MIRI - cles!

Good Afternoon Everybody!!! I can't believe another week has passed and I'm sitting here in an internet kedai, ready to report and email again. Time goes by too fast! I already feel like I'm forgetting things from yesterday, but when I go back through each day, it is amazing to go through everything we experience. Each day is packed with so many feelings, emotions, invitations, revelations, and miracles (aka MIRI - cles). I love serving the Lord!

This past week was filled with many, many, many miracles among all companionships in our zone. We are so blessed. I am so blessed. Miracles from getting rides from strangers who ended up wanting to learn about the gospel to finding unknown church members, to helping people understand priesthood authority to learning something new in personal study to....the list goes on and on. One of the tender mercies that I'd like to share happened Tuesday afternoon. 

We have only been teaching an investigator for about a month now, but he continues to grow spiritually in between appointments very rapidly! I've wondered what makes him different than all the others. Why does he progress so quickly? He reads, but so does everybody else. He prays, but so does everybody else. He comes to church, but so does everybody else. What's the difference? 

As I studied Tuesday morning, I found myself reading an article Patterns of Light about the purpose of life and what we're really doing here. We must gather light. Our goal is to continue to gather more and more light until the perfect day. We will be judged according to the amount of light that we have, and that will determine the kind of body we're resurrected with. What does it mean to be an heir of God?

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

As a mortal who cannot fully comprehend what joy Heavenly Father has in store for us, and thus not being able to perfectly teach others, I felt a bit confused. As we taught our investigator, I was able to receive greater understanding.

I may not be able to understand what it means to be like Heavenly Father, but I understand the joy that comes when we have hopes/dreams of progression and change. Since I was little, I always had high aspirations for life and goals that I wanted to achieve. If somebody had told me that I had no chance of growing up and accomplishing these things, I would have been devastated. Imagine a life with no chance of improvement, growth, change, or progression. Imagine eternally being stuck or limited. When we follow the gospel of Jesus Christ, it opens the door for progression. We are given the opportunity to continue to learn and progress in knowledge now and after we leave this world and are resurrected. 

Our investigator is different because he is not only willing to follow Jesus Christ, he also wants to follow. He wants to change, and he trusts that the Lord can help him. We can try to follow the steps that Christ has given us, but if we do it hesitantly, grudgingly, or withhold our hearts in any way, we will change our behavior, but we will not change our nature. The Lord cannot change us against our will. We need to not only follow because we know we have to, but also because we want to. When we do things that we want, we can change and grow as a mortal. When we give our whole heart and desires to Christ, he can change us.

I have seen the deep, lasting changes in missionaries and investigators who truly WANT to follow Christ, and this week I did my best to pray for that deep desire and teach it as well. It was amazing to feel the difference in Spirit as we not only asked people if they were willing to try and learn, pray, read, etc., but also asked them if they wanted to. 

One day last week, we went to stop by an investigator's work in order to invite him to church, but he had already left town for Gawai (holiday in Sarawak). There was a middle-aged woman sitting at a table, and she seemed to have a different light in her eyes. We sat down with her, and immediately, she started sharing about how she was apprehensive about talking with us but had always felt there was something missing in her life, especially spiritually. It was a miracle to be in the right place at exactly the right time. I know the Lord is with us every single step of the way. As we follow the plan, qualify for the Spirit, seek the light, and open our mouths, he blesses us more than we could ever imagine. 

There were so many other incredible experiences as we taught a nice young man from Africa, and another family who I had contacted weeks ago but ended up dropping because they were unable to meet. The Lord knows us. He knows where we're at, and he never forgets us. I know that every single experience we have in this life is for our good. All of the odds are stacked in our favor to succeed. Through every trial, hardship, joyful moment, or crossroads, we choose to either follow the Savior and gather light, or we choose to follow Satan and gather darkness.

