Happy New Year from The Philippines!!

Hello Everyone!!

Alright well before I start, I need to get something out of the way…. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST MOTHER IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!! I love you so much Mom!! We sure did have a party over here for you - with LOTS of fireworks! 

The work is still moving forward! I was talking to Elder Rose, one of our Zone Leaders who I have come to be really close with, about missions in general. He said, "If you are doing what you are supposed to, and being strictly obedient, you will get to where I am - with two transfers left - and just wonder where the time went." He said that because I told him how I was feeling that this was going by WAY too fast!! I've already been out almost 3 months. I need to slow this down. But I know I am where I need to be and doing what I need to be doing. I love this work.

Elder Rose And Me!

 Devine and Jenny Viv's baptism is going to be postponed until the 25th of January. Sometimes it's hard for me to feel like we are progressing - because we haven't had HUGE results (like baptisms), but it made me start thinking. I was immediately reminded of Elder Holland's quote. I don't remember exactly how it goes, but one Elder asked him why missions are sometimes so hard and we feel like we aren't good enough. Elder Holland's response was simple: 

"Salvation is not a cheap experience." I may have already shared this with you, but I think about it constantly. What we are doing here is nothing less than making salvation possible for these people. I am so grateful to be here at this time. 

It's hard - and I love it.

So let me just share what happened yesterday. As you know, it is already the new year over here because we are a day ahead of you! So last night was New Years Eve! It was amazing! Because of safety, we had to be inside from 6pm to the end of the night, but our Mission President told us to go to the church building and we were allowed to watch two Disney Movies!! It was awesome... And really weird at the same time haha. We watched Frozen and Kung Fu Panda 2. Hahah man that one is hilarious.

I cooked a little something we like to call "Piko" over here in the Philippines. I made it for all of the missionaries in our zone. It was so delicious. I'll send pictures! It's sticky rice, brown sugar, and coconut. SO GOOD! Anyways, after that, we went back and all the Elders slept at the Zone Leaders' apartment. We were allowed to stay up until 12! It was sweet. And the best part is, we were allowed to sleep in this morning. That was hands down the weirdest feeling I have felt in a while. I slept until 9! Yea... You heard me... 9am!!! Hahaha:) So yea, best New Years ever.

Alright well that's about it for this week! I love you all so much and am constantly thinking about you! Not in a homesick way, but just know that you are in my prayers every night! Keep the work moving on the other side of the world. I love you!!!

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. Happy Birthday, Mama:)

Oh! And last week we hiked to a cave that had a waterfall inside the mountain!! Coolest thing ever!!

Merry Christmas in Advance!!

Maayong Pasko, kamo tanan!!

There isn't a day that goes by here in the Philippines without some awesome Christmas

Helping our little friend make a Christmas instrument!

caroling. After every song, you just yell out, "Advance Christmas!" Haha it's like, "Merry Christmas in advance." I love it. That's mostly what I want to talk about today! Christmas!!!

Before we get to that, though, I wanted to give you an update on the work! Ludy is doing great. We met with her last night and something really changed inside of her. She understands how important it if for us to ACT. Because we all know that Faith, without works, is... anyone? DEAD. Next, we have these other two amazing investigators - Devine and Jenny Viv. They are amazing. Yesterday, we invited them to be baptized. They said they wanted to pray about it before they answered. GOOD. I wish everyone was like that. We always need to remember to counsel with our Father in Heaven in everything we do. I know that they will decide to be baptized. I know it. 

Sige, padayon ta. (Okay, let's continue)

Christmas is awesome. We had the opportunity to go to the Mission Home in Lahug on Monday for our annual Mission Christmas Conference.

We got to hear from President and Sister Schmutz, then ate some lunch, and then had a talent show! (Yes, I may have told The Muffin Joke to all in attendance...) But it really was an amazing day!

Mission President…President Schmutz!

I want to share what I have been thinking and studying about lately!

President Schmutz said one thing that just made me think and ponder about what Christmas really means. A lot of the time, people either forget the meaning of Christmas, or just de-emphasize it drastically. "Christmas time is the time we are all reminded to KNOW Christ." So it got me thinking, what does it truly mean to "know" Jesus Christ. I was studying this morning in John 17 and in verse 3, it says that Life Eternal is to know God and Jesus Christ. Okay, so we understand this whole concept of "knowing" has to be important - if it's Eternal Life we're talking about. But what does it mean?? In 1 John 4:8 it says, "He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is Love." Okay here we go... So that's what it means. In order to know our Savior, we need to love! Isn't that what Christmas is all about?! Loving everyone? Exactly! Showing people Jesus Christ's love through our actions!

If you think about it, the "Christmas Spirit" is nothing more than the Spirit of Christ! As missionaries, we try to share this Christmas Spirit every single day of our missions, not just the month of December or the week of Christmas! We need to ALWAYS be showing people Christ's love. But how?? ……Service!!!!!. It's not hard. Forget yourself and make someone happy! That is what I'm asking from you all for my Christmas present! How can you serve someone this Christmas? Let me know how it goes:) I promise you that as you forget yourself, and just go to work, there are eternal blessings waiting for you. 

