This Week was AMAZING! - September 18,2016 - Week 99

This week was amazing! We have been Finding people like crazy! So the highlight of this week is last night Elder Francisco and I went to the Bingco Family they have been members for almost two years. Except for the father. Last night Brother Bingco called us and told us to come over. So we went. When we walked in, right away brother said I am going to be baptized! We were shocked because we have been working with him and teaching him ever since I got here and the missionaries before me as well. He set his own baptismal date for Oct 22 which is my last week of the mission. I can't express how happy it made me. I just want to testify "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". I know that this gospel is true! If we just humble ourselves and submit our will to the Father and except his Gospel, we will be eternally blessed. 

This week I have been studying 3 Nephi 11-26 about Christs visit to the ancient Americas. It has strengthen my testimony of God's love for ALL His children. It doesn't matter what our situation is, where we are, how wealthy we are, if you have a broken family, or not. We are ALL God's children and he loves each and everyone of us. He has given us a place to come and feel happiness, joy, sadness, peace, comfort, and most of all love. We ALL have a purpose. Its our job to go and find out who we really are and why God sent us here. ITS ALL TRUE! 

Love you guys and hope you have a great week! :) 

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Where do I Start? - September 12, 2016 - Week 98

Alright where do I start...Okay so on Tuesday we went to Iloilo to have a special MLC with area presidency. It was super cool. We learned what prayer is and really how to pray. We were all over the scriptures to find out really how to pray sincerely. Then on Wednesday we had a huge mission tour with a bunch of other zones where the area presidency taught us about obedience and FINDING scattered Israel. Then we headed home and did our best to apply the things and are still working on it. So this week was also transfers. I didn't think anything was going to me because I only have 6 weeks left. Once again I was WRONG!! On Sunday night the AP's called me and told me Im transferring back to Bugasong Antique, my second area. I was like what!??!!? But I told em Ill go where ever the Lord wants if it was true revelation I will go. But I didn't want to leave Buenavista Guimaras. About 20 minutes after I hung up the AP's called me back and said President had been receiving revelation ever since I had hung up. He said Its not time for me to leave Guimaras. So long story short I am still here and my new companion is ELDER FRANCISCO...again! haha I could not be more happy with what happened. We will both be zone leaders as well as I will go back to my first area here in Buenavista!! Elder Francisco have been working our tails off and I told him its gonna be this way for the next 6 weeks. He is by far my favorite companion iv'e had out here in the field. When we are companions, I don't know why, but good things just happen. So yeah thats about it for this week. Time is starting to go by to fast. I'm not ready yet for these two years to be up. It's time to give it my all. Love and miss you guys! You take care! :) 

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Can't go a day without Scriptures - September 4, 2016 - Week 97

This week we focused really hard on talking to everyone. We were able to find a couple of families that we feel are pretty interested. Lately we have kind of been struggling with getting our investigators to church and to be progressing but we are feeling pretty good about these families. On Sunday I had the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting. I chose to speak about families. Because right now some families in the branch are struggling. I shared the scripture Alma 43:47. I think it hit a couple people and really brought to the table really how important it is to stick together and be a united family. And to literally do everything in your power to defend the family. Then after church Elder Francisco and I were asked to speak at a devotional. So we put together an awesome discussion about powerful scripture study. Its weird because before I left to come on the mission I wasn't the kind of person that just sat down and read the scriptures but now I can't go a day with out em. Well that's about it for this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday we are going to have a Mission Tour which means the Area Presidency will be coming to talk to us and train us to be better more effective missionaries. I'm pumped. Ill take notes for yall. Love yall and take care!!

