December 16, 2013

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply, we've been really busy with the Christmas Conference. We just got done with the first one today, there's 2 of them. President Martino Announced kanina(not sure but Mom thinks kanina means today) that this is the largest mission in the Philippines! Haha, fun fact! I think that's an awesome word :). 

I love thinking about the hope that Christmas brings.  I really don't understand how anyone could not believe. One "Man's" life inspires so many to just do good. That in and of itself is a miracle to me.  I love this time because the world joins in to celebrate Christ.  We have the opportunity to celebrate Him on a weekly, even daily basis. Imagine what the world could be like if Christmas was all the time for everyone. AWESOME! 

This last week was such a great week, We got to go on exchanges with the Santa Ignacia, Camiling, and Cabanatuan Zones. What an inspiring line up.  I saw miracles in each area.  I think of all the miracles that have happened in my mission, and then to go out and work and see Christ working just the same as He does with me with others is mind-blowing.  Every Single missionary experience is miraculous things. With the missionary force in the world increasing, that means that more miracles are going to happen! 

One miracle for me was on exchanges with the Elders in the Talavera area. We walked by a family with a young daughter that seemed scared of us. She obviously wasn't used to seeing white people, and thought that we were walking mannequins.  Our strength was Elder Bausing, a Filipino missionary who took the opportunity to approach them and introduce us. We were able to teach the restoration. After the lesson they said to us, "We've been taught by a lot different sects, but there is something different about you guys". I know that means they felt the spirit. I'm so grateful for that. They are a huge family, and ahh, It was great. There were even more miracles. I love being a missionary!

Merry Christmas Mom :) I love you.

Love,

Elder Blackham

December 9, 2013

The letter this week is a response to a question Mom asked about how the Book of Mormon sometimes refers to Christ as both the Father and the Son. Mom had heard an explanation that Christ is the "Covenant Father" because of the Atonement which he performed in our behalf.

That (the topic of how the Book of Mormon sometimes refers to Christ as both the Father and the Son) is an interesting topic. It's something that I've had to study a great deal about here on my mission because it honestly can be quite confusing, Mosiah 15 I think mentions a little bit about that. I love how you mentioned Christ as the "covenant Father". That adds a whole new meaning to it. I love that we have a real understanding of our relationship with Christ, and our relationship with Heavenly Father. It's amazing to me that I can say that I know it's true. I know it is. There's no doubt in my mind who Heavenly Father is and who Jesus Christ is.

Have a great week this week! :)

Love,
Elder Blackham

November 24, 2013

Dearest Mom :)

Miracles are the best, and they are real! We are now actually working on the study program for the mission. Our theme this month is the doctrine of miracles.

I've heard many stories of miracles from the missionaries who suvived the typhoon.  The  one that stuck out to me was about these sisters who were trapped in their home when the floods started to rise, they were forced onto the second floor. The flood continued to rise, and they had no way out. The scariest part is that some of the sisters did not know how to swim. The ones that did know how to swim, swam through the water in the flooded first floor to find a way out, but the door was trapped closed. They found a weak part in the wall that they were able to push through and swim their way out to the top of the roof. On the top of the roof, they said a prayer that the water would stop rising. As soon as they ended the prayer, the water stopped rising and they all made it out alive. There is another Elder who describes inspired preparation, that as he was getting ready (they knew a storm was coming), he was inspired to move, because he saw what was going to happen. He says for some reason he knew that the tree next to their house would fall and hit their apartment, and that other buildings were going to fall down.  So, they pre-maturely evacuated. There's so many, it's amazing to hear their faith. They told us that they felt like the Stripling Warriors. Having a testimony meeting with them was a real privilege. 

Love,

Elder Blackham 

November 18, 2013

I'm safe! I'm healthy! I'm terrific! I don't have  much time today, hopefully later on this week I'll have some more time to write you. The Tacloban mission has been shut-down temporarily due to damage incurred by the typhoon. We were blessed to receive 15 of the survivors. What an honor. They have miraculous stories. They claim that they were protected by the Lord as He protected His Strippling Warriors. We've been running around a lot! We did an emergency transfer to be able to fit them in, but they are now as big a part of our mission as I am. We are one. 

Anyways, I love you! Super duper I love you. 

Love,

Elder Blackham

November 11, 2013

This first part is referring to a call that Elder Eric Blackham got to make to his brother the other Elder Blackham (Bret)  whose whereabouts were unknown to us because of transfers. Eric had just confirmed that Bret was safe and mom was saying thank you.

No problem! Hopefully you'll have heard from him later today, because I forgot to ask where he was transferred to. The important thing that we know is that he is safe :). 

We are grieving for our brothers and sisters down south. The Lord will find ways reach out with tender mercies to those who were affected. We've gotten some light rain and wind, but no power outages that lasted more than 5 minutes. 

