Elder Crocker: President Tye Sees Red
This week was busy, but in a good way.
After fingerprints on Monday, we had Zone Meeting on Tuesday. We talked about a few things. One topic was about Unity, particularly in a companionship. Elder Cornelius was our teacher. Right after he taught, he was grabbed by the Assistants to the President and whisked away to the Mission Home before his flight home the next morning. At this point, Elder Cornelius is at home doing whatever a returned missionary does. What that is exactly, I’m not sure; I’ve never been a returned missionary.
The Zone, My Zone.
Invite Everyone
We also had the Rigbys share about unity. It seemed like a good idea to have a married couple explain what “companionship unity” really is, since they have a lot more experience with a companionship than any of us do. Elder Cabeza shared about studying Preach My Gospel, and I shared about how inviting everyone to be baptized fulfills our purpose. Sometimes even missionaries are afraid to invite others to be baptized because of shyness or fear, but it truly is the best way for us to fulfill our purpose.
Interviews: That’s Elder Muavesi from Fiji.
President Tye Interview
The day after Zone Meeting, we had interviews with President Tye. As zone leaders, we set the schedule, so I was first. As I sat down with President Tye, one on one, he looked at me and asked, “What’s it feel like being red?” In the office, we have a transfer board that we use to get a lot of information all at once about who’s where, how long they’ve been there, and how long they have left. When a missionary has two transfers left, their name turns orange. When they enter their last transfer, they turn red. I’m red right now.
“What’s it feel like being red?”
To answer, I just shrugged and told him, “I’m not really thinking about it.” President Tye looked at me with a raised eyebrow and said, “Why not? You should be. You’ve got plans to make.” That was weird advice to get. Of course I have plans that I’m making. For example, I’m in the process of applying to BYU for when I get home. It was just weird to be told by your Mission President to start thinking about home. My focus is still on missionary work, however. We teach the principle of enduring to the end as missionaries, and I better live it.
Exchanges with Assistants to President
Friday, Elder Cabeza and I had exchanges with the Assistants to the President. I went with Elder Coffey to Molino, my old area. We were in a different part of Molino, but we still ran into a lot of members who still recognized me and were somewhat shocked to see me. It was a lot of fun to be there.
More Baptisms
Elder Crocker and Elder Cabeza at baptism of Sister Lyn, Sister Rodessa, and Brother Nhiel
Saturday, we successfully had the baptism of Sister Lyn, Sister Rodessa, and Brother Nhiel. Sister Lyn and her daughter, Rodessa, were supposed to be baptized two weeks ago, as you read in past week’s posts. Fortunately, Sister Lyn and Sister Rodessa were able to make it to their baptism this week, even though they faced obstacles trying to get to the church, even the day of their baptism. They had a tricycle that was going to come pick them up, but it never came, so Rodessa had to go out and find one to get them to the Church. Sister Lyn said in her testimony after her baptism, “This must be true, because there were so many trials just trying to get to this point. It seems to me that Satan lets you live pretty comfortably when you’re his, but when you’re on the right path, he makes life as difficult as possible for you.” It was all worth it though.
Until next week,
Elder Crocker
Philippines Cavite Mission
Elder David Neal Crocker
Elder Cabeza’s become fascinated with the white weeds.
More white weeds.
We saw a hen which had all of its chicks underneath its wings. You can’t see it too well here, but it reminded us of how Jesus Christ used that as an analogy for his love for the House of Israel.
Elder Cornelius moments before leaving.
A Few Questions and Answers:
Q:Are you comfortable yet in being a leader? What do you find most challenging about leading?
A:I’ve always been comfortable being a leader. I enjoyed being a district leader more than a zone leader. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to stay organized as a leader, but I usually do okay. Reporting is the most difficult thing for me.
Q:Do you carry a small version of PMG?
A:I like the large version of Preach My Gospel better than the small one. I’m on my fourth copy of PMG.
Q:How do you feel about teaching post-mission?
A:I’ll definitely use the things I learned from Preach My Gospel to continue sharing the gospel.
Q:What is one of Elder Cabeza’s best qualities that you like?
A:Elder Cabeza is a very good teacher.
Q:Do you ever think in Tagalog?
A:All the time. More often I think in Taglish.
