Santa Is Not The Only One Coming To Town!

One of the highlights of the week was one of our new investigators. Because we were so busy last month, we weren't really able to work in our area very much.  However, over the past few weeks we've built it up into something wonderful. We were introduced to a teenage girl named Sheila this last week who was brought to church by her neighbor. She's a genius. We went an taught her this last week and I felt like I was talking to someone my own age. Long story short, the lesson was great and she's going to be baptized. She came to church again yesterday and is loved by everyone. Sheila also became the new fellowshipper of one of our less actives that came to church for the first time yesterday. Sheila's not even a member yet and already understands a few principles of being an effective member missionary. 

Another cool experience from yesterday. In our international ward, there are people from all over the world. During sacrament meeting, a Chinese lady stands up to speak accompanied by her son. She explains at the beginning or her talk that she isn't too good at speaking English so she is going to give her talk in Chinese and have her son translate. Little did she know that that was an answer to our prayers. Sitting in the congregation was a Sister Montilla, our Chinese investigator. She was able to listen to a wonderful talk in her own language. It was quite amazing. Not only that, but it helped her see that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The two talked after sacrament and are pretty much going to be best friends for life. 

Speaking of the Mantilla family, we had some amazing lessons with them this last week. Over the past few weeks we have watched both Finding Faith in Christ and The Restoration in Chinese. That is something I never thought I would ever do. Sister Montilla is really starting to understand. Her faith is truly beginning to grow. She is embracing the gospel. She loves going to church. I just love that family so much. 

So we have a recent convert who is from the Middle East. He's awesome. It's been so fun getting to know him and we have great experiences while teaching him. This last week we made our way down to his apartment to share a message with him. Upon arriving, we noticed that there was a new face in the room. It was his friend, who was also from the Middle East. So yes, Elder Avila and I taught two men from the Middle East this last week in English. It was quite interesting. 

You'll never guess who's coming to the Philippines this week?

Elder Oaks of the quorum of the 12! He will be accompanied by Elder Robbins of the presidency of the seventy and Bishop Causes of the presiding bishopric. Unfortunately, we don't get to hear from them all, but Elder Robbins will be conducting a special missionary meeting that all of the missionaries from the Manila Mission will be attending! He will be accompanied by my boy Elder Ardern. I guess you could say I’m pretty excited.

A few hours before the meeting all the missionaries here on the mainland will be taking part in a Christmas choir practice. Over the next few months, the Manila mission will be touring Metro Manila.  We'll be singing a repertoire of Christmas songs in some of the major malls here. We will be singing about our Savior and filling Manila with the joyous news that our savior was born. Isn't that just great? We'll also be handing out DVDs to those who are interested. Music can reach people in ways nothing else can.