Monday, June 27, 2016
The Lord is working in His vineyard
Dear Mom,
--
I am so grateful for all the the Lord does for us. When we really live the Gospel in our lives, we truly see miracles and see that the Lord is helping us every step of the way. The one biggest thing that I have learned on my mission is that He really does live and love us. This simple fact is enough to change people's lives completely. I have seen it in my own life, and in the lives of countless others. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to see this in the lives of God's children.
This past week, we've had two investigators begin to progress really rapidly (Aoy and Tan). In a lesson last week, they said they hadn't really received any answers to their prayers and didn't really 'feel' anything. However, throughout this week, they've recognized and realized various answers to their prayers; the change in them was so powerful and apparent in that last lesson. They said they have noticed feelings of peace, comfort. They're keeping the commandments, reading regularly and have accepted a more solid baptismal date. At first, they said they weren't sure if they'd be ready to be baptized on the 10th. When we asked them again on Sunday, they answered with an affirmative yes. They live about an hour from the church, but they show great faith by coming to church every week. We're teaching them over the phone regularly. One is 17, the other is 18. They kind of follow each other around a lot, but they'll be great in supporting each other in the Gospel. They are two of the youth that came with us to the beach trip. I also think it's way exciting that Azure is engaged.
This past week, we also had the baptismal service of the parents of that RC. They both seem like such solid converts. They have made up their minds to follow Christ and are also so humble. These two parents are so innocent and portray such a genuine desire to do what is right and know Heavenly Father more. Their daughter had such a critical, instrumental, essential role in the conversion of these two. I am so impressed with this RC's patience, persistence, and also her own humility. The whole family is really great examples of being like a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient and full of love. They also ask if there is anyone who they can help teach, they offer us food that they sell at their house, they are always happy to see us and always welcoming to everyone who visits them. They are just such a great model family. During their baptismal service, they both shared great testimonies and spiritual experiences. They feel that their lives have changed. On Sunday, there was also a baptismal service for the Cheangwatana ward for the husband of a member. Completing families!
We went on switch offs again this week, too. I was with Elder Howard, he's in the same group as Elder Parker. He's a great missionary. He's nearing the end of his mission, but he doesn't seem to be phased by it much. I was impressed by his openness and honesty as I had a great time working and talking with him. He seemed like a really 'real' person. He didn't say things to please others or 'sugar coat', but everything he did seemed very sincere and genuine. I was also impressed by his diligence towards obedience. I definitely learned from his example.
Don Mueang is close to the heart of the church here in Thailand so we get many visitors. This past week, Sister Morgan (who served here in my first transfer), came and visited with her family. It was very strange to see her again. However, when people come to visit, it also gives me the desire to bring you guys here to Thailand to experience the things we've seen and to meet the wonderful people. The people here are so nice and the members of the church have so much faith. There were four investigators who came to church on Sunday who traveled nearly three hours to come to church. On top of that, they're only 17, 15, 13, and 11. They are four siblings in family whose parents are members, but live in another province so they can come to school. These four kids are so mature and travel so far to come to church. What amazing faith! The youth really are the future of the church.
Oh, I almost forgot. The previous bishop that just got released, Brother Thawit, was just called on Sunday to be the new ward mission leader!! We're so excited to be working with him. Before, he was the bishop and talking on the responsibilities of a full time ward mission leader, it was too much and too stressful for him. Now he is a 100% ward mission leader!
I love being a missionary. There really is nothing that brings greater joy. I cannot adequately put it into words. It is something that one must experience for themselves, like in Lehi's vision. I know that the church is true and I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. I hope we can each strive to become closer to Him and feel of the joy that He has as we choose what's right.
Pictures:
1. Members sitting with investigators after the baptism.
2. Elder Parker coming up out of the waters of baptism.
3. Investigators who have started to progress and will be baptized on the 10th. They're with an RC from Sakon Nakon that came and visited us.
4. Our new ward mission leader invited us over for tacos. Yum!
5. The recent convert family! With another member.
ขอแสดงความนับถือ, Sincerely,
เอ็ลเดอร์ ซัน Elder Sun
ผู้สอนศาสนา Missionary
ศาสนจักรของพระเยซูคริสต์แห่งวิสุทธิชนยุคสุดท้าย The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
คณะเผยแผ่ กรุงเทพฯ, ประเทศไทย Bangkok, Thailand Mission
Monday, June 20, 2016
We have a new bishop.
