Philippines Legazpi Mission: Elder Feraer

TABACO | DAY 57 to 58 |

FEBRUARY 27, 2014:
This was a wonderful day because we had a chance to listen and learned from Elder Ardern of the Seventy. I learned a lot from this mission tour and his talks and testimony inspire me to be a better disciple of Christ. I'm here because the Lord wants me here in Legazpi mission and I'll serve the Lord with all my heart. This life is about preparation and I must do everything I can to prepare for it. I also learned that the postponement of marriage will lead to trouble and I should marry someone who will inspire me to be better. One of the tips that he gave us is when we feel negative feelings we should work and focus on the things that really matter which is our purpose as a missionary. As a missionary, I am set apart from the world and I'll restrain myself in worldly things even after my mission. I will strive also to become a master gospel teacher because good teaching increase retention. We are really blessed to have this opportunity to serve and invite people to come unto Christ.

TABACO | DAY 56 |

FEBRUARY 26, 2014:
Second C.E. with Elder Yu and this time we're working in their area. I'm excited to be there because most of the members of Comun Group lives there. We still followed my training schedule, a lot of study time in the morning. He also helped me with my 12 Week Guide. I'm also amazed at how Elder Yu planned our day. It is very detailed as you can expect from a Zone Leader. In our lunch, we ate spicy fried chicken and it was my first time cooking in the apartment. Usually, we ate or bought food outside. Sometimes I also ate noodles or canned goods or anything that is easy and quick to eat. 😅

Some part of the ZL's area in Comun

We taught a lot of people in their area. I felt the spirit when I am teaching. Their investigators and the other people are really receptive and nice to us. We really have a productive missionary work today. I learned a lot from E. Yu and it is a fun experience working with him again.

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TABACO | DAY 54 to 55 |

FEBRUARY 24, 2014:
Since I became a missionary I appreciate more the importance of my family and I'm happy that they're really supportive and happy for me even though we are not of the same religion (yet). I also became closer to my parents and became open to sharing my plans when I return home. I'm hoping that they will become a member also in the future when they are ready (I don't want to force them) and I'll help them with that. I want to be with them not just here on Earth because I love them.

Our goal for this week is to find more investigators.

TABACO | DAY 53 |

FEBRUARY 23, 2014:
We left our apartment early to picked up Bro. Denver and we also came by to Alejandro Family to invite them. As we arrived at the church we saw Bro. Benigno with another investigator, Bro. Jerusalem! He overcame the trials that he is facing physically and emotionally. It is a blessing to see him come to church despite his old age and the inability of his legs to move normally. I'm really happy to see him. 😃 I'm touched that Bro. Benigno and Sis. Evette assisted him. I know Heavenly Father gave Bro. Jerusalem extra strength because of his faith. 🙂 The sons of Bro. Benigno also attends church, John Ben, and Jay Mar surprised me. The happiness that I felt is overwhelming. This is indeed a blessed Sunday for us! 😊

My companion gave me this hard copy picture.

In our companionship study, we continued the 12 Week Guide and we discussed the Book of Mormon. This scripture is truly a word of God and another testament of Jesus Christ. We also did practice teaching today and we have a new investigator for me. Elder Nielsen named it "Wallace". It is a tall broomstick. Haha. 😂 

TABACO | DAY 51 to 52 |

FEBRUARY 21, 2014:
In my personal study I solely focus on the lessons that we are teaching on this day. We also had a weekly planning session to help us be prepared for next week and to evaluate this current week also. Our common goal is to find more new investigators. Before I ate lunch, I did a short BR page for Sis. Irene. This week is her last before she'll go to the MTC and tomorrow our group will have a send-off party for her. We are all happy in her decision to become a full-time missionary. 😃

We proselyte in the afternoon and it is really rainy. Our last and successful appointment for this day is in Quinastillojan. We taught Bro. Benigno about the importance of studying the scriptures and we invite him to read and study the scripture always. He is really faithful in his covenant and he is a good example as a husband and father to his family. 😊

TABACO | DAY 50 |

FEBRUARY 20, 2014:
Two months in the mission, twenty to go! 😂 I've just heard the song "Right where you are" and it is really nice. I like the melody, tune, beat, and the voice of the female singer. It is my new favorite EFY song. As a missionary, we are only allowed to listen to hymn and EFY songs. It will help us to concentrate more on our purpose and not be distracted by any worldly things. It is really comforting to listen to "good" music. Hopefully, I'll sustain that even after this mission.

We also had a district meeting today and the topic was "How Can We Work Better with the Ward and Stake Leaders?". Working with the leaders in your area is really important because they will take the lead in providing a friend, responsibility, and spiritual nourishment for new converts and even investigators. In our practice teaching, I am an investigator and the missionaries that taught me were Sisters Fabia & Pareja (STLs) together with Sister Reategui as a member present. The STLs are well-experienced missionaries and they are really good at teaching.

