SUNBURNS AND WORK!

I don't know where to start this week....so many ups and downs and everything in between. One thing is for sure, my faith has grown this week more than any other on my mission, and I am more grateful for this gospel than ever before. I want you to know that this is Christ's church. This is the way back to Him, and I would not be here if I didn't know that was true!

So earlier this week, Elder J and I rode a bus down to Ipoh for zone meeting where we had an awesome training and worked on our teaching skills by going through an exciting "teaching combine" where we got graded and drafted and stuff. Our zone leaders are awesome! When Elder J and I got back to Sitiawan, we were pumped up and ready to go. We had a great day scheduled, and were slowly disappointed as all of our appointments just kept dropping one after the other -- so we went home that night after finding all day and decided to plan more specifically and confirm with people more frequently. The next day came and somehow, despite our efforts, the exact same thing happened. 

We have been praying more than ever, being exactly obedient, and working so hard so I couldn't help but feel a little discouraged, but we turned to the Lord in prayer once more. As we prayed this week, we realized just how powerless we really are. One day, as we were about to head home, we knocked on a large house with five huge dogs. There was an old auntie outside sweeping, but she had no chance at hearing us. We then walked over to her other gate to get her attention, but we still didn't have any luck. Just as we were turning away, a 14 year old girl came out with a huge smile and introduced herself in perfect English. She started talking, and eventually told us that her family is all buddhist, but she goes to a Christian private school and has always wanted to learn more. I know that we needed to find this girl, even if it wasn't our original plan. 

The more I try to understand what the Lord has in plan for us, the more I realize that he loves each one of us infinitely more. There is a scripture in Alma 10:22-23 about how the prayers of the righteous are enough to save a whole city. As I've read the scriptures and words of the prophets, I've come to understand that a prayer is something that comes from the heart and reflects our true desires. Even though Elder J and I were praying for the investigators we had planned to teach, I know that people like the girl we found were also desiring in their hearts to find someone that could bring the gospel to their lives. I know we were an answer to her prayers! 

There are many things that can lead to disappointment on a mission and in life, but I believe that true success is measured by our commitment to the Lord and following the Spirit's direction. I know that I am doing my best, and that is all the Lord asks of me.

In 1 Samuel 17 we read about the story of David and Goliath. As I read through I tried to recognize traits of a leader, and a few things stood out to me that I thought were rather interesting. The first is that David picked up 5 stones. If he had all this faith, why didn't he just pick up one? I believe that he picked up 5 not because he lacked faith, but because he was humble. I know that as we humble ourselves we will notice the Spirit's promptings more in our life. I also realized that David didn't even make an attempt to fight Goliath with a sword, because he recognized that was not his strength. 

In order to be happy in this life and overcome our weaknesses, we must first recognize our strengths. I know that as we focus on developing our strengths and using them to help others, we will then be able to have more opportunities to improve on other attributes and qualities. I am so grateful that we are all so different, and I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed us with talents and strengths that we are asked to share with others. As I've been my true self on my mission, I have been happiest and I've been able to teach with power. I would invite all of you to work on trying to realize and share your strengths with others this week, whatever they may be.

Lastly, in Jacob 4:6 we are invited to search the words of the prophets and continue to be tools in the Lord's hands. We can increase our faith to truly work miracles. I know that we can all do a little bit better at truly pondering and feasting on the scriptures, including me. I know that as I've served a mission I have come to love the scriptures because I've been able to read them every single day, then I was able to do what they asked. Please focus this week on testing out what the scriptures ask us to do, and I know that you will be able to gain more faith in our Savior. 

I love you all so, so, so much. Thank you for your examples and your continuing prayers. I couldn't do it without you!! I am so excited to hear about all of my friends getting mission calls back home....CONGRATS EVERYBODY!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!!! I know this church is true, and I know that this is what Heavenly Father wants us to do at this time.

Love, Elder Lloyd

SITIAWAN!!!

