Member Fireside

This evening the missionaries put on a member missionary fireside where they taught the member how to invite their friends to hear the missionaries. We spent most of the day going around and reminding the members to come.I have to admit I was pretty skeptical because it seemed the Elders weren't very prepared or organized and then when I saw who showed up I was really worried because all that came were new members and newly returning members. Even had a nonmember come.I could not believe it,however, they really enjoyed it and really got right in to the practice teaching part of it.The non member was actually teaching his wife how to invite him to hear the missionaries! It was great! I learned a great lesson- never under estimate what the missionaries can do!

Timeout

Had to take some time out today as Lily was suffering from a urinary tract infection. I went and got some medicine this morning and then we kinda laid low for most of the day. We did go visit Sister Orcaz though.She is the primary president in Punta branch so I talked with her some about any concerns she has with primary and gave her a little training.She is still new and is just learning her calling.Had branch presidency meeting tonight and it went pretty well.Got quite a bit done and I feel we are making some progress.

Coincidence? I think not

Today was mission temple day and our session was scheduled for 8 am so we had to get up at 4 to get there on time. As it turned out though the traffic wasn't bad so we got there early.Somehow though some one had goofed and we weren't even on the schedule so they did an extra session at 8:30 for us.We enjoyed the session and then towards the end I noticed the name tag of the the worker who was assisting me said Cerillio.I thought about that name as I continued on into the next room; could it be? Naw,it couldn't be.Later I saw that same brother in the hallway; hewas kind of walking away from me so I quietly called " Brother Cerillio".He turned around and said"who are you?" I said "Elder Gwilliam"."Oh", he said "you baptized me".Here before me was Tony Cerillio who I had taught and baptized as a 17 year-old boy 34 years ago and now here we had met in the temple.I never thought I would ever find him again and here he was!He has 2 children a boy and a girl both of whom served missions.It was so amazing to meet him! Just think if we had been on the 8am session chances are we would not have met.I just can't believe all the tender mercies the Lord gives us.Coincidence? I know not!

Teaching the Sabbath Day

Went to Hilda and Maricris today, thought we would follow up on Keeping the Sabbath Day; as the Sunday after her baptism I heard her tell some one she had to go to work. She is a hair dresser and does nails ect. She has her own business she goes around to clients homes. So we told the Elders probably need to teach the Sabbath day more clearly. So we did; and she totally thought that the Sabbath was over after Church. She said" Oh I didn't know that; I will tell my clients I can't work on Sundays any more". Pretty sweet, just need to teach so they understand completely all of the Commandments. Also went to Mudlungawa (Zeus) it was his mothers Birthday and she had a Feast prepared. Think I told you she's Relief Society President such an amazing woman. Later I was called and asked to come to the church as they were having Y.W. Birthday Celebration so I said sure I would come. Not long after I arrived they asked me to speak. Shared some thoughts with them went well I guess they all gave me hugs afterwards. Can't help loving these people the are so full of gratitude for every thing you do.John met with some of the brethren in the Branch.

P-Day Again

Another peaceful relaxing day Not! Had to go into Makati to price out things for our new place so took most of the day. It always amazes me as every where here we go when shopping you have a least five people helping you. Not like your local Wallmart! They are so helpful but at times a little awkward; when you have that many eyes on you all the time. But amazing enough almost every time we get a referral. Today one young man said he would love the missionaries to come. He said he lived near the Church and maybe he would go Sunday if he didn't have to work. He is married and has a little girl.So many people here prepared for the gospel all we need to do is ask.

Sabbath Day

Sundays are always long and busy as we have mentioned several times before. Going to two branches makes a long day and John always has to stay late because of his calling in the Branch Presidency.John had District Priesthood Meeting in Neic again so I went with a couple of Y.A.sisters and Elders to Conception home. John also met us there later. We shared the importance of scripture study. We love that family! We're  hoping to go to the Temple with them before we come home. Also hopefully with Hilda and Maricris. She is 21 and maybe she will go on a Mission.Every night we are exhausted; but so good as sleep comes quickly.

