December 30, 2013

Hey there all!!
I can't believe this is my last email for the year 2013! that just completely blows my mind. Christmas week was wonderful. On Christmas day we just got to go out and preach the gospel the entire day. It was so much fun and it felt great being able to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ on the day that we celebrate His birth! We were even able to share with some less-active members of the Church and we were able to really help them feel the spirit on Christmas day. It was great being able to call the family and hear all of your voices! Crazy to think that it was the last phone call on Christmas here in the Philippines, next time it will be the real thing back home! We had some great experiences teaching new investigators and new less-active members this past week. One investigator we have been teaching just came to church for the first time this past Sunday! His name is Candido Bunag. Bunag actually means baptism in Tagalog, and Bautista, the last name of my companion, means baptism in Tagalog. Fun little fact I just thought I would share. Anyway, it was wonderful seeing him at church and we shared with him after and he explained how he enjoyed it a ton and wants to continue to come back! He is scheduled for baptism on February 1, 2014! We also had a few less-actives come to church for the first time as well! Actually this was Brother Avila's second, but he is starting to return and have a great time again in the church. It was the first time for Sister Tivoli! She is super old and has a hard time getting to the church, however we shared about the plan of salvation last week and she said she needs to come in order to return to God's presence. She kept that promise and had a wonderful time at church and said after, "Next week ulit!" I love this gospel so much, I love being able to share it with others, and I especially love the people out here in the Philippines. I know this gospel is true with all my heart and I am just so grateful I get to share it with others. I love my family so much and thank all of you for everything. It was amazing talking to all of you and feeling of your love. I can't wait until next Christmas when we will all be together to celebrate!

Elder Stephens