Week of December 26, 2016 (Includes Christmas)

Dear friends and family,

These last few weeks have been incredibly eventful and wonderful! They have included many dinner appointments both for my birthday and Christmas, Christmas parties and conferences, etc. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing that happened though was on Christmas when I was able to skype home! It was absolutely a pleasure to be able to talk to everyone at home and see that everyone is still doing well! That made Christmas day for sure, as did dinner with President and Sister Hiatt, all of the senior couples, and Cauayan missionaries in the evening. I have come to feel that the missionaries that I serve with are family as we have worked together here.

As we approached Christmas and now have surpassed it, I have been doing quite a bit of studying in regards to Christ's birth. As I did so, I was reminded of the story of Samuel, a Lamanite prophet in the Book of Mormon who ventured into the non-believing Nephite nation to declare the upcoming birth of the Savior. Considering the fact that Samuel and those he taught lived in ancient America, it would be extraordinarily difficult to know of the birth of the long-awaited Messiah. However, "he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God...and behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day...and [moreover] there shall a new star arise..." (Heleman 14: 2-5). 

As I pondered over the prophecy of Samuel and the fulfillment of it, I pondered over the heavenly signs that were given as a manifestation of His birth and made a remarkable conclusion. I feel that it was no coincidence that the two signs that were shown were manifestations of light. For indeed, as Christ indicated Himself, "[He is] the light of the world..(John 8:12). It is seems most appropriate that light would manifest the reality of His faraway birth as He Himself was the personification of it. Just as a world without light would leave us without peace, comfort, or really any way of living, so we would be spiritually if He had never come. I am more grateful that I can express that He was willing to descend from His heavenly home to be born to humble parents, and be laid inside of a humble and stony manger. Because He did, we all have the hope and promise of eternal life if we just simply follow His example.

We must never forget however what Jesus mentioned in His sermon on the Mount, that being that "we [in addition to him] are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13). Although Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of all light and truth, we can act as the moon does on a bright and starry night, reflecting the ultimate source of light through our righteous and humble desires to be like Him.

I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all have a wonderful new year! I appreciate and feel the strength of all of your love and prayers on my behalf. Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Cauayan Zone Conference 

Ward Christmas Party

Elders Vane, Pulley, Graham, and Saez

Week in Review December 12, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week was absolutely extraordinary and I cannot wait to share it with you all! As many of you already know, last week was transfer week and as such, Elder Saez and I were extremely busy with paperwork, setting up transfer logistics, teaching new trainer and missionary meetings, and more.

On Wednesday, transfer day finally arrived, and I must say that it was a little hard. This last group of missionaries who went home consisted of many of my friends, including Elder Antenorcruz, who I miss much in their absence. After much preparation though for their departure, something happened that we did not expect. The flights coming to and from Manila from Cauayan were cancelled, meaning that our missionaries going home and coming into the mission could not do so as planned. With 17 missionaries who needed to leave, many of which having international flights the next morning, I set out to find another way for them to get home. And, in the process, I performed the first Google search I have ever done as a missionary! haha...Which was not helpful in the slightest. With Cauayan being so off the map, I could not find a single correct phone number I could call to get a bus for our missionaries. However, with much prayer, Elder Saez, President Jones (senior missionary) and I ended up finding an empty bus and driver in person. After some negotiation strategies that I learned from my mother before the mission, we got the bus and got the missionaries on their way to Manila.

Then, at three o'clock in the morning the next day, our new missionaries arrived here in Cauayan (by bus as well). I have to admit that I felt a little bad for them, as it was pouring down rain and the middle of the night. However, much to my surprise, they were all smiling and happy to have arrived in the mission. I am so excited to work with this new batch that came into the mission as they all seem to be wonderful missionaries!

Thursday night, after all of the new missionaries got their new companions, President and Sister Hiatt told us the highlight of our week, which was that Elder Evan Schmutz, a member of the area presidency, would be working with Elder Saez and I the next day in our area! To be honest, my first reaction was nervousness. However, when the time finally came, I was as happy as could be! We took Elder Schmutz to a progressing less active family, and two of our progressing investigators. All of the lessons we gave were wonderful, but perhaps the best one we gave was to our best investigator in our area, who is named A. Rodriguez. Sister Rodriguez has been looking for the truth for many years, and knows she has finally found it. It has been remarkable the last couple of months as she has progressed, reading the Book of Mormon every day, going to church, and more. Despite her extraordinary progression however, her husband has been quite an obstacle for her as he strongly dislikes spirituality in any form. He even interrupts her in the middle of her prayers! With that in mind, we took Elder Shmutz to her home and we had one of the most spiritually profound lessons I have ever had on the mission. The Spirit was so strong as Elder Schmutz taught that you couldn't help but smile out of inexplicable joy! And, through that Spirit which I mentioned, a miracle occurred that I am happy to share with you. In spite of the fact that Elder Schmutz was talking English to uneducated group of Ilocano and Tagolog speakers, they understood him perfectly. After the lesson, the Filipinos present told me that as he spoke, that somehow the words he said were translated into their own language within their mind, that they could understand all that he said. It was the first time that I had ever seen the reality of the gift of the interpretation of tongues, and it was amazing indeed.

