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| Elder L and Elder Wood with Kr and Iv |
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| Us with P, Iv, Kr and her Mom and Sis. Ra |
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| Us with same and Re (Iv's Uncle) and Bro Ra |
Showing posts with label Area of Bacarra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Area of Bacarra. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Pictures!! (3/30/13)
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
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
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
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Yes. Very well. (2/17/13)
First off, can anyone name the movie he quoted for title of this email? Because I can't. And it's bugging me -ABice
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been one crazy week. Since I am training now and Elder O had been transferred to Candon, it has been crazy. On Tuesday, we had trainers training with President Barrientos and the Assistants. It was great and much more personal since there are only three of us training in this weird transfer. Because of the changes in the MTC times, those missionaries coming next week will have been in the MTC for only six weeks, but our trainees were there for nine. On Thursday, I spent all day in Laoag. Mostly I was just waiting in the APs apartment until it was time for training. That was a rough day just because I knew I was not going to be able to teach anyone that day. But I got to receive training and begin work as a trainer. My companion is Elder Ly, from Utah. He's super energetic and excited to work. I am looking forward to this time as a trainer.
S is getting baptized on Saturday! His mom gave her permission and he had in interview last Saturday. It's all set now and we are looking forward to a good service with lots of the members there. It has been a bit different with teaching since I am now the trainer. It feels weird to always be looked to for what we are going to do next . I am looking forward to the time I get to spend preparing Elder L here in the field and look forward to the day when he gets to have a trainee of his own.
This email is a little late since we had a zone activity. We went to a beach near Laoag and cleaned it up and then played ultimate Frisbee and football. I found out that ultimate Frisbee is much different on a beach that is slanted with a group of people who have mostly never played it. It was still fun though. We tried building a sand castle of the Salt Lake Temple, but we spent most of the time trying to protect it from the water. It seem like a better idea in my head, but it was still fun.
Well I had better close this one up. Time is a bit short because of the activity, but it's alright. Things are going great in Bacarra and I still have quite a bit of time here. Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts for me. Keep the faith! Mahal KIta!
Elder RWood
Friday, February 15, 2013
Only the begining of the adventure.... (2/10/13)
Dear Family and Friends,
As of now my training as a new missionary is over. This transfer is actually not an eight week transfer like everyone thought it was, it's only six. I just got the transfer list. Elder O is being transferred to Candon and I am going to be staying in Bacarra and training. I will get my new companion on Friday and until then my temporary companion is Elder R. He is one transfer ahead of me, so I met him in the MTC. He's an awesome missionary and I am excited to get to work with him, even if it is only for a few days until we get our trainees. It's crazy to think that I have reached the end of this phase of my mission. I know that there is still lots to come and I have tons to learn still. I am grateful to the Lord for providing me with the opportunities to learn that I have had so far and look forward to learning and growing more.
Transfers aren't the only changes that are going on here in the Laoag Philippines Mission. We just got a new schedule that President Barrientos has been directed to give to us. It gives us more time in companionship study to plan for the lessons we are going to teach. It actually gives us extra hours n Sunday too to work, which is great because there seems to be a lot of people who are only available on Sunday. There have also been some slight changes to some of the standards of the mission, though nothing to extreme. I am excited to have this opportunity to be obedient and improve through the inspired guidance of President Barrientos.
As for the work, it is going great in Bacarra. We have two baptisms scheduled for the 23 of February, both Iv and Sh. Sh was supposed to be baptized this coming Saturday, but his mom is not currently willing to give her consent. We have been praying and know that the Lord will provide the way for him to be baptized. One of his cousins is on the stake high counsel and said he is going to talk with his aunt about it. We had to postpone P's baptism for a few weeks, since he is still struggling with the word of wisdom. He has gone for a while without smoking and we fasted with him on Sunday. I know that the Lord can help him overcome this obstacle.
On Saturday, Elder O and I went out to Libtong, a barangay where we actually have a bunch of investigators. We taught three of them, and one specifically stood out to me. V, whose wife died last October of cancer. When we first met him we taught him about the plan of salvation and he was really interested. This time we taught about the Restoration through Joseph Smith and talked about having a living prophet. I showed him the picture of the general authorities from a conference magazine and he looked at it very intently. It was a great opportunity to testify of God's love for us as manifest in having a living Prophet. He kept the picture and treated it very carefully and respectfully. He has been very prepared to accept the message of the Gospel and I can't wait to see him receive the saving ordinances and have the work done for his wife.
Well, as Elder O's last request we got to do shopping here in Laoag so I've got to run. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Remember that we are all part of this the Lord's work. Mahal Kita!
Elder Ryne Warren Wood
As of now my training as a new missionary is over. This transfer is actually not an eight week transfer like everyone thought it was, it's only six. I just got the transfer list. Elder O is being transferred to Candon and I am going to be staying in Bacarra and training. I will get my new companion on Friday and until then my temporary companion is Elder R. He is one transfer ahead of me, so I met him in the MTC. He's an awesome missionary and I am excited to get to work with him, even if it is only for a few days until we get our trainees. It's crazy to think that I have reached the end of this phase of my mission. I know that there is still lots to come and I have tons to learn still. I am grateful to the Lord for providing me with the opportunities to learn that I have had so far and look forward to learning and growing more.
Transfers aren't the only changes that are going on here in the Laoag Philippines Mission. We just got a new schedule that President Barrientos has been directed to give to us. It gives us more time in companionship study to plan for the lessons we are going to teach. It actually gives us extra hours n Sunday too to work, which is great because there seems to be a lot of people who are only available on Sunday. There have also been some slight changes to some of the standards of the mission, though nothing to extreme. I am excited to have this opportunity to be obedient and improve through the inspired guidance of President Barrientos.
