I can do all things through Christ: The Power of Hope

Magandang hapon friends and family! (Good afternoon)

General conference was just amazing! I loved President Nelson's talk on receiving personal revelation. What an amazing man he is!

Back home when I would go to missionaries' welcome home talks, I was always amazed at the experiences they had had while they were on their mission. I always thought to myself "wow, I hope I can witness something like that when I go out." Well, last night we had one of those experiences that make your mission worth it.

We went to Edjohn and nanay Maria Fe last night for our last appointment and taught them about temples and eternal families. The lesson went great, and we invited them to come to the family history center in the church on Tuesday to start their family history work.
At the end of the lesson, Tatay Jonathan (the only member in the family who is a recent convert) bore a powerful testimony. He said:

"Yesterday I had to work in the fields so I wasn't able to go to church. I asked Edjohn to help me in the fields but his reply was 'pa you know I can't help you, I have to go to church, I'm getting baptized this Saturday.' That right there was a turning point for me. Edjohn gave me strength that day as I went out to the fields, in fact I couldn't stop smiling as I worked throughout the day." He then said, "Do you remember that time that I was about to give up, and lose my house and everything I had? You guys shared those verses with me in the Book of Mormon which gave me hope. You gave us all hope, and because of that we are all here now and you have strengthened and bound this family together. I don't know where we would be without you Elders, because of you I have witnessed that Heavenly Father knows me and has a plan for my family."

These are his exact words.

The change we have seen in this family is incredible. I have truly witnessed the power the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to change lives. My companion and I couldn't hold back our tears as we listened to Tatay Jonathan last night. I love that family with all my heart. Edjohn is getting baptized this Saturday, and I am beyond excited.

I testify with the Prophet Ether that "Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

I am so thankful for the time my Heavenly Father has given me to serve His children in the Philippines, for I have truly seen miracles. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Furniss