Week 60, March 3 - March 9, 2014

Im doing well, 

We have a baptism set up for this week, sunday the 16th, Bro Aldwin Pedida. He's a long time investigator, hes 18, and excited to enter into his covenant

We've really seen some amazing blessings come in to the area, whole families, that we've found that are excited to hear the message, 

9 people came to church, 

We had MLC this week, we had a really really inspiring meeting with some really really amazing insights from president about the sacrament, Me and Elder Pangilinan had the opportunity to teach president in practice teaching in front of everyone, but it was a really good experience, we had to teach the doctrine to help an investigator come to church, we really have developed a good teaching pattern and we just taught simply the plan of salvation, we taught simple truths about god and his plan for us to become like him and how this investigators attendance at sacrament meeting, is not a commandment to hold him down, but a tool to help him become. Everyone seemed to like it, its something the mission struggles with, teaching the plan of salvation, but its been a really fun experience to help other missionaries realize how simple it really is. The meeting ended, and then we traveled back, there was a really cool carnival with alot of people at our transfer point, and as we got on our second bus to get home, I noticed my pocket was open, and my camera was gone, It was stolen, and I was really really sad about it :(. Luckily I haven't withdrawn any of the money that you guys sent, so that's kind of big blow to the emotions and the budget, but its ok, I bet the amount of money they sold the camera for will feed that family for month.  

So as a result, there are no pictures to send this week :(

We keep working and the days go faster and faster, The effectiveness of our days is amazing and a blessing of consecration and obedience, and It makes me so excited to see these people change. 

The church is true,

Love you all

Elder Johnson

Week 59, February 24 - March 2, 2014

Family,

Thanks for the letter,we had our Zone P-day today, it was a good one, we went to the Shell oil refinery in Batangas City, one of the factory executives is a member so we got free entrance, there was mini bowling, basketball, volleyball, pool and darts, and a pretty cool lawn to just sit and talk with people.   I think it built some good unity, and it gave us the chance to talk to the Zone as a whole, and get united again on those goals of ours. 

The week went great, not anything too special, we really have been traveling alot, we've been working with some people in the Zone that are in some pretty far away places, Batangas City, and Nasugbu, but It was amazing to see the lord bless our area as we put our time to helping others. 'We really have been showing that video of the family featured in the "Hastening the Work of Salvation" Broadcast, the one that shows the simple ways to share the gospel, and trying to apply it to the lives of the members and this week we had a member who's a shuttle driver for the local college do something pretty great, 2 days after we showed him the video, he saw 5 of his passengers 'that he drives in each morning to school walking on Sunday as he and his wife were going to church, he asked where they were going, they said to church, he said hop in i'll give you a ride, these 5 said thanks and asked where he was headed, he said to church as well, and then he added, "well if your going to church, you might as well try ours", they agreed, and on Sunday they came to church, they were so excited about the things they learned and what they felt that when they went home they talked to their parents about it, and as we taught them last night after church, they as well as their parents committed to baptism.

The work is great here in Lemery, and its not because of anything were doing, its because of the help of each member here. Its an inspired pattern and its how god has and will ever move his work forward in the way it needs to go, through the members of the church. 

I hope everyone is well, you sound like your all busy, were coming into the end of the transfer, were not expecting any here in Lemery, but whatever happens its gonna be good. I have to go try and get my card back! I tried to withdraw the money and randomly the ATM just ate it, it didnt want to give it back to me, but im sure it will turn out fine!

Im healthy and happy, and theres no place i'd rather be!

With Love

Elder Johnson

Zone meeting!

Week 58, February 17 - February 23, 2014

Hey all, 

Taiwan!, that's pretty cool, Im so excited for you! The world cant handle all the goodness of the gospel god can give through the Johnson family! 