I finished my studies in Mosiah 26:24 where it says, "If they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand." What more could you possibly want, than to be at the right hand of Jesus Christ, our Savior! There are so many times throughout Christ's teachings where he says, "I know my sheep, and they are numbered." Christ knows each and every one of us personally. He only asks us that we strive to know Him. 

I am so grateful for this time of year, but I just want us to understand that it should be like this always. As we come to understand and know Jesus Christ, we will understand that there is NO OTHER focus in life. Christ needs to be the focus of our lives. I love this work that I have been called to do. Elder Ferris and I walked around yesterday just wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It is a perfect way to talk about Christ and how important He really is. President Schumtz said one other thing that I loved. He said, "Your children must see your testimony. They must see your treasure. That it is a permanent treasure - not in the world." It is so important that we gain a testimony of Jesus Christ and share it with EVERYONE!! Just remember, the message and Spirit of Christmas is Missionary Work.

I love you all so much and I am doing great here! So many new things every day haha. The Filipino culture is an example for all of us. I am constantly thinking and praying about all of you. Love you!!!

I love you all so much!!

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. I'm totally serious when I tell you all that I want you to report on your service this next week! Email me and let me know how it went.  If you do not have my email, contact my mom!! billjacobs5@gmail.com

P.P.S. Merry Christmas in Advance;)

I. Hate. Spiders.

Maayong Udto, Everyone!!! (Well, at least here)

Hello all! Man, this has been one crazy week! I am so grateful for the experiences that I am able to go through and the testimony I am able to grow because of them. I love this work.

Okay so, as you know, we had an IBD (Investigator with a Baptismal Date) scheduled for the 28th of December. Her name is Ludy and she really is amazing; but, sadly, she wasn't able to make it to church on Sunday because of an emergency with her husband's work. In order to be baptized, an investigator needs to come to church at least 4 times in a row before the baptism, among other things. Sooo we aren't able to get the baptism in this month. But her desire hasn't changed and she still wants to be baptized really badly so that's awesome! It is so fun hearing her talk about how she wants to live in the Celestial Kingdom with God and Jesus Christ. I love her!! So we'll shoot for January. We just need faith! It will happen on the Lord's time.

Alright so like I said, crazy week. There were just so many things going on and it really did seem like we were just getting rejected over and over again. Mission's aren't easy. They are incredibly hard, BUT they are so worth it. I am learning so much and I love it! I love the things I'm going through. Okay, well I wouldn't say I love "them", but I love the lessons I learn! 

A few nights ago it just seemed like everything piled up on one day. I was just thinking about a lot of things. I came up with a conclusion and it's simple. People just plain don't understand what they are missing. They just don't. The people that reject the message here in the Philippines, the people that reject or fall away from the church in general just do not realize the blessings that could be a part of their lives.

 I thought of a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley (I think). "When life gets too hard to stand, kneel." I have never prayed as hard and as long in my life. I just want to testify of the power of might prayer. Might prayer changes lives. Read about it in Enos. Try it. You'll never be the same. 

I have felt the influence and power that it has had in my life, and I love it. I thought of something as I was laying in bed. You do not receive blessings until you act. This is why people don't understand what they are missing!! It is not until we act in faith and start doing the right thing, that we feel God's influence in our lives. For people that have never heard of the church, it is understandable and I understand that it's hard to have faith in something so new. For people who may have fallen away from the church, it is because they haven't been doing what they should be doing. If they were, they would understand the blessing that this church is. It's that simple. 

So, brothers and sisters, we need to ACT IN FAITH. We need to trust in the Lord and start making good choices TODAY. I know that if we can do that, our lives will be blessed. Just start now, and walk in the light of your sparks. 2 Nephi 7:8-11. Amazing. I know that prayer works and I promise you it will work for you too.

I am so blessed with the people I have met here. They are constantly answers to my prayers. We have been working with this one young woman, her name is Devine. I just want to quickly share something that she said. I will honestly never forget the words that came out of her mouth. 

After talking for a few minutes, I asked her a question about her religion and if she honestly believes that it is 100% true and contains all of Christ's teachings. She immediately said she knows that it's not 100% true and she doesn't like how so many of the people say all these things about what they believe, but then they go out and drink and smoke and do things like that. She said it's a disgrace to Jesus Christ's name. I just paused for a minute. We didn't say anything for a little while, and then she continued. I'll never forget what she said next. 

She said, "This world is full of good people, bad people, and lots of distractions; but, you are so lucky if you find the truth." AHHHHH (<--- that's what I said in my head). I couldn't stop thinking about that and it's been a week. I am so lucky and I am so blessed to have the truth in my life. 

I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is Jesus Christ's church restored on the earth today. Every single thing in my life, I can attribute to the blessings of being a member of this amazing church. I love it. Devine couldn't have said anything more true. I took that time to bear testimony to her of what I know to be true. We have another appointment in a couple of days. She is going to be one awesome Mormon. 