Hello everyone!!!! This time I'm emailing from a much different part of the world! I was transferred from the farthest western tip of Malaysia to the farthest eastern tip in a place called Sitiawan! Hooray!!! It was so, so hard saying goodbye to everybody in Tawau, but it also was very peaceful to reflect on all that has happened in the past six months as I rode on the plane here. I am so grateful for all of the prayers for me this week! It's always tough coming to a new area, so thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!

Reflecting back on Tawau, I want to share one of my favorite scriptures- 

ALMA 29:9

9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

Serving in Tawau was such a privilege and a blessing. I know that was exactly the place I needed to start my mission. The people there taught me patience and love, no matter what has happened in the past. They were always so friendly and kind to absolutely everyone, starting with me. I am so grateful that they have helped me to repent and turn towards God, and I pray that I was able to help them do the same. I know that I have made eternal friendships, and this time on Earth is just a short while. I will learn to love the people in Sitiawan just as much as I have learned to love in Tawau!!!! 

Sitiawan is every bit as hot as Tawau, but that's about where the similarities stop. Everybody told me it was small, but it's about ten times bigger than Tawau. West Malaysia is just much more developed than East Malaysia -- there is a huge hypermall here, lots of white expats who work on oil rig construction sites a few miles away, big houses, nice cars....it's just weird!!!!! It's also much different to see CHINESE PEOPLE. In Tawau, most of the people who spoke Chinese also new Malay and didn't really have a preference. Here, everybody knows Chinese, and they expect us to know Chinese. I'm grateful for this, and I'm excited to improve my language skills. There are fewer Malay/Muslim people here, but there are many, many Indians. I will be the District Leader here and will serve with Elder J who is awesome and has been serving for three months, so we're learning together! 

The branch here is very different than Tawau as well. There are about 25 people who come to Sacrament on average, but 90% of them are under the age of 20. The members here are all teenagers, and they're awesome!!!!!!! It is so exciting and energizing to be able to sit next to people who are so young yet have a strong desire to serve. The branch sent a missionary off yesterday, and two more will leave in the next few months. Though small in number and young in age, the branch members here are amazing examples of faith and courage. Many of the youth don't have family support and have changed their life only after overcoming many challenges. I'm excited to get to know everyone better, and I feel like we will be able to connect very well!!!!

The coolest miracle from last week was being able to have patience and persevere until Heavenly Father blessed us with two opportunities to share the gospel. On Saturday, Elder J and I had just about every single lesson drop, and we only had sunburns to show for it. Yesterday at church, the theme was hope and faith in Jesus Christ as we go through trials. I couldn't help but feel humbled and ashamed because I was feeling sorry for myself. As we went out yesterday after church, we prayed multiple times and simply kept going-being patient and faithful because we knew that the Lord was with us. As a result, we contacted two people who are absolutely golden! From the first few words spoken between us, they expressed a desire to learn and a yearning for more truth in their lives. I am so grateful the Heavenly Father trusts us enough to share His gospel, and I know He answers our prayers!

I would invite you all to read Alma 5 this week and ponder about your own conversion and confidence in the gospel. It is quite humbling and inspiring to read scriptures that ask personal questions that we can immediately answer and gauge the strength of our testimony.

Thank you so much for the prayers and the love. I am so blessed to have the support of so many, and most of all, I am grateful for my Savior. I know this gospel is true, and I know we would all have no hope or reason to live if it were not for him. I'm excited for this new adventure, and I know the Lord is with us!

Love, Elder Lloyd

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN TAWAU!

Elder Lloyd packed and ready to leave the amazing people in Tawau to learn, grow and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Sitiawan. So glad he is taking his bike!

FIRST TRANSFER: TAWAU TO SITIAWAN!

