Week 82, August 4 - August 10, 2014

Family,

You all sound like your doing amazing! I cant wait to see the new colors on the house, The office is great, Its really throwing a whole lot of things at me that I havent been expecting, its helping me to learn everything from first aid to building bunk beds, I learn how to use excel and then the next day how to work with landlords, Its teaching me to be organized, its teaching me how to budget, to really eliminate any prospective wants from true needs, and its teaching me the valuable skill of dropping everything in a busy schedule to heed the promptings of the spirit. We had a wonderful experience last night as we taught a family who had lost more than half of their large time poultry business in the typhoon, on the bright side they had two freezers full of chicken, but they really were struggling and you could tell. but amidst their circumstances they invited the missionarys over to come and eat. We were hesitant as we knew their situation as well as saw the 2 page list of things to do and things to try to learn to manage as the Hansen's (office couple) departure date is coming up, but felt like we needed to go, so we accepted the offer. It was truly amazing to see as we talked about Jesus, how the spirit brought peace into their home and their hearts, They truly believed that god would bless them if they supported his servants regardless of their circumstances, so we did our best to speak words of encouragement, but I know that in that lesson the best communication was not in the words themselves but between our spirit and theirs. The Holy Ghosts influence was behind every word we said, and they felt that, and as they thanked us with moist eyes, It gave me a glimpse of the power of the word of god to heal a wounded soul, how as we speak of the love of Jesus it dosen't always rescue us from the flood but helps us to breath easy once more. It gave me a glimpse of the kind of home teacher I want to be, and the importance of that calling in the church, I learned that it takes alot of faith to drop everything and respond to a spiritual prompting, but as we do we fulfill gods eternal purposes.

The week went well, Im just thankful to be out here learning so much, I feel great, its been fun to help in making the mission more effective, as well as learning how to serve others in whatever capacity god sees fit to give us. 

I see the lords hand each day in my life,

I love you all.. a lot

Elder Johnson

SO I got some bad news about pictures, my camera was stolen this week along with all the money in my wallet, I left my bag in the lobby of a chapel here during MLC, and I thought it would be safe there, but I guess even in the lords house you have to exercise care with your valuables, I was shocked and saddened by it. I really dont know what the best thing is to do.. I dont really have anything to send this week..

So there are 6 of us here and then president and his wife, The Assistants are the ones who handle things on more of the training spectrum of missionarys, but everything logistics and financial wise is between the 4 of us, Me and Elder Talanoa, as well as Sister and Elder Hansen the office couple, there technically should be about 6 of us splitting the workload, but President dosent want that may people out of the field. so were doing double time as office elders right now, and the Hansens are leaving so there will be a 3 week gap near October where were doing triple time, the 2 of us, Elder Talanoa and I doing everything there is to do here in the office, as well as training the new office couple on all their responsibilities when they come in. SO right now were learning all sorts of new jobs that the Hansens do along with our regular responsibilities as office Elders. Its super busy, but so fun, and I couldnt have a happier guy than Elder Talanoa to do it with. Every day is an adventure, were driving all over the mission, visitng apartments, fixing lighting, building bunkbeds, moving people from one place to another, at meetings we handle reimbursments and personal orders, we enter in Baptismal Records, we create and send rent checks, as well as handle the tax forms, were the mission accountants at the end of the month, we handle cell phone problems and bills, the list goes on and on, It makes time go by so fast! 

Its really fun though, I wish there were more time to teach, but it makes those expereinces that god gives us to do so much sweeter.

Yea, its different for sure, but still fun, were like ministering missionaries. I love it, the new couple is the Morans, They're actually from Draper I believe, Im not sure where though, not in our stake. but they'll be great to work with, I learn alot from observing how the Hansens act, you can learn alot from people older than you.  

I gotta run, We'll figure out the camera situation soon.. I love you all so much!

Elder Johnson

Week 81, July 28 - August 3, 2014

Hey guys Im on if you still are, Ill write a good long letter today..

