19 December 2011

Hey Family!!

We just had a good morning. We ended up sleeping in Iloilo last night because there was a stake fireside, but this morning on our way back to Guimaras we stopped at McDonalds for breakfast. It was so good. I also sent your package today. Hopefully you get it and enjoy. I didn't put any food in it.

Congratz to Rob Bob ShizKabob for graduating from college. That's fairly impressive, bra. I'm also impressed that the dog can roll over from you saying parkore. That's intense. And it also makes me really happy.

This week anyway, was really really good for us. So many good things happened. I'll start with the best. So this past Saturday we had the baptism of Bonna and Dianna. It was a way good experience and definitely one of the best baptismal services I've been too. Our Branch Mission Leader, Edward Leida, is the man. Anyway, our Branch Christmas Party was right after the baptism so we had a ton of members and investigators there. Our family of investigators, the Gonzagas, came to the baptism, the Christmas party, and to church on Sunday, they are loving it! I'm so excited for them, they accepted a date for baptism and we'll help them prepare for it. Anyway, I had a really good experience at the baptism. We actually invited Sister Joan to speak at the baptism. She told me before the baptism that she wanted me to just do it, because she was nervous and "when I'm nervous der, I have to pee." Anyway, I tried to comfort her and point her towards the restroom and when the time came, she did a great job. She talked about true conversion. And it was sweet talk. (Funny part, in the middle she just said, "pssstt! children! Attention!") She actually read it to me a couple days before during the interview but she actually read most of it during the baptism but actually added some personal experiences. I thought it was perfect. As I thought about each member and investigator, and about their situations, I thought it was just what they needed to hear. As I thought about Joan, I saw how good of a experience it was for her to give this talk and share her testimony. During the talk she gave I realized, yet again, that this work isn't about us, as missionaries, at all. It's about these families, and helping them return to their father in Heaven. I'm so excited for Joan and her family. Even though they don't have a lot, when I look at them, I don't see anything really missing in their life. On Sunday they all looked so happy at church. Elder Collins and I found Dianna paying her tithing and the other Jordan Elders had a little girl Dianna's age come to church and Dianna just walked up to her and took her to class with her. Dianna even asked us if she could work with us. We weren't sure about that, but we'll find a family their family can fellowship and take them with us there. The Dyer's (senior couple) we're really cool too. They gave them this glove with pictures on each of the five fingers of things we should have a testimony of, I'll send pictures next week maybe. I also gave them some CTR rings (thanks for sending those) and they really liked them.

This week Elder Collins and I had the perfect day. It was like one of the first one's I had had. In the sense that every single person we planned on seeing that day was there, and we got to teach each one. It was way cool, plus we had a member with us for the whole day, plus we taught the Gonzaga Family. So it was sweet, and needed, because the next day, one of the Elders in our zone was way sick and we had to take him to the hospital in Iloilo. He's still there, but he should be okay and coming back to Guimaras. It was crazy that day because there was a Baguio (storm i think) so the boats going to Iloilo were extra expensive. Then that night Elder Collins and I got soaked.

I also worked with Elder Farnsworth this week, when we did the interview. It's kind of cool. I've been in his District most of my mission. In my last area he was my district leader and then I became his District Leader and he became my Zone Leader and now it's just switched around again. Hehe. I guess we belong together. Anyway, we went to this one investigator that's been struggling and we followed up his word of wisdom. (I'll try translating, it's awkward though) He said, "Oh, I've been subtracting my cigarrettes." We said, "How many sticks a day?" He said, "6" I said, "A couple days ago it was 4, and before that, it was one. That's not buhin (subtraction), that's dugang(addition)! Anyway, we had a really good lesson with him. I hope we can help him. He seems to understand everything but just isn't ready to change, keep him in your prayers ha? Anyway, when we followed up the day I talked to Elder Farnsworth and he told me he was surprised about how bold I was. It made me feel good because I've really looked up to him throughout my mission. He's a way good missionary and I'm really grateful for the chance I've had to work with him throughout my mission.

Dad asked me to talk about Learn, Act, Share. I guess that's really want should happen as a result of missionary work in general. When we teach lessons to our investigators we don't want it to be just like a bible sharing. Because here in the Philippines that's what people think it is most of the time. They think it's something we just listen to every once in a while just to get fed spiritually or whatever. But that's something we try to make clear to our investigators right from the getgo. That listening isn't enough. They'll have to act on the message. They'll understand through time, experience, scripture study, churching, and prayer. That's how I think we come to know completely that this is true. John 7:17. We have to act on it. If we don't, it will never mean anything and the seed we help the investigators plant in their heart will wither away and die. And the last part I guess is share. I think this is the way investigators really gain an enduring conversion. At our baptism last Saturday, Joan (our recent convert) was one of the speakers. She spoke about true conversion and how it happens by there being a mighty change in your heart. If all you do is go to church every week or read, yeah, it's good, but you're not converted till that mighty change happens in you. I believe that when we become truly converted, the love of God comes into our hearts. And that's different than anything you've probably ever felt. I know that's something I'm still trying to gain more fully in my life and always keep with me. But I believe if we're converted, that love will be in us. And if that love is inside of us, then nothing can really stop us from sharing the gospel with our friends, our loved ones. If we love them, all fear will be set aside, and the sharing will happen. I hope that makes sense. It does in my head. Because that's really all it takes to do the work of the Lord. You don't really have to push yourself to share the gospel, if you love the people the way God wants you to love the people, the sharing will just come out naturally. That's the way we want our investigators to be converted, an enduring conversion, and if that happens, they'll share the gospel, and the work will progress even faster. We're also trying to help our members and less-actives obtain also a more enduring conversion, because that's the key. And I think that will happen if we learn, act, and then share. (Is that kind of what you wanted dad?) sorry.

If it's okay we'll do the call next week Monday morning 10am my time. That should be Christmas night for you right? And yes, I'll need your skype information. I forgot. I haven't got your box yet but I'll keep my eyes peeling. Elder Collins has gotten like 3. His ward even sent him one. (nod nod, wink wink) <-just kidding. So has elder Farnsworth. Anyway, I'm more excited to see your face. (that's plural)

Halong! Take care.
Love you,
Elder Burton

P.S. The senior couple were surprised when they saw a man and two pigs riding on a single motor. It didn't surprise me to much anymore but maybe you all would like to picture such an image now that I think about it.