Tuesday, December 26, 2017

WEEK 70: MERRY CHRISTMAS

   MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!  I hope you all have a great Christmas and come closer to Christ. Let us all Light the World to help others feel the light of Christ. We had a good week this week and are excited for what this next week brings

    On Monday we went with the branch to deliver bigas to some members. It was amazing to see their faces light up as they received the gift. It was truly the spirit of Christmas.  

    Tuesday I had exchanges.  We had a good day. We taught some great lessons.  My favorite lesson was one we taught to investigators that were hearing anti Mormon stuff.  We focused on the book of  Mormon and I really felt the spirit as I testified. That book is true and it's the keystone.  It's so important to this church and can answer all of our questions.  

   On Wednesday the best  lesson was taught to this great part member family.  We always leave feeling happy and inspired from them. 

   On Thursday we taught some great lessons in the morning. we are really excited for some of our investigators that will be baptized soon and how we can see the Lord's hand in their lives and how they are changing their lives and feeling God's love.  We saw huge leaps forward with some other investigators. the gospel is truly the answer to all of our problems. 

    Friday we taught a great lesson on the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Sometimes I think we can overlook just how important that event was and what it means for us. I encourage you to read Alma 7:11-13. He has experienced everything. He loves us and will succor us and help us according to our needs. I can't explain all but remember that Jesus has paid the price and all He asks in return is our obedience to His Gospel.

    Saturday we taught some very good lessons. I was inspired by a man that has very little but he saw someone with less than him and gave to them.  This reminded me to just do what we can.  

   Sunday we had an earlier curfew because of Christmas Eve. We taught and visited some great people. The best part was we visited this old nanay who is a member and she was sad because her husband wasn't there.  She said he was usually the one to get the tree and decorate and now shes just too weak and sick.  So we got her a tree and decorated it.  It was such an amazing experience.   It  helped nanay and made me realize that  is what Christmas is all about. It's about lifting others and doing as Christ would. later that night we were fed really good by the branch president, it was so cool.  

Christmas Day: This is a day to remember Christ and draw closer to Him. Let's all remember that and help brighten someones day. I hope you all have a Merry Chirstmas

Elder Snyder






Thursday, December 21, 2017

WEEK 69: HERSHEY'S CANDY AND WELCH'S FRUIT SNACKS

This week was very crazy. We had disappointments and miracles happen and it was also a very fun week,  a lot happened. 

   Tuesday we had the Christmas conference as a mission. It was so fun. I won't go into details but it was awesome. I got a t-shirt and some socks and other things. The Koster's are the best.  

  Wednesday we visited a member to help them work out some things and we were given Hershey's candy and Welch's fruit snacks because they have a family member that sent it from America, a great thing from home.   We were able to give a baptismal date to some great investigators.  

  Thursday we helped some investigators with the forms for marriage.  These investigators are inspiring.  They are doing all they can and really acting in faith so they can be baptized and achieve their ultimate goal of being sealed.  They are awesome and it was so great to be able to help them.  We also have some relatively new investigators that had many questions about the Book of Mormon and I really felt the spirit as we testified to them. That book is so true and I am so thankful for it.  It is a gift from God.  Then we were able to teach this great part member that is so humble and the family is awesome. We are really excited for them.

   Friday we taught some great lessons and had some things happen with investigators that was sad. I won't go into details but its OK because we see the Lord blessing us in so many ways and really helping the area. Everyone has their own time.  

   Saturday  we had the branch Christmas party.  We really tried to get people there so they could meet members and be more comfortable coming to church on Sunday.The plan worked, we had a ton of people come, members and non members.   

   Sunday we had a ton of investigators come which was so awesome!  We had people come that we were not expecting.  So many miracles.   We also had very high attendance overall for sacrament meeting, it was great.  Another great part of Sunday was that we taught this part member family and the dad who is a member told us stories about tithing. I know that this family could easily use the funds the pay for tithing but they pay faithfully and he told us magnificent stories of the Lord's promises being fulfilled over and over again. He doesn't just pay tithing he pays offerings too and I can see them being blessed.  I encourage anyone to always pay tithing and to pay a generous fast offering.  It's not about money its about faith and the Lord will open the windows of heaven upon you.  

