Serving in the Philippines San Pablo Mission: Mission Tour with Elder and Sister Haynie

Our Mission Tour this year was with Elder Allen Haynie and his sweet wife. Once again we had a wonderful experience and loved the time we spent with the two of them as well as being taught by them. They are very personable and he not only took time to shake each of the missionary's hands but speak with each of them. The Mission Leadership Council had the opportunity to be taught by Elder and Sister Haynie in a special council. It was a great meeting and insightful to us as they shared concerns in our mission.

Our two conferences were wonderful. We started the meetings with short, powerful testimonies by the next two departing batches. President Mangum and I taught about using Gather the Flock (is a program that our mission uses to help organize each area) as we teach investigators, less actives, and recent converts. We used a clip from the Worldwide Missionary Training from January about finding new investigators and the importance of asking personal and inspired "who do you know questions" that will lead the missionaries to people who are ready to receive the message of the restored gospel. We had a special musical number in each meeting and both of the groups sang beautifully and invited the Spirit back after our lunch breaks.

Elder and Sister Haynie taught us the remaining time. Sister Haynie taught shared a wonderful story about a little boy crying out in the night "mother, are you there?" She said the mom taught the boy as he grew up that he could always call out and ask Heavenly Father if He was there and He would always be. She also taught about the importance of being committed and keeping our eyes on the Savior. We can do hard things and we can become better. She is so sweet and gave great talks.

Elder Haynie had asked the missionaries to prepare for the Mission Tour conference by reading the Bible Dictionary about Prayer; Preach My Gospel chapter 9 about finding; and Moses 6:26-47 about Enoch. He is a personable and bold teacher and the Spirit was strong as he taught. He taught that we should find "Scattered Israel" to teach. It was very interesting and insightful. He also encouraged us to have a 4-month baptism chart with goals for weekly baptisms. It's been exciting to see the 4-months charts with names of investigators on the charts when we visit the missionaries. He shared a powerful presentation about the Church in the Philippines. I have felt that the Philippines is a special place but after the presentation I better understood why. It truly is a promised land in the Asian area. I talked with most of the missionaries about it at our zone interviews and it was inspiring for all of us, Filipinos and foreigners.

One of my favorite parts was the way he taught the story of Enoch. It really touched my heart. For one thing, I have found myself asking the same question Enoch asked, "Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight?" I have no idea why Bart and I have been given this unique opportunity to serve as Mission President and companion at all, but particularly in this beautiful country with the kindest people you could meet. Enoch questioned the Lord because he felt so inadequate, I so relate to that feeling. To me Moses 6:32 says it all, "And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee. . ." and then he gives him great promises that he will be with him to strengthen and protect him. That's really the bottom line. All the Lord asks is that we obey Him and then He promises us He'll help us. I need to always remember that!

We had two wonderful days of learning and we feel so blessed to have been able to spend the time with these great disciples of Christ.