(See new Photos!)
So I will start this off with part 2 of the Aswang saga. I learned this week that it actually was not the son of our investigator, he was sleeping. So I was right!!! Sweet little Angel has been more of a Devil this week, because she's been trying to sneak up on me in my lessons and scare me!!! Oh well, I really hope that Aswang isn't out there…..!
We had our first baptism here this week! We were going to have it here in the ocean but because they had District Seminary we had it in Calapan. They rented out a Jeepney and we thought that they'd have plenty of room. Well...we were wrong. This was the first baptism in the area in like 8 or 9 months so the branch was pretty excited. Pretty much the entire branch showed up! So they literally stuffed that Jeepney to capacity. They stopped at the church and put those little nursery chairs in the isle and fit as many people in there as they could. There were even young men on the roof and hanging on the back for the hour and a half ride! We had to stop off in a another area to pick up baptismal clothes so we just met them there. The Baptism was very nice, and I got to baptize him in Tagalog! Pretty awesome experience. We had 9 investigators go to the baptism too! They really felt the Spirit, and they were all really motivated to get baptized themselves. We were then up in Calapan for the rest of the day and were able to teach a few lessons to some investigators in the church. We then went to the mall to get some things we can't get in Pola. One of our investigators wanted to come with us because, "Everyone will think I'm cool if I'm walking with an American!" He also wants me to set him up with an American girl, so if anyone back home wants a boyfriend, just let me know!
We had 7 investigators at church this week which is pretty good for us. We have one investigator that is 12 years old, and has a really strong desire to be baptized. He was about to go to church on Sunday morning and apparently his dad started yelling at him because he hadn't washed his school uniform yet. Some members saw him washing his clothes with his tears on his face! He was so devastated!
We've had a good week as a companionship. Neither of us are being transferred this week, there's another transfer in two weeks for the missionaries that get to go home early for Christmas. I've really been trying to share more which sounds kind of stupid because I'm 19, but it's hard when you receive 2 Reese's cups and 2 bags of Fritos in a package and you give away half of them (By the way the chocolate was kind of melted but still very very good)! It’s actually easy to share because he doesn't get packages from home and I'm so blessed to get things from home. He got his first letters from home in two months and he was so happy! I really am so blessed to get letters and packages (By the way I love those fruit gummies[ Florida Naturals] I've been meaning to write that for weeks)!
One of the blessings of obedience is the Lord always provides. I am really missing my Taylor Swift. Like really. And some missionaries in this mission have T Swift but I've decided that I'm going to be obedient and be an eye single missionary. Well every morning for the past week a tricycle has parked in front of our apartment and played a different Taylor Swift song at 6:15 in the morning. I got to listen to my Taylor Swift and I was being 100% obedient!
What a great experience it was to be able to baptize someone this week. I thought a lot about it leading up to it. I was reading in Mosiah earlier this week about King Benjamin's sermon and Abinadi's teaching to King Noah and his Priests. Their teachings are so simple and yet so powerful. Abinadi did not baptize a single person, yet his words converted Alma, who as a result of many others, the Nephites and the Lamanites were brought to a knowledge of their Redeemer. I'm not sure what long term effects my labors will have, but I know that no effort goes un-wasted! No act of kindness, sacrifice, or small conversation goes un-wasted. I know that this work is truly the work of the Savior. Everything can be judged by the fruits it brings forth. And are our fruits few? No, they are many! I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World, and it brings me so much joy to serve him, and alongside him in the Vineyard. And even as Ammon said, I may serve here all the rest of my days (Sorry Mom!)!!
I love you all so much!
Love,
Elder Yost
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Scary, Funny, and Sweet !
We had a good week here in Pola. We were busy, busy, busy which is always nice. We even have our first baptism scheduled for next Saturday! It was supposed to be in the ocean but instead it will be in the District center in Calapan. He's a 16 year old boy who said he wants to serve a mission!!
