Week of April 3, 2017

Dear friends and family,

This last week was full of adventures and blessings that I am enthused to share with you! The Lord has continued to bless me with opportunities to learn for which I will never forget.

This last week, Elder Olsen and I were blessed to travel to Lagawe (one of the most beautiful and secluded areas in the mission (pictures below) and work with the missionaries there. It was an absolute privilege to enjoy the natural beauty and to help the missionaries in that area in the fulfillment of their calling. I not only feel it a privilege to be a missionary, but also to be one in the position of helping others. It truly is a wonderful feeling to help other missionaries in their efforts to serve the Lord.

Aside from that, and for the sake of time, there is one more experience I would like to share with you. Over eight months ago, when I was first assigned in Cauayan, I was companions with Elder Posadas as housing elders. On our first day together as companions, I distinctly remember going to one of our recent convert's homes for the first time. This recent convert's name is Evangeline and she is about 17 years old. As we sat down together those eight months together and as we discussed her progression in the gospel, she expressed some desires to me that I won't forget. On that day, she told me of her great wish that her mother could also experience the blessings and the happiness that she was as a member of the church, but that she would not. 

After hearing her concerns and her heartfelt, righteous desires, I made her a promise. I told Evangeline that if she would pray with all her heart and that if she would do her best to be a living example to her mother of righteous living, that her mother would eventually join the church. Right before I left that area six months ago, her mother went through some very humbling experiences in her life and began to take lessons from us. I only taught her about two times though before I left. 

Last Friday however, Elder Ambaliza (now serving in my previous area) called me and asked me if I could go to their area and conduct a baptismal interview. When I inquired as to who was going to be interviewed, he responded that it was Evangeline's mother. So, last Saturday, I sat down with Jovelyn (the woman who will be baptized) and had one of the most spiritual baptismal interviews I have ever had. Just in the short six months I had not seen this woman, her demeanor and perspective had totally changed, and the Spirit of the Lord was with us in great abundance as we spoke together. It was evident how ready she is to be baptized.

What a privilege it really is to see my promise, inspired by the Holy Ghost, fulfilled within just six short months. Truly, the Lord does perform miracles in our day.

I love being a missionary!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of March 27, 2017

Dear friends and family,

The last few weeks have held many wonderful opportunities to grow, and many blessings that I am excited to share with you all. Because time is short, I would like to share with you perhaps the greatest blessing the Lord has bestowed upon Elder Olsen and I recently, which was a baptism!

This last Saturday, a wonderful investigator of ours named Nanay Mylene was baptized into the church and I would like to tell you a little about her. Nanay Mylene, like many of the other individuals I have had the privilege of baptizing, is in even more humble circumstances than the average Filipino. Her family is extraordinarily poor, and lives inside of a very humble home that is not even equipped with electricity.

In spite of Nanay Mylene's humble lifestyle though, and the fact that her home is very far away from the church, she has been coming to church every week now for some months. The only reason why we actually found her is because I met her at church when she attended with her less-active parents (now returned). When I inquired as to how she is to able to fund her expensive travel to church every week, she said that she simply saves the little money she gets starting at the beginning of the week and prioritizes her going to church more than the other things she could possibly buy with her money. In her words, she knows that the Lord will give her more blessings through her obedience than she could possibly receive by spending that money on other items they stand in need of. This type of simple faith is prominent in most members of the church here, and it is refreshing to see.

As I have pondered over Nanay Mylene's circumstances, but her determination to be obedient, I couldn't help but think of something Jesus Christ said both to his apostles in the old world, and his twelve disciples on the American continent when he called them to serve missions and leave their possessions behind. He counselled them to "take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For your Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (3 Nephi 13: 31-33). Mylene most definitely has lived this counsel in her life and I hope to be able to as well.

While living in the United States has many temporal blessings attached, it is important for us to remember that as well. No matter how busy we may be at work, school, etc., if we put the Lord first he will magnify our abilities and give us strength beyond our own. I have come to realize this more greatly as I have served my mission. As we put the Lord first, everything really does work out.

Have a wonderful week! I will write more next week and send the baptism pictures as well!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Week of March 13, 2017

Dear friends and family,

I have once again been blessed with a wonderful week! The Lord seems to bless me with more wonderful experiences every day. As I ponder on last week's events, my mind is first drawn to the departure of President and Sister Jones earlier this morning. I am not sure how much I have mentioned them in my previous emails, but this week I would like to tell you a little bit about them.