How are you?

good! Things have been crazy, im in the middle of doing office work and trying to email you guys, we really dont get too much of a p-day, but Im learning so much each day, Im driving now here in the Phils. Its a little different, theres really no rules! Me and Elder Talanoa have taken over all of the office duties as the Hansens, the senior couple are heading out. Things are really busy, we dont teach to much, but its good to constantly be thinking of ways we can better serve the other missionaries..

I got your guys letter and pictures, I'll send some a little later, Just know im alive and well, Our tickets are scheduled for a flight out on December 30th Its coming up fast! 

Technically, There should be about 6 missionaries at a time there is enough work to do, but its just me and Elder for now, there is another senior couple coming in in September, we share an apartment with the AP's, Its been an interesting change, President Peterson said that I needed to help ELder Farley for the 5 weeks I got with him, but he said before he left that he hand picked me for the office, One of our AP's is my batch, ELder Bodkin, he's a great guy, but I think President foresaw that he would need some help, its been fun to really help him out and have a say in the direction of the mission, Presidnet Mangum is an amazing man, full of humility, he is the perfect example of really working hard at something your whole life and as you stick with it you slowly rise to the top, he runs the mission like a business in a way, and its been really fun to learn how he managed Nuskin so effectively, and how he is applying and teaching us the same principles. Its fun to see him stepping into the role as president as everyone gets adjusted.

Yea the typhoon really got us. It was alot of money to give out, alot of fresh water to buy, We did a few rescue missions to far away places, bringing drinking water and giving money, We went around with president to each of the Zone Interviews and gave each companionship a workshop on Budgeting and Emergency Preparedness, It gave everyone a good scare, some companionships are still withoput power, we were without internet for 2 weeks here in the mission home, and everyone seems to still be recovering slowly each day.

Driving is fun! Its like rally car racing, It'll be fun to come back someday and you can give it a whirl if you want!

Ok LOVE YOU ALL!!

Week 80, July 21 - July 27, 2014

Hey guys, how was the week?

Did you go to President Petersons homecoming?

Hey President just called us with something pretty urgent to do, we gotta run! I'll just email you again Saturday! 

Love You!

WHAT???? :(

Week 79, July 14 - July 20, 2014

Yea! Its been pretty crazy! Im no longer in Calamba, Ivebeen called into the office as financial secratary and office elder! Pretty different, but its been fun, I'll write an update now!

Do you have any pictures? there was a massive typhoon here, I got some good pictures to show you :)

(These never came...maybe next week;))

Family,

Wow what a week, it was so full of changes, Im no longer in Calamba, Ive been called into the office here in Alaminos Laguna, My companion is the biggest man in the mission a former professional rugby player, and accountant, an Australian Tongan named Elder Talanoa, He's my first companion from the islands, and its been really fun the past few days, he is about 300 pounds of pure muscle, but has the heart of lion and the gentle nature of a mother hen. He's an awesome guy and were ready to take on the immense challenge that will be coming our way as the office couple, in charge of finances near the end of their term here and we as the office elders will take on all the responsibility of the office on both sides of the spectrum, on the service and logistics side as well as the finance, Its going to be something really new for me, but something that will teach me alot, and work the analytical, organizational, and logistic side of me as much as life in the field has worked the spiritual. It feels good to see that the things we do each day really do help the mission to function.

