P 1P 1P 1P 1P 1The Gospel Paragons Nov - Dec 2007

In the Bible

Dictionary, “gospel” means

good news. But what is the

good news? It is the perfect

atonement of Jesuschrist for

mankind that will redeem

all mankind from the grave

and reward each individual

according to his/her works.

And from the dictionary,

“paragon” is a noun which

means 1) example of

excellence 2) large unflawed

diamond: a perfect diamond

that weighs at least 100

carats 3) large perfectly

spherical pearl: an

extremely large pearl that is

perfect sphere. The name of

the newsletter was derived

from these two powerful

words. The purpose of this

is to serve as one of the

perfect instruments in

spreading the good news to

all. The purpose of the

Gospel Paragons is to

always emphasize the

importance of missionary

work. We are all

missionaries of the

CHURCH. It is not only the

duty of the full time

missionaries to invite

people to come unto

Jesuschrist and become

converted to the restored

gospel. Also, being latter day

saints we should also be the

“gospel paragons”. It has

been said that the members

of THE CHURCH OF

JESUSCHRIST OF LATTER DAY

SAINTS are peculiar people.

We are different in such a

way that we follow the

examples of our Savior

JESUSCHRIST. All of us are

precious like diamond and

also as valuable as pearl in

the eyes of our Heavenly

Father. We have the divine

potential to become like

HIM as Jesus said in 2Nephi

27:27 “Therefore, what

manner of men ought ye to

be? Verily I say unto you,

even as I am.” And we have a

duty to be the best example

to all the people because we

cannot hide the light in our

countenance as we live the

gospel and keep the

commandments of the Lord.

Vol 1 - Issue No. 1 The Official Newsletter of Cabuyao Ward Missionaries Nov 2007

WHAT IS GOSPEL PARAGONS?Par·a·gon [párrY gòn, párrYgYn] (plural par·a·gons) noun

1. example of excellence: somebody or something that is the very best example of something2. large unflawed diamond: a perfect diamond that weighs at least 100 carats3. large perfectly spherical pearl: an extremely large pearl that is a perfect sphere

A STORY OFCHRISTMAS:

From Lucas toSanta

When Mom looked

up from peeling the potatoes

for supper, she saw Lucas

standing

in the kitchen doorway with

a furrowed brow and a book

in his hand. “What

are you reading that makes

you look so serious?” Mom

questioned, wiping her

hands on a towel.

“This.” Lucas held up

his book so that Mom could

see the cover.

Mom sat in a kitchen

chair and lifted Lucas onto

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Christmas Trivia...Christmas Trivia...Christmas Trivia...Christmas Trivia...Christmas Trivia...P 1 0P 1 0P 1 0P 1 0P 1 0

From Lucas toFrom Lucas toFrom Lucas toFrom Lucas toFrom Lucas toSanta... P8-10Santa... P8-10Santa... P8-10Santa... P8-10Santa... P8-10

Ward MissionWard MissionWard MissionWard MissionWard MissionLeaderLeaderLeaderLeaderLeader... P5-6... P5-6... P5-6... P5-6... P5-6

S-FREE-TEXTUS-FREE-TEXTUS-FREE-TEXTUS-FREE-TEXTUS-FREE-TEXTUA LA LA LA LA LMessaMessaMessaMessaMessagggggeeeee... P12... P12... P12... P12... P12

her lap. “I thought that The

Night Before Christmas was

one of your happy books,”

she said....

(Continuation in Page 8)

P 2P 2P 2P 2P 2 The Gospel ParagonsNov - Dec 2007 NEWS

Our dear prophetJoseph Smith said that“After all that has beensaid, the greatest andmost important duty is topreach the gospel”. In thePreach My Gospelmissionary manual (page160), President Hinckleytaught that “So many ofus look upon missionaryas simply tracting.Everyone who is familiarwith the work knowsthere is a betterway...that way is throughthe members of thechurch. The process ofbringing new people intothe church is notresponsible alone of themissionaries.

In line with this,the Cabuyao ward

Let’s eat U.B.A.S!!!

prayer. A special musicalnumber was given byAmalyn Loterte whereinshe sung “I’ll find youmy friend”. The Full timemissionaries reiteratedthe importance ofmember referral. Ourward mission leaderdiscussed on the

Current records ofthe church on baptismsfor the last 4 years andother related churchstatistics.

