I AM A MISSIONARY! MIRI BOUND

Happy Easter Everybody!!! 

This past week has been one of the most amazing weeks of my whole life. I am so excited for the members, the investigators, and the people that we continue to be guided to each day. I'm also excited for Elder Shirley and I. We have learned so much together, and we continue to grow each day. 

I just learned that I will be transferring to Miri where I will continue to be zone leader in this zone. It'll be a short 3 hour bus ride from here. I'm excited for the change because I know it's where the Lord needs me to be. I love the people here so much, and I will miss them greatly, but I know that Elder Shirley and I have laid a foundation that will lead to many baptisms, growth, and joy in the coming weeks and months. 

We are called to build up the church and bring forth zion. I believe that the Bintulu Chinese branch is much stronger than when we got here a few months ago, and there is a clear vision of where they want to be. I'm so grateful for the miracles I've witnessed. I'm grateful for the lessons that my companion has taught me. I'm grateful for the Saints who have been examples of dedication and consecration here. 

I love Bintulu!!

I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. While studying last week, Elder Shirley and I realized that we must do a much better job of listening, teaching from the scriptures, and bearing pure testimony. 

People may be able to question our ideas, opinions, and the Church's doctrine, but they cannot question our testimony that has been received through the power of the Holy Ghost. As soon as people feel your interest and sincerity, they are more willing to open up to the things you want to share with them.

This week, I walked up to a lady and tried to say hello, how are you, how's your day going, and a few other things in chinese, then I simply said, "How are you?" in English and she turned right around. She is from Japan, but she had lived in Arkansas, New York, and Malaysia for a few years. We talked to her a little bit, introduced ourselves, and her jaw dropped. 

She exclaimed, "Wait. Like, you're doing it?? You're on a mission right now? Like, you're missionaries??!!!" She just laughed. She had seen the Book of Mormon musical, heard rumors about us, and didn't really understand Christianity nor was she interested, but her question left me thinking for a long time. 

I really am "doing" it. I am serving a mission right now. Am I giving all of my heart, might, mind, and strength? Do I represent Jesus Christ at all times throughout the day? I'm grateful for small things each day that help me ponder and deepen my desire to serve the Lord.

Yesterday at church, we were ecstatic that almost all of our investigators came. They sacrificed, they showed their faith, and we were all blessed. We had a wonderful Sacrament meeting, and the classes went well as we talked about Easter and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 

With twenty minutes left in church, we watched three videos: A world without a Savior; Come Follow Me, an Easter Message; and Because of Him. By the end of Because of Him, I was completely bawling and grateful for all the blessings that have come into my life and will come because of Him. When I turned around, I was surprised to see all of the members and investigators also in tears. A few of our investigators that have been on date for awhile but unsure about the Spirit, were wiping their eyes and smiling. 

(Here's the link to the Because of Him video: https://www.lds.org/youth/video/because-of-him?lang=eng)

Everybody just started laughing as I smiled at each of them because there were no words to describe what we were feeling. We finished with our testimonies, a prayer, then everybody just hugged each other. It was the best feeling in the world to know that our investigators have felt an undeniable prompting, the members' fire was rekindled, and Jesus Christ truly is our Savior. We all knew it, right at the same moment. I am so grateful for tender moments like these that happen when we open our hearts, choose to believe, and come unto Christ.

These people have become my family, and it will be hard to leave, but I know that I will see them again someday. There was a special feeling at church yesterday. I felt a little bit of the joy and love that will surround us and be within us as we dwell together in the Celestial Kingdom someday. I know that we are here on Earth to practice and learn heaven. The people here have helped me understand how to love, understand, and sacrifice. I pray that I can remember these things forever!

My thoughts are a little bit scattered right now, but I'd like to share a few things I noticed last week. One of the fastest progressing families I've ever met on my mission has no T.V. They might be the only people in all of Malaysia without a smart phone or T.V., but they have the best family relationships. They love each other. They respect each other. They read the scriptures. They pray. They are repenting, and they're happy. It was interesting to be able to see that when all we have to focus on is our family, we are joyful, supported, and confident. We are more humble, and we are more able to receive the Spirit. 

We met a 20 year old boy as we were biking home one night trying to get home before curfew. His dad was dead, his mom had abandoned him, he was a dropout in school, but he was wise. He spoke of God, the point of life, and how he remains happy. When we taught him how to pray, we testified that Heavenly Father knows and loves him. The first words to his first prayer were, "Dear Heavenly Father, my name is .....Thank you for taking the time to listen to me.." It was one of the most sincere, moving things I've ever been able to experience. I take things like prayer, family, the Plan of Salvation, and the Atonement for granted. This boy who had nothing was so ready to receive everything that matters the most. I pray that I can be more humble and grateful like him. 