I love all of you so much. I am so grateful for the influence that you have all had in my life. I know that I am where I need to be right now. I know that I am doing the right thing at this time in my life. I know none of you are, but don't ever worry about me. I know that Jesus Christ watches over His people. If we choose to do His will, we are all His people. It's all over 3 Nephi. I love the scriptures, I love the gospel, I love my friends, I love my family, and I LOVE MY LIFE!

Hope you all have an amazing week!!

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

Such an AWESOME Week!

HELLO ALL!

Soo..... This week was awesome! It sure is crazy how fast the time goes on the mission. Haha it seems like it was yesterday that I emailed home. Such an awesome week this week though!!

Alright so, I'm not sure if I told you who we met last week. Because we are "White Washing" this area, we had to start completely over from scratch. So we don't have any investigators or anything like that. Last week, as we were street contacting (We call it FTE'ing), we found a woman and her name is Ludy. She is 52 years old and is SO NICE! 

This is Ludy!

We talked to her for a while, gave her a pamphlet to read, and invited her to come to church. She said she would try. That Sunday came, but she didn't come to church. So, the next day, we went to go visit her and see if anything was wrong - why didn't she come to church? She said that she wasn't able to come because her husband was so tired because of work the night before and stuff like that. So we asked if we could teach right then. She said sure. So we sat down and shared the Message of the Restoration with her. She was so nice and she is so smart! It was a great first lesson. Okay... a couple days go by... along with a couple interesting experiences involving food and we went back to Ludy's for our return appointment to teach her about the Plan of Salvation. 

Before we left the last time, we gave her a pamphlet to read about the Plan of Salvation and it talked about the questions like "Where did we come from" "Why are we here" and "Where do we go after this life". Such great questions that people have, but nobody ever answers them!! I'm grateful that this Gospel has the answers. 

Okay, so we went back for our second lesson, and she has already read the entire pamphlet and throughout the lesson, we would ask her how she was feeling and she said things like "I would love to live in the Celestial Kingdom" and stuff like that! She knew all the answers just from reading the pamphlet. Okay. Here's the best part of the story. So, we were sitting there, right? Right. And I started talking again and I asked her things like, "Sister Ludy, do you believe that these answers are right? Do you believe that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God? Do you believe that this church is Christ's church once again on the Earth?" To every question I asked, she said she prayed and she felt they were right. Just then, I had the hugest prompting to commit her to baptism. We weren't planning on asking in that lesson - we just met her. 

But what was I gunna do, just ignore the Holy Ghost's promptings?? Nooo. So I did. Just then, I invited her to be baptized on the 28th of December. SHE'S GUNNA GET BAPTIZED!!! This is such an amazing feeling to help people come to a realization of the truth in a world full of confusion. I'm so grateful for her example to me. Good thing Elder Ferris and I were on the same page because when we left, I asked him if I should've done that and he said, "if you didn't, I would've." So yea! First baptism. She rocks.

Okay, sorry that was a little long. Haha it's so exciting to be out here serving a mission and serving the people of the Philippines. I love it. Okay so a little bit about our regular days. They are so long! Haha get up at 6:30 and study and work on some stuff until about 12 and then we go out for the day. We just walk everywhere and talk to everyone because we're still trying to get used to our area. So we are out of the house until we get back at about 9 or 9:30. 

This is my apartment!!
Shout out to all of my OC friends…..Be grateful for what you have and where you live!!

We are always so tired at the end of the day haha but it's all good! We are supposed to be tired! This is hard work! I am so grateful for this Gospel though. I am so grateful for the hope and knowledge that it gives people. There are so many people in this world that have no idea why they are here and what they're purpose is. If any of you ever feel like that, DON'T! Ask a member of this church. I can 100% guarantee that they will give you an answer. If you ever wonder where you came from or where you will go after you die, JUST ASK! I love helping people understand that they can live with their families after this life. I love it!

Okay well I am out of time, but just know that I am doing great over here on the other side of the world! I love this work so much and I love all of you!!

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

Baby Jacobs Out…..

Elder Jacobs arrived in the Philippines!!

AHHHHHHH!

Now that that is out of the way, let me just say: I apologize, mother, but I don't think I'm going to be coming home. I love it here WAY too much!!! It has been less than a week of being here and I'm in love. I couldn't even count how many times people told me that, when I get here, I'll hear a language that I swear I have never heard in my life. Not true!! It's AWESOME! Haha I love this language!

So we got here on Wednesday and stayed in a hotel that night. The next day, we got up and came back to the mission home to meet our companions and get our area assignment. 

BEST COMPANION EVER. His name is Elder Ferris and is from New Zealand. He has been here in the mission for 6 months and he is the best trainer I could've ever asked for. So awesome. We have so much fun talking to people. It's so important to have fun doing what you're doing. Not worldly, short-lasting fun, but truly enjoying spreading this true gospel to people in another country. The people here really are very nice. I love them. 

