PRAYERS, PUPPIES & NAPPING

This past week has been one of the best experiences of my entire life. It is crazy to think that I used to get excited to play basketball, hang out with friends, buy a new game, or finish a big homework assignment, but now I can truly say that I love and get excited to feel the Spirit, read the scriptures, and come to church. I am so grateful for the changes that Christ is helping me make in my life as I strive to serve Him and align my desires with his. There were many miracles last week, but one of the highlights was being able to go down to Ipoh for District Conference (like stake conference). I will share a few things from that, things I've learned as a missionary, and maybe a miracle from last week as well. I love this mission!!!!!!

Like I said, District Conference was incredible. There were a few hundred people from Penang, Ipoh, Butterworth, and Sitiawan all gathered together in a hotel conference room...quite different from the regional center back in Bountiful. As the speakers shared their testimonies, thoughts, and experiences, I truly felt like I heard the Spirit speaking directly to me for the first time while I listened to something else. I want to share with you a few of the things that I realized while I listened to these inspired men and women. 

Something that I came to know very quickly when I came to Malaysia (and should have in America) is that we live in a world where we are constantly being divided. Satan divides us by race, culture, language, education, wealth, age, status, beliefs, hobbies...the list goes on and on. We often recognize that certain things are bad such as racism, but how often do we discriminate or separate ourselves even in our own wards/families based on age, likes, and jobs? 

When we enter into the temple and receive our endowment, we see that Heavenly Father has no favorites. We are all completely equal-even people who have important callings in the church receive no special treatment. I know that this is the way Heavenly Father and Christ see us. We are all promised the same blessings if we will exercise faith, repent, and keep the sacred covenants that we've made.

I know that we are all of equal worth. In Moses 1:10, Moses tells us that he only truly understood that man was nothing until after he saw God. I know that as we do our best to draw closer to the Lord, we will gain a love and charity for others that is simply impossible when we rely on our natural man. We will be able to look past the honors and pride of man, and we will begin to love out of a desire to serve the Lord. In the scriptures we learn that if we are not one, we are not his. The Lord makes it pretty clear that we are meant to work together, and that's why Satan tries so hard to disrupt that. I know that if we are a TEAM, together everyone achieves more. We can do it!!! As we hurt one person in our family/ward, everyone else falls with them. As we build them up, everyone else is also encouraged. 

We all make mistakes, and we are all beggars before the Lord. In Mosiah  8 king Limhi automatically assumes that a seer is greater than a prophet, but Alma responds very wisely and simply outlines the duties. We all have certain callings and things in life that separate us from others, but our overall goal is to fulfill what Heavenly Father wants us to fulfill. We have each been given certain duties, and no duty is more important that another's. 

Please focus this week on trying to become one as a family and one with the people around you. When we are unified IN FAITH, we can truly become a team with the perfect captain. I know that we will conquer Satan if we follow the Savior and the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

I know that this church is true, and I know that by following Christ's example, heeding the words of the prophets, and praying sincerely we will begin to understand how to change our lives and align them with the Lord's plan. I know that we are all on the right path and simply need to continue making the right steps. Thank you for all of the love and prayers! I would not be here without you! 

WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE!

Good Morning!!!! I love you all so, so, so much. I can't believe another transfer has gone by. Elder J and I are sitting and waiting for the news right now, but I have a good feeling that we're both staying here!!! Hopefully there won't be any changes this time. I feel like we're really getting into a good groove and finally figuring out how to teach well together. I am so grateful for the companion part of the mission experience. I have made so many good friends with people that I would have never really been close to before the mission. I know that Heavenly Father has given us each other to give support and to share our feelings with. What a wonderful life!

