Dear fam, 4/7/2014
Well, let's be honest. There's pretty much only 1 topic on the week. HOW GREAT WAS THE LOVING INSTRUCTION FROM GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!
I mean like I could probably end right there, tell you to go look up the talks again and you would be more inspired than what I might ramble about for a little bit. There were some amazing talks. It might be biased, but up there with my favorite talks was the one from Elder Aidukaitus. he is over the northwest missions and he gave us some instruction personally about a year back. I shook his hand and sun bathed in his warm energetic spirit while he talked with us. So you could say I liked that one. ( almost the last speaker Sunday afternoon for those who were lost). Not to mention how much I loved Elder Bednar’s talk. Possibly also biased because I sat three feet directly in front of him while he also gave our mission some instruction. PLUS, I loved Elder Holland’s talk, maybe I just like him cuz he's from St. George. I DUNNO! But that was so awesome! favorite quotes? Okay.
"You got four minutes to perform" "The gospel is not weight. It’s wings" "He desires to Enliven us" "The load enables us to go home" "Keeping divine commandments brings blessings. Every time." If you are not sure where each of these came from, I invite you to take another look and then another.
Elder Fiala and I were able to see wonderful things happen from conference. Last week for the first time in a month, after helping out some of the elders in our zone, we saw Gerson outside getting some things from his car. Of course we stopped and said hi. He invited us in, and we shared a short message that night with him and his wife. Then Saturday night, his next door neighbor had us all over to watch the Priesthood Session with him. Us, Gerson, and Bro. Palacios. At first he didn't understand, but by the time we got to the First Presidency he was locked in. Afterward he commented to us "Es verdad. A veces tenemos que hacer lo correcto, solo porque es correcto" sometimes we have to do what is right, just because it is right.
As I watched General Conference I received again the confirming witness that these men and women are chosen of God. With a little bit of preparation before hand, when we got to Conference itself I saw the light of Christ radiate for those people like I had never before. What's more is that you and I can take from that example and radiate heaven's light to those around us. Be an example to others. Do not fear. "Faith is the antidote for fear" -Russell M Nelson. "Act as an agent to impact your circumstances" -David A Bednar. "Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval." -Elder Nelson. "Many say 'I love them so much I would die for them.' Might I suggest that we love Him enough that we will live our lives for Him"
Love You
Elder Phillips
Monday, April 7, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
This is a letter written by one of the other Elders in the Washington Everett Mission about the mud slide.
As I stated last week, there was a devastating mudslide that occurred just over a week ago. The effects, the damage, and the loss of family and friends here has been more severe than I could have ever imagine. The death toll and missing persons list rises, and may, unfortunately and grimly, rise. As my companion returned to our area of labor, we have met up with families and individuals who have been directly and indirectly affected. Included in this category is a father in a family, not of the LDS faith, but surely a very Christian faith nonetheless, who is missing in the slide; we have had dinner with them and blessed to be in there home, and the family is holding on to their faith that all will be alright. Tensions and stress has risen. The rain hasn't helped the rescue and recovery efforts all that much either. However, there has been an outpouring of love and togetherness in this community.
This past Wednesday, my companion and I were able to return to Darrington via two hour drive, being absent here for 4 days, and went straight to work. I have had an amazing opportunity to volunteer at the local community center, helping with many people in organizing the food, clothing, and other items that have been generously donated throughout the state, possibly the entire country. I have been able to be side by side with the devoted, kind, wonderful volunteers, young and old, men and women, those of the Church I represent as well as a host of others in other churches and faiths. This past Sunday, the members here had a fast and testimony sacrament meeting, in which members bore their powerful testimonies of the Gospel, of the divinity of Christ, and the hope of redemption by Him and through Him.
My heart has swelled with love for this community, the people, and for God and His Son. I have been humbled and learned valuable lessons and received a firmness of hope, despite the apparent appearance of the lack of it for some. The town of Darrington is comprised of strong individuals and families, many I have been privileged to meet and converse with.
