It has been a good week here in the Philippines!!!
So we had the legendary visit from Elder Cook this past week, and his testimony is undeniable and a burning pillar, shining for all the world to see. He taught us a little about our urgency and the very short time we have to be out here serving full time. He also counseled us to make Joseph Smith's First Vision the centerpiece of the Restoration. There were two missions at the conference: Antipolo and Quezon City. Quezon City was the parent mission of Antipolo and the mission I started in, so there were some wonderful reunions with people that stayed in the Quezon City mission.
This week we also had Sister Adorna Saludaga come to church!!!!! She is literally one of the most receptive people to the Gospel that I've ever met. We have seen her knowledge grow so much about our Savior and the Gospel. POWER.
Another mentionable thing was this past Friday, we did something that I never thought we would in this companionship: we ran. We got up at 5am and headed to the mountain. There's a steep road that leads to the boundary of our area. It's a slow start, we start off nice and easy. Elder Meredith and I are doing good, but as the run goes on, Elder Meredith's countenance changes from someone who is enduring something they don't want to do to someone that looks like they want to kill me hahaha. Yeah, he wasn't a happy camper, but it was a good experience. We got a good workout and it was nice to feel the soreness, especially the next day. Just like old times.
I had a good time studying Lehi's vision this past week for the come follow
me. My understanding and appreciation for it has grown greatly as I have taken the time to slow down and really get into it. One thing that I really loved in the dream was when Lehi partakes of the fruit, and is filled with exceedingly great joy (1 Nephi 8:10-12). In 1 Nephi 11:21-23 we get the explanation that the tree and the fruit represent the Love of God, which is most desirable above all other things and most joyous to the soul. I know that the Love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is infinite, and it extends to the ends of eternity. We cannot comprehend it, but we can partake of it, through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. That is the way to partake of the fruit, by following the Gospel path. We will feel the joy that Lehi has spoken of, which was proclaimed by the mouth of an angel as "most joyous to the soul". May we all stay on the path, and help others along the way. I know we can do it. No matter how many times we may have to recommit ourselves, or make our way back to the path, the Atonement and loving arms of Jesus Christ are always there to pick us up and bring us back. I know that is true.
Thank you all for your support and prayers! Until next week!
Elder Banister
From the Left: Mayet, me, Daniel, Shemmpai, Choy, Adorna Saludaga, Lilay
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