As for the work, it is going great in Bacarra. We have two baptisms scheduled for the 23 of February, both Iv and Sh. Sh was supposed to be baptized this coming Saturday, but his mom is not currently willing to give her consent. We have been praying and know that the Lord will provide the way for him to be baptized. One of his cousins is on the stake high counsel and said he is going to talk with his aunt about it. We had to postpone P's baptism for a few weeks, since he is still struggling with the word of wisdom. He has gone for a while without smoking and we fasted with him on Sunday. I know that the Lord can help him overcome this obstacle.
On Saturday, Elder O and I went out to Libtong, a barangay where we actually have a bunch of investigators. We taught three of them, and one specifically stood out to me. V, whose wife died last October of cancer. When we first met him we taught him about the plan of salvation and he was really interested. This time we taught about the Restoration through Joseph Smith and talked about having a living prophet. I showed him the picture of the general authorities from a conference magazine and he looked at it very intently. It was a great opportunity to testify of God's love for us as manifest in having a living Prophet. He kept the picture and treated it very carefully and respectfully. He has been very prepared to accept the message of the Gospel and I can't wait to see him receive the saving ordinances and have the work done for his wife.
Well, as Elder O's last request we got to do shopping here in Laoag so I've got to run. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Remember that we are all part of this the Lord's work. Mahal Kita!
Elder Ryne Warren Wood
Monday, February 4, 2013
Pictures!! 2/3/13
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| Bridge to member's house |
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| Why did I stop and pose? |
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| Philippines Cobra (dead) |
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| Me, M, her family and the baptism witnesses |
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| Me and M |
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| Me an M's sibblings |
Remeber Elder Pakers "20 Mark Note" talk? (2/3/13)
Dear Family and Friends,
The pictures are currently being attached to the email. I guess I'll just do pictures when we get to be here in Laoag once a month for email. It really is nice to be able to come in to Laoag once a month for shopping and everything. It's the one chance to get some stuff that isn't in Bacarra, like Jiff peanut butter and milk. And with the new Pday schedule that President Barrientos is implementing, we have even more time on Pday, since we do laundry before studies starting at 8. There has also been talk from President that either this coming transfer or the next Bacarra is going to have four missionaries and the area will be split. That will be really nice. Bacarra is massive and it's almost too much for two missionaries, Elder O and I have done well, but the work will move much faster when there are twice the missionaries.
On Thursday we had exchanges. Since Elder O is District leader, I got to be with one of our zone leaders, Elder Od. He's been in the field about twice as long as i have and he is an awesome missionary. It was such an awesome day. We found a bunch of new investigators, including the B captain of Libtong, kind of like the mayor of a section of Bacarra, and A. A was just sitting outside his house, so we went and talked to him and shared about the restoration,. He doesn't have a specific religion, but he has tried out many. We shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon about the apostasy and after reading it he told us that the Book of Mormon was true. He had only read two verses and he was already saying it was true! We are going back out to him this Saturday and we are excited.
Sh has a baptism coming up on the 16th and he is really very ready. He is participating much more in the lessons that ever before. On Thursday we taught him the end of the plan of salvation and about faith and repentance. It was lots for him to take in, but he followed all that we told him and we could tell that he understood. Much different than when we first taught him and it took him an hour to agree to listen to us.
Part of our Zone and District goals have to do with finding new investigators and we have found a ton mostly through our own efforts, though we have gotten quite a few referrals to. One referral came from M's mom. She referred to us a friend who got excited when she saw the pictures from M's baptism. She said that she wants to learn more about our church since the way we baptize is the way that Christ was baptized. I have seen great examples of how the Lord is preparing people to accept the gospel as I have been searching for those of God's children who are prepared.
I want to share with you an experience that I had on Saturday. I don;t know if you have ever read President Packers talk 20 Mark note, but this experience that I had is similar. On Saturday we were trying to get a fellow-shipper and finally managed to contact Bro. Re, the uncle of one of our investigators and he came to work with us. As we were walking to met him. I decided to stop by the apartment and get a 500 pesos note that i had there so that we could get some snack after we worked. I had thought about bringing it before I left, but I had decided not to. Now though we went back and got it. I thought we could use it at this little store not far from the apartment after we returned. We didnt use it right after we got back, but we did use it later in the night. We went to the little store and bought some ice cream. As the lady who owns it was getting me change, she commented on how good mt Tagalog was. I started talking to her and found out that she investigated the Church in the 90s, but didn't get baptized because she had some word of wisdom problems. From the sound of it the Elders who taught her and did the interview didn't handle the situation very well. She told us that she had some great memories of learning and of going to church. We talked with her and she said she would like to start the lessons again. We are going to go back to start teaching her sometime when her store isn't busy, which is basically whenever we have time.
I share this experience because I realized after that it was not my idea to go and get the 500 peso note. It was the Spirit that prompted me to go back and get that note and even use it at that store. Elder O told me that he had had had the same thought of going to that store to use is. I know that the Lord guided us to be able to find this lady who is prepared to accept the gospel. It is interesting that the Spirit works in so many different ways. I f you can, look for Pres. Packer's talk. It was a devotional talk at BYUI, so it should be on the internet. It is about a similar experience of Elder Bednar and Pres. Packer.
Well I hope that you are all doing well as this February begins. Thank you for your prayers and faith. Keep praying and looking for missionary experiences and the Lord will bless you with opportunities to help others. Mahal Kita! God Bless!
Elder R. Wood
The pictures are currently being attached to the email. I guess I'll just do pictures when we get to be here in Laoag once a month for email. It really is nice to be able to come in to Laoag once a month for shopping and everything. It's the one chance to get some stuff that isn't in Bacarra, like Jiff peanut butter and milk. And with the new Pday schedule that President Barrientos is implementing, we have even more time on Pday, since we do laundry before studies starting at 8. There has also been talk from President that either this coming transfer or the next Bacarra is going to have four missionaries and the area will be split. That will be really nice. Bacarra is massive and it's almost too much for two missionaries, Elder O and I have done well, but the work will move much faster when there are twice the missionaries.