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

New Companion/Big Goals - August 21, 2016 - Week 95

Alright so it'll be a short email today because iv'e got lots to do today. So this week Elder Crook and I have a set a pretty tall goal to have 20 baptisms on October 22 before I go home. We set this goal to keep me focused and not trunky as well as to push the other missionaries in our zone. The highest amount of baptisms that has happened in one area in one day in this mission is 10. I want to raise the standards in this mission before I finish so that missionaries behind will be driven to break those goals. If you are in a comfort zone...get out! If you are comfortable with where you are at, there is probably little to no growth or progression. God gives us all challenges and hard things to overcome because he knows our capabilities. As we overcome our fears and challenges with the help of our Savior we will grow everyday of our lives. I'm excited to see what comes in the next few months. And pumped to work hard to the end.

That's about it for this week. Love and miss ya'll. Take care! :)

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Another Great Week in Buenavista - August 15, 2016 - Week 94

This week was another great week out here in Buenavista.

Monday and Tuesday: We had an MLC (Mission Leadership Conference) in Iloilo. This one was a little different then the ones Ive been to in the past. We did it in Presidents home which was awesome. After the first night we had a FHE with President and his family. We made homemade ice cream and had so much pizza. I was fun just getting to really know president and his family better as well as the other missionaries. On Tuesday after MLC we came home and went to one of our investigators to do her baptismal interview.

Wednesday-Friday: Those were just normal working days nothing crazy exciting happened in those days.

Saturday: In the morning we got up and went to rosadels baptism. And as we all know all baptisms never go as planed. So when we woke up there was tons of rain and wind. Like a little typhoon. But we went to the place where we planned to do the baptism. We were about 15 min late but we were still the first ones there. Little by little the members started to show up and we got things rolling about an hour late. Better late then never. After the baptism we went to the branch activity where the missionaries did a kind of a mini mtc. It was pretty successful. We had a lot of people there. After the training we played some games and ate lots of food. It was a great day.

Sunday: MY BIRTHDAY!!! At church all of my recent converts and members invited us over to eat. So we pretty much spent the whole rest of the day going and visiting members and eating food. It was a great 20 birthday!

This week was all in all a pretty fantastic week! :) Love yous all and take care!  

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

July 31, 2016 Week 92

Jacob has been under the weather the last couple of weeks and has not has the energy to write.  Tonight we found out the culprit was Dengue Fever.  3 of the 4 Elders in his apartment have been down with the fever and the Buenavista Branch has also been hit hard.  Many have been hospitalized but we are praying that all will be well soon.

Jacob has a new companion Elder Crook, from Utah.  He will miss Elder Tereke but was fortunate to have a say in who would be completing his training.  One of his favorite companions from his second area in Bucasong, Elder Fransisco.

Jacob is now the Zone Leader in Guimaras and looks forward to expanding the work he has been able to do in Buena Vista.  The following is a short letter we received tonight:  He titled it, FAITH

This week was crazy. Here are some of the highlights or things that happened this week.

1) On Monday I got sick and I was sick until Sunday with Dengue Fever. 

2) I got transferred to the other area in Buenavista, Guimaras.

As far a spiritual aspect of things because I was sick I had lots and lots and lots of time to study. On Saturday night I focused my studies on the principal of Faith. I spent a solid hour finding scriptures comparing Faith and Believing. To most of us they are the same thing. But there is a reason why we are asked to have Faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement and not just Believe on it. The principal of Faith leads us to ACTION such as repentance, obedience in following the Lords commandments, etc. While if we just Believe on the Atonement of Jesus Christ we will not be forgiven and cleansed of our sins. Because even as we Believe Jesus Christ paid for our sins there is no action of repentance. Our Heavenly Father gives us commandments and asks us to do things as an opportunity for us to show our Faith towards Him so he can shower us with blessings that we want and need. Its so straight forward in the scriptures when it says "Faith without works is dead" or in other words Faith without action is not Faith at all. So when God blesses us with an opportunity to show our Faith to him that its not for Him but only for you. The blessings are endless as our Faith in our Savior continues to grow stronger everyday through our actions. God truly loves us and whats the best for us.