This last week was amazing --  since it was the last week before transfers, Elder J and I worked harder than ever. By the time Saturday came around, we still hadn't found any new investigators, and all of our big weekend appointments were cancelling on us. We tried calling through a few people, and miraculously, a 15 year old girl picked up and was ready to meet with us for lunch at noon. We hustled over but were sad to find that the place was waayyyyy too loud to teach, and she was with a bunch of friends. We talked for a few minutes about who we were with her friends, but it didn't seem to be going anywhere. All of a sudden, they all stood up because their ride was there to go home, but the girl who had called us decided to stay and listen to what we had to say. 

We were there with a member, and somehow the conversation effortlessly went back to church and how this gospel can help you. Since we didn't have much time, we only talked about what we do at church and why it's important, but it seemed to assuage all of her concerns and speak directly to her needs. She shared with us some problems with her family and how she has really desired to find a church that will give her support and peace. She promised to come!!! The real miracle was that a member was able to find her house and pick her up yesterday and bring her. I am so grateful for the amazing branch here and for the Lord's hand in the work. So many things lined up perfectly for this girl to be able to come to church.

Yesterday, while teaching gospel principles class, we talked about how the Plan of Salvation makes it possible to have eternal families. One of the recent converts has a son who is 21 and decided to stop believing in God. She shared with us her concerns and I was able to comfort her and share with her that Heavenly Father is still there for both of them -- her and her son. I know that life sometimes throws us huge curveballs, and we often feel responsible for things that we really don't have control over. 

I loved Brent Nielsen's talk from conference about his sister that was like the prodigal son. Sometimes we just need to continue doing the right things in patience that everything will work out BECAUSE we're doing the right things. We need to continue trying, but don't get discouraged if things don't turn out the way you want the first time. We can do it!!! Heavenly Father knows and loves each one of us, and he certainly isn't going to simply miss a moment or two because he's distracted with something else.

While contacting this week, we came across someone who says what most people believe here (all religions are right and that as long as we do good we'll be okay), but instead of closing the door on us, he continued to listen to what we had to say. I kind of got nervous because I never know exactly how to respond to this question, but I was prompted to talk about the Creation. 

I realized while speaking to him just how special we truly are to Heavenly Father. He went through so much work to create us and to create this plan, world, and continue to watch over us. His whole work and glory is for us to become like Him. If He did all this, don't you think he would give us specific directions as well? He wouldn't create so much and then leave us with thousands of different beliefs and contradicting doctrines to try and just wish ourselves back to Him. I know that he has created a specific plan and church for us because He loves us. One day, this gospel will be proclaimed to every single person on the Earth because it is the only true gospel on the Earth and in Heaven. It is through this plan that we can have peace and come closer to Heavenly Father. 

I'm so grateful for the privilege I have to serve a mission and to labor with the Lord. I know that He lives, I know that this is true, and I know this is why we're on this Earth. Thank you for all of the prayers and support!!! I love you all!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

BE A PRO!

I love you all so, so, so much!!! I look forward to emailing every single week because throughout the week as we teach, find, go to church, eat, sleep, etc. I realize more and more how grateful I am for my family and the people that have been such major influences in my life. I want to let you know that you have made a difference and continue to impact me. Thank you!!!!

This past week was filled with so many miracles...sometimes I just have to sit back in awe and try to ponder and fathom how everything magically fit together...but I quickly realize it's not magic at all! I know that Heavenly Father blesses each one of us and loves us more than we could ever imagine. I know He loves each one of His children and is waiting for us to turn back to Him.

We were blessed with the miracle to watch General Conference this past weekend, and it was the best ever!!! Everything as a missionary is just so special....I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord and have the authority to represent Christ. I felt like each talk was directed specifically to me, and I learned so much. I know that if I (and all of us) can liken the scriptures and the things the prophets say to ourselves, we will truly begin to be converted to this gospel and following Christ. 

One thing that stood out to me that I feel like I need to share with you is to never fail to realize the wonders of the gospel. Do not allow yourself to become bored or apathetic. If we are truly praying, reading, partaking of the Sacrament, and enduring to the end, we will never fail to recognize the blessings and miracles that are all around us. Not one of us is ever safe from Satan's temptations if we are not doing all we can to hold on to the iron rod. 