The next part is a reply about mom sharing the scripture 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us the spirit of fear...but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

You've shared that scripture with me before, when I was young and used to be scared. I love that verse :).  I didn't realize before though about the powers that we get in overcoming our fears! Personal peace I think is the greatest gift of the atonement. At one of our recent meetings an elder gave an example of a hurricane candle, which is a candle protected by a hurricane glass. The candle sits inside of a long open-topped glass so that the wind doesn't affect it's ability to give light. The Atonement I think does that for us, the power comes when we learn to trust Christ and obey Him. I've learned that that's why we have many of the mission rules, is to help us to learn to just drop it all and trust Him. As we follow that, He protects us from distraction, discouragement, and anything else Satan may use.

The work was great this week, We've been really blessed as we learn to manage our time more effectively. I got sick, but it's nothing compared to the storm that came through. We've seen so many miracles in our area. We have a family and two young men who were referred to us by a member. They all came to church, and it has been so neat working with this member in sharing the gospel. He's a well-known and respected retired teacher in the barangay, and people listen to him. It's great because he has such a strong testimony, at 73 years old.

Anyways, I know, as I always have that this is the Lord's work. I used to be weary about opening an area with everything else we have going on. The saying, "when there's a will, there's a way" holds true, eternally and ever more powerfully so when that will is the Lord's.

Love,

Elder Blackham

(My mom wanted me to post an article about some Sister missionaries who were in Tacloban. If you want to read it, here is the link http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865590735/Surviving-the-typhoon-A-story-of-fear-faith-and-what-it-means-to-be-prepared.html )

November 4, 2013

(Four days before Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines)

It's been such a great week. I'm so grateful that the my Savior has let me come out here. I love this work, I love my Savior! Many things happened this week! There was a fulfillment of my patriarchal blessing and just so many wonderful things. 

We had a mission leadership council this weekend. Our mission training plan this month is focused around the doctrine of Repentance. I don't know that there are more important doctrines than others, but I feel that that is one that is so essential to understand because it applies to all. It's an invitation to change and come unto Christ. President Martino inspired all of us to repent. We had the opportunity to give a workshop as well about repentance. One quote that really stuck out to me is this, by Elder Russell M Nelson, "The doctrine of repentance is much broader than a dictionary’s definition. When Jesus said “repent,” His disciples recorded that command in the Greek language with the verb metanoeo.  This powerful word has great significance. In this word, the prefix meta means “change.”  The suffix relates to four important Greek terms: nous, meaning “the mind”;  gnosis, meaning “knowledge”;  pneuma, meaning “spirit”;  and pnoe, meaning “breath.” Thus, when Jesus said “repent,” He asked us to change—to change our mind, knowledge, and spirit—even our breath". I have felt that change continue to occur in me as we've studied repentance. I know, with every Fiber of my being that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of the world. 

His Tender Mercies have truly abound this week. 

Saturday after MLC, Elder Bajacan and I had the chance to go out and work in our area. We taught a lesson about the plan of salvation, and the purpose of trials. We promised them the blessings of strength that she could gain from coming to church. Sunday noon-time, we hadn't seen her yet. The meeting had started, testimonies were being born, and my companion and I were running on thin hope that they would still make it. As I looked at the clock, I saw 12:30... Thirty minutes had passed since the meeting started, I looked at my companion, then heard the door come open. WHAT A MIRACLE! She came! The grandma was the only one to come this time. We found out after it was over that her 27 year old son was waiting outside. Hopefully he gets enough faith to come inside this next week. We'll be doing all we can to help him in. But oh my, I about leaped because of how happy I was. She was hesitant at first, but the fellowship that she received was just awesome. It turns out that she has a niece who is an active member of the church. The niece had no idea that we were teaching her grandma's sister. The niece turned back to us, teary-eyed and said, "You were teaching my grandma?" (Great aunts are referred to as grandma as well here). We said yes! And she told me, "thank you". She's got fellowship that we didn't even anticipate. She loved relief society. I'm so grateful to the kind sisters who reached out to her.

Mom, or anyone that reads this, please don't hesitate to go up to anyone that you don't recognize at church. Whether they be a less active member, a new member, or any member that you haven't met yet. Christ organized His church as a church of love and fellowship, we are the instruments He uses to amplify His love to others.

The next part is an answer to Mom's questions about plans when Elder Blackham comes home in April.

Mom, I love you, I just want to answer those questions next week. I just love being here. I know, I will come home eventually. I'll just let you know next week.

love,

Elder Blackham

October 28, 2013

Our office couple here is the absolute greatest! Holy moly! They are the neatest people. It's like I've been able to work with Nonnie and Poppie! They are the Tischners, from Salem Utah. Elder TIschner was a Patriarch of 13 years! They take too good care of us here. Many times a week, Elder Tischner will whip my companion and I up some popcorn. I had forgot what that tasted like, but mom, I could just go on about how cool they are. Even though we are busy, working with them here is like working with angels and that makes it okay. 

This last week was busy because we were taking care of departures, arrivals, transfers, and other things. It all came together okay though. We saw the Bell family - they came to pick up Elder Bell who's from Gilbert, Arizona. It's so weird to see good mission friends go home. He's been here the whole time that I've been out. We were actually in the same zone back in my second area. He always made sure to be my friend and tell me that my Tagalog would come a long haha. I love the mission. That's one of the greatest miracles... I can speak Tagalog.

