Dear Sisters and Elders,
Sister Ostler, Caleb and I just returned from District Conference in Narra, Palawan. As we met with the wonderful Saints and wonderful missionaries I was given a spiritual impression. My impression was one of gratitude and appreciation for the work each of you do, and of gratitude for the work missionaries have done in the Philippines since the country was dedicated to preaching the gospel. We watched as over 500 members arrived on foot, by trike, by jeepney and by motorcycle. Many came from hours away, from their fishing boats and rice fields, from the jungle and from the mountains. The sweetest scene was a sweet old grandpa (Lolo), with his white shirt and Sunday clothes, pedaling his sweet wife/grandma (Lola) to church on an old pedicab. These members are a testament to the work you do every day. You teach, you testify and you invite people to come to Christ. And even though the work is hard. Even though many people reject you, this does not stop you. It does not stop the work of the Lord.
"The Standard of Truth has been erected; No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent, til it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country and sounded in every ear, til the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." (Joseph Smith)
"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind..." D&C 64:33-34
No effort in this work is wasted. Every minute you serve the Lord has eternal results.
The work you are doing is an amazing work. It transforms the lives of those we teach.
Remember that the secret to happiness is Gratitude.
Remember that the key to spiritual progress in Humility.
Remember that no unclean thing can enter into the Kingdom of God. Therefore, we ALL depend on the atonement of Christ.
Pray about everything. Worry about nothing.
Let us fill our hearts with gratitude for the blessing of serving the Lord full time in this blessed place. Let us humble our hearts to receive the guidance of the Lord for us personally, and for those we serve.
Let us repent of our sins and set the example of true disciples of Christ.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. You are in our hearts.
Mahal ko po kayo,
President Ostler
