1/28/24 Yung Trial of Faith

Magandang umaga ang mga magandang tao! Namimiss kita!

Aloha nō e ku'u 'ohana! 

It was again another great week here in San Luis. A little different aspect of difficult, as a lot of it very much so tested my faith. First thinking I had impenetrable faith, the Lord continued to prove to me, especially this week, that faith ALWAYS has room to grow. This week? Was difficult. Without getting into the run in with the adversary, or the constant tests with faith, and eating dog haha I would love to share a story about an older woman named Flor Usita. Just one of the beautiful miracles we witness everyday.

Me and Elder Smith taught an older lady last week named Flor Usita. She has no kids, takes care of her mother, and when we got there, Jehovah Witness missionaries just left. We answered some questions she had and got a return date. As we planned that morning on what to teach her, we had the thought to teach about families. As its been pretty hard to find  people who are ready. My prayers have been specifically focused on finding individuals who are ready and prepared for the lesson, the Lord wants them to hear. It didnt make any sense to teach about families, but we planned to teach according to our inspiration. As we got to her house, Nanay Usita brought out the pamphlet we gave last time, as well as an old Book of Mormon, signed by missionaries in 2004. Five minutes into the lesson a man walks out, her nephew at 20 years old named Craig, and we invited him to sit in the lesson. We began to teach about families, I love this subject, as us missionaries, leave our families for a little, to help others recieve the opportunity to live with their families for eternity. As we taught, Craig explained to us that the night before, he was almost in tears, with the soul question and wonder, of what happens to families after death. Cuz, chicken skin.

I testify the truthfulness of this gospel and the real and eternal happiness it brings. I testify that the Lord answers our prayers, and prepares those who are willing to listen, they are there, we just have to find them! I have a stronger testimony on the Lords timing. Maybe it wasnt Flor Usita's time 20 years ago with the other Elders, but possibly is ready now.

Leaving the house, Elder Smith, of course smiling said, "Elder that is a potential priesthood holder, in which our branch desperately needs". It is as well so critical as I have learned, to look at people not as their current state, but with their divine potential as God allowed me to see my own as I worked and strived to improve my life. After this miracle, I told Elder Smith that Im not even surprised, Im just thankful. Miracles are directly connected to faith & exact obedience. I am thankful, for a great companion and a perfect gospel.

I miss you all so much and think and pray for each of you, my family and those I love at home, as well as the consecrated missionaries that Ive met throughout the mission thus far. 

Alam ko na sa pamamagitan ng talagang pagsusunod, lahat ng mga bagay ay possible. Alam ko at nagpapatotoo po ako na palaging nakikinig at sumagot ang Diyos sa ating mga panalangin. Kung may mahirap na panahon sa buhay natin, sa pamamagitan ng pananampalatayang panalangin, puwede po nating mahanap ang kaligayahan at kapayapaan na kailangang kailangan natin. 

Its always going to be hard. Sobrang difficult. JAHS TRAHS our Father in Heaven knows what hes doing. When i struggled with faith, I continued my Doctrine of Christ reading, which I started back off where I left off in Alma 5, writing on the bottom of the page, how can I grow my faith? Please, if anyone has this question, read that chapter and after, sister Fale in the MTC brought this up, put in your name when it says "Brethren of the Church" in verses 14,26. If you only have a little amount of time, just read those two. 

At iniiwan ko po na ito sa inyo, sa pangalan po ni JesuCristo, Amen.

ELDER ISHIBASHI

1-21-2024 NGAYON AY ISANG PANAHON PARA SA MIRACLES (HIMALA)

