Philippines Cebu Mission President D. Parke Hansen's Farewell Letter

                                                    ADIEU

                

Dear Elders and Sisters of the Philippines Cebu Mission,  

                          

I am breaking tradition by writing my final letter you as a group rather than responding individually to your emails from last week.  I am profoundly grateful for each one of you and the dedicated efforts you have put forth in serving the Lord.  This is His work, and each of you contributes to the success and progress of the entire mission.  You will be blessed eternally for the sacrifices and selfless work you are devoting to the Master.  Your lives have been interwoven with mine and will remain so after I am released.  I depart with a glad heart and the assurance that your new mission president will bring a special spirit of love which will permeate throughout the mission and into your hearts.  President and Sister Schmutz are called of God, and I have already felt their love for each of you.  They have been praying for you for some time, and have already begun to know you through your pictures and countenances.  Each of you are unique, and I feel confident that President Schmutz will be able to see the worth of your souls. 

The success of any mission president is seen in the lives of the missionaries as the years unfold.  Let the doctrines of the gospel fill you with the grand vision of your eternal potential.  Face the future with faith in every footstep.  Trust in God’s perfect mercy and love for you.  Know that your life is essential to His ongoing mission to save and exalt His children.  Just as you bring joy to your earthly parents by living a virtuous and upright life, so you bring that same happiness to your Heavenly Father, only it is coupled with His limitless capacity to bless and magnify us.  I pray that you will continue to battle your own weaknesses and turn them into strengths through the Lord’s mighty power. I have great hopes for each of you, for you are all recipients of the everlasting covenant.  You are destined to inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers far beyond your present understanding.  Keep yourselves unspotted from the world by continuing to live according to your covenants.  You will always be our sons and daughters, and we will continue to pray for your success.

I know that God lives and loves us, Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration, the Book of Mormon is true, and we have a living prophet today who receives current revelation.  I know that the plan of happiness is the true course for all men and will lead to eternal felicity with our families.  These truths are precious to me and provide a sure foundation and motivation to inherit all that the Father has.  I close by conveying the same sentiments as the prophet Jacob who culminated his writings by simply saying ADIEU.

Please start today by writing to President Schmutz using the same IMOS website.

Thank You and God bless you.

Your Fellow Servant,

President D. Parke Hansen    June 27, 2011

Bringing Light into Investigator's Life

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: 2012162-prs@ldschurch.org
Date: Wed, May 25, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 24 May 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net


Congratulations on the baptisms and for helping that area to become very fruitful. Have a great week.

Pres.Hansen

Dear President Hansen,

This has been a successful transfer we were blessed with 4 baptisms this month. James Brian Vloso, Rochelle Latoga, Mirryl Latoga, and Riza latoga were all baptized and confirmed on 22 May 2011. It was a miracle, and took a lot of hard work. It was worth the effort though. Sister Rochelle and Sister Mirryl kuyog us to lessons and they are excited about missionary work. We are trying to find them friends still so they wont be as shy. Brother James Brian has very supportive recent convert parents so we are not worried about him.

The rest of our investigators right now are kind of just floating, and we will be doing a lot of tracting this coming week.

We have one investigator though that just has no hope. She is torn down, and we are doing everything we can to help. She considered committing suicide with her 5 children, because she doesn't have money to feed them and her live in partner who is a member is very prideful. Its a long story, but we plan to visit her regularly so she has someone to talk to. We want to bring the light into her life.

Sister Falculan has amazing people skills, and I am thankful for her talent of teaching.

Continuing to work hard and focus on the work here in Marigondon.

Thanks for all that you do,

Sister Bruno

Report to Mission President about Progress in Marigondon

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: 2012162-prs@ldschurch.org
Date: Wed, May 18, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 17 May 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net


Thanks for your accountability report sister Bruno. I know that the Lord will continue to lead you along. Have a great week......good luck with your baptisms. Pres.Hansen

Dear President Hansen,

We have been praying really hard for our investigators, and we have four baptisms this coming Sunday May 22, 2011. It really is a blessing for our area. We started with no clear investigators and now we have people ready for baptism. Rochelle, Mirryl, and Rizza Latoga has progressed very quickly. Rochelle and Mirryl kuyoged us to our lessons yesterday to see what missionary work was like. Although they are shy they are starting to learn to break out of their shells.

