Save the Rising Generation

Family and Friends,

Wow. I was so happy to see all your loving and smiling faces on Skype. I am grateful for that beautiful technology. haha! Christmas was.... Christmas? i think..? haaahah. just kidding. it was good. Taught some lessons and had some studies, cant complain their right?

This week was interesting. I learned a lot about the culture of the world... and how far it has drifted from God's culture. From what i have heard about some new laws in America, that is very evident. The world needs this gospel in such a bad way. The Book of Mormon is chalked pull of prophecies of our day.. some of them bad.. some of them good. but... we must learn from all of them. God's culture is not the world's culture. I have to teach and emphasize that on a daily basis with or investigators.

I love this gospel. I love my ward here in Hinigaran. My bishop is a stud. He is the perfect blend of bold and loving with the way he handles situations on a daily basis. 

Oh i wanna tell you about one of my favorite people on my entire mission. Brother Bellardo. He was baptized about 20 years ago.. now is endowed and sealed in the temple. When he was about 20 years old, he went completely blind. As in 100%. He literally knows how do to everything though... he cooks, cleans, washes clothes, everything.. without assistance. He knows almost every single area here in Hinigaran just by memorization. He works with us almost everyday to fellowship. His testimony is powerful. He used to be Catholic.. so he loves being bold with presenting his new knowledge to those of his former faith. haha. He is a great example of faith... it really is "the substance of things not seen".. as i watched him take the sacrament last Sunday, it was a great testimony to me. We dont need to see the gospel.. or hear it..  to know its true.. its all about what we feel. Our inner knowledge of the truth is so important. It is what makes us who we are. "One only progresses as fast as he increases his knowledge". You know what i preached to you during Skype time. Read your Book of Mormon.

This week should be interesting... here on New Years, they are all about fireworks. We actually go home early on tuesday and wednesday for that reason! From what ive been told its fireworks from about 10pm til about 3 am.. should be an exciting night of sleep :) haha! 

Well. Jesus is the Christ. He will draw unto us as we draw unto Him. Remember that heavenly law.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

It's beginning to look a lot like..... Summer?

Family and Friends,

If you are wondering, it hasnt snowed yet here.

But guess what has happened.. a baptism! yay! First one in about 6 weeks... yeah its been a great battle. I was able to perform the baptism of Sister Edwina. If you want to feel the Spirit testify to you of the truthfulness of this church, attend a baptism.

Life is so fast. It feels like yesterday was Christmas.

This week we acquired 2 new RM's in our ward! What a blessing that will be to help have fellowshippers at all of our lessons! The ward is starting to have more and more trust in us, and in turn is helping more and more.

The Holy Ghost is so important in our lives. It's how we experience the power of the Atonement. It comes to those who seek it! I love this gospel. Its true and is here because of... and malaki ng pananampalataya sang isa na bata. ang pangalan niya ay Si Joseph Smith! (ps that is tagalog hehe) This church has been restored. The gift of the Holy Ghost is so precious.

Guess what.. we skype in like 2 days! wow! 30 minutes.. so get prepped and ready. haha!

i love you all!!! haha!

Merry Christmas. Remember your Savior.

"Find Yourself"

Mahal,

Elder Stagg

Parallels

Family and Friends,

First off.. homework (at my mission president's request). I need to hear of some of your spiritual and life experiences with the Law of Tithing. I will use it in my teaching.. so help me to help others,thanks :)

This week was outstanding. We had zone leaders training and a zone conference!! we were able to watch the Christmas Devotional. What a powerful hour or so. Watch it again if you can! Powerful testimonies about the divinity of our Savior. 

We taught over 40 lessons this week. I cant even tell you how great that is. We have been trying to keep our lessons short and also to make daily visits with our investigators. It is difficult but of course rewarding. Even more difficult since we just received more area to our area..wow. Work work work.

I've realized my emails have probably been getting progressively more boring. im sorry. but at the same time, im not. its hard to explain but i just dont feel like i have time to explain or say everything. sorry if thats wrong. just know this.. i am experiencing and seeing others experience the Atonement of Jesus Christ. What more needs to be said? I get on email... write my president.. read your emails.. email back and forth then have barely any time to write.

So dad, i know you want a story. Im struggling big time to think of one. As my mission progresses things get a little more repetitive. You feel like everyday is the same. What I want you to share is this.. The Book of Mormon. We cannot feel the full conversion unto Jesus Christ unless we are reading pondering praying about and applying the Book of Mormon into our own lives on a daily basis. That's the biggest story or experience i am having on a daily basis, is that my testimony growing through the Book of Mormon. I know it is true.. with my whole heart. Tell the ward to read the Book of Mormon. That is a simple plea from a servant of the Lord.

I love this Church and missionary work. More and more i love it.. and in turn my focus goes to this. Thats what i feel is right.

I actually for once had pictures to send... but the computer isnt working here (of course) hahaha! 

I dont know what to say except live the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lives. He is our Savior. His way is the way to eternal life. I love you all with my whole heart... i miss you all dearly. Its close to Christmas, its still hot here in the Pines. hahahah. God Speed the Right.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Life is a Rough Draft

Family and Friends,

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It has been restored through a prophet in our days. We are so blessed. 

