Week 47 - December 2 - December 8, 2013 His body has fully acclimated to the heat in the Philippines - he would die in Utah today!;), Zarea Mae and April will be a completed family soon!

Hey Guys!

I hope your all well, Im doing fine here in the Pines. Just enjoying the weather, My bodys become so weak to the cold, if it rains a little, and then i get in front of an electric fan I cant stand it! Air Con buses feel like someone trapped me in a freezer, but Its good, The human body is amazing in how it adapts to circumstances.

My health is back up, we had a great MLC and were having amazing experiences that help us grow each day, as leaders, as a companionship, and as people. We did a practice teaching with President Peterson He helped us know how to correct behavior with boldness and faith, not in our own words but using the scriptures, Me and Elder Bacyan have never had to deal with that yet as there's really no big problems with disobedience that we've seen in the Zone, there's nothing we've really had to fix, but president taught us to be more bold. It made me a little uneasy about the next transfer, I feel like he wants to give us some experience, and there's some pretty disobedient Elders that could possibly come in and give the work and us a hard time, but we trust in the Lord, and I know all things will be for our benefit and learning, Im excited to grow.

Were having good experiences with the Hastening the Work of Salvation Broadcast, The clip of the family sharing the gospel, the Ill go where you want me to go segment is amazing, I hope you guys have seen it. Its been really amazing, as just very few of the houses here have a TV, let alone a DVD player, but as we found a member that has both, and gathered a couple families into this small house to help them see the Lords vision for his church in these last days, the spirit came in so strong, they saw that sharing the gospel is through everyday kindness, that its not hard, its just following the example of Jesus Christ, and I felt the innate desire that they had to follow Jesus Christ come back into their minds, they wanted to follow the example of that family, amid the immense hardships of every family here in Lopez, Im hoping that through our follow up and trying to strengthen these members and families that his vision that God has will come to pass, The members are the way! Its an amazing thing, 

We have so much as a family, there's nothing that holds us back from taking the opportunities god gives us to share the gospel, Its up to us to pray for those and act on those promptings to do good, I know its the lords way and we'll be able to bless so many lives because of it.

Thanks for all your efforts.

Is the tree up yet? 

Merry Christmas,

Elder Johnson

We mgot the shoes! They are awesome!

Ha yea they are matching (the shoes they purchased at the SM that you can see them holding in the photo), im not sure why I look pale, ive noticed it too, maybe its because im next to a filipino, its just a mental thing, im in the sun all the time! yea thats the apartment (asked him if the background of the picture he sent was their apt.). Its fun! (asked him about the filters behind him)

Nad yea thats the water filtrationm we hjave, the water is pretty bad here in lopez but if you put soda in one end of that filter it will come out water! Its pretty amazing and clean, 

The whole family, the Sambajons

 Its been a good week, yea thats Zarea mae and April they'll be a comnpleted family soon, Zareas schediuled for baptism this week!

The zones doing well, no disobedience yet! They are all really great, We jsut need to inspire them again this week, we lost the fire a little bit.

Mission Leaders Council!

Is the tree up?

Send pics of the snow!!

Yea! Its pretty crazy, It'll be fun to see next year! The truck looks good, Who drives it now?

Max and tucker look like they've grown up a ton, It would be so fun to hang out with them! You guys have grown a ton, all of you, Its so cool to see what the gospel does for families, I feel like im there with you in every picture! (....love him...)

Its about up, I gotta run, but I love you all, thanks for your support to me, thanks for yur love, The card looks great! Ill print one off, I miss you guys,

Have fun and be safe,

Love you Lots, :)

Elder Johnson

Week 46, November 25 - December 1, 2013

Hey Family,

Happy Birthday yesterday Dad! I thought about you alot, I hope it was a good one, go ski for me!

So the week was great! We just got back from a Zone P-day, we kind of just hung out at the church, talked, relaxed, played some basketball, and got inspired as the lords weak things to go and thrash the world, pretty awesome, I have felt the lord bless me with a greater capacity, a capacity more like his to love those around me. It was a good time, We made a fun relay race as well, it was the entire day of a missionary in about 10 minutes from waking up and eating a bowl of oatmeal and showering to daily planning as the last leg. It was pretty crazy, pretty fun to watch too. I learned that I should improve my basketball game, filipinos are some of the best in the world, they love it! They cant get enough, and they made me look silly! I still got a year, ill make a comeback!

As far as my health goes it was a pretty hard week, That stomach ache from last week didn't want to go away until about 2 days ago, We went to the hospital, they tested me and it wasn't a worm, we were a little worried, but the doctor said there was a ridiculous amount of bacteria just kind of built up in there from something I had eaten before, I came to the conclusion that it was the canned meats they sell here, Its like spam, but a little more sketchy, It was kind of sucking the energy and happiness out of me, but he gave me some pills that were pretty powerful, I got some probiotics in me and after about 2 days I think whatever was in me is not anymore, It was a pretty bad experience, i've lost some weight, but i'll get it back again!  

We had a great week as far as spirituality goes though, We had the opportunity to hear from a general authority. The things he said were truly amazing, but so incredibly simple that after when I was able to tell him what id personally learned, the only answer I could give him was that the overwhelming thought that came to my head was that true happiness and contentment come through simple gospel living. We learned abut the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we talked about the deeply rooted, yet simple principle of it, that as we live worthy of it (the atonement) it has an effect in our lives, not just to heal us but to make us better, this life is about becoming a saint (MSH 3:19), its about becoming like god and we cant do it ourselves, but as we obey gods commandments, we live worthy of his help from his sons atonement, it moves us from bad to good, good to better, better to best, and best to saint. Thats what we need to be, Mosiah says its not really an option to become a saint through the atonement, so when we understand that concept it sheds a whole new light on the true importance of keeping the commandments with exactness. Its amazing. I grew so much. Study the talk by Elder Bednar about the Atonement, forom a BYU fireside in 2001, its amazing. 