We had an interesting experience this week. We were teaching the man at the piggery pretty late at night. The piggery is tucked back in the woods, so it was pretty dark out. We've just been reading with him in the Book of Mormon, and we were reading with him in 1 Nephi 11 where it talks about Christ casting out evil spirits. We were outside and I was sitting on a bench, when I felt something tugging at my pant leg. I ignored it, and kept on reading. I threw my hand down to knock off whatever it was, and I felt what felt like a tail slip through my fingers. I jumped up and starting freaking out, but I think my companion was even more freaked out than I was because he said he saw what looked like a small white hand recoil when I threw my hand down. People here are a little superstitious and believe in monsters and other stuff like that. I had look behind that bench and hadn't heard anything, so I was sure it wasn't a person. People here believe in something like an aswa or something like that which is a mystical creature I think. Well my companion was sure that it was an aswa that had been taken control of by an evil spirit and was trying to scare us away so we won't help this brother that is so close to being baptized. Well when you're terrified, you'll believe about anything. So we left the appointment and had a 20 minute walk home. I have honestly never been more scared in my whole life, because I thought there were monsters in the forest following us home! It didn't help when my companion (completely serious) said, "They're following us, we need to go faster!" That felt like the longest 20 minutes of my life! Even after we got into our apartment and locked all the doors we were so so scared. I even considered calling President Peterson (How would that conversation have gone? "President, Satan is commandeering the bodies of animals and is trying to kill us!").
Anyways, it was our investigator's son. Well needless to say I felt pretty stupid. My journal entry that night is the weirdest thing I have ever written in my entire life. I said some of the WEIRDEST things in that journal entry. I thought about tearing it out, but I thought that my kids 30 years from now will get a pretty big kick out of it, and the journal entry for the day after which was pretty much saying don't pay any attention to anything I wrote yesterday!
I've had really funny experiences teaching commandments on my mission. When I was serving in Calapan, we were teaching the Word of Wisdom to an 8 year old boy who's a part member, and his mother is semi-active. We taught him about Coffee and how we shouldn't drink coffee and he starting yelled to his mom who was tutoring on the porch, "Mom, why do you drink Coffee??" She just kind of put her hands on her face. I think she'll think twice next time. This week we were teaching the Law of Chastity to a family. We starting talking about pornography and they stopped us and the mother called her 12 year old son in from outside. They gave him a chair in center and said, "Elders, please teach us all again the law of Chastity. We started talking about how pornography is bad and the mother said, "Can you say that one more time?" The father had such a big smile on his face and he was laughing pretty good. I think the parents were really grateful that someone other than themselves was teaching correct principles to their son. The ironic thing about this whole situation was that they have a pornographic picture on display that is just like a decoration. A lot of houses have that here. It's just like a piece of art or picture we'd have at home!
We have a transfer list coming out a week from today. It will be interesting because a lot of missionaries are going home and a lot are coming in. We also have 10+ missionaries leaving two weeks later because they have the option to go home a month early to be home for Christmas. Needless to say, there are going to be a lot of changes in the next 3 weeks. We'll have a new AP and half of our Zone Leaders will be new. I get the inkling that my companion may be training, so we'll see if my name is on the e-mail next week, or maybe the week after. He's already telling a lot of the members in our branch that I'll probably be transferred. Yeah.....It'll be interesting.
We've spent a lot of time focused on the man at the Piggery this week. We visit him every day and just go and read the Book of Mormon with him and share our insights. It's really become the highlight of my day as it's the last lesson we teach. I've really grown to love this brother. His 9 year old daughter lives with him there. She lives in a little compartment built into the pig stalls. She sleeps probably 6 feet about hundreds of pigs. And through it all, she always has a smile on her face and is the sweetest person I know. There's never a word of complaint that her life is hard, or that she can't go to school like other kids her age. She's just happy to help her father and spend time with him. Her name really describes who she is; Angel is one of the sweetest people I know.
I've often asked myself, why do their lives have to be so hard? I've wondered, why can't our Heavenly Father just reach down and fix all their problems? These are some of the best people I know, and yet they have to pass through so many afflictions. I've really gained a testimony, being around, them, and learning to love them, that Heavenly Father is aware of each of us individually. We were talking to this man and he said to us that one of the elements of his testimony is that the Elders have never given up on him. He's been an investigator for years, and yet the missionaries always come back to teach him. He's getting closer, and his faith is building, and I've finally realized why. It's just love. And isn't that truly what the Gospel of Jesus Christ boils down to in the end? Let us love everyone, and truly follow in the Savior's footsteps in our love for others. For truly, God is Love.
I love you all so much!