 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 know that Heavenly Father has a specific plan for all of us. I know He loves us. I know that because of Jesus Christ, there is no end to anything. We do not need to feel lost, discouraged, upset, or guilty, if we will turn to him. I am eager to share this message with the people of Miri. I will miss the people here, especially Elder Shirley, but I know that the missionaries that follow me will continue to share the gospel with Bintulu. 

Love, Elder Lloyd

Bye Bye Bintulu! 

MY BROTHER'S GOING TO SERVE IN CHICAGO!

Good Afternoon Everybody!!! I can't believe all that is going on. 

Connor!!!! I love you, Bro!!!! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE MISSION CALL TO CHICAGO!!!!! Your experiences are going to be different than mine, but I know that it will be perfect for you. Elder Nielson shared with me that we are often called to a mission president and his wife, as well as the area that we serve. I know that I was supposed to serve with President and Sister Simmons here in Malaysia. I love being a missionary! I love my family! I love the Gospel!!!

With that said, we had such an amazing week here! I am so grateful for the miracles that we are blessed with daily. 

Has the day of miracles ceased?? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Elder S and I have tried to do all we can to continue to repent, consecrate ourselves, and focus on connecting people with heaven. Each day is filled with spiritual experiences, joy, sometimes tears, and always gratitude. I love being a missionary. I love serving the Lord. I love sharing my testimony with the people all around me.

One of the most amazing, humbling experiences happened last Friday afternoon. We received a text from an investigator who praised us, then eventually apologized saying he didn't want to meet again, because, he said, we don't believe in God or Christ. It was a bit of a shock because the last lesson we had with him was purely focused on the Atonement and coming unto Christ. 

I gave him a call, prayed, bore testimony, and asked if we could come over and talk. When we arrived at his house, there was another lady there waiting for us. She was his English teacher and the pastor's daughter. I immediately thought, "Oh no, this is going to turn into an argument that will not invite the Spirit." We introduced ourselves, then we sat down and asked about his questions and concerns. He explained some things he'd read about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, then he asked us to share. 

We prayed, reestablished our focus on bringing everyone closer to Christ, and retaught the Restoration. The Spirit was powerful. I know that Heavenly Father gave us the gift of tongues, because Elder S and I had never taught so simply, clearly, and powerfully. When we finally got to the first vision, the pastor's daughter's eyes were filled with tears. We bore sincere testimony of our Savior, the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, and a modern day prophet. We invited our investigator to read and pray to find out for himself, but he is not longer interested in learning more. 

The pastor's daughter interrupted us and went on to explain that she did know understand what Mormons believe. She had many misconceptions about our religion and beliefs of God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost. She asked for a Book of Mormon and told us she would read, pray, and wanted to meet again. Although I was sad about our investigator's change of heart, I was amazed that the Lord blessed us with an opportunity to meet with somebody we could have never contacted on our own. 

I know this is the Lord's work, and I know the only way we can help people is by testifying of Him with the Spirit. 

We had another miracle while I was on exchanges with Elder B. We had incredible studies, and when we went out, I knew we were going to have the perfect day. Immediately, we saw someone waiting in their car outside the house and started sharing with them. They were so excited to learn! The rest of the day was filled with open hearts and people willing to try and come closer to the Savior through the Restored Gospel. My favorite part of the exchange was teaching one of our younger investigators about the Atonement, sacrifice, and faith. We were able to share Jacob 2:18-19:

 18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

 19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

Our view on how we prioritize our lives is completely different from the world. We believe that as we put Christ first, and stay strong to the truths that have been revealed, we will be blessed in all aspects of our lives. It was a wonderful experience to be able to explain to him what being a Latter Day Saint truly means. We choose to "sacrifice" a little bit, but in reality, we open the door for the numberless blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for all of us. I know this principle is true, and I know that all of us would be wise to heed this invitation more carefully.

I am so blessed to be a missionary. I feel as if I give my all each and every day, but I know there is still something missing. As I strive to be a representative of Christ in thought, word, and action, AT ALL TIMES, I believe that there will be a change in myself and the investigators we're teaching. 

For those of us who have been baptized and made sacred covenants, I pray that we can continue to live our lives in a way that others will recognize us as followers of Christ. This means that we must be different from the world. We NEED to stand out. It is not an invitation, it is an expectation.

