6 and a half months later letter 08/11/2014

Dearest Family,

I taught primary yesterday at Church. It was one hour out of my day, yet I am sure that it was the reason for my quickness to sleep last night. I truly do love the kids though. I am coming to understand why Christ said to become as little children. 

It has been another successful week here in Libagon. We are looking forward to Sister M's Baptism this coming Saturday. I have been teaching her since just after arriving here in Libagon and now here 6 and a half months later she will be entering the waters of baptism. It hasn't been with out challenges, but they have been challenges that have made her stronger. She is ready to take this step. I am so happy for her. 

I also look forward to the Baptisms of B. and L. at the end of the transfer. They are so funny. B. can teach us the lessons I'm pretty sure. He really likes to talk and so it is a task in and of itself just controlling the lesson. He has a Gospel Principles book and while we were teaching him one day he just started reading randomly from his book. We were doing our best to relate everything to the Lesson until finally we were explaining a principle and he started reading from the Law of Chastity. It was really one of those funny yet frustrating moments. We have since asked him to put away his Gospel Principles book while we teach or give him specific assignments from it. He will be a great teacher and leader in the Church. 

This has been a challenging area but it is so rewarding to see these Children of our Heavenly Father make the final steps towards baptism. It's not us converting them but God converting us, investigators and missionaries in common. I always know when the Spirit is present when I learn something or come to a deeper understanding of a principle while we are teaching. This truly is a Marvelous work. 

I love you all. I will be sending my memory card home with this next batch going home. So you can expect that in the next month.

Keep the faith and may peace be the Journey.

Love Elder Lowe

Letter to Venturing Crew 1532 for Kodiak 2014

This letter was written to the Venturing Crew Ethan was a part of before his mission. His adviser asked him and a few of the other crew members, which are also on a missions to write a letter to the crew for the Kodiak course they went on.
 
Dear Crew Members,

I hope you are all having a blast on your Kodiak Course. If you haven't yet, make fun of B. Lowe about his Halo and then tell him he's a champion because he can probably do more with a broken neck than any of us could. I look forward to joining you next year. You are not wasting your time. I have thought a lot about what I would like to say to you but as it comes down to writing I am relying on the spirit and hope that what I write may be of benefit to each of you as you prepare to serve the Lord in the Mission Field in the coming months and ultimately for the rest of your lives as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

  

Miracles have not ceased here in the mission nor there at home. Miracles happen every day. One of the things that our new Mission President has said that has impressed me is that if we look for miracles they will happen. Reflection is a powerful practice with which each of you is familiar. On my mission I have not always followed the pattern of "Thorns, Roses and Buds" but the practice of reflection happens daily. At the end of each lesson, and at the end of each day, week, and month we reflect. What went well? What could have gone better? And then we see miracles. When we reflect we are made aware of the Lords hand in everything we do.

Maybe in your activities this week or surely during an activity in the past you have been forced to step outside of your comfort zone. And at other times you have had to help others step outside of theirs. This is one of the most valuable principles that come to my mind as I reflect upon my experiences in Venturing. By explanation of the saying, stepping outside of our comfort zone entails being "un-comfortable." This is okay. I have in the past said that venturing helped me "get comfortable outside my comfort zone," but as I have thought further I have come to the conclusion that "I learned what to do and how to cope until my comfort zone expanded." Don't worry about being "comfortable." Just learn what to do and how to cope while you are "uncomfortable." As you serve in the Mission Field and in various church callings, the Lord will stretch you and he will put you in situations that will force you to step outside your comfort zone all for the purpose of helping you become like Jesus Christ and return back to his presence. For most of my mission, I have been uncomfortable, I have at times wanted to serve some where where they speak my language, and know my culture. In these times I just put my self at the top of a cliff knowing that if I just follow the rope, I'll reach the bottom. In turn I have been able to help investigators take the first step towards salvation and watch them learn that if they will just follow the rope, they will make it to the bottom. If we will follow the Gospel, we will make it back to the Presence of Heavenly Father. Now, I don't think that Jesus was comfortable in the Garden of Gethsemane or on the way to Golgotha but he knew what to do, and what was required to finish the job. As we strive to follow his example, we become instruments in his hands in meeting the needs of our Father in Heaven's Children.

I don't remember everything I ever did or learned in Venturing but I do remember that it played a role in preparing me for the mission. Or in other words preparing me to be prepared for life. Or even further, preparing me for preparing others for Salvation. I don't remember everything ever said around a campfire but I do remember the spirit I felt and how it strengthened my testimony. Every skill I acquired in venturing has become a weakness before it became strength. I have seen the evidence of Ether 12:27. I know that if we will press forward and be humble, the Lord truly does make weak things become strong. He is doing so with me, and he will do the same with you. 

