"Behold! A Royal Army" Newest Missionaries and Trainers 27 January 2016

There is a royal army of missionaries that serve across the world.  I love the image of these faithful young men and women going forth, armed with the word of God and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are "united, bold, and strong," and we are grateful for their service and the privilege of being missionaries together.

The newest segment of the Philippines Cauayan army arrived on December 30th.  One month later, we gather them together for continued training and counsel.  It's a joyful reunion as these missionaries greet their batch mates, share experiences, and join together to learn.  This is a truly happy day!


First day in the mission…
December 30, 2015

Nothing like warm
pandesol and good
friends to start the day!

After being physically fed, we meet together for an opening session and welcome with President and Sister Rahlf.

President Rahlf led scripture study with a discussion of the experience of Philip, found
in Acts 8, and how this faithful missionary listened to the Spirit, "ran thither" to follow
those promptings and then taught and baptized a man prepared to accept the 
gospel of Christ.

After our opening session, we separate two groups: one of new missionaries and another of trainers.  The assistants lead one discussion, and President and Sister Rahlf lead the other. 
We switch groups and then conclude the morning session by breaking for lunch.  And maybe a picture or two! 

Our afternoon session is training led by our Senior couples as they discuss and teach
about finances and budgeting, communication and mail, housing and care for missionary apartments, and CLS.  There's even some sweet candy rewards for correct answers.
Sister Rahlf teaches about emergency preparedness and health, and President Rahlf concludes the afternoon with direction on keeping the real purpose of Preparation Day and then opening the time for questions and answers.  We have some great discussions and insights during this part of the day.


Lastly, we have pictures with the entire group and each companionship.  It was a memorable and wonderful day with this army of missionaries.
How grateful we are for them! 

Trainer, Sister Ilago and Sister Majerano

Sister Samonte and Trainer, Sister Velasco

Trainer, Sister Balaoing and Sister Arnonobal

Sister Ricario and Trainer, Sister Maroket

Sister Regala and Trainer, Sister Heve

Sister De Mayo and Trainer, Sister Canlapan

Sister Bas and Trainer, Sister Romero

Sister Ancheta and Trainer, Sister Golong

Trainer, Sister Albarico and Sister Victoria

Trainer, Sister Biolena and Sister Kjar

Sister Recano and Trainer, Sister Sanchez

Trainer, Sister Acain and Sister Barranco

Elder Yumul and Trainer, Elder Marano

Elder Opalda and Trainer, Elder Enuake

Elder Lechoco and Trainer, Elder Riparip

Elder Andaya and Trainer, Elder Claudio

Trainer, Elder Busilac and Elder Taylor-Jenson

Trainer Elder Cloma and Elder Davis

Elder Doctolero and Trainer, Elder Swensen

Elder Branzuela and Trainer, Elder Estuarria

Trainer, Elder Canencia and Elder Del Castillo

Elder Golde and Trainer, Elder Posadas

Elder Laverez and Trainer, Elder Padilla

Trainer, Sister Velasco and Sister Ruyeras

And just a few more pictures to capture the day with fellow servants.
These are eternal friendships in the making.

And now for the ride home after a sweet day of rejuvenation and learning.  

It's a great day to be a missionary!

"Hasten the work, let there be no delay, 

The God of Israel leads this mission today.

Let us labor with our might in this Ilocano land,

Establish His kingdom that will ever stand!"

                                  Philippines Cauayan Mission Song

Elder and Sister Jones Arrive, Holiday Visitors, and MLC

Philippines Cauayan Mission joyfully welcomes Elder and Sister Jones, from Woodburn, Oregon.  They arrived on the evening of December 22, after a long drive from Manila.  The next morning they were in the office and ready to go to work.  They will be over Housing and CLS after the Leslies complete their mission in April, and they will also offer member support in the San Mateo, where they have already endeared themselves to the Branch.  We are grateful for their enthusiastic service!

Meeting Elder Sorilla and Elder Espanto in Tumauini

At the Queen Isabela statue and Isabela Province sign in Ilagan

Elder Jones and Elder Balneg taking down the tree

Welcome to Cauayan Elder and Sister Jones!

 We received some wonderful visitors this Christmas and New Year when two of our former missionaries returned with their families to visit Cauayan and other areas of their missionary service.   We spent Christmas Eve with Sister Meinzer, her parents, three brothers and sister-in-law.  Then on January 5th we were able to see Sister Breinholdt with her parents and sister.  It's hard to describe what a joy it is to see our missionaries again and meet their families.  Eternal blessings!

With Sister Meinzer

The family with our special Christmas Tree Viewing glasses

Sister Breinholdt (in the orange) with her parents and sister

The first Mission Leadership Council of the year is always a special one because that's when the MLC sets the mission goals, Standards of Excellence and vision for the year.  We are so grateful for our mission leadership and their willingness to accept these stewardship assignments over each zone.  They love and care for our missionaries--

MLC January 2016

We're in great hands here!


We are thankful every day for our missionaries and senior couples.
It's a great day to be a missionary!


"The decision to serve a mission will shape the spiritual destiny of the missionary,
his or her spouse, and their posterity for generations to come."
                                                                                                               Elder Russell M. Nelson