Branch Fireside

Not much to say about today. Just kept busy working with returning members. It's so wonderful to hear their stories . Had a Branch Fireside mainly Youth and Young Adults, John ended up teaching at the last moment . That happens quite often but he shared some of things Elder Neilson taught us.  Great youth here I told them when we move into our new place we would have a Party and they are so excited. It surprising how close we have grown to these two branches they constantly thank us for being here and for blessing their lives. We think it is totally the other way around!

Baptism, Temple Tour and More

Our Landlord roasted a pig for a birthday party. Looks good ,eh?

Expensive rotissiere!

This is Rommel a young man the Elders baptized recently

Elders Pugmire,Cayme; Carissa Branch; Record, Spencer; Punta Branch.

Sister Bagangan and me at the temple

The Concepcion Family at the temple

Brother Concepcion; a returning member as well as his daughter and little grandson,and Elders Stephens and Pugmire on the temple grounds  

The whole group that we took to the temple tour.

Umbrellas and clear skies? Filipinos hate to get darker from the sun.They want whiter skin while all us " whities" want to get darker.

Some amazingly beautiful Christmas lights and decorations in Dasmarines City

Melvin Aranes,a deacon in Punta Branch.A great kid.

Members of Carissa Branch at Hilda and MariCris Bagangan's baptism

 Bagangans and us as well as the missionaries; the young man who baptized them, Manny Joe Borja; and MaryGrace, another of Sister Bagangan's daughters who is taking the lesson along with her husband[ He was working and couldn't com

Hilda and MariCris, Beautiful Day!

Another great picture of a great family on a great day!

Like their Scaffolding? This guy is building on our new apartment. They do some pretty amazing work with pretty primitive tools.

This is Herme the main carpenter/ builder. He's worked for Armonias for 17 years and has built almost everything here at this place where we live now.

A modern day cement mixer.

Take up thy bed and walk! Had to take a picture of this guy vending mattresses

Your local Home Hardware on wheels

Great Moments Great Memories

Spent most of the morning cooking Thanksgiving for the Elders "Pugmire,Record,Burcos and Stephens.They came over @ 12:00 so we had a feast. We work closely with these Elders every day so we have come to know them very well, so we try to take care of them the best we can. They are alot of fun to have around keeps us young. The already know John's sayings.After every meal we have with them they lean back and their chairs and say "well of all the meals I've ever eaten that was certainly one of them" But we love them and appreciate their service here in the Philippines. We also went and taught the Captain again today . He is so awesome he's still praying to know if Joseph Smith is a Prophet we shared the Restoration DVD.I know he felt the Spirit. No matter how many times I watch it I am always touched. Then of course the high light of the day was Hilda and Maricris Baptism.They are so awesome! Maricris always reads her Sunday lessons ahead of time and reads her scriptures digently. I'm excited for her as she is going to a Y.A. Conference in a couple of weeks. Maricris is on fire.Such a beautiful experience as you can tell from the pictures a lot of people came to support them.No one can stop this great work the field is ripe already to harvest. Are We? Was a great early Christmas present,so thankful we are a part of whats transpiring in the Phillipines. Elder Neilson said to all the Missionaries when they reach the other side Heavenly Father will say thanks for helping take care of My Children in the Phillipines .So many bessing's to be thankful for !

