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

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

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

WEEK 55: I'M TRAINING... WE WENT AND FOUND THE CAPTAIN!!

   Here in the Philippines they are already looking forward to Christmas.  We have started singing Christmas hymns in sacrament.  Philippines is awesome!

   A lot happened this week.  Many new changes and things that will happen.

   

   Last Tuesday was pretty normal but the Lord did provide a miracle.  We found a member in Mamburao!!   Since we're still growing, if we find a member it’s amazing.  It was awesome.  We got all the info and moved their records.   

   On Wednesday we taught one of the most sincere investigators I've ever taught.  He is so spiritual and awesome.   It was amazing.  It’s so cool seeing him learn and grow little by little.   We were able to give some baptismal dates which makes me very happy. J

   On  Thursday we had some other really great lessons.  We taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to that really sincere investigator and his family.  It was straight fire.  We inserted the word of wisdom and he promised to live it.  He’s pretty cool.  The only problem is he's a fisherman and they are poor and so when the captain calls to go fishing he's gotta go and they are gone a lot on Sunday’s.  So what we did,   we got the name of the captain and went and found him and taught him.  He’s a nice guy and we're hoping it goes somewhere which will help our other investigator. 

  On Friday we taught about prayer to some people.  Even though we were teaching I learned things. Prayer is so important. I think sometimes we don't give it as much time and though as we should. It is a conversation with God.  Prayer is powerful! I would like to challenge all to pray morning and night and ponder what they can do to improve their prayers and to think over their life on how prayer has helped us and when some prayers are answered.  I've noticed that I can be praying for something and then look back and see the answer, but it takes us looking back.  When you identify something, we should show gratitude to our Heavenly Father.  Prayer is awesome and something we can literally do anywhere. 

   On Saturday we taught the sincere investigator about the Sabbath day and felt sure he would come to church.  We gave baptismal dates and taught some other fire investigators that I’m  very grateful for.   We had a sad moment when a person we thought had tons of potential told us to never come back.  We testified and tried, but respected his wishes.  It was hard and sad, but later that day we were on a van and I was talking to someone and I felt this overwhelming love for them.  It almost brought me to tears (and I'm not a crier so that was strange) it was just a taste of God's love for that person and for all of us. It was incredible.  Always remember that God loves you so much.  He loves you more than you can comprehend.  

  Sunday was awesome!  There were some straight fire testimonies from some recent converts.  There were tears from them and the Spirit was so strong. It is incredible to see the faith of these people and how God is blessing them.   Our mission president says we are so close to being a branch.  I can feel it. I am so excited and thankful to be serving here. 

   This week is transfers.  I will meet my companion on Thursday.  I'm excited,  I will be training a brand new greenie  into the mission field.  I think he will be Filipino.   This will be my 5th transfer that I have stayed put in this area, and I love it.  The Lord is blessing us. I hope everyone has a great week and keep praying. 

Elder Snyder

Take Me To My Tree

WEEK 54: WE WERE LED BY THE SPIRIT

   This week was great, a lot happened and many things happened that helped the church move forward in this area. Really excited.  It's hard but worth it. 

  Tuesday was pretty normal.  We taught,found and had lessons cancelled because of power outages.  The power outages here are called brownouts and they happen very very frequently, haha.   When it happens at night it's so dark and you can't really teach.

   On Wednesday we taught some really good investigators and some really sincere investigators.  It's so incredible to see people prepared and ready.   It's great to feel the spirit as we teach.   We also had an FHE with some recent converts.  We taught about Priesthood and responsibilities.  They are awesome.  The dad is preparing for the Melchezidek Priesthood.   We played games and it was so fun, they are such a great family

   On Thursday we taught the people that were baptized on Saturday.   They are awesome and we can see their faith.   They live kind of far but they were a referral so that's how we found them.   On the way back I'm convinced we were led by the spirit because we found this guy that is awesome and so sincere.  Cool experience.   We had to get the info from some people for their baptismal and confirmation record (BCR) and one was an old lady and it was so funny and also a little frustrating to get the info. haha She kept mixing up names and dates. but we eventually got it.

   On Friday we went to visit and help this member that lives far away.  We went and taught and helped and started a long walk back but a clutch truck came by and we were able to jump in the back and got saved from an hour of walking.  Those members out there are so awesome and I admire their faith.  The church is true.

    On Saturday we had 4 more baptisms!!!!!!!! It was awesome.  I'm so thankful that I'm here to see so many come unto the fold of God and be baptized. It really is an amazing experience.  We had some recent converts baptize and I baptized.  The recent converts were family members of the people being baptized and it was a great spiritual experience for all. 

  On Sunday those people were confirmed. Like I've said before, confirmations are just as cool as baptisms.  As I confirmed one person I felt the Tagalog flow and the words flow.  It was a really cool experience.  It just flowed right out so smoothly. I didn't have to think twice.  I knew what to say and how to say it.  We had a recent convert advance to the office of a priest.  These recent converts we have here are on fire and so faithful and I admire them.   We had baptisms and Priesthood ordinations this week.  The work is moving forward and I'm so happy to be here.

  The power of members is real.  I invite all to prayerfully think of someone that they can help.  It doesn't have to be a non member. God is just as happy when a less active member comes back and repents.  We all have a responsibility to help our brothers and sisters. Love you all. Have a good week.

Elder Snyder