Anyways, we got assigned to "White-Wash" an area called Pardo. That basically means that there weren't missionaries here for a while and so they put both of us in here to re-open the area and start from scratch. Typically you have some past teaching records of the previous missionaries to work with. But we just have to start all over. But it's so cool.

The first full day we were in our area, we just walked around to get used to it. It's HUGE! And one specific part of our area is very bukid (mountain/forest) so that's always a party! ;) We have two other companionships of sisters in our area, so we have 6 missionaries in our ward. Hahah daghan mga misyonario!

Man I don't even know where to begin. We have done so much in this short week. While we were walking the first day, we started talking to this nanay (older woman) and set an appointment to come back to teach her and her husband. Her name is Ludy and her bana's name is Bernard. He works every day all day doing construction. So we went back last night around 6:30 to teach them and he really didn't want anything to do with us - but Ludy is so interested and has so many good questions! Well that's good, because this gospel can answer all of them! 

As I was trying to get to know her a little more, I asked if she has ever had any questions about religion or anything like that and she said "it's funny you should ask that, because ever since I was a little girl, I wondered where I came from. I would always ask people and they said 'from your mommy's stomach'. But I feel like there's something more than that." 

HELLO! "That is a great question, Ludy. Let me just pull out this pamphlet from my bag titled THE PLAN OF SALVATION. Anyways, she is going to be great. Last night we taught her, her daughter, and another couple that wanted to join in on the lesson. We shared the first lesson and we have an appointment to go back and visit with them tomorrow.

Our ward is so great. Elder Ferris said that it is so much more organized and structured than his last ward. He was just transferred over here from Negros (another island in our mission). It was so fun getting to know the members in our area. Because we are white-washing the area, all six of us were new this last Sunday so we all bore our testimonies in the meeting. It was so great. We have meetings with the ward every Sunday before church at 8, and then after church we have Ward Council at 4. We have a Christmas Party coming up on the 13th of December! We're gunna go caroling and everything. I can't wait for that! 

Okay sooo what next? The kids here? They are the best. We always talk to them and they love it. Most of them know a little bit of English too because they learn it in school. But they literally follow us around EVERYWHERE. I have some pictures of some. Hopefully I'll be able to send them today.

Hahahah one thing that is a little bit different is how many bayods there are... There are so many!. Haha bayod means gay.  There are like communities of them. Cross dressed and everything.That will take some time to get used to. :/

Okay lastly, I just want to share a quick something. There is no place in the world where young men and young women could go - nothing they could do - that would allow them to learn a language as quickly as this. Like I said, everyone told me how lost I would be when I got here. That what they speak here doesn't even sound like Basayan. I didn't let myself think that one time. I just studied as hard as I could in the amount of time that I had. I am so grateful for the blessings that my Father in Heaven has given me. I feel very comfortable in the language. Don't get me wrong, I am far from fluent - but I know enough to get by. And I know that as I stay optimistic and keep pushing on - I will continue to progress very quickly. It is just like all of us. We don't know everything, but we know enough to keep us going. To keep us on the right path. In my personal study yesterday, I found a scripture that I love. It is in 2 Nephi 7:8,11. I know that as I continue to walk in the light of my sparks, it will turn into a fire. I love it. And I know the power that a good attitude and faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ can bring to each one of us.

I love you all so much! Know that I am constantly thinking about all of you, and praying for you, but I know that I am doing what I need to do right now. I love this work and I love these people. Nasayud ko nga tinuod ang ebanghelyo ni JesuKristo. Kon dili tinuod, dili magalagad ko. Nasayud ko nga gihigugma kita tanan sa Dios ug nasayud ko gihapon nga naa siya og plano para kita.

I love you all so much! Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Jacobs

*Baby Jacobs out*

I'm really going……..

HELLO!

Kumasto mo, everyone!? I hope everyone is having the opportunity to be as happy as I am. This week was so awesome! I don't even know where to start. I guess Tuesday Night Devotional would be appropriate.

As most of you know, we had the amazing opportunity to hear from a living Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Elder L. Tom Perry!!! AHHH. 

So, as usual, there I was sitting in choir practice before the devotional. Brother Eggit (the director guy person that waves his hands in funny patterns) was telling us about Elder Perry. The first thing he said was something like, "Let me tell you something about Elder Perry. His favorite word is enthusiasm. He is the oldest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his favorite word is enthusiasm." He went on to define enthusiasm as "being filled with spirit". 

So, naturally, my ears perk up and I really want to test this hypothesis out. Choir comes and goes and the devotional is about to start. 

Elder Perry walks into the room. Strike that. Elder Perry basically trots into the room and before taking his seat on the stand, runs over to his son who is sitting on the front row with his family and gives him a hug. 

Okay pretty impressive -briskly walking/trotting. Next. JOGS up the steps onto the stand! Hahaha what is going on?? Let me just reiterate something with a little more detail - this man is 93 YEARS OLD. I already love him.

