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
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