Today (Friday) is usually my P-day (Preparation day), but I'm in the middle of "In-field orientation" on a dinner break. I will get P-day tomorrow and actually add to and e-mail this to be posted on Saturday. But anyway it's awesome. We just came out of a class on having enough faith and works to be blessed with miracles on our mission. I might've mentioned this a couple e-mails ago, but one time when I was at the bus stop on my way to school I chatted with this other girl who was waiting and found that she served a mission and I will never forget what she told me (because I wrote it down...), but what she said is that "You can expect miracles everyday as long as your prepared." I know that can happen if I have enough faith. I've already seen maraming miracles occur in my two months at the MTC, and with enough faith I know that I can see even more, and even everyday.
So this week I had the privilege and blessing of hearing from yet another apostle! Elder Russell M. Nelson came to the MTC this week. In preparation for his coming we received the October 2011 Ensign (a Church magazine). He spoke about different editions of the Book of Mormon's historical context. It was pretty cool, but what really affected me was not his words, but the words I have been studying in the Ensign. It has strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon in just a couple days. It's funny because the most powerful words in the magazine are the words quoted from the scriptures. And just being put in a different light and context has made them powerful and they've stuck out in a new way to me. One such scripture is Alma 46:48. They quote it in the Relief Society message, which I usually find so unapplicable. The context is that the chapter is talking about the faith of the Army of Helaman. The scripture reads "We do not doubt our mothers knew it." I want my investigators to feel that way about me. They will not doubt that I know it. I want to make sure they see the light that the scriptures and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ have brought to me. It's so true and it can solve any problem (spiritual or temporal). I've received many answers through the Book of Mormon. We can not treat it lightly as Doctrine and Covenants 84 mentions (and President Benson reiterated years ago in a talk, which is reprinted in that magazine). It was written for us today and sets a pattern of living to follow by showing good and bad examples. Something that has made my Book of Mormon study more effective is something my teacher told me to do as I read. Ask yourself, "Why did God have this verse written?" When you read with real intent you can find so much and not every principle will apply in your life at that moment, but there is something in each verse that God wanted us to hear or else He wouldn't have had the prophets write it for us.
In other news, I'll get off my soap box (but read the Book of Mormon!:), I translated the song "We'll Bring the World His Truth" in Tagalog this week. Our district is going to sing it in church on Sunday for our departing musical number type thing. It's so powerful. I'm finally feeling the Spirit in Tagalog. It's been kind of hard because I don't understand the language, but my heart understands the Spirit and the power of music, and it's really awesome.
Also, thank you to all of those who have written me in my final week. I have a list of about 13 of you that I am going to do my best to write all of you back tomorrow between packing and laundry. The support is so needed and your words are special to me so thank you. If I don't have time to write all the letters (because the ones to my parents, brother, and grandpa come first), just know that I love you.
I'm so excited to be serving my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to be sharing this message of hope to His children. I know it is true and I know that knowledge of this message brings peace to our souls.
I love you all, and next time I'll be writing from the Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pinoy ako!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I'm Filipino!!!!!!!!!)
Mahal kita,
Sister Cope
Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
11 Days!!!!!!!
I technically only have 5 minutes for my letter today because I've been e-mailing my mom and brother, but I love you all, too, so I will try to say as much as I can as quickly as possible.
So first off, I had the privelege of hearing another apostle this past week!!! Elder M. Russell Ballard came and he is just so humble. He said it was such a privelege for him to come speak to us, and I just thought, "Wow." And later he brought up the privelege we have to serve and teach. And it made me think back to the scripture about the greatest being the least, and how Jesus served and sacrificed and descended below all things, even though He is the Son of God! And in considering my privilege to serve God's children in the Philippines I am so humbled by the huge responsibility. The salvation of those I teach is being placed in my hands. I know that one day all things will work out, but Heavenly Father has called me for there and now. He also told us of an experience on his mission where he really messed up and that night he prayed for forgiveness for not being more prepared, and then he acted! And he got up earlier and studied harder, and I just want to be that dedicated and so much better in the gospel, and really act on the things I pray for. It was very inspiring.
With the 10th anniversary of September 11th, we had a special fireside where we were able to watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's special performance with the spoken word portion done by Tom Brokaw. (I think that's how you spell it.) The MTC mission president was comparing the terrorists to the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon, and it really is so telling of our times. In 2001 the country drew so much closer to God, and in just 10 years so many people have forgotten and grown distant. And it's so sad that bad things must happen in order for us to reach out to Him. I know I am guilty of this. When I was younger I would only really pray when I need help. But how much more blessed are we when we remember Him during our good times and show our gratitude.
