and we were all blown away by his knowledge and love for the gospel. He admitted that he dislikes how his current religion doesn't follow all the 10 Commandments, but since he's made special agreements as a CC member it will be hard to leave. His concern is mainly social, not doctrinal. We know that in time he and his family will be able to develop the faith to be baptized.
Christian told us he's 70% willing to be a Mormon. We had our first lesson with him and he's unsure of commitment because this is the first time he's become more interested in religion. (His aunt gave him as a referral.) Appropriate fellowshippers make all the difference in the lesson.
Honestly, I can't even explain all the miracles we are experiencing here. A few days ago, I was just overwhelmed with all the success that was happening that I took some time during lunch to just say a prayer of gratitude for the privilege of being involved in this work. This is truly a great and marvelous work and God's purposes will be fulfilled no matter what.
Sister Chu is so cute and she makes me laugh everyday. She taught me how to make dumplings last Monday! I love hearing about her culture and she opens right up.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Sister Amanda Smith
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Day 488 Can-Avid, Borongan Zone, Philippines God will provide a way to accomplish his works
Hello dearest family. Maupay nga aga ha iyo nga tanan. :) (Good morning to all of you)
HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY NANAY!!! I ate cake on your birthday in your honor, haha. I'm glad my card came just in time. :)
This week has been a week of miracles! The members here are on fire with excitement about missionary work. Even though we only have 3 or 4 active Relief Society members and one Melchizedek priesthood holder in this group, they are solid! Two of the sisters work at the local university so they have connections to many professionals. We work almost completely through referrals here. There are so many potential investigators that have been waiting for missionaries to put in the effort to gain the trust of the members. Members really are the key to success in missionary work.
We met with our branch president yesterday to talk about the needs of the branch. They need 20 active Melchizedek priesthood holders in order for the chapel to be built in Dolores, but they only have 15 kind of active priesthood holders. Then, after church we worked with the Relief Society to contact referrals and continue teaching their coworkers so now we have 3 golden potential Melchizedek priesthood holders! Two of them came to church and the other is a new investigator. All three have committed solidly to baptism. It’s amazing how God prepares a way for his church to be established.
One of our golden investigators is Christian Coles. He is 22, a college graduate, and he is the nephew of one of the recent converts here. Have I told you about him already? He sat in one of our lessons with another investigator we were teaching, but we didn’t even know that he was listening. At the end of the lesson, he exclaimed that that this must be the true church because of the authority, the sacrifices of missionaries, etc and excitedly accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. A week later, he attended a Family Home Evening at a member’s house. Sister Chu gave an awesome lesson about the Book of Mormon being the iron rod leading towards the tree of life. After the closing remarks, Christian asked if he could say a few words. He then shared how after several encounters with the missionaries (he also met the elders once before) he has a strong desire to read the Book of Mormon. He paused, looked at the Book of Mormon, and then he said, “I will start tonight to really read the Book of Mormon every day and I will read it until I finish it.” And then he came to church the next day! Plus he already has a desire to serve a mission. Hopefully we'll be able to soften the hearts of his family; they are devoted Catholics.
Then we contacted a referral with a relief society sister (just saying, the relief society is going to save the world. . .). She told us of her uncle Aquino Irasga, a former lay-minister for the local Roman Catholic church. He used to be very very active in the ministry, but recently he hasn't attended church in a while. Last week, she visited him and asked why he hasn't been attending anymore. He just
shrugged his shoulders and remarked, "Maybe I"ll just become a Mormon instead." We visited him last night and he speaks pure English! In fact, he doesn't read Tagalog as well as he reads English. So we get to teach in ENGLISH!! :) As we talked with him, he opened up about his concerns. He is an avid reader of the Bible and has noticed some contradictions in the Catholic church. He told us how he is thirsty for more knowledge, but he can't seem to find it with just the Bible because there are so many different interpretations. And then Aquino asked us how he can become a missionary or a leader in our church. He flatly told us that there is nothing hindering him from joining the church except for his vices. That's what he wants out of a religion: the power to get rid of all his sins and bad habits. We promised him that as he starts a prayerful study of the Book of Mormon and continues to keep his commitments, step by step he will become free from his sins. He can be born again even though he is already in his 60's. No matter how old we are or how set in our ways, we can all
change. That is the miracle of the Atonement.
Sister Chu is doing so much better this week. This is really a fabulous area and she is beginning to connect the dots between our obedience and our success in the mission field. She’s much happier and willing to trust my counsel. And she had a happy birthday! We surprised her with a birthday cake that I made in our toaster oven and she was so touched by the love of the members and other missionaries even though she is just new to the mission and area. The people joke that she is turning "twenty-chu" (this is her 22nd birthday). She is an incredible teacher and is not afraid to open her mouth outside or during lessons. I feel like she will be ready to train as soon as she learns the language.
I love training. Sister Chu eats up everything I tell her and writes it all down in her notebook. Like the Best 2 Years.. . . haha.
OYM is my favorite, even since the beginning of my mission. For some reason I'm great one-on-one, but speaking in front of groups still makes me nervous. OYM is especially easy for foreign missionaries because it's really rare to see foreigners here, so the people are curious about who we are and what in the world are we doing in the middle of the jungle?? Plus, they are shocked that we can actually speak their dialect, not just Tagalog. The people here are very friendly and easy to connect with. I just start off asking questions to get them interested (ex: Why are there so many different religions if there is only one God?) And then I give them a pamphlet or a pass-along card---who doesn't like free stuff? :)
This past week we went to Tacloban for a specialized training in the mission home. The topic? Cooking!!! We learned how to make orange chicken, fried rice, and a coconut custard cake. Many of the missionaries here get sick so easily because they don't eat well (or they believe that they are bad missionaries if they take an hour to eat). As a result, many missionaries are in and out of the hospital
and several have had to go home. So Sister Maurer gave a training to teach cooking skills. Yummy! I don't know how to cook anything not Filipino anymore.. . what do we eat in America??
Anyhoo, I hope school and work are going great! LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY NANAY!!! I ate cake on your birthday in your honor, haha. I'm glad my card came just in time. :)
This week has been a week of miracles! The members here are on fire with excitement about missionary work. Even though we only have 3 or 4 active Relief Society members and one Melchizedek priesthood holder in this group, they are solid! Two of the sisters work at the local university so they have connections to many professionals. We work almost completely through referrals here. There are so many potential investigators that have been waiting for missionaries to put in the effort to gain the trust of the members. Members really are the key to success in missionary work.
We met with our branch president yesterday to talk about the needs of the branch. They need 20 active Melchizedek priesthood holders in order for the chapel to be built in Dolores, but they only have 15 kind of active priesthood holders. Then, after church we worked with the Relief Society to contact referrals and continue teaching their coworkers so now we have 3 golden potential Melchizedek priesthood holders! Two of them came to church and the other is a new investigator. All three have committed solidly to baptism. It’s amazing how God prepares a way for his church to be established.