So the week was great! Just another week here in paradise, Lemery Batangas, we were blessed as the heat has lessened, and the clouds and wind have come in here close to the seashore, Its been really great for the work, The weeks are just flying by, It just goes faster and faster, and the days are more effective, and more and more people come closer to Christ through our efforts to live worthy of the spirit. We had to travel again this week to Balayan, Balayan is where the former Elder Knight, and Elder Kartchner served. its got a special place in my heart, and we really wanted to help them get things moving there. Im loving the small changes were seeing everywhere in the Zone from the sessions of weekly planning were doing. Its amazing, I had the thought the other day of what it will be like to plan only for myself, and I didn't like it, It dosen't let you sit down and focus and talk about others and their growth, it dosen't allow that love to flow into your heart as you sit and plan for what you want to see happen in their life over the next set period of time, but as I was studying this past conference, I read the talk Hatening the Lords Gameplan by Elder Nielsen, of the seventy, and he has an Idea in there, he says he prys for the missionarys in his ward and their investigators by name every night, he thinks about them and their spiritual growth and he plans what he can do to help the missionarys to bring these people to the truth. Thats the vision, thats what god needs from every member of the churh, to not just pry for the missionarys not just pray that their minds will be opened to the truth, but think about them, pray for them by name, and god works through our actions, he wants us to find those for them to teach. 

Its an eternal principle, thinking of others allows the spirit to bring to mind things you can do to help them, it allows you to develop greater love for them, as Jesus Christ was suffering in Gethsemane, I know that not one fragment of his soul was ever focused on himself and the pains and suffering unto death that he knew he would endure over the next 24 hours, he was focused, with perfect love on each and every person in the human family to whom salvation and exaltation would be granted on conditions of repentance, and all he asks is for us to follow his example. 

So, family, and friends, do it! contact the missionaries, ask them who their investigators are, pray for them by name, ask how you can help and the Lord will bless you with an increased love for them and for his work. We have to help people feel the effect of the atonement of Jesus Christ in their lives, and we do it by our focus and desire becoming one with that of our Heavenly Father.

I know he lives, I know this is his work, and it cannot move along without each and every one of us giving ourselves up, as Chrsit did for the cause, The church is a kingdom, not simply and establishment, and its our duty to spread it. "After all that has been said the most important duty is to spread the gospel"

Love you all

ELder Johnson  

From Max:

Elder Johnson!!!!! I am going to be 300 miles away from you in six short months...... This week has been incredible... Holy Cow! When i got my call I was so exited.. I hear it is a difficult language and I probably still wont be able to read or write it by the end of my mission.... Then to add my friend just told me that his cousin went to Taipei and said it was hard.. only baptizing three members. But ya know what?! thats okay! Every one deserves to hear the gospel and I am glad Heavenly Father has seen fit to ask me to do something difficult. I feel so blessed and I know that i just need to gain a testimony and be obedient so that I can teach the Taiwanies people with the spirit not with my language skills;) I also know that with faith and Gods will i could baptize the whole island!! So I just gotta have some faith!! Hahaha

Yea, its true, be obedient, its the key! because thats what faith is, and the blessings will flow, man im so excited for you! Elder Knights brother was actually assigned to taiwan as well, so were just backwards, Im in san pablo first your in taiwan last, but you have the right idea, be positive, and dont take into account what others have to say have your own experience, rely on yo0ur own faith and obedience, and you'll do miriacles in the field!

Yea, times almost up! but, 1. The stuff on my6 face is baby powder, filipinos love being white, and they get shy really easy so as a punishment for the loser of the game in family home evening they got a mark of baby powder on their face that they cant rub in, it makes them see how dark their skin is, it so they feel a little shy, and the loser of 3 rounds, everyone puts a full handful on their face or arms, so I lost, and I was covered in baby powder! but they said it really had no effect seeing that im already white haha

Our area is great, lots and lots of wealth, and some poor, but the poverty here is different thatn Lopez, its manageable, they still have running water, things like that, 

Our are is a branch thats on the verge of becoming a ward, weve really sat down with every leader and member and were trying to make a push to become a ward by next year, and it can totally happen, weve seen alot more help from the members, and more cooperation between leaders the focus switched from activities in branch council, to missionary work as the main focus! Its great!

I gotta go, we have to wash clothes and such! But I love you all

Be safe and have fun :)

Elder Johnson

Week 57, February 10 - February 16, 2014

First, Happy Birthday wishes (it is on the 17th) to Elder Johnson:

Zach! This is Tucker! First off happy birthday man! I love you so much! and im so dang excited for you to meet Maximo! He is so awesome! I know you dont want to hear this… haha but im so pumped to spend time a lot of time with you when we see each other again:) It will be a real time. Im excited to show you all my magic tricks! Haha your the only one in our family who hasn't seen them all, my goal is to get some paying gigs by the end of the year. Max is getting his call in a couple days and I am so scared, its just to soon! haha but I am excited for him to leave too, I know you are ;) Well keep it real man, i miss you so much! Me and Max talk about you so much! (And one more thing, I know you have heard about max applying to BYU and being an SBO and all… I know how that must sound hahaha but he's sick! he's not clicky or anything, 4 real!) Well I love you and hope you have an awesome week!