On Thursday we had exchanges. Since Elder O is District leader, I got to be with one of our zone leaders, Elder Od. He's been in the field about twice as long as i have and he is an awesome missionary. It was such an awesome day. We found a bunch of new investigators, including the B captain of Libtong, kind of like the mayor of a section of Bacarra, and A. A was just sitting outside his house, so we went and talked to him and shared about the restoration,. He doesn't have a specific religion, but he has tried out many. We shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon about the apostasy and after reading it he told us that the Book of Mormon was true. He had only read two verses and he was already saying it was true! We are going back out to him this Saturday and we are excited.
Sh has a baptism coming up on the 16th and he is really very ready. He is participating much more in the lessons that ever before. On Thursday we taught him the end of the plan of salvation and about faith and repentance. It was lots for him to take in, but he followed all that we told him and we could tell that he understood. Much different than when we first taught him and it took him an hour to agree to listen to us.
Part of our Zone and District goals have to do with finding new investigators and we have found a ton mostly through our own efforts, though we have gotten quite a few referrals to. One referral came from M's mom. She referred to us a friend who got excited when she saw the pictures from M's baptism. She said that she wants to learn more about our church since the way we baptize is the way that Christ was baptized. I have seen great examples of how the Lord is preparing people to accept the gospel as I have been searching for those of God's children who are prepared.
I want to share with you an experience that I had on Saturday. I don;t know if you have ever read President Packers talk 20 Mark note, but this experience that I had is similar. On Saturday we were trying to get a fellow-shipper and finally managed to contact Bro. Re, the uncle of one of our investigators and he came to work with us. As we were walking to met him. I decided to stop by the apartment and get a 500 pesos note that i had there so that we could get some snack after we worked. I had thought about bringing it before I left, but I had decided not to. Now though we went back and got it. I thought we could use it at this little store not far from the apartment after we returned. We didnt use it right after we got back, but we did use it later in the night. We went to the little store and bought some ice cream. As the lady who owns it was getting me change, she commented on how good mt Tagalog was. I started talking to her and found out that she investigated the Church in the 90s, but didn't get baptized because she had some word of wisdom problems. From the sound of it the Elders who taught her and did the interview didn't handle the situation very well. She told us that she had some great memories of learning and of going to church. We talked with her and she said she would like to start the lessons again. We are going to go back to start teaching her sometime when her store isn't busy, which is basically whenever we have time.
I share this experience because I realized after that it was not my idea to go and get the 500 peso note. It was the Spirit that prompted me to go back and get that note and even use it at that store. Elder O told me that he had had had the same thought of going to that store to use is. I know that the Lord guided us to be able to find this lady who is prepared to accept the gospel. It is interesting that the Spirit works in so many different ways. I f you can, look for Pres. Packer's talk. It was a devotional talk at BYUI, so it should be on the internet. It is about a similar experience of Elder Bednar and Pres. Packer.
Well I hope that you are all doing well as this February begins. Thank you for your prayers and faith. Keep praying and looking for missionary experiences and the Lord will bless you with opportunities to help others. Mahal Kita! God Bless!
Elder R. Wood
I bought a boxen of doughnuts (1/27/13)
Dear Family and Friends,
Sounds like there was a good baptismal service in Fallon this weekend. We had one here in Bacarra too, though the water was much deeper. It went up to my waist , which meant it went above M's waist by a good foot of so. Maybe we should have switched fonts for the services. I am trying to send some pictures, but the computer is refusing to attach files right now, so I'll have to see whether or not any pictures can make it to you today. The Baptismal service for M was great! The talks were mostly in Ilokano so I didn't understand a lot of what was said, but the Spirit there was strong and that was the important part. I got to perform the baptism and it went without any problem. The problem came when I got out of the font and realized that my dry clothes were in the clerk's office down the hall and I was soaking wet from the waist down. Luckily our clerk walked by and was able to rescue me. So I was the last one to change and go back into the room for the closing remarks and hymn. It was a great service and she was confirmed on Sunday. Now we get to turn greater attention to our three baptisms scheduled for February.
Sounds like there was a good baptismal service in Fallon this weekend. We had one here in Bacarra too, though the water was much deeper. It went up to my waist , which meant it went above M's waist by a good foot of so. Maybe we should have switched fonts for the services. I am trying to send some pictures, but the computer is refusing to attach files right now, so I'll have to see whether or not any pictures can make it to you today. The Baptismal service for M was great! The talks were mostly in Ilokano so I didn't understand a lot of what was said, but the Spirit there was strong and that was the important part. I got to perform the baptism and it went without any problem. The problem came when I got out of the font and realized that my dry clothes were in the clerk's office down the hall and I was soaking wet from the waist down. Luckily our clerk walked by and was able to rescue me. So I was the last one to change and go back into the room for the closing remarks and hymn. It was a great service and she was confirmed on Sunday. Now we get to turn greater attention to our three baptisms scheduled for February.
So you all remember P I'm sure. He has some to church for almost a month on his own and his baptism is scheduled for February 23.
He has been having a really hard time quitting smoking though. We gave
him a blessing to help him last week and we talked more with him about
it on Thursday. He
told us that he was going to stop now, in fact he promised us that he
was going to. That is about all that he has do overcome to be ready for
baptism. but it is a major hurdle for him. Luckily, we have an awesome fellow shipper for him, Bro. Ra and we hope that we can find out on Tuesday that he has not smoked since our last visit.
Over
the past few weeks our zone and district has set new goals to meet the
standards of excellence given to us by President Barrientos. One of
these is getting more progressing investigators. Elder Oand I have
been trying hard to get investigators to come to church as part of this
goal. One of our investigators, Myl, has been learning since the
first week we got here, but has not yet been to church and has just now
began reading. We committed him Saturday to come, but he was still very
hesitant to come. We also committed his boss's family to come to church.
He was there when we did and he told us that if they went to church he
would have to go too since he is their "bodyguard". So now we know what
we need to do to get him to church and we can hopefully get all of them
to attend soon.