Dear Mom,
--
Sometimes the weeks blend together and start to feel the same, but every week is so full of amazing things! This past week, we were all completely caught off guard when our Bishop, Bishop Thawit, got released. The called a brand new Bishop and we're excited to see what the future holds with this new change.
Happy father's day to all of the father's out there! Thank you so much for all that you do. Growing up in a home without a father has made me all the more grateful for the other father figures that I have in my life. I honestly respect each of you so much from Bishops, to quorum advisors, to family friends, home teachers, neighbors and also grandpa. Mom, you do an amazing job of being both a mother and a father, too. I get frequent comments and compliments on how a single mother can raise three kids. I have so much admiration and love for you. I honestly don't know how you do it, but you have done it, and do it the best.
I am so continuously amazed and the love, mercy, and care that our Heavenly Father and the Lord have for us, and for me. Although the weeks sometimes blend together, I feel that every week is full of lessons that I learn and experiences that help me feel closer to my Father in Heaven. Despite any problems or stress that may come up day by day, there are always amazing experiences and lessons in all of it. This week, I feel greatly blessed to be able to see those around me continue to grow, come unto Him, and improve their lives. This truly is the best thing about missionary work - just being able to see others, love them, and help them come to love God. Perhaps one of my favorite lines in Preach My Gospel is: "True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men. This is the spirit of missionary work".
We have several investigators who are progressing and are ready to make their first covenant with the Lord. This past Sunday, our bishop, Bishop Thawit, was also just released after five years of service. We've gone through so much with him, and this change in bishops seems to us like another growth in the church and another great opportunity to move forward in faith. The new Bishop, Bishop Uuy, is an incredibly humble and charitable man.
Last Sunday, we went and visited a bunch of less-active members as a ward. We went on switch offs with ward members and went off to find some lost sheep. I was lucky enough to go with Brother Uuy and his wife, Sister Wan. We were assigned to visit one LA who was selling goods in the heart of a large shopping center as part of a special market that was open for a few days. We got in the car and drove there, but because it was the last day of the market, traffic was horrendous. We ended up spending most of the time of the visit in traffic. Although I was disappointed that we had to spend so much in traffic, it was a super great, spiritual experience for me. We talked together in the car and I felt so uplifted from just the car ride. It was such an uplifting experience and I could feel of their love and sincerity. All during this visit, I felt very close to both of them and I really can't explain the experience right. They really inspired me - a great father figure.
We switched off with Bangkhen this past Friday and I feel like I always learn a lot from the missionaries that I switch off with. I was with Elder Ho-Ching who I feel is a great example, missionary, and disciple of Christ. I could tell that he was so humble and willing to serve. On our switch-off, Bishop Thawit was having a hard/stressful day and we ended up spending some time just talking to him. Elder Ho-Ching, right off the bat from the start of the day was energetic, optimistic, and supportive. He was also very outgoing and friendly. His example of genuine desire to know others and care for those he didn't know was a big eye opener for me. An example that I wish to follow.
I feel my Savior's love as we serve Him. I feel my Savior's love as we teach, help, serve, and lift others. I feel blessed to know of His great plan for me. I feel peace that I know He loves me and will guide me. I see my Savior's love in the good example of others around. My companion is also one of those. I can tell that there are times where I do things that makes him feel not good. I am not perfect. I'm not a very easy person to get along with. I wish to change. I want to follow my Savior's example of love and patience. Elder Parker has been, and is, a terrific leader. He inspires those around him. He has dedicated himself to true service to God and I can see that everyday. Day in and day out he is consistent in his commitment to sacrifice. I don't know if I have seen anyone so humble, too.
I look back to the spiritual experiences that I've had and hold onto the good, the love, the joy I've felt. I honestly am so happy while serving. On top of that, the best joy will come when we'll rest with them after this life, too. "And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen."
One great miracle is an investigator who just the last lesson told us she prays and doesn't feel anything, is now keeping commitments (reading, prayering, WoW, LoC, etc) and accepted a date for baptism for the 2nd.
Another is two investigators who walked in one day have a strong desire to follow Christ and they both have a date for baptism on the 2nd as well.
Pakkret just had a baptism last Sunday - she has overcome many problems to finally get to this point. She's way solid.