First off. For the fam.. the Christmas call will be between 10 am and 12 noon my time, so 7pm-9pm SLC time on dec 24. 30 minute limit. so write down your questions and ideas (im being serious.. haha. 30 minutes is very short). Skype yes. Hopefully you will all be joined in on the call. i will probably skype about 10:30 my time!! cant wait! 

This week... so, rewarding. I love missionary work. I love the Book of Mormon. I love Jesus Christ. My mission is the greatest thing that has ever happened.. you all need to go on one. haha. But... at the same time, you dont need a mission to increase your faith and testimony. I love my life.. despite how hard and absolutely frustrating it can be... i am so eternally grateful for my trials! I have learned to experience the grace.. mercy.. and love of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

So.. i had this great little revelation yesterday.. while reading in the first section of D&C... about reproof. I was pondering that work.. reproof. Think of when you were in high school english class... and had to write different drafts, and it was proofed. Maybe once by a peer.. next by another peer.. then your parents.. then your teacher. Then.. when you had proofed it over and over, you handed it in to your teacher.. and awaited your grade anxiously. We can learn a lesson there.. WE ALL NEED OUR LIVES TO BE PROOFED. We need the proofing of our.. peers, family, friends.. but most importantly, of our Father in Heaven through.. the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can purify us. It can help us 'edit ruthlessly' our lives and our desires. I testify that our "proofs" can come in the form of.. arguments.. trials.. sickness.. others' decisions.. everything! But its all necessary. I promise. I am living evidence. I love Jesus christ... we can become like him... day by day, little by little!!

That's all for this week. Read your scriptures. Pray. Go to Church. It's that simple. Trust me.. i see it everyday in the people i teach. I love you all!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Conquer or Die

Family and Friends,

By the title of this email.. you may have guessed that i have been reading the war chapters in the Book of Mormon. hahahah! I love it all. Makes me wanna go fight a war. But hey guess what.. we do everyday!! Everyday we fight and struggle with our eternal enemy. our should i say enemies. I have learned there are 2 main enemies in our lives. 1. Satan. We all know he is there.. and is fighting to keep us from obtaining eternal glory. 2. The natural man or woman in all of us. Our natural fallen natures are wrong and quick to do evil.  For these 2 enemies, i offer 1 remedy. Jesus Christ and his gospel. We must be constantly fighting on the offence against our enemies. We cannot sit by the wayside and hope to overcome our sins and weaknesses. We need prayer. We need daily scripture study. We need the grace of Christ. We need church attendance. We need daily repentance. Our lives in all aspects, are influenced by our daily repentance and actions. NO ONE IS PERFECT. But if we remember our covenants always.. we will remember and desire to repent each and every day. I cannot explain exactly the faith that is developing in my life. But i can tell you how and why it is happening. Application of Eternal Truths. 

Here is an assignment. Read Romans 8.

The Church is true everyone. I preach it everyday.. because i know it is true. The Holy Ghost has testified to me on a daily basis that the things i am teaching are correct and true.  We must try to progress. I have learned that the gospel of Jesus Christ, namely.. faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.. is the answer. It is the way. It is the path that leads to Eternal Life and Eternal Glory and Happiness. I love it. I truly know it is true. 

We wake up everyday, and as soon as we know it... its time to say our nightly prayers. There is no time to waste. I think we all understand that. But.... what is truly wasting time? Ponder that. Analyze your priorities. That is a big lesson I am learning on a daily basis.

I love the Book of Mormon. It increases my faith in Jesus Christ every single day. It is changing my life and the lives of those around me. I cannot tell you how many people's lives i have seen change through true and prayerful Book of Mormon reading. I love reading. i love prayer. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. Let us not complicate our lives with useless things.. let us focus our time and attention on the Savior. Especially at this wonderful Christmas season. Christ lives. He knows you. He knows me. Romans 8:39.. "we feel the love of our God, through the Lord Jesus Christ". Remember that. If you are feeling alone, pray to Heavenly Father.. in the name of Jesus Christ. Search and fight for his love. Its there.. through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

I know you all have faith. Use it. Daily. Put your faith in Jesus Christ and move forward. Always. There is ALWAYS hope. Please never give up on yourself or anyone around you.

Ps- im starting to try and learn Tagalog.. its nuts. but i love it. I love my area.. my ward.. my mission.. my president.. my companion.. !! woo! life is a battle.. but we have to win! another ps.. i literally almost forgot it was thanksgiving #philippinesmissionaryproblems

pppps... its december already!! hahaha.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Trust

Family and Friends, 

This weeks letter will be short.. and im not sure why. Nothing is wrong or bad.. i just feel like writing kind of a short letter.

It's weird how i feel like i close my eyes, and then im emailing you again. Life is but a dream right? So let's make it a good dream, not a nightmare. This is my simple testimony. God is real. I know it with my whole heart. Jesus Christ is his Son. He is central to everything. Our faith.. our repentance.. our hope.. our work.. our everything! we need to come closer to him. We must develop faith and rely on the enabling power of Jesus Christ at all times.

