Bonjour, ma famille!
Hey everyone! Wow, isn't it awesome to get in the Christmas Spirit! This is it, we are officially in December! Woohoo! (:
There is no snow here, but the temperature is dropping just a little bit, especially at night, because of the Harmattan winter coming in. Harmattan is the winter sandstorm which comes in from the Sahara desert and blows all over West Africa. The dust hasn't come in yet, but I've got a feeling it's going to strike any minute. Batton down the hatches! (;
Well, this week was a lot of ups, a lot of downs, a lot of in-betweens, but I believe it was an overall good week.
Today, we went to eat at San Marco's pizzeria. I had a calzone and sparkling mineral water. Soooooo good! (:
Me and my companion had some good moments and some bad ones this week. Elder Eperonnier is holding out really well compared to some other companions that I've "mission killed", but it's still pretty tough. It's pretty tiring, but I'm learning to be patient. I've really learned a lot from Elder Eperonnier, and the other elders in my apartment, and I'm glad that I came to serve here.
Our recent convert, Gbaguidi, is doing great! He received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday, which is a huge step, and he wants his family to learn more about the Gospel. One day, I believe that they will become an eternal family.
On Thursday, I got to go on a split with Elder Lath. He's such a good, good guy. That morning, in personal study, I read Alma 13:1-3. Such a powerful, powerful doctrine. I was valiant in the pre-mortal existence, and that just inspires me to be just as valiant in this life. The plan of salvation is pretty cool. (:
We taught a new ami named Rodrigue, who moved to Togo about two months ago from Chad. We talked about the problems of life, and if I understood correctly (his French accent was a little different), his parents were killed in a massacre in Chad while he was a student. He talked about how being a Christian brought him peace and comfort. We testified that the Savior loved him, and that Christ only wanted Rodrigue to feel even more peace and joy in his life, which comes through living the Gospel. He accepted our message very easily, and I think that he will progress. It was a sweet, Spirit-filled lesson.
On Friday, I went to Kegué to work with Elder Kerr again. We basically spent the morning doing contacting. We met multiple people, even a guy from the north of Togo (a village named Karah). As me and Elder Kerr were talking about avoiding the routine present-a-brochure-and-take-their-number approach, I felt prompted to start talking to two construction workers who were just taking a lunch break. I felt like I needed to just have a natural conversation with them. I saw that they were working on a building, asked how it was going, and then I talked about how we can build our lives on a sure foundation, the doctrine of Christ. I read 3 Nephi 11:38-39, and testified that the message we offered would help them build upon the rock of Christ. They seemed very interested. Their names were Lucien and Enfant de Dieu. I'm sure that the Spirit directed us towards them, and I'm excited to see where the Gospel takes them.
Afterwards, we went to some baptismal services (Elder Kerr baptized for the first time), which are always wonderful. I'm trying to do the #LightTheWorld challenge, and on that day I was focused on helping others see the virtues in themselves. At the end of the exchange, I felt prompted to tell Elder Kerr that he's humble, he's so willing to learn, he's got the right attitude about the mission, and to keep up the good work. He said "Thanks. That means a lot more than you know."
As a district, we had a good, open-hearted district council last night that lasted over two hours. I testify that councils are important, and that they help us grow closer. Have some fun and hold a family council! (:
In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Church has released a new initiative: #LIGHTtheWORLD. The idea is simple: be an example of the light of Christ, and serve those around you, in 25 ways, over 25 days. The invitation is open to all, young and old, member or non-member, to reach out in simple acts of Christlike service. I'm trying to do this myself, and I feel like there would be no better way to spend the Christmas season.
I invite you all, if you haven't already, to watch the video attached above, and pray to know how you can "light the world" over this month. I promise you that as you seek to serve "the one" each day, you will be guided by the Spirit, and you will feel true joy this Christmas season.
I love you all! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Elder Phillips
Hey everyone! Wow, isn't it awesome to get in the Christmas Spirit! This is it, we are officially in December! Woohoo! (:
There is no snow here, but the temperature is dropping just a little bit, especially at night, because of the Harmattan winter coming in. Harmattan is the winter sandstorm which comes in from the Sahara desert and blows all over West Africa. The dust hasn't come in yet, but I've got a feeling it's going to strike any minute. Batton down the hatches! (;
Well, this week was a lot of ups, a lot of downs, a lot of in-betweens, but I believe it was an overall good week.
Today, we went to eat at San Marco's pizzeria. I had a calzone and sparkling mineral water. Soooooo good! (:
Me and my companion had some good moments and some bad ones this week. Elder Eperonnier is holding out really well compared to some other companions that I've "mission killed", but it's still pretty tough. It's pretty tiring, but I'm learning to be patient. I've really learned a lot from Elder Eperonnier, and the other elders in my apartment, and I'm glad that I came to serve here.
Our recent convert, Gbaguidi, is doing great! He received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday, which is a huge step, and he wants his family to learn more about the Gospel. One day, I believe that they will become an eternal family.
On Thursday, I got to go on a split with Elder Lath. He's such a good, good guy. That morning, in personal study, I read Alma 13:1-3. Such a powerful, powerful doctrine. I was valiant in the pre-mortal existence, and that just inspires me to be just as valiant in this life. The plan of salvation is pretty cool. (:
We taught a new ami named Rodrigue, who moved to Togo about two months ago from Chad. We talked about the problems of life, and if I understood correctly (his French accent was a little different), his parents were killed in a massacre in Chad while he was a student. He talked about how being a Christian brought him peace and comfort. We testified that the Savior loved him, and that Christ only wanted Rodrigue to feel even more peace and joy in his life, which comes through living the Gospel. He accepted our message very easily, and I think that he will progress. It was a sweet, Spirit-filled lesson.
On Friday, I went to Kegué to work with Elder Kerr again. We basically spent the morning doing contacting. We met multiple people, even a guy from the north of Togo (a village named Karah). As me and Elder Kerr were talking about avoiding the routine present-a-brochure-and-take-their-number approach, I felt prompted to start talking to two construction workers who were just taking a lunch break. I felt like I needed to just have a natural conversation with them. I saw that they were working on a building, asked how it was going, and then I talked about how we can build our lives on a sure foundation, the doctrine of Christ. I read 3 Nephi 11:38-39, and testified that the message we offered would help them build upon the rock of Christ. They seemed very interested. Their names were Lucien and Enfant de Dieu. I'm sure that the Spirit directed us towards them, and I'm excited to see where the Gospel takes them.
Afterwards, we went to some baptismal services (Elder Kerr baptized for the first time), which are always wonderful. I'm trying to do the #LightTheWorld challenge, and on that day I was focused on helping others see the virtues in themselves. At the end of the exchange, I felt prompted to tell Elder Kerr that he's humble, he's so willing to learn, he's got the right attitude about the mission, and to keep up the good work. He said "Thanks. That means a lot more than you know."
As a district, we had a good, open-hearted district council last night that lasted over two hours. I testify that councils are important, and that they help us grow closer. Have some fun and hold a family council! (:
In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Church has released a new initiative: #LIGHTtheWORLD. The idea is simple: be an example of the light of Christ, and serve those around you, in 25 ways, over 25 days. The invitation is open to all, young and old, member or non-member, to reach out in simple acts of Christlike service. I'm trying to do this myself, and I feel like there would be no better way to spend the Christmas season.
I invite you all, if you haven't already, to watch the video attached above, and pray to know how you can "light the world" over this month. I promise you that as you seek to serve "the one" each day, you will be guided by the Spirit, and you will feel true joy this Christmas season.
I love you all! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Elder Phillips