Black and White and Beyond

4.10.2017

COME AND TRY US OUT: THE NORTH SHORE WARD OPEN HOUSE

It's an activity that was carefully planned for. It wasn't an easy task, yet today, we made it possible.

Almost 2 months ago, full time and ward missionaries of North Shore ward thought of doing an open house to showcase our basic beliefs to the community, as well as to give wonderful opportunities for the public to see the inside of the Mormon church building in Lynn Valley.

For weeks, Sisters Steele (who was transferred few weeks before the event) , Macaso, Money and Liao coordinated closely with the ward mission leader, Ninoy Bahin; members of the Bishopric and with the different auxiliary leaders for the upcoming activity. It was challenging as the Sunday before the schedule, there was the Annual General Conference and no church services was held in the chapel. Ad campaign thru text messages by the missionaries and Facebook posts kept us reminded. And so today, despite the heavy rainfall, members, leaders and non-members alike came to 941 Lynn Valley Road to check on the first open house for the Chapel since more than a decade ago.

This beautiful invitation card was handed to the members 2 weeks before the open house.

Our ward mission leader, Bro. Bahin and his wife, Maricar posted in Facebook that 3 days prior, they gave away flyers at the nearby mall and bus stop, with the caption:

Just finished giving out our church tour flyers for our open house on Saturday! Love doing missionary work with our ward mission leader Ninoy Bahin :) #ishouldhavegoneonamission #wardmissionary

(Photo grabbed from Car's Facebook account)

At exactly 11:10 in the morning, more than 30 people were gathered together at the sacrament hall where the program was officially opened by Arnel Oro, 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. An opening prayer was rendered then we proceeded to the different rooms of the chapel.

THE YOUNG WOMEN ORGANIZATION

First stop was at the Young Women's room. Vanessa Bahin introduced us to the program.

Sister Bahin talked of the YW organization as a whole, how a young woman is entered into Beehive, Miamaid, and Laurel in the YW, their various projects, Sunday lessons, weekly activities and what they want to achieve while they are in the program.

Vanessa also mentioned the Young Women theme and motto which they recite weekly to be reminded of their divine potentials.

Members listened intently as she discussed further of the YW theme, motto and this year's theme which is ASK.

This year, the Young Women organization is focused on the theme ASK with the scriptural reference in James 1:5.

THE YOUNG MEN ORGANIZATION

Our next stop was at the cultural hall. Jonathan Limos, the Young Men president used the hall (due to bigger space) to showcase most of the things young men do like camping and other outdoor activities.

Brother Limos explained that the purpose of the organization is to assist the young men ages 12-18 to come unto Christ through the different programs of the church like Duty to God, Sunday lessons, scouting and other activities that promote faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He also explained the Young Men's theme for the year which is the same as the YW : ASK with James 1:5 as the scriptural reference. Strength of youth was mentioned, the seminary program and various young men activities that help prepare these young men to serve a full time mission.

At the conclusion of his presentation, a video of Joseph Smith when he asked God which church to join was shown. Assisting him was 11 year-old Aaron Carriere, a soon-to-be young men.

THE RELIEF SOCIETY ORGANIZATION

The Relief Society Organization was introduced by Brenna Baumgartner, the ward RS president.

Sister Brenna talked of the RS theme Charity and how we learn to become more like our Savior.

Jody Limos discussed the many humanitarian projects the relief society is involved in. She mentioned that the ward had chosen the Lookout shelter, Books and Bluejeans drive, the John Volken Academy, Spectrum, and the Baskets of Love for babies with Down Syndrome as beneficiaries.

Brenna continued on with a lesson on Faith, where she used a jar with nothing on it but later made us realize that there is actually something in it, which was air but we can't see it. She likened it with our faith.

GENEALOGY AND FAMILY RESEARCH

On Genealogy. Bro. Troy and Sister Annie Strong discussed about Family Research.

Brother Strong taught one of the investigators how to get an account on Family Research to help him start his genealogy.

In this picture, Xan was making his Family Research account.

There are many resources available for members who would want to do genealogical research.

PRIMARY

Heather Bourne, the ward primary president gave us a peek of what is done when children are in the Primary Class. According to Heather, music time and sharing time are great opportunities for kids to learn about the gospel. The Primary theme CTR or Choose The Right with scriptural reference on Joshua 24:15 was also mentioned.

