Why Should My Family Be Sealed in the Temple?

Manila Philippines Temple

Why Church is organized? In every religious denomination has its own purpose as to why it is organized or as to why it is built. In short, not all churches have one purpose. It may be based on the need of the religious group. Our Church. The Church of  Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as far as I know since the time I joined and baptized has 3-fold purpose.

One is to proclaim the Gospel to all people in the world through missionary work. Second is to perfect the saints (members) through various classes every Sunday. And third is to redeem the dead, that is, baptism by proxy in the Temple of the Lord.

Seminary & Institute of Religion: Teaching By the Spirit

"If you don't have the spirit, don't teach" reminds me of my Church calling before as a teacher of Sunday School. Now, I know how it is related to our latest convention of all teachers of Seminary and Institute of Religion of Mormon Church.

S&I Pre-School Convention

Jesus said, "the words that I speak... are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63, KJV)  This is the scripture that binds the teachers of Seminary and Institute classes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their recent teachers' convention.

Those who have been called as teachers of LDS Seminary & Institute classes have met the standard qualifications as required by the Church. They have been informed of their respective duties and responsibilities as teachers in this short convention.

DepEd Lauds LDS Family Week Celebration

La Carlota Department of Education (DepEd) represented by its schools division superintendent who was among the honored guests lauded the Church program on family in a culmination program held at its local Church meetinghouse.

SDS Mallorca

La Carlota Philippines District of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has culminated its own unique activities of National Week Celebration after having a selected Family Home Evening (FHE) in the barangay, in the school.

The city of La Carlota through its acting city mayor, VM Jacky Jalandoni attended the morning program of the Church culmination activity with other invited guests from government's Pantawid Pampamilya Program of the marginalized members of the society and also from the Philippine Anti-Children's Trafficking (PACT).

"Gender Equality and Children's Right for the Contemporary Filipino Families" is this year's theme for the National Family Week celebration.

ARTURO A. TOLENTINO: Thou Art a Good Shepherd

Bro. Tolentino and his wife

The old sinful ways of this blogger were left to oblivion when he was converted to the true Church of Jesus Christ here on earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, popularly known as "Mormons."

The blogger's interest to know more about the true doctrine of Jesus Christ was held in abeyance for almost a period of six years till he was ultimately proselyted, baptized and confirmed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in La Carlota City Branch, Bacolod Philippines Stake sometime in 1980.

Elder Arturo A. Tolentino, a soft-spoken full-time missionary of the aforementioned Church was able to track this blogger's residence at San Agustin Street, La Carlota City sometime in May 1980. Elder Tolentino with his foreign companion, Elder Wagner started teaching him the basic missionary discussions on the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, which may include faith, repentance, baptism, words of wisdom, the Prophets among others.

Bryan's Fearful but Happy Experience as Deacon

Deacon Bryan

Bryan's first duty as a Deacon seems inexplicable. He's afraid, according to him, but yet he's complete and he's so glad to do his job as a Deacon. He knows his family members especially his grandfather, grandmother, uncle and aunties, cousins are just around to truly supporting him.

Bryan Perez Camporazo, our grandson who was adopted by us since he was 4-month old. He was the fourth children of our eldest son, Greg. He turned 12 in November 23 and received his Preparatory or Lesser Priesthood on that day. I conferred upon him the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained him to the office of the Deacon.

On the following Sunday, he was one of the passers in the Sacrament meeting. In formal dress of white shirt and a necktie, he passed the Sacrament to let us partake the bread and the water. It was indeed the happiest moment in my life to see him doing this sacred task in behalf of the Savior, Jesus Christ for he has the authority to do so as a Deacon.

Elder Collado Inspires La Carlota Saints Towards Their Eternal Progression

Elder Eleazer S. Collado, the member of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, took his best time with the La Carlota District members to give them the counsel and instruct them on how to accomplish the PH area goals of concern in 2014.

Elder E. S. Collado of the Seventy

Elder Collado has been called to the eight quorum of the Seventy in April 2, 2011. And recently he visited the La Carlota District to preside the District conference on February 8 and 9, 2014. He is amiable, approachable, easy to get along with.

The leaders found him very prayerfully helpful.

Elder Collado, The Seventy

As the district executive secretary, the following were my impression I have had with him while he was giving the instructions during the Saturday session and while he was giving his practical message of life during the Sunday session.