Elder Perry when on to talk about companions and why they are so important for us... not only for our physical safety, but spiritually as well. If we are following all of the mission guidelines pertaining to our companions, we won't ever have any problems. He talked about the scripture in the Bible that says something like "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." I think its 2 Cor. 13:1… 

Anyways, I'm sorry. I don't know if this is a bad thing or not, but the main point that I got from his talk was not ANYTHING he talked about. That's why I love the Spirit. It can teach us things that were never even said through quite feelings. As Elder Perry was talking, you could just tell how much he loved the gospel. There were so many times where the mic would get all distorted because he was yelling. Not out of anger - just because he is so enthusiastic about life and sharing the gospel. WAIT….. SO AM I!!!. I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am to devote my time to the Filipino people. Which brings me to my second point.

As I'm sure most of you are aware, The Philippines were just hit with one of the biggest typhoons (if not THE biggest) in the history of... ever. Thousands of people have lost their lives and I think I just read that about 700,000 were displaced - meaning loss of homes. This is an incredibly hard time in the Philippines. I could not be any more grateful that I am the first batch of missionaries that get sent in to serve. These wonderful, kind people are in desperate need of help. 

The first thing that Elder Perry talked about on Tuesday, literally the first words out of his mouth, was about this devastation. He told a story about the missionaries in Tacloban (where the eye of the typhoon was). After a few days of not knowing where about a third of the missionaries were, finally the last 24 were found. They all had tickets to fly out of Tacloban, but were unable to board the plane because of others paying such high prices and taking their seats.

 As they were standing out in front of the plane, wondering what to do next, a United States Air Force Sergeant approached them and asked what they were doing. After describing the situation, the pilot looked at the missionaries, then at his cargo jet behind him, then back: "Let's get out of here" he said. 

I know that this was no coincidence. This was not by chance. This was a miracle. Every single missionary in the Tacloban mission is safe and accounted for. Elder Perry said that Tuesday morning, the Quorum of the Twelve and First Presidency of the church met in the Salt Lake City Temple and just expressed their thanks to our Father in Heaven for about an hour for watching out for and protecting His missionaries. I am so humbled and grateful to know that we are prayed for by our Prophet Thomas S. Monson, his counselors, and the Twelve Apostles.

Alright well I am out of time, but I want you all to know how grateful I am to be here right now, at this time in my life. I know it's where my Father in Heaven wants me.  I love this Gospel. I love this work. And I can't wait to enthusiastically share it with the world.

I love you all! I'm sorry this was so long - it seemed appropriate. Thank you for everything! I'm leaving on Monday!! 

18 NOV 2013

Leave SLC @ 4:58pm

20 NOV 2013

Arrive at Manila @ 4:00am

Leave Manila @ 7:00am

Arrive at Cebu @ 8:15am

 Byeee!

Kinasingkasing,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. If you want a good study topic, Alma 32 has been the topic of some of my studies this week. If you don't have a Book of Mormon, get one:)

Small words, Huge lessons!

November 7, 2013

Small Words, HUGE Lessons!!

Most of you are probably thinking to yourselves that I'm just going to say I had another amazing week here at the MTC. If you are, you are SO RIGHT. Hahaha I never get sick of saying how incredibly awesome this place is. Sure, I can't wait to get out of here in 11 days, but there is so much to learn here and I love it.

Okay... What happened this week... Other than learning that there are basically no such things as verbs in my language (mind = blown) and something about demonstratives (I thought Halloween was like a week ago...), I learned how truly important it is that we consecrate these years to the Lord and His work. 

Have you ever thought about the difference between the words sacrifice and consecrate? 

I was studying this during personal study for most of the week and I learned so much. I would definitely recommend it as a study topic. What does the word sacrifice generally connote? Personally, it makes me think of leaving something behind; leaving something that you wish you didn't have to leave. I hear missionaries say so many times that they are "sacrificing these next two years" of their lives. 

Can I just take a moment to say that I am not sacrificing anything. 

Sure, I left behind family, friends, and schooling for two years so that I can serve the people of the Philippines. I chose this week not to sacrifice two years for my mission, but to consecrate them. To devote the next two years of my life to the Lord for the purpose of hastening the work of salvation. I am consecrating my life to the Lord and to the people of the Philippines. 

The best part of what I learned is that you don't even have to be on a mission to consecrate your time or a part of your life. You don't even have to be a Mormon. Any person who truly wants to find purpose in life, or simply get more out of their life, can consecrate a portion of their life to something - whether that is 4 years to go to college and prepare to make a living for a future family, or maybe it is consecrating your life to being a better parent to your children. I know that as we exercise our faith and devote our lives to a good cause, we will be blessed by God. I hope that makes sense...

One more thing I loved about this week is how much I have come to dislike the word "endure". 

I don't know why, but I think I am just focusing a lot on specific words lately. When I think of enduring, I think of going through tough times and trials just to get through them. Just trudging on through life. 

