Q. and A.

Family! Here are some Questions and Answers: Q. Do they celebrate Halloween? I guess no falling leaves or colorful fall decorations in the Philippines! A. They celebrate something called "All saints Day" and I don't know much about that yet. There's no trick or treating, but I think there are some pretty "out of this world" kind of traditions. I'll get you the news as I find out more about it. Do the seasons ever change here??? No! There's not much Christmas in the air, at least not the white fluffy, cold, kind of Christmas I'm used to. But the Christmas lights and christmas trees are being set up by those early birds. (lights and popcorn on palm trees gives a little different feeling to Christmas) Q. Are you surviving all of the typhoons? We haven't heard much about the one this week. Hopefully because it wasn't bad. A. It was supposed to hammer us! At one point the warning signal in our area climbed to 3, which is huge! We are supposed to head home when it's #2, but we worked right through it, because the bagyo took a last minute turn again and headed up the coast. So here are some more questions: 1. Have you learned what you hope to about BRT-ing from Elder Cobacha? A. I'm praying that I do not get transferred, because I am learning a lot from Elder Cobacha right now. I've picked up a lot about Building a Relationship of Trust, and my approach to talking people is completely different now. I've learned the importance of being honest and interested in the first few minutes talking to someone. After they feel that you care, after you "nakuha ang loob nila", most people will invite us right in. I've learned to start looking for things right away that are important to people, and to talk about that. It's great to see people's eyes light up and see them relax when you hit a subject that they really want to talk about. Everybody has something they want to talk about, and it helps us know what to teach about as well. I've been amazed this transfer as investigators really open up and tell us what they're thinking, what they're problems are in their family, whatever they need help with. It's great to see that trust. I plan on taking what I've learned in this transfer and applying it throughout my mission (and life!) 2. Do you need new shoes? And which kind do you like? Are you wearing irrigation boots like Elder Zac Dymock in Manila? A. It's great to have the two kinds. The thinner kind is really good in the water -- water-proof and fast drying. But the soles have taken a beating. On the other hand, the thick ones are great for walking, the soles are good for a long time still, but they're a nightmare when they get wet. I'll resole the thin ones, I don't need any more shoes yet. Do we wear boots? YES. When I can find some that are somewhere close to my size. For the record, this is what I might need in the future: (in 2 or 3 months) Contact Solution, deodarant (it's sooo expensive here, the anti-persperent kind please), and I'd still like a cheap jumprope, make sure it's tall enough for me, and that's my Christmas list for now (I don't need any more candy). A christmas card from everybody too. 3. Were you able to resolve Brother Villareal's concerns? What about Sister Capuli? A. I'll write about this in the letter 4. Can you receive emails from those other than immediate family? A. Nope. In the MTC, it was allowed if it was incoming, but here they discourage it. Letters are great, though, ya' just can't send too many of 'em! And dearelder.com is great too. Dear Family, It's been a challenging week. We lost 3 formerly progressing investigators and one sister that had been referred to us. Ouch. And it all happened in 3 days. It felt like we were walking from rejection to rejection as our investigator pool dwindled at an alarming rate. It was hard to take, and a humbling experience. My Personal Study on that 3rd day: Chapter 9: "No effort is wasted", and Chapter 1: "A Successful Missionary". Along with Alma 8 and Helaman 10. I prayed to know what we could do or change in our area, and some good ideas came. It really is a turning point in the area, a great opportunity to shake up our schedule, and work in the center of strength. I've gained new insight as to just how important each investigator is, and how precious each teaching appointment is. Brother Villereal told us that he wasn't ready to continue the lessons. It was really tough. He beat around the bush for almost half-an-hour, and it's sometimes hard to understand what he's saying because he suffered a stroke. He kept giving reasons. In the end I said that we were ready to stick with him even if it took months to overcome cigarettes and coffee, and we wanted to continue if he still had desire to be baptized. It finally came down to "yes" or "no" and he said, "ayaw ko na" -- I don't want it anymore. I was speechless. It really came as a shock to me. I got the chance to bear a simple and heart-felt testimony. I felt impressed to mark a chapter in the Book of Mormon even though we had no return appointment. Another long time investigator told us straight-up that they'd only been letting us in because they were shy of us, and weren't going to be baptized like we may have thought. But I've felt, especially in my prayers, that something really good has to be coming, like now is a great time to change, improve, and pay attention to the promptings of the spirit. In the free time, I felt that the Lord really needed us somewhere. And this week we taught two part member families that I'm really excited about -- the Pineda and Luna families. Their spouses and children really want them to accept the gospel and join the church. I felt the spirit in our teaching to them, and Sister Lynn Luna cried when her 60 year old mother accepted the challenge to be baptized in the first lesson. Sister Luna's mother is so great, she understood everything, and when we promised blessings and extended the commitment she accepted and said: "Alright, how many discussions are there?" It was such a good feeling. I'm excited for the changes in the area, and although it was a trying experience, I learned much about the worth of souls and how precious each one is -- how hard it is when they choose not to accept the gospel. But on Sunday morning our Young Men's president passed by the home of Brother Villereal on his way to church. He noticed Brother Villereal outside reading, from the Book of Mormon, and he saw the mark I'd left in chapter 10 of Moroni. Anything can happen! I know this work is true. The Lord is at the head, and all things work out -- on His timetable. I love you all, and hope you have a great week! Sincerely, Elder Loren Peck

