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Maayong hapon sa inyo tanan!
This week was pretty crazy, it involved a lot of traveling, not too much work, and also I turned 21! This past week we had MLC (Missionary Leadership Council) so Sister Gonzales and I traveled to [the city] on my birthday. Even though I wasn't able to work or teach on my birthday, I had a good time because I spent it on mission and with my beloved missionaries. It was probably my best birthday yet! Because when I woke up Sister Gonzales, Sister Obina, and Sister Johnson really surprised me! As I walked downstairs, our apartment was decorated with balloons, there were notes from some friends and members on my desk and the Sisters had bought me cheesecake which had 21 candles (that were hard to blow) on top! It was so heart-warming to me as they sang Happy Birthday to me! It was so thoughtful and I was just so grateful to them and how they went out of their way to do this for me!
On Wednesday we had such an inspiring MLC. I'm so blessed to have the assignment in which I take care of, support, and love my sisters in my zone. I love all the sisters in my zone, they all are really striving their best to be obedient and they are all so diligent! So in terms of our work, we weren't able to work too much this past week and it was really difficult for Sister Gonzales and I but the times that we did work it was just amazing! Also this past Sunday we fasted and every month when we fast it always brings miracles. I always feel the Spirit so strongly whenever I fast. I know if we sincerely fast, we can receive answers and blessings to things we ask for!
Lately it's been hard because we don't have too many steady people that we've been teaching. People aren't really keeping commitments and it's been a struggle pero with the short time that we've had to work this past week we did some finding and it felt so good to find some people that can really progress and come closer to Jesus Christ. I know this work isn't easy and it isn't meant to be, because it wasn't easy for Him, but it is an eternal blessing!
And I am grateful for the experiences in my life that has led me up to this point in my life where I'm able to serve a mission on my birthday! And I'd just like to finish off with this verse:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
[Sis. Johnson made me a birthday balloon hat!]
[Birthday cake and birthday breakfast!]
[Woo! First time we've both had tortillas on our mission!]
[So sweet! Thank you to my friends and members 😊]
[Ate out for my birthday!]
On Wednesday we had such an inspiring MLC. I'm so blessed to have the assignment in which I take care of, support, and love my sisters in my zone. I love all the sisters in my zone, they all are really striving their best to be obedient and they are all so diligent! So in terms of our work, we weren't able to work too much this past week and it was really difficult for Sister Gonzales and I but the times that we did work it was just amazing! Also this past Sunday we fasted and every month when we fast it always brings miracles. I always feel the Spirit so strongly whenever I fast. I know if we sincerely fast, we can receive answers and blessings to things we ask for!
[MLC! Oops, I blinked]
[On the way to MLC with the other SLCs!]
Lately it's been hard because we don't have too many steady people that we've been teaching. People aren't really keeping commitments and it's been a struggle pero with the short time that we've had to work this past week we did some finding and it felt so good to find some people that can really progress and come closer to Jesus Christ. I know this work isn't easy and it isn't meant to be, because it wasn't easy for Him, but it is an eternal blessing!
[All 3 of us had birthdays in the same week!]
[The Zone Leaders put 21 toothpicks that have Anna and Elsa on 21 pieces of fruit.
Such a random but thoughtful present!
It was so funny!]
[Object lesson for district council!]
And I am grateful for the experiences in my life that has led me up to this point in my life where I'm able to serve a mission on my birthday! And I'd just like to finish off with this verse:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
Christ leads us to salvation! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Halong kamo pirme,
Sister Ventura
Philippines Iloilo Mission (Jan 2018 - July 2019)
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Send an e-mail:
elza.ventura@missionary.org
Written letters and packages:
Sister Elza Ventura
Philippines Iloilo Mission
Osmeña Street,
Arevalo, Iloilo City,
5000 Iloilo
Philippines
*Some names have been changed or omitted to protect the privacy of individuals.