Hello to all once again!
This week was amazing! It started off with a Family Home Evening with the Baga and Alvarez Family on Monday! We played some games and taught a lesson about the "Why, How and What" of baptism. We gave everyone 5 minutes to answer one of the 3 questions, "Why do we need to be baptized? How are we baptized? and What is baptism?" They had to use 2 verses from the Bible and 1 verse from the Book of Mormon to explain! It was one funny to see the reaction when they noticed that all of their verses were used, and two) to see the different verses people had found by using the Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary! Brother Baga has a sister who was visiting in town from San Fernando.. Turns out, I had gone to her house before and we had introduced ourselves to her husband! She lives about 8 houses away from the house of the missionaries in San Fernando! It was so funny! I saw her and was like waite a minute I am pretty sure I know her, and she remembered Elder Tavita and I!
On Tuesday, we went on exchanges with Elder Tavita and Elder Walsh! Elder Lloyd went toSan Fernando and Elder Walsh came to Bangued. (Its about a 4-hour trip haha)
Elder Walsh used to be assigned in Bangued so we had a blast visiting the people that he had found and started teaching, who are now members of the Church, including the Baga Family and Nanay Nora! We went to really far areas and had a blast doing it. I really have loved getting to know other missionaries and learning from them as I have served here. Elder Walsh and Elder Tavita both go home in a week so it will be sad to see them go but fun to welcome the new missionaries coming in!
On Wednesday, we worked with Brother Boy Baniago, a member of the Branch here! He loves working with missionaries and has such an awesome personality. We planned on biking... But this time, it was my bike that broke! Right as we left the house, the back gears got stuck in the chain and bye bye back gear! Haha so we walked instead. We met this family who lives on the top of a hill thats about a half-mile walk. They live up in the mountains teaching kids, but were down because there is semester break. Turns out they are members of the Church too! It was fun to meet them and also learn about what they do for work teaching in areas where the people are still unfamiliar to the outside world. It was extremely humbling to listen to them as they talked and told stories. I love the Charity that their organization has, to live with them and learn their culture, in order to help them learn more and to have a more sustainable life.
Thursday and Friday were both awesome as well. Work Work Work Work Work!
Saturday we had Nanay Erlindas baptism! I wish I could tell the whole story of how we met Nanay Erlinda but I dont think Gmail allows that many characters. We have known her my whole time here but she was never interested. She lives close to the members in San Antonio and after many events, she invited us to teach her. As we taught, more and more she felt the Spirit testifying to her the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel. She has been through so many hoops in her life but as she said yesterday in her testimony, she now feels at home inside. She is also opening up ways for us to meet other people as well. May others who were turned off before, have now been asking her as well why it is she became a member. Especially asking why she wanted to be baptized again when she was baptized in the Iglesia Ni Cristo church before. She has been very strong in her testimony of the Priesthood, and loves to say to them, you know how old I am. If you want a clear answer, ask the two white Americans for an answer! hahaha
After the baptism, we had a Musical Devotional at the church! President Bangal came as well as other missionaries in the mission. They performed songs about Christ and explained the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some songs I had never heard before that I absolutely loved, and others that I had sang hundreds of times before still touched me with the Spirit. Music is truly amazing. There were a lot of people there too. Even from very far branches and people who didnt even know what the Church was, just were invited to come. Many people wanted to learn more as well so we are all excited to meet with them in the coming week!
Elder Lloyd is sadly transferring and will be replacing Elder Tavita in San Fernando so I will be alone for the next week until my new companion transfers! Brother Boy will be my companion during the week so itll be fun! I will be able to learn a lot more Ilocano and have more lessons in Ilocano. I will let you all know who my companion is next week! I love you all! Happy November as well!
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Elder Pitt
Monday, October 30, 2017
19 months in, 5 months to go
This is last weeks email that decided not to go through!!
Man can you believe how fast the time is?? I do not like it one bit!!
This last week was awesome! It went by so fast but it was a lot of fun and full of experiences. We were able to visit all of the people in San Antonio who have been taking discussions and we we were able also to share more with the the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love being able to go to San Antonio so much and the 30 minute bike ride keeps the weight down as well!
