So Last Tuesday was the mission tour of Elder Nielsen of the Area Presidency. He is great! I learned a ton and it was basically instruction on how to teach Filipinos and not Lessons. We also went over the Fundamentals of PMG and he answered some deep doctrinal questions of some of the elders. All in all it was a very good day.
One thing that is different about the Philippines is that the Sabbath Day is not kept as holy as it should be. It's amazing that I'm here in Asia and that the Spanish brought a belief in Christ with them, However, They go to church on Christmas and Easter like most people in the US. Most people live day to day here. It's hard to get the Priesthood holders to come to church because they have to work to support their family. So this past week we obtained a copy of all the Priesthood holders here in Villaba. This week we're going to visit a lot of them and awaken them to a sense of their duty. We don't have an Elders Quorum President because the last one passed away. The 2nd counselor in the Branch Presidency is basically inactive... There's quite a bit of work to do.
However all is well. We finished teaching the lessons to Angelo Sinining. His interview is tomorrow and he is going to be just fine. He is excited that he can receive the priesthood. We also explained that this is the beginning not the end. He's going to prepare for a mission and entering the temple.
We also found a family of five that is interested in hearing about the gospel. We have an appointment this friday to finish the first lesson with them. We also gave a book of mormon to one of the Barranggay captains (Like a mayor of a city but smaller jurisdiction) He was very nice and hopefully we can teach his family too.
Yesterday we spoke in Sacrament Meeting. Elder Cottle spoke on Sabbath day and I spoke on Member Missionary Work. We want to get the members involved heavily in the missionary work here and have them excited to share the gospel with their friends.
Other than all that I'm doing great. I kinda wish we had bikes though. We do a lot of walking. Normally we take a motor to another baranggay for 10 or 15 pesos and then walk back. Yesterday we walked all the way to Mahanglad (about 3 miles) and back to make sure an investigator came to church. Later that night we walked to Bangkal (also 3 miles) to share a spritual thought with a family whose daughter gave birth on Saturday. A bike really would be helpful but this way I won't get fat.
We went to a combined FHE on Saturday night. We taught a short lesson on the blessings of the temple. There are two RMs who are endowed in our branch but that's it. There is a temple trip planned for next April. I hope most people go. It costs about 2000 pesos per person though. It's rough for some people but I know the Lord blesses those who desire to follow His commandment. (See 1 Nephi 3:7)
They also fed us. Filipinos make some amazing food! Rice and Pancit and Chicken. DELICIOUS!!!
I'm excited for this week. Things are looking great!
Love you all and hope you're doing well
Praying for you
Elder McGuire
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments will be sent to Elder McGuire the following Sunday. :)