Sunday, January 21, 2018

2018-1-21 Back to School!

January 21, 2018 – Back to School!

Inspired by the prophets and apostles who have advised us to focus on younger adults and the rising generations, and by the example of missionaries from other parts of the world, we took the Gospel to college! 

First off, everything was possible because of Elder J- (from Sri Langka) and my good friend Elder B-. They are teaching a professor from UCC, a public college near our areas. This professor teaches business, and we wanted to introduce him to our mission president because he is a successful business man. There are also monthly meetings for anyone interested on how to be successful in business, which President Hughes has taken over, 2 hours of workshop about goals and achieving them, perfectly tied with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Last meeting there were 15, so we figured we could top that! Some quick planning and 2 visits to the college to present the opportunity, and we had over 160 students in a chapel at once. Much thanks to the man dressed in black with a pink tie for helping get most of his students this chance. The lesson was inspiring, and I had a chance to bear testimony at the end and invite all of the students to investigate the Church.

It was amazing to see so many people ready to learn, and to have a chance to testify to so many people at once. Another awesome experience was walking around a college campus inviting students to learn more about Jesus Christ and His church, it was so easy to share with people you could relate well to. We will keep following up and plan further activities, like scripture studies and english classes to keep serving and lifting this great younger generation.

The next day we had a BLITZ and a boodle fight to top it off! Lots of people talked to, lots of excitement! and a lot of households mapped and organized!

After the Blitz I heard such an exciting conversion/finding story! This whole weekend was filled with the Lord's hand and preparation for His children to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We held that seminar and immediately didn't know if what we did would be productive, if it would fulfill our purpose. The validation came through talking to a young member from the ward we performed the Blitz at, Cindy. She came in contact with the Church by attending a similar seminar that was held at a church building, and after a year and a half of investigating is a strong, active member in the church. Her spiritual health and countenance proved to me that this new tactic of working with the colleges around us is wanted by God, it validated our work, and proved that this can help others change their lives!

Elder H- and I are still having a blast, I've never felt that missionary work was so natural. Back in the MTC we enjoyed teaching practice lessons, and now we enjoy even more doing the real thing, and doing it really really well.

Thanks for reading, I love you all!

Elder Fish


ps my only pose in pictures is what we had at the boodle fight: chicken wings




Sunday, January 14, 2018

2018-1-14 Camarin Zone

January 14, 2018 – Camarin Zone
Hello!

We went from balancing 5 companionships to 8 units, to 10 companions and 4 units! No matter the situation, all we need is to have the right mindset to be successful. And we are sure planning to be successful in serving others and helping them make promises to their Heavenly Father. Baptism is the first of many promises we can commit to, but before baptism comes many smaller commitments that all bring more light to our life. 

Sitting on the stand at church it was very poignant to partake of the sacrament, realizing I'm renewing promises to God even in a different country, with people I haven't met yet but am very excited to get to know. I felt comforted before bearing testimony to the congregation that my Heavenly Father wants me to testify of His works, especially the Book of Mormon. I now look forward for opportunities like that to testify, and be edified one with another.

There are 8 full time missionaries in the ward, the 2 Assistants, two senior missionaries, and 4 proselyting missionaries. The ward is so kind to us and adjusting, when we set goals with them we stressed the need for them to share with their friends what has blessed their lives, and how we will need many referrals to be effective, so that we can serve more fully. We set a goal to have over 500 referrals over the whole calendar year, which if happens will lead to 40-80 individuals entering into promises starting with baptism.

Goals are important, for without them we are just wandering, hoping with effort. Once a goal is established though, people are the conversation, not numbers. A goal is made up of people.

My MTC companion and I are having a ball. Our relationship is practically the same as it was before, we are opposites but equals and we make it work really well. And we are pretty seasoned now, these next weeks and months have a lot of potential! Pray for the Spirit to touch the hearts of all people, what a time to be serving!

Thanks for reading, I love you all!

Elder Fish


bonus picture of my pals back in Caloocan


2018-1-8 Transferred! The first shall be the last, and the last shall be the first

January 8, 2018 - Transferred! The first shall be the last, and the last shall be the first

Hello!

I have received a new assignment to Camarin, a new, smaller zone that will predict the splitting of the Novaliches Stake. Fun fact, there was a Camarin zone in my very first transfer of the mission, but it was combined to become just Novaliches. Now, it's back, and someone else is too...

My MTC companion!! Elder H- and I are going to tear it up, we compliment each other very well. I can't wait to see him tomorrow morning! In our ward are the APs, and the chapel is the mission office, so no more 3 hour travels! My roommate is Elder B-, one of my favorite missionaries. We are almost identical, studied a year at BYU, we know the same professors and courses, love soccer, and are loving serving a mission! 

I'm sad to leave Caloocan. I have approximately 10 months of my mission logged in that Stake, so currently half of my mission happened in this place. I love the people here, I have been challenged a lot and have had to grow in so many ways, but it's easy to do hard things if you know why you're doing it!
I am no longer a part of the Caloocan Seals Project, but it will continue and be fruitful, because of the hard work and skills of Elder P- and all the future missionaries, and of course the members!

We had a good run, but now it's off to another adventure! Another Tolkien quote for good measure:
“It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien,

More updates next week. Thanks for reading I love you all!


2017-12-25 Christmas!

December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko!
What a special time of the year!
I think how we receive gifts is just important as giving, I noticed just earlier as brother Carabit was given a shirt and tie and can now wear them to church. His countenance just showed how much he enjoyed and will put that gift to use. CTR rings also make an awesome reminder. Thanks mom for sending those! Brother Carabit said next time he has an off day, he will come out with us to teach, and I'm super excited! Just on Sunday he came to one lesson and just made the whole mood so much more relaxed as his friend listened to us.
Today we reenacted to the Nativity Scenes to the best of our ability for our activity and did a lot of singing. The best part was when we all wrote our testimonies in copies of the Aklat ni Mormon, wrapped them, then sang in the middle of busy fast food restaurants so we could give them to workers and diners alike. I can't think of a much better gift. In Tolkien's words "all that is gold does not glitter", although they may not see the initial value in just a book, it implies so much more than that, and is such a fantastic venue for the Spirit to work in man.
We gathered our presents and did Christmas Fish Family style, recording each present opening and sharing in laughter. I much prefer opening them one by one! 
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and feel the love of the Spirit of God in your life! Thanks for reading, take care!

Elder Fish