I wish to apologize first that I did not write a letter last week. It seems like I have been getting busier, believe it or not! haha. These last weeks have been wonderful and have held many opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.
Last week for instance, President and Sister Hiatt were gone for about six days in Manila to attend the Philippines Area Mission Presidents' Seminar. That being said, Elder Olsen and I were left in charge of the business here, and to teach a meeting on Wednesday for the new missionaries and their trainers on our own. It was the first time I had ever presided at a meeting, and I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive in doing so. However, after much prayer and consideration, the meeting went wonderful and I think all (including myself) were edified. I have really come to appreciate the help the Lord always gives if we just take the time to ask Him for it.
Although there are many other extraordinary things that happened last week, I feel inclined in particular to share another miracle that happened yesterday. After working a lot in the morning to help our investigators get to church, the time finally arrived to do so. As I was sitting in the Sacrament hall, something told me to turn and look towards the glass door entrance. As I did so, I saw a man standing just outside the door that I have not seen in quite a long time, who I least expected to see, peering into the room. His name is Leonardo Tangonan, and if you recall, he was the extraordinarily nice member in my second area who used to drive me home every night from work. I couldn't help but run out to him and give him a great hug as I have missed him much. Ast I looked into his face though, it was evident that something wasn't quite right. After inquiring as to why he was in Cauayan, and why he looked so sad, he opened up to me and started to cry. Brother Tangonan pulled out his phone and showed me a picture of his son, James, who I came to be close to in Baluarte. He is now 16 years old and is one of the many that I have adopted as a brother while I have been on the course my mission. As I looked at his current picture though on Tatay's phone, I could hardly recognize him. His face is swollen severely and discolored.
Tatay Tangonan explained that James has Lupus, an apparent rare disease which will require James to get treatment at St. Luke's hospital in Manila, a task too large for his humble wallet. Tatay had felt prompted to drive from Santiago to Cauayan to get help regarding his situation. Then, as he walked into the church he said the Spirit told him to look into the Sacrament hall through the glass doors, just as I turned to look at him.
Although I was not immediately able to solve his problem, I was able to use a large medical book we have here to give him information on the disease and had President Hiatt contact his Stake President to help get him financial support. I was also privileged to be able to give him some instruction as to what he can do to receive help, which he graciously accepted. I only hope and pray, and wish to enlist your prayers as well, that his humble son will be healed of his sickness.
Yesterday was just another day in which I stood back in awe at how the Lord works. What if I had not looked at the door right when Tatay had walked in the church? What if he had not followed the prompting to look into the Sacrament hall? It is amazing how significant the decision to follow simple promptings becomes when you look in retrospect. I dare say that the decisions to follow the simple promptings of the Spirit will lead us right into the celestial kingdom. "[For] behold, I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass...and the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes...[to] bring about the salvation of many souls" (Alma 37:6-7). I am grateful that Tatay and I listened to ours yesterday. There is no greater feeling of fulfillment.
This week there is transfer day and I am still staying put here in Cauayan! I feel it is very safe to say that this is my last area, for which I can't complain. I am enthused to serve wherever I am needed.
Have a wonderful week!
Elder Pulley
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