 Also a great moment happened.  There was this family that is expecting a baby and the branch gave them a Christmas gift of diapers and stuff and the look on the dad's face was priceless. I will never forget it.  This is such a good time to give and it's great seeing someones face light up.  I hope you all have a great week. love you all

Elder Snyder

Let's Get This Bacon Party Started



Monday, December 18, 2017

WEEK 68 : JUST WAITING FOR MISSIONARIES TO COME

   This week was another week of miracles. I could see the hand of the Lord everyday. I can't explain it all but it was a good week. 

    Tuesday we found this family that were investigators a while back and should have been baptized.  This guy has already read the book of Mormon and was literally just waiting for missionaries to come.   It was such a cool find, hopefully he doesn't move haha.  We traveled into the city in the afternoon because its so far for our mission tour on Wednesday.

   Wednesday we had a mission tour. Elder Haynie visited and spoke to us. It was so awesome.  I learned so much and really felt the spirit.  He did a personal handshake with each of us and had a little conversation with each of us.  It was so awesome.  I will not forget what he said to me.  These men are truly called of God and are leading us the right way.  

   Thursday I had exchanges and worked in another area because they had a baptism interview.   The person that was interviewed is inspiring.  She cried as she bore her testimony and I could just feel so strongly that she was ready. It was a great experience. 

   Friday we found some good investigators and went caroling with the branch. It was great.  I think it really softened some people's hearts and was great for members and non members.  The Christmas spirit is so strong here. I love Christmas and Christmas is always better on the mission.  It was awesome because the branch president brought his guitar and would play the Christmas songs.

   Saturday we found a new "spit fire" family that we have high hopes for.   We have some really progressing investigators that will be baptized very soon which is exciting because we have been working with them.  They are so amazing.  It's so cool to see people progressing in the gospel.   On this day we saw many more miracles but I cannot even say them all but the Lord provided.  

   Sunday was awesome.  We got some great referrals and had some people come back to church, it was great.  It was great to see our investigators come too.  It was raining really hard as church was starting and then to see the faith of the people that showed up was awesome.  Our church building is just a house that has been turned into a church.  Still small but these people are so awesome and full of faith.  

  We had a great week and a tiring week too. Very spiritual and uplifting. The church is true!

Elder Snyder



Sunday, December 10, 2017

WEEK 67 : I HAVE MISSED LASAGNA

   I had a good week.  There were so many miracles and great things that happened. 

    Wednesday, we walked so far but it's so beautiful here and awesome.   We found some great people.  We found this one family that has some real potential.   It taught me again the importance of just opening my mouth because we found them as we were walking down the street and were able to come back to them.  It was great.  

   Thursday, we taught this great investigator. It's so cool to see the change happening in their lives as they live the Gospel.  I've noticed over my whole mission so far that when investigators read the Book of Mormon regularly they progress and develop a strong testimony and desire to be baptized. That book is amazing and is so powerful. I encourage everyone to follow President Monson's counsel and read it again and bear your testimony of the truthfulness of it. 

   Friday we received some great referrals from members.  We taught this investigator that used to reject missionaries but now is progressing and loves listening. The Lord is preparing many people for this great work

  Saturday we had a cool experience. My companion and I were walking to grab some lunch and we said hi to this nanay and took about 5 steps and she called to us.  We went and talked to her. Turns out she is a member and so is her husband.  Her husband was very sick and could hardly speak.  When he saw us he started crying and we were able to give him a blessing.  The spirit was strong and I felt a love for this tatay even though I just met him. It was a cool experience and great to be able to help that tatay and find them.   The rest of the  day was great too.  So many miracles happening. 