Typhoons ARE Ward business!

Dear Family,
There is another typhoon headed in on Tuesday or Wednesday. On Sunday, the direction and wind speed (195 kph) of the Storm was announced as part of the ward business in sacrament meeting. I had to look around to see the reaction of the members -- is that a normal item of business?
I like what you wrote, Mom, about life coming into focus when the end of life seems near. I see it over and over again here in the mission: elderly people, especially when a loved one has passed on, invite us in and express their fears about the coming days. Many tell us thoughtfully about their desire to prepare for the judgement day. I have been surprised at how many people are concerned with repentance. Many ask us how to repent.
These people are a Bible loving people. Most people have never read it, but everyone believes it. We have a problem sometimes at the end of lesson one when we extend the invitation to pray. We promise: "You'll know for yourself through the Spirit the truth of our message." Surprisingly often, when asked if they will pray, they say something like: "Siguro hindi na. Naniniwala naman ako sa mga sinabi n'yo. Galing sa Biblia ang mensahe n'yo."
Something like that. Which means: "No, I don't think so. I believe in what you've said, because it's coming from the Bible." Then we have to find a scripture in the Bible that says "ask for yourselves!" to convince them to ask.
Sometimes when the timing is good, sometimes when teaching the Book of Mormon, it's an interesting thing to ask, after bearing testimony: "How did you come to know for yourself that the Bible was true?" When asked to the right people, that really is a thought provoking question.

We're receiving a lot of referrals right now and enjoying a lot of support from the ward. As a result, our time in this area is spent more productively, we haven't had to mass-tract areas. I've learned a great deal from my companion, Elder Cobacha. He is an amazing BRT-er. Like, it's unfailable! Sometimes in our planning session I just have to ask: How do you do it? Everybody you talk to let's us in! There are religions here where it is forbidden to listen to missionaries of other sects, but even to them, we get in and teach! Elder Cobacha is so honest with people, and he just talks openly with them about whatever they're doing, or whatever else he sees is important to them. I can't believe how fast people open up! Then after about 5 minutes of talking about laundry, or pigeons, or fixing a bike, or whatever, he'll just ask, almost out of the blue: Well, brother, we'd like to share with you now. And he doesn't even get through the sentence before they're saying: "Pasok! And don't worry about your shoes!"
It's incredible. Sometimes they don't even know what religion we are yet. But Elder Cobacha is happy to teach me what he's learned about gaining rapport with people, and I've been taking notes like crazy. Right now we're hovering at 4-6 lessons a day, it helps when we have a ward missionary (about every other day).
We studied "Resolving Concerns" yesterday and it was just what we needed. It seems like right now our investigators have some deep, deep icebergs, social and doctrinal.
One social: Brother Villareal had a stroke and is at home all day long, by himself. He feels remorse for past sins, and wants to repent and be baptized. He reads the Book of Mormon and knows the doctrine. But he can't seem to give up smoking and coffee, and he's beginning to think he can't take the lessons any more, because he's losing hope in his ability to quit. He's afraid to come to church because he has a hard time talking and walking. He's embarrassed of his appearance and shy. He leaves early on Sunday mornings to avoid church.
Doctrinal: Sister Capuli was referred by her cousin, a member. In a visit with her when her relatives were not present, she opened up and said she was born, baptized, and married catholic, and she planned on dying that way. There is a Tagalog saying (Kung saan ka ipinanganak, doon ka mamamatay) that means: Where you're born, there you die, and she used that one. She is(was?) a promising investigator, but she just can't seem to accept that Joseph Smith saw a vision or that our doctrine is important.
Any ideas? It's been a time of prayer and pondering.