Its been a good week, really good, im feeling healthy again, and ready to work hard this week, and get prepared spiritually for Mission Leaders Council in San Pablo, Im really excited for it. I know that when we prepare before our meetings, they become so much more enlightening and the spirit is there in so much greater abundance. Im excited to apply that principle to all my meetings, even weekly sacrament. 

Thanks for your Inspiration Happy Birthday Dad, I cant believe its December already, the time is flying! Ill see you guys next christmas :)

Love you all!

Elder Johnson 

Thanks guys 

DO i spy a Jammy Pack?

Its true, it has a humbling effect to it. Im glad you guys will read that, its amazing, apply it! let me know how it goes, 

The effects of the storm only get crazier, Elder hasnt heard too much about his extended family, if you watch in the Mormon newsroom there is an RM that lost 6 memebrs of his family, that was in Elders ward, he served as YM councelor with him, it was a little unsettling for him, but I think that one thing that we could do for him, its simple, but would be really meaningful is buy him a pairt of shoes, what he has is rubbers, he dosent have anything else.. we have MLC this week, I hope the debit card is there and I think it would mean alot, his family dosent have much to give.. theyve moved to manilla, they kind of left the broken life there in tacloban. 

WE got 16 of their missionaries, hopefully they can get back there before the end of their missions, but its kind of douybtful, its a wreck.

Week 45, November 18 - November 24, 2013 - Not feeling well physically this week:(, but the amazing news is that Nanay Butardo was baptized!

Hey family,

I hope you are enjoying the start of the Holidays, Here in the philippines I don't think they have turkey, lots of chicken, and rice, but not a true turkey, I'm feeling a little sick, its been the past few days, I got a little food poisoning, it really got me down, and i'm trying to think back on what happened this week,  but it all seems like a blur, 

I remember! It was a really good solid week of work, Nanay Butardo was baptized. She is amazing, her testimony was so strong, there wasn't a dry eye in the room, I'm so excited for her to live in the happiness that the gospel will bring to her. It was really sad to me that even after being invited several times, after saying to us several times they were coming, they didn't show up, not a single one, she was there on one of the most special days of her life both now and in eternity without anyone in her family there to witness the greatness and simplicity of that ordinance, She said in her testimony that if she didn't believe with all her heart that the Book of Mormon was true and that this is what god wanted her to do, it would be harder for her that her family wasn't there, but she knows, and it was amazing for me to hear, she knows, and its not from us, but she knows from her reading of the Book of Mormon and the confirmations of the Holy Ghost of the absolute truth of this gospel. Her family will realize how amazing it is as they see the changes taking place in Sisters life, as they see the powers of godliness that weren't there before begin to work within her, and I know there will come a day when the Butardo family is sealed in the temple. Nanay wont allow it not to happen. I hope we get the opportunity to teach them!

The work is going well here in Lopez, were seeing miracles in the Zone, Its amazing, honestly, we set goals, and got a vision, and now everyone's working towards something, they have an aim, it makes the work, and life alot better when you keep a perspective, when you have that vision. Luckily the gospel gives us a great one, an eternal one, in gods plan for us to become just like him. As we keep it and base every thing we do off of it, it makes it alot easier to choose the right, and were not alone in that path to become like him, we have the Atonement that can give us its enabling power, its there to help, I've felt it in my life, and the only thing we need to do is as we live worthy, ask for it. Don't ask God to change your situation, ask to have Christs atonement help you to overcome your situation. Its amazing what it can do.

I hope your all well! Thanks for giving me the Inspiration to do what I do. 

Love You,

Elder Johnson

Week 44, November 11 - November 17, 2013

Family,

So it was quite a week, Im safe and well. The storm has really shaken people here, It is pretty crazy to see all these busses full of people and supplies headed out to Tacloban. Elder Bacyans been dealing with it alright. Many people still have no word from their families, and some of those who do wish they hadnt gotten it. With all the calamity and death, Its been different to observe some of the changes in society here after an event of such widespread impact. People that didnt have too much faith in god before, people who didnt really know their purpose or gods purpose are starting to question, if he's there, who they are, and if there is such a being why would he do these things to those he loves. It has been a week full of pretty heavy questions for some of the people here and has led to some pretty good chances to answer them.

 Monday and tuesday we had to travel out to San Pablo. We started early and went out to MLC, It was another spiritual experince, we talked alot about preparing for the mission tour. We talked alot about priesthood keys. Its something ive never understood too much before, but the keys are what matters, not the man assigned to them. We need to trust in the keys because of where they come from, they come directly from our Savior. There was a quote from a seventy who said, "I will tell you what is on every member of the 70's minds, dont dissapoint the keys of the priesthood." The priesthood keys are what run the church, thew 70 have the same keys of the 12 apostels assigned to a specific area in the world. They act as a twelve in their assigned area, so as you shake the hand of one, its kind of like your looking into the eyes of any of the twelve apostles of the Lord from the time of Jesus Christ until now. Im one of the lucky ones being a leader who will get to sit down in a meeting with him to discuss a gospel topic as well as eat dinner as a leadership council. We talked about being ready, Its been amazing to experience the shift in meetings as those who attend are prepared to be spiritually uplifted and edified. Were working this week to repent of little things, to change, and to be ready to welcome someone who holds those keys. 

We presented our Workshop on Thuirsday. We had a good time with it. The changes in the Zone have been good, it kind of refreshed things.We had a really inspiring meeting, set really good goals, and recommited everyone to be a little more obedient. It was definetly a success. We were thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Me and Elder Bacyan being the same age in the mission, were the 4 th to youngest of 16 missionarys in the room, but the spirit was there and we were able to do what we needed to do. 