Friends and family! Can we please not just endure through life?! Have a good attitude! Smile! I know that as we do this, as we try to find the good things in life, we will turn our trials into learning experiences. Ether 12:27 - our weak things will become strong things. As we constantly strive to be happy and have a good attitude, we will not just endure through life, but we will prevail and triumph. I know this is true. Anyways... I just thought I would share a few little words that have changed my view on life.

That is about all the time that I get today... Thank you for everything! You guys are such great examples to me! Thank you ALL who wrote and sent their love to Sister Rimai. She is such a strong Sister and is doing very well. The trials that our district has been put through have been blessings for us. Our district is so much closer together and so much closer to the Lord.

Gihigugma kamo nako!

Kinsasingkasing,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. OHMYGOSH!! ELDER L. TOM PERRY OF THE QUORUM OF THE 12 APOSTLES IS SPEAKING TO US NEXT TUESDAY!!!!! AHHHHHH!!! I'm stoked:)
P.P.S. Also, one of my roommates, Elder Ellis (New Zealand) split his pants and it was one of the funniest things I think I have ever witnessed.

P.P.P.S. Elder Archibald (Canada) says hello.

P.P.P.P.S. Love you all

Elder Jacobs and Friends!

And he still has a messy room!!!!

A Story of a Super Hero!!
Kumasta mo!

I want to tell you all a story about a super hero. 

Let's go over the qualities of super heroes that we know: strong- both physically and emotionally, kind, selfless, always stands up for what's right, determined, etc. We can all think of what we can add to this list. What comes to mind for me is the scriptural saying "with great power comes great responsibility". 

Who are you thinking of? Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, Elastigirl... Pick your favorite. 

But no, this story is different. There is something different about the super hero I am going to tell you about and the super heroes mentioned above. The difference is that she is real. 

Her name is Sister Rimai and she is in my district. She's in the picture above…top left, on the end. She is from Kiribati and doesn't speak English really at all. She got called on her mission to Cebu, Philippines and is doing her best to learn the language from people who don't even speak her native language. 

Last Thursday, Sister Rimai's mother passed away. She had been sick for some time and passed away in the morning of the 24th. After receiving an email from her Aunt in the morning, Sister Rimai held it in and didn't tell anyone - not even her companion. She went on with the day trying her best to accomplish everything she needed to do. That afternoon, the same day, she received another email from the same Aunt. Sister Rimai's father died later the same day due to a heart attack.

Still not saying a word to ANYONE, she came to class on Friday and went through all of her daily routines. Friday night, during class, we practiced teaching each other the Plan of Salvation. (For those that don't know what that is - it is God's Plan for us, His children, to return to live with Him again. It includes where we came from, why we are here on Earth, and where we are going after we die. Included in this Plan is the amazing truth that families will be together forever - even after death). 

As you could imagine, this hit home for Sister Rimai and she broke down after class. Later that night, we decided that our language studies could wait, and we had a District Family Home Evening. After singing a bunch of hymns, eating some delicious food from all of our packages, each one of us - including Sister Rimai - bore our testimony of what we know to be true about this life and the life to come. I'll never forget her sincere, heartfelt testimony in broken English. The only words that we could make out were, "I know that the Plan of Salvation is true. I know that I will see my family again. I know that I will finish my mission."

Where else on EARTH do you have this happen? We all go through trials and hardships - that is a requirement of this life. But, where else could you see a young woman - a sister missionary - go through something this hard, yet still have enough trust in the Lord and in our Heavenly Father to pursue her course and serve an honorable mission for 18 months of her life. She to took a 45 minute call home, and ultimately decided to stay and help the Lord hasten His work in this great calling of "missionary". 

That is a Super Hero.

I know - without any ounce of doubt - that this Gospel is true. It gives hope, it gives knowledge, and it provides an environment where miracles can and do happen. 

I know that these sacred grounds of the MTC are set apart for us - as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - to fulfill our purpose and have the strength and determination to get through especially hard times in our lives. 

I know that there is opposition in all things. ALL things. People ask why bad things happen to good people. It's because they make even the strongest person stronger. 

I know that Sister Rimai will be able to see her family again. I know that if anybody has questions, all they have to do is read the Book of Mormon, ponder, and pray to ask God if it's true. We don't convince people of the truthfulness of this amazing book. No man should take another man's word on something as sacred as this. Ask your Father in Heaven. He will confirm the truth of it to you. 

Please learn something from Sister Rimai's story. If all that you got from it is that she is a strong human being, able to go through something as tough as that, understand that she is this way because the Gospel of Jesus Christ made her that way. You can have that strength too. You can be a super hero to everyone around you by the way you live.

I love you guys so much and am so grateful for you. I love you, mom and dad - and know that God has a plan for each and every one of us. Love, love, love you!

Kinasingkasing,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

I LOVE MY LIFE!!!

I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!

Kumasta mo, Everybody!!

Welp, another amazing week here in beautiful Provo, Utah! Haha the weather has been awesome - freezing cold in the mornings and perfectly cold in the afternoons. But enough about the weather... Let's see here.