My Personal and Family Commitment for Exaltation

Commitment, according to dictionary it may be referred to a dedication to one's work. It could be an obligation to fulfill one's promise. It may be an allegiance to one's group or organization. In my case, this is how I regard commitment as far as my membership in the Church is concerned.

In the first place, I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1980, that is, 34 years ago. However, it took me 4 years to be converted in this Church. The missionaries were able to visit and taught me the essentials of the gospel of Jesus Christ sometime in 1976 but it was stopped after we had our first lesson.

When the missionaries were in a hurry to leave for their next appointment for it was about late in the evening. a Samoan missionary, very big one, stepped down our bamboo stair attached to our improvised "pantaw" and accidentally destroyed it. Our "banga" (jar) full of water went down with it and was broken. They didn’t look back or mind it at all.

The Greatest Gift I Give to my Parents

Christmas is just around the corner. I already hear Christmas songs over the radio especially early in the morning. Everyone at home is so excited for they're expecting a party, exchange gifts or gift-giving may be held.

Kids are so happy in this month of December. They're expecting to receiving gifts from their parents, from their godparents.

To borrow a line from the song popularized by the late world-known singer, Michael Jackson, which says "people making lists/ buying special gifts", the people all over the world are beginning to do this.

Thus, they're making a long lists of things to buy for their Christmas presents to be given to their loved ones, relatives, friends, and business associates and clients.

This Man Influences Me and My Family

This man whom I met in the temple of God in Manila has made me realized how important is the family. I am fully convinced then that family could be together forever after I performed the temple ordinance for my wife and me, and my children.

This greatest experience is a part and parcel of my spiritual being for 33 years of my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I have strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and even the truthfulness of this Church as I stay close to the Church and nurture my faith together with my family all-out support.Because of our faithfulness to the Church and as we keep our covenant too, we have received many blessings which are beyond measure so to speak. They take several forms. We know that God really loves us. He wouldn't forsake us especially when we are in our dire needs. He really answers our prayers. He wants us to follow His plan of salvation for our redemption from the Fall.

The Dead and the Butterfly

What do the dead and the butterfly in common? Do they have something to do with the person's life, his second life? Whatever you know or believe?

In one of the Sunday school classes I attended in our Church, the teacher discussed about the revelation received by the Prophet on the redemption of the dead. This modern-day revelation provides an opportunity for the dead who have not received the gospel of Jesus Christ and have not been baptized to His Church, to be saved through baptism by proxy performed by his family, relatives and kin inside the temple of the Lord. This is the so-called baptism for the dead.

By the way, to redeem the dead is one of the 3-fold missions of our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The other 2 missions are to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord (Missionary Work), and to perfect the saints (Church Education System, Sunday School Classes, Seminary and Institute).

La Carlota Saints Plant 100 Trees in 2013 National Day of Service

Youths, single adults and even married couples members of the 8 units of La Carlota Philippines District of The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints planted 100 seedlings of Mahogany trees in the available grassy lot of Dona Hortencia Salas Benedicto National High School in this year's National Day of Service.

Tree Planting

One hundred sixty-five members representing all the units and branches of La Carlota Philippines District participated in this one-day NDS. Those representatives came the young mean and youg women organization, Relief Society, and the leading auxiliary organization, the Elders' Quorum. Also with the participation of 24 CAT cadets of the high school assisting on the tree planting made the activity successful.

Finding Joy In Relief Society 171st Anniversary

La Carlota Philippines District has its own faith-promoting way of commemorating the 171st anniversary of Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint recently at the meetinghouse of La Carlota City.

La Carlota President Mario Malacaman

La Carlota branches like San Enrique, Ayungon, Masville, Manggapsang, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, La Carlota first, and La Carlota 2nd did their best to make this anniversary worth memorable and spiritually edifying.

Role of Sisters in Zion

La Carlota District President Mario A. Malacaman addressed the different Relief Society organization of every unit by relating to every sister their role in strengthening the Church mission of edifying every sister as inspired by the essence of true charity.

He said without the sisters the male members of the Church, particularly the priesthood bearers couldn't function well for they're in dispensable in accomplishing the mission of the Church especially in caring and "rescuing the one".

He appreciated the all-out of every Relief Society in celebrating the 171st Anniversary of Relief Society in spite of the limited budget every unit has. Nevertheless, the activity was a success.

Relief Society Mission

President Lorenzo Snow, one of the Presidents of the Church from his teachings pointed out that the mission of Relief Society. He said Relief Society aims to succor the distressed, to minister to the sick and feeble, to feed the poor, to clothe the naked, and to bless the sons and daughters of God.