It was amazing the last week to work in Angeles as well. We went on exchanges with the Elders out there right now and had some great lessons! I will never ever tire from telling the story of the restoration. The family we taught seemed to perk up as we taught. The spirit bears such a solemn testimony of the truthfulness of that occasion. Its amazing that I don't have to be there to know that it's true. I do. I know it's true with all that's in me. I love this gospel, I love my Savior and His work. I love you and our family mom. Because of His plan, that love can last forever. Truth has been restored.

Love,

Elder Blackham

October 14, 2013

Wow! What a week it's been! haha. The one word I think I could use to describe it is "exhausting"! I've been driving to and from over half the zones in our mission to do exchanges with others. It's so neat because I saw different sets of miracles depending on the people I worked with.  I worked with Elder Johnson, Elder Cope, Elder Despain, and Elder Branham. All great Elders.

Friday night, we had had exchanges in Angeles Zone when a huge typhoon nailed us! It hit the whole mission pretty dang hard.  Actually, we've been out of power for the past couple days. That could last from one week up to a month! We're lucky to have a generator at the church, so we were able to still watch conference. What a tender Mercy! We're able to email too. It's been pretty hard to see what happened here though. It was a nasty, nasty storm. We had a zone leader call in at 12:30 at night because part of the roof of one of the sister's houses was ripped off by the wind. They are okay though. They were picked up by their zone leaders and are safe and sound. The streets were pretty trashed because of all the trees and debris that was were thrown everywhere. It hit our whole mission! There have been other people that have lost their homes, trees fallen on top of them, or other things. We came home from Angeles Saturday morning. Our house here in Tarlac was okay. The gate to where we park the van by the side of the house was broken off, and a tree fell down there, but the house is fine. We've been living by candle-light at night. We're happy though, and safe now.

The work continues to progress. I've had a different companion every day that we were able to work this week. I would go pick the other Elders up, and take them back here to work in our area.  There's one nanay who seems to really be progressing! Her name is Corazon Corpuz! She accepts Joseph Smith and is so excited to come to church! Hopefully next week she'll be able to come. I absolutely love how true our church is. It was also neat to see how the Philippine people reacted to disaster. They all stayed happy, are able to joke, and just diligently get up and do what's gotta be done to make it better. I love this people, I don't know how anyone couldn't.

I'm so grateful for the memories I have of us reading scriptures as a family. Even though I was a pain sometimes, I'm grateful that you made the consistent effort to teach us how important the scriptures are. Megan's growing up too fast! I love her, and Ely. They are so beautiful Inside and out! I'm not trunky, but I am still excited for the day when we can be together as a family, rejoicing in what the Lord has given us! Please give the Ward my love and gratitude. I love you mom, I love you! Please tell the girls I love them too.

Love,

Elder Blackham

October 7, 2013

Everything is going well with me, this last week was a very very busy week for us. We gave training at two sessions of a Mission Leadership council meeting. We gave the same workshop both days, but it was interesting because there were small changes in each meeting depending on the needs of the group; the spirit works in marvelous ways. Our mission training plan is focusing on Revelation. 

Revelation is so important to our salvation! I suggest that you read the bible dictionary definition of revelation and watch Elder Bednar's series about light on the 'mormonchannel'. That could be a very neat Family home evening lesson. haha, 

After the training meetings were over, we went on exchanges with zone leaders in three of the zones. It was so great because I got to revisit two of my former areas. It was so nice going back to Palayan! I was able to see the Sebastian family again. I can barely hold back my tears because of how awesome they are doing! Elder Bajacan said that they go to church every week, I don't know if you remember - they were a family that Elder Adao and I found before. They were less active, and their kids who are teenagers were not baptized. When I left, they had returned and their children were being baptized the next week! Kyle (the eldest) is 13 and now passes the sacrament, Sister Sebastian has a calling in the Young Women, and it was so great! I was able to see many other friends and people that we taught before. Oh, Glorious day! It was great.

I am looking forward to General Conference.  I remember when I was young, I thought that General Conference was just a time to take a nap. As a teenager I began to understand and love it..  I'm so grateful that you helped us to faithfully watch it while we grew up. Those messages are things that our living God wants us to hear. They are all so inspired, that they can instigate personal revelation to all who hear. 

Please give my love to any person you see. Not only my love, but please tell them how much God loves them. He loves us so much.

Love,

Elder Blackham

September 9, 2013

Dear Mom,

I've been transferred again.  I am serving in Tarlac (where the mission office is). I now have a Filipino Driver's License.  I've been driving a bit... Driving here is nuts. There are basically no traffic laws, haha.  To put it simply, "Living life on the edge."

I have been working on lots of reports and transfers, dropping people off, picking people up, things like that. This is transfer week so it's a little hectic for us. I go on lots of exchanges. 

My companion, Elder Dadizon, and I have been put in charge of getting an area up and running to where we can work and bring others in. Because of the other responsibilities we have, this has been difficult, but we were able to have one and a half hours of proselyting this week which felt so good!  We found a family though, which was so great. I really appreciated the time we had with them and now, I recognize it more fully as the Lord's time. 

I know that we need Our Savior. He only has the capacity to be a part of our lives with the time that we give to Him through prayer, meaningful scripture study, and going to church.  I would like to add my testimony to yours mom, that we need Him.

