Week 28, July 22 - July 28, 2013

Hey all!

The week went well, Im here and healthy in Lipa!

We had Zone Interviews this week, It was good to hear some good workshops from the AP's and Sister Peterson. It is good to see everyone in the Zone, see how their doing, but my interview with President was great, we talked about the area, and about the work, he says he is proud of me for turning the work around just in the past 2 weeks, He talked about my companion, and explained why he put him with me. After that I explained to him that this week I had a change of heart, this past week on monday after I worte you guys, I was feeling super down, just really sorry for myself, and I decided to really stop and analyze the situation, analyze myself, and I asked myself if I was going to keep complaining about the situation, or if I was going to make the best of it and try and grow. Its a hard situation, im not going to lie. We contact and talk to so many people every day, we get rejected so many times every, and then to have a companion whos not open to change, who is notrious for being a struggle, its rough, it wears down on you, and I found that I was criticizing, and finding the bad in Elder Rosario and the situation, but as I worked to find the good in the situation, and in Elder Roasrio, even if theres not much of it in either, Its just happier, more work gets done, and i felt the difference immediately. after I finished explaining this president looked at me and said "thank you Elder, Criticizm and contention cannot further this work. Learn Humility now Elder" he said "because, beacause of what you are, I can promise you that all your companions will be like Elder Rosario until your finished here in the mission.", we both kind of smiled and laughed, the he said "Youre the man" and we shook hands and finished it. It was a good moment, the spirit was great in the Interview, and as I came out I kind of had the same feeling as when your in the temple, just at peace with who I am and what Im doing. It was good to feel again.

We kept working this week and ive been being Elder Rosarios friend, buying him a drink, buying him some bread, from the little tindahans or stores that are everywhere here, Ive been learning patience, and as we worked together, the Lord blessed us by meeting Nanay Rosa, shes 68 years old, but she just wants to change her Life, she came to church this sunday, after just one lesson with us, and immediately loved everyone there. Shes ready and Im excited to keep teaching her and see that change. 

Pretty awesome week,

Thanks for the support,

Love Elder Johnson

1.Rice burger, my creation

2.Us 2 and the Zone Leaders in Balete, the 4 of us are opening an area

3. We tore down a house and built a new one for service!

Week 27, July 15 - July 21, 2013 New companion, Elder Rosario and a new dialect - Vicaya

Hey Guys!

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

Week 26, July 8 - July 14, 2013

Im ON!

Hi Family,

So the week went well, we didn't have any mishaps with disobedience yet with Elder Rosario, the numbers were alright, but one thing that I do want to bring up is the irresponsibility of the previous Elders here in Lipa 2A, It was pretty rough. They did us pretty bad. They used 90% of the LOAD, which is the ability to text, LOAD is the pre-paid texts and minutes on cell phones here, and they didn't pay for their Electric or water bill. This Tuesday as we were coming in from a rough start to the week, as we couldn't contact the members to work with us or give us a tour of the area as a result of limited LOAD, we discovered that there was no electricity, i'm fine with doing study and planning by candlelight, but no electricity means no Electric fan. No electric fan means bugs, and sweat, and heat, so we paid the bill Wednesday after district meeting, but the thing is that because it was so late, it cost 200 extra pesos, the Elders left 700 pesos total, for water and electric, but the electric bill alone because of their complete disregard of the 2 to 3 prior warnings to pay, or notice of cut off, cost 746 pesos. We're still trying to see how we can afford to pay the water bill, as life is much more expensive here in Lipa, and the budget is tight. The electric wasn't reconnected until Thursday evening, and when it came on, I was more grateful for my electric fan than ever!

Trials of faith, Trials of faith, but this is the Lords work, he wants to build us.

We kept working and we have 7 people with Baptismal Dates, the Reyez family, and a potential completed family, the Biscocho family, hopefully we'll see them progress.

I got all your letters, they fill me with strength, they remind me of the amazing support i have half way around the World..

Keep praying, I Love you all.

Elder Johnson




I saw a pillar of light...




The District



On my way home from a Volcano!



Elder Sembrano and I at the bus stop before transfers






Basketball, it doesn't matter the conditions

Week 25, July 1 - July 7, 2013 New area LIPA BATANGAS, new companion ELDER ROSARIO, re-opening Lipa 2A, visited hot springs in a stagnant volcano on P-day

Are you guys still awake??

Sorry if you not, I went to a volcano.. I'll send you some pictures


Hey there,

So I'm here in Lipa Batangas, not in Lucban where 2 of my previous investigators were baptized yesterday.