Then Sister Bourne gave us an example of how a lesson is taught in the primary. She discussed the Plan of Salvation where
the questions Where did I come From, What is my purpose in life, Where will I go after this life were answered using pictures as her medium.

She concluded her presentation by reading lyrics of the children's song I Live In Heaven.

BAPTISM AND THE BAPTISMAL FONT

Arnel Oro, second counselor in the Bishopric briefly explained the ordinance of baptism.

He mentioned that our chapel has a baptismal font where we baptize people who have accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the full time missionaries explained of the most important components of baptism in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: baptism by immersion by one having proper authority to baptize. Sister Macaso said that baptism is necessary for an individual to become a member of the church and to receive eternal salvation.

THE BISHOP AND THE BISHOP'S OFFICE

Bishop Bateman welcomed us in his office, which he said wasn't a "principal's office" because what is discussed in that room is confidential and never divulged to anyone. He let us experience how it feels like to be in the Bishop's office.

Bishop Bateman explained his responsibilities in the ward and his role to the members of his congregation, the many resources that helped him fulfill his calling, him being a judge in Israel, and his role in assisting members undergo repentance process.

He also discussed the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth and gave each investigator a copy. He concluded by bearing his testimony of the Gospel.

The tour was closed at the Sacrament Hall where a video about Jesus Christ was shown. I personally felt the Spirit and there was joy as I watch how the Savior have loved us that He atoned for our sins that if we repent, we can come back into His presence.

The program was closed with a prayer and the blessing of food.

A light snack was provided after the tour.

We enjoyed the sweets and the treats as we thank each one for coming.

Bishop Bateman, in his concluding talk extended an invitation to those investigators who attended: COME AND TRY US OUT! It was bold, straightforward yet compelling and with love.

And to all those who are searching for the truth, we invite you all to COME AND TRY US OUT!

Sent from my iPhone

11.20.2016

MY SPA DE JAVU EXPERIENCE

Sea salt foot soak for 5 minutes before the reflexology foot massage.

11.09.2016

LESSON LEARNED ON A MONDAY

Going out for some important transaction downtown isn't so much fun at all! The not-so-cold but not-so-warn autumn weather, fairly cloudy with rainshowers in between at 12 degress and me wearing a pair of knee high boots, leggings, black top underneath with white tee as my top and the heavy wool coat to keep me warm is such a nuisance! I prefer a pair of slippers, plain tee and jeans walking around but that's not always the case in this part of the world. After all, it's 6 weeks before winter!

Going downtown without a car from Northshore means getting into the 239 or 228 bus, get down Lonsdale Quay for the seabus going to Waterfront for 15 minutes and a 5-minute walk to the World Trade Center-Vancouver where the Philippine Consulate office is. Well, that's my case. Others either take the bus or the skytrain to get around places. Going back of course, will still be the same, unless you opt on riding a bus to Park Royal via Dundarave if you're not in a hurry.

In riding the bus, seabus or the skytrain, we use compass card. "Compass is the reloadable fare card that works everywhere on transit in Metro Vancouver. To travel on SkyTrain, SeaBus or West Coast Express, you need a Compass Card or Compass Ticket to open fare gates or to tap on a station validator. You can keep using cash, bus transfers and FareSavers on buses, but you’ll need Compass to transfer to rail or SeaBus. Compass Cards can be loaded with Monthly Passes, DayPasses and Stored Value. Loading Stored Value onto your Compass Card is just like adding cash to your card, so you can pay-as-you-go". (www.compasscard.ca)

Now there's 2 kinds of compass cards: blue for adult and orange for concession or HandyCard.

"Eligible for HandyCard holders are seniors 65 years and older and youth 14 to 18 years with valid photo identification proving age, and children 5 to 13 years. Children under 5 years ride free when accompanied by an adult (maximum 4 children per adult)".

For passengers who wish to use a single ticket, a compass ticket is also available but not reloadable.

Fare is as follows:

Source: compasscard.ca

With this so much info from the website and campaign ads, there are still people (sadly) who don't take things seriously!

Going back to North Vancouver after filing one document to the consulate office and sending it to the Philippines took me 45minutes and going back, I'm taking the same route of taking the seabus then bus 239 to work. This will take me less than an hour should I take the cab to my workplace from Phibbs Exchange.

I was sitting quietly near the exit when a huge man in his dark blue uniform just popped up inside the seabus a minute after it took off.

