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
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