There are only a few ways for us to get around here in the Philippines.

Hello Friends and Family!!

How is everyone doing?? From what I can tell, EVERYONE is doing so well at home!!!

Our cool ride.....

I am so happy to read that :) I am doing great here as well, outside the fact that I woke up with a 102 degree fever this morning! I haven't had a fever since I got here! Being sick is not the MOST fun time, but hey it'll go away, right? :)

There are only a few ways for us to get around here in the Philippines. Mostly we walk. In mud.

But sometimes we really get around in style. Like when about ten of us pile on a motorbike with a sidecar.......

Yesterday we had our Zone Interviews up in Cebu!

I'm pushing with one foot.....

I love love love the time that I get one on one time with President McCurdy. He is truly a man of God. And he loves everyone. I want to be just like him.

I apologize if this email isn't as long as previous ones, my brain isn't fully working right now. It's burning up. :(

Asisclo Taneo was baptized this last Saturday!!! It was such an amazing experience. I am so grateful for him and his example. Like I mentioned last time, I have never learned so much about my Savior than when I studied to help Siclo. He is awesome. 

We have a Stake Temple Trip coming up this next Saturday

as well and we are really trying to get everything taken care of so that he will be able to attend with us. It is so important that we help these recent converts get inside the temple as soon as possible. There is a spirit inside the temple that just cannot be found anywhere else. I love it.

On Saturday morning, we helped out at the church with a service project type thing. The Deseret Mabuhay Foundation conducted a free eye check-up, etc. for all those who wanted to come. 

Those who meet the requirements,  qualify for a FREE operation - sponsored by this LDS foundation. It was mostly for those with cataracts and other abnormalities (including cleft lip, etc.)... 

It was a fun experience! I worked with the doctor and took notes of what his diagnosis was. I would just write things like "ecce-os" meaning that they are going to do a laser operation on the left eye, and stuff like that! You could say that I'm basically a doctor now ;) I'll help ya out when I get home Danny ;)

Anyways, this was an awesome week! I can't believe January is already over.. This time is going by way way too fast! This next week we have MLC again on Tuesday! Should be another amazing week!

 I love you all so so so much!

Remember to smile and help someone else do the same :)

Love,

Elder Jacobs

I love my mission. I love it every single day!

Good Afternoon to all my best friends and family members

who love me enough to read these emails each week:

The hardest thing in my weekly email is that very first line. 

How many variations can a person make of the same phrase?! If anyone has any ideas for future beginnings, they will be taken graciously. Haha.. "future beginnings"... that doesn't even make any sense. Isn't that a Young Women's Program that you used to do mom? Err.. I don't know haha I'm sorry. How am I gunna recover from this start..

Phew. Deep breaths.

No not deep breaths because I need to recollect my thoughts or anything like that.. I am literally struggling to breathe right now because of our run down to the beach this morning. Haha just kidding :) I loved it. Elder Consigna and I have been running every single morning since last week and I think he may or may not like me right now. Hahah he told me after the run today that he almost threw up three times and then he saw a bunch of white spots everywhere... I miss running :)

Tag...you're it!!

This week was so awesome!! We had one baptism last week with Lilian Gantuangco! She was actually the other Carcar area's investigator, but because there was a lot that happened last month with not having companions and stuff, all of us just helped each other out in teaching her. 

Christian Lapeña was also baptized that night! He is an 8 year old boy of a family that bishop was really working with. So awesome. 

This Saturday, Asisclo Taneo will be getting baptized as well!! I am beyond excited for this. Missionaries have been working with him for about 5-6 months and he has just never been 100% satisfied until the past few weeks. He has experienced a HUGE change. To give you an idea of his story, I'll refer you to his previous religion. It's called Iglesia ni Cristo. Translated, just means The Church of Christ. Based on the scripture found in Romans 16:16. They have very very similar beliefs as the LDS church which can present problems, but also opportunities. The biggest difference with this church and all others is that they believe that Jesus Christ was only a person. When I say he was only a person, I mean he had no part of God inside of him. They do not believe that Christ was, is, or ever will be, a God. He is "The Son of Man" as seen in the scriptures.