Love,
Elder Yost
We had an interesting experience this week. We were teaching the man at the piggery pretty late at night. The piggery is tucked back in the woods, so it was pretty dark out. We've just been reading with him in the Book of Mormon, and we were reading with him in 1 Nephi 11 where it talks about Christ casting out evil spirits. We were outside and I was sitting on a bench, when I felt something tugging at my pant leg. I ignored it, and kept on reading. I threw my hand down to knock off whatever it was, and I felt what felt like a tail slip through my fingers. I jumped up and starting freaking out, but I think my companion was even more freaked out than I was because he said he saw what looked like a small white hand recoil when I threw my hand down. People here are a little superstitious and believe in monsters and other stuff like that. I had look behind that bench and hadn't heard anything, so I was sure it wasn't a person. People here believe in something like an aswa or something like that which is a mystical creature I think. Well my companion was sure that it was an aswa that had been taken control of by an evil spirit and was trying to scare us away so we won't help this brother that is so close to being baptized. Well when you're terrified, you'll believe about anything. So we left the appointment and had a 20 minute walk home. I have honestly never been more scared in my whole life, because I thought there were monsters in the forest following us home! It didn't help when my companion (completely serious) said, "They're following us, we need to go faster!" That felt like the longest 20 minutes of my life! Even after we got into our apartment and locked all the doors we were so so scared. I even considered calling President Peterson (How would that conversation have gone? "President, Satan is commandeering the bodies of animals and is trying to kill us!").
Anyways, it was our investigator's son. Well needless to say I felt pretty stupid. My journal entry that night is the weirdest thing I have ever written in my entire life. I said some of the WEIRDEST things in that journal entry. I thought about tearing it out, but I thought that my kids 30 years from now will get a pretty big kick out of it, and the journal entry for the day after which was pretty much saying don't pay any attention to anything I wrote yesterday!
I've had really funny experiences teaching commandments on my mission. When I was serving in Calapan, we were teaching the Word of Wisdom to an 8 year old boy who's a part member, and his mother is semi-active. We taught him about Coffee and how we shouldn't drink coffee and he starting yelled to his mom who was tutoring on the porch, "Mom, why do you drink Coffee??" She just kind of put her hands on her face. I think she'll think twice next time. This week we were teaching the Law of Chastity to a family. We starting talking about pornography and they stopped us and the mother called her 12 year old son in from outside. They gave him a chair in center and said, "Elders, please teach us all again the law of Chastity. We started talking about how pornography is bad and the mother said, "Can you say that one more time?" The father had such a big smile on his face and he was laughing pretty good. I think the parents were really grateful that someone other than themselves was teaching correct principles to their son. The ironic thing about this whole situation was that they have a pornographic picture on display that is just like a decoration. A lot of houses have that here. It's just like a piece of art or picture we'd have at home!
We have a transfer list coming out a week from today. It will be interesting because a lot of missionaries are going home and a lot are coming in. We also have 10+ missionaries leaving two weeks later because they have the option to go home a month early to be home for Christmas. Needless to say, there are going to be a lot of changes in the next 3 weeks. We'll have a new AP and half of our Zone Leaders will be new. I get the inkling that my companion may be training, so we'll see if my name is on the e-mail next week, or maybe the week after. He's already telling a lot of the members in our branch that I'll probably be transferred. Yeah.....It'll be interesting.
We've spent a lot of time focused on the man at the Piggery this week. We visit him every day and just go and read the Book of Mormon with him and share our insights. It's really become the highlight of my day as it's the last lesson we teach. I've really grown to love this brother. His 9 year old daughter lives with him there. She lives in a little compartment built into the pig stalls. She sleeps probably 6 feet about hundreds of pigs. And through it all, she always has a smile on her face and is the sweetest person I know. There's never a word of complaint that her life is hard, or that she can't go to school like other kids her age. She's just happy to help her father and spend time with him. Her name really describes who she is; Angel is one of the sweetest people I know.