As I now ponder over that experience and the totality of my week, I cannot help but think of the importance of the companionship of the Holy Ghost in our day to day lives. As I have gone through the course of my mission, I have come to know that the Gift of the Holy Ghost is in fact the best gift we could ever receive in this mortal life. Indeed, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance", in essence being all of the feelings we seek for in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). While many of us may mistakenly look for joy in the acquisition of money or success in other fields, the answer to the peace we search for is "not as the world giveth", but is the peace of God that we can experience in result of the companionship of the Holy Ghost (John 14:27).

I have come to believe that the influence of the Holy Ghost is not like a light switch in a dark room, in which His light is with us or not. Rather, I believe the design of the influence of the Holy Ghost can be prepared to a light dimmer. As we partake of the sacrament, read the scriptures daily, and keep the commandments of the Lord, the influence of the Holy Ghost will be increased. And just as sliding over the toggle of a light dimmer in a dark room, our lives will brightened with peace and joy. I know as we focus on the acquisition of the Holy Ghost in our lives, the path ahead of us will be brightened in such a way that we will find our ways into the kingdom of God, I am no more sure of any other thing.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Pulley testifying of importance of missionary work to new missionaries

Dinner with Elder Antenorcruz

Elder Schmutz with Elders Pulley and Saez

Week of November 28, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week was very busy but full of many blessings! On Tuesday, Elder Saez and I had the opportunity to go to Tuguegarao for district meeting (about a three hours drive) and it was amazing! Not only was the district meeting one of the best that I have attended in a while, I saw a member from my first area there that I haven't seen in a long time, Bishop Anggoy. It is interesting that even though I have not been assigned in Tuguegarao now for quite a long time, I still have a great love for the area and it feels like going home when I go there.

One of the highlights of the week though, among teaching training to new missionaries, was the surprise Thanksgiving dinner that the senior couples put on for us here in Cauayan. We had some of the best food I have tasted in a really, really long time and I know a lot of money and time must have been spent in preparing it.

The best part of the week though was on Saturday, where on of our investigators was baptized! The name of the investigator is Rey J., and although he was already a progressing investigator when I arrived in the area, it has been nice to see how much he has changed just in the short time I have been here. Now, he and his recently re-activated wife are preparing to take their little family into the temple, and be married for eternity. There is no better feeling than helping complete a family in the church.

Throughout the course of this last week, I made a mistake that perhaps many of us make when we are really busy. It seems even more so now than ever that with being so busy, that it is sometimes easy to look over the blessings that are right in front of us. This morning, as I was pondering over all of the things that I need to do, I could not help but feel a little troubled. I felt that there was something spiritually wrong and I couldn't find out what it was. After prayer though, the Spirit reminded me to not just focus on all of the unfinished tasks ahead of me, but to remember to be grateful for all of the wonderful things I have been able to accomplish with the help of God. As I thought of all of the wonderful things that have happened in my life this last week, the feeling of stress was replaced with joy. Although Thanksgiving may be an occasion once a year, I have learned that it should be a thing practiced within ourselves every day.

Have a great week everybody!

Elder Pulley

Elders Saez and Pulley

Rey J. Family Baptism Photo

Elders Saez, Pulley, Vane and Graham with School Children

Thanksgiving Dinner

Elder Saez singing

November 21, 2016

Dear friends and family,

I am happy to say I have had yet another great and busy week! My companion and I had the opportunity to conduct exchanges this last week on both Wednesday and Friday, and it was awesome. It has been such a privilege to get to know such wonderful people while on my mission. 

Last Wednesday for example, Elder Antenorcruz (my companion at the beginning of the month who transferred) came to Cauayan for an English test. At the time he came into the office, Elder Saez and I were really focused on an assignment we had on the computer, but the second I heard Elder Antenorcruz's voice, I jumped up to greet him. As I talked with him, and heard how well he is doing in his new (and last) area I could not help but think of Alma's reunion with his friends in the Book of Mormon in which "Alma did rejoice exceedingly...[when] he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla" (Alma 17:1-2).

I have come to realize throughout the course of the mission that you don't appreciate just how great an individual is until they (or you) leave. I have learned that rather than wait until it is too late to thank those who are around you for the influence they have in your life, that it is better to start early. As Thanksgiving day now approaches, I would like to thank all of you, particularly my family, for all of the wonderful influences you have had in my life. As I have pondered over the blessings of my life, I have been drawn to my knees as I have thought of all the Lord has given me. It is indeed a wonderful privilege to serve a mission, and to have all of the support that I do. 

As I write this note, I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures which reads: "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more" (D&C 78:19). I know as we analyze our lives this week and all of the blessings we have received, that we will not help but be filled with joy. And, as my recent experiences have proved, this process in itself will bring even more blessings.

Have a great week and Thanksgiving everyone!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of November 14, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week has been full of wonderful experiences as I have adjusted to my new calling as an assistant and have begun to work more fully in my new area. As I ponder over this last week, I think I would like to share a special experience I've had this last week in regards to my new calling as an assistant. 