Its real and its amazing. I recognize that power in my life every day, and I know it only comes as we live worthy of the Holy Ghost. I finished the book of mormon on for the 5th time this week, and if I learned anything from that topic of the Holy Ghost, its that the atonement has no effect in our lives if we dont live worthy of the power which brings it to us, the Holy Ghost. Its amazing, and infinite. Hes a being that we know little about, but has such a miraculous influence in our lives we can never forget him. 

Live Worthy of his presence in your life.

I love you all,

Elder Johnson

The hurricane was huge! Its pretty amazing that Elders Family is ok. Its shaking alot of peoples faith in god here.. Its been interestingto be a part of. We have 20 new missionaries from Tacloban here, none yet in Lopez, but its been a pretty crazy week as the batch in December went home early, and the new tacloban missionaries came in. Really busy, but really fun as well.

Week 43, November 4 - November 10, 2013 - Typhoon Haiyan, the biggest in recorded history, hit the Philippines, Zach gets a new companion, Elder Bacyan, Nanay Butardo baptized next week!

Dear Parent,

We wanted to let you know that as of Friday, November 8, 2013 6:30 PM Philippine time, your missionary is safe and accounted for.  We know you are concerned about the typhoon.  The eye of the storm is south of us but because it is so large, we are feeling the effects of heavy rains and strong winds.  All missionaries have been prepared with adequate food supplies, water, and candles to last through the storm.  They have likewise been instructed to remain in their apartments until the storm has passed.  We would welcome your prayers in behalf of all the missionaries in the Philippines.  We will update you in the morning.

Kindest regards,

Sister Hansen, Mission Secretary
          Philippines San Pablo Mission

Dear Parents,

The typhoon is passing beyond the western borders of the Philippines.  We are still getting rain and winds in our mission areas but all missionaries remain  safe and accounted for. We have received several offers of  parents wanting to send supplies to the people hardest hit.  President Peterson made a call to President Ardern of the Area Presidency regarding this.  President Ardern advised those wishing to help should make a generous contribution to the humanitarian fund on their tithing slips.  This fund is what the local leaders draw from to assist those in need to get the things they have urgent need of.  We thank you so very much for your prayers, for your generosity and for your willingness to help the Philippine people.  We know the Lord has watched over and protected the missionaries here in San Pablo Mission. Please continue to pray for those in areas south of us who were hardest hit with the effects of the typhoon.

Kindest regards,

Sister Hansen, Mission Secretary
          Philippines San Pablo Mission

Hey family,

I hope the week went well! Its not Moms birthday until tomorrow, but I just wanted to say I love you, and its good that Im not there, it means you only have one more and I'll be home! I hope its a great week for you :)

I hope your week was good as a family! We had a pretty scary storm here in the Phils, it was a super typhoon they called it. Im here with my new companion, Elder Bacyan. Hes my batch, we've been in the mission the same amount of time, it was a fun Its been a hard week for him, but hes kept a good attitude. His home is 20 minutes from the eye of the storm and he still hasn't had any contact with his family, all cell phones are down, We really are just trying to work hard, laugh and not think too much about it. I know his family will be fine, pray for the people here.
(While we were emailing, Elder received an email with information about his family...Zach then emailed this to us: He just got an Email, everyone in his family is OK, but his house is completely gone, everything, but his fmaily is ok)

It was a good week overall though, Im excited for the new transfer. We got MLC this next week, It should be great. I got my waffle Iron, and a new bag with the money, The spiritual experiences happen every day. Its amazing to see the cahnges in people lives. We have a baptism next week, Nanay Butardo. Shes so ready for full activity and membership, Im so excited, were hoping that her family follows after her. Shes read until 4th nephi, and her testimony is amazing. Her auora has changed, and I cant wait for the powers of godliness to have full power in her life through the Holy Ghost. 

Its been amazing, I love and miss you each day, but I would worry if I didnt, not much else could give me the inspiration like you guys do. 

Love You

Elder Johnson

(asked him what we could do for Elder Bacyan's family)

Im not sure, Ill let you know next week, Just prayers for now. He says just give that generous fast offering, that what the people need, its starting over from nothing

It's truly amazing that everyone in his family is safe and together, Im jsut worried for some of his friends in Tacloban CIty, The floods here werent too bad, jsut fun to look at, and mad getting to some investigators houses a little difficult, but Im good and safe, 

We have MLC this week, It'll be fun, We have our mission tour as well this month with a member of the 70, itll be a good experience, 

Zach's new companion, Elder Bacyan, is from right outside Tacloban where the typhoon hit the worst. When they got to the internet cafe, he was hoping to hear about them, and thankfully he did.

We told Zach that we were able to spend part of our Sunday at Elder Kartchner's homecoming. We also were able to see Elder Knight there and get the blessing of meeting Sister Carmichael. What an amazing group this is! We are excited for Zach to have such great friends to come home to in another year.

Ha, yea its really weird that David, was sitting here last week as Elder Kartchner, but now you guys spent the last few hours with him!

I miss those guys! Im excited to see him in a year ha

Thats so great! Its so wierd to see them all, Im freaking out a little, time goes by so fast! 

(I asked him about these special Philippine belts that both Elder Kartchner and Elder Knight had on...see below)

Ill definetly get some belts, the callabao horn is a little more expensive! So If they want those send some money, They do wood ones, thats what I sport every day, they do ones from bamboo, as well as coconut shells, Its pretty cool! They can do whatever design you want as well.

I got to go back to Lucban before transfer day!! It was amazing

 When I went back to Lucban, all 7 of the people I saw baptized are still active, and Joel has the Melchezidic preiesthood, they're going to be sealed as a family next year! 

We didnt have any water, so ELder Merrill just burned it!

(We asked him about an investigator that Elder Kartchner had mentioned in his talk...)

