This is a very long blog page, but we have so many wonderful things to tell about our Mission in the month of June.
Some stories and pics are several weeks old, some are yesterday..
Happy Father's Day Elder Roberts with Cherry Pie
Happy Father's Day to my Dad, David Martin
Also Happy Birthday to Sister Roberts. We brought food and Birthday Cake - cause hey- it was her Birthday on District Mtg.
We love so much our Mangaldan Elders and Sister Missionaries.
Afterwards, we received a Tender Mercy... a hailstorm ! See the hail on the grate outside.
They all ran to the window in sheer excitement
Sister Arquiola felt like others holding the first handful of "snow" that had never been touched or seen before.
On a more clear day, we visited a member who has the talent of growing flowers.
About 5 yrs ago, a Missionary from Heber City Utah USA, finished his Mission here, and contacted her daughter. After their courtship, his family came for the Manila Temple Wedding.
The Philippino Mother loved to show us pictures of her daughter and son-in-law whom she still calls Elder Williams.
We attended a different event this week, the Marana's wedding and reception. They want to be sealed in the Temple in a year, with their darling baby son.
We attended another reception after the Soloman's Manila Temple Wedding
We encourage all to be worthy and Married in the Lord's Temple, that they may be sealed for time and all Eternity, and receive our Heavenly Father's greatest blessings.
Here is the Apostle of the Lord our dear Elder L. Tom Perry, greeting a young man at a Temple Dedication. We found this picture online. Elder Perry passed away this month.
We went to visit a member, Priscilla who listened to our message. Then she was excited to introduce us to her family.
Brother Querimit and his wife Mary have assisted us to clear many of the Branch records, so the Leaders and we - can know which members have moved away, or have sadly passed away.
This is part of our Missionary Work, to help the Branch Clerks update the records.
We saw on the records a Maria P. Soriano who was 101 yrs old. We found out later as we met a Sister Pedero age 88, that Maria was her own sister, who had died in 1995.
Again, we show dear Sister Pedero's pic...
We met a Member whose his Wife had not joined the Church because of her eyes, she couldn't read the scriptures. We assured them it was possible for her, and we made a referral to the Sister Missionaries.
Most Philippino people are so kind to us, and take the time to sit with us and listen to our message. Brother Sabandal and his son left their work for a short time with us.
We stopped the "Ice Candy" vendor girl for a treat that is like a Popsicle made from a fruit shake.
What a darling, hard working girl, that travels many miles for her small business. She was another referral of the day.
She is now taking the Missionary Lessons.
As we did a Missionary Apt. check in another town, Sister Jones' companion mentioned that Sister Jones was in the newspaper.
What ! ? we said ....
Sister Jones was too humble to say anything about it (sweet), but after prodding, and asking to see it, she told the story of her and her former companion, Sister Vanisi.
After listening to their Missionary lessons, Jamie Aquino got baptized. He is the Editor of the Northern Star Community Newspaper, in Mapandan, Pangasinan, Philippines.
He asked to have their pictures professionally taken with him after the Baptism. (Sorry for my poor quality rendition of the pictures).
Later to their surprise, a neighbor asked Sister Jones and Sister Vanisi, is this YOU in the Newspaper ??
Jaime Aquino, The Newspaper Editor wrote in his paper of his own experience of being baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. We are so proud of him putting his Light on a Candlestick, for the world to see.
(Sorry for my poor quality pics. I took pics of the newspaper with my camera.)
Another time, a member Richard took us to visit a member on a farm, down a narrow pathway.
We went past the corn fields.
Workers were cutting the corn by hand,
and making piles of the corn.
We passed by one of the most beautiful chickens I have ever seen....
In the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 10:6, Jesus Christ talks with the Nephites about Israel...
(he must love chickens too....)
6 O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.
On our way, the pathway narrowed...
We arrived at the member's home. Brother Velasquez was so very proud of his farm. He paused to visit with us.
The woman who showed us the way to his home also agreed to see the Missionaries.
At another farm we visited, we saw the faithful Fernandez family who come to Church regularly. Their home is without electric power.
I was impressed with their decorating ! Lovely pink drapes separate the front room from the bedroom. Bamboo benches are welcoming to many visitors.
The benches and the cement floors are covered with brightly colored plastic sheeting.
Here is other creative homes built with cement and decorated with tile.
We visited Tocok barangay (neighborhood). We asked the Mayor and assistants where members lived. They were happy and gracious and agreed to visit with the Missionaries, too.
President and Sister Monahan gave their last talks at Zone Conference before they go home July 1. We attended the one in Urdaneta. (There was another Zone Conference in Dagupan ..we wish we could see ALL of the Missionaries..)
Afterwards, all the Missionaries lined up for Goodbyes.
Janice Kapp Perry taught in her song...
Army of Helaman
We have been born as Nephi of old
To goodly parents who love the Lord
We have been taught and we understand
That we must do as the Lord commands
We are as the army of Helaman
We have been taught in our youth
And we will be the Lord's missionaries
To bring the world His truth
We have been saved for these latter days
To build the kingdom in righteous ways
We hear the words our prophet declares
"Let each who's worthy go forth and share"
This is Elder Lamb from our home Moroni Stake in Utah.
To President Monahan, Loving Thank yous.....
Thank you Pres. and Sister Monahan for your love and ending counsel.
And happy reunions and some goodbyes to the Fine Servants, Missionaries of the Lord..
We know His plan and we will prepare
Increase our knowledge through study and prayer
Daily we learn until we are called
To take the gospel to all the world.
We are God's children, we have received
The blessings promised to Abraham's seed.
We'll share the gospel, this is our quest
Till every nation on earth is blessed.
Elder Fried and Elder Andrews on the left finally got their Visas renewed to return to their original calls in India, where they served for more than 1 year.
They have been here 8 months in our Urdaneta Philippines Mission. They will return to their Missions in India for 2 1/2 months, and then be finished to return to their homes.
Here are other wonderful Missionaries.
Some from the Philippines, and United States.
Some from Samoa, Tonga.
One going home next month...
From Micronesia Guam and Samoa
Sister Roberts and others celebrated tri-month Birthdays
Thank you President Monahan. You have done a terrific job. You have inspired us to believe in Jesus Christ and tell others about Him and His Church.
Thank you Sister Monahan, for keeping us healthy, and cared for.
May our Heavenly Father bless you and your family, and all of us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Love,
Elder and Sister Roberts
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