Week 17 Cogeo

Happy 4th of July, family!

Well, a lot of changed the past year.  I remember last year at this time I was at BYU and now I'm in the Philippines serving a full time mission...and I've been here for over 10 months! So fast talaga, I'm loving it.

Anyway, this week my anak Elder Andrada left me, pero this time he didn't return haha. He left on Tuesday and is now in his mission in California. I wish the best for him. He's going to do big things in the states and I feel fully confident he's ready to be a leader and example to his future companions. It's been a blast training him, and I'm blessed to have had the opportunity the past 10 weeks to be his trainer.

My situation right now is weird/rare. I'm now in a threesome with Elder Tequillo and Alosio (my kabahay - Cogeo B). It's really hard. We've had to work 2 areas until transfer day next week.  Being in a 3some isn't fun. The teaching, planning, everything is just off. Each day we switch areas and our plans are always changing. And, these elders are different from me, they just don't have the same attitude, work ethic, and desire as I do...so it's rough right now to be honest. But I'm pressing forward. One more week until I get a new companion.

We had a speed bump this week with Brother Oliver. He was supposed to be baptized on Saturday, but we had a slight problem. President Koster has to interview him before he can be baptized. But, I'm 100% faithful that everything will work out and he will be baptized this Saturday! Pray that his interview today will go well and we can baptize him July 9.  As his missionary, I can see his true desire and sincere repentance. He's incredibly humble...he's awesome.

The Bareno family is doing okay...it's just June and Joan at the house right now and yesterday they didn't come to church. We're still doing our best to help June. We've involved leaders to help him and it's going to be a process. All I ask is that you continue to pray for him.

The DeGuzman family came to church as a family again :) They're progressing talaga. The only problem is that they aren't married. But we talked during ward council about how we can help them get married before their baptism on August 13.

That's pretty much all for this week family.  Thank you for your prayers and love.  I can feel it kahit I'm across the world.

I know this work is true, and I'm so grateful for the many things Heavenly Father teaches me each day as I serve Him.

Love,

Elder Johnson

Week 16 Cogeo

Magandang araw!

The work is continually progressing here in Cogeo! This week my anak left me for a day for his interview to leave for his mission in California. He's excited for sure. He'll leave either this week or next :( So I'm not sure what's going to happen. I could be staying another transfer here in Cogeo, we'll see!

Anyway, we're steadily pressing forward here, and we couldn't be happier! We're finishing up the 12 week program and my companion is on his way to do big things in his mission in Cali (he's lucky that hes got a great trainer ;) joke lang haha). I was able to work with one of the zone leaders this week.  It was a good experience. Since being in this mission I've noticed that it doesn't matter what calling you have, you're not magaling. The spirit is the real teacher. I'm just grateful to be his instrument.

I think one of my favorite things that happened this week was the opportunity to work with the RM's in our ward. Having them work with us makes us better missionaries because we get to learn from them! I'll share about brother Al Tabios: he's a recently returned missionary and he's so magaling its crazy.  I can't even explain the way he teaches..he's the "master" teacher! And he continues to help us and our work. He opened up and shared his experiences and the type of person he's become, grabe talaga converted siya! He's the type of person I want to be when I return. We're excited to continue to take his advice and become a PMG missionary.    (PQCM= mission of conversion!)

So our investigators are doing well! Good things have happened this week! We baptized Sister Joan on Saturday!! It was such a spiritual experience! I could really feel the spirit testify to me that Heavenly Father was proud and happy that we helped another soul get on the path back to Him. I can't describe the feelings...just unforgettable. The best part was that Brother June Bareno (her dad) was front row watching.. and yes he cried. We know he felt the feeling that we all had :) We're excited to follow up with him and his feelings later when we visit them tonight. Also, June talked to President Galang and he was able to help him with his Law of Chastity problem...let's just say good things are ahead!! Just keep praying for him! He's next to be baptized sana in July, we'll see.

Brother Oliver couldn't be any better haha. We have the best person to fellowship him and his family. He was also able to witness the baptism on Saturday and is preparing for this next Saturday! Pray that all will go well this week!

I would also like to share with y'all one of the chapters in the Book of Mormon that I read this week and how it has helped me as a servant of the Lord in this mission. 