Thats James! He actually is in Manilla, hes coming back soon, so it might be a little longer before he enters the waters, but its been an amazing experience, he realized what was important, and as he let the Holy Ghost enter into his heart, he saw what the gospel can do for him, and he kind of humbled himself to it. Hes amazing, he'll be a great leader here.

I got back to Lucban because it was transfer day, so I slept over there for a night, and got to see some people! does gonzalo e-mail you guys?

Gonzalos fine, hes just funny, he's a little different, but hes the best member missionary in Lucban, hes helped baptize 4 more deaf from the time I left!

Have the best birthday ever! :)

I gotta run! Ill send pics next week, I lopve you all so much! Be safe, have fun

Elder Johnson

He just got an Email, everyone in his family is OK, but his house is completely gone, everything, but his fmaily is ok, he almost cried, Its been a crazy experience..

Week 42, October 28 - November 3, 2013 Halloween in the Philippines, Elder Kartchner leaving

Hey guys!

Happy Halloween, I hope it was fun, here in the Phils, on Halloween, everyone spends the night in the cemetery with their deceased loved ones, theres alot of drinking, singing, and food, it gets pretty crazy, so we had a curfew, but the coolest part was to look out and see the cemetery, all lit up by candles, there were so many people, and so many candles, it kind of looked like this whole entire hill of cement graves was on fire, there wer so many people, and we had a good chance to teach some people about the Plan of Salvation, if they were still sober. Elder Kartchner left on Saturday, It was strange, we both kind of got hit with this wavew of sadness, but we prayed and the spirit confirmed to us that the mission isnt the end of progression, but the begining, It was a great transfer with that guy, Im excited for the nex chapter here in Lopez Zone as well, we'll keep this momentum going. It'll be fun.

Im here with Elder Merrill, he's fro Idaho. He is my temporary companion until we go to the mission home on thursday to get our new companions. It reminds me of when I was with Elder Mendoza after Elder Knight went home, He's a good guy. 

We worked in his area yesterday, and we had an amazing experience. The night before we had gone over to one of his recent converts, they live in a small home made of bamboo shoots, and its on stilts about 7 or 8 feet in the air, he was feeling sick, and we offered him a blessing, ands told him we wanted to get him a gift and bring it to him tomorrow, he accepted and was excited for our return. This man was a convert of two months and had finished the Book of Mormon twice, so we thought it would be a good idea to get him a trifold, with the D+C and Pearl of Great Price. So we went back the next day. We walked up the ramp above the shallow pond under his house, and sat down. We held out the book and explained that it was for him, Before we could even begin explaining it he broke down in tears. He took the book in his work weathered sun beaten hands, and brought it to his face, he smelled it, and began to sob. He gave us both a hug, and between tears explained that that book, was all he wanted, he said his salvation and the well being of his family was now in his hands. It was an amazing experience. He esteemed that book for what its truly worth, and as it explains in the scriptures, I felt that Joy like Ammon, as I saw him recogmize the importance of the book in his life, It made my appreciation increase, and I saw a seed begin to grow in a man that I know one day will be an amazing leader in the Lopez stake.

The Mission is amazing, I have learned to recognize the spirit in my life, and I know that as we as people understand and act on his promptings, we find those experiences that god has prepared for us to change others lives for the better. 

The gospels true, this is his kingdom on the Earth, Joseph Smith was his prophet here in these Last days,

Go share it with someone!

Love you all,

Elder Johnson

(We asked him about Elder Kartchner's homecoming)

Yea, he lives in Murray, his homecoming is on the 10th, hes in Manilla right now, they go to the temple tomorrow, then hop on the plane, 

Im not sure his adress exactly, but if you send him a message on FB, he'll probably respond.. I dont have his other e-mail yet. 

(How is your hand healing?)

Its been amazing, it talks aout in D+C how if we are faithful to our covenant our soul shall be renewed even unto the healing of our badys, Im almost al the way healed, theres no permanent damage except a small scar on the middel of my wrist, its a little pink but its almost healed, pretty cool!

Thanks guys, I gotta Run, I love yopu so much, thanks for your support, its what keeps me going, t lifts me up.

WIth love,

Elder Johnson

Week 41, October 21 - October 27, 2013

Hey family,

So its been a good week, we justy got back from balayan at about midnight last night after about 8 hours on a bus, it was crowded, and smelled a little different,  picture an old subway car in new york, with some graffiti, and supoer old advertisments, some of them just barely hanging on, the lights on the ceiling are flashing on and off, and the TV up front is playing old michael Jackson music videos, and thats the bus, but amid it all we were able to share the gospel and find some people who really need it. We have a return appointment with one family on friday, It was fun, I honestly enjoyed it. I grow to love this place more each day. 

It was fun to go back to Balayan, Its got a special place in my heart. We went and visited an old convert family of Elder Knight and Elder Kartchner who has fallen away a little bit, they baptized 3 of the 5 in their family, the Dad was in prison, but while there heard of his families baptism. He read the entire Book of Mormon, and got released 2 days before Elder Kartch and I got there. The timing was amazing, we taught their family as a whole and committed them to repent, come back to the joy they had in the church, as well as committed their dad to baptism. It was amazing to see the difference in his eyes as he understood that the atonement could erase all the feelings that he had to sit and think about in prison the past 2 years. It was an amazing experience, just another one of many that really makes me realize how much everyone needs to apply it in their life, How much each of us draws off of the atonement, whether we realize it or not. 

Its been a good week, Im looking forward to this last week with Elder Kartchner, Hes awesome, hes taught me alot, and I think he'll continue to throughout my life.

I wasnt able to get the waffle Iron yet, but I still got almost all of the money, but in 2 weeks Im going to San Pablo, Ill go get some stuff then!

Im good! The Zone's really turning around, their reacting well to the praise were giving, Its been really fun, and this transfer has absolutely flown by! 