It is my earnest testimony that I am where I am needed in the moment I am, and that God grants comfort, hope, and endurance to those who faithfully seek it. The love of God has been manifested in the people I have met. I hope to be a good follower of Christ, and do all the good I can for the wonderful people here.
Elder Phillips is not in the area and hasn't said much about it.
Here's his letter from this week.
3-31-2014
Well, the last week has been pretty interesting with lots of fun new changes. Like I was saying before from last week that we had to get a ton of stuff done! We cleaned out my apartment really quickly then had to drive up to Bellingham to clean out their apartment too. Well, we didn't get it done. So we went out to work and to say goodbye to members and people from that area. We also stopped to say goodbye to Maria Caridad, and before we could leave I got attacked and hugged and then kissed. That was a first for the field. Yikes! We then came home at nine and started some more cleaning. Didn't finish, so we got up at 6 and used our exercise time to clean. Finally by noon we had the whole place done and notes about everything and updated all the records and we left at noon.
Another cool thing that happened that day is that I got my old companion back, Elder Fiala! This is the third time we will have served together on separate occasions in three different areas! Its pretty sweet. He will probably finish his mission here.
Last week has been a little bit rocky starting. Since I still don't know the area super well and Elder Fiala doesn't at all we have been trying to figure things out. Unfortunately, after having gone to Bellingham and Mill Creek, we realized on Friday that we were WAY over miles on the car. So basically we had to walk and hitch rides from the members all weekend. I'm not sure that really helped with learning where things are.
We saw a miracle from walking though! We had to walk from our appointment over to one of the members homes. For no particular reason we decided to knock on a door that was off the street a ways. The guy basically told us that he awaits with anticipation the day that revelation falls upon the Mormons to save all the good people in there. So we asked if he knew any Hispanics, he said his neighbor. We talked with her, Estela, and we’re teaching her a little bit from the pamphlet of the restoration, and she stopped us and asked if she could have the pamphlet. of course! Actually we want to give it to you.
I'm excited to see miracles happen in the next little while. If there's one thing that I’ve learned its that miracles happen. Even when we are not perfect, miracles happen; especially in the service of the Lord. We haven't been perfect by any means this last week, but for some reason we were still smiled upon with blessings. It's truly a blessing to be a missionary and see the Lord's hand in the work. I hope you all are getting involved too. You will see miracles. I promise.
Love you tons!
Elder Phillips
Using my Bishop Whitaker skills.
As I stated last week, there was a devastating mudslide that occurred just over a week ago. The effects, the damage, and the loss of family and friends here has been more severe than I could have ever imagine. The death toll and missing persons list rises, and may, unfortunately and grimly, rise. As my companion returned to our area of labor, we have met up with families and individuals who have been directly and indirectly affected. Included in this category is a father in a family, not of the LDS faith, but surely a very Christian faith nonetheless, who is missing in the slide; we have had dinner with them and blessed to be in there home, and the family is holding on to their faith that all will be alright. Tensions and stress has risen. The rain hasn't helped the rescue and recovery efforts all that much either. However, there has been an outpouring of love and togetherness in this community.
This past Wednesday, my companion and I were able to return to Darrington via two hour drive, being absent here for 4 days, and went straight to work. I have had an amazing opportunity to volunteer at the local community center, helping with many people in organizing the food, clothing, and other items that have been generously donated throughout the state, possibly the entire country. I have been able to be side by side with the devoted, kind, wonderful volunteers, young and old, men and women, those of the Church I represent as well as a host of others in other churches and faiths. This past Sunday, the members here had a fast and testimony sacrament meeting, in which members bore their powerful testimonies of the Gospel, of the divinity of Christ, and the hope of redemption by Him and through Him.
My heart has swelled with love for this community, the people, and for God and His Son. I have been humbled and learned valuable lessons and received a firmness of hope, despite the apparent appearance of the lack of it for some. The town of Darrington is comprised of strong individuals and families, many I have been privileged to meet and converse with.
