10-28-2024 THE FILIPINO MAN

Magandang araw sa inyong lahat! Another beautiful week here in the Philippines as a missionary! We had storms, watched accidents, been sick the whole week, preajeepin, and met a lot of new people, always, seeing the Lord's love, he has for his children. I am daily grateful, for the Lords cover for my own inadequecies, and weaknesses. The experience I want to share happened this past week as we found a college student last week, setting our return appointment last Friday night. Getting to the house, with a huge smile, the sister came out, opening the gate, letting us in and while leading us to her house, ran ahead into the house. At the same moment, a big Filipino man, looked out the window, asking, what we wanted. Waiting a moment, for the girl to come back to introduce us, she somehow never came back out. The man, getting impatient, yelled again, asking what we wanted. Walking up to the window, we began to introduce ourselves, and again, half way through, cut us off again, asking what we wanted. We shared that we share messages about Jesus Christ, and asked for 5 minutes to share a message with him. Looking at us for a few seconds, invited us in, "Basta tungkol kay Kristo". "As long as its about Christ". We were able to enter, and share a message, about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the power it has, to make us happy and feel joy. The man, was thankful, and allowed us to set a return appointment. What I loved about this experience, was the change that can be made, with the mention of the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful, for the opportunity to share, about Jesus Christ. In the such, breaking barriers, bringing joy, happiness, and hope, through simple messages. Anger turns into humility, hate turns into love, and hopelessness turns to faith, as we simply remember that one name. My companions favorite scripture, 2 Nephi 22:2 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. Its uncomfortable, its hot, its stressful. But there is always hope, jahs trahs, and smile:) Love you all choke ELDER ISHIBASHI