A CONSTANT SURGE

I love all of you so much!!! I can't believe a year has already passed and that everything is just moving along. I am so grateful for all of the letters, emails, love, smiles, stories and examples and just everything...I love you all so much!!! I also want to shout out to The Mighty 6! You guys keep me going! Thank you for your examples and for always sharing your testimonies.

This past week was incredible...I don't know where to start. It's always a good feeling when you have to choose which miracles to share because of a lack of time to share them all. Johor is doing great!!! I was finally able to meet the new mission president last week, and he is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. He is like a best friend, a brother, a father, a grandpa, and a stake president all in one. The sacrifices he and his wife have made to serve here are numberless. I'm so excited to serve with them and learn from them. I love the Simmons! 

One of the coolest things last week happened while we were contacting. We had planned to travel to a taman (housing development area) and talk to people outside because it was around 6 at night. We did that for about an hour and a half until it got dark and people started going inside. As we were leaving the area, I felt impressed to stop and knock on a very specific house. Remember that we hadn't knocked any houses for the past hour and were on our way to an appointment. We stopped anyways and knocked. A little boy yelled for his mom who waved us away, then another lady appeared saying, "Elder" in chinese. 

Elder H and I both looked at each other confused. It turns out, this woman was a member of our church and was visiting her sister. She had lived in some other countries the past few years and had been praying for missionaries to find her because she was unable to go to church due to personal circumstances. She was so excited to see us and ask us a few questions. She hadn't talked to Elders since she was baptized several years ago, and she was ecstatic!!! We committed her to go back to church when she goes back to her home country. It was so cool to be able to act on a prompting and see something miraculous come as a result. 

I truly know this is the Lord's work! I think the biggest change over the past year has been being able to feel the Spirit more consistently in my life. I felt it in short bursts before the mission, but now it's almost on a constant surge, and it's the best feeling in the world! I'm willing to do all I can to maintain this feeling!!!

 

Due to an experience with another investigator, I realized how important family relationships are, and I also have started to learn the faith requires patience. I'm so grateful for the family I have, and I'm grateful for the gospel principles that have helped our family become so strong and close. 

While studying this week, I was really just looking for an answer to my prayers and to find some solace from the scriptures. There were a few rough nights and dropped appointments that got me a little bit down. I was praying and then went back into my study room and started reading in Ether. I came across one of the most powerful and amazing verses I've ever read-

14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life , and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters. 

I don't know why, but at that time, this verse spoke peace to my soul. I have never had more prayers answered in my life than on my mission, and certainly never so quickly. I know that the reason I'm here is because of Jesus Christ. He came into the world to be a sacrifice for us. He loved us so much, and had both the willingness and the ability to atone for our sins. It is now my turn to come here to JB and proclaim these truths. I love the Book of Mormon, I love the gospel, and I love the people here. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve and do the work of the Lord.

Love, Elder Lloyd

KEEP DOING THE WORK!

Thank you for the many incredible and inspired letters the past few weeks. I am so grateful for the many emails and prayers that I have received as a missionary. You all include so many different stories, thoughts, quotes, and testimonies that are focused on helping me understand one thing. Heavenly Father loves me. Thank you for your inspiration and for your love. 

Saying goodbye to everybody in S was one of the hardest things I've done on my mission so far, but I was blessed to get right back into the work with Elder H. It's impossible to feel sad when I already love the people here so much. 

All Saturday, we contacted, contacted, and contacted some more. Our appointments fell through, along with our backup plans, so we didn't have many options. Elder H and I went out and tried to talk to everybody. We got a few numbers and had a few successful contacts. On Sunday, a lady and her daughter we had met the day before called and asked if we had church today. We told her it had just ended. She was distressed because she had driven by earlier and couldn't find it. We quickly invited her over and she obliged. We were able to sit down in the chapel and start answering some of her questions. 

After a few minutes, I asked if we could say a prayer, and we started teaching her. Elder H started off by bearing testimony about how much our Heavenly Father loves us...within thirty seconds, she was weeping. We asked her what she was feeling, and she was unable to explain. We testified to her that God was telling her something--telling her what we were about to share was true and would change her life. As we shared the Restoration with her the Spirit was present the rest of the lesson. I have rarely felt the Spirit as strong as I did during that lesson. I know that Heavenly Father does love us. I'm grateful he's willing to give us feelings and thoughts in order to guide us and testify to us. 