Relief Society is founded based on a pure religion and in consonance with the principle of true charity, which is the pure love of Christ. (Moroni 7:47, the Book of Mormon)

Cultural Festival Presentation

Sisters of the Church are not only spiritually equipped. They're also talented. They use their talents to inspire others. In their own unique way of celebrating this anniversary, every branch presented a noted local festival depicting the value of solidarity, unity among the residents of the locality.

La Carlota 2nd and the Ayungon sisters presented the La Carlota Pasalamat festival. The Masville branch portrayed the Humay-humay festival of Valladolid, Negros Occidental. La Castellana Branch did their best dancing the Bacolod MassKara. The Manggapsang Branch performed the festival of Pinta Flores of San Carlos city. San Enrique sisters did it away by doing their own municipality festival of Bulang-bulang. And the La Carlota first branch did the light dance or "Bailes de Luces" of La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

RS 171st Anniversary Cake

Self-Reliance Among the Sisters

During the lunch time, every unit has provided its own food for its lunch and to add color to the annual celebration of this memorable event in Relief Society auxiliary organization, every branch has prepared a tasty, yummy cake for the occasion.

District Relief Society presidency kept the activity going by introducing some parlor games which everyone enjoyed.

Everyone went home to their respective unit satisfied, filled with joy of camaraderie, and of being a part and parcel of the society. In the pure love of Christ, they're all united.

All branch presidents were all present to give their moral support to the success of the 171st commemoration of Relief Society.

Related source: What is Relief Society?

I Know This Church Is True

Thirty-three years ago today, I was immersed to the water of baptism in 3.5 feet water tub of MC lumber yard at 3 in the afternoon.

Bro. Tolentino and me in 2001

Elder Arturo A. Tolentino baptized me and Elder Daniel Crosley bestowed upon me the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmed me member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Before I came down to the water of baptism, a missionary, a zone leader interviewed me the basic truths and principles and ordinances of the gospel which the full-time missionaries had taught for almost three weeks.

Extra-Ordinary Conversion

My conversion was no ordinary one for it started sometime in 1976 and it took me 4 years to be baptized and accounted as a confirmed member of the Mormon Church. I waited such long years after the Samoans missionaries who taught me the basic discussion of the gospel, unintentionally destroyed the extension part of our makeshift nipa hut for his heavy weight. I waited for the day they promised to return for a follow up gospel discussion, but unfortunately they didn't come back.

In 1980, another pair of full-time missionaries, Elder Crossley, an America missionary with his junior companion, Elder Tolentino happened to pass by my parent's house which where we transferred after that destruction of our nipa hut. At last the required lessons were completed and I was scheduled to be baptize. A day before my baptism, Elder Crossley was transferred and Elder Wagner took his place. Elder Tolentino and the new Elder paid a visit in our house to verify my baptism. Elder Tolentino asked me who is going to baptize me and also to confirm. I preferred a Filipino to baptize me, so I chose Elder Tolentino and Elder Wagner to confirm me as member of the Church. And during that time Brother Joaquin Villarias was my fellow-shipper.

Since then, I was active in the Church. Brother Villarias and I were always together in going to the Church. We're even tagged as the inseparable duo. I received various Church callings after I was conferred the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained to the office of the Priest, and after a year I was conferred to the higher priesthood like the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained to the office of an Elder and finally to the office of the High Priest as I was set apart as the first counselor of the Bishopric of La Carlota first ward to the late Bishop Joaquin Villarias whom I had a testimony that he was really the anointed one of God.

Family Conversion

Manila Philippines Temple

My membership was strengthened and even edified when I baptized my own family and even my wife. My wife later became member of the Church two months later after my baptism. She was convinced of my faithful conversion to the Church for I had forsaken all of my personal vices and became a straight-forward head of the family. By my example, she decided perfectly, without any reservation to accept the challenge to be a member of the LDS Church and I baptized and confirmed her as member of the Church.

In 1986, my family and I were sealed for time and eternity in the Temple of God in Manila. And we were able to perform temple ordinances later in November 2012 at Cebu Philippines Temple.

I am not ashamed to share my testimony about the truthfulness of the Church, the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ from primitive time to the present dispensation.

