What a week!

This past week has been quite awesome!

To start off, we had an FHE with a less active family. We watched the Restoration video with them. It's very interesting to me how when it's the news, people can't seem to pull their eyes away, but when it's something spiritual it's like the tv is not even there. It was slightly awkward. However, at the end we testified of Joseph Smith and the First Vision and it turned out really well. There was a great spirit there and they ended up coming to church as a family yesterday.

On Tuesday, we went to Ormoc for our zone meeting. Unfortunately there wasn't enough time to get certified at the end. Elder Cypers and Elder Misalucha (my Zone Leaders) said they would come do exchanges with us sometime soon so we could both get certified. After we got back, we taught a less active family and a returning family. Both came to church. The Borja family is so sweet. They struggle from day to day but they have such great faith in the Lord. Tatay is such a good family man and is really skilled but he needs a steady job. He has amazing faith. He was one of the first converts here in Villaba like back in 1997ish.

On wednesday Tatay Borja came with us to visit less actives in the morning. If anyone deserves blessings from faith it's him. In the afternoon we visited more families in Brgy. Tumamak. We are really stressing the importance of being temple worthy and going to Cebu in April to receive endowments and be sealed. There are quite a few families that are planning to go.

On Thursday we kind of got bunted all around and didn't have a whole lot of success. We did meet a Filipino/American from Washington. He's Catholic and his wife is a member. Even though he wasn't interested in listening to the message he was really supportive and gave us a free ride home when we were walking back at night.

Friday we went back to Ormoc and had interviews with President Andaya. Unfortunately I can't buy a guitar here. They are super cheap here like 30 to 40 bucks. Bummer kaayo...  We also received some awesome training to improve our teaching skills as well as finding and working with members. When we got back we taught the Balombao family. Tatay is so ready to be baptized and is converted to the Gospel. His problem is he cant get work off on sundays. Nanay is a whole nother problem. She has a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith is a prophet but thinks that all religions are the same and no matter how many times we try and reteach the apostasy and restoration and authority, she doesn't quite get it. Also they are worried about how far away the church is. it's 30 pesos roundtrip for me and Elder Cottle but they get discounts for being senior citizens. I'm not quite sure what else to teach them. They just need to exercise some faith.

Saturday was somewhat unsuccessful as well but Sunday was fantastic! We had 85! There was a brown out and no electricity or fans but it was reverent. I spoke on Obedience and Elder Cottle spoke on how great things come to pass from small things. President Cabintoy from the Stake Presidency spoke on Tithing. It was awesome! Everyone seems to be pretty committed to returning and accomplishing this goal! It's so awesome!!!

Earlier today we did a service project for one of the Brgy Captains. Hopefully he will be prepared to receive the Gospel. Hopes are high for this week and we're hoping to keep on improving.

Thank you all for the letters and support! It sounds like the Lord is really blessing all of you. That's an answer to my prayers! :) 

Keep on keeping on! Study the scriptures pray magnify your callings and keep the faith!

Love you all

Elder McGuire