As my senior companion left last Monday, the realization of the calling I have received began to set in. As it did, so did quite a bit of introspection as I considered my many weaknesses in comparison to the very large task that has been set in front of me.  I have felt particularly inadequate as I have considered my comparatively young age in the mission to many others that could be serving in this position. I felt much like Enoch did when he was called into his ministry  being "but a lad, and...slow of speech" (Moses 6:31). However, after much pondering and consideration, I decided to ask the Lord why he chose me to fulfill this calling when so many others seem to be more qualified. It was then I received an extraordinary spiritual experience in which the Lord made it very clear to me that He had chosen me and that I just needed to "have faith in [Him]." After that experience, all of my anxiety and feeling of inadequacy has left, and now I am left with peace and a great excitement as I go about my new task.

I have come to realize even more so throughout the mission that the Lord does not choose His servants the way a man would. Perhaps we all may find ourselves in a calling at some time or another where we feel very much like Enoch and Moses, inadequate and uncomfortable. However, I have come to know  even more so this last week that we must  follow the example of Ammon, and not necessarily "boast in [our] own strength...[for indeed we] are weak" but we can have faith in our God, "for in his strength [we] can do all things" (Alma 26:11-12). As a missionary, it has been ever more easy to be reminded of my many weaknesses, but it has been in these times that I have felt most weak that I have felt that hand of the Lord ever stronger in my life. I have taken great comfort to the knowledge that if we "have faith in [Him], then will [He] make weak things become strong unto [us]." (Ether 12:27).

In terms of the work, everything is going great and we have been seeing miracles every day. And, we have some baptisms coming up! I will tell you more about that next week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Pulley and Elder Saez

Week of November 7, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week has been one that I will never forget! I had the wonderful opportunity to see and receive instruction from Elder Schmutz every day that he was here in Cauayan (5 days), and I will most definitely not forget all of the great instruction I received.

As I ponder over the wonderful things I learned this last week from Elder Schmutz that I can share with you, my mind is drawn to one particularly inspirational lesson I beheld in our Missionary Leadership Council. In the council of which I mentioned, Elder Schmutz taught about a fundamental portion of the Plan of Salvation, that being our life before birth. Although many individuals mistakenly think that our lives began as we emerged into the world as little infants, that is not so. For as the Lord declared to the prophet Jeremiah, so he does to us, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee" (Jeremiah 1:5).  As Elder Schmutz taught, although it may be true that our physical lives began on our birth date, our spirits are much older, and before our life on earth we were all privileged to "receive [our] first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth..." and live in this time (D&C 138:56).  

As Elder Schmutz referred to the preparation that we received in the presence of our Heavenly Father before birth, he said something that will stick with me forever. He said that in our life before earth, we promised the Lord that we would do certain things while we are here on earth and that "we will be held accountable for the promises we made to our Heavenly Father in our life before earth." As Elder Schmutz indicated, there are things we told and promised God we would do while we are here, and in order to receive the glory we desire in the world after this, we must fulfill the promises we have made. 

As we have obviously forgotten about the promises we made with our Heavenly Father before life, I naturally had a question come to my mind which I posed to Elder Schmutz. I asked him, "How can we know if we are fulfilling the promises we made to God before birth?" and he said that I had a "great question with an easy answer." Elder Schmutz told me that in order to fulfill our God-given purposes in this life, all that we need to do is be obedient. If we are obedient to the Lord, he indicated that the He will place all of the opportunities in front of us that we need in order to be successful both in our eyes and in the eyes of the Lord. Never before has obedience to God's commandments seemed more important to me than at this time.

The Spirit I felt this whole last week was something extraordinary. After one particular portion of instruction, I felt more happy than I have in quite a long time. As I approached Elder Schmutz to thank him for the words he had spoke, it was hard not to cry out of joy. I have no doubt the he, and the other leaders of our church are men of God.

In terms of work, we didn't have too much of an opportunity to teach much, but we have some wonderful investigators that are progressing wonderfully. I will tell you more about them in future weeks. And, just as news, one of my companions was transferred to another area earlier today, so I only have one companion again!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Schmutz Teaching Mission President ant Assistant to the Presidents

Elder Schmutz with Mission President and Assistant to the Presidents

Emergency Transfer Day - missionaries can return to areas affected by Typhoon
Elder Antenocruz (AP Companion to Elder Pulley) transferred back to field for
last month of mission.  Elder Pulley now only has one companion

Week of October 31, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week has been been the most eventful week of my entire mission! First of all, I have a little story I would like to tell. On Monday, I received the list of missionaries who were to transfer, and was pleased (and not surprised) that my name was not on the list. As that was the case, I fully assumed that I would have another, normal cycle with Elder Vane as my companion. However, on Tuesday morning, in preparation for our day of work, Elder Vane and I went into the mission office to retrieve some contact cards. While there, President Hiatt asked Elder Vane and I to talk with him in his office. To be honest, I was worried that I had done something wrong without my knowledge. To be surprise though, President Hiatt pulled us in the office to tell us some interesting news. Elder Vane was called as a trainer and is currently training another American, and  I was called as an assistant, and am currently working in a companionship of three. I am still in Cauayan (just in a different branch), and was not required to move homes, so the transfer itself was not too hard.

