Week 54, January 20 - January 26, 2014 Helping Sister Tola build a home

Hey Family, 

It sounds like your all well, Im pretty sure you guys have become more hardcore since i've left, everyone's hurting themselves skiing, It'll be a good day when I can go with you guys again and shred it, but right now we're too busy saving souls! 

The week has been so busy! We didn't really have anything effecting our time this week and we really saw our full potential, and I can promise you as last night I looked at my planner from my first transfer and my planner now, that i've grown so much, Its been amazing as we are striving to concecrate ourselves more to the Lord, he is able to make us more effective tools in his hands.

The time is flying, I think the spiritual highlight of this week was actually this morning as we served Sister Tola. Sister Tola is definitely one of the best examples i've seen here in the Phils of a faithful member of the church. She has currently had some troubles, her husband left about 2 months ago leaving her and her son Roland homeless. She found a job and temporary living quarters washing clothes and about 2 weeks after that, until the point that her boss would no longer give her sunday mornings off to come to church, so she left the 5 pesos an hour she was getting (kind of a ripoff) and moved to a temporary living quarters near our house on the side of the rails, this place is kind of a shack, it was one of those places that everyone who dosen't really have money or a place to go hangs out, there were way too many people in way to small of a space, and just two days ago, she was kicked out of there as well, leacing once again her and her son Roland homeless. Our Branch president has had some deaths of some relatives in his family, he was there on sunday, but not truly in a position to lead, and his councilors werent there sunday so Elder and I were kind of the ones presiding over the sacrament last sunday, but we ran it well, so long story short the branch wasn't in much of a position to help Sister Tola, so we acted and called the ELders, and this morning we were able to get enough bamboo to get here a real house built, were going back tomorrow to help move the process along a little more, but its been a learning experience, I think I got a taste of what it would be like to be an ELders Quorum President. as we finished, Nanay TOla came and shook each persons hand with tears in her eyes and thanked us for our time. It felt good to do good, and It really helped me to think more about Christ and his life devoted to selfless service. 

I love the mission, It helps us become, we change, not for bad but good, and our faith is transformed into action. Theres nothing else like it. 

Love You

ELder Johnson

We had a great service project this morning, i'll send some pics

We chopped down some bamboo to build a house for a sister whos just been kicked out of her job as well as her temporary living quarters.!

Hey, i just sent an update, but yea, that bamboo came from the land of some of our investigators, they were nice enough to let us use it, it just grows like weeds here, its used for everything, even food, its actually really good, a little chewy, but good!

Thats sad to hear about sten, I know he'll get out again. I emailed him last week, I don't know if he got it.

The weather has been freezing at nights, and unbelivably hot in the days, and thats what makes filipinos sick, change in weather, so theres alot of sickness going on, but yea, its cold enough at night that I have to put 2 sheets on, I guess my body's just used to the weather here now.

Im so happy your having missionary experinces, theres alot of work to do, the second coming is close!

(Max is working with  a friend who is learning about the church...here is Elder Johnson's words to Max about that...)

Max, heres an idea to share with Maximo, i'm not sure if you've realized this, its something I didn't realize till my mission, thats the fact that the entire plan of salvation is based off of us becoming like, in every form and faction, our father in heaven. Jesus is very clear about this, 3 NE 12:48 and 27:27 he wants us to become like him, He has two things that we don't, a perfect body and no sin, we rejoiced at the thought and plan of becoming like Him in the beginning (Pre earth life read the book of Abraham) and rejoice in the fact that we know through the restoration of the gospel we can become like Him once more in the life after. Jesus Christs atonement makes up for what we lack, it gives us a perfected immortal body, and freedom from sin based off of our choices here on earth. Once maximo realizes that all things that are in his life are to help him become perfect just like our heavenly father through the infinite sacrifice of Jesus Christ he will realize that all these commitments and things that the Elders are having him do, as well as his situation with his father are to help him do one thing, become like our father in heaven. Its a simple truth, but when fully understood, as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we don't have to make too many mistakes in this life, and the things that seemed hard at first become easy as we see what god truly wants and how we may become, through our Savior Jesus Christ the person he wants us to be. 

When we realize this we can more easily give ourselves to god, we can more easily follow the example of the Savior and give up the natural man, and our father in heaven can create in us someone just like him, a god.

Its amazing, you study it first, then help others realize it, because behind all of the things we do in this church, we have one purpose, and nits as stated above.

Love you man

ELder Johnson

(What?????:(((((()

No package yet, I hope its not lost, its probably just sitting in the mission home, but I gotta Jet, i'll talk to you next week :)

Love you all lots!

Elder Johnson

Week 53, January 13 - January 19, 2014

Hey guys im on, we had Zone p-day, i don't think your still awake, but i'll write a good letter, write back if you are!

Guys!

How are you all, It sounds like your good, except for Max, I'm not sure what he did, but it probably looked cool, just remember when it hurts how cool it probably looked when it happened! Bro Christofferson looks great, Thanks for the e-mail list, Elder Bacyans family really needs the money to fix their house, they have kind of a makeshift tin roof going on, it'll be really good for them.Im so happy to hear about Maximo, Thats so great, I'll pray for him, that problem will work itself out, this is the Lords work, and its amazing what happens when you help others who are trying to come to the fold exercise faith in him. 