The parents of an RC passed their baptismal interview on Sunday and will be baptized this Saturday. They have strong will.
Pictures:
1.She was baptized this Sunday! Sister Muu
2.The RC with her two parents who will be baptized this Saturday. Sister Kheag and Brother Tug
3.Two walk-ins who have a strong desire to follow Christ. Have come to church two already in a row and are willing to change their lives. Brother Yai and Sister Ant. Brother Yai is giving up smoking, drinking, tea and coffee!
4.Don Mueang Ward!!!
ขอแสดงความนับถือ, Sincerely,
เอ็ลเดอร์ ซัน Elder Sun
ผู้สอนศาสนา Missionary
ศาสนจักรของพระเยซูคริสต์แห่งวิสุทธิชนยุคสุดท้าย The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
คณะเผยแผ่ กรุงเทพฯ, ประเทศไทย Bangkok, Thailand Mission
Monday, June 13, 2016
We went to the beach, but there was no swimming.
Dear Mom,
--
This past week was full of meetings and various activities. We've been in the planning stages a lot to help the ward build up a good system before we white-wash out so that the next missionaries can have a super smooth transition and the ward can truly be self sufficient.
We had our regular Mission Leadership Council and zone training and also the activity we did with the ward on Saturday. Although we were unable to teach a lot of investigators this week, everything that we did had really great benefits towards the work. The next coming up weeks we'll be focusing on changing our attitude towards English class. We talked about truly caring for our students and providing them a good experience. Everything that was talked about in MLC all related right into each other from English class, leadership training, and working with members/referrals. We need to love our English students, and be better/more Christlike teachers, and show honest care for working with referrals.
Our English class right now is continuing to do even better and better. We've seen many new investigators come from our class in Don Mueang and have seen the results of good fellowshipping - it makes people stick. Some come and then go after only one or two days, but those who stay are way good. Some come to learn really good English, and we try to give it to them, but we're not professional full time English teachers, but we give them good value for their time and I feel like the attention we give them is one really big thing that keeps them coming. Everyone that comes are at different levels of ability, but I like to say "They come for English, but stay for the environment/Spirit/friends."
We're continuing to work hard with the Bishop and other ward members.The activity that we went on with the ward this past Saturday was a huge opportunity to build ward unity. The biggest blessing that we saw from the activity is that the enthusiasm that all of the members had for the activity will spread and grow to missionary work, too. The activity was very successful and we saw what the ward can do when everyone is chipping in towards the same goal. We also had 8 investigators go - they all had a great time. It's hard to help old members and new members and investigators all grow closer together, which was one purpose of the activity. It frequently turns out that investigators stay together in their own group and not branch out to make new friends, but everyone had a ton of fun which made the environment very relaxed. I love doing activities because it can help build relationships that are often hard to have through just sacrament meeting or in Sunday School. People need love, they need to have fun, and they need to feel the Spirit.
On Friday, we also had the baptismal service for Brother Joe. He has such a great love for the continual guidance that Heavenly Father gives us. He shared a great testimony that He is always near us when we pray. He is a really funny guy who loves to joke around a lot, but is a really humble man, too.
We have several investigators that we are teaching, but as Preach My Gospel states, they often hit walls of faith and have to make their stand. If people read the Book of Mormon, sincerely study, and pray earnestly, they'll know it's true and everything will fall into place, but sometimes there's something missing or in the way that prevents them from making the next steps towards progression. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and wants to bless us. We will see those blessings as we continue to trust in Him and press forward. No matter what problems or trials we face, He can help us overcome them.
Pictures: Brother Joe, the beach.