Amy Junio is progressing, and has mentioned baptism. We are taking it very slowly with her.

Sister Rose Lacsamana we were about to give up on because she kept canceling appointments, but we visited her yesterday and she read through 1 Nephi we were shocked. We thought the worst. It taught me not to expect the worst, but to hope for the best!

Brother James Brian Alphanta is getting baptized this Sunday and he has a strong support from his parents.

We have been BRTing like mad with the Barcenal family and Kenshin and Reymaurth have started to progress. Sister Maura their mother was going to go to church but the father was against it. We really need to focus on the father, but unfortunately is only home in the late evenings.

We never know what to expect with our investigators everyday, but we are working our hardest to help them to gain a knowledge of the gospel and feel that it is true.

Sister Falculan and I have our ups and downs, but she has really taught me a lot about Patience. For this I am grateful :)

Have an amazing day!


Sincerely,
Sister Bruno


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: 2012162-prs@ldschurch.org
Date: Wed, May 11, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 10 May 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net


It sounds like you have a variety of many wonderful contacts. We will keep them in our prayers. Keep up the great work..........Pres.Hansen

Progress in Marigondon

From: 2012162-prs@ldschurch.org
Date: Wed, Apr 20, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Subject: Re: Weekly Report Sent on 19 Apr 2011
To: annika.bruno@myldsmail.net


Thanks for sharing that spiritual moment. You will continue to have moments like that each day as you follow the spirit's directions. Keep up the great work. Pres.Hansen


President Hansen,

Marigondon has been really good. We are finally starting to get some definite investigators. We have progressing investigators who are attending sacrament, and actually we had 8 investigators attend sacrament this past week. We have two investigators Amy Junio and Rose Lacsamana who are progressing towards baptism. We are working with them for their understanding, and brought them to temple tour which helped them a lot. Sister Rose said that going to the temple she felt that our message must be true. It was a big testimony to me of the great importance of temples on the earth today. We are working with a part member family the Lotoga family. The mother is inactive, but the father is very supportive of the kids going to church. He even has been thinking about attending. The children have attended church and the younger ones are receptive so we will keep working with them. It will take time for this family. We don't know what they all feel at this point in time, but we will keep teaching them to help them realize the importance of the gospel in their life. We have an investigator brother Ceasar Padilla who has investigated many churches and we are taking things very slowly with him. We are teaching the Saga family and they are progressing. We had four new investigators this week Kenshin Barcenal, Reymarth Barcenal, Maura Barcenal, and Lotchin Pino they are very smart they really think out our message and i know they will take the effort to find out for themselves if it is true. Brother Raymarth's prayers are very powerful I could see him as a future leader in the church.

Our area requires a lot of work, and we are doing everything we can to help our area progress. Sister Falculan is pushing me to do better every day and my language sky rocketed with her as a companion. We come home very tired every night, and I find that a sign of a successful day!

Thank You President Hansen!

Sister Bruno

Glad to Hear of Successes

---- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 22, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Subject: Re: Week!
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>

 

It appears that you have a host of potential converts coming up.  It is great to hear of your successes.   Thanks for your update.  Pres.Hansen

Letter to president

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 10:53 PM

From: "Annika Bruno"

Dear President,

This week we have a baptism for Geniviveb Diparine she is 9 years old and is very excited about her baptism.  She has a gift for missionary work.  Her and 7 of her friends come to church, and every week we have one more come.  Its really great for the primary in the ward. 

We are teaching Ritchel, Mae Ann and Ana May Arinas and their mother has sat in on one of the lessons.  I am having a great time teaching so many children, and through them we are meeting their parents slowly. 

We have taught Sister Judith Velez's children, and it has been a roller coaster.

