A Missionary's Work: The Last One

7/9/2018

Hey guys,

sorry I didn't write last week. We lost track of time and didn't get to email very long. Well things that happened of cool or significance this week starts with us having a BBQ (like a real American one, AWESOME!) on the 4th of July with all the other missionaries, next was getting the worst food poisoning ever the very next day (3am-11pm of just throwing up and more ughhh), then the best Sunday ever cause a recent convert of ours gave me a ukulele (yessss, I've wanted to get one for ever!!!). But if that's the shadow of this coming week its going to be the best week ever and I think it'll be an amazing week! 

So guys its kinda crazy I'm coming home next week, not really sure what to think I've been in the Philippines for 2 years its kinda like I really live here and is my 2nd home for sure. Anyways I just want to bare my testimony as my last email. 

Over these last 2 years of missionary work and service I have really come to know and love these Filipino people and others, myself, and God. I really know that He has a plan for all of us and a purpose for everything and situation. He has, like in times before Christ, given us Prophets and Apostles today and I know God do not change in this concept. He gives us modern revelation and has given us the Bible and Book of Mormon so that we can all have 2 witnesses that Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and that He loves us very much. I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have read it and asked of God if it was and is true... and it is. He gives us trials and hardships so that we can learn grow and change consistently and always so that we can be better and more Christ-like. Joseph Smith was His instrument in returning Christ's church to our dispensation. God gives everyone of His children on earth many opportunities to come unto Him in this life and the next. But I have really come to know that He's there and loves us. I see it every day as someone gains faith or help from Him in their lives. He's there and we can all know that if we seek Him through Prayer, reading the Scriptures, and go to His house (church). I love each and everyone of you guys. You are each children of God and He cares for you. I know these things to be true and you can too. And this is my testimony in Jesus name amen. 

Love you guys seeya in a week, ung huling ingat ko sa inyo lahat bago darating ako doon... Ingat!

-- 

Elder Peterson 

remember stay Pogi, smile on, and laugh a little!

A Missionary's Work: Grace and Second Chances

6/25/2018

Hey guys how's life goin'? It's going great here, sooo much fun! It's been fun to eat new foods and learn more and more about the culture here. It's great! 

Today my comp had to get a blood test done so afterwards we went to a Filipino fav. restaurant called mang inasal and we tried to teach the kinda new couple missionary to eat with her hands Filipino style but she couldn't do it haha. I've also been thinking about the future a lot lately like school and a future career and such. I've also been asking around about sports medicine information or dietitian info or PT info just to figure out my future courses. 

Anyway this week I listened to my fav. talk by Brad Wilcox called his grace is sufficient, and was really inspired about it. Even though I've heard that talk a 100 times I still pull different things out of it. This time was about 2nd chances. Grace is great we have the ability to repent and be forgiven but there is a bigger purpose than just a "sorry" and a "that's ok", it's meant for change. Because we're not perfect and we sin we can be forgiven and learn from that and grow for those sins or mistakes. Like with any sports, you only get better when you learn from your mistakes and change. It's the same. We can learn and change from our mistakes and become a better Us. In the process of change we need 2nd chances. Not one or two but unlimited. If we only have 1 or 2 chances to make mistakes and change in sports we'd never improve and be limited, in God's plan we need his grace to have those "unlimited" chances to continually improve and change. Because if you to meet God now, would you be happy with who you are now or would you want to change and be better? For me I want to be better before then so I'm full of grace. We have those unlimited chances so we can grow. I know God really loves us and He knows who we can become and wants us to get there and we can! Well I'll see you guys in a few Ingat palagi!!

-- 

Elder Peterson 

remember stay Pogi, smile on, and laugh a little!