December 29,2015 - Kamputhaw, Cebu

This was a week.

Some of Elder Wayne's friends sent reports on what they did for Christmas, so I'll do the same. Early in the Morning, We were invited to breakfast at the McCurdy household with the zone. That was wonderful, they had pancakes and egg stuff. There, I got my package, as well. Quickly we ran home, took a picture of me opening the package, and then went to the Deiparine house, counselor in our bishopric, where we skyped. And then we worked. That was my favorite. We didn't have a ton of appointments, we just tracted, visited a few members and found new people to teach. We showed the video of "A Savior is Born" to our Recent converts, the Villanocha family, and their investigator son. We taught a little family who live on the side of the road and invited them to come to church. They said they would go. We visited a family who lives in this "disputed territory" between our ward and the next one over, and saw the sister missionaries there. That was fun. At 6 pm we had a baptism in our ward of a very happy little couple, Brother Tata and Sister Rowena. They were found and have been taught by the sisters, came to church for the last month or so, and were ready to be baptised this Christmas day. That was very exciting, especially because of our mission goal of having a "white Christmas," or having baptisms this Christmas season. It was cool to see that come to pass. President and Sister McCurdy attended. It was a really good service and a cool way to end our Christmas.

On the evening of December 26, there was a fire in Barangay Lahug, in the Kamputhaw sisters' area. Around 100 houses burnt down. There were no deaths. We were working at the time, and saw the burning smoke plume from a hill in our area. It was scary. Still my favorite thing about this was the next day. We drove past the burn site. The fire had reached up to the homes on the side of the highway, and one of the buildings affected was a little bakery. The back wall of this bakery was burned out, the buildings on its sides starting to be demolished. Yet they were still selling bread. 

We ended up working with the Barangay (local government) to provide some kind of relief for the victims. Most of the people there were renters, and in the time that they were looking for a new place to live, they were staying in the local school, which was right across the street from the burn site. The McCurdys got some foodstuffs to give out, and they asked us to do the same. So we ended up going as a zone to the school and put on a little program for the children. We sang "I am a Child of God," and led some games, and handed out snacks for the kids. It was really cool to see these happy little kids. Afterwards, we had a ton of bananas left, so we passed them out to the people staying in the school. It was a neat experience.

This mission is changing me every day. I feel like I'm growing, and I hope I am. I know that every day, we can rely on our Savior. I know that we need to. We can become clean. We can become greater. That is all just so that we can glorify our Father in heaven. It is all so that we can help someone else gain faith in the goodness of God.

Love you

Elder Dunford

December 22, 2015 - Kamputhaw, Cebu

This week we met a new man. His name is Rene. He has been a member since he was young. He was been inactive for a few years now, but he joined the ward Christmas party on Thursday, where he walked up to Elder Wayne and said, "Elder, I'm going to work with you." Since Saturday, every day he's worked with us, came to Church for the first time in a while, and has been super diligent. He talks to people, teaches them, and loves doing missionary work. We've talked to him a few times about serving a mission, because he's 23 now. He said when he was 20, he applied, but was turned down because of his health condition, and around that time as well was when he stopped going to church. Now he's planning on going active. Last night he was working with us, and we were visiting an active family, when brother had a seizure. We found out that that is is health condition. It made me think about Grandpa, how debilitating it is to be epileptic. Even though you're fine pretty much all the time, you are unable to do the things you want to, like serve a mission, in Rene's case. I talked to him about that a little bit last night as we were walking home, and he was glad to hear too that Grandpa lived to a nice, old age. I am glad to have the opportunity to help Rene to serve in any way possible.

Yesterday, we were in an area we go to often. We have a progressing investigator there. Our investigator has told us that a lot of her neighbors don't like us, and have been trying to get her to stop listening to the Mormons. So yesterday we were there, and I stopped along the way and was helping a man hammer together a gate that he was building at his house. A middle aged woman and a little boy walked by us, and the boy acted like he was going to high five us or something, when the woman grabbed him and said under her breath "No get away, they're bad." As they walked away, I got up and introduced ourselves real kindly. She answered real kindly, too, and started to explain herself, "I was just telling the kid that he shouldn't play with the boys outside, because they fight a lot." We continued on our way, and I realised what just happened there. We are breaking down barriers. Right after we gave a Pentecostal guy a Book of Mormon. I like being a missionary.

I have been learning a lot of my weaknesses, and looking for ways to overcome them. Elder Wayne is good. He is a good friend to me.

Love you. See you on Friday.

Elder Dunford

December 16, 2015 - Kamputhaw, Cebu

So I'd like to report what's happened this week. CSP, Baptisms, Work, and Testimony.

