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

Week 32, August 19 - August 25, 2013 Zach is enjoying his new companion, Elder Hammer, Nanay Rosa will be baptized next week!

Hey there!

So it was a great week. Alot that I learned, alot that is happening in the Ward. We have been focusing alot on the ward and the Ward and Family Mission Plan. I think within the next few weeks here, we'll have alot of action in the Ward. Alot of refferals, and alot of member support. The baptism of Nanay Rosa is next week! she passed her interview and she said shes excited to change her life. Its been amazing talking with her and seeing how she has recognized the blessings in her life. It was really a good week, me and Elder Hammer are getting closer. Its fun to have someone with american humor, it feels good to laugh! We worked super hard this week, and last night i was honestly feeling terrible. I got a cold on wednesday, and its kind of been getting worse and worse, I called sister peterson last night, and talked to her, she gave me some pills that would help, but im a little bit worried now as it seems like more than just a fever. Im kind of dizzy all the time. Sometimes Elders get something called vertigo here in the mission, just from lack of sleep and the heat, Ive been taking it slow today, but I think this past week I just worked a little bit harder than my body could handle. Elder Hammer has been great, really patient, and he gave me a blessing as well. Im hoping it clears up soon! Pray for me, the Lord needs us 100%!

I hope all is well, This is the Lords work, and im so glad to be a part of it.

I love you guys,

Elder Johnson

Elder Johnson with Elder Rosario

Elder Johnson with his new companion Elder Hammer from Seattle 

Yea1 Thats our lunch, sardines or tuna in a can heated up on the stove then rice! SOmetimes we get to eat at members houses, its pretty great when that happens, but mostly just rice and canned ulam at home.

Here in the phils we dont have breakfast lunch or dinner, they just ask what was your ulam. Kanin is rice, thats every meal, but Ulam is whatever you put on top of your rice!

Theres about 115 active members here, theres alot of less actives, but its a good ward. We have SM in our area, which has eerything that you need, but its american prices for the american things, so its pretty pricy! but its got every restaraunt you could think of, McDonalds, KFC, all of it!

Its pretty great

I gotta run, I love you so much! Thanks for your support, 

Love Elder JOhnson

Week 31, August 12 - August 18, 2013 Zach is called to train Elder Hammer from Seattle, WA

We, at home, received the following letter from Zach's Mission President:

August 20, 2013

Dear Brother and Sister Johnson,

We wanted to let you know that your son, Elder Zachary Taylor Johnson, has been
 called to be a Trainer in the Philippines San Pablo Mission.  This is a very important position of trust and responsibility as he helps guide a new missionary, Elder Caden J. Hammer, through the first crucial weeks of the mission and gets him started off right.  We are so grateful for Elder Johnson’s valuable service here.

Best Regards,

President George E. Peterson
Sister Kathryn M. Peterson
Philippines San Pablo Mission

Yea! its been crazy, its been a super good week, kind of stressful as Ive felt inadequate to train this new missionary, Elder Hammer, from Seattle Washington, Hes a great guy! Hes 18 and fresh out of the MTC, It was stressful at first, but as ive prayed ive felt the lords help in the answers, and guidance and comfort that ive been able to give these past few days. Weve been working hard, the area isnt treating us too well, its raining alot, but we learn more each day. It brought me back to my first few days! Everything is different and you cant understand anyone, but I think as I feel what hes going through the answers that I give him are better. We talked about Supernatural Aid coming from god to ovcercome the natural man on sunday, Ive felt that supernatural help the past few days. Its been amazing! 

Elder Hammers Brother gets home tomorrow, its going to be like me and max next year, he was having a rough time, but it made me think, that if im not going to see my bro for a few years, theres no better place that id want him to be, but serving the lord.

Im good! We got a baptism coming up on the 31st, nanay rosa, shews 68 years old, and everyone at church loves her! itll be good, I think im going to get some pants today, I might need to withdraw, but Im good, just gummi bears if you send a package!

yea its not working, im sorry! Ill send a ton next week! I gotta run, I love you all lots! Well keep working hard

Elder JOhnson

Week 30, August 5 - August 11, 2013

Hey guys!