Well im a year into this thing, Im one day closer each day to home than I am to my starting point, and the days are flying! the year mark wasn't really special, just another day of work, but It was a great time to reflect and led to a really good Journal entry. Im still in the middle of my mission so Im not worried. 

Our investigators are doing great, were really working with these members, and they're reacting so well, its amazing, Its too much for us to handle, I suggested to president to put 2 more Elders in here, and I hope he does, Its really been amazing to see all the blessings that are really just flowing in this area as we are trying to consecrate ourselves a little bit deeper each day to the Lord and his work, We have a goal of complete orthodoxy, and its amazing what happens as you really try to commit yourself to that goal and change what the Lord can do through you. Nothing we do, as missionaries or as people is of our own accord, and as we recognize this its easy to humble ourselves and give it all back to god, thats the first step in orthodoxy. The transfer coming up will be great, we'll just keep going up, Im just hoping i'll still be here, I love Lopez, everything about it, Its been the playing field for some of the biggest changes that i've experienced in my whole life, not only in myself but in others, and in the zone. Its an amazing place here, and god's work will continue to progress here. I'm so grateful each day to be in the position to help others like I am right now. and now I just strive to be that servant that god needs each day, to concecrate myself a little more each day to him, but thats not only my duty as a missionary but an eternal principle that will benefit each and every one of us the rest of our lives. 

It was a good week, Thanks for your inspiration

Sorry its so short!

Be safe Have fun

Love,

Elder Johnson

Week 52, January 6 - January 12, 2014

Hey guys,

K great! Im sorry im late, we went on kind of an adventure, but unfortunately my memory card is full, I didnt get any pictures! Ill write really fast

Happy Birthday Max, I hope it was awesome! You can vote now, and your an adult, thats pretty cool, but the best is that now you can hit the mission field, and theres nothing better!

We went out to a place were scoping out for a zone p-day, we went about 30 minutes on the skates then we were at the beach, we picked a place a we wanted to go and regardless of if there was a path or not we went there. It was pretty fun to chop down some bananna trees with a machette, it just makes you feel good :)

So it sounds like you guys are alright, I hope your enjoying life, we're doing well here in Lopez, we went on splits with the AP's, they said they really enjoyed it, they were impressed with the success we were having with the members, we had a good time, learned some things, and they said it was good to see some things that they could apply to the mission as a whole. We also had our Zone interviews this week. It was a good experience, Its always fun to get that one on one time with President Peterson, Hes actually a pretty funny guy, It was good to talk about some situations that are going on and how we can fix it, not through showing them a rule, but by teaching them the doctrine. 

The Zones doing great! We're applying things that we need to apply in our teaching, were working well with members, and were getting a whole lot closer to where we need to be, each week, baby steps, but as I think about where we were when I came in with Elder Kartchner, I almost get emotional, its amazing how far we've come!

Our area is great, we work every day and the days fly by, were scheduled out every day and coming home planning for the next full day and just scraping enough sleep to get us up in the morning, but every day I feel more and more at peace with what i'm doing and more and more amazed at the greatness of god and this work. His plan is amazing, and when we understand our true part in it it brings an eternal contentment just like Paul found (Philippians 4: 10-13) and we can do all things through "Christ who strengtheneth" us.

Its been a while that ive been here, ive learned alot but I am now and forever will be in the "Middle of my mission."

Love yOu all

Elder Johnson

Hey I just sent the update, I hope you guys get it, I haven't gotten the package yet, It'll be exciting when I do! I'll keep them in my prayers.. 

Thanks for the scripture, its so true

I love you all :)

Week 51, December 30, 2013 - January 5, 2014

Well, 

The week went great, It was new years eve here in the Phils. The goal of new years here is to try and blow up the island, and It was almost like basic training, It was like a battlefield, smoke rising from everywhere, jeepneys revving, tricycles honking, airhorns blowing, and firecrackers going off  every second for about the hours of 11 to 2 A.M.! It was pretty crazy, but actually very beautiful in a way, we climbed up the water tower in the back of our house and kind of just watched as the fireworks went off and the smoke started to rise, it was a pretty cool view! I'll remember it always.

We had MLC, it was really a great spiritual experience, Were really focusing on working with Members, Its really been amazing to see the changes again here in Lopez this week, I think it was one of the most succesful weeks of my mission, started off wiith 2 baptisms, and we had 12 people at church, we keep going up, and I feel so blessed! were trying to better implement the things that were doing in our area to those Elders in the Zone to help them get that same success, but its really hard to change the culture immediately, here in the Phils everyone kind of throws the responsibility on the missionaries, which is not how it should be. Were an assistant to the wards finding efforts, its a new idea that were kind of introducing with these members, and as we do they're acting, they're becoming member missionary's and the result is truly amazing. The AP's called us, they're coming to do splits with us later tonight, It'll be fun.