Speaking of earnest prayer, see Enos chapter 1. Sister Biggs shared this scripture with me when we were practicing our teaching and it helped me a lot. Just to remember how my prayers ought to be.
And speaking of the Book of Mormon, we were doing a class study/discussion earlier this week and we were being kind of quiet, and I loved what my teacher Sister Ball said, "Why did God have this verse written for us?" There is something in every verse for each of us. Sometimes different things are more applicable, but if you dig deep enough and are willing to take the time to ponder you will find what God is trying to tell you.
I have more stories to tell, but not enough time. My district received our flight plans yesterday!! I fly out on the evening of the 27th with a layover in LAX and then in Hong Kong!!! So cool, di ba? (Tagalog for, "no?" like how we say "right?") And I arrive in the Philippines on the 29th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway. Mail has been a little funky because they moved the post office to a different building so I've gotten some stuff late, but it should all be getting to me in due time. I'll be writing back to those of you I've heard from later today so no worries.
And remember, start using my Philippines address soon because I don't know how long it'll take to forward my mail from here to there so just start now, and by the time it get's there, I'll be in the Philippines :)
Mahal ko kayo,
Samantha
So first off, I had the privelege of hearing another apostle this past week!!! Elder M. Russell Ballard came and he is just so humble. He said it was such a privelege for him to come speak to us, and I just thought, "Wow." And later he brought up the privelege we have to serve and teach. And it made me think back to the scripture about the greatest being the least, and how Jesus served and sacrificed and descended below all things, even though He is the Son of God! And in considering my privilege to serve God's children in the Philippines I am so humbled by the huge responsibility. The salvation of those I teach is being placed in my hands. I know that one day all things will work out, but Heavenly Father has called me for there and now. He also told us of an experience on his mission where he really messed up and that night he prayed for forgiveness for not being more prepared, and then he acted! And he got up earlier and studied harder, and I just want to be that dedicated and so much better in the gospel, and really act on the things I pray for. It was very inspiring.
With the 10th anniversary of September 11th, we had a special fireside where we were able to watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's special performance with the spoken word portion done by Tom Brokaw. (I think that's how you spell it.) The MTC mission president was comparing the terrorists to the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon, and it really is so telling of our times. In 2001 the country drew so much closer to God, and in just 10 years so many people have forgotten and grown distant. And it's so sad that bad things must happen in order for us to reach out to Him. I know I am guilty of this. When I was younger I would only really pray when I need help. But how much more blessed are we when we remember Him during our good times and show our gratitude.
Speaking of earnest prayer, see Enos chapter 1. Sister Biggs shared this scripture with me when we were practicing our teaching and it helped me a lot. Just to remember how my prayers ought to be.
And speaking of the Book of Mormon, we were doing a class study/discussion earlier this week and we were being kind of quiet, and I loved what my teacher Sister Ball said, "Why did God have this verse written for us?" There is something in every verse for each of us. Sometimes different things are more applicable, but if you dig deep enough and are willing to take the time to ponder you will find what God is trying to tell you.
I have more stories to tell, but not enough time. My district received our flight plans yesterday!! I fly out on the evening of the 27th with a layover in LAX and then in Hong Kong!!! So cool, di ba? (Tagalog for, "no?" like how we say "right?") And I arrive in the Philippines on the 29th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway. Mail has been a little funky because they moved the post office to a different building so I've gotten some stuff late, but it should all be getting to me in due time. I'll be writing back to those of you I've heard from later today so no worries.
And remember, start using my Philippines address soon because I don't know how long it'll take to forward my mail from here to there so just start now, and by the time it get's there, I'll be in the Philippines :)
Mahal ko kayo,
Samantha
Friday, September 9, 2011
18 Days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot believe how fast time goes and continues going. And how much I keep learning every week. God is blessing me so much through people and experiences.
This week I had the privilege of witnessing the power of the priesthood and fasting. One of the Sisters that's in my room was really sick, and she went to the ER, and they didn't really tell her anything or help her. When we returned from class (this was on a Monday) we found out about all this and Sister Biggs and I asked if she had received a blessing, and she hadn't. So the Elders received special permission to come into the sisters' dormitory and gave her a blessing. And the Spirit was there, and I just know with all my heart that the authority of God is on the earth again. And shortly after the blessing she improved drastically and was able to fall asleep that night. The next day the whole zone faster for her and by Wednesday the Sister and her companions were able to return to class, and by Thursday she was back to full health. I really did witness a miracle and I know that blessings and fasting work.