I love my companion. He is such a good missionary. He loves to work and loves to have a good joke as well. Also he is a great cook.. lucky me :)

The 2 other elders who were in our apartment moved out, so now its just us 2 in a big house. Oh, and my room has A/C now. i cant even tell you how much i love that. Everynight i dont have to sweat profusely. We will see how i feel once i see the electric bill. hahaha.

oh.. our water pump broke. so the past week i have been fetching water every morning. talk about a traps/ triceps workout. love it. hopefully the pump will be back tomorrow! hahaha.

im sorry to be negative.. but i HATE the computer shops here. im yet to find a good one.

i love you all

palangga,

elder stagg

Mission President Specialized Training

Pictures from President Lopez's Facebook:

Binalbagan Zone

In Defense of Abraham's Seed

Family and Friends,

The gospel is true. God is real. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is amazing. Thats my biggest increase this week... the power of the Atonement. It is real. It can change who we are. Change how we think and see things..! It's the power of Jesus Christ.

Well. Please pray for those in Tacloban. We will have some of the missionaries from there coming to our mission. Hearing and reading about the destruction there is just.. wow. breaks my heart. Please pray for them. Please pray for the mental well being of the missionaries who had tragedy there. Please pray for the Enabling Power of the Atonement to touch the people of Tacloban. Just pray.. daily. Will you do that? Thank you.

Had a wonderful training in Bacolod. My mission president, ive realized, is the exact personality suited for me as a missionary. His bluntness with rules and those type of things are great. Big thing i learned is the members are "yoked" with the missionaries.. help the missionaries in your area!!

Couple simple spiritual truths i learned this week. Shoot for steady. We dont become perfect in just one day. Life is about constant continuation and effort. Edit your life ruthlessly and then try your best, through the help of our Lord, to progress. Another. Plead for help. Literally. Kneel and tell our Father in Heaven your; problems, fears, weaknesses, blessings, wishes... then ask. Ask for his guidance and help. The power of prayer is real, i testify of that.

Funny note. If you miss me (which you better ;) ) go read the last couple lines of Alma 40:8. Hehe. Also, I decided hymn #337 is one of my new favorites. hahaha.

Well, i lost my planner this week. (all you RM's understand why this is awful). I literally retraced my steps all over Hinigaran. No luck. Patience is a heavenly virtue right? Well, new planner. Keep going. haha.

Side note. If you want to send me something for Christmas, this is it. Neckties and church socks. None of the people here have these. SO... i have need to give, but dont have a ton. Thats just my recommendation for Christmas.

Final Read. Romans 1:9.

Will you read your Book of Mormon everyday? It is so important. Focus on repentance daily. Be good. Go RSL. The Lord even looks out for your favorite sports teams when you serve a mission ;). I love you all so much.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

service a couple weeks ago!!!

thisis on my desk! hehe :)

kind of old but here!!!

camera fun

my district!!

All is Well

Family and Friends,

 First off.. i appreciate the prayers in my behalf at the time of the super typhoon. On that regard, here in my area itself.. the damage was next to none. Negros didn't suffer that much damage. From what i have heard it is Tacloban that needs the prayers. SO.. here is my newly gained knowledge about natural disasters.. God's plan and his will is.. well, real. He has the power to control the winds and the seas... meaning, we need to align our will with His so that when these things occur, we arent scared or panicking. Here in my area, the storm was pretty bad, but there really wasnt any damage. We helped fix a wall of one home that had fallen down.. but there really wasnt any other opportunities for service. We were very blessed here in Negros. We did spend 2 days inside.. thursday-saturday morning. As in.. we didn't leave. Haha! Lots of time to update the area book and study! i Literally read about 10 chapters of the BOM in Ilonggo.. about 10 in English..and about 10 in the New Testament! I absolutely loved it. I love the Book of Mormon. Its such a powerful testament of the Savior Jesus Christ. It is helping me on a daily basis to come closer to my Savior. I invite you all to let the Book of Mormon become a centerpiece of your life. Learn from it.. live its principles! 

What Else? We had a baptism on saturday. Her name is Jopay.. she is 8. Elder Cusili baptized her... or you could say drowned her. ahhahaah. Water in the mouth and everything. I dont know why but the people here never seem to understand that the actual act of baptism should be simple and harm free. hahah. Good laughs out here in the 'Pines.

So here it is.. the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so central to our eternal progression. Especially faith and repentance. These two principles.. along with the mercy and grace of God can change our lives. Its so simple and so true. Just apply it. Try it. 

Random note.. I learned something.. During church meetings/school/ any learning experience.. when we participate, we learn. Especially in spiritual settings.. when we participate, the Spirit can talk to us. We can receive revelation. We had a zone meeting.. and I was like the only person answering questions and adding to the conversation (dont ask me why).. but i received so much more spiritual insight. So next week in sunday school, instead of sleeping or texting.. participate!! Let the Spirit talk to you! 

