Week 49, December 16- December 22, 2013

Family!

Everyone seems to be doing great! We had a great week here, I'm still here in Lopez! our Christmas Zone Conference was this past week, that was pretty fun, it was good to feel the Christmas spirit, I played a Solo on the piano, it was my own jazzed up version of Angels we have heard on High, and Joy to the World, its fun to share my talent that Mom created in me :) I hadn't really realized how close Christmas is, we've been so busy, and more than that, its been so hot! I think the past few days have been some of the hottest in my mission, 95 degrees, we almost broke 100 one day, but its been amazing to see how the Lord supports us, We are able to walk in that sun and humidity and feel completely ok, I feel constantly tired, but yet I can just jump right out of bed and do what needs to be done! Its a blessing for sure, that comes from living our covenants.

Im loving our companionship. Were growing and learning so much from each other, as well as the experiences that we have with the Zone, There has been some changes in some areas. The new guys seem to be alright for now, we got 2 Elders who this is their last 6 weeks in the field, that has a possibility to be a big problem or a massive help to the Zone, as well as an Elder who I really love Elder Greene, from New Zeland who seems to have lost his desire, Hes had some bad companions and its just been a downward spiral to the point now, where in his last area he and his companion were so disobedient and no work was done to the point that they completely closed the area to missionary work. He's an amazing Elder with great potential, we just have to really work to get that desire back in his life, help him see his Eternal Worth, as well as those around him, Help him see how sometimes his actions stand in the way of salvation. Pray for him, and his work, I'm excited to help him grow with our father in heavens help.

The area is doing great, I'm excited about our upcoming baptisms this transfer, Lots of potential. We are working with the Members here, who honestly have been neglected for quite some time, They don't quite understand the underlying principles of Mormonism, They don't understand gods plan to have us become just like him, so we came to the conclusion, that we really cant expect them to magnify their callings if they don't understand why they need to, so that's our focus, on the members, we want them to have that eternal perspective, we want them to know why they come to church, why they need to read the Book of Mormon every day and what it does for them, not only here on earth, but in the eternities to come. As they understand it better, their desire to share it with others will increase, its just a catalyst for growth, True doctrine understood changes behavior, and change is what we need not only here in Lopez, but every day in our lives, to better align them with the life of Jesus Christ. He wants to help us do this, so this Christmas, give him the only nothing that he cant take from you, your will, give it to him, give it up whatever that thing is that holds you back from becoming like him, and let him align your life with his, and that is when the blessings come. I know its true, Jesus Christ lives, and he works in each one of us as we let him. He is my Redeemer, and my friend, Im so happy we have this season to remember his birth. Cherish it.

I love you,

Merry Christmas!

Elder Johnson

Hey, how does a call on the night of the 25th sound, wednesday for you, thursday morning here, it'd be a little easier?

haha yea, it'll be fun, we get 40 minutes! you can talk to Elder Bacyan, hes great at english

noon, so if I call at 9 a.m. here, it'll be 6 p.m. there, be ready for that on wednesday night 6p.m.! 

K sounds good, Im soo excited!

I gotta run, I'll talk to you on christmas, I love you all so much, 

Be safe, have fun,

Love Elder Johnson :)

Week 48, December 9 - December 15, 2013

Family!

Its been a really good week, 

I just feel overwhelmingly happy with the things that are happening in the work, The Zone has changed, theres a different feeling here in Lopez Zone, Its no longer the outer darkness that everyone feared, it took a few transfers, but I feel like this train that was headed in the wrong direction back in June and July has slowed down and is on the turn around. The members are working, theres a different feeling at Zone Meetings, there's a love for each other and a love for the work thats increased in the past 6 weeks, I feel like there are a lot of Elders here that truly strive to be obedient and recognize the importance of the work, and we've been blessed as those Elders that don't quite recognize it yet, have started to, its led to some amazing changes, Its been fun, I honestly have never felt as much happiness as I feel when those I've grown to love make changes to better align their lives with that of the savior. Its an amazing thing.