Well that's it for this week sorry I haven't written in a couple weeks I do better in the future. Love yall and have a great week!! :)     

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

New Mission President

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Hermenegildo and Emily Cruz

Hermenegildo Inocencio Cruz, 56, and Emily Ibuyan Loresco Cruz, five children, Springville Ward, Las Piñas Philippines Stake: Philippines Iloilo Mission, succeeding President Jaime R. Aquino and Sister Lorna Aquino. Brother Cruz serves as an MTC branch president and is a former bishop, high councilor, regional welfare agent, stake Sunday School president, and missionary in the Phillippines Cebu Mission. Coordinator, Seminaries and Institutes. Born in Naga City, Philippines, to Rodolfo Francisco Cruz and Elena Garcia Inocencio Cruz.

Sister Cruz serves with her husband in an MTC branch and is a former stake Primary president, stake Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Relief Society president, ward Primary presidency counselor, and Relief Society teacher. Born in Kalibo Aklan, Philippines, to Alberto Fino Loresco and Teresita Isidro Ibuyan Loresco.

July 10, 2016 - Week 89

Okay sorry I didn't write last week. But here is for this week. This week we had the privilege to meet our new mission President, President Cruz. As well as his wife. They are AMAZING!! They are so down to earth people. After hearing them speak to us I can testify they are truly called of God. He is already made a lot of changes to the mission. We are all excited to see where that leads the mission to in the coming months and years. Also Elder Tereke and me are doing great. He is picking up the language little by little. But still way faster then I did haha. Right now we don't really have very many progressing investigators. But our Branch President told us to focus more on the less actives and focus on strengthening the members. We have a goal to place a Preach my Gospel in every members home. And teach them how to use it. The work is good. We continue to work and study harder then ever. Sorry this email will be a little short but I will write again next week. Love yous!! Take care!! :)

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

New Bata! - June 26, 2016 - Week 87

This week was awesome! On Wednesday I got to meet my bata. His name is Elder Tereke from Kitibati. 

I am so pumped to get to know him and work with him. We are still trying to figure out how to communicate because he speaks very little English and even less ilonggo. But its okay. He has only been here for about 5 days now but I have already seen his strong desire to help and to serve. It has kind of been a flashback for me to my first week in the mission and not really having any idea on whats going on. Right now as far as the area is concerned we are more on finding new families and investigators. We are going to create a 4 month plan for the area to try and have baptisms every month. We want to be more consistent with the progress in this area. So we'll see how it goes. Other wise this week has been amazing and we continue to work hard and have fun! Love ya'll and take crae always! Enjoy your summer! :) 

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Last week with Elder Jimenez :( - June 20, 2016 - Week 86

This week we continued to stay busy here in Buenavista. On Wednesday we had a huge service project, where we went up in the mountains and cut down trees for lumber to help a member build their house. Its was so tiring but at the same time so much fun! Then on Saturday we had a baptism of the Sararaña family. It was a huge success, even though the waves were pretty heavy. But i'm pretty much a professional at baptizing during storms and typhoons and what not at this point, so a couple little waves ain't got nothing on me. ;) Just kidding. Saturday morning before the baptism we definitely faced some problems that we had to work through. Like that morning we woke up and there was no electricity and no water. And then a storm blew in. And so on and so on. But through faith and prayer we were able to get through it and had a huge turn out. After the baptism we found out who all was transferring. So the branch through a surprise party for those 3 missionaries. That is where the video on facebook came from. I found out my companion will be transferring and that I won't find out who my new companion is till Wednesday. All I know is that I will be training again. I am literally so pumped to train again. I learned so much the last time I trained and can't wait to help and learn from my new bata (trainee). Its cool that I get to train here because it pretty much guarantees me two more transfers here to serve and get to know more people. So that's about it for this week I will let yall know next week more details on my bata.

Hope yall all had a great week and continue to enjoy your summer vacation. 