ขอแสดงความนับถือ, Sincerely,
เอ็ลเดอร์ ซัน Elder Sun
ผู้สอนศาสนา Missionary
ศาสนจักรของพระเยซูคริสต์แห่งวิสุทธิชนยุคสุดท้าย The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
คณะเผยแผ่ กรุงเทพฯ, ประเทศไทย Bangkok, Thailand Mission
Monday, June 6, 2016
The 4th transfer in Don Mueang
Dear Mom,
I do believe in miracles. We see them so often, everyday as missionaries and I know that they really do happen in our lives from day to day. Another miracles is that I'm staying in Don Mueang for another transfer. That's four in total, around 6 months. It is because we are in the middle of making great changes with the ward. The Bishop has told us that he has not felt this excited about missionary work in several years. When we came, he doesn't know what happened, but we sparked something with him and he is now doing so, so much to further the work as well as helping the rest of the ward. We are like one large force working together. We are in such a great, critical position to help get the ward more self-sufficient and I feel like this coming up transfer is going to just explode with the Spirit and we'll see much success as we move forward. I, personally, have many things that I want to improve on. Being in the same area for this long has made me realize a lot of imperfections about myself. There are many areas that I which to improve personally and spiritually. The work is moving forth in exciting ways and I feel that, as we play such an important role, that we, too, learn so much. I've truly been humbled these past several transfers. I want this next transfer to be a kind of accumulation of all that I've learned thus far. I've realized that I'm not as patient, charitable, humble, or Christ-like as I'd like to be, but I am determined to change and strive to become more like my Savior. I've often wondered why I was called to be a zone leader when there are so many other capable, better missionaries to be zone leaders, but something that our Bishop said stuck with me. He said people who are called to leadership positions aren't necessarily the best missionaries. We are often called to a position so that we can learn and grow. Being a leader is just as much as it is for us as those we serve. This is something I'm continuing to learn on my mission. The Lord calls 18 and 19 year old men and women who do not yet have much life experience or skill to do the most important work there is. Those He calls, He qualifies as we strive to do His will.
Our Bishop, and also ward council, and the ward members in general, are continuing to kindle a fire of missionary work. They are all so excited for the ward activity this Saturday. We will be going to ระยอง (a beach). We're invited all of the members and as many investigators to go as we can. It's a huge trip and all the members are excited about it. It will be such a great opportunity to strengthen member's relationship with new members and investigators and with each other and to strengthen the testimonies of all those involved. The Bishop has taken such a great role in this activity by delegating and allowing ward members to have a large part in planning this activity. Not only this activity, but also allowing the ward members to have a large part in all aspects of ward activities and missionary work. The vision that the ward leaders have established is so clearly seen. We had such a great ward council meeting. We had a long meeting, but none of the members felt burdened or tired from it, exactly the opposite. There is such great momentum building.
I think maybe the biggest thing I have learned from the past transfer is that missionary work does not need to feel like work at all. It doesn't need to be forced or stressed or worried. I have learned that it must be fun and full with the Spirit.
I have also learned the power and strength available through the sacrament and fasting. Last week was Stake Conference, way good. We got to say hello to a bunch of people and teach a bunch of investigators, But the following week, I didn't know I could be so excited to partake of the sacrament. It was honestly such a sacred, personal, powerful, amazing feeling to be able to take the sacrament the week following conference (it was also fast Sunday). It was an experience that I really, desperately wanted our investigators to know, too.
We have several investigators that we think will progress well. I'll have to write about a few of them next time. One great story is Sister Pha's parents. She's the RC that I wrote about last time. They are still progressing well and their family is such a great story. We're still teaching them and they'll be baptized on the 25th, so exciting! We also have two investigators who actually live almost 2hrs from the church, but they have come to church every week and are going to the big ward activity with us. Another investigator brought her older sister and another friend to church. We had 12 investigators in church, so many have been referrals and come from English class - such great miracles.
I also think I've found my two new favorite hobbies - bowling, and boxing. We went bowling again last week - so much fun every time. We also went Muay Thai boxing with an LA member and his nonmember brother this morning (we've gone twice now). Muay Thai boxing was honestly like a childhood dream. As Elder Parker and I were talking about how it was, we agreed that our wrists and ankles weren't yet accustomed to the rough demands of kick boxing. As I thought about why this was, I learned a good lesson. I learned that when we us the proper techniques, we were able to deliver more powerful, accurate blows. If we didn't use good form, we would end up injuring our wrists or ankles. Similarly with the Gospel and our lives, if we follow the guidelines and advice that God has given us, we will be more successful and happy while protected from danger.
Pictures: Picture of last district (only Sister Carillo moved),
ขอแสดงความนับถือ, Sincerely,
เอ็ลเดอร์ ซัน Elder Sun
ผู้สอนศาสนา Missionary
ศาสนจักรของพระเยซูคริสต์แห่งวิสุทธิชนยุคสุดท้าย The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
คณะเผยแผ่ กรุงเทพฯ, ประเทศไทย Bangkok, Thailand Mission
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