I pray that I can continue to change not just my behavior and habits, but my very nature. I want to be like Christ. I want my will to be one with his, just as he prayed to the Father that it would be. I am grateful to be a missionary. I am grateful for the precious people that he trusts me to interact with. I am grateful for my testimony and the path to conversion that I have embarked on. I pray that I can continue to serve with all of my HEART, might, mind, and strength. I will not count the cost, I will do what He wants me to do.

Love, Elder Lloyd

CHEERFULLY DO ALL THINGS!

This past week was filled with many miracles, many never-to-be-forgotten moments, and absolute joy. 

To start the week, we had an amazing zone meeting. We conducted and led a few of the discussions, but most of the training came from the missionaries in the zone. Every time we are gathered together, I'm amazed and astounded by the powerful spirit that is present. I love being a missionary. I love missionaries. Each one of us has our own past, our own personality, our own desires, and our own revelation. Because we have the same goals, when everything comes together, miracles happen. I am so grateful for moments like those that give me the boost I need to share the gospel with every person I come into contact with.

After zone meeting, we first met with an investigator who is to be baptized in a few weeks. A recent convert who helped us teach, bore powerful testimony of baptism. He spoke of feeling like a newborn baby, and then he described the rapid growth that has come as a result of continuing to come to church, read the scriptures, pray, and seek the Holy Ghost in his life. I was touched by the sincerity of his words, and I was ecstatic at the way our investigator received all we taught. He realized that baptism is not the end. It is the beginning. Looking back, I feel like I knew nothing when I was baptized. If I had stopped coming to church, reading, and obeying at that time, where would I be now? I hope that I can look back a few years from now and say the same thing. I pray that my testimony will continue to grow and my conversion will continue to deepen as a result of doing the simple things and obeying the commandments from our loving Heavenly Father. 

Later that night, we met with two 16 year old investigators, T and J, who have been meeting us for a few weeks, come to church weekly, and want to be baptized, but their parents don't approve of them being baptized in a different church. After we said the opening prayer, one of them shared about a dream. She spoke of Jesus talking to her, bidding her to follow Him, be baptized, and serve a mission. As soon as she woke up, she told her mom, and her mother gave her permission to be baptized and is interested in the Church. MIRACLE!!! J then spoke of another dream where they were in a tub of water, supported by oxen, and were baptized 9 different times......wow. We were able to share a little bit about the doctrine of baptisms for the dead in the temple. We have been fasting and praying for these two since we met them. His parents were also intrigued by this dream and told him to follow his heart. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and answers prayers. 

Later in the week, they brought two of their friends to learn more about the gospel. I know that when we feel the Spirit and the love of God, our first reaction is to share that joy with others. As we share the gospel, we are blessed! I am so grateful that Heavenly Father and Christ are with each one us each step of the way. I know that they know us perfectly, they want us to succeed, and they will do as much as they can to help us while still protecting our agency.

Some things changed later in the week, presenting "stepping stones" but I was reminded of this scripture:

17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

I know this scripture is directly for those that are struggling with their faith, their hope, their future...as we go back to the basics, do all we can, and trust in the Lord, I know that paths are opened. Opportunities never before presented will come upon us. 

We had an eye opening experience when we met with a less active member this week. Every single time we stop by, he has been sleeping. I would approach his house assuming he wasn't going to answer, thinking we were wasting our time, and already preparing to leave, but this time he pulled up on his moto just as we finished up knocking on his gate. He invited us inside his house. He's 17, 6'2", massive, and kind as a teddy bear. When we walked through the front door, the house was dark, there was trash everywhere, and there wasn't one place for us to walk/sit down. After pushing trash around, we started talking to him. His Father died many years ago, his mother left him 8 years ago, he lives with is elderly grandmother, and his only sister is constantly working trying to provide for them. My mind and heart were just turning for this amazing young man. My whole perspective changed as I learned about what trials, challenges, and things he had to face all day, every day. 