It is my earnest testimony that I am where I am needed in the moment I am, and that God grants comfort, hope, and endurance to those who faithfully seek it. The love of God has been manifested in the people I have met. I hope to be a good follower of Christ, and do all the good I can for the wonderful people here.
Elder Phillips is not in the area and hasn't said much about it.
Here's his letter from this week.
3-31-2014
Well, the last week has been pretty interesting with lots of fun new changes. Like I was saying before from last week that we had to get a ton of stuff done! We cleaned out my apartment really quickly then had to drive up to Bellingham to clean out their apartment too. Well, we didn't get it done. So we went out to work and to say goodbye to members and people from that area. We also stopped to say goodbye to Maria Caridad, and before we could leave I got attacked and hugged and then kissed. That was a first for the field. Yikes! We then came home at nine and started some more cleaning. Didn't finish, so we got up at 6 and used our exercise time to clean. Finally by noon we had the whole place done and notes about everything and updated all the records and we left at noon.
Another cool thing that happened that day is that I got my old companion back, Elder Fiala! This is the third time we will have served together on separate occasions in three different areas! Its pretty sweet. He will probably finish his mission here.
Last week has been a little bit rocky starting. Since I still don't know the area super well and Elder Fiala doesn't at all we have been trying to figure things out. Unfortunately, after having gone to Bellingham and Mill Creek, we realized on Friday that we were WAY over miles on the car. So basically we had to walk and hitch rides from the members all weekend. I'm not sure that really helped with learning where things are.
We saw a miracle from walking though! We had to walk from our appointment over to one of the members homes. For no particular reason we decided to knock on a door that was off the street a ways. The guy basically told us that he awaits with anticipation the day that revelation falls upon the Mormons to save all the good people in there. So we asked if he knew any Hispanics, he said his neighbor. We talked with her, Estela, and we’re teaching her a little bit from the pamphlet of the restoration, and she stopped us and asked if she could have the pamphlet. of course! Actually we want to give it to you.
I'm excited to see miracles happen in the next little while. If there's one thing that I’ve learned its that miracles happen. Even when we are not perfect, miracles happen; especially in the service of the Lord. We haven't been perfect by any means this last week, but for some reason we were still smiled upon with blessings. It's truly a blessing to be a missionary and see the Lord's hand in the work. I hope you all are getting involved too. You will see miracles. I promise.
Love you tons!
Elder Phillips
Monday, March 24, 2014
No Pictures
Sorry no pictures again this week, Elder Phillips seems to have lost his camera battery charger. So dead battery means no pictures for you or I. Hope he finds it soon.
So there has been a few interesting things going on this last week, with a crazy day today because transfers are tomorrow to top it off. Not the smallest of events was my companion finishing his mission. We had lots of people to see before he headed out so we had some fun there. Also an event not so small was a baptism the sisters in our branch had! A family of four was baptized after church yesterday. the elders from Bellingham were able to come too because Elder Wagner is going home with my companion Elder Johnstun, so now i'm here with Elder Coles in Mount Vernon, but he is getting transferred so we have to go back up there to Bellingham to get all that stuff done up there jaja. That will be fun.
I was thinking about the things that I could share, and I was also thinking about the things that I learned from the two great missionaries that just left. I realized the difference maker has been love every time.
ANYWAY! I'm starting to get a deeper understanding to the great importance of love, especially in missionary work. but one of the things that I was thinking about is how important it is to show that love, to reach out, and to be consistent about it so that afterward you don't come off as fake to other people. Basically, we just need to become more loving people. It was impressive to me to see Elder Wagner’s love for those that he knew in the branch that I am in right now, and how much the members loved him back.
