Twenty members of the Clementi Ward went on a temple trip to Cebu City, Philippines in mid-December 2016 and came home appreciating one another more than ever. This was the Ward’s second trip to the Cebu City Temple. As a small group consisting of 14 adults, four children and two youths, they had wonderful spiritual experiences in the temple. Without too many distractions in Cebu City, they spent time together in the evenings after their day-long sessions in the temple.
Everything went well
Everything went well
With the help of the temple workers, the group was able to arrange the schedule for the ordinances so well that the work went on without a hitch. Everything went well from the first session on the first day when the group showed up at the temple at 8:00 a.m.
Time together
Time together
What a coincidence that five members of the group had their birthdays in December and it was not difficult to find restaurants that gave special discounts for birthday guests. For this reason, everyone wanted to stay in the group to enjoy the birthday discounts as it had happened in Manila (2014) and Cebu (2013).
Clothes for children
Clothes for children
The group brought eight bags of used clothes for children, previously donated by non-members. The bags were given to a charity organisation for distribution to children in need in the Cebu area.
Testimonies
Testimonies
One member shared her feelings about the temple with this statement:
“In this world, we face big and small trials. Going to the temple strengthens my ability to manage the difficulties I face. It reinforces my belief that I am not alone. The temple is my house of refuge.
Whenever I enter the temple, I feel the peace, comfort and support of the Holy Spirit. I feel Heavenly Father's love. I am reminded of the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement. I am reminded to feed his sheep. I am reminded that we should reach out for eternal life, to attain and embrace the characteristics of charity, patience, humility, kindness and mercy. It helps me to remember the bigger picture and not allow the irritations of this world to cause me to lose my direction.
Being in the temple reminds me to always check and realign my path to be in line with Heavenly father’s plans. I love going to the Temple, and I hope that I can continue to do so every year.”
Another member said,
“Amidst the uncertainties around the world, I’m grateful for the familiarity that the temple brings. A feeling of peace and comfort greeted us as we stepped onto the temple grounds. Then we felt the Spirit as we entered the temple.
One highlight of the Cebu Temple trip was the fireside with the President Eusebio Rodriguez Gale (Counselor in the Temple Presidency) and Sister Gale, assistant to the Matron. President Gale said that attending the temple sessions was like having classes from heaven brought down to earth. I was inspired by the testimonies that some members shared – I admire their faith and desire to do genealogy. This has motivated me to work harder on my family history.
Socially, we enjoyed the bonding as we ate most of our meals as a group and I got to know some of the members well. We sampled the local cuisine, and fell in love with Lechon (a pork dish) and sinigang, a tamarind based soup.”
And one Priesthood member said,
“Going to the temple gives me the opportunity to renew my covenants and show God that I have been faithful and obedient. The serenity and peace in the temple gives me the impression that this is how we shall live in the celestial kingdom, where our worldly cares are removed and we are no longer influenced by the desire of the flesh.
It is a privilege and a blessing to hold a temple recommend and I will cherish it dearly as it represents my worthiness and qualifies me to be in his presence in the temple.”
Cebu Temple
