News from Dylan

Dylan has had a busy week. Here is a little bit of what he has been doing:

"We had a district conference up in Claveria so I got to see a bunch of the members that I know there and in other areas that I have been on exchanges. It was awesome. Elder Besana and I get along well. The members are doing well, we have been having more members come to church as well as investigators. We have 6 progressing investigators that all have their baptismal date set for May 12.

We had a really good last week. We got a lot of work done and we have progressing investigators and returning less actives. I'm starting to really see some fruits of our labors here. It's a huge blessing to see it. The most important thing that happened this week was probably District Conference we got to hear from some of the local leaders and got to know there plans and goals so that we can better help the district as well as each individual branch here. Also visiting and teaching our investigators. They are so excited to be baptized. The one told us that she was ready right now to be baptized. I know that you always pray for me, in fact I can feel it, as weird as that might be. Can you include in your prayers our progressing investigators?"

Elder Lewis and members from Claveria

Investigators

Elder Lewis, Elder Besana, and their investigators. They are all related and excited to be baptized.

District Meetings in Claveria

Elder Lewis was excited to go to Claveria for District Meetings because he got to see the members he used to serve with.

Pictures of Elder Dylan Lewis

We are so blessed that the members in the Philippines share pictures of our missionary. We get to see pictures of Dylan, plus I get to make some great friends in the Philippines. These are from a new friend of mine, Justine Taggaoa.

Pictures from Pagudpud

Finding in the middle of nowhere

President and Sister Baloaloa (Branch President) Nanay's Birthday

Sister Castanares, Sister Murphy, Sister Joy, and Elder Ortiz

Sunset

Transfer Week

We didn't hear from Dylan for a couple of weeks. When it rains too much in Pagudpud, they turn off the electricity for the town. It was transfer week for the Laoag missionaries. 

"So Elder Erguiza transferred so now I have a new companion. His name is Elder Ortiz. I use to be in the same zone as him when I was in Sinait. He is alright. He is similar to Pamaran. Also he goes home at the end of this cycle so I will be getting a new companion again while I am in Pagudpud. It was another super busy week bu it was pretty good. The weather has been about the same, so it's been cold but it started to get warmer now which is nice. We did a lot of finding this week. On Wednesday we weren't able to work because Ortiz had a fever so we just stayed home so he could rest."

I asked Dylan to share his thoughts on the plan of salvation with me. I also asked him to write my talk for me - that didn't work out the way I planned. 

"Haha sorry you have to speak, but my feelings about the plan of salvation have grown stronger since I've been on my mission. Being able to teach it has really helped me to understand it more and see how knowing about the Plan of salvation really changes how people live their lives. Also I know that if anything happens while I am gone and knowing that whoever passes away while I am gone doesn't mean I'll never see them again. It's more comforting to know that and for me it allows me to go through life unafraid of what could happen. Instead I get to live my life how I want and how I need with an understanding that there is more to our lives than just "being alive." To me the Plan of Salvation gives me purpose and truly allows me to live.

I hope that helps and is long enough. I know is not 7-10 minutes, so sorry haha :)"