Zach! How are you man?! Happy Birthday Zach, I miss you so much mote than you know! But we are almost half way there!:) Its been pretty cool, me and Tuck are Having some time together right now, just like we got to a little bit, then you two will getta have some time when I am gone… Then we will go on a cruise or do something crazy and me and you will get some time again.. The all three of us… Its a pretty legit situation! Maximos baptism was an amazing experience. I felt so blessed, and I dont even know how to explain all the joy I felt. President Fenton told me in my mission interview that obedience is one of the most important qualities to have.. and I feel like this opportunity taught me that… If you could see Tucker fly it would blow your mind. He is doing magic with crowds of thirty people at lunch EVERYDAY! and he really takes care of people.. He relates to Maximo in an amazing way that I cannot explain. He gets it man! Thanks Zach! Love ya, I think about you more than you know and am reflecting on the example you set for me in high school more than ever. Love you. Ill send pictures! Have and amazing birthday. Ill write you first thing when I get a call. Love you. Work hard. see you in less than 2.5:)

-Max

Thanks bro's,

You guys are the best! zIm excited to see both of you tear it up in the mission field, Elder Max Johnson, you have been called to serve in the Philippines Laog mission (its just a guess, theres 23 missions here, but your definetly going to the Phils.I can feel it!!) Im so excited for you to keep on feeling the joy you felt as you see many more people enter the watewrs of baptism, and whats more when you hear they're going to the temple next mont to be sealed like some of those I saw baptized in Lucban, the gospel is amazing, and Im thatnkful for the way the ordinances of it help us come to know our savior more, and more until the point where our knowledge is perfect, we love him with such a perfect love that it is impossible for us to be untrue to him. Its an inspired pattern, and one that brings eternal joy, and as you live worthy of it, you become the tool that makes it happen in the lives of others. 

Love you both,

Elder Johnson

P.S.Dont be nervous about the call, we all know he is going to the Phils. :)

Hey guys, The week went well, 

It was a week filled with travel, I went to Batangas City 3 times this week, (about 1 to 2 hours in a van packed like sardines with no seatbelts and weak aircon) but in the end it was so worth it. We saw so much progression in the Zone, we had Zone training meeting, and all got centered on some goals, and then we talked about vision and committed each companionship to create a vision of their area, a plan that answered every question word (who what when where how) for how their area was going to progress the next 6 weeks. It was really hard at first to help them grasp the idea, because it takes so much more planning than anyone has ever done before, but when its done right its so effective, the second and third time we went to Batangas was to help a companionship of ELders really apply this planning in their work, we went and sat down with them and opened up preach my gospel, we followed every step in the weekly planning, and 5 hours later with no power left to think they had a plan that was foilproof, they had effective appointments, specific dates, specific people, specific fellowshipers, and enough things to do that they felt overwhelmed, we took their planning, as well as their consecration to a new level and they reaped the benefits jsut over the past 2 days. 

Planning is something i've grown to love, mabey thats what eternal life is about, setting a good plan, (Abraham 4) so that even when others may ruin it with their agency, there's no way they can truly stop the lords work from progressing. 

Its been great to see the progression this week as a whole, both our area, one of the Elders who I love that we helped thats struggling right now, that came to a realization this week about obedience, the zone, Maximo, Maxs mission call, and so many more of these little blessings that the Lord gives as we consecrate ourselves more unto him. Its real and It strengthens my faith, it helps me to do more and be more, it helps me to love and serve more deeply, because I know that as I do, the blessings will come.

Love You Lots

Elder Johnson

We ate at Mang Inasal, for the Birthday Lunch, its the best place to get chicken and rice in the Phils. 

Ha, no, I think were good, thank you for everything you've taught me, I really cant wait to sit down with you guys when the time comes and share in person about all of our growth as a family the past 2 years. 

