Monday, December 18, 2017

Merry Almost Christmas!

Hello Everyone!! And Merry Christmas I guess? This week was a great one as well as the other ones! So I dont have that much time this week to explain waht happened. But I can tell you that the Lord ALWAYS has his hand in our lives. I know that for fact. I hope you can feel the love of the Lord as you all serve someone you love this week:))🎄🎄🎄

-- 
Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

Monday, December 11, 2017

Man I love this place!

This week has been great. And because of that I'm just going to get straight to what happened :)
-We had Mission Tour with Elder Haynie (area presidency) and it was truly so amazing I felt like my testimony and my love for the Gospel of Christ turned into this mountain greater than Mt. Everest!!
-We attended a baptism of the sisters in our district of Brother Neson Jacob, the one I was able to interview a couple weeks ago! Long story short I was the person the ended up baptizing him and to make a longer story shorter, I didnt bring a change of clothes so I was walking around with a nice wet mark in my pants to our ward christmas party (But YES it was worth it. No doubt about it) 🎁🎄😊
*Note from Mom* This is what Cody sent us regarding the baptism :) "Last Friday we attended a baptism for the sisters in our district, of a guy I had interviewed. He had invited us to his baptism and of course we had to go. So at his baptism the person who was baptizing brother Nelson, tried about 7 times to baptize him. But because of it being probably his first time to baptize anyone in his whole life and probably because he is kinda small, he wasn't able to baptize him correctly.  Finally, I volunteered to baptize him. I changed into a nice jumpsuit the church had and performed the baptism, thankfully successful in one try. But the problem was I didnt have a change of clothes. So even though I was laughed at (by the sisters) for the wet mark of my garments through my pants, it was well worth it even though my garments were soaking wet :) hahahah! But I was blessed for them to dry off pretty fast!"

So my new Companion is Elder Iligan and he is from Negros Occidental here in the Philippines. (I would send a picture but a child of a member accidently deleted all my pictures on my camera so I have absolutely none saved...) Here in our area we have a "Group". (It is not yet a branch) Last Sunday there was about 15 people that atteneded. So here I was, a speaker last Sunday, (we are back up speakers every week :) we bless the Sacrament, we teach classes and I was asked about what topic to assign a member for their talk next week. So, in short you could say I LOVE IT here and love the members. They are the best. I'm thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given me and hope I can accomplish what the Lord expects of me and also help others reach their full potential as sons and daughters of God. Please keep them in your prayers :) And also keep in your prayers to have missionary experiences everyday so that you can be used as an instrument in God's hands and help scattered Israel find their home. I love all of you. I know that our prayers are always answered and that God the Eternal Father and His son Jesus Christ live and love each one of us!:)
Eler Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission
Last week at the temple. Shout out to Elder Polotu that sent this!


Tuesday, December 5, 2017

What the bundok?

So this has been my first area in Quirino area, and the "city" I thought I was moving to turns out to be just a mountain!! haha we are the only one in the whole city zone that has ABSOLUTELY NO CITY AT ALL!! It's awesome :) Anyways, it's only been one week and I can say that I already LOVE the people so much. They have a very special place in my heart :) Our area also is basically "squatters" as they are called, which is just houses built on houses, so there are tons of people living in a pretty small place. 

Our district is super amazing!! We have 4 Sisters and 4 Elders and it's a super happy district!! I've been able already to interview 2 children of God for baptism this past week. I was able to see and hear how the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ has touched them personally and changed their lives as they were able to come to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church here on the earth. I'm thankful for that and for the many things that have already happened this transfer. 

As I look back on how TIME HAS FLOWN BY so incredibly fast, I feel so blessed to be sitting down in the humble homes of my brothers and sisters here, eating their food, learning their culture and how willingly they have accepted me here. I didn't think I could be able to grow so close to a people that were so foriegn to me just 16 months ago.

I love the Lord, I love the Philippines and I know the church is true. It just IS! I can't fully explain my experiences but as I see how I and the investigators have changed by abiding to the precepts of the Gospel, I know we have come closer to Christ than by any other way. 

