Week 85 - March 16th, 2020 (Sinait, Philippines)

Birthday of our recent convert, nanay Maribeth

Hello everyone, hope you all are healthy and well! We are having a great time here in Sinait, despite the scare that continues to sweep the world, no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. We had a wonderful week here, on Wednesday we were privileged to have a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Steven R. Bangerter, come to our mission and give a training to all the missionaries up in Laoag, it was an incredible experience. He is a member of the Area Presidency here in the Philippines, and told us that as of now, the Philippines Laoag Mission is the top baptizing mission in the Philippines, which is the top baptizing nation in the world- so it is a cool time to be here. It was so enlightening, we discussed several topics but above all, he truly instructed us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how the whole purpose is to sanctify ourselves and bring ourselves to the same vision as Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. He talked about the power of ordinances such as baptism and confirmation, and the potential that they have to thin the veil to Heaven and bring us closer to Christ through our actions and willingness to submit to the will of the Father as He did. He focused much on our purpose as missionaries to baptize converts, and bring them these experiences necessary for conversion- that was an otherworldly day, the feeling there was just so special.

Packed our lunches for the first time

The great week continued with all these interesting changes in policy involving no longer holding meetings on Sunday, thus we have been encouraged to help those we teach learn how to hold meetings and learn the Gospel as families within their own homes. What inspired changes have been made as of late, with the "Come, Follow Me" initiative and focuses on ministering! The Church of Jesus Christ will roll forth boldly despite any challenges that the world presents. This is the Lord's Church, and He has promised that it would last until His coming again. We were so happy to have the baptism of Brother Christian Idica this last Saturday as well, he is quite an incredible guy- so humble and eager to learn about God's Plan for him. I'm so grateful to be here at this time at the top of the Philippines and look forward to the progress and miracles to come in this next week. I love you all so much, stay safe and continue to look forward with hope and an eye of faith. See ya soon!

Love,
Elder Griffitts

Desk picture

Baptism of Brother Christian Idica