The area is doing great, were finding through the members, were inspiring them with that video on any of the few DVD players we can find, and helping them catch the vision, and they are really responding. Theres been a change in the attitude of Members with regards to missionary work, its been fun to see, and were seeing that as we are patient as we teach those who members see fit to refer to us, no matter who they are, as we make the best of what god sees fit to give us in our branch, and look back on and thank him for how much he really has given, he blesses us in all phases of our lives. I love it!

Zarea Mae was baptized this week, it was a great service, her granpa a recently returned less active and struglling alcoholic performed the baptism, It was a really special experience for him.

I grow here everyday, its been such a happy week, Its a contentment that one can only find in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, Its amazing, and im blessed to be able to share it with people :)

Love You!

Elder Johnson

Im doing well, honestly just really happy, Feeling healthy, my basketball game is getting better, I was able to contribute to the team this morning, the practice is paying off! Were getting ready for transfer week this week, and a special christmas Zone Conference, it'll be fun!

I hope max gets ok soon, Ill pray for him, I remeber how much that hurts (wisdom teeth:))

We made a christmas tree last monday!

Thats Zaria mae, and her family (below), the second one is some of the branch members who helped us teach her!

Merry Christmas, we love you! We made it this week haha

Elder Bacyan is doing great, were working really well together, and I honsetly couldnt ask for anyone better to change this Zone with, he's my batch coming into the mission, We celebrated his Birthday on the 10th, it was good, we had some cake and Ice cream, His family is now in Manila, everything is pretty destroyed there at his home, but they're doing alright, His Dad is abroad working in Dubai, its a really common thing, he comes home in a few days, and he'll help the family rebuild, but they were smart with their finances, they are alright he says.

I'll be really sad if I get transfered, its 4 days before christmas, and we have some great plans for the upcoming transfer, a whole lot of progressing investigators, but I'll go where god needs me...

(On this date Zach hadn't received his Christmas package yet...so in response...)

Yea!! I hope so this friday! Yea ill send a card! It might be a little while, but it'll get there! Im ok I think, no needs really, just excited for the next week, I love you guys! Thanks for inspiring me! We'll talk next week about details for the christmas call :)

Love you too :) 

THanks for your prayers, I feel them in my life! 

Week 47 - December 2 - December 8, 2013 His body has fully acclimated to the heat in the Philippines - he would die in Utah today!;), Zarea Mae and April will be a completed family soon!

Hey Guys!

I hope your all well, Im doing fine here in the Pines. Just enjoying the weather, My bodys become so weak to the cold, if it rains a little, and then i get in front of an electric fan I cant stand it! Air Con buses feel like someone trapped me in a freezer, but Its good, The human body is amazing in how it adapts to circumstances.

My health is back up, we had a great MLC and were having amazing experiences that help us grow each day, as leaders, as a companionship, and as people. We did a practice teaching with President Peterson He helped us know how to correct behavior with boldness and faith, not in our own words but using the scriptures, Me and Elder Bacyan have never had to deal with that yet as there's really no big problems with disobedience that we've seen in the Zone, there's nothing we've really had to fix, but president taught us to be more bold. It made me a little uneasy about the next transfer, I feel like he wants to give us some experience, and there's some pretty disobedient Elders that could possibly come in and give the work and us a hard time, but we trust in the Lord, and I know all things will be for our benefit and learning, Im excited to grow.

Were having good experiences with the Hastening the Work of Salvation Broadcast, The clip of the family sharing the gospel, the Ill go where you want me to go segment is amazing, I hope you guys have seen it. Its been really amazing, as just very few of the houses here have a TV, let alone a DVD player, but as we found a member that has both, and gathered a couple families into this small house to help them see the Lords vision for his church in these last days, the spirit came in so strong, they saw that sharing the gospel is through everyday kindness, that its not hard, its just following the example of Jesus Christ, and I felt the innate desire that they had to follow Jesus Christ come back into their minds, they wanted to follow the example of that family, amid the immense hardships of every family here in Lopez, Im hoping that through our follow up and trying to strengthen these members and families that his vision that God has will come to pass, The members are the way! Its an amazing thing, 

We have so much as a family, there's nothing that holds us back from taking the opportunities god gives us to share the gospel, Its up to us to pray for those and act on those promptings to do good, I know its the lords way and we'll be able to bless so many lives because of it.

