WEEK #63 - From Country to Country

Hey hey!

What a fun week. 

The first half of the week I spent in Indonesia! I was coming through immigration just minding my own business, when the officer stopped me. He'd seen my passport have a lot of stamps going in and out of malaysia, "What are you doing here?" He asked. "I'm an unpaid religious minister." I replied. He didn't buy it. I got sent to the cheif immigration officer who then said I wasn't suppose to be here. He didn't want to talk to me, my companion, or my mission president. He let in my companion just fine, but I got caught. So, they shipped me to Indonesia. I tried coming back into Malaysia, but the SAME OFFICER saw my passport. So what happened? I got shiped back to Indonesia again!! This time Indonesia had a fit as to WHY I decided to come back to Indonesia A DAY after my visit. I was about to go home. Luckily there was another missionary there that got booted as well, and we both eventually made it back to our areas. It was very scary but super fun at the same time! 

I went to Batam. Elder Miller and I stayed there for a couple of days. Elder Judd went with the JB Elders to Singapore for Zone Conference. I got to skype in and comment on some stuff! We took a 2 hour ferry to Batam. Fun memories.  

The hotel provided a free breakfast buffet and it was really good! Haven't had things like real cheese, beef, or cereal for a while haha.

I don't remember if I gave a shout out to her or not, but my younger sister Londyn is 16!!! She is getting so old!! I still remember holding her as a little kid. Woah. She has been such a ball of light and happiness her whole life! She has always been there for me and has made life enjoyable. She is also a really good singer and dancer! I am still her official body guard, so you will have to go through me to get to her! 

On Satuday Sister Kirna gave her first talk!! I was so proud! She did a wonderful job. She talked about honesty and how we have to be honest with ourselves in relation to our spiritual health. Of course when we go to the doctors we tell them what is wrong. We wouldn't ever lie to a doctor because that doesn't help us whatsoever! When we sincerely repent, that is when we are honest about our spiritual health. We turn to the Ultimate Healer to overcome our spiritual sicknesses. Great analogy! 

Brother Remon was baptized this last saturday! He came from Indonesia and for 6 months has been looking for a church here in Malaysia. He asked all around and couldn't find one close enough. He prayed that God would provide him a way to find a church. Afterwards, we talked with him! Ever since that time he has been amazing. I have seen him change and he could totally be the next branch president in 3 or so years!! What a humbling experience. We didn't do anything, the Lord just was nice enough to place us in his path! 

Hope you all have a great week! 

Love, Elder LaRose

WEEK #62 - Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven

Hello everyone! Apa Khabar?

District Council was titled: "Why the Why?" We are focusing on the need for repentance. Repentance is to stop doing what's wrong and start doing what's right. It's a change of heart and being completely reliant on the Savior for forgiveness and strength to overcome sin. We repent not just to be better people, but to be worthy enough to live in the Celestial Kingdom! 

Homemade pizzas here we come!

Brother Awie's family is doing awesome. We taught them about family history! The Church provides wonderful sources of information to find and discover your ancestors. John 3:5 states, "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." 

Those who have gone before us haven't had the chance to be "born of the water and of the Spirit", so we believe that through going to the Temple and standing as a proxy (in representation of someone else) all people have a chance to accept the proxy baptism. Family History allows us to help our family become eternal! 

Members! 

This week we were blessed to find the elect. The "elect" are people that recognize us as servants of the Lord and are willing to act on our message. On Wednesday we were at a lunch place and decided to talk to this family. They were friendly and invited us to share with them the message of the restoration. Afterwards the father said, "I know this is true. I know Jesus Christ was speaking to us through you." 

On Friday I had exchanges with Elder Johnson again. Another man named Tampang also agreed to have us share about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. He commited himself and family to come to church. We weren't too far away from the church, so I asked, "Do you want to follow us to the church?" He agreed! We took him inside and he was able to feel the sacredness of the place. 

These two experiences were the highlights of my week. It gave me a chance to reflect back upon the power and authority of our calling. 

Orang kuat! Exchanges with Elder Johnson

After exchanges the JB Elders went back to their area. When we went to lock the church, we realized they had took the keys with them! They had to travel allllll the way back here so we could lock the church. We got home just before 11pm (or curfew is 9:30pm haha). Fun times! 