One of the speakers wasour Sunday SchoolPresident Ryan Bautistawho served his full timemission in PhilippinesOlongapo Mission. Hediscussed some usefulways on how to open

Missionaries held theMissionary fireside CalledUBAS on October 28, 2007.The theme is found inD&C 18:15

“And if it so be thatyou should labor all yourdays in crying repentanceunto this people, andbring, save it be one soulunto me, how great shallbe your joy with him inthe kingdom of myFather”.

The program waspresided by Bishop CarlosAlvez and the conductingofficer was our WardMission leader RomeoPolicarpio. After theopening hymn (Called toServe) Johnny Abquinaoffered the opening

your mouth (OYM)through UBAS (Usap,Bigay, Anyayahan Sila)

These waysinclude talking about thegospel to your friends,relatives and familieswho are not yetmembers of the church.We can also give themsomething to read aboutthe church like the Bookof Mormon, Liahona andother church manuals. Itwill be great if we willinvite them to attendchurch activities such asbaptism, Sunday service,mutual nights, familyhome evenings andothers.

In the Book of Mormon

(Alma 8:19-21), Amulek

was received by Prophet

Alma in his House and

gave something to eat and

they become very good

companions in sharing the

gospel. This scripture

FEED THE ELDERS

passage inspired the

Cabuyao Ward Missionary

Program to come up with the

“Appointment with the Full

time Missionaries”. The

members can choose a

convenient time to invite the

elders for a dinner or lunch.

The Full time Missionaries

will also have an

opportunity to ask referrals

from the members. This

monthly schedule of dinner

or lunch with the members

is posted at the bulletin

board. And it has been very

helpful in asking and

following up of the

referrals by the elders.

Please check if anyone of

you has not yet scheduled

your eating appointments

with the missionaries.

P 3P 3P 3P 3P 3The Gospel Paragons Nov - Dec 2007

tasted the sweetestgrape which symbolizedthe word of God. Amusical presentation of“How Great Shall be YourJoy” was prepared byKaren Aguilar , EricBrigola, Ryan Salapa, andAmalyn Loterte. BrotherRomie advised themembers after tastingthe grapes that theyneed to share the joythey have felt to theirnon members friendsand relatives just likewhat Lehi did in the everfamous Lehi’s dream (1Nephi 8:15-16).Sister Jinky Alvar who is

a recent convert gave her

testimony about her

own experience.

Seven valiant full time missionaries fromCabuyao ward are singing this famous song

“Called to Serve” in their respective assignedareas across the country. They have chosen to servethe Lord with all their hearts, might, mind andstrength with an eye single to the glory of god. All ofthem inspire those who are still wanting and preparingto serve a full time mission. Let us know who they areand where they are now....

Elder Paulo Salapa and Elder Mon Camino areserving in Philippines Angeles Mission. Elder MarkCaisido and Sister Johnalyn Sibayan are now fluent inWaray in the Lord’s vineyard named PhilippinesTacloban Mission. Sister Juvy Sevilla is laboring inPhilippines Quezon City Mission. Also, Elder ButchBuscato is happily sharing the gospel to the people ofPhilippines Davao Mission. While Sister AmalynLoterte is enjoying the cold breeze in the PhilippinesBaguio Mission.

For more information, visitwww.theprospectives.aowc.net

NEWS

There was also arole playing on UBAS byour talented wardmissionaries starringJohnny Abquiña,Josephine de Juan, RuelVillegas, AmalynLoterte, Karen Aguilar,Jinky Alvar, Rizza Burnal,Len Burnal and JosephBelgica.

The secondspeaker was Mary AnnPada who served also inthe PhilippinesOlongapo Mission. Shecited some ways on howto prepare your referralsfor baptism and how tostrengthen them afterbaptism. These includesstaying active in thechurch and always be a

good example by livingthe commandments ofthe Lord, continue tofellowship, going withthem in the churchactivities, serve themand serve with them.

The speakeremphasized that yournewly convert referralmust have three thingsmentioned by our livingprophet Gordon B.Hinckley. A friend, acalling and nurture themwith the words of God.