NXT WEEK I WILL HAVE PICTURES :)

Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

I met this guy, Brother Zebe, (He's from Vegas too, small world) outside the temple earlier today.  He and his wife decided to attend the temple as well, here in Manila

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Transfers!

Soooooooooo... after 6 months of my favorite area, people and investigators, I'm being transferred! I'm going into the city for the first time, and I have been called as a district leader as well in our huge 8 missionary district!  I will miss so much all of the people I was blessed to meet. This has been a great time for me. I have learned more about myself and changed in this area more than I have in my whole mission. I hope with all my heart that the investigators here will continue on the path and continue to come unto Christ, and even if I won't be able to see some of them, my brothers and sisters again (in this life), I know that I'll be able to see them in the next life as we rejoice together!

Gina, our investigator, let us do service at her house this past week. We were able to paint her roof (which was a little bigger than I had anticipated) and she came to church with her 3 kids on Sunday!

We also found a part member family this week! We were out talking to just anyone on the street and it just happened by divine design :) that we talked to a guy, and he let us inside his house.  As we met with his family, it turns out his wife is actually a member of the church and was baptized in her province! It was such a cool experience!!  They have all been really accepting of us as well! 


Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

A cool bird the members caught

Then we fed it a banana haha

Our amazing district (with Metro Manila in the background)

This goes to show how centered on Christ the Philippines really is!

Monday, November 20, 2017

Binyag saka Bakal

So this week we had a great Sunday! We were able to have a miracle baptism. We met Elnie and we had our first lesson on Nov. 2 and because she attended church 2 times before that, she was able to be baptized this last week. I can honestly tell that she was sooo prepared!! She was so accepting of all the lessons we had shared with her and she has such a soft heart! She was a "Born Again" before, and that had played such a big role in her life, but she got to see the differces in our church and felt most of all, the Spirit testify to her that this was the true church of Christ. 

This last wednesday we got to do service at our bishop's house and I had an "accident" I guess. haha. We were cleaning and cutting down trees and sawing wood, but that's not what hurt me haha. Long story short, I walked into this wierd piece of metal sticking out of their driveway, and since then my ankle has been swollen and there's a nice punture wound in my heel! The good part is that we have an amazing mission nurse that's helped, and I was also given permission to wear Crocs out proseylting while my foot heals so, that was been sweet (pictures included)  ;)

Being a missionary is easily the best calling ever ;) There are many times that really try my faith and patience in the Lord's plan for me, but time after time He's always there for me. The advice I would give to all of you whether you feel strong in your faith or feel the need for improvement -- Continue, press forward and trust in the Lord and His plan that He has for you. Don't ever lose your trust in Him. Let us all do what the Apostle Paul has instructed the Saints: 1 Thessalonians 3 10 .....and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
To perfect that which is lacking in our faith.


Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

I'm pretty sure my eyes are open...

Elnie's baptism :)

The coolest ever!




Monday, November 13, 2017

I Don't Know What Just Happened...

di ko alam kung anu nangyari kanina, but I know that this week was somehow faster than last week.

This week has been a pretty good one honestly. So I have been in this area for 6 months now, and visiting with past investigators and visiting with members and I can see how much people have changed. How time really can soften peoples hearts to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We met with a former investigator this past week and had a really good but short lesson with him. We were able to explain to him how the Bible and the Book of Mormon support eachother. How they don't replace each other because they NEVER could! And talked and really used the Spirit and he really understood what the Book of Mormon really is. He told us, 'If they support eachother, if the Book of Mormon supports the Bible I will read it!!" It was really cool because he's been an investigator for a long time, and his whole family are all members at this point. But I know whatever happens will be for the best!

As I look back at my first transfer here in Baong Nayon, I can tell that I'm just clay in the Lords hands as he has shaped me and has helped me to improve on many many things, especially the language. I took Spanish for 3 years in high school and I honestly cannot speak it whatsoever except for the numbers. Here on my mission, with the mercy of the Lord, I have come farther in loving this people, culture and language than I thought I could. 