The Baptism was great, Lea and Rosita Villamen. They are converts from Iglesia ni Cristo, the dominant and corrupt church here in the Phils. It was one of those where I really feel like I didn't do anything in their conversion. We used the members, we taught what we needed to and as we were there with the spirit, we were just the tool, I really felt god working through us, and the changes just started happening in their lives, I love it. The change that I see brings me joy like nothing ive ever felt before. 

One thing Elder and I read this week was about virtue in Preach My Gospel and we set a goal to become a little more virtuous. Here in the mission, i'm not going to lie, I think about skiing alot, In my thoughts, i'm always skiing ha, but we talked about what we would give up to become more eye single, for me it was skiing, for Elder, just as with all Elders sometimes, its girls. So we help each other, we memorize hymns and sing them together, we memorize scriptures, and always have the talks from conference in our heads, and it been amazing how successful we've been as missionaries. The days fly by, we see change in everyone we teach, their faith increases, and all are edified, Its been hard, the second I wanted to give up thinking about skiing, I had the hardest time not thinking about it, but were overcoming those things, and were seeing the success. 

The week went great, were looking forward to a good Zone Interviews and another chance to talk to President.

I love you all!

Elder Johnson

 Thats at MLC, mission leaders council, were all batch, we all came in at the same time and we all have been called as leaders now too, its pretty fun to see all of them each month.

(Still has not received his Christmas package...so I mentioned that I'd better get on his birthday package (February) since it is taking so long...I am thinking positively and not realistically that he will still soon receive his Christmas box;)) He responded:

Im not sure..Ill think about it this week and get back to you next week on the B-day package, theres always SM, I could use some new pants, mabey another good pair of brown shoes, ive run the rockports down to nothing, they have holes in the sole!

Im excited to get that package! Im excited to read that book, It'll be fun, regardless of when I get it :)

ha, dont worry i'll get it! The other pair of shoes were mine, but their definetly not great for tracting around in the mud like the rockports.. But I'll let you know,

I gotta run! 

Love You SO Much

Be safe

Elder Johnson

Week 50, December 23 - December 29, 2013

Hey Guys!

Its good to hear you made it safe, It was good to see you on Christmas, I think those calls are perfect, its not enough to take your focus from the work, but just enough to inspire you to work harder, Its really weird to think I might not call you next Christmas, but actually be there with you! 

Christmas here in the Phils. was a little different, Its really hot outside, it dosent feel much like the Christmas I know in Utah, there's alot of rice, alot of noodles, alot of Tang and Kool Aid, which aside from alcohol is the drink of choice here. It was really different, but through it all, being away from the family, being in a different place, I just felt for one of the first times, as I remembered who's birth we were celebrating I really felt a desire to represent him in a better way, so I think Christmas was the most focused we have been on the work, and it really was amazing to feel the difference, I felt closer to him, I felt his love more fully in my life. Its amazing as we strive to change to better align our lives with that of our savior how god is able to bless us so much more abundantly. Its been really great to have time to get to know Jesus Christ Here in the mission through the scriptures. I've gotten to know him as my friend, I've gotten to know his character, to read how he acts, and each day i've been able to strive to emmulate that in my life, not for me, but for those who I work with, Its been amazing for me to see that god glorifies his name through us. God helps others feel the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ as we strive to become like him. God blesses us as we change, change to better fit our lives with that of the savior brings true joy and contentment in this life and the life to come, and the first step is knowing what our savior would do. What would he think and how would he react to a certain situation. God gives us certain situations in this life that will try us, even every day situations like if someone cuts us off in traffic, and he expects us to react as the savior would, and knowledge of how he would react comes through our study of the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and the other records and testimony's of his life and divinity. That's why this scripture study everyone talks about is so important, so we can know of our savior, to better understand his ways and become like him. 

Its a pretty cool concept.

Christmas went well, aside from the spiritual growth, I got soaked as it rained and we were caught without an umbrella, and we bonded as an apartment over a dinner of twizzlers in Elder Shaws package, Rice, Fried Chicken, Buko Salad, (an amazing fresh coconut and Jello salad),  and Spaghetti. We opened up the presents from Elder Shaws Mom, andf were able to read the Nativity before going to bed. It was simple, but memorable. I'll cherish it always.

I hope alls well there, Im healthy and safe here, I honestly wouldnt want to do anything else right now, Its amazing to see the change the gospel brings to the lives of all those it touches.

Be safe! Have fun

Elder Johnson

(Still hasn't received Christmas package:()

Yea we'll see, Im excited to get the package, it'll just be a bonus!

Papaws picture is just like all the filipino me here in Lopez, thats their wardrobe, about 1/2 a shirt a pair of flip flops and alot of different boxers. It just brings back good memories of him ha

Christmas Skype - December 25, 2013

HEY THERE! We are here ready to talk to you on Skype when you are ready. We are at johnsonfam1992. Do you have the Skype handle from last time?

Hey guys, Im installing skype now!

Its taking a bit! sorry, but How are you guys?

Good!!! Quiet Christmas this year. Getting ready to leave for GA. Did you ever get your Christmas package??

Hey call me real fast, lets see if it works!!

Ok! What's your handle??

(Skype session)

Love you guys! Thanks so much! Be safe, i'll talk to you on monday!

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 :)