VOLCANO EVACUEES OR VACATIONEES?

Magandang Araw Po,

It's more Fun in the Philippines:

• We are now back in Lemery, Batangas! When we arrived everything was covered in ash, so everyday has consisted of short service projects in which we have cleaned schools, homes, and helped people recover in anyway possible. It has been so nice to be back, and we are excited for the blessings to come. Many of the people that were evacuated are now back and have been given large amounts of relief goods. Some are still living in the Chapel due to damage done to their homes from earthquakes and ash. Unfortunately, cracks can be found in many homes, and some are no longer safe to live in. One funny thing mentioned by a member is, "Those of us that evacuated to the Chapel were treated so well that we did not feel like Volcano Evacuees but rather Volcano Vacationees."
• Before we left Muntinlupa we had the opportunity to climb one of the tallest buildings and look over the entire Las Pinas city. Once we arrived in Batangas we had another opportunity to climb except this time it was on Mt Talamitam. From the top we could see much of Batangas and enjoy the beauty of God's creations. Enjoy the pictures of these fun adventures.

On Sunday the blessings were unreal as the entire chapel was filled to the brim with people to the point that every chair was used and people had to stand in the back. With this in mind, 5 minutes before church began I was asked to be the first speaker. With no way to say no, I simply agreed and approached the front to speak to the massive group of worshippers. With no preparation I managed to give a talk that I felt was one of the best talks I have ever given in church. Thus God's Promise Blessings do always come about, "treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man." Through daily feasting on the Words of Christ I have gotten to the point that the Spirit is capable of bringing to my remembrance the items that I have studied.

WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Trust in the Promised Blessings of the Lord. In a simple form, God has promised that those that keep His commandments shall prosper. Grow your faith in this promise, and have faith and hope that these blessings will eventually enter your life.

Elder Hemmert

Lemery, Batangas