God hears God answers - It is as simple as those four words

Hey guys! Hola! Talofa lava! Malo e lelei! Bula vinaka! Ni hao! Lai ho!

An exhilarating roller coaster ride

Last email..... Is this strange for me? I think so. I have lots of mixed feelings right now. Happiness, sadness, and everything in between. My mission has been such an exhilarating roller coaster ride!

This email, I want to share with you the magnitude of the impact my mission has had on my life. It has been enormous. I have changed so much, I am sure I will be unrecognizable when I return home.

First, I'll tell you a bit about the week. We taught Y_ and S_, and V_ was our fellowship. It was a neat lesson, I think V_ was edified more than anyone else. We found out some concerns with Y_ and S_, and now are working to overcome them to help them receive the Gospel. Otherwise, we have been very busy this week. We have been blessed with finding experiences, and with the Spirit in great abundance. I won't have much time to tell you much else about the week right now.

I have had so many experiences with the Spirit that have helped me to learn and to grow. This is the Lord's kingdom, restored once again to the earth. Of that I have no doubt. I am grateful to all of my companions that I have had, and I have learned something from each and every one of them.

Elder Cocker- I learned to love, and to show my love for others by respecting their culture, and going out of the way to do something for them. I learned to remember the good, and forget the bad.
Elder Balenaveikau- I learned to be patient. I learned to reach out and be interested in the lives of others. I learned the importance of communication and the importance of obedience.
Elder Winkleman- I learned to have fun. I learned that missions are meant to be fun, and that you have the most fun in missionary work when you are doing what is right.
Elder Wulf- I learned to be bold. That the Lord is on our side and is aware of our every thought. He will support His servants if they have the courage to lift up their voices and cry repentance.
Elder Tai- I learned how to relate to people of different cultures. I learned to be submissive, and humble, and to embrace others despite their shortcomings
Elder Bartholomew- I learned to appreciate the beauty of the earth. I learned the importance of the Spirit, and doing everything in my power to qualify for its presence.
Elder Wu- I learned to more deeply understand the Gospel. It is a gospel of change, of improvement, of always reflecting and changing our lives to be more in harmony with God.
Elder Tuua- I learned to eat! Haha! I learned that the Spirit will testify to anyone who is humble enough to hear, no matter whether or not the receiver can understand fully what is being taught.
Elder Naidu- I learned to trust. I learned that as companions rely on one another and work together to set goals and achieve them, that Heavenly Father is in the midst of them, and they will be blessed.
Elder Coats- I learned to not judge others. I learned to lift, encourage and inspire, and that the Lord will make up for our weaknesses if we turn to him.
Elder Kerr- I learned to listen. I learned the importance of a deep and abiding personal testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, and how that can carry you through any obstacles or challenges that you may face.
Elder Hayward- I learned (and am learning) to be aware. To be observant of others, the way that they react to questions, and to various circumstances, because you can find opportunities to lift others and build them up by doing so.

This is me and Elder Hayward next to Wollongong Harbour

Us and Elders Janes and Cummings at David P_'s house

Turning points on my mission

There were a few turning points on my mission that really helped me to become who I am today. In the MTC I really began to love the word of God. It became delicious to me. It was exciting, it was new, and I would soak up anything that I could get my hands on. As my understanding of the Gospel grew, and as I had my growing testimony confirmed time and time again, a burning desire to share the Gospel ensued.

Another major turning point was when one of the missionaries I looked up to (who wasn't a comp) helped me to understand the Savior. He gave me a packet with 20 talks about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I will say that before I read it, I did understand His sacrifice, but did I know how to apply it? Not so much. As I poured over those talks, and just after I finished, as I read the Book of Mormon and specifically looked for how it spoke of the Atonement of Christ, I felt my heart change, and my purpose as a missionary became more and more clear. I understood more fully that I was here to help others to receive the blessings of the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. I began to recognize and feel how the Savior was lifting burdens and teaching me, how very involved he was in His work.

