THEIR SOULS ARE PRECIOUS

Good Morning Everbody!!! I am so excited and eager to share with you today. Last week was filled with many miracles that have left me pondering in awe and joy. I am so grateful to have the privilege to be on a mission and sharing my testimony with others. The testimony we have is so precious and so powerful because it is based completely off of the things we have received through the Spirit. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost and the many times I have felt Heavenly Father's love in my life. 

Second birthday in the mission field - yippee! 

Firstly, MLC was absolutely incredible. As a zone leader, we go to Singapore once a month for a meeting with other zone leaders, the assistants, and the Mission President and his wife to discuss the needs of the mission and receive training. I found it amazing how President and Sister Simmons patiently listened to us discuss and talk about problems, concerns, methods, etc. without ever cutting us off. They probably know the answers to most of the questions they asked, but I appreciated that you they were humble and realized that we will learn a lot as we seek to find our own answers from the Spirit and from each other. I was in awe as we shared scriptures, testimony, and experiences. After MLC, I had no doubt that I have been called to represent Jesus Christ and invite all who are willing to learn more to come unto Him.

The next day, Elder Hanks and I had an amazing opportunity to go on exchanges with the assistants. They are incredible!!! I was able to go with Elder Pearce. Even though our morning studies occurred on a bus and while standing in immigration, we planned out our day and most important, we executed it.

Mooncake - not sure if they want to eat it? 

I was so impressed as Elder Pearce urged me to continue to do my best to stay with our plan, even when we fell behind a bit or people cancelled and appointments dropped. We had made backup plans and had made preparations in advance, so nothing ever caught us off guard. Amidst all of the craziness (all but one appointment ended up dropping), we had an incredibly successful day.We literally talked to everyone in our path and were calling as we were walking. We worked so hard, but it brought so much joy. 

Oreo and cracker "sushi" to celebrate E Avery's BD

I know the work is hastening, which means that we need to be more urgent as missionaries. Elder Pearce is playing basketball in college, his brother goes to Olympus, we were in the MTC together -- basically, it was tempting to talk about other things and get distracted, but Elder Pearce and I worked hard the whole day. Even though it was exhausting, I realized just how much can get done as we change from dedicating 95% of our effort to 100%. I know that as we work hard to give all of our time and effort to the Lord, we will experience miracles inside of ourselves and in the lives of those around us.

Post-Workout Birthday Breakfast Compliments of the Bensons

The highlight of the week was being able to attend and be a part of B's baptism. Over the past two months, he has gone from having no understanding of who God is to a deeply rooted testimony of Christ and the Restoration. After the baptism, he bore the purest, sweetest testimony about the Spirit and the love of Christ that has changed him and will continue to influence him forever.  As I confirmed him a member of the Church and blessed him on Sunday, I felt the most peaceful spirit and immense love. I want to work my hardest so that we can be together in the Celestial Kingdom with our families. I know B will do his part, and his example will continue to motivate me. I love him so much, and I'm excited for him to receive the Priesthood and take the next step in his progression.

I'm most grateful for the people around me who I learn from constantly.  I'm so grateful to be a missionary and I cannot wait to continue to search and pray for revelation so that we may continue to further the work of the Lord. Thank you for everything and all of your support!!! 

I don't have time to elaborate, but please study this scripture in Alma 31 and its background:

31 O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.

 32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me—yea, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek and Zeezrom, and also my two sons—yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, O Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ.

 33 Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because of the iniquities of this people.

 34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.

 35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.

 36 Now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words, that he clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold, as he clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Love, Elder Lloyd

Sisters! 

PS: I really want to get better at using media and modern day scripture. Please send me your favorite mormon messages, talks, etc and let me know why you like them. Thank you!!!!!

Trevor loves his Tim Tams and Milo!