   Sunday we had many investigators come to church, it was amazing.  So exciting.  People we have really been working with came and it was so happy to see all of them at church.   We taught the referral of a member and they have real potential. Member missionary work is so real and needed.  These members that give many referrals always say," if we all just bring one than it will go a lot faster."  That's all it takes is for each of us to invite just one.  It's the responsibility  of every single one of us. If we do that we can help this marvelous work roll forth even faster.   The couple missionary made lasagna and it was so  delicious.  I have missed lasagna. 

   It was a great week. I hope you all have a great week and always be on the look out for someone you can help and uplift

Elder Snyder

Sunday, December 3, 2017

WEEK 66 : INVESTIGATORS FOR 5 YEARS!!!

  This week was alright. We worked as hard as we could.  My companion was really sick so we did all we could.
  On Tuesday my companion was not able to go out so I left him with the couple missionaries and went with the branch president to teach and visit one family. It was amazing.  I had a scripture prepared to share and then last minute Alma 38:5 came into my head and so that's what I shared and it was perfect.  The spirit was there and it really helped this family.  The branch president is awesome and spit fire and shared some amazing stories.  It was such an amazing lesson. 
  On Wednesday I had exchanges with elder Roberts. I truly testify that the Lord puts people in the missionaries path. In a period of 25 minutes we found 4 amazing people that had been taught previously but had somehow lost contact with missionaries through moving or other things. It was awesome and so the missionaries in that area will visit them. The interviews were amazing. The people being baptized have been investigators for 5 years and as I interviewed I could feel their excitement and that they are ready.  
   Thursday happy Thanksgiving!!! I have so much to be grateful for. I love being on the mission and all the people and things that have happened.  It was a simpler day. We taught some good investigators and I bought a lechon manok to celebrate Thanksgiving and some rice,It was good.  
   On Friday we had minimal work because my companion was still pretty sick. Also on Saturday he got so sick that we couldn't even go out. Just studied and read and did all I could to follow up with investigators.
   Sunday was great. I am really coming to love the sacrament on my mission. It's a time of refreshment and contemplation.  
   Monday was great. Visited and taught some great lessons. One lesson was great. We have this great family that would be baptized if they were married so we went to the government building and got the papers. We started the lesson by sharing Ether 12:6 and how we need to show our faith for the miracles to happen and then got out the papers. The happiness in their eyes was great. They saw we were committed to do all we could and it's hard to explain but the spirit was there and I felt so happy.  Transfer day is coming and no one will transfer.  

Hope you have a great week!

Elder Snyder

Saturday, November 25, 2017

WEEK 65 : REALLY MEAN SCARY DOG......

   Had a week full of exchanges and spiritual experiences. It was a good week

   On Tuesday I had exchanges with a newer American Elder, It was awesome. We almost got bitten by a really mean and scary dog. Usually the dogs are more bark than bite here, but this dog chased a little and was sketchy but we got out alright.  Also we taught this one lesson where I felt the Spirit so strong. The Spirit just seemed to be guiding us and I could see that the investigators were feeling it. It was so cool. The Spirit just brought us all together and everything was understood. 

   On Wednesday we went to this oym we had they are pretty cool and we got some new investigators there.  One of the lessons we taught was fire because a recent convert was there and their testimony was awesome. It really invited the Spirit and really helped the investigator. I could see the change happening in the investigator.  

   On Thursday we had exchanges with another American Elder. It was cool.  We found some good new people. People are just so nice in the Philippines and so willing to listen, It's awesome. Then I had some interviews with baptismal candidates. It was amazing. I felt the Spirit so strong. It was  awesome.  As I looked into their eyes and could see the change even though I just met them and it was so cool to hear their testimonies. It was incredible. 

   On Friday I had exchanges again because there were more interviews. The interview was great and once again a great experience.  Then we went to this investigator they had (I was working in the other area). They have been investigating for many years. I can testify that the promise in D&C 84:85 is true. I was just praying that we would know what to say.  The Spirit was so strong and it was amazing. I just knew exactly what to say. There was no pause and it flowed perfectly. The elder I was with spat fire too. After they committed to be baptism!!! Miracle

   On Saturday we visited and taught and brought recent converts to district conference. Good day.  We ate soup with pig liver in it, it was delicious.