This last week though has brought a lot of feelings of inadequacy as I have received this new calling. However, although I feel that there are many other missionaries that are more qualified for the position I currently hold, I am comforted in the words of President Monson who said that "who the Lord calls, He qualifies." I know that the process of growth that needs to take place for me to become a great assistant will be a little difficult, but I am very grateful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to learn.

This morning for example, I was privileged to learn at the feet of Elder Schmutz, who interviewed my companions and I as part of this week's mission tour. Whenever you come in contact with men like Elder Schmutz in the church, you cannot deny that they are men of God. There is just a great spirit about them that is different that other men.

Because of the mission tour that is occurring, I am very pressed for time and don't have time to write much more. Just know that I am happy and well. I will write more next week!

Love, 

Elder Pulley

Elder Pulley & new companions

Week of October 24, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,

This last week has been one of the most challenging weeks of my mission in result of the large typhoon that came through last Wednesday. As many of you know, missionaries essentially know nothing in regards to weather and news, as we have no ability to know of such things without a T.V. or smartphone. Thus, I was quite surprised this last Monday when I was informed that our mission tour with Elder Schmutz (a member of the area presidency that spoke in last General Conference) was canceled due to an incoming typhoon. Typhoons aren't all that abnormal, and I found it interesting that such a big occasion would be canceled just due to a storm.

On Tuesday though, the seriousness of the oncoming typhoon was made known to me when President Hiatt asked that Elder Vane and I help him find the 54 missionaries in Tuguegarao and Ilagan find a place to stay during the storm, as the area authorities indicated that they needed to be evacuated. And, when the storm did arrive Wednesday night as expected, it was a strong as could be. It was the most powerful storm I have ever seen, and despite the fact we live in a very nice home, I worried that our roof was going to fly off the house. 

After the storm, we were without power for 5 days, and much of the area here in Cauayan still has no electricity. More strong however, was the typhoon in Tuguegarao ( the location of my first area). All of the electrical lines and poles have been destroyed, along with many homes and buildings. The government doesn't expect the electricity to return to that area for another one to three months. That being said, President Hiatt was forced to relocate all of those missionaries, and in all of the craziness of the week, that task was left to Elder Vane and I. It was no small task finding new areas for 54 missionaries to work in the next month or more, but with the help of God we were able to get the task done thankfully.

Along with the storm though has brought many lessons, and many opportunities to serve. I think the biggest thing I learned was when Elder Vane and I sat down on Saturday night to do our weekly planning. I have to admit that when I sat down for that planning with just a couple of candles to light the room, I wasn't too excited to do so. However, when I was complaining within myself, and looking at the candle, a small miracle that had escaped me was brought to my attention. Last Monday, on preparation day, I did some shopping at a large supermarket. Because I knew a storm was coming, I thought about buying some candles in case the electricity was to go out. However, when I saw that the pack of candles I wanted to buy was a little expensive, I thought against it. As I pulled my cart into the register aisle though, I saw another pack of candles left in a basket stacked next to the register. It was when I saw those candles that I felt the Spirit whisper to me that I needed to buy them and in result, I did (and to my pleasant surprise they were cheaper than the other candles I had seen).

 It was at the beginning of my weekly planning that I realized how blessed I was that the Lord had placed those candles in front of me. For if He hadn't, we would have been left with insufficient candles to light our home throughout the duration of our blackout. At that realization, I felt a surge of gratitude in my heart for the candles that were available  for us to use, and it was at that moment that the electricity turned back on.

At that moment that I mentioned that a scripture entered my mind which reads: "Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little children and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you...and he who receiveth all things with thankfulness  shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." (D&C 78: 17,19)

Perhaps we as individuals often make the same mistake that I did this last week, easily looking over great blessings the Lord has given us and instead complaining within our heart for the things we don't have. If we step back from our lives though and focus on the simple, yet great things that we take for granted, we will feel greatly blessed in our lives. And, it is in these moments that the Lord will give us even more than we currently have, "even an hundred fold, yea, more."

At this time in my mission, I am immensely grateful for all of the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me in my life. I know that all good things indeed are from Him. Although life may be hard and even test our patience at times, if we follow the counsel of the hymn Count Your Blessings, we will always be profoundly surprised at how much we have been given. There is always much to be grateful for. 

Have a great week everybody! 

Love,

Elder Pulley

Preparing for the Typhoon

Week of October 17, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,

This last week was incredibly eventful, and perhaps one of the most miraculous ones of my whole mission. I was privileged to see the hand of the Lord many, many times as Elder Vane and I went about our missionary tasks this last week.

On Tuesday, Elder Vane and I had the privilege of teaching Zone Meeting, which went well! We prepared as well as we could, and taught our zone (about 20 missionaries) about the importance of the Holy Ghost in missionary work and inviting individuals to be baptized in their first lesson. It was after our Zone Meeting however, that Elder Vane and I had the benefit of President and Sister Hiatt accompanying us in our missionary lessons for the day. I have to admit that all of the translating (President and Sister Hiatt are not fluent in Tagalog) coupled with that was a little distracting at times, but I learned much from President Hiatt; it was definitely an experience that I won't forget. 