The other thing I have been thinking about is how much our choices mean. When it boils down to it, how few choices we have. We made a choice to come to this earth, and we told our Heavenly Father that we would keep his commandments. So now we are here, and we have the choice to do what is wrong, and lose our ability to make the choice, or we have the ability to choose what is right, and give our agency to God. So really either way the choice means a whole lot! We either give our choices to God or we lose the ability to make them. Now there's lots of food for thought.
Its funny because this last week we worked really hard, but we didn't see very much happening as far as lessons and new people to teach and numbers stuff. However, its weird the satisfaction that comes from being diligent. I mean on paper we didn't have that great of a week, but it has been awesome!
Uh oh 3,2,1 got to go! Love you!
Elder Phillips
So there has been a few interesting things going on this last week, with a crazy day today because transfers are tomorrow to top it off. Not the smallest of events was my companion finishing his mission. We had lots of people to see before he headed out so we had some fun there. Also an event not so small was a baptism the sisters in our branch had! A family of four was baptized after church yesterday. the elders from Bellingham were able to come too because Elder Wagner is going home with my companion Elder Johnstun, so now i'm here with Elder Coles in Mount Vernon, but he is getting transferred so we have to go back up there to Bellingham to get all that stuff done up there jaja. That will be fun.
I was thinking about the things that I could share, and I was also thinking about the things that I learned from the two great missionaries that just left. I realized the difference maker has been love every time.
ANYWAY! I'm starting to get a deeper understanding to the great importance of love, especially in missionary work. but one of the things that I was thinking about is how important it is to show that love, to reach out, and to be consistent about it so that afterward you don't come off as fake to other people. Basically, we just need to become more loving people. It was impressive to me to see Elder Wagner’s love for those that he knew in the branch that I am in right now, and how much the members loved him back.
The other thing I have been thinking about is how much our choices mean. When it boils down to it, how few choices we have. We made a choice to come to this earth, and we told our Heavenly Father that we would keep his commandments. So now we are here, and we have the choice to do what is wrong, and lose our ability to make the choice, or we have the ability to choose what is right, and give our agency to God. So really either way the choice means a whole lot! We either give our choices to God or we lose the ability to make them. Now there's lots of food for thought.
Its funny because this last week we worked really hard, but we didn't see very much happening as far as lessons and new people to teach and numbers stuff. However, its weird the satisfaction that comes from being diligent. I mean on paper we didn't have that great of a week, but it has been awesome!
Uh oh 3,2,1 got to go! Love you!
Elder Phillips
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Champion Studies this week
Dear family! 3-17-2014
We have had quite a good week so far. My companion is bouncing next Sunday! So we have been doing WORK! Lots of fun, but we got to go to the Arlington stake center for him to get interviewed for an hour. I don't know what i’m going to do with myself. Oh well.
This last week started out a little bit slow. TONS of people falling through on our appointments and stuff but we have continued to find more. We came into contact with an awesome family, Lupita and Sergio, and they happened to be friends with a family that just moved out of the branch to Mill Creek, and they wanted to know why she couldn't go to her wedding or whatever. They are great and I was so excited to teach them again, but when we got there they had left a note on the door saying "sorry guys my husband got stuck at work so I had to go to Seattle to pick him up. Give us your number and we'll call you" we haven't got anything from them yet, but I think they'll call, not to mention we pass by there a lot. I wish the adversary would just back off, bit of a nuisance I’d say.
So I have had some champion studies this week. I decided one morning that I was going to pound down Jacob 5 and GET IT! I did. It's amazing how many promises and blessings come to those who serve in the Lord's vineyard. and the other thing I love is "and the Lord worked with them". It's His work so what the worry! He's here working with us. I also had the question as to why the Lord sent an angel to tell Alma to go back to the city. AN ANGEL! I mean there's got to be something important back there, that's quite the message, can't question what God's will is. We shall see what we find out.
