Emergency transferred ako sa Antipolo Zone- COGEO A

Hey Family! 

I received a call from one of the AP's on Monday night as my district and I were doing service for a member. I was shocked at what he said to me. "Elder Johnson you are getting emergency transferred to Antipolo Zone- Cogeo A." many questions rushed through my head and I was just really confused. I didn't even know what ET even meant. All I knew was to pack my bags and that I was leaving the next morning. It was hard saying goodbye even though I had only been in QC for a week and a half. I loved my companion and the members. I wasnt ready to leave- I just got there! 

In the AP's car on the way to my new area, President Revillo (my mission President) called me. Sinabi niya sa akin, "Elder Johnson I'm sorry that I had to pull you from your new area, but I need you to do something in Cogeo." He continued on telling me that the Elders that were there were being pasaway and "acting as tourists." He said that there was a lack of spirit and that he needed me to go and be an example to my new companion and kabahays. He told me that this was an opportunity to lead by example, as senior companion. When I heard these words from him I was thinking to myself, "Wow this is a big responsibility". I had no idea the situation I was going into. All I knew is that I needed to lead by example. 

As I arrived to Cogeo, I met my companion- Elder Barrientos. I'm not supposed to talk about negative things to you about my companion or the work but let's just say I wasn't impressed at first. As I got to know him he told me about his past and that he was disobedient, but that he wanted to change. I was relieved when those words came out of his mouth. It's been great getting to know him. He's a really cool guy.  I like him a lot. 

We got right to work of course! We work really well together. Elder Barrientos has been in the mission for 18 months now so he knows what he should be doing. We had a baptism on Saturday and also one planned for March 26. But besides that, we have kunti lang mga investigator. I love my new area- I'm back in the Province :). It's beautiful. We proselyte up in the bundok (mountains). We basically hike everyday haha. But the potential here is incredible! There are so many houses and families. The problem here in Cogeo is less actives. There are so many! It's crazy sad. I'm going to reactivate all of them! 

This weekend we had stake conference. President Revillo reminded us to strive to truly understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I'll share with y'all a little something I learned in my personal study that increased my understanding and appreciation of my Savior Jesus Christ. I was reading in True to the Faith.  Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life. He was free from the demands of Justice, He had the power of Redemption, He was the ONLY one who could pay the debt for those who repent! I know that Jesus Christ is the center of everything. I'm grateful to represent him and to strive to become like him everyday. This church is true and I know it.

My challenge ako para sa inyo lahat.. my family- study the Atonement of Jesus Christ and gain a better understanding of his sacrifice for you. Apply His Atonement everyday. I know that as we do this, we will feel peace and joy. This gospel is true.

I hope you all have a great week. Love y'all!

Love,

Elder Johnson

First Week in My Second Area- Quezon City 4B

Kumusta po,

Well I have successfully completed my first full week in my new area in Quezon City. Man it's like a whole different mission compared to my last area in Sablayan. I'm actually in the city- maraming cars, people, pollution, and it's always cloudy. It's a different kind of poor here too. It's hard to explain but in some areas it's like walking through narrow alleys and some of the houses are so tiny that I have to put my legs outside haha. I really do like it here though- the members are so awesome.  They feed us a lot haha. My bishop is great, and I'm in a ward! It's a change for sure, but I'm loving it.

 

This week has still be stressful for me. The work here is really hard, like it's tough. The most difficult part for me has been trying to lead the planning- where to find, and just adjusting to this change. But at the same time, I've learned a lot and I almost have the area memorized. Having kunti lang investigators is sometimes discouraging, especially at night time when we don't know who to plan for, but the work is progressing here. We had one investigator at church yesterday and he's really interested - he's just slightly weird haha. Our other investigators have potential, but the most important thing that I've decided to do is to continue to FIND. My area needs new investigators and the best way for us to succeed is through the members! Member referrals are key! And the members here are so willing to help us, so I'm excited to continue building a relationship with all of them and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ! 