Things
are really picking up here and around the world. Time is flying by and
despite the extension on this transfer it is already almost over. The
Lord is hastening his work and we are all part of it. Keep on praying
for the missionaries and to have your own missionary experiences. The
Lord will bless us as we do all that he has asked us to. Thank you for
all your love and support. Mahal Kita!
Elder R.Wood
We have a Hulk... (1/20/13)
Dear Family and Friends,
Wow it sure has been a busy week. Being the companion of the district leader, I get to travel around to baptismal interviews. We've had a baptismal interview every week for the past two weeks and we have another one this Saturday. On top of that we had an interview for M on Saturday morning before going to do an interview for some of the Elders in our district. President Barrientos has set the standard of excellence in the mission for two convert baptisms a month, so we'll probably start to see even more interviews!
On Thursday we went out to Libtong, a barangay that is a ways away from anything. We have some investigators out there, but the two that we had scheduled to teach were unavailable. So we went finding. We had ZTM on Wednesday and had talked about finding, so we were excited to start using what we learned. We found a man sitting outside his house and we just started talking to him. He was wearing a black pin on his shirt, which is the symbol that someone in his family died recently. Elder O asked who and he said it was his wife, last October. He let us teach him about the plan of Salvation and the Spirit World. We gave him a plan of salvation pamphlet and he wants us to come back and teach him more. He even referred his kids to us. We were lead to him by the Spirit and it was a great experience showing how the Lord is preparing people for us to teach everywhere.
P accepted a baptismal date on Thursday! He has come to Church on his own every week for the past 3 weeks now and he loves church so much. Luckily for us the Gospel Essentials teacher speaks Ilokano, which is what P speaks. He is working hard to live the Word of Wisdom and be ready for baptism. He has a smoking problem but since we taught Word of Wisdom he has gone from a pack a day to three cigarettes a day.It's not easy for him, but he wants it so much and he is willing to work had to do it. His date is for February 23, the Saturday before transfers.
We taught a man in Duripes on Friday and had a rather interesting experience. After teaching him the Restoration, he thought that Joseph Smith was an Old Testament prophet. We explained that we wasn't so he figured he was the 13th apostle of Jesus Christ. That took some clarification, but he understands now and in his prayer at the end of the lesson he asked God to help him understand us better when we came back again to teach him. It's amazing how many people are very willing to listen and seek God's help in knowing the truth of our message. Heavenly Father is preparing people everywhere to hear the Gospel. Help him by finding those that you know who have been prepared and introduce them to the Gospel. God will bless you and them. This is God's work and glory and he asks us all to participate in it. Thank you all for your prayers and faith for me and all of the missionaries around the world. Mahal Kita. Kita Kits sa October!
Elder R. Wood
Wow it sure has been a busy week. Being the companion of the district leader, I get to travel around to baptismal interviews. We've had a baptismal interview every week for the past two weeks and we have another one this Saturday. On top of that we had an interview for M on Saturday morning before going to do an interview for some of the Elders in our district. President Barrientos has set the standard of excellence in the mission for two convert baptisms a month, so we'll probably start to see even more interviews!
On Thursday we went out to Libtong, a barangay that is a ways away from anything. We have some investigators out there, but the two that we had scheduled to teach were unavailable. So we went finding. We had ZTM on Wednesday and had talked about finding, so we were excited to start using what we learned. We found a man sitting outside his house and we just started talking to him. He was wearing a black pin on his shirt, which is the symbol that someone in his family died recently. Elder O asked who and he said it was his wife, last October. He let us teach him about the plan of Salvation and the Spirit World. We gave him a plan of salvation pamphlet and he wants us to come back and teach him more. He even referred his kids to us. We were lead to him by the Spirit and it was a great experience showing how the Lord is preparing people for us to teach everywhere.
P accepted a baptismal date on Thursday! He has come to Church on his own every week for the past 3 weeks now and he loves church so much. Luckily for us the Gospel Essentials teacher speaks Ilokano, which is what P speaks. He is working hard to live the Word of Wisdom and be ready for baptism. He has a smoking problem but since we taught Word of Wisdom he has gone from a pack a day to three cigarettes a day.It's not easy for him, but he wants it so much and he is willing to work had to do it. His date is for February 23, the Saturday before transfers.
We taught a man in Duripes on Friday and had a rather interesting experience. After teaching him the Restoration, he thought that Joseph Smith was an Old Testament prophet. We explained that we wasn't so he figured he was the 13th apostle of Jesus Christ. That took some clarification, but he understands now and in his prayer at the end of the lesson he asked God to help him understand us better when we came back again to teach him. It's amazing how many people are very willing to listen and seek God's help in knowing the truth of our message. Heavenly Father is preparing people everywhere to hear the Gospel. Help him by finding those that you know who have been prepared and introduce them to the Gospel. God will bless you and them. This is God's work and glory and he asks us all to participate in it. Thank you all for your prayers and faith for me and all of the missionaries around the world. Mahal Kita. Kita Kits sa October!
Elder R. Wood
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Having Office Elders in your Districts is good for mail... (1/13/13)
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been a really awesome week here in Bacarra and in the Philippines area. It always seem that somethings that I really want to write about happens not long after I write the email on Monday, and I have to wait to write about it the next week. That's okay though because it gives me something to think about and plan for the next email.
So Monday evening, Elder O and I went to teach the V Family. Bro. F is the employer of one of our other investigators who we have sometimes taught at his work during his break and F has listened in to our lessons. WE have taught F once and have set several appointment s to meet and teach his family but they have all fallen through until now. After our first lesson with him, about the Book of Mormon and how it can help us in our trials, he was really excited for us to teach his family. And apparently so was his wife. When we went Monday night she welcomed us warmly and was really excited. We taught basically the same lesson that we had taught to Fidel, using Mosiah 23-24. The Spirit was so strong in the lesson and Sister C was really touched by it. She was crying at the end of the lesson. They are our second family and they actually know a lot of members. WE arranged to bring one family with us who they know well the next time we taught, but had to reschedule our lesson. They are still excited to learn though and are very accepting of the gospel.
