Fantastic Week

Dear family, 4-28-2014

I don't know about you all but we have had a fantastic week. A whole corn load of miracles! Its really amazing because Elder Fiala and I decided to do a mini fast last Monday, and the blessings are abundant. If you don't believe in fasting, do an experiment and find out.

Not sure if I mentioned before about how we have been really trying to work with the members here. Well last week, we received a call from a few of them actually, saying that they had just met someone at the hair salon or had just moved in close by, and that person wants us to come over. What a blessing! To have members you love pitching in and getting into the spirit of things. We have received a lot of help.

Even aside from the members this week we tried a few people we already knew, and found new people there that are really open. even a couple that strait up asked us to come over without us being like crafty about it. We knocked on the door of the mom of one of our investigators, and this lady Jessica opened the door. we said hi and introduced ourselves and stuff, and she strait up said you all should come to my house, I'm not super good with God and stuff, and I want my kids to be able to get it better. When can you come by? umm uh duh uh... ya. ha-ha I almost didn't know what to say, I'm more used to saying I love you too after some angry guy shouts some noise at us. It was quite a nice surprise.

I really hope this week goes well with all the follow up appointments we have. We have a lot of meetings and stuff too coming up so hopefully everything falls into it's place nicely and we see some more miracles.

So really quickly. Something I learned, well, I’m learning, is how to listen. It has been really hard for me to actually listen to some people in Spanish. I understand them, but sometimes I just go too deeply into my mind when that happens and start thinking about other stuff at the same time, just kind of mind wandering right? Well no! that’s bad! So I’ve been really trying to listen and care about what people around me are saying. What's interesting to them, where they are coming from, that sort of thing. Turns out it's pretty tough.

Love you all!

Elder Phillips

Check it out dad

this is some good stuff and homemade

 

craziness going on

Dear family,

So we have had some craziness going on this last week. We have been trying really hard to work well with the members here and helping them out in any way that we can and we are starting to see fruits! We got a couple of really solid referrals last week. PLUS! We were called twice really randomly by members to give blessings to their non-member friends and family. That was so cool even though none of those people actually live in our proselyting area, they turned out to be great potentials and new investigators for the sisters in those 2 areas. What we have been trying out this last week is calling the people from our last areas around here (Bellingham, Marysville) and asking them who they know up here. It just seems like if we can get ourselves snuck into the Spanish community then things will just start exploding! So anyway, those are some big plans.

One of the coolest things happened while we were on exchanges. We were exchanging with the Bellingham Elders on saturday and both Mt. Vernon Spanish and Bellingham Spanish had baptisms going on. But that morning I got a call from Marina Zavala, she is a member in Bellingham and her husband is not a member, Miguel. Anyway, they were like our favorites up there and she called wondering if we could come eat dinner with them while we were all up there for the baptism! Sure! Big news considering that Miguel said he didn't want missionaries coming over anymore. So we went to dinner at their house and the food was great, and then we showed them the Easter video on mormon.org (that video is sweet by the way. if you haven't watched it, get on that) and after the spirit felt warm in the room and everything was quiet. Elder Fiala asked if they were going to church for Easter Sunday. They hadn't planned on it, but then asked what time it started. We told them it started at 9 in Bellingham. "Oh no I have work until noon! what time does it start in Mt. Vernon?" 12:30. I don't think I can make it. Well the most important one, sacrament meeting, starts at 2. "Okay" and they were totally going to drive an hour for church just for us! But then her daughter was working right up until 2 in Bellingham. Oh well, that’s like a 50 mile trek.

Anyway! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and had time to reflect on its true meaning and the wonderful gift we have been given by Christ. I truly do know he lived, died for me, and lives again. What a precious sacrifice that each and everyone of us can take advantage of. Love you tons!

Elder Phillips

Quite the ride

Dear Family, 4-14-2014

This last week has been quite the ride, but before I tell you anything about it, I’m going to answer a couple questions so I don't get blasted by anyone again! ha-ha. Spanish world here in the Washington Everett mission is a smaller one than other state side missions, I mean like in comparison to the English side of things. We have 15 Spanish Elders, and about the same amount of Spanish sisters here. But, 3 of those elders are going home in 9 weeks. Including my companion, Elder Fiala. and yes that is totally a record of separate times being together in the field. 3. There's actually another couple elders that just got put together for the second time here in the field who were companions in the MTC, so kind of like being together 3 times, but not quite as epic or cool jaja.

As for the week, it was pretty much like a little roller coaster. We started out super good for the first three days or so. I even went on an exchange in Arlington, where I got to see a bunch of the amazing people from the Sunnyside branch again. Unfortunately Esperanza just had 2 surgeries and will be going back for another one, and my wonderful friends Orlando and Lucy have now completely turned their backs on the church and missionaries, posting signs saying do not disturb. But oh well, they'll come around.

After that though, people really seemed to be really closed off. Like we had a couple of average days, but then on Saturday we just smacked the bottom. What I learned is that there is a huge connection between what you think and what occurs. A couple of days before this I had been a little bit weighed down in my mind about stuff that was going on and all the time it just seemed like a battle between dark and light. Then on saturday I suppose we were just weary from the war and energy levels weren't there and people reacted to that in our area. We didn't see much if any success that day. It brings to mind a quote that was said in sacrament meeting yesterday, and possibly in the conference I don't remember. Be the same person in the dark that you are in the light of day. I thought about it, and it has numerous applications to all of us, but it struck home to me when I heard it.

On Sunday we were able to pull ourselves together, and we went to see this referral in the sisters area who needed a blessing, but they were having a Fiesta. Told us to come back in an hour. So in the meantime we visited some Hispanic members in the English ward there and got a BUNCH of stuff set up. By the time we returned to the Ramiro's house, there were only 3 amigos left, and they courteously invited us in, sat us down, and started serving us up some dinner. I love that jaja, and while we ate we taught them all the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They all loved it so much, we all even forgot that we were there to give them a blessing. What a wonderful experience even though none of those people live in our area. I'm really excited for them. I think that brings another small lesson. Being the same in dark and light includes all locations as well. If we act as faithful members of the church in all places there is missionary work being done. Even if it doesn't go as a referral directly to our home missionaries. If everyone was doing that same thing, there would be places to go coming from all over the place. So we must be "equally yoked" in the work.

Love you all tons! See you next week!

Elder Phillips

General Conference

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

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. 

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

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