November & December Edition

Elder Jacob Crandall

Philippines Cebu Mission 12-2015

It has been a really great week! This last week we were incredibly busy. We set some goals to just kill it and talk to everyone. It was really successful, we talked to tons of people and found lots of new investigators. This week has been mostly follow-ups. 

There hasn’t really been anything new this week. Brother Racho has gone to church 4 weeks in a row except last week he wasn’t able to go. He actually had a very valid reason so it was all good. We committed him to be baptized on Christmas, but we aren’t  sure if it will happen. He committed but he is still working on some W.O.W things.

I went on splits with Elder Kim, he is from Korea and we had a great time!

Things are really going great in Carcar! Great kabalay( house mates) great comp, great area and things are just great!

Elder Crandall

p.s.  Yeah, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here. And turkey is out of our budget:) haha  There is actually what’s called a fiesta today. It started about a week ago with different activities but todays the end and the big day. It is for a saint but it ends up that everyone parties and lots of food. There are TONS of people on the streets selling stuff. It’s like a city festival! I’ll have to get a picture.

Elder Kent Templin

Japan Tokyo Mission 5-2016

Kent’s ward had a Halloween party, and he dressed like the Joker.  While he and his companion rode their bikes home, they stopped at a stoplight, and some college students stared at him. Kent said, “hi”, and they said, “cool.” They were clearly impressed. Before arriving home, Kent and his companion stopped at McDonalds. Soon McDonald’s employees gathered around the cash register to see the Joker. Kent ordered in a Batman voice. His companion said, “I can’t believe you did that.” The McDonald’s employees loved it. “Are you dressed for a Halloween party?” they asked. Kent said “yes.” They wanted to go to the party, too, but it was already finished.

Sunday, he had an “awesome” lesson about tithing with their investigator. He comes to church like a regular member and seems close to baptism.

Hermana Emily Santiago

Spain Madrid Mission 3-2016

This is Emily's childhood friend Tori. She is not a member of the church. She is staying in Spain for 9 months to be an Au Pair. These pictures were taken outside the Madrid, Spain Temple.

Emily is doing very well! She returns home in March, so she's down to her last 4 months. Pretty crazy!

Elder Brandon Wilson

Philippines Taclobon Mission

Returns September 2017

The plane ride to the Philippines was super long. I think I took a good 6 hour nap at the end. We were traveling for about 36 hours total (after waking up at 3 AM… and going to bed at 1 -_- got to love the weight limit hahaha!) After arriving, we were then escorted to the Philippines MTC! It was great! We arrived at around 12 AM on the Oct. 30th. Been super busy out here. The Philippines is awesome! I love it out here. My companion Elder Tayam(a Filipino) is Phenomenal. Such an obedient and patient trainer, but also knows when to Have fun! The people here are really receptive to our message and will listen, if they do not want to be taught. They are all so willing to be taught by others! It is already Christmas here (Christmas from September till January!) so Christmas songs are in full swing! I am in a apartment with a American, a Samoan, and a Filipino. I love it out here! The people are the best part! They will always feed you (rice and lots of it!), even if they were not planning on it. They are so giving, and humble. It is awesome! Till next time, have a stupendous Christmas season!

Elder George Sheko

Argentina Mendoza Mission

Departs December 30, 2015

George Sheko has been called to the Argentina Mendoza Mission. Please join us for his Farewell Open House on Sunday, December 20th, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at our home: 2912 Falling Brook Drive in Plano. Light refreshments will be served. George will be speaking in the Plano 4^th Ward’s Sacrament Meeting at 1:00 pm along with returning missionary Elder Jacob Crandall.  How great is that?   

September & October Preaching Fourth

Elder Jacob Crandall

Philippines Cebu Mission 1-2016

Hello! 

Wow, things are going really well!  I really love it here on Negros but will be transferring to Cebu again after about 9 months on Negros.

My companion is Elder Lawrence from New Zealand. He is the man, I have enjoyed being with him so much. I have learned so much from him and really loved learning about the Polynesian culture. 

We have spent the last couple weeks studying about Christ-like attributes. This is one of the hardest things I feel for people to progress in, Charity on a higher level of love. We should to look at others as family and try to see them as Christ see's them. 