Friday. I think I told you guys about how we had to teach our "investigator" in Cebuano starting the day after we got here? Yea, so we have been teaching at least one lesson a day this week because we now have TWO investigators! Even though it is just role play, it has helped me and Elder Lasalosi SO MUCH!!! The past two lessons we have had - no notes! At all! 

So I am starting to be able to communicate my thoughts (to a certain extent of course) in Cebuano! It's been two weeks! That is what I call the Power of the Spirit and the Gift of Tongues. I am so grateful for Heavenly Father's help in these crazy 6 weeks we have here to learn a completely new language. I know that, if I do everything I can, The Lord will pick up the rest and I will be able to get this language down. 

Anyways, our two investigators' names are Luke and Jerrick. They were both raised Catholic because that was what their parents were. Long story short, they are both basically just wondering why they are here. What are they supposed to do in this life on Earth?? Well hellloooo!! That's perfect, because that's a question that I can answer. Alma 34:32 (among so many others). 

Alma 34:32 "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."

I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going after I die. We are so lucky to have this peace and comfort in a world where people are scared when a loved one dies that they will never see them again. That makes me so sad. I just want to tell them everything and tell them that they will see them again.

Saturday marked a very special day in our hearts... ONE MONTH UNTIL WE LEAVE! Hahah kinda funny that we're already so excited to get out of here, but it's just because we want to get to work and to start serving the people of the Philippines. But we do still have lots to learn haha.

Our two devotionals were pretty amazing this week! The Sunday one was good, but my favorite part of Sunday was after the devotional when we had the opportunity to watch Elder Bednar's "Character of Christ" address that he gave to the MTC a couple years ago for the Christmas Devotional. Uh-Mazing. 

I learned so much! It was basically all about how we need to strive to overcome the natural man in everything we do. The natural man is inside all of us and pulls us toward worldly things and toward always thinking about ourselves. The Character of Christ is never - not even once - pointed inward to ourselves. We need to always be looking for ways to serve others and put their needs before our own. And these aren't just little decisions that we make to serve others when the time comes, but it is a lifestyle we lead - a character we have. Christ's character is something that we can all strive to have just a little bit more of as we go through this life. As we constantly focus our thoughts outward, on others, our needs will be met, we will be so happy, and most importantly, you will bless the lives of others.

Our Tuesday devotional was given by Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy and was on opening our mouths. Haha I feel like this talk may have been directed towards the nervous, maybe a little more shy, group of missionaries here that may struggle to have the courage and faith to open their mouths. I'm not sure I really fall into that category of missionaries. I think I'm in the group that talks too much and is too outright and open and maybe makes people uncomfortable by treating them like we're best friends before I know their name. Hahaha I've had that happen a couple times here where I start a conversation with someone and learn about every detail of their life - except their name. At the end of the conversation I'll be like, "So.. uhh.. What's your name?" 

Anyways... The talk was amazing and I know that as we strive to open our mouths and talk to everyone we meet, we will increase our opportunities to find someone who is ready to listen. I like the analogy to baseball. A hitter has a 0% chance of getting a hit if he doesn't swing the bat. 0% - there is no possible way. When we swing, or open our mouths, we increase that ratio. 

So that was pretty much my week! It was amazing and I learned so much! Emily McAlindin asked me a question about what my days typically entail here at the MTC. I thought that was a good question and a lot of you may be wondering that as well. So this is what I sent her:

6:30 - Wake up and get ready for the day

7:00 - Personal study (scriptures, preparing for lessons, reading, writing in journal, stuff like that)

8:15 - Breakfast

8:45-11:45 - Classroom instruction (learning the language and spiritual stuff too)

11:45-1:10 - Language study

1:10 - Lunch

1:55 - Companionship study

2:45-5:45 - Classroom instruction (same thing as before) (also, we teach "investigators" during this time to practice teaching in our language and stuff like that)

5:45-6:15 - Planning for the next day

6:15 - Dinner

7:00 - TALL (Technology Assisted Language Learning) (Computer language stuff)

8:30 - Gym

9:30 - Get back to dorms and prepare for the next day!

10:30 - Lights out

Anyways, I love you all so much! Or in other words.... Basta, gihigugma mo kaayo! Baby Jacobs out.

Kinasing Kasing,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. I FOUND THE PILLOW ROOM. It's heaven. I may or may not have 5 extra pillows in my room right now.

P.P.S. Thank you all so much for the letters and packages!! They make my days even more awesome.

Hello All!