In a meeting that we had with President Martino, he said something that has really stuck with me that goes along the lines of what you said. He said, "When you understand exact obedience, you will experience more freedom than you ever have before".   I know this is true because I lived it and asked, and tried it myself. 

I know this church is true with every fiber of my being. I'll shout it in any capacity that the Lord sees fit to give to me. He lives, He loves us, and guides us today in His restored church.

Love,

Elder Blackham

August 26, 2013 (with picture)

(This starts out replying to a question from Mom about if the area he is in has been flooding because of all the typhoons hitting the Philippines.)

I'm doing great! We are pretty safe here in Angeles. There was a little bit of flooding on Tuesday, and super hard rainfall for like 6 days strait. But, we're safe and we're still able to get some work done! Angeles is actually a ways away from Mt. Pinatubo. The cough I think is on it's last leg. Thanks for the prayers :)

:)

I love prayer! It's one of the greatest gifts that He's given us; the ability to openly communicate with Heavenly Father! :) 

I miss the temple so much. But I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here, serving. 

There have been a surprising amount of miracles this week. Sister Baker said earlier in our zone goal setting that every baptism is a miracle. That stuck with me, and after some pondering I've realized how true that really is. This week, we ended with 4 investigators with a baptismal goal date. All of which were miracles. Three of those come from a family, all of which came to church last week. They loved Stake Conference. They've been hesitant to accept a baptismal goal date until Stake Conference. The lesson that we taught afterwards was our most spiritual one yet. After they heard the testimonies of Sister Martino and Sister Jemma, they developed a desire and are actually EXCITED about their baptism! I love extending Baptismal goal dates. I love seeing people progress. Christ's church is truly here. 

One of the other investigators who came to church wasn't able to sit in the cultural hall, but wanted to be a part of it so badly that he stood in the back for two hours just so that he could see the speakers. The other sister that came to church we just met last Wednesday and extended a goal date right after we taught the restoration.... She committed, and then came to church!

I Love You all!

Love,

Elder Blackham

This is a picture of Elder Blackham posing underneath the Buddhist Goddess of Peace, while making a symbol of the fire nation from the tv show Avatar the Last Airbender. He cleaned it during a service project.

August 19, 2013

Things are going good for us here in Angeles. There's still lots of adjusting, but the work continues to progress! We were blessed with 7 investigators at sacrament meeting. We had 7 investigators at church last Sunday, and only one was not brought by a member. Most of the referrals in our area come from recent converts or recently returned less active members. We are seeing real progress in our investigators and less actives. 

We've recently been helping a few people that we teach overcome smoking. As they have gained the faith to overcome this and turn to they Lord, they've seen miracles! Tatay Monguera has been able to stop completely. The investigator that we've been working with went from 10 sticks a day to 2 sticks a day. I'm consistently amazed by the power of the atonement in the individual. Lawrence is so cool! He's one that we're really working closely with in preparing him for his baptism! He has such a strong, positive outlook. He's 24 years old. He lived in the states before while he was growing up and prefers speaking English  to us. He's got such a capacity to love, which makes the gospel perfect for him! He came to church for the first time yesterday and said he loved it.  So great!

We can only go to the temple when people that we are teaching or have taught go as well.  We can only go twice during our entire mission besides the one we get before we go home. I most likely will not get to see Bret until he comes home.

(The next part is answering mom's question about how you get around in the bigger cities)

Yes, we still walk alot. If we have a far away appointment we commute using jeepneys and tricylces. The members here cook us all sorts of delicious foods, its surprising! I feel like I don't deserve it. But, I am grateful for it. 

Love,

ELder Blackham 

August 12, 2013

I love missionary work. I feel that I can honestly say that I strive to give this work everything I've got. This week was no different; it was hard because we didn't see any of our investigators at Sacrament meeting. I hope with all my heart that they develop the faith to come next week. We were excited because some of the less actives we've been working with came to church. We've seen quiet miracles in the lives of the people here.

Ever since we are now allowed to go back to the temple, I've been so excited about teaching less active members! I know that I won't be able to go with all... or even with any of them, it just reminded me of how important the temple was to me and I've got to share that with people! I'm so grateful to be given the opportunity to share it with them.

In my personal study and observation of people that I've been around, I've come to a hypothesis; there is an intense difference in the spiritual strength of a person who consistently does three things. 1. Read scriptures daily. 2. Prays daily 3. Attends church weekly. Those three things are a spiritual foundation that everyone must develop.  I realized this week,especially, that that is an essential  role we have as missionaries in inviting others to come unto Christ; we must help them develop their relationship through being diligent in following up with these specific commitments. Just like a chair will stumble and fall if it is missing one leg, we need all pillars of our foundation of Christ. Helaman 5:12.

Angeles (the city where Elder Blackham just got transferred to) is so different than any place I've ever been! It's the biggest city in our mission.... The cool thing is that it's a ward here with super nice members that are soo good at cooking!

