Week 38

Hello from the Philippines
     It's been a pretty good week. So in the district we got two new sisters and now 5 of us are from the US and one of the sisters is from Canada. We'll see what happens to my Tagalog this transfer.
     I've been trying to talk to more people this past week, since that's one of the things we report now. For anyone who knows me, I'm sure you can testify to the fact that I'm not much of a talker. But I've been trying to get better, spreading the gospel to more people than before. 
     I got a question from my aunt Kerri, whom I love and miss a lot, asking if there was any special experiences that I've had so far. Well one of them has to do with talking to people, actually. I'll tell the story about the Guanlao family.
     Here we are, walking down the street. This is Elder Freeman and I at the time. So we're walking, just a couple of Joe's out and about. We pass this door that's open and a few paces after we hear a sister trying to speak English to us.This is one thing that is always funny, because we always go and start speaking Tagalog to them. This, we later found out, was Anne. We asked if we could come back, and she said the next day we could. Next thing you know, we baptized her mom and two of her siblings. Now we're still teaching her and she also wants to be baptized. I'm just amazed the series of events that led to their baptism. There were even times where I wanted to drop them, but I'm glad I didn't because they're one of the coolest families I've ever met. It just reminds me of a scripture 3 Nephi 18:32, with the principle taught by the savior in that verse. I won't put it on, but you should all read it.
     Anyways, I hope you're all doing good wherever you are. Just a shout out to all you who saw that big paragraph and that there weren't any pictures then moved on, your loss on a great scripture haha. next week ulit

Elder Banister 

Week 37

Hello from the Philippines!!!
     So it's transfer week already, but Elder Kaufusi and I are still both here in Teresa, so no changes there. The week has been pretty good though. I'm glad I get to stay here for another transfer. 
     When I say the week was good, I mean that in the sense that every week is good because I'm out here serving the Lord. There were some parts that were better than others though. First some back story.....
   So here in Teresa we used to have a special sacrament service for an area here that's pretty far. Then there were some changes that the ward wanted to make and that was discontinued. Now, for all the members up there, there's a service van that our stake president lets the ward use to go get the members so they can also receive the experiences and blessings of regular church attendance. Plus we can get anyone we're teaching to come with also. Well this has been going on for the past 3ish weeks and of course there were some kinks to straighten out and problems that had to be solved. This past week though everything on our part seemed to be going smooth and we did all we could to provide a way. And you know what happens? Well I'll tell you in a line from a song, just imagine me singing it.... "When you try your best and you don't succeeeeeeeeeed......." yeah, that about sums it up. Basically we went there to pick up the people that should be waiting there and there was only 2 people. And they were the primary kids. They're the rock stars of the group, let me tell you. So I guess the lesson here is that people will always have their agency, and that in the end it's a classic 2 Nephi 2:27 situation. The cherry on top though is that the van started having problems on the way to the church, so we ended up sending the family of brother Abiog (ward mission leader) and the other members we got on a tricycle. Then we spent a couple hours with brother Abiog and the van, limping our way to the church. Turns out that even though we added gas, there wasn't enough in the tank for it to get sucked into the engine, so at least it was an easy fix. 
     But even after all this, I just want to testify of the Tender Mercies of the Lord; I got some packages right after all this that Elder and Sister Bills brought from the office. They were filled with a little bit of heaven that my family sent for my birthday. They couldn't have arrived at a better time.
     I know that it's easy to get down when things don't go how they're planned or how we think they should. Trust me, I know. But I also know that God has a perfect plan for us. He provided a way for us to return to him. I know as we submit to the will of the father that we will never be led astray. We will become who He intended us to be.
     Anyways, I hope everyone is doing good wherever they are right now. Stay faithful and don't forget what's important.