This week have really enjoyed being a trainer. I absolutely love it! The things that I've learned from Elder Santiago I've applied my training to my anak- Elder Petilla. I know I don't know everything, but I feel as if I know my purpose as a missionary and I know how missionary work is supposed to go. My companion Elder Petilla expressed to me his struggles and weaknesses. He's so awesome. I look up to him talaga- he's the most Christlike person ever. It's crazy. I've been able to really help him and understand his challenges, because I was in his shoes just a few months ago. I know this transfer will be great with him. We will accomplish great things with the help of the Lord! I love this work family, and I really am grateful to be a part of it. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for this area and I'm excited to be here and watch it grow as I put my trust and faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. 

Thanks for all the prayers, I love and miss you all. Ingat po kayo palagi! 

Love,

Elder Johnson

 We did some family history work with members this week.

QUEZON CITY 4B

Hello my wonderful family,

I received the call from my zone leader last Wednesday. The news I received shocked me. I wasn't surprised that I have been transferred, but I have received my first calling in the mission field.  I have been transferred to Quezon City 4B!! (4th ward). I have been called as the Senior companion and...a follow up trainer!! When Elder de Dios told me this I couldn't believe it. This is only my 4th transfer...geez. I was filled with mixed emotions; I was sad to leave my first area and the members, overwhelmed because of my calling, but also excited for the change. I said goodbye to all the members and my favorite people ever that I'll never forget- the YSA (Young Single Adults). It was tough but I know life is all about change and the now the Lord needs me in Quezon City! 

As I traveled it was like a throw back to my first day in the mission, not knowing what to expect, nervous, and overwhelmed. This week has been the longest week. As of now I still don't know what the heck is going on, just continuing to press forward with faith. As I arrived in QC, my kabahays picked me up from the chapel.  I thought to myself, "Well here we go!" A new journey- same purpose!

 

We got right to work as we arrived to the apartment (weekly planning). My companion is Elder Petilla! He's the man, the most humble guy I've ever met talaga (I'll explain why later). We got to know each other and talked for a few. He's from IloIlo.

 

The even crazier part about this, family, is that our area is whitewashed (which means that its brand new), so the area book is tiny with little information because it's a new area. When I realized this I really became stressed. I've been called to finish my step anak- Elder Petilla's training. I lead in finding, teaching, planning everything! I've never been so stressed in my life talaga. This is the hardest responsibility ever, it's crazy.

 

Although I feel overwhelmed and underqualified for this task ahead of me, I know I've been called here by God and that this is what he expects of me. I read a scripture this week that comforted me during my time of trial- 2 Nephi 22:2 "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation." I love this verse. The BoM is true and is the best help for us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. No matter what we're going through, I know Heavenly Father will prepare a way for us. I've relied on prayer a lot these past few days. I'm so grateful I can turn to my Heavenly Father for help-  he's our literal Father in Heaven and wants to help us because he loves us more than we know.

 

My ward is so great. I bore my testimony in church yesterday. I've only met a few members and they're all so awesome. I'll tell y'all more next week.

 

I realized that I'm extremely blessed and shouldn't be complaining. After I got to know my new companion and his background and family I couldn't believe it. Long story short, he doesn't know his father, he paid for his whole mission, and can't even communicate to his family over email because they have none. He's truly an incredible guy. I'm excited to get to know him more and work with him/train him.

 

iyan lang po , ilol talk to yall next week, love you so much. I've missed you a lot this past week but I'm glad I'm here serving the Lord and helping our brothers and sisters here in the Philippines. 

Love,

Elder Johnson

Last Week in Sablayan

Dear Family,

I love being a missionary! This work is incredible. The spirit is real and I'm so happy to be here serving the Lord in the Philippines. That pretty much sums up my week here. It was a great week in the mission.

 

Tuesday the Zone Leaders came and gave us Sablayan missionaries zone training! I always look forward to learning from my leaders. They stated something that really stuck out to me that will stick with me my whole mission. "When you truly come to understand the doctrine of Jesus Christ, your behavior changes!" I love this quote and I know that it is true. We will become like our Savior Jesus Christ and develop his attributes when we know his gospel!

 

This week Elder Pedrosa and I continued to find more, more, and some more haha. We gave a lot of baptism dates and found a lot of potential.  Although for the second straight week in a row we had zero investigators at church, I'm happy because Elder Pedrosa and I did all we could this week. We taught powerful lessons, the spirit touched the hearts of our investigators, and we know it. I'm so grateful for my step tatay in the mission field (Elder Pedrosa, my follow up trainer). I've come to realize this transfer how great a missionary he is. He truly exemplifies all christlike attributes and has been an amazing example to me. I love him and I've grown a lot these past 12 weeks with him as my companion. 

