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