There is no way I would have ever understood the gospel the way I do now without coming on a mission. I cherish obeying, studying, and sharing. The key to conversion is sharing what we learn with others. I'm so grateful for the people the Lord has blessed me with to teach. I pray that I can continue to help them come closer to Christ and make the essential covenants with Heavenly Father for exaltation. I am happy!! 

Love, Elder Lloyd

President Brent H. and Sister Marcia Nielson Tour Singapore Mission

Rarely does one have the opportunity to hear from a General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in an intimate setting.  On March 10th, the missionaries in the Kuala Lumpur District were privileged to not only hear from a General Authority from the First Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Brent Nielson, but also from his lovely wife, Sister Marcia Nielson at a Zone Conference held in the Petaling Jaya meeting house.  Elder Nielson is the Executive Director of the Missionary Department of the worldwide Church.  The Nielsons were touring the Singapore Mission area with Mission President and Sister Simmons.  All four addressed the missionaries in Singapore, West and East Malaysia by the week’s end.

The day in Kuala Lumpur (Petaling Jaya) began with Elder Nielson teaching the missionary leaders and Sister Nielson addressing only the Sister Missionaries.  She said the most important thing happening today in Malaysia was this meeting, that this work is the most important work on the earth. Then, with inspirational and encouraging words and stories, she assured these sisters that missions are emotionally hard and arduous, but that is what teaches them things about themselves. Those are the things that Heavenly Father wants them to learn.  She went on to stress that there needs to be holiness in daily life.  She encouraged the sisters to “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power,” and then to stand still to see what direction and inspiration await them.  She affirmed that Heavenly Father loves them, no matter what level each person is on.

In the main session, with all missionaries in attendance, Elder Nielson took some time to address Christlike attributes. He said the Lord has called these missionaries to labor here and has a special work for all to do. There is no room for fear. All should move forward in faith and diligence. 

Sister Simmons spoke about faith. She challenged all missionaries to not just endure  their missions, but to rejoice in the opportunities that have come, and find joy. President Simmons followed with counsel to listen with open hears to receive guidance.  He said that the adversary attacks families to frustrate the Lord’s work.  In the mission field, he attacks companionships.  He reminded the missionaries that he talks constantly about obedience, since disobedience chases away the Spirit.  Each person needs to ask the Holy Ghost to guide and comfort them with a brightness of hope and faith. 

Sister Nielson then warmly thanked all the missionaries for their service, and proceeded to talk about diversity.  She explained the Nielson family background and what activities they enjoyed doing together.  Then, when the children married, their spouses had different upbringings.  This added to the overall family talents and abilities. She compared these family in-laws to companions who are diverse.  While there are differences, a companionship is on the same team, wanting the same results. She challenged the missionaries to learn what it is they are supposed to learn from their companions each transfer, and to be grateful for their companions.  No criticism is allowed. Be 100% obedient.  Help others to be happy. These were some tidbits of wisdom learned from her sons as they served successful missions.

Elder Nielson graciously expressed his appreciation for the missionaries’ service. He said that the Lord has called you here and has a special work for you to do. Be diligent. Don't be discouraged. He brought the audience along in his presentation of the Doctrines of Christ. He explained that is what missionaries teach. Christlike attributes are taught in Preach My Gospel. Discouragement, doubt, and fear are not Christlike attributes. When there is fear, there is no faith. With faith, there is no fear.  Move forward with faith, he said.  There is power in the Atonement, both redeeming power and enabling power.  We are saved by grace and then changed by grace. A missionary is called to connect people to heaven.  Help people see what the Doctrines of Christ can do in their lives.

During the concluding question and answer session, Elder Nielson masterfully explained scriptures to answer questions, to build faith, and to recommend obedient behavior.  He reminded all that Lord is hastening his work and carrying the gospel to nearly all the lands of the earth.  He said that our faith should be in Jesus Christ.  We trust in His will.  During his final remarks, Elder Nielson expressed the love of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles.  They pray for the missionaries. Their hearts and prayers are always with the missionaries.  He said the Savior fed the 5,000 miraculously, and there were baskets of leftovers. This is symbolic of His grace being sufficient for all men, with more left over. He bore his testimony as one who is ordained and set apart to do so.

The attending missionaries expressed appreciation for Elder and Sister Nielson’s visit. They received encouragement and validation, and they felt loved, watched over, and re-energized. Sister Andrewson stated that she appreciated Elder Nielson’s words on the Atonement and its relationship to the presence of the Holy Spirit in her life. Elder Barney especially liked hearing in the leadership meeting that the job of missionaries is to help people improve and to focus on what is truly important and not just to focus on doing good things, but to continually improve and grow.  Sister Crandall said it was so good to travel to this meeting, to be buoyed up, and to learn more about being faithful and finding holiness in everyday life.  

