June 29, 2015-- Email #87

June 29, 2015

Echague, Philippines

Dear Family,

Well, that is a lot to process! I feel so humbled to have such a beautiful blessing brought into our family! I don't know if I've ever voiced this, but I've always felt there would be someone arriving in the family with a physical disability, because I felt like there was something we needed to learn from a situation like such. Here we are, and with the perspective the restored gospel gives us, casting out all fears and reassuring us that Celestial glory is the ultimate destiny for this precious gift. Like you've said, I am also very excited to be a student to this wonderful, cute teacher. 

To be honest, yesterday and today I'd been really having a hard time personally accepting myself the way I am. I've felt quite knocked over, for lack of a better term, by the fact that the things I'd been asking for in sincere prayer were not the will of my Heavenly Father, and that I was in severe need of a new perspective and a few more rounds of being "humbled to the dust". I'd been completely ignorant of a multitude of tender mercies because I was looking for something else. The news that I've just read from home felt a lot like as you've been describing it; in a few short words, the whole world changes, and that book of life we've been imagining up suddenly, and absolutely necessarily, is put into the hands of the "author and finisher of our faith", who knows what we need and executes His plan of salvation with unfathomable precision and exactness. I'm so glad my perspective has been changed this morning. I'm so glad all of our perspectives have changed this week. 

I don't have a whole lot of time left to email today, but I just want to share one insight we received from a recent convert this last Saturday. She's a primary teacher in the Ward, and she had been teaching the children the story of Jesus healing the man who had been blind from birth. I'm sure you're familiar with the story. Today, however, I think this puts on a whole other meaning for all of us. The disciples passed this man on the street, with a genetic malady, and asked the Savior, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" 

"Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

I testify that we will be the witnesses of countless works of God wrought through this beautiful baby girl, from the day she was born 'til the day she leaves us. 

Jesus then uses an unusual method to heal the man from his blindness. "When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." 

After the man received his sight, the Pharisees railed him with questions, trying to debunk the power of the One who had healed him. At first, the man's primary explanation has to do with the way he was cured. He explains the clay, the washing, etc. However, the man seems to realize, during the course of the cross-examination, that the reason he was healed was not because of the mud in his eyes, or the pool he washed in, but because of this mysterious man, who came to him and told him to do as He said.  "He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." After defending this man for quite some time, the Pharisees cast him out, denying miracles because they were looking for another source, far from their God. 

"Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him."

"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind."

I think we've all had our eyes opened by the Savior this week. I'm so grateful for the eternal perspective the restored gospel gives us, and helped us immediately realize that it was He who had opened our eyes, and He who has all power to help us with the purest love in existence. I'm so grateful to be here in the Philippines, and I treasure every moment of every day I have this name-tag on, and I'm able to invite others to come unto Christ, and have spiritual eyes be opened, not by mud or man-made remedies, but by the Savior Himself, and His power restored to the earth in the last days. Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Kocherhans

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Mercedes Kathleen Vest

Born June 24, 2015

7 lb 9 oz  20.5 inches

June 22, 2015-- Email #86

June 22, 2015

Echague, Philippines

Hello Family!

The Lord has carried me further than I'd be able to go on my own power. We had a really strong drive to accomplish the Standards of Excellence in the mission this week, and although we didn't reach them, we shot for the moon and landed among the stars. A lot of sincere prayer and a pair of worn-out shoes have helped me gain greater understanding as to why I'm here at this time, and how I can forget myself further and keep my "eye single to the glory of God". I've been able to recognize blessings better and become less selfish in my prayers, relying more on what the Lord wants for me. It's been hard but all is well!