Well.. again. I truly apprecaite the prayers. I know that Jesus Christ's redeeming and enabling powers are real. All good is manifested through faith and repentance in His name. I know the Book of Mormon can change your life. I know that prayer is a divine communication with our Father in Heaven. I invite you all to internalize and apply these things. I know that these things are true, because of the power of the Holy Ghost. I love you all, and know God loves each of us. 

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

ps-- im getting nervous to ever send pictures in fear that my SD card will get a virus.. sorry. 

Typhoon Haiyan

A "super typhoon" hit the Philippines Friday, November 8, 2013. Here are updates we received from Devin's mission president on Facebook.

Nov 6-
-After all our Zone Training Meetings this morning, missionaries are instructed to buy food for at least three days, water, candles and load-up their cell phones. I’ve instructed those missionaries who live up in the mountain to come down and stay with the missionaries in the city- in case there is landslide and the road become impassable. Missionaries who are leaving their house are asked to secure their belongings left behind. Those near the shoreline are also moved inland. Sisters are well secured including our couples. Starting this evening at 6- all missionaries are expected to be home and remain indoor until after the storm. No one is allowed to go outside. I’ve instructed missionaries that we will assist only after the storm and not during the typhoon. I’ve also instructed our San Carlos District to cancel their temple trip to Cebu tomorrow. I have cancelled all interviews, appointments and visits until after the storm. Every companionship will report to their district leaders on their safety. District leaders will report to zone leaders and all zone leaders will update me tonight and on a regular basis. FYI.

-SUPERTYPHOON UPDATE: All missionaries are instructed to stay home. We are taking all precautions to keep our missionaries safe.

Nov 7-
We are still bracing for the big hit! All missionaries are staying home. Everyone is calm and studying and planning all day. Office staff staying in the mission office for emergency landline calls only. We appreciate all your prayers!

All missionaries are safe Thursday.

Nov 8-

-Friday AM Update: All 234 missionaries are safe! They are well secured in their homes. Missionaries from the mountains and along shorelines were moved to safer missionary apartments since Wednesday. Members were evacuated and moved to our chapels. I cannot give any detailed information from other missions. We might loose power soon. I may not be able to respond to all your specific inquiries. I will keep everyone updated through my FB. Keep us in your prayers!

 

-Friday Noon Update: Most of the island has no power. I am using my cell for this update. We are still 2 hours from direct hit but the wind and rain are incredibly so strong! All zone leaders have reported to me that all 234 missionaries are safe. A few we have to move to another place because of flood and falling trees. Visibility due to rain is almost zero. Wind is still intensifying. I have submitted our noon report to our Area Presidency. We are on typhoon signal number 4 now.

-Typhoon Update as of 4:30 PM: we do not have electricity, cable and Internet. All 234 missionaries are safe. We are currently going through the other side of the eye wall and later on the tail of the typhoon. Rain is extremely heavy and wind is super strong! Members and non members are packed in all our chapels. They are collecting water from rain for drinking and food preparation. Our missionaries have sufficient water and food supply. Our branch presidents and bishops are also monitoring their safety. Everyone is calm and planning all night for our weekend community service. Our prayers are intense and our faith is full!

-WE SURVIVED THE SUPERTYPHOON! All missionaries are accounted for and everyone is safe and in high spirit. We are preparing and planning for our community service tomorrow. Missionaries are staying home tonight- there is no electricity. They return to their homes and proselyting areas tomorrow morning. As soon as internet services become available, missionaries will email their families beginning Monday. Together with our couple missionaries, we will tour the entire mission tomorrow to check up on missionaries and members. We appreciate your prayers and your faith in us! Aloha!

Nov 10-
Report on Missionaries and Members Visit: All missionaries are safe. We had a mission-wide community service all day Saturday. Cadiz, Sagay, Escalante and San Carlos zones are the hardest hit. They do not have electricity- electric polls are all down. It will probably take a few days to a few weeks to restore power. Phone towers are also down in these areas. Couples assigned in these zones will make regular visits to deliver water and evaluate situations. Missionaries in these zones will not be able to email families- all internet services are down. We are having Mission Presidents Specialized Training this week in groups of 3-zones beginning Tuesday until Friday. These trainings will all be held in Bacolod City and will give our missionaries the opportunity to email their families. Living conditions will become more difficult ahead of us but our missionaries are powerful and dedicated servants of the Lord. We appreciate all your prayers!

Dead Dogs, Cemeteries and Apostles

Family and Friends,

This week very well could have been one of the most interesting of my mission. In all the weirdest ways possible. haha. The subject line should say it all. So i will start with the first one.

Wednesday, is a day that changed my mentality.. probably for a lifetime. We went to a lunch appointment at a member's house. We were waiting around outside.. enjoying God's creations; air, friends, life... when suddenly i see an old Filipino man walking by us with a noose looking rope and stick thing. I thought maybe it was for fishing or, idk. Next thing i know he is returning.. this time with a dog in his catching contraption. I thought wow, how sad. He is dragging that dog, hopefully it will be okay. I asked Elder, what is he about to do? His only response was, patay (die). next thing i see is a big giant stick being brought down with great force upon the dog's neck. Yes, i watched it get killed.. but wait, it gets better... He then presumed to tie its legs between 2 trees.. and, skin it! yes.. like a deer! and yes.. i watched and took pictures. (those will arrive at a later time possibly). It was one of the most horrifying this i have ever seen. I saw the cycle of a dog going from alive.. to killed.. to skin.. to dinner. And no, i didnt eat it. But wow..all i have to say is, I.Am.In.The.Philippines.

