Called to Serve: From Kiribati to Legazpi

 Kumusta,       Hi everyone!  Kumusta po sa inyo?  So this week was cool and fun to see how people here in Libon celebrate the Fiesta.  We could see how they really love their families in celebrating the Fiesta.  It really strengthens each individual and family.        We have been working the same as last week inside our apartment calling our friends.  It is so interesting how they can adjust in this pandemic Covid-19.  On Sunday, we were invited by our landlord to have a lunch with them celebrating the Fiesta.  I know it's more different than their past Fiesta experience before lockdown but it's so cool seeing their humility and patience at this time.  In the morning, we had a very delicious fried red fish (ika ni bong) that is what we call it in Kiribati.   We were so happy that we could share a simple message from our hymn book entitled, "I Need Thee Every Hour" on page 98.  They said that it really made their Fiesta.         We received a call from our zone leade

 Kumusta,        Hello everyone!  I am so happy to share some of my highlights this week.  So let's go!!  We had a cleaning up in front of the meeting house.  I can say that is was successful.  The yard trees are much more beautiful then before and the decorative plants were beautiful.  So I thought I was going to die because we didn't know that the plant leaves make us itchy and so we all got very itchy.        We got some people to teach and my companion and I plan to have 5 new referrals.  As we were teaching, we sang a song and then we asked if they have any friends there.  We were so happy that we got to teach some.        I just wanted to share some of my readings from this week.  A quick thought that I have shared before but can be super helpful in times especially like today.  It's in 3 Nephi 19:  25 & 30: "(25) And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto Him; and his countenance did SMILE upon them, and the light of his countenance di

 Kumusta,       Hello Everyone!  The work is good and we are so happy that we could find people to teach through the calling digital cellphone and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The week was busier than last week.  I just wanted to share my testimony that The Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith is a prophet that restored the gospel through the power of the Holy Ghost.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's kingdom on Earth.  Just keep pressing forward and if you want to know more about this church you can ask for a copy of the Book of Mormon from the missionaries.  They are 2 young men or 2 young ladies who are always ready to help you.  I love you everyone and keep doing what is right by following God's commandments and help each other by lifting each other up. Elder Bateiti

 Kumusta,       The work is solid but I am so grateful that we were able to teach 2-3 people this week.  We didn't get any new people to teach this week.  The other contacts are our friends and members.  I just wanted to share my testimony that God really loves us and understands each one of us.  He wants us to learn and to be happy in this life that's why He sent His son to die for our sins.  If we focus our life on Jesus Christ, we will be happy and find peace in Him but only if we keep His commandments and follow His ways.        I would like to share one of my favorite texts found in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".  I love you everyone and I hope that you are doing good.  See you next Monday. Elder Bateiti