2 Nephi 4: 34: "O lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. "

and also verse 35. I love these verses and the excellent example Nephi has set for us all. I truly have testimony that we need not to worry what will happen because the Lord has his own timing and works in His way. We as missionaries just need to put our faith in Him and trust Him and He will bless us!!

 One thing I hope my anak has learned from me that I have shown to him and done throughout my mission... Exact Obedience brings miracles!

Love,

Elder Johnson

 Joan's Baptism

Week 15 Cogeo

Dear Family,

Although it was a short week, let me tell y'all...a lot happened, and not all of it is good news.

Tuesday was our last Zone Conference with President and Sister Revillo. I'm really going to miss them. They've made my first half of my mission the best. I'm especially grateful for President Revillo. The things that he has told me have changed my life and my whole mission experience. I will be forever grateful for his love and care he showed to me and his wisdom and inspiration that he's shared with me. During the conference they talked about Repentance. What a great topic. I learned that we as missionaries must really come to know what it means to repent- repent daily, and apply the Atonement in our life. Then, we have to teach Repentance! "I am called to cry repentance unto the people that they might be saved." 

We also had our last trainer and trainee meeting! Only a few more weeks being a trainer and training Elder Andrada. It's been a blast, and I've absolutely loved it. President shared a video about being a "Finisher"... and committed us to finish our mission and love it.

So it seemed like we've been on a high; many progressing investigators, investigators at church, baptisms coming up etc...We've been feelin good, Elder Andrada and I, until Saturday came...things turned.

As we gave Brother June and sister Joan their practice baptism interview, we found out that June has a big problem with Law Of Chastity. Like a really serious problem.  Also he says that he still hasn't received a confirmation from the spirit that the church is true. I don't feel the need to tell you all the details, but just know that he will not be baptized on June 25. He needs time. Hopefully this week we can really help him understand and feel the spirit. Sister Joan is great, she can be baptized on the 25th, but it's up to her if she wants to wait for her dad. 

It's really unfortunate the things that have happened. We've been a little depressed not knowing what to do, but I know that this is Heavenly Father's plan for the Bareno family. Elder Andrada and I regrouped this morning as we studied together what we need to do to help him. We're really relying on the guidance of the spirit as we teach him about the Atonement later tonight.

Also, brother Philip has a problem as well, although he came to church again and is progressing.  His family is against what he is doing because they are Muslim, so it's tough. But he's awesome and I know he'll continue to press forward. We just need your prayers.

Oliver is our bright spot pa rin!! haha. He continues to progress with no problems, and this week we will finish the lessons and prepare him for July 2! 

Sometimes I don't understand God's plan for us here, but since being in the mission I have realized that I have to put my trust in Him and most importantly have Faith in Him!! Faith is carrying me right now. I know everything will work out as long as I continue to be obedient and strive to help my investigators! 

Thank you for the prayers. We really need them this week. I love you all. 

Love,

Elder Johnson

Busy week!

Good afternoon family!

It's been a busy week for us here in the Quezon City mission. We just came from the mall in city, and we got to do a session this morning in the Temple! There's nothing better than being in the House Of The Lord. It's a time for us missionaries to get away from the work for a little bit and just focus on feeling the Spirit and the presence  of God. 

Well a lot has happened this past week. There is a ton to tell y'all!

During zone training this week, the Zone Leaders introduced to us the new expectations and goals from the Philippines area presidency! When they showed it to us, I was so excited!! They told us how we need to be having 16 baptisms a month.. yes.. 16! But they showed us how, and it's awesome. It's not going to be easy, and it's going to take a lot of faith and time, but I know it is possible! We just have to use the tools the Lord has given us! I'll explain more about this as time goes on. :)

We had a great 12 week program week this week. It's one of my favorite weeks, talking about extending commitments! Elder Andrada is coming to really understand that we need to give specific commitments boldly every lesson to help our investigators repent! 

Last Monday was so fun. We had FHE at the Bareno "home". It went really well.  I'll send pics :)

Heavenly Father gave them another trial this week.  Long story short, they ran out of money because June has no job right now. They needed food so we were able to help them and contact Bishop. Luckily the church is awesome (true) and helps people in need. We are one big family with 1 goal...to return back to our Heavenly Father! 

I love my investigators! 

