“ … And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.” - Alma 27:27

Monday, February 8, 2016

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Hello everybody!! Happy Chinese New Year!!!  I'm excited for another transfer and overwhelmingly grateful that I get to finish training Elder S. We have grown so much together, and I know the next six weeks will be filled with many more life changing experiences.

This past week was fantastic. We saw miracles, we repented, we experienced new things, we developed more faith, and we felt JOY! I'm so grateful to be a missionary here. I pray that I can continue to improve and do all I can to show my gratitude for the Savior. 


One of the most amazing miracles of my mission happened yesterday. It was Chinese New Year Eve, fireworks were going off everywhere, we were trying to do some finding, and I followed a prompting to go down a dirt road into an industrial area. While there, we ran into an incredible Iban family who spoke English and were very interested in learning the gospel. 

On our way back out, I felt my bike tire sink into a rock and felt the air whoosh out of my rear tire. Bad news. We had an appointment in an hour, and we were at least an hour walk from home, or two hours away from our appointment. Elder S and I prayed, then we started singing as we pumped up my tire. We hopped on our bikes, and sang for the next twenty minutes until we arrived home and I was able to switch my tube. 

We biked with no problems, but as soon as we made it home and stopped singing, my bike tire went flat. It was a miracle to be able to make it home and sing a song in prayer and faith. I know Heavenly Father wants us to be blessed with many faith strengthening experiences if we are willing to choose to believe, then act in faith!
Earlier this week, we encountered a pastor from a Christian church, and we taught an investigator who loves studying the Bible and is seeking for the truth. In both the contact and the lesson, we discussed the point of whether or not we can still receive revelation from God. I was able to bear powerful testimony to them of the power of the Holy Ghost, but in both instances, their faith was lacking. I was so sad when our investigator said, "I don't believe God will answer me if I ask." I am grateful that i have a testimony that He will answer, and He DOES answer when we ask in faith with real intent. 

While talking with the pastor, I felt grateful for the Primary songs, wonderful priesthood lessons, the past few years of seminary and personal studies as a missionary. We did not argue at all, and I was grateful that I could bear testimony with all of the power of my heart and soul that the Book of Mormon was true. 

Through studying the Bible, and through the Spirit, I know there was an apostasy, but there is a prophet on the Earth today with the authority, keys, and power to administer the ordinances that are essential to our salvation. I'm grateful that I know that my family is forever as we obey and qualify for eternal life. I'm grateful for the trust Heavenly Father puts in my to share this message with anyone who will receive us. 

While on exchanges, I was grateful for Elder Ps example of faith and determination. We prayed more specifically and fervently than ever before, and we were blessed with amazing opportunities. We were able to witness a buddhist teenager say his first prayer, feel the Spirit, and say, 
"I believe in Christ!" We were able to teach the whole Restoration to a man while he sat in his car waiting for his daughter to come from school. We were able to be in the perfect place at the perfect time to talk to a teenager who has been waiting to find the truth his whole life. We were able to contact a family that learned before, but they didn't have a visa or passport so they weren't able to be baptized -- now they do! Miracles happen every day! I have never seen the Lord's hand in my life so clearly and evidently. I am so blessed!

I am so grateful to be a missionary. I am grateful to take upon the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and share about him daily. I'm grateful that I'm able to help people ponder about him, even if it's only for a few seconds. That short time is more than a lot of people have ever thought about him before. 

I know that as I keep the Savior's name on my lips, I will notice a change in my heart and my very being. Elder S and I are doing all we can to be obedient, faithful, and ready to receive all that the Lord has in store. I'm excited for the next six weeks!

Love, Elder Lloyd


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