We had 5 baptisms in our zone this last Saturday. It was a wonderful day.

Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to attend and be a part of my Batch's farewell testimony meeting. They had all come in to the city on Sunday night,and on Tuesday afternoon was held this testimony meeting in the President's home. I had the chance to go out and work with my housemates, Elder Toani and Elder Rice before, and so I came running up to Presidents' house about 10 minutes late and entered to find the batch of 26 waiting for me. That was nice of them. 

As the meeting started, I had in my mind a lot, that I wanted to be able to take something away from that meeting that would guide my next six weeks of life. It also dawned on me that I'd likely be given the chance to bear my testimony, so I prayed that I would say what I need to say, and that I would learn what I need to learn. Just before me spoke Sister Iongi, a poly from Sacramento area. She spoke a very powerful testimony, and as part, she said that President was a powerful leader of our mission, the one who carried the power of God to lead our mission. After her testimony I bore witness of this as well. I said that one of the lessons I have learned from my mission is sustaining. I know that President McCurdy is the man who can receive revelation for our mission, and that if we as Cebu missionaries do what he asks of us, then our mission will prosper. And I know that Cebu mission has been prepared and will continue to grow. That's what I said.

During the meeting yesterday, I had an impression of something that I should do. In the Missionary Handbook, on the first page, it says to "Learn and live the higher law as taught by Jesus Christ. (see Matthew 5, 3 Nephi 12)" I realised that's not a study suggestion, it's a commandment. And so I've decided that that is what I will do. In these last few weeks of my mission, I will focus my studies on the Sermon on the mount.

I started today. I got to Matt 5:1-4. 

Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for their is the kingdom of heaven, and blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

I learned that the poor are blessed if they are pure in heart and their spirits are contrite, for they shall be delivered (D&C 56:18). This is because they will have the Gift of the Holy Ghost. (2 Ne 31:13) I learned that those who mourn mourn because that's what happens in life. The earth is defiled and cursed, and all people will mourn because of this curse (Isaiah 24:1-6) However, the day will come that we shall "sing for the majesty of the Lord, and glorify His name." This is because it's all part of the Lord's plan. The heavens will vanish away like smoke, and the earth will wax old and die. But His salvation will be for ever. He will redeem us. Just as He dried the Red Sea so that ransomed Israel could be delivered, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come singing into Zion with everlasting joy upon our heads, and our sorrows and mourning shall be no more. What that means is, although we mourn today, although our life is hard today, that's okay. That's the way it's supposed to be. What we need to make sure we do is hearken unto the Lord. Have His law in our hearts. Fear no man, but trust in the Lord's salvation. I know that if we do this then we will not have fear. We will not have to worry. We do not have to be hopeless. Though we mourn, we will be comforted. I know that this is true. I read it in the scriptures, and I felt it in my life first.

Our mission president is a different kind of president. He doesn't spoon feed us. He tell us what we should do, and lets us do it. I have said often that President wants to teach us doctrine, it's just up to us if we would seek and learn. He makes us as missionaries be accountable to learn for ourselves what we would learn.

I liked what you said about your programs, mom. I remember back in the day, how it was cool that you had a Hebrews song in your program. I know that it is essential that you keep those kids singing Christmas songs. You make a big difference, and you make Lowell Joint School District brighter. I want to share what my favorite Christmas hymn is. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. I love the last verse. 

"For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old, when with the ever-circling years will come the time foretold, when the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King, and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing."

I read this a while back and the thought came into my mind; as a missionary, my purpose is to teach the world to sing. 

I will miss Elder Garcia so much. He is full of love and good ideas, and I'll miss him.

It's a new transfer. Elder Wayne the Lamanite is my new companion. I have zero white companions on my mission. I am so happy. Elder Fuimaono and Elder Pascua are District Leaders. Elder Espiritu is training. It's a really exciting transfer. I love this mission, and I love you. I'll be calling you.

Elder Dunford

December 9, Kamputhaw, Cebu

This was a big week! We had Zone Training Meeting, fast Sunday, our good friend, Elder Sanchez went home, and we had our Cebu Island Christmas Conference. I want to share some stuff that happened. 

Fast Sunday was a really interesting day. I felt like the world was waiting. for something big.

At the Christmas conference, we held a sort of variety show. There were presentations from all the zones, and some individual performances. I sang a solo. I prefaced it by telling that it was a song originally written for people who would not be home for Christmas, who would be far from home. I rewrote it, and even though it's not very good, it's heartfelt. 