In our missionary work, we visited Sis. Irene and her family then went to Bro. Denver but he is not around. Our last appointment was Bro. Kaloy and we taught him about how to keep the Sabbath Day holy and we invite him to attend church this Sunday. I hope and pray he'll attend.

TABACO | DAY 47 to 49 |

FEBRUARY 17, 2014:
P-Day, I played basketball with E. Yu in the morning. We all ate lunch at Jollibee, print some pictures, withdraw, groceries, and got a haircut. The most exciting part is the e-mail time and I got some good news and bad news. The good news is my family is all fine and our family business is doing great. My parents also said that I have an incoming package again. The bad news was my beloved dog "Neji" passed away... 😢

She's my dog since I was in high school. She's my most behaved dog ever and she's really sweet to me. I'll miss her. 😭

TABACO | DAY 46 |

FEBRUARY 16, 2014:
We arrived early in the church and I'm really excited about the confirmation of the newly baptized members especially Bro. Benigno and Sis. Evette. Today, they will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Those who receive it and remain worthy can enjoy His companionship throughout their lives. The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ and helps us recognize the truth. He provides spiritual strength and helps us do what is right. He comforts us during times of trial or sorrow. He warns us of spiritual or physical danger. The Holy Ghost provides the power by which we teach and learn. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of our Heavenly Father’s most precious gifts. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can feel God’s love and direction for us.

Bro. Benigno was also one of the speakers for today, even though he is a new member you can see in his eyes and the way he speaks that he is really happy to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is really excited to share the gospel and his testimony to every one. 😊

Remnants of the event's decoration yesterday in our Group.

In the afternoon I read the Our Heritage Book from chapters one to three. I learned more about Prophet Joseph Smith's first vision and the early beginning of the restored church of Jesus Christ.

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TABACO | DAY 45 |

FEBRUARY 15, 2014:
This is it! The day that Bro. Benigno (father) and Sis. Evette (daughter) Delos Santos has been baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 😍 I'm really happy for them because they chose the right path and made a covenant with our Heavenly Father. 😊 Bro. Benigno and I were the first ones to went into the baptismal font, and after that was Sis. Evette with Elder Nielsen.

me, Sis. Evette, E.Nielsen, and Bro. Benigno

They were five investigators that have been baptized this morning including Bro. Ruel and his wife (ZLs investigators) and the granddaughter of Sis. Mayeth. All of them are really excited too. 😃

Our Group Leader, Bro. Bonaobra together with some members of the Comun Group also attended the baptism in Tabaco Chapel to show their love and support for them. Sister Coleman, Sister Tou, and the Nelsons (couple missionaries) were also present. 😊

They are the first family that I visited, the first ones that I taught, the first ones that I invited for baptism and the first ones that I baptize. They will be forever in my heart.

TABACO | DAY 44 |

FEBRUARY 14, 2014:
We had a District Meeting today and there are newly assigned missionaries in our district. Sister Reategui, Sister McCoard, Sister Tou, and our new STL, Sister Pareja introduce themselves to us. The workshop is about Christlike attributes. Elder Nielsen discussed the story of Samson and the story of Ruth in the Bible. This workshop helps me realize the things I need to improve to become like our savior, Jesus Christ. Elder Lethaby lends me his baptismal white pants and white tie for our baptism tomorrow and I'm grateful for his kindness. It is my first time to baptize tomorrow as a missionary and it will definitely be a memorable one. We had a district lunch at Mang Inasal and I ate 4 extra cups of rice. 😁 We taught Bro. Benigno and Sis. Yvette and help them prepare for their big day tomorrow. They are also excited about it. 😊

Today is also Valentine's Day and my companion got an idea to celebrate this day. We ate a lot of delicious food and he called this day "Pag-ibig Day" Feast. 😋

TABACO | DAY 42 to 43 |

My very first scriptures in the mission.

Newly born puppies at Alejandro's Place.

TABACO | DAY 41 |

FEBRUARY 11, 2014:
I just finished reading the Book of Mormon (day to day basis) for the first time! I started it when I was in the MTC. I am so happy that I did it! 😍 In the last book/part, the Book of Moroni, I learned about the basic ordinances and practices of the church of Jesus Christ, the importance of doing righteous works with real intent, the way to judge between good and evil, the relationship between faith, hope and charity, and the salvation of little children. As I read the Book of Mormon I learned many things that will help me in this life.


I also started writing scripture masteries, verses and quotes that I like in my "Paris themed" mini-book. I'll continue doing it until the end of my mission and it will be a compilation by that time. I also opened the package that I got yesterday from my parents. I'm really happy and overwhelmed. 😊 It's raining hard outside and we had an appointment with Alejandro Family. We still went to them even if we got wet because they're also important to us. After we taught them about baptism and confirmation, I re-challenged Bro. Elton to be baptized and we'll help him to be ready. Bro. Kaloy (his father) also helps us by testifying the importance and blessings that his son will receive if he got baptized by a person with priesthood authority.