On Saturday we had the 2013 Philippines are Broadcast with the Area Presidency and it was awesome! Elder O and I weren't sure if we would make it. but lessons were canceled and rescheduled, so we figure that the Lord really wanted us to be at the broadcast. And it was great. The Presidency shared the goals for 2013, which are the same as for 2012, but with some new specifics to help focus the work. The Philippines area has made great progress in the last year but there is still room for lots of improvement and the Area Presidency is very focused. I also got some great personal advise from President Teh's talk. Much of it will actually be a great help both in my mission and after my mission for the rest of my life.
Our first Baptism is coming up on the 26th of January. M is going to be baptized and she asked if i could be the one to perform the ordinance. I am really honored to be able to perform this ordinance and am grateful that the Lord is trusting me with this duty. SO I want to tell you a bit more about M asking me to baptize her. We asked her during our lesson of Saturday who she wanted to baptize her and she looked at Bro. C, Elder O and me in turn. When she looked at me she got this huge smile and pointed at me and said "Ikaw" (You in Tagalog). It's a great honor to perform the baptism, but it pains me a little that her father will not be able to baptize her. Perhaps this will be motivation for him to be ready and worthy to baptize his other children. Speaking of baptisms, that's awesome that P (from Elder R's home town) is being baptized. And on the same day I am performing baptism in the Philippines. that is no coincidence. Tell him congratulations for me.
Transfer week is not until February 27, but I already know that I am going to be staying in Bacarra to train. President Barrientos told me on Saturday that I would train and sty in Bacarra for another 3 months. I'm excited to have this opportunity, but I'm really nervous too. Bacarra is the district leaders area so I'll become district leader and trainer. I'm really going to need the Lord's help and lots of faith and prayers from me and from everyone. I feel very inadequate for this responsibility that is going to fall on my shoulders. I've only been here for less than three months. But I know the Lord will help me.
I got the letters that were sent to me by the Wades, Prices and G'ma Morrow on Saturday. This is the reason for the Subject of the email. Thank you all for your letters and also for your emails. I wish I could respond to you all personally by email, but I can only write to my parents by email. So I'm going to try to write to everyone that sends me a letter or email a letter, even if it;s just a short note. Thank you all for your prayers and faith. May the Lord bless you as you fulfill your callings and serve Him. Mahal Kita!
Elder Wood
It has been a really awesome week here in Bacarra and in the Philippines area. It always seem that somethings that I really want to write about happens not long after I write the email on Monday, and I have to wait to write about it the next week. That's okay though because it gives me something to think about and plan for the next email.
So Monday evening, Elder O and I went to teach the V Family. Bro. F is the employer of one of our other investigators who we have sometimes taught at his work during his break and F has listened in to our lessons. WE have taught F once and have set several appointment s to meet and teach his family but they have all fallen through until now. After our first lesson with him, about the Book of Mormon and how it can help us in our trials, he was really excited for us to teach his family. And apparently so was his wife. When we went Monday night she welcomed us warmly and was really excited. We taught basically the same lesson that we had taught to Fidel, using Mosiah 23-24. The Spirit was so strong in the lesson and Sister C was really touched by it. She was crying at the end of the lesson. They are our second family and they actually know a lot of members. WE arranged to bring one family with us who they know well the next time we taught, but had to reschedule our lesson. They are still excited to learn though and are very accepting of the gospel.
On Saturday we had the 2013 Philippines are Broadcast with the Area Presidency and it was awesome! Elder O and I weren't sure if we would make it. but lessons were canceled and rescheduled, so we figure that the Lord really wanted us to be at the broadcast. And it was great. The Presidency shared the goals for 2013, which are the same as for 2012, but with some new specifics to help focus the work. The Philippines area has made great progress in the last year but there is still room for lots of improvement and the Area Presidency is very focused. I also got some great personal advise from President Teh's talk. Much of it will actually be a great help both in my mission and after my mission for the rest of my life.
Our first Baptism is coming up on the 26th of January. M is going to be baptized and she asked if i could be the one to perform the ordinance. I am really honored to be able to perform this ordinance and am grateful that the Lord is trusting me with this duty. SO I want to tell you a bit more about M asking me to baptize her. We asked her during our lesson of Saturday who she wanted to baptize her and she looked at Bro. C, Elder O and me in turn. When she looked at me she got this huge smile and pointed at me and said "Ikaw" (You in Tagalog). It's a great honor to perform the baptism, but it pains me a little that her father will not be able to baptize her. Perhaps this will be motivation for him to be ready and worthy to baptize his other children. Speaking of baptisms, that's awesome that P (from Elder R's home town) is being baptized. And on the same day I am performing baptism in the Philippines. that is no coincidence. Tell him congratulations for me.
Transfer week is not until February 27, but I already know that I am going to be staying in Bacarra to train. President Barrientos told me on Saturday that I would train and sty in Bacarra for another 3 months. I'm excited to have this opportunity, but I'm really nervous too. Bacarra is the district leaders area so I'll become district leader and trainer. I'm really going to need the Lord's help and lots of faith and prayers from me and from everyone. I feel very inadequate for this responsibility that is going to fall on my shoulders. I've only been here for less than three months. But I know the Lord will help me.
I got the letters that were sent to me by the Wades, Prices and G'ma Morrow on Saturday. This is the reason for the Subject of the email. Thank you all for your letters and also for your emails. I wish I could respond to you all personally by email, but I can only write to my parents by email. So I'm going to try to write to everyone that sends me a letter or email a letter, even if it;s just a short note. Thank you all for your prayers and faith. May the Lord bless you as you fulfill your callings and serve Him. Mahal Kita!
