FORGIVENESS IS LEARNING

We went to visit the southernmost point of mainland Eurasia today! Hooray! 

One of the most unique parts of last week was having an interview with President Simmons and something I learned as he shared yesterday was just how important it is to reach and yearn for the Spirit. 

In the MTC, it seemed easy because I wasn't tested very much. I was surrounded by other missionaries, there really wasn't any pressure, and we were constantly being fed by General Authorities, teachers, etc. When I arrived in the field, I realized very quickly that the Spirit was something that I desperately wanted. I wanted it to be like the MTC, but I assumed that was impossible and silly to expect. As I've served, learned, taught, and refined myself to understand WHY we are obedient, I have noticed that Heavenly Father has always blessed me with the Spirit when I (and my investigators) needed it most. I think I needed the Spirit strongly in the MTC to know what it felt like. My goal on my mission now is to continue to work towards trusting it completely and recognizing when I am blessed with powerful promptings. Even though it sometimes seems harder to feel/understand the Spirit, I know it's because Heavenly Father wants me to reach higher and learn more. 

I also loved talking with him about how important it is to have more interactions each day. It's not just about doing missionary things, it's about being a missionary. Sometimes when we knock doors or visit a less active, it doesn't seem like the most effective use of time or what I should be doing to achieve my goals. As Elder Hanks and I have tried to interact with more people and talk with everybody, I've realized what being a missionary truly is. I pray that as we have more interactions, we can continue to have the Spirit with us and make them all positive interactions.

Another miracle that happened last week was while working with one of our investigators. We were able to learn together about how miracles happen when we rely on Jesus Christ rather than our own strength. When we shared Alma 26:12 with him, he was amazed. He had assumed that believing he could overcome his trials was a prideful thought. We helped him understand that Christ is the one who truly will give us the permanent, lasting, repentant strength that we need to change and overcome the many obstacles that are on this Earth.

12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

I know this scripture is true. I know it because I have experienced it myself. I have learned so much this past week....it's crazy to think of all the experiences and opportunities I have each day to be taught eternal truths. 

I'm so grateful that I chose to serve a mission, but I'm more grateful for the privilege that I have to continue to serve. I am so grateful for Elder Hanks, Elder Avery, and Elder Pearce. They truly are amazing examples and missionaries who simply want to do the Lord's will. I am so blessed and so humbled to be in this situation. 

I pray that I can continue to do the things that the Lord has planned for me. As I've served, I've recognized more and more of my weaknesses, but I've also learned an important lesson about forgiveness. To me, forgiveness is learning. As long as I continue to learn and  turn to God, I will be forgiven for the many mistakes I make each day. Thank you for all that you guys do. Have a wonderful week!

Love, Elder Lloyd

Custom Suit!  

Tim Tams and  Tofu; it's all you need!  

E. Pierce and homemade lasagna and bisque with rolls in the shape of hippos! 

Awesome Couple Missionaries who are spoiling my son! 

Apartment View - JB

Service from an Elder - cinnamon toast and cleaned/folded laundry - sweet! 

Seafood Feast with squid, octopus ... 

Brothers Forever! 

JB Elders - Pearce, Avery, Hanks and Lloyd

FOLLOWING THE SPIRIT & STAYING IN JB!

I can't believe another week, and another transfer has passed. It is absolutely crazy how fast time flies when we're working our hardest and serving the Lord. I feel as if there is so much more I should be learning and retaining every single day, but I'm doing my best, and I can truly say that I learned a lot last transfer. I know the things I learned couldn't have been learned anywhere else, with any other companion. I am so grateful for the situation in which I have been called to serve. I love being a missionary in Johor Bahru!!! And I am staying here with the same other three Elders - hooray! 

Before I begin, I want to shout out to my bro for starting his senior year and the football season!! Go Braves!!! I expect big things this year mister!

One of the many miracles that happened last week occurred early on while visiting with an investigator. He converted to Christianity about 10 years ago, and he has never considered the idea of one true church. He has been incredibly intrigued by the thought that we have the authority from God and that the authority is necessary in order to baptize, perform ordinances, etc. During the lesson, we got off track a bit, but somehow there was a spot to shift the focus back to the Book of Mormon.

He started listening as I testified to him about how we have come to know these things are true. Elder Hanks and I used analogies, scriptures, and our own experiences to help him understand just how important prayer and receiving our own answers from God are. He shared more concerns, but the Spirit enlightened us so that we knew exactly how to answer and help him understand that he wasn't ready for the fullness of the gospel ten years ago, but he is now. It was an incredible flow of events that lead to him having the desire to set a baptismal goal. After the lesson, Elder Hanks and I both just looked at each other in awe. We knew that we had taught with the Spirit rather than with our own wisdom and knowledge. Only through the power of God and the Holy Ghost are we able to help people understand this message and their true potential in this life. I love this gospel!