   On Sunday we had district conference again, it was great.  I learned a lot.  We taught some great investigators.  The thing that is killing us is people aren't married but we are working and doing all we can to help them.  

   It was a great week. I learned a lot and really felt the Spirit. The church is true and will keep pressing onward.  I hope you all have a good week

Elder Snyder







Tuesday, November 21, 2017

WEEK 64 : HAMBURGERS & CHIPS

  Hello. I hope everyone had a good week. 
  
 Last Tuesday I had exchanges, it was great.  I went to this elders area.  It was great. I learned a lot and this elder was awesome. He really loves finding and we talked to everyone.

  Last Wednesday  we found a great part member.  We feel he will be baptized, just needs that last little push.  We teach a lot to less actives and recent coverts.  We are trying to strengthen them so the branch can continue to develop.  But the work is good and its all about helping others come unto Christ

   Last Thursday we had an appointment and were punted immediately, it was rough.  We started finding and were able to talk to and find a lot of great people.  We also went to this place called mataas na lupa. (high ground)  Wow the name is right.  It was so high up and tiring but there's great people there and its close to the church.   We were able to secure a referral and taught a great lesson to that part member I mentioned.  The spirit was so strong and the lesson just flowed so well.   It was an awesome experience. 

  Last Friday my companion got sick. we were home bound, I just read and studied. I actually had a good day because I learned a lot. The Spirit taught me many things. I did a self examination and studied and prayed. I know Heavenly Father wants to help each of us but we need to come to Him willing to listen. The Spirit can help us learn and grow little by little. That's what is important, as long as we are doing our best and trying to change little by little. 

   Last Saturday my companion was still sick but I was able to get permission from my mission president to work with some priests, we had a good day.  We taught some great lessons.  

   Sunday was awesome.  I felt the Spirit so strong. The sacrament is awesome, I look forward to it every week. Such a great time to reflect and repent and feel the Spirit.  We had a good day of work. We contacted referrals and got some new investigators.  Also the couple missionaries fed us hamburgers and chips. That was heaven.  

   We had a great week, I hope you all have a great week too.

Elder Snyder

Monday, November 6, 2017

WEEK 62 & 63 : DON'T TAKE THE SIMPLE THINGS FOR GRANTED

  WEEK 62

I'm really short on time this week.  I would just like to share a cool story.

   Last Tuesday we had zone conference. and I was told a cool story.   The missionary that is assigned in Taguig 1st (my first area) told me that a family my companion and I found got baptized as a family.  Such a simple story but so touching and made me so happy.  The church is true and the Lord is in charge and guides the work and is preparing many. 

   I want to give a birthday shout out to Ali for turning 17.  I Hope it was a great day. 

   We had a good week. worked hard and taught repentance.   looking forward to another great week.  I invite everyone everywhere to open their mouths and share the gospel.   It's the best things we've got so we need to share it. there are many that need the gospel and all it takes is us sharing and inviting. 

WEEK 63

   Last week was great!!!!!! we had a baptism!! so exciting and so happy. 

   So last Tuesday our baptismal candidate got interviewed.  Travel and exchanges are hard because areas are far apart. I went on exchanges with the zone leaders so they could interview our candidate. It was awesome, I learned so much. 

    On Wednesday we had trainee/trainer meeting.   I learned a ton.  President Koster did our zone interviews.  Interviews are always awesome with president.  He told me about my last area and about the current area.  The last area is becoming a branch and recent convert just got the Melchezidek priesthood.  It's so exciting to see the work progressing in that area and my current area. 

   Thursday we worked hard and taught a lot. We really are focusing on strengthening here. They're all great members and do so much for the church, it's awesome.

   On Friday we taught some great lessons.  We taught this one couple that is saving to be  married so they can be baptized and then go to the temple. They really want to go to the temple.  This made me realize how important the temple is and sometimes it can be taken for granted.  Because of where I've been transferred I haven't been to the temple in about a year because it's so far away. I miss it and encourage all to go as much as possible.  The Lord needs us in His temple to carry out that part of the work.