Pure JOY!!

I have learned more about my Savior Jesus Christ as I have studied to help Asisclo through his questions than I have at any other time on my mission. 

I feel like I understand the scriptures more - especially the Bible. The Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants have been absolutely crucial in helping him. He loves to read. He has SO many questions... Not to mention, very intricate questions... But he loves the answers he gets. He is humble and willing to think about the answers we find!

Asisclo is going to be an amazing leader in the Lord's Kingdom on Earth. His family will come along as well. They aren't quite there yet, but I know they will understand.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I know that no human sacrifice could have ever satisfied the demands of justice for a fallen world like ours. 

Become as a little child......(haha love the headlock!)

I know that Jesus Christ has a Father. They both have immortal bodies of flesh and bones. I know that they are united in purpose, perfections, and attributes. We need to understand who they are. 

Asisclo, now understands who his God is. He understands that the Father has given the fullness to His Son. And that we each in turn will receive of that fullness as we continue to carry out His will in our lives and into the eternities. 

The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is an amazing thing. It is not just a church. It is Eternity. I know that it truly is "Life eternal, that [we] may know [Him] the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom [He] hast sent."

I love my mission. I love it every single day! If you are up for a challenge, study to defend your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Testimony works wonders, but scriptures give understanding. 

Alma 34:9-14 gives a great start, but I encourage you to take your studies into the Holy Bible as well. I am so grateful for the knowledge that has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I love that man and will always hold him in highest regard. He did what the Lord asked him to do. He was just a man, but was obedient to the Lord's direction to restore the church of Jesus Christ.

I love you all! Have an awesome week!!

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

Thanks for emailing me!!!

Hello All!!

First off, I'm sorry if this is short.. I got caught up replying to all of your

JIMBO!....That's ME!

wonderful emails this week. I love all of you so much and am so grateful for the support and encouragement you give. I love being here in the Philippines and it makes it so fun on Wednesdays to receive emails from friends and family :)

This week was great! I love this area. Carcar has helped me in ways I can't even describe. From the area itself....so completely different from home....., to the investigators we have, to the companions I've been blessed with, to the assignments I've been given, and the wonderful missionaries in this zone... I have learned a LOT.

One thing I have really been able to practice a lot is communication.

I remember in High School I always loved supporting friends in their individual sports. I had some very close friends on the volleyball team. I would do my best to send out a group text to everyone on the team a few hours before their games to support and encourage them and at the end of every single text I would put the phrase, "Remember: Communication is key."

Hahah I'm not going to lie, that was kind of (like 50%) just a joke.

 But know that I think back on it, communication is such a vital skill to learn in this life. Not only on the court, but in real life as well.

Should I take this personally???

Speaking of communication......do you think I should worry that the Mission President called me "LOSER JACOBS"?????


The assignment I have been given allows me to get to know and talk with lots of missionaries - both leaders in the mission and younger missionaries.

At MLC yesterday, we talked about the difference between "persuasion" and "coercion" and what we need to do to help. As leaders, those who follow you need to understand why they do what they do. The desire needs to come from inside each and every one of us, not just from someone telling you what to do.

 It relates on a bigger scale as well. In order to experience conversion, we have to be persuaded by the gospel, not motivated by threatening punishments, etc.

Anyways, I'm sorry.. that was a random tangent, but I just remembered a little part of high school and wanted to write about it :) I loved every day of high school and like to think back now on the lessons I learned there that have helped me here on my mission.

Eating out in the city!

We had MLC yesterday in the city and we have transfers coming up this next week. I have no idea what to expect. I am totally fine with staying a third transfer here in Carcar, but we'll see next week!

We never had a single normal week this last transfer. Every week it seemed as if there was either a storm or a hospital visit or a meeting in the city. It's been the busiest I have ever been in my life!