Next awesome thing. So here in the Philippines November 1 is All Saints Day. Everyone.. and i mean everyone.. goes to the cemetery and light candles, give flowers, pray,etc. Naturally we went and proselyted there! Just going up to random people and saying.. hey we are gonna teach you about the plan of salvation. Good experiences. Lots of new investigators.

3rd. Apostles. Yes, i shook hands with Neil L. Andersen! What a blessing! He is a super cheerful and jolly guy. He gave a great training about sharing the gospel with all people. IT was a wonderful experience.

Sorry my emails are getting progressively worse.. hah! i feel like time is just slipping out of my hands. Plus all the computers here suck. haha. and about the shirts i wear looking yellow.. thats just a part of the mission here in the pines. Thats what happens when the water you wash your clothes with isnt clean. haha. dont worry. I love you all. I hope you all are reading the scriptures.. and repenting daily. I amlearning that those 2 things are of eternal importance on a daily basis. I love you. God loves us all.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Go Lang Go

Family and Friends,

 First off. Sorry there hasn't been pictures as of lately... every computer cafe we go to here in Hinigaran is just.. garbage. haha. So sorry about that! When i find a good internet cafe you will get pictures. I am for sure getting chubby though. hahaha. Not too much in the face but in the body. That's what happens when you can lift weights and all you eat is rice. hahahahah. But that's okay. haha. 

  So the big news this week. Transfer. Elder David transferred to an area just one zone over. It was sad because we had just started to well.. be friends. haha. As sad as that is to say, its the truth. I learned tons from him and am super grateful he was my companion. He was nervous to leave his first area, but i'm sure he is doing good in his new area. So on Wednesday i went to Bacolod until my new comp showed up. Oh ya, im training! Crazy. So wednesday i stayed in Bacolod with my old zone leader, Elder Gibbons and then the missionary that replaced me in EB, Elder Hawk. Gosh.. what a great experience. I don't know those 2 very well but i love em. We had one of the greatest "life talks" of my entire mission. I can't explain really, but it was spiritual and just.. life changing. I won't forget it. Thursday i met my Trainee! First off... i was scared out of my mind to train (its still stressful dont get me wrong). His name is Elder Cusili. His cousin is actually our district leader! He is from Kawayan Mission in the Pines. He speaks pretty good english, which that helps like you cant even imagine. He is 19, super humble.. and just wants to convert everyone. 

Training is interesting. Stressful. I feel that every choice i make, will have a consequence for him. Boy. Haha. But no, the experience has already been awesome.. i love it! I cant believe im now in my 5th transer, and 5th companion as well!! hahha. Time is unreal. I wake up and then its time to go to bed. We had a baptism on Saturday. I was able to baptize her...in those moments, thats where the Spirit takes over and you forget all the struggles of a mission! 

Spiritual Corner. The Book of Mormon is true. I had an amazing experience (this morning actually) with the Book of Mormon. It needs to be the center of our studies. We need to study it on a daily basis. Need. I promise you that. If you aren't reading daily.. start now. It will help you in ways you cant understand to become closer to Jesus Christ and increase your faith.I love it. I love you all. Thank you for everything. Keep being great people. The Church is true, and Christ lives. 

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

New Companion

Just saw this on President Lopez'sFacebook….thought I’d share with you!  the caption read ‘Elder Cusili and his trainer Elder Stagg’

Earthquakes, Revelation and Bishop's Offices

Family and Friends,

 Wow. What a week... i feel like every single week is the best and most challenging and most rewarding week of my life. That sounds weird.. but its the best way to explain it. That's the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan and our lives... every day is a new opportunity to... live.. progress... learn. I wish i could explain and express to you all that i have learned to you this week... But i dont have the time, nor the ability to do that over email. But let me tell you this, God is very very aware of what is happening in our lives, at all times. 

So first off... Tuesday morning. Elder David and i were deeply entrenched in our personal studies when things started to.. shake. I was 100% sure it was him shaking my desk, but i looked up and saw that his hands were both on his scriptures.. we gave each other perplexed looks. Then as fast as i could remember all my elementary school earthquake trainings.. i decided to go stand under the doorframe. Of course i explained this to my comp, in english.. and well he doesnt really understand english. I just realized how funny that is. hahahah. The earthquake lasted for about 20 seconds maybe.. hard to recall exactly how long. It was a very crazy but awesome experience. It made teaching random people that day a lot easier.. "Repent ye, repent ye!" hahahah. Headaches as well.

Wednesday. The best part of this day.. was the fact that we stayed in a hotel. 2 things describe it all.. 1. hot shower 2. queen size bed. Enough said.  