I've often asked myself, why do their lives have to be so hard? I've wondered, why can't our Heavenly Father just reach down and fix all their problems? These are some of the best people I know, and yet they have to pass through so many afflictions. I've really gained a testimony, being around, them, and learning to love them, that Heavenly Father is aware of each of us individually. We were talking to this man and he said to us that one of the elements of his testimony is that the Elders have never given up on him. He's been an investigator for years, and yet the missionaries always come back to teach him. He's getting closer, and his faith is building, and I've finally realized why. It's just love. And isn't that truly what the Gospel of Jesus Christ boils down to in the end? Let us love everyone, and truly follow in the Savior's footsteps in our love for others. For truly, God is Love.
I love you all so much!
Love,
Elder Yost
Monday, November 14, 2011
Learning Lots!
Hello!
Few notes:
-I love my Propet shoes, very durable and I wear them almost every day
-I got letters this week from Mom, two from Dad, the latest being October 26, Sister Lee, Gustafsons, Uncle Christopher, Louanne, and a package from Pat. Her package was great! Toilet paper, a ceramic tile to put up on the prison walls! I put it up minutes after opening the package! Little hand towels, PEANUT BUTTER. It was a great package!
-My rainbow sandals are starting to tear
This week has seemed to fly by even though a lot happened. We started the week out with exchanges with the Zone Leaders. I was in Pola with the new ZL(zone leader) Elder C. He's a Filipino but has lived in Singapore for about 6 years before his mission. He's 24 years old, and had to serve in the mandatory public service in Singapore for two years before he could go on a mission. He was a fire fighter, and said he only fought one big fire in two years because Singapore is so clean! He's been in the field for about a year and is what you would call "magaling" which is like talented. However we got to Pola, I emailed you, and about two minutes after I sent the email the power went out and was out for almost 24 hours
On Wednesday we had to meet the other Elders to pick up our companions. On the way there, our area cell phone in my pocket slipped out of my pocket. We got off the van, and I felt my pockets as the van pulled away and it was gone! The sim card was disconnected within 10 minutes so I wasn't getting it back. I felt so so so bad! I paid the mission office 500 pesos ($11.50 US) and they should send us a new one.
Btw, I found a Post Office 30 seconds away from our apartment. Well I don't feel stupid...I'll try to send some letters. They say it takes 2 weeks to get to the States but expect 6. This is a random request, but did BYU Lax get new gear yet? If they did can you send a picture!
We had training this week from President and the Assistants. It is such a huge lift to see them!! Our mission training plan this transfer is focused on the Book of Mormon. Going into this, I thought I had a pretty good handle on how to use it, boy was I wrong! I learned so much. One of the main things we worked on was introducing it to people in an interesting manner. President started by giving a demonstration to us. After he was done, he said "Ok now one of you will try." He scanned the room and then said "Elder Yost you've been here for a while!" I was pretty nervous! I tried to introduce the Book of Mormon and did an ok job but most importantly learned a lot.
President Peterson said something interesting to us. He was talking about all the sacrifices people have made for the Book of Mormon to come forth and he said that he feel humbled to carry it with him when he considers all the lives that were given for it to come forth. I'd never thought of it like that before. When Joseph Smith was in Carthage jail, one of the last things he did on this earth was testify to the guards of the divinity of the book. He gave his life for this book to be available to us.
I've been thinking, how can I introduce it to someone and help them cultivate a true desire to read and ponder. A scripture came to mind in Mormon chapter 8. Moroni says "for Jesus Christ has shown me unto you and I know you're doing." Prophets of old saw our day, and put the very things in the Book of Mormon that we need in our day. Do we treat it like what it truly is? The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on the face of the Earth, and the best way to come unto Christ. As missionaries, we strive to have our investigators "experience" the Book, not just read it. How many members truly "experience" it? As Elder Holland said, "Heavenly Father always provides safety for the soul, and he has once again done that with the Book of Mormon."
I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It was written for us as a generation, and for each of us individually. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet, chosen by God in these Latter-Days, to bring for this book, a voice speaking from the dust, for all in inhabitants of the Earth. I urge you to read this Book, and let it change your life. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you all as more than the Philippines loves Manny Pacquio!!!! [ Mary Ann: Manny Pacquio is a world Championship boxer and is to the Filipinos what Muhammad Ali is in the United States)
Love,
Elder Yost
Few notes:
-I love my Propet shoes, very durable and I wear them almost every day
-I got letters this week from Mom, two from Dad, the latest being October 26, Sister Lee, Gustafsons, Uncle Christopher, Louanne, and a package from Pat. Her package was great! Toilet paper, a ceramic tile to put up on the prison walls! I put it up minutes after opening the package! Little hand towels, PEANUT BUTTER. It was a great package!