Their have been many great blessings this week and I am thankful for such a well spoken companion.  I love my companion Sister Caluyo she has the spirit extremely strong with her during lessons. 

Thank You,

Sister Bruno

Recognizing Blessings

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: Week
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>


A missionary that not only experiences blessings, but also recognizes these blessings as to their source are always blessed with the spirit of their calling.   Continue to work and pray for those recent converts................truly, the ward should be doing the bulk of the shepherding now that they are baptized...........perhaps this can be brought to the attention of the bishop through your WML.    Have a great week..   Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 12:13 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

 

Dear President Hansen,

This week has been really great.  I am enjoying the work, and love my investigators.  We have been trying to teach a recent converts son Jassen Velez.  He is really one of those people you know will be strong when they convert.  He wasn't home when we went to teach him on Saturday, but he went to church.  We were all really excited, but again when we went to teach him on Tuesday he wasn't there.  I wasn't so much frustrated as sad that we couldn't teach him. 

Our recent converts are 50/50 some are strong going to church and some are back to old habits.  We are working with them all and I hope that they can stay strong.  I hear that the first year of a converts life into the church is the hardest for them.  I only hope that we are strengthening them to withstand the adversity they face!

One of our recent converts when we went to visit him he was smoking and drunk!  When we taught him the next day his prayer was a powerful plea for help to resist drinking and smoking.  We pray for him and continue to encourage him to remain strong! 

I feel the love that God has for His children when I teach especially the little children.  The children in the Tintay area love when we come over to teach, and ask when we are coming back.  There is a whole group of kids that attend church with our recent convert Sister Judith.  She is a strong woman and she has helped her neighbor Rose Flores to have a greater desire to be baptized.  I love her she is such a special spirit.

Sister Caluyo is an amazing teacher and I hope that one day I can have her gift of teaching.  She is a great companion she always makes me smile.  I could not have asked for a better companion. 

Living with the four of us in the house in really fun we talk about our investigators, and Sister Tumala and Sister Williams has given us really good ideas for our lessons to help our investigators.  Sister Williams is a great trainer I can see her love for Sister Tumala.

The language is progressing, and my goal for no english except on P-days has really helped the progression go a lot faster! 

This week has been filled with many blessings from Heavenly Father.

Thank You President Hansen!

Sister Bruno

Progress of Work

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Subject: Re: Week!
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>


Thanks for sharing the wonderful experiences ..............it is very evident that the Lord is working with you.   Have another great week.   Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 11:29 AM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear President!

I am loving the split it was revelation without a doubt.  We had 40 new investigators last week and we find several people a day.  The area is so large and there are people we never would have met if the area wasn't split. 

This week one of our recent converts son's Jassen Velez decided to let us teach him.  He is 21 years old and his mother said he is extremely shy and doesn't like to talk, but he seems to be voicing his concerns with us.  He is a very humble person and we are excited to continue to keep teaching him. 

We have been teaching many children this transfer I can see why Jesus loves the little children.  While we were teaching Grace Oporto the law of chastity and talked to her about being modest she said excuse me ran home and changed into modest clothes!  She is so cute!  Sister Genevievea Diparine is 11 years old and has been going to church with our recent convert Sister Judith Velez.  Her mother and her have a baptismal date.  Jenny her mother is willing to listen to our lessons and we love teaching her. 

Sister Williams and Sister Tumala taught Emerson Ugdiman and he seems to be progressing to his baptismal date. 

We have been walking in the path that the Savior has layed out for us because I feel like all the people we have met this week have been blessings, and I feel a strong love for all the people we have met.

Sister Mitch hasn't been coming to church since her confirmation.  She works with her mother a lot and has been working for the last couple of weeks.  We hope that she does not fall into the devil snares.  I hear the first year of someones joining the church is the hardest on them.  We only are trying to strengthen her testimony.  She is strong in reading the scriptures and her testimony so we will only work hard to help keep her strong. 

This transfer as all my other transfers have been great.  I look back and see the many blessings that heavenly Father has given to me. 