The affects though of President and Sister Hiatt's work was not evident until a few days later, when Elder Vane and I had the opportunity of seeing another miracle in our work. There is a recent convert in our area by the name of Evangeline who is 17 years old. She is remarkable in that despite the fact that her father has been a long-time less active and that her Mom is a completely uninterested member of another faith, she has still stayed strong in the gospel. However, the other day, as President and Sister Hiatt and I visited their neighbor's home, Evangeline's father saw President and Sister Hiatt. I don't know exactly what all happened, but in result of him seeing President and Sister Hiatt, he told his wife and Evangeline that he wanted to return to church with his whole family. So, last Sunday, Evangeline's whole family went to church and her previously uninterested mother now has a baptismal date. It is cool how powerful even being in the right place and the right time can be at times.

On Thursday, I had one of the most cool days of my whole mission. Being that there are now new office Elders in my zone, they don't have as much time as other missionaries to work in their areas. As such, their areas have suffered in result and as their leader, I have desired much to help them obtain success in their areas in spite of their office responsibilities. In order to help them achieve that, I went on exchanges in their area. I prayed much for many days that I would be able to obtain a day worthy of example as I worked with them in their area, and I am happy to say that the Lord helped me immensely. In result of the work the Elders had in the office, we didn't start work until five o'clock in the afternoon, which is of course very late to start. For our first lesson, we taught the only appointment we had for the day, which was for an American! That first lesson of the day was the first lesson I have ever taught in English in the whole mission, and it was awesome! It was a little hard to speak straight English, but it was really cool nonetheless. 

After that appointment though, we were left to contacting. With a prayer in my heart we then went from house to house to find individuals to teach. And, we were accepted at every single home we went to. I really don't know how it happened, but we got 6 new amazing investigators in their area that night. And, the last lesson we taught was remarkable indeed. After contacting and teaching a whole street, it was about 8 o'clock, which is late in the Philippines. However, I felt we still needed to teach another lesson. As we walked to find someone to teach, I felt prompted to turn down a certain street. Then, as we walked down that street, I walked past an intersection. After doing so, I felt a strong prompting to turn around and go down the next street. I told my companion of my prompting, and we turned around to do so. We screamed "tao po!" at every home, but no one responded. I was about to give up, until I noticed one more house with the lights on. I went to that home, and said "tao po" two times, but no one came out. Determined though, I said yet another "tao po", and to my great happiness, an individual came out of the home. And guess what? It was the home of yet another American! He welcomed us to sit down, and we immediately had great conversation. After that conversation, it felt natural to ask if we could share a message, and we did. Then, I invited him to be baptized, in which he accepted. So, I taught two lessons in English that day! After that day, my heart was filled with gratitude for the help the Lord had given me. I now have an even stronger testimony that "whatsoever [we] ask the Father in [Christ's] name, which is right, believing that [we] shall receive... shall be given unto [us]" (3 Nephi 18:20). I know that without my fervent prayer, that I could not have had such a wonderful day on my splits. Truly, the Lord is always there for each one of us to help us in our righteous desires, we just have to be willing to ask Him for the help that we desire.

Then on Saturday, I was blessed with the first baptism I have had since February! It felt great to reap the fruit of my work, and to see the full change in the life of Rosemarie the last couple of months that I have taught her. Sister Rosemarie has changed much in the time that I have known her. Because her husband has been an active member of the church, Elder Posadas and I had great hopes in her from the beginning. However, when we first went to her home, she hid from us. After that happened a few times, I was about to give up on her. But, a miracle happened when she went to church one Sunday. From that point on, she was willing and excited to be taught, and now she is a great support to husband and has a desire to be sealed in the temple. I think perhaps my favorite part of being a missionary is seeing this change of which I have mentioned. In spite of whoever an individual may be, the gospel has the tendency to cause " a mighty change in [them], or in [their] hearts" leaving them with "no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (Mosiah 5:2). Now, she is helping others in her family to know of the goodness that has come into her life, who hopefully will be baptized in the upcoming months. 

I don't have too much more time to say any more this week, but everything is going great! 

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Note by Elder Pulley's mom - please keep the missionaries in your prayers this week as there is a Category 4, potentially Super Typhoon, headed their way.

Zone Meeting

Teaching with President and Sister Hiatt

Baptism of Sister Rosemarie

Week of October 10, 2016

Dear friends and family,

As usual, things are busy here in Cauayan, but all is well! This last week Elder Vane and I had the opportunity to attend our Mission Leadership Council, which was enjoyable.  We engaged in missionary exchanges and taught many wonderful investigators! Perhaps the greatest thing that happened this last week though was General Conference!

The second the General Conference started, with the singing of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I was surprisingly overwhelmed with the Spirit. I felt great gratitude in my heart and knew that everything that I would hear in that conference would be from the Lord Himself. Perhaps one of the greatest privileges I have as a missionary is the opportunity to declare to other individuals of a living prophet, and living apostles on the earth to guide us in our days who "know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come" (Mosiah 8:17).