Another person we are teaching is a young piano prodigy. After church he played a song my sister used to play every night. I used to nag her and tell her it was late and time for bed, but now I wish I could just say sorry and listen to her play again. When this boy played the song I realized just how much the small and simple things matter. I'm grateful for small miracles and beauty all around us. 

The branch here is absolutely amazing!!! The members are so excited about the gospel. It motivates me to do all I can so that they can continue to feel the joy that comes as others learn about the gospel.

A very inspiring part of last week was when a member called us and asked for a blessing.  He had just learned of a family tragedy. I felt so helpless as he sat there and cried. After a few minutes, we gave him a blessing then talked for a bit. We shared about how Heavenly Father loves each of us and never will test us with more than we can handle. We talked about the importance of sticking to what we know, rather than worrying about things we don't know. 

This past week has been one of the most stressful weeks of my mission. I feel like my chinese stinks, I don't have anything to offer, and I'm not making much of a difference. After meeting with this person and sharing with him, I realized that the things I was saying to him apply to myself as well. Even though I'm in a new place with new people, investigators, streets, food, companions, members, etc., most things are still the same. I am still working my hardest to be the missionary that Heavenly Father wants me to be. As I continue to stick to the truths that I know, I know that I'll be able to accomplish what Heavenly Father asks of me.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve with Elder H and live with Elder A and Elder P.  Elder H is an inspired, phenomenal missionary, and I've already learned so much from him. He's always happy, excited, and ready to work. I am so grateful for him and all that he is doing. He truly is a servant of the Lord.

The zone here is awesome, and I look forward to getting to know everybody better. My faith has been tested a lot, but I also feel like I am coming closer to Heavenly Father than ever before. This scripture really stood out to me this week as I was reading in the Book of Mormon-

37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

I know that Heavenly Father truly has given us everything. He is mindful of me and supporting me at every moment. I am so grateful to be His missionary and representative. I am excited to serve here and I promise that I will do all I can to always have the Spirit with me and follow His promptings. Keep doing the work!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

TRANSFERRED TO JOHOR BAHRU!

I am so excited to talk to you! So much has happened this past week....it was one of the hardest weeks of the mission, but also one of the most rewarding. From homemade pork roast, sushi, ice cream, and funny things like that, to seeing the Spirit shine in the eyes of our investigators we have had many joyful moments. I think that's the way things often seems to work out. Only when we put our best effort in are we able to feel the sweet joy when miracles do happen. My faith and testimony have grown so much!

One scripture that describes a little bit about how the week went is found in Alma- 

38 And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.

It seemed that we were contacting doors and knocking all day, everyday. Saturday night I was more tired physically and emotionally than I was a couple years ago during football two-a-days in the August sun. But Sunday morning came and I was rejuvenated. It truly is miraculous what prayer and faith can do. Amidst the many rejections we were blessed with countless miracles. I'd like to share a few with you.

Last Tuesday night, we met with a newer investigator and review the first lesson with him. We explained more about the Book of Mormon, then we watched the Restoration. Immediately after it finished, he turned to us and just said, "Amazing." He asked how he could know these things are true the way we do. We bore testimony once again of the Book of Mormon and prayer. It was such a humbling and wonderful experience. 

Every time something like this happens I'm humbled to tears. I cannot put the wondrous feelings I feel as someone actually desires to know for themselves and tells us they feel the Spirit. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father continues to bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful this man has been prepared and is so in tune with the Spirit. He is excited to be baptized, and we are excited to continue helping him along the path.

Another amazing experience happened with some other investigators. We shared with them the Plan of Salvation and helped them understand that this gospel is for everybody -- the dead, the living, absolutely all of God's children have already made the choice to follow Christ and that is why we are on earth with our mortal bodies. 