One of our golden investigators is Christian Coles. He is 22, a college graduate, and he is the nephew of one of the recent converts here. Have I told you about him already? He sat in one of our lessons with another investigator we were teaching, but we didn’t even know that he was listening. At the end of the lesson, he exclaimed that that this must be the true church because of the authority, the sacrifices of missionaries, etc and excitedly accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. A week later, he attended a Family Home Evening at a member’s house. Sister Chu gave an awesome lesson about the Book of Mormon being the iron rod leading towards the tree of life. After the closing remarks, Christian asked if he could say a few words. He then shared how after several encounters with the missionaries (he also met the elders once before) he has a strong desire to read the Book of Mormon. He paused, looked at the Book of Mormon, and then he said, “I will start tonight to really read the Book of Mormon every day and I will read it until I finish it.” And then he came to church the next day! Plus he already has a desire to serve a mission. Hopefully we'll be able to soften the hearts of his family; they are devoted Catholics.
Then we contacted a referral with a relief society sister (just saying, the relief society is going to save the world. . .). She told us of her uncle Aquino Irasga, a former lay-minister for the local Roman Catholic church. He used to be very very active in the ministry, but recently he hasn't attended church in a while. Last week, she visited him and asked why he hasn't been attending anymore. He just
shrugged his shoulders and remarked, "Maybe I"ll just become a Mormon instead." We visited him last night and he speaks pure English! In fact, he doesn't read Tagalog as well as he reads English. So we get to teach in ENGLISH!! :) As we talked with him, he opened up about his concerns. He is an avid reader of the Bible and has noticed some contradictions in the Catholic church. He told us how he is thirsty for more knowledge, but he can't seem to find it with just the Bible because there are so many different interpretations. And then Aquino asked us how he can become a missionary or a leader in our church. He flatly told us that there is nothing hindering him from joining the church except for his vices. That's what he wants out of a religion: the power to get rid of all his sins and bad habits. We promised him that as he starts a prayerful study of the Book of Mormon and continues to keep his commitments, step by step he will become free from his sins. He can be born again even though he is already in his 60's. No matter how old we are or how set in our ways, we can all
change. That is the miracle of the Atonement.
Sister Chu is doing so much better this week. This is really a fabulous area and she is beginning to connect the dots between our obedience and our success in the mission field. She’s much happier and willing to trust my counsel. And she had a happy birthday! We surprised her with a birthday cake that I made in our toaster oven and she was so touched by the love of the members and other missionaries even though she is just new to the mission and area. The people joke that she is turning "twenty-chu" (this is her 22nd birthday). She is an incredible teacher and is not afraid to open her mouth outside or during lessons. I feel like she will be ready to train as soon as she learns the language.
I love training. Sister Chu eats up everything I tell her and writes it all down in her notebook. Like the Best 2 Years.. . . haha.
OYM is my favorite, even since the beginning of my mission. For some reason I'm great one-on-one, but speaking in front of groups still makes me nervous. OYM is especially easy for foreign missionaries because it's really rare to see foreigners here, so the people are curious about who we are and what in the world are we doing in the middle of the jungle?? Plus, they are shocked that we can actually speak their dialect, not just Tagalog. The people here are very friendly and easy to connect with. I just start off asking questions to get them interested (ex: Why are there so many different religions if there is only one God?) And then I give them a pamphlet or a pass-along card---who doesn't like free stuff? :)
This past week we went to Tacloban for a specialized training in the mission home. The topic? Cooking!!! We learned how to make orange chicken, fried rice, and a coconut custard cake. Many of the missionaries here get sick so easily because they don't eat well (or they believe that they are bad missionaries if they take an hour to eat). As a result, many missionaries are in and out of the hospital
and several have had to go home. So Sister Maurer gave a training to teach cooking skills. Yummy! I don't know how to cook anything not Filipino anymore.. . what do we eat in America??
Anyhoo, I hope school and work are going great! LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Monday, September 22, 2014
Day 481 Can-Avid, Borongan Zone, Philippines
Dearest family,
First of all, way to go Jared! It's awesome that he has continued to stick with soccer after all these years of practice. :)
We’ve had a lot of success this week in our area. We started off on a good note with all the members and showed them that we are hard working so they trust us and give us referrals. Apparently the elders here before were lazy and only taught little children. They didn’t have a lot of success because they worked in the poor areas without members. We see a lot of potential in this area. The leaders are great and organized and willing to help us in any way we ask. Members have worked with us daily to help us find educated adult investigators and their families.
President Maurer is helping the missionaries become more accountable. Every week we report how many OYM (Open Your Mouth), and if we did our studies daily. I like reporting how many OYM i have in a week because it reminds me of how Cebu Mission functioned. While i was reassigned there, we would count our OYMs daily and it really helped to give a daily reminder of how i need to open my mouth to everyone i see. The more I OYM, the more i feel the missionary spirit. I want this to be a habit that i carry throughout the rest of my life.
I love teaching with Sister Chu. We teach equally, but she speaks mostly English with whatever Waray2x words she knows. I’m impressed with how well she knows the doctrine despite only 4 years a member. I can tell she really studies the scriptures and is a deep thinker. The people here absolutely adore her and so do I. I feel like she’s exactly what I need to be more refined and to keep progressing in the mission. I have to be a good example. As a trainer, I feel like all my weaknesses are under the microscope. One mess-up and it’s quickly pointed out.
To answer your questions (bullet points nala):
-Yeah our General Conference is a week later than America. We will travel to the church in Borongan and stay for the weekend.
-Can-Avid group is a part of the Dolores Branch, which is about 15-20 minutes north of our apartment. The branch presidency presides over our church service which is two hours: sacrament then Sunday School. We meet in someone's garage/shed. Once a month we attend with the Branch for testimony meeting.
-Tacloban Mission is a mix of stakes and districts. Sister Robidillo is from Tolosa District, so the mission president is in charge of the districts and does the releasing. Borongan is a district. Carigara, Catarman, Tacloban, and Ormoc are the only stakes.
-I feel like the mission is completely different from how it was before the typhoon. The typhoon wiped out all the disobedience and President Maurer is incredible and has high expectations and knows how to organize and administer. Honestly, after I came back from Cebu it was hard to go back to the laidback feel of this mission, but things have changed leaps and bounds just in the attitude of the missionaries. There is more accountabililty and the rules are rewritten to be more clearly understood. The mission chose a theme: Conversion. President has started a training program for the mission. Each 6 months there is a different subtopic of conversion. Right now it is consecration. Then each month we focus on how to be more consecrated, so this month is Obedience.