Elder Wood
Monday, January 7, 2013
The New Year (1/6/13)
Dear Family and Friends,
Welcome to 2013 everyone! I hope that everyone enjoyed the year 2012 and learned from their experiences of the past year. I know that I did greatly and I was very blessed to have the experiences that I did. Thank you to all of you who had a part in my life during 2012. From BYU to Aspen Grove to a few months in Fallon to beginning my mission it was all awesome! I encourage everyone to take some time to think about the events of the past year and set some goals and make some plans for 2013. And If you want some help with goals and planning, I suggest Preach My Gospel chapter 8. It's awesome!
SO This past week have been full of mixed events and emotions. We got to teach a ton, actually more than we have before, especially lessons where we have a member present. We still get punted of course, but we got punted less last week than we ever had before. Some sad news though, we went to visit MA, one of our investigators, on Friday and found that that she had moved. She found a job down in Batac and left to start just a few hours before we stopped by. We're glad that she has a good job, but we are also sad that we are not going to be able to teach her anymore. She was progressing very well and was supposed to be baptized on the 26th. Luckily, Batac is still in the Laoag mission, so we are going to make sure that the Sister Missionaries there find out that MA is there now so that they can continue teaching her.
Some good news now, S accepted a baptism date for February 16. He is still getting some stiff opposition from the members of his church, but it really doesn't seem to be stopping him. He came to Church for the third time on Sunday and he really loves church. Another one of our investigators, P, came to church. I can't remember if I've told you about him before. He is an older man who has a daughter and granddaughter in law who are members. We've taught him several times and he finally came to church on Sunday. And the ward was awesome in welcoming him. Many of them remember his daughter who is a member and they talked to him and encouraged him to keep coming.
I hope that M. Wade reads this part. Everyone please make sure that he does. On Monday, a member of the stake presidency of the Laoag Stake invited our entire Zone to come to lunch to celebrate New Year. Elder O and I got there early and got to talk to him. He told us that he served down in Baccolod as mission president from 2006-2009. I asked Him if he remembers Elder Wade and he said he did! He remembers Elder Wade tying a flashlight to his head to do laundry once and that he was an awesome missionary. SO M. Wade, President Daquioag says hi! He is now living in Laoag. It was really a great experience.
Well I had better close this letter. We are in Laoag for pday to get support money which means that our time to do other things is cut a bit short due to the travel time. I hope you all had a wonderful New Year and are super excited for 2013. I know I am. We get so many blessings every day of every year from Heavenly Father and it is important that we think about the things that he has given us. Always acknowledge his hand in all things and he will bless you greatly. Thank you for all your prayers and faith. Mahal Kita! Kita Kits!
Elder RWood
Welcome to 2013 everyone! I hope that everyone enjoyed the year 2012 and learned from their experiences of the past year. I know that I did greatly and I was very blessed to have the experiences that I did. Thank you to all of you who had a part in my life during 2012. From BYU to Aspen Grove to a few months in Fallon to beginning my mission it was all awesome! I encourage everyone to take some time to think about the events of the past year and set some goals and make some plans for 2013. And If you want some help with goals and planning, I suggest Preach My Gospel chapter 8. It's awesome!
SO This past week have been full of mixed events and emotions. We got to teach a ton, actually more than we have before, especially lessons where we have a member present. We still get punted of course, but we got punted less last week than we ever had before. Some sad news though, we went to visit MA, one of our investigators, on Friday and found that that she had moved. She found a job down in Batac and left to start just a few hours before we stopped by. We're glad that she has a good job, but we are also sad that we are not going to be able to teach her anymore. She was progressing very well and was supposed to be baptized on the 26th. Luckily, Batac is still in the Laoag mission, so we are going to make sure that the Sister Missionaries there find out that MA is there now so that they can continue teaching her.
Some good news now, S accepted a baptism date for February 16. He is still getting some stiff opposition from the members of his church, but it really doesn't seem to be stopping him. He came to Church for the third time on Sunday and he really loves church. Another one of our investigators, P, came to church. I can't remember if I've told you about him before. He is an older man who has a daughter and granddaughter in law who are members. We've taught him several times and he finally came to church on Sunday. And the ward was awesome in welcoming him. Many of them remember his daughter who is a member and they talked to him and encouraged him to keep coming.
I hope that M. Wade reads this part. Everyone please make sure that he does. On Monday, a member of the stake presidency of the Laoag Stake invited our entire Zone to come to lunch to celebrate New Year. Elder O and I got there early and got to talk to him. He told us that he served down in Baccolod as mission president from 2006-2009. I asked Him if he remembers Elder Wade and he said he did! He remembers Elder Wade tying a flashlight to his head to do laundry once and that he was an awesome missionary. SO M. Wade, President Daquioag says hi! He is now living in Laoag. It was really a great experience.
Well I had better close this letter. We are in Laoag for pday to get support money which means that our time to do other things is cut a bit short due to the travel time. I hope you all had a wonderful New Year and are super excited for 2013. I know I am. We get so many blessings every day of every year from Heavenly Father and it is important that we think about the things that he has given us. Always acknowledge his hand in all things and he will bless you greatly. Thank you for all your prayers and faith. Mahal Kita! Kita Kits!
Elder RWood
Monday, December 31, 2012
12/30/12
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope that you all had a great Christmas like I did. It really is a very different situation celebrating Christmas in the Philippines, but the Spirit of Christmas is the same. We had a great ward activity, the longest one I have ever attended. It went from 9 am to 5 pm, though it didn't start until about ten and Elder O and I left at 4 so that we could finish our studying. One of our investigators came and also came to Church yesterday for the second time. One of the oddest parts of Christmas in the Philippines is the lack of snow. We had some rain yesterday, but there is zero chance of getting snow. Ever. I;m a bit sad about that, but apparently come April through September I'll get to see lots of rain and flooding. They'll be fun!
On Sunday we had the most investigators at church that we have ever had. M, MA and S all came. This is truly a little miracle, since we were not able to reach or even make contact with MA and S this week, despite all of our efforts, yet they still attended Church. It really shows how much the Spirit is working with them and that Heavenly Father is watching over them and answering our prayers and the prayers of their families for them.
