March 25, 2013

Hey there everyone!
This week was great! We were able to have a lot of work which is always grand. I was also able to learn a lot from our many meeting. I took a lot from all of them to really be able to become a better missionary. One meeting was a specialized training meeting and I really learned that the most important thing for us to do in missionary work is to do it in the Lord's way. This is His work after all, and not ours, so when we do it His way, He can guide us and help us to be more successful. This past week we had a lot of investigators come to church as well. Actually the most that has ever come since I have been here in Carissa! Oh and while on the topic of church in Carissa, we got a new branch president yesterday! The old branch president, President Baldarama, was called to be the district president, and the new one is an awesome brother, President Geraga. We actually have worked with him a ton in the past, we always go to him when we really need somebody to work. He is great and will be a wonderful branch president. We also were able to continue to teach Meraluna. She is so great. She told us how much she just wants to repent and be baptized and really come unto Christ. She said she has made mistakes in life, just like everyone else, but she really wants to be clean now. I couldn't be happier for her. We have also continued teaching Eric, Barbie, and their family. They are absolutely amazing. they are so ready to get baptized, they just need to be married first and we have plans for that so they are so close! They have also expressed how much they want to get baptized and come unto Christ and it just makes me so happy because I have seen so many blessings in my life since I was baptized until now and I can't wait for them to receive so many blessings as well. This week is Easter Sunday and here in the Philippines, it is a very big deal. Elder Acosta and I are very excited for this week since a lot of people are going to be more focused on Jesus Christ and what He did for all of us, and we get to teach it and add a little more truth to it as well. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that through His infinite Atonement, we can all be cleansed from our sins. We just need to have faith in Him, repent, keep the commandments, and endure to the end. I know Jesus Christ lives and that He is our Savior and Redeemer. I know He loves us and it is my prayer that all of us may do all we can to come closer unto Him. I love you all so much! Have fun!

Elder Stephens