Thanks for all your efforts.

Is the tree up yet? 

Merry Christmas,

Elder Johnson

We mgot the shoes! They are awesome!

Ha yea they are matching (the shoes they purchased at the SM that you can see them holding in the photo), im not sure why I look pale, ive noticed it too, maybe its because im next to a filipino, its just a mental thing, im in the sun all the time! yea thats the apartment (asked him if the background of the picture he sent was their apt.). Its fun! (asked him about the filters behind him)

Nad yea thats the water filtrationm we hjave, the water is pretty bad here in lopez but if you put soda in one end of that filter it will come out water! Its pretty amazing and clean, 

The whole family, the Sambajons

 Its been a good week, yea thats Zarea mae and April they'll be a comnpleted family soon, Zareas schediuled for baptism this week!

The zones doing well, no disobedience yet! They are all really great, We jsut need to inspire them again this week, we lost the fire a little bit.

Mission Leaders Council!

Is the tree up?

Send pics of the snow!!

Yea! Its pretty crazy, It'll be fun to see next year! The truck looks good, Who drives it now?

Max and tucker look like they've grown up a ton, It would be so fun to hang out with them! You guys have grown a ton, all of you, Its so cool to see what the gospel does for families, I feel like im there with you in every picture! (....love him...)

Its about up, I gotta run, but I love you all, thanks for your support to me, thanks for yur love, The card looks great! Ill print one off, I miss you guys,

Have fun and be safe,

Love you Lots, :)

Elder Johnson

Week 46, November 25 - December 1, 2013

Hey Family,

Happy Birthday yesterday Dad! I thought about you alot, I hope it was a good one, go ski for me!

So the week was great! We just got back from a Zone P-day, we kind of just hung out at the church, talked, relaxed, played some basketball, and got inspired as the lords weak things to go and thrash the world, pretty awesome, I have felt the lord bless me with a greater capacity, a capacity more like his to love those around me. It was a good time, We made a fun relay race as well, it was the entire day of a missionary in about 10 minutes from waking up and eating a bowl of oatmeal and showering to daily planning as the last leg. It was pretty crazy, pretty fun to watch too. I learned that I should improve my basketball game, filipinos are some of the best in the world, they love it! They cant get enough, and they made me look silly! I still got a year, ill make a comeback!

As far as my health goes it was a pretty hard week, That stomach ache from last week didn't want to go away until about 2 days ago, We went to the hospital, they tested me and it wasn't a worm, we were a little worried, but the doctor said there was a ridiculous amount of bacteria just kind of built up in there from something I had eaten before, I came to the conclusion that it was the canned meats they sell here, Its like spam, but a little more sketchy, It was kind of sucking the energy and happiness out of me, but he gave me some pills that were pretty powerful, I got some probiotics in me and after about 2 days I think whatever was in me is not anymore, It was a pretty bad experience, i've lost some weight, but i'll get it back again!  

We had a great week as far as spirituality goes though, We had the opportunity to hear from a general authority. The things he said were truly amazing, but so incredibly simple that after when I was able to tell him what id personally learned, the only answer I could give him was that the overwhelming thought that came to my head was that true happiness and contentment come through simple gospel living. We learned abut the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we talked about the deeply rooted, yet simple principle of it, that as we live worthy of it (the atonement) it has an effect in our lives, not just to heal us but to make us better, this life is about becoming a saint (MSH 3:19), its about becoming like god and we cant do it ourselves, but as we obey gods commandments, we live worthy of his help from his sons atonement, it moves us from bad to good, good to better, better to best, and best to saint. Thats what we need to be, Mosiah says its not really an option to become a saint through the atonement, so when we understand that concept it sheds a whole new light on the true importance of keeping the commandments with exactness. Its amazing. I grew so much. Study the talk by Elder Bednar about the Atonement, forom a BYU fireside in 2001, its amazing. 

