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Philippines: Leaving the Mormon Church!:
In a local newspaper there had been an ongoing series of articles written by individuals who wanted to persuade LDS Church Members to leave the church. In response to the highly critical and spirited remarks, this rebuttal was written:
Dear Editor:
I have been thinking about quitting the Mormon Church.
Yes, if I can, I am going to get even with that church. As soon as I can find another church that teaches about the Gathering of the House of Israel; the return of the Ten Tribes and their mission; the return of the Jews to Palestine; the building of temples and their purposes; and the mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi.
Is there another church that teaches the method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah and the flood; the origin of the American Indian; the complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth needed a mortal mother; the explanation of the three degrees of glory (three heavens) as mentioned by Paul, and explain the scripture that says: "why are they baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all"?
How about one that teaches about the need for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that teaches that Joseph Smith was chosen before he ever came to earth to be the prophet to usher in that restoration?
What about another church with the belief in eternal marriage and the family, and the knowledge of where to be sealed so the family can be together for eternity?
Where is another church that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth for the last days, for only a 10th of my income, and that teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods.
Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that, or even half as much, I will say goodbye to this Mormon Church.
The church that I am looking for must also be able to motivate 50,000 youth, and adults, for the first, second or third time; to leave their homes for two years at their own expense and be sent to faraway missions to teach and preach without salary.
It must be able to call 5 or 6 thousand members to go pick apples on a frosty day; and it must get the attention of more than 150,000 men and boys for two hours to listen to a prophet, not to mention women and girls taking the time to listen to their leaders.
Could you help me find a church that teaches and shows why salvation is assured for children who die before eight years of age?
Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more; and hundreds of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings solace and comfort to the soul, peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked -- questions and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and pain, the absolute need for a redeemer and the marvelous plan of happiness conceived and executed by Jesus Christ the Savior?
Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that and also that has the organization and the priesthood power to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church.
Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't get old and sick, and die; and certainly that don't make a goof here and there?
A Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it, and only perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect that it should not even be here on earth! So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this imperfect letter knows about another church that teaches and does as much for mankind as the Mormon Church, please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go to the cannery is coming up soon. Also, they want to send my fifth and last son on a mission, and I'll have to pay for it all. And I also know that they expect me to go to the farm to prune trees before long.
Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all they ask me to do? Well, someone said, for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no charge! Do you think you can help me find another church?
Tags: LDS Church
Philippines: Ahh, I remember the first time...:
As I was sitting here reflecting on the last seven years of living in the Philippines-I thought it might be fun to write a little about personal experiences in traveling to the Philippines. What I write here is in no way an advertisement for any company or service. Its just a suggestion for those that are considering a trip here for the first time or the 100th time.
If coming from the United States, the obvious difference is the travel time when compared to flying anywhere within the US. From the west coast to Manila is at minimum a 14 ½ hour flight. I worked for the airlines for most of my working years in the states and flying was and still is my favorite activity in life. So much so, that my wife tells me that I must have jet A fuel in my veins rather than blood. She understands my weakness for aircraft I think, but still giggles as I rush out of the front door to look skywards every time I hear a large jet depart from the airport at Clark airbase.
Many airlines ply the routes from the US to the Philippines. Most all airlines fly the route with a stop over and aircraft change in Korea, Tokyo, or Hong Kong. That’s okay except that it adds to the already long flight time and changing planes is no picnic; not to mention the possibility of lost baggage during the stopover.
From a safety and service standpoint, Philippine Airlines has always been my personal choice without exception. Most all flights are made using a newer Boeing 747-400 aircraft that is comfortable and very well maintained.
From Vancouver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles they have non-stop flights to Manila. Or sometimes depending on passenger and fuel load they will make one stop for fuel. But there is no waiting for a change of aircraft and usually you just remain in the aircraft during refueling and you are on your way again. Very nice and makes the already long trip much easier.
Once you arrive in Manila unless there is family at the airport, you are faced with getting a taxi to a local hotel or to the bus station for the rest of your journey. Getting out of the airport in a taxi is frustrating at best. At worst it will mean paying a dishonest taxi driver a small fortune to get to your destination. Also, from time to time it can mean being held up by your taxi driver as well. A scary prospect for the first time traveler to paradise.