Hope all is going well in Plano 4

Elder Crandall

Hermana Emily Santiago

Spain Madrid Mission 3-2016

Hermana Santiago is currently serving in the city of Gijon on the northern coast of Spain.  In the last six months she has traversed the mission from one end (The Canary Islands) to the other.  She and her companion are serving as the Sister Training Leaders for the northern third of the mission, which keeps them both very busy.  She hit her one year mark in September and is quickly beginning to realize that the final third of her mission will pass quickly. She sent this note last week regarding their mission leadership counsel meetings in Madrid.  She loves her mission and commented that the people of Spain have become “her people”.

 ‘We had Mission Leadership Council this week.  It was one of the most spiritually powerful meetings I have been to in my life. It was one of those
meetings that change your life I'd say, and that had nothing to do with being a leader. We were just all so spiritually edified. Wow! We talked about Repentance and how it directly correlates to retention in the church. It is the key, more so than baptism (which is necessary, only so that we can repent, and continue to repent the rest of our
lives). We then talked about the Sacrament and how it is a covenant that we make every 7 days. Elder Holland said it is the only covenant we get to do over. We learned about how important it is to
make the Sacrament a spiritual experience every week, and that we must be comfortable in our need to constantly repent. We then led into the
Sabbath day and the importance of keeping it holy. It is the subject I am sure will be touched on much in General Conference.

Elder Kent Templin

Japan Tokyo Mission 5-2016

Kent and his companion met with a guy who reminded Kent of an old friend who Kent grew up with. One of the joys of missionary work is meeting new people who become friends for life.

Also, Kent drew a poster for his ward’s summer festival. “Bon” Festivals are common during this time when people celebrate their ancestors with food, games, song, and dance. Tradition says that during this time, ancestors come to join the festivities. Of course, ancestors are an important part of our church, too. Kent continues to find new ways to use his art talent while doing missionary work.

On September 10^th the sunny days became cloudy, as severe tropical storm Etau caused record-breaking rains in Japan. A number of rivers breached their levees and flooding waters destroyed nearly $100 million dollars of farms, fishing vessels and equipment, and forests, and eight people lost their lives. Kent and other missionaries volunteered to help the disaster victims. Because of some errors in preparation and scheduling, Kent’s group arrived late and were only able to help out for a couple hours. In one family’s storage was a mountain of rice covered in water, and Kent and the others bailed it out.

Possibly due to the time spent in bacteria-filled water, the following day, Kent came down with a fever of 100.76 degrees. Later, Kent’s fever lowered to 98.78 degrees, and he should be fine now.

Elder Brandon Wilson

Philippines Tacloban Mission 9-2017

The MTC is super busy, we have like no time here. Everything is going well, the language is coming slowly, but it is coming. It's crazy how much you can learn in a week! My P-Day is on Friday,  and We have the opportunity to go to the Temple on Friday. Everyone in my District is getting sick, with me being the latest victim. I started feeling a bit off last night, and am now chilling with a fever. Not fun with a language to learn, and a gospel to teach. I love how the main thing that my teachers keep emphasizing is that we need to invite others to come unto Christ. Not just our investigators, but everyone. So excited to go out and serve nga ginoo (The lord). Our Zone has about 30-40 missionaries going to Tacloban, with the rest going to other locations around the Philippines. I believe that we have another zone, consisting of about 30-40 as well, who are also going to Tacloban. One of the craziest things though, is that my companion's dad served in the Philippines. So I get to learn alot about the Philippines prior to even getting there. Which is awesome, because I am getting mixed reviews. either way, its going to be fun being without running water and other niceties for the next 2 years, enjoying it while I can. Hope everyone is doing well, 

Elder Wilson

Elder George Sheko

Receives Call to Serve

Argentina Mendoza Mission

Departs December 30, 2015

August Preaching Fourth

Elder Kent Templin

Japan Tokyo Mission

Returns August 2016

In one transfer call, Kent went from junior companion to becoming senior companion and district leader. Receiving the call was both exciting and intimidating. His new companion, Keilan Faganello comes from Victoria, Canada, and is an artist like Kent. They both were able to use their art skills to draw portraits for investigators, artwork for the free English conversation classes they teach, a poster for the stake (which the stake president keeps a copy of in his office), pamphlets, and more. They also stopped by the dollar store (100-yen shop) to pick up some fake glasses which they used to make some fun photos.

At their ward, Kent was joined by their investigator Kent and a member named Kent—triple Kent! In Japanese, this name is pronounced “Kento” and can have a variety of spellings (using Japanese kanji) and meanings. But the triple Kent didn’t last long. In the photo here, Kent and his companion Keilan got together with the ward’s Young Men to say goodbye to member Kent who left to be a missionary in Nagoya, Japan.