Speaking of "all is well", we had the opportunity to teach Zone Meeting on Tuesday. It was really fun! We conducted another finding activity, where all of us left the chapel for 20 minutes to go street contacting. It really motivated us all that whole week to do better. Our companionship has doubled in numbers of contacts, and so has the whole Zone! That's such a wonderful tender mercy. As part of the lesson, we taught about the Parable of the Sower, or more accurately the Parable of the Soil. We compared several accounts in the scriptures to the different kinds of soil, people, that can be found. We compared the wayside soil to the people at the time of Noah and the Flood, who were so hard-hearted that nothing could be done but to commence imminent destruction. The stony-place people have many examples found in the scriptures, and it has a lot to do with the victim mentality that you've so beautifully described in past emails; the whole civilization of the Lamanites was living in that sort of victim mentality that invoked them to gratify pride and go on in wickedness. The specific example we used was when only shortly after receiving the Ten Commmandments, the children of Israel told Aaron to make them a golden calf, because Moses had been up in the mountain for too long, they were getting bored, they started missing the food in Egypt, and were beginning to forget the signs and wonders that they had seen... It's an all too familiar story, isn't it? 

The thorny places is where we might usually find ourselves in, as members of the Church. Sometimes we get way too tangled up in worldly things, with that "summer-home in Babylon" becoming more and more comfortable, until we reach the point that no matter how strong our testimony is, it can be quenched by our own ambitions and we become fruitless. This is definitely something that missionaries have the best experience with, having left the world behind only to find that it did not want us to leave it, and it keeps on rearing its ugly face over and over again, keeping us distracted from our purpose. I'm so glad to know that we've been weeding out those thorns in this Zone, and in myself, over this last week. God has been refining us in our weakness, and helping us every step of the way.

For the example of the 100-fold fruit of the good soil, I told the story of William Clayton, the composer of "Come Come Ye Saints". If you haven't read the story, do so now. It was a very powerful experience telling the story of thousands of Saints, being kicked out of their homes once again, heading into the frontier earlier than expected because of the threats of numerous mobs, and then to have this man, William, leave his pregnant wife back in Nauvoo, with no assurance as to whether she'd be safe. But as he was camping in the bleak winter, a letter arrived at his tent with the news that his wife had delivered a baby boy, healthy and safe. It was at that moment that the words and music to "Come Come Ye Saints" poured into his mind. I wish I could have sufficient eloquence to explain how proud I am of those early Saints, who did not fear death, and went wherever the Lord would have them go. That's good soil. That's 100 fold. We sang it as our closing Hymn, and I couldn't get through the first line without bawling. Awesome. 

There were 8 baptisms in Alicia this last weekend, with an anticipated 4 more this next weekend! The Lord really is hastening His work. We have 3 investigators in our area now with baptismal dates, one of which attended Church: Sister Flor. She's working on getting married as of the moment, considering she has a live-in and they want to get baptized. Our investigators are continually doing well and receiving answers to prayers, and your prayers as well would be much appreciated!

I've been sick the past 3 days because of a huge rainstorm that came in and affected the water. We almost died from the lightning accompanying said rainstorm, which was an adventure. But even though I've been feeling bad, it hasn't effected our work schedule, because I know that God has been carrying me along, helping me to do all that He needs me to do, and I have faith that "I can do all things, through Christ which strengtheneth me." I love you all, and I love this work. Thank you again. I leave this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Kocherhans

In Echague with Elder Bautista, down by the river.

 

Baptismal service in Alicia.

 The Alicia Zone!

June 15, 2015-- Email #85

June 15, 2015

Echague, Philippines

Naimbag nga Aldaw!

Our email time is earlier today so I hope I don't miss you! It's been a pretty eventful week, and even as I write this almost everything I was thinking of telling you is disappearing. I suppose that's how it always is. So, let me try my hand at the recap.

We left in the morning several days this week to work in the areas close to our apartment 'til lunch. We met a lot of interested people that we got to share with. On Saturday morning we worked in our farthest area, Pag-asa (which is Tagalog for "hope"). It was a long, bumpy ride to get there, but it was well worth it. Basically everyone we spoke with that day accepted us and seemed interested to learn more. The Spirit was very strong as we went from house to house in this little barangay, sharing about a loving Heavenly Father and families. We have a particular investigator there, named Amy, who has received an answer to her prayers about Joseph Smith and was eager to read the Book of Mormon we left her. The only immediate problem I perceive is that the wonderful people here are very far from the Church, but there are members that live here with vehicles and I think we'll be able to solve things well enough. God will prepare the way, through the Ward Council, missionaries, and faith. 

