Glistening Soldiers of Light

Dear Elders and Sisters,

I hope you are having a wonderful day and feeling the spirit still from our zone conference with Elder Nielson.  I want you to know that we are very very proud of our missionaries for your effort and for the spirit that you had with you in the zone conference.  Elder Nielson told you publicly, and told me several times privately that Cebu Mission is the most obedient mission in the Philippines.  We are also the most productive and having the greatest success of all 17 missions in the Rescue.  I hope you can see that those two things are tied together.  Just like our mission motto says, "Success Through Obedience".  I know there are still a few missionaries in our mission who have not learned this principle yet, but increasingly those missionaries are finding that they are alone in their choices.  Let us all love each other and encourage one another to become the Lord's missionaries.

As you know, it has been a very busy but very special 3 or 4 weeks as I have had the opportunity to visit with all of you and see you again at zone conferences.  I want to apologize to all of you for my inability to write letters during these weeks.  And I want to thank you all for the letters you have written me.  They are a blessing to me.  It is the high point of my week to read them and see the marvelous things you are doing with your lives and your missions.  I wish I could be like the prophet Elisha and pray to the Lord that you could see the eternal importance of your work here in the mission.  Elisha said "Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see.  And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."  (2 Kings 6:17).  So I would pray for you that you could open your eyes and see yourselfs as glistening soldiers of light in a darkened world, bringing salvation to the souls of men.  Do your work with the utmost assurance that God is watching, and so are his angels, and they stand ready to assist the righteous missionaries in their work.

I am writing letters to all of you this week.  But I am not yet done.  So when you open your email today, if you don't yet have a letter from me, I will give you permission to go back again tomorrow to access your imos account and retrieve your letter from me.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the conference with Elder Nelson.  Please prepared to learn from an apostle of the Lord.  There will be no requests granted for a special temple day that Wednesday.  So even if you come in from Bohol or Negros, please don't ask to be allowed to go to the temple.  We'll see you soon.

Love,

President Schmutz

Elder Nelson in Phillipines

Dear Elders and Sisters,

Sister Schmutz and I are sitting in the Tagbilaran chapel about ready to begin the Bohol zone conference with Elder and Sister Nielson.  Yesterday, we meet with the Mandaue, Lilo-an and Bogo zones. What a great experiences!  Tomorrow we will be meeting in Dumaguete with Dumaguete and Tanjay zones, and then on Friday we will meet with Toledo, City and Talisay zones.  So it is a busy week, especially when we just completed transfer week and zone interviews.  I hope we survive :)  But we have truly enjoyed the opportuniities to meet with you all and we can see up close how well you are doing.  We love you and we're proud of you.

Of course the bad thing about being away from home is I cannot respond to your letters.  But by next week we will be back to a better schedule.  As I read your letters, if there are any urgent needs I will contact you.  We are so grateful that our missionaries have become so willing to obey and be diligent.  We are looking forward to seeing all of you this week.

Love,

President Schmutz

Obedience of Missionaries Elder Nelson Coming to Visit

Dear Elders and Sisters,

 

Sister Schmutz and I have so much enjoyed the opportunity these last three weeks to visit every zone and share in the spirit that you all have.  I have been happy to take some time with each of you for interviews.  In these interviews I have the opportunity to discern your spirit, share the experiences you are having, observe your growth and development and offer some counsel.  It is also an opportunity for me to become better acquainted with each of you and express my love and gratitude for your efforts in this great cause.  It is a tiring three weeks but something we love to do.

 

I thought it might be of benefit to you if I could offer some of my thoughts and feelings about the mission after the close of the interviews.  There is a not a single district in the mission where the missionaries are disobedient.  There are very very few missionaries that struggle anymore with the rules or the morning schedule.  Almost every missionary in the Cebu Mission is focused on his or her purpose, and has moved beyond obedience in their effort to please the Lord.  I have found that most of you are focusing on how to become more sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and how to become closer to Jesus Christ.  I have found that you are striving to learn more of faith and put faith into action in your lives as a principle of power.  This was not always the case.  It hasn't been too very long ago when I felt that I was constantly battling with the consequences of missionary disobedience, and the negative influence that the disobedience of some missionaries had on areas, districts and zones.  I feel that the spirit of forgiveness and cleansing has washed over our mission, and we are more qualified as a mission to gather in the sheaves and tend to the Lord's vineyard.  We are becoming closer to finding out how the 2,060 stripling warriors were able to reach a level of obedience so that every single one obeyed with exactness.

 

I urge you with all my heart to continue improving and seeking to purify your service to the Lord.  Encourage one another, support and encourage your companion.  Use your "idle time" to talk about the Savior, his atonement, his restored church, his doctrine and your purpose as the Lord's missionaries.  The effect of using your idle time in this manner is powerful.  It is like telling the Lord you are willing to put yourselves in his hands, to submit to all that he is willing to give you as experiences and lessons for your good.  It is part of the process of passing through the refiner's fire.

 

I have also felt that all of you missionaries truly love one another and you try to support and serve your companions, your district mates and zone mates. You cannot fully appreciate how much this gladdens my heart as your Mission President. I feel like the spirit of love for one another is the best thing about our mission. This spirit has mostly reduced or eliminated contention in the mission and allowed the Spirit of the Lord to be present throughout our districts and zones.

 

I am grateful for the leaders in the mission, those who serve us as APs, zone leaders, as district leaders, as trainers, and senior companions.  And to all of you, your are preparing to become leaders.  In the Lord's church leadership is service. Thanks for your faithful preparations.  We need you.

 

Thanks for what you have done to make this mission the best mission in the world.

