SO HAPPY!

There's A/C at the Bowling Alley!!!! Yipee!!!!

I am so, so, so excited to share about last week!!!! Firstly, HAPPPPPPYYYY FATTTTHHHHEEERRR'SSS DAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so grateful for you papa bear!!!! I  Also, I am grateful for all of the father's around me who have also impacted my life. So many teachers, leaders, coaches, and friends....I am so grateful for the Priesthood, this gospel, and for the family unit. Happy Father's Day!!! 

Last week was one of the best weeks of the mission because of a few amazing miracles that happened. Before I share, I just want to say that I miss A/C...If you think that you are having a rough day, be grateful for a Sunday nap and A/C haha....man oh man, it must have been 1000000000000 degrees this week! Malaysia! On the plus side, from the First Presidency, we are not ever supposed to wear suits in our mission now. Ever. I thought it was a joke at first, but it's for real!! I'm honestly going to miss putting on a suit every Sunday...I can't remember the last time I didn't wear a suit to church!

We decided to fast together on Wednesday in order to focus our efforts and show our desire to find people who are prepared to receive the gospel. Wednesday morning came, and Elder J and I woke up awfully sick. The rest of the day was spent resting, throwing up, and not eating (but not because we were fasting haha, just because we couldn't keep it down), and feeling a little homesick for our moms to take care of us. It was a bit disheartening because we were so excited to get out and work. We prayed Wednesday night, apologized for a wasted day, and miraculously, Thursday we all woke up healthy and happy.

 Over Thursday and Friday we found more potentials than we had found in the whole previous week and were seemingly able to talk with everybody. People were truly just popping out of nowhere and eager to talk to us. It was one of the coolest things ever to go out with absolute confidence that we were going to find somebody! It brought to my mind 1 Nephi 17:50-when we have faith to do what the Lord wants, miracles will come to pass. We have been so blessed.

Saturday night, we were blessed with a miracle. It was the end of the night, all of our appointments fell through and nobody wanted to talk to us. We waved to a couple who were outside exercising and continued knocking. A few minutes later the same couple made another lap and waved back to us. They told us nobody was home, and we instantly struck up a conversation. It turns out, they are both from X and have been working here for about 4 years. In X, they never learned anything about Christianity but have had the opportunity to go to church in Malaysia a few times. When they went, nobody reached out to them and they didn't understand a thing so they stopped going. We were able to explain to them why we were here and they were impressed with our sacrifice, asked for our number, and made plans to meet again next week. I thought that was the end, but Sunday night one of our potentials cancelled on us at the last second. 

Tickling the Ivories

A few minutes later, the couple from X that we had met the night before called us and asked if we were free. They told us they were at the Catholic Church trying to find our church and wanted to meet. They said, "isn't it the same? Can you just come meet us here?" We set up a place to meet and then took them to our chapel and showed them around. We sat down and were able to get to know them better and talk about the Restoration. At first they were confused and thought all Christians believed the same thing. T We were able to talk more about the Priesthood, God's plan for us, and what church will be like. They were both so excited! When talking with them, I truly understood what Preach My Gospel means when it says we will find people who seek for the truth but know not where to find it. 

It was an absolute miracle to feel the Spirit and joy after they finished praying for the first time. I know that Heavenly Father puts people who are prepared in our path. I know that he loves all of us, and we truly cannot ever judge whether someone is ready for the gospel until we talk to them and give them a chance. I am so excited for these two!!!

I cannot adequately explain the feeling that I felt yesterday, but I promise they were some of the happiest of my life. I know that this gospel is a gospel of happiness. The Spirit and following Heavenly Father's plan for us will bring us joy that is simply incomparable to anything else on this Earth. Even though we were sick last week, had some long, hot days, and dropped a few investigators, all those things paled when compared to the joy we felt as we taught these two people who sincerely want to come closer to God. This is why I'm on a mission!

Happy Father's Day!!! I love you all so much! I am so humbled to be blessed enough to be in the middle of so many miracles and so many wonderful people. I am so happy!!!

Crushed Oreos on a Yummy Bun! 

Molten Lava Cake! 

The Sweat Chamois

zhe me mei hao de yi tian!

Sitiawan Sunset ...

What a wonderful day!! I am so excited to share with all of you about last week. Before I start, I just want to thank you again for all that you do and all that you have done. I just heard that my neighbors, the James, are leaving to be mission presidents this week...I love them so much! Our other amazing neighbors, the Dukes, leave for a two-year mission in the Dominican Republic -- I love you! There are so many people who have made such a huge impact on my life. I am so grateful, humbled, and blessed to be surrounded by all of you. Thank you for your love, prayers, letters, memories, and thoughts. Continue to share the light that you shared/share with me!