I was raised with the best parents in the whole world. My mother and father are my best friends, and everything they've done in the past 23 years has been for me, my brother, and my sister. I have always been able to talk with my father, knowing that he'd listen with love and patience, and correct me when I was in the wrong. Because of this, I have been able to develop a good relationship with my Heavenly Father. 

I'm grateful for loving parents. I'm grateful for people around me my entire life who encouraged me, loved me, and invited me to choose the right, study hard, and follow Christ. I am so blessed. I know that I want to be that type of person to my children. I also know that no matter what background we come from, we can learn from good and bad examples. The gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church has brought light into the lives of these  people, and millions more around the world, including me. 

I love being a missionary. I love sharing the gospel. I love my companion. I love these people. I am grateful for the hope that comes because of the Atonement of our Elder Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that we can change, and I know that we must change in order to receive what we have been sent to Earth to learn.

Love, Elder Lloyd

ALWAYS HOPE

Good Afternoon Everybody! I am so excited to share a few insights from this past week. I cannot believe how fast time is flying by, nor am I able to include everything I want/learned in a small email. I hope that these small messages and experiences help you feel the Spirit, change, and SMILE :) I love being a missionary!

This past week, as we were planning for zone meeting, we discussed the simple principle of diligence and work. We asked ourselves, "What if Christ had 'slacked off'? What if President Simmons decided he wanted to take a break? What if Heavenly Father didn't want to worry about His children anymore?" All of these questions were completely unfeasible. Impossible. I'm grateful that I know that my mission president is doing all he can to serve the Lord, and I know that the Lord is always there for us. When we understand that each one of us is called by God to do His work within our sphere of influence, we can be motivated to continually serve with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength, consistently and continuously. No calling is higher or greater. We are all His servants. Be agents to act, not objects to be acted upon.

This past week was filled with many miracles. First, I want to express my gratitude and thankfulness for Elder Lundahl-Wolford. He is a stellar missionary. We are different in more ways than one, but as I've been able to serve him, serve with him, and talk with him, we have learned to really love each other.  There is no substitute for service. If we want to become more unified with someone, we simply need to serve them and listen.  I pray that within our families we are encouraging and supporting each other in righteous ways rather than tearing each other down.

Taking it Back to Tawau circa October 2014 - Elders Reynolds and Warner

One of the miracles we experienced this week was meeting with a member for dinner, discussing their conversion story, then talking about the needs of the branch. As soon as he understood the vision that we had, he shared about a few less active children of God that have great potential. A couple days later, during sacrament meeting, he brought his less active cousin to church, and sat next to him for all three hours. By the end of church, all of the members were laughing and joking with the member that hadn't been for a long time. It was as if he never left. I was so grateful and surprised that a simple, spiritual conversation with an active member could lead to such an immediate, miraculous change. There was an energy in the branch. There were smiles. It felt like we were a family. This is the message of Christ's gospel!

While finding and teaching this past week, there were a few sad moments of rejection. One investigators who was so excited to learn, come to church, read, and find the truth became confused and lost as he delved deeper into some anti-mormon literature. It was astonishing to see someone who was so excited, so joyful, and so spiritual change into someone so hostile, so afraid, and so scared because of something that someone wrote on the internet. We read through many scriptures, bore testimony, and the Spirit was so strong, but in the end, he decided that we didn't believe in Christ and had no interest in further learning/reading. 

I believe in Christ. I know He is my Savior, and I know that this is His Church. His Gospel. It is the only way back to Him and our Father in Heaven. I know that because the Spirit has spoken to my heart. I pray that I will always be humble and open to the promptings of the Spirit so that I can receive the blessings Heavenly Father wants me to enjoy.