Kumusta kayo yung mga astig na tao!! This week haha was pretty difficult, but great no mattah what. So many miracles and experiences, that I say everyweek is too much, to write them all and it's so true. My companion, Elder Smith and I, are constantly reminded and shown pieces of Gods divine plan for his children each day. Every day, I am immensely blessed with opportunities to see how much our Father in Heaven loves his children. If anyone knows what trikes are, because there arent a lot of cars, the people here weld a little cart to the side of their motorcycles, and offer transportation around the different areas in the Philippines. In these little carts, in the middle of no where, I feel that I get the best revelation and inspiration from the Lord haha. But no freal. Some being ... As I think about the miracles and "coincedences", that I see everyday, Ive come to realize the truth, that MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERYDAY, BIG OR SMALL, THEY ARE MIRACLES NEVERTHELESS. I testify that this is true and have the experiences to prove it everyday. I know that this isnt just for me, but for every one of Gods children. It is just up to us to recognize where in the day, they are. One of the experiences weve had this week, came from a sister in our branch, who was baptised only a few months ago. The Elders before I came in werent allowed back in that house (not their fault), yet this sister continued to attend church with her children, every week. This past week Elder Smith and I, took our new area senior missionaries with us in efforts to go and visit this sister Veronica and her family. She asked her husband, if we could come in, and allowed us in for a quick message. Sister Veronica expressed her testimony on tithing. She continues to pay tithing and fast offerings every week, because she doesnt see the blessings and miracles, when she doesnt. We noticed she didnt come to church the Sunday before, so we planned to make this visit happen to check in and help if needed. She responded to that observation very bodly, saying "Elders! I missed one week because I had to watch a few other kids that were brought over to my home", then explaining her testimony and her strong conviction of the gospel. This very recent convert, with so many struggles, continues to be diligently obedient BECAUSE she recognizes the blessings that she is given. What faith. As missionaries, we invite others to come unto Christ. My cousin Kaukahi and I, had a joke, "Reverse it, see what happens" and bahss laugh to myself everytime I think about it. Essentially, this is what we as missionaries invite others to do with their lives and habits. Reverse it, and just see what happens. 3 Nephi 24:10 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. The Lord constantly invites us to test and prove him. I have an impenetrable testimony on the Lords eternal readiness to bless his children according to their faith. Dad brought up a quote from Russel M Nelson, "Moroni assured us that “God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.” Every book of scripture demonstrates how willing the Lord is to intervene in the lives of those who believe in Him. He parted the Red Sea for Moses, helped Nephi retrieve the brass plates, and restored His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Each of these miracles took time and may not have been exactly what those individuals originally requested from the Lord. In the same way, the Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him, “doubting nothing.” Do the spiritual work to seek miracles. Prayerfully ask God to help you exercise that kind of faith." I know that the Lord will support any righteous cause, as we choose to act and show faith in Him. Simply seek the miracle to change, or to be more faithful or obedient and recognize how the Lord provides that miracle for you. Alam ko po na sa pamamagitan ng talagang pananampalataya, nang buong puso natin, mararanasan natin mga himala. Alam ko na ang mga bagay na ito ay totoo. Sa pangalan po ni JesuCristo, amen. I know that through real faith, with our whole heart, we will experience miracles. I know that these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I miss you all so much, but am comforted with the kowledge that Heavenly Father has each of you exactly where he wants you to be. Dont forget, and continue to seek miracles. JAHS TRAHS. ELDER ISHIBASHI

1-14-2024 Kultura ni Cristo

 Kumusta ang pamilya ko!! 

Its been such a great week. Everyday, I come home tired, and leave in the morning ready to get back out, which is a huge blessing I see everyday. I know that it comes from prayers of yous from back home. So thank you all so much, for remembering the Hawaiian who is just a few islands away :) 

This week was pretty hard, especially because of how new the church is here, but I feel that day by day, we've been making significant progress. The Elders here are hammahs, and they are a huge part of establishing the foundation of the church, here in San Luis. 

The balut I ate was like a little unripe duck, theres a lot of overripe ones here, but I highly reccomend trying um a leeeeto bit medium rare, haha balut was 'ono! JAHS TRAHS!

No even sense share the whole week, I might as well write a book, with how much happens everyday. But Ill share one, before I went to BYUH, dad told me one thing, "Leave Puna, in Puna". For my family back at home, youll understand haha. We had a mission training, and watched a talk given by Elder William K Jackson, entitled "The Culture of Christ", for those of you who have heard it, great, for those who havent I highly suggest to do so. Elder Jackson explained the importance of finding belonging and purpose in the culture of Christ. He went on to explain that we are to exemplify this culture of Christ, everywhere we go, leaving behind some attributes of our own cultures that dont align with this Culture of Christ. My immediate thought was, "of course, dis guy without culture is trying to tell me to drop mines, and join his", immediately after I felt the biggest spiritual slap in the face, and my pride sunk with the memory of my dad, explaining to me that I am to forget myself and serve. Culture is so important and has a huge sense of pride for most indigenous people around the world. When we as missionaries, even down to simply members of the church, made the CHOICE to serve, we CHOSE to leave EVERYTHING behind, to become a part of the most beautiful and perfect and most ancient culture this world knows, this Culture of Christ. Elder Jackson said, "(we have) given up a little, and gained the potential for everything." Im not asked to drop being a proud Hawaiian, but have an even higher pride for this beautiful Culture of Christ.

