BEST (LAST MISSION) WEEK EVER!

Good Afternoon Everybody! I cannot believe that once again, I'm sitting here in front of the computer emailing you and accounting for all that has happened this past week. Time flies. My high school football coach alway said, "Don't wish it away." And, "It'll be over before you know it." Here we are. I'm grateful for the amazing miracles, experiences, and feelings that I've had this past week that help me understand and remember that a mission isn't the end, nor is it about finishing anything. I have done all I can and will continue to work hard the next few days as if I'll be a missionary and representative of Christ forever, because I am!

The past few weeks in KL have deepened my understanding of the gospel and what it means to truly be converted. Through the spirit and past experiences, I have been blessed with relationships and connections that will last forever. I love these people so much. Each Sunday, the Spirit is so strong as members speak, teach, and bear their testimonies. Among the many lessons I've learned from the members here, I'll share two of them: 1-Look to the temple and remember your covenants. Although the closest temple is in Hong Kong, this branch has many members who have gone to the temple, they have goals to return, and they remember the covenants they've made. As a result, they obey, they love the Lord, they love each other, and they have a desire to share the gospel. 2-Share the gospel at all times, in word and in action. As I've been blessed to work side by side by these members, I have felt the Spirit, I have felt joy, and 

I've better understood Heavenly Father's love for His children. 

This past week, we had dinner at two of the members' houses. Both members are strong, faithful mothers with children who have served missions. They opened their homes to us and some investigators and invited us to bear our testimonies, asking us to follow the Spirit and share what we felt. I know that conversion is a process, and I know that as we continue to share with our family members, neighbors, church members, and friends, we will gather more and more light. Whether our faith is strong, or we are struggling in many aspects of life, we must share our testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Last Saturday, met with a potential investigator who had been contacted last spring. but she had never actually met with missionaries. We called one last time, and scheduled an appointment. When she arrived at the church, the first thing she said was, "I will never convert. I simply want to hear a little bit about your church activities and why you're here." She's an adult student and raised in a strong Hindu family. Within five minutes of talking, her eyes were filled with tears as we testified of a loving Heavenly Father who understood and loved her. We testified and explained how He chose to send His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins and guide us through our mortal experience. The Spirit was so strong. The way the Spirit prompted the questions we asked and the things we shared is nothing short of a miracle. All of us had an absolutely undeniable feeling of comfort, love, and joy. She stopped us at one point and said, "I feel like somebody is hugging me. I hope that I can feel this way forever. I know Heavenly Father sent you to me." As we closed with a prayer, she prayed that she would be prepared and have the strength to be baptized a few weeks from now. I know that this is the Lord's work. I know that He loves His children. I know that the Holy Ghost was there, and I know that what we shared is true. As we follow Jesus Christ, we not only gain peace and joy in this life, but also in the life to come. 

These changes in investigators that come over the course of a short 20-30 minute lesson, or changes that occur over months and years of obedience, prayer, and study is why I am still on my mission. The feeling of the Spirit testifying with me as I or my companion speaks is indescribable. The joy that comes as people choose to say, "Yes" is incomparable. The peace that comes within my own heart as I do my best to purify and consecrate myself is unforgettable. I love being a missionary. 

I have faced many, many different challenges, questions, and trials as a missionary. Even though I don't have answers to everything, I have answers and a testimony of what I need to know at this time to continue to press forward.

One of my friends sent me a quote from Elder Ted R. Callister 

"Suffice it to say, I can live with some human imperfections, even

among prophets of God--that is to be expected in mortal beings. I can

live with some alleged scientific findings contrary to the Book of

Mormon; time will correct those. And I can live with some seeming

historical anomalies; they are minor in the total landscape of truth.

But I cannot live without the doctrinal truths and ordinances restored

by Joseph Smith, I cannot live without the priesthood of God to bless

my family, and I cannot live without knowing my wife and children are

sealed to me for eternity. That is the choice we face--a few

unanswered questions on one hand versus a host of doctrinal

certainties and the power of God on the other. And for me, and I hope

for you, the choice is an easy one and a rational one."

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that He came to this Earth to suffer and die for me. I know that because He was resurrected, there is hope for all of us to obtain and receive eternal life. Yesterday, as I took the Sacrament, I tried to reflect on all that I had done the past week and the past two years. Although there were mistakes in the past, I have done all I can to make things right, and I have a burning desire to never make those mistakes again in the future. The greatest miracle is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The greatest feeling is knowing that I'm doing all I can to accept His Atonement and progress one step at a time. I am far from perfect, but I know that I'm on the path that my Heavenly Father has made for me.

As I have interacted with countless people, I have come to know that Heavenly Father lives. I know that He rejoices and smiles as we make good choices, and I know that He aches, groans, and feels sad when we choose to stray from the path that Jesus Christ set for us. I have felt intense, deep sadness as investigators unexpectedly or without reason choose to rely on their own wisdom/strength, focus on things we don't know, and forget the simple truths we do know. On the other hand, right now, I am clinging to the truth that I know that families can be forever. I know that as I do all I can to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ, I can live with these people again. I love them so, so, so much. Words cannot describe the gratitude and humility I have for the privilege to serve them, learn from them, and rejoice with them.

4 For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy.

I have shared this scripture with many people with a prayer in my heart that they would feel the Spirit, feel the joy that accompanies my testimony, and have a desire to learn more. In reality, this scripture describes my mission experience. Each morning and night, I have prayed for people to be put in my path. I have prayed to be an instrument for the Lord. I have desired to help others make and keep sacred covenants that will bring the lasting peace they're searching for. As I've prayed for these things, the Lord has placed people in my path. He has blessed me with people to teach. What I didn't realize for a long time is that not only was I an answer to their prayers, but they were an answer to mine. I know that I have had more joy from sharing this gospel and seeing people change than any of them has experienced as a result of acting on the invitations that were extended.

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 am grateful that as I have shared this gospel, I have been able to see the Lord's hand in my life. I'm grateful that I've been able to remember all of the things that He has done for me. I know that because the promise has held true for the past two years, it will be true forever. As I share the gospel, I will remember these experiences, I will feel joy, and I will remember what the Lord has done for me. This is the desire of my heart!

For the longest time, I fought against my "natural man." I'm grateful that as I continued in faith, I was able to change. The Atonement allowed me to start to see myself, and others through heaven's eyes. I was able to give my heart to the Lord, and He was able to change me. 

These past few weeks have truly been the happiest of my mission. I have worked harder than ever, and I have trusted in the Lord more than I ever have before. Each day, I chose to have faith rather than worry, doubt, or fear. Each day, I was blessed with a comforting spirit, amazing miracles, and a burning feeling in my heart knowing that I had carried out the Lord's will. 

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.

If I had never chosen to obey with a willing heart, I would never know the joy that I feel now, and I would not understand the love that Heavenly Father has for me with the conviction that I now have. If I had never gotten over my fear to talk to people and make mistakes as I learned Chinese, I would have never been able to receive the Gift of Tongues and connect with the hearts of others. 

I am grateful for all of the people who have loved me, cared for me, and been angels to me throughout my life. My mission started long before I arrived here, and it will continue long after I return back to the U.S.A. I am grateful for the privilege it has been to serve my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

For the last time, 

Love, Elder Lloyd