Week 79, July 14 - July 20, 2014

Yea! Its been pretty crazy! Im no longer in Calamba, Ivebeen called into the office as financial secratary and office elder! Pretty different, but its been fun, I'll write an update now!

Do you have any pictures? there was a massive typhoon here, I got some good pictures to show you :)

(These never came...maybe next week;))

Family,

Wow what a week, it was so full of changes, Im no longer in Calamba, Ive been called into the office here in Alaminos Laguna, My companion is the biggest man in the mission a former professional rugby player, and accountant, an Australian Tongan named Elder Talanoa, He's my first companion from the islands, and its been really fun the past few days, he is about 300 pounds of pure muscle, but has the heart of lion and the gentle nature of a mother hen. He's an awesome guy and were ready to take on the immense challenge that will be coming our way as the office couple, in charge of finances near the end of their term here and we as the office elders will take on all the responsibility of the office on both sides of the spectrum, on the service and logistics side as well as the finance, Its going to be something really new for me, but something that will teach me alot, and work the analytical, organizational, and logistic side of me as much as life in the field has worked the spiritual. It feels good to see that the things we do each day really do help the mission to function.

The typhoon that came through really messed things up, We have spent most of the waking hours we have the past few days in the car accounting for Elders and Sisters and assessing damages on apartments, we've been around the whole mission and seen the destruction that the storm caused, power lines are lining the roads, there was no water or power from Tuesday to Thursday evening in most of the mission and in about a third they still don't have either. Yesterday we made a trip out to Lopez with a literal ton of water in the back of the truck to the Elders and Sisters out there who were running low on both funds and fresh water, Were still trying to figure out what we can do to get the internet back up and running in the office, its been pretty messy as more days pass, we get further and further behind, but I know we'll be able to pull out fine. The next few weeks really will be spent cleaning up the mess that mother nature made here, we looked out our window and watched rooves blown off of houses and trees and power lines collide as the wind made even the biggest trees look like a toothpick, we didnt really realize just how bad it was until we drove around and saw, teaching appointments have been put on hold as missionarys fill their days with service, many members who really had nothing left went to church yesterday, it was amazing to see that kind of faith, I know that a midst the destruction were seeing now that good will come of it, The filipino people are responding amazingly to it all, the morning after the storm we saw stores open back up, a midst a flood that was waste deep in his home, we saw a man go out and sell fish to earn a little money, when you ask anyone how their doing the resounding response is, were ok, or still smiling, These are people that take this kind of beating from nature every year, and their just happy if even a portion of their roof stays on, Its inspiring! 

The work is different here, its fun to be around president each day, I learn alot form his attitude and humility. Even though its different it dosent mean the spirit has left, we look for those ways to feel the spirit and crave those experiences when they do happen, Im excited for the next few months and anxious to learn all that the Lord wants me to learn, I honestly never thought I would become an office Elder, but too much has told me that it was the wrong choice, I know it was revelation and Im excited to throw myself in to this new assignment from the Lord.

Max! Keep emailing me, I hope your well, you sounded great in your letter! I love the MTC, just make sure you dont eat too much of one thing, I remember one Elder in my district did that and after 4 bad days they had to give him the "blue torpedo" nobody likes the blue torpedo. and one more thing, have you found the "pillow room"?

You all sound great at home, its very strange to me  that Bailee is in highschool, I  cant handle it, The pictures look great,

Tuck I know you'll find a better job, Try In- n- Out! I left that place on a good note, maybe they'd pick you up??

Aimee and Coop,

Keep enjoying summer, its a fun time! I love you!

I love you all, thanks for your prayers,

Elder Johnson

March 3, 2014 Thank you letter from Elder Bacyan

Good Day, Brothers and Sisters,

This might be a little unexpected but I just wanna express my deepest gratitude for your very kind and loving nature. If you still remember that the Johnson Family asked your assistance to help a certain missionary and his family who were terribly affected by the typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda) in the Philippines. I am that missionary, and am greatly grateful for everything you have done to help us in these hard times.

As a full-time missionary of our Savior's only true and living Church I know I am entitled with our Father's aid and should not worry about my family. And I wasn't. I thank you all for being instruments of our Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ in confirming my faith in Them and all hope on Their ever willing arms to embrace and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.