On Sunday, we had a great experience during Sunday School. We had an overview and brief introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants since that is going to be the course of Study for 2013. At the end of the lesson, we sang The Spirit of God and I was conducting the music. As we started singing the Spirit entered and filled the room. It was overwhelming how strong it was and I know it touched everyone since I could see everyone as I was directing the song. This experience really strengthens my testimony of the restoration of the Gospel and that in these the Latter Days the Lord is pouring his Spirit out on His saints and preparing for the Second Coming of His Son, Jesus Christ. I love this Gospel so much and I love My Father in Heaven and my Savior and all that they have done for me.
SO I want to share an amazing experience with you that I had this past Friday We were out in Nambaran and we found some new investigators. One of them, a man named E, is Jehovah's Witness and had a lot of questions and opinions. After teaching the First Vision he told us that he Didn't believe any one could see God. He was speaking in Ilokano so I couldn't understand what he was saying as he was saying this. But my mind went to an experience in the MTC when an investigator told us the same thing and how I responded and how he understood that Joseph Smith could see God. I didn't know why I was thinking about this, then Elder O told me that E had said he didn't believe any one could see God. I responded in the same way I did in the MTC and confounded E. I'm still not exactly sure how what I taught confounded him, but by teaching him the truth about God and Jesus Christ, he basically had to agree that Joseph saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. Remind me of this experience when I come home and I'll see if I can explain it in more detail. I know that the Spirit brought my MTC experience to mind and guided my words as we taught about Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ. The Spirit has guided me so much here in Bacarra and it really is amazing. I know that this church is true, that the Gospel was restored through Joseph Smith and and that we have the fullness of the Gospel now.
SO I want to share an amazing experience with you that I had this past Friday We were out in Nambaran and we found some new investigators. One of them, a man named E, is Jehovah's Witness and had a lot of questions and opinions. After teaching the First Vision he told us that he Didn't believe any one could see God. He was speaking in Ilokano so I couldn't understand what he was saying as he was saying this. But my mind went to an experience in the MTC when an investigator told us the same thing and how I responded and how he understood that Joseph Smith could see God. I didn't know why I was thinking about this, then Elder O told me that E had said he didn't believe any one could see God. I responded in the same way I did in the MTC and confounded E. I'm still not exactly sure how what I taught confounded him, but by teaching him the truth about God and Jesus Christ, he basically had to agree that Joseph saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. Remind me of this experience when I come home and I'll see if I can explain it in more detail. I know that the Spirit brought my MTC experience to mind and guided my words as we taught about Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ. The Spirit has guided me so much here in Bacarra and it really is amazing. I know that this church is true, that the Gospel was restored through Joseph Smith and and that we have the fullness of the Gospel now.
Just one real quick last story. On Friday Night as Elder O and I were traveling to an appointment, we were stopped by a man on the corner. He was a bit drunk, but was still thinking and talking very clearly. He told us that we need to go to his house on the 30th and teach him. He basically asked us to teach him the Apostasy and Restoration, the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement. And he said all of this in English. I was super excited to teach him and we did and it was a good lesson. He was not drunk and was speaking Ilokano this time, so I barely understood any of what he said. But the Spirit was strong as we testified of the Restoration of the Gospel through Joseph Smith and he is excited to keep learning.
THank you for all of your prayer for all of the missionaries around the world. We really do receive may blessings because of your faith and prayer. This is the Lord's work. I ask you to do all that you can to help the missionaries where you live share the gospel and bring other to Christ. Mahal Kita. Kita Kits sa 21 months!
Elder RWood
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Letter (12/23/12)
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas. Now that it finally is almost Christmas. Here in the Philippines it is Christmas Eve, though I suppose that in the States it is still the 23rd. It is very weird not having a cold Christmas season. I've never had a December that I can remember when I was not wearing a jacket and gloves. Maybe during our three years in California, but I don't remember those years very well. It has actually been hotter here over the past week than in any other week so far. And when you are walking across rice fields from one barangay to another and there is no breeze and no shade it is HOT and that is an understatement. It is definitely not the same as Christmas in the US in the temporal things, but the Spirit is still the same. Since Christ is the center of Christmas that is one thing that will never change for me, the Spirit of Christmas. I have decided to study the New Testament and the Book of Mormon about the birth of Christ for the next few days. It is amazing to think that he came to Earth for us and that this season that we celebrate is only the beginning of the life of the greatest man who ever lived, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that he came to Earth and did all that he did for us, healing the sick, establishing his church and especially the Atonement. There is no greater gift that we can celebrate and receive than the Gift of Jesus Christ from our Heavenly Father.
I love walking past municipal hall here in Bacarra at night. there are lights, 3 nativity scenes, christmas music and it just feels ands is so bright and cheerful. After a long hard day it really lifts me up to walk past it and think about past Christmases and have my thoughts drawn to Christ. We had Christmas Mission Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday and it was great. WE had half of the mission during our sessions. I am including some pictures from it. I really felt the Spirit of Chtist strong as we did service at the Hospital and then went caroling and had a program and dinner. It was such a great experience. Tomorrow is the Ward Christmas activity and it is going to be quite the event.
Yesterday, Sunday, S, one of our investigators came to Church for the first time. He is the first person that we started teaching and while he has been a bit hesitant he is really starting to feel that this is the path that God would have him take. His brother is a member and really wants his family to be with him for eternity. S is very humble though he is a bit afraid of what the people in his church will think of him if he is baptized. But he is over coming those fears and he is definitely feeling the Spirit each time we teach and he wants to follow Christ. Our other investigators are doing well also and we are hoping to have a big week this week.
Thank you all for your prayers and your faith. I know that the Lord is pleased with all that you do as you are striving to follow Him. I encourage you to take the time this Christmas season and think about what Christ means to you and give to others. THere really is no greater gift htat what Heavenly Father has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas! Mahal Kita!
