WEEK 55 "We are Known"

Family and Friends,

After just six short week I have left San Pablo and now have the opportunity of serving in Cabuyao with Elder Kaifoto. We have had so many meetings and other responsibilities that I we havent had lots of time to talk but from what I know about him, we are going to have a great time and the Lord is going to have us working hard here. 

“We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less Heavenly Father wont, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin

May we too see in this same way and when we forget do to busy schedules or trials Heavenly Father will give us a gentle reminder that he is aware us of and he loves us. This is his plan for our happiness. Our obedience is mandatory. I love each of you.

Elder O'Neil 

WEEK 38 "Training Again"

Friends and Family,

We had transfers this last Thursday and I got a new companion but i'm staying here in the great city of San Juan. Elder Reed is from Ririe Idaho a little town outside of Idaho Falls. He is coming to me fresh for the MTC. Its been so fun to get to know him over the past couple days and I cant wait for the next couple months that we'll be together.

I received a call form President Mangum about two weeks ago asking if I would be a trainer of one of the new missionaries in the upcoming batch. I made the commitment and now I have this great opportunity again. I reflected a lot about my last training and the things I wanted to improve on and the things I want to use this time. I thought back to the first time when I got asked in an email and how terrified I was. This time it was different. Like I said earlier it was a call but the words that President Mangum spoke gave me an overwhelming sense of peace and assurance that I could do this. I answered the phone, he addressed me and then using these words he said, "Elder O'Neil, the Lord and I have chosen you to be a trainer." Those simple words struck me. I am going to be training but the Lord is going to be my companion to be able to do this. I'm not nervous this time around because I know somewhat to expect but I have an unwavering foundation in my faith that Jesus Christ will never leave me alone. Where there is fear there is no faith.

This is going to be so fun as I watch him adjust to all the new things. He has already asked so many questions about how to do things that I haven't even noticed are different anymore because that's just what i've been doing for just under a year now. I remember having those same questions haha. I remember sitting in lesson and being lost the whole time not knowing what was going on. I teach and then turn to him translate and then teach again. I love every second it.

I love you all and am so thankful for your prayers in my behalf and my companion's as well as in behalf of San Juan. 

Elder O'Neil

WEEK 26: PHILIPPINES

Friends and family,

Transfer week, and now just anxiously waiting to hear if I'm transferred or not. Whatever happens, I know its the Lord's will and I will push forward faithfully relying wholly in the Lord to accomplish the tasks he sets in my path. I love this area out here on Mindoro and the investigators and members that I have come to know and love so much.

Rosita, or the sister that had the stroke, attended church yesterday and her Book of Mormon reading is outstanding right now. She has again found the joy and excitement she had when we first met her about being baptized. Your prayers in her behalf are being answered. She has again found the light. Let us all keep praying that her desire will not be weakened this time.

  Jemil and Marvin, truly prepared by the Lord. We have finished all the lessons with them and have now gone back and started reviewing with them. They are still reading from the Book of Mormon, 3- 4 chapters a day. We decided to watch a couple movies with them about Joseph Smith this week and they cant stop asking when we are going to watch more powerful videos. Not olny are they amazing investigators, but apparently they can cook really well too. As a missionary, what more can you ask for ha. We are going over there tonight to teach them and then they'll teach us how to cook my favorite Filipino dish, bicol express.

Jeremy, determined individual. He continues to read and keep our other commitments but he just has a hard time making in to church. He is so knowledgeable and has continued to answer a lot of the questions he has by himself through the Book of Mormon. He has given us some names of his friends that we are now in the process of finding and contacting. He wants them to feel the same amazing feeling that he feels as he investigates the church as he's put it.

Im sorry for the lack of pictures. I have had a problem with sending them and am hoping to soon get that resolved. Your prayers are being answered. Thank you for the love and support that I fell through the letters and emails. I love you.

Elder O'Neil