I'll start out with the boring yet necessary part to tell this week...WE MOVED!!! I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing yet. We expected to do it all on our own, but when the lorry pulled up for us to load all of our furniture, most of the branch was there. Tender mercies. We were able to move all the furniture and whatnot out of our house and into the new one within two hours. Tender mercy. After everybody left and we had a snack, we then spent the next few hours trying to get our wardrobes up the smallest, steepest stairs in the world to our bedroom. After about an hour of sitting halfway up the stairs, trying every angle possible, we finally got mine up there. Miracle! 

At about 11:30 pm, we decided to call it quits and finish the next day. I don't think I've ever smelled so bad in my life. I happily went to the bathroom only to find that our water had been shut off....then the power went out. haha I am laughing right now thinking back on everything that happened. It's crazy how sometimes things just seem to pile up on top of each other, but the amazing thing is that once we get through it and can have a broader perspective, our mistakes or frustration seems so silly and unimportant. We can focus on what we learned and what we should've improved on. We moved, we made it, and I hope that I only have to move a few more times the rest of my life!!! 

A miracle this week happened when we were contacting. We had been outside for a couple hours trying to talk to people who were already outside in their yards or on the street, but nobody was receiving us and the sun was absolutely blazing. We finished talking to a lady who had 16 dogs and who told us about one of her friends who has had this life-changing experience and came to know Christ. We immediately went to contact her referral, but couldn't find the right house (probably because of a Chinese misunderstanding). 

We knocked on the gate of a house that we thought might be correct and met a 20 year old boy who had met missionaries before in Melacca. We talked with him for a bit and were able to explain a lot about the Book of Mormon. We bore our testimonies to him and before we finished, he asked for the book. He confessed that he'd never looked at it before and left it in Melacca, but now he wanted another one and asked, "What do I do with it?" We were able to answer his question and set him up with more missionaries back in KL (where he left to yesterday). I am so grateful that we were able to talk with him at just the right place and time in order to help him understand more about why the Book of Mormon is so important. I know that the Book of Mormon is more powerful than any other book on Earth. Through those words hearts can be changed and we can come to know our Savior. 

Something that I focused on in a talk I gave in Sacrament meeting yesterday was the importance of a living prophet. During the MTC, I realized that I could generally describe what the prophet directs us to do, but I was unable to tell anybody what the most recent thing taught was. This month, in the Liahona, we are taught by the First Presidency about how families can be together forever. In D and C 128 we learn a lot about the importance of temple work and how our salvation depends on work for the dead. 

As I pondered more about how the prophet continues to remind us to strengthen our families, I reflected back on when I was 3 years old and had the chance to go to the temple with my family and be sealed forever. I don't remember much, but I do remember the peace that came as my 1 year old little brother stopped crying, we kneeled together, and felt Heavenly Father's love for us. This is the peace that the gospel brings. I know that my family is sealed together forever because of the decisions and efforts my parents made, and that I as their child, with them, continue to make. 

If there is one thing I miss almost as much as my family it's the temple. Please continue to go and do baptisms, initiatories, endowment sessions, and any other service you can for your family members. It will bring you closer to them and closer to God. 

I love this gospel so much and I am grateful for the privilege I have been blessed with to have it in this life. I know this is true and I know that it is the only way to lasting happiness. I know that as we heed the words of the prophet, strengthen our families, and attend the temple often, we will strengthen our relationship with our family on Earth and in heaven.

I love you all!! Elder Lloyd

KNOW HIM. LOVE HIM.

Hello Everybody!!!!!  I always look forward to hearing from you and sharing my experiences. I'm a little bit short on time today, but I just want to share a few awesome experiences and thoughts from last week. Some of the best news is that I'm serving with Elder J AND Elder G!!! Elder G was my companion in the MTC, and he is great. I am so grateful for the miracles that I am blessed with every single day!

One of the miracles that happened last week came at a time of much uncertainty. On Saturday, we had the option to either bike an hour to an unconfirmed appointment, or stay in Sitiawan, find new investigators, and visit a less-active member. We just felt a little bit lost and didn't want to waste time, so we said a prayer and decided to stay closer to home. That night we ended up finding more potentials than any other time on my mission. Within a couple hours we had talked to almost everybody in every house we knocked on. The people were so prepared and so welcoming-this has never happened to me before!! I know that Heavenly Father was blessing us and letting us know we made the right decision. 

In addition, last night we ended up having time to visit the person who we were supposed to visit Saturday, and we had more time to share a wonderful lesson about how faith precedes miracles. I know that when we follow the Spirit we are blessed. We read Ether 12 with her and her non-member husband and just talked about how important it is to develop faith. He asked if he could hear our testimonies, and after doing so, I really pondered about that request. I know that by going to church and reading the Book of Mormon we can feel the Spirit through many other people's testimonies. Keep reading and keep going! Stay close to the iron rod!!

