July 1, 2013

Hello everyone!

I can't believe it is already July! These past few weeks have just flown by. This last week was definitely one to remember. We had a lot of work this week with is always great I think that is one reason that time is flying by so fast. We just work all day and time just slips away. Like I always say, "Time flies when you're having fun!" We put a big focus on reteaching recent converts all the lessons. This past week we were able to finish all the lessons from Preach My Gospel, lessons 1-5 with the Paller Family! It was great and they are just so strong. I know they love the gospel and I know it has changed their lives. Reteaching the lessons to them just really helps them to gain a strong foundation that cannot fall. We also just started lesson 5 with Tatay Ernesto  since he is a brand new convert and this past week we taught about Temples and family history work. I just love the Temple so much and it was amazing being able to testify about family history work and temple work. It was great because we invited Tatay Ernesto to do family history work and he said he really doesn't know the information about his family. I testified that it is the work of the Lord and that the Lord helps us when we do His work and Tatay Ernesto had no more doubts and committed to start his family history work. It was amazing to see his family and to feel the Spirit work in him to testify of the work of the Lord. Yesterday we got to watch the broadcast of Hastening the Work of Salvation. It was amazing! It pumped me up to just work so much harder as missionary and especially working with the members to help the work of the Lord grow. Heavenly Father has provided us with so many tools to helppeople to come unto Christ and we have to use all of them if we want to succeed. I know that the members and leaders of the church, all of the world, were inspired by the talks given by prophets and apostles of the Lord. I know they are called of God to help His work move forward. With this renewed focus on member missionaries I know that the work will go forth unlike ever before! I recently got a call from President Stucki yesterday and got a new assignment in the mission! I get to continue to serve here on Palawan, but as a zone leader in the Narra zone! I am so excited to serve as a zone leader and help all of the missionaries in the zone to really help the work grow. As district leader I learned so much and the Lord really helped me as I served. I know He will continue to help me as I stay obedient and seek His guidance. I love you all and I hope you all have a great week, and especially a great 4th of July!

Elder Stephens