I was supposed to recieve an email from our Zone leaders for pictures, but I havent.. so next week I guess.. 

 

Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission



Monday, November 6, 2017

Was This Week Halloween?

This week was. just. great. Before I tell about my week, I will answer your questions about Halloween! "Does the Philippines celebrate Halloween?" So yes they do, but, it is not very popular.  Our ward I think had a trunk or treat, but it's just for the little primary kids, and the Halloween here is from like Oct.31 until Nov. 3, so kids are just asking for candy, that's basically it haha.

But this week was pretty great. We were able to teach a new investigator that just told us on the first lesson the she was just interested to listen, but as we taught about the Restored Gospel, and as she felt that sweet feeling of the spirit, her intentions changed. And by the end of the lesson she accepted to be baptized on Nov.19!! What a blessing.

This week I have just reflected on my mission, how fast it has been, how I have changed, how far I have come, how blessed I have been. Some people say that their mission changed them so much. For me, I would say its true for me too but, something that overshadows that, I would say: The Atonement of Christ has changed me so much. It's changed me beyond belief, while I have been on my mission. I wouldn't be near who I am without Jesus Christ. Christ and His church, I would have to say is part of me. It is not just something we attend during the week or someone we pray to when we are in trouble. It's Someone we pray to always, and its somewhere we go everyweek to renew convenants to Christ to always remember Him.  

I love you all, and I love the Lord. Something President Koster tells us always is that "If your investigators are not progressing it means they are not reading the Book of Mormon." I reflected on that and realized if we are not "progressing" in our lives as members, if we feel like something is lacking or we feel far from Christ, it is indeed because we ourselves are not sincerely reading the Book of Mormon!

Kabahay Floral Tie Day

Monday, October 30, 2017

The Spirit... and Spiders!

I'm very thankful for this week. It was super great and I'm really grateful for Heavenly Father. I can say that this is the closest I have been to the Lord in my life. Just as I feel that I have learned all I need to in order to become better, you guessed it, I learn more. As I look at myself before my mission or even at the start I know that I have come a long way. 

Fun Fact: I'm now gaining a desire to catch and hold spiders whenever I see them. (All the kids and my companions do it, so I'm just thinking its my time haha) 🕷🕸The only thing holding me back is not knowing which one will kill me and which one will not! haha I'm sure next week I'll send some pictures ;)

But this week was full of the spirit. On Wednesday we had zone interviews with our mission president, President Koster, and I'm so thankful for that. We were able to have a great conversation that was able to help me to become even more learned about the Lord and myself. As Elder Remulta and I relied on the Spirit, not on our own knowledge or on our own instincts, we were able to find a member that hasn't been able to attend church for years. We were the first missionaries in 30 years to talk to him! That just goes to show to me that Heavenly Father knows all of us individually and has a plan for each one of us, and in that plan, there is a divine design. Through the Spirit we were able to witness two other miracles as we asked inspired questions to our investiagators! We were able to find truly what their concern was and help get them closer to baptism.

In short, I know that we are all loved no matter who we are. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and you can come closer to Him by its precepts, than any other book on earth. I know the Spirit doesn't lie, and whatever we come to know through that special spirit is important revelation for us. The Church is True!!



-- 
Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission


Monday, October 23, 2017

ang bilis ng oras

So this week was so fast... But nevertheless the Lord has blessed us so much. I dont have that much time this week, but I do have enough time to tell all of you how, without a doubt, that I know that Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that God, is our living, loving Heavenly Father and He loves us no matter what. And all He wants is for us to be able to return to live with Him for eternity. I know with my heart that, the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was called of God in our last dispensation here on earth.


Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

FHE with the Babante family!

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Bagong Nayon Pa rin

Yun, so transfers are right now, and I'll be staying in the Bagong Nayon area for 6 months! haha but it is totally ok because this is my favorite area by far! The members are just so funny even if they are makulet, but they all have a special love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. So I'm not sure if you can really tell, but I'm really trying with my english right now. Some of the kids here or some of the rm's that are learinng english ask me for help and to speak in english or to translate something. I can't!! haha when I say something it just sounds so wierd!! ENGLISH IS WIERD! haha who would ever think I would say that? 