We had mission conference on Sunday and, my bad, but I fell asleep throughout most of it, but when the MTC President spoke I was much more awake and he talked about obedience bringing blessings, and spoke of the promise contained in D&C 84:88, and it's such a beautiful promise. And it was reiterated during our Sunday night fireside with Brother Richard Heaton (an MTC administrator). His talks are always good. This is the second time we've heard from him and he told us how we can't worry about what we're doing to the point where we become distracted. We must focus on helping investigators develop a relationship with God, and making sure the Holy Ghost is witnessing to them. I also bore my testimony on Sunday in sacrament meeting, and I was able to use some of my Tagalog and it was pretty exciting :)
I have a new teacher, again. I don't know if I told about the last one, but with school starting all their schedule's change. One of them remained (Brother Cook), but Sister Landrum was replaced with Sister Ball. We love her. She is so real, and gives us the best advice because it's so straight up. She tells us how it is in teaching and in the Philippines, and it's nice because she actually served in Quezon City so it's way relatable. (She returned in April.) And she always teaches with such enthusiasm and power, and I'm just so excited to finally get there. She also told us some scary stories, but no worries. The Lord will protect us. Brother Cook is a great teacher, too. We love messing with him during class. Like the other day, for some reason, two of the Elders had extra ties so I put one on, and throughout the evening we were switching ties. He caught on pretty fast because it was odd to him that I was wearing a tie. Haha.. Speaking of Brother Cook, he says my laugh scares him so one of the Elders suggested that's why he doesn't try to do funny things, but I always seem to end up laughing anyway...
My time is running out, but just some things I've learned this week in my studies and in class: First, the word of God is powerful. It has the power to change your life if you will let it. (See Helaman 6 and Alma 31:5) Second, quit worrying about whether it's the Holy Ghost or your own thoughts. If it's good it's from God. We watched a clip from a talk given by Elder Bednar where we he said that and he mentioned the 20 Mark Note story (see Boyd K. Packer's talk on my LDS.org). It was powerful and then Sister Ball had us read from D&C 50:21-24. And I'd like to add to that Moroni 10:5-7. If you're having trouble recognizing the Spirit, consider these things. Oh! And I read this amazing talk by Gordon B. Hinckley this week called "I Am Clean," and it has this really cool story about a dream Joseph F. Smith had as a missionary in Hawaii at only 15 years of age!!! I can't even imagine.
Elder Jensen of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke to us at Tuesday's devotional, and as always my companion and I participated in the choir. Elder Jensen actually mentioned the power of music, and I testify that music can bring the Spirit and can soften hearts and bear testimony to the soul (because it has to me). We sang this beautiful number called "I Marvel at the Miracle." I would type out the lyrics, but there is no time.
In close, I just want to say that I know Christ is my Savior and He's your Savior and He loves us. And Heavenly Father loves us, too.
I love you all. And I miss you, but I'll see you in 16.5 months so it's okay :)
Mahal ko kayo,
Sister Cope
P.S. Don't forget, if you're writing me, you'll want to start using my Philippines address in 2 weeks. Thanks <3
This week I had the privilege of witnessing the power of the priesthood and fasting. One of the Sisters that's in my room was really sick, and she went to the ER, and they didn't really tell her anything or help her. When we returned from class (this was on a Monday) we found out about all this and Sister Biggs and I asked if she had received a blessing, and she hadn't. So the Elders received special permission to come into the sisters' dormitory and gave her a blessing. And the Spirit was there, and I just know with all my heart that the authority of God is on the earth again. And shortly after the blessing she improved drastically and was able to fall asleep that night. The next day the whole zone faster for her and by Wednesday the Sister and her companions were able to return to class, and by Thursday she was back to full health. I really did witness a miracle and I know that blessings and fasting work.
