There (to Baua) and Back Again (4/21/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

Howdy Ya'll! Hows things going in the world of the where ever you are as you read this? I have no idea really how many people see the letters that I write since they go on my blog, but I hope everyone has had a good week. It has been a pretty good week here in the Laoag Philippines Mission.

So just a few hours after I sent my last email, Elder B and I taught Al. He is our fastest progressing investigator and is also the security guard of the mission home. He referred his wife to us last week and the Sisters in their town have begun to teach them. But on Monday, we taught to Al about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a great lesson he understood well. At the end of the lesson Elder B asked him where he felt he was in living the Gospel Of Jesus Christ.  He said baptism and then accepted a baptismal date for 1 June 2013. the Sisters in Batac taught to him and his wife and then we followed up and committed him to attend church, which he did. We are all super excited for him and Sister Barrientos has said that we will all  go to the baptism in June (Office Elders, APs, and President and Sister Barrientos). It is going to be a great day.

I got to do my first traveling as an Office Elder on Saturday. Elder B and I traveled up to the northern areas of the mission to do some finance stuff. I got to see more of the mission in one day than I had seen in five months. We left at five in the morning and got back to the office at 9 at night. I got to see lots of missionaries, some that I know and others who I have never met before. I will probably get to make the trip again in the coming weeks and also probably head down to the southern areas of the mission. There is really a great variety of scenery in the Philippines, from rice fields to jungle to mountains to beaches. And it can all change so fast. 

We are finally moved in completely to the new apartment. With our cleaning this morning we are now officially in and there to stay for a while. We have a washing machine still, so we can still do laundry faster than if by hand. it is a Philippino style whasher, so it isn't quite the same, but I like it. It makes me do work while giving me time to do other things, like cleaning or eating. Speaking of eating, it's a fifth week month. Yeah. No worries when your companion is the finance manager though. I did just learn how to make a really good Philippino dish. Kind of like Maple and Brown Sugar oatmeal but with rice. Really good. Hopefully I can find the ingredients to make it at home.

I hope that you are all doing well. We just got in our Liahona Magazines, and I have read some of the articles. One that stuck out to me was "Drawn to the Temple" by Elder Mazzagardi. It made me think about how blessed we are to live in a time with so many temple on the earth to bless the children of God. I want to invite and encourage you all to go to the temple in the coming weeks, to go in or just be walk around the grounds. It is the house of God and he will bless us for faithfully going to feel his spirit and to work for those who cannot. God bless you all. Mahal Kita!

Elder RKahoy

3/14/13

Dear Family and Friends,

What a insane week it has been. First week in the office and wow. Just wow. I had no idea how much goes on behind the scenes of a mission. There is always so much to do. The way our schedule is set up we should still be able to get 30 lessons a week, but it apparently doesn't happen on transfer week. We helped with the outgoing missionaries and the incoming missionaries. That was such a neat experience. My trainer, Elder O finished his mission on Monday and then the next day I welcomed a batch of 18 new missionaries, all of them excited and ready to get out and work. As supplies manager, I got to prep the DVD equipment they need for the 12 week program and get them other supplies. There is so much to do. I think I've said that twice now. 

We did get to teach some lessons this week. Including a lesson on Tuesday afternoon that we didn't think that we were going to get. The new missionaries were arriving at 4:30, so we didn't have a lot of time, but we decided to get at least one lesson in. In the morning, one of our newer investigators, LJ, asked us to come teach him at two, and we were able to. It was a great lesson about the Restoration and he is excited to learn.  It was the only lesson we got that day, since the new arrivals were delayed an hour in Manila. I also got to teach to Al, who is our security guard at the mission home. He is progressing really fast. He is currently in Alma. He is such a great investigator. We also taught to the Si family, with the Eddingtons, who are the couple missionary in the Zone. It was a great lesson also and the Spirit was very strong as the Eddingtons testified (in English), about families and following the words of the Prophet in having an eternal family.

Speaking of prophets, was General Conference awesome or what? We got to watch it this weekend and it blew me away. Especially Elder Holland and Elder Perrys' talks.They bear such powerful testimony. One thing that I've learned about missionary work is that so much of it is just that, testifying of truth. Other must come to learn for themselves that the Gospel and the Message of the Restoration are true, we are but guides. They can feel the Spirit through our testimonies. I was to invite you all, during the week after you read this, to bear your testimony of the Restoration, or Plan of Salvation, or Gospel of Jesus Christ or anything else, to someone who has not yet gained their own testimony yet. I promise you that you will feel the Spirit work through you and your own testimony will grow, not to mention the blessings the listener will receive. I know that this Church is True and that we have a living prophet on the Earth today. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and we have a loving Heavenly Father.

I'll close it up now. We have had an insane day, since we moved out of the mission home today. We need more space for arriving missionaries, so we have moved down the road about 250 yards. The new apartment is still a mess, but we'll take care of that tonight. Mahal Kita! 