Keep cheering each other on. When life seems hard stop thinking about yourself and turn out towards others. Remember that the most effective team is the Family. Build your Vision on the values of the Gospel. There is more to Communication than language, trust me. The most important language to learn is the Language of the Spirit. You make Decisions every day. Remember: Think, Listen to the Spirit, and then think again. You may never like planning but... keep practicing, I promise you will get better at it. 

In closing, Begin with the End in mind. Set goals and make plans to become what your Heavenly Father wants you to be. Before everything you do, think of what you want to become because of that thing. Each day, week, and month I set goals and make plans for what I want to accomplish and how I am going to become what my heavenly Father would have me become by the end of my mission. From the wisdom of B. Lowe "Perfection isn't so much an accomplishment as it is a process." My friends, find joy in the journey. (Ha, He thought I never listened to anything he said..) I love you all and leave you my testimony that this Church is true. It was restored through a true Prophet, Joseph Smith and that the Gospel changes lives. It will Change yours. Nagbilin ko niining tanan sa ngalan ni JesuCristo. Amen. (I leave this all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.) 

Love your brother, 

 Elder Ethan Lowe

We Really Live in a Castle Letter 8/4/2014

Wow. What a week.

It was transfer week this past week. I'll be here in Libagon for one more transfer. I've been here a while but I'm happy to be here for this transfer. Libagon is growing. Slowly but surely. Here's the best news... Elder S is my new Zone Leader!!! This means exchanges with T!! It's cool because Elder S is my trainer and I'm currently training Elder D. We've got the whole family Grandpa, Dad, and son. And then it's the same with the other Zone Leader Elder C as well. His kid is in our zone and is training as well. 

We had some what of a surprise this past weekend. We have been holding activities each Saturday as a way to strengthen the members and as an opportunity for them to bring their friends and introduce them to the Gospel. President Maurer and his wife came by and participated and came to church the next day. We were honored that out of the entire mission he was impressed to visit our small group in So. Leyte. I hope that this might lead to becoming a branch here in the near future. He visited our Castle afterwards. We told him that we lived in a castle but when he actually saw it he said "When you said it was a castle I thought you just meant it was really big but this... This is actually a castle!!" It was funny seeing his reaction. He then saw to it that we would get two more electric fans this week because of how hot it is. 

The previous night The group read together with President Maurer from 2 Nephi 31. He said something about enduring to the end that was very simple but I liked it a lot. He said that it's easy to say 'endure to the end' but it means forever. When we endure to the end we make the basic principles of the Gospel a pattern of life rather than a one-time "initiation" or "right of passage" if you will. When we endure to the end we don't just go through the motions but we truly live the gospel and make it part of our lives.

We have been focusing a lot on Brother M. He is sticking to the Word of Wisdom like a champ. To be honest he was kind of a punk before but he is progressing so well as he learns of this glorious Gospel. We taught him about tithing last night and when we committed him to pay it after baptism he commented that he had already started. I am proud of him. He is doing so well. Please continue to pray for him. He is planning to be baptized on the 30th of August

Sister M is planning on being baptized on the 16 of August! She really opened up to us this passed week. Members of her family might disown her if she is baptized but she knows the right thing to do. Her situation really does break my heart and it has been a humbling experience teaching her and helping her understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have been praying and fasting that her family might soften their hearts. 

Oh and B and L came to Church this week and so we were happy about that. We stopped by their house before church to get them and they had already left for Church. We are planning on holding a baptism for them at the beginning of September. They have been taught everything for the most part and so if they will come to Church Consistently they will be ready. We are excited for them. It has taken a bit of patience but conversion truly does take time and the process isn't finished at Baptism either. 

I love the work. It's hard but worth it. I love you all and love hearing from you. Keep the faith and may peace be the Journey.

Love Elder Lowe

Up and Up Letter 07/28/2014

Dearest Family,

So last week I was studying 2 Nephi 27:7-11 and I realized the genius and inspiration behind the invention of I-pads and tablets. We will receive more scripture. By the time that all the scriptures that will be revealed is revealed we will have thousands and thousands of pages. Perhaps we might wheel our scriptures to Church in a little red wagon if it weren't for the modern technology of I-pads and tablets. I find it interesting that the 10 commandments were given to Moses on Tablets. Could this have been a type of things to come? I'm not sure, but it's an interesting thought. I look forward to that day when we receive more scripture but it also came to my mind as well, what are we supposed to do with more scripture if we don't already know and use the scriptures we already have. In 2 Nephi 32, Nephi is very clear on the importance of Scripture Study. In his words we must "feast upon the words of Christ" This means we should make the words of Christ, The Scriptures, part of our very being. I have said before, Don't just have a favorite scripture, live your favorite scripture and then live the rest of them too. It should be as routine as brushing your teeth or getting dressed, and even on the days we don't brush our teeth or don't get dressed, we should still read our scriptures! Coupled with this principle we must also pray. We cannot know of spiritual things save it be through prayer. And then as we obey that which we learn in our studies and through our prayers we become closer to God. It is so obvious. It is so clear. It is a no brainer to be "PRO." 