 

We have come to another transfer week.  How fast time flies!!!   We are saying goodbye to 12 powerful faithful missionaries who have completed this special time in their lives, and we are saying hello to 17 new missionaries.  We are receiving 4 missionaries from the Provo MTC and 13 from the Manila MTC.  So 17 of you will be training.  By Friday, most of you will be transferring to join a new companionship or receiving a new companion.  At present, we have 71 companionships.  All but 11 companionships will be affected by this transfer.  It will be a big transfer day. 

 

I thought it might be instructive and enlightening if I tell you about the transfer process.  Usually a week before transfer day, when we know the number of missionaries leaving and the number of missionaries arriving, I begin to prayerfully prepare myself to seek the Spirit as a guide in the transfers.  I first look at the board in the Mission Home and take all the missionaries off the board who are going home.  I look at the zone leaders and see if it is time for any of the zone leaders to return to the field for more important service, such as training a new missionary or providing experience and faithful mentoring somewhere they are needed in the field.  Every other transfer, I release one of the APs to send them back to the field.  This is not a "step down"; it is a wonderful opportunity for an elder who has contributed to the leadership in the mission to serve fellow missionaries in a more personal ministry.  When I know how many zone leader positions need to be filled, I prayerfully review all the elders to see who has the experience and who has become ready through obedience and diligence to lead.  From those missionaries, I fill the ZL spots.   Next, I seek to know from the Spirit which elders and sisters are ready to train, which will be needed by those new missionaries.  As you know, I truly feel that trainers are the most important positions because we are raising a righteous generation of missionaries.

 

After I have selected the trainers, I go over every single missionary in my mind, seeking guidance from the spirit.  I make changes based on many factors, but most importantly it is the Spirit that guides.  Many times, I am surprised by the feelings that I have to moves a sister or elder and make new companionships.  Quite often, I feel the spirit guiding a transfer to move an elder from a position of being a trainer or district leader to becoming a junior companion, because I know that is needed for the area and to prepare for the next transfers in that area. If I felt the Spirit whisper that an AP, a zone leader, a district leader, or a senior elder or sister would be more effective as a junior companion to show support and provide "shadow leadership" to a younger missionary, I would not hesitate to make that transfer.  So don't jump to conclusions about any missionary that might move from being a senior companion or leader to being a junior companion or having no leadership.  We do what we are called to do in this church, and we do it joyfully and faithfully.  In this transfer cycle, there are several missionaries who will become junior companions to missionaries who are about to conclude their mission in order to prepare for the next transfer and bless the area.  Please do not assume that a missionary has done something wrong if he is transferred from being a district leader or a zone leader to a junior or senior companion without leadership.  I want you to know that I do not think that way.  I simply seek with all my heart to follow the Spirit.

 

When I have completed this first review of the transfer board, I ask the Assistants to meet with me and review every proposed transfer.  Of course, we are prayerful together and the APs are humble and seeking the spirit.  For any of you who may doubt or wonder, THERE IS NEVER A SINGLE TIME THAT THE ASSISTANTS SUGGEST A TRANSFER TO SEND ONE OF THEIR FRIENDS TO AN AREA BECAUSE OF A REQUEST FROM THE FIELD.  This never happens in this mission.  Together we take between two and four hours to prayerfully discuss and review all of the transfers I have proposed to see if there is something more the Lord would reveal.  In this effort, I sometimes learn more and feel the spirit of refinement to the proposals.  When this happens, we make a few modifications.  Then, in order to finalize the transfer, we kneel and prayerfully seek a confirmation from the Lord that the proposed transfers are correct.  I bear my witness to you that the Lord guides the transfers.  There are no random transfers.

 

I have learned that in almost all transfer cycles, there are a number of missionaries that wonder why they have been assigned to a certain area or given to a certain companion.  Many times, the adjustment to a new companion can have challenges or difficulties and you may miss your old area.  You will all be blessed immensely if you can come to a have a testimony that the Lord guides the transfers.  Be patient to find the purposes the Lord has designed.  Many times, the Lord will give you to a companion in order to bless your companion.  That transfer might be more for your companion's benefit than for your benefit.  But even in these transfers where your companion NEEDS you, if you are faithful and humble and loving, you will find that there are many lessons designed for you to learn.  Please try to learn that God is in charge of your lives.  If you will accept every transfer, every area, and every experience in this mission as a custom designed experience intended to bless your lives, and if you will examine each such experience to see what the Lord wishes you to learn from it, you will be richly blessed and will grow and develop so much more rapidly.

 

A couple of other things you might wish to know about transfers: (1) If you have ever wondered how I select APs, I can tell you the most important thing I look for is humility and obedience. I don't seek to find the elder who is the most polished or funny or likeable. Each time, there are a number of elders who are qualified to serve as an AP but not all can serve so the timing of an elder's mission becomes a factor.  (2) There are times when very good elders are never given an opportunity to serve as zone leaders, but you should know that I have prayed much about this and learned by the Spirit that elders are often more valuable to the Lord and the mission when they are serving in other ways in the field.  Often, some of our best teachers and missionaries are needed more to serve as district leaders or to stay in the field than to serve in zone leader callings.

 

You are all sons and daughters of God, who are chosen to serve in the Philippines Cebu Mission.  Your calling was given by the spirit of prophecy and revelation by an apostle of the Lord.  You were sent here at this time to serve under my direction, and so that Sister Schmutz and I could become a part of your lives.  We have found joy in the love the Lord has given us for each of you.  We love you as our sons and daughters and we feel blessed because of it.

 

Make us proud, elders and sisters.  We love each and every one of you!

 

President Schmutz

 

 

P.S.