-I LOVE THIS AREA! It reminds me a lot of Allen but younger leadership (President is 25) and the people are more open because this area hasn't been exposed much to missionaries. Just this week alone we contacted 21 referrals! And members worked with us every day!
Cool story: So we were teaching a member's father for the first time about the first lesson (Restoration). He was pretty receptive and had good questions so we were focused on the father and didn't notice much else going around us. We were teaching outside in the front yard. Towards the end of the lesson, we asked if he had any more questions. Then we noticed a 22-year old student stand up from where he had been sitting just around the corner and he came to sit next to the father directly infront of us. Apparently, he had been listening the whole time! He put his hands on the table and then spoke (in fluent English!!! I was so shocked). He basically said, "So let me get this straight. . . " He then related what we told him about the Restoration and then exclaimed that this Church has to be true, especially since we actually invite people to study and pray. He told us of his search for the true church; he has tried church after church with little result. Then in this first lesson with us, he really felt the Spirit and can't wait to read the Book of Mormon! And he has a relative who is a member! The whole time he spoke, it helped me renew my own testimony about how true this church is and why I decided to go on a mission. I swear, missions are more for missionaries than for anyone else. Missions aren't about us, but in the end, it all comes back to us too.
Random: WE HAVE A MICROWAVE!!! (I've only seen a microwave in the mission home.) Yes the supplies came this week. ;)
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
First of all, way to go Jared! It's awesome that he has continued to stick with soccer after all these years of practice. :)
We’ve had a lot of success this week in our area. We started off on a good note with all the members and showed them that we are hard working so they trust us and give us referrals. Apparently the elders here before were lazy and only taught little children. They didn’t have a lot of success because they worked in the poor areas without members. We see a lot of potential in this area. The leaders are great and organized and willing to help us in any way we ask. Members have worked with us daily to help us find educated adult investigators and their families.
President Maurer is helping the missionaries become more accountable. Every week we report how many OYM (Open Your Mouth), and if we did our studies daily. I like reporting how many OYM i have in a week because it reminds me of how Cebu Mission functioned. While i was reassigned there, we would count our OYMs daily and it really helped to give a daily reminder of how i need to open my mouth to everyone i see. The more I OYM, the more i feel the missionary spirit. I want this to be a habit that i carry throughout the rest of my life.
I love teaching with Sister Chu. We teach equally, but she speaks mostly English with whatever Waray2x words she knows. I’m impressed with how well she knows the doctrine despite only 4 years a member. I can tell she really studies the scriptures and is a deep thinker. The people here absolutely adore her and so do I. I feel like she’s exactly what I need to be more refined and to keep progressing in the mission. I have to be a good example. As a trainer, I feel like all my weaknesses are under the microscope. One mess-up and it’s quickly pointed out.
To answer your questions (bullet points nala):
-Yeah our General Conference is a week later than America. We will travel to the church in Borongan and stay for the weekend.
-Can-Avid group is a part of the Dolores Branch, which is about 15-20 minutes north of our apartment. The branch presidency presides over our church service which is two hours: sacrament then Sunday School. We meet in someone's garage/shed. Once a month we attend with the Branch for testimony meeting.
-Tacloban Mission is a mix of stakes and districts. Sister Robidillo is from Tolosa District, so the mission president is in charge of the districts and does the releasing. Borongan is a district. Carigara, Catarman, Tacloban, and Ormoc are the only stakes.
-I feel like the mission is completely different from how it was before the typhoon. The typhoon wiped out all the disobedience and President Maurer is incredible and has high expectations and knows how to organize and administer. Honestly, after I came back from Cebu it was hard to go back to the laidback feel of this mission, but things have changed leaps and bounds just in the attitude of the missionaries. There is more accountabililty and the rules are rewritten to be more clearly understood. The mission chose a theme: Conversion. President has started a training program for the mission. Each 6 months there is a different subtopic of conversion. Right now it is consecration. Then each month we focus on how to be more consecrated, so this month is Obedience.
-I LOVE THIS AREA! It reminds me a lot of Allen but younger leadership (President is 25) and the people are more open because this area hasn't been exposed much to missionaries. Just this week alone we contacted 21 referrals! And members worked with us every day!
Cool story: So we were teaching a member's father for the first time about the first lesson (Restoration). He was pretty receptive and had good questions so we were focused on the father and didn't notice much else going around us. We were teaching outside in the front yard. Towards the end of the lesson, we asked if he had any more questions. Then we noticed a 22-year old student stand up from where he had been sitting just around the corner and he came to sit next to the father directly infront of us. Apparently, he had been listening the whole time! He put his hands on the table and then spoke (in fluent English!!! I was so shocked). He basically said, "So let me get this straight. . . " He then related what we told him about the Restoration and then exclaimed that this Church has to be true, especially since we actually invite people to study and pray. He told us of his search for the true church; he has tried church after church with little result. Then in this first lesson with us, he really felt the Spirit and can't wait to read the Book of Mormon! And he has a relative who is a member! The whole time he spoke, it helped me renew my own testimony about how true this church is and why I decided to go on a mission. I swear, missions are more for missionaries than for anyone else. Missions aren't about us, but in the end, it all comes back to us too.
Random: WE HAVE A MICROWAVE!!! (I've only seen a microwave in the mission home.) Yes the supplies came this week. ;)
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Day 474 Can-Avid, Borongan Zone, Philippines Dumplings anyone?