The second part ofthe program was thegrape eating (UBASeating) of the memberswho attended thefireside. They have

She was referredby her LDS friend and alsoher colleague for almosta year before her baptismon September 2007.

The closingremarks was given byRomie Policarpio and theclosing prayer wasoffered by Josephine deJuan after the closinghymn found in hymn#263Go Forth With Faith.

“Called to serve him“Called to serve him“Called to serve him“Called to serve him“Called to serve himheavenly king of gloryheavenly king of gloryheavenly king of gloryheavenly king of gloryheavenly king of glory

Chosen o’er to witness forChosen o’er to witness forChosen o’er to witness forChosen o’er to witness forChosen o’er to witness for his name his name his name his name his name

Far a and wide we tell theFar a and wide we tell theFar a and wide we tell theFar a and wide we tell theFar a and wide we tell theFather’s storyFather’s storyFather’s storyFather’s storyFather’s story

Far and wide his love proclaimFar and wide his love proclaimFar and wide his love proclaimFar and wide his love proclaimFar and wide his love proclaim

Onward ever onwardOnward ever onwardOnward ever onwardOnward ever onwardOnward ever onwardAs we glory in his nameAs we glory in his nameAs we glory in his nameAs we glory in his nameAs we glory in his name

Forward pressing forwardForward pressing forwardForward pressing forwardForward pressing forwardForward pressing forwardAs we glory in his name...”As we glory in his name...”As we glory in his name...”As we glory in his name...”As we glory in his name...”

7 Full Time Missionaries in the Mission Field7 Full Time Missionaries in the Mission Field7 Full Time Missionaries in the Mission Field7 Full Time Missionaries in the Mission Field7 Full Time Missionaries in the Mission Field

frfrfrfrfrom Caom Caom Caom Caom Cabbbbbuyuyuyuyuyao Wao Wao Wao Wao Warararararddddd

P 4P 4P 4P 4P 4 The Gospel ParagonsNov - Dec 2007 MESSAGES

My Fellow Missionaries,

I couldn’t express myself how happy I am today serving as Ward Mission Leader. I do really enjoyedworking with you as Ward Missionaries. I know that this is really a very tough calling I am handling now andthe Lord is expecting so much from me, to perpetuate missionary work in our ward with the help of everybody.

Our prime responsibility as members of the church of Jesus Christ is to help our fellowmen come untoChrist and be exalted with Him. “Missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church”, without it, the Church won’texist by itself.

We are instruments in the hands of our Heavenly Father in bringing more souls into the fold, and itrequires us prayer and fasting, and purity is always crucial to power in the ministry, to be sensitive enoughto the promptings of the spirit that would lead us to those people who are pure in heart and ready to be taughtand accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am also glad that we have come up with this pretty good “Ward Mission Newsletter” that wouldinspires and uplifts us and would also served as one of the effective tools to do the Lord’s work.

With your full support, Let us join our hands together to put forth our best efforts by keeping the spiritof missionary work within us and radiating it to those people around us.

Your Servant,

Bro. Romie A. Policarpio

The idea of having this monthly newsletter was brought up 5 years ago. Due to the limited resources,time, etc., we did not push through with the idea and hope that time will come when we would have thegroup of members who would make this happen. Thanks to the efforts of the ward mission who made thispossible. We aim to share information more clearly and inspire members, especially prospective missionaries,to fulfil the mission of the church to proclaim the gospel. Through this newsletter, we will be able to be intouch with our members serving as full-time missionaries. This will serve as their venue to share their inspiringmissionary experiences. Pres. Spencer W. Kimball said,

“The day for carrying the gospel to ever more places and people is here and now. We must cometo think of our obligation to share the message rather than of our own convenience. Calls from the Lordare seldom convenient. The time is here when sacrifice must become an even more important elementin the Church. We must increase our devotion so that we can do the work the Lord has for us to do. …The parting words of the Master to His Apostles just before His Ascension were, “Go ye into all the world,and preach the gospel to every creature.”