 

We will be blessed in May with the visits of two general authorities.  On May 23, 2012, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will visit our mission.  He will hold a missionary conference in the Temple Complex chapel from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  I have arranged to allow every missionary from all areas to attend.  Please be sitting reverently in your seats no later than 3:45 p.m.  We will have prelude music.  Use this time to read your scriptures, ponder on sacred things and extend your heart in prayer as your prepare to learn by the Spirit from Elder Nelson's teachings.  This is your preparation day and we are asking that you sacrifice your preparation day to attend.  There will not be another preparation day during that week.  Please prepare for Elder Nelson's visit by fasting for spiritual preparation on Fast Sunday, May 6, 2012.

 

Starting Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Elder Brent Nielson of the First Quorum of Seventy, and a member of the Phils. Area Presidency, will visit to conduct a mission tour.  He will preside over zone conferences throughout the mission:  Cebu North zones on Tuesday, Bohol zones on Wednesday, Negros Oriental zones on Thursday, and Cebu South zones on Friday.   

 

Work in Lapulapu

Dear President Schmutz,

We are excited for the baptism of Sister Lea Palaganas.  She is excited to be baptised and she really has been prepared.  Her husband is a good example to her.  He follows the teachings of the gospel and he has prepared her to accept all of the commandmants and commitments we have made.  She attends church with her family every week and has been to temple tour.  Her baptism will be 28 April 2012.  

We are not sure about brother Jeffery Ong but we will continue to work with him until he is ready.  

Brother John Clare Ayuda is slowly learning the gospel.  He is progressing slowly.

We are working with many less active families, and they have started to become strong in the gospel.  We are going to start to look at focusing on other less active families soon since the ones we have been focusing on have become active.  We plan to give the ward more responsibility in retaining them also so that when we transfer they wont fall away again.  

Sister Acain like I said is so prepared to train she knows the doctrine, and studies everyday how to apply in the lessons.  She is a great teacher and would really like to see her train next transfer.  She is a great example and would be a great trainer.  She might think she needs more time, but I know since she has been working with the missionaries since she was 14 years old she has been prepared by the Lord for great things.  

Thank You President I will stay in contact throughout the years.  Thank you for your kindness.

Sister Bruno

Do I Have Enough Faith?

Date: March 28, 2012
Area: Lapulapu 1st Ward
Companion: Sister Acain

Dear President Schmutz,

We are emailing you before we figure out this school stuff. It's interesting to have to shift my mind into what is going on after the mission. We are doing okay in the work its been interesting opening an area
again. It's always a challenge, but we are applying our faith in the area, and we are hoping for 3 baptisms this April.

Sister Lea is married to a member, and she is interested in finding out about the church. She opened up that she wants her kids to have one religion in the family, and is willing to find out for herself if it is true.
She has a testimony of Joseph Smith, and we are taking the approach of answering her questions with assignments and that is our next lesson.

We have taught the restoration, and answered some of her questions about sacrament and such. She just had a question about Law of Chastity which we gave as an assignment, and we will go back to the plan of
salvation next lesson. Sister Lea is tagalog speaking, and it has been a challenge to try to learn a new language, but I find it to be a help to keep me on my toes on the mission.

Brother Jeffrey Ong is also married to a member, and has taken the discussions on and off before. He is willing to listen, and has a testimony of Joseph Smith, but he has a problem with going to church because of his work schedule.

Brother Jonclar Ayuda is also an investigator who lives with his member sister at the time, and works with one of our recent converts. He at first was hesitant to listen, but his desire really has grown to listen and understand the gospel. He even attended church with us last Sunday.

Time is short on the mission and there is no time for regrets. Sister Acain is a strong example to me, and I will never forget her and her friendship. I really love her spirit of hard work. I have stepped down
so that she can step up. I have found that is what it is to be a trainer. I really want her to progress quickly to not hold her back, because she knows what she wants, and she is lead by the spirit.

She is one of those people that really is in tune with the spirit, and has given her will to the Father. I think that she will baptize the whole Philippines. She is in the high excellence current and I dont see her
falling into the pwede na current.

I have been studying faith, and I am glad for your workshop at the sisters training because I have found that I was lacking faith. I have always had the question do I have enough faith to be healed mentally physically spiritually. I have felt my work grow as I have been studying faith, and trying to apply what I have learned in the work.

I love you President Schmutz thank you for everything you do and say and especially for your example.

Sister Bruno

Daughter of Royal Blood

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cebu Mission Office <cebumissionoffice@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Subject: Re: Week
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>

Dear Sister Bruno,

 

You are an amazing young woman and missionary.  I love the spirit of determination that you show, and your enthusiasm to do your duty in the face of any challenge.  And I confirm that you are a a daughter of royal blood, and you have been ordained to be called up and crowned in the next life.  Live worthy of that great reward and it surely will be yours. 

 

How are you doing with Sister Acain?  Tell me about the work.  But do me a favor and write to me in imos.  It is so much easier to keep track of who has written and then reply.  I have confirmed that your date of release has now been moved to May 21, 2012.  Please confirm that with your parents, and I will inform your stake president of the change.  Do you know if your stake president is the same one who is listed on your application?  As the time draws near, we will need to make arrangements for either a stake or district missionary to work with your companion, or make a temporary assignment with a three some.

 

Sister Bruno, I am so glad you and we came together in this mission.  I hope always to be in touch with you in years to come.  Have a great week and I am looking forward to seeing you at the Sister's Specialized Training meeting on Thursday.

 

All my love,

 

President Schmutz

On Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 9:15 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear President Schmutz,

I have found the mission to be not only the best 18 years for my life but the best 18 month of my life.  Some people say that the mission is to tiring, but i find it a wake up call.  I am sad that some people go away from their mission thinking of all the negatives, and not seeing how amazing everyday here on the mission is.  I have decided to find out the good everyday instead of looking at the bad.  There has been many things that have happened in the last couple of months that could discourage any normal person, but I am here to say I am no normal person I am of royal blood.  No earthly thing will or can or should bring us to despair.  We are given the chance to be happy why should we give that away. 