-My rainbow sandals are starting to tear
This week has seemed to fly by even though a lot happened. We started the week out with exchanges with the Zone Leaders. I was in Pola with the new ZL(zone leader) Elder C. He's a Filipino but has lived in Singapore for about 6 years before his mission. He's 24 years old, and had to serve in the mandatory public service in Singapore for two years before he could go on a mission. He was a fire fighter, and said he only fought one big fire in two years because Singapore is so clean! He's been in the field for about a year and is what you would call "magaling" which is like talented. However we got to Pola, I emailed you, and about two minutes after I sent the email the power went out and was out for almost 24 hours
On Wednesday we had to meet the other Elders to pick up our companions. On the way there, our area cell phone in my pocket slipped out of my pocket. We got off the van, and I felt my pockets as the van pulled away and it was gone! The sim card was disconnected within 10 minutes so I wasn't getting it back. I felt so so so bad! I paid the mission office 500 pesos ($11.50 US) and they should send us a new one.
Btw, I found a Post Office 30 seconds away from our apartment. Well I don't feel stupid...I'll try to send some letters. They say it takes 2 weeks to get to the States but expect 6. This is a random request, but did BYU Lax get new gear yet? If they did can you send a picture!
We had training this week from President and the Assistants. It is such a huge lift to see them!! Our mission training plan this transfer is focused on the Book of Mormon. Going into this, I thought I had a pretty good handle on how to use it, boy was I wrong! I learned so much. One of the main things we worked on was introducing it to people in an interesting manner. President started by giving a demonstration to us. After he was done, he said "Ok now one of you will try." He scanned the room and then said "Elder Yost you've been here for a while!" I was pretty nervous! I tried to introduce the Book of Mormon and did an ok job but most importantly learned a lot.
President Peterson said something interesting to us. He was talking about all the sacrifices people have made for the Book of Mormon to come forth and he said that he feel humbled to carry it with him when he considers all the lives that were given for it to come forth. I'd never thought of it like that before. When Joseph Smith was in Carthage jail, one of the last things he did on this earth was testify to the guards of the divinity of the book. He gave his life for this book to be available to us.
I've been thinking, how can I introduce it to someone and help them cultivate a true desire to read and ponder. A scripture came to mind in Mormon chapter 8. Moroni says "for Jesus Christ has shown me unto you and I know you're doing." Prophets of old saw our day, and put the very things in the Book of Mormon that we need in our day. Do we treat it like what it truly is? The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on the face of the Earth, and the best way to come unto Christ. As missionaries, we strive to have our investigators "experience" the Book, not just read it. How many members truly "experience" it? As Elder Holland said, "Heavenly Father always provides safety for the soul, and he has once again done that with the Book of Mormon."
I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It was written for us as a generation, and for each of us individually. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet, chosen by God in these Latter-Days, to bring for this book, a voice speaking from the dust, for all in inhabitants of the Earth. I urge you to read this Book, and let it change your life. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you all as more than the Philippines loves Manny Pacquio!!!! [ Mary Ann: Manny Pacquio is a world Championship boxer and is to the Filipinos what Muhammad Ali is in the United States)
Love,
Elder Yost
Monday, November 7, 2011
Many Blessings
Hi!
What a week it has been. We had an awesome week here in Pola. I'm not sure I've had more blessings in one week in my whole mission! The area here just caught fire this week. This week we taught 32 lessons and had 8 people come to church and had 22 new investigators! The most lessons I'd taught in a week before was like 22 and 3 investigators at church. This week we gained a lot of new investigators that are awesome. When I say gained, I don't mean found because I honestly think we did nothing on our own to find them. The closest way I can describe it is the Lord literally handed them to us!
The theme for us this week has been obedience. We've been so obedient and that has literally made all the difference. I've always thought that when people said obedience brings power it was just some saying but it is so true. As we strive to be obedient every day the Lord blesses us so much.
We had a really sweet experience earlier this week with an older couple. We tracted into them and were sharing with them about the Book of Mormon. At the end of the lesson we gave them a Book of Mormon. The look on the Nanay's face was priceless. She told us her desire to read the Bible but they could never afford one. When we told her there was no price for the Book, she was so so grateful.
