Just Because

Just a cute picture of Elder O'Neil

 

WEEK 71: "Give it Time"

Family and Friends,

We have been working with Nico for awhile now and we have seen a miracle happen. He has been taught even before I got here to Cabuyao and once I got here our appointments have been more frequent and more times throughout the week. 

 One of his biggest struggles is the fact that Joseph Smith is a true prophet. He was raised in the Catholic church that says Jesus Christ was and will be the last living prophet. Nico has come to church for the longest time because his wife is a member but also because he loves the teachings and the spirit he feels. He just cant accept Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon being the words of God. One of his most commonly used phrases is any church is true as long as its Christ centered.

We went over there last Sunday and yesterday and he finally admitted to us that no man could write The Book of Mormon in such detail and with as much exactness unless he was a prophet given the power of God to do so. It had finally made sense to him and he has accepted the invitation to be baptized. This has been and answer to many many nights full of prayers. Thank you for your faith and prayers. This is the true church. God is at the head of it. I love you all.

Elder O'Neil

WEEK 70: PHIILPPINES

I have had to do a lot of stuff on the computer and dont have time anymore. Please let everyone know im okay and thank you for their prayers. I love you.

Elder O'Neil

WEEK 69: "Matthew 19:14"

Friends and Family,

We have made lots of progress in our ward this week. We were able to witness 2 baptisms and commit another 3 to baptism it the next little be. Myself and Elder Mesina have had so many miracles as we have been in this companionship and we look forward to seeing many many more.

Christian and Christoni have been amazing! We have had some great laughs as we have answered their questions. At this age, these kids are truly innocent and just want to know things. We are very blessed to have witnessed this as it has all play out the way it has. The Lord has his hand in the littlest of situations. This is the true church upon the earth today.

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

 I am grateful for your prayers and I testify that they play a very big part in this work. I love each of you.

 

 

Elder O'Neil

 

*PS, to anyone who may be interested, per Brennan's request we have made him a facebook page, Elder O'Neil

WEEK 68: "Weekly Letter"

This is my email for the week. Please let everyone know im okay and thank you for their prayers. Because of them we have two baptism this coming week. Thank you for making the facebook. I love you.

Elder O'Neil

 

(short and sweet)

WEEK 67 "Progression"

Friends and Family,

I have a new companion this transfer this week but am staying in Cabuyao 2. Elder Mesina is from Tarlac here in the Philippines. We have already gotten so much accomplished in the past week that we've been together and it makes me excited for what the rest of this transfer holds. Our investigators all came to church yesterday and we were able to see some less-actives come to church for the first time in years. I know that it is because of prayers and fasting and faith that this was all made possible.

Christian and Christoni are both preparing for their baptisms within the next couple weeks. This is exciting because this will be another completed family whose next step is to be sealed in the temple next year.

Shantel has been coming to church for 5 years now with her aunt and uncle and is turning 9 which means she is able to be taught and baptized by the missionaries. Our lessons with her are literally her teaching us. She knows all this stuff and is very excited to be baptized.

Collin and Francheska are also looking at baptism just around the corner. Francheska was a little hesitant because she wasn't sure what her friends would think if she became a member. She as slowly opened up and had and increased desire to be baptized. Her friends are very supportive and have began to sit in the lessons with us because they too want to be taught.Collin cant stop talking about how close his baptism is. Every time we walk past he mentions something about it. Please for Francheska that her desire will not be lost.

April and Marvin are both referral/family members of a less -active that is coming back. Marvin has asked some very amazing questions and is trying to get Sundays off so he can come to church. Please pray for this. April is his daughter and is also very knowledgeable of the church as her mom has taught while growing up.

Nico has not missed a day of church since investigating it 5 months ago. The ward already thought he was a member. Please pray for him. He had some family problems that he's trying to overcome so he can become a member.

Lily and Joshua after coming to church their first Sunday expressed their desire to be baptized. Given the opportunity we extended a date and the willingly accepted. We met them because they approached us on the street one day. They are very progressing. Pleas pray for them.

Jerly and Noel are stilling to figure things out with their marriage papers. Progress is being made but Satan is throwing all sorts of obstacles in their path. With increased faith this they will be baptized and married.

Please pray for all of these investigators. They want to do whats right and its amazing to see the changes that gospel knowledge brings to their lives.I love all.

Elder O'Neil

MOTHERS DAY SKYPE

We love Elder O'Neil! Last time skyping before he comes home. So bittersweet.