Im here with my new companion, Elder Rosario. Elder Rosario goes home in 37 days, needless to say he's a little trunky. He's from Pagsanhanan, up north, he speaks Ilocono, another of the 185 dialects here in the Philippines, we have our differences, but he's a really good guy.

We're re-opening in Lipa 2A. The previous missionaries left no progressing investigators, the ones they left were teenage girls, and the area book wasn't updated for 5 weeks. It was a pretty rough first two days, but yesterday, we found 2 new investigators close to the house, we're hoping to get the work going again here in 2A,

It was a great P-Day, I went out to an island off the shore of Lipa, in a little fish boat and hiked up and over the mountain into a stagnant volcano with a hot spring in the bottom. We were able to share the gospel with our tour guide, who has never really been off of this island, It was like something off "The Other Side of Heaven" a really cool experience.

Hopefully next week I have some kind of experience with an investigator to share, i'll keep working hard, it's what the Lord needs.

Thanks for your prayers and support

With Love,

Elder Johnson

I'm writing right now, but im here in Lipa Batangas with my new companion, Elder Rosario he goes home in a few weeks. Im re-opening and Senior Comp. It's been the hardest week of my mission, so much change, and a challenge of a companion, but there's things that the Lord wants me to know... I'm feeling good, I'm healthy, and still trying to figure out this massive area we have.. It's different, but I'm feeling good


I got your pictures, I'm glad everyone is doing well,

Speaking of glasses, I think I might need some for my astigmatism, They do free eye tests here and everything's alot cheaper, I'll keep you posted,

I'll send some pictures right now.


And then....he didn't send any pictures:( Maybe next week!!

Week 24, June 24 - June 30, 2013 Gonzalo is baptized!, Transfer week is next week and he hopes to stay in Lucban longer...

Hello all!

Well it was a good week, It was filled with more growth, and spiritual experiences, Its a week like this that makes all of it worth it.

I was able to baptize a guy who has changed everything in his life for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gonzalo, my favorite deaf friend, was baptized on Saturday, and it was truly amazing. The first time I met Gonzalo he had on make-up, tight jeans, and an extremely fit shirt, I didn't want to judge, but I never thought I would see the day that he was baptized, But the worth of souls is great, so we didn't give up on him, and after failing 2 baptismal pre-interviews, He didn't give up on himself. He kept studying, kept repenting, and his faith grew to the point that he was able to throw everything away from his old life and start over anew being a disciple of our lord and savior. He's a new person, all his friends can see it, and I can see it in his countenance. He signed to us in his testimony how grateful he was to have repented. He said he's never felt this clean, and that through the atonement he knows of Christ's love for him.

This is just one of the many experiences that strengthens me and lets me know the church is true, I look back in my journal, and every day I have seen the Lords hand as im doing his work. There are too many experiences, too many things that have happened that have an amazing end result for the hand of the Lord to not have been involved. Some days im able to give more than others to the people here in Lucban but I can honestly see it, as I've given what I can give to others, I've found myself, and the Lord has helped me to grow.

The mission is amazing! If you haven't gone yet, go, go serve the Lord and he will make you something so much more than you can be on your own!

With Love,

Elder Johnson

Next week is transfer week, I'm hoping im not transferred, we have so much that still needs to happen here in Lucban, But I know it's in the Lords hands.

I dont think about how close I am to the people here until I think about leaving, But I know there's a plan, I just really want another 6 weeks here

We have another 2 baptisms next week, Bro June, and Sis MAry Joy! They were so prepared by the lord, Its amazing the people ive met and the things that ive been able to be a part of!

Elder Sembrano is great! He still likes TV, He's doing better though, He's such a great teacher and helps me learn.

Im not training, but many of my batchmates are, I'm still a Junior Companion, which was a bummer at first, but again, I've learned here to trust in the Lord and his plan for me.

It was a good week,


There are a flood of sisters coming in, the next batch is 31 missionaries, and 18 are sisters!

The Hastening the work was so great! I love President Packer's comments. Teaching with the spirit is the only way to do it.

I got quite a few e-mails from friends this week, Bakker, and Morgan Doane, I still need to reply! So Im learning another Language too! Visaya, it's the language of the southern phils, It's pretty different, but that is Elder Sembrano's first language so he's a pretty good teacher.

I need deodorant!

Maybe a tie? The gum you sent, turned into a messy clay here with the humidity in the phils so i wasn't able to eat to use too much of it!

We're at a different internet shop , so I'll send some pictures next week!

