Short trips to Lapu Lapu and Mabolo

Mabolo Ward member, Sister Emmie Mascaro, Bishop Mascaro, Gloria and Seminary Teacher


Lapu Lapu Ward 1 members with Elder Callister and Elder Maneclang

We visited two wards Lapu-lapu 1 and 2, today on the adjacent island, Mactan. Mactan is a small islang and is very close and very flat; the Cebu Airport is located there. It is connected to Cebu Island by two high bridges so cargo ships can pass underneath. The directions we had been given neglected to mention that the main road becomes ‘one way’ at some point. We failed to see any signs of ‘one way’ but soon began to wonder as all the cars and tricycles were coming right at us. We turned off as soon as we could, wandered around a bit and were looking for a tricycle driver to ask to show us the way to the Church when, there it was! We had driven right to it! What a blessing.

Those two wards were much more like wards at home and quite different from the little branches we usually visit – many more people, of course. All the men and young men were dressed in Priesthood attire. Primary and Relief Society were not that different unfortunately. Both started late and in Primary the children just sit and listen (or fiddle around, or leave the room). Very few visual aids, actions songs, and activities are used even though they are outlined in the manual. I guess the children are used to it, but it could be so much better.

In the afternoon, we both spoke at a missionary devotional at another ward, Mabolo- close to where we live. The elders who serve there had planned it to try to increase missionary work in their ward and they had done a very good job. It was a treat to be there and to meet their wonderful little - about 5 feet tall - bishop. He is a convert to the Church of about 10 years. His wife is a returned missionary. Both were single for very many years and married in 1998 - he is 65 now. They have adopted two young children and are so delighted with being parents. He is learning about the Church on the job - as I guess we all are really. He is trying very hard to follow the handbook and do things just right. It was a privilege to get to know him a bit. What wonderful changes the Gospel makes in people's lives.

Bob and I each spoke, two members of the Stake Presidency gave brief thoughts, and the missionaries – Elder Morales and Elder Pascua – gave a workshop on how the members could help. They did roles plays that the members enjoyed greatly. We stayed afterwards and visited with the Bishop and his wife. We are so blessed to have these opportunities.