On Wednesday, it was Elder Lloyds birthday! We had a zone conference in Candon so we were with missionaries from 3 different parts of the mission. There were a bunch of missionaries and it was fun to talk to them about their areas and the people we both knew!
President Bangal talked about how lobsters grow through discomfort, that is knows it is getting bigger because its shell is getting smaller, so it breaks out of its shell and keeps doing that multiple times to always grow. It was like Elder Waite always said, that there is no comfort in the growth zone, and no growth in the comfort zone.
I really liked the conference, Elder Tavita was there as well so I got to see him again, he goes home in 3 weeks but gave such a strong testimony about the Book of Mormon and our callings as missionaries. Also ran into Elder Mereki, which we all know is always the best!
On the way home, I coordinated with the Baga Family in San Antonio to surprise Elder Lloyd for his birthday, so when we got to their house they all sang happy birthday to him and he was so red-faced it was awesome! I love when people tell me not to tell others about their birthdays... Its just a weakness I cant get over! haha! then at the house later that night, some members stopped by and gave him a cake and a bunch of food! It was delicious and I am so grateful that the members care so much about the missionaries here! The best part was that on our very long bike ride home, Elder Lloyds front tire just randomly broke off! so he had to hold on the the front handle bars and walk the bike like a dog... once we got about 20 minutes away (biking time) THE BACK WHEEL broke off as well! All I heard was him say "alrrighhhtt!!! nice!!" and we both started laughing super hard as he carried the bike frame on his shoulders and we put his tires on my handlebars hahah, hippy bird day Elder Lloyd!
Thursday we went on exchanges with Elder Vilela and Elder Fenn, Elder Vilela worked with me in our area and it was the 3rd time we have been on exchanges with one another! I really love Elder Vilela, he is soo hardworking and caring about everyone.
Church was awesome on Sunday, Brother Rodel offered to pick up anyone from San Antonio in his van to take to church that needed a ride! It was only his 2nd time at church and he brought 7 others! how cool!
I love the support of members with new people at church. Brother Ronie Rodeo was also asked to give the closing prayer for sacrament meeting, his first Sunday as a member! He told us after that he was super nervous.. but he did a great job!
I have tried to send pictures 3 times but this computer has restarted each time so i will try one more but if it restarts i will just send them next week! I love you all! Thank you for your prayers, emails, and willingness to read this whole email before looking at the pictures at the end.. Have a great week! :)
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Elder Pitt
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Elder Pitt
Man can you believe how fast the time is?? I do not like it one bit!!
This last week was awesome! It went by so fast but it was a lot of fun and full of experiences. We were able to visit all of the people in San Antonio who have been taking discussions and we we were able also to share more with the the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love being able to go to San Antonio so much and the 30 minute bike ride keeps the weight down as well!
On Wednesday, it was Elder Lloyds birthday! We had a zone conference in Candon so we were with missionaries from 3 different parts of the mission. There were a bunch of missionaries and it was fun to talk to them about their areas and the people we both knew!
President Bangal talked about how lobsters grow through discomfort, that is knows it is getting bigger because its shell is getting smaller, so it breaks out of its shell and keeps doing that multiple times to always grow. It was like Elder Waite always said, that there is no comfort in the growth zone, and no growth in the comfort zone.
I really liked the conference, Elder Tavita was there as well so I got to see him again, he goes home in 3 weeks but gave such a strong testimony about the Book of Mormon and our callings as missionaries. Also ran into Elder Mereki, which we all know is always the best!
On the way home, I coordinated with the Baga Family in San Antonio to surprise Elder Lloyd for his birthday, so when we got to their house they all sang happy birthday to him and he was so red-faced it was awesome! I love when people tell me not to tell others about their birthdays... Its just a weakness I cant get over! haha! then at the house later that night, some members stopped by and gave him a cake and a bunch of food! It was delicious and I am so grateful that the members care so much about the missionaries here! The best part was that on our very long bike ride home, Elder Lloyds front tire just randomly broke off! so he had to hold on the the front handle bars and walk the bike like a dog... once we got about 20 minutes away (biking time) THE BACK WHEEL broke off as well! All I heard was him say "alrrighhhtt!!! nice!!" and we both started laughing super hard as he carried the bike frame on his shoulders and we put his tires on my handlebars hahah, hippy bird day Elder Lloyd!
