Week 38, September 30 - October 6, 2013

We went to San Pablo and had an amazing meeting though. It was definetly the most spiritual thing in my life since the temple. It was kind of cool to have a say in what happens in the mission, and see our progress..It was the first time I felt really confident about what Ive been called to be. Its an amazing thing. I feel god making me into what he needs me to be, sometimes words just come, as we try and live worthy and lead in love, and I know that its definetly not us who leads the mission. The area is a little slow, and it can really suckl it out of you if your not ready. You have to lean alot on your companion. Im glad I have Elder Kartchner to help me though, he's great. Im just trying to be humble and learn all I can from him.

Yea, conference is next week! it'll be fun, its at the stake center here in Lopez.I bet it was great!

One cool experience was as we met with the Stake, Being a zone leader, were in charge of the missionaries and the missionary work in the Lopez stake, there has been some things done in the past by thew ZL's that arent good for the change here in Lopez stake, but we asked president to come with us and report to the stake. Hes an amazing example of how to act in those meetings. We praised them and made sure they felt our support and then as they felt the love from the missionaries, I saw a change in the stake presidencies countenance, They wanted to change, I saw a burden being taken from them as they felt love from others. I saw the darkness that has been here in Lopez, the stall of missionary work, being lifted, They want to change, they want to do better, and im excited to see it put in to action.

It was a good week! Hopefully I can get the waffle iron soon

B-ball, and a cool trike

Me and Kartch

Me and Sis Aotriz, Sister Training Leader, like a Zone Leader, but for sisters, shes pretty cool

MLC faces

Week 37, September 23 - September 29, 2013 New companion, Elder Kartchner

Hey guys im on! I got some big news!

So im no longer in Lipa.. ive been called as Zone Leader in Lopez Quezon!

Its been a pretty crazy week.. 

Well Im here in Lopez city, Its a branch with membership records of 460, and about 60 active members, the branch president is 25 years old, and an RM, hes got some great Ideas, Its honestly been a little rough, the people here are unbelievably poor, its very hard to see sometimes, and as far as the other areas in our Zone go, there about just as bad, its been called outer darkness in the past, they dont send sisters here because of the strong branches of muslim extremists in the mountains, theyve just had some bad missionarys and the wards have gotten in some bad habits, but president gave me one of the best companions in the mission, Elder Kartchner, He goes home in 5 weeks, but Hes the best because he had a great trainer, Elder Knight.. ha, Yup, were brothers in the mission and we got big plans to turn this whole place around!

I wasnt too sad to leave Lipa, its only been 2 transfers, It was more sad to leave my boy, Elder Hammer, but his follow up trainer is great, He'll take good care of him. 

I honestly feel humbled, It was good to think that president has enough trust in me that he put me in this position. I was the only one in my batch of missionaries that stepped up like this, and its been a little scary. Ive had to take the leadership roll fast! Im training district leaders who have been in the mission close to two years without ever being a district leader myself, But i know whom god calls he qualifies!

Yea I feel good, were being obedient, so we have the spirit, I feel good, we'll be fine! Hows the family doing?

Yea, Lopez Quezon, the guys here are called NPA, the new peoples army, but we do carry around itaks, or machettes whenever we are going out to the areas they're in. They wouldnt send us anywhere thats not safe. Its a nice place here, haha Lopez, our area is more city, but the people are just so poor its harder to establish the church. Its really been a humbling experience, its right up along the beach, and everything runs off of a railraoad, instead of tricycles or motorcycles, everyone has a skate, its like a bike but with barings that grip to the railroad, and all of our investigators live in these little houses on the side of the rails. Its pretty cool. Its really experiencing the philippines.

The outer darkness, is because of the weather, its so hot, its 6 hours from the mission home, and the work is hard they say, But that was the past, theres rumors that if your pasaway president sends you to this Zone so he dosent have to deal with you, The ZLs in the past have been pretty bad, so its gotten a bad reputation, but were going to change all of that. These people mean to much to god to not fix this situation.

Ha dont worry mom! Ill be fine, Alma 19:23 its a promise

Yea, its alot of Bicol influence, but the people speak mostly tagalog, Were a companionship of ZL's its been great, as our teaching is alot the same having trhe same trainer.

Yea, that sounds like Lopez, theres not much to it, the only thing we have is a 7-11 ha, its definetly the rougheswt, but one of the most beautiful areas in the mission!

Yea. Its further away than the Islands. Were closer to the Naga mission home that San Pablo ha, but its really amazing. We walk all the time! but the railroad skates are the best to take, they load as many people as they can on this plank of wood with barings and pedals and then start out pushing it then pedal as hard as they can and we get coasting pretty fast on top of the tracks!

Ha, the concrete is so broken here I would die, but aside from you guys and skiing, Disco skatings about all I miss :)

Elder Hammer

Some Investigators, the Laygo brothers in Lipa

Elder Kartchner on a skate!

More Investigators..The Espiritu family! Theyre amazing

Yea, Its all good in the apartment, a little rougher, we live above a maternity clinic ha, but its been the missionarys house for a long time now, We are the furthest south, I have two of my batchmates in my Zone, president comes to visit sometimes, at least once a transfer as well as if we have a problem..

Yea, its a good zone, The DL there is new, so were working hard with him on becoming a leader, but, yea, we got some people we need to help, Catanauan is furthest away, they are 3 hours from us, but we'll go on splits at least once this transfer. Im excited to learn, Im not sure how to do this Job, but im excited I got someone like Elder Kartchner who does.

Love You too!