Im doing alright, just loving it here in lopez, the other reason its outer darkness is because its so hot here! It'll be 102 degrees this week, with not a cloud in the sky, and its winter ha

I tried cooking, Elder Kartchner is pretty good, and ive learned some simple recipies, but we moved on to cooking fish, It was my first time frying a tilapya, and the pan was really hot, Elder Kartchner didn't want it to burn up so he said get it in there, but the proper technique is to put it in slow, having never done it before, I dropped this fish from about 8 inches up and when it hit the pan it caught fire! The oil got me pretty good, Its a second degree burn, but Its looking better, ...It'll be a pretty good remembrance of the Phils. (ok...note from mom:  this made me realize that I have failed in the kitchen:()

But the work is good, its hard sometimes, but the work will pay off in a few weeks in the Lords timing. I know we'll see some people enter those waters.

The mission is amazing, and the gospel is true

With Love,

Elder Johnson

The Burn!  Its on my right wrist, and left eye, it really hurts, I cry all the time.... No im just kidding, its on my right wrist, Its kind of flaked off, and now it looks like a really bad sunburn, its pretty stiff, im just keeping it clean, itll heal Sister Peterson said :)

Notice the shorts..war eagle

Week 40, October 14 - October 20, 2013

Hey Family,

I got your letters, thanks for that, its fun to get those, even if it takes awhile.

It sounds like all is well in utah, I miss that cold air sometimes, Its been a really hot week here in Lopez! but we kept working, weve been working really really hard towards our goals and it was getting a little frustrating last week, as the area was not being too friendly, but out of nowhere, we found a few part member families that had been coming to church, and all the sudden we had 7 potential people who will get baptized in the next few weeks, its been amazing, as we give our time to the zone, we lose time in our area, but the Lord really blesses us with those that are prepared as we use the time we do have in our area to its fullest. Its been a pretty cool experience.

I gave my first workshop yesterday at Zone Interviews. It was a little nerveraking giving it with the AP's and President sitting there too, but when I was up there working with Elder Kartchner, it was just like teaching a lesson, Just easy and fun. I think the Zone learned alot about the Book of Mormon and how to use it better, itys what lays that foundation, so when someone has a concern, we need to not open our mouth, but open the book, turn them to the words of christ, not to the knowledge of man. We hope as they apply it we'll see some good progression!

Its been cool, leadership hasnt been too bad yet, it makes the time go so fast! but more than anything, it gives you a capacity to love the guys you serve with a greater capacity. Its been a blessing.

It was really humbling and amazing experience to hear president respond to my question. I asked if there was anything he needed from me, and he pasued for a moment, then looked at me and said, "Elder, your doing it." It felt good to know that this is what the Lord needs me to do, and that he thinks I am doing it. I felt an incredible peace and renewed energy to go out and keep doing what were doing, its a hard place out here in the Bundok (thats a tagalog weord, it means mountain, WW2 soldiers, brought it back to america and started using it!), but I love all the guys, and we'll turn it around.

The gospels true, I see gods hand in our work every day. He is the one who brings understanding. He is the one who lifts, and brings us to where weneed to be in his eternal plan for the salvation of his childeren

It was a good week!

I love you all!

ELder Johnson

The tagalog has a little different accent everywhere, like english, its a little different in texas than in georgia, it different in utah than in minnesota, they use different little words like an oy, or in batangas, eh, or in Lopez, ay.. its like a pirate haha, 

No nothings too different, the people are a little slower in their understanding of the lessons, its honestly the poorest area iver been in, I got a little bit of culture shock coming into it, its amazing what people can live in, and some of the houses they can build just out of bamboo!

The apartments are pretty nice, its not bad, thats in gumaca, another area, theirs is really nice, its got an aircon too, lucky guys, we just got electric fans!

Mostly just busses, the busses here are nuts! Its like fast and the furious! always jsut inches from other cars, running tricycles off the road, but we.ve never been in a wreck yet, its actually impressive, but all of lopez runs along a coastal highway. Its really beautiful!

Hey! Yea, we watched it last week! Its was awesome, lots of inspiration! I like the focus on the family, It made me feel blessed to have a good one!

the beach

The weekly planning session witrh gumaca

Week 39, October 7 - October 13, 2013

Family!

So it was a good week, we had alot of things going on, general conference, some exchanges with some Elders in our Zone, and an amazing District Meeting with the Calauag Elders and the Gines Senior Couple. We have a new senior couple in our zone, they're filipino, and their so nice! they will help out a ton in getting the stake where it needs to be. The time is flying, we are constantly thinking about everything that needs to happen in the Zone, and we are changing the way we pray for everyone. Every prayer I say means more to me now. Its more personal, and im puting the time in, and I can tell you that it makes a difference even if its hard to walk after your knees get numb ha. Its been great to see some of the changes in the behavior of the zone as well as in the support their getting from the ward. Its far from in working order still, but at least those small changes are coming. Its small victories that count!

Conference was amazing. There were some really great inspirations we got that we want to apply to the zone. They talked alot about families though.. The role of the mother, and the family as the basic unit of society. Those statistics in Elder Oakes talk were staggering, its just another sign of the times. Its close, you can see it here in the Phils. There is so much wickedness, it all starts with the family situation, and there is such a dramatic difference in the lives of those in the church and those not yet in it. It made me think about 5 years down the road where I am going to be.. it was a little scary, but im excited about what im learning right now preparing me for whats next! We are working well in our teaching as a companionship. Its been fun, Elder Kartchner is a great example of a listner. He loves to listen to people, and its taught me alot more about how to listen. Im learning alot. Hes super smart, and an amazing cook. Hes an only child, so his childhood was really different from mine ha, his Mom and Dad worked, and he was the one who had dinner ready for them when they came home, the stuff he makes is great! and im trying to learn a little bit of the technique from him as well.