President Schmutz I am happy.  I hope that my companion is happy too.  I really do love my companion and that she gives her all on the mission.  She is an asset here on the mission.  Sister Acain I can tell is growing in knowledge and faith.  She has a great love for our investigators, and i know that she is going to bring many souls unto Christ. 

Thank You President Schmutz for all that you do and the example you show.  Give my love to Sister Schmutz.

Love
Sister Bruno 

Refined in Furnace of Affliction

From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org> Date: Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 4:28 AM Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 1 Feb 2012 To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net Dear Sister Bruno, How are you today? Are you enjoying your first week with Sister Acain? I hope she is coping with some of her medical / dental problems and she will be okay. That first week can be a little bit of an adjustment as you know, so love her and support her, and show her the way. I liked your reference to 1 Nephi 19 and 20. The fact that you were moved by the idea that the Lord chooses us and refines us "in the furnace of affliction" to do his work lets me know a lot about your spiritual progress and your willingness to see that these missionary experiences are very much designed for our own growth and development. As you look back on your mission, I'm sure that you can easily see how you have been refined, shaped and fashioned by the Lord in his furnace to do his will -- not just in this mission, but in the life you will lead in the years to come. It is so interesting, Sister Bruno, that we are all very different from one another. The Lord knows this. He designed and created us, after all. He takes all these wonderful differences, and if we allow him, he molds us and continues to "create us" into the creatures he desires us to be. You have your share of differences :). I think that is why I love you so much, and I'm sure it is part of the Lord's great love for you. I was inspired by your ability to see how important is the stark difference that will mark the lives of those who hearken and obey ("peace as a river, and righteousness as the waves of the sea") and those who reject the Lord and his commandments (no peace to the wicked). Why is it that so many many people never can put that clear warning into practice in their lives? Thanks for your statement of commitment and conviction. I believe this is a day of choosing. And I hereby acknowledge that you have chosen to side with God, to stand by me and all others who are willing to lay aside their weapons of rebellion. I am gratified that it is many who will stand together with us. There is no force that can oppose us because we will stand with our Master in this great cause. I'll love you forever, Sister Bruno. Keep up the good work. Show Sister Acain through love and example what it is all about. President Schmutz Your understanding of the gift of commandments and the blessings of obedience gives you such an advantage in this life. It has made you into a great missionary, capable of doing so many things.

New Companion in Lapulapu

Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been really good.  I love my companion Sister Acain.  She is very knowledgeable about the lessons, and its as if I do not have to train her much in the way to teach.  Her background in teaching is an advantage to her.  I can tell that she has worked with the missionaries before.  I almost feel that our companionship is more as equals.  We are continuing to be diligent about the studies, and although I have been over the material two times before I know there is so much more to learn if I stay focused in this program.  I feel Sister Acain is more than capable of training even after one transfer.  For sure she will be ready in two transfers after the training program.  I have given her some room to lead starting just after a couple of days.  We have become equals, but continue to correct when needed.  She really seems like she knows what she is doing.  Our personalities match so well together, and even our birthday is the same 24 August 1989...  

President Schmutz I was just wondering if you have been thinking about my request to extend.  I would understand if not because there is a possibility that there would be a threesome in this case it would be noneffective for me to stay, but if at all possible I am willing to stay if it would help the mission.

We are still getting to know the area, and the ward is supportive in our efforts.  We have a ward mission leader who is fresh off the mission so that helps a lot.

We have some new investigators and we are hoping they will become progressing investigators soon.  We are still meeting a lot of the members and inactive members so it might take a few weeks before we can get a set schedule going.  We plan to clean up the CMIS and work with the ward to visit all the members and the list.  We will let you know of our progress.

Thank you President Schmutz for your words of encouragement we were all sad not to have a chance to see you at our zone interview this past Wednesday, but we understand the circumstances.  Thank You for your words of love.  I just want to echo you in saying I love you both as heros and examples. 

Sister Bruno

Peace In My Heart

Dear Elders and Sisters,

 

It has been a very hard two weeks, and right before that the zone interviews.  So I guess it's been a very difficult four weeks.  But right now, I feel peaceful and excited.  I want all of you to know that I am exceedingly optimistic about the future.  For out of small things comes that which is great.  If all of you will realize how very important you are to the work, each of you, you will become a much greater part of the vision of the mission.  In D&C 123:14-17, the Lord teaches us a wonderful principle of the importance of a single person in bringing to pass his great work:  "These [things] should then be attended to with great earnestness.  Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lies in futurity pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren [and sisters], that a very large ship is benefitted by a very small helm in the time of storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

 

If we will all do our parts, in the little things, we will be able to steer the large ship of this mission to its destination.  We will see the salvation of God come into the lives of those we teach and one another, and we will see the arm of the Lord revealed through miracles in our areas and companionships.

 

I know that you all look for my letters. I know that you like to receive personal letters more than letters sent to everyone.  But you must realize that sometimes events are such that it becomes impossible to find the time needed.  Such has been the state of affairs in the last couple of months.  Last week I started on names with letter "A" and wrote until I had no more time.  This week I am starting on "Z" and going backwards in the alphabet.  You should be reading this letter on Thursday.  All of you who did not get a letter from me last week should have one this week.  If you look for it on Wednesday, you are too early.  Check for your letter on Thursday.

 

In the future, I am going to write at least half of you every week.  So you should get a letter at least every other week.  But I want you to write me a letter every week :)  The only weeks when you don't need to write a letter is on Zone Interview weeks, when we have an interview.

 

We love all of you.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO FAST FOR THE MISSION THIS FAST SUNDAY.  Thanks.