Thursday we went on exchanges with Elder Vilela and Elder Fenn, Elder Vilela worked with me in our area and it was the 3rd time we have been on exchanges with one another! I really love Elder Vilela, he is soo hardworking and caring about everyone.
Church was awesome on Sunday, Brother Rodel offered to pick up anyone from San Antonio in his van to take to church that needed a ride! It was only his 2nd time at church and he brought 7 others! how cool!
I love the support of members with new people at church. Brother Ronie Rodeo was also asked to give the closing prayer for sacrament meeting, his first Sunday as a member! He told us after that he was super nervous.. but he did a great job!
I have tried to send pictures 3 times but this computer has restarted each time so i will try one more but if it restarts i will just send them next week! I love you all! Thank you for your prayers, emails, and willingness to read this whole email before looking at the pictures at the end.. Have a great week! :)
--
Elder Pitt
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Elder Pitt
Monday, October 16, 2017
Idiay Kabilang Bangued
Hello everyone and WELCOME HOME MALERIE!!
As expected, it was another amazing week here in Bangued. I love the work and the people that I have met. Out of all the things that happened this week I want to focus mostly on what I’ve been noticing more and more here in the mission: Everything has been planned, and has a plan.
Sometimes I have gotten frustrated by walking around all day in the heat, and not being accepted by not even one person to share a message, or give service, or even to ask a question. But I am starting to notice that there is a time for everything. The people that I have been blessed to meet, had met missionaries before, and did not have time. But because the missionaries still persisted to give them a pamphlet, or write down their number, by the time my companion and I had gotten to their house, they are felt more comfortable talking to two white guys walking along the road! So many “coincidences” and “Ironic run-ins” with people have happened over the last couple weeks. One of them I want to share. We were working in San Antonio and had to go back to Bangued for a meeting. By foot, It takes about hour so we were really hoping a tryke would come by. With no luck we starting walking and got picked up by a man driving a van going to Bangued, he told us that he lives in a barangay called Banacao. Which is pretty far passed San Antonio. Turns out! His wife is a member of the Church, born in Tacloban, but hasn’t gone to church in over 14 years. So the next week we visited her house, and the first thing she said was that she quit the Mormon Church a long time ago.
We sat down with them and talk a lesson about our Heavenly Father and at the end we sang the primary hymn “I Am a Child of God” to which Sister Lisa sang along. The Spirit was so strong as we sang and I could see all of the memories rushing back into Sister Lisa’s thoughts from when she attended Church.
Not only was she at Church yesterday, but her husband came with. His first time ever. They also came early to watch the baptism of Brother Ronie Rodeo! Since I have gotten here, Ronie has been listening and taking the discussions and his change has been incredible. His testimony was so strong and all of the members from San Antonio have supported him so much. He has completely changed his life style and habits. I am so grateful for the Atonement. Anyone can change. Christ has payed for every ones sins. I have been so blessed to be here for Ronie and his wife Brenda’s baptisms. Their son David and daughter Chrisna have amazing parents. I am also grateful for the support the Branch here gives to missionaries. Yesterday was the primary presentation in sacrament! Nostalgia hit hard but it was awesome! They sang the classics and yes, there was even some yelling into the microphone as kids got excited to speak at the pulpit…
The Church really is the same no matter where you are!
I love you all so much! Have a great week!!
--
Elder Pitt
As expected, it was another amazing week here in Bangued. I love the work and the people that I have met. Out of all the things that happened this week I want to focus mostly on what I’ve been noticing more and more here in the mission: Everything has been planned, and has a plan.