On Wednesday we had MLC and on Friday we had a Zone Conference, both of which were very informative. I felt so strongly the truthfulness of the Atonement in both instances. I've had a lot of shortcomings personally as of late, and I feel sometimes like I've been drifting, but I know that Christ is always there, as Jeffrey R. Holland so beautifully puts it, "like lighting in a summer storm", arms shooting out to grab us and lift us to safety. Whenever I see pictures of Jesus in Gethsemane, I am reminded how difficult the Atonement was for Him, even the God of Israel. I also remember how the Apostles He had called to watch with Him had fallen asleep. Some days, I feel like I have fallen asleep on the watch, recognizing that the "Spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak", but I've learned a lot this week about not letting myself loose sight of my true potential. Just because I'm imperfect is no good reason to stop trying, and fall into complacency. Like Nephi so eloquently pours out his soul in 2 Nephi 4, I see that I'm surrounded by sins that "do so easily beset me", nevertheless, "I know in whom I have trusted". Why should I sell myself short of what God can make me, "because of my flesh?" Whilst on this mortal journey, and especially as one called of God, I've gotten to know the "enemy of my soul", and have gained greater and greater resolve, every day, because of my immense love for God, to "give place no more" for him, because he rewarded no good thing. Every day, I realize my heart changes more and I begin to "shake at the appearance of sin", because I realize how deep the Savior had to plummet into the darkest abyss to save my soul from that awful hell, and give me the opportunity to repent, and live again. It was not easy for Him, but He has accomplished all that He set out to do, conquering sin and death, and giving us the way to eternal life, so I owe it to Him to give my very best every day, and follow His commandments. 

On Saturday we had a really good experience in weekly planning. We were marveling with each other how we haven't had any baptisms, in the mission and in this area, in a very long time. Especially as leaders, it's been very frustrating and a test of patience. We discussed possible solutions, and then we pondered silently for a long time. After which, we had both received the confirmation that we needed to update the Area Book more thoroughly and consistently, and to focus on baptism earlier in the teaching of our new investigators. We put it on paper, prayed over it, and set out in accomplishing what the "Lord had commanded [us]". Consequentially, the next day we had a new investigator with a baptismal date, Miko! It was unexpected, and completely in the hand of God for giving us revelation and supporting us in achieving our goals. I'm excited for this coming cycle!

We had an area broadcast on Sunday where Elder Neil L. Anderson spoke along with some other authorities. They talked about a Filipino phrase in English that has often been spoken when helping others: "I will be the one", meaning "let me do it". They expressed great love for the Philippines and I felt the Spirit confirm to me that it was indeed a living Apostle speaking the will of the Lord to this wonderful country. I also had the opportunity to conduct a few baptismal interviews this week which were immensely spiritually uplifting experiences. I felt prompted on several occasions during those interviews to share specific testimony, advice, and scriptural support. They were some great young men being baptized this next weekend. It's been amazing to be shaped into who I am by my loving Heavenly Father. I'm so proud to be His son and to hold the power of the Priesthood to bless the lives of others. 

That's all I have this week. I love you all! I know this is all true, and leave it in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Kocherhans

June 8, 2015-- Email #84

June 8, 2015

Echague, Isabela, Philippines

Makasta nga Fugab! 

(trans. "Good Afternoon!" in Yogud)

You're going to get a kick out of this one! You already know who my new companion is, 'cause we've already been companions before! Elder Bautista: Round 2! Last time we were companions was when I followed-up trained him in Santiago Ward 3, over a year ago. Now, we've been reunited as Zone Leaders in the Alicia Zone, the largest Zone in the mission (large in numbers of missionaries). They just couldn't get enough of the two of us, could they? Elder Petersen has gone down to Bagabag to replace me, this being the second time he's taken one of my old areas. 