We have been trying to work really closely with our new branch mission leader Rick Reed. I have learned that there is so much possible in this life than most people think. We are so much more capable than we can imagine. Sometimes we feel like we are being ground to dust and we just can't go anymore and then we just do. Nobody really knows how. I testify that God knows our limits, and that he has PROMISED us that he WILL NOT give us more than we can handle. There's some amazing videos by Elder Christensen on LDS.org "daily bread" that describe a lot of the "how" it can be possible to face and ultimately overcome the trials that we are given, and how it is possible. I can imagine the Father speaking with us before sending us to this world saying "i'm sending you into a train wreck and I need you to fix it. You're the one I know can do this, can set things right. I love you so much. Good luck, I’ll see you in a while. Don't forget to call." I know that with His help we can do this. Many were called, but few were chosen for right now. It's tough, but we got this. I mean heck, we already know what team is going to win. What jersey are we wearing?
Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Phillips
Everett Washington Spanish Speaking Missionaries
We have had quite a good week so far. My companion is bouncing next Sunday! So we have been doing WORK! Lots of fun, but we got to go to the Arlington stake center for him to get interviewed for an hour. I don't know what i’m going to do with myself. Oh well.
This last week started out a little bit slow. TONS of people falling through on our appointments and stuff but we have continued to find more. We came into contact with an awesome family, Lupita and Sergio, and they happened to be friends with a family that just moved out of the branch to Mill Creek, and they wanted to know why she couldn't go to her wedding or whatever. They are great and I was so excited to teach them again, but when we got there they had left a note on the door saying "sorry guys my husband got stuck at work so I had to go to Seattle to pick him up. Give us your number and we'll call you" we haven't got anything from them yet, but I think they'll call, not to mention we pass by there a lot. I wish the adversary would just back off, bit of a nuisance I’d say.
So I have had some champion studies this week. I decided one morning that I was going to pound down Jacob 5 and GET IT! I did. It's amazing how many promises and blessings come to those who serve in the Lord's vineyard. and the other thing I love is "and the Lord worked with them". It's His work so what the worry! He's here working with us. I also had the question as to why the Lord sent an angel to tell Alma to go back to the city. AN ANGEL! I mean there's got to be something important back there, that's quite the message, can't question what God's will is. We shall see what we find out.
We have been trying to work really closely with our new branch mission leader Rick Reed. I have learned that there is so much possible in this life than most people think. We are so much more capable than we can imagine. Sometimes we feel like we are being ground to dust and we just can't go anymore and then we just do. Nobody really knows how. I testify that God knows our limits, and that he has PROMISED us that he WILL NOT give us more than we can handle. There's some amazing videos by Elder Christensen on LDS.org "daily bread" that describe a lot of the "how" it can be possible to face and ultimately overcome the trials that we are given, and how it is possible. I can imagine the Father speaking with us before sending us to this world saying "i'm sending you into a train wreck and I need you to fix it. You're the one I know can do this, can set things right. I love you so much. Good luck, I’ll see you in a while. Don't forget to call." I know that with His help we can do this. Many were called, but few were chosen for right now. It's tough, but we got this. I mean heck, we already know what team is going to win. What jersey are we wearing?
Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Phillips
Everett Washington Spanish Speaking Missionaries
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
obedience/humility
Dear Family, 2-24-2014
This week has been super, super great, tons of learning going around, but of course, if you're not learning, your not trying. However, what i’m talking about is actually a special conference we had. We had two guys from the mission department in Salt Lake come to our mission to give us some instruction on teaching. Brother Donaldson, who is the mission president in "the district 1" videos, and Brother Gonzales. Basically what’s happening is that we are cutting all the fluff and fat from our teaching and going to start being in the homes of investigators for like 20 minutes, MAYBE 25. Its a lot of fun, and we get to use the pamphlets from President Hinckley that missionaries hand out and what not a lot more. I absolutely LOVE seeing what has been named "the hastening of the work". Another crazy thing that happened was yesterday. I was sitting there leaning against the sink eating a piece of toast during dinner, when all of a sudden I hear a HUGE crash an vibrations against my backside. What the heck? So I peak my head out the window, and there was a car with its face right in the brick wall I was leaning on! ha-ha their brakes went out and they ramped the parking spot barrier, blew through the wooden posts that support the second floor, and crashed into our apartment. Everybody is ok though. Didn't do a thing to the wall.