Dearest Family,
What a crazy long week. First off, I got to go with the departing missionaries to the airport to drop them off and then wait for the new missionaries. While we were waiting outside, we saw one sister missionary by herself. Then President remarked, "That looks like an RM. . ." And sure enough, it was Sister Robidillo!!!! (one of my Cebu companions from Tolosa Zone). I met her sister and saw her after she was released by President Maurer. She brought me a cute elephant carving covered in shells from Cebu. :) Sister Robinson and I were in charge of all the new sister missionaries' studies and we also got to go on splits with them. I went with Sister Chu (Taiwanese) and Sister Abitria (Filipina). They are incredible and bring a lot of fresh ideas and energy to the mission. All the trainers and trainees attended a testimony meeting where all the new missionaries bore their testimonies. Sister Chu's was the funniest. The whole mission has heard that there is a Taiwanese sister coming, but doesn't speak English. When she started her testimony, she started speaking Mandarin Chinese and then said, "Don't worry, I speak English." We all died laughing as she continued speaking fluent English. Apparently, she lived in Australia and also Manila for a few years. Friday morning we received our transfer assignments: My companion is Sister Chu and we are assigned to a group in Can-Avid, Borongan Zone!!!! Travel to Borongan is 4 hours from Tacloban by van on the bumpiest road around the coast of Samar island. We stayed the night in the sisters apartment there and then traveled another 2 hours to Can-Avid the next day after a typhoon passed. Every P-day we travel back to Borongan to email and then have district meeting the next day. And elders are back in Guiuan now. We are speaking a different form of Waray2x. they say it is pure waray2x Just a few new words and shortcuts. Slightly different accent. We are in the middle of nowhere! hahaha but I love being back in the green bukid. I miss the green. I didn't realize how sad Tacloban looks. Our house is sweet! This is probably the nicest place i've stayed in Tacloban mission. We have an actual house that we share with another companionship of trainer/trainee (Sister Sprouse and her Filipina anak). It's huge and spacious but. . . there's nothing inside. There are two mattresses on the floor. No bowls, desks, shower buckets, etc. The shipment was supposed to arrive last week, but it was delayed. Plus the elders that lived here before just got by with hardly anything. (Don't worry we got things figured out and we will be living rather creatively for the next week until our supplies arrive.) We are whitewashing and splitting an elders' area. (Meaning, there were elders here before, but now we are figuring out the area by ourselves and there is an extra companionship working here too.) I was so surprised to find out that Sister Chu is my new companion! And this is the first time I’ll be assigned in a group. I love changes and new things this is an adventure for me. I’ve never trained before so this will be fun and challenging. I feel like I’m just as busy as when I was an STL, but I’m doing different things. So I’m definitely being stretched to reach different capacities. I love the 12 weeks program so it helps Sister Chu be excited about 4 hour studies. Sister Chu is adorable. I love her so much already! She is a recent convert of 4 years and has been living on her own since her parents died of some sickness 3 years ago. She is very clean, poised, and refined so the Philippines is a bit of an adjustment for her, especially with handwashing clothes, different food, not as many comforts, etc. (She wants to buy her own washing machine and an American mop haha. . .) But that’s to be expected. I love how hard working she is and she knows how to study effectively. And she’s a great cook! She has already offered to teach the branch how to cook dumplings (from scratch!!!)for an activity to invite their friends to. She’s very healthy so that’ll help me stay healthy and active. I love how many new ideas she brings to the mission so I feel like she’s a breath of fresh air—exactly what both I and the area needs right now. I feel like she has a lot to offer and there is a lot of potential in her. We haven’t had much chance to work in our area yet because we didn’t arrive in our apartment until Saturday afternoon! Supplies are still coming for the apartment so we should be getting everything we need soon. For church we attended both the branch in DapDap (Dolores) and then the special sacrament for the group in Can-Avid. The leaders are very active and helpful. The moment we arrived there have been members helping us. One of the recent converts waited near our apartment for nearly 3 hours because she heard we were on our way. Dad, your pictures look AWESOME!! *slightly jealous but not really because i'm in the Philippines* I love the sunrise and lizard and sand and star pictures. Southern utah is such a different landscape. . . Anyhoo, I hope you all stop getting sick so often, haha. Keep up the good missionary work! And way to go Ashley for her talk in stake conference. 'Atta Boy, Luther! Nice haircut Alex. Keep it short. :) And I love Moo. How's Jared? Thanks for the insights! Sorry i don't have much time to respond back to the letters you send, but know that i read and cherish them! (usually i print them off when i have more time to read what you say). Love always, Sister Amanda Smith  |
| With my new comp Sister Chu! from TAIWAN!!! The first ever in the Philippiness haha This is right after we went to McArthur Park to be matched up with our new companions. Also, i don't know if i'll be able to send you pictures for the rest of my mission. . . just by snail mail because the internet is sooooo slow here! I'm in Borongan right now (2 hours south) and even here the internet is awful. |
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Day 467 Tacloban, Philippines I'm going to be a mama! It's a girl! (aka: I'm training)
GUESS WHAT I AM TRAINING FOR MY LAST 12 WEEKS!!!!
I am so excited to be training! Honestly, my whole mission I have wanted to train. Until this transfer. I think I have been enjoying my calling as an STL so much that I would've been fine dying as an STL. So I was really surprised when I found out I will be training. But as soon as President Maurer told me that I will be training it felt completely right and this is what I need to become more refined for my last 2 transfers here. I'm excited to meet my new companion and I want to be the best companion I've ever been.
The Christmas songs have begun. . . We have entered the -ber months. . .
We've been teaching a new family of investigators---(have I told you about the Necario family yet?) they are actually former investigators from about 3 years ago who are now fully ready to commit to the gospel path. Their hearts are open so it doesn't matter so much what we say during the lessons, but rather what we help them feel and then do. They are proactive and accountable for what they need to do to be baptized. They truly have a desire to do what is right and they set aside time in their schedules for God. They don't have to be reminded or compelled to do what is right.
Funny story: So there is a professional member in our ward who gave us a referral for his brother who lives in a professional neighborhood. We finally found their house and were surprised to see that they were not professional too. We walked into their dirt-floor home and met the wife first who coaxed her husband out of the room. He stepped out to meet us. . . and we were shocked to realize that we recognized him! He was a pedicab driver who had talked with us a few days before. He had dark brown skin, long hair, and no teeth, whereas his member brother was white, cleanly trimmed and spoke English. After we left the house, the member's wife remarked "His brother was lazy in school." The member is a civil engineer and a police chief, whereas the brother is a pedicab driver. I was amazed at the difference in their appearance and lifestyle just based on their education!!! So don't be lazy in school! ;)
Funny story: So there is a professional member in our ward who gave us a referral for his brother who lives in a professional neighborhood. We finally found their house and were surprised to see that they were not professional too. We walked into their dirt-floor home and met the wife first who coaxed her husband out of the room. He stepped out to meet us. . . and we were shocked to realize that we recognized him! He was a pedicab driver who had talked with us a few days before. He had dark brown skin, long hair, and no teeth, whereas his member brother was white, cleanly trimmed and spoke English. After we left the house, the member's wife remarked "His brother was lazy in school." The member is a civil engineer and a police chief, whereas the brother is a pedicab driver. I was amazed at the difference in their appearance and lifestyle just based on their education!!! So don't be lazy in school! ;)
I've been studying about truth lately. There is only one truth. It does not depend on what we believe is right for us and our lifestyle. There is no choosing our own path. God is perfect and has all truth. He would not tell different people different ways to come to Him. Once we realize that God is the same yesterday, today and forever it naturally follows that there is only one law, one lifestyle, and one truth for all mankind. Religion depends on God, not on what we want or on what is popular or convenient.
All in all, I'm excited and ready for whatever is in store. I'm grateful for this new opportunity to grow and to pass on my skills to my new companion. I get to train my replacement. :)
Love always,
Sister Smith
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| Reunion with previous companions: Sister Mier and Sister Sprouse at the Trainers' Meeting |
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Day 460 Tacloban, Philippines Restoration of the covenant people
Dearest family in the whole wide world,
We went hiking this morning as a zone in the bukid and it started raining! we got soaked!!! but then i boiled some water for my bucket shower so then it was ok. I forgot how nice warm showers are. ..
