SPEAK OF CHRIST

Good Afternoon Everybody!! I can't believe how fast the time flies. Firstly, Happy Father's Day to the best dad in the whole world. I love you, Dad!!! 

This past week was filled with so many tender moments and pockets of joy. Things that made me happy before the mission-playing sports, getting a good grade on a test, eating ice cream, finishing mowing the lawn haha ;) ...they were good, but they're incomparable to the joy that comes when the Spirit is present and revealing truth to you. I love the feeling of certainty that I have at this time. I have never been so sure that I am on the right path and doing what the Lord wants. I'm so happy to be growing spiritually! 

I was very grateful this past week for the chance I had to interview with President Simmons. He is one of the reasons I have been called to serve here. I know that with all of my heart. We discussed many things, but while talking and bearing testimony, we both realized that the most precious gift we have received as we've served the Lord is a deeper testimony and witness that Jesus is the Christ. 

I have been greatly blessed by the redeeming power of the Atonement in my life, but until I was a missionary, I didn't understand even the smallest part of the enabling aspect. When I asked if Christ truly had to suffer not just for our sins, but also our infirmities, sickness, afflictions, pains, etc. I was excited and grateful that President Simmons shared the simple answer. Yes. He did have to suffer for all of those things. At first I didn't understand why; did I really NEED the enabling power of the Atonement that comes  because it is infinite and he understands exactly everything I went through? Yes, I do! My purpose is not just to be redeemed from sin. Heavenly Father's plan for all of us, agreed to before we even came to Earth, is to receive the blessing of exaltation and all that He has to offer. I am grateful that I can continue to rely on the Savior's Atonement to go from good to better and proceed from grace to grace until that perfect day. 

This past week was filled with miracles. I'm so grateful that I'm able to type that sentence every week. I am so blessed. WE are so blessed. In the middle of district meeting, we did a simple role play that I've done maybe a thousand times as a missionary. We invited someone to be baptized and put them on date. Sister C absolutely froze when it was time for her to share and practice. After, as we talked about how we could improve, I was able to share that we don't ever need to feel lost or alone. Christ is there with us as soon as we speak of Him and testify. No matter what the situation is, speaking of Christ is always the right answer. 

I always "knew" these things, and even though I was sharing them for somebody else, the things I shared made the biggest impact on me. Christ is with us as soon as we share about Him. It's not enough to just pray, think of Him, and hope. We must exercise our faith and speak! He is there in our words, in our actions, and in our thoughts. I know that He lives. I know that He cares about me. I know this is His work. I'm grateful that even in little, seemingly mundane role plays, the Spirit is able to teach me and remind me of these precious truths. I must always keep His name on my lips. 

Later in the week, we were practicing contacting, and a similar thing happened. I envisioned myself as an investigator we've been teaching and went back to how he might have felt the first time we met him. As the other missionaries contacted me, they shared exactly what "the investigator" needed to hear. They even said a prayer, even though it was a role play, and the Spirit was so strong. My eyes filled with tears of gratitude. I know that we are engaged in an extraordinary work. As important as helping other investigators, members, and people we meet on the street is, I'm grateful for missionaries who are willing to share their testimonies with me, practice, and bring the Spirit into all aspects of missionary work. I love being a missionary! It is extraordinary!

Although this past week was filled with many ups and downs (soooo many people ended up cancelling on us or not showing up to the appointments), I am grateful for all that happened. On Sunday, when we were finally able to meet with a few of our investigators before church, I realized just how grateful I am that Heavenly Father has blessed us with anybody to work with in the first place. 

In the white handbook, it lists that leaders should strive to develop Christlike attributes including love, humility, obedience, and hard work. Especially in Miri, I have been blessed with so many opportunities to develop more humility and gratitude. I love being a missionary, and I'm grateful for Heavenly Father and Christ's trust in me. I know that it is not about me. I know that I am simply asked to be the guide. I hope I can abandon my pride and continue to be humble, trusting in the Lord, and being grateful for each small thing that happens each day. Every single moment is a chance to become more like the Savior or abandon light and gather darkness.

There were so many blessings this past week as we worked with members and gained their trust. Somebody brought us a car load of veggies and fruit. Another member asked for a blessing and allowed us to exercise the Priesthood. Even when appointments cancelled, the members that were with us kept a smile on their face and encouraged us to go forth in faith, trusting in the Lord's plan and the grand design. I am so grateful for the angels along the path of life--they are friends, family, church members, and even strangers. When we choose to look for the good in every situation, we find it. We find joy.

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.

I do not understand everything, but I know that He does. I know that I am worthy. What an amazing feeling! I know that as I serve with all of my heart, might, mind, and strength, I am able to help others, and the Lord is able to change me. Elder LW and I are working with some of the most sincere investigators I've ever met, and I'm excited for what lies in store for the coming weeks. 

I am happy. I love this work. I love the Lord. I love the people.

Love, Elder Lloyd

Miri

EARLY morning workout

Love Doing the Tim Tam Slam! 

THE GREATEST WORK!