President and Sister Jones actually met on their mission about 50 years ago while on their mission in England. President Jones served as an assistant to his mission president, and Sister Jones at that time was assigned to serve as the assistants' secretary. After President Jones left his mission he sent Sister Jones, who was still serving, a transfer slip (which was customary in their mission at that time) which told you that you were transferring, where you were to go, and who your new companion was. However, in the slip President Jones made, he indicated that he was her new companion, and put a location on the slip for them to meet after the mission in America! haha The rest is history.

President Jones studied and became a veterinarian. He eventually ran his own very respected practice and helped veterinary students by letting them shadow him in his work. While in the course of his career, he and Sister Jones raised several children (seven if I am not mistaken), served as bishop and wife twice for a combined time of about twenty years, and also served as stake president and wife for ten years.

Aside from their temporal success and service in the church, they are some of the nicest people you could ever meet. Sister Jones would often make food for other missionaries, especially my companion and I when we would work in the office, and always had something positive to say when she saw me. One thing that really impressed me about Sister Jones is how she determined to finish her mission despite her very painful ankle which needs replacement. Instead of going home for a ankle operation, which she could have very well done, she pressed forward every day and did not complain. Every time I saw her walk it was a testimony to me of her great love for the Lord and her determination to serve Him.

President Jones on the other hand is in simple terms walking wisdom. In spite of the fact he is 71 years old, he is as sharp as can be and is a man of God. He helped run the mission, and also helped President Hiatt in his responsibility of presiding over the six districts located within our mission by conducting temple recommend interviews, presiding and speaking at district conferences, etc. He imparted more wisdom unto me than I can write or express. I will forever be changed by his example especially. When President and Sister Jones left earlier, it felt like I was saying goodbye to members of my own family.

 I think one of the greatest blessings of serving a mission is all of the wonderful people the Lord blesses you to meet along the way. I feel deep gratitude in my heart for all of the wonderful people that I have been able to meet and learn from while in the course of my mission.

Other than the Jones's, my mind is also drawn to another experience that I would like to share with you. A few days ago, Elder Olsen and I were walking from our vehicle to the house of one of our investigators. As we did so, we passed by a home that I have walked by dozens of times but never particularly noticed. The house is a little off the street and has a big gated porch in the front which makes it hard to see the porch itself or inside the house. However, as we walked by the other day, I was distracted by the sound of something I did not quite recognize. When I inquired Elder Olsen what the noise was and then turned towards the house I mentioned to indicate what it was, I noticed a coughing dog chained to the gate of the porch of the home I previously mentioned. As I looked beyond the coughing dog, I saw an older man sitting on the porch. When I saw him, the Spirit made it clear to me that I needed to talk to him and I did so.

After talking to the man a little and inviting him to hear a message, Elder Olsen and I were able to sit down with him and get to know him. As it turns out, the older man's name is Alex P. Alex has suffered two or three strokes in recent years, which makes it harder for him to get around the house and support himself. Unfortunately as well, Tatay Alex's daughters and wife left him a few months ago with only 350 pesos in hand. As he shared his life's experiences and sorrows with us, it was our great privilege to declare the Lord's love for him, and His plan of happiness.

As I thought over the fact that Elder Olsen and I almost passed by him, I was grateful that the Lord had guided us to him. I could not help but chuckle thinking that the Lord led us to him by causing his dog to cough. It was just another manifestation to me that "[His] thoughts are not [our] thoughts"(Isaiah 55:8) and how "by small means the Lord can bring about great things" (1 Nephi 16:29). I will let you know how things go with Tatay Alex, but so far things are going great!

On a side note, couple of days ago I received my letter from the mission secretary that has us indicate which airport we will fly home to. It was when I received that letter that I realized how fast the time really has gone. All I can say is that the mission is the best decision I have ever made. I wish I could serve my whole life doing what I am doing now, but I know that cannot be so. I love the Lord and I feel it a great privilege to serve as His missionary at this time in my life. There is nothing else I would rather be doing.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

President and Sister Jones with Elders Pulley and Olsen

Week of March 6, 2017

Dear friends and family,

I am happy to report that I have had yet another wonderful week here in Cauayan! This last week, we had transfer day, which had a lot of the normal training activities (including training new trainers, trainees, etc.) and we had MLC on Thursday as well. However,  we ended up having more time to work in our area than the previous week, which was really nice.