Tawau and Elder Isberto - November 2014

The brightest miracle was Sunday afternoon. A few days earlier, we had a lesson on the Word of Wisdom with an incredibly willing, humble, and faithful progressing investigator. The very next day, after he had given up a few substances, he became very sick with a fever, headaches, stomach pains, and other afflictions. In addition, it was pouring rain as we biked to church, and our investigator normally takes the bus. I was doubtful if he would come, but when he walked in, sat down, and said, "I promised I'd come no matter what!" my heart burned. I know that when we have a desire to follow Heavenly Father, nothing can stop us. Any blessing, any joy, any happiness, and any mystery is within our reach if we choose to believe and choose to obey. 

I love being a missionary. I love serving the Lord. I love inviting others to come unto Christ. My purpose is simple. I know that Jesus Christ is my Redeemer and Friend. I know that when we obey, we are blessed. No matter what point in life we are at, there is always hope through the Atonement of Christ. If we pray, read, obey, and WANT to experience the joy of Christ in our lives, we will remember, we will feel the Spirit, and we will always have enough of everything we need. 

Love, Elder Lloyd

CONVERSION

Good Afternoon Everybody! Happy Mother's Day! This past week was filled with many joyous moments and spiritual experiences. I love being a missionary! I love my family! I love the gospel!

I have a question for you to consider. What is your conversion story?

Many of you were born in the church and did not have missionaries come to your home and teach you the gospel. Rather, you were taught the gospel in your home and at church. Your testimony may be one that has grown gradually since the time you were a child or a youth. 

Whatever the case, I invite you to seek for a more powerful testimony and deeper level of conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The good news is, you know how to do that. You teach others how to do it all of the time. You will recall that The Book of Mormon offers a way to find out for yourself (see Moroni 10:3-5). 

I invite you to re-test the promise made by Moroni to all readers of the Book of Mormon. We each need to connect ourselves with heaven in the same manner we try to get our investigators to connect with heaven, which is through the Holy Ghost. We need to apply the same commitments to repent and receive revelation to ourselves that we extend to our investigators. I invite each of us to do this.

I have pondered a lot about my "conversion story" the past few weeks as my faith has been tested, things have changed, and I have had to dig deeper. If I have learned anything on my mission, I have learned that conversion is a process (duh! it just didn't make sense before).

When I was little, I did lean on the testimony of those around me, but I think that is simply a part of the process. I grew up in the Church, I served in the Church, and I loved being in the Church. I liked following the Church, but I think I missed the point-I wasn't necessarily following Christ. I didn't recognize the Spirit, and I didn't really have a vision, plans, focus, or real faith. It would have been a problem if I relied on the testimony of others forever, but luckily, as a missionary, I have been able to change.

Last week, while on the plane to Singapore, I reread 3 Nephi 27. I have read these verses hundreds of times, but this time, they were different.

 13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

 14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

 15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.

 16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.

While reading, I felt the Spirit so strongly testifying that Christ did these things for me, personally. I know that I can return to my Heavenly Father-a living, loving, caring Father- because of Jesus Christ. I know these things are true through the Holy Ghost. I know that Jesus Christ did these things because of His love for me and a desire to please His Father. As I have built on my testimony, my motives have changed as well. I am not just serving, doing nice things, or trying to make a difference in the world. I am on a mission because I want to please my Heavenly Father. I want to help others know that Christ truly did live, suffer, die, and resurrect so that all of us could have eternal life.

This is not the end of my testimony nor my conversion, it is just a part. I hope that I can become more converted to the gospel as I continue to exercise my faith, repent, and keep covenants in order to feel the Holy Ghost.

This past week was filled with many miracles! One of the simplest and sweetest came when we met with an investigator. He is 23 and has no religious background. After the opening prayer, he accounted to us all that he had learned on his own. He talked of prayer, serving others, trying to change his language, and he compared his changes to a seed while reading to us from Alma 32. It was miraculous that his testimony had grown so much, so quickly. I was also impressed that he was eager to account to us. As missionaries, we must account to our leaders and the Lord. I pray that we will continue to grow and change so that we are eager to account to the Lord and grow, just like this investigator did.