Elder Jacob Crandall
Philippines Cebu Mission

Returns January 2016

 Well I apologize for talking so long to write yall. Things are going so great! I am in an area called Bayawan. Its so great, so beautiful. We cover both a branch and a group each Sunday. So after our 3 hours of church in the branch we drive over to the group about 30 min away. I hope everyone is doing well. I am so excited about Brandon going to the Tacloban mission, he will be speaking the same language as me, Cebuano. 

One thing I wanted to focus on is church attendance, but focused on the Sacrament. Do we go to church just to go on facebook, espn, or texting? Leave the world behind for just 3 hours especially during the sacrament. I chuckled at a question my companion Elder Ellis from New Zealand asked me. When we live in a day where everything is so fast, why are we still late all the time to church? Obviously it generally comes down to priority.

 I really love the mission. I have been able to understand a lot more of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have seen people's lives completely changed because of this message, that in its self is a miracle. 

I love yall all 

Elder Crandall

Hermana Emily Santiago

Spain Madrid Mission

Returns March 2016

Hermana Santiago has been in the Canary Islands now for 4 ½ months.  She has seen incredible change in the work there.  She speaks often of the struggles and obstacles she has faced while there including lack of support from the members, health issues with companions, having her wallet stolen, having all the missionaries pulled from the islands except she and her companion, all on an island where everyone is either on vacation or significantly impoverished.  There is no question that it has been a difficult assignment.  However, we received the following in her latest letter, which gives some insight into the challenges she has faced.

“We had more lessons with the members present this week than any other week in my time here, as well as five investigators at church! A record number! It was such a bittersweet week! I´m not quite sure why we have had so many trials thrown our way as of late, but wait! Actually, yes I do know! It´s because we are finally seeing so much progress in this area. I am so grateful that I have been here to witness it as well. When I arrived here, I didn't know what to do or where to start, because there were so many changes to be made.  We had zero progressing investigators and more less actives than we knew what to do with. This week we have two people on date to be baptized, along with three other progressing investigators that I know will be getting baptized as well. We are receiving references from the members.  The Bishop even scheduled a visit with a less active member and her non-member husband that we´ve never met nor heard of.  We have narrowed down our many to-do´s and really feel like we have a grasp on what the Lords will is for this area.”

Elder Brandon Wilson

Philippines Tacloban Mission

Returns September 2017

Elder Wilson is currently ecstatic about his journey to the Philippines and is excited to assist, and love those that are there. He is enthusiastic that he gets to leave so soon and is overjoyed with the opportunity that the Lord has presented to him ever since he got his call.  He has been provided with many opportunities to serve those around him, and knows that his influence will be able to bring other closer to Christ.  Although he knows that his journey will be vigorous, he knows that it will be the most worthwhile endeavor that he will ever come to face.  "Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God e are called to the work"  D&C 4:3  Elder Wilson knows that he will experience more happiness on his mission than ever before, due to the entirety of it being used in the service of others, and he is eager to begin his work.

June Edition of Preaching Fourth

Elder Jacob Crandall

Philippines Cebu Mission

Returns 1-2016

Preaching Fourth caught Elder Jacob at a busy time and he promised an article next month.

Elder Kent Templin

Japan Tokyo Mission

Returns 5-2016

Elder Kent Templin had a surprise opportunity to visit with his father’s mission president, Satoshi Nishihara, and his wife. For Elder Templin, it felt strange to hear stories about Elder Templin—same name, different missionaries. Different eras. After serving as a mission president, Brother Nishihara went on to become an area seventy. Kent visited him with another missionary from Plano, Elder William Allred.  Small world. Kent thought he would never want to learn a third language, but now he has a wonderful companion from Brazil, and Kent is enjoying learning Portuguese.  Never Say Never!

Hermana Emily Santiago

Spain Madrid Mission

Returns 3-2016

We had our training from two general authorities on how to incorporate IPADS into the missionary work, and how to safeguard ourselves from distractions that they may bring.

Two highlights focused on obedience and faith that go hand-in-hand. First, We were taught that acts of disobedience to the commandments of God are always a direct result of a lack of faith. When our faith is strong, we want to obey God. If we are being disobedient, we must strengthen our faith. To strengthen our faith, we pray, we read the scriptures, we go to church, and then make the necessary changes.  These are two of the basic and constant principles we teach as missionaries.

