RISE UP!

This past week has been absolutely incredible. We continue to go through things that I've never experienced before, and as a result, I'm able to continue to grow in different ways. I'm so grateful to be a missionary. I love representing the Lord, Jesus Christ. I love my companions. I love serving in Miri. 

One of the most important lessons I learned this past week started as I went on exchanges with Elder G. We made wonderful  plans, we were specific, and we were both excited for the day that was about to happen. Throughout the morning, plans changed, but because we had made solid backup plans, we didn't have to worry about anything. 

We continued forth in faith, looking, praying, and believing we'd find those we planned for, and WE DID. We were able to meet many people, and specifically, college students. It was amazing as we shared with students from Malaysia, Africa, Taiwan, China, and many other countries. I was surprised that almost all of them had heard of Mormons before, but the special feeling came as we spoke of Christ and the Restoration. As I was able to play a part in helping them understand why we have the Book of Mormon, hearts were opened, and the Spirit was present.

While listening to the Priesthood Session of General Conference, a few things spoken seemed to pierce my heart. In order to be a leader, we simply need to be a follower. We need to follow Jesus Christ. 

Being a leader means being a disciple. My leadership ability doesn't come because of what I've accomplished, who I am, my personality, my skills, or anything else. The ability to lead comes from my commitment and desire to follow Christ and develop Christlike attributes. I'm going to focus on studying patience and hope this week. Most of all, I'm going to love everyone and treat them as Christ would. I pray that they will feel His love through me.

One of the tender mercies and miracles we had last week happened yesterday morning. We were sitting in Sacrament meeting, I turned around, and I saw a familiar face on the back row. We've been going to a gym every morning except Sundays for the past four weeks, and we know everybody there. The person on the back row was our friend from the gym! As soon as Sacrament ended, we walked back to talk to him. After a bit of small talk, we asked, "How did you know what time church was?" We had invited him before, but we didn't get very specific.  He replied, "Elders, I've been a member for 20 years! I served a mission in Melbourne! I was one of the first people baptized in Miri." My jaw dropped. 

When I first met him, I had introduced myself as Elder Lloyd and asked if he was also Christian, but all he said was yes. He never once hinted that he was a member. A few weeks ago, we asked him if he could turn off the music at the gym while we were there and tried to explain why we do what we do as missionaries, but he simply just said, "Okay." without asking why or mentioning that he used to be a missionary too. 

When he told us he was a member, I immediately went through all of my memories trying to think if there had ever been a time where I had not been a full representative of Jesus Christ around him. Gratefully, I couldn't think of anything. I learned that we truly never know who is watching, but there is ALWAYS somebody watching us. We must always have Christ's name on our lips, written on our hearts, and showing through our actions. I am proud to represent Jesus Christ, wear the name tag, and share the gospel with everyone.

There are times each day when I find my thoughts drifting or my energy decreasing, but then I remember these words of strength. 

RISE UP, O MEN OF GOD!
Rise up, O men of God!

Have done with lesser things.

Give heart and soul and mind and strength

To serve the King of Kings.

2. Rise up, O men of God,

In one united throng.

Bring in the day of brotherhood

And end the night of wrong.

3. Rise up, O men of God!

Tread where his feet have trod.

As brothers of the Son of Man,

Rise up, O men of God!

I want to be a better servant! I want to continue to rise up to the call and mantle that has been placed upon me. I love serving the Lord, and I have felt true joy as I have shared my testimony and invited others to come unto Christ. 

I love serving with my companions. We have been blessed with so many tender mercies and miracles. I'm grateful that we are united in our vision to give all we can to the Lord and the people here. I'm most grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for the Atonement. I have been strengthened as I have prayed and pleaded for help in order to accomplish the things that He would have us do. I have felt the soothing balm of repentance as I've worked on the small things that keep my from feeling the Spirit. I have felt JOY as I've seen others do the same. I love being a missionary.

35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

Only through serving the Lord can we feel true joy. I know this gospel is true. I know that the gospel of Christ changes us.

Love, Elder Lloyd

THE SABBATH: A Day of Peace, Preparation & Protection

Good Afternoon Everybody!!! I have the best family ever! 

Jake, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ENGAGEMENT!!!!! I love you! I am proud of you for always being an example to me and setting the pace. Ali, Danny, Dallas, Jake, Mom, Dad, and even you little Llama-you've set the bar high, and it keeps getting higher! I'm grateful for the best family in the whole world, and it keeps getting bigger. I am so blessed! This past week was filled with many joys and miracles. I'm grateful for the tender mercies that never cease and the rejoicing that comes as we focus on the Lord and our families.

One of the greatest blessings that came last week was going to Singapore for zone conference and training.One of the things we prepared to learn with was how we delight in the Sabbath as missionaries. Originally, I was stumped. We wear our church clothes; just like every other day. We teach and serve people; just like every other day. We take the Sacrament and renew our covenants, but oftentimes, that moment in my week goes by too fast to reflect on anything because I'm so focused on what has happened already rather than what will happen in the future. 

As I prayed and pondered, I was brought back to one of the simplest truths. We must put the Lord first. Sunday is the first day of the week, but how often do we consider it as the last day of the weekend? We normally work Monday through Saturday and think of Sunday as our "rest" day to catch up on everything, but what if we changed our thinking to understand that Sunday is the day to prepare for everything? It is the first day of the week. Before Monday, we take the Sacrament, have a fresh start, serve the Lord, give all we have to Him, and we receive the promise to have the Spirit with us always. I pray that I can always put the Lord first and treat Sunday as the first day of the week; a day of preparation and protection for the things coming rather than a day of hurry and rush to catch up on everything from last week.

