Hey Family,
I love you guys.
The week was fantastic, I got some news, I'll be transferred on Wednesday, my new area is Siniloan 2nd ward, in Siniloan Laguna I'll be going there to finish out these last few weeks. Its amazing how God really loves to stretch us. As soon as we feel comfortable he says, my son, that's great, but when your ready to grow once more, let me know.Its 3 Elders that really have been more than a small headache to President Mangum, but seem to have willing hearts and made some strong commitments to change, and we believe they will, but president said that they need a good seasoned veteran who will do what he's supposed to there to help them in the process, so thats where i'll spend my Christmas, that's where the Lord has called me. I'm so excited to see what adventures await!
Yesterday was stake conference here in San Pablo stake, we listened to some very capable leaders strive to guide their stake here to become more established. Its amazing to listen to their council, They provided statistics and talked about goals, and their other focus was on self-reliance, its a doctrine of the gospel that is often hard to hear for a lot of the members here. According to the statistics, over 63 percent of the stake here in San Pablo is either unemployed or not making enough to provide for the daily needs of their family. It was sad to hear, and its so obviously true as you walk around. I have come to know of a certainty on my mission that there is nothing that is temporal, all things truly are spiritual, and the gospel isn't just made to lift us spiritually. but temporally, it teaches the correct principles which when applied in any field, within the church or outside of it produce a good result.Like work, Its a hard thing to do, work, but its something that fits us for celestial glory. Often the peace and spirit that was once brought into the homes and lives of members here in the Philippines is replaced very quickly by the despair and clutching grip of poverty. Its a hard thing to watch, but the Lord has provided a way to overcome that poverty, he has programs set up that aren't being taken advantage of, there is a promise from a prophet of god that if these programs are followed the outcome will be success, I think often times that desire is not there, James E. Faust said something profound he said " The first step to faith in Jesus Christ is desire or want for something more." Often times this is what lacks in each of us, greater consecration often dosen't come as contentment creates a false sense of peace, we always have to want more, in righteousness and as we continue in obedience, god blesses us with what we need and more. Its amazing to see how someone who has the desire for more in their life, when paired with the true and restored gospel of Jesus Christ, can completely change. It made me want to have those righteous desires constantly, It reminded me to never be comfortable with the person you were yesterday, because if we get too comfortable we can forfeit the person we can become today and tomorrow and forever. SO choose something today in righteouseness that you don't feel content about, pick a question you don't know the answer too, change something in your personality that you know could be more Christlike, then study it out, go to the Lord in prayer for help, and today he will help you change it, and when it happens, don't be content, do the same thing tomorrow, and next day and forever and slowly through the miracle of the glorious atonement we can be fit to live with god, and stay there eternally.
I know its true.
The time is going too fast, I have 3 more letters, I can't wait to talk face to face, Thanks for the support and prayers. The lord has so much more in store for us.
Love you
Elder Johnsonii
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