   Elder Banister

   And here's a little something for the good old scrollers

Week 36

Hello from the Philippines!!!
     It's been a good week, I can't believe it's already Monday again. It started off with our first interviews with President Alder where he looked into my soul. It was pretty good, and I learned a lot of things that I can do better and improve. Not like I was chastised or anything, just really his presence made me want to be better. So that set off the week good. 
     We have some serious potential that we're teaching here in Teresa, and I'm hoping I get to stay here for another transfer and keep teaching and inviting here. 
     Something funny that happened this week was while we were on the way to an appointment. So there was this group of teenagers just kinda chilling there smoking and stuff, just your normal stupid teenager behavior. And something about being in a group with your buddies just really makes you dumb. So here we are, walking down, pretty tired from the day, and these guys start saying stuff to us. Not  anything bad, just trying to look cool in front of their friends, speaking in broken English. So with the was Elder Kaufusi and I are, we stop and start talking to them in English of course. Just something we like to do. It gives us a laugh and it humbles some heads, a win win situation.
     Another time we were walking and this little 2 foot tall 3 year old randomly says "Baklat ka" which means "you're gay", and I was like "What?!" and  he just kept saying it then switched to "Pangit ka" which means "you're ugly". Good thing he was just a kid or I might have roasted him.
     I also found the biggest spider so far in my time here and we sent it away in a glorious ball of fire and a loud bang. 
     That was basically the week as I can remember it. The time is starting to fly by and it's stressful, but I know that just means that I'm really getting into the work.
     I also heard my uncle got in a little bit of an accident and I'm glad he'll be okay. All I can say is he should watch some safety videos hahaha. (Please don't get offended, it just means I love you.)
     Anyways, thank you all for the love and support. Here's some pictures that hopefully make up for the quality of the email!

Week 35

Well here we are again, another week down and 3 MORE PEOPLE IN THE GATE!!! Arlene, Colleen, and Dhan Guanlao were baptized and confirmed this past week. Elder Freeman and I found them last transfer and it was kind of up and down at times, but I'm glad we stuck with them, because they were willing to repent and enter the waters of baptism. I made mashed potatoes this week, like a huge pot. #IDAHOELDER. Something I studied though was in Acts with the conversion of Saul, who was later called Paul. It is a comfort to know that even in the times of the early day saints, there were still people that didn't accept the gospel, or even believe in Jesus Christ. As a missionary, and as a member in general, it's not our responsibility to force people to believe, because that'll never work. Our responsibility is to share and to invite others to come to Christ, being an example to others and lifting where we stand. We shouldn't get discouraged or give up, because that's what the adversary wants. We have to keep going and growing along the way, no matter the challenges that come. And when we fall, there's always someone there to help us up and dress our wounds; The Savior. Anyways, hope everyone has had a good week, Thank you all for the love and support!
                  
               p.s. I forgot my card reader, so no pictures this week for all you "scRoLl tO ThE botToM foR tHe PicTurEs" people

   With love, Elder Banister

Week 34

Hello from the Philippines
     A lot happened this week, let's give a recap

   Elder Kaufusi had his birthday, the sisters surprised him with some gifts because they're so awesome and we had one of the best meals so far in the mission, marinated chicken and real MASHED POTATOES
   We did some service planting corn as a district
   We had a ministering activity with the ward and I think it was pretty successful
   We went on a bike ride this morning and a lot of things broke, even my handlebars, so that was fun
     That was about it I guess, not too much. But I got some good pictures, so that's a plus. Something that really helped me this week was actually this thing called companionship inventory. It's basically where you help you companion to grow and improve. We actually call it a "Do Batter, Be Better" moment now, from President Russell M. Nelsons talk in this past Priesthood session (Elder Kaufusi's idea). But usually it's not that productive, just kind of passed over. This past time though, I don't know why, but it seemed like some spiritual bricks fell on me, bricks to use and strengthen some things. But yeah, even without someone actually there saying things out loud, there's always a companion that can help strengthen you; the Holy Ghost. Even a personal inventory with real intent to get better can be strengthening. I think as we do this, we will really press down on the accelerator on our journey to reach our potential. And that's the week. Thank you all for your love and support! Here's some pics to make up for the weeks I didn't send any.
Elder Banister

Week 33

It's been a good week!

     So this past week we had three of the people we're teaching get interviewed to be baptized and everything went well, they're all well prepared. But yesterday, they didn't come to church because they didn't have any water, so they couldn't shower, and Elder Kaufusi and I were like "alright Satan, funny joke" and so now we're moving it to August 3. But they're still super excited and so are we. 

     We also did a little exploring past this mysterious hanging bridge for the first time, and it turns out there's more than just three houses over there. There's actually a ton of people up and throughout the mountain, and a main road heading down that actually pops out near the church. Talk about potential! I'm not even mad that we got soaked on the way back, it was worth it.