Wooowoowwoowwza ... So first of all, I just found out I'm getting transferred all the way to West Malaysia to a place called Sitiawan in the Ipoh Zone. I'm going from the farthest eastern tip of Malaysia to the farthest western tip!  I will be companions with Elder Jones (Mandarin speaking) who has been in the mission for about three months. It will just be the two of us. I will also be district leader there. I have no idea what to expect, but I know that we will continue working hard and doing what the Lord would have us do. I'm excited!!!!! I will miss the people here in Tawau a lot, but I know that they have felt my love for them, and hopefully they have made some changes in their lives as a result of my efforts to serve with the Spirit. 

Here we go!!!!!!!!!!

Reflecting back on last week, one word sums it up quite well - MIRACLES! I am so grateful for all of the prayers and fasting. Thank you for the support and the love. I am here to say that Heavenly Father does answer our prayers, and He does give us what we need exactly when we need it.

Last Tuesday we were able to go to Kota Kinabalu and meet with President Mains, Sister Mains, Elder Funk, Sister Funk, and the rest of our zone. From the moment I first shook Elder Funk's hand, I just felt good. It is amazing to be able to be around someone who always has such a strong, almost tangible, spirit about them. They gave an amazing training and covered many topics, but I just want to share a few of the things that hit me the most. 

He talked a lot about obedience and the simple things that can help us have the Spirit more in our lives and in missionary work. For me, I realized how unfocused my thoughts are sometimes. I let my mind wander and ponder other things, and I quickly lose the Spirit and the revelation that comes when I am focused on the people and their needs. I know it's unrealistic to always focus perfectly on sharing the gospel, but I think that we could all improve on focusing on Christ and the needs of others on the Sabbath. When I think of how we should use our time on the Sabbath I think we have to consider what's good, better, and best. Rarely do we do things that are completely wrong, but we often become entangled with our natural man thoughts and focus on resting ourselves instead of finding peace in serving others. 

Please pray and search for an opportunity to serve somebody this week, and ponder about how you can devote one day each week to the Lord. Another awesome thing that Elder Funk taught me is that there is no special ingredient. I came into the meeting with the desire to watch a general authority do a role play and show me some awesome tricks or ideas that I could try out, but as he taught us, shared experiences, and used the scriptures, I realized all we need is what we already have. When we follow the scriptures and Preach My Gospel we will have the Spirit with us. I am so guilty of overteaching/explaining with the desire that somebody will be able to understand more and make the right choice, but more often than not, the most important details are all we need to invite the Spirit and help them feel Heavenly Father's love. Delight in plainness!

I also think it's important to remember the scriptures tell us to FEAST on the word. Sometimes, when I go without food for a long time I forget that I'm hungry and go into a weird, exhausted, sick-feeling state where I don't want to eat anymore. Don't let this happen to your spirit! Don't forget that your spirit is starving and always wants more!

This week I tried to study the enabling power of the Atonement and how the Lord wants to strengthen us. He is anxious to help us and guide us. Alma 2 reads...

28 Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them.

29 And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with the sword, face to face; and they did contend mightily, one with another.

 30 And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised with much faith, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.

 31 Now when Alma had said these words he contended again with Amlici; and he was strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the sword.

Sometimes, when I am in the midst of my trials or hardships I simply ask for Heavenly Father to fix it. I know that if I had more faith in the Atonement, I would be able to ask for strength to overcome my trials more often. I know that Christ will be able to strengthen us in absolutely any way-spiritually, physically, emotionally....there are no limits! He can change absolutely anything-especially us. We simply need to ask in faith, and continue in obedience as we work through the things we struggle with here on Earth. 

Some of the highlights of last week were meeting with one of the coolest families ever while visiting KK. The parents are both BYU Hawaii graduates, studied biochem, and are raising their kids in the gospel, even though they're in the middle of Malaysia and are going through a lot of trials. It reminded me of being back in America. Their home was decorated with gospel pictures, English words (they're homeschooled), and all of them knew so much about Christ and the scriptures even though they are so young. It makes me so happy to see how happy families can be when they're centered on the gospel. The kids were laughing, giggling, playing games, taking care of each other....it's impossible to not feel happy when you're in the middle of a family like that. We were also able to meet an old Chinese man while visiting a recent convert and share a lesson with him. He was completely prepared for the gospel, and I'm so excited for Elder C to continue teaching him and baptize him next. 