But these last weeks have been really... wonderful. I can honestly say that I have not seen so many miracles in my last 15 months than I have seen in these last 2 weeks. I'm extremely grateful for the many blessings from my Father in Heaven. As recorded in the Book of Alma, I too know that Man is nothing! Or as Moses had explained after his amazing experience with the Lord, he too knew that Man is nothing compared to God. 

Every Monday we have been having Family Home Evening with the recent convert Babante Family!! (Whose goal will be to be sealed next year in the Temple:) )They absolutely LOVE IT! They have been inviting their family who aren't members over and it's so fun! Last night Brother Babante ended with some closing remarks, and he expressed how much he loved us for helping him and his family be so happy. It was a heart touching experience. We met with Udices again this week! And I absolutely love him. The lessons we always have with him are always the best!! As he explains his week to us, he's starting to realize all the blessings and the miracles in his life! He said ever since we met with him, all the "bad demons have gone away". He's so great! We asked if he wanted a blessing with some other things he's been going through and he said yes. After the blessing he asked a question that I have never been asked after a blessing... "What was that? What did I see?" Me and my companion looked at each other because I was honestly so shocked. He said during the blessing he saw an image. He saw some sort of VISION.  He drew it out and It was something I have never seen before. I searched later that night in the book of Revelations, and found nothing. There were some correspondence but we still have no idea, but I think that's just between Udices and the Lord. 

I have been humbled to know of the confidence the Lord has had in me personally these last couple weeks. I'm so thankful that our Heavenly Father has more faith and confidence in all of us than we do in ourselves. That because He can see our infinite potiential and truly see what we can become.

I dont have pictures I'm sorry. I left My camera at homee.. Next week:)
--
Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

Note from Mom:  I got this picture from President Koster's post and I'm re-posting it so we (and by we, I mean me) don't have to be deprived of Cody's happy face this week :)





Monday, October 9, 2017

Daming Himala

So this week has been easily the BEST week of my mission. Our week was full of miracles! We have just had tons and tons of random and amazing referals from members, and a lot of miracles with our finding this week. So just to make it short, I'll just mention one amazing miracle that has easily topped what I have been able to experience this far. We were finding this week and we honestly didn't know where we were going, but I was just walking and saying hello to everyone as always, and one peson had answered and I felt like I should go back and talk to him. Turns out his name is Udices and with the many, many... many experinces he had shared with us, it seemed like he had no more hope for this world. He had literally said he had no care for where he was going after this world, because all care would just vanish after we died. After about 30 minutes of trying everything we could think of, finally I felt impressed to just lay everything out there so he could really know for himself, that the message we carry is the answer to his questions. After asking him questions, he explained he had faith in God to answer his prayers, and that he had sincerity with all his heart that he truly wanted to know. I then said, "You have those things, can we all kneel and pray to God if this is His answer to you?" We had shared about the role of the Holy Ghost and the fruits of it so he can recognize it's presence. We all kneeled , and he said the prayer. After the prayer finished, he said nothing but just cried. He asked where the church was and said he would attend church! He also knew that God had answered his prayers. I know of a surety the power of the Holy Ghost and that it can soften anyones heart!! Even my new best friend Udices' heart. I know how powerful faith is, and as Moroni put it in the book of mormon,
 37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith thatmiracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because ofunbelief, and all is vain
Faith is essential for all of us! 