Crucial Decision

I remember that before I was baptized I told my parents about my decision to leave our present religion which is Iglesia Independiente de Catolico [Independent Catholic Church], popularly known as the Aglipayan Church founded by Monsignor Gregorio Aglipay. I was an Aglipayan since birth and until my conversion to Mormonism. I told my mother about this and also my father. My mother strengthened me by saying, "Daw sa wala man ako nakit-an nga malain ang Mormons. Sige magpabunyag ka." [I had not found anything wrong with the Mormon Church. Go ahead for your baptism.]

Spiritual Accomplishment

The greatest spiritual achievement I may consider as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  are as follows when the whole members of my family went to the Temple, received our spiritual endowment, sealed together as a family for time and eternity; and saw together with my wife the living prophet of the Church, President Thomas S. Monson, in person who went to the cultural presentation of the youth in Cebu Coliseum on June 12, 2010. And on the following day of June 13, President Monson dedicated the Cebu Philippines Temple.

The testimony I nurture and keep it in my heart that the Church is true, that Jesus Christ is the son of the living God, and that Joseph Smith is instrumental in restoring the Church of Jesus Christ and the spiritual truth about the priesthood authority and the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ. It is my freewill or nobody has forced me to join with this Church. I know that through the living prophet - God will still reveal more truths to save all mankind. No one will be compelled to believe on this except his unwavering faith.

Therefore it is my testimony that this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day is the true Church in the face of the earth and the Book of Mormon contains the words of God and we have the living prophet by the name of President Thomas S. Monson who receives revelations from God to guide us in these latter days... in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Three Church Missionaries Reunited

english christian church

The three priesthood pillars of the Church, particularly here in La Carlota Philippines District were reunited upon the arrival of a missionary who recently completed his two-year fruitful missionary work in Angeles Mission

Marco, Gilbor Jr., and Archie

These rock missionaries were Gilbor I. Camporazo, Jr., Marco T. Memes, and Archie Oroceo all belong to La Carlota First Branch and they had a great reunion upon the arrival of the former fresh from his mission field and paid a personal visit to our home and followed by Marco.

Marco and Archie were referrals of Gilbor, Jr. to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He even baptized and fellowshipped them and set as an example for them by going out in a mission first. And later the two followed suit. Marco was ahead with Archie who followed in an interval of one year.

Mission Completion and Spiritual Reunion

In a simple meeting at home, they renewed their camaraderie and exchanged pleasantries as a successful Church missionaries who went home with spiritual pride and dignity with more souls brought back to the fold of the Heavenly Father through baptism, confirmation and bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Cebu Philippines Temple

The latest among the three who just went home from a missionary work is Archie Oroceo. He just arrived this afternoon fresh from his area of mission in Angeles.

While Marco Memes arrived earlier. He completed his missionary work at Olongapo. He arrived home without seeing his mother who passed away while he was on the mission field.

The first among the three to finish his missionary work too is Gilbor I Camporazo, Jr. After his mission, two years later he got married to the temple. And recently, he completed his computer programming NC IV course with flying colors being recognized the "Best in Programming," "Best in Web Design," and "Best in System Project".

Pillars of the Church

These three returned missionaries are the best assets to the Church particularly here in La Carlota first branch. Gilbor Junior is the District Clerk of La Carlota, while Marco Memes is the auxiliary president of the Young Men organization in the La Carlota first branch. While Archie Oroceo before he left to serve the mission, he was the branch missionary leader. His branch president will give him a better calling for him.

These three would be a potential rock leaders of the Church. They have a strong testimony of the gospel. they have been trained as an effective missionary of the Church. And they have the will and power of the priesthood to edify members, to strengthen them, and to work with them an eye single to the glory of God.

Temple Marriage 

Carissa & Gilbor Junior

After fulfilling a mission, next mission is to get married to the temple. Gilbor, Jr. had already attained this. After 2 years of his mission, he got married to Cebu Philippine Temple sometime in November 2011 to Ma. Carissa Trenuela, an active member of La Castellana Branch, Negros Occidental, PH.

Now Marco and Archie have to achieve this too. Marriage is ordained of God and it should not be delayed or postponed. I know they know pretty well this everlasting covenant of marriage. And for sure they're working for it since they're returned missionaries many young female single adults are just waiting for their proposal.

More power and God bless to three of you!

Related post:

• Gilbor and Carissa Are Now One
• Temple Marriage of Gilbor and Carissa

Thank You Lord for Saving Us

Last Sunday past two in the afternoon, we overheard short bang of firecracker and saw a black smoke at the left rear window of the public vehicle utility which we rode in. Then the driver stopped the car.