Sometimes I have gotten frustrated by walking around all day in the heat, and not being accepted by not even one person to share a message, or give service, or even to ask a question. But I am starting to notice that there is a time for everything. The people that I have been blessed to meet, had met missionaries before, and did not have time. But because the missionaries still persisted to give them a pamphlet, or write down their number, by the time my companion and I had gotten to their house, they are felt more comfortable talking to two white guys walking along the road! So many “coincidences” and “Ironic run-ins” with people have happened over the last couple weeks. One of them I want to share. We were working in San Antonio and had to go back to Bangued for a meeting. By foot, It takes about hour so we were really hoping a tryke would come by. With no luck we starting walking and got picked up by a man driving a van going to Bangued, he told us that he lives in a barangay called Banacao. Which is pretty far passed San Antonio. Turns out! His wife is a member of the Church, born in Tacloban, but hasn’t gone to church in over 14 years. So the next week we visited her house, and the first thing she said was that she quit the Mormon Church a long time ago.
We sat down with them and talk a lesson about our Heavenly Father and at the end we sang the primary hymn “I Am a Child of God” to which Sister Lisa sang along. The Spirit was so strong as we sang and I could see all of the memories rushing back into Sister Lisa’s thoughts from when she attended Church.
Not only was she at Church yesterday, but her husband came with. His first time ever. They also came early to watch the baptism of Brother Ronie Rodeo! Since I have gotten here, Ronie has been listening and taking the discussions and his change has been incredible. His testimony was so strong and all of the members from San Antonio have supported him so much. He has completely changed his life style and habits. I am so grateful for the Atonement. Anyone can change. Christ has payed for every ones sins. I have been so blessed to be here for Ronie and his wife Brenda’s baptisms. Their son David and daughter Chrisna have amazing parents. I am also grateful for the support the Branch here gives to missionaries. Yesterday was the primary presentation in sacrament! Nostalgia hit hard but it was awesome! They sang the classics and yes, there was even some yelling into the microphone as kids got excited to speak at the pulpit…
The Church really is the same no matter where you are!
I love you all so much! Have a great week!!
--
Elder Pitt
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
General Conference
Man this week was such an amazing week! I love being a missionary and being able to live a life fully concentrated on the Gospel and inviting others to come close to our Savior.
Im sorry this email is short. I am at a loss of words because of the privilege and opportunity I have here in the Philippines. If only I could just have you all follow the missionaries around and see what goes on in just one day as a missionary. I have met so many people and continue to here in Bangued. We have been blessed with being able to teach those, who were at once turned off to the missionaries and have since, softened their hearts and accepted the invitation to learn. We have members who work with us and bring their friends to church to help them learn just what "The Mormons" do at church.
I have read more scriptures as a missionary than ever before and have learned how to use them in my personal life and have gained a stronger testimony and relationship with Our Loving Heavenly Father
This week we watched General Conference. I cant begin to say how amazing Conference was and how strong the Spirit was as the leaders of the church, The Apostles of the Lord told us what we needed to do and how to do it. I would invite you all to listen to each conference talk. They were all amazing, they were all inspired, and will answer the questions that you have. I know that if we open our hearts to the Lord, he will show us who He is, and in return, we will also learn who we are, and what he has planned for us.
Watch General Conference!
WELCOME HOME SISTER PITT! CATCH YAH IN 5 MONTHS!!
https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP_SA_23-9-2017_dGC_fBCAST_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng
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Elder Pitt
Im sorry this email is short. I am at a loss of words because of the privilege and opportunity I have here in the Philippines. If only I could just have you all follow the missionaries around and see what goes on in just one day as a missionary. I have met so many people and continue to here in Bangued. We have been blessed with being able to teach those, who were at once turned off to the missionaries and have since, softened their hearts and accepted the invitation to learn. We have members who work with us and bring their friends to church to help them learn just what "The Mormons" do at church.
I have read more scriptures as a missionary than ever before and have learned how to use them in my personal life and have gained a stronger testimony and relationship with Our Loving Heavenly Father
This week we watched General Conference. I cant begin to say how amazing Conference was and how strong the Spirit was as the leaders of the church, The Apostles of the Lord told us what we needed to do and how to do it. I would invite you all to listen to each conference talk. They were all amazing, they were all inspired, and will answer the questions that you have. I know that if we open our hearts to the Lord, he will show us who He is, and in return, we will also learn who we are, and what he has planned for us.
Watch General Conference!
WELCOME HOME SISTER PITT! CATCH YAH IN 5 MONTHS!!
https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP_SA_23-9-2017_dGC_fBCAST_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng
--
Elder Pitt
Monday, October 2, 2017
October!
