November 10, 2013

Dear Family,

YES I'M SAFE, EVERTHING IS FINE HERE IN BACOLOD. The storm went by us, but it really did not touch anything here in Bacolod City, IT WAS TRULY A MIRACLE. Some of the brethren at church said it didn't make sense how the scary part of the storm didn't hit our city, it literally just didn't. I know it's because of the prayers of the faithful, and thank you so much for all of your prayers family and friends, so many people were blessed because of your faithfulness.

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So much to say so little time. This last week we stayed inside for a few days because of the typhoon, we weren't affected that much but we were kept in to be safe. It gave me lots of time to get caught up on some records and our area book it was really nice. Sister Jifany Cordero was baptized as well! Her 2 older sisters were baptized 2 weeks ago, and they were the speakers at her baptism, it was so great the messages they shared. We also got to go around saturday and help people who had things break on their houses and what not, it was a great opportunity to go about doing good. There was not damage in our area, most of it is up north towards cadiz city, but the missionaries are all okay over there. That's actually where i came from in my last area. We also had Mission Leadership Council, and Elder Peralta and I gave a training on the converting power of the Book of Mormon. I wish you could have attended family, because that training was not from Elder Peralta and I, I know it was from God. Even I myself was amazed at the things Heavenly Father revealed to us when we were spending the time studying, preparing and praying. I actually had a different message prepared to share with you all, but I'LL SHARE THE ONE ABOUT THE CONVERTING POWER OF THE BOOK OF MORMON INSTEAD.

You know, we know a lot of things as human beings. We know the sky is blue, we know macaroni and cheese tastes good, we know concrete is hard, we know flowers smell good, etc. But how did we come to know these things? Of course the answer is, through our senses. We saw the sky, we tasted the macaroni, we touched the concrete, we smelled the flowers, etc. But how did we come to know the Book of Mormon was true?... Through the power of the Holy Ghost. As members of this church, we are blessed with the opportunity to have the 6th sense, the right to have the Holy Ghost with us as long as we are worthy. Through that sense, we can come to know the truth of all things (Mor. 10:5). This is step 1 in coming to know the converting power of the Book of Mormon, we need to read, ponder, and pray to know through the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true.

And when we come to know that Book is true, what is it really that we're coming to know? Is is just the fact that the book is true? That Joseph Smith is a true prophet? That this church is true? The answer is yes, of course, to all those, but the main thing that we're coming to know is, that He lives. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and He lives and guides His church in these latter days through a living prophet. That's why step 2 is, coming to know Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon. So many times i saw myself focusing on Joseph Smith when i taught the Book of Mormon to others, focusing on them coming to know that He was a prophet. But i forgot, and the Lord reminded me again, that the Book of Mormon is centered on the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and one will come to know Him and His teachings by reading pondering and praying about that Book. It truly is another testament of Jesus Christ.

And as we come to know Jesus Christ, we literally draw nearer to God. As we begin to understand and live the principles inside that Book, we will begin to draw near to Him and literally become like Him. Think about Lehi's dream, there was no one who made it to the tree of life, except they grabbed onto and clung to the rod of iron. As Elder Peralta and I gave this training, i just bore my testimony to my fellow servants, and told them, 'Elders and Sisters, I know, that Jesus Christ lives. And I came to know that, through the Book of Mormon. I testify that this Book is true, and through it, the Lord changed me.' Family i bear my testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. It is literal evidence that Jesus Christ lives, and that God is our loving Heavenly Father. The Lord really did change my through that Book, and continues to change me even until this very moment. Everywhere Elder Peralta and I go, we have a Book of Mormon in our hands, testifying that Jesus Christ lives. WE NEED TO COME TO LOVE THIS BOOK! MAKE IT OUR BEST FRIEND! BECAUSE IF WE DO, WE WILL MAKE IT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, AND PARTAKE OF THE FRUIT OF ETERNAL LIFE, GOD'S GREATEST GIFT. I love you so much family, i will never forget seeing that picture of all of you at the temple together, that is forever engraved in my mind and heart.

