1000 Souls in 2013 (3/24/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

The title of the email is the goal for the Laoag Philippines Mission. By the end of 2013, we will have had at least 1000 baptisms. This was the goal that President Barrientos and the Assistants presented during Zone Conference on Thursday and all the missionaries here are excited to be a part of fulfilling this goal. Zone Conference was so awesome. We had three Zones (Laoag, Claveria, and Batac zones). I got to see over half of the Elders from my MTC District. It is great to see how well they are doing and know that the Lord is helping all of become the missionaries that he wants us to be. The theme was Hastening the Work. We focused on out purpose as missionaries of inviting others to come unto Christ. President Barrientos really put emphasis on baptism, since this is the covenant that helps people come unto Christ. Elder Lynn and I are excited as we press forward in the work and we have already had a few experiences with it.

First was that Iv was baptized on Saturday! He graduated from Elementary School on Friday and then entered the Covenant of Baptism on Saturday. It was such a great experience. Every Baptism is. Iv wanted me to perform the baptism, so I did, though it wasn't just his. There was also a child of record baptism and I got to perform that one too. When I got in the font Bishop told me he was worried that the water would be too deep for the little girl, but it was fine. There was a good attendance, much better than we had at Sh's baptism. I love being able to witness when others make their first covenant with Heavenly Father through baptism. It is a great spiritual boost for all of those that attend and get to witness it.

The other experience that we had was this Ro. . We taught him right after the baptism and we had in mind the things that President Barrientos had told us during Zone Conference. It was one of the best lessons I have ever been part of. He taught himself as we read scriptures and asked him questions. And at the end of the lesson he committed to be baptized on April 27 and to come to church. On Sunday he was there at the Church for Sacrament meeting, with his wife. He has told us that he wants his family to hear the message too, but this is the first time that we have met his wife. they enjoyed sacrament and we are looking forward to our next lesson with the whole family.

I know that he work of the Lord is moving forward at an unmatched pace. AS the Prophet Joseph said," No unhallowed had can stop the work from progressing...the truth of God will go forth nobly, boldly and independent... till the purposes of God shall be accomplished." I am so grateful to have the privilege to be part of this work. We all are. When we were baptized we all covenanted with God to help his children return to live with him. We all have our part in the work of God. Let us each continue to work in whatever capacity we have been called and assist in the work and glory of our Heavenly Father, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Thank you all for your prayers and examples. Keep the faith! Mahal Kita!