Thanksgiving Day

Helped prepared food for Thanksgiving dinner at the Mission Home. All the Zone leaders were there plus the Senior Couples and Elder and Sister Neilson. There was about 40 in total. But had a wonderful dinner so good and the company was awesome. Talked with Elder Neilson about his calling,he will be a General Authority until he is seventy. Pres. Hinckley would some times have them stay until they were up to 78 but Pres. Monson is very strict on releasing them at 70. He is now 57 years old and I think he said he was called three years ago. That's a long time to serve and be away from home and family. The 1st Quorm of the Seventy "which he is in" go home for 10 days each General Conference In those 10 days he meets with the Prophet,along with his Councilors and the Twelve daily. They also go home for one month in the summer and have further instruction. Anyway it was great to sit across from a General Authority and listen to him teach us of his experiences.It was wonderful to be in his and his wife's company for two days. We would compare Finland to the Philippines but we soon decided there was nothing to compare. We laughed over the memorization we used to have to do. The teaching from Preach My Gospel is awesome "Total Revelation" once again from the brethern . Things are going good the time seems to be going by much faster now. Still so busy but that's what makes it Great! We feel so much gratitude for our children and grandchildren along with all our extended family. We love you all so much along with all of our special friends.  

Mission Tour

For the last few days Elder Brent Nielsen of the First Quorum of the Seventy and 1st councilor in the Philippines Area Presidency has been touring our mission and today was our turn to have zone conference with him.What a spiritual feast that was! He taught us about some things that have been on my mind lately and really answered a lot of my questions.One thing he taught was about revelation and the fact that the heavens are open to us today and that the way we access revelation is to ask.Heavenly Father respects our agency so much that he does not force knowledge or blessings on us. He wants to give them but only does when we ask.Another thing he taught was that revelation comes to us as we pray, read scriptures,and attend church and we need to teach that to the people we are working with. He said that one piece of revelation that the Area Presidency has asked about and received is the importance of teaching the doctrine of the Sabbath to Filipinos.He said in Samoa it's really easy to teach sabbath observance because it's against the law to work or have businesses open on Sunday but here in the Philippines the culture is that you go to church on Christmas, Easter and on Birthdays so when you ask people to go to church they say sure I'll go to church.What we really need, he said is to thoroughly and completely teach and help them understand the doctrine of the Sabbath because understanding the doctrine will change behavior.There was lots of other things he taught and time won't allow to share it all but we had a wonderful spiritual feast. It was neat to meet Elder Nielsen and his wife too because he served his mission in Finland  and though he left about the time Lily got there they were able to share memories of Finland.Sister Stucki invited us to go out to dinner afterwards with them so that was fun.

Diagnosis

Went to Manila with Sister Cielos and finally got to go to the heart specialist.She has a Right Ventricular Outflow tract PVC's. She needs a surgery but since she is pregnant she can not have it done now. She had to also go off all the medication she has been taking. The doctor wants to see her in two weeks again. So at least we know what is wrong now and she can be monitored . A couple from our Branch also came with us they are an awesome couple . Brother Base is a member of Branch Presidency a young returned missionary. They are a lot of fun and are very faithful and good. They are very poor and have very little of worldly possessions but they are always positive and happy.Tonight we went with the elders and taught Eric and Barbie again.It went ok but Barbie was busy with the kids etc. so didn't stay for much of the discussion.

Zone Activity

P-day today and we spent a good part of the day cooking food for the zone activity. We made baked beans and brownies and Paddocks made stomboli sandwiches and rice and we fed all the missionaries in our zone and then we played some games and Elder Paddock and I both spoke for a devotional. It was fun.

Church

A wonderful day at church Eric came but his wife wasn't able to. Was John's first time conducting sacrament  meeting. President & Sister Stucki, Pres.Vicencio "1st.counselor in Mission Presidency and Pres. Bacolod 1st. counselor in District  Presidency . They were there for sustaining's and interviews.They all spoke so that was great to hear from all of them and a treat for our branch. Our numbers have come up since we came; our attendance was 119 and was about 80-100 it's wonderful to have so many less actives return to the fold. John had District Priesthood Meetings after church so he gave Branch Presidency a ride; meeting is about an hour away "just like home"; but on the way they all stopped and visited the Miagi Family,the family with all the young men. I went with another Sister and Elders teaching a young woman who actually has a boyfriend in Utah.Went quite well talked about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Was my first time riding a jeepney here- little crazy. Got lots of walking in reminded me of my earlier mission being with another sister and all. We stopped in to see a member for a minute and to my surprise John was there that was a blessing as I would of had to walk another half a mile so I was thankful for that. Didn't even have books to pack, Janet.Thank Heavens!