Im sorry, Im late on this letter we had a zone p-day, we went bowling! It was pretty funny, bowling is the same regardless of where you are in the world, I felt like id walked into that bowling alley next to chuck-e-cheese in sandy, it was a good time

Thanks for the pictures! Their awesome, tucker looks 3 years older from when I left! Everyone looks good, im glad you had fun.

Big news, Im training this next transfer! Ill finally be a father in the mission! Ill know who my kid is on the 15th, it'll be fun, its a little intimidating, but I know the Lord provides a way,

It was a good week here, we finally had some investigators keep that commitment to come to church, George Gaid and his family, their awesome! and they've committed to baptism on the 31 of August, its taken alot of prayers and work, but there's some good progression that's going to happen here next transfer. Its been a good trip the past two times we've been out to Balete that new area were opening, alot of OYMing and alot of battles, but we found 11 new investigators, one who has a jeepney, and I got a return appointment to teach the Mayor, as well as the Municipal Secretary, I figure that big things will happen if we can get those two converted. The ward is starting to respond with the Famly Mission Plan, hopefully as we follow up these next few weeks we'll get some refferals that become new solid investigators. Were running out of people to talk to on our regular routes that we walk, people are really stuck in the wicked traditions of their fathers here, but we keep working, Elder Rosario was better this week, its been hard to get in contact with members to work with us as I lost the cell phone on Monday night. Its rough
He didnt pay a the bills in his first two areas, so his support this month got cut from 3800 pesos, which would easily last him until he gets home, to just 1000, I said president what am I supposed to do? but he says we need to share what we have, so i'm having to pay for him on just about everything and the money is just flying away, I'm still good for a good 2 weeks or so, I just have to make it till Saturday, then im just paying for myself again, but I think towards the end of the month I might need some help from you guys, ill pinch pennies, but its so expensive, and it all comes from his irresponsibility 2 years ago..its frustrating, but it teaches me patience and humility, its like the law of concecration, ha

It was a good week,

Thanks for your support, and mom i dont feel neglected on mail, its just something that kind of happens here, its so far away, no one but the filipino Elders gets mail, and you guys have written a ton!! I get it, but its pretty late, and I hear what has happened through e-mail, but packages are good, just some gummy bears would be nice, the big bag from costco, the gummies arent the same here, its just different ha

Love you all lots

Elder Johnson

Awesome! Im writing about the week, its been pretty crazy! Elder Rosarios going home so I dropped him off yesterday, and have been juggling with 3 different companions, working wherever they need me until thursday when I go to the mission home and see who ill be training!

Its Elder Clarke, from new zeland, Elder Valdez filipinio, and Elder Merrill from Idaho, we are in calaca, I had to come with Elder Clarke, to get ghis stuff, we found out he was transfered, then were going back to Alaminos to the mission home and will work there till thursday

Yes! Im excited to train, a little nervous, but whom the lord calls he qualifies! I hope hes hard working, i feel so tired after Elder Rosario, Its hard if you cant feed oof your companion, if theres just one battery, it tires you out, but Im glad I got to help him!

THanks for the money, ill only use it when im really in need!

Its going well! well have some good success next transfer im hoping. We have three baptisms that are for sure and then a whole family thats really progressing. The ward is taking off! They are working with us, they are giving those referrals, Its going good! We are seeing the rewards of all the hours of finding this transfer.

My clothes are good, I got my polos tailored, there more fit now. I think I might have lost a little weight, but gained a little more muscle. pants get pretty rtorn up here, so I think i might invest in one more set of pants. We can wear kackis now, and be a little more stylish, Its super wet all the time, but the rockports are still holding up, I think ill get them re soled soon. the yellow towels are starting to get pretty dirty, but their still all right. Im feeling good, not too stressed, just feeling good, 

Is there a new temple endowment video?!

Bay and Aimee, Lucky! I miss despicable me! is the 2nd one out yet? they say that the language they speak is tagalog? im not sure if its true, but it kind of sounds like it!

Thats awesome! No we get to go the temple before we go home, thats it. I wish we did, theres a whole lot of Elders who arent being obedient here in this mission, If I ever become something im going to work hard to see if we can go as a mission, at least once every 6 months. I feel like it gives you so much more perspective if you go to the temple, there would be alot more obedience, some of the things I hear, and see Elders do make me sick... but its alright, everyone builds the mission they want  to buil;d, tghe mission they have to look back on for the rest of their lives.