Our area is in Echague, otherwise known as the "Yogud City". Yogud, which is a tribe in southern Isabela, is the primary dialect here. It's closely related with Ybanag, Gaddang and Itawes, which means it has a lot of funny-sounding g's, b's and f's (as you can see in the example given above). There is still a dominant presence of Ilocano, however, which means most people here speak four languages minimum: English, Tagalog, Ilocano, and Yogud. We are in the 2nd Ward of Echague. The Alicia Stake was just recently formed this last December and is one of the strongest I've seen in the mission, which is saying something, considering this is a relatively low-populated part of Region II. How to describe the landscape? Rice. Rice fields as far as the eye can see, not exaggerated. And it is excruciatingly hot. I had a bit of a shock from the climate change of cool, mountainous Nueva Vizcaya to the hot, flat rice fields of Isabela. I think I'm finally getting tan! We do our P-day in Santiago, which is only about 15 minutes away by van.

Well, how to describe this week? It's been really fun here, especially since Elder Bautista and I are already used to each other's personalities and teaching methods. He's noted some changes in me as well that gave a boost of confidence. When we were together in Santiago, he was always correcting my Tagalog. Our first day here, he commented after our first street contact: "Wow... Your Tagalog is... Wow..." It's kind of nice to get perspective from a former companion on the improvements you've made in the mission. There are a lot of relatively new investigators in this area, and now I've gotten the opportunity to know all of them and to testify of eternal truths to them, in particular the Atonement, and the truthfulness of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. It's been a spiritually rejuvenating week. We had dinner at the Bishop's home on Thursdaynight and I feel close with the Ward here already. They are super awesome.

For the most part, everyone in this Zone is unfamiliar to me. Elder Sefita is here, and Elder Espanto, but everyone else is either new or I've never been assigned in the same Zone with them. It's been a great opportunity to start fresh. We had a really great District Meeting from Elder Capulac, one of the three District Leaders here. We talked about companionship unity and I felt the Spirit really strongly from him. He's Elder Sogari's trainee, and he really looks up to his Tatay as an example of hard work and a willing desire to change. The mission has changed so much; it's almost like I'm in my last area or something. ;)

Well, I anticipate to have a longer email next week, but I'd just like to end this email with my testimony of the latter-day work. I know that the God of Israel leads this mission, and is preparing the hearts of the people at this time to receive the message of the restoration, and make covenants with the true and living God in the days soon to come. Temples are being dedicated throughout the world. The Sapporo temple is getting close, and it's wonderful to think I had a brother in that land, planting gospel seeds which eventually led to a House of the Lord being erected. Hopefully, someday, a temple will rise here as well. I think the rice fields and growth cycles are very symbolic of missionary work, and the end of the world, as with other plants. I feel the harvest is close. To end this, I'll leave my favorite quote by Joseph Smith:

"The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done"

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Kocherhans

Elder Bautista and Elder Kocherhans served together in Santiago toward the first part of his mission.

I went through and found this photo of their first round as companions...

Now, together again, assigned to serve as Alicia Zone Leaders in Echague.

June 1, 2015-- Email #83

June 1, 2015

Bagabag, Philippines

Family,

I'm sorry, but this is going to go down in history as the shortest email of the mission! We had to travel to Santiago this morning to fix Elder DelosReyes eye glasses and now we don't have any time! I will say this though: Next email will be in my new area! I'm transferred!

We had a few investigators at church this last Sunday! Jonalyn came with Jupelyn, the young woman recent convert we've been teaching. She had a part in the program so it was really powerful having Jonalyn's fellow-shipper being able to testify at the pulpit about baptism and confirmation! Abish also came with her whole family, and we had an excellent combined class from one of the mission Presidency about the Atonement. It was a great Sunday.

