Ang mga bunga ng paglilingkod

Magandang araw, mga kaibigan at kamag-anak!

This week has been good! The baptism was FANTASTIC! It was one of the best baptismal services I've been a part of in the mission! Nanay Pascua was so excited for her baptism that she showed up to the church like 3 hours early! Haha, thats especially significant considering "Filipino Time." But before the service they just had the biggest smiles on their faces it was the greatest! Even Sister Armstrong, one of the senior couples, came up to me and said that she noticed the smiles on their faces. All the senior couples came and then President and Sister Rahlf even came a little later in the service. But Nanay Sylvia and Sister Stephanie asked me if I would baptize them, so I got to baptize the both of them! It especially felt really good to say those sacred words again, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen." especially knowing how hard we had been working. Its a rewarding feeling for sure!

Then the next day after the service, we went over to visit Nanay, and we were pleasantly surprised to find 4 sisters from the relief society visiting her and giving her a TON of support. Then following them, as we were leaving, the branch president showed up with one of his counselors to visit Nanay and finally be able to talk to her inactive husband! It was comforting to know that the branch is aware and supportive of her.

Funny you saw its been so warm because lately its been a lot cooler here! At nights when we're going home, its actually kind of cold! And this morning at our activity it was pretty chilly! Nothing compared to your chilly but for us it was nice and cool!

But I love the Cauayan zone! Gosh we just had a zone activity at one of the historical sites of Cauayan, as in like a museum where theres a lot about the history of Cauayan and all that good stuff. Then there was a river with a legit beach where we played capture the flag as a zone and that was a TON of fun!!

Nagmamahal,

Elder Navarro

2016

Hello Friends and Family!

Hope you all had a Maligayang Pasko! (Merry Christmas) Ours was great! Our Christmas week was full of different events! On Monday night, our district went caroling at one of the local hospitals here in Cauayan! It was kind of funny to see the reaction of people when foreigners, filipinos, and half foreigner/filipino's walk in wanting to sing to sick people. But it was a great event! The nurse gave us pretty much a tour of the whole hospital, and we got to sing Christmas Carols to young people, old people, and everyone in between. I was so grateful for the opportunity to sing and at least do our best to lift people's spirits in the Christmas season... Who wants to be in the hospital for Christmas? So I'm glad we did that, and we felt the spirit of the Lord for sure in those rooms.

The next day, we had exchanges with the Assistants. I was with Elder Monilla again. But we didnt just have a regular day, we got to go to Mabini to become Santa. An Elder who has already gone home, sent a TON of stuff to deliver to people for Christmas. So Elder Monilla and I delivered food, soap, rice, and some extra candy to some really really humble people. Their eyes lit up when they saw the well needed food and supplies that really were a tender mercy for these people.

Christmas was an awesome day. We tried to work even harder on Christmas day. We were able to talk to a lot of people and share a lot of messages about Christ and His birth. And plus we got fed a TON of food. Then at the end of the day, there was that peaceful confirmation that we had done our best.

The branch Christmas Party was awesome! Sylvia Pascua was able to come as well as some investigators of the Sister's. The Branch is really close with one another and it made it just an great time. We played games, gave presentations, and all kinds of stuff. The missionaries also became judges for some of the contests. And then of course, we ate a lot of food. 

It has been a great week! This week is transfer week for us. Neither of us are transferring so we get another cycle together! Wahoo! But I know that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I want to bear a last Christmas testimony :) I know Christ was born to save us from our sins, IF we come unto Him. He is the one called "Wonderful. Counselor, The Mighty God, The Prince of Peace" May we feel His presence in our lives! Have a great week and New Years!

Elder Navarro

Maligayang Pasko

Hello Friends and Family... Merry Christmas!

I'm so honored to be a missionary at this special time of the year! Just want to wish everyone a MALIGAYANG PASKO!

We've been seeing good things happen this week in our area. We been focusing on a family this week that really has started to progress, even though they are fairly new named the Lahoz family. In our first few lessons, we felt impressed to go over the entire L1, and it was definitely the right thing to do because by the end, they were wide eyed and asking a lot of really great questions. Then as we returned yesterday (with a fellowshipper who knows them well), Brother Lahoz said at the end of the lesson, "Yes. I'm interested. I'm going to read [The Book of Mormon]."