Elder Doane

October 27, 2013

Family,

Thank you so much for your emails to me! I was just full of laughter, joy, and really felt the Spirit with the things you shared to me so thank you so much. Yes i can't believe Drake's 18 now, thats so great. Tell all the family i said hello when you all get together! Mom thank you so much for sharing that story about the bolonias and tans in primary, it really brought me to tears! I hope those children were touched by the Spirit you brought to them mom, i'm sure you're doing such a great job fulfilling the call the Lord's given you. Dave sounds like he's doing great too! It's so good to hear from him. A lot of the youth here are really short, well most Filipinos are short, but i was comparing some of their heights and i thought, Demi is probably so tall now! Whenever i see a 5'2'' girl i think she's way tall now, then i get around some of the sister missionaries and they're like 5'10'' and i'm like scared of them! I guess i'm becoming Filipino. Yes dad the preparations are great! Elder Andersen will be getting here saturday, we have a meeting with President friday at the talisay chapel, the biggest chapel in Negros Occidental. The other mission presidents will be coming here as well, so it will be a great opportunity to learn from the Lords servant. I'm really trying to prepare myself for this great event to make it one that will influence me for the rest of  my life. That's funny they have me on that list for football, did i tell you about the brother at the MTC that tried to recruit me? Haha, i don't know. We'll see, i just know my priorities when i get home and plan to fulfill those before anything else. I think i weigh around 260 still, not much change! The members here give us food all the time! They're so nice and giving. Especially the really old relief society sisters, they're so awesome!

This last week was one that changed my mission a lot. Sister Rose (13) and Jenny Cordero (18) were baptized on saturday, their testimonies are so strong of the restored Gospel. They both shared in their testimony of how the Gospel showed them how to really repent for their sins, and also how much they love the Book of Mormon. We really know they are converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because they have already brought 2 friends into the church with them as well. Erric Cayao also was baptized on saturday, he's 19 years old. I really saw the power of the Atonement take place in him. He has changed his life completely. He's shared his life story with us countless of times, and has told us how much Jesus Christ has impacted his life to where he has been born again through Him. On sunday after their confirmation, brother Eric suited up in a white shirt and tie and Sister Jenny as well in her sundays best and they came and worked with us for a few hours visiting other investigators. They shared their testimony of how the Gospel has changed their life and showed them the true way to happiness, there was so much power in the things they shared. They are planning as well to come with us in the coming weeks to work as well, it's so great!

Also i really learned this week about being realistic. Can i just say, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we don't do realistic things (according to the world's perspective). It's not realistic for a God to descend below all men, taking upon Himself the transgressions, pains, and sicknesses of all mankind just so that they might return to their Father in Heaven. It's not realistic to send a 19 year old young woman or 18 year old young man out on the other side of the world to teach kings, lawyers, and rich noble people about God. It's not realistic that a 14 year old boy, could see God and His son Jesus Christ. But in this church, we make all things realistic, through His everlasting Atonement. Through the enabling power of the Atonement, we are literally enabled to do whatsoever thing is expedient in Him. No matter how weak we may be, as long as we are humble, He will enable us to do anything. When i got to my 3rd area in Caduhaan, i didn't think it was realistic to have baptisms there because of the history of that area. But i exercised my faith in Him, and those 8 baptisms came in those 2 months. I didn't think it was realistic to baptize 11 people in one month, but through the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we did it. I realized this throughout my entire reading in the Book of Mormon, mostly everything that goes on in that Book is unrealistic, according to the world. But the Savior will enable us to do those unrealistic things, in order to glorify the Father's name on high. I know, that He lives. He strengthens, guides, and teaches me every day how to become more like Him. I know i'm not perfect and have so many weaknesses, but I know family, that we can do anything through His Atonement. He will literally give us that power (Moroni 7:33). I'm going to forward you a talk that i've read and studied and that has blessed my life to know and understand the Atonement more, and i encourage you with all my heart to read and apply it to your life, and you will feel His love more abundantly in your life! I love you all family!

Elder Doane

October 20,2013

Hello family!

Thank you for all your emails this last week, those we so uplifting to me. Especially to you mom with sending me your impressions from general conference, i really appreciate that. And Dave sounds like he's doing great! And Demi. Happy birthday to drake! I hope he likes the picture Elder Peralta and I took this morning, i can't believe you're 18 now buddy! Sorry this email will be a bit shorter because we gotta make calls and what not for transfers this week.

I just wanted to let you all know, there's no such thing as a missionary leadership ladder in the mission. It doesn't matter where i serve, it only matters how. After where i have been assigned now, i may go be a junior, or a district leader, or anywhere. That's something we're really trying to establish, and a false tradition we're trying to blot out here in the field of missionary work. I know my calling as a full time representative of this Restored Gospel, and that's what i'll do till the day I'm released. Here as an assistant, we are full time proselyting missionaries! It's such a blessing, we're out on the streets talking, teaching, and baptizing! President Lopez told us this is one of the first missions to start this new concept for the assistants, to get out of the office and hit the streets! It's a blessing, because we're able to live what we teach in training. Sometimes we have special assignments we take care of, like making phone calls for transfers, but President told us he never wants to see us in the office. Isn't that great? Keeps us focused!

