7/28/24 THE SPIRIT DWELLS IN TRUTH

Aloha mai kākou! First thank you for all of the birthday wishes! https://photos.app.goo.gl/TpYFYxAmWpQrUerm6 It was another great week as a missionary! Super busy week, which made it fly by super quickly. And again, filled with so many tender mercies of the Lord, and manifestations that this is truly his work. The experience I want to share that happened this past week, as we visited a member, a returned home missionary, who's the only member of his family. Realizing such, we asked his parents, if we could share a quick lesson. Some days, my Tagalog for some reason, just does NOT WORK! And this day, was one of those days. We began to talk about families, and the importance of such to them. We asked about their family and for a few minutes simply talked about their beautiful family. We began to share, about eternal families, and asked of what worth that would be to them. Bearing my testimony, my Tagalog was not working at all. Stuctures were wrong, words were wrong, but I know the spirit was there, testifying of the simple eternal truths I shared. Feeling unsure, and hoping they understood, I apologized, and expressed that I hoped they can understand me, I just know, that this is true, in which the tatay, stopped me. He said he couldnt understand some of the words I said, but he could feel, that everything I was saying was true. I was so humbled and thankful that because of the presence of the spirit, my inadequecies, shortcomings, and imperfections were made whole. Ive come to realize that the spirit dwells in truth, and as we share such, in such it is the spirit who testifies. 3 Nephi 28:11 11 And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me. This missionary was thankful, and we set a date to return. I love this work, and the opportunity that I have to share about families. Something I love, and will be able to cherish for eternity, through this blissful gospel of Jesus Christ. I have come to a deeper gratitude of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the magnitude of his sacrifice for all, especially for me. For such I am grateful, and for such I will serve. Shout out to my awesome district who surprised me with a cake! Unreal, the best fo shua. Aloha aku nō, ELDER ISHIBASHI

7-21-24 Can your toe shaka?🤙🏽

Aloha mai kākou! A great week as a missionary, but hands down one of the most difficult. We had transfers, and I'm in a new area Talavera, with a great companion, Elder Mercado, in which I am following up his training as a District Leader. Talavera is the biggest area in our mission so theres a lot of walking! And as I packed to come here, comes the experience that I want to share. This past week, my idea for transfers were that I'd stay, and as my companion Elder Pampelon just came back from surgery, that I would be the one taking care of him. As always, the Lord had other plans, and we both got transfered! As we packed, because of the surgery, I brought down all of his things next to him, so he could pack easily. Heading back up the stairs to grab my own, and coming back down, we cleaned the stairs so well! In which dirt couldn't even stick, neither feet! And there I went, doing the slide down the stairs, kicking the metal rod, and breaking my toe. My toe was throwing a Shaka, and still is. There we were, my companion and I both limping to get to the transfers. Saying goodbye to my awesome companion, we reached Talavera, and the next day woke up with a really bad fever and body aches! These past few days, were very difficult, especially when one realizes how much a missionary walks everyday, but I will continue stanky legging and coughing, through the biggest area in Cabanatuan Mission, with a smile:) Situations like this allows me to think of two scenarios. One, the adversary is constantly trying to slow down missionary work, and two, the Lord is testing my faith. Either way, the work becomes more motivating. Within these few days, we found, shared lessons, and gave a few priesthood blessings. Good that would have went undone, without simply, getting out the door. I am so thankful to the Lord, for giving me the strength, to simply keep going. I love this work, I continue to feel motivated, and honestly even more, when I have these struggles. If that's what the Lord sees I can do, I will do it. Short letter, super busy day, but hope all is well, and love you guys choken. ELDER ISHIBASHI

7-14-24 Mini MTC

Aloha mai kākou! Another beautiful week in Philippines nei! A very busy week, filled with countless opportunities to grow, and hand of the Lord moments, in which I am thankful for the Lord, for his constant companionship in this beautiful work. This last Saturday, we had the opportunity to hold a Mini MTC experience for the youth! In which we had activities and lessons in the beginning of the day, and headed out to teach in the afternoon, using the skills learned from the workshops. As we headed out, these very eager youth, were so excited to walk down the streets to testify. They smiled and laughed, opening their mouth to everyone, and simply being great missionaries. Of course with a few challenges arising, they remained driven and motivated. While we taught, they bore beautiful testimonies, and even taught a few messages. I was very very impressed by the way they held themselves, and the class that these young men and women held while sharing the gospel. My thoughts continue to stay with the question, what is it worth? A runner will run miles, for a medal, cash prize, or even simply recognition from others! A student will study, until early in the morning, to simply at the end of graduation, recieve a paper! If our prize, is a family for eternity, and everlasting happiness, what is this worth it to us? And what are we willing to do to obtain such? Of course its not easy, but its worth the run, and early mornings. Two years seems too quick, and even a lifetime of service to the Lord, feels like its still short of the price, of such a prize. The prize continues to become increasingly more valuable, as we come closer to the Lord, and realize the true worth and extent of it. So we will continue and endure to the end no? For such, we will do what it takes. Because thats the worth. These youth were a testimony, that even with their age, they started the race. Theyre still studying, and will continue to, because they are coming to know the worth. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary, to show others the way, to such a prize. Matthew 13:45-46 Alam ko na totoo ang simbahan na ito. At sa pamamagitan niya, at nitong ebanghelyo, magkakaroon po tayo ng pagkakataon upang mabuhay, kasama ang mga pamilya po natin, para sa walang hanggang. Para sa akin, sulit po yan talaga. Siyempre, mahirap po lahat, napakaraming pinagdadaanan po noon nakaraan linggo, pero sulit siya, pag iniisip natin patungkol sa layunin. Please keep my companion, Elder Pampelon in your prayers! That his surgery will go well today! Love you guys choken, but love this work moa! Aaaaaloha. ELDER ISHIBASHI

7-7-2024 Merienda Muna Tayo!

