Ties in Thailand: Miracles!

Dear Mom,

I could start out my letter by just saying that Sister McCuen's letter was awesome. I am always keeping an eye out for miracles that the Lord gives us and puts in our path. There literally are so many things the Lord gives us and allows us to experience for us to grow that I've started a new goal to write in my journal more often, but just to only write some of these amazing things down.

For sure one of the greatest blessings of sharing the Gospel with others, is being able to see the change that occurs in the lives of those who experience the healing and enabling power of the Atonement of Christ. Being able to see the change and the progress of others is one of the biggest benefits of being a missionary. This past week, we've focused heavily on a few investigators to help them progress. It has been amazing to see these people progress in the Gospel and as they continue to exercise their faith and grow in their desire to come unto Christ, they experience a literal change of heart and seeing this happen is a tremendous blessing.

One investigator we teach seems to be able to remember every detail we teach and wants to apply it, too. Every lesson we review what we had introduced from last time, and they can remember it all. It was so great as we were talking about the temple with them. They had such a strong desire to go to the temple ever since we introduced it to them. We asked her "what do you remember about the temple?" and they answered "I want to go so bad" and went off about all the many things that made them excited. Unfortunately, they're going to another province this Sunday so can't be baptized, but next week for sure.

Another investigator has much, much faith. She, like many investigators, immediately quit drinking tea and coffee since the day we introduced the WoW. A lot of faith. When we taught the LoC, we learned that she had a kid when she was 16 and she felt so guilty/sorrowful when we told her that that was a serious sin. She was so humble and repentant. When we taught her the 10 commandments, she had no problems except a Buddhist necklace that she wore 24/7 to remind her of her dad who had to move away since she was little and hadn't seen for several years. She said she couldn't take it off. We encouraged her to keep all the commandments of God and invited her to pray about it. She kept saying how she couldn't do it, she could keep all the commandments, but couldn't keep this one. We gave her homework to take time the next day to read the scriptures, study about it more, and really pray about it. The next day we saw her, she wasn't wearing the necklace and said that she followed the homework we gave her and put the necklace away in a drawer. This was also a miracle in the strength of members in helping teach because it was definitely the support of the members that helped her make the decision and build up the faith. We then taught a lesson on tithing. We promised many blessings, explained tithing and asked "After you're baptized, will you be willing to pay a full 10% tithe". She said "yes, of course." No hesitation or second thought. Unfortunately, this past Sunday, they were out of town visiting with family so couldn't come to church on time, still came to church as soon as they could on Sunday morning. Due to traffic and travel time, they didn't make it to sacrament meeting, but will be baptized a later week.

The stories could go on, but I'll end with one last investigator. He read over 300 pages in the BoM in two weeks and said he really wanted to follow Christ. He has changed his life around a lot, came to church, got a job, and immediately set a goal to cut back on smoking and stop drinking.

I know this church is true and that God lives. He is our father and he loves us. That is the message. He sent His son to die and atone for us so that we may have a chance to return to live with Him. When we learn about His son and place Him as the center of our lives, we will be making happiness the center of our lives.

DC 18:10,15-16 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; 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! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!