The hard thing here is the work... Most people here are busy during the day. It's a lifestyle more similar to America. I think that all of my other areas are much prettier. None of the cities in the Philippines are very clean actually... some of the neighborhoods are but in general its okay. I do miss the quaintness of the countryside of the Philippines. The zone is good, it's harder to coordinate activities because everyone is so far away. There are 13 companionships in our zone, the most of any zone in the mission. Its good though, I love it. 

This week was a good week for work here. My companion said it was the most they've had yet here. We're seeing quiet miracles. That's cool :) "Endure to the end" is a part of 2 different missionary lessons, so I guess that emphasizes also the importance of it. The other parts don't have any importance if we can't live the last! 

Don't you worry about me, I'm doing good, things are going just fine for me. My new companion's name is Elder Bustillo. We're doing good and happy! I'll send more pics next week!

 

Love,

Elder Blackham

August 5, 2013

Man has this been a crazy past couple weeks!  After being in my last area for only 6 weeks, I've been transferred to Angeles City... Which is a big adjustment!

I got a little bit sick over the weekend, but am doing better now. I don't want to scare you, but just so you know what's up with me; I had a hard time breathing Friday morning and had been running a fever and had a bit of a cold.  So, we went to the hospital. It turns out that I have pneumonia.  They gave me two breathing treatments and had me on oxygen for a little over an hour. I was released and was able to do the duties that I had to which was a huge miracle.

Things are starting to calm down now though. I'm bummed that I was transferred after only one transfer in Cabanatuan.... I really am going to miss my branch. Especially the branch missionaries. Many of them are YSA (that means Young Single Adults between the ages of 18-30) with non member or inactive parents. They still are strong though and are going to make great leaders some day. I know that the Lord is in charge of everything that happens. All we can do is take the revelation as it comes and continue doing our best with faith that the the promise is sure, "It'll all work out".

Keep on sharing the gospel. Remember that no effort is wasted. If it's not time to harvest, we just keep planting! I love you and I know the Lord will guide you in all you do.

Love,

Elder Blackham

July 29, 2013

Here is a quick update about our week, it was super busy and super great! 

It's been such a busy, great week! We went on exchanges everyday from Monday through Friday. We did so in order to train; also according to the requests of some of the elders in our zone. It was a neat experience to work with so many different missionaries!  However, I missed my permanent companion. I realized this week that the companions we do have were given to us as a calling. When we received our calls, it wasn't just to a place, or not only to your President. Every companion that we have... we were called to serve them as well, we are also blessed to serve with them. I also learned this week how much this is the Lord's work. I seem to learn that more and more every new day that I'm here

. 
Everyday of work this week was a highlight for me. Tuesday we had great success with teaching our investigators, and with feeling the spirit in all of our lessons. We were guided to find and teach new less actives.  We had a hard day as far as the work goes, but were able to find a less active who told us that she's ready to come back to church now. We learned that even though we are punted, it is because the Lord has another plan and wants us to find someone else. On Thursday, I worked with one of the most diligent working missionaries that I've met. We just had a wholesome day together, full of the spirit. On Friday we had a hard day as well as far as the work goes. We met with a Muslim man. It broke my heart to talk to him because he doesn't want to accept Christ as a Savior. I couldn't imagine life without the knowledge that I have of who my savior is. I'm so grateful for this church and the truth that it teaches. We were also lead to a less active member, on a prompting of the spirit through Elder Sorilla and it turned out that a member of their family needed a blessing. Boy we were glad that he followed that prompting. On Saturday I got to be back with my own companion.  We were finally able to work together again, in which we had a very successful branch missionary fireside. 

I love you all,

Elder Blackham

July 22, 2013

The Lord blesses those who have been called to his work. There is a promise in The Bible that states "all things work out for the good for those who are called". I know that's true. I'm living this promise. 

This week was so great!! Lexter was baptized on Saturday, and received the Holy Ghost the following Sunday. I loved it. He was so happy. Getting here was really a journey for him, on Sunday night we started the new member lessons, which here starts with a review of the restoration. My eyes filled with tears because of the truthfulness of it all. It was such a neat experience.

We were blessed this week with 6 investigators at Sacrament meeting! The family from our apartment complex continues to progress and come to church. We are still working with them on a plan for their marriage. This week we taught them the Plan of Salvation. I love teaching that lesson because it answers so many of the questions that people have; it is a bright testimony of God's love for them, and they really felt that this week. It's so neat, we also taught that lesson to the other new family that we've recently found. They told us this week that they love it when we come over because we have the answers that she can't get from anyone else. I love that we are part of the true church that has all of the true answers. Teaching the Plan of Salvation helps people understand how loved they are. I think that that is such a huge factor in their conversion process. I've recently realized that at the end of the day; more important that what we teach is how we taught them to help them feel God's love for them.

See yourself as Christ sees you this week. :)

I love you,

Elder Blackham

July 15, 2013 (Pictures)

 This is Elder Blackham's entire zone

Elder Blackham and his companion on a tricycle haha. They had branch missionaries working with them, and the sidecar was full so Elder Blackham sat on the top!

July 15, 2013

I'm doing so great! I haven't gotten around to fixing my shoes yet....but it's been a fantastic week! Lots of miracles! I just sent an email that had some pictures attached. Those are at service projects and pday activitites. 