Magandang araw sa inyong lahat! A great week this past week, huge blessings of the Lord in this area, as well as ways of growth as an individual. The Lord continues to, as he sees we are ready, not when we say we are ready, to push our limits. As a high pain tolerance, only gets higher, through more pain! Nevertheless, either way, good or bad, they were pricless opportunities of growth. In which as always! Ill share just one:) This past week was a great week, building missionary and membership unity, allowing us to increase our KI'S, and in the Lords way he has set, push forward the work here in San Nicolas. We had 7 people were teaching attend church last Sunday, which was a huge blessing and answer to our fast. However the experience that I want to share happened this past week Thursday. On our way to our next appointment, sort of in a rush, as we were last minute invited to a dinner appointment (what a huge issue), we had 2 more appointments to teach, and travel to the dinner appointment in a hour, power walking down the street, of course with class, walked passed an inactive member who always calls out, "Elders! Merienda muna tayo" or ... kind of lets eat in English but not.. we like most times, politely declined, smiled and waved, and continued our path. Almost an immediate feeling of a slap in the face, did exactly that, as I stopped. I looked at Elder, and for about 10 seconds, we looked at each other with the most awkward and unsure face. We knew we had to rush to reach those we planned in our schedule, and we also had a dinner appointment set to eat soon, but we both felt the same feeling. Quickly discussing, we made the decision, to turn back and take the offer. Not sure at first, talking stories with nay, within 5 minutes she opened up to us about her situation, and asked about a priesthood blessing, in which we were able to give. We werent able to reach our last two appointments, but I know the Lord needed us to be there, at that time, to answer the prayer of his child. Failing to plan, is planning to fail and as missionaries are required to plan, but as we do so, the Lord does as well. Leading us to be wherever, whenever he needs us to be there. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Lords work, to simply answer peoples prayers. I am grateful to the Lord, for his presence in his work, and for the love he continues to show to such an inadequate person as I. 2 Nephi 4 is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon, 20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep. 21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh. Of which blessings he continues to pour out to me, I am grateful. Love all you choken, JAHS TRAHS in da Lord! Keep reading da scriptchas so magmemerienda tayo sa langit!! a hui hou kākou, ELDER ISHIBASHI

6-30-24 Mga Aso!

Aloha kākou e ku'u 'ohana! Another beautiful week as a missionary, with countless experiences of seeing the Lords hand, present in His work. Guided walks, stupor of thoughts, and inspirations from the Lord, but of course again, ill only share one:) The experience Ill share happened this past week as we made our way from San Nicolas to Maiisan. My companion, Elder Pampelon was in Manila this day, for a checkup on his sickness, so I was with the other pair of missionaries in our ward. Teaching once, but being punted for the next appointment, we stopped on the side of the road, praying for guidance, to be where we need to be. Having the thought to cross the area to Maiisan, to reach an inactive family, we began to walk. Now theres two entrances, to get into Maiisan. One, dependable, always full of people, and safe! And the other, is a slim path, that is loaded with dogs and stories of people gettiing bit! Ive gone through this path maybe once or twice, if I notice that the cages are closed. As we entered into the first road, the odd thought to take the other path, first surprised me. I brushed it off once, but as it came back, I realized what it was and followed. As we turned back and walked to the second entrance, making our way through the path, I noticed that even the big dogs cage, was open, in which my first thought was to look at my companions, and see whos the slowest runner. Haha jokes, but not. The prompting was still there, so we continued. Now as we made our way, I stopped immediately as the dogs head popped out from the side of the path, but this time, not even a bark. Simply watching, and really not even paying attention to us. Because the path was thin, we almost brushed his nose trying to get past him with how close he was. First miracle. Not a minute passed the dog, we noticed a family, fixing a bike, in which we introduced ourselves, and were able to share a message about Jesus Christ. I know that this was the family, who the Lord led us to, across our area, protected us from normally very untrained dogs, to this beautiful family, to share a message in which I am thankful to the Lord, for his hand in His work. D&C 84:88 88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. Like Elder Kaio's beautiful story last week, I know that this scripture is true. That the Lord really does answer our prayers, and guides us to be where we need to be. The question really comes down to if were listening! Alam ko po na ang Diyos ay totoo at palaging nakikinig po siya sa mga panalangin po natin. Lagi ginagabayan niya tayo, at tutulungan niya tayo, kung makinig and magtiwala tayo sa kanya. JAHS TRAHS. Love you guys choken, and hope everyone is cherreh. Aaaloha🤙 ELDER ISHIBASHI