Thursday. Wow! Elder Brent H. Nielsen of the 1st quorom of the Seventy came to our mission for a mission tour! He was great. Even better was his wife! I actually sat next to him during lunch and had a personal conversation with them.. that was great! But Sister Nielsen talked about loving our companions. She started by describing her family and then describing their likes.. dislikes.. traditions.. etc. She then talked about her children-in-law and the differences they brought into the family.. sometimes for worse.. but more often than not, for good! She then related to this in the fact that we HAVE to love our companions. And how we must embrace all people and walks of life.. and pull from their strengths and experiences. Its a difficult thing (at least for me) but it really is so beneficial. that brings me to my next point....

Sunday. First off.. the power of fasting is so real, and so amazingly helpful. I testify that to you. Also, fasting isn't always so much about receiving some crazy signs or blessings, but more so about being spiritually in tune in order that you can see the answers and blessings that are already there. I hope that makes sense. This is my other piece to you all.. God puts people into your life at a very specific time and for very specific reasons. Whether it be your companion.. ward mission leader.. or bishop.. or whoever! I received some amazing help, encouragement, advice and love from some amazing people yesterday. God is so keenly aware of our circumstances. I testify to you that if we open our hearts and allow people in... we can progress in ways we can't imagine. Be open to all.. love all. Charity never ever faileth. Im trying to apply that to myself and its well.. difficult, but amazing. 

I miss you all. God is real, and he loves us. Daily scripture is vital for our daily happiness and eternal salvation. I plead to you with my entire heart.. read your scriptures and pray everyday. Be worthy.. love all.. and come closer to your Father in Heaven every single day. The Church is true. It's that simple. The people aren't perfect... but the doctrines are. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. Never forget that. God is a just God. Jesus Christ is our Savior. It is ALL possible through him. Let yourself come unto him.. and he will always come unto you. I love you all and miss you dearly. Keep on keeping on.. "thus onto eternal perfection"

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Tears of Sadness can turn into Tears of Gratitude

Family and Friends,

Wow. Crazy how much life can change in just 7 short days. Life is quick and full of choices, progression and change. At certain times in this week... I have felt the overwhelming love of my Heavenly Father. That is the most important thing ever. Ever. 3 Things that i have realized are so amazingly important... patience, humility, and charity. That is the battle of my life to obtain these things.. but hey, its a great experience.

I feel like time is slipping faster and faster. I cant really comprehend it. Again.. life just progresses.

So.. Conference. Wow. General Conference was amazing and inspiring. All the messages were so inspired. This was my biggest thing i took away... Missionary work is progressing and needs all of your help!! Marriage and the roles of men and women are SO ordained of God. Also.. scripture study is so important to our lives. If you aren't doing it, you need to repent and start. I add my testimony to all of the talks that were given.. .they are inspired of God.

Fun note.. i replanted rice this week! that was exciting. haha! Pictures have been sent. Well... sorry my time is short.. as well as yours to read this. I would rather you read your scriptures anyways, much more joy and blessings from that. I love you all and have felt your prayers and concern. Life is beautiful. God loves us all. We all must do everything possible daily to qualify for the Holy Ghost. I know Jesus Christ's power is real and can change all of us if we allow it to. 

ps--- here in the 'Pines.. its already Christmas season. Caroling has begun. 

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

                             first.. a monkey outside where i email.. yes, im in the philippines. haha. 

                                                          conference set up!! i love it 

Best thing ever

Full Trust in the Lord

Family and Friends,

Well.. first off. I have learned more about faith and trust this week than ever. That is what it's all about.. whether it be the people, the weather, the weaknesses... whatever! we just have to put our trust in the Lord and his will and timing. Yes its difficult, very! But... so beneficial. 

Timeout. I had the greatest trunky moment the other day. I was riding on a bus and literally played this scene over in my mind like 4 times... "This will be the last play of the game barring a penalty... Beck in shotgun.. 3 out wide... all the time in the world for beck... can anyone get open? TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN!" Yes... that isn't very missionary like, but it was a beautiful reminiscing moment. I was almost in tears of joy. hahah. Johnny Harline is forever a legend in my book. On that note.. i do miss sports, thats a fact. But its okay. Haha. I have all my life for sports.

So the area and the companionship is improving day by day. Mostly because i am learning to try and overcome my own weaknesses. That's what life is all about.. focusing on our own personal weaknesses and problems.. then trying hard and praying to overcome. That's what i am learning. Life really is good on the mission. It rains here literally everyday.. kinda sad!! but thats okay. Im excited to watch conference.. we have to wait a week! Lame! 

Spiritual Corner. Go read Alma 5.. the whole chapter. That's all i need to say about scriptures this week. Oh, and the Book of Mormon is so true. I testify that we truly can find answers for our questions through our personal study. I have experienced it more than a few times this week. Our personal study of the scriptures can change our life forever! I also learned a lot about personal worthiness. Especially priesthood holders. No matter what is wrong with those around us.. focus on our personal worthiness. It truly is the way to internal peace and happiness. Again.. find the strength of the Lord. We are saved through the grace and mercy of Christ AFTER all that we can do! Analyze that!  