I gotta Jet, we're headed to SM, Elder Sembrano needs a side bag, backpacks are against the rules now! but we follow the prophet...

Love you all,

Until Next week, hopefully still here in Lucban!

Elder Johnson

(We sent a photo of Frank and Max in Jackson Hole, WY...and of course Zach had a comment about that photo....

That looks sweet, I miss the Mountains sometimes!

Keep having fun, and be safe

Week 23, June 17 - June 23, 2013 Transfers coming up....doesn't want to leave Lucban:(, baptismal interview with Gonzalo, Mary Joy and June to be baptized on July 13th!

Hey there famiy!

So his week was good, It was he baptismal interview of Gonzalo, the Deaf that you saw when we skyped, He has worked hard and prepared for his baptism, and it was a good feeling to have him finally be able to pass that interview and be ready for he waters of baptism next week. We have two other investigators, Mary Joy and June that will be baptized on the 13th of July, transfer day is the 6th of July, and I dont know whats going to happen, I hope Im not transferred yet, Lucban is too great, we have so much going on that I want to be here for, but I know that its in the Lords hands.

It was an amazing experience this week as we taught June repentance like we learned in Zone Conference. He has explained to us that in he has some pretty serious sins and he has felt as if he cant pray to the Lord, he said that the words just get caught up in his throat like something is holding him back, we have kept following up and insuring him that the lord is quick to forgive as we put forth our effort and come to him, and repent of our sins. and his week he said he had the courage to truly kneel down and repent of his sins, and as he did, the words just started flowing, and his prayer was more meaningful than any he had offered before. He felt the cleansing power of he spirit, and his prayer in our last lesson was so clear and powerful. I know he has felt he power of he atonement in his life, and I can see that through experimenting on he word, his faith has grown. and hes been filled with desire, a desire to follow christ in all things, even unto baptism.

I was a good week,

Thanks for your support!

I love you all

Elder Johnson

Week 22, June 10 - June 16, 2013 4 baptisms scheduled, new mission rules

Hey Guys!

Thanks for the pictures, I remember that place, Its a good memory!

Im doing well, Im learning more and more tagalog and forgetting more and more english every day ha, but Its a good thing, tagalog is the language of salvation here!

The week was good! we are almost finished visiting every less active on the ward directory. Its amazing how peoples hearts soften even if you just make a quick visit, say hello and ask about their life. It makes them feel they're not forgotten. Were experiencing some good success with the Less actives here. Its been a good week for our investigators as well. We had some great experiences using OYM, (Open Your Mouth) the new key indicator that was the topic of Zone Conference, its been amazing to see how some of the people we meet are truly prepared by the lord, He puts them in your path, and if you dont give them the message who will? We really are going to try for that 70 OYM this week.

We found a new investigator completely by the spirit, we were walking and it was raining pretty hard, when Elder Sembrano grabbed my arm and said turn around, so we turned around and went back to this house that we'd already passed. He tao po'd and through the crack of the door we could see there was this older guy, sitting on his couch. He invited us in. His name is June, and he said as he was sitting in his chair he was thinking about his life and he had said a prayer. We passed the house and he thought for a moment that we'd passed him by, but then Elder Sembrano had had that prompting to go back. He said the second we walked back he knew he should let us in. He was very receptive and seemed genuine in his answers in the lesson. Were hoping to see him progress.

We have 4 baptisms scheduled for the next few weeks, Gonzalo(deaf) Sister Mary Joy, Brother June, and Brother Mackey. were hoping they will go through. When you see someone you have grown to love act in faith and make that change in their life it really makes everything worth it.

They implemented some new rules this week, we are no longer allowed to have backpacks! We have to have side bags only, a slim side bag, here in the Philippines, the area 70 are seeing that as we match the message more, we are able to get into the big houses, we rate houses here in the mission, 1 to 10 and the area 70 wants us to focus on middle class houses, 5 to 8's which is really hard for the Pinoy Elders, if they come from a poor situation sometimes, these wealthier people intimidate them. Its been a really big week of change in the mission and im sure we'll hear more about it in the Zone Con this week. Its been hard to adjust but I know its inspired of god.We are becoming more of a mission like in the states, Its pretty hard to be a mission president here, The Pinoy Elders arent used to any rulesat home. Theres really none here, its controlled chaos, and thats why its still a third world country. Im anxious to see if the Elders in the mission will step up to what the Lord wants. I hope they can step up, the Lord needs it.

Thanks for your support,

You all are older in the picture! Its crazy!

I love you all

Elder Johnson