Current Address

Sister Jorden Elizabeth Jackson
Philippines Baguio Mission
PO Box 115
National Highway
Brgy. Lingsat
San Fernando, La Union
2500,
PHILIPPINES

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

MIRACLES AND MISSIONARY WORK

Oct. 27, 2014


As my companion and I were walking home last night, we were talking and reflecting on how blessed our work was this week. 
Oh my goodness. Miracles.

Mama A came to church again. So did her teenage daughter (who hasn’t come in forever!). And the daughter brought her boyfriend. And, when we stop by their house to visit they are actually happy and excited to see us.

Lola R. came to church. She hasn’t been in years because she was working “on the mountain” and then since coming down her kids always ditch their super crazy kids with her. So that’s why she can’t come to church – because it’s been so long that she is embarrassed and cause her grandkids are all over the place. But our lesson with her this week was about opposition and how we need to be agents that act – not be acted upon. At the end of the lesson I promised her that I would bring crayons and paper so I could keep her grandkids busy. She did it! She came! I colored with the kids all through church. We dropped by Sunday afternoon and asked how church went. She cried and said that it’s such a different kind of happy, that words cannot describe. I’m so glad she was blessed with courage and determination to ACT!

The L family also is really progressing. Mama L is an investigator. Papa L is a member who is not active in church. Their 11 year old daughter is also investigating the church. Mama L. had a baptismal date before, but she didn’t make it. She doesn’t like coming to church without her husband. She says she is waiting for him to be active in church before she gets baptized. We had a great lesson about agency and accountability and challenged her to come to church with or without her husband. Guess who made it to church?! Mama L! We went by to teach Papa L on Sunday afternoon. The branch President and Branch Mission Leader met us there. They talked about preparing to go to the temple. Mama L is so excited. President mentioned a temple preparation class while he was talking. When we were leaving she asked what classroom the temple prep class was at the church. President told her she needs to get baptized first. Mama L is working to be baptized by Dec. 20 (her birthday) and Papa L is working to be able to baptize her.

The Fonganilio family missed church. BUT! We taught them Sunday evening and Bro. Bong hadn’t smoked a single cigarette that day!! Our lesson was on The Law of Chastity and it went really well.

*Side Bar*
You know the story in the Bible of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath? (1 Kings 17:7-16) When I read this story, I was thinking about how hard it must have been for Elijah to ask this widow to give him her food. Her last meal. But he knew that because it was a commandment of the Lord, she would be blessed exponentially for her obedience. She also knew that. So she did what he and the Lord asked and “the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah.”

As missionaries, we speak for the Lord. And sometimes I lack the faith to ask people for their proverbial last drops of oil and handful of meal. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable, after investigators or other less active members do so much, asking them to do EVEN MORE [cue my repentance].
While teaching Bro. Bong, when my companion said that earrings for guys are not appropriate, Bro. Bong put down the Book of Mormon he was holding, took off his earring, and literally threw it out the window. OUT THE WINDOW! OH MY GOODNESS! HE HAS SO MUCH FAITH! I feel so blessed to be able to know and teach the Fonganalio family. I feel so lucky to be their missionary right now.

Rachelle, an investigator, came to church this week! She is 17. We are hoping to teach her family.

Our recent convert, Eric, received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday. What will his first ordinance be? He will be baptizing our investigator, Bro. Domingo, this Saturday!

Also, we had a baptism on Saturday. Janice. I’m so happy for her and her family.

Such a fulfilling week. Thank you all for the prayers and support. I feel so satisfied and at peace with my work here as a missionary. I am so blessed to be able to serve in Agoo right now with great members and an awesome companion who loves the gospel and the Lord. Life is great!

P.S. Thank you THANK YOU to Sister Wood’s seminary class! I loved reading all your letters and my companion and I enjoyed all the treats (they were gone in 2 days!) Thanks for brightening our day! It sure does mean a lot to us missionaries!


I'VE BEEN ON MY MISSION FOR 1 YEAR!!



Janice's baptism!


Sister Hardy and I both wore yellow to church on Janice's confirmation day because it's her favorite color

It's so hot here! We were cooling off by the fan at church. :)

Thank you Sister Wood and class!!!!!!!!!!!




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