Well, I have lots of pictures for yous, but not any of the baptism unfortunately.... I will get Elder Naidu to send me some.
It turned out really well! A_, the one that asked me to baptize her actually pushed back her baptism 2 weeks, so we will be going to that one too. But her mom and brother were both baptized. It was so fun to be back in Campbelltown. I didn't realize how much the Samoan members appreciated me and enjoyed having a Palagi until I went back. I have definitely forged some friendships that will be quite meaningful to me long after the mission! I already got permission from President Back to go again in 2 weeks:) Hahaha good thing Pres likes me!
Golden Investigator, pretty much just waiting to be taught!
Some other highlights from the week: There was a brother that I met when I was serving in Campbelltown 3rd ward who was such a great guy! A couple other English wards meet up at the Stake Centre there in Campbelltown, so occasionally we would see other missionaries from other wards. One set of those missionaries introduced me to one of their investigators named M_. Apparently M_ had simply started to attend church out there with a simple invitation from one of his mates who is a member (who attends a ward out somewhere in Sydney, so Matt would attend by himself). At the time M_ lived in Liverpool (pretty close to where I used to live when I was there). He attended church 4-5 times without anyone knowing that he wasn't a member (being dressed like one and everything). Finally, the missionaries caught up with him and found out that he was not a member! They were able to catch up with him a few times, but never enough to teach the lessons or anything. Finally, he moved away from Liverpool and was unable to travel all the way to Campbelltown. That was the last I heard about M_.
Fast-forward to yesterday. There is a brother sitting in church that I recognize, but I can't place where I remember him from..... I approach him and ask him, and he remembers me too.... But we can't place where we met each other. I asked "Are you a member?" to which he responded "No" and then it came to me!!! It was the same M_! Apparently he moved into our ward boundary and has come to church here a few times and plans to continue going here. Wow!! He apparently has his own copy of the standard works, believes in most of the doctrine, and is keen for us to come and meet with him!! Golden Investigator, pretty much just waiting to be taught!!! How cool is that??! He is the man!
 |
| Elder Larsen beneath a big Aussie tree. |
Chilean food for us to try every time!
That's one cool exp. We have continued to work with the Less-Active brother from Chile. His whole family is soooo cool! It was neat how they really have opened up to us coming, and coming regularly. They pretty much plan on us being there every week and make some new Chilean food for us to try every time! The brother's spiritual progression is admittedly pretty slow, but establishing the relationship (we think) will be very helpful! We hope to be able to help him further in the future! (would you guys be able to search up some talks/ensign articles where people feel they are not having their prayers answered but eventually learn how it works? That is one major obstacle holding him back.)
The work with the members of the ward has been progressing for sure. There are a number of less-active brothers and sisters that we are meeting with that are ready to come back, and simply need transportation to church and they will be there every week. That is a huge blessing we have seen! We are meeting with the Bishop this week (because we don't have a Ward Mission Leader) to talk about the work, so hopefully the relationship we continue to establish will bless us! The ward is similar size to the Samoan ward, about 120 average at church on Sunday. It is a huge area though! 150,000 people living in our boundaries. That's heeeeeaaaps of people that need the Gospel!
 |
| Elder Coats and Larsen above Wollongong. |
 |
| This is the valley I am proselyting in:) |
 |
| Robertson - the home of the big potato. |
Tattoo-contacting is an effective missionary tool!
One smile moment (well, kinda a chain of events) has to do with my companion Elder Coats. He is the man!! He is so funny, and has heaps of good stories to tell. Recently, (actually, his whole mission) he has had a fascination with tattoos. Particularly Polynesian tattoos. So, a few of the visits that we have had my comp and some of the Maori's and Tongans and Samoans have talked about the tattoos that they get, where they come from, what they mean etc. So I thought it was funnily fitting for you to send that weird pic! Hahaha.
Anyways, it has been a new contacting method my companion has been using. Example: we were riding the trains, and a brother rolled onto the train in a wheelchair. He was a pretty cool guy, had some tattoos on his arm. So my companion approached him first by asking all about his tattoos. The contact went so well that we were able to get his phone number! Cool stuff, eh! I guess tattoo-contacting is an effective missionary tool! Hahaha.
Speaking of tattoos, did I mention that I met R_ again last week (from Jarrad's second area, Dapto)? We visited him this week and his family is soooooo cool! They told us to come back whenever! The family, in my opinion, is very prepared for the gospel. Hope to make further ground with them!
God truly is a God of Miracles
Now, to respond to the question I have been meaning to answer for weeks, about the Book of Mormon. A favourite verse from my most recent time through the Book of Mormon is in Mormon 9:18-27. It is quite a long passage, so buckle in! These are some verses that I found lots of personal application to. God truly is a God of Miracles, and he works miracles in our lives everyday. It is up to us to step back and see properly how those miracles affect us. And if we want to be able to recognize those miracles more fully, we simply need to ask with faith in Christ. Cool stuff! The BoM has played a major role in my mission, in converting me more fully to the Gospel, as well as those that I have taught. It is such a powerful tool. In fact, combined with the Spirit, it is the most powerful tool for conversion that I have access to. Hands down. That is coming from the mouths of the apostles and prophets (see PMG chpt 5, the second page of the chapter).
God will help you to know what you need to study
For me, it is always clear what particular approach I need to take as I read the Book of Mormon. I evaluate where I am at spiritually, where I need my testimony to grow, what will help me (and my investigators) most. It really is guided by the Holy Ghost. And before I begin I am able to pray to Heavenly Father, who confirms that the particular approach I am about to take is right. For someone who is reading the Book of Mormon for the first time, I would suggest simply reading through it, and seeing what the Spirit can say to you as you read. However, with that approach make sure that you have a question to be answered every day (for example: How can I more fully meet the needs of my younger brother? or What can I do to feel more loving towards someone who is hard to love?). And I can promise you that God will answer those questions.
As one becomes familiar with the Book of Mormon, and begins reading it again (after however many times), I would suggest that you look at your life. What are you doing? How is your workplace/school place? What are the things that are influencing your spirituality right now? How about your friends? Family? Church callings? What topic(s) will help me to overcome challenges, meet my (others) spiritual needs? What will give me strength in particular challenges, or will fulfill my spiritual hungers? Take a look at the topics you come up with, and then pray. Ask God for confirmation. Whether it is only one topic, or two related topics (I wouldn't do more than three at a time, two is perfect) God will help you to know what you need to study.
BTW can you guys send with the package (only if you haven't sent it yet) some thermal garments? it is getting pretty cold here. This week should be fairly nice, but winter fast approaches!
I love you guys heaps! Hope you have a great week!!!
Elder Larsen
 |
| Cool sunset we saw while driving! |
 |
| Cool sunset we saw while driving! |
No comments:
Post a Comment