This week during companionship study, Sister Robinson and I evaluated each other using a form we use to evaluate other sisters after we conduct exchanges. She asked me what is the biggest way i've changed on my mission so far. I'm not sure exactly how i've changed. Some days I feel like I haven't changed at all. But i think I've changed the most in my humility, my relationships, and my desire to reach outwards. I'm realizing what a prideful person I am and how to more be real. And also how to improve my relationship with my Heavenly Father. How to have real conversations with Him. Also, before the mission I was more content to just live my happy little life. But now I have recognized the need to become an example and a leader. I need to reach out and help others more. I have not been blessed for myself alone. What have you been able to notice about ways I've changed? Can you tell?
Sister Robinson and I have now been able to make our area the model area. The sisters really enjoy taking turns coming to our area to work (during exchanges, both areas get worked in). We've been having a lot of success with referrals from the members. We work almost strictly through referrals! As a result, we've been able to find investigators with fellowshippers already available and excited. We recently found a whole family of former investigators who attended the baptism and also came to church!
I've been studying the Book of Mormon a lot lately and I am touched by the Savior's testimony of the Book of Mormon in the Doctrine and Covenants. I am beginning to feel more and more the reality of the Restoration. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf says, we cannot sleep through the Restoration. "The Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now." Also, in 2 Nephi 30:5,8 we read of the restoration of God's people. The Restoration is not just about the priesthood or the church organization, but includes the covenant people. We are to restore the house of Israel through missionary work. Everytime we bring someone closer to Christ, we are sharing in the work of the Restoration. This was exemplified in an experience we had this past weekend. We met with an inactive member who was baptized only 5 years ago. Her live-in partner of 3 years in a non-member. We were able to share with them both about the Plan of Salvation and tied it into the Restoration. The member looked at the pamphlet for a while after the lesson and then told us that now is the time of HER restoration (Panunumbalik in Tagalog) of going to church. And sure enough, she showed up at church by herself the next day!
I'm so grateful to be serving during this day and age where we all get to participate in preparing the world for the return of our Savior. (although, Sister Robinson and i have been studying from the Old Testament Institute manual about the battle of Mog and Armageddon and we all need to bolster our faith for that day. . . .)
Love always,
Sister Smith
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| trying to kiss a piggy (joke lang, not really) |
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| view of the rice fields and stuff (near Tanauan) |
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Day 453 Tacloban, Philippines Raw fish, rebond, reactivation
Dear family,
HAAAAAAAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!
This week full of things I've never done before: I rebonded my hair, started teaching piano lessons to the ward to help them prepare for new callings and invite investigators, I painted a house for a CSP and tried raw fish (in vinegar). But more importantly, I saw many miracles in the lives of the members, investigators, and missionaries.
New hair! -
Before and after the rebond! My hair was so dead and nasty. It only looks nice curly like that before I go outside. Once I go outside the wind and heat destroys it. Now it's cool enough to wear my hair down everyday and I won't get as much damage. :) I also chopped off 6 inches. It's so much healthier now! And so much cooler. . . ;) I still prefer curly hair, but it's just so hot and bushy I had to cut it! So now it's all the same length and I'll get it styled in america
We visited a less-active family this week who we have trying to contact for months! Back to the time I was with Sister Woodruff, we were trying to schedule a day when they weren't busy. Week after week, they either wouldn't respond to our texts, were out of town, or were busy with their business. Then finally they responded and set an appointment with us. We arrived and saw that Sister was very tired and worn out from her busy business. As we started the lesson, we barely said much before she started crying and told us she knew there was no reason for her not to be at church. She knows what her purpose is and that she really has no excuse; she had just been making herself believe that she was strong enough without going to church. We were able to teach her a powerful lesson about how we can access the power of the Atonement through the Book of Mormon. When it really comes down to it, there is nothing that can separate us from the love that is in Christ except for our own will.
That's all i have time for now. . . love you all! Continue to enjoy your first few weeks of school! :)
Sister Amanda Smith
HAAAAAAAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!
This week full of things I've never done before: I rebonded my hair, started teaching piano lessons to the ward to help them prepare for new callings and invite investigators, I painted a house for a CSP and tried raw fish (in vinegar). But more importantly, I saw many miracles in the lives of the members, investigators, and missionaries.
New hair! -
Before and after the rebond! My hair was so dead and nasty. It only looks nice curly like that before I go outside. Once I go outside the wind and heat destroys it. Now it's cool enough to wear my hair down everyday and I won't get as much damage. :) I also chopped off 6 inches. It's so much healthier now! And so much cooler. . . ;) I still prefer curly hair, but it's just so hot and bushy I had to cut it! So now it's all the same length and I'll get it styled in america
That's all i have time for now. . . love you all! Continue to enjoy your first few weeks of school! :)
Sister Amanda Smith
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Day 446 Tacloban, Philippines Come Follow Me
Dear Family,
This was a very eventful week! Both Zone Training Meeting and Zone Conference were incredible. The mission has decided to create one theme to focus on: conversion. Especially through the Book of Mormon. The BOM is the greatest tool we have in becoming fully converted. During ZTM, a few missionaries shared their conversion stories and helped us understand how people need to feel in order to change. We need to feel the Spirit! Here's an idea: try sharing a key moment in your life that helped you deepen your conversion. You can share this on FB or email or in person, but just try looking for missionary opportunities, instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you. :)"My challenge is to continue to memorize a scripture from the Book of Mormon each week. Now some of you can memorize more than one. But do at least ONE. As you memorize, look for the principle that can help you, and others in their lives. I would like to learn from you of the learning you find as you internalize the scripture and apply it to your life and teaching experiences."
We were also challenged by our APs to read the promise by Moroni again and regularly ask God if the Book of Mormon is true. This is not something we do once and then just merely remember. We need to continually renew and strengthen our testimony of the Book of Mormon and feel the confirmation of the Holy Ghost time and time again.
In Zone Conference, Sister Maurer gave an incredible training about the law of sacrifice and the law of consecration. The Savior's invitation to "come, take up your cross and follow me" refers to these two laws. We "come" when we give up our worldly desires and possessions, as the young rich man in the book of Mark failed to do. The law of sacrifice prepares us to fully follow the Savior. To consecrate ALL our time, talents, energy, and desires to becoming Christlike. To become heavenly beings. As we do so, we submit our will to God's. And that is the only thing we can truly give!