One observing the events of the day could not deny that there was joy in the room, in the service of the Lord.  His Spirit was poured out in abundance.  Time together was cherished as the missionaries enjoyed seeing one another from different areas. A General Authority came to visit today. They shook his hand, felt the Spirit, received strength and encouragement to carry on in this important work. The concluding hymn was especially poignant, “Thy Spirit Lord has Stirred Our Souls.”

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NEVER BEEN HAPPIER!

Good afternoon everybody!!! I am bursting with joy! How does every single week seem to be better than the last? I was blessed with a story from a friend about how simply having a good attitude does not change our lives or make things better than they are. Having and recognizing divine experiences is what can inspire us, encourage us, strengthen us, and bring more joy. I am grateful that each and every week, I am able to recognize more of the Lord's hand in my life.

The experience and feelings I had while being around President Brent H. Nielson last week in Kuching are some things I will never forget. Before the mission, I had the opportunity to spend time with and talk with a few General Authorities. These were all incredible experiences, but they were not nearly as powerful as meeting with Elder Nielson last week. The Spirit and love that was in the chapel was tangible. I immediately felt at peace, hopeful, and I knew that the Lord was watching over us. I think the reason why this past week was so special wasn't because Elder Nielson was more spiritual than the other people I've met in the past; I was more prepared, qualified, and worthy than I ever have been in my life to feel the Spirit.

"The Spirit has no agency." I pray that this sentence will stay with me forever. Elder Nielsen helped us understand how the Holy Ghost and the spirit are different from each other. The responsibility of the Holy Ghost as a "spirit personage" is to safeguard the spirit. The Holy Ghost is a somebody, but the spirit is a something. It is through the spirit that we are strengthened, comforted, and directed. The spirit is a something and is governed by laws and order. It has no agency. I now understand why obedience to the commandments and the direction we receive is so important. We must be worthy in order to feel the spirit. Even a merciful God cannot break His own laws and send the spirit if we are not worthy. We must be qualified! 

We were blessed with so many miracles this past week. While in the airport waiting to come home, our flight was delayed for about an hour. We walked around and talked with some incredible people who will hopefully be able to investigate later when we pass their numbers to the other missionaries. When we finally sat down in our seats, I found myself next to an Indian business man. We started talking a bit, and I was surprised to find that he was Christian. He had been raised by two very devout, Christian parents, but had slowly fallen away as business and work took over his life. I tried to connect with him, but he eventually pulled out a beer, took a drink, then fell asleep, seemingly uninterested. I opened the Book of Mormon and started studying. Later on, he bumped me in the arm and offered me his lunch. I was a bit surprised, but graciously accepted. Ten minutes before landing, he asked, "What exactly do you do as missionaries?" We explained a few things, then I was able to share with him a little of what I had been reading:

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.

I shared why the mission brings joy. I shared about the amazing thing that happens as we repent. As we submit our will to the Father's, just like Christ, we are strengthened. We feel peace and joy. To help others do that only multiplies the effect. He asked, "Do you really enjoy what you're doing?" I said, "YES!!!" The rest of the conversation was amazing. He asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon, then got off the plane when we landed. He waited for us near the baggage area and told us that he felt as if he were the luckiest man in the world to meet us today. He offered to drive us anywhere. He told us he didn't care if he was late to his business meetings because the Lord had placed us in his life to help him. Wow. I know the gospel changes hearts! People truly do yearn and seek for these things, even if they don't realize it at first. 

We had an amazing experience at church while we had the opportunity to talk with Brother T. He has been out of town the past week, but now that he's back, he's excited to spend more time on the branch and help give others callings. He told us he needs to find someone to replace him as branch clerk (and the billion other callings he has), so that's what we prayed and looked for while finding. Yesterday, we talked to a construction manager, a banker, and an accountant. They were all interested in learning more. We truly do find what we're looking for!

If there is one thing that we must learn in life, it is the doctrine of Christ. This past week, I learned about the redeeming power of the Atonement, and the enabling power of the Atonement. How do we access the redeeming power? We repent, we are baptized, and we renew those covenants each week. How do we access the enabling power? 