In spite of the fact that this last transfer day was the smoothest I have had since I have been an assistant, I must say that it was one of the hardest that I have experienced. The reason why I say that is because my trainer, Elder Vicente, finished his mission last Wednesday and went home. Although I am excited for him to start another chapter of his life, it was difficult to see one the most influential individuals I have met in my life leave.

As I have pondered this last week about the few cycles that Elder Vicente and I spent together at the beginning of my mission, my mind has been filled with a couple of insights that I would like to share with you.

On the first day I arrived in the mission, I was as nervous as could be. It seems like it was just like yesterday I arrived at the very office I sit in now, not knowing what to expect but very excited to be a missionary. On that day, I met Elder Vicente. After the traditional transfer meeting we hold every transfer day, President Rahlf actually approached the two of us and remarked that he had a very good feeling about the two of us being together. Time proved his statement to be quite relevant.

As we left the mission home and headed towards Tuguegarao, I probably asked Elder Vicente a million questions, and all in English! As I look back and think about his behavior, it is now evident to me that he must have been very nervous on that day. He told me after a few months how inadequate he felt when he was called to train. He proved however, to be the trainer that I needed. He was there to push me to be a good missionary, and was even there to comfort me when I shed a few tears a couple of times. I will never forget him and all that I learned when he and I were together.

As I have stated in previous letters, Elder Vicente comes from very humble circumstances. He never once however, complained about the hard things he had to experience. The only reason I learned of the hardships he faced in his childhood in regards to poverty is because he mentioned it a couple of times to our struggling investigators to help them. 

The other day, as the missionaries going home had a fireside together, each of them was asked what they learned while in the course of their mission. Elder Vicente mentioned that the greatest thing he had learned was how to read. I never knew until that day that he didn't know how to read when he arrived in the mission.

Elder Vicente has taught me a lesson that will stick with me my whole life and that I wish to share with you. Most of the time, we as individuals wrongly assume that in order to be inspiring and change the lives of those around us for the better that we must be extraordinary in every way. However, as Elder Vicente himself proves, that is not true. Just being a humble individual who does his best to help others and serve God is enough. As we do our best with whatever resources and capabilities we may have, we will be happy to find that the influence we have had on the lives of others for good is beyond calculation. All we need to do is our best.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Vicente and Elder Pulley - August 2015

Elder Pulley and Elder Vicente - March 2017

Week of February 27, 2017

Dear friends and family,

This last week the Lord blessed me with experiences that I will never forget. I am enthused to share with you a little bit of the things I did, and most importantly the things I learned last week!

First, logistically speaking, I had the busiest week I have ever had on the mission! On Monday, we prepared for zone conferences and other meetings that took place throughout the week. Then, on Tuesday, we had a zone conference for all of the missionaries in the northern portion of the mission, on Wednesday a zone conference for all of the missionaries in the southern part of the mission, on Thursday a trainer and trainee follow-up meeting, on Friday a wonderful meeting with Elder Bednar, on Saturday a special Philippines area broadcast with Elder Bednar, and on Sunday we did transfer logistics! As I look back on this week and all that we were able to accomplish in terms of teaching and preparation, the help of the Lord is evident in all that we did. I am very grateful indeed.

For our zone conferences, Elder Olsen and I talked about the importance of using inspired questions in our teaching as well as pure testimony, and I learned much as I did so. There really are an unlimited amount of things we can do to be more effective teachers...

As I ponder however on last week's experiences, my mind is of course drawn to Friday, in which Elder Bednar and Elder Bowen's long-awaited meeting came to pass. On Friday morning, when I arose from bed and peered into the sky outside, what I saw troubled me a little bit. It was rainy, and there were some low clouds. On any normal day, that would have been a very welcome sight considering how hot it usually is. However, here in the very little city of Cauayan, a sight like that means that airplanes won't be able to land. After conversing with President Hiatt, he asked that I ask all of the missionaries to pray that Elder Bednar might be able to land safely and I did so. It was then that I rounded up all of the missionaries that were in our house and asked Heavenly Father that He might bring to pass a miracle, and cause the clouds to part according to our faith in Him. I was indeed able to witness a miracle after about 10 minutes as the clouds parted, and the sun shown through to the earth Not only was Elder Bednar able to land safely, but his flight arrived early (another miracle as all of the other flights are usually very late). I was once again in awe, and my faith was once again strengthened as I witnessed yet another miracle in my life.