So family...I'm almost positive these are my last days here in my first area-my love- Sablayan.  I find out tomorrow morning what will happen to me. I'm excited for change! Well, I'll talk to y'all next week! Love and miss you all! 

P.S.. This morning I had my first district activity! We went on a hike in the bunkod (mountain) and it was beautiful. 

Also I tried the guyabano fruit this week. Wow it was delicious. (the Philippines has the best tasting fruits) 

FHE

Hike this morning for our district activity

February 14, 2016

Magandang umaga po sa akin pamilya! 

It was a rough week for me here in Sablayan. Nothing seemed to go our way this week, and the stress of missionary work and life continued. For the first time in the past two transfers, I got frustrated with my companion and how the teaching/lessons were going. Ive learned a lot this week and the thing that I realized is that I have to focus more on the BRT which is getting to know my investigators and finding out their concerns. It's really difficult for me to discern the needs of my investigators and to teach people, not lessons. It's something that I know will come as I continue to improve in Tagalog and to listen for the promptings of the Spirit.

 

Another really frustrating aspect of the work here in the Philippines is to get my investigators to keep commitments. The first visits go so well and Elder Pedrosa and I feel like they have so much potential, and then when we return, they make excuses and aren't interested anymore.  We evaluated our work and what we can do to be more effective missionaries and help these people recognize that we are representatives of Jesus Christ and that they NEED to accept this gospel.  

In my studies lately I've come to realize how important this work is - the work of the Lord - missionary work. Elder Holland states in PMG chapter 1.. "This is eternal life! Eternity hangs in the balance!" My calling as a full time missionary is the most important thing I can be doing right now, and every day I strive to help the people here in Sablayan come unto Christ and accept his gospel. My testimony of the gospel grows every day.  I have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know it's true, and it's our guide back to our Heavenly Father.

 

On Friday I had exchanges with my district leader Elder Sambile. The day went really well. I always look forward to working with him. We teach really well together and the lessons we taught were powerful.

 

I was super disappointed on Sunday when we had 0 investigators at church after 10 of them committed to come. The only highlight of this week really was the the group officially became a Branch! The new Branch President is President Abrea- he's the man!

 

Lately I've been reflecting on my work and thinking to myself, "What lack I yet?" "Why aren't my investigators progressing?" I don't understand right now but I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me and what's happening here in my area. I've prayed fervently that I can be His instrument to teach the truth with power and authority so that my investigators will change their lives. I don't know what will happen but I continue to be faithful and diligent and giving my heart to the Lord and His work. 

P.S... this might be my last full week here in Sablayan (transfer week next week) 

I love you all, talk to y'all next week.

Love,

Elder Johnson

Selfie before a day's work

Selfie after a day's work..see the difference? Exhausted! haha

Brother Billy- member that works with us all the time. He's the man.

My area :)

Lizard you know

Dinner at the Dakingkind family's house

Elder Santiago and Pedrosa

Week Full of Exchanges

Hey Family! 

It was a busy week here in Sablayan- a wonderful week for me as a missionary! 

On Tuesday my Tatay (trainer) Elder Santiago came and he got to work with us as a TA(teaching assistant)! It was so awesome to be able to work with him again! I realized how much I actually missed him and how amazing a trainer he was for me. Teaching with him again brought back all my memories of my first 6 weeks here in the Philippines.  And now I've almost been here for 4 months! Of course I learned a lot from him. I'll share a few things I learned from his evaluation. He told us to become a VESSEL for the Lord. He then named attributes that will help us become the vessel- worthiness, exact obedience, cleanliness, and valiant (diligent)! I'm striving to become the vessel for the Lord so the spirit can speak through me and I can help my investigators.  Elder Santiago is like a discernment machine. He's the best missionary in the mission field and I hope one day I can be the kind of missionary he is.