This week is the last full week of the transfer! It was flown by talaga.. Gen Conf was sobrung maganda and I loved the spirit that was there. I know this church to be true and that our Savior, our Master is the head of it. I know faith, if you use it every day, can grow into something totally wonderous and powerful. I love the Lord and can't wait to get back out and testify to the people searching (whether they realize it or not) about the Gospel of JesuCristo


Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission


Monday, October 2, 2017

General Conference!! joke lang, next week for us :)

I'm thankful for all the emails about how GREAT General Conferece was! Unfortunately we have to wait until next week. But that will give us the oppritunity to work on our patience ;) 

But I'm so thankful for this week! I can't elaborate my feelings this week, but they were amazing!! There have been ups and downs obviously, but I'm thankful and I can tell I have changed so much. So lately we have been struggling with new investigators in our area, so we just put our faith in the Lord, and went finding everyday this week. On Wednesday we went finding 2pm-6pm and we were able to find 10 people that were willing to listen to the wonderful message we carry as missionaries. Something I like to say when we explain about the message we have, I'm always sure to say when I feel prompted to, is "What we will explain to you is not "our" message as missionaries, or something our leaders had made up, but it comes directly from Christ, through Prophets, our church leaders". 

One experience I'm so thankful for and something I think about often is what happened on Wednesday. We were able to find 40 workers, (what did I do? I got in and helped them dig of course and it was so awesome haha!!!!)  who all live in a boarding house they fashioned using what materials they could. It turns out they are here building cement walls near our house and will be here for more than a year. Those we talked with all came from different parts of the Philippines just to work here and gain money. I met a 16 year old who came with his brother, all the way to a 60 year old man. As we just sat on the curb on this back street, I was completely humbled by them and by the circumstances they were in. We shard about the Plan of Salvation and they could feel the Spirit working in them, because when we asked what they were feeling, they said it was a beautiful feeling. 

I'm grateful for the gift of charity, because I've been able to really love those we have been teaching. It's such a special feeling and it has changed me. I know this work is the most important work on the earth and I'm so humbled I'm able to be here engaged in it. I love all of you, and I know so strongly that Heavenly Father has such a perfect love for all of us.

Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

(Note from mom, Elder Aguiar is in the second to last row, third from the right)



Monday, September 25, 2017

Binyag

So honestly, I'm just living my life as a missionary. What could possibly be better than preaching the Gospel of Christ to those who are searching for it?? I have noticed how much trust the Lord has in us as missionaries, to go forth completely turning from our lives before and just teaching repentance unto His people. I have found out a little bit about myself this week. After our baptism on Saturday, I reflected on why I love my mission and what drives me. The answer I got helped me to learn more about myself.  I have realized on my mission that I LOVE to help people in any way possible. When I'm not able to help someone, whether it is with holding something too heavy, or someone having trouble getting out of a jeepney, or just with problems in their lives, I find the MOST JOY in my life when I am serving those around me.  And how great is it that right now, I have the opprotunity helping all those that will recieve the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This week was pretty great! It went by terribly fast! On Wednesday we went to the trainer-trainee meeting with our amazing mission President and his wife. One thing I can tell you is the Spirit was so great! It was there and it was a fun and great experince to be part of it with my batch.

On Saturday we were able to have MTC exchanges again! It was awesome! It was me and 3 OTHER AMERICANS! haha You can only imagine how much we were just stared at as we walked and were together! They were so awesome and we were able to see miracles in just our 2 hours together! You could say we are now friends and that we will be looking for each other after our missions!

Yesterday we had a miracle baptism! It is the sister of Arjay. Her name is Nica, and she's so awesome!! Right now, their mom isn't too interested in coming to church, but we are doing all we can so she can realize the truth we bear as missionaries, so that they can be "together forever through Heavenly Father's plan".

I'm ALSO SO EXCITED to announce I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW! Little baby Matai! WHAT A CUTE BABY!!! AND with my amazing sister Holly and the amazing opportunity she has to enter the temple in November! And also with my great older brother Darin and his wife Ross with their new callings!!!  I love my family!

Elder Aguiar -- Quezon City Philippines Mission

Shaking Hands with Elder Andersen



Shaking Hands with President Koster

Amazing Conference with Elder Andersen and Shane M. Bowen









Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Power!