     Church was interesting yesterday. So there's six missionaries in our ward, the whole district. And some how, the discussion in Sunday school got wayyy off topic. First it kind of branched out into revelation, then it got turned into some examples of the new changes in the church, which is all good stuff. Then it got onto the topic of mission presidents "receiving revelation" for a time period that returning missionaries should get married within. That's when me and Elder Kaufusi looked at each other and were like, "huh, that's interesting, we were just reading this manual and it quoted from the actual Mission President Handbook saying mission presidents should 100% NOT do that" (we didn't say it all out loud, but that's what the look we gave each other said). So I was like "Elder, get up and say that," so he did and it was so funny because they were all like "ahhh, okay" and you could see the false doctrine and stupidity leave the room haha. Now that's the reaction you get from teaching correct principles with power and authority. 

     But anyways, I appreciate all the support from all you guys. It really means a lot and is another motivation to do my best. I hope everyone is doing good and staying true. Also sorry, no new pictures, I'll be better next week. Sorry to all the phonies that scroll to the bottom looking for pictures.

     Elder Banister

Week 32

Hello everyone

     It's been a pretty good and crazy week, there's a lot of things that happened this week. The main thing is I got my new companion, Elder Kaufusi. My mom wants 3 words to describe him, and I would have to say, beastly, strong, and biggerthanme. He's from Utah, but is full Tongan. It's gonna be a fun transfer, I'm excited. My ukulele skills have already gotten better since he's been here. 

     Yesterday we had a good time in church, especially in the special service in Ondoy. As we were finishing, a storm hit and turned the streets into muddy soup. It was actually kind of fun in the rain. I learned that water proof shoes are counter productive when they fill up with water dripping from your pants. 

     This week I really dove in to Alma chapter 32, you know, the one with the seed comparison. I've learned a lot more from it as I take the time to really study and ponder than I have any other time reading it. It's super helpful to slow down and really ponder things. That's one thing I struggle with, is I see all these things that I want to know and I don't know where to start. But just slowing down and really trying to understand even just one verse or chapter or principle at a time has really helped me. Plus the quality of the learning is wayyy better than just rushing through it all. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon kind of deal. 

     Anyways, hope everyone is good and doing what they're supposed to. Thank you all for the love and support!

Elder Banister

Week 31

Hello from the Philippines!

     It's transfer week already, the time is starting to fly. My companion Elder Freeman finished his mission and will be heading back to the states to do some "finding" at college. I'm glad to have served with him and learned from his example. I'm also excited about m new companion, Elder Kaufusi. I've met him and he's a beast, we're about to make the area explode. 

     This week has been pretty good though, I'm starting to feel the satisfaction of missionary work and it just makes me want to get out there and TEACH. We met President Alder and he is a great man. I know he has been called of God, and also that he knows how to WORK. It the meeting with our zone to meet him, we learned a lot about his family and he focused on Doctrine and Covenants 4. We actually were asked to recite it, and I felt very uncomfortable every time he would look in my direction and I was just moving my mouth mumbling inaudibly. You best believe I memorized it laater that day. He talked a lot about "sharpening out sickle" and it caused me to reflect on things I need to do better and change to be a sharper tool in the hands of the Lord. POWER!!!

     We're still working with the Guanlao family and the Canarias family. They're both super awesome and are going to be a great strength to the ward. The Canarias family has led to a whole pool of new people to teach and hopefully they all follow Christ into the waters of Baptism. 

     The 4th of July was well celebrated in our house though, I sang the National Anthem about 15 times and wore some patriotic colors. We also ate some burgers at this little restaurant and... really that was about it. Not even a single firework which was a sayang, but it'll just be all the better in 2021. 

     Anyways, it's been a huge support to have everyone back home for the support. Even from half way across the world, it's still a huge help. I know that that's the way it is meant to be, to learn and grow and be strengthened by one another in families. I'm so glad that I am sealed to my family with the assurance that whatever happens, as we stay faithful we will be together forever. That we all do our part and stay on the path is my hope and prayer always.

     Sorry no pictures this week. I'll make sure to get some next week for all the scammers that scroll to the bottom and check for pictures. Love and miss you all!

 

  Elder Banister