Sooooo, this week Brother H was baptised!!!! WWWOOOOOOWWWW!!!! Up until the very moment we were in the water, I was worried about everything that could go wrong and what might happen to keep it from happening. It was such an amazing, eye opening experience. The service was spiritual and everyone was so happy. I don't know how to describe it! He was so childlike after the baptism -- happy, innocent and pure.  |
| Filling the baptismal font |
I know that we are all children of God, and that baptism was just the first step for Brother H to draw closer to Heavenly Father. One thing I learned from Brother H's baptism is that I need to realize everyone and everything is different. Even though things are different, it doesn't mean they're not true or valuable experiences. Sometimes I worry because Tawau isn't turning into the Ward I grew up in, but I'm starting to understand that there are certain, doctrinal truths that will always be constant, but the people here ARE different as they are throughout the world. It is okay if they feel and experience the Spirit differently than I do.
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| Titian Selara Canopy Walkway - 231 meters |
I am so grateful for this opportunity that I've had to teach Brother H and help him come unto Christ. He has taught me how important it is to have faith, even if we don't understand everything perfectly. Sometimes I become prideful and think I have a great knowledge about the gospel, a certain topic, etc., but teaching Brother H and trying to answer his sincere questions humbled me. We have the fullness of the gospel, but we are still required to exercise much faith because we don't have all of the answers. I love being a missionary and learning these simple little truths!!!
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| Jungle filled with chattering monkeys |
This week, I also finally had the opportunity to play basketball with another member. We played around the world, a little bit of two on two, and then I tried to help him with his shot a bit. The first thing it did was humble me. Dad, how did you teach me how to do anything? ;) I realized that just like teaching the gospel, we need to start with small things that people can understand. If we explain things using complex terms or something they haven't felt yet, it will be impossible for them to grasp the concept and learn on their own. I am grateful that Heavenly Father has given me certain talents that I can use to share the gospel, and I am grateful for unique opportunities to be taught by the Spirit about how to be a better missionary.
While teaching some new investigators who are faithful Christians in their church, an 18 year old young man shared his powerful testimony about how Christ healed him when he was injured. It was such a powerful testimony Sometimes I don't realize that people from other churches can feel the Spirit and learn about Christ in very personal and powerful ways. He helped me see that sometimes being part of one church is a step towards His true and complete Gospel. I know that faithful members in other churches make faithful, active, converted servants when they come to know the full truth that this gospel has to offer. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to meet with so many diverse people with their unique experiences. It is so humbling to have people trust me and be willing to talk to me!!! We are all here on earth to learn, live and love together. I am learning every day from them as I do my best to share my testimony as well.  |
| P-Day Hike to Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve |
Lastly, I just want all of you to know that when we have our eye single to the glory of God, nothing we do is in vain. We may not see immediate results, we will still experience trials and hardships, and it certainly isn't easy, but I know that as we continually focus on loving God and our neighbors, we will notice more blessings in our lives. We will not feel as if we've wasted time, failed ourselves, or come up short. I know that this life is to learn and grow, and that is certainly what we are all doing. 1 Corinthians 15:58 talks about this much better than I can explain it!
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| One of many giant creatures |
I am so overwhelmed with all that has happened this week. I am grateful for my family, the people here in Tawau, my companion, all of you back home. I just feel so blessed. I am so grateful to have had the gospel since I was born. I have been able to see the blessings that come in this life from obedience, and I know that any sacrifices we have made in order to be obedient are worth it. I love you guys!!!! Happy Birthday Papa!!!
Love,
Elder Lloyd
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