 

President Schmutz

 

Elders Can Be Pigs

Dear Fams,

We get emergency Transferred to Lapulapu 1st.  We are assigned in an elders area.  Our area Cebu 5th that I reopend and then it got closed again after two transfers since some elders went home and they needed to close an area.  We had trainers training and while eating pizza President asked to interview us before we left.  He asked about support of the area, and our investigators.  The next day the assistants to the president called us and told us we would be transferred to Lapulapu the next day Saturday.  The transfer call was made.  This is my third open area on the mission.  It's super tiring since we have no clue about the area.  At least the area is way cleaner.  I can't see the ocean but at least there is a breeze!  

To quote my letter to president...

PRESIDENT!! I think that Sister Schmutz needs to have a discussion with the elders about cleaning their apartments again.  We came into the apartment shocked.  Luckily we didnt have time to look around since we went straight to work with the zone leaders.  We luckily went to the store before coming home to the apartment and bought cleaning supplies while we were there.  It took me 6 hours to clean the bathroom.  Can I just say its bad when you find a bottle of Domex and zonrox bleach full, unused with mold growing on the out side.  We thought it was pretty ironic!  Supposedly the best cleaning product in the world Dormex with mold growing on the outside! Thank you president for the humbling experience.  We still estimate it will take about 3 weeks to clean the whole house its a work in progress, but at least we have a spotless bathroom!!  Have I ever mentioned that I like a clean house almost to the point of OCD.  I think I have discovered the reason the elders are getting sick so often.  I think it has something to do with their mattresses.  When I took the mattress cover off to be cleaned I discovered a black mattress pad underneath that smelled stale.  I dont know how many elders have slept in that bed sick, and I am sure never washed the mattress cover after.  When I washed the mattress cover the first two rinses the water was black.  Then next rinse cycle the water was brown.  Then the next two rinse cycles the water was yellow!!  I let the cover soak for about one full day then washed the years of dirt off of the cover.  I refuse to sleep on the mattress pad and have just been sleeping on the wood part of the bed.  Its not very comfortable, but at least I wont get sick.  Sister Taylor has braved it and just put her sheet on the bed she has yet to try to wash the cover she says if she doesn't look its like its clean, but she has gotten a small cough I told her its from sleeping on the mattress.  We texted Elder Ernstrom about getting new mattresses and hopefully they come soon. President I won't even tell you about the rest of the house!  At least one positive thing is that I have only seen one dead cockroach under the fridge in the last week we have lived in the house.  Unlike the last house when we had to fortify the house against the big roaches getting into the house.  Ahh the life of a missionary.  Maybe that's why they don't require the sisters to go on a mission they are afraid we will be scared for life when we get emergency transfered into elders apartments.  I hope that this will bring a smile to your face remembering the time when you were an elder in the mission feild president I would only hope that you weren't this bad about cleaning!! Also I would like you to know Elder Hardin mentioned how clean the apartment was when he gave us the key.  Thats when you know your in for a big surprise!!

The apartment was way worse than the other apartment that we were in last transfer....  Elders!

I STILL NEED TO NEW ADDRESS OF YOUR HOUSE TO GIVE ON MY TRUNKY LETTER TO THE OFFICE!!  Thanks.

Life of a missionary its full of surprises.

Love you

Sister Bruno 

Hardness of Heart

Dear Family,

I made history this week by being the first sister of my time going on sister companionship exchanges.  It was a great experience.  I really loved my time with Sister Camarillo.  We laughed the whole time, and we had amazing spiritual lessons.  I hope that since we were the guinea pigs that we can continue to do companion exchanges as sisters on the mission.

Today I just got my trunky letter!!  A trunky letter is when they send you a paper asking about what airport you go home to and the correct information, and also it gives my date of release as 26 April 2012!!  By the way I need the new address to give to the office for my travel and such.  Its weird because I will be coming home soon.  I am not sure if I am ready I was really hoping that I could extend, but I think that it will not be possible now.  

Today I went with my district just to tour around.  We didn't do much, but it was also fun.  Making memories that's what the mission is about.  I only have a short time to make the best of the mission.  The time is far spent!

We had zone interview this week, and president call us all to repentance.  I really agree with him though.  He talked about one of the steps of repentance is restitution, and if we don't repent now it will be hard to make a restitution after the mission.  He talked about not following the false doctrine of the mission.  We all love President Schmutz so much.  He is such a bright person.  He is definitely called by God. 

We had a hard lesson this week with an inactive member, and I ended up crying in the lesson, because I felt such sorrow for the hardness of his heart.  I just testified, and then we left.  He wouldn't even give a prayer at the end.  He was Muslim once, and we believe that he is returning to those thoughts.  My only regret is that he restricts his wife from attending church. Its sad to see someone who once was a faithful member of the church, and that went on a mission have to be victim to her choices.  I hope that one day brother will change.

I love you all and if you want to write you better do it soon because I come home in APRIL!!  Haha

Love you

Sister Bruno

Through the Trials Come Many Blessings

From: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Date: Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Subject: Week 2
To: cebumissionoffice@gmail.com


Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been interesting.  We just went to the doctors this morning to run some tests that the doctor suggested for Sister Taylor.  She has been getting swollen hands and feet. She has been getting many trials this week.  I remember my first transfer on the mission I also had many trials and  thoughts of going home, but I got through it and I know that she will get through it too.  We are fighting a rough battle, but we will overcome president. 

We had an opportunity on P-day to just sit in the temple waiting area for a few minutes before going back to work, and there Sister Taylor and I had the chance to talk about many things.  I think that Sister Taylor is a little bit sad that she is missing so many things at home like her brother getting engaged, but she understands she is here for a reason, and I am not worried about her because those feelings are natural.  She isn't extremely depressed or anything so I think she is just adjusting.  I was happy to see earlier this morning when we rode the dyipney she I2Led the people sitting next to her, whereas, in the last few days she has been too shy to try.  I can really see the progression of her language and knowledge.  I really am glad that this new training program has come out, because I can see if you are diligent to the study program then the progression is substantially greater compared to when I was trained on the mission. 