Sister Caluyo has been teaching me a lot and I have made high goals to meet.  The language seems to not be a huge barrier as it once was.  I have set a goal not to speak English this whole transfer I know its hard but possible!  Sister Caluyo has been helping me a lot with the language and I love her for sacrificing her time to help me! 

Thank You President!

Sister Bruno 

Sunny in the Philippines

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>

Date: Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Subject: Sunny in the Philippines!
To: cebumission08@gmail.com


Dear President Hanson,

This week has been really good. We have been doing a lot of finding, and we
found a man named Leo and a little girl named Rosalyn who live across from the church. Its perfect within walking distance of the church. I hope we see progress in them soon we have given them a Book of Mormon and we are following up on Saturday.

Grace Hardy has a strong testimony and I don't see her falling away from the church especially since she has a strong support from her husband. I'm glad for her baptism last week.

Emerson Udgiman I thought was progressing quickly and was accepting the gospel, but in latest attempts to visit with him and teach him he is always gone from home. He is 16 Years old and his family is a part member family. I really hope we can think of ways to get through to him.


Mitch Minosa has a really strong testimony she is 18 years old and her older brother Rechaldo is a member of the church. She has taken it upon her self to read through the Book of Mormon she is already in Alma! Her baptism is this week February 12, 2011 and we are all excited from her. We are teaching her little sister Mannilyn and she is extremely shy, but is starting to open up to us. She is 11 years old.She has bad vision so we write out the hymns for her to sing and her
assignments.

Sister Cheryl Baraga is learning from us but her learning level is low she has a illness where she has seizures and has a cancer on her face that she is scared to get operated on because of her age. She seems to be progressing slowly, but is still willing to listen so we are taking it slowly with Sister Cheryl.

Nelson Mansalay is progressing well. He has a smoking problem but he says he hasn't smoked since we committed him 2 weeks ago. He usually goes to church with Cheryl and Mitch, but they didn't attend with Nelson and he came by himself! We were all really proud of him, and his progression.

Sister Marilou has a strong testimony, but her live in doesn't want to get married, and she is not attending church. She is growing and learning still, but is having troubles with her live in Michael's gambling problem. They have no money for food and he gambles all the money he makes away.They have 4 kids too. It's really sad to see that he is willing to gamble away what little money they make.

I'm working hard to be 100 percent in all I do. The companionship having two companions is a little rocky, but we are managing. Sometimes I wish I had only one companion I think my language would progress more quickly since they have formed a close bond, and I'm just kind of there. I love them both though and the Lord has reasons for my companionship so I'm trying to enjoy it.

Talamban city area is great the people though are always busy and it's hard to catch most people at home sometimes. We have one inactive family who is always gone from the house, but we have talked with the oldest son many times. Mikee is 18 years old and we convinced him to come to church last Sunday and he was there! I only hope he can be a good example to his family.

The work is good in Talamban and the sun has been shining today so that's a good sign.

Sister Bruno

It's Been An Interesting Week

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission
Date: Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Subject: Re: Its been an interesting week
To: Annika Bruno


Your experiences are molding you each week into the person the Lord wants you to be. Thanks for your report and have a healthy week. Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Feb 2, 2011 at 2:53 PM, Annika Bruno wrote:

Dear President Hanson,

Seems like when I have high goals there is always opposition. I set some high goals this week and it just so happens that I got hit with a bad sickness. I had a high fever and chills so I was out of work for two days (Yesterday night,yesterday, and today I'm just getting better). But I only see it as an opportunity to work harder. I'm grateful for good companions. Sister Caluyo and Sister Williams are heaven sent. They are definitely answers to my cry's to Heavenly Father.

Besides the obvious bad part of the week the rest of the week has been good. Sister Grace Hardy was baptized and missed her confirmation, because they made it late to church coming back from being at Graces home. She was upset about it but we assured her that we are going to confirm her next week.

Mitch Minosa baptism is set for February 12, 2011 and she is going to be prepared. Besides the assigned readings we have given her she has taken the initiative to start reading the Book of Mormon herself and is in Jacob right now.