He asked every passenger of their compass card for checking. Now this scenario isn't so common! Police or transit security are seen around bus/seabus stations but them doing random check isn't a routine especially at this unlikely not-so-busy hour of the day. Random spot check is done by scanning the card thru their own scanning machine. And what does that mean when a passenger is caught using the wrong compass card? "Didn't you know that it has severe penalty that comes with it?", said he to my seatmate, a normal adult who was busted for having bought a single concession ticket. Speaking in his Russian accent, he tried to explain that he's "new here and doesn't know". The security guy talked louder and slower, trying to explain to him that the card he bought wasn't the right one for him. He tried to have him talk and admit that he bought the cheaper ticket to save money but the guy can barely speak English. Words were few and hand gestures frequent as he tried to convince this transit police that he can barely understand the language and insisted he really don't know what a concession is and what's that for. The tansit security explained that he can be penalized with a hefty $123.00 as fine. Tho' the man tried to stay calm and listened intently, I can tell that he's nervous and agitated. After the big guy in uniform told him the consequences of being fraudulent with compass cards, he then moved on to my side and checked my card.

Well, he must not in the mood to penalize anyone he caught (4 of them actually) today! He just reminded them that the next time they get into any of translink's mode of transportation, they should purchase the right compass card and fare to avoid penalty. These guys were lucky to have gotten away. But this isn't only a reminder for them, it's also a lesson learned for me. Many times, my sister would remind me to always load my compass card and not to forget to tap it to get in and when I'm exiting. She'll always say that once caught, it isn't only the penalty that's the issue, the record of having been fraudulent can also sever my work status in the country. "Put this in mind, Better be safe than sorry" were her way of saying obey the rules!

Character indeed is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught. Lucky was that guy! He got away with this today but I hope he learned a great lesson from his experience. I did!

Looking from afar, I'm just glad that I'm back at North Shore! It's been a long morning for me on one Monday morning.

*The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it. ~ Robert H. Schuller

9.04.2016

MY TESTIMONY

It's September 4 and it's the first Sunday of the month. First Sunday of the month is the testimony Sunday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Testimony is sharing your uplifting experiences and feelings about the Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Today, Bishop Bateman conducted the sacrament services. After the partaking of the sacrament, it was announced that the pulpit is already open for testimony sharing. There were few people who stood up, some were "not prepared" or didn't plan to really stand on the pulpit to say their testimonies. When there was blank space, my nephew Kirby nudged me, signalling I stand and bear my testimony. I wasn't prepared neither! But there was none who was anyway! And so when I found courage, I stood up and bore my testimony.

This was what I remember saying:

Back in the Philippines, whenever we go to Church on Sundays, my daughters and I ride a tricycle. A tricycle is a motorcycle with a side car that carries 3-4 passengers. Every time we ride a tricycle, I would instruct the driver to bring us to the true Church. And the driver would ask: "Where is that?", and my answer will always be "Just few meters away, at the Mormon Church". My daughters would often give me a look, or a word "mommy", in the most disgusting manner, or sometimes they just smile or laugh. For the whole time that I was with them, they got used to have me say to the driver on Sundays, "We're going to the True Church". And whenever the driver will ask "Where is that?", my answer will always be "At the Mormon Church!"

When I arrived in Canada, my sister told me that I should never say anything about Church or God to people because they will think I'm weird. One time, we rode a cab and I tried saying "We're going to the true Church!" in my smallest voice. The cab said, "Where?" "To the Mormon Church, 941 Lynn Valley Road", I answered firmly. Tho' the cab driver knew where the Mormon Church is, he never asked anything about the Church.

One time, my client asked me if I go to a certain Church so I said yes, I go to the Mormon Church. Then I shared our belief about the Plan of Salvation. After sharing with her my belief about the premortal life, us when we were spirits, then came to earth for a purpose then when we die, our spirit goes to the spirit world then we can be resurrected. Her reaction? "That's the most ridiculous story I've ever heard!", she said with her eyes rolling. And so I thought that my sister might be right after all! DO NOT TALK ABOUT GOD OR CHURCH BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL THINK YOU'RE WEIRD!"

Last week, after I received the endorsement from the previous shift, the caregiver who's about to leave exclaimed that she's happy having not to work on a Friday and Saturday. I asked why and she said she's going to a church activity. Then she asked if I belong to a church. I said yes, I am a Mormon. Then she asked the difference between her church and mine. I mentioned about the living prophet, of which she said, we have a pope, too. Then I recalled once again my belief about the premortal life, our purpose on earth and the life here after, of which she again said, we believe in that, too! And then she incessantly asked, "So what's the difference between your church and mine?" So I said, "Mine is the true church!" And she stopped asking questions!