I would like to share the same message to all the young men, young single adults, and all members, inthe name of Him whose birth we celebrate this season, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Yours truly,

Bishop Carlos U. Alvez

P 5P 5P 5P 5P 5The Gospel Paragons Nov - Dec 2007MESSAGES

Yours truly,Yours truly,Yours truly,Yours truly,Yours truly,

Mary Ann PadaMary Ann PadaMary Ann PadaMary Ann PadaMary Ann Pada

It is my privilege to be a part of the first CABUYAO WARD MISSIONARY Newsletter.

I am grateful to all the ward missionaries, Full time missionaries and leaders who have contributed tomake this happen. The purpose of this project is not only to inform the members about the activities of theward missionaries and full time missionaries assigned here in Cabuyao Ward and also to our beloved eldersand sisters who are currently serving their full time mission nationwide but to inspire all the readers throughthe gospel of Jesus Christ and the importance of sharing the great happiness and eternal life to all.

I have been blessed so many times in my life by knowing the restored truth and the plan of salvation.I feel glad every time I share them to the investigators, less active and active members of the church. I believethat our testimony will grow as we share them.

We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. And we are beloved sons and daughters ofour Heavenly Father who loves us so much.I hope that you will enjoy reading the articles.

May you all have a joyful Christmas with your loved ones.

In DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 64:34 “The Lord requireth the Heart and a willing mind”. Brothers and sisters no

matter what how tough the work are, no matter how discourage we are, no matter if things seems going on the wrong way,

we must strengthen our heart because it’s the center of thought and knowledge, it’s the center of feelings and affection it’s

the center of the entire man, the very heart of life’s impulse so make it everyday when we go out and work with cheerful and

thankful hearts.- Elder Gorospe and Elder Dango

Dear Cabuyao Saints,

I‘ve been almost 2 months dito sa first area ko,Marikina 2nd Ward (shoe capital of the Phils.) Mabait ang mga

members at malaki ang part nila sa pag fellowship sa mga recent converts at investigators, continue lang kayo jan sa pag

support sa missionary work. Sa ngayon mag start talaga sa modern scripture ang “PREACH MY GOSPEL”. The Phils.Quezon

City or Preach My Gospel Mission is using this missionary manual every study and meetings we have. Every leaders and

members of church should have a copy. This will help us know our individual responsibility as full time, missionaries,

leaders, ward missionaries, and even members. This book contains the modern revelation from the Lord through our living

Prophets on how to Proclaim His Gospel.

AlwaysSister Sevilla

(Philippine Quezon City Mission)

P 6P 6P 6P 6P 6 The Gospel ParagonsNov - Dec 2007 FEATURES

Did you know that our ward mission leader was called as a full time missionary 20 years ago? Yes.He was assigned in Philippines Quezon City Mission on September 21, 1987. But you can still feel hisburning desire to serve the Lord in the Missionary Program of the Church. Brother Romeo Policarpio wasborn and raised in the “Queen City of the South”, Cebu City. Brother Romie is humble and diligent in hiscalling and to the previous callings that he had when he was still in Cebu. These church callings in CebuStakes (Cebu City South, Mandaue and Talisay Stakes), include High Counselor, Auditor, Young MenPresident and Stake Mission President. In addition, he was called as Branch President, Elders QuorumPresident, Ward Clerk, Ward Young Men President, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Seminary Teacher and WardMission Leader.

And for the second time, after 20 years, he is magnifying a great calling as Ward Mission Leader ofCabuyao Ward.

Indeed, he is an example of the Lord who never gets tired of serving his fellowmen because hebelieves what King Mosiah said that”......when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only inthe service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).

He was married to Sister Marietta Ronquillo-Policarpio in the Philippines Manila Temple. They’reso blessed to have a child named Celestial RM.

WHO IS OUR WARD MISSION LEADER?