Sad to say though our work has been slowing down, because people were busy for the new year's holiday so we got punted a lot!  I have been having problems making the stats, but we have been working hard going out everyday on time working until curfew so I have no guilt just concern for the area.  We have been diligent about the studying and training plan which I find effects the amount of lessons we can get in one day.  I have only made the stats one week the whole time I have been assigned in the city.  I don't know if its because people are busy or if its the training program, and also most days we get punted so we only have one lesson for that day.  It can be frustrating seeing the rest of the district making far above the stats.

President Hansen once said "through the trials comes many blessings", and I have to agree.  We have found another less active family the Recla family that we have started teaching, and they agreed to come back to church this week.  Also while I2Ling we found a man who said his wife is a member and previously his kids would attend church but they have stopped going.  He wants us to come to his house and continue to teach his family.  We also just received a referral from a member for a family of eight.  They have listened to the missionaries before, and they have just moved into the area and they want to continue to listen to the discussions. 

The Alpitche family has come back from vacation, and we are happy to say that brother is cutting down his smoking.  We are helping him slowly go off of cigarettes.  He has gone from 8 to 5 a day now.  We will continue to help him until he can quit smoking.  We have high hopes for their family getting sealed in the temple one day. 

Jeff and Clay are still in the process of planning their wedding, and we found out that they are living in the same house now.  We have encouraged them that if they don't live apart at least don't sleep in the same room.  They have been having some problems with planning their marriage, because although they would like to get married and they have all the requirements the family of Jeff is opposing the marriage.  They are disappointed because they wanted him to go out of the Philippines to work before he would get married.  So they have been having problems getting his parents to sign the marriage papers since his is only 22 years old he needs parents consent.  We will continue to pray for him that they can get married for the sake of the child, and the sake of their family.  We will continue to keep you updated with their progress. 

Sister Jandog is almost at her one year.  She is preparing to enter into the temple.  Bishop advised her to go through the temple preparation class before she is to go through the temple.  It is a 6 weeks class and she is willing to do it in order to enter into the temple.  She is a shy type of person that is faithful in coming to church every week, and I see her testimony growing every day. 

We will continue to strive to do better everyday, and find those in need.  I am also glad of the opportunity to have met your family they are all so kind.  I enjoyed talking with them, and helping in what little ways I could for their stay in the Philippines.
  
Being a trainer allows me to reflect on the feelings I once had as a new missionary, and especially since one of my trainers Sister Williams was the MTC teacher of Sister Taylor.  I never feel frustrated as a trainer.  I just continue to have high expectations for Sister Taylor.  I hope that she will feel that I am a good trainer, and not compare my weaknesses with others strengths in the future.  I only hope I can remain in her memory as a friend. 

Thanks President Schmutz until next week,

Sister Bruno
 

Praying for the Missionaries

My dearest Elders and Sisters, As many of you know, Sister Schmutz and I have been blessed this Christmas season with a visit from our children. First our son, Ian, arrived from his mission in Brazil. I think most of you have met him at our conferences. It has been such a blessing to have him in our home for more than a month. Then about a week and a half ago, our three older sons arrived with their wives, Mason and Ashley, Colin and Marissa, and Cameron and Rachel. They brought our two little grandsons Bennett (Mason's boy) and Cooper (Colin's boy). Only our eldest daughter, Lindsey and her husband Jake and their four little apo are not with us. So we have been playing parents to our children and it has been a rich blessing and a joyous time for us. We have taken some time away from the Mission home and visited Bohol and some points in Cebu Island. Our children love the Cebu Mission. They will be here until Friday. I hope you will all understand that we will be your parents in the mission for 18 months or 24 months, and you are so very special to our hearts all our lives. We will also be parents to our children forever and for the short time they are here, we want to spend time with them. We returned to Cebu Tuesday afternoon. Because we have been away I have not had access to the internet and have not been able to write letters. So please forgive me that for the last two weeks you have not received any personal letters. I am trying to write back to a few of you that have had special questions or needs, but the rest of you are receiving only this letter. I hope you understand and know that I love you all. Next week, I will start back writing to all of you. Please write to me this week and let me know how you are doing and the experiences you are having this last week. I hope you are all working with your hearts and minds to bring to pass the work we have been given, to rescue the inactive members in our areas -- to find the lost sheep and bring them back to the fold. I have been thinking about the power of our testimonies. Strengthen your testimonies through study and the prayer of faith, and share your testimonies as often as you have the opportunity. The bearing of testimony by the servants of the Lord is a great blessing to those who share their testimonies "for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you." (D&C 62:3). It is also a great blessing to those who hear, especially the inactive members because sometimes there is "no way that [we] might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony". (Alma 4:19). I want each of you to know that I kneel down multiple times each day and thank the Lord that Sister Schmutz and I have been blessed to receive this call to preside over such wonderful young men and women. Truly we love you as our children. I see such goodness in you, such willingness to sacrifice, such desire to do the right thing for your God. We feel that we are blessed mightily of the Lord. We feel that of all Mission Presidents in the world, we have the richest blessings. And it is because of you. So, I want you to know that your President desires your happiness and joy, your safety from harm, and your protection against the Adversary. That is why I pray for you all the time and think about you in my daily thoughts continuously. Be good. All my love, President Schmutz