Hello Hello Hello! Happy October to you all!
It has been yet again another busy and successful week here in Bangued with Elder Lloyd. First things first, I love being here in Bangued and getting to know the people and missionaries here, the Bangued Zone is awesome!
Last Monday as we were on our way to work, I took a really cool picture of the sunset. I will try and upload it. I love the sunsets here so much. They are gorgeous and so peaceful. There are always people coming home, walking in the fields, arriving home, kids getting home from school and families meeting together just around sunset making it my most favorite part of the day. Especially when it rains or is about to, and the clouds are rolling in.
On Tuesday we had a bunch of transfers in the zone! Elder Hennessey transferred to my old area, Sevilla! When I found out, I couldn’t stop talking to him about the people there and who to tell I said hello hahah, he most definitely got tired of listening but I most definitely did not get tired of talking! I am so jealous he is there haha. Elder Fenn replaced Elder Hennessey in the apartment, he is super nice and hard working. Sister Trussell is also now in the zone! Mal was serving in her ward in Mississippi a while ago so we caught up on Mal talk! Haha small world no!?
Starting from 8am till about 3 pm we were going to different bus stations picking up new missionaries and welcoming them into Bangued, and also getting ahold of their companions so they could get back out to work. I love seeing new faces and meeting new missionaries.
Thursday came around and we went to San Fernando for a meeting! We left at about 5:30 and got to San Fernando around 9:30, just in time to get some shwarma from the night market for dinner and go to my old apartment! Best part about that day was when we got to the apartment, I saw the next door neighbor, ANTONIO! I hope you guys remember Antonio from all the pictures when I was assigned in San Fernando! He is going to the Special Olympics in Dubai!!! I know home boy will kill it at the games as well!
Fridays meeting with President Bangal and other missionaries from around the mission was super good. He helped us understand more fully our callings and responsibilities being missionaries in the Baguio Mission. There’s no one like President Bangal, he is one of a kind for sure. I really respect President and love his attitude. Elder Waite and Elder Scott were also both there! (Pics at the bottom) which was great. I love them both. We got home from San Fernando at about 11pm and then woke up at 6am the next day to go to work in San Antonio, then we did that again on Sunday Morning.
Brother Ronie was sick but he made himself go to church even though he had the flu. He works construction for 8 hours a day at least, Monday through Saturday and told us that Sunday was his only day off, and he wasn’t going to miss the most important part of Sunday. How cool right? Just 2 months ago, he had no desire at all to talk to us, and now he is preparing to be baptized on the 14th!
We also taught Nanay Erlinda, who is getting stronger and stronger every day! She was very close to dyeing a couple weeks ago because of a lung infection and problem, but now is doing a lot better. We taught about the Sabbath Day to which she asked if she would still be able to sell food at the market on Sundays, that being the only day she goes to the market. We replied no… And before being able to explain why she says “Ok, I’ll just do it on Saturday and hopefully I will be blessed for it.”
YES NANAY YES! Talk about strong faith!
Sister Minda Dacayan was baptized on Sunday as well! It was a great baptismal service. The members in San Antonio gave talks (Brother Conrado and Sister Nora) and Minda also gave a great testimony about the Church and Joseph Smith. It was very touching to hear such a strong testimony from Sister Minda.
Her family even came to church for the first time to watch the baptism and also attend the confirmation and all 3 classes! Meaning that they were at church for about 5 hours!! Hopefully they come back right??? Hahha just kidding, they said that it wasn’t a problem being there for a while because seeing how its Sunday… they shouldn’t be doing anything else anyway! I replied “true” and we will be seeing them on Tuesday to talk about any questions they have. I am so greatful that the Elders before us were able to meet Minda and start teaching her, I am also grateful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to serve here and be able to teach the Restored Gospel. I know that this is the Gospel and the Church of Our Savior.
I love you all! Earlier we made all of the Elders in the zone pancakes for breakfast after going on a 3-mile run! The run felt great! The pancakes tasted great, and now we need to run more so that we can burn off the pancakes! Have a great week everyone!