You are great people in my eyes. Your faith manifested with righteous works strengthens mine. You inspire me to become a better missionary and a better man.

I pray that the Lord shall pour upon you His grace in everything you do.

My family and I love you fellow saints,

 -Elder Bacyan  

Philippines San Pablo Mission

Week 78, July 7 - July 13, 2014

Oh Boy, What a week,

Its been another good one, just like they always are serving the Lord, we are really beginning to see the fruits of some of our efforts to rebuild here, the ward is meeting regularly, we are really trying to focus on teaching the ward leaders out of the red handbook and they seem to be embracing it, our Bishop, Bishop Paz is really a humble man who has the potential to be so great, but as a result of lack of support has gotten a little tired over the past year or so. The wards attendance has slipped, as well as the number of active priesthood, but we have really made it clear we are here to help and he seems to enjoy the support. The chapel is so large here, it was the 2nd one ever built here in the Philippines and we really are trying to lay out a vision with him for specific people we can focus on to really get the chapel full. We are really spending alot of time teaching our Ward mission Leader his responsibilities, many times missionaries, or people in general are really hard on their leaders or others in their life that they are dependent upon, they feel they are not doing their part, but what we've seen here in Calamba is that they don't function because they don't know what their part is. We are finding as we teach them, they function, A principle of the gospel that really resonated to me this week was that people can only act according to their knowledge, knowledge is essential and always has been, before the Lord gives priesthood keys to man he educates them, he teaches them clearly what they should and should not do, and outlines the expected behavior and the inescapable consequences for misconduct. The prophet trains the 12, the 12 train the seventy and the seventy strive to teach stake and ward leaders around the globe how to manage the affairs of gods kingdom, I realized that that is the same way everything should be run, if no one ever taught us that we had to first get a bowl before we made cereal, how succesful would we be at making that cereal? It really humbled me and made me think, before we ever think to be frustrated with anothers behavior, first ask yourself if you've done your best to teach them clearly all that they should do as, and we've seen this work, amidst our Ward Mission Leader's weaknesses, as he obtains this clear knowledge of what he should be doing, you can see gods hand helping him to reach out to members and get them to visits with us. Knowledge is valuable, and eternal, and Im thiankful that it will rise with us after this life.

On a funny note, 

We went to University of the Philippines Los Banos today, man that was really fun! They had a dairy farm, its the only real dairy i think i've had my whole 19 months now. so needless to say, when we saw that they had real chocolate milk we went a little crazy, we all drank so much, and it was so good, but now, about 3 hours later were facing a stomach that hasn't had milk in it for 19 months, it was like doing a triathlon at 300 ponds, it just wasnt fit enough for it, and i think it suffiseth to say were facing a small typhoon in each of our stomachs. Its a good thing there are 2 bathrooms in the apartment! woof..

Dad, I would love it so much if you would go to President Peterson's homecoming, there are alot of former missionaries going, I know he would love to see you and Mom

Mom, Man New York looks fun! Thanks for those Pics, everyone looked great with Max, it looks like he held it together, I remember I was crying at that point, but oh how fast the time goes as we serve him with all we have.

Max, Thanks for serving the Lord Elder, It means the world to me, your changing lives, theres so many ways that I wish I could be like you, you inspire me every day.

I heard a quote that whenever you get down on life, on yourself, about the work, think about your Mom, envision Moms room, and think of her kneeling down and praying for you, think about what she's asking for, and dont ever cheat her of any of the blessings she will receive as a result of your service. Your amazing, and I am so excited what the Lord will create out of the humble servant he has in you, let him in, and he'll do it.

I love the mission, I love Calamba, as i've prayed for it the lord has blessed the ward and each member with a special place in my heart, and I know that as we keep chipping away, were going to see big things happening, The Lord is behind us, he always has been and he always will be. 

I love you all so much,

Hurrah for Israel!