The typhoon that came through really messed things up, We have spent most of the waking hours we have the past few days in the car accounting for Elders and Sisters and assessing damages on apartments, we've been around the whole mission and seen the destruction that the storm caused, power lines are lining the roads, there was no water or power from Tuesday to Thursday evening in most of the mission and in about a third they still don't have either. Yesterday we made a trip out to Lopez with a literal ton of water in the back of the truck to the Elders and Sisters out there who were running low on both funds and fresh water, Were still trying to figure out what we can do to get the internet back up and running in the office, its been pretty messy as more days pass, we get further and further behind, but I know we'll be able to pull out fine. The next few weeks really will be spent cleaning up the mess that mother nature made here, we looked out our window and watched rooves blown off of houses and trees and power lines collide as the wind made even the biggest trees look like a toothpick, we didnt really realize just how bad it was until we drove around and saw, teaching appointments have been put on hold as missionarys fill their days with service, many members who really had nothing left went to church yesterday, it was amazing to see that kind of faith, I know that a midst the destruction were seeing now that good will come of it, The filipino people are responding amazingly to it all, the morning after the storm we saw stores open back up, a midst a flood that was waste deep in his home, we saw a man go out and sell fish to earn a little money, when you ask anyone how their doing the resounding response is, were ok, or still smiling, These are people that take this kind of beating from nature every year, and their just happy if even a portion of their roof stays on, Its inspiring! 

The work is different here, its fun to be around president each day, I learn alot form his attitude and humility. Even though its different it dosent mean the spirit has left, we look for those ways to feel the spirit and crave those experiences when they do happen, Im excited for the next few months and anxious to learn all that the Lord wants me to learn, I honestly never thought I would become an office Elder, but too much has told me that it was the wrong choice, I know it was revelation and Im excited to throw myself in to this new assignment from the Lord.

Max! Keep emailing me, I hope your well, you sounded great in your letter! I love the MTC, just make sure you dont eat too much of one thing, I remember one Elder in my district did that and after 4 bad days they had to give him the "blue torpedo" nobody likes the blue torpedo. and one more thing, have you found the "pillow room"?

You all sound great at home, its very strange to me  that Bailee is in highschool, I  cant handle it, The pictures look great,

Tuck I know you'll find a better job, Try In- n- Out! I left that place on a good note, maybe they'd pick you up??

Aimee and Coop,

Keep enjoying summer, its a fun time! I love you!

I love you all, thanks for your prayers,

Elder Johnson

March 3, 2014 Thank you letter from Elder Bacyan

Good Day, Brothers and Sisters,

This might be a little unexpected but I just wanna express my deepest gratitude for your very kind and loving nature. If you still remember that the Johnson Family asked your assistance to help a certain missionary and his family who were terribly affected by the typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda) in the Philippines. I am that missionary, and am greatly grateful for everything you have done to help us in these hard times.

As a full-time missionary of our Savior's only true and living Church I know I am entitled with our Father's aid and should not worry about my family. And I wasn't. I thank you all for being instruments of our Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ in confirming my faith in Them and all hope on Their ever willing arms to embrace and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.

You are great people in my eyes. Your faith manifested with righteous works strengthens mine. You inspire me to become a better missionary and a better man.

I pray that the Lord shall pour upon you His grace in everything you do.

My family and I love you fellow saints,

 -Elder Bacyan  

Philippines San Pablo Mission

Week 78, July 7 - July 13, 2014

Oh Boy, What a week,

Its been another good one, just like they always are serving the Lord, we are really beginning to see the fruits of some of our efforts to rebuild here, the ward is meeting regularly, we are really trying to focus on teaching the ward leaders out of the red handbook and they seem to be embracing it, our Bishop, Bishop Paz is really a humble man who has the potential to be so great, but as a result of lack of support has gotten a little tired over the past year or so. The wards attendance has slipped, as well as the number of active priesthood, but we have really made it clear we are here to help and he seems to enjoy the support. The chapel is so large here, it was the 2nd one ever built here in the Philippines and we really are trying to lay out a vision with him for specific people we can focus on to really get the chapel full. We are really spending alot of time teaching our Ward mission Leader his responsibilities, many times missionaries, or people in general are really hard on their leaders or others in their life that they are dependent upon, they feel they are not doing their part, but what we've seen here in Calamba is that they don't function because they don't know what their part is. We are finding as we teach them, they function, A principle of the gospel that really resonated to me this week was that people can only act according to their knowledge, knowledge is essential and always has been, before the Lord gives priesthood keys to man he educates them, he teaches them clearly what they should and should not do, and outlines the expected behavior and the inescapable consequences for misconduct. The prophet trains the 12, the 12 train the seventy and the seventy strive to teach stake and ward leaders around the globe how to manage the affairs of gods kingdom, I realized that that is the same way everything should be run, if no one ever taught us that we had to first get a bowl before we made cereal, how succesful would we be at making that cereal? It really humbled me and made me think, before we ever think to be frustrated with anothers behavior, first ask yourself if you've done your best to teach them clearly all that they should do as, and we've seen this work, amidst our Ward Mission Leader's weaknesses, as he obtains this clear knowledge of what he should be doing, you can see gods hand helping him to reach out to members and get them to visits with us. Knowledge is valuable, and eternal, and Im thiankful that it will rise with us after this life.