Don’t forget to watch General Conference if you haven’t yet! www.lds.org<http://www.lds.org>
--
Elder Pitt
--
Elder Pitt
It has been yet again another busy and successful week here in Bangued with Elder Lloyd. First things first, I love being here in Bangued and getting to know the people and missionaries here, the Bangued Zone is awesome!
Last Monday as we were on our way to work, I took a really cool picture of the sunset. I will try and upload it. I love the sunsets here so much. They are gorgeous and so peaceful. There are always people coming home, walking in the fields, arriving home, kids getting home from school and families meeting together just around sunset making it my most favorite part of the day. Especially when it rains or is about to, and the clouds are rolling in.
On Tuesday we had a bunch of transfers in the zone! Elder Hennessey transferred to my old area, Sevilla! When I found out, I couldn’t stop talking to him about the people there and who to tell I said hello hahah, he most definitely got tired of listening but I most definitely did not get tired of talking! I am so jealous he is there haha. Elder Fenn replaced Elder Hennessey in the apartment, he is super nice and hard working. Sister Trussell is also now in the zone! Mal was serving in her ward in Mississippi a while ago so we caught up on Mal talk! Haha small world no!?
Starting from 8am till about 3 pm we were going to different bus stations picking up new missionaries and welcoming them into Bangued, and also getting ahold of their companions so they could get back out to work. I love seeing new faces and meeting new missionaries.
Thursday came around and we went to San Fernando for a meeting! We left at about 5:30 and got to San Fernando around 9:30, just in time to get some shwarma from the night market for dinner and go to my old apartment! Best part about that day was when we got to the apartment, I saw the next door neighbor, ANTONIO! I hope you guys remember Antonio from all the pictures when I was assigned in San Fernando! He is going to the Special Olympics in Dubai!!! I know home boy will kill it at the games as well!
Fridays meeting with President Bangal and other missionaries from around the mission was super good. He helped us understand more fully our callings and responsibilities being missionaries in the Baguio Mission. There’s no one like President Bangal, he is one of a kind for sure. I really respect President and love his attitude. Elder Waite and Elder Scott were also both there! (Pics at the bottom) which was great. I love them both. We got home from San Fernando at about 11pm and then woke up at 6am the next day to go to work in San Antonio, then we did that again on Sunday Morning.
Brother Ronie was sick but he made himself go to church even though he had the flu. He works construction for 8 hours a day at least, Monday through Saturday and told us that Sunday was his only day off, and he wasn’t going to miss the most important part of Sunday. How cool right? Just 2 months ago, he had no desire at all to talk to us, and now he is preparing to be baptized on the 14th!
We also taught Nanay Erlinda, who is getting stronger and stronger every day! She was very close to dyeing a couple weeks ago because of a lung infection and problem, but now is doing a lot better. We taught about the Sabbath Day to which she asked if she would still be able to sell food at the market on Sundays, that being the only day she goes to the market. We replied no… And before being able to explain why she says “Ok, I’ll just do it on Saturday and hopefully I will be blessed for it.”
YES NANAY YES! Talk about strong faith!
Sister Minda Dacayan was baptized on Sunday as well! It was a great baptismal service. The members in San Antonio gave talks (Brother Conrado and Sister Nora) and Minda also gave a great testimony about the Church and Joseph Smith. It was very touching to hear such a strong testimony from Sister Minda.
Her family even came to church for the first time to watch the baptism and also attend the confirmation and all 3 classes! Meaning that they were at church for about 5 hours!! Hopefully they come back right??? Hahha just kidding, they said that it wasn’t a problem being there for a while because seeing how its Sunday… they shouldn’t be doing anything else anyway! I replied “true” and we will be seeing them on Tuesday to talk about any questions they have. I am so greatful that the Elders before us were able to meet Minda and start teaching her, I am also grateful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to serve here and be able to teach the Restored Gospel. I know that this is the Gospel and the Church of Our Savior.
I love you all! Earlier we made all of the Elders in the zone pancakes for breakfast after going on a 3-mile run! The run felt great! The pancakes tasted great, and now we need to run more so that we can burn off the pancakes! Have a great week everyone!
Don’t forget to watch General Conference if you haven’t yet! www.lds.org<http://www.lds.org>
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Elder Pitt
--
Elder Pitt
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