Talk to you next week :) Thanks for your examples

Elder Johnson

Week 36, September 16 - September 22, 2013

Hey guys,

So it was a good week, alot happened, it was a little crazy and cut into alot of the work, but overall a good week, first we moved, we are in a new apartment with the Zone Leaders, so that took up monday and tuesday, It was funny the way they do things here in the Phils. When it comes to moving all you need is a jeepney and a driver willing to give up their day, we moved 4 people out of two different houses all for about 25 US dollars! We stuffed everything we could into this jeepney  (that basically is like a big tin can on wheels), we had beds strapped to the top and a fridge hanging off the back, with all of us squished in the front seat, it was quite a picture, and it only took 2 trips ha. 

It was a good day wednesday as we had our Zone Conference, President gave an amazing workshop on the Holy Ghost, its influences, its power and the differences of its divinity verses the light of Christ that is given to all men. The Holy Ghost has become a big part of my life, its second to the atonement. The Holy Ghost to me used to be a small figure in the god head in my eyes, im not saying that any member is small, but just in my eyes in the past, but now as I am studying his influence in the Book of Mormon, as well as the amazing workshop by president, I realize that his power is just as that of our heavenly father, that even though he speaks in a still small voice, his influence in the plan of redemption is far from small. I have learned to recognize his influence in my life and strive to live worthy of it every day as a missionary, and Its amazing the growth that occurs, and the lives that are changed because of him. Hes become more than a voice, he has become a real person,a  man who can appear to us in the form of a man, he is a man who can only be in one place at one time, yet his influence can be felt in every single one of our lives. He is our guide, he forgives, and cleanses, he helps us become better. 

It was a good day thursday, president came to our apartment, Elder Thompsion is deathly ill,throwing up, cant eat, its not pretty, so hes in the mission home right now, so me and Elder Najorda and Elder Hammer are in a threesome. Its been fun! But while president was there he walked past our study table on the way out, and I thought he was just going to leave, but as he was walking out the door he turned around, and got a little emotional and said "thank you Elders, I feel a special spirit here, thank you for that." We said thank you too president. Its been amazing to develop a relationship with that man. Hes become like Dad to me, and authority figure, but someone I can really talk to as well. I know he goes through alot, theres alot of Elders that just simply arent ready to be here, theres alot of things he has to deal with eveery day that he honestly shouldnt have to, so It was good to see that I was able to bring a little peace and happiness back into his life, simply by being obedient and doing the things we need to do. I feel like thats the feeling of our father in heaven as well.  

We finished out the week alright, but the Typhoon came on Saturday, and Sunday, so our investigators, let alone members had a hard time making it to church. It was crazy how rainy its been and event now as im typing, theres so much rain, its just in sheets! but were praying for safety. 

But overall a good Week, Thanks for your love and support, 

Be Safe!

Elder Johnson

This is a jeepney, its our transportation here 

Week 35, September 9 - September 15, 2013 Alot of confusion in Lipa - this week was his hardest week of work thus far as they try to get people to listen to their message

Hey guys,

The week went well, It was a little discouraging, its definitely the hardest ive worked my entire mission for the smallest visible result.. Im trying to stay positive, but it was rough! We planned so well, and had such amazing expectations, but I think every plan we made fell through! We walked and walked and in a rage of fear for these peoples salvation we talked to everyone! tracted every house! and managed to get some new investigators, but the thing is that Satans biggest tool here in the Philippines is confusion. Confusion is amazingly effective and has such a grip on the hearts and minds of people here, especially here in Lipa. Confusion causes many people to stop their search for the truth, and i've seen it this week. Many people are through looking, and the ones who aren't are so clouded in the mind with false doctrines and traditions of their fathers that the small light of truth that our heavenly father wants to give is swallowed up in the clouds of confusion that so easily beset the people here. Its so frustrating, its beyond numbers now, its a true anguish of soul as I talk to people and they aren't even willing to try the things we say. D&C 42 talks about preaching to those who will receive you, and that's really what I want. I know not everyone has stopped their search. and the only way to find out if their mind is truly open to change or not is to be bold. Lipa City has made me bold beyond measure, I don't doubt any more, I know that this is the true church, I know that there is only one way back to our loving father in heaven and I know that at the last day even if a person was extremely active in another church, even if all their doings were kind and just here on the earth, if they don't come unto Christ through baptism receiving the holy ghost and enduring to the end, the outstretched arms of mercy of our savior Jesus Christ are in no way able to help them overcome the law of Justice that the father set in our pre mortal existence. This life is so short in the vast incomprehensible span of eternity and the things we do now will effect us for the eternity to come. Its not an option to do the things you have to here on the earth. Christ is the example, as we follow him, we become like him, god wants us to return back, and not  just return to stay there in his presence, but return and do the same thing hes doing right now, and if we dont help those who dont have this gospel especially in our families, we arent doing our part, we arent furthering the redemptive work of Christ. We arent helping them to fulfill gods plan to become just like him.

The gospel is amazing. The Book of Mormon is True, and the things that god commands, just simply arent an option. 

I just want to explain it to someone with an open mind, and I know if we keep working, theyll come! 

I love you guys!

Elder Johnson

Thanks guys, I know its not over, its just a hard area, were planting so many seeds, I'm just glad the lords given me this part of his vineyard, Its a good place here, things are progressing, and I see miracles every day. Its just hard to see people abuse their agency!

I think what I really want is just a nice waffle iron, its only 784 pesos, Thats less than $20! and it would make all the difference in the mornings ha

Any other news? you guys sound like your doing well, max is already playing again!?

This is a huge billboard right in the front, its the most famous TV show here in the philippines, notice the title ha its truly like soddom and gommorah!

Heres the pic of the week, I got my polos tailored, I think I lost a good 15 pounds when I got sick a few weeks ago, but im getting it back.

THanks for everything, Its sounds like everything is good there, my health is back in oreder, and were goingh to work hard next week! I feel your prayers, thanks for everything!

WIth love,

Elder Johnson

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