Monday, March 28, 2011

Missionary Spiritual Week Perfection! It's the PEOPLE WHO COUNT March 21


Today was so close to perfect. Of course, as a missionary, it's the people that count, not the numbers. But today, the numbers were made up of incredible individuals, each with his own unique need and concern. We were blessed with many opportunities to share messages of comfort, hope, and restoration. We gave two blessings, one to the baby daughter of Erlinda, a hard working, single mother who can not afford to bring her baby to the hospital. We invited the spirit to testify of hope in the Atonement, and of the power of faith. The other was to Tatay Eddie, a 56 year old man who has no family, lives far from the church building, and has diminishing health. He saves money each day to pay for "pamensahe" to church on Sunday. Both shed tears as they opened up, placing their burdens on us, and in turn, on Christ. Life is hard here, more difficult and humble than you can imagine. I was torn inside to hear their stories, to see their conditions, and to know what I have at home. At the smae time, I thought of home and wished for the same faith and reliance on Christ that I saw today.

We taught the Plan of Salvation to an entire family who lost a good friend just earlier today. The Spirit was strong, and as we knelt in prayer on their dirt floor, they felt the love of our Heavenly Father. We witnessed a precious moment that brought their family together, unified before God.

Another family received the message of the Restoration. Tatay Larry was very skeptical, it was his first lesson with us. But by the end, he was deeply engaged in the discussion of Joseph Smith, and the importance of the Restoration for his family. He led us in prayer tonight, and for the first time his wife and children got to hear his ask God for help with their family.

The individuals we taught were equally prepared to come closer to Christ. Flori, an inactive member, learned how to pray again. Mervie (12) will pray about the Book of Mormon tonight, after he reads with his two friends, recent converts of just 2 months. Jennifer (18) will do the same as she stays in the house of good friends who have given her work and happen to be less-active members striving to return to the Church. Mark JR Mateo (17) gave us his lunch hour to teach the Law of Chastity, he asked sincere questions instead of focusing on his new, nearly 24/7 job at the largest tindahan in Matalatala. Yuman (16) brought a friend, Ardee(17), to join us in his lesson about the Spirit World, and the Kingdoms of Heaven.

Sure, we gave 2 blessings, taught 6 lessons, visited 2 RCLA's, received 1 referral, and gained 2 new investigators. But as you can see, today meant so much more than 2, 6, 2, 1, 2. The 5+ miles I walked seemed quick, easy, and a joy when I arrived at the above-mentioned houses. 1 lechon manok, 2 liters of water, 2 Coke's, 1 Mountain Dew, 4 bags of chips, 2 cups of rice, 3 eggs, 2 apples, 1 orange, and 1 ice cream cone kept me alive, but these children of God put one foot in front of the other. We can count numbers all day, but they wouldn't mean a thing if not backed by a sincere love for the people they represent. Today is what we dream for as missionaries. I literally fast and pray for my invesigators who make this dream reality. This is not an every-day occurance, but I am doing all I can to make it so. I am working hard to move the work forward in Siniloan, and I am blessed to be here tonight, reporting my joy in the work.



Love you all, be member missionaries, prepare to serve a full-time mission, and consider serving as senior couples. I love the work.

Elder Brown


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