While our world continues to become more wicked, it is easy for one's soul to be troubled at times with the things we see on the news, and even in our daily life. Before the mission, as many of you know, I was an avid news watcher. It troubled me  to see all of the unfortunate occurrences in the world, and the lack of regard many individuals have for the welfare of their fellow man. Indeed,it is easy for a man to see such things on the Nightly News and ask himself where peace and protection can be found in such instability. However, when we consider the fact that there is a living prophet, who literally is the mouthpiece of the Lord, we don't have to go searching very far (D&C 1:38). I know that if we listen to the living prophet, and other inspired leaders of the church, that we will obtain the protection that we desire for ourselves and our families.

One example I often use to illustrate the extraordinary perspective of prophets is comparing the perspective of an individual located at ground-level versus an individual located in an elevated place, such as in a high tower, in midst of a battle. While the individual on the ground may be able to see a little ways from his current location, his vision may be slightly shallow, as he only relies on the height his own body provides for him. The individual in the tower however, is at great advantage. With his elevated height, he is able to see far in all directions, and direct others at ground level of those things they should do to effectively protect themselves from oncoming danger. So it is with us and the prophet. I have a strong testimony that Thomas S. Monson and the other brethren are prophets seers, and revelators. Moreover, I know if we listen to their counsel based on their extraordinary perspective, that we can ultimately attain happiness and protection in this world and the next.

I am happy to say that all is still going well with our investigators. Last week, we didn't have as many individuals come to church as we wanted to, but that is okay. There is always next week! And, I have an investigator, Rosemarie L., who will be baptized this next Saturday! I am so excited to tell you all about her next week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

P.S.-Did any of you see the talk given by Elder Schmutz? He is going to come and visit my mission next week! I am pretty excited!

Note:  In the Philippines they watch General Conference one week later than in the USA.

Missionary Leadership Conference

Pday Activity

Week of October 3, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week has held a multitude of miracles that I am enthused to share with you all! First, last Thursday I had the opportunity to work with Elder Vicente in my area! I don't know if I have mentioned it in previous emails, but Elder Vicente, my trainer, is currently assigned in my zone. As such, I have had the great privilege of seeing him quite a bit the last few months that I have been here in Cauayan. Our day was absolutely awesome, and it felt like it was just yesterday that we were companions. I think the best thing that happened though on our splits was finding a whole family to teach! After a full day of teaching, I decided to do some contacting before dinner, and we ended up finding the nicest and most interested family I have met throughout the course of my mission, the Reyes family. Nanay and Tatay are in their low 50's, and they have two kids at home, who are 24 and 16. Last week, after just one lesson, the two kids of the family went to church and had an enjoyable time. And, Nanay and Tatay Reyes said they will make arrangements in their work in order to attend church next week. 

Furthermore, Elder Vane and I have been extremely blessed to have new, very interested investigators come into our teaching pool this last week due to work in the reactivation of some less active families, and much more. There is so much more I could tell you all, but I unfortunately don't have the time to do so. I just want to let you all know that I feel extremely blessed at this point in my work. As I mentioned in previous emails, at the beginning of this cycle, I was really concerned about managing my area with all of the changes that have occurred in my area and in the mission. However, as I have pressed forward with faith, the blessings most definitely have arrived. In sharing this fact, I can't help but think of the story of Nephi in the beginning of the Book of Mormon, who was commanded by the Lord to obtain brass plates, containing the records of his people from Laban, a dangerous individual who desired to kill him. Rather than doubt and complain though (like his siblings Laman and Lemuel), Nephi pressed forward with faith actually "not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do" (1 Nephi 4:6). Rather, he trusted that the Lord would "prepare a way for [him]", for which He undoubtedly did (1 Nephi 3:7). At times as disciples of Christ we are required to do things that don't make us particularly comfortable, as the path before us may not seem clear or particularly easy that lies ahead of us. However, it is at these times in our discipleship that we can prove through our works that we have real faith in Him. Indeed, those are the times that define us. As Paul reminded us in the New Testament, we "must walk by faith, not by sight." I know as we do that that we will undoubtedly will see miracles in our lives and will become more than we could ever imagine.

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of September 26, 2016

Dear friends and family,

I am happy once again to report that I have had a wonderful week! This last week was also once again very eventful as Elder Vane and I attended a meeting for new leaders in the mission, went on splits with the assistants, and attended District Conference, in which a local member of the 70, Elder Adduru, attended and gave a wonderful talk. However, as I ponder over all of the wonderful things I have done this last week, my mind is pulled to one particular Nanay that I have had the privilege of teaching the last month.

The Nanay of which I speak is named Nanay Degusera, and has been less active for quite some time (a few years) and is one of the most unhappy individuals I have met throughout the course of my mission. She is in her sixties, very poor, and has essentially no company except for her husband, who is blind and can't leave home. Every time I walked into Nanay Degusera's home in the past, I felt a great weight in my chest and felt her depression within my soul. One lesson, about two weeks ago, as Elder Posadas (my previous companion) and I were teaching about the restoration, I felt prompted strongly to ask her a question that I normally would never ask. I felt prompted to ask her directly if she is happy in her life, and as I knew she would say, the answer was "no". It was at that point that I told her that if she desired more happiness in her life that she must be more obedient to the commandments of the Lord. I then felt prompted to tell her of the Lord's love for her, and that it was time for her to return to church. While doing so, I was more bold than I ever could have been without the accompaniment of the Holy Ghost.

