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