  On Saturday we had the baptism!!!  It was a great service.  Many members showed up and the program was smooth.  We then baptized in a river which was a new experience.  It was cool. It was a great experience.  Having baptisms is so happy and makes everything worth it.  The person that was baptized gave a great testimony and it was topped off with great cookies  from the couple missionaries, great day.   Later that night we had a great FHE with a family. 

  On Sunday the confirmation was great.  We focused on finding less actives.  We were blessed and found some and even found a member that is not on the records of the branch which is a great find. It  shows how the Lord works by small and simple means.  

   It was a great week. I learned a lot.  I hope you all have a great week

Elder Snyder


Thursday, October 26, 2017

WEEK 61: I ARRIVED IN MY NEW AREA... SPIDERS !!!!

  I've been transferred. I was in my last area so long its weird to be the one transferred I like the new area and it will be awesome. 

   Last Wednesday was my last day in Mamburao, it was sad.  I've been through and done a lot there. I'm really going to miss it but its time to move on.   We taught people and dropped by others.  The members and recent converts are awesome.  

  On Thursday we did a lot of travel, we woke up at 4 am and was picked up at 5 am.  The Hatches (SR. couple) took us to the pier, they are awesome.  The world needs more senior missionaries.  They are amazing and so helpful and help the work so much.  I traveled all day and finally got to my area.  It's basically the farthest you can go in the mission on the mainland (my last area was on a separate island).  It's so beautiful though.  It's in the mountains so the temperature is cooler.  It's still province.  The couples live right next to us (lucky to be assigned with couple missionary again) and they feed and give us cookies.  It's amazing. 
   On Friday we worked all day.  We met members and getting to know the area.  There was also a mutual activity.  It's a small branch but they have strong youth here.  I'm really excited for it here.  I saw my sisters favorite tree.   It  was a tree literally full of giant spiders as big as a hand, really creepy.  We taught some great people today. 

   On Saturday I was a little lost, haha.  Still learning the area but its coming along.  My companion is awesome.  I got an exciting phone call from my mission president.  He wanted to inform me that my last area (Mamburao) was just approved to be a branch!!!!  I'm so pumped.   It's such amazing news.  I might gain some weight here.  Even though we have to walk up steep hills all the time, the senior couple gives us lots of cookies.  They are super delicious. 

   On Sunday I interviewed an investigator for baptism for some other missionaries in the district, it was cool. It went well, they are ready.  I want to share a cool story that a recent convert told us Sunday night.   He said a little bit ago there was a temple trip for the branch.  They wanted to go but the day before they didn't have enough money to pay for food and stuff while they were traveling.  He put his trust in the Lord and the Lord provided. Literally the day before, it was raining and he's a driver.  When its raining there's not a lot of passengers.  He literally never ran out of passengers.  Someone would get off and immediately someone would get on.  That lasted all day, so crazy.  All the other drivers had no passengers but he had endless.   The Lord provided a way and he made so much money they could afford to go.  Shows how the Lord loves us and it doesn't mean that he will just drop solutions in our laps but will help us along the way.  The man still had to work but the Lord consecrated his performance for his gain. 

I had a great week and I hope you all have  one too.

Elder Snyder

This is for you Ali, Liv and Peyton



WEEK 60: MOVING TO ANOTHER AREA !!

  This was a good week with many good things.  First off I want to say Happy Birthday to Peyton and congrats for reaching double digits. 

   Last Tuesday we had a really cool investigator, he said he just wants to know more and more and then we introduced the Book of Mormon and he loved it. The Book of Mormon is a great gift from God

  On Wednesday we found many new people and taught some good people. 

  On Thursday we found these born again's and it was a good lesson,  then at the end, they said to come back and they'll call their pastor so that should be interesting.  One of our investigators is just plain on fire.  Once he learned the Word of Wisdom he started living it immediately and stopped using the other stuff.  