The rest of the week was really good. One thing, that I'd like to go into greater detail on but time forbids, happened on Friday morning. Elder DelosReyes and I were holding a weekly planning session, and began to conduct companionship inventory at the end. Unexpectedly, there arose a great deal of contention between the two of us. Misunderstandings, lack of communication from washing dishes to paying jeepnee fair... etc. After we had spoken our minds to each other, or so we thought, we both looked down at our desks and waited for a considerable amount of time, trying to get a grip on what had just happened. Suddenly, the words stumbled out of my mouth, "are you afraid to get married?" I don't know where they came from, but afterwards, we both looked at each other and realized that we needed to resolve our issues, swallow pride, and show greater love, if we were to expect a healthier relationship when we get married to our spouses respectively. The conversation evolved deeper and deeper, going from effective fatherhood, how many times we'd told our families we love them, gossip in the mission being destructive to our perspectives, preventing future family problems, magnifying our Priesthood, and gaining greater perspective on the Atonement. At the end, Elder DelosReyes was really discouraged in himself for mistakes he had made. I poured out my heart to him, telling him that missionaries like him were hard to come by. Our family is strong in the Gospel, and I thank God every day for it, but his family is broken by adultery and greed, loosing its Gospel ground. Yet, every day, he still goes out and testifies to every ear within reach that families can be together forever, and the Gospel will bless them. That takes real bravery. It's easy for me to say. But for him, it's hard, and much more meaningful. We hugged it out and marveled at the awesome experience we had just had, enlightening one another's understanding and gaining greater perspective. We ended with prayer, asking for forgiveness, and praying for our future families and spouses, that we would be worthy of their trust and be the kind of men we needed to be for them.

I know this work is true. I know that love lasts forever. It is perpetuated beyond the grave. If we give the Lord our hearts, He'll give us all in return. It has been paid, so it is our duty to God to learn to love greater, deeper, more like Christ. I love Him, and I love my fellow brothers and sisters that I've come to know here on Earth, and forge stronger relationships with, to extend into the eternities. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Kocherhans

P.S. I saw Jethro and Henry when we were in Santiago! Awesome catching up with them. Miss those guys.

May 25, 2015-- Email #82

May 25, 2015

Bagabag, Philippines

Kumusta!

Once again, just happy to be alive, and happy to have a spiritual witness of God's truth that I can share with others! We had a very interesting week... to be honest, "weird" is the best way to describe it, but I saw in the course of things that God was making some arrangements for me and Elder DelosReyes that we hadn't had in mind, turning out much better and much more meaningful than anything we might have mustered up. When you allow yourself to be an instrument in God's hand, life is just simply beautiful. 

Tuesday was in particular of a very bizarre variety... In the morning we had a service project at an elementary school. We dusted roofs and painted walls in preparation for the upcoming school year. We also, unexpectedly, found that Brigham Young had found his place among some of the famous educators framed and quoted throughout the school yard. How cool is that! And completely random... They must have had an LDS guy on the Board of Directors there some year or something. Anyways, once we got home and left out for work, a very strange string of connections began happening. First off -- Michael, you'll get a kick out of this -- we were coming back from one of our investigator's homes when a woman called us, "Hello, Elders!" We asked her if she had met with missionaries before. "Yes, when I was in Singapore. My son and his wife are members of your Church, and missionaries would come to our house almost every week. Elder... Something, I forgot his name, but the other one was Elder Wadsworth." Hmmm. Wadsworth. I couldn't be the Elder Wadsworth, your brother serving in southeast Asia, could it? Let's narrow it down, I said, "Elder Wadsworth? What color is his hair?" "Red." "That's him!" So you can tell your brother I met their investigator Lilia Isip, along with family members Louie and Erica, here in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Weird connection. 

But it didn't end there. We walked down the street a little farther and noticed a group of people, who started loudly talking about how an American was approaching (under the impression I couldn't understand). Once we got closer I greeted them in Ilocano to assure them I wasn't new around here. We started talking with one of the couples in the group and there was a man that used to work in the home town of Elder DelosReyes, and his wife originally came from Samar and knew a Rebojo family there upon further investigation. Ok, that's another weird connection... I started talking about how small the world is with Elder DelosReyes, and almost immediately upon his explanation "what else could possibly happen?", a young boy passed by on his bike, wearing a t-shirt that read with big letters, "DelosReyes". Well, there you go. We stopped the boy and started talking to him. Turns out there was no family relation with this one. The following, however, was shocking. Elder DelosReyes asked him "what's your name, bro?", to the reply of "uh, actually, I'm not a bro..." He was a she; A cross-dressing she. Lot's of other weird things happened that day, including children chewing beetle-nut, a few mentally challenged people approaching us, and a little girl scaring Elder DelosReyes, but after it all, we ended up reaching one of our investigator families at the perfect time. They were complete; husband, wife, and children. The lesson was really good, and I was so happy that we were able to reach them, considering they're almost never available together. It made me realize, as I mentioned above, that God was making arrangements for us, and although it made the world seem like it was a little upside down and jolted, we got to declare the gospel to those we needed to, no matter how unsuspecting or different they seemed. 