Do you have any questions about other aspects of the work?

Love ya'll family, and could I get a bit of Chris' homecoming talk? Thanks a ton for the letter, mom, thinking about what changes I want to make has spurred some great goal setting this week. Love you!
Elder Loren Peck

The rains came down, and. . .

Dear Family,
Our Area, Aduas, and many parts of Cabanatuan City were flooded this week suddenly when three major dams simultaneously lowered their water levels. I found out that our area is like a small island. There are only 5 ways into and out of Aduas, 5 bridges. We had no news of the flood, it came suddenly at 3 AM. At 2:30 PM, we rode into Aduas, in our proselyting clothes, ready to teach, only to find that our appointments were underwater. We came in on one of the two bridges that were not yet submerged. I have never seen anything like this! We sent notes to some of our investigators -- the Hernandez couple -- that the church was open if they needed to head out, and one of their neighbor children made his way through thigh-deep, chocolate colored water to deliver it. They had shin-deep water inside, but they were still there, and looking at a long day and night with no electricity. Entire subdivisions were under three feet of water, and in other places only rooftops were visible. People stood on their second-story balconies, just feet above the water. It's a hard thing to grasp, everybody seems pretty stunned. Including me!
As of now the water has subsided, but some of our promising investigators didn't make it to conference, and we haven't re-established contact yet. Things should be getting back to normal in the next few days.
Conference was amazing! Wow, Elder Holland's talk sure was powerful. We got to see it (a sneek peek) at zone conference earlier this week. I was inspired.
We've been having some great successes here in Aduas, and things continue to pick up. My companion, Elder Cobacha is a master at gaining rapport and trust, and we've been blessed with many referrals and promising new investigators. The members here are amazing fellowshippers. The relief society made a surprise visit to one of our investigators, (the Hernandez couple) and gave her an ensign, which she read right away. They are accepting everything we've been teaching, and are making important steps towards baptism. Brother Hernandez has a lot of potential, he's a disciplined intelligent man, with a good heart and high moral standards. He and his wife went from drinking 6 cups of coffee a day to 0 in less than a week. We are busy and happy.
Conference has been a great time of reflection and goal setting. I love the mission and the opportunities to apply gospel principles in everyday living -- it's the perfect atmosphere to put truths to the test and try to be like the Savior. I am seeing promises fulfilled and blessings poured out. This morning two member children came to our door just as I was starting my excercise, saying that their grandmother was sick and to come quick and give her a blessing. At moments like that it's a wonderful feeling to not need to hesitate, and not need to doubt. I had the opportunity to bless, and although the Tagalog wasn't perfect, I felt the faith of the Sister's family. Their home was humble, they were humble. They carried grandmother from her room and laid her on the couch for the blessing. It's times like this that the name-tag means something special, knowing that Christ is the Healer, and we are His hands.
Sounds like Chris is back to his old, rascally, frisbee-ing ways. Better keep an eye on that one. Love the pictures! Dad, good luck in your many trials. Ang guwapo/ganda ninyo! Thanks for the letter, I love you all.
With love,
Elder Loren Peck

Highlights from Uruguay!

Chris in Uruguay, with Montevideo in the background.

Chris (Elder Peck) and Yanila (who didn't want Chris to leave!) Her favorite hymn is "Called to Serve" which they sang every time the missionaries came to visit.

Bizcochos and Chocolate milk (in a bag) for breakfast. Yum!