Anyone who reads this and is preparing for a mission.. all i can say is, Good Decision!! So true. Its the biggest blessing in my entire life. Even the hardest moments.. i am learning to love. I love this work with all my heart. It changes people.. including yourself! The church is so true! I pray for all of you. Really do. I pray that the Spirit will open your hearts to new understanding. I truly love the Lord Jesus Christ. Ps... here in the 'Pines they start listening to Christmas music... about 3 weeks ago. haahahah. Seriously. I love it. I really do. Continue to write me and keep me updated on life. Especially the Oakland A's. Boom. God Speed the Right, and Go Cougars!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Emergency Transfer!

Family and Friends,

Well.. it happened. I transferred. Wednesday night at 10:25 as i was praying the phone rang.. it was the AP. He told me to be at the mission office the next morning at 10 am. i stayed up til 1 am packing. Eventful. I am now in Hinigaran. It is about an hour and a half south of Bacolod. Its in the binalbagon zone. The area is huge... very spread out which makes it difficult for proselyting. I have experienced a ton of the areas yet.. The ward is awesome. They are all about missionary work. The bishop is a stud. Im excited to be here.

So last P-Day i didnt send any pics sorry.. and as i was trying to send them, i lost all my pictures. The computer had a virus. Everything since my 1st transfer. Gone. Videos and pics. Sad day. Not much i can do about it.. but yeah.

I'll be honest. A mission teaches you things. Sometimes in super difficult ways. Sorry i might not be able to have email time while you are all awake during my stay here in Hinigaran. Its hard to explain why i cant try to change the time we do it. I have a lot of... i cant even explain it, things to adapt to. My companion's name is Elder David. He is Filipino. nice kid. it is his 3rd transfer. Excited to grow and be stretched this next transfer.

We had a stake baptism on Saturday. It was tons of fun. We baptized 2 little kids. I was able to baptize them. It was a great experience.

Spiritual Corner. Weaknesses. We all have them. I found.. and had mine shown to me by others the past week. I.. uh. Haha. Life is great. Gotta be more humble, patient, and loving.

I love and miss you all!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg 

stake baptism!! good time

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Family and Friends,

Hmm... the topic says it all. This week was glorious in so many ways. First off. We had zone conference. 118 missionaries. Goodness the Spirit was unreal. Couple great notes from our zone conference.. well first off.. the night before we stayed with our zone leaders and i worked with Elder Gibbons. He is from arizona and is just a stud. We had a great life talk.. God puts people in your life for very specific reasons! So zone conference.. amazing. We are preparing for our mission tour next month. We will have Elder Nielsen of the 70 come to our mission. should be amazing. So couple lessons and notes from zone conference... my mission president is inspired of God. I know it with all my heart. Also his AP's.. Elder Doane and Elder Peralta. I know Elder Doane somewhat well.. he is a stud. He literally just pulls the Spirit down whenever he gives trainings. He talked about learning the language.. gave me some great tools and new desires to study hard! He gave this quote.. "This is the Lord's time.. whenever you don't improve yourself.. you waste his time." Yes it is super applicable to me as a missionary but it is to all of us as well. This time is given to us by the Lord to improve and come closer to him. One thing i learned from Elder Peralta is this... our daily personal scripture study can CHANGE OUR LIVES. It is so true.. everyday i experience a positive change. And it stems from my study of the scriptures. Do it! everyday! A cool scripture quote.. "it's better to obey than to sacrifice" ... mull that one over. Another great one liner from President Lopez, "All good comes from God. The end." k... here goes a good one for you. President talked about the 3 most common symptoms of mental illness (apparently its a problem in our mission) 1. feeling sad or down 2. confused thinking or lack of concentration 3. excessive fears or worries. he had scripture remedies for all 3. apply these to yourself if you are feeling this. for #1- Pray intently Enos 1:15. for #2.. read the BOM Moroni 10:3.. for #3.. trust in the Lord!! faith is dependent on our trust in the Lord! My last insight about zone conference... we watched a movie entitled "The Atonement and Missionary Work" .. it is video clips of Christ's atonement.. and has talks by Eyring and Holland in the background. Wow. wow. Go watch it. One of the most powerful movies every.  I was just... yeah. I love the Lord. I testify that Christ lives. I testify that through his power.. everything can be overcome. I know that we can obtain Eternal Life only ... ONLY... through him! 

Couple life notes.. I learned this week how blessed I am. the 2 biggest things.. with my knowledge and my ability to speak English. The past transfer i have been teaching elder Albao how to speak english. He is good but just wants to become better.. i love teaching him! haha. Our language is the best!! Second.. i have been teaching him about like.. life. world history. Slavery. Hitler. Genocide. Revolutionary War. MLK. Just all of it... its all so great. I have been blessed with much knowledge. On that note... i am realizing how important it is. We need to study and learn all things possible. Not just spiritual but life too... SChool!! i cant wait to study more when i get home. haha. man im turning into such a missionary nerd. 