An interesting note regarding social media. Many of our investigators look at our Facebook pages once we meet. It made me realize how important it is that ALL of our actions and communications be in tune with Heavenly Father's commandments. I was relieved when an investigator told me that they looked through all my FB photos since 2008 and said they couldn't find one where I wasn't smiling and that they'd never seen a family look so happy. I was able to bear testimony that as we learn the gospel and strengthen our faith in Christ, the little obstacles and stumbling blocks in life don't seem to be as depressing or weakening as before. I bore my testimony of eternal families and this brought peace to their hearts. I am so grateful for the family and parents that I have that taught me since I was born that I have a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us. I know this is true! It is such a privilege to be able to share these things with people that are waiting to hear the gospel! 

OK - Change in topic and pace. I am a bit shocked because I just got news that I am going to Johor Bahru and will be zone leader with another amazing missionary named Elder Hanks (a Davis Dart)! I do not know what to think right now. I love these people here so much and the past four months have gone by in the blink of an eye. I do not feel like a leader or someone that people can listen to and feel inspiration, but I do know that I will continue to work my hardest and do my best to always have the Spirit with me. I have learned so much with Elder Jones and Elder Geilman about how obedience and faith bring miracles. My life has changed because of the people I've met and the impressions I've felt. I know that I was supposed to be here with these missionaries at this time. With that said, I know that right now I'm supposed to go to Johor and work with Elder Hanks. I am nervous and humbled, but I know that I will not be alone. I am grateful for the gospel and the peace that is given to us in our times of fright or despair. 

I wish I could say more....I hope you all can feel that I truly am happy and joyful to be a missionary here in Singapore and Malaysia. My perspective and viewpoint have changed so much. I truly know that this gospel is the most important thing on Earth. I know that as we are obedient we are blessed, happy, and free from Satan's captivity. Thank you for the prayers and the letters!! I am so blessed.

Love, Elder Lloyd

CLARITY

Elders Geilman, Jones and Lloyd 三兄弟

I want to start by saying that I know that Christ lives. I know this is His church and that only through His power and Atonement are we able to have joy and hope in this life. It is such a blessing and privilege to share that with others. This week has been filled with so many miracles. I have been humbled countless times, and found myself crying often. I am so grateful for the Spirit and for the joy this gospel brings. I can now truly understand for myself a little bit about what Nephi means when he says:

"But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry."

One of the most amazing lessons of my mission happened last Tuesday. We finished teaching the Restoration and watched the video together. After the video finished, the wife shared with us how she has never felt such peace. Even though she doesn't understand everything, she told us that she knows Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that he truly talked with Him. She shared a beautiful testimony of God's love for us and how He has led them to us. It was such a miracle to be able to witness the Spirit working within them and testifying of this beautiful message.

Another miracle came on Friday. Elder G was sick, so Elder J stayed home and I went on splits with a member who is preparing to leave to Australia on a mission. After a long day with a few dropped appointments, we finished up with another lesson with the same couple. We also had another member present there to help us teach the Plan of Salvation. They have been reading and praying daily, and have told us how they feel the Spirit each time. When we talked about the Atonement and what the Savior has done for us, the husband asked how this was even possible. We shared a few scriptures and testified to him of Christ's divine nature and love for each of us.

They both wept for joy and expressed their desire to continue learning.  As they shared their feelings with us, I couldn't help but feel ungrateful. I have taken the gospel for granted my entire life, and these two people were sitting in front of me pleading for a way to just have a chance to learn and understand the scriptures. That lesson changed my life forever. I will always strive to feast on the words of Christ and savor the opportunity to partake of the Sacrament each week.

Finally, when fast Sunday came, everything seemed to come together into a wonderful array of miracles. There was a man who called us before church asking where our church was with the desire to attend. We'd never even met him before!! The couple attended for the first time, and it was fast and testimony meeting. We had just taught them the Plan of Salvation and everybody seemed to bear their testimony about families, temples, and the Plan of Happiness. 

One of our member families shared how their oldest son just got engaged and how they want to be sealed in the temple. With the help of family, they are going to the Taiwan temple to be sealed. I know that is the hand of God working in their lives!!! 

I know that we are blessed as we put the kingdom of God first and continue to obey the commandments, pay our tithing, and go forth in faith. I am so excited for them. After testimony meeting, the couple shared how they have never felt the Spirit so strongly. I was in tears the whole meeting because every testimony was so sincere and so truthful. 

I know this church is true. I know this gospel brings happiness. I know that I could never forget the things I have felt this past week!! This is truly the Lord's work, and I am so blessed to be a part of it. 

