Elder Plarao, One-Handed Missionary Completes Mission with Honor

President Plarao

I know a true latter-day saints know the importance of doing a missionary work. They know it in doing so for they've done their part in fulfilling one of the 3-fold mission of the Church, and that's to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But what about if you're unable to do it due to a handicap or physical disability, can you do the missionary work? In one of our leadership meeting with the Church leaders, if a member is disabled and wanted to spread the Gospel in doing the missionary job like the full-time missionary is doing in the field, by his honest and willing desire he is already doing it  and he doesn't need to go out anymore to fulfill it.

On the other hand, if you're partially handicap, like the one I know from La Castellana Branch. He is Bro. Angelo Plarao who has no right hand which was amputated due to firecracker accident when he was 14 years old. His Branch President, the late Rogie Belarmino encouraged him to go out for a mission in spite of that handicap. Bro Angelo responded approvingly. He never hesitated or had a second thought "because all circumstances and problems have their own worth of purpose" in which he strongly believes it.

Sister Elwood Missionary Work Experience

Following is unforgettable and true story of Sister Jesica Michele Elwood, who is one of the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served at the Bacolod Philippines Mission and was assigned in La Carlota.

                              Jesica's Story:

Sister Elwood

I served Bacolod Philippines Mission from March 2010 to October 2011. La Carlota was her longest area. She had been transferred five times from February 2011 to August 2011.

I miss the La Carlota people and I couldn't forget my experience there. I had learned a lot from the members and the investigator as well. After four months of stay, I was transferred to other area until I went home. I won't forget all the people there. I deeply care for them and I hope to see them after life and I wish our mansion would be near each on the other life.

When I was in La Carlota, I taught many people. I had no time to write all their names. But I want to talk to them and let them know a little about my present life.

Of His Return Suprises Us

Former Elder Mark Anthony C. Malig of Pampanga, Philippines as one of those faithful members of the Church, surprised us tonight for his return after serving us here a full-time missionary for three months sometime in November, December and January in 2008.

La Carlota was his last year after completing his 2-year mission here in Region VI, Western Visayas.

Tony Malig how he was regarded by his companion missionaries before is worth remembering not only as a well-esteemed by his fellow missionary and the saints (members) of the Church but many more. It seems yesterday that we were together in attending our Sunday services. It seems yesterday that my youngest son, Gilbor Junior, was his regular ward missionary companion every time they're visiting members, doing some proselyting and teaching referrals and "investigators" of the Church.