I'll be home for Christmas,

you can count on me.

There'll be no snow,

or mistletoe,

and presents by LBC

I'll be home for Christmas,

you just wait and see,

I'll be home for Christmas

in Cebu Philippines.

I'll be home for Christmas,

I already am, you see.

Meeting friends 

and teaching them 

to serve Him faithfully

I'll be home for Christmas,

I don't want to leave,

I'll be home for Christmas

in Cebu Philippines.

This song is from my heart. It is how I feel. I miss you always family, but I know that I am where I am supposed to be. I know it because I feel it. I really am at home here. For example, just earlier, we rode a jeep coming to the email. the lady sitting across to me had the look like she wanted to talk to me. So we talked. She was from Tayasan, a town where I worked when I was in Ayungon. She knew Mojillos, who are a really strong member family there. Then here in Cebu, she's come to church before with her friend. She wants to learn more about the gospel. Things like this is a daily occurence, I simply feel at home here doing this work.

I just read earlier "Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest." It is true! And I know it's not just here in Cebu. The world is waiting, the world is preparing for something great to happen, and as a missionary, I get to prepare that work daily. And I know that all of us can put our hands to work, to helping someone else today. We can all help someone else to feel the love of God through our actions and words, and if we do that, then "he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal, and both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." We can all rejoice in the goodness of Christ today. 

I also know that In January I will come home. I am not sad for that day, I am very excited. Because I know that on January 27, 2016, I will no longer belong here. I will belong in California. I hope to carry the joy that I've gained from Cebu along with me, and continue to grow. Go forward, not backward, that's the way to go.

I love you. I'm excited for you, and I'm praying for you.

Elder Dunford

December 2, 2015 - Kamputhaw, Cebu

I felt a lot of thankfulness this week. Seriously, I feel like that is an attribute that has really hit me a lot, and not just because of the turkey.

So you know, there are turkeys here, but no one eats them. I don't know what they do with them.

I have so much to say, it's basically just a ton of stuff I'm thankful for. I'll start with yesterday. Yesterday we had MLC, and all of my true batch was there, Me and Elder Crandall, Elder Job and Elder Ioane. If you turn back your inbox two years ago, you'll remember that we sang I Need Thee Every Hour in Cebuano at the departing devotional at the MTC. Well I've had this in mind for about a year, and yesterday was the last time all our batch would be in one big meeting together, so we sang it again. I Need Thee Every Hour, two verses in Visaya, and the last in English. It was so good. The feeling I felt was this gratitude for our missions. Gratitude for the stuff we've learned, the growth we've made, and that us, our batch made all this growth together. I love them so much. 

I went on Exchanges, as you saw in the picture, on Thanksgiving day. Thanksgiving is not a recognised holiday here, but I thought it was a cool chance to work with Elder Taylor. He's been out for about four weeks now, and so in our last lesson, we taught a part member family, and I felt like we should teach about gratitude. Elder Taylor's testimony about this was the coolest, and I was grateful to work with him on that day.

And Last, my companion. He is so good. He is working so hard. He has lost himself in the work, and I love him so much. He only thinks of others, our zone, and how to help them. I love him, and I'm grateful for him.

And I'm grateful for you. Love you,

Elder Dunford

November 25, 2015 - Kamputhaw, Cebu

Kamputhaw zone is the I Love to See the Temple Zone. It is literally the best. We had the chance to have a temple tour for a group of 30 high school students and their teachers. We had different stations, where different missionaries shared about the sacrament, family history, baptism, and the temple. It was really cool.

So this week I got to work in Busay, with Elder Ray. This is the one I was telling you about, who's just like Tristan Dunford. It was cool working with him. It turns out his mom is a native German, so he knows just some basic German phrases. I, on the other hand, know absolutely no German. But that's okay. We walked from their area going home. Take a look at this on Google maps, Bonbon Elementary school, along the highway until the Church in Busay. That's what we walked. This is a very mountainous road. We passed a point where there is a look out over the whole city. All the glory of this Cebu metro area was in front of us, but clearly visible, as the only light that doesn't twinkle, is the temple. So I can now say, from every single area in our zone, you can see the temple, which is what makes Kamputhaw zone the best. It was really cool.

