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!