2/25/24 Kahalagahan ng Pagdadasal

 Kumusta kayo!

Aloha nō e kuu ohana! 

Another amazing week as a missionary! Miracles continue everyday. My testimony continues to grow everyday. I have the thought of how my testimony could grow with how full it is, and everyday, my Father in heaven strengthens my testimony even more each day. The days fly by, I feel I was just here writing my letter home for last week, and I know its because of the urgency of this work, that I have been shown thus far to understand. I love this work. Had a bunch of great service projects, helping people with so little, with the biggest smiles. 

The experience I want to share will be short, because we have a lot to do today, but again, its so hard to choose everyweek because of how often miracles happen here. If you think or feel they dont happen for you, I invite you to take a step back and count your blessings, youll realize how present the Lord is in your life. Seek-long to recognize them. Anyway the experience this week comes from earlier this week as we went to an inactive older lady, or Nanay, and got her to return to church. The concern she shared, about many people in her family, is their lack of prayer. She expressed that they still read the scriptures, but havent been praying, wow. Familiar. For everyone! Haha so thats what Ill share.

It made me think about my dad, and his council to me that, ANYTIME, before going into the water to dive or surf, "Dont even get in the water, without prayer". My dive patnahs Storm, Talanoa, Kamahao, all dem hammahs, know the importance of this principle. That principle has stuck with me, till today, never prayed harder, longer, or as often as I have been here on my mission, but I testify of its power.

My companion and I taught about prayer. We shared 2 Nephi 32:8. 

"...For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray."

Now the question is why? Why does the adversary, this evil spirit, the devil, try so hard to simply get people, teach people, that they must not pray? The  answer is simple, and almost scary. If we think about Hawaii, worldwide militaries, or even the Lord to the tower of Babel, communication is destroyed first. Without communication, everything else crumbles. Prayer, is our direct communication to the Father. If the adversary succeeds, in prompting us that were too tired to pray or that were too busy to say a prayer, or its not THAT important.. if he succeeds in breaking our communication with our Father, we know, through history what comes next. It is so so so important to pray. Intentionally. I contribute my life, to the skill my dad taught me to pray. With the amount of sharks, and my own stupidity, I am simply alive haha because of my prayers and prayers for me. The same goes for all of us spiritually. This Nanay came to church and is focusing on becoming worthy to return to the temple.

May patotoo ako tungkol sa kapangyarihan ng pagdadasal, at tungkol sa kahalagahan ng madalas na pagdadasal sa lahat ng oras sa buhay natin. Alam ko na palaging nakikinig ang Diyos sa ating mga panalangin. Huwag magkalimutan iyan. 

I have a testimony of the power of prayer, and about the importance of praying always at all times in our lives. I know that God always listens to our prayers. Dont forget that.

I miss you all choken. More than you each could understand. Im so thankful to know every single one of you, and pray everynight that the Lord keeps you safe. Till next week, yardeh know, JAHS TRAHS.

ELDER ISHIBASHI

1. Service project at BRGY, taught them how to say good morning in Hawaiian haha

2. Elder Sanatarin, his last cycle on his mission, gave me the best advice, when I feel down, think about my investigators

3. How everyone gets rid of trash

4. Picture of a home of 4 people

2/18/24 Bilang isang misyonero \|||/

 Kumusta kayong lahat!!

This week was another great week as a missionary! Can't even explain how the Lord manifests to me daily that this IS His work. The Church is way new in this area, so there is so much work to do, one being simply getting people to come to church, haha especially the leaders but we gettum. Got sacrament attendance up consistently over 20 within the past month or two, so another huge blessing. Along with other churches realizing it and boosting their proselyting efforts as well, leading to some great opportunities for me and the Lord, to simply 1 Corinthians 1:19. But of course lovingly and with the spirit haha. Or learning more about "Filipino Science", like hanging a bottle of blue liquid on a fence, kaya hindi sila, mga aso, tatae doon, or Dogs wont poop there. No idea. 

The experience I wanna share this week came from early in the week, in which we had Zone Conference, about 3 hours away in Muñoz, San Jose. Getting up at 4, we drove over and had a 3 Zone combined, Zone conference. I got to see my stud of a MTC companion, Elder Horlacher and yes Elder, I gave the beans! Bumbai the rest goin know what dat mean. The three words that stuck out to me, in which we discussed there were, Courage, Reverence, and Valor. Which all leads to simply, being CLASSY. Very much ingrained in my head, by the countenance and standards given by my amazing parents. 