Its been a good week, really good, im feeling healthy again, and ready to work hard this week, and get prepared spiritually for Mission Leaders Council in San Pablo, Im really excited for it. I know that when we prepare before our meetings, they become so much more enlightening and the spirit is there in so much greater abundance. Im excited to apply that principle to all my meetings, even weekly sacrament. 

Thanks for your Inspiration Happy Birthday Dad, I cant believe its December already, the time is flying! Ill see you guys next christmas :)

Love you all!

Elder Johnson 

Thanks guys 

DO i spy a Jammy Pack?

Its true, it has a humbling effect to it. Im glad you guys will read that, its amazing, apply it! let me know how it goes, 

The effects of the storm only get crazier, Elder hasnt heard too much about his extended family, if you watch in the Mormon newsroom there is an RM that lost 6 memebrs of his family, that was in Elders ward, he served as YM councelor with him, it was a little unsettling for him, but I think that one thing that we could do for him, its simple, but would be really meaningful is buy him a pairt of shoes, what he has is rubbers, he dosent have anything else.. we have MLC this week, I hope the debit card is there and I think it would mean alot, his family dosent have much to give.. theyve moved to manilla, they kind of left the broken life there in tacloban. 

WE got 16 of their missionaries, hopefully they can get back there before the end of their missions, but its kind of douybtful, its a wreck.

Week 45, November 18 - November 24, 2013 - Not feeling well physically this week:(, but the amazing news is that Nanay Butardo was baptized!

Hey family,

I hope you are enjoying the start of the Holidays, Here in the philippines I don't think they have turkey, lots of chicken, and rice, but not a true turkey, I'm feeling a little sick, its been the past few days, I got a little food poisoning, it really got me down, and i'm trying to think back on what happened this week,  but it all seems like a blur, 

I remember! It was a really good solid week of work, Nanay Butardo was baptized. She is amazing, her testimony was so strong, there wasn't a dry eye in the room, I'm so excited for her to live in the happiness that the gospel will bring to her. It was really sad to me that even after being invited several times, after saying to us several times they were coming, they didn't show up, not a single one, she was there on one of the most special days of her life both now and in eternity without anyone in her family there to witness the greatness and simplicity of that ordinance, She said in her testimony that if she didn't believe with all her heart that the Book of Mormon was true and that this is what god wanted her to do, it would be harder for her that her family wasn't there, but she knows, and it was amazing for me to hear, she knows, and its not from us, but she knows from her reading of the Book of Mormon and the confirmations of the Holy Ghost of the absolute truth of this gospel. Her family will realize how amazing it is as they see the changes taking place in Sisters life, as they see the powers of godliness that weren't there before begin to work within her, and I know there will come a day when the Butardo family is sealed in the temple. Nanay wont allow it not to happen. I hope we get the opportunity to teach them!

The work is going well here in Lopez, were seeing miracles in the Zone, Its amazing, honestly, we set goals, and got a vision, and now everyone's working towards something, they have an aim, it makes the work, and life alot better when you keep a perspective, when you have that vision. Luckily the gospel gives us a great one, an eternal one, in gods plan for us to become just like him. As we keep it and base every thing we do off of it, it makes it alot easier to choose the right, and were not alone in that path to become like him, we have the Atonement that can give us its enabling power, its there to help, I've felt it in my life, and the only thing we need to do is as we live worthy, ask for it. Don't ask God to change your situation, ask to have Christs atonement help you to overcome your situation. Its amazing what it can do.

I hope your all well! Thanks for giving me the Inspiration to do what I do. 

Love You,

Elder Johnson

Week 44, November 11 - November 17, 2013

Family,

So it was quite a week, Im safe and well. The storm has really shaken people here, It is pretty crazy to see all these busses full of people and supplies headed out to Tacloban. Elder Bacyans been dealing with it alright. Many people still have no word from their families, and some of those who do wish they hadnt gotten it. With all the calamity and death, Its been different to observe some of the changes in society here after an event of such widespread impact. People that didnt have too much faith in god before, people who didnt really know their purpose or gods purpose are starting to question, if he's there, who they are, and if there is such a being why would he do these things to those he loves. It has been a week full of pretty heavy questions for some of the people here and has led to some pretty good chances to answer them.