Missionary Group

Mary Ann PadaEditor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTORSJoseph BelgicaRuel Villegas

Bishop Carlos AlvezAdvisor

Romeo PolicarpioWard Mission Leader/

Publisher

Karen AguilarPhotojournalist

Robert delos Reyes Jr.Layout Artist

Jinky AlvarAssistant

Layout Artist

The Official Newsletter of the Cabuyao Ward

THE GOSPEL PARAGONS STAFFERS

P 7P 7P 7P 7P 7The Gospel Paragons Nov - Dec 2007

BLESSED: 06 May 1974 Constancio Trias, Guadalupe Branch, Lahug District, Philippines Mission, D.C. Crystal Compound, Guadalupe CebuCity, Philippines

BAPTIZED: 02 June 1974 by Elder Dean E. Cropper at Cavan’s Resort, Cavajar St; Guadalupe Branch, Lahug District, Philippines Mission,Guadalupe, Cebu City, Philippines

CONFIRMED: 02 June 1974 by: Elder Kent R. Johnson at Cavan’s Resort, Cavajar St; Guadalupe, Cebu City, Philippines

PATRIARCHAL BLESSING: 24 March 1985 by: Cesar G. Perez Sr., GMT Bldg, P. del Rosario St; Cebu City,Philippines

DEACON: Record not keptTEACHER: Record not keptPRIEST: Record not keptELDER: Record not kept

HIGH PRIEST: 16 March 1985 by Fred C. Dimaya, Cebu City Philippines South StakeENDOWED: 14 September 1987 at Manila Philippines Temple

MISSION: 21 September 1987 at Philippines Quezon City Mission

SEALED: 28 April 1988 at Manila Philippines Temple

MARRIED: 09 May 1987 by: Myron L. Francom in Manila Philippines Temple

CHURCH CALLINGS HELD:

STAKE HIGH COUNSELOR : Cebu City Philippines South Stake

: Talisay Philippines Stake

: Mandaue Philippines Stake

STAKE AUDITOR : Cebu City Philippines South Stake

: Talisay Philippines Stake

: Mandaue Philippines Stake

STAKE CLERK : Cebu City Philippines South Stake

: Talisay Philippines Stake

: Mandaue Philippines Stake

STAKE YOUNG MEN PRESIDENT : Mandaue Philippines Stake

STAKE MISSION PRESIDENT : Mandaue Philippines Stake

BRANCH PRESIDENT : Ballesterros Branch, Ballesterros, Aparri District

: Aritao Branch, Solano District

ELDERS QUORUM PRESIDENT : Cebu City 3rd Ward, Cebu City Philippines

South Stake

WARD CLERK : Cebu City 3rd Ward, Cebu City Philippines South Stake

: Labangon Ward, Talisay Philippines Stake

: Pardo Ward, Talisay Philippines Stake

WARD YOUNG MEN PRESIDENT: Cebu City 3rd Ward, Cebu City Philippines

South Stake

WARD MISSION LEADER: Cebu City 3rd Ward, Cebu City Philippines South

Stake; Cabuyao Ward, Cabuyao Phils. Stake

SEMINARY TEACHER : Pardo Ward, Talisay Philippines Stake

GOSPEL DOCTRINE TEACHER : Pardo Ward, Talisay Philippines Stake;

Cebu City 3rd Ward, Cebu City Philippines South Stake

FEATURES

“WORDS LIKE SWORDS”

(In Rev. 1:16, John the Revelator had a vision

that a sword came out of the Savior’s mouth.

Similarly, our latter day prophet Joseph Smith

received a revelation (D&C 6:2) that the Lord said

“Behold I am GOD; give heed unto my word, which

is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged

sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints

and marrows; therefore give heed unto my

words”.

Therefore, the Word of God is as powerful as

sword that can strengthens, inspires and lifts

us up whenwe are weak. It has also proven that

words of God can change and bless lives of all

mankind.".)

“Moroni 12:6....And now I Moroni, would speak

somewhat concerning these things; I would show

unto the world that faith is things which are

hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not

because ye see not, for ye receive no witness

until after the trial of your faith. “This scripture

passage is a reminder to us that truly the Lord

wants His children to be faithful. And faith can

only grow and become stronger as we are being

tested by our loving Heavenly Father. Always

remember that the storms of life reveal the

strength of our faith.

P 8P 8P 8P 8P 8 The Gospel ParagonsNov - Dec 2007 FEATURES

“But, Mom,everybody knows SantaClaus. Why hasn’tsomeone told him?”