When the time quickly came for Elder Bednar to come to the church and address us, Elder Olsen and I set the big picture (group photograph) up and it turned out great! Then, I had the privilege in the beginning of the meeting to sit on the stand with Elder and Sister Bednar and talk to them. I will never forget the exchange I had with Elder Bednar as I sat up on the stand with him. I asked him questions about how he was going to do the program, and I told he and Sister Bednar how nervous I was. They reassured me though and after I conducted, Elder Bednar told me, "That wasn't so bad, was it? You did a great job!" Those words might have just been something that he just uttered out of politeness, but they meant a lot to me. I hope I can always be worthy in my life of being told that I am doing a good job from an apostle of the Lord.

The meeting we had was a little different than I expected in a good way. Elder Bednar really just had a question and answer session with us, and it was wonderful! I stand in awe of his understanding and knowledge. The fact he is an apostle of the Lord is undeniable. The Spirit was very strong, and I received answers to questions that he never directly answered with his words, but that I felt and understood through the immense power of the Spirit that was present. I testify almost everyday that I know that there are living apostles on the earth like Peter, James, and John, but now when I say those words they will have even greater power. I know, with no doubts attached that Elder Bednar and those that serve with him are prophets, seers, and revelators. And, I know with all my heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I only wish all could know as I do.

On Saturday, after Elder Bednar and Elder Bowen left Cauayan and returned to Manila, they conducted another question and answer session at the MTC for all of the Philippines. It was wonderful! And, do you know what? The Spirit that was present in the chapel as I watched him on the screen was just the same Spirit I felt as he stood at the pulpit himself the previous day. Truly, whether we be far, close, within the sound of voice or not, the Spirit that is with the words of His prophets is the same, something I didn't quite understand before.

As I ponder on all of the wonderful experiences I have had while in the course of my mission, my heart is only filled with gratitude. I have had so many wonderful experiences and learned so many things that I wouldn't change for anything else. 

Have a great week everyone!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Elder Pulley speaking to Cauayan Missionaries before group photo

Elder Pulley Conducting 

Elder Bednar speaking to Cauayan Missionaries

Cauayan Philippines Missionary with Elder and Sister Bednar

Cauayan North Zone Conference

Cauayan South Zone Conference

Week in Review February 13, 2017

Dear friends and family,

This last week was actually a little less busy and was really fun! Among other things, I had the opportunity to go on exchanges both on Wednesday and Friday with zone leaders, and it was awesome! I think one of the best privileges of having the position that I do is that I am able able to interact with and learn from so many fellow missionaries! It is truly extraordinary how much we can learn from one another as we associate in our respective fields. 

Last week, we were blessed to find more new investigators, and the investigators we are working with are progressing wonderfully! We will be having quite a few baptisms in the coming weeks for which I am very grateful.

As I search my memory for something I can share with you, nothing too remarkable comes to mind other than a wonderful Elders' Quorum lesson that I was a part of yesterday. It so turned out that yesterday's lesson was about being optimistic even in unfortunate circumstances. As we discussed how it is we can be happy even amidst great trial, it was a wonderful experience to hear all of the wonderful insights of those around me who have had many struggles in life, but are still happy nonetheless.

One of the most amazing things about Filipinos is although their life is very hard, it is very rare to find one who isn't smiling. It has been hard for me to imagine living like most individuals do here, getting by day to day by working hard, long hours in the fields or construction but I have learned much as I have observed their behavior. It really isn't as important as what trials we are facing as much as it is the perspective we have while enduring it.

At the mention of this subject my mind is drawn to Joseph Smith, who endured much in his short life of 39 years.One of the hardest seasons of the Prophet Joseph Smith's life was when he was a prisoner in Liberty jail, for a crime for which he had not committed. While he endured extremely uncomfortable conditions within that jail, and received negative news as to the welfare of his fellow saints, he asked a question perhaps many of us have posed within ourselves that being: "O God, where art thou?", wanting to know where the Lord could be as he faced such unfortunate circumstances. The Lord however, responded to Joseph Smith with a revelation that has come to be one of my favorites as I have gone about my mission.The Lord said; "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment" (D&C 121:7) and reminded him that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (122:8).

