The area we have to work in is absolutely crazy. We are in the
biggest city in the area and our area is centro - full of stores and
not full of people. All the missionaries know about this area
because there is never much progress, but Sister Pututau and I have
gotten down and dirty in the work. Working in the most
commercialized part of your third-world mission does come with
benefits...like McDonald's and meeting some really interesting
people.
The most interesting person we met this week was Jose/Pepito/Joe.
He goes by three names, so choose the one you like the most. We
are mostly all Americans here at the blog, so we will use "Joe." Joe
is a grandpa and is about 60 years old. He is rich and owns a
high-end souvenir shop. He is a genius and talked to us all about
how the local dialect has roots in Pacific Island nations. He knows
everything about the gospel, Joseph Smith, and our beliefs. He also
knows it is true. "Of course, Sisters, I didn't learn that it
was true. The Lord told me that it is true." Well, Joe, why
are you not baptized? Even though Joe has received a
spiritual witness of the truth of our message, he is stuck in his
old ways. He is a member of a church established here even before the
Catholic church because he believes that it is the most correct.
Too bad he does not yet understand that we do not have to settle
for the "most correct" because we can have access to the entire and complete truth. He is still suffering in a
personal apostasy, like the Great Apostasy, a period of time after
the death of Jesus Christ.
How do the Dark Ages (Great Apostasy) relate to Mormonism?
Joe knows the truth. He just doesn't know that he
has to make changes to his life to become even more enlightened by
the gospel. We will help him on his gospel journey.
Love you all!
P.S. The time is running out to send me fan mail! Just do it!
Sister
Leah Copeland
Philippines Laoag Mission
Brgy.
50 Buttong, Airport Avenue
Junction Tangid Road, Laoag City 2900
Ilocos
Norte, Philippines
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