Yesterday, I received a message from my daughter that she has a good news! I asked what was it but because of slow internet connection in the Philippines, she wasn't able to message back immediately. I was so excited to know what the good news was. I sent her bunch of messages but still, she will not tell me. So I called her on the phone the next day. Then she said that the good news was that she was able to finish reading her Book of Mormon for 17 straight days and that she've gained a stronger testimony of the Gospel and the Atonement. She mentioned that when she read the dedication I've written in the first page of the Book (of Mormon) I gave her as a gift before I left for Canada that her faith will grow stronger when she read the book was true after all. Subsequently, all of the many testimonies I`ve borne to my daughter have paid off. Be it telling the tricycle driver that the Church is true or writing it in the book I gave her, she finally have known to herself that the Church is indeed true.

Sometimes, the testimonies we bear, no matter how or where we say it can have an impact in other people`s lives. It may not be soon but surely, somehow, there`ll be people who will benefit from it. And today, I bear you my testimony that the Church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I received praises after bearing my testimony. Yet in my heart, I knew that someone down there in that congregation have felt the sincerity of my words. That somehow, they might be inspired that when someone ask which Church we go to, they`ll say with conviction: IT`S IN THE TRUE CHURCH!

MY TESTIMONY

It's September 4 and it's the first Sunday of the month. First Sunday of the month is the testimony Sunday in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Testimony is sharing your uplifting experiences of and feeling about the Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Today, Bishop conducted the sacrament services. After the partaking of the sacrament, it was announced that the pulpit is already open for testimony sharing. There were few people who stood up, some were "not prepared" or didn't plan to really stand on the pulpit to say their testimonies. When there was blank space, my nephew Kirby nudged at me, signalling I stand and bear my testimony. I was prepared! But there was none who was anyway! And so when I found my courage I stood up and bore my `testimony.

This was what I remember saying:

Back in the Philippines, whenever we go to the Church on Sundays, my daughters and I ride a tricycle. A tricycle is a motorcycle with a side car that carries 3-4 passengers. Every time we ride a tricycle, I would instruct the driver to bring us to the true Church. And the driver would ask: "Where is that?", and my answer will always be "Just few meters away, at the Mormon Church". My daughters would often give me a look, or a word "mommy", in the most disgusting manner, or sometimes they just smile or laugh. For the whole time that I was with them, they got used to have me say to the driver on Sundays, "We're going to the True Church". And whenever the driver will ask "Where is that?", my answer will always be "At the Mormon Church!"

One time, my client asked me if I go to a certain Church so I said yes, I go to the Mormon Church. Then I shared our belief about the Plan of Salvation. After sharing with her my belief about the premortal life, us when we were spirits then came to earth for a purpose then when we die, our spirit goes to the spirit world then we can be resurrected. Her reaction? "That's the most ridiculous story I've ever heard!", she said with her eyes rolling. And so I thought that my sister might be right after all! DO NOT TALK ABOUT GOD OR CHURCH BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL THINK YOU'RE WEIRD!"

Yesterday, I received a message from my daughter that she has a good news! I asked what was it but because of slow internet connection in the Philippines, she wasn't able to message back. I was so excited to know what was the good news, I sent her bunch of messages but still she will not tell me. So I called her on the phone the next day. Then she said that her good news was that she was able to finish reading her book of Mormon for 17 straight days and that she've gained a stronger testimony of the Gospel and the Atonement. And as she read the dedication I've written in the Book (of Mormon) I gave her as a gift before I left for Canada, she said that I what I told her that she will be stronger in the faith when she read the book was true after all. All of the many testimonies I`ve borne have paid off. Be it telling the tricycle driver that the Church is true or writing it in the book I gave her, she finally have known the Church is indeed true.

Sometimes, the testimonies we bear, no matter how we say it can have an impact in other people`s lives. It may not be soon but surely, somehow, there`ll be people who will benefit from it. And today, I bear you my testimony that the Church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I received praises after bearing my testimony. Yet in my heart, I knew that someone down there in that congregation have felt the sincerity of my words. That somehow, they might be inspired that when someone ask which Church we do belong, they`ll say with conviction: IT`S IN THE TRUE CHURCH!