Like you said President Hanson with many trials comes many blessings this seems to be our companionship theme!

Sister Bruno

Challenges

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Subject: Re: Transfer Week...
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>


Missionary life is quite remarkable in its ability to change us into the individual the Lord wants us to be. It is an ongoing process and will continue after your mission as well.. Have a great week..............Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear President,

This last two weeks have been really hard for me. I was struggling with home sickness and not getting along with my companions, and then I realized that I just wasn't communicating with them. I started to voice my concerns and not only were we getting more done, but I became really close with them. I also decided the reason I was home sick was because I was worrying and stressing about things I needed to change about myself, and after I talked with my companions I decided I can not change them but I can be the example and be obedient. 

 

One concern is getting home on time, because it is really hard because the investigators may have concerns we are trying to help resolve, and I am always stressing about being obedient and getting home on time so I can go to bed on time. 

 

God is molding me into a better person, and I am forgetting myself and going to work. I am now happy and love my companions, my investigators, and my mission. I love the people they are so humble and kind. I am thankful for your talks and weekly emails of encouragement. Changing my attitude I have realized that Heavenly Father gives us golden investigators when we are obedient. We have met two people who are prepared to hear this gospel. I know God prepares these people for us if we are being obedient and good missionaries to be trusted with His children.

Sister Bruno

Mission President Counsel

From: Philippine CebuMission cebumission08@gmail.com
Date: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Subject: Re: Transfer Week...
To: Annika Bruno annika.bruno@myldsmail.net


Missionary life is quite remarkable in its ability to change us into the individual the Lord wants us to be. It is an ongoing process and will continue after your mission as well.. Have a great week..............Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM, Annika Bruno annika.bruno@myldsmail.net wrote:

Dear President,


This last two weeks have been really hard for me. I was struggling with home sickness and not getting along with my companions, and then I realized that I just wasn't communicating with them. I started to voice my concerns and not only were we getting more done, but I became really close with them. I also decided the reason i was home sick was because I was worrying and stressing about things i needed to change about myself, and after I talked with my companions I decided I can not change them but I can be the example and be obedient.

One concern is getting home on time, because it is really hard because the investigators may have concerns we are trying to help resolve, and i am always stressing about being obedient and getting home on time so I can go to bed on time.

God is molding me into a better person, and I am forgetting myself and going to work. I am now happy and love my companions, my investigators, and my mission. I love the people they are so humble and kind. I am thankful for your talks and weekly emails of encouragement. Changing my attitude I have realized that Heavenly Father gives us golden investigators when we are obedient. We have met two people I2Ling who are prepared to hear this gospel. I know God prepares these people for us if we are being obedient and good missionaries to be trusted with His children.

Sister Bruno

Mission President Email

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philippine CebuMission <cebumission08@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 25, 2011 at 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: Week
To: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>


This year is going to be a landmark year for the Cebu Mission.  I am happy that you are part of this great work.  Have a great week.  Pres.Hansen

On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 12:48 PM, Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear President Hanson,

This week has been a nice transition into my new companionship, and I am starting to get the hang of my mission.  Sister Caluyo is a nice addition to our area and she is an amazing person.  Sister Judith committed to baptism this week after Sister Caluyo extended a commitment in a way I would have never thought about doing and with the spirit so strong.  Sister Judith was an activist against religion in college and she was hesitant in accepting previous commitments for baptism, but has been attending sacrament meetings.  The first meeting that Sister Caluyo met Sister Judith she extended the commitment and Sister Judith accepted the date.  

Sister Williams is a kind companion she is always looking for ways to serve us.  I love them both and I love this area.    

I have seen the blessings of staying 100 percent obedient by people we talk to or by the people we teach progression.  Although it was a rough couple of first weeks I am now in the swing of things and enjoying every minute of my mission.  

Thank You president for you words of encouragement every week.