I understood the Spirit in places where I understood little to none of the language spoken

Working in the Samoan ward helped me to more fully understand the importance of the Holy Ghost. It is what sets us apart from others. Everyone can receive a testimony of the Savior, and that is what causes most people to believe. However, the very real, personal experiences that one can have with the Spirit when asking specific questions (like "Is the Book of Mormon the word of God?") can lead to a deep and abiding trust in God, and we will be guided to the Restored Gospel as we rely on those revelatory experiences. I understood that in places where I understood little to none of the language spoken. I also learned that Heavenly Father will give to His children many blessings if they only ask.

God hears. God answers. It is as simple as those four words.

I also learned to pray on my mission. That has probably changed me the most, because it has influenced me in every aspect of my testimony. My testimony of the Book of Mormon, my testimony of Jesus Christ, my understanding of the blessings that come from simple obedience to the commandments of God. God hears. God answers. It is as simple as those four words. He knows us perfectly. Another simple truth taught in four words. He loves us all. Another one! The Gospel is so simple. Before my mission, it was so complex "I have to remember another commandment?? There are so many!!" But now I realize that that is not the case. It is sooooo simple.

I know that God lives. I know that He has a plan for us. I know His Plan is centered on returning to live with Him through the Grace, mercy, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten. I know that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet of God, to restore eternal truths that can bless all who accept and live the things he taught. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and this conviction has led to my strong Faith in all of the above.

Much thanks to my family and friends who have supported me through all that I have gone through. I hope that maybe something that I have written will influence you all for good. Faamalosi! Buenos fuertes!

I love you! See y'all in a week and a bit!

Love,
Elder Larsen
Elder Loseni

We attended the worship services of another church

Hi guys!

Sounds like your week was about as full as mine! Far out!

Let me tell y'all about my week! So first, in response to some of your questions, Y_ and S_ were busy this week, but we have an appointment for this coming Friday. They are still keen, so I'll have an update next week! Also, I can't remember if I told you that H_ is in the Philippines for a few months, so we haven't been able to teach her too.

Two very real presences in his life

V_ is still the man! He is so solid! We met with him this past week, and he was sharing the changes that he has noticed in himself. It is very real for him. I think that it is very interesting to note how very real his change has been. He feels that before his baptism, he was not as obligated to the commandments, but he felt good as he obeyed. However, since being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, he has felt two very real presences in his life. He described that he can sense the presence of the Adversary, and he can also feel the influence of the Holy Ghost always, like we promised him. It is very real and very exciting for him. He has had a change of heart, so much that he, like the people of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon,  has "no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." (Mosiah 5:2). What a wonderful thing for a new convert to experience!

We saw a lady sitting on the ground, rocking back and forth

My favorite finding experience was finding a guy named G_. We were walking around Wollongong, contacting some of the individuals we had met in the past. We saw a lady sitting on the ground, rocking back and forth, and she seemed stressed out by something. We decided to approach her and see if she was okay. She seemed nice enough, but as we spoke to her, she continued to rock back and forth on the grass next to the side walk. After a minute or so of talking, a passerby took out his earphones and quickly told us "She's fine, don't worry!" I think he thought at first we were police! Haha! Anyways, his name is G_, and turns out he knows her. She apparently has had some pretty serious drug damage, and the rocking and fidgeting were the end results. Poor girl.

G_ was pretty cool! He is pretty skeptical about religion, but when we told him we were here to help improve the quality of people's lives, he excitedly informed us that some of his neighbors are in need of something along those lines. He gave us his address, and their addresses and told us to try and go help his neighbors. He also told us to come by whenever we are in the area. Nothing too special happened, but it is always great to recognize when the Lord places people in our paths to open our mouths and share the gospel with. I am really going to miss this opportunity and privilege, to know that I have the authority to talk to all men and share what I know to be true with as many as the Lord puts in front of me.

This week was incredibly busy from a zone leader point of view. I feel really bad for Elder Hayward, because I was only with him for 4/7 days last week. In fact, I'm not with him today! (I'll explain that later). Elder Janes and I have been together most of the week because we have had to conduct trade-offs, take care of problems in the zone, and have meetings on behalf of the zone with the stake. Busy busy busy! But I reckon it is good for Elder Hayward and Elder Cummings to be together, because they grow up really quick when their "dads" are gone. They are going to be leaders real quick, that's for sure!