But I want to talk about the work in Busay just a little bit. Elder Ray's area is on the other side of the big mountain that sits over Cebu City, and it's a pretty, provincial area. We were working in Bonbon, when after a few lessons, Elder Ray said, "Well, we'd better start walking our of here, because we've got one more family we've got to visit." They were the Lopez family. After a 40 minutes' walk, we got to the Lopez home. It was a small home, but a nice one. When we got to the house, the family was getting ready for bed, but they welcomed us in. Brother and sister, and their three children, a daughter in law, and two grandchildren listened to our lesson about how through Christ we can be cleansed from sin. At the end of this lesson, the father told us "Elders, this whole family will be baptised. All of us." They live quite a ways away from the church, on top of a hill that sits over a large valley, but they've already come two Sundays. The source of income of this family, and this is my favorite part, is flowers. They grow flowers on the side of their hill. This family was just one of the most peaceful things I could imagine, and it is one of the greatest reasons for me to be here, and to be a missionary. 

We've had a lot of progress this week. As in, a ton of Progress. Elder Garcia is going home this transfer (we would have been batch going home), and he is working hard. We have taught so many new people this week, and so many people who we can return to. One remarkable person we found, was a little 11 year old girl who was baptised about a year and a half ago by one of our close friends in Cabagtasan, an area in San Carlos, which is a group of the church that sits on top of a volcano.

I love this work. It will continue.

Love,

Elder Dunford

November 18, 2015 - Kamputhaw, Cebu City, Cebu

You know that Mustang from last week? This was inside the house of those people. They said their grandfather made it like back in the 1940's. It sounds great.

Yesterday, I went on exchanges. I worked in our area with Elder Rice. Elder Rice's other names are Elder Kan-on, Elder Poso, and Elder Homay (all different words for rice. You can bet he gets that a lot.) He's from Cedar City, and he's been out for about 7 weeks now. Elder Rice rocks, cause he reminds me a lot of me. Everyone reminds me of me, but Elder Rice really does. 

I was talking to Elder Rice yesterday and expounded to him my mission, about my areas and my attitude about it all. I realised the hand of the Lord in my mission, in changing me to become the man I am at this point. I want to share it with you right now.

Me, Elder Rice, and Brother Ederson. 

When I entered the mission, I was very excited to be in Cebu and to serve on this tropical island paradise. I wanted to see this beautiful land which has been prepared for me to serve in. I still had the attitude I had before, where I would be very happy going and riding my bike in the hills, even alone, and at the beginning of my mission, that's what I would rather have been doing. So I was assigned in Lawaan, which was a densely populated river plain. There wasn't a hill in our area! And I was very concerned about that. I would spend half my time looking at the hills and just thinking about the fun I would be having if I were a missionary out in some remote area. And that's all I was concerned about. So I was only in Lawaan for one transfer. After 6 weeks, I got transfered out to Escalante.

Escalante still wasn't hilly, but it was beautiful, and adventurous. I told Elder Rice, the Lord put me in Escalante just to get me to shut up about being stuck in the city. So for my first weeks in Escalante, I would still just marvel at the beauty of the landscape, but when I was there, I learned something. I am not here for myself. I'm not here to see the sights. I'm here for the people. I learned, when I'm riding through the countryside on a tricycle, I need to talk to the driver, not look at the mango trees. Even if I don't know what to say, just talk to someone. That's what I learned in Escalante.

Elder and Sister Vickroy have been in the mission office for ever. They go home today. They're Ogden folk, and Elder Vickroy's a Navy airman, he worked on electronics in post-war aircraft.

Brother and Sister Hernandez, and President Sobredo, from Bindoy Branch! They had a temple trip, so I got to see them.

Because I learned that principle, I was ready. Ready to be tested, and to be rewarded. I was assigned in Ayungon. My tropical island paradise. You know how I feel about Ayungon. When I got to Ayungon, I now knew, I am here for the people. I applied that there, and while I was there, I learned, I'm not just here for the people, I'm here to preach to every creature the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. I tried to do that. I wasn't sure how to do it at times, but I figured it out. Preach My Gospel taught me how. The Lord taught me how. And because I got to do that while I was in my paradise of Ayungon, the people there will always be in my heart.

And because the Lord is merciful and has a greater plan, he gave me a second chance, and put me back in my first area, in Linao. And since then, my mission has been becoming more and more important to me. 

 Elder Marturillas, from Linao! He's the one who's assigned in Phoenix. He's going to be temporary in Quezon City. He's going into the MTC today!

This is what I told Elder Rice last night, and I think it's true. I think it's significant for me, that there is an actual plan and reason that I have been in the places where I have been. And It has helped me to become more of a man.

I studied about humility this week. I read in Jeremiah 8:7-9 a really cool parable. The birds know that when evening comes, every 6pm, they are to fly away together. Because of that they are safe. If we just follow our commandments, we will be the same. 

I know that the power of the work we are doing is greater than any powers in the world.

Love you,

Elder Dunford