So this past week has been the HIGHLIGHT of my mission!! But sadly I dont have much time to share all the details about it... :(

This past Friday, we had a vist with ELDER ANDERSEN from the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. It was AMAZING!! I was on a spiritual high all that day! We were able to shake hands with him and with the area presidency. It was just such a humbling feeling. Even though I was super nervous haha for some reason, I was humbled and I know thats something like the Savior would be like. I forgot my many pages of notes from his talk, but the spirit was just spewing out of the roof of the chapel!!!  He talked about the spiritual gifts we were able to recieve and ref. Moroni 10:17 
17 And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will.
That "he" is us. Because its obvioulsy lowercased. So according to our desire and will, through prayer and action we can acquire any of the spiritual gifts we want to acquire if we have a righteous desire. It was amazing. He had many other things he talked about, but thats just the one I'll share with you.

Then on Saturday and Sunday we had our stake conference. And earlier today we were able to attend the temple. I cannot tell you how much I have learned in the span of 1 week! It has been full of  spirit and revelation for myself and for our area here.

We have been having trouble lately finding people to teach for the last couple weeks, but we have focused on just doing what the Lord wants us to do and nothing else and... we have had SUCCESS! Just yesterday, we met and taught a family who seemed just to be glowing as we taught them about the Plan of Salvation and about the special plan that Our Father in Heaven has for each one of us. And as I have been able just to teach out of love and see them as the Lord does, I cannot explain the change that has occured! What a blessing!!!

I know this work is the most important work on the earth, I know that God lives and His Son is the head of this church right now. I know that the temple is truly the the House of the Lord and that we will be able to live in never ending joy in the next life if we strive to do our best.
-- 
Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission


Monday, September 11, 2017

Anak Ko 'to

This week has been a pretty interesting one! I now have an "anak" (child).  In mission terms: I have been called by the Lord to train! Last wednesday I went to the mission home and there were talks, workshops and at the very end, our companionships were announced. My new brand new companion coming straight out of the MTC is Elder Remulta. He is from Davao. He's great, and just like "The District" cd's, "Elder Remulta came pre-trained." haha. He really has a desire to be a missionary and serve the people here.

This Friday we will be visited by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. Our whole mission is so excited, especially me!! I will have to let you know how it was next week! I ran out of time but at least I have pictures this week.

Remember that any kind of trial you go through, the Lord knows your heartaches and your weaknesses. But have faith in Him that no matter what happens, it is His plan and it will all be for the better. Elder Remulta shared a (I forgot the word.. ) but anyway it's like an explanation of trials. To become stronger we have to lift heavy weights, ganoon din with our trials, for our faith to become stronger and stronger, we need to go through trials. I know the Lord lives and Im ever happy that Im in His service!  

Elder Aguiar
Quezon City Mission



Anak ko

Kabahay

Ward Baptism

Our Batch is Training :)







Tuesday, September 5, 2017

MERRRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE PHILIPPINES!!! 🌲🎄⛄🔥🎁 (Yes, The "-ber" months turn Christmas season into a 4 month season!)



Anyways this week was honestly so amazing!!!  So transfers are tommorow, and I got a call last night, from the AP's. They explained that The Lord has called me to train a brand NEW missionary. As he said that, I didnt say anything because I was just surprised totally. The AP was wondering if I was on the other line because he thought the phone line cut out. But anyway, I'm so thankful that the Lord has given me His trust at this time, as well as His confidence to excel as a leader and also a trainer. I'm grateful I have this time to stretch myself in my callings, and to love my district as well as my new trainee! 

This week we were able to have MTC exchanges with Elder Crane and Elder Palmer, both from Utah (where all the missionaries from the MTC go on splits with the missionaries in the field) and I can tell you it was SUCH a spiritual experience!! We were able to find the elect of God! We met a guy named Jassmer and as we talked to him he expressed that his mother had passed away and that he wants to come back to God through church attendence. I explained that this was the plan of God for him, for us to meet him and share how families can be together forever. The Spirit was definitely there. 