It's not uncommon, in fact I hear it everyday, to here people say "oi, americano.." or "Mormons.." For us these two are really stating the obvious. Sometimes I want to reply and say "oi.. Catholics.." But I don't. 

This past week has been a good one in Libagon. The work here is progressing. Last week our attendance in Sacrament meeting was 46. Yesterday it was 56! We are so excited to work with the people whom the members are bringing. We had 6 investigators at church and 3 potential investigators. We were so excited to see our members bring their friends to our activity on Saturday and then see them all return on Sunday for church. If we can maintain and continue to increase the sacrament meeting attendance, Libagon Group could become a branch anytime. Despite the challenges in this area the work is moving forward.

When I first arrived in this area I didn't ever expect that Brother M. would be as interested as he is now. He's in his 20's and is/was kind of a punk. As we have been teaching just these past 3 or 4 weeks I have already seen him start to change. We taught him about the Word of Wisdom last night. Quitting smoking will be tough but we know he can do it. He has a strong desire to be baptized and we have a date for the 30th of August. He has started coming to Church and yesterday was his second time. 

M. is pretty much like a member already but the family persecution is still keeping her from being baptized. We had our Recent Convert Brother R. come with us to teach her last week. When he bore his testimony he listed everyone including family and friends who persecuted him for joining the Church. I'm pretty sure he listed just about every relationship that he has from his dad to his school teacher. After making this list he concluded that he knew they couldn't save him but that God could and that that would require joining His Church. Touch down. M. is so close and hopefully she will make a decision soon. It has to be her though and so we are being persistent but not forcing her into anything.

B. and L. have been having trouble coming to Church. It has required some patience working with them. Everything will work out in the Lord's time. They understand the doctrine and want to be baptized still we just have to get them coming to Church consistently. Things just seem to keep popping up with them. I love them though and know that they will get there. B. is so smart and could probably teach us the lessons now but now the true test of knowledge lies in the application. 

I love each of you. I hope you all have a wonderful week where ever y'all may be. Don't pass up an opportunity to share the Gospel. Everyone deserves to recieve the blessings of the Gospel. Until next week, Keep the Faith and may peace be the journey. 

Love, 

Elder Lowe

Brighter Countenance. Letter 7/21/2014

Dearest Family,

I'm gonna keep this one short so that I can get my Kodiak letter written.

It has been another great week in Libagon full of Miracles. We didn't teach as much as we would have liked to but we had some great success in the end. I have said it before and I will say it again and again and again that one of my favorite things is seeing people change because of the Gospel. Too see the very countenance of people brighten as result of the Gospel is one of the greatest blessings of a missionary. Despite the many people here who continue to follow the wicked traditions of their fathers, they cannot deny a noticeable change in those who investigate or ultimately convert to This True Church. 

One of our fairly new investigators, M. came to church this past week and him and his "live-in" who is a member are taking steps towards repentance and separation. He had a good experience at Church and we have a goal for him to be baptized at the end of August! 

We have also one recent convert here who was baptized last fall. When I got here, I was wondering why she got baptized because she didn't seem totally converted or even interested. As we have been working with her though and as she has participated in Church and with youth activities I have seen a change. We taught her this past week and the other elders saw her afterwards and they made special mention of a change in her countenance after our lesson. 

B and L are still investigating. They are doing well. They know the Doctrine but they are still having a problem with the Sabbath day. They are so close but not quite ready. We just have to be patient and persistent with them. I know they will get baptized eventually and hopefully soon.  

I love this area. There is a chance I might get transferred next week but not likely. Elder D and I are working hard to achieve our goals and help this area become a branch. Our attendance reached 46 yesterday which was exciting. We hope and plan on maintaining and even increasing that number in the coming weeks.

I love you all. I love hearing from you. Keep pressing forward. Remember to always be Faithful. Keep the faith and may peace be the Journey.