Elder RWood
Monday, December 10, 2012
A Trycy? Quick, fold yourself in the middle! (12/9/12)
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope that someone who understands the quote that is the title reads this letter. This week was great. We started teaching a new investigator this week, I. He is the nephew of one of the members of the ward who was baptized a few years ago and he is super excited about the Gospel. He is only 11, but he loves to read the Book of Mormon. When we first gave him one I wasn't sure if he would ever let go of it. He read all that we asked him to read and a little more between our lessons. We are going to invite him to be baptized this week. He attended Church with his uncle on Sunday. Our other investigators are doing well also. M and L are both getting ready for baptism, but neither was at church on Sunday. We have a few other investigators that we are hoping to commit to baptism by the end of the week. We invited one of our other investigators, S, on Thursday, but he is still unsure about the church and is afraid of what others in his church will say if he is baptized.
Did you all get to see the First Presidency Christmas Devotional? It was awesome wasn't it. If you didn't I encourage you to watch it on lds.org. I miss seeing Temple Square at Christmas time, but I'll have plenty of chances to see it is future years. I loved all three of the talks. I especially liked President Utchdorf's talk about being a gracious receiver. I have never really thought about that. We always get caught up in giving that I don't think we often consider how we receive the gifts that we are given, both from others here on Earth and from our Father in Heaven. I encourage all of you to take some time this season to think about that. And always remember what President Monson said about giving of ourselves. When we give of ourselves we give more than if we were to give anything else. That is what our Savior did for us. He gave of Himself completely and became the greatest Gift that Heavenly Father can offer us.
Merry Christmas to you all! I hope that you are all having a wonderful Christmas season and remember to think about the true meaning of Christmas. I may sound cliche in saying that, but it is true. Christ is the center of Christmas and the message of the Gospel and He should be at the center of our lives. I'll probably say something like this in every letter for the next few weeks. I really love this time of year, when everyone feels the Spirit of Christ greater and I pray that we can all carry that with us till next Christmas, Thank you for all your prayers and love. Mahal kita!
ElderRWood
I hope that someone who understands the quote that is the title reads this letter. This week was great. We started teaching a new investigator this week, I. He is the nephew of one of the members of the ward who was baptized a few years ago and he is super excited about the Gospel. He is only 11, but he loves to read the Book of Mormon. When we first gave him one I wasn't sure if he would ever let go of it. He read all that we asked him to read and a little more between our lessons. We are going to invite him to be baptized this week. He attended Church with his uncle on Sunday. Our other investigators are doing well also. M and L are both getting ready for baptism, but neither was at church on Sunday. We have a few other investigators that we are hoping to commit to baptism by the end of the week. We invited one of our other investigators, S, on Thursday, but he is still unsure about the church and is afraid of what others in his church will say if he is baptized.
Did you all get to see the First Presidency Christmas Devotional? It was awesome wasn't it. If you didn't I encourage you to watch it on lds.org. I miss seeing Temple Square at Christmas time, but I'll have plenty of chances to see it is future years. I loved all three of the talks. I especially liked President Utchdorf's talk about being a gracious receiver. I have never really thought about that. We always get caught up in giving that I don't think we often consider how we receive the gifts that we are given, both from others here on Earth and from our Father in Heaven. I encourage all of you to take some time this season to think about that. And always remember what President Monson said about giving of ourselves. When we give of ourselves we give more than if we were to give anything else. That is what our Savior did for us. He gave of Himself completely and became the greatest Gift that Heavenly Father can offer us.
Merry Christmas to you all! I hope that you are all having a wonderful Christmas season and remember to think about the true meaning of Christmas. I may sound cliche in saying that, but it is true. Christ is the center of Christmas and the message of the Gospel and He should be at the center of our lives. I'll probably say something like this in every letter for the next few weeks. I really love this time of year, when everyone feels the Spirit of Christ greater and I pray that we can all carry that with us till next Christmas, Thank you for all your prayers and love. Mahal kita!
ElderRWood
Shaving+Thinking="Loathing" from Wicked? (11/30/12)
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been great! I have really felt the truth of the
advise that President Hinckley's Father gave him, "Forget yourself and
go to work". That is a great remedy for homesickness and lonelyness. And
has it been easy to forget myself in the work. Elder O and I are
both new to the area that we are serving in so we have had to work hard
to get to know the area and the members in Bacarra. It is such a pretty
area too. Lots of fields and in parts it's almost a jungle. We get some
places using tricycles and jeepneys but mostly we walk which I think is
awesome.
We have found a bunch of new investigators this week. We contacted
two previous investigators. One, L, has been taking the lessons for a
while and is married to a member. We went and taught them about the
Restoration and invited her to be baptized on January 5. She accepted
and on Sunday we talked to her husband. He holds the priesthood and
wants to be worthy and prepared to be the one to prefrom the baptism.
We also contacted M, a nine year old in a part member family, who
had a baptism date but it never happened. We reset her baptism for
January 5 also. There was the Bac-Bacarra festival this week so it was a
bit difficult to contact people on some days, but that did not hinder
the work.
Finally, I want to share an experience of a referal that we
recieved. We were teaching a member in Pasiocan, a very rural area and
at the end we asked her for referrals. She thought for a bit then went
inside to get a list of people in a club she was in. She came out and
said she had thought of one, her daughter-in-law, who is not a member.
We pullled out our planners to write down the information but she went
inside. We were a bit confused until she came out with her
daughter-in-law about twenty seconds later. We taught her the first
lesson through Joseph Smith, invited her to pray to know if Joseph was a
prophet and gave her a Book of Mormon. Referal recieved and contacted
in about thirty seconds (fist pump!).
Thank you for all of your prayers and faith. You have all set such
great examples for me and helped me a lot in preparing to serve the
Lord. God be with you all till we meet again. Mahal Kita!
Sincerely,
ElderRWood
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