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