We had mission conference on Sunday and, my bad, but I fell asleep throughout most of it, but when the MTC President spoke I was much more awake and he talked about obedience bringing blessings, and spoke of the promise contained in D&C 84:88, and it's such a beautiful promise. And it was reiterated during our Sunday night fireside with Brother Richard Heaton (an MTC administrator). His talks are always good. This is the second time we've heard from him and he told us how we can't worry about what we're doing to the point where we become distracted. We must focus on helping investigators develop a relationship with God, and making sure the Holy Ghost is witnessing to them. I also bore my testimony on Sunday in sacrament meeting, and I was able to use some of my Tagalog and it was pretty exciting :)
I have a new teacher, again. I don't know if I told about the last one, but with school starting all their schedule's change. One of them remained (Brother Cook), but Sister Landrum was replaced with Sister Ball. We love her. She is so real, and gives us the best advice because it's so straight up. She tells us how it is in teaching and in the Philippines, and it's nice because she actually served in Quezon City so it's way relatable. (She returned in April.) And she always teaches with such enthusiasm and power, and I'm just so excited to finally get there. She also told us some scary stories, but no worries. The Lord will protect us. Brother Cook is a great teacher, too. We love messing with him during class. Like the other day, for some reason, two of the Elders had extra ties so I put one on, and throughout the evening we were switching ties. He caught on pretty fast because it was odd to him that I was wearing a tie. Haha.. Speaking of Brother Cook, he says my laugh scares him so one of the Elders suggested that's why he doesn't try to do funny things, but I always seem to end up laughing anyway...
My time is running out, but just some things I've learned this week in my studies and in class: First, the word of God is powerful. It has the power to change your life if you will let it. (See Helaman 6 and Alma 31:5) Second, quit worrying about whether it's the Holy Ghost or your own thoughts. If it's good it's from God. We watched a clip from a talk given by Elder Bednar where we he said that and he mentioned the 20 Mark Note story (see Boyd K. Packer's talk on my LDS.org). It was powerful and then Sister Ball had us read from D&C 50:21-24. And I'd like to add to that Moroni 10:5-7. If you're having trouble recognizing the Spirit, consider these things. Oh! And I read this amazing talk by Gordon B. Hinckley this week called "I Am Clean," and it has this really cool story about a dream Joseph F. Smith had as a missionary in Hawaii at only 15 years of age!!! I can't even imagine.
Elder Jensen of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke to us at Tuesday's devotional, and as always my companion and I participated in the choir. Elder Jensen actually mentioned the power of music, and I testify that music can bring the Spirit and can soften hearts and bear testimony to the soul (because it has to me). We sang this beautiful number called "I Marvel at the Miracle." I would type out the lyrics, but there is no time.
In close, I just want to say that I know Christ is my Savior and He's your Savior and He loves us. And Heavenly Father loves us, too.
I love you all. And I miss you, but I'll see you in 16.5 months so it's okay :)
Mahal ko kayo,
Sister Cope
P.S. Don't forget, if you're writing me, you'll want to start using my Philippines address in 2 weeks. Thanks <3
Friday, September 2, 2011
Awareness and Mga bata :)
Hello dear loved ones,
To start off, a funny story from teaching one of our investigators... Sister Biggs and I were teaching him about church attendance, and Sister Biggs tried to explain best dress (pinakamabuti bata, or so we thought). It turns out that depending on pronunciation it can mean clothes or children. So Sister Biggs had been telling our investigator to bring his best children. Bahahaha...
Anyway, silliness aside, I've learned so much this week. There are spiritual experiences I've had that I don't want to post all over the internet, but I want to bear testimony that God is aware of each of us. Sobrang aware. He's aware of you, and He is aware of me.
Jeffrey R. Holland came and spoke to us at the MTC this week!!! Not everyone has the opportunity to hear an apostle while they're hear, and I feel so so blessed. As soon as he walked in the room I felt the Spirit, and I know that he truly is a man of God. He covered an array of things, but there were some bits very specific to missionaries. He made sure we knew how responsible we are as representatives of Jesus Christ bringing the gospel to Heavenly Father's children. A lot of people think missionaries are perfect, he said, while it's not true, we don't have the right to make them think otherwise. People die for the cause of the Church, and we are responsible for doing our very best and to never fall away. He then answered some questions that had been gathered early. The first was the one that really spoke to me. "What is the most important thing that Christ wants us to know right now? That He told the truth, that everything He said was true." I've been praying to have a greater testimony of Jesus Christ and my prayers were answered and previous knowledge from personal study was confirmed by the Holy Ghost. I know that Jesus Christ did what He says He did. He is the Son of God and He died for our sins so that we might be worthy to return to our Heavenly Father. And He lives again.
At the devotional with Elder Holland, I participated in the choir again and we sang this beautiful song called "Faith of Our Fathers." Look it up. It's fabulous. And powerful. So was the special musical number that was performed at the end. It was announced as a duet and it was so cool because there was one sister singing and another was signing the words. The song is called "Savior, Reedemer of my Soul" and it is absolutely gorgeous.