I was also touched as an investigator was fellowshipped yesterday at church. A member helped us contact him, teach him, then at church, the member was at his side for three hours. They talked with each other, laughed together, and grew together. They worshiped together. I'm grateful to be able to a part of this glorious work. I know that when missionaries and members come together, miracles occur and conversion takes place.

I am so grateful to be a missionary. I love serving. I love sharing my testimony. I have many weaknesses, but I know that I am growing! I pray that I can be a more profitable servant!

Love, Elder Lloyd

THIS IS HIS WORK!

Good Afternoon Everybody! This past week has been another 7 days packed full of experiences that will stay with me forever. I'm so grateful to be a missionary. I pray that I can continually have the Spirit with me and remember the things that I'm learning. I'm grateful tocommunicate with you, and I'm grateful for your correspondence each week with me as well. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by greatness. I have a wonderful companion, zone, mission president, members and family/friends all around the world. I am so blessed!

One of the highlights of the week was going on exchanges with Elder S in Singapore. I love him a lot, and I'm grateful for his example and leadership. Elder L and I have been working hard in our area, but it is important to always seek to improve and learn from others. We cannot grow if we are comfortable. On exchanges, I learned many things. I learned that for fear of being refused, we don't have to indirect in the way we approach people. We need to help them stop and focus on us, share something that connects them with God, and then invite them to meet with us another time. Often, I spend too much time over-contacting people who aren't ready to learn, or I spend too much time with somebody who wants to learn and doesn't need a truck full of information all at once. I will improve at being sincere, simple, and personal with each person I meet. I love sharing the gospel! This truly is His work. I only get worried, stressed, or upset when I really on my own skills and accredit the good things to my own actions.

While we were trying to find a member who hasn't been to church for a long time, we knocked on his door, and were greeted by a 70+ year old shirtless, Chinese man. He invited us in, and he immediately started sharing information about his illnesses, family, loneliness, etc. I truly felt his sadness and depression. I am so grateful to be a part of the church where I know I'll always have a family, and I'll always have a responsibility. We did our best to share a simple lesson about the Restoration and invite him back to church. After we closed with prayer, he had tears in his eyes as he said, "How did you know?" He asked why we came, how we knew where he lived, and who sent us. I was grateful to let him know that we had prayed for him, planned for him, and received revelation in order to visit him that day. I know this is the Lord's work. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children. What a privilege it is to be His representative.

We were also blessed with many miracles in our own area this past week. Saturday, we had an incredible lesson with one of our newest investigators who has no religious background. The member there was a returned missionary with a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know that it is God's word. It truly is the way to know that Christ is our Savior and to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His true church on the Earth today. 

"The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."

I love this paragraph from the introduction. We all desire peace in this life and salvation in the life to come. I am grateful for the tools that Heavenly Father has provided for us to know these things for ourselves. I am grateful to be a mouthpiece of this message of salvation and peace.

After the lesson, we met another member on his bike and traveled to a less-active member's house. Along the way, we biked pass a random person who happened to be the member's friend. What did the member do? He invited him to follow right behind us! Miracle! When we arrived at the less-active member's house, there was another friend waiting outside. What did we do? We invited everybody inside to hear a message about Christ. We shared a simple, short, yet powerful lesson on the Restoration and invited the two new people there to be baptized on June 5th, and we invited the members to take them to church. That's a lot of "yes"s from five people! Miracles!

I am so grateful for the members here. I know that now is the time for missionaries and members to work together. As a zone, we aren't teaching any Returning Converts/Less Active lessons without a member present. I hope that we will continue to be more obedient, dignified, loving, and hard-working in order to gain the trust of the members. I simply want to help the branch flourish!

I know we are engaged in the Lord's work. I know this is His Church here on the Earth. I know that when we obey with a willing heart and repent daily for the mistakes we make, we are blessed with His Spirit.

Love, Elder Lloyd