It has been amazing to spend so much time in Tawau and see the fruits of our labors. There has been wonderful change and heartbreaking stumbling blocks, but overall, I love these people like family. I know that Heavenly Father loves each one of us, because I have seen it and felt it. I know that this is the Lord's work, and it will never stop! Tawau will continue to grow forever, and I'm so excited to meet many more new people who are waiting for the gospel. 
LOVE, ELDER LLOYD

AMAZING CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE

Elder Warner and former Brave Mate Elder Lundquist in Background!

Mmkay, so it's another super rushed Monday because we are leaving on a plane to Kota Kinabalu in an hour and a half, but I am so excited to talk with you all!!!! Last week was amazing -- visiting  Singapore and hearing from all of the other missionaries, our leaders, and President/Sister Mains is simply the best feeling in the world. It's like a super strong instant spiritual recharge. Elder Ballard is visiting Singapore this week, but only the Singapore area missionaries will hear him speak -- Elder Funk will be speaking to us in KK. 

Before I share anything else, I just want to shout out to my parents and family for being the best in the world!!!! We were able to watch Meet the Mormons, and it impacted me a billion times more than when I saw it the first time before the mission. It's amazing how much differently we learn from things when our perspective changes!  Watching the football coach's bio certainly made me yearn for home a little bit, and March Madness is right around the corner, but the examples of others and being able to see the blessings of the gospel all over the world is something that can motivate anybody to work harder to spread the gospel. I know this is where I'm supposed to be. I am so grateful for my family and the love they show me, and I'm grateful for this church and all of the amazing people who are disciples of Christ all around the world.

I Believe I Can Fly!

The main focus of mission conference in Singapore was how we are increasing our faith. There were all types of trainings, talks, experiences, but most of them I cannot adequately share because of time limitations and my inability to convey my thoughts. Basically, I wanted to share two main thoughts with you all. The first thing that I realized last week is how important it is to be desperate. I used to think that desperation meant being out of control and going crazy, but I now believe that we should make an effort to be more desperate. When we are desperate we are willing to do all that it takes. We are willing to give all that we have, and we also realize that there's no way we can do it on our own. As a result we turn everything over to the Lord and act in faith. I would invite all of us to continue to ponder about how we can be more desperate to gain faith in the Lord and His Atonement in order to become His hands. 

Elder Chin in Singapore

I would also remind all of you that without patience we have no faith. This is a tough concept for me to understand, because I often get frustrated when I don't see immediate results or what I expect to happen. I promise that Heavenly Father does know us better than we know ourselves. We must trust Him, continue working to receive answers and help, and show patience. Patience has no expiration date. 

Last week, I prayed harder than I ever have for certain things and for certain changes. I did my best to share with Heavenly Father my desires to help others, and then I got off my knees and worked as hard as possible. One struggle that Elder Chin and I have been having is finding new investigators that want to learn and progress. No matter who we teach, the people just aren't keeping commitments or wanting what we're sharing. 

Braves - Sister Kitchen and Elder Lundquist

Yesterday at church, an investigator showed up with a 19 year old man from Germany who was only staying in Tawau for Sunday while he waited for a visa. They met on the street, and the investigator offered to take him to church to meet two other guys who spoke English (us)! This young man turned out to have a great desire for the gospel. I was able to share my testimony and the Book of Mormon with him before he travelled on to Indonesia. Even though I won't have the opportunity to continue teaching him, I know that he was an answer to my prayer to find someone who is ready for the gospel. 

I am so grateful for this gospel, and I am so grateful to have the faith and hope that we have a Heavenly Father. I am so grateful to know my purpose and to have this joy in my life. Thank you all for your prayers and examples! I love you all!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

En Route to Singapore!

Tim Tam Slam with Milo!  

Mission Office with Steeple in Background