Temple Tour

About every other month the mission organizes a temple tour where the missionaries can invite investigators and returning members to go on a tour of the temple ground and feel and learn about the blessings of the temple. The Carissa elders invited the Concepcions and Bagangans and the Punta elders invited the Cuyugans and a lady named Nancy.They rent a bus and all the missionaries from the whole zone use it to bring their people and the missionaries pay for it.There is only room for them to bring 4 people per companionship so it's hard to match the numbers especially if someone doesn't show at the last minute.Anyway Concepcions and Bagangans were too many so we took Bagangans with us but it turned out only Hilda was able to go.And the Cuyugans didn't show.The tour went really well though. Missionaries are assigned different stations and talk about the purpose of Temples, they also show an amazing Video. At the last station we share Testimonies on the importance of Temples and they can ask us questions. It was amazing as the returning family ,Concepcions, shared with Sis Bagangan more about baptism for the dead: she then finally realized that she could have the work done for her late husband- she was so excited! The spirit was so strong as we each shared the importance and spiritual significance of the Temple: a lot of tears were shed. "Sweet is the work". All roads lead to the House of The Lord. There were several Zones there; I'm guessing there was over 100 investigators and returning members. Hard to explain the feelings we have; this is truly the Lords work.After we got back from the  temple I went to branch council meeting and then we met the elders at Melody's.She wasn't home but the elders had just come from teaching Eris and Barbie, our wheel chair guy, and said they had committed to baptism and were coming to church tomorrow, Great news!

Blessing and FHE

This evening the missionaries got a call from the Trece sisters that there was a 3 day old baby in the hospital in critical condition and needed a blessing.They couldn't get a hold of anyone in their branch to do it so I gave the elders a ride there.When we arrived we found the room and the baby but there was another lady there not the mother.It seems a little bazaar but apparently if the mother is there with the baby they charge for both the baby and the mother so she asked a friend to stay with the baby so it wouldn't cost so much,The baby has acute pneumonia so was in pretty dire straits. We gave the blessing but haven't yet heard how things turned out.After the blessing we went to a family home evening with the Armonia family. They are the member family who own the place where we live.It went well: I gave a lesson on family prayer and shared some experiences from our family with prayer. Then we played a game with them and then they fed us dinner.It was good and I think they enjoyed the evening.

First Branch Presidency Meeting

Today we took Sister Cielos to her consultation with the cardiologist at Divine Grace Hospital.All the test results are in  and so we were hoping to have some answers but what he said was she needs to go see a electrocardialogist at the Philippine Heart Center as her heart is skipping every other beat and will need to have a specialist look at her.Tonight we had our first branch presidency and pec meeting. It went pretty well,I did some training from the handbook and we discussed calling a young men's president.There is certainly plenty to be done.

Apartment Search

Today we went and looked at an apartment but it was way too small, couldn't stand up in the bedroom and not enough room to put a queen size bed in. The Forinash's went with us.They are in charge of apartments here in our Mission. When we got back home the Armonia's (people where we live )said they had a big ware house over by the Elders house and that they would make an apartment there for us. So we all went and looked at it;we will have about 1200 sq. ft. We even designed the lay out. So we are really excited. They said we would be in there in a month. Elder and Sister Forinash then had a late lunch at our house. Forgot to mention John and the Missionaries had a service project early this morning picking up garbage,needless to say he used some muscles he hasn't used for a  long time, pretty sore and stiff. In the evening we went to a less active family{ Tanag}who are returning to church. Great family she used to be Primary President.They both  have strong testimonies of the gospel so wonderful to see the hand of the Lord in rescuing his lost sheep.