Last week, Elder Vane and I went to her home again, and once again boldly invited her to come to church, and for whatever reason, could not help but feel immense love for her. It is funny, because as I said, she is one of the most unhappy and grumpy people you could ever meet. But, despite that fact, when I think of Nanay Degusera, my eyes get wet as I feel the great love I have for her and her husband. Yesterday, my happiness could not be contained as Nanay went to church for the first time in many years. And, as I entered her home yesterday after church to teach her, I felt a noticeable difference. The whole spirit of Nanay's home, and she herself, has changed in result of her church attendance.

There is no better feeling in the world than knowing that through my humble efforts, that I have been able to help individuals find the happiness of the gospel again in their lives. I have no doubt in my mind, as I testify every day to all I see here, that true happiness comes from becoming obedient to the commandments of the Lord. As we make decisions in our day to day lives, we should follow the counsel of King Benjamin, who told his people to "consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful...may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness" (Mosiah 2:41). As a missionary, it has been a great privilege to get to know many different individuals from all facets of life. I have been surprised at times to find that the happiest people on earth may sometimes reside in the most pitiful of circumstances. As I have pondered this paradoxical truth, I have come to realize why that is the case. While an individual may not be able to choose his/her circumstances, he/she can however choose whether to be obedient to the commandments or not. Those who do, based on my experience this last year, are almost always happy, no matter what their circumstances may be.

Everything is going genuinely well, and I feel the Lord's hand and help everyday that I serve. 

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of September 18, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week was insane! I cannot believe how much has happened! As many of you know, last week was transfer week, and it was crazy. Elder Posadas transferred, opened an area with a part-time missionary (who happens to be the kid that I delivered the mission call for that I mentioned last week) and my new companion is from my batch, Elder Vane! Having an American companion who I am already friends with has been awesome! But, I am worried about my Tagalog skills going down, so I only speak Tagalog to him. It is kinda weird, but hopefully it will help me keep my skills up.

These last new months have brought many changes to the Cauayan mission, as President Hiatt has made an effort to make our mission even more efficient. With that, this last week it was announced that the senior couples will no longer work in the office with finances, housing, supplies and such, but will instead work out with members and other missionaries to assist in missionary work. Along with that, office elders have now been assigned to do the work that the senior couples are now doing. Unfortunately, with that change, my position as a housing elder has now been eliminated, along with my car. I must say that with this change, I am really concerned as my area is extremely large. I am just trying to think positive and trust in the Lord as I start to tackle this area using tricycles. A little extra prayers in this regard would be really appreciated. :)

As I ponder over this last week's experiences that I can share with you, my mind is drawn to one particular lesson that I gave this last week to an investigator we have with a baptismal date, Gio Pua. A few days ago, Elder Posadas and I had the opportunity to teach Gio about the first principle of the gospel, that being faith. After explaining the meaning of faith, reading scriptures, etc. Gio asked me a question that I have not heard the whole mission from an investigator. He asked me, "What does your faith mean to you?". After considering his question, I gave an answer that reminded me of how truly important my faith is to me. As I told Gio, my faith in Jesus Christ is what drives every single decision of my whole life. It is what brings me hope, it is what gives me focus, and it is what defines me. I know that as Alma said in the Book of Mormon that faith indeed "is not to have a perfect knowledge of things,...[but] hope for things which are not seen, which are true (Alma 32:21). While sometimes in our world, individuals are too caught up with physical evidences of all things, I have learned that the most important things in life are abstract in nature. How could anybody ever see or hold love, charity, friendship, etc. in their hands? Although faith itself is not tangible in nature, I believe it is the most important possession we can ever obtain in this life. I know that as we as individuals focus on the acquisition of faith, we will bring ultimate happiness to our souls. It is true, as I said, that faith is abstract possession; however, in my opinion, it will be the only possession of worth in the next life.

At any rate, all is going well, just really busy! I hope you all have a great week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Pulley and Elder Vane

District Meeting

Week of September 12, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This last week has been incredibly busy as usual and has brought news of a lot of changes as well. It was just announced earlier today that Elder Posadas will be transferred, and that there will be a lot of changes within my zone as well (including an addition of some areas,etc.). I must admit that I am a little bummed with the announcement of Elder Posadas transferring, as he has been an awesome companion, but I suppose the Lord has more for him to do in other areas.

As I ponder over my last week, there are two reciprocally connected experiences that I wish to share that have lent me even more perspective regarding time. On Monday, I was called by one of the assistants to the president who told me that the office had received a mission call in the mail for an individual in my ward, Owen Moises, a fellow-shipper I have worked with every Sunday for the past few weeks. At the news, I was of course very excited and made sure to stop by the office in order to deliver Owen's mission call. That night, Elder Posadas stopped by his house and told him the important news we had for him. It was really funny to watch his nervous emotions (much like the ones I had when I received my call) as he opened his letter and I left with the feeling that I had just received my own call and wondering where the time had gone.