(This part is an explanation about how questions help to teach based on a question that Mom asked Elder Blackham)

Missionary work is the baBOMB! Questions are huge in opening people's mind.  Here we call it "inspired questions". I strive to find inspired questions for the people we teach. Those are the question that make a person think, because it was prompted by the spirit. Sometimes it is as simple as "Do you believe Joseph Smith is a prophet?" or "What is the most important thing to you in your life?". I've been realizing lately the importance of member-involvement in missionary work. Here, in the area where I have been assigned, I'm just the part-time guy. I'm here to give it my all for a season, but the fruits of my work really depend on the things that happen after I leave and in the years to come and relationships that develop with the members of the wards and branches that we serve in.   It is the greatest blessing. 

 I can't help but smile when I sit and think about this last week. Elder Leduna and I are giving it our all. As a result, we are witnessing miracles unfold on a daily basis. We have been so guided in our finding efforts. The family that I mentioned in the last letter came to church, brought two of their nieces and stayed for all three hours. They are progressing so fast! I love working with them because they have been so prepared and are so ready to embrace the gospel. And though my joy is absolutely full because of them, there is more. The part-member family of a recent convert here started coming to church as well; one of our OYM's (Open Your Mouth) came to church (and was brought by a member), other investigators that weren't progressing before came, we were blessed with 13 investigators at Sacrament. I'm not happy because of that number, I'm ecstatic because of the individuals that that number represents. That is the most I've seen my whole mission. With every new area that I'm in, I learn more and more of how much this truly is the Lord's work.  

This week in my studies about prayer, I learned that prayer is a constant opportunity to enliven our individual purification process. I was lead to study more about purification this week. Purification to me means that our will becomes one and pure with Heavenly Father's will. This means converting our hearts and desires to his. I've realized I still have a long ways to go on my personal purification process. Prayer to me now is a multi-daily opportunity to check in with Him.

Love,

ELder Blackham

July 8, 2013

I am going to use my birthday money to fix my shoes.  They have holes in them now.  They lasted a little over a year.... I wore them everday though because they are the only ones we bought that were slip on which works great because we take our shoes off at many of our appointments.

 

I will be here long enough to see the man I was talking about in my last letter's baptism! It happens this month, and thank goodness there are no transfers this month! I really love this area. The branch missionaries are very hardworking with missionaries here, they have strong testiomonies and love to share it with others. 

Elder Leduna and I are doing great. He's such an awesome man; his positive attitude and willingness to work hard inspires me. We've continued to see great things happen this week. Two weeks ago, we helped a family move into an apartment almost next door to ours. Afterwards, we told them who we were and why we wanted to help. They said that they had relatives coming to visit them and they would be busy the next couple of weeks.... so, we waited. Yesterday, we returned and the mother of the family was so excited to see us. She told us that she had been looking for a religion that would unite her family, that taught principles of weekly church attendance, and that would teach her young daughter right principles. She then explained how she was guided to move into the apartment they are living in now, and felt like it was the right decision when she met us two weeks ago. We have a return appointment with them later tonight, and they already committed to come to church next week! Our Lord really guides this work, He guides families.  We see so many miracles. 

Recently we've been studying about prayer. Wow, what a neat topic to study. It's something basic, that we've grown up with. Taking the time to study it though has given me a much deeper desire to make my prayers as sincere as possible. There is so much power in the opportunity that we have to speak openly with our Heavenly Father and align our will with His. We must be available to him. 

Continue to look for ways to share the gospel :) 

Love,

Elder Blackham

This little funny story is one he told me that I thought I would include.

 I saw on old man this week, who looked like a Filipino version of the old man from "up" who would wave and shake his cane at kids who walked by, pretending like he was going to kick them... the kids ran away screaming, he then put his cane down like normal, looked up at me and started laughing. Oh man, the things people do for a good laugh. Cracked me up.

July 1, 2013

The work continues and things are going great here in Cabanatuan!! It's been quite the adventurous week. I'm in the same zone again as Elder Park, which is way cool. He's my good buddy here in the mish. We met a new investigator this week, quite miraculously... it's been fun teaching. He's a recently taught investigator that we were told to teach. We went to his house one morning and he told us to come in right away. He said that he was taught before but never wanted to be baptized. The morning before we came he said that he had a desire to be baptized, and then we showed up! He wanted to be baptized on Sunday, but we've got to wait 4 weeks haha, so that was cool. He told me that he wanted me to be his son in law, but I told him that I was already taken. 

Other than that, it's been a week of simple, and mighty miracles. We were blessed with 7 investigators at sacrament meeting yesterday.  We've been working our tales off, and good things are happening. I'm super excited about the miracles that Elder Leduna and I are yet to see.  

Cabanatuan City is the business capitol of the Nueve Ecija province.  We are 11 companionships. There aren't many mountains really here in Cabanatuan, it's pretty flat, we just travel to different areas around the city. 

Well mom, I'm doing great. Pretty tired right now, but loving the work.