Elder RWood

 *From his letter to the family* What the one [Fallon] Elder said about missionaries going to the office if they are in trouble or injured is true. One of the missionaries who just ended his mission served in the office after taking a dare from his companion to ride a water buffalo. I'm not in trouble or injured though, so no worries. Elder B guesses that I'll be serving in the office until December. Long time.

No one panic. That was deliberate... (4/8/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

So just so no one freaks out because an email didn't come on Monday, there have been some changes here in the Philippines Laoag mission. The first is that our transfer day is now Monday, so those who get transferred have to wait until Tuesday to have Pday. And I got transferred, so I was one that got to wait. I am no longer in Bacarra training Elder L. I am now an office Elder, the supplies manager for the Philippines Laoag Mission. I am living at the Mission home, though only until next week when we are moving out of the mission home to an apartment three doors down. With the increase of missionaries the mission needs a cheaper way to house the incoming missionaries, since our budget is still the same. So they hare going to use one of the apartments for the incoming missionaries and and put the APs in the other. We (the office Elders) have an apartment down the street (still with AC and a washing machine). My companion is Elder B, a Philipino from Australia. He is over the mission finances, which apparently could be my next task in several months. I am super excited to be here in the office, even though I don't get to teach as much and it is a tad more stressful. I've already helped with a transfer day, made the new mail list and am preping for the incoming missionaries tomorrow. The funny thing about all of this is that one of the departing missionaries when he first met me said that he could see me in the office. Looks like he was right!

Just for a quick update on Bacarra. P had his baptismal interview on Saturday and was found worthy. SO his baptism should be this Friday, but apparently one of the members caught him smoking Saturday afternoon. And since I am no longer in Bacarra I have no idea what is going to happen. It was sad to leave Bacarra but I know that this is where the Lord needs me to be now. I am serving in the Laoag 1 ward with all of the office Elders. I have only met a few of the investigators and members, since there was a bagio on Sunday so church attendance was low. I love it here already though. Everyone that I have met is super nice and willing to help us. The one investigators that I have met is the Simpliciano family. The three daughters are recent converts, but the parents are not members yet. We are working to move up their baptism for in May. They are already active members basically. 

As for conference, we get it this weekend. I have heard about some new temples, including the 17th in Utah and an awesome talk by Elder Holland. I am super excited to listen to the words of a living prophet and apostles. I love conference so much. we are so blessed to live in the latter days when we have the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have seen the gospel bless my own life and the lives of many people here in the Philippines and in the states. It truly is a great blessing. I pray that we will all remember that always and help others come unto Christ and partake of his salvation and return to live our Heavenly Fathers presence. I know that Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and  that this is his church on the earth today. Mahal Kita!

Elder Ryne Warren Wood

PS Sorry this is a bit of a short one. I'm still a bit overwhelmed with everything that is part of my new assignment.

Pictures!! (3/30/13)

Elder L and Elder Wood with Kr and Iv

Us with P, Iv, Kr and her Mom and Sis. Ra

Us with same and Re (Iv's Uncle) and Bro Ra

When Elder L chugs holo-holo... (3/30/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy Easter. This has been a great week. It is Holy week in the Philippines. It didn't change much, it actually made street contacting easier since there was lots of people out for the good Friday procession. We avoided the procession and talked to lots of people who were waiting or it had already passed them. But then we got cornered by the procession and had to flee before we got surrounded. That was quite the adventure. We found some great potential investigators that we are planning on contacting in the next week or so. We really have been struggling to find new investigators but with some new goals we are getting better.

WE had a crazy experience on Wednesday. We went to try to contact one of our investigators, Ca. Since school is done it we figured it would be easy to contact him. When we went to his house a lady came out and invited us in very quickly. WE walked into a room full of people and food and were instantly confused. WE thought that she may have thought we were other people. Car was there though and said it was a graduation party for one of his friends. It got weird again when the lady asked me bless the food. Car said she was Catholic, but she knew we were missionaries and seemed to understand our role as representatives of Christ. I thought she looked familiar, but I couldn't place it. We also didn't get to talk with her before we left. Elder L and I were panicking at first since we had no idea what was going on. But it turned out good.

As I said earlier Elder L and I set some goals to help us find new investigators. One was a minimum of pamphlets that we give to people everyday. We have done well so far and have found some people who are very interested and receptive. We talked to this one guy who usually hurries into his house when he sees us but this time he didn't and we got to talk with him. We also met some people from America who have some close friends who are members and they invited us to come back. I have really got to see how the Lord truly is preparing his children to hear and accept the Gospel. I have really had my eyes opened as I have asked the Lord to place into my path those who are prepared and then looked for them. He has led me to so many and I know that he will do the same for all of you as you think about which of your friends or family are ready to hear the Gospel. All we have to do is ask, seek and knock and it is promised that it will be given, it will be opened and we will find.