While sitting on a plane back to Miri, I was next to a middle-aged Chinese man. As soon as I said, "Hello!" he said, "Don't talk to me, I know who you are, and I know you'll just try to convert me." That made me laugh a little bit, even if he didn't think it was very funny. After a very personal sincere prayer, and a few very simple, noninvasive questions, he opened up a little bit and started pelting me with questions. He wanted to know everything! He is Christian and had heard STRANGE rumors about the Church of Jesus Christ. After about an hour of discussion, I asked if he had any more questions, and then I shared with him the Restoration. He was a completely different person compared to when we first sat down. He was willing to listen. He responded to the things I shared and to the questions I extended. There was a special spirit there at that time because he felt understood. 

I know that we must first seek to understand before we expect to be understood. I love bearing witness of the Restoration and a Savior that continues to direct us today through a living prophet. I know these things are true!

I love being a missionary! When we put the Lord first in our life, we truly don't have to worry about anything else. Sure, there are daily struggles and problems that we learn from, but everything is for our good. I am learning so much, and I feel peace as I rely on the Lord to guide me.

I want to be better. I want to change. I want to serve the Lord as best as I can. Thank you for the letters your write, the prayers you give, and the examples you've set. I love serving the Lord, and I will do all I can to follow him and help others do the same. 

Love, Elder Lloyd

YOU ARE A CHILD A GOD

Good Afternoon Everybody! I love writing that first sentence every week. Thank you for always being there for me as a missionary. Thank you for your replies, prayers, thoughts, and most of all, your love. I'm grateful for the loving acts of kindness I have received in my life. Those moments have guided me and helped me stay on the path that has brought me to where I am today.  

I was touched as I watched General Conference and realized that most of the things I've been doing as a missionary need to be done and expressed with more love. I will change

With all of that said, I am hopeful. I love this work. I love serving the Lord. I have loved serving with my new companion and other Elders from my Zone this past week. They are antastic missionaries. We have been blessed with so many miracles and so many opportunities to share the message of a loving Heavenly Father with people who have never recognized Him before. 

Never take for granted the simple truth that you are a Child of God. I loved Elder Holland's words, "The first commandment in eternity is to love God with all of your heart, might, mind, and strength. The first truth of eternity is that He loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength."  I know this is true, and I'm grateful for that knowledge.

One of the highlights of the week was Brother N's baptism. He has been learning for a few months from Elder Roundy and Elder Cook, then from Elder Pearce, and finally from us. He was so excited for his baptism. He came to conference Saturday and Sunday, and was baptized immediately after the afternoon session. The service was so simple and so sweet. The talks were beautiful and we sang Primary hymns.

He went into the water, then he came out with a smile on his face and tears in his eyes. What happens in that short, profound moment? What changes can occur so rapidly? I realized that the tears that come are not from the preceding one second of being immersed in water. They come from the many months and years of changes and repentance that have led to making a covenant with Heavenly Father. 

I am grateful for the the Restoration of the Priesthood and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After he was confirmed, he bore  a powerful testimony of change and a rekindled fire to put his vices behind and press forward trusting in Christ and keeping the commandments. I know that this is the path to lasting JOY!

On Wednesday, we spent a long, hot afternoon of finding less active members' houses while talking to everybody on the way. We talked to over a hundred people, but nobody was interested. On our way to one of the appointments we had scheduled that night, we were a little bit late and over 15 km away. I was in a bit of a daydream as we biked, and I'd already passed a few people without stopping to talk because we were late, but something seemed to jerk me to the side of the road towards a man off to the side in the gutter.

We learned that he was Chinese-Bedayu, and was in desperate need of comfort. We bore testimony of God's love, a Savior, and the hope of the Gospel. He said, "I'm touched that someone even cares enough to talk to me." He stopped the bus before he got on in order to give us his phone number. Miracle. I'm grateful for the love that Heavenly Father has for us. He truly does love each of His children. I'm grateful for the Spirit and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I pray that I can always be in position to feel, recognize, and respond to His promptings.

A few days later, we met with this same man at a member's house. He was once again touched by our friendliness and sincere love. As we explained more about the Godhead and the Plan that God has for us, he started to understand why. He felt the Spirit, and he desired to change. As he said his first prayer, the Spirit was so strong. I know that as we listen with humble hearts, just like this man did, Heavenly Father is able to communicate with us and through us. I hope that I can continue to be humble, sincere, and re-experience these things for "the first time" so that I never forget the small miracles and beauties of the Gospel.

I have been amazed at the love of all those around me. My companions serve me. The members so graciously have supported us and helped us in teaching and learning how to get around. The people on the street here are so kind, open, and willing to talk. I am so blessed. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I'm grateful to represent Him. During district meeting, we were asked to bear a simple testimony of our Savior. What a wonderful, tender moment. I know that He lives. I know that He is guiding us. I know that each of us are numbered. I know that when we follow Him, we are happier. 

I know that the Church and the Savior's gospel possesses all of the truth, ordinances, and power required to receive salvation. I'm grateful that it is our choice to receive, and I pray that we will make that our first choice each day as we kneel down to pray each morning. 

Choose to receive the joy that comes through Christ.

Love, Elder Lloyd

April Fool's! Kitchen family teased that I had sent the wrong shoes! 

Sister and Elder Evensen so loving served our missionaries