 

On Thursday Elder Asetre (my Zone Leader) worked with Elder Pedrosa and me. He's a great missionary. We have a lot in common (he likes basketball), and he's like the nicest Filipino I've ever met.  I really appreciated this exchange. I learned that shorter lessons (less than 30 minutes ) is what we need to be striving for! I also learned to find out the concerns of our investigators right away so we can know how to teach them the doctrine. He uses the scriptures really well. That's something I'm trying to improve on in my teaching- using the BoM every lesson!

 

Friday Elder Espinili and I had exchanges! This was interesting...2 Americans that have both been out in the mission field for less than 4 months.  It was so great! I had the opportunity to lead the lessons and lead as the senior companion for the day. It was such a humbling experience. We both relied on the spirit and our day went really well. Luckily we had a member present, so that was a nice help as well. I learned a lot- mostly that my Tagalog is pangit haha. But I'm trying my best and I know it'll come.

 

So bad news family. My investigator brother Jasem that was supposed to be baptized on February 13 will not be baptized. Long story short- he made some poor decisions with a member who is supposed to be a good example to him but they're both pasaway. I'm really sad and disappointed, especially knowing that this transfer we will go without a baptism again.

Some better news is brother Nilmar who I've been teaching since October since I've been here told us this week that he believes this church is the only true church on the earth! He Believes, He Knows! When he told us that I couldn't help but smile. I was truly filled with joy. This is what it's all about. Although it took 4 months, we kept on ministering to him and he finally knows for himself the truth. I love this guy. I know one day he'll be baptized- probably in April.

 

This week I've come to know more of my Savior Jesus Christ. I know he lives. I know he loves each and every one of us. I studied more of His Atonement for us. It's truly incredible. Through Jesus Christ we can return to live with our Father in Heaven again! I know this gospel is true with all my heart, and this is the way to the celestial kingdom- why I'm here serving a mission...to help people reach exaltation!  

Iyan lang pamilya ko

Love,

Elder Johnson

February 1, 2016

Magandang umaga po sa akin pamilya! 

Another wonderful week as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in the Philippines. My district leader Elder Sambile gave us a powerful workshop on Tuesday about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He committed us to mention the Atonement in every single lesson. Including lessons like Word of Wisdom, law of chastity etc. Jesus Christ is central to everything, and as missionaries we must, "have his name on our lips at all times." (Neil. L. Andersen- worldwide missionary broadcast). 

Elder Pedrosa and I are helping one of our investigators and his Lola (grandma) prepare for their baptism on Feb.13! His name is Jasem, he's 14 and is best friends with one of the members.  They're both kind of pasaway (naughty/troublemakers) but he's starting to change and we're trying our best to help build his testimony.  This next week we're going to teach him the importance of repentance (Plan of Salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ...lessons 2 and 3). 

On Wednesday we went to the branch and had a "one day mission" with the members.  We were able to help the members learn how to teach and then we went and visited less actives. It was effective too because most of them came to church on Sunday! 

Saturday was zone interviews with President Revillo! I love the conferences, trainings, and interviews because I always learn so much from my leaders!  We had the opportunity to watch the worldwide missionary broadcast, and listen to some of the apostles speak- Elder Bednar and Andersen.  The topic was Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts.  I learned a lot talaga.  The speakers focused on the principles of Preach My Gospel.  I'll share one of the many things I learned.  I cannot forget to teach repentance and it's importance. It's easy to sometimes teach faith in Jesus Christ and then go straight to baptism.  That's something I'm going to change in my teaching...always "cry repentance".

 

The ZL's and TA's also gave amazing workshops.  Elder Santiago came back! It was great seeing him, catching up, and hearing his workshop about using the 3 month projection system effectively. To summarize it, I need to always be finding! The cycle that he taught was Planting, Nurturing, and Harvesting!

 

My meeting with President Revillo went so well.  I love meeting with him.  He's so great. His counsel and love really helps me.  I'm grateful for him and I know he's called of God. He also visited Sablayan on Sunday and came to the group sacrament meeting.  It was the most people we've had in the meetinghouse- 85+.  We could barely fit in the room haha. It was truly a miracle.  He announced that the group will become a branch soon! Such great news. 

Well that's about all for this past week family. I continue every day to grow and learn. Missionary work is hard but I know it's not supposed to be easy because salvation is not cheap! 

Love,

Elder Johnson