10-23-16 The power of prayer is so strong,

Kumusta po family!

 Phew, I'm finally caught up with replying to the emails from last week and can now spend some time on this one. I told this to mom already, but thank you guys so much for the prayers! Unfortunately a few zones were hit really hard by the second typhoon that came in, but nothing major happened at all down here in Bambang. It was nothing short of a miracle, especially considering that this would've been the biggest typhoon in the world, not just the Philippines. The power of prayer is so strong, especially when we do it with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Our topic yesterday in Gospel Principles class was on Sacrifice, and that's what they said the Lord needs from us. He doesn't require burnt offerings or things like that anymore like what they did in the Bible and Book of Mormon, but our sacrifice is to have a broken heart and contrite Spirit. Ultimately it means to give every thing that we have to the Lord, even up to our lives. Some great examples of that are the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, Mormon, Joseph Smith, etc., with the best being Jesus Christ. He gave everything and obeyed the will of the Father until the very end. I've made it a goal to give more of myself to the work and stop worrying so much about my own weaknesses. 

 This past week was another great one! I forgot my planner so I can't remember everything I wanted to talk about, but I'll try to go over the main things. I got to work with 3 different elders this past week: Elder Kearl, Elder Abubo, and Elder Gabelo. I had a great time working with each of them and learning different things from each as well. I really enjoy taking the good things I see from others and applying them to myself. It's like taking the shiny pieces of their armor and adding it to mine if that makes sense. I think the best thing I learned from all the splits is the importance of helping others feel loved, whether coming from you or from our Heavenly Father through teaching or prayer. Even if they're not yet ready or willing to hear the restored gospel, we should always make them feel loved and important.

 Another great thing that happened last week was Mae Pearl passing her baptismal interview! She'll be baptized this coming Saturday! :) We're super excited for her, especially since in the beginning we really didn't think she had much of a desire to be taught. She's doing so well though and said that she has a strong desire to serve a mission in a few years! I imagine that would be the coolest thing as an RM, to hear someone you baptized is now preparing others to be baptized as well. We're excited!

 Those are pretty much the main things that happened this past week. This morning we got the list of those who are transferring out of Bambang zone, and Elder Labrador is actually the only elder leaving. The whole transfers thing was affected because of the storm. I'm sad for sure since he's my favorite companion so far, but I'm excited as well to learn from and work with a new companion. We'll know who our new companions are by tomorrow. That's pretty much it though! I love you guys and hope you have a great week!

Mahal ko po kayo,

Elder Ishibashi

Zone Picture from last week (Banaue)

Mosiah 28:3

3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.

This picture's a joke, but that's actually a really powerful scripture.