Okay well I gotta go, but I love all of you so much!! I honestly LOVE reading all of your emails. Thank you so much!! I love you!!

Love,

Elder Jacobs

Happy New Year!

Wow... 2015. How?

Happy New Year sa tanan!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY AMAZING MOTHER :) 

I hope all of you had an amazing Christmas and a Happy New Year. I cannot believe that it is already 2015, but hey life goes on! We have got to take advantage of all the time given to us to learn, have fun, and grow :)

Okay, I need to start all the way back to Christmas Day! The Skype was awesome! Love you, family!! You are all the best. Later that afternoon, we had John Ross and Jholiver's baptismal service! It was SO AWESOME!!! A very white Christmas in the Philippines :) 

Later that night, however, we had quite the adventure. Without going into too much detail, we had to take Elder Archibald to the hospital in Cebu. Yes, on Christmas night. I think the worst part is that everyone in the ER was wishing everybody who came in a "Merry Christmas" hahah so sad! 

Elder Archibald is okay, not an emergency in terms of time, he will just have to go in for a check up in a week or so. We were there from about 10pm to 4am. It was a party in Cebu City ;)

A few days later - I think Monday? - we had another storm pass through.

This is how we "shower".....

This one was... a wee bit stronger than the last. 

We had no electricity for a few days and we still have no agas (err... running water) at the house as of today. You could say that showering at the church is a must try :) 

Tuesday morning we woke up and were called by bishop to help at his father's house. They evacuated last night when the water reached their necks (my chest)... We got over there as quick as possible and shoveled mud and water out of the house and store, etc. I'm sorry, I don't have any pictures of that.. 

The bridge between Argao and Sibonga areas collapsed as well so transportation for our missionaries down there is a little..a lot..... slower than usual.

Sleeping accommodations during the storm.

When thinking of the New Year, there is always so much talk about "New Years Resolutions".. I wanted to share what I was thinking about on that! 

I thought about goals in general and why we have them. What is the purpose of a goal? What are our goals in life? Why? These are questions we should ask ourselves. 

One definition of a goal would maybe be: to accomplish something.

 Another definition that I thought of was to reach a certain level or to become something different. 

Many times, when people ask us what the purpose of our life is, we are very quick to respond with the answer: To get back to our Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom, of course! I would encourage us to rethink this answer when we are setting our new goals for this new year. 

Why are we here? If it were to just get back to Heavenly Father, why would we have ever chosen to leave in the first place?? I believe that our purpose is a little bit different. We are here to become. We are here to become the Son or Daughter of God that can live AND enjoy the presence of our Heavenly Father. 

This is a blessing that not all can enjoy. We need to become - just as Christ commanded - as He is... Perfect. That can only be reached one goal at a time. Maybe one "New Years Resolution" at a time.. There are things we need to do. How can we become more like Christ?

One of my goals in this new year is to come to KNOW my Savior more. His life - including pre-, during, and post-mortal. We read that Eternal Life means to "know" God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I'm going to do my best to get a head start on Eternal Life. To really know my Savior.

 I am so grateful for the knowledge I have right now and am so thankful to have the opportunity to learn more every single day. I invite all of us to do the same. You don't have to pick the same goal as mine, but I would encourage us to make a goal with the "big picture" in mind. Sometimes, temporal goals (ie. financial) can help us accomplish our bigger goals as well (ie. self-mastery, temperance, etc.)... I know that all things are possible, so let's set some good goals this 2015 year :)

I love you all so so so much! Happy New Year and don't forget to wish my mom a Happy 40th birthday as well!! :)

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

Smiling IS my favorite :)

MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! :)

I honestly cannot accurately describe how happy I am at this exact moment.

If I EVER complain about a mission being hard, please slap me... Hard.

 I absolutely love Christmas in the Philippines!! This week was one that I will never forget. It was crazy busy, but Heavenly Father is so good :) 

Before I start telling you all about it...... A quick congratulations are in order: 

DANNY AND SHELLY! Congrats on the little girly poo :) (Due in May!!)  I can't wait to play with her and teach her exactly how to get on her older sister's nerves!