I learned a little bit about obedience/humility this last week. It started out with us going to a lesson in Burlington, but after teaching, a bunch of other stuff fell through. I suggested a place to go with the member who was with us, which in my mind was a perfect fit. It was almost like inspiration; and my companion said “no we can't do that for such and such reason in the missionary handbook.” In my head I was like, that is the most nit picky reason I have EVER heard in my life! I couldn't even think of anything else other than how pharisaical that sounded. But I didn't say anything. So then as we were driving I thought, man I should really be grateful that I have an obedient companion. So I started to pray for understanding and forgiveness really and at that point what came to my mind was " how can I expect to ask people to keep a commitment, or obey a commandment of God, that to the rest of the world makes no sense and seems more nit picky than actual help.” Like "why in the world would God want me to do that?" If I am not willing to be obedient to what he has given me, commanded me to do? Even if I don't understand, or this seems to me like it would be a lot better, I mean c’mon just look at it.”
Guess what. Sometimes we don't know why, but guess what? You're going to be so glad you stayed your course. "My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and my ways higher than your ways."
Love Elder Phillips
This week has been super, super great, tons of learning going around, but of course, if you're not learning, your not trying. However, what i’m talking about is actually a special conference we had. We had two guys from the mission department in Salt Lake come to our mission to give us some instruction on teaching. Brother Donaldson, who is the mission president in "the district 1" videos, and Brother Gonzales. Basically what’s happening is that we are cutting all the fluff and fat from our teaching and going to start being in the homes of investigators for like 20 minutes, MAYBE 25. Its a lot of fun, and we get to use the pamphlets from President Hinckley that missionaries hand out and what not a lot more. I absolutely LOVE seeing what has been named "the hastening of the work". Another crazy thing that happened was yesterday. I was sitting there leaning against the sink eating a piece of toast during dinner, when all of a sudden I hear a HUGE crash an vibrations against my backside. What the heck? So I peak my head out the window, and there was a car with its face right in the brick wall I was leaning on! ha-ha their brakes went out and they ramped the parking spot barrier, blew through the wooden posts that support the second floor, and crashed into our apartment. Everybody is ok though. Didn't do a thing to the wall.
I learned a little bit about obedience/humility this last week. It started out with us going to a lesson in Burlington, but after teaching, a bunch of other stuff fell through. I suggested a place to go with the member who was with us, which in my mind was a perfect fit. It was almost like inspiration; and my companion said “no we can't do that for such and such reason in the missionary handbook.” In my head I was like, that is the most nit picky reason I have EVER heard in my life! I couldn't even think of anything else other than how pharisaical that sounded. But I didn't say anything. So then as we were driving I thought, man I should really be grateful that I have an obedient companion. So I started to pray for understanding and forgiveness really and at that point what came to my mind was " how can I expect to ask people to keep a commitment, or obey a commandment of God, that to the rest of the world makes no sense and seems more nit picky than actual help.” Like "why in the world would God want me to do that?" If I am not willing to be obedient to what he has given me, commanded me to do? Even if I don't understand, or this seems to me like it would be a lot better, I mean c’mon just look at it.”
Guess what. Sometimes we don't know why, but guess what? You're going to be so glad you stayed your course. "My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and my ways higher than your ways."
Love Elder Phillips
Monday, February 10, 2014
Best Saturday Yet
Dear Familia! 2-10-2014
I think we can just say that the last week, the last week of the transfer, has been so sweet! We had a whole lot of stuff to do though. Normally in one transfer ( 6 weeks) we are supposed to do an exchange for the day or part of the day with every set of elders. We still had a couple of those to do, so for a little bit of the week I wasn't even working in my own area, but it is SO awesome to see the faith of other elders that are in the zone. There really is tons to learn all over the place, even from those less experienced or younger than us.
