Sister Cerah Hennah Padilla, Philippines Iloilo Mission (June 2026-December 2027)



It’s already been nearly a month since Sister Padilla stepped into the mission field and time is flying! From the MTC to teaching, meeting people, and seeing miracles every week, she feels the Lord’s hand guiding her step by step. 

One of the sweet highlights she shared was working during what they joyfully call their "miracle hours". She and her trainer, Sister De Dios, would head out fully geared up with reflector straps and belts, glowing missionaries on a mission to find and teach. She said it was fun, a little silly, and a beautiful reminder that the Lord wants them to be safe so they can keep serving. And she added with such warmth: "Miracle hours are always better with Sister De Dios by my side." 

Even with rainy weather and sickness in the district, His work moves forward, and He is strengthening them. 

The Buruanga District

She said she is so blessed to serve alongside these wonderful missionaries! They meet, plan, then head straight to Mang Inasal, a beloved DCM tradition! 

She’s learning to cook simple meals with love, gratitude, and prayer. Her secret recipe: Prayer + Service + a little trying = edible food! 


Beauty & Testimony Everywhere

Walking by the beach, near Crystal Cove, beneath the airplanes… every part of creation testifies of God’s goodness. And yes, she and Sister De Dios waved just in case any of you were visiting! 


They even made mango graham together and guess what? Her brother, Elder Padilla made the exact same thing in Philippines Cebu East Mission! Great minds truly think alike! 

First Zone Conference! 


Long travel, but 100% worth it! She stood and introduced herself with her favorite scripture: 3 Nephi 9:14–15 "Come unto me… mine arm of mercy is extended." She learned so much, felt the Spirit strongly, and came home fed both spiritually and physically, especially those cookies Sister Pearson made! 


 "And oh, the food was absolutely amazing! Everyone who helped prepare and serve was so kind and welcoming. We ate so well, truly a feast! But the absolute highlight? The cookies Sister Pearson made… they were simply the BEST!!! We were all so full, so grateful, and so happy by the end! Hahaha!"


Her notes after the Zone Conference: 


THE REDWOOD LESSON: STANDING STRONG TOGETHER

"Just like the Redwoods, alone we stand weak, but united we stand unshakable." -Sister Padilla

At District Council Meeting, she taught a powerful lesson inspired by California Redwood Trees:
 
"Redwoods are the tallest living things on earth, yet their roots are shallow. They stand tall because their roots grow wide, interlock, and hold one another up. Alone, they fall easily. United, they are unshakable."


Her testimony: "When we stay connected with leaders, companions, and members, no storm can take us down. We grow tall together, just like the Redwoods."

MORE HIGHLIGHTS
 
DCM Potluck 

Brought rice & mango graham (classic missionary fare!) and enjoyed amazing food together

Mega Paraw District Activity

Played volleyball, shared food, and made memories! Also Sister Evangelista’s last activity with them.


First Exchange! 

Served with Sister Tangatakino, her "grandmother trainer" such a sweet, meaningful experience.

And speaking of blessings, Sister Padilla wrote that the Dali Grocery Mart near their apartment finally opened! They built the whole store and opened it all within the month of July! For the grand opening, they threw such a huge celebration. She and her companion woke up around 6 AM because the music had already started and it was soooo loud! She said it honestly felt like a festival! There were dancers, crowds everywhere, and they were even offering free rides to the store. And she could see it all happening right from their balcony! 

When they finally headed out to work, they stopped by to take a close-up photo. From the outside, they could already see how packed it was. She said it was fun to see the community so excited and to have a new place so close to them.

Farewell & Testimonies 


Bidding Sister Evangelista farewell as she completes her mission. Her counsel: "Spend your days in a way your future self will be proud of."
 
 
Brother Jayson and Nicole Aguirre were joined in marriage by President Steve and Sister Pearson. And the blessings continue, Brother Jayson will be baptized this Saturday! 

 
She and her companion helped a member prepare her costume for Nutrition Month. Such a sweet way to serve together! 

From Sister Padilla's heart, the sweetest little moments that make her days brighter:
 
"Sticker upgrade courtesy of Sister De Dios! She gave me these and I’m obsessed! 

Now my Preach My Gospel and water bottle are officially decorated. Thank you, Sister De Dios! You’re awesome and you truly made my week brighter!"
 
And then came the most precious gifts from the little ones! 

 
"These are the stuffed toys and drawings given to me by our wonderful Primary children! I’ve tucked their drawings safely in my journal. They gave us these sweet stuffed toys so we ‘won’t be alone.’ Since Sister De Dios and I are the only missionaries in our area, P-Day UNO can get a little quiet with just the two of us! But now, we have more friends to play with! Oh, and I named the toys after Sister De Dios… let’s just say she’s not exactly thrilled about it!"
 
How beautiful,  thoughtful stickers from her beloved trainer, and loving gifts from children who simply wanted their missionaries to feel loved and never alone. Small gestures, enormous joy.

Service, Fun, and Mang Inasal

"Just recently, we gathered at the meetinghouse for a service activity. We cleaned up together! Only a few of us came, but it was so much fun!! And honestly, it was pretty easy to tidy up since it wasn’t a big space! 
 
Afterward, the best part, Sister De Dios treated all of us to Mang Inasal! Isn’t she just the best?? I may have joked about eating there quite often… but when your companion is paying for your meal? It instantly becomes the most delicious meal ever!!!"

HER HEART & QUESTIONS
 
"The Lord taught me: it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. I want to look back and know I gave the Lord everything. Just like the Redwoods, we hold each other up. Your love and prayers help me stand strong. Thank you for being part of my mission!" -Sister Padilla

She asks us:
 
"What’s one blessing that was already good, and then the Lord made it better?" 

"And one way you’ve felt stronger because someone held you up lately?" 
  
So incredibly proud of our Sister Padilla! Serving in Caticlan, growing, learning, and standing tall, not alone, but together. We love you, we pray for you, and we are holding you up!

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