To avoid problems, delays, and hassles, I have always stayed at the Swagman Hotel in Ermita, Manila. If one is going to be a guest at that hotel, their airport pick up and drop off is free of charge and there is no concern about personal safety.
From that hotel they also have private bus service known as “Fly D’ Bus” that goes to and from Angeles City three times per day for I think about P600 now.
Again, using that service avoids problems of delays and even holdups that do occur on public busses from time to time.
Anyway, I just felt the need and desire to share a little something on getting here and hope it might help someone along the way. Now I guess I can go back to sitting on the patio with my iced tea and wait for the next big jet to fly over the house.
Mabuhay from tropical heaven,
Gene and Viol…
Philippines: Philippine Retirement Authority:
The main problem with the Philippines is not only the red tape, but also that many in government positions simply don't know the answers either. In most cases its almost impossible to get a correct answer or to know when you have the correct answer to questions. Same holds true for your banking Joe, in the states a Philippine bank gives you information. Then like many other people you get here and find out what you were told in the states simply does not apply.
Like being able to use any branch of your bank here. It will never happen. Its like different branches of the same bank share the name but nothing more. best way to have access to your funds from a bank here is first, have your account at a major Philippine bank (not PNB unless you enjoy banking problems and frustration on a monumental scale) and have a ATM card from your bank. Then just use that ATM in a shopping mall to quickly get money out. Anything else and or the use of NPB will fail for sure-no matter what you are told and assured of by the bank in the states.
Gene...
Philippines: Down On The Philippine Farm:
For anyone that grew up or lived in a large American city; or even a small town, a visit to a farm in the Philippines is a real treat.
Imagine in the 21st century being able to experience life almost like it was in the 1800’s TV show “Little House On The Prairie.”
With the exception of the occasional motor cycle, life here is quiet and peaceful. Everyone is up and moving by 4:00am! Just in time to wake up the chickens---and start a good home cooked meal for breakfast.
Although there is electric power in this 21st century version of the old west; firewood is still used for cooking most foods and boiling water for coffee.
There is no refrigeration so all meals are cooked from scratch. No frozen foods such as TV dinners etc.
There is something about a meal that is cooked on an open fire rather than on a gas or electric stove that makes any meal inviting. Or maybe it’s the fresh air that makes it taste so good.
Not many tractors here for farming. So a carabao (water buffalo) is used to pull a one blade plow and to haul items to and from the field.
Without the use of modern equipment and farming methods everything takes much longer.
But who’s in a hurry anyway? Life is slower here and more relaxed. And for what does not get done today, there is always tomorrow or maybe next week…
Philippines: Makati Friends:
I've been living in the Philippines for seven years and have no personal experience transporting animals into the country. However, someone I knew that moved here from the states was told that the airlines will not transport animals to the Philippines during the summer months as the temp and humidity is so high here. So it would also pay to contact the airlines on any potential restrictions...
Philippines: Living On The Beach:
Hi Bob,
There are many such places here in the Philippines for nice beaches and the women are everywhere. But for a place where medical care of any value is concerned, the only place I can think of or name off hand is around the Subic bay area.
In most cases in most places, going to a doctor/hospital can put you at more risk than just staying at home.
I must admit that although I've lived in the Philippines for over seven years now, there are many places that I have not been and could very easily be wrong on my above statement.
Best of luck,
Gene and Viol
Philippines: help!! considering the san fabien area can anybody tell me how they except americans?:
Hi,
I'm an American and have been living here over seven years. I dont know the area that you are asking about. We live two hours north of Manila-close to Angles City.
If you will let me know what the area is that you are thinking about I'll try to locate some info if I can.
Gene and Viol
Magalang, Pampanga
Vietnam: US Social Security Payments:
Was wondering, if living in Viet Nam, is it possible to receive direct deposits of US Social Security?
I live in the Philippines and it is allowed here...
Philippines: Driving In The Philippines:
The very best advice that can be given to a foreign visitor about driving in the Philippines is don’t! Don’t even think about it. Even if you are a professional driver of 80,000 pound semi trucks with two million miles under your belt; don’t drive in the Philippines.
The right hand driving pattern is used here as it is in America and Canada etc. The road markings and highway signs are pretty much the same. And even the traffic laws are much the same as most western countries.
But that is where the similarities end.