One of our best finding tools is my white skin. Yes. Whenever someone tries to speak English to me or say "Hey Joe" we go over to talk to them. We've actually found some investigators that way! Our companionship is getting better but we have our bumps in the road. We had an appointment this week where we were supposed to teach two principles. My companion loves to talk. I taught the first principle and he proceeded to rattle off seven straight principles and didn't so much as even look at me. When he was done he started to write something in his notebook . I shared my testimony of the truthfulness of the things we had taught. I felt a little sad that we had not done a better job as a companionship in teaching. Afterwards I asked him what he thought of the lesson and he said he thought it went well. I shared with him how I felt and I think he felt bad, but I did it in the most loving way I could and told him how great of a teacher he is but that we need to work together when we teach. We are still learning to work together and each day we do better.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is just the same way. Despite the pain, the regret, the Savior has provided a way for that to all go away. I've been reading in 1 Nephi 8-14 or so about the tree of life. The fruit, sweetest above all else is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Last night it was getting kind of late, but we felt prompted to visit one more investigator who works on the pig farm and is just a great person. It's a pretty far walk and I'm still not sure why we decided to go. I'd been fasting that day for him and that a way would be provided for him to go to church. We got there and he was drunk. I can't even describe the sadness I felt as we walked home. I thought to myself, how could this happen? It then occurred to me that my prayers had been answered. Now we knew his concern and what was holding him back. Just like Lehi's family, the Liahona provided the way when they were being obedient. But when they weren't, and as Elder Talmage talks about in Jesus the Christ, without faith God cannot work miracles. My heart breaks for this brother, but I am so happy to have the opportunity to help him and teach him, and have him taste for himself that most precious and most sweet fruit from the tree. I know this Gospel is true and that Jesus Christ is at the head of this work. One of my favorite moments of everyday is putting that name tag on, and thinking about who I represent, and whose name is at the center of the tag, and at the center of the work.
Love you all!!
-Elder Yost
What a week it has been. We had an awesome week here in Pola. I'm not sure I've had more blessings in one week in my whole mission! The area here just caught fire this week. This week we taught 32 lessons and had 8 people come to church and had 22 new investigators! The most lessons I'd taught in a week before was like 22 and 3 investigators at church. This week we gained a lot of new investigators that are awesome. When I say gained, I don't mean found because I honestly think we did nothing on our own to find them. The closest way I can describe it is the Lord literally handed them to us!
The theme for us this week has been obedience. We've been so obedient and that has literally made all the difference. I've always thought that when people said obedience brings power it was just some saying but it is so true. As we strive to be obedient every day the Lord blesses us so much.
We had a really sweet experience earlier this week with an older couple. We tracted into them and were sharing with them about the Book of Mormon. At the end of the lesson we gave them a Book of Mormon. The look on the Nanay's face was priceless. She told us her desire to read the Bible but they could never afford one. When we told her there was no price for the Book, she was so so grateful.
One of our best finding tools is my white skin. Yes. Whenever someone tries to speak English to me or say "Hey Joe" we go over to talk to them. We've actually found some investigators that way! Our companionship is getting better but we have our bumps in the road. We had an appointment this week where we were supposed to teach two principles. My companion loves to talk. I taught the first principle and he proceeded to rattle off seven straight principles and didn't so much as even look at me. When he was done he started to write something in his notebook . I shared my testimony of the truthfulness of the things we had taught. I felt a little sad that we had not done a better job as a companionship in teaching. Afterwards I asked him what he thought of the lesson and he said he thought it went well. I shared with him how I felt and I think he felt bad, but I did it in the most loving way I could and told him how great of a teacher he is but that we need to work together when we teach. We are still learning to work together and each day we do better.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is just the same way. Despite the pain, the regret, the Savior has provided a way for that to all go away. I've been reading in 1 Nephi 8-14 or so about the tree of life. The fruit, sweetest above all else is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Last night it was getting kind of late, but we felt prompted to visit one more investigator who works on the pig farm and is just a great person. It's a pretty far walk and I'm still not sure why we decided to go. I'd been fasting that day for him and that a way would be provided for him to go to church. We got there and he was drunk. I can't even describe the sadness I felt as we walked home. I thought to myself, how could this happen? It then occurred to me that my prayers had been answered. Now we knew his concern and what was holding him back. Just like Lehi's family, the Liahona provided the way when they were being obedient. But when they weren't, and as Elder Talmage talks about in Jesus the Christ, without faith God cannot work miracles. My heart breaks for this brother, but I am so happy to have the opportunity to help him and teach him, and have him taste for himself that most precious and most sweet fruit from the tree. I know this Gospel is true and that Jesus Christ is at the head of this work. One of my favorite moments of everyday is putting that name tag on, and thinking about who I represent, and whose name is at the center of the tag, and at the center of the work.