   On Friday we had interviews with President Koster.  He is awesome and the interview was amazing. He said exactly what I needed to hear. I learned a lot.  Later that afternoon we taught a great lesson.  This guy is very smart and had many questions about the creation and the fall.  It seemed hard to answer, but I had faith and felt the Spirit.  The words just seemed to flow. I just knew what to say and how to explain it.  The Tagalog flowed too.  It was a great experience.  

   On Saturday we got soaked. it rained so hard and was super windy. the storm broke my umbrella.  We found some good investigators.  The Gospel really changes people for the better.  It is so cool to see peoples lives change and get better. 

   On Sunday we were so soaked but it was worth it.  We had many people come to church.  We talked to this guy that had been helped by a church foundation and he is totally prepared by the Lord.  During recovery of his sons surgery he only had the Book of Mormon to read.  They will be baptized.  

   Yesterday I was called by the zone leaders. I'm transferring after 7 months in this area and I  will be going to another far away place called Morong. It will be great.  I will miss this area. I've seen so many great things here and met so many great people but the Lord is in charge.  The work is moving forward. 

   I hope you all have a great week.  Read the Book of Mormon and put your trust in the Lord. He will deliver and help you.


Elder Snyder



A Glimpse of How Hard It Rains Here

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

WEEK 59: FLOATING BRIDGES

    Hello everyone. I hope you all had a great week.  This week was great and full of good things that happened. Also we just watched general conference and it was awesome.
    So last Monday we went to this lake called Panikian lake and walked around it. It was pretty cool. They had some cool floating bridges made of bamboo. At night we worked in our kabahays area and we taught this member with incredible faith. Her faith is such an example to me. What she is facing is really hard but she is always smiling and reading and doing what she is supposed to do. She is a great example.
   Last Tuesday I had exchanges with the district leader. We had a good day. One good thing that happened is one of our most progressing investigators said he felt this incredible joy last time he went to church and it was a joy he had never felt before. He said he felt that joy all the way until he went to bed. It was cool as he shared that experience. The Gospel of Jesus Christ really does bring joy and is the true answer to all of our problems.  Then on the way home this pastor got on the van and gave a 20 minute sermon to everyone on the van. It was interesting but I love the Philippines because they all mostly have a strong belief in Jesus Christ.
   On Wednesday we went to these investigators at just the right time. We almost didn’t go at the time we went but we did go and it was perfect. The lesson was great and we have really high hopes for them as investigators. Then we taught this guy that’s an engineer and he is super smart. This guy asks the deepest questions and we can tell he asks them out of true interest. It’s so awesome teaching him, Haha.   This guy has the creepiest house at night and he’s only available at night to be taught.
   On Thursday we had some pretty good lessons. I truly believe the Spirit will guide us in all we do and the Lord will provide us with small tender mercies to help us get along, we have experienced that. We had a great finding day. First we found this new guy that seemed pretty closed off but by the end of the lesson he started asking really good questions. It’s a good sign when they ask questions and want to learn more. Then we were just walking and looked down a road and said," lets go this way" and the first person we talked to was the sibling of a bishop in Manila and was almost baptized. That is a money find and she's super nice and wants us to come back. Then we were walking again and saw another road and I felt we needed to go down it. It was a dead end but I said, "lets keep going to the end" and we found this guy that had met missionaries about 8 months ago and was reading the Book of Mormon. It was incredible. The Lord prepares people. I’m so happy to be a part of this work.
   On Friday we taught this guy that is so smart. He is 7th day adventist. He is really searching and trying to understand our beliefs about the sabbath. He said once he understands and knows he will get in the water. This guy is awesome. 
   Saturday was the first time general conference was watched in Mamburao!!!  It was awesome. We had it all set up with the translation and it worked out smoothly. We had many people attend. I was proud of the members and we even had some investigators come. I learned so much and would love to share it all but one that I really loved was what President Nelson said about the Book of Mormon. I would encourage everyone to read the talk again and follow his counsel.  I’m so thankful we have living prophets and apostles and that they have authority to receive revelation and guide us. Conference is so important.
   Sunday we watched conference again. Conference is the best and it’s gotten way better as a missionary. The Tagalog was clear. Easy to understand. It was awesome. Shows  I’ve learned a thing or two.  We had a good number attend.
I would just like to emphasize the importance of the Book of Mormon and that we read it everyday and ponder and pray about it. It will help us feel peace and God’s love and help us to know what we should do in our everyday lives. I have experienced all of those things. I know the Book of Mormon is true and I know that it is the word of God and will help anyone no matter what your situation is.
Also remember that God has a plan for you and He loves you. I hope you all have a good week.