As I have pondered over those two sections in the Doctrine and Covenants, it has occurred to me that most the time in our lives, we look at burdens and trials as an obstacle in our path when we don't realize that it is really just an opportunity to take a step higher and progress, which is why we are here on earth. Truly, although trials are not always fun, they are the building blocks of our progression and ultimately help us fulfill our purpose while in this life. It is as we become grateful for all aspects in our lives, both the easy and the not so easy, that we attain true happiness in this life and into the next.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Missionary Exchange 

Week of February 6, 2017

Dear friends and family,

This last week was so busy but so wonderful as well! Among many things this last week, we traveled to Tuguegarao to show the missionary broadcast there, prepared and taught in the missionary leadership council, and of course did quite a bit of proselyting as well.

As I ponder on all of last week's activities, my mind is drawn to one of our investigators whose name is Gloria. If you remember from my letter last week, she is the woman I mentioned who recently returned home from Lebanon to a very different son and upon request has been engaged in lessons the last month and a half. It has been wonderful to see the change that has occurred within her as she has accepted the Gospel and done her best to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ. There is one problem though. As her plans currently stand, she will be returning to Lebanon next week to work another two years abroad away from her family. This is extraordinarily unfortunate  predicament as well considering the wonderful affect she has had on the rest of her family the past month.

A few days ago, Gloria told Elder Olsen and I that she has a strong desire to be baptized before she returns abroad to Lebanon. However, considering the circumstances, this wouldn't be possible as it must be ensured that whoever is baptized has the ability to go to church and partake of the sacrament every week, something that wouldn't necessarily be possible considering her profession and circumstances in Birut. Not to mention that she wouldn't be able to help herself and her family progress to the temple if she is abroad. After some consideration and some deliberation with Elder Olsen, it became very clear to me that Nanay Gloria must either choose to stay home, allowing her to be baptized and progress to the temple, or she won't be able to be baptized.

This fact pains me a little as I love Nanay Gloria. It is hard to see such a situation come about. However, this last Saturday, Elder Olsen and I decided to fast for Nanay Gloria to help her make the decision that is right for her family. And, upon my request, President and Sister Hiatt accompanied us last night to help her understand the decision she will have to make. I have prayed and prayed for days that the lesson yesterday would help her choose to stay.

Last night, as the lesson finally arrived that I had been anticipating, the Spirit was very strong, especially as President and Sister Hiatt explained the options that were before her. As we left last night, it still wasn't clear as to what she will decide, but in my heart I felt peace, knowing that I had done all I could do to help her make the right decision.

As I have subsequently considered what occurred last night and the feelings I had, I remembered the story of Nephi and his family, who were forced to separate from Laman and Lemuel after arriving in the promised land of ancient America because of their dangerous behavior. As recorded in the Book of Mormon, Nephi "did cry much unto the Lord" (2 Nephi 5:1) concerning the matter, but after all of his efforts to help his older brothers change, "it came to pass that the Lord did warn [him] that [he], Nephi, should depart form them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with [him]" (2 Nephi 5:5). 

I think many individuals may read this passage and think that Nephi was relieved to leave his brethren, but after some consideration, I feel otherwise I don't think it could possibly be easy to leave members of your family, no matter how difficult they may be. However, I feel that he must have had peace in his heart, for he had "exhort[ed] them with all the energies of [his] soul..with all the faculty which [he] possessed [many times] that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things" (1 Nephi 15:25). Perhaps Nephi had the strength to continue on and become as happy as he did because he knew in his heart he had done his best to help his brethren make the right decision, regardless of the decision they actually made.

As I have seen manifest throughout the course of my mission, it is quite a common circumstance to have family members or other loved-ones who make decisions we wish they wouldn't. However, as I have learned through consideration this last week, peace in such circumstances really does come from doing our best to love them and continue to help them. Although the end-result of many situations may be such that are unfortunate in nature, we will still have the peace of heart we need, knowing that we did our best to help them do what is right. That is indeed all the Lord requires of us.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Pulley

Nanay Gloria and her family