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Crazy, Busy, Fun, Adventurous Week - June 13, 2016 - Week 85

This was a great week. We had so much going on everyday. Between fishing for a priesthood activity, fixing the church for a service project, spelunking, youth activity, basketball, district meeting, boat ride to Iloilo, etc. Oh yeah and don't forget the normal everyday missionary work. There's always so much going on. It keeps us super busy and its way more fun that way. But at the same time it makes time go by so quick. At this point I wish I had more time in a day. I noticed earlier today that June is halfway over even though it feels like it just started. 

Okay so about the area. So we continue to have success. Investigators are coming to church and continuing to strengthen their testimony. It so cool to see be converted to the Gospel and little by little change their lives for the better. We have families that are progressing for the most part and are almost ready to be baptized but we feel like we need to wait a little longer. But this Saturday the Sararana Family will be baptized. We are so pumped and excited for them. 

For now I will keep this email short because don't have to much time but I will attach a few pics from this past week and you know what they say a "picture says 1000 words". Love y'all and hope y'all continue to have a great summer vacation. :)

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Super Busy - June 7, 2016 - Week 84

Hey so just wanted to right a quick email. Sorry its late we have been crazy busy this past week. Just trying to a little harder to see what we can really do here in this area. The highlight of this week was we just got back from a multizone conference. Where President and Sister Aquino gave kind of there farewell training's. One thing tha t stuck out to me was one quote. One: "Be the kind of missionary that when you  r feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh crap, he's up"

That is the missionary I am striving to be for my last 6 months. Missionary work is the BEST!! 

Sorry for the short email this week but I will try and send a more detailed one next week.

Love and miss yall tons!!

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

Couple of pics from the week - May 30, 2016 - Week 83

Sorry don't really have  tons of time to email this week. But it was a great week! Love ya'll take care!!

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

May 23, 2016 - Great Week! - Week 82

This week was dope! We started out the week by going on splits in San Lorenzo. So Me, my comp, the AP's, the ZL's, and the San Lorenzo Elders all went and worked in San Lorenzo. It is a newly opened area and struggling a little, bit they only have 2 members there. So the goal was just to go and tract a huge chunk of the area and give them the referrals to follow up with. So we will see how that goes. But for now it was a huge success and we had tons of fun. Plus I finally got to get on a bike for the first time in 18 months. 

This is the only area in the whole mission that has bikes. So I took advantage of it and we biked around 60 kilometers. It was AWESOME! Then the rest of the week we just did the normal missionary work in our area. We put some more people on date fro baptism while at the same time dropped some people. But the work is going great here. On Saturday night we were invited by our branch president and his family to go to the last night of the Manggahan festival. 

There was a huge concert with some celebrities here in the Philippines. It was fun to just kinda hangout and enjoy a little bit with the members. Well that's about it this week. Love and miss yous!! 

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission

May 16, 2016 - Manggahan Festival - Week 81

Another great week in Guimaras!!

The highlight of this week was on Saturday, we had an awesome branch service project and activity. It was a whole day event. In the morning at 6am we cleaned the church. Then after that at around 11am us four missionaries gave a teachers training on how to be more effective and prepared teachers. Then at around 3pm we just had a huge activity were we ate and played games and just enjoyed each others company. We had the Sararana family show up. They are new investigators. 

Then we went back to them on Sunday with some members and put them on date for baptism on June 18. They are so excited to go to the temple someday and be sealed as a family. 

Then today for Pday we had about 60 missionaries come over to Guimaras for Manggahan Festival. It is a festival all centered around mangoes. So we had a mango eating contest with all the missionaries. I came in second place to one of the AP's Elder Tracy. I stopped after eating 5 kilos of mangoes. It was awesome because all the mangoes here are soooo good!! 

We look forward to this upcoming week. We have plans to put more families on date for baptism.

I love and miss you all and have an awesome week!! :) 

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Elder Jake Frandsen

Philippines Iloilo Mission