I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it

Not my favorite talk, but I like the phrase. There was a lot about service, di ba? That is one thing I learned coming into the field, how much we can do when we are not full-time missionaries. But there's different things that missionaries can do. But really there's so much more observing and serving we can do, and that we're expected to do, and that we covenanted to do. If we would just look at the people around us and love them, it would make a world of difference.

We talked about Elder Bednar's talk with one of our members that's returning back to church... testimony versus conversion. It's not just about what we know, it's how we came to know it and how we feel about what we know. It has to be way down deep in our heart. Taos-puso sa Tagalog. And then Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk centered around Alma 5: 26   And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?

We have to keep our conversions current.

So yep.. pretty much just soap boxing it up today because conference was the highlight of the week, and having more of our "less actives" and investigators come to the Saturday session than "active" members. Having living prophets, seers, and revelators are the best, and teaching people who understand that and want to see and know for themselves if it's true or not is amazing.

Also, my new companion is Sister Roper!! We're both short Americans so everybody thinks we're related. It's really fun. Sister Roper introduces us as kambal (twins) to all the people she's meeting. We've been kabahay before and we've been assigned in each other's areas and everyone gets us mixed up.

Mahal ko kayo,

Sister Cope

So my mind is not very focused to write an e-mail right now. We received permission to stay longer at the internet shop and watch this: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-lowers-age-requirement-for-missionary-service

I'm so excited for all the sisters that will be going now because the age to go on a mission is earlier. But like they emphasize it is definitely a decision to be made with Heavenly Father. It's great practice for the mission and the rest of our lives in seeking Heavenly Father's will. Ah!!! Missionary work is moving forward exponentially... It's so amazing. And the emphasis on personal preparation... The Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel.

Sister Curtis and I had a good last week together. (She'll be transferring tomorrow...) 

First of all, last Tuesday. Powerful lesson with Brother Randy and Sister Jhoana. Sister is active and Brother has not gone to church for about 8 years, I think. The senior couple was with us (Elder and Sister Jensen). He has to work to provide for his family, and it's a real concern as Elder Jensen related to him so well, but with faith he will have enough to support his family if he doesn't work on Sunday. God's promises are soooo real. He even says to try him and see if He won't fulfill them in the scriptures. Of course, He will. God doesn't lie.

Wednesday, last week, we went through the temple with Tatay Anselmo (and another sister in the branch). He's 80 years old and he works with the missionaries everyday!! He was baptized last year and he just wants to share the gospel with everyone.

Then this Monday we had a sweet Family Home Evening with the DeVillina Family (one of our less actives families) and Dexter and Vanessa (investigators). There's no electricity where they live, but it was one of the happiest FHEs. Simple lesson, fun games, and Sister Vanessa made sopas for everyone. We brought fudgee bars and zesto (things they need to import to the United states because they're the best).

And because I'm in the Philippines we don't get to see general conference until the week after, so we've been teaching everyone about the living prophet and they have an opportunity to find out for themselves if he's really called of God. Sobang excited ako!!

Yan lang for now. I need to write my mission president.

Mahal ko kayo,

Sister Cope

From October 1st

This week we had some really great experiences. We had an awesome planning session right after zone conference, which led to a powerful lesson. The Spirit definitely guided us, and we found concerns. The wife is active, but the husband is less active because of work and supporting his family. I felt prompted to share Alma 32:27 because he was saying he doesn't know how to start going in the right direction, but he definitely felt something missing... We paused and let him think about the scripture. I could see it as he re-read it, the Spirit spoke to him. He commented how clear it was that he needs to act on his good desires and faith. 

We also had a baptism. One of the older priesthood holders in our branch was performing the baptism, and it took three times for different reasons. I explained to Ellen, the baptizee, that ordinances have to be done perfectly, and the opportunity to re-teach that came on Sunday during sacrament. The sacrament prayer was repeated three times, and Ellen went through why her baptism wasn't right the first two times, and she just seemed a lot more comfortable with the idea. For my non-member friends and family. Ordiances are sacred ceremonies that signify entering into a covenant with God. Our prayers aren't memorized unless doing a prayer for sacrament (blessing of bread and water, baptism, confirmation, etc.)

Then we gave Sister Laarni a baptismal date. The Spirit was so strong and she said yes right away. She is understanding her assignments, and we want so bad for her husband to be there when he's home for two weeks in November. He works abroad in China, and is an active member there. We told her it really depends on her and if she's ready by then, and if she's received a testimony in her heart from Heavenly Father. And her sister in-law is an awesome fellowshipper. So happy.We don't force people to be baptized. In fact, it's horrible when people say they believe what we're saying and they haven't prayed about it. I know this is true, but I know that everyone has to know for themselves that it's true, not from other people. That goes for every principle and doctrine of the gospel. James 1:5, siyempre!

Mahal ko kayo,
Sister Cope