Angeles, Pampanga,
Philippines
15 June 2009
This week has been one of those special weeks that make a mission so worthwhile and fill you with the spirit of the work. On Tuesday we held an all mission conference (first time that anyone remembers) with 150 missionaries and five couple missionaries. Our meeting leaders were delayed so as we waited for their arrival we sang the songs of Zion – what enthusiasm and gusto was displayed. We gathered to be instructed by Elder Whitney Clayton of the Seven Presidents of the Seventy and Elder Ko of Philippines Area Presidency and of course the Angeles Mission President, President Puzey –each with their wives in attendance. When the party arrived they formed a reception line and shook hands with each missionary – what a treat for some of these missionaries who have never been this close to a General Authority. Elder Clayton had Elder and Sister Ko and the Angeles Stake President, President Briones tell their conversion stories – wonderful church leaders who found the church and joined with all their hearts.
Elder Clayton talked for almost two hours and gave instructions and direction to the missionaries while calling them to a stronger commitment to the guidelines in the Preach My Gospel areas of emphasis – missionary purpose, companion study, planning your weekly activities, learning the language, finding and being firm when inviting people to accept a commitment. The missionaries were strengthened and all verbally committed to “lengthen their stride” and work harder than ever before.
We were invited to attend a Welfare meeting in the Makati Employment Resource Center (ERC) with the three ERC managers from Davo, Cebu and Makati and a special guest Dr. Warner Woodworth from BYU (who happened to be in our bishopric when we lived in Ann Arbor, Mich.) These meetings were directed at helping the saints in the Philippines improve their lives through training and funding from NGOs for self employment projects.
This weekend we attended the Paniqui District Conference presided over by an Area Authority Seventy – Elder Fabian Sinamban. We received instructions from the district presidency, the mission presidency and Elder Sinamban.
We were privileged to participate in these different meetings all in one week’s time – we have been spiritually fed.
We were privileged to participate in these different meetings all in one week’s time – we have been spiritually fed.
Elder NB & Sister MB
3 comments:
What a small world to run into someone from Ann Arbor in the Philippines! Sounds like a terrific week and one to keep you going strong for awhile! Thanks for the updates on your lives! Much love and BIG hugs!! Melissa
All of us Morganites are so grateful for your blog, mom & dad. We would be lost w/o it and terribly in the dark about all of your many activities!! Love you and keep up the good work! Cams
When were you in Ann Arbor? Our son Daniel Snow and his wife were there 10 years ago. We knew Elder Ko and his wife Sister Kim when we served with them in Tokyo. How great to sing the songs of Zion with the missionaries while you were all waiting.
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