Last week Elder Brent Nielson of the seventy came and visited our mission. It was such a blessed and sacred opportunity to listen to him, and to listen to the Spirit for what the Lord wanted to reveal to me. of all the things i could share to you, i just want to share you a short experience. 4 months ago when i was preparing myself for one of our zone conferences, i had the question, 'how can i improve my personal study every day?' and i was seeking for more counsel on how i can do that. After the 2 days of the mission tour, Elder Nielson got all the mission leaders together, and just started teaching out of nowhere how he does his personal study every day. Studying by topic, by gospel principle, and preparing as if he were going to give a lesson on it, digging into the scriptures and expounding on each one of them. He also talked about setting goals and making plans to what we're studying. As he was teaching, i reviewed my notes again 4 months ago, and saw that question i had prepared, and knew that this was the Lord answering my question i asked Him 4 months ago. I shared to him after, "ELder Nielson, what i learned from this zone conference is that God is my loving Heavenly Father. He loves me so much, that He answered my question that i asked Him 4 months ago, and didn't forget about that, and He used you as His instrument, so thank you." Then he replied, "Well, i wasn't planning on teaching that before we met Elder." I know God answers prayers. Whether now, later, or 4 months from now He will answer us, in ways we don't expect. Every time we pray we just need to stand up with full faith in Him that the answer will come while we are 'on the run' and going about His work. I love you family, and thank you for your support in this great work! Always remember our baptismal covenants, and our great role in hastening the work of salvation (Mosiah 18).

Elder Doane

October 13, 2013 in Bacolod

Family, thank you so much for all your emails. It really makes me happy to know that you're all doing so well and my prayers are being answered from my Heavenly Father. Dad hope you got the email about the shirts, just go 18 on all to be safe. And any color of ties, doesn't matter, my ties right now are just getting old and thrashed up. Thanks so much! I got new pants, and got my shoes put in today so i really appreciate it. I'm so glad you all got to watch conference, I'm so excited for next week. As you know we get it a week late here in the Philippines, so this weekend is the big day! I'm so excited to receive revelation, especially for what more i can do to improve myself as His servant.

This last week just blazed by, Elder Peralta and I gave trainings in our mission leadership council with the zone leaders, and the Sister training leaders. It's such a blessing, all these missionaries really know and understand their purpose, and it's such an uplifting experience to stand up in front of them and share things the Spirit has taught me. We trained on harnessing the power of the members, as we all know that's the only way to hasten the work of salvation. It was very great and edifying. We really gotta help the missionaries out as members with preparing our friends and loved ones to hear the Gospel, through small and simple things are great things brought to pass!

I gotta keep this one short because we have some work to do, but I just wanted to share my testimony of the sacrament. Last week was just another killer one, I felt how weak I am as a person, and how much i really need to rely on the merits, mercy, and grace of the Lord. Countless times i found myself on my knees pleading for forgiveness for the things that i do and don't do that hinder the Lord's work. Then came sunday, and we were waiting for the sacrament. When i lifted my head up from the prayer, and saw the priesthood holder approaching me with the bread, i felt my soul hunger. Like Enos, I literally felt a scream inside me that needed to be filled. I remembered all the mistakes i had done, and the things that i needed to improve on and do more.. i felt like i was going to jump i was so excited and anxious to take those sacred emblems. Then when i partook of the bread, and water, i really did feel those holes inside of me be filled through the Holy Spirit of Promise. It was the most wonderful and uplifting experience i've had at a sacrament meeting, and it increased my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the Restoration of His Gospel. I know that authority was restored through a living prophet, and because of the eternal sacrifice of the Atonement, i have a chance to renew my covenants with Him every week. How wonderful. I know if we prepare ourselves and keep ourselves worthy to partake of the sacrament every week, we can progress as we let the Atonement work with us. This church is true. We will continue to progress as people as we follow Jesus Christ and His teachings. I love you family, keep enduring till you reach the tree of life, then share that wonderful fruit!

Elder Doane

October 6, 2013 in Bacolod

Family, thank you so much for all your emails. It really makes me happy to know that you're all doing so well and my prayers are being answered from my Heavenly Father. Dad hope you got the email about the shirts, just go 18 on all to be safe. And any color of ties, doesn't matter, my ties right now are just getting old and thrashed up. Thanks so much! I got new pants, and got my shoes put in today so i really appreciate it. I'm so glad you all got to watch conference, I'm so excited for next week. As you know we get it a week late here in the Philippines, so this weekend is the big day! I'm so excited to receive revelation, especially for what more i can do to improve myself as His servant.