The next miracle happened a few days later while contacting. We were in a neighborhood where everybody was gone at work in Singapore when we saw a 20 year old boy outside one of the houses. We stopped, started talking and learned that he has never been part of a religion/church before, he invited us inside, we taught, he expressed a great desire to continue learning/read, and he said his first prayer. Amazing miracle because of the Spirit. 

I used to think that I needed to find the perfect person, memorize everything, and answer every question perfectly in order to have an experience like this. I was so wrong! Everything that happens positively is from the Spirit, and only because of the Spirit. It was such a joy to be able to testify of the importance of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to this young man. Elder Hanks and I are blessed with countless miracles every single day. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of the Lord's work. I know that as we invite the Spirit and get out of the way, we help people come unto Christ. This is my goal!!!

One of the things I've learned the past week is the importance of patiently working through our trials and obstacles. Sometimes, I anxiously wait. I ask myself every few minutes if I'm happy, if i feel the Spirit, if I am doing the right thing, if Elder Hanks is happy, etc....but when we constantly do these things it is impossible to ever feel successful and peaceful. I have worked hard to do my best, follow the Spirit, and trust that as we're obedient, Heavenly Father blesses us. I can say with surety that this works and is a true principle. These past few days, I have been happier and more successful than ever before, and I know it's because of the combined desire to be obedient and patient. 

I'm so grateful for the experiences, trials, and testimony strengthening moments that I've had this past transfer. I love this scripture, and it will continue to be one of my favorites the rest of my life:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

I know the joy that I have felt has come as a result of serving Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father's children. Service truly does bring forth lasting joy and happiness. When the scriptures tell us that we find ourselves only when we lose ourselves, I like to add that we find ourselves in the presence of God, being filled with the Spirit, when we lose ourselves in His work. As I have worked my hardest, I have felt the Spirit more strongly than ever before.

I pray that I can continue to do His will and His work. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary and a representative of Christ. It truly is a privilege that has changed me and continues to change me each day. 

Love, Elder Lloyd

MIRACLES AND TESTIMONIES

Thank you so much for your prayers and concern. I am grateful for the sacrifices that you all make each day for your families, your friends, and our Lord. Thank you for your love and example!! This past week has been incredible, and I'm so excited to share a few miracles with you.

First, I was blessed with many humbling experiences this week that made me feel grateful to come from a first-world country like America. We found out that Johor Bahru is suffering through a drought right now (even though it rains almost every single day...I don't understand), and as a result, they are rationing water throughout the city. They warned us that we would only have water on two days a week until September 16th. I was shocked!!! It's crazy to realize how many things we take for granted when we don't have anything that makes us yearn for them. It made Elder Hanks and I think a lot about how many other things we are blessed with. Hopefully, we'll get more rain and there won't be any problems at our apartment.

At another time, we visited a lady in the hospital, and as we approached, I was impressed with its size and appearance. When we entered inside, it was a completely different story. It felt like a subway station in New York. People were scrambling everywhere, it smelled like urine, and it was blazing hot. I don't think anybody could ever have a good experience in there. I am so grateful for the many things that we are blessed with, both spiritually and temporally. I am grateful for all I have, and I know the world is crazier than ever in many different aspects. As we pray for the Spirit, we will be able to find peace anywhere. While visiting this lady, we shared the Liahona message for the month, and there was no mistaking the love that filled the room. The gospel can comfort us no matter where we are, what we're going through, or what we believe will happen in the future. 

Regarding our work in helping investigators change some of their habits, I was studying this week and came across a few scriptures that really stood out to me. 

 19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing

 20 Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites;

 21 But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields—therefore, they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites.

22 Behold, now it came to pass that they durst not come against the Nephites in the borders of Jershon;

I am so grateful that I have had parents, friends, and missionary companions who help me to "put on the armor of God" and protect me against the fiery darts of the adversary. Prevention is so much easier than repenting, and it also allows us to have the Spirit more strongly so that we can help others. We need to do all we can to arm ourselves and defend our bodies/spirits from the many temptations that bombard us each day. We had to teach a lesson to an investigator Saturday morning when we'd normally be doing our studies, and it was shocking to feel the difference of not having my studies to protect me. I felt vulnerable and weak when we left the house, and the lesson did not go that well either. I pray that I can retain these truths that I'm learning and always remember that Satan is a real enemy. We NEED the armor of God that comes from study and prayer each morning. 

While pondering, I was reading through Alma 34. It talks about how this life is the time to labor, repent, and turn to the Lord. The scriptures become so much more meaningful when we realize that laboring for the Lord=repentance. As we serve, spread the gospel, and turn to God, we truly receive a remission of sins, gain an increased capacity to feel the Spirit, and feel joy. I am so grateful for the many learning experiences I'm having, and I'm grateful for the many times that I am forgiven each day. We truly are so weak, but I am grateful for the weaknesses that I have so that I can know where I need to improve.