Yesterday on Easter I read Elder Holland's talk "None were with Him". I love this talk about the Atonement. I want to testify to all of you that I know that Christ lives. I know that because we walked such a long lonely path utterly alone we do not have to. I know that he is near us always and is ready to lift us as we turn to him. I ask you all to take some time to ponder about what a great gift the Atonement is and take the time to thank our Heavenly Father for the matchless gift of His son, our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that salvation comes through Christ alone. His Gospel is the way and we are blessed to have it. Let us share it will all. Mahal Kita! Kita Kits!

Elder RWood

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!

American's in the Philippines eating Swedish Deserts (3/17/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

What a crazy week this has been. It is graduation season here in the Philippines and everyone is going crazy. It has been a bit hard to teach to people when everyone is busy with graduations and what not. It was still a good week though. There was lots of ups and downs but overall it was a good week.

Iv had his baptismal interview on Saturday. That was an adventure. We had schedules the interview for 11:30 on Saturday because of his graduation rehearsal  AS Elder L and I were walking to the church for the interview, Re (Iv's Uncle) called and told us that they were in Laoag for some graduation stuff. Elder S was already here in Bacarra for the interview, but we arranged to have the interview in Laoag instead. It all went well and the baptism is this Saturday. And speaking of baptisms P now has a set date of April 13 for his baptism. Around his birthday his daughter who is a member called him and talked to him about how the lessons are going and about his problems with the word of wisdom. On Tuesday he told us that he was done with smoking and drinking. He said that he knows it is bad for him and is separating him from God. He has been clean for over a week, longer than he ever has before. Everyone in the ward is excited for him.

We had one of the funnest district meetings yet. We had it at the Pettingill's apartment. They are the new couple missionary from Idaho. We focused on finding and Elder S set up a scavenger hunt to help us apply the principles of finding. I learned tons and I understand more about how to find effectively. We then had a Swedish desert that Sis. Pettingill made. I can't pronounce or write it but it is apple slices dipped in cake batter and fried. Super good. We also have zone conferences coming up which is going to be great. The Theme is Hastening the Work.

We finally were able to contact one of our great potential investigators. We meet Ro two weeks ago and gave him a Plan of Salvation pamphlet, which he read. He accepted the Book of Mormon we gave him and committed his to read 2 Nephi 31 and pray to know if it is true. He even said the closing prayer. His prayer was so sincere and heartfelt. He was really nervous but he did great. I have really had the opportunity to see how the Lord is preparing people here to hear the Gosple of Jesus Christ. I was reading 2 Nephi 31 during  personal study myself this morning. It really hit me how plain the doctrine of Christ is. If we are  following the example of our Savior and keeping the commandments of our Father in Heaven, we living the doctrine of Christ. It is a pattern of life, not just a set of steps. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to invite others to come unto Christ and live his Gospel. 

Keep up all the work you are doing in your wards and families. The Lord is preparing people all around for us. All we have to do is be willing to see them and open our mouths and share with them. Thank you for all your prayers! Keep up the faith. Mahal kita! Kita kits!

Elder RWood

Weary? It's not Gateraide (3/10/13)

ear Family members and friends,

Howdy everyone! What a week it has been. There is always so much to do and so little time in which to do it. Between teaching investigators, less actives, members, finding, studying and meetings there is always lots to do! I can always tell that it has been a successful day when I get back at the end of it and I am tired. And when I say tired I mean really tired. But I'd rather be worn out at the end of the day and happy with everything I have been able to accomplish than have lots of energy and not have done all that I can.

SO we found several new investigators in the past week. Finding is something that we have been struggling with, but I feel that we are starting to get the hang of it. One of our new investigators is so awesome. We met Ro when we were trying to find people with the big houses, since that is one of the things that we have been encouraged to do. He lives is this really really nice house that is actually his Aunts house, but they live in Hawaii so he is taking care of it for them. When we first met him, we started talking right away about the Restoration and the Prophet Joseph Smith. He told us that he had never heard of Joseph Smith so we set a return appointment and we went back this past Thursday. He is very open and interested. He accepted the Book of Mormon we gave him and told us he would read. We are really excited to go back and keep teaching him.

WE have one investigator, Fr, who is what people might call a golden investigator. When we first met him he was very set on the fact that we were just trying to convince him we were right and everyone else was wrong. But after he started reading the Book of Mormon, he has changed completely. He loves reading and read from 3 Nephi 11 to Mormon 2 between our visits. He also was very willing to pray and gave an awesome closing prayer. He has a baptismal date for April 13,so we are working hard towards that. We have a baptism next week too. Ivan is going to be baptized! His interview is Saturday and we are super excited. We have been teaching him for a long time and now he is ready. Get ready for some more pictures.