Tithing

Today we taught Hilda Bagangan the Law of Tithing today, Her response was" oh sympre", which simply means "of course ,it's in the Bible". She's so golden! Her daughter MaryCris wasn't there, she was working so we'll have to teach her later.The missionaries taught her other daughter, MaryGrace, and her husband on Sunday and they said it went well.

Pday

Not to much to talk about today. Took Sister Cielos to the doctor again today because the heart monitor machine they put on her last week didn't work so had to do it again.We just dropped her off on our way to Manila with Paddocks, We both just had some shopping to do and business at the mission office

Primary and CES

Today was another great day! Can hardly believe church today all the wonderful experiences.A week or two ago the Carrisa Elders had a 29 year old young man walk up to them on the street and said " my family wants to come back to church".He had seen the missionaries several times before but said he finally got enough courage to talk to them.They had been baptized about 20 years ago in another city but had gone inactive and had moved to Carrisa about a year ago.No one here knew they existed.Anyway they came to today and loved it! It was the primary sacrament presentation and it was really good.Gerald { the 29 year old,not married},his mother, his sister and her little boy all came.The father wants to come too but has to work Sundays but is hopeful his day off will change to Sunday in January.So after church we invited Gerald to go to Naic because Lily was asked to speak in a primary leadership meeting and there was also a CES broadcast. He came with us as well as 2 Primary leaders, waited 2 hrs for the broadcast to start and really enjoyed the whole thing.On the way over I asked him how he liked church.He said "it's like going home".He then told me about a dream he had once where he saw the exact Carrisa chapel even to the detail of the cracks in the dry ground of the bare rice fields surrounding it.In his dream he thought the building was sitting on water and couldn't understand the cracks but when he saw the chapel he understood especially when they flooded the fields a few days later in preparation for planting.In the dream he was struggling along a path trying to reach the building.He then said "I finally made it".What a story!

Wheelchair Athlete

Today we went with the missionaries and found where Eric, our Olympic wrestler; who was shot and is now in a wheel chair; lives. We asked around til we found out the vicinity of his house and then we saw him out on the street talking with some friends.At first he seemed a little like he didn't want to talk to us  especially with all his friends around but finally he invited us to come to his house and then we had a great visit with him and started teaching him about the restoration and he loved it!He also asked if the elders could help him learn to use crutches so we're going to do that next week. We also found out that he has a wife and two little kids and she is willing to be taught as well.The Lord just continues to bless us with wonderful people to share the Gospel with.

Doctors and Captains

We took our dear Sister Cielos to the doctor today for more tests.They put a heart monitor on her which she has to wear for 24 hours so we take her back again tomorrow.She's a sweet lady and so appreciative of the help she's getting. This afternoon we went back to the barangay captain; it was great! He is a wonderful man so kind and good  you just can't help but love him.As we taught him about the restoration and Joseph Smith he really seemed impressed and said "I will pray tonight and ask God if Joseph Smith was a prophet". We are so excited!

Captain

We took Sister Cielos to  the doctor again this morning for more tests. Hope we're getting close to a diagnosis.Thursday afternoon all 6 of us missionaries went to see the barangay captain to see if we could do a service project for the community. He was very kind and appreciative of our offer and we set up a time and place to pick up garbage along  the street.He told us we were doing a good thing going around teaching the word of God so then Elder Burgos piped up and asked if he would like to learn more.He said he would so we made an appointment for tomorrow. He really seemed interested and today we went and taught him and his wife and daughter.They are very good people.Tonight we had our first branch presidency and pec meetings.They went ok: there is a lot of teaching to be done.

Life is Precious

Had a wonderful experience again as we were walking. We often see a good looking young man on the opposite road walking with a brace painfully trying to take a few steps at a time. With a man following him with a wheel chair. He is always smiling and waves to us so today we are prompted to go and talk to him. He knew english well so we visited with him for a while and he told us the story of why he is in a wheel chair and trying to learn to walk again. He said he was a driver and one day actually a year ago he was washing the car and some one came up behind him and shot him 13 times. It paralyzed him and he also lost one of his kidneys. But the doctor said he could fully recover if he worked hard and he has been for a year and is progressing well. He told us he was also an Olympic wrestler before the accident. We asked if  we could come to his home and teach him  a special message of Jesus Christ
and he said yes. It's so amazing how the spirit works,we've gained such a testimony of the Lords work   we are only his instruments,he leads and guides us where to go each day..