We've been having really good spiritual experiences with sister Rita as of late. Our last few lessons about the restoration through Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon have been very uplifting, and sister has had tear-stained eyes at the end of each one. The Holy Ghost is telling her our words are true for sure, and now she just has to make the steps of asking and reading for herself. We taught Jonalyn about the Pre-Mortal life and she said it makes her feel happy that she chose to do hard things, a.k.a. experience earth life and choose for herself. She feels really good about the Church, but still has reluctance not attending the Catholic Church, which is understandable. Please continue praying for these individuals. Even if some won't be baptized in my time, I know the Lord's time will come for them, and the steps to feel the Spirit, act in doctrine, and follow the Savior, begin now. 

We're teaching a little girl in a part-member family named Abish. She is super adorable and wants to be baptized. Her older brother, Vergo (who I think I've mentioned in past emails) is entering his mission papers, which is an answer to prayers! Anyways, the lessons with Abish are going well. Her closing prayer last time was hilarious. So honest, and so... Really just makes me wonder where she picked this up... She said (translated) "bless the Elders that they'll get home safe. And hopefully no one will *CENSORED* [edit for language, rough translation means 'stupid bad people will do bad things'] to them on their way home..." Oh boy, it was hilarious, and I'm sure Heavenly Father was having a fun time with that one as well. I think all of us must sound like that sometimes to Him. We can't find the perfect words to say, but it doesn't bother Him. To paraphrase Sister Hilary Weeks, "I may struggle and stutter... And sometimes swear... But to you, it's the perfect prayer."

I had my Birthday dinner at the Branch President's house, which was delicious. The members have been feeding us almost every night, so we've gotten so much closer to them. I love the people here so much. I love the food here, and I'm getting better and better at cooking the local dishes. Elder DelosReyes let's me know what he wants for lunches, we buy ingredients on p-Day, and then we feast. It's been good cooking experience for me. 

We had interviews with President Rahlf this last week. It was a great interview, about where I thought I would be in the next ten years. I have been blessed with a vision for a good future, and I have a multitude of promised blessings I can count on. President Rahlf has been a great mentor to me. He has amazing leadership skills within the Church and without, and it's been an inspiring model for me to follow. I'm so grateful for his vision and his example as a Mission President.

Well, I think that's my report for this week! I love you all! I know this Church is true. I didn't come to that knowledge from persuasion of any individual, or a measured display of evidence. but because, as Alma said, "I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me." I love my testimony of the truth and I love to share it to God's children. May we all be filled with that love. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

-Elder Kocherhans

Selfie on the Jeepnee!

 Elementary School Service Project

And one of the items on the menu, ginisa. (Cooked vegetables including eggplant, ladyfinger, string beans, pumpkin, and tomatoes, cooked with garlic and onions)

Also on the menu, bicol express (pork meat with pumpkin, beans, and spicy chilies, cooked in coconut milk, ginger, garlic and onions)

(Editors note: I found this picture on the Cauayan Mission Facebook page this week. I love finding & collecting pictures of our missionary from other sources :-)

May 18, 2015-- Email #81

May 18, 2015

Bagabag, Philippines

Dear Family,

Well, it was nice to be able to Skype call last week! The internet was out in almost every other computer shop but that one, so I think it's safe to call it a miracle that we were able to pull it off! Next time we'll be seeing each other will be in the flesh... That's a very bizarre prospect to consider. But I'm sure if the Lord was able to help me adjust in the mission field, he'll be able to help me adjust to home life as well, when the time comes.