The gospels a thing that blesses generations, each one that grows up in it is blessed significantly, and Im just thankful that Mimi let in those 2 missionaries on Loly Way back in the day. Im thankful even after the trials of your faith with family problems, divorce, and school that you got your head right and got out on a mission, It set a standard and an example to me that makes me want to serve these people around me better. and I cant wait for my own family to hear about these things and experience these things for themselves.

Love you

Week 56, February 3 - February 9, 2014

Hey all,

The week went well, were really feeling the heat here in Batangas, its definetly summer here in the hottest Zone in the mission, i'm sweating pretty bad just typing this letter to you here in the internet shop.  but I smile because of the week we had, it went well, we had MLC, it was just a continuation of the things we've been working on, working with members, helping them fulfill their responsibilities, and we got a really great workshop on consecration by President Peterson, it has been really good to see the difference in life as a companionship as we really try to consecrate ourselves a little deeper to this work. The blessings just kind of flow. I got a chance this week as well to help an elder who really is having a rough time giving up his will, he had that one foot at home and one in the mission, and its kind of ate away at him until now, we talked about goals, and what he wants to be, then we talked about faith, and consecration, and how every choice we make reflects our faith in Jesus Christ, I think he gets it, and im excited to see him act on it. 

We really focused at MLC on setting goals, having a vision, and as ive talked to more and more Elders they really just don't have a vision, they go out every day without a goal or a vision of what they want to happen, and thats why their effectiveness just drops as missionaries that's why the Zone is the way it is right now, so we really worked this week and will continue to work on getting a vision from each companionship, its an eternal principle, got sets goals, he has a vision, and he dosent just quit there, he has plans detailed to a T on how its all going to work, its very clear in the scriptures, and thats what were really going to focus on, having a Zone vision,and each area having a vision to acheive the vision we set out for as a Zone. 

It was a good, week, alot of revelation, and alot more focus, Im excited to see it all happen through the Lords help over the next few weeks. 

I had a dream about disco skating, it was hard to shake it from my thoughts, but it'll just be that much sweeter in a few months.

Love you all!

Elder Johnson

(I asked him if that was his companion...)

Elder Pangilinan, hes one of the ELders from Tacloban mission, He'll be going back soon, but hes great, Heres a better picture

The huge catholic church can be seen from our chapel, its the biggest in the Phils I found out! but were still helping others find the truth!

I got my package! thanks a ton, it was good to read those letters:) 

Week 55, January 27 - February 2, 2014 Transferred to Lemery Batangas!

Hey guys, Ive been transfered to Lemery Batangas! Its been quite the week, get me an update, im writing right now.

Im doing well, it sounds like you guys are good, Its really crazy that Max is turning in his papers! Its fun to see coop at the bird, It'll be a good day when we all ski together again! 

Its been a pretty hectic week, but not too bad, just adjusting to change. It was really hard to leave Lopez, I cried as the Members dropped me off at the bus stop, but i'll never forget it, they have a special place in my heart, but I've been called to be the new Zone leader in Batangas, so it was exciting!

So as of now I'm here in Batangas, its not such a bad place, its beautiful, it was a little bit of a culture shock coming from a small place like Lopez to a place like Lemery and Taal, I was overwhelmed with all the resources that are here, the members have some money to work with, they have cars we can use to get people to church, they have great houses that they can invite their friends to hear the gospel in, and best of all they really want to do it, we just need to work with them. We sat down with the area book the first day and saw that really there wasn't too much to go off of, I think there was like 3 investigators total, There's a very rich Catholic tradition here in Taal and Lememery as the largest catholic Cathedral in the Northern Phils. is in my area, Taal Church, the thing is huge, its also very wealthy here, so as you can imagine, tracting just isn't the best use of our time. Its straight rejection, but I know the people that are ready are found in the lives of the Members. Were really working with them and I know we'll find success. 

My comp is Elder Pangilinan, hes great, a really good cook, and really just knows the culture here, he was converted with his family in 2011, and entered the mission 2013, hes taught me alot about how investigators feel, and he creates really great relationships with members. Im loving it!

Im doing well, healthy and growing each day

(We didn't get much information regarding the photos below... we asked and waited and the next email we received only said

Love you! so much :)

Oh well:)

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