As we fasted on Sunday and witnessed more miracles after church, I was able to reflect on how many times I felt the Spirit last week. It seems as if Heavenly Father was guiding us at every crucial moment. Even though there were some looong, hooooot days, we always were where we needed to be, exactly when we needed to be there. I am so grateful for the guidance and strength I received as we focused on the needs of others and inviting others to come unto Christ. These are some of my favorite verses that most fittingly describe the way I feel right now-

 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.

 10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

As I have felt the Spirit more and been able to witness many miracles, I have experienced so much more clarity in my life. Clarity to see the hand of God, clarity to feel the love of God, clarity to discern the needs of others, clarity to say the things I should, and clarity to remember the joy of following Christ. I feel as if the things I have been a part of this week will forever help me humble myself and remember the joy that comes as we do all we can to serve others.

One of my companions was going through a hard time this week because his grandpa died. As we talked together I felt as if my mind was clarified once again. I realized just how true the gospel is. I realized how grateful I am for the relationships with others we have in this life is. Family comes first. I remember small, funny, simple, happy memories with my family members more clearly than any other memories with others when I try to look back, and I know that's not a coincidence. I am so excited because I know I have eternity to be with my family and continue to grow closer to them. 

I have felt so much joy as I have been able to help others come unto Christ. I love my mission! I am so grateful for this gospel. I know that the things I am learning as I serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, are priceless. I would not trade this experience for anything!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

KEEP ON TRYING!

This week has been absolutely amazing!!! From eating my first real burger, a gym workout, a trip to Penang for exchanges, to finding new people and teaching lessons to our investigators in Sitiawan, wonderful things have happened!!! Thank you for the letters and for your support and prayers! I know that I couldn't do it without you!

One of the funniest parts of the week came when we were teaching two new investigators. We finished teaching a lesson and were talking a little bit about families. They asked me about family home evening and I mentioned how I liked to eat ice cream as the refreshment part. They immediately started teasing me about how the gospel and ice cream together make an awesome combo. After the lesson, they left for a bit, came back and surprised us with Magnum ice cream bars. These small tender mercies are impossible to describe, but it made me so happy to see the wife skipping away after she handed us the bag of ice cream. I am so grateful for this gospel and the joy it brings! It truly does bring us closer together as a heavenly family.

A miracle this week was our church attendance. A couple of weeks ago, we had 23 at church and it felt empty -- last week, we had 43!!! Two l families who haven't come in a few months were there with their young children -- awesome! 

Another amazing miracle this week was when we were on exchanges in Penang. Elder D, G, and I were together and had an appointment at noon. Unfortunately, we only had 2 bikes. We set off walking, and after forty five minutes we still had a few kilometers to go. Elder G and D started riding the bikes, and I jogged in front of them for the next fifteen or twenty minutes. By the time we arrived at our appointment, I was soaked from head to toe, breathing hard, and a little grumpy that I had to do that. As soon as we walked inside I saw a man who was in a wheelchair and wearing a bicycle helmet. Over the next hour we helped a man who used to be the branch president but recently had a stroke and can't control the left side of his body. 

We helped him with stretches, clipping his nails, and shared scriptures with him. We even sang a few songs (and I got to play his guitar)!  After the lesson, I realized just how blessed and lucky I am to have a body with no health problems and freedom to do whatever I want. This sweet man wants to serve and do the work of the Lord desperately, but his health problems restrict him to his home where his influence is limited. I felt ashamed about having a bad attitude and feeling bad for myself. I am grateful for experiences like these that strengthen my faith and help me grow closer to Christ. The people here are amazing!!

I was studying a lot this week the talk by Elder Runland-Latter Day Saints Keep Trying https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/latter-day-saints-keep-on-trying?lang=eng. Please take a look at it and ponder about how you can try harder and be more patient with yourselves and others. I know that as we learn more about the Atonement and what Christ did for us, we will realize that we NEED to keep on trying. We also must be much more loving towards others as they make mistakes and try to repent. We are all on this Earth together, and I know that we all have a long ways to go before we are ready to return to our Heavenly Father.

I love you guys so much! Thank you for all of the emails and the prayers and the letters. I am so grateful to be surrounded by greatness and wonderful examples. Happy Fourth of July!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd