Philippines Mission--Week 27: 3 More Baptisms!

Kamusta!! Well, here's my week so far! Filled with lots of reunions and fun!

Monday, October 5, Sister Acosta and I traveled to the mall in Consolacion (about 1 1/2 hours away) to get her prescription for her glasses. We had to wait for the mall to open when we got there, and while we were waiting, I looked over and saw what I thought was an American. So I looked at Sister Acosta and said, "Hey, go give him a pamphlet. You like English, go talk." And so we walked over, but she was too scared to start the conversation, so I went up to him and started talking. He then told us that he was from the Netherlands and lives in the Philippines and is waiting for one of his friends that is also from the Netherlands. He then looked over and said, "And there's my friend there." We looked over and saw this guy in a wheelchair being pushed by his caretaker who is a Filipina. We introduced ourselves and before we could tell him about our pamphlet, he said, "I don't believe in that crap." (But said a much worse word). Sister Acosta and I were kind of thrown back. He then said, "I don't believe in the Bible! I don't believe in religions/churches. They're all about making money." We told him, "Our church isn't about making money, Brother. We would like to give you this pamphlet..." and before we could finish, he interrupted and said, "Yeah.. I don't believe in that...(crap)." His caretaker than wheeled him inside the mall and walked away.

I looked at Sister Acosta as we walked inside. She just looked so sick to her stomach and hurt by how he acted and what he thought of religion. She looked at me and said, "Are you not hurt by what he said?" I said, "Of course I'm hurt. It felt like someone took a knife and stabbed me in the heart. But you can't let it get you down. There are tons of people that will reject us. As long as we tried, that's what matters." It really does hurt when people reject us/our message, but if we don't try to spread this gospel, we're the ones held accountable at the end of the day.

After we had gotten over that sad moment and got the prescription for Sister Acosta's glasses, we walked over to the food court and grabbed some food (rice..and more rice, haha). As we were getting some food, we saw some other sisters that we knew and so we decided to all sit together. It was so awesome being able to see the sisters that used to be in my district again. And we also got to see Sister Tanner and her daughter/grand kids. After we ate some lunch, we went and bought some groceries and then left for home. We ended up teaching Brother Carlo about the word of wisdom (which was awkward for him because he has a problem with smoking).

Wednesday, October 7, Sister Acosta and I visited Brother Josel, who is married to a member and lives with her family who are all less actives. We decided to teach him because his wife is a member and we really want their family to be sealed together. Sister Canar and I had taught him before, but not individually. He'd only sit in on lessons when we were teaching the whole family, so this time he let us teach just him. We taught him about the Restoration. Usually during lessons, he's very shy and awkward, so he giggles a lot. At the beginning he felt nervous, but after using some "How To Begin Teaching" (which is a technique you use to gain trust from members/investigators) he sort of relaxed and was serious because he trusted us more. After teaching him, we committed him to read and pray about our message. We then committed him to baptism on November 7th, and he agreed. It was an awesome lesson. You could feel the Spirit strongly and could feel the presence of God there helping Brother Josel understand our message.

October 8th, Thursday, Sister Acosta and I visited Jennifer and Brandon Taoy and taught them for the first time. We taught them about the Restoration as well. At first, Brother Brandon was very shy around us, but we also used "How To Begin Teaching," and he opened up more and answered many questions of ours. We then committed them, on the first visit, to be baptized on November 14th. They surprisingly said "yes!" Sister Jennifer at first hesitated and then said, "yes," but Brother Brandon said "yes" right away. What's awesome is that they live with a member right now, even though she's less active, she can help them out to more fully understand our purpose.

October 9th Friday, we traveled to Danao and had our Zone Training Meeting with the missionaries from Camotes island! So that means that I got to see my companion from the MTC, Sister Tauteoli!! It was such an awesome reunion. It was like being in the MTC again. It was one of the best things that happened to me since I've transferred here. Of course it's not the same as being companions and being able to catch up with each other, but I was so happy being able to talk with her again.

October 10th, Saturday and 11th, Sunday, Sister Acosta and I traveled to Lilo-an and got to watch General Conference!! This was probably the first time I was looking forward to watching General Conference. I usually found it boring and hated sitting there for hours because I thought that what they said didn't apply to me. But I definitely know that their messages really DO apply to you. Before watching the Conference, I prepared some questions I had on my mind that I wanted to receive some answers to. I'm so glad that I watched General Conference because MANY of my questions were answered by the many talks of the servants of the Lord.

October 12th, Monday, Sister Acosta and I had to travel back to the mall in Consolacion to pick up Sister Acosta's glasses. While we were waiting for the mall to open, we walked across the street and waited in McDonald's while eating some ice cream. You guys remember the old guy in the wheelchair that I mentioned a couple of paragraphs up? Well, he actually came to the McDonald's where we were waiting. While he and his caretaker were sitting there eating, Sister Acosta said, "I really want to go over and talk to him. He looks lonely. Like something bad happened in his life and he needs love." So after he was done eating, we awkwardly walked over and started talking to him. He was a little hesitant at first so I hurried and said, "Don't worry Brother, we won't give you anything again, we just want to say 'Hi' and talk." He then laughed and said, "Ah. That's fine". We then talked a bit with him and his caretaker and got to know them a bit. I'm glad Sister Acosta had the impression to go over and talk with them. Because even though we had that experience with him last Monday, and he didn't agree with our religion, we still got to know him a little bit more. We didn't feel any hate towards him, we just felt love when we were talking to him. It was awesome. We then grabbed Sister Acosta's glasses, grabbed some Jollibee, and headed to the internet shop in Carmen. And now I'm emailing you all! (So tiring..)

But that is my week so far. Hope you all enjoy it! Catch ya later!

Love,

Sister Johnson