Sister Bruno  

Mission President Letter: Obedience

From: Annika Bruno annika.bruno@myldsmail.net
Date: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM
Subject: Transfer Week...
To: cebumission08@gmail.com


Dear President,

This last two weeks have been really hard for me. I was struggling with ome sickness and not getting along with my companions, and then I realized that I just wasn't communicating with them. I started to voice my concerns and not only were we getting more done, but I became really close with them. I also decided the reason I was home sick was because I was worrying and stressing about things I needed to change about myself, and after I talked with my companions I decided I can not change them but I can be the example and be obedient.

One concern is getting home on time, because it is really hard because the investigators may have concerns we are trying to help resolve, and I am always stressing about being obedient and getting home on time so I can go to bed on time.

God is molding me into a better person and I am forgetting myself and going to work. I am now happy and love my companions, my investigators, and my mission. I love the people they are so humble and kind. I am thankful for your talks and weekly emails of encouragement. Changing my attitude I have realized that Heavenly Father gives us golden investigators when we are obedient. We have met two people who are prepared to hear this gospel. I know God prepares these people for us if we are being obedient and good missionaries to be trusted with His children.

Sister Bruno

Challenges of Listening to Music in Mission Field

From: Annika Bruno <annika.bruno@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Dec 29, 2010 at 2:51 PM
Subject: Week!!
To: cebumission08@gmail.com


Dear President!

I have been doing well this week on talking to people more and I have been teaching lessons!  My companions are both doing well and we are starting to get into the swing of things.  Emely Pardillo seems to be really ready for baptism but I haven't seen her at church yet. We need to figure out a way to have her keep commitments. We continue to follow up and encourage her and hopefully that will make her want to keep her commitments.  We had 3 investigators at church this Sunday it was awesome.  We are praying for diligence this week and I am trying to stay away from the music that is constantly playing everywhere. It's not fun when music starts playing in the background during a lesson. I'm starting to hate music!  Elicio Arinasa had a trial this week when his family had a dispute and he sees them as representing the church since they are members. And now we need to do damage control to earn back his trust. I thought my companions dealt with the situation awesomely! I am striving daily to learn this language and to have the spirit.

Sister Bruno

Learning the Language in the Field

From: Annika Bruno
Date: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 3:35 PM
Subject: First Week
To: cebumission08@gmail.com

Dear President,

This week I am getting used to the culture, and still working on the language. The companionship is doing well and they are helping me a lot to get used to the field. I am in good health. Our investigators seem to be doing well. Danilo is getting baptized on Saturday, and what I know about him he seems more than ready to be baptized. We have been visiting the members in the ward and orienting ourselves to who is in the ward. I'm not sure exactly what is being said in the lessons but I bear my testimony when told to or when I feel like it is right. I'm working hard to do the work I just wish I knew the language so I could really teach. But I say as much as I can that I know in Vasayan,so hopefully I will pick it up soon. My studies are going well this week. As a companionship we are working on charity and love. I am studying the titles of Christ from the index in the Book of Mormon. I try to find things that apply to the investigator. I will get this down soon. I love it here it's just going to take some getting used to.

Sister Bruno

Third Parent Letter

Missionary Name: Sister Annika Bruno
Mission: Provo MTC
Date Submitted: October 17


Dear Annika,

Hi, hope you had a great weekend. I remember weekends in the MTC were great. Guess what I did this weekend? I finished your dress and I am sending it to you tomorrow. Also some footies and flip flops. So I hope you got all the books and things you need. I assume you got some journals, too. It looks like you have some money left in your account, so you can get a camera when you get over there to the Philippines. You should have someone in your district let you download a few pictures from their cameras and send them home on your Pday. It would be nice to have some pics of your district.

Reasons for Serving A Mission: Letter to Mission President

6 October 2010

Annika K. Bruno

2042 Thornhill Dr.

Summerville, SC 29485

Dear President Hansen,

I am happy to have received your letter, and am very excited to have the opportunity to serve in the Philippines Cebu Mission.

