6/22/25 ANG PAGLALAKBAY NG PANANAMPALATAYA

Magandang araw sa inyong lahat! Another great week in Philippines, with so much that happened. Said goodbye to Aduas, Cabanatuan, and my stud of a companion & friend Elder Johnson, and arrived here in San Jose this past Thursday. This place is beautiful, and so is the work! The Lord continues to bless me so much with experiences that allow me the most space to grow! My companion is Elder Palamos from Mindinao, and he's also a stud of an Elder. The experience I want to to share happened this past week as I attended my first Sunday here in San Jose 1st ward. A family weʻre teaching, walked through the door and sat down. We talked to them really quickly, as the mother invited us over for dinner that night. Finishing our day, we began the journey to this familyʻs home. This being my first time, was expecting the trip to be short. Such turned into an about 30-40 minute tryke ride, through rocky trails and through the mountains. Pouring rain made the road slippery and flooded. Arriving at the house, there the family was waiting, welcomed us in with smiles, and after we shared, they fed us an amazing meal. I sat amazed as I realized this familyʻs sacrifice to attend Church the past few Sundays. When asking the why, and the how she met missionaries, she simply explained that a friend she met in another part of the Philippines, simply invited her to try it. She moved here, and came the first Sunday, being consistent ever since. This sister shared the different feeling that she has while in this church, and knows that she needs to be baptized into it with her children. She continued to lead us out, but insisting first that we meet her neighbors and family members living close to her, as we set appointments for them this coming Thursday. Everything about the situation, testifies of a loving heavenly father, who has specific plans for all of his children. The member who decided to invite, possibly an awkward, or nervous situation but followed the spirit and invited anyway. Sister's desire to try, and her faith to travel such a distance for her seeking for truth & happiness. Sister's willingness and excitement to share what she has learnt and felt with her neighbors and friends. This is what the gospel is all about. We learn that sacrifice, truly brings blessings, and the blessings are priceless. None of it being possible without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. A water that if drank, one will never thirst, even a living water. Those who hunger for truth and light, can only find so in Jesus Christ. He is the only way, if you no kno? Kno! If you kno? Share! Yan lang pow🤙 Jahs trahs, ELDER ISHIBASHI