Im feeling good and healthy, I think im about to hit a growth spurt or something, ive never been more tired or hungry than I am right now in this stage of my life, but we keep pushing through!

In cultural news, I found that if I dont have rice, Im not full, it dosent matter what meal it is, if I just eat bread, its not enough ha! I love filipino food! So we should definetly get a nice rice cooker when I get home.I'll cook us some good adobo :)

I have MLC again on the 4th of November, and im definitely getting the waffle iron! 

Ill try to withdraw a little bit here to see if the cards working!

Thanks for everything, everyone sounds well, Thanks for your support, you all inspire me every day! 

Elder Johnson

Bantacay Falls

The Men of Lopez, Theres no sisters in the Zone ha

Week 38, September 30 - October 6, 2013

We went to San Pablo and had an amazing meeting though. It was definetly the most spiritual thing in my life since the temple. It was kind of cool to have a say in what happens in the mission, and see our progress..It was the first time I felt really confident about what Ive been called to be. Its an amazing thing. I feel god making me into what he needs me to be, sometimes words just come, as we try and live worthy and lead in love, and I know that its definetly not us who leads the mission. The area is a little slow, and it can really suckl it out of you if your not ready. You have to lean alot on your companion. Im glad I have Elder Kartchner to help me though, he's great. Im just trying to be humble and learn all I can from him.

Yea, conference is next week! it'll be fun, its at the stake center here in Lopez.I bet it was great!

One cool experience was as we met with the Stake, Being a zone leader, were in charge of the missionaries and the missionary work in the Lopez stake, there has been some things done in the past by thew ZL's that arent good for the change here in Lopez stake, but we asked president to come with us and report to the stake. Hes an amazing example of how to act in those meetings. We praised them and made sure they felt our support and then as they felt the love from the missionaries, I saw a change in the stake presidencies countenance, They wanted to change, I saw a burden being taken from them as they felt love from others. I saw the darkness that has been here in Lopez, the stall of missionary work, being lifted, They want to change, they want to do better, and im excited to see it put in to action.

It was a good week! Hopefully I can get the waffle iron soon

B-ball, and a cool trike

Me and Kartch

Me and Sis Aotriz, Sister Training Leader, like a Zone Leader, but for sisters, shes pretty cool

MLC faces

Week 37, September 23 - September 29, 2013 New companion, Elder Kartchner

Hey guys im on! I got some big news!

So im no longer in Lipa.. ive been called as Zone Leader in Lopez Quezon!

Its been a pretty crazy week.. 

Well Im here in Lopez city, Its a branch with membership records of 460, and about 60 active members, the branch president is 25 years old, and an RM, hes got some great Ideas, Its honestly been a little rough, the people here are unbelievably poor, its very hard to see sometimes, and as far as the other areas in our Zone go, there about just as bad, its been called outer darkness in the past, they dont send sisters here because of the strong branches of muslim extremists in the mountains, theyve just had some bad missionarys and the wards have gotten in some bad habits, but president gave me one of the best companions in the mission, Elder Kartchner, He goes home in 5 weeks, but Hes the best because he had a great trainer, Elder Knight.. ha, Yup, were brothers in the mission and we got big plans to turn this whole place around!

I wasnt too sad to leave Lipa, its only been 2 transfers, It was more sad to leave my boy, Elder Hammer, but his follow up trainer is great, He'll take good care of him. 

I honestly feel humbled, It was good to think that president has enough trust in me that he put me in this position. I was the only one in my batch of missionaries that stepped up like this, and its been a little scary. Ive had to take the leadership roll fast! Im training district leaders who have been in the mission close to two years without ever being a district leader myself, But i know whom god calls he qualifies!

Yea I feel good, were being obedient, so we have the spirit, I feel good, we'll be fine! Hows the family doing?

Yea, Lopez Quezon, the guys here are called NPA, the new peoples army, but we do carry around itaks, or machettes whenever we are going out to the areas they're in. They wouldnt send us anywhere thats not safe. Its a nice place here, haha Lopez, our area is more city, but the people are just so poor its harder to establish the church. Its really been a humbling experience, its right up along the beach, and everything runs off of a railraoad, instead of tricycles or motorcycles, everyone has a skate, its like a bike but with barings that grip to the railroad, and all of our investigators live in these little houses on the side of the rails. Its pretty cool. Its really experiencing the philippines.

The outer darkness, is because of the weather, its so hot, its 6 hours from the mission home, and the work is hard they say, But that was the past, theres rumors that if your pasaway president sends you to this Zone so he dosent have to deal with you, The ZLs in the past have been pretty bad, so its gotten a bad reputation, but were going to change all of that. These people mean to much to god to not fix this situation.

Ha dont worry mom! Ill be fine, Alma 19:23 its a promise

Yea, its alot of Bicol influence, but the people speak mostly tagalog, Were a companionship of ZL's its been great, as our teaching is alot the same having trhe same trainer.

Yea, that sounds like Lopez, theres not much to it, the only thing we have is a 7-11 ha, its definetly the rougheswt, but one of the most beautiful areas in the mission!

Yea. Its further away than the Islands. Were closer to the Naga mission home that San Pablo ha, but its really amazing. We walk all the time! but the railroad skates are the best to take, they load as many people as they can on this plank of wood with barings and pedals and then start out pushing it then pedal as hard as they can and we get coasting pretty fast on top of the tracks!

Ha, the concrete is so broken here I would die, but aside from you guys and skiing, Disco skatings about all I miss :)

Elder Hammer

Some Investigators, the Laygo brothers in Lipa

Elder Kartchner on a skate!

More Investigators..The Espiritu family! Theyre amazing

Yea, Its all good in the apartment, a little rougher, we live above a maternity clinic ha, but its been the missionarys house for a long time now, We are the furthest south, I have two of my batchmates in my Zone, president comes to visit sometimes, at least once a transfer as well as if we have a problem..

