Our dear prophet Joseph Smith said that “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to
preach the gospel”. In the Preach My Gospel missionary manual (page 160), President Hinckley taught that “So many of us look upon missionary as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with the work knows there is a better way...that way is through the members of the church. The process of bringing new people into the church is not responsible alone of the missionaries.
In line with this, the Cabuyao ward Missionaries held the Missionary fireside called UBAS on October 28, 2007. The theme is found in D&C 18:15. “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father”.
The program was presided by Bishop Carlos Alvez and the conducting officer was our Ward Mission leader Romeo
Policarpio. After the opening hymn (Called to Serve) Johnny Abquina offered the opening prayer. A special musical
number was given by Amalyn Loterte wherein she sung “I’ll find you my friend”. The Full time missionaries reiterated
the importance of member referral. Our Ward Mission Leader discussed the current records of the church on baptisms for the last 4 years and other related church statistics.
One of the speakers was our Sunday School President Ryan Bautista who served his full time mission in Philippines
Olongapo Mission. He discussed some useful ways on how to open your mouth (OYM) through UBAS (Usap, Bigay, Anyayahan, Sila)
These ways include talking about the gospel to your friends, relatives and families who are not yet members of the church. We can also give them something to read about the church like the Book of Mormon, Liahona and other church manuals. In addition, we can invite them to attend church activities such as baptism, Sunday Services, mutual nights, family home evenings and others.
There was also a role playing on UBAS by our talented ward missionaries starring Johnny Abquina, Josephine de Juan, Ruel Villegas, Amalyn Loterte, Karen Aguilar, Jinky Alvar, Rizza Burnal, Len Burnal and Joseph Belgica.
The second speaker was Mary Ann Pada who also served also in the Philippines Olongapo Mission. She cited some ways on how to prepare your referrals for baptism and how to strengthen them after baptism such as staying active in the church and always be a good example by living the commandments of the Lord, continue to fellowship, going with
them in the church activities, serve them and serve with them.
The speaker emphasized that your newly convert referral must have three things mentioned by our living prophet Gordon B. Hinckley such as a friend, a calling and nurture them with the words of God.
The second part of the program was the grape eating (UBAS eating) of the members who attended the fireside. They have tasted the sweet grapes which symbolize the word of God.
A musical presentation of “How Great Shall be Your Joy” was prepared by Karen Aguilar , Eric Brigola, Ryan Salapa, and Amalyn Loterte. Brother Romie advised the members after tasting the grapes that they need to share the joy that they have felt with their non member friends and relatives just like what Lehi did in the ever famous Lehi’s dream
(1 Ne 8:15-16). Sister Jinky Alvar who is a recent convert gave her testimony about her own experience. She was referred by her LDS friend and also her colleague for almost a year before her baptism on September 2007.
The closing remarks was given by Romie Policarpio and the closing prayer was offered by Josephine de Juan after the closing hymn found in hymn#263 Go Forth With Faith.