Sister Robinson and I started reading Brad Wilcox's book: "The Continuous Conversion" during our mealtimes. He explains that heaven is not a prize or reward that the perfect deserve. Rather, it is a future for those who are willing to be made perfect. There are many people these days who demand an undemanding God. They believe in the big bang or higher powers because the big bang and higher powers don't expect anything of us. But they also can't love and help us the way our Heavenly Father can.
I also went on exchanges with Sister Henshaw this past week in Tanauan. And then afterwards we got to work with Sister Maurer in our area!!!! She loved it and had the gift of interpretation of tongues! Sister Robinson and I would speak in Waray2x, and she would jump in right where we left off in English!
We met two of the coolest ladies ever: Trina and Armi, two professional, single ladies in their 50s. We taught them in mixed English and Waray2x and had one of the most powerful lessons about the Restoration. The Spirit was incredibly strong because of their quiet attentiveness. They listened and really desired to know the truth. At the beginning of the lesson, they asked us why they should convert to our religion----what is in our religion that could give them more than they already have? They also asked: what is God's message to us in sending the Typhoon Yolanda? We focused our message on the power of the Book of Mormon. We taught simply, but i can't even explain how deep the Spirit touched our hearts and we talked. It wasn't a chill or a warm feeling, but rather a very deep calm. And as I bore my testimony of how the Book of Mormon has changed my life, they asked me why the Book of Mormon specifically? why not any other book? The Book of Mormon has been preserved for our day. Written for our day. And it contains of the fullness of the everlasting gospel. It testifies of Jesus Christ and what His exact example is. It resolves any concern and leads us down the strait and narrow path.
I've really learned more clearly that there is only one truth. The world would say, "find your own way," "do what's right for you," or "just do what you feel is right," but we know that God is not the author of so much confusion. He would not tell different people to do different things. There can only be one truth and one true church. People first need to understand that before they can accept the message of the Restoration. I know this is the only true Church on earth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the priesthood power of God as restored through Joseph Smith. I know there is only one way to God. The world would tempt us with a broad and wide path, claiming freedom and happiness lay ahead. But "strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be thatfind it." (3 Nephi 14:13)
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Sister Amanda Smith
P.S. I'm getting my hair rebonded today! (chemically straightened) I've turned into a Filipina: i love straight hair now.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Day 439 Tacloban, Philippines MLC, Kiribati, and banana cake :)
My dearest family,
I love MLC (missionary leadership council) so much! It's nice to be with all the mature missionaries in the mission and have super spiritual discussions with President and Sister Maurer. We changed a few things: we no longer have 6pm curfew! We just have to stay in lighted areas and be smart. Also, for our exchanges we created a new form of how to evaluate how the exchanges went. Also, we're no longer over Carigara for exchanges, which is a bummer :/ But it'll be nice so we won't be so busy! Instead of 7 companionships we now have 5. I love playing on the piano at the mission home! It's actually in tune, haha.
We had a Sisters' Devotional last night. We had a get-to-know-you at the beginning and we had an awesome discussion about patience. We focused mainly on the new sisters and how to get through the hardest part of their training. In preparation, the sisters had studied patience and then each shared experiences thus far in the mission. A common theme was faith and charity. The more we realize the mission isn't about us, then it doesn't matter if we think we are qualified or whatever. God qualifies those whom He calls.
I've noticed that I'm quieter in large groups of people, so being an STL has really helped me to go outside of myself and stop being content with keeping to myself. I've learned how to reach outside my comfort zone. This gospel is not a comfortable lifestyle. We must be continually stretching and growing! :)
Random: Do you have any awesome cake recipes that you can send me? like Grandma Lamb's chocolate oatmeal cake? There's a member here who loves baking cakes and wants to collect recipes from America. Maybe a lemon or carrot cake too. (She's going to make them for us if we give her the recipe, haha). She made the best banana cake for us the other night at our FHE. i need to get the recipe still. :)
I had a cool experience while teaching some members and less-actives about missionary work. I shared with them my own experience in the healing power of missionary work after Typhoon Yolanda. After the typhoon, I honestly didn't feel like going back to work. I just wanted to spend a day or two to write in my journal, sleep and recover. But things didn't happen that way. And there was a reason it happened that way. I was able to learn this way how to reach outside myself and help others even though all I wanted was to think about myself. I was able to recover so much quicker as I immersed myself in missionary work and helping my companion through her own trials. There is true healing and enabling power in missionary work!!
There's a new senior couple here from Missouri in their early 50s. They aren't even retired yet, but they felt very strongly that this is what they need to do. Elder Anderson's story is incredible! He's only been active for the past 7 years. He bore his testimony in sacrament meeting about how he used to be an alcoholic drinking 18 beers every night, and two packs of cigarettes a day. He got to the point that he wanted to just end his life, unless God could heal him. The answer came to him that he needed to do missionary work and fast. At first he was shocked by the answer. "Wait, so I"m supposed to hand out a Book of Mormon in one hand, with a cigarette in the other?!!!" But he did it! And after a year, he decided to start fasting too. And his desire to drink went away and he hasn't had a drink ever since! His wife has only been active for maybe 3 years i think so this will be a big trial of their faith.
Thanks so much for all the conference talks again! i have another request, but i don't know the title or author. . . but it's about the gifts of the spirit that usually aren't talked about or mentioned specifically in the scriptures (ex; the gift of weeping). If you could find it that would be awesome!!
Scripture of the week: 1 Nephi 21:16
I love how this scripture reminds us of the Savior and how He continually remembers us because of the tokens in His hands. Whenever I read this scripture, I am reminded of a memorable YW lesson by my old YW leader, Linda Bowles. I can't remember what she said, but she made me feel the love of the Savior and how real the Atonement is. And it's stuck with me forever since. :) I know God is real. And so is the celestial kingdom. It is a real place with real people. It will actually happen someday!
I love you all! Stay strong and read ;your scriptures (especially the Book of Mormon) daily--personally AND as a family. "Scripture power keeps me safe from sin! Scripture power is the power to win! Scripture power! Every day I need the power that I get each time I read."
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith :D
I love MLC (missionary leadership council) so much! It's nice to be with all the mature missionaries in the mission and have super spiritual discussions with President and Sister Maurer. We changed a few things: we no longer have 6pm curfew! We just have to stay in lighted areas and be smart. Also, for our exchanges we created a new form of how to evaluate how the exchanges went. Also, we're no longer over Carigara for exchanges, which is a bummer :/ But it'll be nice so we won't be so busy! Instead of 7 companionships we now have 5. I love playing on the piano at the mission home! It's actually in tune, haha.
We had a Sisters' Devotional last night. We had a get-to-know-you at the beginning and we had an awesome discussion about patience. We focused mainly on the new sisters and how to get through the hardest part of their training. In preparation, the sisters had studied patience and then each shared experiences thus far in the mission. A common theme was faith and charity. The more we realize the mission isn't about us, then it doesn't matter if we think we are qualified or whatever. God qualifies those whom He calls.
