GIVING MY ALL!

Kuala Nyalau Beach

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! This past week has been absolutely incredible. Somehow, every single week seems to get better. I learn new things, experience new things, feel more love, and feel more joy. I don't understand how this is possible, but as we work our hardest for the right reasons, I know that we will continue to grow. I don't know how to start...so many things are going through my mind. Thank you all for your support, your testimonies, and the many good memories. Merry Christmas!!

Firstly, I love my family!!! It was so amazing to be able to talk with you and see your faces. I felt so much peace and love as I spoke with you. A year ago, I was a little stressed, worried, and anxious to talk with you. This year, it was just a wonderful, relaxing time to hear your testimonies and share in our joy.  I love you!!! Thank you, Mom and Dad, for doing everything for me. Your examples and influence impact every decision I make each day.

I am so grateful to be in Bintulu! I love these people so much, and I love the missionaries here too. We were blessed with many miracles last week.

One of the most amazing things that happened was when we gave service at a special needs school. We spent two hours weeding there and doing some gardening. The gardener there is Chinese, and he and I were able to spend a couple hours just talking to each other. I didn't feel rushed at all, we were able to get to know each other, and I had plenty of time to discover his concerns and desires in life. As we talked, I shared small bits of truth and testimony. By the end of the two hours, he had said, "This gospel is perfect." "I hope to know how to follow Christ like you." "You Elders are the happiest and best young men I've ever met, I want to know why." He gave me his contact information and will meet with us this week. He is also good friends with our group leader, Brother Ethan Tan, so I am so excited to meet with him again. We are so blessed!!!

Something else that happened this week was a couple days before Christmas. Brother Ethan invited us over to his house for a Christmas dinner and message. I assumed it would be us and his family, but it turned out to be a party with over 50 people. At first I was disappointed that it would be hard to share a message, but as I started to sit next to strangers and talk with them, I was surprised to find how open their hearts were. His friends and family were all incredibly nice, kind, friendly people. They had no idea what we were doing in Malaysia, so it was a perfect conversation starter. 

As I spent some time with each person, sharing my testimony with them, I felt the Spirit and love of Christ in an indescribable way. Although everybody wasn't interested in learning more at this time, I was grateful that Brother Ethan trusted us at his home to talk with his closest family and friends about the gospel. He trusted us, we trusted him, and the people we met were positively impacted. I'm sure that first contact will lead to future opportunities for other missionaries. I know that when we are trusting, obedient, and willing to work together in order to share what is most precious to us, we are blessed with special moments of joy. I love this gospel!!!

Lastly, something different, yet also an important learning experience, occurred last night while riding home in a crazy downpour. We heard a dog barking and found her to be stuck in the middle of a 6 foot deep sewage ditch. We tried to lead her to a shallower part, but she didn't want to follow. She was terrified. When we lowered a jacket in for her to bite and hang onto, she started barking and running away from us. It was saddening to be so willing to help, but completely unable because she was too scared. She had barked so loud with the hope that somebody/something would find her, but when help came, she wasn't willing to trust us.

In my life/mission, there are many times when I pray for help, but when the help comes, I am either too prideful or too scared to accept it. I pray that I continue to grow and learn how to humble myself, trusting in my companions, and do what the Lord wants me to do.

I am so grateful to be a servant of the Lord. This was the best Christmas of my life because I gave all I had to my Savior. Happy New Year!

Love, Elder Lloyd

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!!! This past week was one of the most amazing, miracle filled, spiritual, joyful weeks of my mission, and I know it's because we have been working harder and smarter than ever to share the Christmas cheer!!! 

I am so excited that it snowed back home! This past week, I have been more wet than the week at Lake Powell before my mission...every single day we have been drenched. One of the Christmas miracles was sitting outside teaching somebody while shivering. Shivering! I haven't been cold for over a year, but this past week was different. We have been so blessed, and I have never been happier!!

One of the best parts of this week was being able to serve with Elder G and Elder H in the Malay branch. It was the best feeling in the world to serve with missionaries who speak English, Chinese, Malay, and Iban in one group. We literally talked to everybody, and we were blessed with the most prepared people I have met my whole mission. 