One way that I my faith int he power of the Book of Mormon was increased this week happened that same Saturday night when we were finding. As we were talking to a man who we found out had already talked with missionaries a while ago. He is a very faithful Christian, goes to church every week, and has a wonderful family. We had a good conversation but were unable to really spark his interest. Finally, I reached into my backpack and brought out a Book of Mormon to show him. We explained a little bit about it and I bore my testimony about how it has brought my family closer to Christ. He was immediately intrigued by a book that he had never read before. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and was revealed to us in the latter days to guide us and protect us from the many temptations that are out there. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and what it has done for me, and I'm grateful this man gave me a chance to share my testimony with him. 

One way that we helped a member increase their faith was when we were teaching with Brother W who's going to serve in Sydney North mission. We were talking to someone who loved the feeling after prayer, church, obeying the Word of Wisdom, but he just doesn't like  the idea of baptism ...we were stumped. We tried to aapproach it in a few different ways, but nothing seemed to be getting through,Finally, Bro W asked this man if he knew why Christ was baptized. Immediately a feeling of peace entered and he sat quietly in thought. I know that he was following the Holy Ghost and asked an inspired question. I also realized more about what I need to focus on. This life is all about following Christ. I literally don't need to do anything else but follow Christ. I know if i can do that, I will be happy, protected, and I will be doing what Heavenly Father wants me to do. Follow Christ. Follow our Savior. Remember Him.

A theme that we are trying to work on right now is to really increase our faith. While reading in the Bible in Mark chapter 10, verses 17-21 and 27 Christ answers a man's question by telling him what he is lacking, even though he is keeping all of the commandments and trying to live the gospel. What do I lack? What do you lack? What is keeping you from receiving all that God has to offer you? In verse 27 we are promised that through God, all things are possible. I know that this is true. As we exercise faith in Him and do our best to align our will with His, miracles will happen. We will be happier, more peaceful, and more confident. 

I love these people so much. They are so diligent and sincere as they do their best to follow Heavenly Father's plan for them.

I love you guys so much and I want you to know that I wouldn't be here without you. Thank you for your prayers and examples. I have the best family and friends ever!

Love, Elder Lloyd

KNOWING AND LOVING YOUR SAVIOR

Happy June, everybody!!!! Da Jia Hao!!!  I want to give a shoutout to all of my friends who are now leaving on missions this summer! I am so grateful for so many good influences around me and for your examples! You are going to love it! 

Today is transfers and I am staying in Sitiawan with Elder J AND ... Elder G (my MTC comp) is joining us for to make a threesome - yippee!!!  I want to share how much I've grown to love and appreciate Elder J and my other companions. I am so grateful that we have been able to work together and get to know each other. It's crazy how much easier it is to love someone when you actually get to know them (duh...). I promise that it is impossible to not love anybody that you're truly close to. I would invite all of you to focus on getting know your Savior as much as possible. One thing that has helped me vastly on my mission, along with the scriptures, is reading Jesus the Christ. As I've read that book I have come to better understand how much Christ loves us. His whole life was dedicated to serving others and fulfilling the will of Heavenly Father. I know that He is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that He lives.

Badminton!

This week, we were truly blessed with countless miracles...I would like to share a few. The first thing is that three of our investigators finally accepted a baptismal date of June 20! I'm so excited for them!  I am grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed us to be able to witness these investigators change as they learn more about the Atonement and come unto Christ.

Bowling!

Something that truly affected me and strengthened my faith this week was when we visited a sister after church on Sunday to bring her the Sacrament. She is single and has to stay at home everyday to take care of her ailing mother. Even though her life is all about serving others and waiting on her mothers' needs, she never complains. She is the epitome of happiness and joy. Every time we go there I just feel peaceful as soon as I enter her home. I asked her what makes her so happy, and she told me how she truly feels like everything is a blessing in life. She talked about her health, her family, and many other things, significant and seemingly insignificant, that God has blessed her with. I know she was sharing from her heart. She talked about how we are unable to recognize the blessings ourselves, but through the Holy Ghost our eyes are opened and we are able to understand how Heavenly Father has blessed us. 

As I talked with this dear Sister, I realized that only through humility and sincere gratitude will we be able to feel the Spirit and recognize the Lord's hand in our lives. I'm so grateful for her example and testimony of Christ. I know that I want to be more humble and grateful for absolutely everything. I know that nothing is possible without the Savior.

I love you all so much, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to share with you each week. I love being a missionary so much. I truly do. There is no better feeling in the world than having a front seat to seeing how the gospel can change the lives of people who have never known these precious truths. Thank you for your prayers and your support. 

Love, Elder Lloyd

A/C, Free Ice Water, Chicken and Veggies = Priceless! 

Called to Serve in Australia Sydney North Mission