It wasn't a bad week here in Lipa, we are working hard, but the people just don't seem to want it. It's very very catholic here, there is a massive Cathedral, and according to Bishop, it's kind of got the same feeling to them as the temple has to us, and because of the generations of catholic ancestors before them people are pretty confused about where the truth is. We try to stop the confusion, but the best feeling is as you see it in someones eyes that they know what were saying is true, even if they don't let us in right now. I feel like we're planting alot of seeds, hopefully someone can harvest them later. We are OYMing like crazy, and really trying to work as much as we can, It's a fine balance, because I want to work super hard and get out and find those people that are waiting, but if Elder doesn't, it's hard to make him, because it causes contention, and we can't have the spirit if there's contention, and if we dont have the spirit we can't teach, it's kind of a bummer sometimes, but you can only work as hard as your companion wants to, I give positive feedback, and I think it's working, but It might just be a matter of time before Elder feels like the work that he's doing is for naught as he gets closer to going home, I hope it doesn't come to that, the Lord needs two years, nothing less.
We are trying to work more closely with members, Bishop says that is one thing that the members need here, is to be strengthened. Almost all the members in the ward are new converts of 4 to 5 years. He says that if we really work with them he knows that they'll respond with referrals. It's like a tree, we need to strengthen the roots, before we can branch out. I know that thats the way to success here in Lipa. Referrals, tracting is just not working right now, as we can see from the numbers this week, 64 OYMs (open your mouth, share your message to someone you've never met before) but only 13 new investigators, so that's the goal, work more with members, get to know them all, and I know in time, the ball will start rolling, faster and faster, until this ward is running according to the Red Handbook
Here in the Phils there's not really a place where they put crazy people, they just kind of wander around, and one of them is a member! He brought a Sto Nino, a little statue of baby jesus that catholics pray to here, to church! He set it down at the end of the walkway up to the church and then sprinted towards the doors screaming! We hurried and closed and locked the front door, he then wandered around the side, and as he did, Elder Thompson and I ran and threw the baby Jesus statue in the trash pile in front of the church. He ran towards us, and followed us inside screaming, we were able to calm him down and give him ten Pesos to catch a jeepney home, he left, but not without digging through the trash to get his baby Jesus statue, it's stories like that you never forget ha
It's been fun here, tough but fun
The work is true
Elder Johnson
I got a haircut, the barbers here are pretty good, you get a single blade razor shave and massage on the shoulders for like 30 pesos, 75 cents
Frank said: This picture reminds me of the movie What About Bob? :)
Zach replied: haha Doc look! Im sailing! Im sailing!!
Frank said: We just need to tie you to the mast. "Did you know I sail now?"
ha man I miss that movie, Its a classic :)
Elder Rosario is his name, ha but the living is good, I think im getting a little skinnier, but I keep exercising, im not sure, I havent seen a scale since ive been here, but i feel good really! Were looking for a new house because there are 4 missionaries here in Lipa 2, us and the Zone Leaders, so if were all in one apartment its easier to plan where to tract and work more as a team, theres alot of really awesome options, but we are looking close to the church, hopefully we can find one by next week
Frank said: What kind of exercise do you do? I want you to be able to pump out 100 straight pushups when you get home! :)
Zach responded: I can do 156 straight now! and I try and add one every day, but sometimes I get lazy,
The language here is Vicaya, its pretty rough,
I gotta Jet!
I love you all, thanks for everything!
Have fun, be safe,
Elder Johnson
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