Jan 13, 2020
surrounded by super gwapo guys #ambassadorsoftheLord #ontheLordserrand https://www.instagram.com/p/B7QeTufhCFt/?igshid=1o6e6geyiuoq1
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surrounded by super gwapo guys #ambassadorsoftheLord #ontheLordserrand https://www.instagram.com/p/B7QeTufhCFt/?igshid=1o6e6geyiuoq1
The Lord may inspire us to do something without immediately revealing how, when, or why we should do it. Nephi learned how, when, and why the Lord would help him only after he allowed the Holy Ghost to direct him and after he decided to go forward in faith. President Harold B. Lee observed that we often want to see “the end from the beginning,” or the outcome, before we will follow the Lord’s direction. He counseled: “You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness [the unknown], and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you” #chinahongkongmission #onthelordserrand #ourwillingnesstogoanddo #ourabilitytobeledbythelord #keepingthesabbathdayholy #charmoholic #smilesyndrome (at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Days Saints Macau Branch)
Saturday 10th November 2012
We taught our first lesson to an investigator. It went ok. I remember though trying to work out if some of these ‘investigators’ were real or not. They seemed real; but who would volunteer to come into an MTC? Turned out they were all members, of course.
As the district leader, missionaries would come to me if they had questions or other things. Sister Jensen, one of the sisters in the district, approached me and asked if I could give her a blessing as she was feeling ill. I was taken back! I had only anointed with oil, and that was once! I asked my companion Elder Pula to assist and after we had reviewed the wording, anointed, and as I sealed the anointing, I felt the powers of heaven. We both felt a rich, warm spirit enter into the room as if angels were around us. I wrote in my journal, “When I blessed, if felt incredible! I could feel the power channeling through me to her. It was amazing! ... Afterwards I felt so warm and humbled that the Lord had allowed me to do the ordinance.”
Friday 9th November 2012
I was getting a little bit more settled in the MTC. I got my schedule, started going to my classes, then I got pulled out and asked to attend a meeting. I was then called to be the district leader! I did not feel prepared to be a leader, as I was quite young and many of the elders that were in my district were a lot older than me. I wrote in my journal “...I know that the Lord will help me if I do my best. He already has.”
“I have made assignments and set some order up already. I’m proud that I have been trusted with this responsibility. I hope I serve well!” Little did I know that the Lord was preparing me early on for future service.
Thursday 8th November 2012
I loaded my bags into the car, drove to the Brisbane Airport and said farewell to my family, grandparents and my two best friends, Jo and Celeste. I remember being filled with emotions of both excitement and nervousness.
I couldn’t believe it! I was here! I had made it to this point! I was going to be a missionary! There were two other elders on that plane that I met; Elder Elkington and Elder Kaihe.
When we arrived, I unpacked and headed straight to the chapel where we were instructed on the how the next three weeks would operate. I wrote in my journal “First day at the MTC felt like a school camp. Eating in the cafe, rule rundown.”
A 2 year reflection...
I left Brisbane, Australia for the Hamilton, New Zealand MTC on the 8th of November 2012 and returned home to Brisbane, Australia in Late October 2014. I will spend the next two years posting various thoughts, pictures and videos about my adventures, struggles and learning moments. So feel free to share these with those who you feel might benefit.
Having been home a whole year, I have learned many things and gained an appreciation for life out in the field. I now know who my Saviour and Redeemer is. I now understand the purpose of this life and why we are given challenges. I know the power of prayer and fasting.
I pray that you might also reflect on your own personal testimonies as you read these posts.
May God be with you, and may He strengthen you and support you in your trials and in your joys.