Yea, its a good zone, The DL there is new, so were working hard with him on becoming a leader, but, yea, we got some people we need to help, Catanauan is furthest away, they are 3 hours from us, but we'll go on splits at least once this transfer. Im excited to learn, Im not sure how to do this Job, but im excited I got someone like Elder Kartchner who does.

Love You too!

Talk to you next week :) Thanks for your examples

Elder Johnson

Week 36, September 16 - September 22, 2013

Hey guys,

So it was a good week, alot happened, it was a little crazy and cut into alot of the work, but overall a good week, first we moved, we are in a new apartment with the Zone Leaders, so that took up monday and tuesday, It was funny the way they do things here in the Phils. When it comes to moving all you need is a jeepney and a driver willing to give up their day, we moved 4 people out of two different houses all for about 25 US dollars! We stuffed everything we could into this jeepney  (that basically is like a big tin can on wheels), we had beds strapped to the top and a fridge hanging off the back, with all of us squished in the front seat, it was quite a picture, and it only took 2 trips ha. 

It was a good day wednesday as we had our Zone Conference, President gave an amazing workshop on the Holy Ghost, its influences, its power and the differences of its divinity verses the light of Christ that is given to all men. The Holy Ghost has become a big part of my life, its second to the atonement. The Holy Ghost to me used to be a small figure in the god head in my eyes, im not saying that any member is small, but just in my eyes in the past, but now as I am studying his influence in the Book of Mormon, as well as the amazing workshop by president, I realize that his power is just as that of our heavenly father, that even though he speaks in a still small voice, his influence in the plan of redemption is far from small. I have learned to recognize his influence in my life and strive to live worthy of it every day as a missionary, and Its amazing the growth that occurs, and the lives that are changed because of him. Hes become more than a voice, he has become a real person,a  man who can appear to us in the form of a man, he is a man who can only be in one place at one time, yet his influence can be felt in every single one of our lives. He is our guide, he forgives, and cleanses, he helps us become better. 

It was a good day thursday, president came to our apartment, Elder Thompsion is deathly ill,throwing up, cant eat, its not pretty, so hes in the mission home right now, so me and Elder Najorda and Elder Hammer are in a threesome. Its been fun! But while president was there he walked past our study table on the way out, and I thought he was just going to leave, but as he was walking out the door he turned around, and got a little emotional and said "thank you Elders, I feel a special spirit here, thank you for that." We said thank you too president. Its been amazing to develop a relationship with that man. Hes become like Dad to me, and authority figure, but someone I can really talk to as well. I know he goes through alot, theres alot of Elders that just simply arent ready to be here, theres alot of things he has to deal with eveery day that he honestly shouldnt have to, so It was good to see that I was able to bring a little peace and happiness back into his life, simply by being obedient and doing the things we need to do. I feel like thats the feeling of our father in heaven as well.  

We finished out the week alright, but the Typhoon came on Saturday, and Sunday, so our investigators, let alone members had a hard time making it to church. It was crazy how rainy its been and event now as im typing, theres so much rain, its just in sheets! but were praying for safety. 

But overall a good Week, Thanks for your love and support, 

Be Safe!

Elder Johnson

This is a jeepney, its our transportation here 

Week 35, September 9 - September 15, 2013 Alot of confusion in Lipa - this week was his hardest week of work thus far as they try to get people to listen to their message

Hey guys,

The week went well, It was a little discouraging, its definitely the hardest ive worked my entire mission for the smallest visible result.. Im trying to stay positive, but it was rough! We planned so well, and had such amazing expectations, but I think every plan we made fell through! We walked and walked and in a rage of fear for these peoples salvation we talked to everyone! tracted every house! and managed to get some new investigators, but the thing is that Satans biggest tool here in the Philippines is confusion. Confusion is amazingly effective and has such a grip on the hearts and minds of people here, especially here in Lipa. Confusion causes many people to stop their search for the truth, and i've seen it this week. Many people are through looking, and the ones who aren't are so clouded in the mind with false doctrines and traditions of their fathers that the small light of truth that our heavenly father wants to give is swallowed up in the clouds of confusion that so easily beset the people here. Its so frustrating, its beyond numbers now, its a true anguish of soul as I talk to people and they aren't even willing to try the things we say. D&C 42 talks about preaching to those who will receive you, and that's really what I want. I know not everyone has stopped their search. and the only way to find out if their mind is truly open to change or not is to be bold. Lipa City has made me bold beyond measure, I don't doubt any more, I know that this is the true church, I know that there is only one way back to our loving father in heaven and I know that at the last day even if a person was extremely active in another church, even if all their doings were kind and just here on the earth, if they don't come unto Christ through baptism receiving the holy ghost and enduring to the end, the outstretched arms of mercy of our savior Jesus Christ are in no way able to help them overcome the law of Justice that the father set in our pre mortal existence. This life is so short in the vast incomprehensible span of eternity and the things we do now will effect us for the eternity to come. Its not an option to do the things you have to here on the earth. Christ is the example, as we follow him, we become like him, god wants us to return back, and not  just return to stay there in his presence, but return and do the same thing hes doing right now, and if we dont help those who dont have this gospel especially in our families, we arent doing our part, we arent furthering the redemptive work of Christ. We arent helping them to fulfill gods plan to become just like him.

The gospel is amazing. The Book of Mormon is True, and the things that god commands, just simply arent an option. 

I just want to explain it to someone with an open mind, and I know if we keep working, theyll come! 

I love you guys!

Elder Johnson

Thanks guys, I know its not over, its just a hard area, were planting so many seeds, I'm just glad the lords given me this part of his vineyard, Its a good place here, things are progressing, and I see miracles every day. Its just hard to see people abuse their agency!