“I don’t know,”Mom answered,s t r o k i n gL u c a s ’ sh a i rgently. “Ig u e s ssomeoner e a l l ys h o u l d . ”Then she gaveLucas a squeeze andasked, “Do you want tohelp me peel thepotatoes?”

“No thanks, Mom,”he replied. “I need some‘time out to think’ time.”

“OK, Champ, butdon’t be late for supper,”she said as he slid off herlap and headed for hisbedroom.

Lucas climbedonto his bed, lay on hisstomach, and opened hisbook again to the pagewith Santa smoking. Allthat year they had beenlearning in Primary aboutbeing missionaries.Sister Franklin had saidthat even a Sunbeamcould be a missionary.Santa must have held alot of Sunbeams on hislap. Hadn’t even one of

them told Santa aboutbeing a Mormon?Suddenly Lucasscrambled off the bed,ran over to hisbookshelves, put away

his storybook,and took

his f

avor i teb o o kfrom the

shelf. Hehad a

happy smileon his face when he

went into the livingroom. He had a plan.

That night aftersupper Lucas asked Momand Dad to come to hisbedroom for a meeting.Mom didn’t even washthe dishes first, becauseshe could tell that thiswas an importantmeeting to Lucas. Whenhis parents were seatedon the bed, Lucas showedthem a package wrappedin newspaper comics.“Billy Anderson said thatSanta is going to be at themall this Saturday. I wantgive this to him.”

“You want to giveSanta a present?” Dadasked. “That’swonderful. Do you mindif we ask what it is, Son?”

Lucas showedDad the page in hisstorybook with Santaand the pipe. “You see,Dad, I don’t think thatSanta is a member of theChurch. Mom said thatmaybe no one has toldhim about HeavenlyFather’s plan and aboutnot smoking. So I wantto give him the Book ofMormon that you gaveme when we started toread it as a family. Ithought that you andMom could give meanother one forChristmas. That waySanta will know aboutwhat’s important, andmaybe he’ll stopsmoking that pipe.”

Dad reached outand pulled Lucas ontohis lap. Mom reachedover and patted hishand. Her eyes werewatery, and Dad’s weretoo. That surprised Lucasa little. “It’s all right togive my Book of Mormonto Santa, isn’t it, Dad?”

“Yes, Son. It ’smore than all right—it’sterrific! I’m very proudof you, Lucas. I’m proudthat you want to be amissionary and share thegospel with others.”

Mom said, “Lucas,why don’t you let me

When Momlooked up from peelingthe potatoes for supper,she saw Lucas standing inthe kitchen doorwaywith a furrowed browand a book in his hand.“What are you readingthat makes you look soserious?” Momquestioned, wiping herhands on a towel.

“This.” Lucas heldup his book so that Momcould see the cover.

Mom sat in akitchen chair and liftedLucas onto her lap. “Ithought that The NightBefore Christmas wasone of your happybooks,” she said.

“It is, Mom, butwhy is Santa smoking apipe?” Lucas asked. “Isn’the a Latter-day Saint likeus?”

Mom was quiet fora bit as they looked at thepicture of Santa with hispipe making a circle ofsmoke around his head.“I guess,” she said slowly,“that maybe themissionaries haven’tbeen to the North Poleyet to teach him aboutthe restored gospel andabout why it ’s soimportant not to smoke.”

P 9P 9P 9P 9P 9The Gospel Paragons Nov - Dec 2007FEATURES

“Wow! Really?” heshouted as he ran to thephone.

“Hello, Lucas.Remember me? You saton my lap and gave me apresent this morning.”

“Sure I remember. Didyou read the Book ofMormon?”

“Well, I haven’t had timeto read the whole thing,”

the voice on thephone said

with achuckle.“I had towork allday. But I

did readwhat you

wrote in it andthe first few pages. I

was wondering if I couldcome over tonight andmeet your mom anddad.”

“Great!” Lucasexclaimed. “I’ll ask them.Dad, Mom, Santa wantsto know if he can comeover to our housetonight. He can, can’the?”

“Sure he can,” Dadanswered. “Why don’tyou let me talk to him fora few minutes after youfinish so I can make surethat he knows how to findour house.”

