This may sound bad of me, but I don't really remember the "sleepover" Andrew and I had before I left. I don't doubt that we did one, just a lot has happened in the last two years. Sure do miss that guy though. If Mom ever lets me go when I get home, I may never let Andrew go.
I remember those scout game sleepovers at the house.... they were... fun. Most of the time. I don't think I know any of your scouts anymore... They were all still in Primary when I left. Something they have been trying to work on here in the Bacolod South Stake is setting up the scouting program. There is a Boy Scouts of the Philippines, but the church doesn't always sponsor it. Where the church is more developed they have it, like in Manila. President Tobias served as a scoutmaster. In one of our interviews a while back we talked about the scout movie Follow Me Boys. He was very happy to find out that I worked at scout camp. Scouting is awesome!
You asked for my thoughts on D&C Section 4 since you guys are speaking on it in church Sunday….
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
"all your heart, might, mind, and strength..." It can be pretty hard to fully be/ do what that phrase means. But it is also very rewarding when you do. There is also the promise that if you do that you "may stand blameless before God at the last day”. Meaning if you aren't totally committed and focused to the work, you will stand accountable at the judgment day.
3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
This means that D&C 4 is not just limited to the set-apart full-time missionaries, it is for any and all members of the Lord's church. You can also look at the word "work," just what is "the work" that ye are called to? Moses 1:39! That is certainly not limited to the missionaries.
5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.The qualities and attributes expected of us as the Lord's servants. And you certainly need all of them as you pursue this great work. One is not greater than the other, and from my experience, at least as a missionary, you will use all of them everyday, and sometimes it will be a challenge. Especially the patience with investigators sometimes.
And that's my insight to D&C 4. We recite it every Tuesday at District Meeting.
Elder Eastin and I worked really hard this week and were abundantly blessed. We were able to find a ton of new investigators and most are pretty good. On Sunday we went to pick up and walk to church with some of our investigators. We got to their house just around 8 and helped them get ready. We helped Sister hang up the laundry and then we pumped water for them to shower. It was really fun. What I really hope came from that though is that we showed that church is important and they need to plan better so that they can come to church, and on time.
This week was a special branch conference for the Alijis Branch because we are now Alijis Ward! It's a big step forward. Now the goal is to step it up, pick up the progress, and move faster. Becoming a ward is not the end, next is splitting the ward. Elder Eastin and I have made some great plans on how we can help the ward members catch the vision and the desire to do this. Get the drive, move forward and have the work blossom! They can do it! Everything is going their way!
Love you all!
Elder Phelps
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