Elder Jacob Crandall
Philippines Cebu Mission
Returns 1-2016
Preaching Fourth caught Elder Jacob at a busy time
and he promised an article next month.
Elder Kent Templin
Japan Tokyo Mission
Returns 5-2016
Elder
Kent Templin had a surprise opportunity to visit with his father’s mission
president, Satoshi Nishihara, and his wife. For Elder Templin, it felt strange
to hear stories about Elder Templin—same name, different missionaries.
Different eras. After serving as a mission president, Brother Nishihara went on
to become an area seventy. Kent visited him with another missionary from Plano, Elder William Allred. Small world. Kent thought he would never want to learn a third language, but now he has a wonderful companion from Brazil, and Kent is enjoying learning Portuguese. Never Say Never!
Hermana Emily Santiago
Spain Madrid Mission
Returns 3-2016
We
had our training from two general authorities on how to incorporate
IPADS into the missionary work, and how to safeguard ourselves from
distractions that they may bring.
Two highlights focused on
obedience and faith that go hand-in-hand. First, We were taught that acts of
disobedience to the commandments of God are always a direct result of a lack of
faith. When our faith is strong, we want to obey God. If we are being
disobedient, we must strengthen our faith. To strengthen our faith, we pray, we
read the scriptures, we go to church, and then make the necessary changes.
These are two of the basic and constant principles we teach as
missionaries.
The second was the thoughts
shared on IPADs in missionary work. Many people have been concerned that they
will become a distraction or danger for missionaries. We were assured
that this was strictly not the case. The Prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve
have prayed and fasted much in order to make this decision, and have each
received confirmation from the Lord Jesus Christ. They received confirmation
that He trusts us and knows that our generation is ready and prepared for this.
It will it bring great success in proselyting, and will train each missionary
to properly use digital devices, so we do not ever fall back into traps that
technology unsupervised can bring. The Lord is giving us these devices in
preparation to be the parents necessary for the generation that is coming.
As
for the work in Los Cristianos, we are very busy. We are working hard all day
every day, and seeing many miracles and tender mercies, and for each miracle
and tender mercy we see, we are more motivated to continue forward. I am
reminded every day that this is the Lords work, and not mine. He loves each and
every one of his children. His work is a work full of miracles, happiness and
blessings unimaginable. I love the opportunity I have to be here. As an instrument in His
hands, He teaches me something new each day, and allows me to know Him better.
I feel His love for me and all those that I'm serving.