On a funny note, 

We went to University of the Philippines Los Banos today, man that was really fun! They had a dairy farm, its the only real dairy i think i've had my whole 19 months now. so needless to say, when we saw that they had real chocolate milk we went a little crazy, we all drank so much, and it was so good, but now, about 3 hours later were facing a stomach that hasn't had milk in it for 19 months, it was like doing a triathlon at 300 ponds, it just wasnt fit enough for it, and i think it suffiseth to say were facing a small typhoon in each of our stomachs. Its a good thing there are 2 bathrooms in the apartment! woof..

Dad, I would love it so much if you would go to President Peterson's homecoming, there are alot of former missionaries going, I know he would love to see you and Mom

Mom, Man New York looks fun! Thanks for those Pics, everyone looked great with Max, it looks like he held it together, I remember I was crying at that point, but oh how fast the time goes as we serve him with all we have.

Max, Thanks for serving the Lord Elder, It means the world to me, your changing lives, theres so many ways that I wish I could be like you, you inspire me every day.

I heard a quote that whenever you get down on life, on yourself, about the work, think about your Mom, envision Moms room, and think of her kneeling down and praying for you, think about what she's asking for, and dont ever cheat her of any of the blessings she will receive as a result of your service. Your amazing, and I am so excited what the Lord will create out of the humble servant he has in you, let him in, and he'll do it.

I love the mission, I love Calamba, as i've prayed for it the lord has blessed the ward and each member with a special place in my heart, and I know that as we keep chipping away, were going to see big things happening, The Lord is behind us, he always has been and he always will be. 

I love you all so much,

Hurrah for Israel!

Elder Johnson

Week 77, June 30 - July 6, 2014

Hey Maxx,

So you'll soon bare the name Elder Johnson, pretty exciting right? dont be nervous, I know you were called to Taiwan for a reason, there are many souls who are waiting for you there, whether it be some Taiwanese family or a companion who's struggling there are others who need your light, they need your happiness, they need all those amazing attributes you have that make you the amazing person you are and I know that those are the things that will enable you to be a powerful servant of the Lord. As you teach the gospel remember the plainness of it. Its so simple, Jesus Christ performed his everlasting atonement, many know that, many don't, but even as others come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and his atonement, even if that knowledge is perfect, the knowledge can do them no good if they don't apply the proper action and principles found in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to their lives.They cannot nor will they ever in this life or the next, feel the power of the atonement in their lives unless they accept with their whole hearts the ordinance of Baptism, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure faithfully to the end of their lives following the example set for us by our savior, and that proper knowledge of how we can apply the atonement is what you bare, the mission might not be everything you expect, but regardless of what you face you never forget that, connect people with the atonement through this knowledge which you bare, it helps us attain perfection. I bare my testimony that this is true, I bare testimony that you will come to know its true over the life changing experience you'll have the next 2 years, God loves you, he's blessed us with our family, I feel blessed to be your brother and your friend, you can call me with anything you need, 

I love you forever and ever

Elder Johnson