An important thing I always failed to recognize the wonder of was my family. I thought it was so poignant that the Saturday morning session started with two talks directly focused on the family and marriage. I know that when we express love to those around us, especially our families, we will be blessed with the Spirit and we will begin to understand, with surety, thejoy Heavenly Father has promised to us when we obtain exaltation. Families are forever!!! Never forget this precious truth!

Another amazing part of the week was having zone meeting and going on splits with the zone leaders. One thing we learned is that our mission is going from about 200 to 110 missionaries over the next four months -- hat's a big drop very fast!! In response, President shared Judges 7:1-7 with us. It talks about how the Lord didn't want the soldiers to become prideful and think they won the army by their own strength, so he decides to shrink them. Eventually, the army is only 300 men strong, but because of their humility and faith in the Lord, they are able to defeat their enemies. I think it's so interesting that the Lord has Gideon send soldiers home because they lapped up water like a dog...to me, I felt like that was a sign that they put their heads down and didn't focus on their leader in the middle of war. If we will always keep our sights on the Lord and eternal life all things can happen and will happen. We will be able to always be prepared for the tempations of Satan and say farewell to Babylon!

During exchanges, Elder D and I experienced many miracles that I don't have time to share, but here is one experience that I learned a lot from. After finding for a few hours with absolutely nothing to show for it, we were e at somebody's house right as they were preparing to leave and opened their gate. A man inside told us to hang on for a second as his wife left and he put on a shirt. Five minutes later, he invited us inside and told us all about how God has directed him throughout his whole life. I know that we were lead to him, and he was lead to us. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father blesses us with miracles as we are obedient and show our faith. 

Even though Elder D and I didn't find much success the first hour or so, we were "making investments" and planting seeds that lead to us being in the right place to meet this man at exactly six o clock. 

I know that our Savior lives and I know that we are directed by a living prophet on the Earth. I love you all so much, and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you! 

Continue to pray, read, and obey!!! 

Be a PRO! 

Love, Elder Lloyd

REMEMBER HIM!

Happy Easter everybody!!! What a special time that only comes once a year. The place I'm serving in now was settled by Christian missionaries, so it was a special experience to be able to talk to many people about our Savior and his Atonement this past week. The Easter season seemed to soften everybody's heart and allowed for many miracles to happen. I know that as we turn to the Savior and truly remember him, the people around us will follow our example. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, and I am grateful for this privilege I have to serve with him.

An amazing thing that happened last week occurred when we went to the bank to draw from the ATM. While waiting we started talking to a young father who works there. A few days later we saw him as we were contacting. We met with him later in the week and ended up having lunch with him during his lunch break. He shared with us how he used to be a buddhist, but opened up the Bible and read Proverbs 3:5-6 during a rough time in his life. In response, I was able to share one of my favorite scriptures Alma 36:12-21, testify of the power of prayer and relying on the Lord, and introduce him to the Book of Mormon. He went on to share his testimony of Christ and expressed his desire to follow him. I know that his heart is prepared to receive the fullness of the gospel!

One way that we increased our faith this week was by studying Chinese more diligently than ever. Last Tuesday, Elder J and I were able to learn 100 characters and words in less than an hour....I know that there is no possible way we could do that without the strength of the Lord. As we seek and truly work hard to show our desire, Heavenly Father blesses us and gives us the gifts of the Spirit. The miracles that we have been experiencing here in Sitiawan in all aspects of the work continues to astonish me. It is so humbling to be able to benefit and witness just how powerful and loving Heavenly Father is. I know that he is so anxious to bless us, but it is our own faults and lacking faith that "blocks" the blessings from ever reaching us.