I've noticed that I'm quieter in large groups of people, so being an STL has really helped me to go outside of myself and stop being content with keeping to myself. I've learned how to reach outside my comfort zone. This gospel is not a comfortable lifestyle. We must be continually stretching and growing! :)
Random: Do you have any awesome cake recipes that you can send me? like Grandma Lamb's chocolate oatmeal cake? There's a member here who loves baking cakes and wants to collect recipes from America. Maybe a lemon or carrot cake too. (She's going to make them for us if we give her the recipe, haha). She made the best banana cake for us the other night at our FHE. i need to get the recipe still. :)
I had a cool experience while teaching some members and less-actives about missionary work. I shared with them my own experience in the healing power of missionary work after Typhoon Yolanda. After the typhoon, I honestly didn't feel like going back to work. I just wanted to spend a day or two to write in my journal, sleep and recover. But things didn't happen that way. And there was a reason it happened that way. I was able to learn this way how to reach outside myself and help others even though all I wanted was to think about myself. I was able to recover so much quicker as I immersed myself in missionary work and helping my companion through her own trials. There is true healing and enabling power in missionary work!!
There's a new senior couple here from Missouri in their early 50s. They aren't even retired yet, but they felt very strongly that this is what they need to do. Elder Anderson's story is incredible! He's only been active for the past 7 years. He bore his testimony in sacrament meeting about how he used to be an alcoholic drinking 18 beers every night, and two packs of cigarettes a day. He got to the point that he wanted to just end his life, unless God could heal him. The answer came to him that he needed to do missionary work and fast. At first he was shocked by the answer. "Wait, so I"m supposed to hand out a Book of Mormon in one hand, with a cigarette in the other?!!!" But he did it! And after a year, he decided to start fasting too. And his desire to drink went away and he hasn't had a drink ever since! His wife has only been active for maybe 3 years i think so this will be a big trial of their faith.
Thanks so much for all the conference talks again! i have another request, but i don't know the title or author. . . but it's about the gifts of the spirit that usually aren't talked about or mentioned specifically in the scriptures (ex; the gift of weeping). If you could find it that would be awesome!!
Scripture of the week: 1 Nephi 21:16
I love how this scripture reminds us of the Savior and how He continually remembers us because of the tokens in His hands. Whenever I read this scripture, I am reminded of a memorable YW lesson by my old YW leader, Linda Bowles. I can't remember what she said, but she made me feel the love of the Savior and how real the Atonement is. And it's stuck with me forever since. :) I know God is real. And so is the celestial kingdom. It is a real place with real people. It will actually happen someday!
I love you all! Stay strong and read ;your scriptures (especially the Book of Mormon) daily--personally AND as a family. "Scripture power keeps me safe from sin! Scripture power is the power to win! Scripture power! Every day I need the power that I get each time I read."
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith :D
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| found this sign that said your not allowed to throw away your garbage in the field. . . |
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| with Sister Tirate |
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| We went on exchanges in Palo. I went with a Sister from Kiribati (Sister Tirate) Sis Robinson went with Sis Duke. |
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| yeah! We made tacos!!! |
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Day 432 Tacloban, Philippines Transfer Week! New comp!
Dearest family,
This week was probably one of the busiest weeks ever! And I had no official companion for the majority of it (just constant random exchanges with whoever was staying in Tacloban). Sister Woodruff went home early Wednesday morning. . . it was a big realization of how prepared I want to be for when I go home. There's no way that I can allow myself to go back to who I was before. I want to make sure that I am changing my NATURE, not just my behavior. No matter who I am with, I will make the right decision.
We had the opportunity of working with the new trainees!!! They're so cute! We went on splits with them on their first day to teach them how to place a Book of Mormon. Filipinos are so much more prepared than missionaries from Utah, in general, because they work with missionaries all the time and they don't have a huge of a language/culture barrier. I wish I had that opportunity before I went I my mission.
My new comp is Sister Robinson!!!! She's a new STL and she's my senior batch. She's from Heber, Utah and we're the same age. Love her to death already and she's an answer to prayer. :)
I didn't feel the earthquake but i heard about it. I was with the office elders when they were checking to make sure there wouldn't be a tsunami or something.
I've been studying the sacrament for a while now. . . Thank you so much for those talks! I keep feeling like the sacrament is so important, but I'm still trying to figure out how to make it a spiritual experience EVERY week. I've decided to start being more accountable for my goals each week and pray about them daily.
I am so excited for this upcoming transfer with Sister Robinson! We get along so well and she is really stepping up to share in the responsibilities of an STL. I don’t really like I’m training a new STL at all! I love her so much already and we are both excited for the addition of sisters to the Tacloban and Carigara Zones. We now have 7 companionships of sisters under our care. (last transfer we only had 4.)
Our area is starting to pick up more. We have investigators attending church for the first time each week and we’re contacting many professional referrals. We’ve found that scheduling Family Home Evenings frequently with professional members is helpful in receiving referrals because they invite their friends and family to join. FHEs are the best! Since there are 10 missionaries in my ward,
Miracle of the week: Nothing dramatic, but I’m starting to recognize more fully the power of the Atonement in my life. I’m realizing more and more that of my own self, I can do nothing. I’m trying to become more humble by recognizing the tender mercies I receive constantly and acknowledging those in my prayers and my journal. The miracle has been within myself.
I’m so grateful for all the different challenges I’ve faced as an STL that have helped me grow and step up in ways I couldn’t otherwise. I can’t explain all the way, but I feel more satisfaction now and more active and involved in the work. I know God qualifies those He calls.
Love always,
Sister Smith
This week was probably one of the busiest weeks ever! And I had no official companion for the majority of it (just constant random exchanges with whoever was staying in Tacloban). Sister Woodruff went home early Wednesday morning. . . it was a big realization of how prepared I want to be for when I go home. There's no way that I can allow myself to go back to who I was before. I want to make sure that I am changing my NATURE, not just my behavior. No matter who I am with, I will make the right decision.
We had the opportunity of working with the new trainees!!! They're so cute! We went on splits with them on their first day to teach them how to place a Book of Mormon. Filipinos are so much more prepared than missionaries from Utah, in general, because they work with missionaries all the time and they don't have a huge of a language/culture barrier. I wish I had that opportunity before I went I my mission.
My new comp is Sister Robinson!!!! She's a new STL and she's my senior batch. She's from Heber, Utah and we're the same age. Love her to death already and she's an answer to prayer. :)
I didn't feel the earthquake but i heard about it. I was with the office elders when they were checking to make sure there wouldn't be a tsunami or something.