This past week I have been able to see the many many blessings the Lord gives me personally everyday. I know without a doubt He knows each one of us personally, He knows our names, our weaknesses and our struggles, for we are His children and He loves us. This week my testimony of the Savior, of God and of the Book of Mormon, was strengthened so much. I know Christ lives, He has a body and suffered for each one of us, kaya He knows how to succor us. I know without any doubt in my mind that He is the Head of this church. Thank you for all the prayers and the love.  Mahal tayo ng diyos. Alam ko na, perpekto yung plano ng Diyos para sa atin. Mahal ko kayo


I dont have any pictures :( But I can gurantee there will be a lot next week!! ;)
--
Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission


Monday, August 28, 2017

What an amazing week to be a servant of the Lord!!



This week was amazing!! The first big event that happened this week, is that Sister Rose-ann, and her two kids were baptized! What made it even better is that their father (Brother Babante) was able to recieve the Aaronic Priesthood and baptize his own family!! How amazing right?? I could not tell you how big my smile was after each one of them came up out of the water!! But I know that our Heavenly Father is more excited than I am to see His children on the path to eternal life! And even better is next year they will be sealed as a family for time AND eternity in the House of the Lord :)

This week we were also able to find 15 new investigators in our area which was a big achievement for us! I have also felt the Lord's love for me. I have had talks from general conference going through my mind this week, and through them and trying to live the principles they have explained, I have been filled with more happiness and with a greater love of those around me. One scripture I have had in my mind is John 15:18-19.  I repeat it in my mind and when I'm down, I think of it. It's an AMAZING scripture, at least for me, to know as disciples of the Lord we will face trials and adversity. That is inevitable.  But Jesus reminds us, that the world has hated Him even before it has hated us, and it makes me feel good to know that if I'm hated as a missionary or face adversity as a member of the church, I'm in pretty good company! :)  We just have to remember as Latter-Day Saints, that Jesus suffered for all man-kind and because of that, He knows "how to succor His people". Not just in sadness or disappointment, but in rejection as well. 

I know that as we do "whatsoever He saith' unto us", we will always be on the right path. It will at times, come with disappointment and tears, but "Don't fear, just live right!" And as we do our best, God will do the rest as we press forward steadfastly as Latter-Day Saints. I know with my heart that God listens to every one of our prayers. He loves us perfectly, and He sees the divine potential in all of us. Through doing our best He can mold us into the ''best son or daughter of God" we can be. I know that Jesus Christ lives, I know He most certainly is the head of this great church. 

Love,
Elder Aguiar
Quezon City Mission

The Babante Family baptism

I had no idea there were pine trees in the Philippines

The farthest area of the mission



Monday, August 21, 2017

He Lives and He Loves

I just want to say before I start my email that I'm so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, and for my Heavenly Father. I know with an exact certainty that I'm so abundantly blessed. I've been able to more fully realize that the Lord knows us so personally. Something I just want to say, when you kneel down at the end of the day or in the morning or whenever you pray, pray as if God is listening, because HE IS! And if you can keep that in your mind, I know it will bless you immensely. You will be blessed to feel His love for you and you will have a greater appreciation of the power of prayer the Lord has so lovingly granted unto all of us!

This week as you can probably tell, I have concentrated more on my prayers. This week I'm grateful that I was able to see the power of prayers in my life personally! The work here in Antipolo is going amazing. It looks like I'm out of time. 

I know I didn't get to include many experinces, but I know that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that our prayers are always answered. I know that Jesus Christ is my and our Savior and Redeemer. I know that He Loves and He lives.


--
      Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

This boy was so excited to buy a rat for 20 pisos

My new favorite meal (chicken feet!)

Ubos na!

Monday, August 14, 2017

Stay Tuned for Next Sunday ;)

So this week has been a great time for blessings from the Lord!!

The Babante Family (Sister Roseann, Le Andro and Anndrea will be baptized next week!!! And Brother Babante will be ordained to the office of Priest so he can baptize his wife and kids!! How exciting!! I'll be setting my calender next August for a temple sealing :)

We were blessed also this week to find another family that we have been looking for! We had this name in our area book of a family and we could not figure out where they lived or anything. We just coincidentally asked a member if they knew anyone who would be interested in the Church, and low and behold, they took us to that house of the family we were looking for!! We didn't realize who it was until we saw a calendar on the wall that had their name on it "Banda Family"! But it turns out they want to be baptized! So that was a real miracle this week!!