Elder Johnson

Week 77, June 30 - July 6, 2014

Hey Maxx,

So you'll soon bare the name Elder Johnson, pretty exciting right? dont be nervous, I know you were called to Taiwan for a reason, there are many souls who are waiting for you there, whether it be some Taiwanese family or a companion who's struggling there are others who need your light, they need your happiness, they need all those amazing attributes you have that make you the amazing person you are and I know that those are the things that will enable you to be a powerful servant of the Lord. As you teach the gospel remember the plainness of it. Its so simple, Jesus Christ performed his everlasting atonement, many know that, many don't, but even as others come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and his atonement, even if that knowledge is perfect, the knowledge can do them no good if they don't apply the proper action and principles found in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to their lives.They cannot nor will they ever in this life or the next, feel the power of the atonement in their lives unless they accept with their whole hearts the ordinance of Baptism, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure faithfully to the end of their lives following the example set for us by our savior, and that proper knowledge of how we can apply the atonement is what you bare, the mission might not be everything you expect, but regardless of what you face you never forget that, connect people with the atonement through this knowledge which you bare, it helps us attain perfection. I bare my testimony that this is true, I bare testimony that you will come to know its true over the life changing experience you'll have the next 2 years, God loves you, he's blessed us with our family, I feel blessed to be your brother and your friend, you can call me with anything you need, 

I love you forever and ever

Elder Johnson

Week 76, June 23 - June 29, 2014

Familly,

Oh boy, what a week, There's not too much to write about as Elder Farley's back problems flared up again, before the mission he broke his back twice! Its really a miracle he's still alive and ready to serve, but he pinched a nerve in his back on Tuesday and was bedridden until Thursday, But it was really amazing to see how the Lord blessed us in the few days Elder Farley was healthy to really reach those souls that he needed to be reached this week. 

First there was the Lopez Family, Nanay Lopez is a less active who had a dream that she should come back to church, she's 82 years old, but because of that experience after 20 years of being less active she made the walk to church last sunday, We didnt know who she was, or where she lived, but we said we would love to come visit her, Friday as we were walking around, we heard a shout, and we looked left to see her there at her front gate, she let us in to her humble home, and introduced us to her family, We invited them to the Lesson and really got to know them, and it turns out they are not yet members, amidst the quaking of their family of pet ducks and the crow of the 3 roosters they have they felt the spirit as we taught them about the temple, They came to church yesterday and were really looking forward to good things happening there for that family. The second was our favorite investigator, Harry, He is the caretaker of a private resort, and if you looked at him with his lazy eye and outfit of an "I love new york" tank top, flip flops with holes in the soles, and basketball shorts you wouldnt think that hes the caring father of 5, a former chess champion at the University of the Philippines, a former baptist preacher and fluent enough to understand Isaiah in english, but he is, and he has some of the most intelligent questions i've ever heard, each discussion he grows more and more, he cant get enough of the book of Mormon, he wants to study the life of Joseph Smith, and as we teach him the basic principle of the gospel I can see the spirit working in his life. His mind is open, as well as his heart, and he dosent take these things lightly, he recognizes were talking about salvation, and itrs a really big deal to him. He's progressing well, and we grow to love him more each time we meet.

President Peterson is gone! I feel a part of me left as well, but I know President Mangum holds those same keys, and they come from Jesus Christ, and my love for Jesus Christ is something that will never change, Im excited to meet President and his Wife, People change, but the work continues to roll forth, Im blessed to be a part of it.

I love you all!

Elder Johnson

Hey there max, I read your e-mail

1, Don't be nervous, your going to do exactly what the Lord needs you to do in your mission if you go in with an attitude like you have, 

2, The MTC is inspired of god, its a way to help you catch your breath a bit, Im afraid that theres no way to learn beforehand, or replace the things you'll learn there, its a great experience, 

3, This week as the temptations and doubts come down on you, learn to pray, not just a regular prayer, but try this week to plan for your prayers, think about what you will pray for, and be ready to let the spirit guide you in that prayer, prepare for the prayer, invite the spirit by singin a hymn, or reading a scripture, pick a place to pray and mae sure its quiet, do it at a time in the day that your most alert and ready to focus on that prayer,  thank the lord specifically for those who have blessed your life and how they have blessed you, try to match your will with his and I know you'll feel his presence more in your life, This is something i've learned on the mission, to really plead with god, it might take more than 5 minutes, it may take up to 20 or 30, but its how god can speak peace to our souls, and its how we can recceive the revelation he wants to give us each day. Take strength from those prayers. 