“Dad, he’s Santa Claus.He knows whereeveryone lives.

help you write yourtestimony in the front ofthe book. You can putyour name and addressinside so that Santa willknow who cares so muchabout him. Then you canwrap it again in Christmaspaper, and I bet I caneven find a bow for youto put on top. Would youlike that?”

“Yea! All right!”Lucas yelled, ripping offthe wrapping as fast ashe could.

Dad took a pen outof his shirt pocket andhanded it to Mom.

“Dear Santa,” Lucasbegan, “I am worriedabout you because I sawin a picture that yousmoke. Smoking is badfor you. Heavenly Fatherloves us and wants us tobe good to our bodies.This book is all aboutHeavenly Father andJesus Christ. I read it withmy family every day. Itmakes me happy. You areso nice to all the childrenthat I want you to behappy too.”

“That soundsgreat, Son,” Dad said.“I’m glad to hear thatreading the Book ofMormon as a familymakes you happy.”

“I want to write myname,” Lucas told Mom.“You can write our phonenumber under it.”

Afterward Dad didthe dishes while Momhelped Lucas cut, fold,

and tape the Christmaswrapping paper. Lucasput a big gold bow onlast, and the gift lookedsuper. Then Mom put iton top of the refrigeratorso that nothing wouldhappen to it beforeSaturday.

On Saturday morningthere was a long line ofchildren waiting at themall to sit on Santa’s lap.It was hard for Lucasto wait, butfinally hist u r ncame. Hewas soe x c i t e dthat hej u m p e donto Santa’slap.

“Well,” Santa exclaimed,“aren’t you happy today!And what do you wantSanta to bring you forChristmas?”

“Nothing,” Lucas said. “Ijust want to give youthis.” He handed the giftto Santa, give him a hug,and ran back to his momand dad. When helooked over his shoulder,Santa was just sittingthere, looking a littlesurprised.

That night Lucas wasbrushing his teeth whenthe phone rang. Dadanswered it and talkedfor a few minutes, thencalled Lucas. “The phonecall’s for you, Lucas. It’sSanta Claus.”

“You’re probablyright, but I’d still like totalk to him. It’s not everyday that Santa Claus callson the phone.”

Lucas grinned. “It’sOK with my dad,” he said,“and anything OK withhim is OK with Mom.” Hehanded Dad the phoneand ran into thebathroom to finishbrushing his teeth.

When Lucas wentback to the living room,he asked, “Do you thinkhe’ll come in his sleigh?”

“No,” Dad answered.“He’ll be driving a darkblue car. We need to talkabout that for a fewminutes, OK?”

Lucas said, “If youmean that he’s not reallySanta, but just one ofSanta’s helpers, I alreadyknow that. His bearddidn’t fit him very good,and he was a lot skinnierthan Santa is.”

“Then you won’t besurprised when thisSanta comes to the dooras a young college man?”

“No, I could tell by hisvoice that he wasn’t anold man. And the realSanta would have to bepretty old if he wereflying around when yourwere little.”

“Well, then, you know,Lucas,” Dad said, “thatthe most important thingis that you tried to sharethe Book of Mormonwith someone, whether

P10P10P10P10P10 The Gospel ParagonsNov - Dec 2007 FEATURES

What are the names of Santa Clauses eight reindeer are as named in Clement Moore’spoem “The Night Before Christmas”?

Answer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen. Note that Rudolphmade his first appearance later in 1939.

Do you believe that there are two Christmas Islands?.

Answer:

The Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean was formerly called Kiritimati.

Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean is 52 square miles.

“Merry Christmas to”

all Latter Day Saints!!!”

or not he was the real Santa.”

“I know. Missionaries teach everyone they can.”

Just then a car pulled into the driveway. Lucas jumped up and ran out the door before the young man evenhad time to get out of his car.

“Come in, Santa Claus,” he shouted. “We’re going to tell you all aboutthe Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ and everything!”

Valentine Day was on Saturday that year, and Lucas got dressed in hisSunday clothes. He took an extra long time washing his face and brushinghis hair so that he’d look just right.

“Are you ready, Lucas?” Mom called from the living room. “John is here.”

John was the Santa Claus helper, and today he was going to be baptized.Lucas shook John’s hand, and then John reached down and picked himup. “How about a hug, too?” he asked.

