Hey hey heyyy!
I know I remind you of this like every transfer, but after this one, only 6 more transfers and then you are heading home. Strange, huh? Do you think any changes are coming with this transfer? It seems like probably not in your companionship, but how about in the district?
Ah geeez guys! I knew I was getting old in the mission but I actually didn't know that it was only 6 transfers!! That's ridiculous! This is going wayyyy too fast! I think its pretty official that Elder Handy and I are staying. The ZLs were saying I might step up to ZL in our zone cuz one of our ZLs is transferring, but I was like nahh I'll just stay in Ternate.. thanks anyways.. haha But we got pretty official word from President that we're staying. The other night he called and said that me and Elder Handy were both ready and going to train but as he continued to pray on it, he felt that we should stay one more... That means we got work to do!
How was church attendance this week? Are you still getting strong numbers?
Umm.. it was decent this week. I don't know the number exactly. But it was raining so people tend to skip out on church when it rains.. dumb. Since Elder Handy and I have been here though in Ternate the average church attendance has gone up by like 15 people since before our time, so its pretty cool.
How is the home teaching going in the branch? Are the home teachers and visiting teachers helping in your re-activation efforts? (Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching is a church program where members visit other members share a message and check to see to how they are doing.)
Well thats the problem over the whole Philippines... there essentially is no home teaching. And thats why we have a ton of less-actives! Woo! haha not. The Relief Society (Women's organization) here is sometimes pretty good..except I think its just the Relief Society President that visits anyone.. haha But President Vicencio (one of Pres. Stucki's counselors) came to our branch on Sunday and organized-ish home/visiting teaching! What we have now is every third Sunday everyone will come to the church and then break up into small groups to go visit some families. #ItsAStart
How was your baptism? Is the one husband who is only home on the weekends still receptive?
It was awesome! Her whole family came and really enjoyed it! It was a really rainy day and we were really worried if we'd be able to have it cuz the font is outside. I prayed the whole time we were sitting in the chapel having the first part that it would stop. I had faith, but as I stood up to announce that we would go outside now to witness the baptism...it started raining harder.. hahaha But no sooner had we actually gone outside did the rain let up to an extent. Let up enough that we could have the baptism. Then right after it was over and we had gone inside....it started pouring again. The father attended and really seemed to enjoy it! I talked to him a little bit before and after and he seemed really sincere and impressed by it.
Well this is a pretty lame email I'm sorry... but the pictures are pretty good! I'm short on time today and need to get goin! Sorry! Hope you guys have a great week!
Love
Elder Michael Gadberry
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