We also have Zone Conference tomorrow and in September Elder Neil L. Andersen will be coming to our mission!! SO you can bet I'm looking forward to that!!!!

I have some pretty awesome pictures and videos this week BUT,  the computer wont load... so I will have to try again next week :(  Stay tuned!


--
      Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission


Monday, August 7, 2017

Ummm... I got nothin'

So I couldn't really think of a subject line this week haha oh well! Come to think of it, I can't really think of what happened this week either. I feel like I was just here yesterday 😂 

This week has been packed full of meetings honestly! We had our leaders training this week with President Koster, we have really focused our efforts this past week with coordinating with leaders in our ward as well to help the Bagong Nayon ward become more self reliant! On Sunday we had a couple of meetings and didn't get out of the church until 4:30 pm. Our church started at 10:30 am.. haha

Miracle this week!
We decided to go to the farthest part of our area this past week! We got to meet with some members and find out where their houses were. The last house we went to before we left was the house of the Bumatay family. We walked in and Brother was in bed sick and wasn't able to go to work. He was over-heating and couldn't get up. They asked for a blessing! Me and Elder Rey and another member that came with us, blessed him. After we blessed him with that same Priesthood as in olden times, the same power that the Prophets had, he started to sweat and cool off. Then after the blessing, instead of going back to sleep, he sat up and talked with us. Yesterday for fast and testimony meeting, Sister Bumatay stood and bore her testimony and was expressing how greatful she was, not only for us, but for the Priesthood power the Lord has given us on this earth. I then realized how perfect the plan is that God has for us, and that he lead us to that house in the farthest part of our area to give Brother a blessing.

Other than our wonderful experience and meetings, I am grateful for the Lord and for His love for me. I'm not perfect, but I've been able to see the vision of who the Lord wants me to be on my mission, and it's totally amazing! I can't tell you how great my desire is to just find people and teach them about the fulness of the Restored Gospel. I love you all so much and hope you can see how much the Lord loves you this week!!


Love, 
      Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission



part of our area sa bundok :) 










Monday, July 31, 2017

ES-CAP-E

WHAT AN AMAZING WEEK!! I had a great week and it was definitely filled with happiness. :)

So let me explain the heading haha. We were riding on a trike and I was just looking around and I saw the word "escape" on a car. I read it in my mind "es-cap-e" (yes, like in Finding Nemo)  I said to myself what the?? What kind of word is that?? What does that mean?  And then it dawned on me that it is an actual word in English... There's my little tagalog/english humor for today!

This week was amazing honestly. I loved it. Although it was just a little different with my new calling, it was just great :) We were able to have two baptisms yesterday!! I can honestly say that JP and Arjay are a lot smarter than I was when I was 9 and 10!! You should've of seen them after their baptism, they were so happy :)  Even though it was transfers, we were able to have progress in our area! The Babante family that I talked about last week, (the father is a member but the rest of his family isn't) they have come to church the last couple weeks and we were able to find out that Sister KNOWS the Church is true!! As we heard that, we taught about the Plan of Salvation and the importance of baptism and extended a baptism date for August 12! As soon as the kids heard that, they jumped up and said "Ma! We are going to be able to be baptized??" Oh man!  What an amazing lesson and family!!

All I can say is that I have been the happiest I have ever been in my WHOLE entire life. I can say that without a doubt. A missionary that just returned from his mission, bore his testimony in sacrament yesterday and it made me realize more about myself. I may have thought I knew who I was before my mission, the things I was going to do and what kind of person I was supposed to be, but I have realized more and more I had no idea about myself. Here on my mission I have come so much closer to Christ. I have found the real person the Lord wants me to be.  I have never experienced so much joy in my life! I know Christ lives. I know this is His church. I'm grateful to be here sharing the fullness of the Gospel with the people of the Philippines. What a great and perfect plan God has for us.
--
      Elder Cody Aguiar
Philippines Quezon City Mission

Babante Family

Baptism

Adventures on P-Day