“Sure,” Lucas said, squeezing with all his might. “You may be only Santa’shelper, John,” he whispered, “but you’re the best Santa in the world to

me.”

“And you’re the best missionary in the world to me,” John whispered back.

P11P11P11P11P11The Gospel Paragons Nov - Dec 2007FEATURES

1. _________ always,that you may comeoff conqueror; yea,that….

2. Do not______________ theday of yourrepentance…

It is because ofthe labor of love byBrother Policarpio.Every one of us feelshis love, patience,humility andbrotherly kindness inour meetings. Healways preparessnacks for all the ward

missionaries such ascinnamon rolls, ricecake, cookies,brownies, pudding,ginataan and many

more.

He gets up earlySunday morning withhis very supportivewife just to prepareour food.

So, that ’s thesecret…..

Labor of love!

TEMPLE MASTERYDid you knowwhy we arealways excitedto attend wardcorrelationmeeting?

Test your skills! Just make a guess and match the correspondingtemple name for each picture. Insert a particular number of your guessand enjoy! Goodluck!

10) Bismarck NorthDakota

8) BostonMassachussets

5) CochachambaBolivia

1) Hermosillo SonoraMexico

4) Logan Utah2) Orlando Florida6) Cebu Phils3) Porto Alegre7) St. George Utah9) Washington DC

Answer will be given in the next issue...

SCRIPTURE MASTERY

3. For I the Lord, will______ all menaccording to theirworks….

4. Though your sins be a___________....

5. Ye are the ______ ofthe world….

6. The Lord looketh atthe _______...

7. I the Lord, am__________ , when yedo what I say….

8. And the other sheep Ihavem which are notof this _____.

9. Choose ye this

day, whom ye will________.

10. Faith without

work is _____.

P12P12P12P12P12 The Gospel ParagonsNov - Dec 2007 FEATURES

My friendMy friend, I stand in judgment now,And fill you are to blame somehow.

On earth I walked with you each day,But never did you show the way.

You knew the Lord in truth and gloryBut never did you tell the story.

My knowledge then was very dimYou could have led me safe to Him.

Though we live together on this earthYou never told me of the second birthAnd now I stand this day condemnedBecause you failed to mention Him

We walked by day and talked by nightAnd yet you showed me not the light.

You let me live and love and dieYou knew I’d never live on high.

Yes I called you friend in life,and trusted you through joy and strife.

And yet on coming to the endI cannot now call you my friend.

1. )1. )1. )1. )1. ) wen struggles ofwen struggles ofwen struggles ofwen struggles ofwen struggles of

life seem so heavylife seem so heavylife seem so heavylife seem so heavylife seem so heavy

2 bear, don’t ask2 bear, don’t ask2 bear, don’t ask2 bear, don’t ask2 bear, don’t ask

GOD 2 lighten dGOD 2 lighten dGOD 2 lighten dGOD 2 lighten dGOD 2 lighten d

load but ask HIMload but ask HIMload but ask HIMload but ask HIMload but ask HIM

2 strengthen ur back2 strengthen ur back2 strengthen ur back2 strengthen ur back2 strengthen ur back

4 u 2 Carry dem.4 u 2 Carry dem.4 u 2 Carry dem.4 u 2 Carry dem.4 u 2 Carry dem.

B strong!B strong!B strong!B strong!B strong!

GOD is wid u...:)GOD is wid u...:)GOD is wid u...:)GOD is wid u...:)GOD is wid u...:)

2. )2. )2. )2. )2. ) Only JESUSOnly JESUSOnly JESUSOnly JESUSOnly JESUS

can satisfycan satisfycan satisfycan satisfycan satisfy

the longingthe longingthe longingthe longingthe longing

of yourof yourof yourof yourof your

s o u ls o u ls o u ls o u ls o u l

and meet yourand meet yourand meet yourand meet yourand meet your

every need. God Blessevery need. God Blessevery need. God Blessevery need. God Blessevery need. God Bless

P13P13P13P13P13The Gospel Paragons Nov - Dec 2007

THE CABUYAO WARDMISSIONARY GROUP

EVENTS

THE GOSPEL PARAGONS....IN ACTION....