Okay, so let's start with Thursday! We had our Christmas Conference in Lahug. It was such a great experience. After a morning full of spiritually uplifting workshops all centered 100%  on Jesus Christ, our talent show went so well! 

Elder Consigna and I did our best to at least match our shirts :) Our custom designed pajamas are not yet finished, so - sadly - we couldn't debut those bad boys last week.

Saturday was so awesome! 

We had lunch at a member's house and I have honestly never been so full in my life. I thought I was going to die sa kabusog right then and there.

 After we ate, he gave us something that I've never eaten before. It is one of my new favorites. It's called kalamay and the best possible way I can describe it is by referring us all to the scene in Gene Wilder's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when the kids run into the huge room and start breaking open the plants, balls, rocks, etc. to find delicious, gooey deliciousness inside. All the while, hearing the beautiful, "Come with me, and you'll be, in a worldddd of pure imagination!!" (Please don't ask why I can describe this scene with such accuracy ;) ...) 

Needles to say, we have another appointment set up with Brother Sasaban for Christmas Day :)

Later Saturday night, we had our Ward Christmas Party. It was so fun! 

There were lots of presentations and games! We had a blast! We were asked to put on a "missionary presentation" as well so... We had the other missionaries in Carcar sing "12 Days of Christmas" and Elder Consigna and I acted out each one every time. 

 The next day at church so many primary children ran up to me and yelled, "KUCKAWW" and flapped their arms like a bird (That was the partridge in a pear tree)... 

Saturday was a success and a half as well because John Ross and Jholiver got interviewed for their baptism and they are all set to be baptized... wait for it.... CHRISTMAS DAY!!! Yup, see you all at 4pm here in Carcar on Christmas :) I am stoked. Tatay Villaser (their grandpa) will be baptizing them!!

 Last night, the Tan Family (from San Nicolas.. My last area) came down just to take us out to dinner. They. Are. So. Nice. It took them over 3 hours to get here because of traffic! They took me, Elder Consigna, and Elder Archibald out to dinner and then just drove right back! They even left presents... I'm not able to accurately describe how excited I was to see the shirt that they had made for me. I love it. "Elder Jacobs <3 Cebu" :)) They are way too nice to me. I honestly felt like I was home for Christmas last night because of them. Thank you, Tan Family!!! :)

This morning, I finally got to open my last day on the Lego Advent Calendar. To my great pleasure, I found an oddly jolly, un-assembled Darth Vador waiting behind the door. Now, my collection is complete. Thank you, mama :)

Also! Elder Consigna's "friend" sent him a package last week and I got a stocking with my name on it as well! It is ready to be stuffed with all those presents that you sent, mom! You can bet I'll be up a 4am like usual to open stockings ;)

Later tonight, we got invited to a member's family home evening "Christmas-Eve Edition" ... It should be super fun!

Tomorrow, after Skyping with my family, before the baptism, I really want to see if the hospital here in Carcar will let us come in and Christmas Carol for at least a little bit. 

All in all, this last week was amazing. I can't describe how happy I am to be in the service of our God. Heavenly Father is so good to His children. He only asks that we follow Him.

 Not very different than an earthly father and his child. Growing up, as children, our parents promise us that they know what is best for us. They have experience and knowledge that we do not have. They ask us to do what they ask because they want us to be safe, happy and successful. Because we love and respect them, we do as we are told.

As we are all focused on Christmas, I hope we can all ponder how it is that we can make this "Christmas feeling" we all love, last a little bit longer in our hearts.

As we are all reading the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke Chapter 2, let us remember what it means for each and every one of us individually.

Many times, we get so caught up in the "Baby Jesus" that we forget what is so miraculous about Him. Let us remember that it is the same Jesus Christ that was born in a manger among the animals, that created worlds without end.