Something that I have started to understand as I have served is the need for desperation and a little bit of struggle. We had three members ready to help us teach 3 lessons on Saturday, but only one of the appointments ended up actually happening. I have wondered, at times, why it's so hard if this church and gospel are so true. As I fasted yesterday on Easter Sunday, I realized that this gospel is something that changes us. In order to change we have to put in a little effort, and often times we have to overcome many challenges. The Atonement was not something easy, so it is silly for us to think that our conversion (or helping others change) should be easy as well. As we are forced to grit our teeth a little and knuckle down, we start to develop a deeper appreciation for all that Christ did for us. I am so grateful for his help and the strength that he gives me each day to continue to serve and spread the gospel. 

Happy Easter everybody, and happy General Conference weekend!! Thank you so much for the love and support. I would not be here without you, and we would all not be here without our Savior. Remember Him!

Love, Elder Lloyd

SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING!

This past week was one of the most spiritually uplifting of my whole mission. So many miracles have happened and I have just been absolutely humbled in so many ways. I know that Heavenly Father is there for us, and I know that this is His work. We are absolutely nothing without Him!!!

One of the most wonderful and scary things last week was having the opportunity to give my first baptismal interview. We bussed down to Ipoh and interviewed a man that the Ipoh district leader and his companion had been teaching. He was super shy, and he didn't speak any English!!!! I had somebody from the branch translate for me, and what a special experience that was. Even amidst the shyness and the translation, I could feel his desire to be an example for his family and follow Christ. It was so inspiring to hear about how he had changed and the faith and hope that he has that he will continue to change his love in order to be more in harmony with the teachings of Christ. 

Think of those feelings/times in life where you have felt God's presence and consider what you need to do to continue having that Spirit. I know that as you think of this you will strengthen your testimony and receive an answer!

Another amazing thing happened last Tuesday. While we were eating lunch outside we finished in about twenty minutes and had planned to go to district meeting after. Elder Jones was getting ready to go, and I asked him to wait and relax a little bit while I reviewed some words from language study. A few minutes later, a man heard us talking and asked if he could sit with us. He immediately asked us if we were from Salt Lake City and we responded with a resounding, "YES!" For the next 20 minutes we answered his questions about missionaries and shared our testimonies with him about our Savior and the restored gospel. We are meeting with him again this week, and I know that the Lord placed him in our path. 

To add to that, during district meeting we talked about the importance of prayer and letting Heavenly Father know EXACTLY what we need and what our plans our. Later that day, during some finding time, we said a prayer to find one person on this street that was ready to listen to us. The next house we knocked was a huge mansion, and we assumed the man wouldn't have time or would tell his maid to wave us off. But he came outside, invited us inside, and immediately started asking us questions. He had seen us many times and had already developed a great interest in why we would come to Malaysia. He invited us back and asked us to teach him more about why we believe in God. Miracles!! The next four houses we knocked all were willing to listen and invited us back. I don't understand why good things happen at certain times, and why bad things happen during others, but I know that Heavenly Father does answer our prayers. I know that he hears us and wants to bless us. He has a plan for each one of us, and that is what has given me peace and confidence as I share this message with others.

Amid many other miracles this week, after we were teaching a less active family and one of their non-member daughters, we were preparing to leave. They all seemed rather tired, so we had ended the lesson quickly and I wasn't feeling very confident about it. The shy, non-member daughter just tapped my shoulder and said, "Can you help me with something?" Of course, I said, "ke yi! Can!" and then waited while she went to get something. She came back with english and math homework. I was feeling pretty confident and excited for an opportunity to help her and share some of my skills, then she brought out all these derivative and integration problems that I hadn't done in two years. I sat there and had no idea what to say because I didn't know the Chinese and I didn't even remember how to do it in the first place. I said a prayer and tried one to find that somehow things just came back to me as a worked through the problem. Within a few minutes I was somehow able to share something that clicked with her, and she was able to finish her homework. 

