August 18, 2014

Hello everyone!

We had a fun time in Narra and Puerto! It was crazy being in Narra again, especially being back with Elder Limocon. All of the members and people that we visited were asking what we were doing there because we were just together again. It was great though visiting and seeing them all. We also had a sweet service project over in the Puerto area. We went with the zone leaders of the Puerto zone and our second counselor in the mission presidency and his wife, the Hiatt's. It was a sweet service opportunity and I got a sweet blister from it. I took good care of it though so nothing to worry about:) I was grateful for the blessing to go on exchanges with the zone leaders over on Palawan. It was my last time going over there as a full-time missionary but I was grateful for it because I was still able to serve some people and help the zone leaders out in a small way. The best experience we had while on Palawan was on our p-day, Elder Limocon and I visited a couple that we taught together and baptized. During the visit, they told us that they were still coming to church each week, and haven't missed a week ever since the first time they came. They also said that they had a daughter who was baptized after we left, and she wants to become a missionary after she is done with college! I was so happy for them and to hear that from them as well. Missionary work is so great and I love being able to help these wonderful people accept this gospel! Last week we had a sweet lesson with Patrick! He told us that he now wants to be baptized for sure and he knows that it is true! I was stoked when he told us that and he is super awesome. So we talked to him and he said that he will for sure be baptized in the future, he just doesn't know how soon yet, but he did tell us that he knows that this church is true! I am so excited for him. Although, I won't be here for the baptism, I am stoked  that he will be baptized. We are getting all ready for the transfers coming up this next week. We have about 28 new missionaries coming in for the next transfer which meant a ton of new areas and a ton of new trainers! It was special to be a part of that process of seeing who those trainers would be and where the areas would be opened. In the middle of the meeting, Sister Ostler came in and asked President a question. Then when she saw all the things going on, she mentioned that this could not all be done without inspiration from the Lord. She couldn't have been more right and we really felt the inspiration given to us from the Lord and it helps me know that the Lord is so involved in this work. We also found out who our new companion is and who will be here to take my place. His name is Elder Obray and he is an awesome missionary. So for now, we are in a three some companionship until I go. I love being a missionary, I love this gospel, I couldn't have served in a better place.

Elder Stephens