Investigator notes. The past week at church we had... 15 investigators!!! That is unreal.. the average is like 5!! Wow.. what a blessing from God. I am seeing a might change of heart in so many of my investigators. Here's a quick story. Romela is a 15 year old investigator. She will be baptized this week. She is super interested about God and learning. We went to here on Monday and she was in 1 Nephi 2. We came back on friday... Done with all of 1st Nephi!!! Wow. We asked her her feelings about the BOM and Joseph Smith. Her response... its true. he's true. i know it.    Yeah.... conversion is real. And guess how she obtained it? scripture study and prayer and church attendance. It's such a simple formula for success in life.. just do it!! please!? 

Its simple. Family and Friends. I love you. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I love my mission. I love the scriptures. I love my investigators. I love my companion. I love the heat and sweating. I love the laughs. I love the joy that comes from this gospel. I love it all. Most importantly. I love Heavenly Father and his plan for me. I love the fact that i teach people every single day how to come closer to him and his Bugtong Anak (Beloved Son) every day.. I LOVE LIFE. haha. Im such a missionary... it kinda scares me sometimes. Hows your reading of the Book of Mormon? (i ask that every visit.. even to my Bishop). Love you all. The church is true. The Philippines is still hot. And im still "Joe" to every person here ;) hahaah!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

camera fun :) haha!

You are hereby called to serve in the... EB Magalona, Philippines Mission.

Family and Friends,

Well. If you couldnt tell by the subject heading.. i didnt transfer!! haha! But that's okay.. i love EB Mag. Oh and Elder Albao stayed as well! Good times! It's like my home now. I know all the tricycle and tricicad drivers, I have the price of all the traveling memorized, the works. hahaha. Really though.. i love EB. The people here are starting to grow on me more and more. That's something crazy that happens on a mission. You become best friends with complete strangers! hahah. Whether it be your companion... your bishop.. your ward missionary.. whoever! And you know how it happens? The common ground of the gospel. Your love of the Lord and his work. For me it is wonderful. Really. I come in this random country.. speaking some crazy language.. spending 24/7 with some Elder i've never met in my whole life.. but its not even a big deal. You just do it. hahah. The mission teaches you to just adapt and change always. Its nuts. 

No baptism this week. Our girl we had lined up to be baptized just keeps ducking out on church. patay na siya. But thats okay.. sidenote there.. dont pray for me, pray for my investigators!! seriously. haha. im fine. i have the gospel. im doing whats right, they are the ones who need the help.. really. Nothing really crazy or funny jumps out at me about this week. Had a Birthday party for our recent convert Franz.. kid is an absolute nut. Love it though. Tons of fun there! haha. Funny thing was is it was on the 13th.. Zach's B-day. No joke 3 different investigators we went to.. turned us away cause they were having a birthday party for someone they knew. hahah. SO zach, your birthday is popular here! hahah.

Spiritual Corner. We taught and i studied a lot this week about the Plan of Salvation. First off. Wow. The plan is so intricate yet so simple. It all just fits perfectly into one big.. amazingness. Couple thoughts about the Plan of Salvation. Moses 4:3. Satan was cast out because.. he tried to oppose God's greatest gift to us. Agency. God is angry with anything that destroys our agency. that is why satan was cast out.. he wanted the glory but more importantly he wanted to get rid of agency. Let me tell you something right now.. that is what is he doing still. right now. everyday. He tries to inflict vices.. sins.. addictions.. that break our agency. The Word of Wisdom.. Law of Chastity.. is all there to protect our free agency. When we break either of those 2 commandments we give up our agency to Satan or some substance or some one. It also angers God. Remember that. So i fell in love with these verses this week... Alma 34:31-35. Now is literally the day of our salvation. Salvation is a daily task. It doesnt all just happen on the last day when we are resurrected or what not. It is a constant work in progress. The time will end! Then our same spirits will be with us. Do you really except that we will be transformed into a saint if we have been a villain our whole life? Simply... repent and prepare now. We need to progress and try to rid our weaknesses everyday. Remember why you are on this Earth. Really.. remember your ultimate purpose. Progression is real. I see it in people every day. Joshua 24:15... choose you this day whom you will serve. Again.. today.. not tomorrow. Decide now to serve the Lord always! So another note.... The Book of Mormon is true. The End. There are answers for your questions... peace for your troubles.. hope for your despair. Please read the Book of Mormon everyday. I want nothing more than that. I know it will bless your life in such a way that nothing else can. 3 hours of church a week isn't enough. Oh funny note there... did the math and... church service is 1.7% of your time in the whole week. And you get so many blessings in return!! Homework. Read "in the strength of the Lord" by David A. Bednar. Amazing talk.

Well... honestly. i can't explain the joy that comes from missionary work. But i can tell you its amazing. If you happen to read this and are contemplating whether to serve a mission or not.. just do it. Its more important than any job.. girl.. scholarship.. car.. whatever. the lessons you learn on a mission are like nothing else. Well.. i miss you all. dont worry im not trunky. but i sure do miss you all. I love you all. Keep being amazing. I pray for you daily! 

Life is freaking amazing. Never forget that!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

my district!! great people :) love them all!

two little kittens that followed us one night for about an hour.haah

my sweet England jersey.. i know phe and jay will love that!!

deck of a restaurant in our pday area.. cool times in the pines! hah