Brother Oliver had a slip up on Saturday night. He took a shot of wine. When we stopped by his house to say hi he knew what he did was wrong and felt so bad. haha He's so awesome talaga. He texted us right away and apologized and told us that he needed to repent and never do that again. He's the perfect investigator. He's progressing and is preparing for July 2 :)

Brother June and Joan have no problems. They're ready to be baptized on June 25! The problem is Sister Bareno (member). She always tells June to read, pray, go to church, but she herself isn't doing it. We are now focusing on them as a family and helping her keep our commitments too. 

Brother Philip didn't come to church on Sunday and we didn't know why. During our visit on Sunday night our worries vanished. He told us that every day he thinks about his baptism on July 9 and is so excited. We taught him the importance of attending church every week. He's committed. The only problem is that we can only teach him once a week because his job is at a call center. 

The DeGuzman family is awesome.  They came to church again and are reading the BoM. Their baptism date is in August. They are golden as well. I love them. They will be a strong family in the church and a big help for the Cogeo Ward. 

WE HAD A BAPTISM on Saturday!!! After 3 months, sister Isabel was finally baptized! It went really well and we are so happy for her. She really showed us her desire and testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Well, that's mostly all haha. Continue to pray for the Bareno family. This week will be his interview with our district leader to be baptized. We are so excited for these next 4 weeks!!

I love y'all, ingat po kayo! 

P.S. Happy Fathers Day and Happy Birthday to my amazing dad who I am so proud of and miss so much. I love you my best friend- dad

Love,

Elder Johnson

Week 13 Cogeo

Family!

I could tell you all the negative things that happened this week, the bad days, the rough lessons etc... but the blessings and experience that we had on Sunday trumps it all! Missionary work is hard- it's summer time, so it's flippin hot here and being a trainer isn't easy, but the amazing experiences that I am having is the reason why I'm serving.  I don't even remember the negative days/experiences when my investigators are progressing and becoming converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Elder Andrada and I learned a lot together this week in the 12 week program. I was able to help him understand the importance of the Book of Mormon and how we need to study it, and use it in every lesson! The Book of Mormon is the most powerful resource in conversion! I can truly testify of what Joseph Smith says in the introduction, "that a man would come closer to God by abiding to the precepts found in the BoM than any other book." (I'm used to saying that in Tagalog haha). I testify that the BoM is true and is the word of God. It is a powerful testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I love the Book of Mormon!

I'll just go straight into the good news haha...

Our investigators are progressing! we had 11 investigators at church on Sunday. Yes im serious, 11!

 

We're teaching the DeGuzman family; golden talaga sila! They have a desire to be baptized and the 4 of them had a wonderful experience at church yesterday. Their baptism will be in August. 

The Bareno family is wonderful like always. June hasn't smoked a cigarette in 3 weeks and is on this way to baptism on June 25 with his daughter Joan. Joan has a lot of member friends and it's so good for her.  She worked with us one time this week haha. We're excited because later tonight we are having a FHE at their house because its June's birthday :)

When we visited brother Oliver this week, he felt bad because he hadn't read or come to church. He told us that he needed to repent haha. He came to church 45 min early on Sunday haha. His baptism is July 2.

Before church we taught brother Philip. Man, what a great lesson this was! We asked him if he had received an answer to his prayers about Joseph Smith and the BoM. He told us that he's felt the Spirit and knows this church is true! We are so excited for him.  He's so awesome.  He has a testimony of this Gospel! His baptism will be July 9.

I truly believe that obedience brings miracles, because we are experiencing it right now in Cogeo!

I love you all, and miss y'all, but this mission is the best and I couldn't be happier that I decided to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Until next week, ingat po kayo lahat!

I'm going to use a phrase that Elder Henry Livingston used while he served. Here's a quick shout out to you, elder!

Always Happy, Never Content!!

Love, 

Elder Johnson

2 hours of laundry...hand washed...that's my P day! haha

Basketball this morning

Another Transfer Here in Cogeo :)

Good morning family!

It is transfer week here and I'm excited to stay dito sa Cogeo with my trainee Elder Andrada! We had another successful, productive week in our wonderful area with our awesome investigators. We really are lucky, our area looks a lot different today than it did when I first arrived in Cogeo. We have many progressing investigators and the Lord continues to bless us! 