Love Elder Ethan Lowe

Videoke. Letter 7/14/2014

Dearest Family,

Wow. This week has gone by so quick. I was thinking back on the week and what I should write two you and I thought to myself: I thought I emailed y'all yesterday... The work is going well and I'm going to say I owe it to my companion. A good companion makes a world of a difference in this work. A good companion makes the work a little easier in a tough area. Technically I am training Elder D but he's teaching me just as much. We have really reestablished our vision this past week and are determined to accomplish our goals. 

We are really hoping that our new investigator, Brother M will progress. He's 19 and is really interested in the Gospel. He told us that he wants to be like us. He asked us how he could do what we do. Well Brother, let us tell you... He understands everything well but the conversion comes in the application. He didn't come to church but we will try to help him there next week. He has a few friends that have sat in on our lessons as well that are interested as well. 

We stopped by to one of our investigators one afternoon hoping to be able to teach but if anything remind her about Church the next day. Her name is Y and she's about 57ish I think. Anyways, we got to her house to hear someone singing very loudly to videoke. Vidoeke is karaoke in the Philippines, I don't care how loud it is or how bad my voice sounds I'm gonna sing, That's their attitude. It is a very common thing here. In most cases it's loud enough for the entire barangay to hear. So we approached her house and called and she didn't hear us of course, how could she? So we just waited/listened. When the song finally finished we were questioning whether or not she was drunk. Luckily she wasn't but it we still weren't able to teach and so we just invited her to Church because there wasn't another male and we had another appointment. It was really just one of those situations where we walked away and I just thought "alrighty then..." 

And that is my random story for the week.

I love this work. I'm not perfect at it but I try every day to be a little better. I love you all and love hearing from you. Keep the Faith and may peace be the Journey!

Love Elder Lowe

We respect your beliefs, but continue to read that book. Letter 7/7/2014

Good day Family,

Everything I had to say to you all became very insignificant all of a sudden. So in this case, "like son, like father, eh?" I am so grateful that dad is okay. Miracles have not ceased. President Nielson told us during mission tour a few months ago that sometimes tragedies happen so that the works of righteousness can be manifest. We have seen already the works of righteousness in this situation. Thank you Robert and Brother Frasche for being worthy priesthood holders and for being ready when the call arose. There will continue to be opportunities throughout the coming months where the works of righteousness will be made manifest. Some of the greatest joys of the Gospel come through our service to others. Consequently we at times must also be gracious and humble receivers of that service and of those "works of righteousness." 

I imagine that things were pretty busy up in Tacloban this past week with the change of Mission Presidents and so I was grateful that we were just kind of left alone for this past week down here in So. Leyte. I haven't met President Maurer yet but I understand that I will here in the next week or so. 

We have been continuing in our finding efforts. Due to the persecutions it's been a little bit difficult but not unsuccessful. The youth in the group are really strong. Because they are youth, the referrals they give are youth also and so I feel like we have been teaching a lot of teenagers, which is fine. If they show fruits meet for repentance and have a desire to be baptized they have every right to be. Then as they move forward and continue to grow in the Gospel, here in 10 or even 5 years they will become effective leaders. And we hope that they might be the gateway as well for their parents and families to be introduced to the Gospel. After all it was through a 14 year old boy 10 years later that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. 

So for all intensive purposes, Barangays are neighborhoods. Each barangay has leaders called kagawad and then a Captain or Capitan. We live in Brgy. Tigbao and this barangay is part of mine and Elder D's area. We taught the Captain and his family last week and it went well. I think I mentioned last week that I hoped they would progress. Okay now then. We returned to teach them last night (Sunday) and Brother R(the captain) was sober enough to know what was going on but drunk enough to be completely honest. He was very friendly and respectful but told us that he is Catholic and his family is Catholic and that he's going to die Catholic and as long as he is alive his family is going to be Catholic too. Of course we were a little disappointed but we felt the spirit during that visit and we know that hope is not lost. We told the brother that we respect him and his families beliefs. We discerned that his daughter was particularly interested though. I spotted the Book of Mormon we gave them and asked about it. She had read the assignment we gave to them. Even though we won't be able to continue teaching them regularly we bore testimony of the Book of Mormon and of it's truthfulness and gave them a Plan of Salvation pamphlet. We know something good will come from this down the road. 

In missionary work we are always either planting seeds or harvesting souls. It has been a week of planting seeds. Three P's were running through my head this past week as it relates to the process of missionary work. We must always be patient. We must be persistent but not over-bearing. And then lastly being persuasive in helping others accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a great work. A work in which all of us are involved. Big or small. Tall or short. With or with out a goofy looking halo brace thing. I love you and pray for you always.

Keep the Faith and may peace be the journey.

Love Elder Ethan Lowe