The Philippines are calling and I must go... : September 2019

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Week 60 - September 23, 2019 (Santa Teresita, Philippines)

Zone conference in Magapit

Hello everyone! How is everyone doing this beautiful week? We had a super busy last week, many events and interesting happenings, and are looking forward to applying and improving through all that we've learned here. We had a great Zone Conference at the Solomon Hotel in Magapit on Friday, a change of venue from the church in Aparri, but it was good (despite several flights of stairs). The trainings were incredible- we had an awesome focus on the New Testament and all the incredible examples of missionaries in Christ's early Church found there. We watched and read the story of Paul, his incredible conversion and consequent steadfastness as an Apostle and missionary of Jesus Christ- up until his last epistle in 2 Timothy where he affirms that he has "kept the faith" in the hours prior to his execution- he is one of the most incredible examples of the power of Christ's Atonement on the hearts of men and women everywhere. Then we studied the story of Peter and John glorying in tribulation after a brutal beating at the hands of the Jews because of their preaching in the name of Jesus, which leads them to joy in being counted worthy to suffer in His name. It's a quality all righteous followers of the truth can develop- that of a pure joy no matter the trial, no matter the difficulty- because you know that all will be made just and true and we will receive fruits for all of our works- if we desired happiness- true happiness- in this life, then shall it be added unto us in the next.

Our mission president had us give
some candy to all our landlords

Zone Activity at the Gonzaga Chapel

We also had a fun missionary fireside in the branch on Saturday, and really focused on the simplicity and naturalness of inviting people to come and see, come and help, come and stay- the opportunity that we have to share joy, share truth and eternal life with those we love and spend time with. It doesn't have to be awkward- we all have things in life that bring us joy, but the only one which will bring it eternally will always be the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and as long as we have the vision to see this, the sharing becomes second nature, as we develop the love to offer this to all. I love this opportunity to carry out the Lord's work as the Apostles Paul and Peter and John of old, and hope that all of us can glory in the tribulation as well as the success that comes from living in this world as disciples of Christ. I love you all, have an incredible week.

Love,
Elder Griffitts

Monday, September 16, 2019

Week 59 - September 16, 2019 (Santa Teresita, Philippines)

Hello everyone, happy Monday! Hope everything is going well with you! We are having a great time here, loving it in beautiful Santa Teresita! The branch here is really moving now, we are really excited for the members and the future of the Church here... this last Saturday we had this great activity where we gave a training to the priesthood quorums about ministering and loving others through service and friendship, and there were some really great ideas put forth. I've been reading a lot about the Church of Christ in the first days in Paul's Epistle to the Corinthians, and it makes me really think and be grateful for the Church that Jesus Christ established so that we could become one with Him. Paul writes a lot about unity and being one in purpose and belief, which is one concept the world at large has a hard time grasping, as well as the Saints in Corinth at that time. Paul compares the Church of God to a body- Christ being at the head, but every member- the hands, feet, ears, eyes- playing a key yet different part in carrying out the will of God. That's why they were blessed with a church founded upon the key principles of prophets, apostles, authority, and revelation- so that we all may know where to truly look to be united in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. All are not called with the same calling, but every member of Christ's Church is given the Spirit, and the power to receive revelation to operate in their calling, that one day we all might be one truly in purpose, even as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are one with their desires and purpose. It's such an incredible journey, and I can't describe the joy that comes from participating in the work of our Father, the work of the salvation of men- I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it, and am so grateful for all the incredible examples around us in our fellow disciples of Christ. I love you all, and wish you the best of weeks in unity and love.

Love,
Elder Griffitts

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Week 58 - September 9, 2019 (Santa Teresita, Philippines)

Batch pics from MTC

Hello everyone, it's been a while! Sorry I didn't get one of these out last week, we went up to Laoag last Monday for a meeting and I had very little time, but I'm excited to get one out this week. Everything is going awesome here in Santa Teresita, the weather is on and off rain and sun as we get into the typhoon season here, hopefully we don't have a repeat of Typhoon Umpong this year. We had a good time in Laoag, also got to go on exchanges with the APs (Assistants to the President) there, which was a great experience. It was a great learning experience on how to really give motivation to someone. Something that is really important to this work is that missionaries aren't forcing people to change or live the Gospel, rather giving hope and inviting, so that they will be willing to try and see the incredible fruits that come from applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives every day. That being said, it has been a thought on our minds to really give people a vision as to how they can take hold of all the blessings of this restored Gospel.

Us elders have 11 months to go,
the sisters only 5

When we think of the things in life that make us happy, one which is universal throughout all cultures and peoples is the family. It's that steady influence that gives everyone a place and a purpose- even when the family is difficult or broken, there is still so much hope. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has not only the power to fix any broken relationship or family, but make them better then ever before through the power of sealing eternally a family here on Earth and in our eternal life to come. Exaltation, in and of itself- that is, the act of becoming as God- cannot itself be realized without an eternal family, even as our Heavenly Father has. I am so grateful for the power of the Temple, the House of the Lord on Earth. The power that is given to Christ's Church, His living prophets, to seal in Earth and in Heaven, and to work unceasingly to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of Man. I'm so grateful for you all, and your examples to me of families and individuals centered on living the Gospel and finding joy in it every day. I wish you all a wonderful week to come, I love you all and will see you soon!

Love,
Elder Griffitts