This week during the 12 week program with my anak we discussed, "Revelation through Prayer." We were able to learn, role play and practice boldly inviting investigators to pray and helping them recognize answers to their prayers through the Holy Ghost. Elder Andrada continues to progress. It's the coolest feeling being his trainer and helping him learn and apply the fundamentals of missionary work. This calling is humbling and I'm really excited to continue training Elder Andrada this next transfer to the best of my ability. 

P.S. I feel like I'm becoming like my father (Elder Santiago) haha

We found so more potential investigators this week and were able to extend baptism dates to them for the next coming months July and August.

 

Our baptism with sister Isabel fell through, but I know that was God's plan because she's not quite ready. In the next weeks she'll be baptized.

I'm excited to update y'all on the Bareno family! They're doing so well. They have electricity now :). We continue to contact them daily and prepare June Bareno to be baptized June 25! Also, his daughter Joan wants to be baptized with her dad so later tonight when we visit them we're excited to invite her to be baptized as well. On Saturday, brother June was able to attend a baptism of one of the other elders in our district. We believe that he felt the spirit talaga because we caught him wiping some tears from his face during the service :) 

On Sunday we had 5 investigators at church. Every week we are striving to improve. Before church we were able to teach brother Philip and he accepted a bapt date for July 9! He's been to church 3 times now and is progressing! It's been so nice, the 3 RM's here have been working with us and fellowshipping him! Brother Oliver continues to progress although he wasn't able to come to church on Sunday because he had duty (police). We taught him the Plan of Salvation and he is really starting to gain a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately his bapt date will be extended to July 2.  

That's all for this week family. I'm doing so well here. I haven't been this positive and excited about investigators since being on my mission. We really are being blessed and it's so amazing to be a part of. I love you all! 

Love your PQCM missionary,

Elder Johnson

Rainy season here in Cogeo!

Week 11 Cogeo

Magandang umaga po sa aking pamilyia,

I have a firm testimony that Heavenly Father hears and answers each and every one of our prayers! You'll know why later as I talk about brother June Barreno :)

This week, our work was ok lang. We had some trouble finding new investigators but the investigators that we do have right now are mostly all progressing! We're so excited for the Barreno family, Oliver, Philip, Isabel (whose baptism is next Sunday!) and Kael. 

The highlight of my week was the miracle that Heavenly Father has blessed us with. It's quite amazing actually. So... this week we continued to follow up with Brother June Barreno about his smoking cigarettes. Each day he was smoking less and less which was good. Pero on Wednesday when we visited him, he was sick (caught the flu/ fever). We then asked him, so brother "this means no cigarettes today right?" He responded, "wala" which means none. Although we were sad that he was sick, we believe that this was Heavenly Fathers plan for him! We know it was because the past 5 days he has smoked 0 cigarettes and continues to tell us "wala na". He has no desire to smoke again because he feels sick to his stomach all the time now. We expressed to him our gratitude for his faithfulness and courage to quit, but I know that this was all Heavenly Father. He works in mysterious ways to help his children. 

He has answered my prayers, our companionship prayers, and my personal fast. I truly believe that because I fasted for him last Sunday, the Lord blessed me and brother June! God hears and answers our prayers according to our faith and diligence! I KNOW IT! 

My anak Elder Andrada is doing so well. We continue to grow in unity and get to know each other more. Our goal this week is find new investigators and to help Isabel, June, and Oliver prepare for baptism! 

Last night we visited the Barreno family, and although Heavenly Father has blessed us and their family, he has also given them a huge trial. As we walked into their "home" they had no electricity (just candles lit). They told us that they had no money to pay for their electricity. Sister Barreno started crying. She told us that she knew God would give them trials and challenges like this as brother June continues progressing in the Gospel. We shared a verse in the BoM (Alma 36:27) and tried to comfort them. This is a really difficult trial of their faith but they are strong and I know they'll press forward. We committed them to pray as a family and to ask our Heavenly Father for help. I have nothing but love for this family. I can't even imagine what it's like to have no electricity or money to pay the bills. It's humbling to be here in this wonderful country. These Filipinos really have the greatest attitude and faith in Jesus Christ. It's incredible.

Continue to pray for the Barreno family. That's really all I can ask. I'm excited for the plans that God has for us this week :)  Man, every day is a new challenge and I've learned to expect the unexpected! I love this work, the gospel is true, and God lives and loves us! 

P.S. Congratulations Kaley and Mitchell, I'm sure your wedding was awesome. Love you all!! 

 

Love,

Elder Johnson