The Tenth Portion (ikasampung groupo)

The Tenth Portion (ikasampung groupo)

• How can you measure the impact of a person in your life?

• How could you measure the impact of a group of people in your life?

• How could you measure the impact of a group of young missionaries in your life?

These questions came to me as I thought about how to record my feelings regarding this group. Each Elder brought a significant contribution in dedication and personality. I was impacted as I watched them mature in the calling they hold. Many grew from the post high-school young men they were, remarkably, toward a resilient determination to be obedient to missionary expectations. They were immediately blessed by that single choice. Their language ability grew, and along with it came a greater enthusiasm for the work. They experienced unique opposition and struggle with it's attendant heart ache. They wept as they lost one of their fellow comrades the week before their departure to the islands. Each of them resolved to work and serve will all their souls until they shall meet again. Oh, how I look forward to that day.

The district with 9 lives (pang siyam group)

The District with Nine Lives

Weekly trips to the hospital served as the bonding agent for these missionaries. They stepped into the fellowship of suffering mentioned by President Henry B. Eyring very early on in their mission experience. Hymn 85 became a battle cry for these missionaries.

"fear not I am with thee, oh be not dismayed,
for I am thy God and will still give thee aid,
I'll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand...
the soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I cannot desert to his foes;
that soul , though all heal should endeavor to shake,
I'LL NEVER, NO NEVER FORSAKE."

This group grew profoundly during their stay here. Many gained supreme abilities in the language. Many also grew in their understanding of the depth and breadth of their calling as Personal Representatives of the Savior Jesus Christ. It was a miracle to watch the transformation to becoming true-committed servants of Jesus Christ. They are ready and willing for the challenges ahead and they have touched the life of their teachers immensely. I am personally grateful for the many conversations and interactions I had with these wonderful missionaries. They will do much good in the Islands of the Philippines.

The Fantastic 8 (pangwalong group)

These last batch of Missionaries worked really hard. During our time together we battled sickness and the MTC swine flu as well has had district pill parties. Each of them grew and matured in the Spiritual understanding of their grand Calling as Missionaries in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. The Bacolod mission will be glad to have them! I am confident that each one will have a substantial impact in the lives of the people they are assigned to love!

Pang Pitong Group!