Elder Snyder





Friday, September 29, 2017

WEEK 58: WATCH GENERAL CONFERENCE

  Hello everyone I hope you all had a good week, we worked hard here.  I don't have a lot of time so I will just summarize as fast as possible.
   On Tuesday we taught some really spiritual lessons.  There’s nothing better than having a spiritual lesson.  We just get out and want to scream “Yes” and pump our fists, its so cool haha.  It rained pretty hard today.  The rain was so hard that we couldn't hear anybody even when they let us in their house.  It was crazy.
   On Wednesday we just worked and the usual happened.  We found this good couple but their relative is a pastor so that could be problematic haha.  They’ll be fine.
   On  Thursday we found some pretty good new investigators.  Mamburao is like where Joseph Smith lived.  There are so many religions that people are confused which one is right,  It’s insane.  There are so many different varieties.   We have some good investigators that I'm proud of because we made a plan with him to avoid smoking and he's doing it.  He’s the man!
  On  Friday we taught some great lessons.  One was to some people that said they were not looking to switch religions but by the end, the spirit was so strong.   I could see it in their eyes that something was stirring.  We felt prompted to invite them to baptism (be bold).  They didn't accept but said they would think about it which was a huge change from the beginning of the lesson.  On our way home we got drenched, everything was wet.   It was like we had just stepped out of the shower.  Floods everywhere.
 Saturday we got punted hardcore.  There were floods and we couldn't even get to some of the places we needed to go.   We taught a few times and  just kept working hard.  Missionary work is happy but also humbling. Very humbling.
  Sunday was good, after church this guy just showed up.  He knew so much.  He had followed some members after church and asked them what their religion was and when he found out Mormons he came back to us immediately.   He was saying things like doctrine and covenants, Oliver Cowdry and asking for an Ensign.  He’s not a member but he knows his stuff.  We got an appointment to meet with him and gave a book of Mormon. Hopefully it works out.   We were asked to give a blessing at a hospital.  The spirit was strong as we walked in.   The branch president anointed and I blessed.  It was very spiritual experience.  Thankful for that experience.
  I  also encourage you all to watch general conference.  It is such a special opportunity to hear from apostles and prophets.  Please watch all the sessions.  love you all,  have a good week. 