 Monday and tuesday we had to travel out to San Pablo. We started early and went out to MLC, It was another spiritual experince, we talked alot about preparing for the mission tour. We talked alot about priesthood keys. Its something ive never understood too much before, but the keys are what matters, not the man assigned to them. We need to trust in the keys because of where they come from, they come directly from our Savior. There was a quote from a seventy who said, "I will tell you what is on every member of the 70's minds, dont dissapoint the keys of the priesthood." The priesthood keys are what run the church, thew 70 have the same keys of the 12 apostels assigned to a specific area in the world. They act as a twelve in their assigned area, so as you shake the hand of one, its kind of like your looking into the eyes of any of the twelve apostles of the Lord from the time of Jesus Christ until now. Im one of the lucky ones being a leader who will get to sit down in a meeting with him to discuss a gospel topic as well as eat dinner as a leadership council. We talked about being ready, Its been amazing to experience the shift in meetings as those who attend are prepared to be spiritually uplifted and edified. Were working this week to repent of little things, to change, and to be ready to welcome someone who holds those keys. 

We presented our Workshop on Thuirsday. We had a good time with it. The changes in the Zone have been good, it kind of refreshed things.We had a really inspiring meeting, set really good goals, and recommited everyone to be a little more obedient. It was definetly a success. We were thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Me and Elder Bacyan being the same age in the mission, were the 4 th to youngest of 16 missionarys in the room, but the spirit was there and we were able to do what we needed to do. 

Its real and its amazing. I recognize that power in my life every day, and I know it only comes as we live worthy of the Holy Ghost. I finished the book of mormon on for the 5th time this week, and if I learned anything from that topic of the Holy Ghost, its that the atonement has no effect in our lives if we dont live worthy of the power which brings it to us, the Holy Ghost. Its amazing, and infinite. Hes a being that we know little about, but has such a miraculous influence in our lives we can never forget him. 

Live Worthy of his presence in your life.

I love you all,

Elder Johnson

The hurricane was huge! Its pretty amazing that Elders Family is ok. Its shaking alot of peoples faith in god here.. Its been interestingto be a part of. We have 20 new missionaries from Tacloban here, none yet in Lopez, but its been a pretty crazy week as the batch in December went home early, and the new tacloban missionaries came in. Really busy, but really fun as well.

Week 43, November 4 - November 10, 2013 - Typhoon Haiyan, the biggest in recorded history, hit the Philippines, Zach gets a new companion, Elder Bacyan, Nanay Butardo baptized next week!

Dear Parent,

We wanted to let you know that as of Friday, November 8, 2013 6:30 PM Philippine time, your missionary is safe and accounted for.  We know you are concerned about the typhoon.  The eye of the storm is south of us but because it is so large, we are feeling the effects of heavy rains and strong winds.  All missionaries have been prepared with adequate food supplies, water, and candles to last through the storm.  They have likewise been instructed to remain in their apartments until the storm has passed.  We would welcome your prayers in behalf of all the missionaries in the Philippines.  We will update you in the morning.

Kindest regards,

Sister Hansen, Mission Secretary
          Philippines San Pablo Mission

Dear Parents,

The typhoon is passing beyond the western borders of the Philippines.  We are still getting rain and winds in our mission areas but all missionaries remain  safe and accounted for. We have received several offers of  parents wanting to send supplies to the people hardest hit.  President Peterson made a call to President Ardern of the Area Presidency regarding this.  President Ardern advised those wishing to help should make a generous contribution to the humanitarian fund on their tithing slips.  This fund is what the local leaders draw from to assist those in need to get the things they have urgent need of.  We thank you so very much for your prayers, for your generosity and for your willingness to help the Philippine people.  We know the Lord has watched over and protected the missionaries here in San Pablo Mission. Please continue to pray for those in areas south of us who were hardest hit with the effects of the typhoon.