Mission President Instructions for Training Missionaries

Dear Elders and Sisters, This is an unusual week. We are completing transfers two days early and changing the preparation day. The reason for these changes is that the Missionary Department of the Church moved dates in order that travel didn't conflict with Christmas. There are 16 new missionaries coming into the mission tomorrow. We are at the highest level of missionaries we have seen since I arrived on the mission. With this transfer we are reopening four new areas for missionaries. If we include the last three batches of missionaries, we have more than 45 new missionaries either being trained or who will complete their training tomorrow. That means about 75% of our missionaries are involved in training right now. I am told by the Area Presidency that we should expect further growth from new missionaries. This means that we NEED each one of you who is willing and desires to be prepared for training, prepared to raise a righteous generation of missionaries. I am grateful for your willingness to be diligent and set a good example for your companion and for the other missionaries in the mission. the only way we can accomplish the purposes the Lord has for this mission is for the entire force of missionaries in Cebu Mission, each one of you, to set a new standard of obedience and enthusiasm for the work. I sincerely hope you have made that decision and commitment in this work. I recently wrote a letter to one of our missionaries to explain my feelings about the importance of training a new missionary and the qualifications needed. I am pasting a portion of that letter here so you can see my feelings. Please ponder this as you perform your missionary labors. Thanks. Here it is: "I believe with all my heart that we have a sacred responsibility to train new missionaries in the Lord's way, so that they will have an example of faith, great diligence, strict obedience and love. Training a new missionary is the most important calling in the mission. The way a missionary is trained will have eternal consequences. In this mission, in the past, I think there has been a false attitude that a new missionary fresh from the great spirit of the MTC needs to learn that it is different in the field and we don't need to be strictly obedient to the white handbook rules or the morning schedule. Unfortunately, this attitude is a deception of the devil and it can destroy the spirit of a new missionary. The brethren have given us a 12 week training program to be used with all new missionaries. That program requires the trainer to be very diligent and hard working. He must carry out a two hour per day companionship study that thoroughly teaches the new missionary how to teach PMG by the Spirit. It is necessary that the program be faithfully followed. It is very hard work. A trainer cannot be trunky even in the least because it takes away the ability to train by example. I know that many missionaries have a great desire to train, so they can have an son in the mission. It is a way to leave a legacy in your son or daughter. But the opportunity to train is not for the benefit of the trainer. It is for the benefit of the new missionary. Too many times, we have had poor trainers leave a very bad legacy in their anak. When a new missionary is told that he or she doesn't really have to be obedient in everything and diligent and hard working every day, then the missionary becomes deceived, confused and often depressed. Too many times the new missionary, decides that the PNC (Pwede Na Current) is okay, and it can ruin his or her opportunity to become a missionary that truly pleases the Lord through faithful obedience all the days of his mission. The missionary that lives according to the higher law of strict obedience and standards of excellence, is happy and is led by the Spirit. Missionaries who are willing to set aside the personal desires and personal laziness, and who are willing to serve God with an eye single to his glory -- TRULY -- are missionaries that will do anything and everything He has asked them to do through his servants. These missionaries are the ones that are converted for life, permanently, these are the ones who receive and carry the Spirit with them at all times. Disobedience at any level, even in small things, deprives the missionary of the constant companionship of the Spirit. Training is a GREAT HONOR and privilege, but great honors and privilege go to those who are greatly faithful, greatly obedient and diligent and who are willing to sacrifice. So, if you really desire to TRAIN, and not just to have a son or daughter in the mission, you must prayerfully ponder upon the following questions: 1. Are you willing to obey EVERY RULE of the white hand book to the best of your ability? 2. Are you willing to arise at 6 am EVERY morning with no exceptions? 3. Are you willing to show by example that disobedience will not be tolerated? 4. Are you willing to follow the study program, every day for the full time, without exception? 5. Are you willing to live to the higher standards.? 6 Are you willing to repent of any disobedience in the past? I hope you will also ponder these thoughts and feelings and use or incorporate any part of this into your missionary life. Thanks again for all you do. All my love, President Schmutz

Philippines Cebu Mission Christmas Letter

Dear Elders and Sisters, Sister Schmutz and I want to wish you all a merry merry Christmas. We hope and pray that you will feel the joy of Christmas in your hearts and feel the Savior's love for yourselves and for all the precious children of God that are here in our mission. We are so blessed to have revealed knowledge about our Savior and his atonement, the reason for his birth. Even though we are far away from the snow of Christmas that whitens the fields and rooftops of our home, we have received a marvelous blessing of joy to enjoy this first Christmas in the heat of Cebu. Even though we are far from our home and family, we feel as if we have our family all around with the many many sons and daughters that we have found in the mission. Thank you for your love to us, and your prayers in our behalf. We really feel it. Two Thousand Years ago, an angel announced to Mary that she would be blessed to be the mortal mother of God's own son. Her heart leapt with joy at that great news. When the time came that she was with holy child and knew that the Savior of the World was growing in her womb, she needed to share her joy with another person and so she traveled to share her joy with her cousin Elisabeth, who was also carrying a godly child, John the Baptist. When the two women greeted one another, and Mary saluted Elisabeth, the babe who was John "leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost." Mary exclaimed, "MY soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47) The two women rejoiced together at the wonderful experience they were sharing. I think in some ways it is the same today. When we greet others with the news of Jesus Christ, those who are prepared will be filled with the Holy Ghost and filled with joy as was Elisabeth. And we rejoice together in the news that the Lord has restored his church and brought revelation back to the earth. This is his gospel. We love sharing it. At this time of year, i want to express my great love for Jesus Christ, who so long ago came to earth as a holy infant in swaddling clothes. He brought joy and the hope and promise of resurrection and eternal life. How special it is to know that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that all who might believe in him and keep his commandments can have life enternal in his righteous kingdom. I feel that He is smiling down upon our mission now, a resurrected perfect God. He has accomplished his work, and his work continues to roll forth. This mission is a part of his vineyard. I feel blessed to declare his word and bring his love to those in need. All our love to each of you in this Christmas season. We are so excited to see you for the Christmas program. Until then, All our love, President and Sister Schmutz

Taking On Another Challenge

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org>
Date: Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 1 Nov 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net

Dear Sister Bruno,

Thanks once again for a wonderful report on your progressing investigators. You reminded me of how important it is to keep track of our investigators and recent converts -- "and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer" (Moroni 6:4) and especially to prepared against trials and tribulations that might keep them from accepting baptism.