When we got home, I continued reading letters from my Mama Libye, Papa Arnold, and Lola Lydia. This was the first time that they wrote to me. I have a teary eye after I read the letters. I'm so happy and I miss them so much but I'll only see them again after two years when I finish this mission and return home with honor. After our dinner, I gave dark chocolates to my missionary housemates and they're thankful and happy for me. 
 
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TABACO | DAY 40 |

FEBRUARY 10, 2014:
Luckily, Elder Yu likes basketball also so we have a common interest and we played basketball for our exercise on this preparation day. It's really fun to play again and the last time I played was in the MTC. We played one on one and I beat E. Yu, maybe I was just lucky today because he is a skilled basketball player and I'm just an ordinary shooter. 😅 After the game, we went to the gym together with E. Todd and E. Nielsen. I am getting sick and tired of going to the gym, I think playing basketball is a better work out for me and it is free unlike paying in the gym. I need to budget better also. I only ate noodles today. 😑 On e-mail time, I received a message from my good friend Angeli for the first time. Dianne also sent some good news about my favorite local sports team (Purefoods/SMC) that one more win and they'll be going in the finals again. 😃
 

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TABACO | DAY 39 |

FEBRUARY 9, 2014:
I was hoping that I'll see more of our investigators attend sacrament meeting today but it is not. I felt sad about it maybe because I expect too much but I should stay positive and also have faith that they will attend next Sunday. The brightest moment of this day for me was Bro. Benigno and Sis. Evette's church attendance for the fifth and fourth consecutive Sundays respectively! They also passed their interviews yesterday and I'm so happy because of their faith and commitment to obeying the commandments of our Heavenly Father. They will be baptized on February 15 and I'm so excited and looking forward to that special day. 😍

My new tie, Vatican.

Correlation Meeting

I thought we had an appointment with Sis. Erica and her family today but she texted us that she has a lot of school work today and we understand so we re-scheduled it. E. Todd got a surprise printed picture for me and it was hilarious so I'd burned it down. Haha. 😂 We also taught Bro. Denver and the Alejandro Family together with Brother and Sister Bonaobra and Sis. Mayeth. 

TABACO | DAY 37 to 38 |

FEBRUARY 7, 2014:
The focus of my personal study today is the Book of Ether. I also read some parts of the Old Testament. My companion gave me an ankle bracelet and he is also the one who did it. He said that he learned to do that in his former area in San Vicente, Catanduanes. It is cool. We watched "The District 1" again for my 12 Week Guide and this time I enjoyed it more. We had a productive day in missionary work. We taught Bro. Denver and he said he will attend church this Sunday and I'm looking forward to it. 😃 We taught the Delos Santos family about the Law of Chastity and the Word of Wisdom and they are committed to obeying it. They are also getting closer to baptism! 😊 Our last appointment was with the Alejandro family and hopefully, they will also attend church this Sunday.

Elder Nielsen gave me this. He said he made and learned it from his previous area in Catanduanes.

TABACO | DAY 35 to 36 |

FEBRUARY 5, 2014:
Companionship exchanges with Tiwi Elders (District Leaders can also do C.E. in their district, like the ZLs in their zone). I went to Tiwi and that was my first time doing 24 hours exchanges that were not in my area. I'm excited to be Elder Bacalso's temporary companion for one day because the last time we work together it went well, it was productive. We started the day by doing studies. In our companionship study, we discussed the gospel of Jesus Christ and he taught me a lot about it. He also taught me some Bicol words that he knew.

Before we proselyte we picked up first Bro. Zary (a member in Tiwi) to work with us. We went to the families that we plan to visit but they are not in their house. At night we went to Bobis Family and we taught them. They are really interested in the gospel and they are a family full of energy. 😁 After that, we went to Cobilla Family and we read the Book of Mormon with them and all of us explained our thoughts in the verses that we read. All members of the family participated. It is my first time doing that and it is great. 👍 Our last appointment is with Sis. Jessica and Sis. Chabs.
    

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TABACO | DAY 34 |

FEBRUARY 4, 2014:
There is a storm and it is raging up and it is happening for a while now. After this storm, the sun shines again through reconciliation. As the day goes by I am experiencing hardships, trials, and challenges. As long as Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and my family is with me I'll overcome these things and replace it with happiness inside my heart.
    

TABACO | DAY 33 |

FEBRUARY 3, 2014:
I finished reading Mormon in the Book of Mormon. I learned valuable lessons from prophet Mormon who lives faithfully despite being surrounded by the scenes of wickedness and abominations. We can also liken it to our world today. We must stay obedient and faithful to Christ even in what the world dictates upon us. We went to the gym early and after the workout, Elder and Sister Nelson picked us up, and together we went to Mount Mayon! 😍 It's a great experience and the view is astonishing. I'm so blessed that I've experienced it early in this stage of my mission life.

Our Wolfpack: me, E. Todd, E. Nielsen & E. Yu

We are with the Nelsons.

We also watched the history of Mayon.

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