Teaching in Zara this week, we met with a nonmember couple who had decided to get married. I was so happy, that I had the biggest smile and couldnt feel happier. I turned to Elder Smith, my companion, and told him that I had no idea why, I was so happy, I just met these people, and he reponded, "Elder Ishibashi, its because you love the people". Through the Lord, through this culture of Christ, instead of these cultural, or ethnic boundaries we draw, we can build bridges and love, and grow a purpose and pride like no other. I am still the most proud Hawaiian here in the Philippines, and will be till I die. But first and foremost I am a staunch believer and testify that this gospel is true. I left home, Puna will be left in Puna, what do we each have to leave behind, to sharpen our focus on the Lord?

Alam ko na sa pamamagitan ng kultura ni Cristo na ito, mahanap tayo ang talagang layunin natin. Para sa itong buhay, at para sa walang hangan. Nagpapatotoo po ako ang bagay na ito ay totoo. 

I miss you all very much, and jahs know bradda man is top shape still yet. 

Aloha au iā 'oukou pākahi āpau!! JAHS TRAHSS!!

ELDA ISHIBASHI

1. Valdez family, recent converts

2. Karabow

3. Hiwalayan Area

4. Power line haha jahs trow um 5 ft off da ground, get shocked? Your fault neva look!

5. This area is known for cobras and pythons, been looking but this is da spine of one made into a necklace!!

6. Medium rare duck :)

1-7-24 Each day is divinely planned

 Kumusta yung pamilya ko! Sobrang mabuti yung linggo na ito!

It was a great week here in San Luis, Aurora. We started from after my last letter going to Dibut beach. Sent my family these pictures already, but this place was beautiful, and again just another reminder of the things we willingly give up to serve the Lord, although the water looked sooo good, I love this work, not a single easy day, but am filled with love for this people and the joy that this gospel can bring to those ready for the truth.

Me and my companions areas consist of Bacong, Hiwalayan, and San Jose, and a few others I forget, but always action. Everyday im in awe of the people here and their lifestyle. Thereʻs no way I can fit the miracles Ive noticed in this letter, but very simply put, for those who served, or are planning to serve, through this gospel you will see miracles. Ive gained a strong and growing testimony on perfectly divined plans as we pray for them. 

It happens everyday, but to keep the letter short and not too boring, I wanna talk about one of the days this week. Me and my companion went about working in the Zara area, in which a lot of our appointments fell through, we got to meet some awesome people. We taught a young man whos name was Alexis, who after hearing his friend recently passed away, had the awesome opportunity to teach about sa plano ng kaligtasan or the plan of salvation. Then finding random people, who just had the best questions that we felt confident in sharing the Lords answer with. We ended the day, teaching a few younger teenagers who just recently were baptized. They are very attentive and very obedient in the commitments we ask them to make amd the principles that they can apply. Following the lesson, this area was about an hour walk from home, and as we usually call a member for a trike ride, we felt prompted to walk. About half way home a man in the street called out to us, "elders!" As we talked to him, he mentioned he was previously taught, yet the missionaries before didnt come back, and expressed his interest in us returning to him. We got his contact information and address and went on home with the biggest smile. The Lord knows about us, and everyone around us. He knows who is ready, and what they need, and when they need it. 

2 Nephi 22:2-3

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.

3 Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

The Lord is our song. And our joy. Being here also has made me realize and know that although money is great haha, it is the Lord that brings true happiness. True joy. This is the joy that as a missionary of this Church of Jesus Christ, I have the privilege to share. In our hard times, its so so important to remember the blessings. And youll realize how much more present he is in our lives than we think.

Mosiah 2:21

21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another...

Our very breaths are lended by Him. Realize it. Be happy because of it. This has helped me so much this past week. I miss home and all of you so much. But because of that miss, my ALL is here for this gospel and the Lord. This is hard, I wont try mek nice to say its easy, and the strength has surpassed my own the day I got into the area, but through the Lord, I am given the strength that I need to continue pressing forward. I love and miss you all so so much, I pray for you all every morning and every night. Im so grateful the Lord blessed me with each and everyone of you. KEEP GOIN, JAHS TRAHSSS.

Alam ko po na sa pamamagitan ng ebanghelyo na ito, yung katotohanan na ito, pwede natin malaman, yung totoong kaligayahan.

I know that through this gospel, and this truth, we can know true happiness

Aloha aku nō au iā 'oukou pākahi āpau

ELDER ISHIBASHI

Monkey

1st time eating balut