On top of that, this last Thursday we had our entire day taken up by MLC, Mission Leader Council, where we talked about lots of things that we can improve, or our successes. But while we were there, our Mission President informed us that this coming transfer, tomorrow, will be the craziest one of all time, but he still loves us. So we shall see what happens tomorrow.
We had some of the greatest lessons of all time last week! I think that last Saturday may have been the most satisfaction I have found out of any day EVER! We went over really early to teach Avellino, and it worked out really well, because he hadn't drank at all that day yet. So he was really attentive and ready to go. PLUS he came to church on Sunday too! Then right after that we went over to a less active members home with President Montero to have a lesson. He was so ready to come back to church, and he is like a natural at missionary work, but then he got smacked with a nasty flu, so he couldn't come to church, but we went over there afterward and gave him a blessing.
Right after that we had one of the youth from the Shoultes ward with us, Zane, and he is the same age as Israel jr who we were going over to teach. So we brought him along with us. That kid is an all-star! We had a great lesson teaching the kids the plan of salvation (me n Zane) while Elder Fiala taught Hilda about the atonement.
Then! right after that we were like, well, we could probably go eat dinner right now, or, we could go over to teach Uriel and Judith. so, we went over there to teach them. That was the best lesson we have EVER had with them! Basically we were able to listen to their concerns and really help them understand why we want them to do things. I think that after that they will really start to progress, but its still their decision, obviously, since this whole free agency thing we all have.
Anyway, after we got home from that at like 9 o clock, we were starving but I could not have felt better than anything else. I could not believe how wonderful it felt!
Anyway I got to bounce, love you!
Elder Phillips
I think we can just say that the last week, the last week of the transfer, has been so sweet! We had a whole lot of stuff to do though. Normally in one transfer ( 6 weeks) we are supposed to do an exchange for the day or part of the day with every set of elders. We still had a couple of those to do, so for a little bit of the week I wasn't even working in my own area, but it is SO awesome to see the faith of other elders that are in the zone. There really is tons to learn all over the place, even from those less experienced or younger than us.
On top of that, this last Thursday we had our entire day taken up by MLC, Mission Leader Council, where we talked about lots of things that we can improve, or our successes. But while we were there, our Mission President informed us that this coming transfer, tomorrow, will be the craziest one of all time, but he still loves us. So we shall see what happens tomorrow.
We had some of the greatest lessons of all time last week! I think that last Saturday may have been the most satisfaction I have found out of any day EVER! We went over really early to teach Avellino, and it worked out really well, because he hadn't drank at all that day yet. So he was really attentive and ready to go. PLUS he came to church on Sunday too! Then right after that we went over to a less active members home with President Montero to have a lesson. He was so ready to come back to church, and he is like a natural at missionary work, but then he got smacked with a nasty flu, so he couldn't come to church, but we went over there afterward and gave him a blessing.
Right after that we had one of the youth from the Shoultes ward with us, Zane, and he is the same age as Israel jr who we were going over to teach. So we brought him along with us. That kid is an all-star! We had a great lesson teaching the kids the plan of salvation (me n Zane) while Elder Fiala taught Hilda about the atonement.
Then! right after that we were like, well, we could probably go eat dinner right now, or, we could go over to teach Uriel and Judith. so, we went over there to teach them. That was the best lesson we have EVER had with them! Basically we were able to listen to their concerns and really help them understand why we want them to do things. I think that after that they will really start to progress, but its still their decision, obviously, since this whole free agency thing we all have.
Anyway, after we got home from that at like 9 o clock, we were starving but I could not have felt better than anything else. I could not believe how wonderful it felt!
Anyway I got to bounce, love you!
Elder Phillips
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Half Way Point 1-27-2014
Querido Familia! 1-27-2014
So this last week was pretty darn awesome. I mean I feel like it could have been better; just there’s this thing called agency that some people used to be bosses and others didn't, but either way it has been tons of fun.