I know that there was no way I could've done that on my own, and I know that Heavenly Father also gave me that experience to humble me. Even when I think I know something or have a good understanding, it can all be taken away in an instant if we don't rely on the Lord and recognize the importance of faith.

I'm so grateful for the prayers and letters from all of you! Thank you for your love and support. keep working hard and I know that Heavenly Father will bless you! Have a wonderful week!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

SUNBURNS AND WORK!

I don't know where to start this week....so many ups and downs and everything in between. One thing is for sure, my faith has grown this week more than any other on my mission, and I am more grateful for this gospel than ever before. I want you to know that this is Christ's church. This is the way back to Him, and I would not be here if I didn't know that was true!

So earlier this week, Elder J and I rode a bus down to Ipoh for zone meeting where we had an awesome training and worked on our teaching skills by going through an exciting "teaching combine" where we got graded and drafted and stuff. Our zone leaders are awesome! When Elder J and I got back to Sitiawan, we were pumped up and ready to go. We had a great day scheduled, and were slowly disappointed as all of our appointments just kept dropping one after the other -- so we went home that night after finding all day and decided to plan more specifically and confirm with people more frequently. The next day came and somehow, despite our efforts, the exact same thing happened. 

We have been praying more than ever, being exactly obedient, and working so hard so I couldn't help but feel a little discouraged, but we turned to the Lord in prayer once more. As we prayed this week, we realized just how powerless we really are. One day, as we were about to head home, we knocked on a large house with five huge dogs. There was an old auntie outside sweeping, but she had no chance at hearing us. We then walked over to her other gate to get her attention, but we still didn't have any luck. Just as we were turning away, a 14 year old girl came out with a huge smile and introduced herself in perfect English. She started talking, and eventually told us that her family is all buddhist, but she goes to a Christian private school and has always wanted to learn more. I know that we needed to find this girl, even if it wasn't our original plan. 

The more I try to understand what the Lord has in plan for us, the more I realize that he loves each one of us infinitely more. There is a scripture in Alma 10:22-23 about how the prayers of the righteous are enough to save a whole city. As I've read the scriptures and words of the prophets, I've come to understand that a prayer is something that comes from the heart and reflects our true desires. Even though Elder J and I were praying for the investigators we had planned to teach, I know that people like the girl we found were also desiring in their hearts to find someone that could bring the gospel to their lives. I know we were an answer to her prayers! 

There are many things that can lead to disappointment on a mission and in life, but I believe that true success is measured by our commitment to the Lord and following the Spirit's direction. I know that I am doing my best, and that is all the Lord asks of me.

In 1 Samuel 17 we read about the story of David and Goliath. As I read through I tried to recognize traits of a leader, and a few things stood out to me that I thought were rather interesting. The first is that David picked up 5 stones. If he had all this faith, why didn't he just pick up one? I believe that he picked up 5 not because he lacked faith, but because he was humble. I know that as we humble ourselves we will notice the Spirit's promptings more in our life. I also realized that David didn't even make an attempt to fight Goliath with a sword, because he recognized that was not his strength. 

In order to be happy in this life and overcome our weaknesses, we must first recognize our strengths. I know that as we focus on developing our strengths and using them to help others, we will then be able to have more opportunities to improve on other attributes and qualities. I am so grateful that we are all so different, and I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed us with talents and strengths that we are asked to share with others. As I've been my true self on my mission, I have been happiest and I've been able to teach with power. I would invite all of you to work on trying to realize and share your strengths with others this week, whatever they may be.

Lastly, in Jacob 4:6 we are invited to search the words of the prophets and continue to be tools in the Lord's hands. We can increase our faith to truly work miracles. I know that we can all do a little bit better at truly pondering and feasting on the scriptures, including me. I know that as I've served a mission I have come to love the scriptures because I've been able to read them every single day, then I was able to do what they asked. Please focus this week on testing out what the scriptures ask us to do, and I know that you will be able to gain more faith in our Savior. 

