Archie and Annie Bernaldo Join the Church

Dear President Schmutz,

This week we had a successful baptism of Brother Archie and Sister Annie Bernaldo. They gave their testimonies on Sunday the next day after their confirmation.It was a good feeling.

Brother Noel Puria also gave his testimony and expressed his desire to be baptized.

We had area attack on Monday and it was a successful time. We have many new investigators that we plan to visit this week.

We have really been blessed we re-activated Rusel and Rodello Minoza, Shine Tinonga, and John Spencer Ugboc. Brother John Spencer brought four of his friends to church on Sunday and we hope that they return this Sunday.

Sister Akiatan has really been growing in her teaching skills. She is discouraged sometimes, but we encourage each other to be positive. I have been working on communicating with her and our relationship is becoming better. I love her and only hope her success here on the mission.

I am so grateful for the blessings from Heavenly Father with the area, and have really seen the progress of the work here in Baclayan.

I am just changing my attitude, and looking at the bright side of things.

Thank You President,

Sister Bruno

Cultural Difference: Missionary Email

FAMers!!

So this week has been a little stressful. I  don't know if i am the leader type, but I am learning. My companion and I have some culture difference and language barrier at time. We are  working out our differences. I love her guts but we just need to learn to work together.

We have a baptism this Saturday 6 August 2011. Pray that they will go through with their baptism. Brother Archie and Sister Annie are coming into the gospel together, and I am so excited for their family.

I have been super stressed out this last transfer and have lost weight.  I see that as a positive of a negative :)

We are saving souls here in Bohol and enjoying every moment. STAY STRONG STAY ACTIVE KICK SATAN'S BUTT!!

Love

Sister Bruno

Learning Patience as a Senior Companion

Dear President Schmutz,

This week has been a little stressful.  It has been stressful because I am battling with my self.  The mission is not hard if you know self control.  Its hard to be off island away from Cebu at times, but its not Bohol its the missionary.  I am doing everything I can to become better.  I have never been a senior and its hard at times, I am still learning.  I know though that the Lord will prepare a way if I just do what is right and am obedient.  I need motivation, but as for right now I am forced to motivate myself and Sister Akiatan.  Being new on the mission I know is not easy and I am trying to give her more responsibility, but she is hesitant to accept any responsibility right now.  I for now have been teaching the majority of the lessons I encourage her to start the lessons, but she just says not me you just teach.  The culture and language barrier at times has caused a ripple in the companionship, but I am controlling my pride and putting my trust in the Lord.  I have learned patience and that I can not change her I can only change myself.  For now I am battling with what to do and how to change and everything actually.  This email sounds like I am whining, and I am maybe a little sorry about that.  :)  Working hard and hard working President don't worry I will only try harder everyday to become better and to be a better companion.

Our investigators are SLOWLY progressing.  Actually Sister Melita almost committed to come to church, but then she second guessed and said hopefully she will go she will think about it.  She is one of those investigators who takes forever to convert, but when she is converted she becomes one of the greatest missionaries bring many along with them.  

Brother Noel is actually progressing toward his baptism.  He is working hard to resist temptation to be baptized this August 20.  

Brother Archie and Sister Annie are going to be baptized this Saturday.  I am so excited for them since they are a family.  I know if they raise their son in the gospel he will become a great missionary one day.  

Trying my best not to have any regrets.  Thanks President.

Sister Bruno