This is the same Jesus Christ that, before coming to Earth, stood on the right hand of the Father as the details of the Great Plan of Redemption were set forth. This is Jesus Christ - who suffered all for us that we might have the chance to return to Heavenly Father's presence. Giving his life and taking it once more, never again to experience pain or sickness.

I love Jesus Christ. We have much to learn of Him. He came into the world in the lowest possible station in life, but he set the example for us and overcame all.

I know that we can do the same. Let us remember him and start today on our journey to be just like him.



I love all of you and want you all to feel how I feel now. This happiness is only made possible through our dedicated obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loves us and is calling after each and every one of us. Especially during this Christmas season :) Merry Christmas and I love you!!

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. Smiling IS my favorite :)

Like Our Cool Ride?

Malipayong Pasko!

Merry Christmas to all! Well... it's almost Christmas:) How is everyone? Boy do I sure love all of you. 

Like our cool ride? Do you see me in my shades?

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this beautiful Christmas Season of 100 degrees and 90% humidity ;) 

Oh wait....is it 100 degrees and 90% humidity where you are???

Haha I just realized today how used to this weather I am. I l.o.v.e. it!

So, as I was thinking about what I was going to write, I realized that you probably don't want to just read my boring studies (for you maybe.. ;) ..) every single week.

 This week I just want to give an update on mission life! It was an awesome week  and I am so looking forward to this next week.

Last week was MLC (Mission Leaders Conference) and it went great - I think I already reported on that? What I didn't get to write last week was the fact that we are preparing a sweet presentation for our Christmas Conference coming up! 

Carcar Zone is going to take the prize for best Christmas skit....hands down. Haha okay I'm not going to get too ahead of myself, but come on... Of course we will. 

We have a member that we worked with here in Carcar Ward that helped us mix some music for a dance/story thing. (I get to dance...YES)

I'll send you the song, mama!

Okay i just realized that MLC was on Thursday, not Tuesday like usual so I didn't share that with you all. 

On Wednesday, we traveled to Cebu to spend the night there.

That night we ate at a place called Casa Verde and it was delicious. 

Four of us split, this HUGE milkshake and a 9 inch burger. It was hands down the best American food I've had in a long time. 

The next morning, about 8 of us Zone Leaders kept the tradition of playing basketball at about 5:45am. It was awesome!

This last Saturday, our ward here in Carcar held their annual Temple trip! We attended and took with us three of our investigators: Michelle, Siglo, and Kissy. They LOVED it! It was so fun to be so close to the temple and to be able to conduct a few temple tours. 

We have our Cebu Island Christmas Conference tomorrow! I am so excited! I can remember vividly last Christmas Conference and it was so awesome. An amazing workshop, lunch, and talent show. Our zone will be performing this year. I'll send an update on that next week :)

This December 27th we will be having the baptism of Jojo and Johnjohn Mariño. John Ross is 12 and Johliver is 11. They have moved in with their grandparents who are recent converts. They are planning on staying with their Grandparents and so we started teaching them back in October/November so they could prepare for baptism. I'll keep you updated on that as well.

Elder Consigna and I are absolutely loving working right now. Carcar is such an amazing area to be in! We are truly seeing the hand of the Lord in our work. We had our Zone Training Meeting this last Monday. The Doctrine we discussed was given by President McCurdy at MLC and was on "Making our Calling and Election Sure." I loved it. Like many times before, I have mentioned how real this gospel is... It is SO TRUE. 

I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that, through Him, we have a possibility of Life Eternal. I know that, as we learn to repent perfectly and align our lives with the Father's will, we can experience the saving power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that He did not only suffer our sins - but rather, every possible feeling that we can experience in our mortal state. Let us not forsake Him. Let's turn to Him and follow Him. I love the Christmas Message (see the link below) the church has put out this year. He - Jesus Christ, the Son of God - is the Gift. 

I love you all so much! Have an awesome week :)

Love,

Elder Jacobs

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-1460-he-is-the-gift?lang=eng

Hey Mom!!! Thanks for the AWESOME Lego Advent Calendar!!!!!