For reasons too numerous to go into in this short post I will just say that no matter what happens; no matter who is at fault in a traffic accident here. You, as the foreigner will almost always be found in the wrong. Even if you can show proof that you were not at fault, chances are you will still be held at fault and responsible by police for repairs and medical expenses of the other party.
Sounds crazy, but their philosophy is that as a foreigner, if you were not in the country the accident would not have happened in the first place!
Having said that; it is important to also note that I have been living in the Philippines for the past seven years and breaking my own rule the entire time.
So far, I have been very lucky and have had only one minor accident in that time.
As with most other aspects of living here, vehicle repair is very low cost and good mechanics are quite easy to find.
The main problem in repair service is that there is no AAA auto club or towing services easily available if a breakdown occurs on the road.
For that reason as well as fuel economy most people drive a motor cycle or motor cycle with a sidecar attached.
On more than one occasion I have had vehicle problems when out and around and found it much easier to push my motor to a mechanic or tire repair place than to push a car or van.
As mentioned earlier, repair costs here are very affordable. This morning I took our 155cc motor cycle to our favorite repair shop for it’s normal tune up.
A tune up here includes a clutch adjustment, removal and complete breakdown and cleaning of the carburetor, removal of the engine head and adjustment and cleaning of the valves and lifters, as well as adjusting the engine timing.
The entire process took less than 30 minutes and the total cost was only $2.00us dollars with two qualified mechanics working on the bike.
Pretty good value for the money I’d say.
So for anyone visiting the Philippines or moving here as I did that is determined to drive, at least the cost of repairs will be low and usually of good quality. And with all the money you will be saving on repairs you might even have enough saved to pay damages and medical expenses as a result any accident you may have.
And be sure to always wear a helmet when driving. The police are always on the lookout for the unsuspecting foreigner that is in violation of any law they can think of.
If you are caught and fined in cash for a violation of any kind; it will give new meaning to the expression of “support your local police” as you will leave the scene knowing you have just bought the officers lunch or helped put food on the table in the home of one of his many wives he is “working” so hard to support…
Philippines: "The Long Road To Subic Bay":
I remember when traveling from Angeles City to Subic Bay was a nightmare. Between the two lane road filled with moon crater sized potholes, endless unfinished construction projects, detours, traffic accidents, and traffic; not to mention kids on bikes, livestock, dogs, cats, and an endless count of chickens on the road, the trip usually took at least 2 ½ to 3 hours!
Now, thanks to the opening of the Subic-Clark expressway early this year (2009) those days are gone and the trip takes only about 20 minutes. A far cry from the old days when one would be tired out upon arrival in Subic just from the stressful and tiring trip.
Subic itself and the entire area around it is like a giant candy store. With endless places to go, places to eat, boating, diving, and even girl chasing. Actually, if the girls are running it’s because they are chasing you. Nice for a change hay guys? Why waste all that energy that could better be used in the evening when they come to you, or just follow you around like a lost puppy-waiting to go home with you.
One of my favorite areas there is Blue Rock Resort. Its actually off base but still close by. It sits on the beach and has very nice accommodations with a full service restaurant, swimming pool, and even has a floating bar several yards out in the bay.
Johan’s dive shop is right next door and does dive tours for those who want to see Subic bay from the bottom up. There are many world war II ship and aircraft wrecks waiting to be explored in this huge bay.
Sailing and all types of boating is extremely popular in Subic and is the host for the yearly Hong Kong-Subic sailing regatta.
Broadwater Marine is close by and is owned by a friend of mine, Rod Hegerty, one of the greatest guys you could ever want to meet. He carries all boating supplies from anchors to rope and all boat and engine repair on site. Stop in for a cold one when there. He always has a good sea story to tell. Or he can be contacted at: Rodney_hegerty@broadwatermarine.com
Just outside Subic base is Olongapo city. It’s a city with many stores and restaurants and fun places to see. Easy to get around by taking any yellow jeepney. They travel in a loop around town so its not easy to get lost.
Subic Bay has to be one of my favorite places in the country and a must see for anyone traveling to or vacationing here.
Subic also has a good supply of apartments and American style homes on base for anyone that might be thinking of moving to the Philippines.
Be sure to check out Subic before you decide to “drop anchor” somewhere else in the Philippines…
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