One miracle came Tuesday when we contacted a boy who wouldn't give us his number, but said he was interested. He called the next day (that never happens!), asked to meet, and arranged an appointment. When we met him the first time, he told us how he'd taken off work to meet with us because he felt we were special. He wants to become a pastor someday, and he wants nothing more in life than to follow Jesus Christ. The first lesson went spectacular, and I know that he will continue to progress and take the necessary steps to come closer to Christ.

Another miracle came just last night when we met with a man we contacted a couple weeks ago in a mall. He didn't seem very interested, but he was willing to set an appointment and meet, so we gave him a chance. From the very first minute, he was wonderful. He told us how he has been looking for a church to join ever since he came to believe in Christ four years ago. He told us that he felt the Spirit around us before we even explained the Spirit to him. 

As we shared the First Vision and he shared his testimony of Christ, I was overcome and began to tear up. There are people who desire the gospel all around us, and we can never know who they are unless we talk to them and invite them to learn. I am so grateful that I was able to meet this prepared man. It is a privilege to be able to be a part of his conversion.

I know that one of the reasons I felt so happy this week is because I was constantly testifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I made a goal this Christmas season to give all I have and testify of Him. Even when we weren't talking to people, I was sure to sing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." I promise that as we think of Him, we feel the joy, peace, strength, and hope that He brings. I have experienced it, and I will never stop! This week, do all you can to remember Christ in all that you do.

I am so grateful for each one of you. I would not be the person I am today without billions of experiences and interactions with wonderful people since I was born. I am especially grateful for my family. I love you Mom and Dad! 

This will be the best Christmas ever, because I am doing all I can to serve the Lord. I pray that I can give my whole might, mind and strength, to the one who gave His life for me. 

Merry Christmas!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

CHANGES!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!! It's getting closer and closer! I can't believe it's already the middle of December ... I love Christmas ! This past week has been a roller-coaster, but I am continually blessed. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and I know that we are engaged in the most important work on the Earth. 

We've had a "mini-transfer" to accommodate Malay and English-speaking missionaries who are on different transfer schedules than the Chinese-speaking. I will be serving with Elder G (Malay/Iban speaking) and  Elder H (English) in our Chinese group and Malay branch. Changes!!!! Although the next few weeks will be much different than previous parts of my mission, I know that this is inspired from God. He has a special plan in store for me, and I will do all I can to accomplish His will. 

8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

This past week, more than ever, I realized that this is truly the Lord's work. It is a sacred privilege and blessing to wear a badge of honor with Christ's name, represent him, and work with the Spirit daily. This is going to be the best Christmas ever because I am going to give all I can to Him.

In order to truly rejoice and feel the joy this Christmas season (and throughout the year), I will focus on three things:

1. TURN OUTWARDS. As we forget ourselves and become lost in the service of others, we feel the Spirit and we feel joy. If we are left to ourselves, we will focus on all that we don't have, can't have, and won't ever be. We will find ourselves in a never ending melancholic state of being. 

2. SEE OURSELVES THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES. We must align our will with God's, and we must see ourselves as He sees us. I know that He loves us more completely, deeply, and unconditionally than we will ever understand. He is pleased with our efforts, and He yearns for us to continue to stretch a little more in order to qualify for even greater blessings. Be patient with ourselves, put our faith in the Lord, and joyfully do all that is in our sphere of influence. If we do so, we can feel peace and confidence before Him.

3. DISCOVER THE GIFTS THE LORD HAS GIVEN US. Pray, ponder, and consider what talents and gifts Heavenly Father has blessed us with. Once we receive inspiration, go forth in faith to share that gift with the world!

One of the gifts Heavenly Father has given to us all is the Book of Mormon. I pray that I can study it more deeply and share it with more people this month. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I love being a missionary. I love this work! Merry Christmas! I pray that we can turn outwards and remember why we celebrate this holy day. 

I love you all!! Have a wonderful week!

Love, Elder Lloyd 

JOY!