The kids here will LOVE these Legos!!

Typhoon Ruby = 6 Elders in 1 apartment for 3 days!!!

Hello from a life boat in the middle of the ocean!!

Jokes lang haha I'm sorry Mama :) Before I start, I feel the need

Sorry...this is the only pic I took of the storm!

to just re-assure everybody that WE ARE ALL 100% OKAY.



Thank you so much for the prayers and fasts this last week. The storm miraculously downgraded and did not turn out to be as crazy as thought.


We had a crazy week though, that is for sure!

So, let's start with the storm so we can really settle mom's nerves..

On Friday, we were told to get all missionaries in our zone in their apartments by 5pm for the rest of the night.   We had four other Elders stay with us in our apartment!

Friday was a pretty slow night and nothing much happened, except some rain :)

Saturday morning we were informed that we were able to make a couple appointments, but needed to be inside once again by 12 noon for the day.

It really wasn't very exciting (in terms of the storm) here in Carcar. There was a rain and some strong winds, but no real damage.

Sunday, we were still not allowed to go outside. We got permission to hold Sacrament in our apartment - it was an amazing experience that I won't forget.




Sunday was a great day to get to know a few of the elders a little bit more in our zone. We just studied, talked, and ate all day :)








All in all, that is basically the gist of the typhoon from here in Carcar!

Don't worry about us one bit! Every single missionary and - as far as I know - person we know was unharmed.

I am so grateful for all of your prayers and Fasting there at home! It was really a miracle that the typhoon weakened and went north of where they thought it would land.

Please help me thank Heavenly Father for His divine protection.

Transfer day was last Thursday! Wow. I have never been so busy on a transfer day. Everything from boats being shut down in preparation for the storm to paranormal activity started happening over here in Carcar Zone!

Haha we ended up traveling down to Argao that day for a few hours to help with a....... situation down there. All in all, it was an awesome, long, super great, tiring, but effective day :)

Companion!! Elder Consigna is a stud muffin. I don't remember if I mentioned this already, but we are actually brothers in the mission! Elder Ferris trained him as well.

I am soooo excited for this transfer. He is such a great missionary. He is hilarious as well. We are getting along great and I only see things getting even better :)

We leave for MLC tonight around 5pm! We will travel up to Cebu and sleep there so we can be at MLC at 9am tomorrow morning. Honestly, MLC is my favorite part of the month :) Missionary Leadership Council is held typically on the first Tuesday of the month in Cebu (except this month due to conflicts) and is where all the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders meet with President and the assistants for training and discussion. I am stoked :)

In closing, I just wanted to share something I read last night.

 Brigham Young asked a question: "How do we know if we are obedient?"

It immediately reminded me of Sister Engle's question a few weeks back. I know it's different, but it relates I promise. She asked: "How do we know if we served a successful mission?"

Her answer was spot on - we can gain a perspective of how successful our mission was by looking at how well our desires to be obedient remain throughout our lives.

Brigham Young answered his question this way: "We have no witness to ourselves internally, without the spirit of revelation. We have no witness outwardly, only by obedience to the ordinances." I love this.


Internally, we HAVE to receive a witness directly from the Lord in all things - not just during our mission, but in life. In order to have a clear conscience before the Lord, we need to do everything that lies in our power and then receive that witness through the spirit of revelation.

Outwardly, the ONLY WAY we can MEASURE our conversion (or success) is by obedience. How obedient are we? Do we do what we know we should do? It's that simple. 

 Strive for that witness...to know the Savior for ourselves, and then strive to BECOME obedient. Don't just do the actions, but be the person. I love you all so much! I am so happy to be here right along side you in this journey of life! I LOVE this gift of life. I hope you do to. Let's improve and progress every day. Let's just focus on being a little bit more like Jesus Christ every single day. I know that, as we do this, we will be given strength to become better. Through Jesus Christ, all things are possible.

Love You!!!

Elder Jacobs