Last Sunday we attended two meetings. One in Alcoy (about 3.5 driving hours south of the city where we currently live)...where we will be assigned and actually be in place in a couple of weeks. And one in Santander that is an hour drive even further south. The photos that are posted for this week are mostly of the meetings and a baptism that we held in Santander just after conclusion of the weekly meetings.
Alcoy is considered a group. A group is a small congregation that does not have adequate membership/attendance and priesthood holders to become a branch. A branch is a little larger congregation that does not have enough membership, attendance and priesthood holders to become a Ward.
The congregation is Santander is skipping the group level and proceeding directly to the branch level since there is plenty of membership, attendance and priesthood. This is the congregation that conducted the baptism at the conclusion of their weekly meetings. It is amazing how fast these congregations are growing. Alcoy only (2) weeks ago had a total primary of (3) non-member attendees (no members). Last week there were (11) attendees...all non-members.
The stories of the adult members of the group and branch are amazing. It has been made clear in the past that many of the members in the Philippines cannot afford even 20-30 pesos 40-50 cents) to get a trike or bike ride from their place to the church location. So when we open up a new group we get all kinds of stories about how long people have been waiting for the church to come to them since they cannot afford to go to the church when it is not close, With tears running down their face they express their thankfulness for the efforts the mission is making to make attendance more accessible. Some have waited for decades.
It is gratifying to be in the presence of such faith filled members and non-members. They truly have been praying for years and longer for conditions to change so they can once again enjoy the blessings of meeting weekly and partaking of the sacrament. It is also humbling. I often wonder if I have the same level of commitment and faithfulness as these saints.
This kind of commitment inspires one to evaluate their own level of commitment and faith. It reminds us that we should be thankful for the amount of fellowship and like-minded friends we have in our own congregations at home. And what responsibility we have to not take this for granted.
Okay, enough preaching. Enjoy photos from this week:
Believe it or not this is the drive through for Jolli-bees (a beloved fast food chain famous in the Philippines but not so much in other parts of the world) This is where you order and pay. (step 1)
This is where you pay and redeem (steps 2&3). Nina walking back from the CR (comfort room--bathroom)
Alcoy Primary and adult leaders including (2) Sister missionaries
Primary class
The Santander congregation...not yet been established as a branch...but soon will be.
The Santander branch at the water's edge
Preparing for baptism. Don't worry the water is very warm.
After baptism and heading back to shore
No legitimate post could be considered without one of these warning signs
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