Studying these 3 attributes has exponentially influenced the way I view my work as a missionary, and my approach to teach. The next day, as people who have been consistently keeping up with my emails, I will continue to talk about Nanay Flor Mejico. The nanay who takes care of her 4 granddaughters. As she has a Baptismal Date, our goal as missionaries is simply to maintain her pathway there. As we initially were going to overview some promised blessings and the plan of salvation or fruits of baptism, as we arrived she explained to us, her struggles. A case of theft and the blame being on her, she feels hopeless, and cries to herself, as she tries to ask here in the Philippines. As she expressed her pain, a moment became visual in my mind, with my older sister Kaui. Kaui explained to me, that before Joseph Smith seen the Father and Jesus Christ, the adversary overcame him, even to a point of physical and spiritual pain and sorrow. She explained to me that the adversary tries especially hard, while we are trying to do the right thing. My sister Kaui, expressed to me that the hardships I faced at that time, were the adversaries same, always used, noticeable & obvious tactic, to stop and get in the way of the miracles that the Lord has in store for us, and his eternal plan for me. I will always be thankful for my loving sisters council to me, in the times when I felt the most pain and chaos. To Nanay Flor, we simply read a few chapters in the Book of Mormon, about Alma and Amulek, and I bared my testimony about the situation, and the simple yet powerful truth and comfort that this gospel brings and promises. I testified that I dont know her issue, I cant say that I understand exactly how she feels, but I know the answer. As missionaries and simply, members of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we dont know what people go through, but it doesnt matter how hard or depressing or deep it is, we know who does know, and by what means true comfort and happiness comes. I am confident in this gospel, not because I was told, but of the mercy of the Lord Ive felt, in the darkest moments of my life. 

Alam ko na ang simbahan na ito ay totoo dahil, sa mga simpleng salita, ang simbahan kumakatawan kay JesuCristo, at sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya ko, hinanap ko ang kapayapaan at pag-aliw sa mga napakahirap na panahon sa buhay ko. 

I miss you all more than you could know. Yet am comforted constantly, as the Lord shows me each moment of everyday, the truthfulness of this gospel. JAHS TRAHS, lalong-lalo (especially), when the road ahead is too dark to see. Sa pangalan po, ang manunubos natin, ang tagapagligtas ko, na si JesuCristo, Amen.

ELDER ISHIBASHI

1. ELDER HORLACHERS BEANS TO MICHAEL PARUHINOG

2. ELDER HORLACHER

sorry not too many pictures, a really kind of working really hard without time kinda week, shoooots

2/11/24 First Cycle Pau!

 Kumusta kayo!

Aloha nō e ku'u 'ohana a mau hoa!

This past week was a very busy week, sobrang (super) hard but manageable with the strength and guidance of the Lord. As it was the end of my first cycle, one of our kabahays or housemates, Elder Libron got transferred and we got a new Zone Leader, Elder Sandarin! Absolute stud of a missionary, this is his last cycle till he goes home. Crazy to see the amount of spiritual mana or power that this Elder has, that I am so motivated to have as I continue to serve. 

As always, everyday is completely packed with miracles. One quick one regarding the time I wake up. I've come to realize that I know the gospel well, and can connect it to my life, but teaching simply is way hard, especially in another language. Ive never prayed harder, and fasted more than I have this week. Ive been waking up earlier to get in some extra studies, as I pray to the Lord to help and guide me. I will be a better missionary, and person, everyday.

The experience I want to share will be talking about my stud of a companion Elder Smith. As we headed to an appointment, we met two siblings, and were able to share a message with them. In lessons, I am able to understand everything that is going on, and can piece together things to say, but it is still very choppy. Whats even worse, is because I force myself to try and speak Tagalog, at all times, because the Lord works through effort on our part, I find myself slowly forgetting English grammar! So here I am, no can speak Tagalog very well, and no can speak English apparently either! Anyway, in this lesson, Elder Smith looked at me and told me to lead, I tried, said a few sentences and completely blanked, looking at him cluelessly, in which he responded "Can do in English and I can help translate," and yep of course completely blank as these two new investigators, looked at this missionary (me), who they think (everyone thinks), is just another Filipino who just doesnt know how to communicate. Elder Smith smiled and began to teach, and in that lesson, and the following lessons that day, I sat and watched Elder Smith, as he taught. So clearly, so simply, and so sincerely.

2 Nephi 31:3

3 For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding

 I knew work had to be done, which is why the next day, I decided to wake up earlier and study harder. I didnt want to wake everyone else up in the house at that time, so prayed to the Lord to wake me up, and I have consistently been getting up early, without an alarm. To know it well enough to teach simply, to know it well enough in the language, that they will understand. I am thankful for my companion. 

I find myself repenting for my pride, everyday, in every way. I know and testify that the Lord knows us by name, and thus knows us personally, how we understand and comprehend things, and knows our struggles. Jesus Christ does not just know our struggles and shortcomings, but experienced them, and seeks only to help us overcome them! But siyempre (of course), we have to choose to succeed and overcome them first. There is no distance where the Lords hand can't reach, for those of you who do or know someone who thinks this way, I invite you to go on gospel library and search, my favorite line in the scriptures, especially Book of Mormon, "his hands are stretched out still", in any circumstance, in ANY scenario, the Lords hand is stretched out still. Do that as a study.

