Always On Fire!
As missionaries in the Philippines Naga Mission, we are always on Fire! We were told that by Elder Wakolo. I don't completely understand the context, because I was coming from an interview from President Lee, so I just walked in to everyone yelling, "Always on Fire!" It has something to do with a scripture verse in Jeremiah and how we are to have the scriptures burning in our marrow! It was inspirational nevertheless.
Sundays are one of the highlights of the week. Isaac called around 8:30pm our time last night and didn't get off til close to 10. He talked pretty much the whole time about Elder Wakolo and President Lee. He talked and talked and testified and talked some more about the Book of Mormon. For whatever reason, the Naga mission hasn't been using the Book of Mormon as a proselyting tool, so when Isaac served with Elder Lougee back in June/July, the two of them began really focusing on the Book of Mormon in all they do. They centered their work around it. Then, when Elder Lougee went home, Isaac and Elder Fa'aloto did the same. Isaac was seeing great success in using the Book of Mormon ... it is THE keystone of our religion!
When we arrived in Daet nearly five weeks ago, he was discouraged because the Book of Mormon didn't seem to be the focus and they had been having success in using it in Iriga, so this transfer has been rough.
But, then this week. Elder Wakolo from the Seventy and in the Philippines Area presidency did a mission tour and basically told the mission that if they are not using the Book of Mormon as THE tool for mission work, then it isn't mission work. Isaac was stoked. Isaac said Elder Wakolo wouldn't put his blue copy of the Book of Mormon down. Elder Wakolo ALWAYS carries one. Isaac said it was even better when he found out the Wakolos served as mission president in Little Rock. He said a lot of the missionaries who know Isaac is from Arkansas turned and looked at Isaac and smiled. Isaac said he was loving hearing about all these places in Arkansas as Elder Wakolo spoke.
He also loves President Lee. Feels like it's going to be a good change although losing President Kirk so quickly is still hard.
Transfers are October 1st and it can't come fast enough for Isaac. He's ready to get going. He truly is on fire. Seriously, Bekah and I hardly talked at all. Isaac just kept talking about the Book of Mormon and how much he loves it and how much he wants to share it with the people of Daet. He can't wait for transfers to really get going with the work.
I woke up this morning with a greater desire to study the Book of Mormon today. This boy is on fire.
Some photos that members shared online of Isaac:
This week was a spiritual high that just refused to stop! The highlight of the week was the mission tour with President Wakolo. He used to be a mission president in the Little Rock Arkansas Mission, and so I got a weird little taste from home. They talked about that place a lot. Almost more than I do! I filled a notebook with the wisdom of Elder Wakolo, so I won't be able to share it all here. He put so much emphasis on the Book of Mormon, first off its the greatest book ever written, and that we are to use it. He carries a Book of Mormon on him at all times, which was super cool to see. And of course he taught about how to study it, apply it and learn it. To first be converted. To first be a learner, before ever thinking about being a teacher. It was cool, to say the least. Elder Wakolo is an amazing guy.
We also met President Lee, who lived in the Philippines as a youth, but has lived most of his life in America. That was a super cool thing to see. He gets both sides of the picture, which we need because a lot of the times it appears to be Filipinos vs Americans. But President Lee understands both of them, and is a weird cool mix of the two. I had a short but thoughtful interview with him. I am excited. I'm actually excited about a lot of changes in the next couple of weeks.
Work wise was just work. Not a super productive week, for "reasons". We did get a PBD though. Bro. Harris accepted the invitation to be baptized! It's been a cool journey to see. And it all started with, "What is this Book?" So that was really exciting to see. I testify of the power of that book. It was an okay week to see the least, I've seen many blessings, despite some obstacles. Grateful for President Wakalo, and excited for President Lee.
All is Well
Elder Bills
1. President Wakalo (I swear I'm smiling) 2. They thought this meant Pogi(handsome) 3. There is no three that's all I got, sorry.
Sundays are one of the highlights of the week. Isaac called around 8:30pm our time last night and didn't get off til close to 10. He talked pretty much the whole time about Elder Wakolo and President Lee. He talked and talked and testified and talked some more about the Book of Mormon. For whatever reason, the Naga mission hasn't been using the Book of Mormon as a proselyting tool, so when Isaac served with Elder Lougee back in June/July, the two of them began really focusing on the Book of Mormon in all they do. They centered their work around it. Then, when Elder Lougee went home, Isaac and Elder Fa'aloto did the same. Isaac was seeing great success in using the Book of Mormon ... it is THE keystone of our religion!
When we arrived in Daet nearly five weeks ago, he was discouraged because the Book of Mormon didn't seem to be the focus and they had been having success in using it in Iriga, so this transfer has been rough.
But, then this week. Elder Wakolo from the Seventy and in the Philippines Area presidency did a mission tour and basically told the mission that if they are not using the Book of Mormon as THE tool for mission work, then it isn't mission work. Isaac was stoked. Isaac said Elder Wakolo wouldn't put his blue copy of the Book of Mormon down. Elder Wakolo ALWAYS carries one. Isaac said it was even better when he found out the Wakolos served as mission president in Little Rock. He said a lot of the missionaries who know Isaac is from Arkansas turned and looked at Isaac and smiled. Isaac said he was loving hearing about all these places in Arkansas as Elder Wakolo spoke.
He also loves President Lee. Feels like it's going to be a good change although losing President Kirk so quickly is still hard.
Transfers are October 1st and it can't come fast enough for Isaac. He's ready to get going. He truly is on fire. Seriously, Bekah and I hardly talked at all. Isaac just kept talking about the Book of Mormon and how much he loves it and how much he wants to share it with the people of Daet. He can't wait for transfers to really get going with the work.
I woke up this morning with a greater desire to study the Book of Mormon today. This boy is on fire.
Some photos that members shared online of Isaac:
How did you not cry years of happiness after listening to him?! I cried reading this! I could feel his spark, his fire more so than any other times I've read this blog. Way to go Issac!
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