19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

We access the enabling power of the Atonement as we cheerfully and patiently submit to the Father's will. We must become like our Savior. We will continue to trudge through trials, afflictions, and sadness until we realize that they are all part of Heavenly Father's plan for us. As soon as we cheerfully and patiently work through these things, we will feel the strength that Christ's Atonement promises us. I pray that we can all be patient in all aspects of our life as we continue on our journey to become like our Savior and Father in Heaven.

Thank you for your prayers and love. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know this is His work, and that I am where I am supposed to be. I have never been happier. I also know that the Lord is pleased, but never satisfied. Let's rise a little higher!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

DO THE WORK!

Good Afternoon Everybody!!! 

Thank you so much for the emails, prayers, smiles, pictures, and memories. This past week was filled with humbling experiences, miracles, joy, and a deeper determination to serve the Lord. I am so grateful for the countless, priceless experiences I am blessed with each day. I am so grateful to serve here. I'm grateful for a wonderful companion who is Christlike, hard working, diligent, faithful, and patient. I am grateful for the Restored Gospel and all the blessings that accompany it. I am grateful for Jesus Christ, our Savior.

One of the most amazing opportunities that we have as missionaries is to pray more than we have ever prayed before. In addition, I know that there are millions of people around the world praying for us as well. As Elder S and I have done our best to make prayer a more meaningful, sincere conversation with our Father In Heaven, we have seen many miracles! I am so grateful for the peace and spirit that comes from knowing the simple truth of prayer being a two way communication between us and Heavenly Father.

We prayed, fasted, and prayed while working as hard as we could to find people that really desire to learn more about Christ and make changes in their lives. The first few days of the week were a bit slow and disheartening as we talked to more, more, and more people without any success at finding "the one." 

As I realized that each rejection or apathetic "they're all the same" type of reaction was one step closer to finding the person that was prepared, I was able to keep the Spirit and joy in my heart. Thursday night, as we were biking home, we stopped and talked to one last man on the side of the road. We scared him a bit, he was a bit annoyed, but he was from the Philippines and had a rich Christian background. 

We shared a quick testimony, invited him to church, and went on our way. We followed up by calling him and invited him to church again this Sunday. Yesterday, he arrived to church 45 minutes before Sacrament Meeting was scheduled to begin. I was so impressed. He loved church, he felt the Spirit, and he wants to come back! As I said goodbye after church finished, I asked him how he was getting home. He didn't drive, he didn't bus, he didn't take a taxi...I was baffled. He told me that he woke up Sunday morning, prayed, and realized that he really did need to go to church. He started walking, knowing where our church was, but having no idea how he would get there. As he was walking, someone kind picked him up and gave him a ride to our church's area. 

He had the faith and desire to hitch-hike his way to church. I asked him how he was getting home, and he said he didn't know, but the Lord would provide a way. I was immediately touched, humbled, and amazed. I am so grateful for the sacrifices that people are willing to make in order to come closer to the Lord. I know that the purpose of life is to prepare to meet God. If we let anything else prevent us from accomplishing that, we are not worthy to live in Heavenly Father's presence.

I studied sacrifice a lot this week and came across a few scriptures that brought many thoughts and ideas to my mind. 

19 And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.

 20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.

 8 Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.

Basically, we are no longer required to sacrifice animals, but that doesn't mean that we don't need to sacrifice something else. The only thing that is truly "ours" is our free agency-our will. As we do our best to become like the Savior, we do as he did by aligning our will with the Father's. We notice a change. We take the animal/natural man inside of ourselves and place it on the altar. We take the Sacrament and promise to turn away from anything that distances us from Heavenly Father. We receive revelation in order to know where the Lord would have us repent/change, and we feel sorrow for the mistakes that we've made. 

Do we really understand that when we sin we cause someone else pain? Each mistake we make causes Christ to suffer, but I know He bears it willingly so that we can be relieved of that burden forever, if we are willing to repent and press forward. Make the small changes that are required. 

Do the work, and joy will fill our lives!

I am grateful for the joy, peace, and freedom that comes as we follow the commandments and have the Spirit with us. This past week, we did all we could to have the Spirit with us, and we were blessed with many miracles. More people than ever before came to church. Investigators seemed to be found when we least expected it. Members were willing to help and were excited to do missionary work. As I've realized that obedience/repentance is a journey, not something that is encumbering, irritating, or burdensome, I have been able to experience more joy than ever before.

I pray that I can continue to do all I can to feast on the words of Christ, pray, obey, and qualify for the Spirit so that I may be an effective tool in the Lord's hands. I love being a missionary, and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything! I am excited for the coming week, and I know the Lord will continue to prepare the way for us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love, Elder Lloyd