Kindest regards,

Sister Hansen, Mission Secretary
          Philippines San Pablo Mission

Hey family,

I hope the week went well! Its not Moms birthday until tomorrow, but I just wanted to say I love you, and its good that Im not there, it means you only have one more and I'll be home! I hope its a great week for you :)

I hope your week was good as a family! We had a pretty scary storm here in the Phils, it was a super typhoon they called it. Im here with my new companion, Elder Bacyan. Hes my batch, we've been in the mission the same amount of time, it was a fun Its been a hard week for him, but hes kept a good attitude. His home is 20 minutes from the eye of the storm and he still hasn't had any contact with his family, all cell phones are down, We really are just trying to work hard, laugh and not think too much about it. I know his family will be fine, pray for the people here.
(While we were emailing, Elder received an email with information about his family...Zach then emailed this to us: He just got an Email, everyone in his family is OK, but his house is completely gone, everything, but his fmaily is ok)

It was a good week overall though, Im excited for the new transfer. We got MLC this next week, It should be great. I got my waffle Iron, and a new bag with the money, The spiritual experiences happen every day. Its amazing to see the cahnges in people lives. We have a baptism next week, Nanay Butardo. Shes so ready for full activity and membership, Im so excited, were hoping that her family follows after her. Shes read until 4th nephi, and her testimony is amazing. Her auora has changed, and I cant wait for the powers of godliness to have full power in her life through the Holy Ghost. 

Its been amazing, I love and miss you each day, but I would worry if I didnt, not much else could give me the inspiration like you guys do. 

Love You

Elder Johnson

(asked him what we could do for Elder Bacyan's family)

Im not sure, Ill let you know next week, Just prayers for now. He says just give that generous fast offering, that what the people need, its starting over from nothing

It's truly amazing that everyone in his family is safe and together, Im jsut worried for some of his friends in Tacloban CIty, The floods here werent too bad, jsut fun to look at, and mad getting to some investigators houses a little difficult, but Im good and safe, 

We have MLC this week, It'll be fun, We have our mission tour as well this month with a member of the 70, itll be a good experience, 

Zach's new companion, Elder Bacyan, is from right outside Tacloban where the typhoon hit the worst. When they got to the internet cafe, he was hoping to hear about them, and thankfully he did.

We told Zach that we were able to spend part of our Sunday at Elder Kartchner's homecoming. We also were able to see Elder Knight there and get the blessing of meeting Sister Carmichael. What an amazing group this is! We are excited for Zach to have such great friends to come home to in another year.

Ha, yea its really weird that David, was sitting here last week as Elder Kartchner, but now you guys spent the last few hours with him!

I miss those guys! Im excited to see him in a year ha

Thats so great! Its so wierd to see them all, Im freaking out a little, time goes by so fast! 

(I asked him about these special Philippine belts that both Elder Kartchner and Elder Knight had on...see below)

Ill definetly get some belts, the callabao horn is a little more expensive! So If they want those send some money, They do wood ones, thats what I sport every day, they do ones from bamboo, as well as coconut shells, Its pretty cool! They can do whatever design you want as well.

I got to go back to Lucban before transfer day!! It was amazing

 When I went back to Lucban, all 7 of the people I saw baptized are still active, and Joel has the Melchezidic preiesthood, they're going to be sealed as a family next year! 

We didnt have any water, so ELder Merrill just burned it!

(We asked him about an investigator that Elder Kartchner had mentioned in his talk...)

Thats James! He actually is in Manilla, hes coming back soon, so it might be a little longer before he enters the waters, but its been an amazing experience, he realized what was important, and as he let the Holy Ghost enter into his heart, he saw what the gospel can do for him, and he kind of humbled himself to it. Hes amazing, he'll be a great leader here.

I got back to Lucban because it was transfer day, so I slept over there for a night, and got to see some people! does gonzalo e-mail you guys?

Gonzalos fine, hes just funny, he's a little different, but hes the best member missionary in Lucban, hes helped baptize 4 more deaf from the time I left!

Have the best birthday ever! :)

I gotta run! Ill send pics next week, I lopve you all so much! Be safe, have fun

Elder Johnson

He just got an Email, everyone in his family is OK, but his house is completely gone, everything, but his fmaily is ok, he almost cried, Its been a crazy experience..