The second was the thoughts shared on IPADs in missionary work. Many people have been concerned that they will become a distraction or danger for missionaries.  We were assured that this was strictly not the case. The Prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve have prayed and fasted much in order to make this decision, and have each received confirmation from the Lord Jesus Christ.  They received confirmation that He trusts us and knows that our generation is ready and prepared for this. It will it bring great success in proselyting, and will train each missionary to properly use digital devices, so we do not ever fall back into traps that technology unsupervised can bring.  The Lord is giving us these devices in preparation to be the parents necessary for the generation that is coming.

As for the work in Los Cristianos, we are very busy. We are working hard all day every day, and seeing many miracles and tender mercies, and for each miracle and tender mercy we see, we are more motivated to continue forward. I am reminded every day that this is the Lords work, and not mine. He loves each and every one of his children. His work is a work full of miracles, happiness and blessings unimaginable. I love the opportunity I have to be here.  As an instrument in His hands, He teaches me something new each day, and allows me to know Him better. I feel His love for me and all those that I'm serving.

April-May Edition 2015

Elder Kent Templin

Japan Tokyo Mission

Returns August 2016

In March, Kent was surprised at how beautiful the white cherry blossoms are in Tokyo—the trees look like they’re filled with snow. These were different from the pink cherry blossoms Kent experienced in northern Okinawa.

One Sunday, there was an hour before church started, so Kent and his companion took a walk nearby to find nonmembers to talk to. Thirty minutes before church started, they met an elderly man in the park, and he came to church with them. After church they gave him scriptures to take home. It was a happy moment for Kent and his companion.

Recently, Kent was asked to help translate for the missionary zone conference. Afterwards, missionaries thanked him for the translation.

Monday, Kent and his companion taught five lessons, which is a lot, but it’s still a challenge for investigators to commit to baptism. 

Hermana Emily Santiago

Spain Madrid Mission

Returns March 2016

Bueno, pues, no sé donde empezar. I am on the island of Tenerife, de Las Islas Canarias (in the Canary Islands). I am specifically living in Los Cristianos, but our area covers the entire bottom half of the island, so we travel around a lot. It is a very interesting experience being here in this beautiful, very touristy island as a missionary. The ward seems to be represented by people from every country in the world I think (much less actually, but it’s a very diverse group).

As for Torrejón, it was incredibly difficult to leave, but I was able to see the 3 baptisms there of the people I had found through contacting in the street with Hermana Snelson in my first couple of weeks as a missionary!  It was a long awaited day, and an incredible note to end on. 

Torrejón will always be a home to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve there and to build relationships that will continue on forever. I love those people, they are my people and part of my family now too, so I guess I will need to be finding a way of life so that I will be able to return and visit them often in the future.

Elder Jacob Crandall

Philippines Cebu Mission

Returns January 2016

I am real sorry that this is short due to time!

Things are really going good here in San Carlos! My comp is E. Jamil from Caloocan Manila! He is so awesome!

 Something that I have really learned while being here is the importance of faith. Through faith miracles are brought to pass. Everyone's faith is on a different level which is perfectly ok, the Lord does not expect perfect faith, but He does expect progress. I would invite all to read Hebrews 11 and focus on the importance of faith. This chapter has really had a big impact on me while here on the mission. For those who say miracles are over I would say absolutely not. Their faith is lacking. I have seen so many mighty miracles, unexplainable to most but because of faith exercised. 

I really hope things are going well with all in Plano 4th:) Its so great hearing from yall while here on the mission! Keep it up

Elder Crandall

March 2015 Preaching Fourth

Missionary Issued Water Buffalo to All Texas Elders

Elder Jacob Crandall

Philippines Cebu Mission 

Returns January 2016

Things are going so great! I love the mission. These last days have been a little busy as we had MLC in Cebu. It was really great, and so great to see mission friends from different areas!

Sister Kabael will be baptized this Saturday. She is really so prepared, its so incredible. We gave her a general conference magazine and she has already read 3 talks. We are so excited for her and her family. Last week 2 of her sons, and her daughter came with her to church.

Last week we were able to watch a video called " A New Day for the Book of Mormon". It was truly amazing! Such a well done video. Maybe for family night yall could watch it and talk about things you learned.

Things are awesome! We are so pumped for this week and are really trying to do our best here in our area. I am so grateful for such an amazing family! I really love yall and all you have done for me throughout my life. Elder Crandall

Elder Kent Templin

Japan Tokyo Mission

Returns August 2016

Kent is now in his third area, Urayasu city, once a key fishing village, now it is best known as home of Tokyo Disneyland. Although Kent won’t be seeing Mickey Mouse anytime soon, each month he, his companion, and others in his mission are able to visit the LDS Tokyo Temple.