Well, I think I found the closest place to Heaven I have ever been... The MTC is AMAZING! I am loving every second of it. Sooooo where to start... I guess the first day would be appropriate. I got here at about 1:00pm on Wednesday and immediately got my name tag and a huge yellow bag of books in Cebuano. Then I went to my classroom to meet up with my district - They are so awesome. I am the only elder in my district from the U.S. haha. My companion, Elder Lasalosi is from Australia. Let's put another shrimp on the barby. I think that was the first thing I said to him and he goes, "we get barbecues here?!" Haha he is awesome and I have so much to learn from him. I am so grateful that I got a companion like him for the 6 weeks I'm here. The whole first day, our teachers only spoke to us in Cebuano - which was interesting to say the least.  After we met everyone, we went to an orientation for all the new elders and the MTC Presidency spoke to us; however, we were a little bit late to that because our awesome teachers kept us a little past when they were supposed to haha but it was so fun. I was so overwhelmed the entire first day so I just smiled and nodded my head for the most part:) Later that night, we actually took turns teaching investigators so that was fun. Okay, first day over. Uh-mazing.

My zone is awesome. There are so many international missionaries it's so cool. We have a couple Australians, Samoans, Tongans, Canadians (if that even counts...) and New Zealanders (however you say that). I love getting to know them and their culture. It's crazy to here how so many different people live. But it teaches me so much about.. well.. life. So yea, zone is good. Oh our Zone President's name is President Capik. So he is kinda like our Mission President/Bishop.

We have devotionals on Sunday nights and on Tuesday nights. I decided I wanted to be in the choir just cause I love singing (even though we all know how much of a singer I am). So we have practice before each devotional. Sunday night's devotional featured Richard I. Heaton - The Administrative Director of the MTC. He had an amazing message focused on the Holy Ghost and its role in fulfilling our Missionary Purpose. I think the thing that stuck out to me the most from his talk was when he said, "Why would anyone ever join this church?? Church for THREE HOURS every Sunday, meetings before and after, seminary every week-day at 6:00 in the morning, mutual every week, home teaching, visiting teaching, etc. Who in their right mind would do that? The answer is this: People join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for one thing. To have the Holy Ghost in their lives." I love this. The Holy Ghost is SO important for us in our lives. It gives us comfort, hope, charity, guidance, and just overall makes us feel good. 

Alright, wait until I tell you this........... So it sounds like the devotionals couldn't get any better right..? Wrong. I mean Brother Heaton was awesome. But wait for this... We had a devotional Tuesday night as well. ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS!!!!!! An Apostle of the Lord came and spoke to us! When he walked in the door, the entire room fell dead silent and everyone stood up. I was sitting next to Elder Ty Whitaker and Elder Wyatt Corbin in the choir and we were just in complete shock. As a choir, we sang "Praise to the Man" and it was unbelievable. The spirit that came into the room was incredible. As we practiced the couple days before, the choir director would tell stories about Joseph Smith and I have such a respect for that man. Even that child. As an 8 year old boy, Joseph Smith went through the hardest trials I have ever known someone to go through with Typhoid Fever and others. If you need a story about manning up and doing what you need to do, read about this 8 year-old's experience. Anyways, this background allowed us to sing that song with a new meaning and fervor. Okay, on to Sister Oaks. She spoke to us first. Although I don't think she has ever read from a teleprompter in her life... She had a great message. The one thing that stuck out the most, was that we are never alone out here. If we are doing what we're supposed to do, we will ALWAYS have guardian angles round about us. Elder Oaks was up next and I don't think my life will ever be the same;) There were a couple different ideas that he focused on. The first, was the transition from being teenagers into being mature missionaries. Three words: Change - work hard, bad habits, sleeping in, repenting. Achieve - specific skills, qualify for learning a language. Everyone learns a language. He said everyone here will learn the gospel; some of you will learn a foreign language. And lastly, Become - difference between achieving and becoming is "a mighty change of heart" and the way one lives. The next thing that Elder Oaks focused on was how this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is different from others and is the only completely true and living church on this earth. He said something that was so true. He said, "The common notion with your generation is that all churches are true." This is true to some extent, though, because basically every church has a portion of the truth, and we are so happy that people are looking for that truth. But this church is the ONLY completely true and living church on the face of the Earth. And here is why: 1) Fullness of the Gospel, 2) Power of the Priesthood, and 3) Our unique testimony of Jesus Christ. Anyways, if anyone has any questions about this, please email or write me! I would love to talk about it. Devotional = the best ever.

Alright well I gotta go get my laundry done... But don't worry yet, we still have machines to do the work for us while we're at the MTC. I have come to appreciate gym time so much here haha. I've always loved sports and stuff, and you'd think we'd be dead tired by when gym time comes around at night, but it feels so good to play volleyball, or four-square, or run on the indoor track. Oh and P-days for me are on Thursday right now. We get to go to the temple later today!! So stoked! Loving it. And loving all of you. Don't worry about me at all! This is where I'm supposed to be and I am so happy. Days can be a little hard and the language can be frustrating, but I know that if I do what I need to do and obey the mission rules, I will have angels round about giving aid and comfort. I love you all so much (Gihigugma ko namo)!! Love life. Baby Jacobs out.

Gugma,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. Elder Lasalosi and I already committed our investigator to baptism! It's role play, but still! We are like 6 lessons in... in Cebuano... AHHHH

Sister Oaks: "This is your turn, your time, your triumph"