December 24, 2012

Hey everyone!
Wow, I can't even begin to explain how great this week has been. There were so many great things that happened. First off, we had a bunch of parties, well actually only two but for missionaries I think that's a lot haha. So first was the mission party and it was really great. President and Sister Stucki shared an awesome message about JOY. The message was about putting Jesus Christ first, putting Others second, and putting Yourself last. JOY. They said that this Christmas and for the rest of forever, you can remember this simple message and you will always have happiness. That was great. The second was the Carissa branch party.  It was pretty fun. Elder Pugmire, Elder Gwilliam, and I all sang "What Child is This." I thought that was pretty awesome. I'm not good at singing though but it's alright. The song is what matters. Well the message, which is Christ was born. Yea you get what I'm trying to say. The other great thing about this week is we were able to give out some more baptismal dates! We were so excited to be able to extend some and even more excited when people were willing to accept! One of the investigators that accepted the baptismal date is actually married to a member. The member is less active but she wants to learn and come back. So it is really great to be able to teach an investigator and a less active member. That is actually the best way to do it here because so many people are less active, that you really try to teach them all over again to help them gain that testimony again. So I am very excited for that. Oh, and I almost forgot, this week is Christmas!! I didn't forget. I am soooo excited for Christmas. Especially that I'm able to spend it here in the Philippines. I always knew how important is was to remember Christ during Christmas, but I never have realized just how important until this one. I think it is because I have just learned so much about what He has done for all of our Heavenly Father's children. It is so great to be a missionary and to be able to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the people here in the Philippines. I really wouldn't want to be anywhere else at this time. I know this work is true and that this is the Lord's work. And that all missionaries have been called of God to be where they are. Missionary work is great! Well, that's about it. Thanks everyone for everything. Merry Christmas and thanks for the birthday wishes!! Hope you all have a great Christmas this year!

Elder Stephens