Currently, Kent is with his fourth senior companion, Elder Justesen, who is known throughout the mission for having a knack of finding people who want to learn about Jesus Christ. Elder Justesen is the eternal optimist, always smiling and considerate of others—a little like Sponge Bob. “It’s going to be awesome!” Now Kent and Elder Justesen meet about one or two great people each day who are interested in talking with them. Kent also conversed with a less active member who has become active again—who is from the same town in Okinawa where Kent grew up before transferring to Plano Senior High School in the US.

Recently, Kent and Elder Justesen taught 20 missionary discussions in a week. Kent’s father doesn’t remember teaching as many as 10 lessons in a week when he was a missionary in Japan. It is an incredible pace for that part of the world.

Urayasu city and Elder Justesen are keeping Kent super busy, but recently he and his companion were able to take time off to visit Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno Zoo, which now includes Sumatran tigers, giant pandas, Polar bears, Asian elephants, and much more.

 Hermana Emily Santiago

Spain Madrid Mission

Returns March 2016

"It's hard to believe that we are almost done with another transfer, I don´t know where the time went, and Above all the fact that I´m not all rainbows and butterflies for transfers!  I´m holding on to every last minute with my companion.  I've decided I don’t really like sending missionaries home, but if I have to do it, I want to do it with missionaries like her. She is such an amazing example to me of how to finish a mission strong. So it's a good thing my investigators aren't going anywhere...Other than to their baptism, which is this Friday! Two of our five investigators will be baptized this week, it’s so exciting, and the three others will have theirs in March. They are all incredible and are teaching me so much, they make me a better and happier person everyday."

February Preaching Fourth

Elder Jacob Crandall

Philippines Cebu Mission

January 2016

Things are so amazing here in the Cebu Mission! I love it so much! I am no longer on the island of Siquijor but am currently on an island called Negros in San Carlos. Its known as the "sugar cane company" in our mission since there is sooo many sugar cane fields. Its so beautiful in this area! very hilly, green, with the ocean.  We also have a small island in our area called Sipaway, though I have not yet visited it. We concentrate all of our work in the areas near the church. The members are truly so amazing! Right now San Carlos is a District but hopefully in the next couple of years they will become a stake. They have a lot of youth who are so involved in missionary work inspite of so many family problems. They are all so amazing! The members do so much to help each other and help the church here. I am so humbled me as I see how easy I had it before. During this upcoming holiday let us thing about those who are struggling and reach out a hand to help them. I love you all!

Elder Crandall

Elder Kent Templin

Japan Tokyo Mission

August 2016

Kent and his third companion, Elder Webb, continue to use a variety of ways to find people to teach and for teaching, for example, using Kent’s art and teaching free English conversation classes (see photos). For Christmas, Kent was able to talk via Skype with his family for 45 minutes. Using video with the audio, it was great seeing each other live. In Japan, Christmas is a bit different than in the States—they celebrate by eating Kentucky Fried Chicken and cake, and it’s more of a holiday for couples than families—the result of clever marketing by KFC, bakers, and others. The big holiday for families is New Year’s Day, when families gather and enjoy traditional Japanese foods, such as a warm bowl of soba noodles, fresh sushi, and creamy rice cakes called mochi. Similar to Christmas cards, the Japanese send New Year’s postcards with pictures of the animal (from the Chinese zodiac) which represents that year. 2015 is the Year of the Sheep. In January, Kent calculated how often he prays as a missionary, and he figured about 300 times a month—an important tool for becoming close to our heavenly family.

Hermana Emily Santiago

Spain Madrid Mission

March 2016 

Hermana Santiago continues to progress and find success as a missionary.  She turned a huge corner in January as her mastery of the Spanish language took hold.  She reported in a recent letter that while she still has much to learn, her mastery of the Spanish language gets better each day and she can now speak freely and understand clearly in Spanish.

She summed up her progress in a letter from January.  She said, "This week was another one to remember! It´s a little hard to comprehend that it has already been over 4 months, and 3 transfers (including the MTC) since I left the states.  It´s finally starting to feel normal, like this is my life. It´s also amazing to look back over these four months and realize how much I have already learned, how much stronger I am, and all the blessings I have already received. I see the hand of the Lord in my life everyday, and I crave the company of the Spirit. Just like the scriptures say. It´s also fun, as well as important, as I look forward to all I still have to learn and experience. My love for the work, the country, and the people grows more everyday!