Bikin' and bikin' and bikin'

Brother Awie's family is just great! Brother Awie received the priesthood this last Sunday. His entire family received temple recommends and He, including his wife and 2 oldest children received callings and assignments to give talks (speeches) next Sunday! They are on the fast track for sure haha. 

 Who said the 5 second rule is a thing?

Do you remember Raymond? He has been progressing really well. He passed his baptism interview. He will be baptized next Saturday! He has a testimony of the priesthood. Even though he was already baptized in a different church, he now knows that authority to baptized was lost. Without authority, sins cannot be forgiven. Through the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Priesthood power was restored upon the earth. 

Brother Juen

It was a great week! If you forgot everything I just wrote out remember this: "God's blessings to those who are obedient to His gospel are far greater than any sacrifice we can make."

Have a great week!

Love you all!

WEEK #61 - Families ARE Forever

What an amazing week. I have been able to discover my purpose as a missionary more than ever this week.

Wish I could ride on the moto!

The morning schedule has been working really really well. There are a lot of people being prepared by the Lord! Masai is an isolated place. The people we work with all come from Sarawak and live in a couple of different places here in Masai. There needs to be a daily source of the Spirit in order for us to find those who are ready. On Wednesday morning we asked to sit with a group of three guys. It turns out that one of them is President Presly's (the Branch President) cousin, the other is the husband of a member, and the other hasn't been baptized or been to church in over 10 years. It really is a small world! What great connections to the Church!

Look closely. It's money falling from the sky.

There is a restaurant that we always go to called "The Borneo Cafe." It imports original food that can be only be found in Sarawak. It is a huge place for Ibans to go and that is why we always go there. The Owner of the store is Indian. His name is Rajan, and has been really kind to the missionaries. For years and years he has given missionaries free drinks every time they have come to his restaurant. There have been many attempts to invite him to church or to learn about the gospel, but he has never came. On Friday, we were waiting at the church for someone and guess who showed up? Rajan!!! He was buying some things at the store right next to the church. We invited him into the church and he came in for a church tour! We were glad he was able to feel the Spirit and sacredness of the building. 

Look even closer. It's Old Man Kong Fu Time at 7:30am

Saturday was absolutely amazing. We spent all day at the church just cleaning and preparing for the baptism. Brother Awie and Sister Rohzana's family got baptized!! They have been a miracle family. They have 5 children: Kirna (14), Roslind(13), Geriffin(11), Serena(9), and Amanda(6 months). The most joyous moment for a missionary is to start teaching someone from the beginning until the end. When missionaries transfer, it is hard to stay in an area for a while, but I believe that Elder Judd and I were here this long for a reason :) The baptism started at 6:30pm. Serena, the youngest one getting baptized, wasn't actually going to get baptized because of some complications. We were really sad because the whole family wanted to be baptized together. Then, just 10 minutes before the baptism, Serena was able to make it!!! It was 100% an answer to prayer. So many members came to support. 

 

 I had to carry all those upstairs too...

  

 Everyone participating in the baptism!

 President and Sister Rowley came for a Surprise visit! 

 Food gathering after the baptism!

Everyone who came to the baptism!

On Sunday, they each were confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were given the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

Brothers and Sisters, I know of no greater joy then seeing Heavenly Father's children come back to Him. At the beginning of a mission, someone receives their "Mission Call." Many of you went to my mission call opening. In the letter it states, "Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children." 

Geriffin!

I never really REALLY understood the meaning of that verse until now. I have had so many spiritual moments with Brother Awie's family. They have grown so much and are so converted to the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know they will be an eternal family. I know they will make it to the Temple. I know they will continue in the Church and be blessed for everything they do. I now understand a glimpse of what the pure love of Christ looks like and how true the Plan of Salvation is. 

The Perfect Family

I testify to you all that this is our purpose as missionaries. This is our purpose as members. This is a labor of love. That night I offered a humble prayer to Heavenly Father and thanked him deeply for the opportunity that I had to bring some of His children back home. 

Go Malaysia! 

You have friends and family that need to hear this gospel. They need to experience the full blessings that Heavenly Father has prepared for each of His children. I urge you to overcome your fears and participate in the work of salvation. I love you all and thank you for all your prayers and support. 

Shrimp timeeee

It's time to find another family!!!

Love you all!