4, Go to the temple, and use that spirit you've felt during your prayer to open up your mind to the true meaning of the covenants you made there, Memorize those covenants and when those doubts come, repeat the words of those covenants to yourself, and as you do, recommit yourself to live accordingly, as you do, you'll  feel the true power of the endowment as it reminds you of your eternal nature, potential, and purpose in this life.

I know you can do it, the spirit cant reside in a mind tossed about with doubt, so relax, and I know you'll be able to feel the prayers of those all over the world lifting you up. 

Be happy,

I love you

Thanks for serving the Lord, it means the world to me.

Elder Johnson

Week 75, June 16 - June 22, 2014

Hey,

So it was a great week, The last week of President Petersons stay here in San Pablo mission, The work is going well here in Calamba, Its a challenge to rebuild, but were seeing the Lords hand as he's really prepared peole to listen and as he's really prepared members hearts to see how willing wereally are to work with them. 

We had a really great experience at a member visit this week, were really working through all the auxillaries, and trying hard to get things moving, we met with the second counselor and his family. Earlier that day we had talked about how as we listen to people and their concerns, the spirit works through ideas , just simple thoughts, and that's what we need to respond to and teach. We set a goal to apply it, and Elder Farley did just that. The lesson was really going well, we had asked some really great discussion questions and gotten alot of great ideas going, but there still seemed to be some hesitation or shyness that was holding them back. After a quiet moment I looked to Elder Farley and I could tell he was trying to go to heaven, and he did, it clicked, and he went with his spiritual prompting, he shared of his own experience as a missionary and how for a time in his life, loving people was a hard thing to do, but he spoke of the change he's had and the love he's developed for people and how as we really love them, the urge to share the gospel comes easily. He said that if we know that we can have that eternal happiness within our famlys that it wopuld be selfish to not share that with others, we expressed our love for the family that they have and the spirit we felt in their home and closed, The wife of the second councilor said the closing prayer, as she moved along in the prayer, we really felt the spirit come in, she asked god through tears to give her family the courage and love to overcome selfishness and share the gospel with their neighbors. Afterwards she thanked Elder Farley for what he had said, we came out of that house rejoicing, I said, Elder Farley, "has that ever happened to you before?" he said, "no, that was the first time", I asked if the 4 hours prior to the visit, in the hot sun, the waking up on time and the obedience that we were striving for were worth it for the feeling we had then, he responded that anything we had to do would be worth it to be able to help someone like we were able to do, through the spirit. 

God works through us, teaching a principle simply and based off of a spiritual prompting can answer a prayer, it can change a life, We all know the gospel, so when faced with a problem, before you turn to a best selling authors novel, turn to your scriptures, our first source in seeking to guide others should be found in the gospel, and the Lord will direct you to what they need.

President Peterson will be home on the 29th, He drove up yesterday surprisingly, and took us to Burger King, I know he is busy, he goes home in a week, there are alot of places he could be, so I asked why, after a quiet moment he looked at me and said "Elder I came today because I want to be with you and I'll miss you more than you know." He's a special man a man with a presence of the spirit always just like the Holy Ghost he wants to be in the presence of those who he feels comfortable with, and It made me think of the way in which I need to continue to live my life, to have someone like that as well as the Holy Ghost, always want to be with me, to be in my presence, to eat with, to talk with and to give up his time to be with me. I know that as we put the gospel first in our lives, with a heart full of obedience that we'll be living in a way that allows him to be with us.

Im gonna miss President, I'm excited to see the changes in the coming weeks with the change of leadership, but I know that The Keys are what counts, the keys which president peterson has and the President Mangum will receive come from Jesus Christ, We just have to learn to trust them. 

I love you

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

Elder Johnson

The new mission President is President Mangum He is the CEO of Nuskin I think.. 

Elder Farley is doing so well! I love him as a companion, I learn alot, he's still adjusting to everything, especially the physical demands of the work, but were doing really good things here in Calamba.

Whens the farewell? whos coming? Im so excited for max!