Elder Snyder

THE FLOODS CAME

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

WEEK 57: GREAT DAY WITH AN APOSTLE

   This week was amazing. We had an Apostle of the Lord visit us. It was legendary. I am so thankful for the opportunity.  I learned so much and had questions answered.   The whole week was great starting with Monday.
     Last Monday I really learned that 1 Nephi 3:7 is important. Nephi didn't half heartedly commit. He said he would do what the Lord commanded, not if it’s convenient but that he would do it regardless of what happened.
    On Tuesday I learned about and experienced the power of testimony.  We had an investigator that’s pretty smart and was starting to debate with us.  We didn't want that in our lesson.  I just bore down in testimony to him of what we were saying.  He literally changed.   He went from being on the offense to actually listening and being receptive.  He changed and so did the lesson, it was incredible.  Testimonies are powerful!
    On  Wednesday we got picked up to go to Manila for the mission conference.  This was a cool conference because the whole mission would be there, even the missionaries from Mindoro (us).   We traveled all day.  The couple missionaries were awesome and bought us McDonalds’s it was so nice to eat a Big Mac.
    On Thursday we worked in some other missionaries areas.  We worked all day.   It was actually right next to my second area.  I even saw the bishop from my last area.  It was cool to see him and talk to him for a second.   We taught some good lessons.  It was kind of  weird being back in the city and working.   I forgot how polluted and crowded it is in the city but its great because there's literally millions to talk to haha. 
    Friday was the visit of Elder Andersen.  We all got to the chapel really early to practice and arrange for the picture.  It was so cool when he came in. He had a spiritual presence, so cool to hear him speak in person.  We all took a picture with him and then got to meet and shake his hand.   It was my first time shaking an apostles hand.  We were with another mission (Quezon city north mission) and both missions sang a special musical number.  I felt the spirit so strong,  I can’t describe it in words.   When 350 missionaries sang "we are as the army of Helaman" the spirit was so strong.  I felt it in every part of my body.   When Elder Andersen spoke it was pure spit fire.   He answered so many of my questions and really helped me.  His testimony was incredible of the Savior.  He is truly a special witness of Christ and I know he is a true apostle just like the early apostles. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet and this is the true and living church of Jesus Christ here on earth.   We traveled back to Mindoro after the conference which was a long rough road.
   Saturday I was sick but we worked hard and did our best.  We  had a pretty normal day.
   Sunday was normal.  I'm just excited and motivated to work after hearing what Elder Andersen said.  I am so thankful to be here and for the success that God has granted us. Missionary work is awesome. I hope you all have a great week.

Elder Snyder




Monday, September 11, 2017

WEEK 56: NO MORE SQUISHY VAN RIDES

  Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great week.  I had a good week here.  Many changes but the Lord helped.
   So last Wednesday my old companion, Elder Mesobre, went home and so we were in a threesome and worked in Mamburao.  It’s weird working in a threesome but it was a good day.  We got the contract signed for an apartment and should be moving up there soon which makes me so excited which means no more squishy van rides!!!   We taught some really good lessons and found some good new investigators. the work moves forward by small and simple things.
   On Thursday my new companion arrived fresh out of the MTC.  His name is Elder Arriesgado. He is awesome.  He is ready to work hard and be obedient. We are going to have a great transfer. I was nervous for my companion but he is awesome.  It’s a little weird having someone new and being the one that has more knowledge but it will all work out. 
   On Friday we got punted a lot and talked to a ton of people.   It was about 7 P.M.  and we were punted and hadn't taught a lesson yet,  it was rough.  We walked by this house and I just glanced at it and then took a few more steps and then stopped. I said” let’s try this house.”   They let us right in and they were straight fire.  They were so sincere and it was truly a time when we were guided by the spirit.  It was so awesome!
   On  Saturday we taught a lot and worked really hard.  My voice got so tired.  My companion is still getting used to teaching and so I teach a lot more.  We last minute dropped by a member and I believe it was guided by the Spirit because she was hoping we would drop by that week because she had been sick.  We were able to give her a blessing.  The Lord cares about every single one of us.  We taught good lessons, my companion still adjusting but he will figure it out.  I read one of my favorite verses, Mosiah 24:14-15. The people of Alma were in bondage, they had many trials and burdens.  I love what the Lord did. He strengthened them so they could bear their burdens and they became light. I always learn something each time I read that scripture.  The Lord will not always just remove trials but He will strengthen us to be able to bear them easily. 
   On Sunday we taught how to administer to the sick to the branch.  The priesthood holders are still new, so it was good we reviewed the process.  I closed the teaching with a testimony about the priesthood. I really felt the spirit. I know that God has once again called a prophet and has restored his priesthood to the earth to act in His name for the salvation of His children. I am so thankful for the priesthood and for all the blessings it brings.  The senior couple made us some sloppy joe's for lunch and it was heaven.  It tasted so good.  I really miss sloppy joe's.  We had a good week for church attendance and the work is moving on and the Lord is providing.
   It was a good week. Book of Mormon reading and prayer is powerful. Trust in the Lord. Love you all. Have a great week.

Elder Snyder

My New Companion