Last week on Tuesday we were able to have a family home evening lesson with Orlando and Lucy! I know they say they don't want to learn more, but they just can’t help themselves keeping us around jaja. I have a feeling that if we keep plugging along with them they'll come around. Their son Eli even came to church!!! He loves it!
I don't know if I told you about the random twin of our investigator we found last week; but on Wednesday we had an amazing church tour with them! and to finish it off we were all sitting in the font room watching the restoration video! So you could say that was so sweet. They have a lot of great questions and are eager to learn and to continue forward on God's path.
A couple of our investigators that were going really strong seem to be hitting a patch without any desire to actually do anything. I feel like previously they were super excited to learn about what the people they knew believe, but right now they're lacking a little bit of action if you know what I mean. Really that was what I meant by some people this last week used their agency to slow/stop their progression. If there's one thing I’ve learned real good it’s that anything and everything in this life is to keep us moving forward, and when we chose to sit on our bums and not do anything, and not ask any questions, and take the easy path, we essentially CHOOSE to stop our own progression. The easy path does not lead to heaven. It never did. If salvation was easy than everyone would just declare themselves believers and call it good and the point of life would be thwarted, but hey, that’s what some people believe, all we can do is invite.
Someone who was a champ this last week though was Avellino! We had three lessons with him, 2 of them with his member neighbor there as well. Avellino struggles with alcohol and desperately wants out. He recognizes the real person that can help him change is Jesus Christ and even though between a couple of our lessons he relapsed and didn't meet his goal for not drinking; after the second lesson he just went ham and didn't drink AND he came to church! Talk about replacing the bad with the best there. It was so great, can't even explain it.
Anyway, the underlying theme here is don't wait for anything to get done for you. Don't be a bum. When you need help get on your knees and pray like its all up to Him, then go work like its all up to you. Use the help He has already given us. Agency, we fought for it from before the beginning, so use it like you want it.
Love you all!
Elder Phillips
PS. This is our sweet new ride!
So this last week was pretty darn awesome. I mean I feel like it could have been better; just there’s this thing called agency that some people used to be bosses and others didn't, but either way it has been tons of fun.
Last week on Tuesday we were able to have a family home evening lesson with Orlando and Lucy! I know they say they don't want to learn more, but they just can’t help themselves keeping us around jaja. I have a feeling that if we keep plugging along with them they'll come around. Their son Eli even came to church!!! He loves it!
A couple of our investigators that were going really strong seem to be hitting a patch without any desire to actually do anything. I feel like previously they were super excited to learn about what the people they knew believe, but right now they're lacking a little bit of action if you know what I mean. Really that was what I meant by some people this last week used their agency to slow/stop their progression. If there's one thing I’ve learned real good it’s that anything and everything in this life is to keep us moving forward, and when we chose to sit on our bums and not do anything, and not ask any questions, and take the easy path, we essentially CHOOSE to stop our own progression. The easy path does not lead to heaven. It never did. If salvation was easy than everyone would just declare themselves believers and call it good and the point of life would be thwarted, but hey, that’s what some people believe, all we can do is invite.
Someone who was a champ this last week though was Avellino! We had three lessons with him, 2 of them with his member neighbor there as well. Avellino struggles with alcohol and desperately wants out. He recognizes the real person that can help him change is Jesus Christ and even though between a couple of our lessons he relapsed and didn't meet his goal for not drinking; after the second lesson he just went ham and didn't drink AND he came to church! Talk about replacing the bad with the best there. It was so great, can't even explain it.
Anyway, the underlying theme here is don't wait for anything to get done for you. Don't be a bum. When you need help get on your knees and pray like its all up to Him, then go work like its all up to you. Use the help He has already given us. Agency, we fought for it from before the beginning, so use it like you want it.
Love you all!
Elder Phillips
PS. This is our sweet new ride!
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