Love,
Elder Blackham

June 24, 2013

This week has been crazy for me too.... It's been a series of mixed emotions, hellos, and goodbyes. I got transferred. My new area is Cabanatuan City. Its one of the biggest zones in our mission, so that makes me kind of nervous. My new companion's name is Elder Leduna - He's so great haha. We've been together for four days now and we're so excited for the miracles that will occur this next transfer. I'm kind of sad to leave so many memories and people in Palayan.... The Sebastian family and Winnie especially. But this is the Lord's work and I know He's in charge. He's called me to be somewhere else because He knows what is best for them and what is best for me.

I'm low on time this day mom, but thank you for everything you've said. We will be watching the broadcast this Sunday. From what you've Said, I'm super excited... President Packer is so great. Haha, he's probably my favorite. I'll probably get the card next week. We have a leadership council on my birthday haha. This work is great, and we've already seen miracles here in Cabanatuan Branch 8. The Father of a recent convert came to church, which is something that she had fasted for. I really love being here, Please give my love and thanks to everyone who helped and is helping me be who I am today. 

Love,

Elder Blackham

June 17, 2013

(Elder Blackham is answering a question from his mom in these first paragraphs.  Last week Eric said his mission was rewarding and exhausting, so mom, being an inquisitive person asked for more supporting details.)

What is rewarding? Seeing families sitting together in church, feeling the light of the gospel enter into people's home, Witnessing the miracle of people embracing the gospel. Seeing the light in people's eyes as you share with them the message of the restoration, seeing people be excited about missionary work and wanting to help others, helping families prepare to be sealed in the temple. Feeling, that in some way, the Lord was able to use me to influence the lives of someone else, and the hope that comes from His plan that no matter what, I will see them again.

Why am I exhausted?I am exhausted because we walk and teach all day. haha. It's physically and spiritually draining. I love it.

What does it mean to call a family returned?  In order to be counted as "returned', it means that they have been coming to church for one month without missing, It's so neat! (There is a family that has been counted as returned this month.)They are active and participating in activities, and we're working with the branch president to get them all callings. All the investigators in Sacrament meeting last Sunday are progressing :) The  kids,  (age 13), and (age 11) will be baptized on June 29. Another investigator will be baptized on July 13. 

The sister scheduled for baptism in July is so awesome. haha, she's 33 years old - she's a friend of a returning family that we miraculously found a month or two ago. She investigated the church before, but didn't take the missionary discussions until she moved here, and we met her in March. She used to smoke and drink coffee at the same time. it's been kind of a process, but when we went to teach on Friday, she said, "good news". haha, and she explained that that meant she's quit and hasn't picked up cigarettes or coffee since. She prays and reads the Book of Mormon, and does chores around the house to get over the effects of withdrawal. 

I also have a huge testimony of the Word of Wisdom.

Thank you mom :). I pray and strive earnestly to become the man, husband, and father that you have always expected me to be. I'm grateful to have always had you mom, and our Father in Heaven to guide me. He always made sure we were okay, and I've had good examples all along. 

love,

Elder Blackham. 

June 9, 2013

This last week was great and rewarding. Coming home exhausted is a very rewarding feeling. We were so excited with the 4 investigators at church last Sunday. The Sebastian family is now returned, and their two children are preparing and continuing to progress towards baptism. Sister Winnie is making great success in her commitment to keep the word of wisdom. Having the opportunity to see others come unto Christ is the crowning privilege of missionary work, and even better, we get to be a part of it! 

(This next part is a reply to a question Elder Blackham's mom wrote about the water.  Eric had been sick and mom had heard it was bad to drink the water and so she was asking  how Elder Blackham gets water)Things most definitely are not as sanitary here as they are back home, maybe the juice that we were given had water mixed in it...that could have been why I got sick....i'll be okay though :). At our apartment we have a water filter system that works great! I have a camelback... but we're not supposed to use them. We are encouraged not to look like mountain-hikers. haha, it seems silly; but "we obey, not because we are blind, but because we can see" At least, we trust in Him who sees it all!

Love,

Elder Blackham

June 3, 2013

This week was definately an adventure for me; I actually got sick on Monday night, and couldn't really sleep because of a chilly-fever. On Tuesday we had a training conference in Cabanatuan, after which we weren't able to work because I wasn't feeling well. That's the worst feeling in the world. The next day we worked.

Being sick on a mission really gives me a lot of inner strength, and a deeper appreciation of the truthfulness of it all. I truly felt an enabling power help us work the last couple of days. I'm doing well now.  Seeing the Sebastian family at church on Sunday really made it all worth it.  We saw little miracles everyday this week. The Lady that came to church last week returned as well! She's super great and friendly.  She talks to everyone. We're working with a lot more people who are still building the faith to come to church, which gives a lot of hope for the weeks to come. Its hard to communicate my feelings and all that has happened this week, just please know that the Lord is with us, and his angels surround us.

(This paragraph is in response to something Elder Blackham's mom said about attending the temple) 

The temple is such a great place.  A place where we can renew our covenants in a spiritual journey of renewal. Oh how I miss the temple; make sure to go extra often for me :). Those are some very neat ladies that you've met. I've always been impressed with the strength of womanhood. It's been a guiding force through my life.

