The Church has been in the Philippines for 50 years!
And what a celebration they had last weekend!
Saturday night was a cultural event along the lines of the events that they put on all the time now when a new temple is dedicated. And Sunday was an Area Conference with satellite participation by Quentin L. Cook, Julie B. Beck, and President Boyd K. Packer. Such a powerful weekend.
There were wonderful presentations telling about the history of the Church in the Philippines. Three of the four original missionaries sent in on June 5, 1961 were present. One of them was Ray Goodson, who eventually came back as a mission president in later years. We had a visitor from Salt Lake City PEF with us, Nick Ward, and he also served as a missionary here in the Philippines. We thought it appropriate that he should have his picture taken with one of those who made it possible for him to serve here.
There were also dances representing the different areas of the Philippines as well as the different eras of history. There were dances showing the influence of the Spanish and dances showing the Muslim influence in the southern provinces. Everything was so beautifully done. The young men and women, the young adults, and even the Primary kids have been practicing for this for two years! Amazing commitment.
I don't know how many people were in the choir, but it was gigantic and powerful!
They sang on Saturday and then again on Sunday morning for the Area Conference. One of our Senior Missionaries was in the choir, as well as our buddy, Jib, and his friend, Butch.
The Second Counselor in the Area Presidency, soon to become Area President, Elder Michael Teh gave an address at the Conference where he proclaimed, along with President Packer, that the work in the Philippines has only just begun. He said the Lord will hasten his work in this land and he encouraged the people to "try the virtue of the Word of God".
It was an amazing, uplifting, wonderful weekend.
Beautiful and inspiring - thanks for sharing. Was there only one performance or will it be done a number of times? We hope that it will be available as a DVD so many can see it.
ReplyDeleteWow! What an event! Sounds like you are really in your element there. Have you found a nursery to borrow plants from yet?
ReplyDeleteIs it hot? Do you have AC in your apartment? Do you have to wear pantyhose or knee nylons, or bare toes? Sorry to ask these stupid questions here, but they were not covered in the FAQ post.
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