Here is the Vivanco family that Chris had the privilege to teach and baptize. They were very excited to see Chris before he left.

This is the inside and outside of the home of Freddy & Estela. Freddy is a branch president near Trienta y Tres, and Estela does the laundry for the missionaries. Both of them feed the missionaries often and take good care of them. We were very privileged to be the beneficiaries of a good meal and a wonderful place to stay while we were in Trienta y Tres. They admitted they didn't have much, but we were welcome to all they had.

Surviving the Super Typhoon!

Dear Family,
A week ago, after hearing about approaching typhoons from investigators, we recieved a text from the Assistants to make an emergency trip to our local palengke's to buy 3 days supply food and water, as well as an emergency light, in case we needed to ride out the Super Typhoon "Pepeng" that would hit the coast on the weekend. As the day approached, it became clear that our area was in a bit of a panic. At every appointment, our investigators pointed out the flood marks on their walls, sometimes 4 or 5 feet high, from past storms. In some areas their houses had been completely submerged in the past. One family told us stories of years past when they had to ride out storms on their roof. Everyone was washing clothes, packing things and waiting. Everyone was counting the hours until the predicted land-fall time. It's what everyone was talking about. When we woke up on Friday, the sky was grey, and the wind started to pick up. Up above us, low clouds hurried past above us. When that wind drops down, it easily takes the tin roofs off houses, lays down trees, and wreaks general havoc. Friday evening, the rain started to fall. Families started heading out, to friends houses -- higher ground. It rained off and on until Saturday when the storm was to hit. The hours passed by . . . the minutes drew short . . . .
Okay, alright! So it wasn't that cool after that. It really could have been cool, but the storms totally missed nueva ecija. We worked right through it. The rain came down though, and we couldn't make it to two investigators because the flood close to their home was just too deep, and they were gathering up the last of their things and heading to higher ground anyway.
You've got more news than I do, but it sounds like other places in the Philippines got hit pretty hard, like Manila and Quezon. My companion, who's family lives on the ocean in Quezon province (Infanta), is waiting for news from his youngest sibling, the only one in his family who knows how to email, to hear if his family is safe. Apparently they are going to let out water from a large dam here, and apparently it's pretty dangerous that our area will flood, big time.
That's the news. I'm way excited for general conference, it's sounds like you already know how great it was. I've got to wait until Saturday. But we've got some great investigators that will join us there -- it's so fun to teach about living prophets, when the investigators are ready. To see that look on their face -- ganoon ba? It's new to them, but it's right. I'm excited about the area, really excited. It feels like things are about to bloom, we've got some great progressing investigators and they have some real potential. I love my companion. We are really hitting it off, it's going to be a great transfer, and I hope I can stick around here for another one or two after this. But that's not up to me. Chris! What are ya doin? I can't believe your back at the house! Is that MY shirt? Back in the irrigation boots, how many minutes did that take? Is it wierd not to be in a suit? And speaking english? Take care, can't wait to hear how all the changes are.
I love you all! The work is true, and we've all some power to move it along. This is a living church, growing every day as every member grows. It works because it's true. It changes lives because it's true.
Take care, everybody! Charlie, enjoy having Chris home a little for me, will ya?
With love,
Elder Loren Peck

------Hey mom, I'm actually sitting next to Elder Razo right now, he filled me in on all the latest news about the Zamora family a few days ago. As the weeks past, the Zamora family started feeding the missionaries (I only got that once!) and brother Zamora, who seems real shy, but has some real inner strength, had a good talk with the Born Again pastor, and some of the neighborhood pressure was eased. Their neighbors aren't quite as nice to them anymore, which is a real shame. He filled me in on their baptism and testimonies, he said that in the teaching now Sister Zamora frequently asked questions about the temple, they are planning their trip one year from now. Sister Carla's baptism (she's 11) should take place any week now, she's got friends in the church and is attending church, but doesn't really want to be baptized because of her friends of different faiths. That's okay, it sounds like she's almost turned the corner, and knowing the Zamora's, they'll drag her to the temple kicking and screaming if they need to in order to be sealed as a family. Talk about a happy ending. I hope and pray everything will work out.