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