I've learned that diligence is really the key to the gospel. Enduring is the ultimate test of mortality. We can't live life on whimsical "spur of the moment" decisions, when it comes to gospel principles and moral decisions.  We are all enlisted 'till the conflict is over. I'm giving this work my all mom, our sacrifice is worth it.

love,

Elder Blackham

May 26, 2013

I'm so grateful that we have air conditioning back home. Here, it's pretty rare... the rich people here have swamp coolers. 

 

That's great that Ely graduated! I bet she is happy and enjoying her time in Colorado :).  I hope she is, she sure deserves it.  

This was a good week, lots of miracles happening all the time; tenderly and mercifully. 

Sunday is always a double-edged sword of Joy and disappointment. Joy comes from seeing people come to church, and disappointment comes when those hoped for decided not to. The Sebastian family continues to progress, and from there comes my joy. There was such a light in their home when we visited them after church last Sunday. I've looked for a family to rescue my whole mission.... and here they were waiting. The small changes they've experienced are drastically evident from the light in their eyes. I love this work!!!

 We were also blessed with a new face at church this week who was an OYM (or street contact) from the sisters in Kalakid. She was invited to attend church while they rode a jeepney a couple weeks ago. This sister came, and said that she is going to return next week with her family. Needless to say, this is the Lord's work. I'm grateful that the sisters had the courage to OYM her on a Jeep. We never know what fruit the seeds we plant will bear.

Earlier today we had a great zone goal setting meeting; this is a meeting that happens at the end of every month where we get the whole zone together and plan for the goals we have and the things we want to see happen. I've learned faith in planning; our zone focus is "strengthening the foundation".  It seems that here, the church boomed before the foundation was set.  Our goal is to work with the ward members in re-establishing and strengthening the foundation.  Helaman 5:12. Sometimes its good for us to take a look at our foundation and re-establish a Christ-centered life.

Love,

Elder Blackham

May 6, 2013

This is the Lord's church and His truth can not crumble.  Haha, I bet you'll do great tonight :) I wish I could be there to see you!   

Thanks for Cody's email, 

Update on my week: This week was a crazy week! Lots of things happened; on Tuesday, we had the first ever Mission Leadership Council, which is monumental. It was the first Leadership council where sisters participated; because of the increase of sisters coming into the mission they have now called Sister Leaders to take care of the sisters. Before it has always been a zone-leader council. Those are always so spiritual. The work of the Lord is progressing. It's the stone cut from the mountain without hands, and we are part of it mom! :).

On Friday, my companion and I donated blood for one of the Tatay's who was in the hospital this week.  Sunday was my last day with Elder Adao. He's going home now, and I'll be in a threesome until Thursday when I can pick up my new companion.  Elder Adao was the best. Things are going great! The highlight of Sunday was that a man we've been working with named Albert finally came to church on Sunday! So did everyone in the Sebastion family, even the dad. That was one of the coolest things. He said to me, "Tuloy-tuloy na 'yan. Lingo-Lingo magsisimba kami". Which means that he plans on coming to church everyweek. I love this work! I love the Lord, He is everything. 

I love you mom,

love,

Elder Blackham

May 20, 2013 (picture)

May 20, 2013

It is hard to believe I have been out for over a year.  It feels like I just got here yesterday.  Haha, had to go to Tarlac again today and get my Visa renewed. They got my finger prints and everything. Hopefully they'll still let me come home haha.

Its good to hear that Drew is doing well, please give my love to the Thomas family if you get a chance!

(This is next part is in response to my comment that it was fun to hear Eric and his brother Bret talk to each other in Tagolog on Mother's Day.) I'm so excited that me and my bro are going to be able to do that for the rest of our lives... without anyone else in the family knowing what we are saying... :) I am doing well momma, the mission is really the best!

Hope in Eternal Life is really what makes this life worth it... the beautiful hope in the life to come. :) We just gotta stay faithful, stay strong, and follow the Lord. He really just wants the best for us.  I'm so grateful that you took the time to teach me that.  I was able to spend a lot of today talking with a senior couple and how she raised it her family. It reminded me of you... it was never really a question in the morning if we were going to church or not.... we just went. That's stuck with me my whole life. I love this gospel, and I love you for teaching it to me. 

Prits! It's so crazy how fast Ely is growing up. I barely can believe it! She is honestly such a good girl! I wish I could be there to see her graduate. Please give her my utmost love and proudness. What a superstar. 

The highlight of my week this Sunday was when the Sebastian family reported that they had held a family prayer. Brother and Sister Sebastian are less-active, and their children are preparing for baptism. We taught the importance of family prayer almost two and half weeks ago. Everytime we visit, we've followed up on if they'd done it, and they always say no. This last Sunday, when we returned I asked, "Sister Lerma, were you able to pray as a family?", she told me to ask her children. They both looked at me and nodded. I looked back at sister Lerma. She explained that they had, and how amazing the experience was and that she now understands why we kept telling her to do it. I learned here that consistent following up really works. I really can't explain how happy I am that they were able to pray as a family, it's such a simple thing but that made my week. Little miracles continue to follow us here in Palayan wherever we go.

Love,

Elder Blackham 

Water Buffalo Pictures

Sorry for the delay in these pictures, I thought I had already posted them.