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 :)
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
