2016-09-25 Sandoval BRANCH Organized!

When we first arrived in the Philippines two years ago, we visited all the church buildings.  One that had just been built, had been built by a group of members themselves.  It was a thatched, open air hut with plastic chairs.  It was built on the land of one of the members, right within feet of their home.  The skill with which the roof was woven was amazing.  It was all "hand-made".  They built it because it was too far and expensive for them to attend church at the nearest branch.  So when they were given permission to have a group there, they decided to build their own building to meet in. 

Now, two years later, they have become a branch.  It is humbling to see the faithfulness of these members here.  Oh how we wish we could be half as faithful as they are.  May we never forget what we have seen and what they have taught us.  May you feel the spirit of this incredible meeting as you look at these pictures.

    The thatched room has been replaced with an aluminum roof!

                      Every church building needs......a clock for the speakers to watch.  :)

                                    The future leaders of the future Sandoval WARD......:)

2016-09-28 Finish Strong...and they will!

This is my least favorite meeting, though we LOVE these missionaries.  This is the Finish Strong meeting where we help them plan for their futures, then try to help them "finish strong."  This is a very special group of missionaries.  It is so small, but each one of them has a BIG heart.  Most of them were in the Christmas Choir last year.  What great spirits they radiate! It's hard to imagine having to let them go.  But, families......we WILL let them come home, I promise!  :)

2016-09-29 Just a small taste....of the Philippines

For those of you who have never been in the Philippines, we'd like to post this story as an example of the wonderful kind of people we get to interact with every day.  They inspire us!

From President:

I want you to meet 14 year old Billy and 12 year old brother Hyrum. They live in Rio Tuba, an hour from the closest branch of the Church. There are other churches close by that have invited Billy to church but he always says “I will never be happy if I join your church” and he bears his testimony.

It takes faith every week for them to attend church. Billy drives a tricycle taxi in this very rural area during the week to earn money for himself and his family to take a shuttle bus to attend church.  He earns a few pennies per ride.

                                             Billy, Hyrum and two siblings

Taking the sacrament is the most important thing in his life. Billy is the teachers quorum president and his brother is the deacon’s quorum president. They do everything they can to magnify their callings. He is a true example of Nephi’s teaching: “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing which he hath commanded.”

His story is not unique here in this mission. I am amazed at the faith and sacrifice of these faithful members.  Do we realize what we have?

Preparation Day at the Area Dentist Office!  What a blessing it is to have dental missionaries serving the needs of our missionaries.  We are so grateful they have chosen to come and help in the Lord's work by using their talents. 

We all have something we can share.  What is it that YOU can do to help in this great work...in your current situation?  If you need ideas, let us know!  :)

2016-09-23 Palawan Zone Conference

                       Rain doesn't stop an awesome group of missionaries from taking pictures!

                                               Sister Atkinson and her "boys"

                                                            The Palawan Sisters

                                                Elder and Sister Atkinson are the Rocks of Narra

 Sister Adduru did a great job arranging for a delicious meal! She even had the caterer make salsa and chips so the elders and sisters could taste a bit of Mexico.

                        

                                       Elder Adduru is like a grandpa to everyone!

     President Caduada and President Wolcott....wonderful counselors in mission presidency.

Zone conferences are like Christmas....everyone comes "home" and we celebrate our love for the Savior!

2016-09-19 President's Message

 Dear Elders and Sisters,

We greatly enjoyed our recent zone conferences with all of you. Thank you for preparing so well. Thank you for bringing the spirit with you. Thank you for being such outstanding representatives of the Lord and His church.

One of the highlights of the conference was Sister Ostler's talk on Gratitude. I have included some of her quotes and scriptures below. I would encourage you to choose some of these things to memorize and make them a part of your life. I have done this and it has been a big blessing to me.

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The Secret to Joy is Gratitude.

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in ALL things." (DC 59:7)

"Live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which [God] doth bestow upon you." (Alma 34:38)

"He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made GLORIOUS." (DC 78:19)

Paul (after shipwrecks, beatings, etc): "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)

Nephi (tied up for days): "Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise Him all the day long; and did not murmur against the Lord because of my afflictions." (1 Nephi 18:16)

Joseph Smith (in prison): "Oh God, where art thou?" "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (DC 121:1, 122:7)

"Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie within our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God and for his arm to be revealed." (DC 123:17)

"Gratitude is more powerful than disappointment, discouragement and despair."

"True gratitude will fill your life with joy."


GOD, FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE

Today upon a bus,

I saw a girl with golden hair,

and wished I was as fair.

When suddenly she rose to leave,

I saw her hobble down the aisle.

She had one leg and wore a crutch.

But as she passed, a smile.

O God, forgive me when I whine,

I have two legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.

the lad who sold it had such charm.

I talked with him, he seemed so glad.

If I were late, it'd do no harm.

And as I left, he said to me,

"I thank you, you've been so kind.

It's nice to talk with folks like you.

You see," he said, "I'm blind."

Oh God, forgive me when I whine.

I have two eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,

I saw a child with eyes of blue.

He stood and watched the others play.

He did not know what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said,

"Why don't you join the others, dear?"

And then I knew, he couldn't hear.

O God, forgive me when I whine.

I have two ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go.

With eyes to see the sunset's glow.

With ears to her what I would know.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

(Red Foley)

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We love you and are grateful for you.

Mahal ko po kayo,

President Creg Ostler

2016-08/09 Extra Pictures- Finish Strong Meeting, Final Day Pictures