Love you all!!
-Elder Yost
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
It's a Good Week!
It's been a good week! It's been nice to get back into the swing of things. We had a mission tour this week with Elder Teh of the First Quorum of the Seventy who is also the Area President of the Philippines. I'll go more into that later. I just want to start off by saying thank you to David Gustafson (and every one else of course) for keeping me in his prayers!! I feel them I really do every single day. Thank you so so so much for that. And who would have known that there's snow in October. I showed my companion the picture and he was in shock!!! (Of course he's never seen snow in his life too...) This week we lost two days worth of proselyting to travel and the Mission Tour which isn't bad, it's actually a good thing. On Tuesday we traveled to Lipa where our zone and two others would have our day with Elder Teh. We spent the night up there and started fasting that night for the next day. Elder Teh asked that we arrive at the latest 7:30 to study and prepare ourselves. We arrived at 6:40, so I had almost an hour and a half to prepare! It was a good reverent environment. When Elder Teh and his wife came in, they greeted every single missionary. I was so impressed. He's kind of a big deal, so for him to take the time to talk to us each individually was so humbling. One thing I loved about him is that he had a great Spirit that radiated from him, but not intimidating at all. We started at 8:00 and the Elder Teh opened it up. He told us how Elder Bednar really doesn't like the term "meeting" in a church setting, but rather "revelatory experience". He encouraged us to use this time as an opportunity to receive revelation and listen to the Spirit. He said something I really liked. He told us that even during what may seem the most boring sacrament speaker, we can make it a revelatory experience. This is something I'll try to do in sacrament meetings here when I don't understand a word that's being said!
The Assistants, President and Sister Peterson gave us workshops, and after each Elder Teh would stop and share his thoughts and ask us to share ours. At one point he asked us to share something that we had learned, but was not specifically said. Some people shared, and I was thinking to myself what I had learned. As I was sitting there, Elder Teh said, "Elder Yost, you look like you're dying to say something." Well at this point I didn't really have a choice! I thought to myself and looked down at my notes and said a sentence I'd written. "Preparation precedes Power." I shared how important preparation is and how I wanted to strive to prepare myself better so the Lord could pour out his blessings according to my preparation. I then shared about how Uncle Christopher has written me every single week of my mission. He closes every letter by saying "Be a missionary to match the message." When I shared this I got really emotional. I could feel my Uncle's love for me in that simple yet powerful phrase. I could also feel the enormity of my calling, and even though I'll never be perfect like this message, as I prepare myself, the Lord will impart the blessings and the strength that I need to be a missionary to match the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I was done, Elder Teh just smiled and said "What a great Uncle you have."
The revelatory experience lasted 5 hours, and when it was over I was surprised at how fast it went. We ate an amazing lunch, and one of the AP's told me that Elder Teh was interviewing a few missionaries and wanted to meet with me. I was pretty nervous when I went into the room with him, but very quickly I was just so relaxed by his warm smile and friendly manner. He wanted to know about my family, how my mission was so far. He thanked me for my comments earlier and said he felt some missionaries were touched by what he said. He thanked me for my service, and told me the Church expects to have about 10,000 additional missionaries, going up to 60,000 total within the next year in response to President Monson's call. What a great experience it was to be with him and to feel of his goodness. He truly is a man called of God.
We got back to Pola and got back to work. I almost stepped on a poisonous snake that was in the middle of the road. That would have been interesting. We found some potential investigators that I think will be good. We only had 2 investigators at church yesterday. Nanay did not go, and T. was drunk on Saturday for his birthday. On the bright side he's a very nice and loving man when he's drunk!