Lastly, in district meeting last week, we learned and discussed a lot about our testimonies. I was thinking a lot about what a testimony is and what it means. As I thought of things I treasure-my family, my friends, the gospel, the people here, the talents I have, etc. I realized that I won't have any of them if I don't have a testimony. A testimony leads us to repent and make covenants with God (and most importantly, KEEP them). With a testimony, we truly have everything, but without it we have nothing. With a testimony, things are eternal. Without it, things are temporary. I am grateful for the testimony I have of my Savior, and I know that this is where I'm supposed to be right now. I love being a missionary, and I pray that I can continue to do the work of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Love, Elder Lloyd

MISSION WORDS

BEST WEEK EVER (UNTIL NEXT WEEK)!

Badminton Champs! 

This past week has been one of the best of my entire mission. I don't understand how or why, but we continue to be blessed with more miracles and more wonderful experiences. I need to repent for not keeping a perfect journal, but I do know that the only way for us to recall the hand of the Lord in our lives is through the Spirit and then making a record. I'm so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and the sacredness of my calling to be a missionary. I truly do feel the Spirit stronger than ever, and I know it's because of the prayers from all of you, obedience, and a desire to share my testimony with others. 

We had an incredible opportunity to go back to Singapore for our passport stamps and zone conference last week. I expected it to be the same, but President and Sister Simmons changed a lot of the former layout. Basically, it was a full day discussion among the missionaries about problems we're facing and solutions that we can try and apply in our areas. President Simmons directed everything and did an amazing job of trying to learn what we're facing. He is so humble, patient, and willing to listen. He shared that his vision right now is to listen. I thought that was very telling of the type of man he is. One of the biggest points of inspiration we focused on was in D and C 39. I don't have time to quote things right now, but I want you to know that we are all called as missionaries to share the gospel. Heavenly Father truly does know me, Elder Lloyd, and I know that He knows you as well. Continue to search and seek for revelation so that you can do things His way; only then are we able to feel the joy that He is urgently waiting to bless us with. 

After zone conference and before a leadership meeting with the zone leaders, I was sitting in a beautiful park in Singapore just pondering and writing some notes down in preparation. I was thinking a lot about how we cannot fear man as missionaries and members of Christ's church. We need to go out of our way to share the gospel and courageously open our mouths. 

There was an elderly man doing some exercises a few yards away from me, and I sat there thinking of how I could approach him. It was an awkward battle in my mind, because I knew what I needed to do, but I was letting doubt cloud my thoughts. Suddenly, he was next to me and told me he was sorry to interrupt, but he wanted to take a picture of my nametag. He quickly explained how he has an LDS friend and he wanted to show them a picture. As we started chatting, he complimented me on my study habits, dress, sacrifice, and desire to do good. He was intrigued about our religion and why only our church sends so many missionaries out. I thanked him, gave him a card, then went back to studying. 

A few minutes later he came back and asked for a phone number to contact me and the other missionaries in Singapore. I had only given him the website before (my phone number was malaysian), but I quickly contacted someone who gave me the Singapore Chinese Elders' number and shared it with him. After this experience, I was so humbled, and I learned a very important lesson. While I was battling in my head about what to say to this man, I felt sick in my stomach and stressed. When we fear man, life is hard, depressing, stressful, and straining. As soon as I was able to talk about Christ and my love for this gospel, I felt peace and happiness. As we stop fearing the world or our own weaknesses, we truly are freed and able to feel the joy that comes as we do what Heavenly Father would have us do. I am grateful for amazing experiences like this every single day.

I want to share one other miracle with you. I was on exchanges with the assistants last Saturday, and there were a few curveballs that would've thrown a major dent in our plans in the past, but because we had taken the time to look at every situation the night before and earlier that morning, we were able to adjust and have one of the coolest experiences of my mission. All of our plans suddenly lead up to us teaching someone at a time that they previously said they'd be unavailable. We were able to teach this boy about the Spirit, how he talks with us, and then we went into the commandments and the Sabbath day. 

We talked more about the hope Jesus Christ offers and how he has already promised to forget our sins if we will come unto Him. I am grateful for wonderful friends, teachers, peers, coaches, etc who have always helped me stay away from the plague of Satan. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to help people understand how to overcome their feelings of shame and guilt as they sincerely repent and have a desire to follow Christ. I pray that I can realize more about how we need to hate sin and glory in light rather than simply avoid sin and try to do good.

I love this gospel and my mission so much. I am grateful for my companion who constantly helps me understand how to improve by being a perfect example of a diligent, devoted missionary. 

I love all of you so much, and I hope you know I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. If I was able to have the time and ability to adequately share all of the miracles and revelation that we are blessed with each day, I have no doubt that you would all instantly understand the joy that I feel. I know we would realize that true happiness comes as we serve the Lord and others. 

Continue to look for people who are prepared, and cheerfully apply the teachings in your own life. I love you all so much, and I pray that we can all have opportunities to share the gospel each day.

Love, Elder Lloyd