Another thing we've been doing that has been fun is caroling contacting! These past couple days we've been going around to as many houses as we can and saying, "Hello! Would it be alright if we could sing a Christmas song to you?" (We say that because if we don't, they'll think we're just trying to get money haha) and then we sing "Joy to the World" to them! Afterwards, we introduce ourselves as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and ask if we could share a message with them that #aSaviorisBorn. In this time of Christmas, the feeling is soooooo good! I wish I could describe the smallest part of how much I love Christmas! And how much its not about the lights, or the trees, or the presents, but its about a little boy who was born one night in a manger. Who is the Savior of the world!

We had a Christmas Devotional with the whole District and President and Sister Rahlf. Almost like  a mini version of what we did in our Christmas Devotional just for the missionaries. But both times for sure, the spirit undeniably testified to my heart personally that Jesus is the Christ! Especially, I've found, in the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus! I dont know why, before the mission, it was just another choir song, but as I strive to understand what that song really means, it makes it almost look and sound a lot different! "And He shall reign forever and ever!" "King of Kings and Lord of Lords!" "HALLELUJAH!" 

This is the best time of the year to let people know about the birth and life of our Savior Jesus Christ! I wish I could describe how much I love testifying of the Savior! President Rahlf taught about something this last week that was really cool. Its good to give Christmas Presents around this time of year, but let us strive to also have a Christmas Presence in our homes and communities this year! Pinapatotohanan ko na #IsinilangAngIsangTagapagligtas para sa iyo, sa akin, at sa ating lahat! 

Elder Navarro

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Hello Family and Friends!

I cant believe how close it is to Christmas! The Christmas season has been really long because they start celebrating in September in the Philippines! I love it! And I love and am grateful for the AMAZING and GREAT opportunity to be a missionary at this special time of the year, testifying of Our Father's love for us in sending His Only Begotten Son! There is no greater calling than to testify of the Savior! A Savior truly was born.

The work has been going GREAT this week. The baptism went really well, I, for sure, felt the spirit and talking to Evangelyne afterwards, she did as well. We're going to do our best to make sure she is strong and hopefully bring her family along with her. We were also happy to see 4 investigators at church this week! We also contacted a referral from our Branch Mission Leader named Chatto. He was one of the most prepared investigators I've ever met! Gosh, when we got there we just started talking about his life, his family, his work, and what not. He really like talking so then he got started on all these religious things he's faced in his life. He is very practiced in the Bible. He talked about the Second Coming of Christ and how the world is really becoming worse and worse. But then he started on a path I wasn't expecting. He said, "I've noticed that from the beginning of time in the Bible, God has called prophets to warn the people and to teach His Gospel. I remember reading in... oh... what was that verse....Ay! Amos 3:7, where God will reveal His secrets unto the Prophets... I wonder if there is a prophet today... I believe there should be... I just don't know who he is." My heart started warming up like crazy! And it didn't end there! He said "I've noticed that many religions only focus on one part of the Gospel of Christ... (then mentions some other churches) but where is the whole truth? I remember reading where Paul talked about the need for a "restitution" of things... I'm just waiting when thats going to be" Gosh that just put comfort to my heart and strengthened my testimony that anyone who sincerely searches for truth will be led to the Church of Jesus Christ. I was so happy that we had answers to his questions and evidence of the truthfulness of the Restoration.

We also got to watch the Christmas Devotional! It was great! I really enjoyed hearing the Christmas story from Elder Bednar! I think that this definitely needs to be a part of our Christmas traditions every year.

I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ! I'm so glad to be a missionary testifying of these things! Hope you have a great holiday season as well! 

Elder Navarro

Malapit na ang Pasko!

Hello Family and Friends!

I wont make this one super long... But Elder Treyes and I are so excited for Evangelyne Lago this week! She passed the baptismal interview and is good to go for this Saturday! I feel as though her testimony is strong and she is starting to get really involved with the branch young women. We've talked to the YW President about her and she already has a friend at church (a recently returned less-active). This past week, we have started to be a lot more bold with our investigators, especially the ones who haven't progressed in a while. It's helped us really see who is really willing to make and keep commitments and who aren't quite ready for the gospel yet. We have met a few families that (so far) have seem prepared. One family, the Mariano's, have already kept all the commitments of reading, which has made the lessons a lot more in depth and clear for them.

Got to go on exchanges with Elders Castillo and Fernandez this last week! They are 2 hardworking missionaries! Loved the experience with them and learned a lot from them.

I'm really starting to sense the big time of the season which is the Spirit of Christmas and the Spirit of Christ. Its the greatest thing in the world to be a missionary at this wonderful time of the year! The feeling is just a little brighter for all people! And being able to testify of the divine mission and importance of the Savior Jesus Christ is beyond any feeling in the world. I know He lives and is the Son of God. I have seen the comfort he gives to all those who come unto Him! I've seen it specifically in the life of Evangelyne Lago as she comes into the fold of Christ!

Sorry this one is shorter!

Elder Navarro

p.s. Have a great Christmas Season!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Family and Friends,

We had a great week! We had a lot going on this week in terms of MLC, deliveries, exchanges, and regular missionary work. I wouldn't have it any other way! Our investigator Evangelyne is doing great! She's still saving money every week to come to church, even though she lives so far away. Her mother and father are there in all of our lessons with her and they promised to come to her baptism when the day comes. Her father is a less-active member and her uncle also came and has been listening to us! I love this family and feel just such a strong desire to help them come back to church! They know they need to, but life happened and got a little lost in work and other responsibilities. A little disappointed as well with some investigators not making it to church last week, but we're doing our best to help them understand.

Our exchanges with Elders Posadas and Frei went very well! Elder Posadas and I had a great day of work! We also were able to be in all kinds of situations that day; first contact lessons, helping investigators prepare for baptism, resolving different concerns from money to desire, working with members, etc. Elder Posadas is such a humble missionary, and just wants to do the right thing.

In just reflecting on my whole mission and really focusing on the Savior even more with the Christmas season coming full swing, I've had a lot of self-evaluation and have definitely felt the need for repentance. I'm learning so much about being a consecrated missionary and how much more it is than just being obedient and reaching goals... it really is who you become, and that shows in EVERYTHING you do. I'm definitely far from it, but constantly strive to be more like the Savior. Especially in facing opposition and discouragement in the mission. I just want to do what's right. I'm thankful for the Savior and love Him with all I have.

Also had a GREAT Thanksgiving dinner and week! I literally wish I could just share everything that happens in every lesson, every contact, every meeting, every study session! But its impossible.

I want to also encourage everyone to check out the Church's site about Christmas! The videos and different things there are very inspiring! I add my testimony that this is the time to celebrate the Birth of Our Savior! A Savior really was born in a small town a long time ago! I know that we can learn of Him, as we study His word, live His teaching, serve others, and share His gospel!

Love you all have a great week!

Elder Navarro

 

Big Faith in Luna

Hello family and friends!

This week has been a great one! Our prayers have really been answered as we've seen many miracles that have come forth from peoples ACTIONS. One example is Evangelyne! Sister Evangelyne has such great faith! Her family is very very poor (this is the girl that is praying to be able to finish schooling). We have really been working with her, and her desire is huge to be baptized and come to church, but the only problem is she lives super far away from the church! As in really far... so thats been a problem, these past 2 weeks she has come to church! And we found out how this last week. Everyday she receives 50 pesos for lunch (which is just a little over 1 US dollar). So what she decided to do is save 10 pesos everyday so at the end of the week on Sunday, she can pay for the total of 44 pesos to make it to and from the church building! She's been to church twice already and Elder Treyes and I are so humbled to see her faith in action. The Lord does provide a way, but it won't happen if we just sit down and wait for solutions to come to us. She's been a huge inspiration for me!

And sometimes its amazing to see how far things have come! It has also been a privilege to work with the priests in the branch! They are so eager to come and work with us! I immediately started thinking about when I was a priest being able to go with the missionaries every once in a while to work with them! Seeing their excitement and also their fears and worries reminds me so much of myself when I was in their position... its weird being on the other side as the missionary thats been out for over a year! haha and just figures, that day we went on splits with the priests, we got rejected a ton of times! People were pretty mean about it too! (which doesnt happen too much in the Philippines)

But I just know that this is the true Church of Christ! The Gospel was restored and as recently returned Elder Aldous has said, nothing can change the fact that the church was restored! Nothing can change the fact that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and that Christ visited in the Americas. Nothing can change the fact that we have a living prophet! Its history! And I add my testimony to the many that these things are true!

Also as I've ponderized Moroni 7:48, I've noticed that when I pray to be "filled with this love" even more trials to my patience come. I love the Lord and know He works in the best ways for us!

Thank you for all and Keep the Faith!

Elder Navarro