The Force Awakens! Singapore Airport 

Merry Christmas!!!! I am so privileged to serve at such a special, blessed time. I love being a missionary!!! Last week, while sitting at MLC in Singapore, I realized that there truly is no place I'd rather be. I have never felt closer to the Savior in my life, and I've never felt so confident about what I'm doing with my time. Even though there are certainly good things that I miss (like family), I am happy and enthusiastic about where I am now. I do not want to leave. I feel loved, I feel needed, I feel like I have a purpose, and I feel the Spirit. I love being a missionary for my Savior, Jesus Christ! With all that I try to give back to Him, I know that I am still an unprofitable servant. It truly is a privilege to be a missionary.

 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

$4 for a doughnut and worth every penny! 

REJOICE!!! I am so grateful for this Christmas season. I have learned so much in the past couple days about what it means to truly search for joy and choose to have a joyful attitude. As I have studied, I have found that happiness is somewhat flippant and fleeting, but joy is a Christlike attribute that is something deep within us. It comes from a knowledge of truth, faith, hope, and the desire to respond to the Spirit's promptings.As we study about our Savior, we realize that we can and will be saved from our sins if we turn to him. We will!!! I know this! I have no doubts that Christ is my Savior and that he atoned for me. His whole life was devoted to the service of others. I have felt Joy this past week as I have focused on others and done my best to sacrifice for them.  I love this gospel!!!

One of the faith strengthening experiences I had came just this morning as I studied the talk from Elder Uchtdorf during the General Women's Session of Conference. He talked about a lady who didn't have many reasons to be happy in life, yet she found joy in working to emulate our Savior's example. I looked out the window of our study room, and I realized that I had complete peace in my heart. I have the scriptures. I have a family. I have a companion. I have a specific calling that has come from the Lord. I have no doubts about where I'm supposed to be or what I'm supposed to be doing. I know Heavenly Father loves me and has a plan for me. I have faith, hope, and joy when I think of the many things that I will be able to accomplish as I rely on Him. I love my Savior!!!

I felt joy as one of our recent converts bore testimony yesterday in Sacrament, then proceeded to teach Gospel Principles Class for the first time in his life. He did an amazing job talking about service, and he was able to include all of us in the discussion. I imagine the joy I feel as people around me are able to progress in the gospel and make steps towards becoming like Jesus Christ is the same feeling Heavenly Father feels as he watches over me. Sometimes, I feel as if I am not growing or making a difference, but I know that Heavenly Father is cheering for me. He has sent us here to feel joy and to succeed. We can find solace in that truth. As I've turned outward in helping others and helping them feel the strength that can come only from the Atonement, I, personally, have felt the Lord's hand in my life pushing me. I am grateful for this, and I know I could not do these things if I relied on myself.

I was able to go on exchanges last week with Elder XX, and I was so impressed by his desire to serve and do the work of the Lord. He is striving to help the missionaries around him and be an example of the believers. I love him so much. 

Elder Reynolds! 

I think all people feel alone or misunderstood in some way, and that's a big reason for a lack of motivation, obedience, diligence, happiness, etc. I've realized that we simply need to work harder at making sincere, lasting connections with people. We don't necessarily just need to do things to make us "liked" or "popular", but we need to show more interest in others' lives in order to help them feel trusted, loved, and then able to change and do better. I myself have many weaknesses, but I appreciate the time my leaders, including you all, have invested in my life in order to gain my trust. If we can go the extra mile to love those around us, I know that we will be able to work harder, together, to give all we have to the Savior. 

I know that we can all develop deeper faith, hope, love, and charity in order to serve the people around us. As we do so I know that Heavenly Father will bless us with more miracles and spiritual experiences. We will truly become His servants. I pray that we can remember our choices today will have eternal/lasting impact. 

 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I may not comprehend what is in store, but I have felt the Spirit, and I know the feelings of joy, peace, and guidance I have felt are from God. I know that I desire to be with Him again, and I will do all I can to follow Him and His son, our Savior.

I am grateful that Heavenly Father was willing to sacrifice His son in order to give each one of us hope and peace for a better world. I know that true faith and hope can only come through a knowledge of Christ and his Atonement. 

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

It is truly a joy and a privilege to be able to wear Christ's name over my heart. I am grateful for the love he offers me and the joy that comes as I strive to do His will. I love serving a mission. I love the people here. I pray that I can give all of my effort and focus to my Savior and the calling he has given me this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

Elder Roundy!

Bintulu Runway Sunset

The Infamous Duria