What an amazing week. Firstly, thank you. Thank you for your time, your prayers, your faith, your example, your love, your consecration, and your desire to do good in the world. I am grateful for the examples you've set for me. I am so grateful for the amazing people and family who have supported me, lifted me, guided me, and loved me throughout my life (including my mission). I am so blessed! I also can't believe how fast the time flies by. I'm excited for my friends who are coming home and I pray that they will continue to grow and look for opportunities to share the gospel. Once a missionary, always a missionary. This truly is the greatest work on Earth.

This past week included some of the most wonderful, memorable, and transforming experiences of my mission. While teaching Bro T we discussed a bit about how his reading has been coming. He shared with us about how he was touched that Lehi loved his family so much that the first thought he had after tasting the fruit was to share it with them. 

He also spoke about needing to "slightly" break the commandment of observing the Sabbath to help someone in his life more fully understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and why it's becoming so important to him.  Although he had good desires, we shared with him how it's never good to disobey the Lord's commandments and go into the darkness in order to help somebody find the light. 

If we are not filled with the Spirit due to our disobedience, we will not be able to touch the hearts of those around us. Bro T is one of the most loving, innocent people I have ever met in my entire life, and he simply wants to help others. He has a strong testimony of obedience to the commandments, but he continued to make excuses about why doing this one thing would end up helping in the end. We read these scriptures with him-

Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?

Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?

They cut us all to the soul. As we shared, tears filled my eyes. There have been so many times in my life when I have rationalized about doing something that was still good, even though there was something that I could've done that was better. The Spirit not only testified to me that I needed to change, but also to this good brother. When he said, "Yes, I will always choose to obey, especially when I feel like my plan is better than what the Lord has asked me to do." I was repeating the words in my own heart. I am so grateful to be a missionary. I am being converted and strengthened as I teach and help others do the same. I am so prideful. I don't understand how I ever question the Lord and think that my ways are higher than His, but I will not do so again. I will obey. 

I was very humbled and touched this past week by the efforts of a member who has recently been very busy, less active in the church, and overburdened with many work assignments. We called him in the middle of the  week to invite him to help us teach an investigator Saturday afternoon. When teaching, he bore a powerful testimony about God's love and always being "available." In our lives, we often find ourselves surrounded by people who say they care, they want to help, and they're concerned/always there for us, but when we call, they are "too busy" or make other excuses. He testified that Heavenly Father and Christ are always "available." We must ask, and the help will come. 

Sunday night, a member called asking for a Priesthood blessing. We contacted a few members and the branch president, but everybody was busy. We called them back and explained that we didn't know what to do because there was nobody to accompany us. We said a prayer, then had the thought to call the member who had helped us yesterday. He told us he had a meeting at 7:00, but he could be late if there was somebody who needed a Priesthood blessing. His example taught me so much. He had testified the day before about Heavenly Father and Christ always being "available." This man was busy, he had other appointments, and he had other things to do, but when somebody called for help, he put the Lord first. The blessing was beautiful, the Spirit was strong, and afterwards, the member who received the blessing told us that the member there with us was somebody she remembered from church many, many years ago when she was very little. Such a tender mercy for both of them. 

I know that the Lord works in mysterious ways. I know that we can be answers to other people's prayers. I know sacrifice brings forth blessings.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

This is what is asked and required of us if we truly desire and understand that we are able to obtain all of the blessings promised to us, even exaltation. I hope that I can remember and retain these things for the rest of my life. I pray that I will choose to put others before myself, make myself "available", and be there when the call comes.

Yesterday, during fast and testimony meeting, I bore simple testimony that Christ lives. I know he does. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. He does everything for us! He wants us to succeed. The most powerful, knowledgeable, and magnificent being knows me. Even though we come up short in more ways than one, we must press forward and try again, changing one step at a time. That is His plan for us. He knows us. He knows our desires.

 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

I am grateful to be His servant, and I am grateful for those around me that continue to help my testimony grow. He knows me. He knows you. He loves us. I love being a missionary!!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

GAWAI DAYAK

Friend of Elder Lloyd's celebrating Gawai with his family

On May 31 and June 1, the Dayak people of Sarawak Malaysia annually celebrate Gawai Dayak. Elder Lloyd and the other missionaries don't participate in the celebrations, but it's yet another interesting holiday for this incredibly diverse and rich country. To learn more about Gawai, read Gawai Dayak. 

Elder Lloyd's friend who attends church in Miri - boars head for dinner!

With Elder Lloyd nearing the end of his mission, we've been reminded again of the incredible beauty, diversity, history and brilliant future for this country about which his family knows so little.

Sarawak has more than 40 sub-ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. Cities and larger towns are populated predominantly by Malays, Melanaus, Chinese, Indians and a smaller percentage of Ibans and Bidayuhs who have migrated from their home-villages for employment reasons.

Ethnic groups in Sarawak^[1]

  Iban (30.3%)

  Malay (24.4%)

  Chinese (24.2%)

  Bidayuh (8.4%)

  Orang Ulu (6.7%)

  Melanau (5.4%)

  Indian (0.3%)

  Other (0.3%)

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