I think what I really want is just a nice waffle iron, its only 784 pesos, Thats less than $20! and it would make all the difference in the mornings ha

Any other news? you guys sound like your doing well, max is already playing again!?

This is a huge billboard right in the front, its the most famous TV show here in the philippines, notice the title ha its truly like soddom and gommorah!

Heres the pic of the week, I got my polos tailored, I think I lost a good 15 pounds when I got sick a few weeks ago, but im getting it back.

THanks for everything, Its sounds like everything is good there, my health is back in oreder, and were goingh to work hard next week! I feel your prayers, thanks for everything!

WIth love,

Elder Johnson

Week 34, September 2 - September 8, 2013 A "brownout" in Lipa, rainwater showers for the elders;) Lipa a difficult area but prayers are out for the people, particularly Ian Lanzon

Hey Family,

Its good to hear everyone is well, im doing good here, my health is back in order, and were working hard here in Lipa, Were finding a ton of new investigators, but its hard to know if they truly have a desire to change their lives we are talking with everyone, but im not sure if they let us in because they truly want to come unto Christ or if its the fact that were both american... Its frustrating at times, but we'll keep working, ive honestly never had such a hard time getting people to church, its one of those things that's hard as they have agency, thats the hardest part for me, agency, that gift that gods given to all people, its a struggle sometimes, but we'll keep giving it our all. Ian Lanzon, our golden investigator, who could be a future missionary, didnt come to church last week, we traveled out to his house to see why, and he told us that the past 8 weeks as hes been coming to church, his dad has been alright with it, a little angry, but alright, he was scheduled for baptism this week, but as he explained it to us, this past sunday his dad snapped, he threatened to beat him if he went to church, Ian is only 17 so he dosen't yet have any choice in the matter, it was hard to hear, he's so ready, and he would have been an amazing addition to the ward. It'll be a good baptism for the elder thats here in about a year or so.. Truly crushing, but we kept going, It was a hard day.

Elder Hammer is great, he is a hard worker and hes getting better each week, We are getting really good at planning, im learning the importance of that planner and setting good goals, we have a great week lined up and its pretty cool to see what you'll be doing almost every hour of the week, it makes me feel pretty successful. We have a trainers follow up meeting this week, it should be fun, Were still looking for an house that fits 4 so we can move in with the ZL's, hopefully we find one soon! 

This week we had whats called a brownout here in the Phils. The brownout is when all electricity is gone, evidently in Batangas city, someone ran a truck into the power plant, and the entire city of Lipa, about the size of Salt Lake, had no power! if there's no power it means no water, so what we did was when it started raining we would run out to a drainage line coming off a roof and catch the rain water to bathe! It was pretty crazy, but it worked we were never short. The ZL's hadn't had a shower on the second day of this brownout and they were dying, so we let them come over and bathe in the rain water, it was one of those things you remember forever ha!

The powers back on, and were ready for a good week, pray for the lord to soften the peoples hearts here in Lipa, its like soddom and gommorah, but theres nothing we cant do in the strength of the spirit.

With love from the Phils,

Elder Johnson

I got your letters you wrote!

Both coops birds are girls! thats crazy! ha

Bailee sounds older just from the letters she wrote! 

I hope max is doing alright, just remember gods got a plan for everything, im not sure why he gives us these things, but we know he wants us to become like him, I had a pretty crushing one this week as well, so I know its hard right now, but just ask yourself, what does god want me to do or learn from this experience to become more like him.. I pray for you man, love you

Tuck is running! That sounds great, itll keep him in shape! if you wrestle and run cross coumntry, theres no way that you wont be ultra fit! thats like a power combo

Aimee thanks for your letters! They are amazing, I miss and love you too!

I think im good, im lucky i got the SM here so if i need anything, I just need money and I can get it, Ive been thinking and I think I want a waffle iron for christmas, it would be so great to be able to cook waffles in the morning! and a waffle iron is super cheap here!

Haha yea, elder hammer is pretty young hes 18 still! Everyone asks if we are brothers here, its pretty funny 

This is the guy whos coming to whistler with us, the one the only, Elder Thompson

His name's Broc he works for solomon, hopefully he gets me a hookup! but hes awesome he played for team utah LAX, before me!

This is Elder Hammer almost being attacked by an ostrich, We went to a zoo last p-day

Week 33, August 26 - September 1, 2013 Zach was sicker than he's ever been this past week:(, but recovered for the baptism of Nanay Rosa!

Cooper! I saw a really cool bird!

Family!

Man another week! This week was a little different. That sickness I was feeling last week was what expanded into a fever that lasted until thursday, It was scary, i've never had anything put me down like that. I came out in rashes and I couldnt sleep, I had the dizziness going on which led to getting nauseous, man I was a wreck for a few days! But I got through it and we had a good half a week of work. It was the baptism of Nanay Rosa, that was truly amazing, it shows the power of the refferal, she progressed so fast! It was a simple service, because I was sick I didnt have invitations to give out and it was kind of up to the ward to get it all planned, which is how it is supposed to be, but here in the phils, the wards arent quite there yet, so the night of, they were asking me who the speakers were and where the program was, but its ok! we were able to find someone last minute, and the spirit was still the same. She was confirmed sunday, I stood in the circle and had that calm that is like no other feeling in the world as I watched this 68 year old woman who ive grown to love so much be confirmed and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost that our father in heaven has promised all of us as we show our faith unto baptism, and be confirmed a member of his church, It was amazing, It makes it all worth it.

Lipa is a hard place, the people are hard, the traditions of the fathers are harder, I get frustrated often as we work here, but the feeling when you see someone change their life like that is truly amazing. 

Were working really hard, I can feel your prayers, they lift me up every day. The work is true, and Im giving it all I got, every day that god gives me, We wont quit until the great Jehovah tells us to. 

With Love,

Elder Johnson