This last week just blazed by, Elder Peralta and I gave trainings in our mission leadership council with the zone leaders, and the Sister training leaders. It's such a blessing, all these missionaries really know and understand their purpose, and it's such an uplifting experience to stand up in front of them and share things the Spirit has taught me. We trained on harnessing the power of the members, as we all know that's the only way to hasten the work of salvation. It was very great and edifying. We really gotta help the missionaries out as members with preparing our friends and loved ones to hear the Gospel, through small and simple things are great things brought to pass!

I gotta keep this one short because we have some work to do, but I just wanted to share my testimony of the sacrament. Last week was just another killer one, I felt how weak I am as a person, and how much i really need to rely on the merits, mercy, and grace of the Lord. Countless times i found myself on my knees pleading for forgiveness for the things that i do and don't do that hinder the Lord's work. Then came sunday, and we were waiting for the sacrament. When i lifted my head up from the prayer, and saw the priesthood holder approaching me with the bread, i felt my soul hunger. Like Enos, I literally felt a scream inside me that needed to be filled. I remembered all the mistakes i had done, and the things that i needed to improve on and do more.. i felt like i was going to jump i was so excited and anxious to take those sacred emblems. Then when i partook of the bread, and water, i really did feel those holes inside of me be filled through the Holy Spirit of Promise. It was the most wonderful and uplifting experience i've had at a sacrament meeting, and it increased my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the Restoration of His Gospel. I know that authority was restored through a living prophet, and because of the eternal sacrifice of the Atonement, i have a chance to renew my covenants with Him every week. How wonderful. I know if we prepare ourselves and keep ourselves worthy to partake of the sacrament every week, we can progress as we let the Atonement work with us. This church is true. We will continue to progress as people as we follow Jesus Christ and His teachings. I love you family, keep enduring till you reach the tree of life, then share that wonderful fruit!

Elder Doane

September 29,2013

MOTHER!

I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday! I know it's not till the 24th, but i just wanted to let you know i didn't forget! It's funny because my companions moms birthday is the 22nd! Isn't that weird? 

Mom i just want to let you know how grateful I am for the choices you have made in your life to bring you where you are now. Especially the choice you made when the missionaries invited you to be baptized. I bet you didn't know how big of an influence it would have, but i can say that it has influenced every life i've came in contact with here on the mission. You are always there for me when i need someone to talk to, and i will always appreciate that mah. Even if it was late at night, or you were super tired, you always took the time just to sit down and listen to me. That's something i've learned and am applying to all these investigators we are teaching, just listening to them, what's important to them, and connecting the Gospel to their lives. Thank you so much mom for showing me how to trust in the Lord, and follow His example through loving others. When i get home, i will not be the same person before i left!

I love you meem! Happy birthday liwat!

Elder Doane

September 23, 2013

Hello Family! Thank you so much for all of your emails. I was so uplifted by the things you shared with me, especially the pictures and drake's email. Happy anniversary mom and dad! And hopefully mom you got my birthday email? Happy birthday just incase! The shirts, ties, and socks, should be just fine for that box, Could you send 2 long sleeves? Mine is getting old. Size 18 neck would be good, just to be safe. If its too big ill get it fixed.

This last week was so great. We had zone conference, with about 200 other missionaries! Elder Peralta and I got to attend both sessions, and got to give trainings in each as well. I just love being up in the front of so many people sharing my testimony, i really hope i can get into CES when i get back. That's my dream job now, to become an institute teacher. If not, maybe to get into elementary school teaching or something, i just love teaching! We'll see what i have in store for the future.

This last week i really learned as well about my need as a missionary to repent. Whenever Elder Peralta and I work, we make mistakes. Just like all of us do. But lately, i've really been noticing those little mistakes i've been making, and sincerely repenting for them. The Lord has really extended his hand to me through that repentance. He has 'enabled' me through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We think all the time about the redeeming power of the Atonement, but we don't always think about the enabling power. Elder David A. Bednar explains it so great is his talk, "The Atonement and the Journey of Life" that our mission has been studying. It's really beginning to change me as a missionary! And to not pray that my circumstances will be changed, but that i will be strengthened to change my circumstances. I really encourage you to read it, and live it. It has a quote in there from President McKay, "The Gospel is to make bad men good, and good men better." It's not only to make bad good, but it's to strengthen all of us and make us better people! I've really felt the powers of the Atonement are being unlocked upon this work because of my living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's all so true. The Vision of weekly baptism, Preach My Gospel Scholar, and exact obedience is real! We're living it! I love you family!

Elder Doane