Seasons, Times and Firsts

Wish I could take credit for this picture but forgot my camera that day.
But it happened just like this.  It was just WOW!!

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1


Friday, 13 Sep 2013- It was right at the beginning of our "season" of serving as full time missionaries and it was a day of "firsts." The first time we had ever gone out with Pres. and Sis. Brios to visit members of their branch, the first time we drove through the bukid or what we would call back home "the sticks", the first time we saw someone climb a 30 ft. coconut tree with only bare hands and feet to get some fresh coconut for the traditional Buko juice drink they served us and the first time we met Jennifer.  We were there to visit her mother, Sabina, to invite her back to church. She and her husband were baptized a few years ago but had become less active. Jennifer was a new mom, her son about 2 months old then and she was taking the missionary discussions. It was not the "season" for Jennifer to accept the gospel @that time but more than a year later...

...on Saturday, 15 Nov 2014, Jennifer was baptized. Elder Caycayon presided and I was asked to speak on "Baptism".  I told her about all the "firsts" we experienced the day we met her and told her that today is a day of "firsts" for her too. Today she would be receiving her "first" saving ordinance-baptism- and it would permit her to enter Heavenly Father's kingdom on earth and would start her down the path to the Celestial Kingdom or eternal life with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Some members from Cortes Branch, Tagbilaran ZLs, Jennifer and her  missionaries and family, and us.

Sabina and grandson, Bro. Amarille, Pres. Brios, Elder Wilcox  (Hawaiian boy from Hilo), Jennifer,
Elder Magpali, Sis. Moquiala

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that
bringeth good tidings..." Isaiah 52:7

Elder Magpali (I tease him about his part Hawaiian name) baptized Jennifer

Another first...the first time we witnessed a baptism in the river.  "Behold, here are the waters of Makapiko. yea, and they were baptized in the waters of Makapiko, and were filled with the grace of God."

We had to hike down to the spot but it was well worth it.

We were surrounded by the beauty of  God's creations- a gentle flowing river, bordered with lush ferns and majestic trees. It was a perfect place for this sacred ordinance to be performed.
It reminded me of other sacred places:
the river Jordan
the waters of Mormon
  the Sacred Grove

Elder Caycayon presided

  

We were there to witness the baptism of a family-a mom, her daughter and two cousins. What was extra special about this baptism was our connection to its beginnings over a year ago.  Renalyn  was baptized in September 2013 in Tagbilaran.  She was the "first" in her family to accept the gospel. Her

baptism was the "first" we attended on Bohol.

Renalyn's mom, baby brother, little sister, Renalyn's son, two cousins and Renalyn

 She worked in Tagbilaran as house help for a member of the church. (In the Philippines those who are financially well off will hire someone to help with the cooking, cleaning and child care. These house helpers are paid room and board and provided an education) That member shared the gospel with her.  After her baptism she tried to share the gospel with her mother and family but they would not accept it.  But she kept her baptismal covenants "to stand as (a witness) of God at all times and in all things, and in all places..." (Mosiah 18:9) and continued to share the gospel with them.  Her "first" covenant year was her time "to sow" and today was her time to "reap" the fruits of her labor.  

It was a joyful day. Testimonies were born, tears flowed, the Spirit testified that what had transpired was pleasing unto the Father.   

Elders Tolman, Bayot and Francom.  Wet and happy!

The Panglao group started with 6 pioneers-Kenmart, Gilbert, Alex, Rodita, Annie and Cynthia.  Then the Bonite family came.  Then the Arcamos.

                                                     

The Arcamo family

We visited, we invited as the Spirit prompted, we shared gospel messages and after a few months this patriarch brought his family back to church.  His two sons were Panglao's "first" baptisms and he received the Aaronic priesthood. How grateful we are for this wonderful family!

Panglao Pioneers-Gilbert, in front next to boys, Alex, next to me, Rodita, next to him and Annie, in blue.

Following the boys was the Macabani family.  Our little group is growing!

Our "season" is almost done.  Our "firsts" will soon turn into "lasts." Emily Freeman said, "The Lord is everywhere.  His mercies and His miracles surround us.  Turn aside to see the great sight."

When I reflect on all of these "firsts" I can see that the Lord truly is everywhere in our life. We don't see the end from the beginning as He does, not at the start anyway. But if we go forward in faith soon the miracles are made manifest to us through His tender mercies and we get a glimpse into how our little life thread has been woven into the lives of others.  It is a great sight to behold.  I'm grateful that I have been allowed to see it.