Doing the Work

Not everyday on a mission is outstanding or amazing. Some days are just busy trying to serve the best you can and just do the work.Today was one of those days. We went and taught three less active families today.They all have their own unique needs and concerns and some have a hard time committing to living the Gospel.Change is hard and it takes a lot of faith and hard work and sometimes it feels like one step forward and two steps backward but hopefully these good people are making some progress.You sure learn to love them and pray for their success.

Day In Manila

Had a busy day doing some church business went to the Mission Home and seen President Stucki then the Area Office and Mission Office .When we were at the Area Office the guy at the front desk says I knew an Elder Gwilliam in my Mission he was in my Zone tall guy with two broken arms yep it was Amron. He was the only Filipino in Amron's Mission his name is Ryan Apduhan. Small World!! Our trip to Manila was successful  in all we had to accomplish so was a good day!

Fast and Testimony Meeting

Love church here; every Sunday before we partake of the Sacrament a member of the Branch Presidency says; And now we will prepare for the most important part of the meeting: The Sacrament.
It's neat the different traditions and sayings people use around the world. But it does help us to think more on the importance of the sacrament. Also Elder Gwilliam was sustained as second councilor in the Branch Presidency. Hopefully he can help train the Branch Presidency in their duties.Tonight we went and taught a less active family named the Miagis. There are 4 prospective priesthood holders in the family; hopefully we can help them come back as the branch could certainly use all that priesthood strength as well as blessing their family.Earlier in the week the Elders had a guy approach them and on the street and said his family was members of the church and wanted to come back and could they come over.We went with the Elders to teach them tonight and it went really well.They really do want to come back to church and said they would be there Sunday.Little miracles like that happen here almost everyday and it's amazing to see the Spirit of the Lord working on people and preparing them to come back to Him.

Elder Paddocks Birthday

Elder and Sister Paddock came over for breakfast this morning for his Birthday he's 73 today but you would never know it . Had a nice visit with them . We always exchange stories,their latest was as follows. As their teaching a lesson by candle light they hear this terrible noise here comes two men carring a live wild bore on a pole with his feet tied up across the pole they say excuse us and walk right by them. Then a few seconds later there's a worse noise here comes two more men carrying a huge Monkey tied to a pole just a screamin. Ever hear a wild monkey scream? Us either but they say it sounds terrible especially when there's a pig and monkey screaming together. Also when they were driving through the rice paddy they see two guys wrestling with a six foot snake about 8 inches in diameter. They have all the fun. Sister Paddock slid over real close to Elder Paddock even if she did have the doors locked and window up.

Relatives in Our Mission

A new couple arrived in our Mission and we got to meet them. They are Elder and Sister Burt from Cardston, Alberta.As soon as we heard their name we knew we had to be related.And we are but we can't remember how. We think that his Grandfather was my Grandmothers brother. Haven't had a chance to check geneology . Had lunch with them and got to know them, great people! He also knows Buck Nunn but said he never met Martha. Unfortunately we won't get to see them much as they are on the island of Palawan. Can only get there by plane.

Transfer Day

Hauled some missionaries and luggage into Manila today for transfers and hauled some more back. Elder Records new companion is Elder Burgos,a Filipino from the Visayas.Elder Pugmire has a brand new companion, Elder Stephens, from San Diego.He's half Filipino and a new convert: seems like a really good guy.Because of the All Saints Day holiday today the traffic home from Manila was terrible so we missed Branch Pres. meeting but no one showed up any way.It'll be fun getting to know these new missionaries and working with them.