The keens were alright, but we tract really big rich houses with cars now, I tract in english alot of the time, because it makes them feel smarter, and president said our shoes should look pretty nice, so its just the rockports, The chacos have been good for p-days, and around the house, filipinos dont wear choes, just flip flops, it dosent matter what the activity is, its pretty funny! 

yea, im teaching the primary kids piano lessons! its pretty cool! Hopefully well get some interest in it next transfer, were doing an english class, piano lessons, and family history!

Who plays the keys for cahoots, I havent heard a word from Mason, Dallin, or anyone, NaTALIE IS ON her mission in Baltimore right now. pretty cool! Shes in the same mission as danny gainer. I hope Mason goes on a mission! I dont have his e-mail.

Its mostly filipinos that are disobedient, if you get a foreigner thats disobedient its even worse, theres cell phones, girlfriends, LOC problems, its just really bad, the mission was super bad before president got here, but slowly that generation is dying off. Ive seen the consequences in the area that I reopened, its a big problem, 

Have you read doctrines of salvation, by Joseph feilding smith?

Its all good, but its all his sermons, and evwery answer to the deep doctrines about the plan of salvation, its really old, im not sure if the church supports it now, but its got so much information! It was overwhelming, I just switched back to my BOM reading! Im good omn the music front, you can download it all onto a flash drive off LDS.org, and play it back on the DVD player in the apartment.

I got it from the apartment in Lucban, its super old, has alot of crazy doctrines in it, its one of those things thats been passed down for a long time in the mission.

I have a DVD/CD player for training, so we can listen to hymns and things like that in the apartment. I have time to read at night, if you have good books, send them for christmas! 

So evidently, there were 2 missionaries of another faith who were shot on tuesday after we left that new area that were opening, Balete, Iglesia ni cristo is a church here, if you want to read a story, read up on them! its crazy, but they sometimes have hitmen, and after we left Balete on tuesday, two missionaries died, im not sure if they though it was us, or whats going on, but president said we cant go back for at least a month! Its a bummer because I was teaching the mayor there, and had some good investigators, but its pretty crazy! Im not sure the motive, but we wont go back for awhile!

Love you all!My camera is in Lipa! I really want to send some, next week ill send a bunch! I gotta run, times almost up! I love you all, 

Be safe and have fun!

Ill send a picture of me and my kid next week!

With Love,

Elder Johnson

Week 29, July 29 - August 4, 2013 He is excited to become a trainer with his next transfer on the 15th, the Gaid family commits to baptism, the Mayor sets a return appointment

Hey guys!

Im sorry, Im late on this letter we had a zone p-day, we went bowling! It was pretty funny, bowling is the same regardless of where you are in the world, I felt like id walked into that bowling alley next to chuck-e-cheese in sandy, it was a good time

Thanks for the pictures! They're awesome, tucker looks 3 years older from when I left! Everyone looks good, im glad you had fun.

Big news, Im training this next transfer! Ill finally be a father in the mission! Ill know who my kid is on the 15th, it'll be fun, its a little intimidating, but I know the Lord provides a way,

It was a good week here, we finally had some investigators keep that commitment to come to church, George Gaid and his family, their awesome! and they've committed to baptism on the 31 of August, its taken alot of prayers and work, but there's some good progression that's going to happen here next transfer. Its been a good trip the past two times we've been out to Balete that new area were opening, alot of OYMing and alot of battles, but we found 11 new investigators, one who has a jeepney, and I got a return appointment to teach the Mayor, as well as the Municipal Secretary, I figure that big things will happen if we can get those two converted. The ward is starting to respond with the Famly Mission Plan, hopefully as we follow up these next few weeks we'll get some refferals that become new solid investigators. Were running out of people to talk to on our regular routes that we walk, people are really stuck in the wicked traditions of their fathers here, but we keep working, its been hard to get in contact with members to work with us as I lost the cell phone on Monday night.

It was a good week,

Thanks for your support, and mom i dont feel neglected on mail, its just something that kind of happens here, its so far away, no one but the filipino Elders gets mail, and you guys have written a ton!! I get it, but its pretty late, and I hear what has happened through e-mail, but packages are good, just some gummy bears would be nice, the big bag from costco, the gummies arent the same here, its just different ha

Love you all lots

Elder Johnson

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!