You have been blessed to have Sister Canoneo as a companion. She is a wonderful sister, and I know that she feels blessed because of your companionship with her. Now it is time to move to another assignment. We are asking you to take on quite a challenge, but we know that you are up to it, and by relying on the strong arm of the Lord, you will be equal to the task. I hope you feel you have been blessed by your time in Baclayon. I know you have blessed the members there.

Stay strong, and seek to purify your heart for the work. (D&C 112:28). I am very proud of you.

Love,
President Schmutz

Sister Missionary Elect Lady in Kingdom of God

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: 2012162-PRS@ldschurch.org Date: Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 4:43 PM Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 11 Oct 2011 To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net Sister Bruno, Time is flying by so fast. It seems like we waited forever preparing for Elder Holland's talk, and now it has come and gone. I hope you were prepared and that you felt inspiration and revelation from the Spirit during that meeting. It was such a beautiful blessing to sit and learn at the feet of an apostle and prophet of the Lord. As Elder Holland talked, I watched the faces of the missionaries and I felt that you were being taught from on high. All your faces were lifted to the pulpit and filled with light. What a marvelous experience. It's been a couple of weeks since your last letter so I am interested to know how your investigators are doing. You are having so many wonderful experiences as a missionary. These experiences are helping you to grow step by step in the way of the Lord. You may not realize this, but you are becoming an elect lady in the Lord's kingdom. You are preparing to be a wife, mother and angel of mercy to all who surround you. Keep striving to be a great missionary, and in the process you will become a great person. We love you and thank the Lord for your service here President Schmutz

Purifying Our Hearts

Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been successful. We had fhe with an inactive member and half of the branch was in attendance including the branch presidency.

Brother Noel and brother Jeffrey decided to do Home Teaching every Sunday to all the inactive members in the branch which is a big help to the work.

Sister Margie's seminar is nearing.

Sister Charity is still excited about her baptism.

All of our other investigators though are not seeming to be able to keep their commitments. We are following up, and have been teaching that their are blessings when they read their assignment, or when they go to church.

Sister Canoneo is still amazing. She is so kind I fail in comparison to her. We are both excited about the Cebu trip this coming Oct 20th. Elder Fisher gave an inspiring workshop for district meeting about preparing ourselves for the conference. Sister Canoneo and I am working hard to encourage each other to purify our hearts for the coming of Elder Holland.

I see the work progressing here in Baclayon. Sister Canoneo and I always talk about how people say that Bohol is hard, but we know that is not true. Bohol is the same as any other area it has its challenges, but there are so many people that have been prepared for us.

Thank you President,

Sister Bruno

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland to Visit Phillipines Cebu Mission

Dear Elders and Sisters,

We have been traveling with leadership meetings and district conference all week, so I am not able to write each of you an individual letter. However, we have a very special event to discuss.

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, we will receive a visit with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Tad R. Callister of the Presidency of Seventy, and Elder Michael John U. Teh of the Seventy. Elder Holland wishes to meet with the Missionaries from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. All missionaries are invited from each island. We will be using our preparation day for this visit, so we will be working on Wednesday and taking Thursday as our preparation day. Those traveling from the off islands will need to preserve their travel money to make sure they can pay the cost of transportation to Cebu. The meeting will be held at the temple complex stake center.

Elder Holland has requested that all missionaries are seated in their seats by 3:00 p.m., one hour early. We should quietly be reading the scriptures and pondering on things of the spirit. Missionaries should sit with companions.

Sister Schmutz and I desire that all missionaries are spiritually prepared to receive all the Lord would have us receive from Elder Holland, Elder Callister and Elder Teh. Therefore, I wish you to begin preparing now to purify yourselves and prepare your hearts. Make a commitment to be obedient in all things starting now. Study the scriptures and be prayerful to receive the spirit at the time of this meeting. There may be an opportunity to ask questions, so please give prayerful thought to any questions you might wish to ask. The questions should be sincere and respectful. Please fast on the day of the meeting. Those who are traveling please try to arrange to do all travel on the Thursday, the day of the meeting, if possible. Please work with your zone leaders and the assistants to travel together as much as possible.

This is such a wonderful blessing and rare opportunity to sit at the feet of our prophets and apostles. We are very excited that we were permitted to invite all missionaries on all the islands, but it is important that you sacrifice your preparation day on Wednesday for this purpose.

We love you and wish you a wonderful week. We look forward to seeing you on the 20th!

President and Sister Schmutz

Planting Seeds on a Mission

Dear President Schmutz,

We have really seen the blessings in our work this past Sunday. We are working hard every day and come home so tired!! When we work our hardest that's when time really flys. We are enjoying our companionship, and we are enjoying our area.

President Badana is a great help in the work. He has many great ideas we are excited to implement into our work.

Brother Noel has really taken the time to refer all of his neighbors and friends and family members to us and he even likes to kuyog us to lessons.

Sister Jessie is slowly progressing and she was at church this last week.We have had Sister Ugboc fellowship her and it really has helped her progression.

We have done a lot of planting this past transfer and soon will harvest.

Sister Margie is getting married this October 15th and then in the afternoon baptized. I'm sure it will be the best day of her life.

Enjoyed the time you and Sister Schmutz joined our CSP. Thanks for the memories.

Sister Bruno