I just want to start off my email by sharing my testimony of the Atonement. I know I share it almost every week in my emails, but it's because it's one of the dearest parts of who I am; that is, my testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ was the pre-mortal Jehovah of the Old Testament, and that through Him the heavens and the earth were created. He was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer and was prepared by our Eternal Father to fulfill this divine mission of conquering death and sin. He was born of a mortal woman, Mary, and an immortal Father, making Him the Only-Begotten Son of God. He walked among men here on earth, showing them the way to eternal life. He organized His Church. He walked among the covenant people that He Himself had given commandments to on the mountain and in the wilderness. His own people could not recognize that the great I AM was indeed in their midst, and because of pride, rejected Him. He was fully aware of His mission to accomplish. His mission was to conquer evil and death, and to give us a chance to return home. His sacrifice was not that of man; man alone could never make an offering to pay for the sins of a fallen world. Only one who was Endless, Eternal, even the Son of God, could accomplish this "infinite and eternal sacrifice" (Alma 34:10). He knelt in a garden of olive trees, and gave every last bit of Himself for us, submitting completely to the will of the Father. It was far beyond any mortal suffering, and far beyond anything we could begin to fathom. "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (D&C 19:18) That very night He was betrayed by friends for money, taken in a false trial, and tortured cruely. "And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men."  (1 Nephi 19:9) It was far beyond a martyr's death, or a testimony of blood against wicked men, but it was an instrument of everlasting healing, prepared from the foundations of the world, for us, God's children, and pre-mortal followers of Christ. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) His almighty hands and feet were pierced by nails, and He was raised on a cross until He gave up the ghost according to His own power. After three days, His soul returned to His body, never to be separated again, and became a glorious resurrected being. He lived again, and still lives! He is risen! He commissioned us to preach His word, and ascended into Heaven, into incomprehensible glory. Because of that victory over death and sin, I am filled with "a perfect brightness of hope" that the day will come when we will all be raised from mortality to immortality, and we can be cleansed from the countless iniquities that have so easily beset us in the flesh, because we have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ, who wants more than anything that we come unto Him, and be partakers of this wonderful gift given to us. No amount of eloquence can really articulate what I feel in my heart and soul concerning Jesus, but I thank God that the Holy Spirit has testified to me of these wonderful truths, and that now they are such a dear part of me, that will never fade away. To my dying breath, and far beyond the grave, I will testify of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior. I know He lives. 

 Tuesday was super cool. We had an awesome Zone Meeting where we set new goals with the Zone concerning contacting and finding new investigators, and conducted a 20-minute finding activity that very hour, talking to people just outside the chapel, on the city streets. We felt it would be more powerful if we kicked off the new Zone goals by going out and doing them, rather than just talking about it. It sure did get us energized! And so-far it's been super effective; our average contacts and new investigator average for the Zone is steadily going up, so it's pretty fun stuff! Super grateful for that.

That night, we came to the Valdez family for a dinner appointment. Sister Valdez asked us if we wanted to go catch beetles and eat them for dinner, and we readily accepted. How cool is that! We hiked out to this huge corn field with sticks, large empty plastic bottles, and some dead bark strips, wondering what on earth we had gotten ourselves into. We waited, squatting in the corn rows until the sun started sinking. Then, all of a sudden the ground started humming and thousands of beetles started flying around us. They are attracted to the dead bark strips, so you just start waving them around, grabbing as many beetles as you can fit in your hands. We did that for about 15 minutes and got two bottles full before we headed back. Once we got back we ripped off their legs and wings and fried them up in some garlic and vinegar. Talk about a dinner appointment! I love this place! 

On Thursday we chopped some wood for a service project and had some more delicious food. The week went really well in general. The main difficulty we had was some immature fellowshippers joining us that made the work difficult... We still managed. We met with an investigator, Jonalyn, whom we hadn't seen in a long time. When we started following-up her prayers and reading she said she had received and answer to her prayers that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. Awesome! The only problem facing her is a difficult boyfriend situation... I'll keep you updated.

Anyways, out of time! Just glad I was able to testify! I love this place and this work. I know God lives. We have a loving Heavenly Father who is so merciful. I love Him so much, and I'm grateful for the gift of His son. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

-Elder Kocherhans

(I think I'll call this one Hakuna matata... ;-)  gulp...  

Catching "Abal-abal" (Ilocano for Corn Beetle)

Service project, chopping wood. 

FHE at the Bayatan home

Uh-oh! President Rahlf dressing down! (For an object lesson concerning proper missionary attire, of course...)