I've been studying the sacrament for a while now. . . Thank you so much for those talks! I keep feeling like the sacrament is so important, but I'm still trying to figure out how to make it a spiritual experience EVERY week. I've decided to start being more accountable for my goals each week and pray about them daily.
I am so excited for this upcoming transfer with Sister Robinson! We get along so well and she is really stepping up to share in the responsibilities of an STL. I don’t really like I’m training a new STL at all! I love her so much already and we are both excited for the addition of sisters to the Tacloban and Carigara Zones. We now have 7 companionships of sisters under our care. (last transfer we only had 4.)
Our area is starting to pick up more. We have investigators attending church for the first time each week and we’re contacting many professional referrals. We’ve found that scheduling Family Home Evenings frequently with professional members is helpful in receiving referrals because they invite their friends and family to join. FHEs are the best! Since there are 10 missionaries in my ward,
Miracle of the week: Nothing dramatic, but I’m starting to recognize more fully the power of the Atonement in my life. I’m realizing more and more that of my own self, I can do nothing. I’m trying to become more humble by recognizing the tender mercies I receive constantly and acknowledging those in my prayers and my journal. The miracle has been within myself.
I’m so grateful for all the different challenges I’ve faced as an STL that have helped me grow and step up in ways I couldn’t otherwise. I can’t explain all the way, but I feel more satisfaction now and more active and involved in the work. I know God qualifies those He calls.
Love always,
Sister Smith
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| Sister Robinson and I! :) |
Monday, July 28, 2014
Day 425 Tacloban, Philippines The Power of Music
This was my last full week with Sister Woodruff! :( She goes home in two days . . . . definitely an eye opener with how quick my mission is also coming to a close. We met some volunteer American RMs earlier today who explained that going home is really hard, but it's time to move on and upwards.
Miracle of the week: from the simple choice of a hymn, our investigator (Sister Fe Estreller) opened her heart and committed to read the Book of Mormon Daily! Sometimes, as missionaries, we don't really think much about the opening hymn for our lessons. Usually it's just I Am a Child of God but this time we chose to sing As I Search the Holy Scriptures. In the third verse, I noticed that my investigator became quiet and very focused on reading the lyrics. After the prayer, she was still very touched. She shared with us that she loved the promise of healing for her wounded heart and spirit if she searched the scriptures daily. This particular investigator is still struggling a lot from the effects of the typhoon Yolanda, especially after losing her sister. She has been searching for peace and why Yolanda happened. She was excited and ready to find the answer in the Book of Mormon. This experience was such a testimony to me of the simple power of music to invite the Spirit.
I was reading in Preach My Gospel the other morning about how to make the best of difficult circumstances. It's a story of how two missionaries decided to focus and listen despite children running around and the uncomfortable heat. I had a similar experience in a home after a heavy rainstorm. The rainwater caused all the cockroaches to come from the streets and fields into the home. Soooooooooo there were cockroaches crawling/flying everywhere! It was so hard to focus and I was praying so hard during the opening prayer that we would be able to teach well. Sure enough, none of the bugs landed on me and we could actually feel the Spirit during the lesson.
Random questions: how does having diabetes cause someone to get an amputation? And can you send me the talks:
-"Beware of Pride" by Ezra Taft Benson
-Elder Holland's talk about angels
-and Elder Holland's Easter talk about Christ on the cross (why hast thou forsaken me?)
I had one of the most amazing and deeply moving studies about the Atonement this week. I read from Jesus the Christ about Christ's last words and phrases while on the cross. I can't really describe what I felt or learned, but I guess my eyes were opened to understand how great Christ's suffering truly was, as expressed in his plea, "My God, my God; why hast thou forsaken me?" In order for Christ's experience and glory to be complete, He had to do it alone. His victory is complete.
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Miracle of the week: from the simple choice of a hymn, our investigator (Sister Fe Estreller) opened her heart and committed to read the Book of Mormon Daily! Sometimes, as missionaries, we don't really think much about the opening hymn for our lessons. Usually it's just I Am a Child of God but this time we chose to sing As I Search the Holy Scriptures. In the third verse, I noticed that my investigator became quiet and very focused on reading the lyrics. After the prayer, she was still very touched. She shared with us that she loved the promise of healing for her wounded heart and spirit if she searched the scriptures daily. This particular investigator is still struggling a lot from the effects of the typhoon Yolanda, especially after losing her sister. She has been searching for peace and why Yolanda happened. She was excited and ready to find the answer in the Book of Mormon. This experience was such a testimony to me of the simple power of music to invite the Spirit.
I was reading in Preach My Gospel the other morning about how to make the best of difficult circumstances. It's a story of how two missionaries decided to focus and listen despite children running around and the uncomfortable heat. I had a similar experience in a home after a heavy rainstorm. The rainwater caused all the cockroaches to come from the streets and fields into the home. Soooooooooo there were cockroaches crawling/flying everywhere! It was so hard to focus and I was praying so hard during the opening prayer that we would be able to teach well. Sure enough, none of the bugs landed on me and we could actually feel the Spirit during the lesson.
Random questions: how does having diabetes cause someone to get an amputation? And can you send me the talks:
-"Beware of Pride" by Ezra Taft Benson
-Elder Holland's talk about angels
-and Elder Holland's Easter talk about Christ on the cross (why hast thou forsaken me?)
I had one of the most amazing and deeply moving studies about the Atonement this week. I read from Jesus the Christ about Christ's last words and phrases while on the cross. I can't really describe what I felt or learned, but I guess my eyes were opened to understand how great Christ's suffering truly was, as expressed in his plea, "My God, my God; why hast thou forsaken me?" In order for Christ's experience and glory to be complete, He had to do it alone. His victory is complete.
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
Friday, July 25, 2014
Another earthquake...
It will be interesting to hear from Amanda this week - depending on where she was, she may or may not have felt this one. It doesn't sound like it was too bad though.
Earthquake strikes Leyte
Phivolcs map showing area of the earthquake that struck Southern Leyte Friday morning
InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines -- A magnitude 5.4 earthquake shook Leyte Friday morning and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said aftershocks could be expected.
The US Geological Survey measured the tremor at magnitude 5.3.
Phivolcs said the tectonic quake struck at 7:57 a.m. with its epicenter eight kilometers south of Hinundayan, Southern Leyte and traced its possible source to the Leyte segment of the Philippine Fault Zone.
The agency said the quake was felt at Intensity 6 in Hinunangan and St. Bernard towns in Southern Leyte, Intensity 4 in Tacloban City, Intensity 3 in Palo, Intensity 2 in Cebu, Talisay and Surigao cities, and Intensity 1 in Lapu-Lapu City.
Phivolcs said the quake may have caused damage.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/91918/earthquake-strikes-leyte
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