In the whole morning, we made a visit to the Moises Padilla Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their annual branch conference. While other Churches are having their Palm Sunday.

We were 16 of us, leaders and auxiliary officers of La Carlota Philippines District to attend the said conference to strengthen the members there, to give instructions to the local leaders, and to edify everyone especially in their faith to the Church prophet, their faith to the Lord Jesus Christ and to inspire them on how nurture their testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of the Lord and the importance of the atonement of Jesus Christ as the entire country will be celebrating the lenten season.

Bulaklak's Baptism in LDS Has Come!

I was all smile when our third granddaughter was baptized following the baptism of Toto Bryan Camporazo and Adgel Camporazo-Tolones several months ago when they reached their age of accountability, which is 8 years old.

Bulaklak

It took us a bit of long wait until Bulaklak's baptism has come.  I was spiritually filled when I confirmed my granddaughter, Shanley Jane Camporazo-Jaud as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after she was baptized by her uncle, our youngest son and a returned missionary assigned to Butuan Philippines Mission sometime in 2010, two years ago.

As I confirmed her, former President of La Carlota Branch Joemar Montero and Kent Tiano assisted me as we laid our hands on her head in a circle. I told her that our Heavenly Father is very happy for this special day that she's baptized and now a member of the Church.

President Joel Vergara, the first counselor of La Carlota First branch welcomed the four newly baptized members of the Church. He expressed gratitude for the support the respective parents of the baptized members and he encouraged them not to fail in that stewardship as far as Church activity is concerned.

The Importance of Family in the Philippines

September is considered as the family-centered month celebration in the Philippines. Filipino families are enjoined to gather together in thanksgiving meal, "kainang pamilya" as sanctioned by law.

La Carlota District Leaders and Branch Presidents
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious institution that recognizes family as an eternal unit, is observing this nation-wide. They have several programs and activities in line for the whole week celebration which will start on September 24.

Proclamation No. 60

As a backgrounder, Former PH president Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation No. 60, "Declaring the last week of September of every year as a Family Week" on September 28, 1992 for the following reasons as provided by the PH constitution:

Three Imperatives of Faith

Faith is defined by the Bible as the "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." and by LDS Scripture as "not to have a perfect knowledge of things... which are not seen, which are true."

Wirthlin

Faith is necessary for a believer to have in order for him to be baptized and be among the sons and daughters of God. It is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I learned when I was converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1980.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (LDS) apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin asserts (Nov. 2002), "Faith exists when absolute confidence in that which we cannot see combines with action that is in absolute conformity to the will of our Heavenly Father."

In his message, "Shall He Find Faith on the Earth?" published in Ensign Nov. 2002, Elder Wirthlin explained that when faith lacks "absolute confidence, action, and absolute conformity" it is considered as "counterfeit, weak and watered-down."

Success: First Day of Life

(This is my article in Vibrations, my column in Negros Daily Bulletin, a community newspaper in Bacolod City, Philippines, published in July 26, 2004.)

Gordon B. Hinckley

I was observing the thirty members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have realized and appreciated the importance of planning a feasible career in life, which is a stepping stone for them in attaining successful life and earning a good income.

Evolved from its title course "Success: This is the First Day of Your Life", this one-day workshop taught the participants some skills, particularly in developing their goals, resources, and continued success, which are the valuable units in the said workshop.

"Learning process is endless," said President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 13th President of the LDS Church in statement from Standing for Something (2000) as shown by overhead projector during opening presentation of the workshop, set the tone of the educational and career development activity.

How Did I Play Piano in Church Conference for the First Time?

I'm not a pianist but I was able to play the piano in the Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, La Carlota Philippines Stake for the first time. It took me the courage and sense of responsibility to do it since I got the will power to do it. Besides no one will do the task of doing it. The leaders noticed me that I could play it though not in a professional way.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel

Our Church leader called me and gave me the assignment as the pianist of our forthcoming annual conference which is to be attended by members coming from Kabankalan, Himamaylan, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, La Carlota, Pulupandan and Bago. I did accept willingly, without any reservation for I know through this I could serve the Lord through music.

During the conference, I got a mixed feeling of nervousness and joy. I did pray secretly from one of the rooms in the Chapel before the conference begins that I may have the courage to play the piano for the 34-member choir of La Carlota Philippines Stake in the semi-annual conference sometime in 1985 for the first time in my life.