Another things that confirmed God's awareness of His children was the sacred opportunity I had to receive revelation on what to teach. It's never been so clear before. Sister Biggs and I were in the TRC teaching a volunteer and as we shared a scripture I realized what she needed to hear and what we were supposed to emphasize. The Spirit was there and testified of this again at the end as my companion bore her testimony. Like I mentioned last week, God keeps His promises. It's just as that one scripture says that the Holy Ghost will give us the words in the very hour we need them, or something along those lines.
I had an additional testimony building experience as I was studying in 1st John 3 during personal study time. There were some things that didn't quite fit what I knew about God's love in relation to when we sin. I went on to the next chapter, but felt that I should go back and look at the footnotes. And lo and behold, there were Joseph Smith Translations that added such clarity and confirmed what I knew to be true.
This Church is so true and I know it with all my heart. The scriptures are the word of God. And, according to worthiness, God does speak to us through the Holy Ghost and we can feel His love. Maraming mahal.
Mahal ko kayo. Please write me if you have time.
Love,
Sister Copé
P.S. If you're having a rough time check these scriptures out. They helped me and I think they can give comfort to those looking for it: John 16:33, D&C 68:6, and D&C 6: 33-34,36.
<3
To start off, a funny story from teaching one of our investigators... Sister Biggs and I were teaching him about church attendance, and Sister Biggs tried to explain best dress (pinakamabuti bata, or so we thought). It turns out that depending on pronunciation it can mean clothes or children. So Sister Biggs had been telling our investigator to bring his best children. Bahahaha...
Anyway, silliness aside, I've learned so much this week. There are spiritual experiences I've had that I don't want to post all over the internet, but I want to bear testimony that God is aware of each of us. Sobrang aware. He's aware of you, and He is aware of me.
Jeffrey R. Holland came and spoke to us at the MTC this week!!! Not everyone has the opportunity to hear an apostle while they're hear, and I feel so so blessed. As soon as he walked in the room I felt the Spirit, and I know that he truly is a man of God. He covered an array of things, but there were some bits very specific to missionaries. He made sure we knew how responsible we are as representatives of Jesus Christ bringing the gospel to Heavenly Father's children. A lot of people think missionaries are perfect, he said, while it's not true, we don't have the right to make them think otherwise. People die for the cause of the Church, and we are responsible for doing our very best and to never fall away. He then answered some questions that had been gathered early. The first was the one that really spoke to me. "What is the most important thing that Christ wants us to know right now? That He told the truth, that everything He said was true." I've been praying to have a greater testimony of Jesus Christ and my prayers were answered and previous knowledge from personal study was confirmed by the Holy Ghost. I know that Jesus Christ did what He says He did. He is the Son of God and He died for our sins so that we might be worthy to return to our Heavenly Father. And He lives again.
At the devotional with Elder Holland, I participated in the choir again and we sang this beautiful song called "Faith of Our Fathers." Look it up. It's fabulous. And powerful. So was the special musical number that was performed at the end. It was announced as a duet and it was so cool because there was one sister singing and another was signing the words. The song is called "Savior, Reedemer of my Soul" and it is absolutely gorgeous.
Another things that confirmed God's awareness of His children was the sacred opportunity I had to receive revelation on what to teach. It's never been so clear before. Sister Biggs and I were in the TRC teaching a volunteer and as we shared a scripture I realized what she needed to hear and what we were supposed to emphasize. The Spirit was there and testified of this again at the end as my companion bore her testimony. Like I mentioned last week, God keeps His promises. It's just as that one scripture says that the Holy Ghost will give us the words in the very hour we need them, or something along those lines.
I had an additional testimony building experience as I was studying in 1st John 3 during personal study time. There were some things that didn't quite fit what I knew about God's love in relation to when we sin. I went on to the next chapter, but felt that I should go back and look at the footnotes. And lo and behold, there were Joseph Smith Translations that added such clarity and confirmed what I knew to be true.
This Church is so true and I know it with all my heart. The scriptures are the word of God. And, according to worthiness, God does speak to us through the Holy Ghost and we can feel His love. Maraming mahal.
Mahal ko kayo. Please write me if you have time.
Love,
Sister Copé
P.S. If you're having a rough time check these scriptures out. They helped me and I think they can give comfort to those looking for it: John 16:33, D&C 68:6, and D&C 6: 33-34,36.
<3
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