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