My second experience has to do with a friend of mine, Elder Navarro (one of the assistants to the president), who just finished his mission this last Friday. One particularly cool thing is that his parents came to pick him up and arrived on Saturday to do so. That being said, I had the privilege to see the excitement of their family being reunited again after two years of not seeing each other. I felt mixed emotions as I watched their family be reunited again, but with the knowledge that Elder Navarro is no longer a missionary. One thing that impressed me about Elder Navarro is that he worked as hard as he could up until the very end, and "it is for that reason", he said "that I can look back on my mission with pride".

With these two experiences, and the realization of how fast time really is, I couldn't help but think of an excerpt in the Missionary White Handbook where it says that "time is one of the most precious resources Heavenly Father has given [us]...[and to] use it fully and wisely." One thing I think we must do occasionally as I did this last week is ask ourselves if we are using our time to the fullest. Indeed, "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). I know that as we do so, with the knowledge that "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God" we will appropriately be able to evaluate our lives and focus on those things that matter most (Alma 34:32). Sometimes, as individuals, and even as missionaries we get focused on things that have little importance, while we should always focus on those things that have eternal significance. I feel, much like the mission, that our lives will pass by us with extraordinary speed. One day, we will all look back on our mortal mission and want to know we did our best all the way to the end. That knowledge, in my opinion, is the definition of heaven.

Have a great week everybody!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Zone Conference

Elder Pulley and Elder Navarro

Week of September 5, 2016

Dear friends and family,

If I said last week was busy, this last week was even busier! Everyday was full of much activity, including moving the assistants to the president into our home on Tuesday and Wednesday, going to our mission leadership council meeting on Thursday, going on exchanges on Friday, going to a service project and baptisms on Saturday, and much more! And, I am happy to say that in spite of the fact that we have been so busy, this might be the most fun I have had on my mission!

Unfortunately, as there was a long brown-out earlier, I am not left with much time to write anything. However, please just know that all is going well and that I love being a missionary. One of the assistants who moved into my house will be leaving for home this next week. As he has reflected on his mission with me, it has made me realize more fully just how short the mission is and how much I should appreciate it while it lasts. I feel that is true for each of us in our lives. Sometimes we are so busy with our obligations and have so many things that we want to achieve in the future that we forget what a gift the present truly is.

I will email more next week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Note:  The following pictures Elder Pulley was able to send  before the brown out.  

Missionary Leadership Council (MLC)

View from Pday hike

Food served to missionaries at district activity

Week of August 29, 2016

Dear friends and family,

This week went by so fast! I had exchanges with missionaries in my zone, had exchanges with the assistants to the president, delivered housing items to Tuguegarao (my first area in the mission) and much more. As I think about what experiences I can share with you at this time, my attention is taken to a blessing that I had the opportunity to give this last week.

One day this last week, when an elder that I was on exchanges with and myself were about to start working, I received a phone call from some sister missionaries that work in a far area of the zone. They told me that they had an investigator who has been struggling with health problems and asked if I could travel to their area in order to give a blessing. After making necessary preparations, my temporary companion and I traveled to the home of the Sisters' investigator. Upon arriving, it was evident that their investigator wasn't feeling too well. She looked pale, and didn't seem too happy as we talked. After some discussion with her, it turns out that she has been sick with headaches and such for over five months now. In spite of going to a physician multiple times now however, the doctors' examinations proved inconclusive, leaving her with nothing to do but rely on the Lord for help.

 Before proceeding to give the woman a blessing, I explained what I would do in the blessing and how the results would be according to the will of God and the strength of her faith. Then, I gave her a blessing, for which I must admit was not particularly beautiful. In spite of the fact that communication and teaching have become easy for me in Tagalog, the language used in blessings is still a little hard for me. That being said, I couldn't help but be a little disappointed in myself that my blessing was so rugged in its language. 

For the next few days, the blessing that I gave bothered me. I prayed every night and told the Lord how I felt, and asked Him to bless the woman that I blessed. After a few days though, I had the chance to see the sister missionaries again, in which I asked them how their investigator was doing. I was incredibly pleased to hear that the woman I blessed apparently has completely changed, and that her health has notably improved.

I am thankful to have learned that in regards to giving blessings, prayers, or anything of that nature, the words in which we say are not particularly important. Rather, as I have been reminded this last week, our sincerity and worthiness is what matters most when it comes to the things of God. 

In pondering this experience and those things I learned as result, I can't help but be reminded of Moses, a prophet which of course has now been acclaimed for his extraordinary leadership and greatness for thousands of years. It is interesting in talking about his great prophet though, because in spite of his extraordinary worthiness and greatness, he of himself stated "I am not eloquent...but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue"(Exodus 4:10). And in spite of the fact the Lord saw great things in Moses, indeed he had been "chosen before [he] wast born", Moses couldn't help but feel inadequate to the tasks set before him, and thought himself unworthy because of his lack of public speaking skills (Abraham 3:23). Indeed, when it comes to serving the Lord, we may often get too focused on the rudimentary details of our service, when what always counts most is our love for God and our fellow man. 

I hope you all have a great week! 

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Pulley & Elders that attended MTC in Provo

Pday Activity

Pday Activity