I got lots of your letters in the past week. I really don't know how the mail system here works, but I'm sure it is crazy. That's alright though. Thank you for your love and prayers and all your support. Keep up your faith and look for missionary opportunities. Also read Elder Clarke's talk from conference about the Sacrament. It is a great talk and has application for everyone. Mahal Kita!

Elder RWood

MARCH!! :) (3/3/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

Welcome to March! Time really is flying so fast. It's crazy to think that in just about two weeks I will have been on my mission for 6 months. It feels like just a few months ago I said goodbye to my family at the MTC and started my training as a missionary. What is really weird is that the MTC feels like it was even longer ago. There is always so much to do that by the time the end of a day or a week rolls along it feels like there was not time at all and yet so much time. I know that it sounds a bit odd, but for those of you who have served missions I think you probably understand what I am talking about.

It has been a pretty normal week for me. Since I started training Elder L a few weeks ago, I didn't have to be part of the regular transfer and the new trainer training this week. I did get to see all of the missionaries from my MTC district on Wednesday before district meeting started. That was great. Having been with them all the time for 9 weeks and then going three months without seeing them made seeing them again even if it was for only a few minutes a great uplifting experience. 

The work is still going great in Bacarra. Like I said it has been a pretty average week this week. The biggest difference was the two almost arguments that people tried to start with Elder Lynn and I. This is the first time on my mission that anyone has attempted to have a "Bible bash" with us. We have decided to keep doing all that we can to avoid those types of situations, especially now that we recognize them having been through them. The other thing that has been different is our finding, which has been really down. We decided to take one of the ideas that is in the missionary planner and are going to try to start an English class. Got any suggestions for us Elder P?

Sh, who was baptized on the 23 of February, is doing great. He started going to seminary on Friday nights. His brother R told us that he hadn't even talked to Sh about it, but Sh just decided on his own to start going after being invited by the teachers. R also told us that S is looking at going on a mission! He's 16 now, so it wont be to long before he could serve. IT really is amazing to see the miracle of conversion working in the lives of other people. I know that this work is done by the Spirit through us. The missionaries may say the words, but the Spirit carries the words to the hearts of those who are listening and ready to accept.

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your winter. It is coming to a close right? We really don't have winter here. Just the wet season and dry season, though I think it should be the wet season and the hot season.Keep praying for missionary opportunities and look for opportunities to serve. The Lord will pour out his blessing on us as we serve others in his name (Mosiah 2:17). God  be with you all till we meet again!

Elder Wood

I want to play Dominion Now... (2/24/13)

Dear Family and Friends,

What a week! I talked about the Zone Activity in my email last week, but that was not the end of the zone get togethers. One Wednesday we had interviews with President Barrientos, so we got to gather again as the entire zone. We did a cooking demo, where each of the districts cooked some dishes to share with everyone, so we had BBQ chicken, a vegetable stir-fry, spamlettes, pork, lumpia, and no bake cookies and rice. That was quite the event! It was great to be able to have an interview with President Barrientos. He is an awesome mission president and he and Sister Barrientos love all of us missionaries so much. I also had the chance to talk with Elder E about Dominion. I haven't played that in a long time, but I can wait another 19 months. 

On Tuesday, we taught Ev, one of our investigators who was a former investigator but was never baptized. She asks lots of questions, though most of them are just little detail questions that just distract from the lesson. It makes teacher her a bit hard, but I've figured out that the Lord is working to teach me patience. She told us that she wants to be baptized in the river Jordan in the Middle East and will pay for plane tickets if we will baptize her there. I'm not sure what to think about that besides that I'd rather not get shot by what ever people currently control the river Jordan. Her brother-in-law, Am, is a different story. He loves learning and he accepted a baptism date for the 30th of March. He isn't positive he'll be here since he's moving to Houston, but he still wants that to be the goal and he told us that if he moves before he gets baptized he wants to continue learning and be baptized in Houston. International Referal!

Sh got baptized on Saturday! It has been almost tree months from when we started teaching him and he has come such a long way. He was super excited and it was a great spiritual experience for him and everyone who attended. It was great to get to see R, his brother baptize another member of him family. Now we are going to start teaching one of their sisters and we are looking forward to seeing another member  of their family come unto Christ.

Well, it's transfer day, though I already had my transfer. We are getting lots of new missionaries this transfer, so I am super excited to have some new 18 and 19 year old missionaries start the work. The Lord is hastening his work and there is no power on Earth that will be able to stop the work. We are all greatly blessed to be a part of the Lords kingdom and have the duty to help bring about his work. Keep building your personal testimonies through study and prayer and then be ready to share it with those around you. The Lord is on our side. He lives and loves us. I know this with all my heart. Keep the faith! Mahal Kita!

Elder RWood