Alam ko po na ang mga bagay na ito ay totoo at nagpapatotoo po ako na kung susubukan natin ang mga katotohanan na ito, malalaman natin, para po sa ating sarili, na ito ay ang talagang katotohanan.

( I know that this things are true, and I testify that if we experiment or try these truths, we will know for ourselves that it is true, and the real truth?

Sa Pangalan po ni JesuCristo, Amen

ELDER ISHIBASHI

Kids fight spider on sticks here, pretty nahts

2/4/24 Magandang Linggo

Magandang araw yung magandang tao! Another great week here in Aurora, lst Pday hiked to mother falls, went on splits with an Elder Tauteoli from Utah, and had an awesome exchange out in Maria. Elder Tauteoli is the district leader and an absolute stud of an elder. Coming back to Aurora, the rest of the week was packed with experiences of growth, and definitely testimony building miracles. As everyweek, Ill share just one of the examples of divine plans and being led by the spirit. On Saturday morning, as we said our prayer, Elder Smith brought up a name that popped into his head. Who weve had some great lessons with, the last time turned us away saying, " Next time Elders I have a really big problem". Heading to an area called Hiwalayan, we were with president Paluyo, and as he asked where we were going, we explained first to Nanay Flor Mejico who was the name. President explained to us that he seen her a few days ago drinking with a few friends which I dont know why but bummed me out. We stayed diligent, however as we stopped at another house first, they explained that Nanay Flor just left and wasnt sure where she went. Again bummed. We started heading to the upper part of Hiwalayan, away from Flor. We called into another house, hoping to find some new people, and I just felt junk. I don't know why, but I told Elder Smith, "I dont know whats wrong, but its a very off moment for me", as we continued slowly to the upper portion, Elder Smith turned around and said, "Not yet, I dont know why, but not yet". So we turned around. He decided that we should just check Nanay Flors house, and on the way I stopped him asking if we could pray so maybe I could feel the spirit. I didnt understand, I continue to be as consecrated of a missionary as I know how to be, and shoot everyday to be exactly obedient, so why was I not feeling the comfort of the Spirit of the Lord? As we got to Nanay, she allowed us to share a quick lesson. She explained to us that she was robbed, and her 4 granddaughters, none over 5 years old, would hug her, asking her whats wrong, "Nay why are you sad? Nay why are you crying?" As she would explain that they just were so innocent, and loving. We shared Mosiah 24:14... 14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. That as she turns to the Lord, he will ease the burdens, and comfort her, as she holds strong to her faith. I explained that I 100 percent understand, that the last thing anyone wants to hear in their struggles is, "well God loves you!" But explained how important it truly is for her to realize that. He WILL ease our burdens as we show our faith. I felt prompted to read 3 Nephi 11:37-38. 37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. 38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. I asked her, why are we to become as little children, and repent, and be baptized, to obtain the promised eternal blessings? I then felt prompted to read Mosiah 3:19... 19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. That is why. As we become like little children, we acquire attributes that somehow, we lose as we grow up and "mature". I connected it to the attributes in which her grand daughters showed her, with their genuine submissiveness, meekness, humility, patience, and a complete love. Closing the lesson, we returned back to the first scripture, Mosiah 24:14. The Lord will comfort us. I explained that I believe a way, that he showed his love for her and comforted her was, and is through her grand daughters tender love and care for their Nanay. Sometimes we find ourselves wondering, where our Lord is in the times we struggle, and miss the blessings and miracles, and manifestations of his love right in front of our faces. With that, Elder Smith felt prompted to, with those other scriptures to extend a Baptismal Goal Date and she accepted the date we set. We talked quickly about the word of wisdom, and said she doesnt drink coffee, or smoke, she drinks red wine but willingly agreed to stop. I testify that through the spirit, people will be willing to change. Ive realized that the feeling I had throughout the start of being in Hiwalayan was not a lack of the spirit, but that stupor of thought of being prompted to be somewhere else. I testify of the importance of a companion, who as we both continue in obedience, can help each other discern those promptings as the Holy Ghost can help and guide us both. Alam ko na sa pamamagitan ng espiritu santo, tatanggapin natin ang patnubay na kailangan natin kung talagang pagsunod natin. Nagpapatotoo po ako na ang ebanghelyo na ito ay talagang totoo at ipinapakita ng Diyos ang mga biyaya at himala na ito sa akin araw araw. I miss you all so much and just know I pray for you all every morning and night, to my kapua na missionaries- lessgooo keep it up, SEARCH FOR MIRACLES, and to my family, the blessings that yoy may think you dont have, are manifested through the Lords love in every aspect of our lives, look for them, JAHS TRAHS. ELDER ISHIBASHI