Last night as we were finishing up our teaching, the power in the whole town went out. We walked back home about a half hour in pitch black except for our flashlights. I read an article earlier this week by Elder Nielsen of the Seventy that's in the Ensign. It talked about prayer and how even Christ himself felt the need to pray very frequently to the father. I've made a commitment to pray more often and frequently as a result, and have felt such a tremendous increase of the Spirit. We got back to the Apartment, still no power, and I found a quiet spot and under candle light I finished the Book of Mormon. I thought of the early saints, like Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff and others reading by a candle, seeking the truth. What a sweet experience that was for me as I read, and I too prayed to receive the truth from God, as did Joseph Smith himself. I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. This Book is true. I have felt it for myself. With all the negativity and accusations back home about the Church, I would ask a simple question. Does the Book of Mormon draw people closer to the Savior? If something be good and persuadeth men to do good, it can only be from God. I bear witness that it is from God, and that as Elder Holland said, as God always does, in the Book of Mormon he has provided safety for the soul once again. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you all! I'll try to send pictures, but this place may not have a card reader. Could you send one!!
Love,
Elder Yost
The Assistants, President and Sister Peterson gave us workshops, and after each Elder Teh would stop and share his thoughts and ask us to share ours. At one point he asked us to share something that we had learned, but was not specifically said. Some people shared, and I was thinking to myself what I had learned. As I was sitting there, Elder Teh said, "Elder Yost, you look like you're dying to say something." Well at this point I didn't really have a choice! I thought to myself and looked down at my notes and said a sentence I'd written. "Preparation precedes Power." I shared how important preparation is and how I wanted to strive to prepare myself better so the Lord could pour out his blessings according to my preparation. I then shared about how Uncle Christopher has written me every single week of my mission. He closes every letter by saying "Be a missionary to match the message." When I shared this I got really emotional. I could feel my Uncle's love for me in that simple yet powerful phrase. I could also feel the enormity of my calling, and even though I'll never be perfect like this message, as I prepare myself, the Lord will impart the blessings and the strength that I need to be a missionary to match the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I was done, Elder Teh just smiled and said "What a great Uncle you have."
The revelatory experience lasted 5 hours, and when it was over I was surprised at how fast it went. We ate an amazing lunch, and one of the AP's told me that Elder Teh was interviewing a few missionaries and wanted to meet with me. I was pretty nervous when I went into the room with him, but very quickly I was just so relaxed by his warm smile and friendly manner. He wanted to know about my family, how my mission was so far. He thanked me for my comments earlier and said he felt some missionaries were touched by what he said. He thanked me for my service, and told me the Church expects to have about 10,000 additional missionaries, going up to 60,000 total within the next year in response to President Monson's call. What a great experience it was to be with him and to feel of his goodness. He truly is a man called of God.
We got back to Pola and got back to work. I almost stepped on a poisonous snake that was in the middle of the road. That would have been interesting. We found some potential investigators that I think will be good. We only had 2 investigators at church yesterday. Nanay did not go, and T. was drunk on Saturday for his birthday. On the bright side he's a very nice and loving man when he's drunk!
Last night as we were finishing up our teaching, the power in the whole town went out. We walked back home about a half hour in pitch black except for our flashlights. I read an article earlier this week by Elder Nielsen of the Seventy that's in the Ensign. It talked about prayer and how even Christ himself felt the need to pray very frequently to the father. I've made a commitment to pray more often and frequently as a result, and have felt such a tremendous increase of the Spirit. We got back to the Apartment, still no power, and I found a quiet spot and under candle light I finished the Book of Mormon. I thought of the early saints, like Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff and others reading by a candle, seeking the truth. What a sweet experience that was for me as I read, and I too prayed to receive the truth from God, as did Joseph Smith himself. I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. This Book is true. I have felt it for myself. With all the negativity and accusations back home about the Church, I would ask a simple question. Does the Book of Mormon draw people closer to the Savior? If something be good and persuadeth men to do good, it can only be from God. I bear witness that it is from God, and that as Elder Holland said, as God always does, in the Book of Mormon he has provided safety for the soul once again. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you all! I'll try to send pictures, but this place may not have a card reader. Could you send one!!
Love,
Elder Yost
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