The gospel to me is who I am.  It defines my thoughts and actions.  Without the gospel I would be lost and would not know who I am or who I am to become.  With the gospel there is no guessing I know my purpose in this life is to live in such a way to bring people unto Christ.  By pondering and studying the Gospel it brings happiness to my life.  I have grown up in the gospel but I have had a personal conversion, and cannot doubt that this Church is the only Church that is true.

When reading that I was to serve in the Philippines Cebu Mission I was very shocked, but also very excited. The Lord knows me well and I believe that  it was divine guidance being sent to such a place as the Philippines.  Moving many times in my life I have discovered that I am much happier in warmer climates and I believe it is a perfect fit for me.  I believe serving in the Philippines will allow me to be blessed by the people I meet, and to shape me into a better me.  I am ready and willing to serve in the Philippines Cebu Mission.

I know that the Church is true.  I am ready to let go of myself to serve the Lord.  I know my purpose is to bring others unto Christ and I am prepared to do so throughout my life and my mission.  My father has taught me since I was a child that I should go on my mission and as I have gotten older I truly believe I need to serve my God in His purpose.  God has blessed my life and giving up 18 months of my life does not even begin to repay the debt.  I know that Jesus is my Savior.  I love Him with all my heart.  I believe that we have a living prophet on this earth Thomas S. Monson.  I am thankful that the Lord has called me to serve in the Philippines Cebu Mission and I won't let him down by forgetting Him and becoming wrapped up in myself on my mission.  I am fully giving my will over to the Lord to become an instrument in His hands.

Hope to see you soon. 

Sincerely,

Annika Bruno

Instructions for Sister Missionaries in Philippines Cebu Mission

THE CHURCH OF

JESUS CHRIST

OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Philippines Cebu Mission

August 17, 2010

Sister Annika Kamaleilani Bruno

2042 Thornhill Dr.

Summerville, SC 29485

USA

Dear Sister Bruno, 

Welcome to the Philippines Cebu Mission! I am excited that you have been called to serve as part of our great missionary force here in the Visayas! I appreciate your preparation for this great work.  As you put forth the effort required, you will be blessed with many spiritual experiences as you serve in a rapidly growing area of Asia.  I encourage you to continue preparing for your missionary service through prayer and gospel study.  Through your ability to teach by the spirit, many people will be blessed by receiving the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sister Bruno, will you please write a letter telling me how you feel about the Gospel and your desires to serve in the Phillipines Cebu Mission.  Also, please include a brief testimony.  In your letter please tell us your email address and that of your parents.

The Filipinos are very friendly, and many of them speak some English.  You will enjoy learning our mission language, Cebuano (Visayan).  The people will love you for your efforts.  Although this is a hot, humid climate, you will be fairly comfortable with electric fans, which are available in all the apartments.  You will never wear a sweater, and you will sleep under one sheet most of the time.

There are several specific things that you should do by way of preparation:

1. Re-read the Book of Mormon.
2. Spend time on exchanges with the missionaries in your area.
3. If possible, obtain a copy of "Preach My Gospel from your local missionaries and copy at least Chapter 3 for your study.  Begin memorization of some of the key scriptures in this chapter.
4. Carefully review the clothing list sent you by the missionary department in your call packet and the list from our mission that is included with this letter.
5. Obtain your patriarchal blessing prior to your departure.
6. Label your luggage with both the mission address and your home address.  The mission address is: Philippines Cebu Mission, Temple Complex CJCLDS, Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, PHILIPPINES.  The mission office phone number is 011-63-32-230-1240.

Most international missionaries require, during their missions, some extra money from home for shoes, clothing, or dental work.  However, we encourage wisdom and prudence because additional money is often detrimental to the lessons of sacrifice and consecration.  It would be prudent if you have a major credit/debit card as a method to access any needed/authorized extra funds.  Cash money and stamps are not allowed to be mailed in the Church pouch system.  Checks are very difficult to cash.

Sister Hansen and I extend our love to you and are anxious for your arrival in the Philippines Cebu Mission.

Warmest regards,

President D. Parke Hansen
Philippines Cebu Mission

DPH/rjb