I love you all so, so, so much. Thank you for your examples and your continuing prayers. I couldn't do it without you!! I am so excited to hear about all of my friends getting mission calls back home....CONGRATS EVERYBODY!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!!! I know this church is true, and I know that this is what Heavenly Father wants us to do at this time.

Love, Elder Lloyd

SITIAWAN!!!

Hello everyone!!!! This time I'm emailing from a much different part of the world! I was transferred from the farthest western tip of Malaysia to the farthest eastern tip in a place called Sitiawan! Hooray!!! It was so, so hard saying goodbye to everybody in Tawau, but it also was very peaceful to reflect on all that has happened in the past six months as I rode on the plane here. I am so grateful for all of the prayers for me this week! It's always tough coming to a new area, so thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!

Reflecting back on Tawau, I want to share one of my favorite scriptures- 

ALMA 29:9

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.

Serving in Tawau was such a privilege and a blessing. I know that was exactly the place I needed to start my mission. The people there taught me patience and love, no matter what has happened in the past. They were always so friendly and kind to absolutely everyone, starting with me. I am so grateful that they have helped me to repent and turn towards God, and I pray that I was able to help them do the same. I know that I have made eternal friendships, and this time on Earth is just a short while. I will learn to love the people in Sitiawan just as much as I have learned to love in Tawau!!!! 

Sitiawan is every bit as hot as Tawau, but that's about where the similarities stop. Everybody told me it was small, but it's about ten times bigger than Tawau. West Malaysia is just much more developed than East Malaysia -- there is a huge hypermall here, lots of white expats who work on oil rig construction sites a few miles away, big houses, nice cars....it's just weird!!!!! It's also much different to see CHINESE PEOPLE. In Tawau, most of the people who spoke Chinese also new Malay and didn't really have a preference. Here, everybody knows Chinese, and they expect us to know Chinese. I'm grateful for this, and I'm excited to improve my language skills. There are fewer Malay/Muslim people here, but there are many, many Indians. I will be the District Leader here and will serve with Elder J who is awesome and has been serving for three months, so we're learning together! 

The branch here is very different than Tawau as well. There are about 25 people who come to Sacrament on average, but 90% of them are under the age of 20. The members here are all teenagers, and they're awesome!!!!!!! It is so exciting and energizing to be able to sit next to people who are so young yet have a strong desire to serve. The branch sent a missionary off yesterday, and two more will leave in the next few months. Though small in number and young in age, the branch members here are amazing examples of faith and courage. Many of the youth don't have family support and have changed their life only after overcoming many challenges. I'm excited to get to know everyone better, and I feel like we will be able to connect very well!!!!

The coolest miracle from last week was being able to have patience and persevere until Heavenly Father blessed us with two opportunities to share the gospel. On Saturday, Elder J and I had just about every single lesson drop, and we only had sunburns to show for it. Yesterday at church, the theme was hope and faith in Jesus Christ as we go through trials. I couldn't help but feel humbled and ashamed because I was feeling sorry for myself. As we went out yesterday after church, we prayed multiple times and simply kept going-being patient and faithful because we knew that the Lord was with us. As a result, we contacted two people who are absolutely golden! From the first few words spoken between us, they expressed a desire to learn and a yearning for more truth in their lives. I am so grateful the Heavenly Father trusts us enough to share His gospel, and I know He answers our prayers!

I would invite you all to read Alma 5 this week and ponder about your own conversion and confidence in the gospel. It is quite humbling and inspiring to read scriptures that ask personal questions that we can immediately answer and gauge the strength of our testimony.

Thank you so much for the prayers and the love. I am so blessed to have the support of so many, and most of all, I am grateful for my Savior. I know this gospel is true, and I know we would all have no hope or reason to live if it were not for him. I'm excited for this new adventure, and I know the Lord is with us!

Love, Elder Lloyd