We attended the worship services of another church

On one of our trade-offs, after our meeting with the Stake, we had an opportunity to do a creative finding activity. Our companions were going to be occupied with appointments all day, so we basically had an all-day trade off (this was yesterday). It was really weird being on trade-offs during church. That was abnormal. We had to do it because our stake president came to our ward and wanted to meet during church. Anyways, we decided to attend the service of another church as an opportunity to meet new people, and also to have the experience that we wouldn't have normally had. We had no idea what to expect. Elder Janes had mentioned the idea to Jake Tiananga who volunteered to come along, because he had many opportunities to do so on his mission. Man! It was a neat experience! And funny too!! hahahaaha! The fellowship at that church was really great, and we were able to meet some people who were genuinely interested in what we were doing over here in Australia, and learning more about our missions. I almost wish that I would have attended one earlier! The only thing holding me back was the rule that we aren't meant to go and proselyte at the places of worship of other religions. But this was different.

Anyways, during the service, there was a woman pastor who taught about loving relationships etc. Here is the funny part. So during the service, the woman started asking if anyone wanted to accept Jesus into their life more fully. She told the congregation that there were 5 people in the room that she felt she needed to pray with. So she invited anyone that wanted to to raise their hands and come up to the front. Then she called us out. She said that we should come to the front and she would pray for us. Hahahahahahaahahahaha! It was sooooooo funny! It was a really kind gesture, but we struggled not to laugh during her prayer, because she stood in front of us one by one and put her hand on our shoulders and prayed. We were given free bibles before we left, and we made some good contacts, so overall the experience was really good! They are really wonderful people, and I reckon that some of those guys would really be keen to hear the Message of the Restoration of the Gospel. A moment to remember for sure!

The last thing I should make mention of is that we are in Campbelltown today. Pres gave permission for the 4 "dying" Elders to go to Campbelltown for Pday, so we are here emailing and are gonna get haircuts, eat some food, and go play lasertag! Should be good! Feel bad again for our greenies, but they seemed alright with it. We had to come here for a medical thingy for Elder Rose anyways, so it is actually a productive visit!

Anyways that's my week!

Love you guys heaps!
Elder Loseni

Overwhelmed with feelings she had never felt before

G'day family and friends!

Yes, that is a new thing, putting two zone leaders in the same zone with new comps. It's different, but it is actually really good for the future of the mission. That way, the zone leaders can look after troubled missionaries or greenies. But Elder Janes and I are together quite a bit anyways, so he is like my second companion. We have a good time in our flat haha, but we work incredibly hard! We have been sooooooo busy this week. Let me tell y'all about it!

We gave our dying testimonies

So, I guess a couple of the things that kept me busy were the zone leader duties that we had to take care of this week. We had MLC (Mission Leadership Council) with the other zone leaders and sister training leaders in the mission. That basically took up all of Tuesday. It was great because Elder Hayward and Elder Cummings (Elder Janes' greenie) got stuck together on their own for the first time (it's going to happen a few more times pretty soon) so they had to figure out how to do missionary work pretty quick hahaha! In MLC we gave our dying testimonies, which was really weird! I thought I dodged that bullet! But it was cool to get to see some of my mission mates before I "get transferred". I attached a pic of me and Elder Searle, he is still on the Council. He leaves 2 weeks early, so he won't be at the leavers' dinner with me.

Elders Searle and Larsen

Strategy for Building Faith

We also had ZTM this week (Zone Training Meeting), where Elder Janes and I gave a combined training. It was different, but really good! Instead of us planning our individual trainings, we planned together how we were going to train on the same topic and whatnot, so it took more meticulous planning and preparation. It turned out well! We trained on the Strategy for Building Faith, focusing on building missionary, member, and non-member faith. The formula is simple, yet powerful. We must pray to the Lord frequently every day. Alma 33:11 is a neat scripture I found relating to that. We must also feast upon the words of Christ. Have you ever noticed in Alma 32:28, that it's not the seed of faith being planted? It is the seed of the word of God. That is what grows and develops into faith as we nourish it. And equally as simple as it is important we must regularly attend church and keep the Sabbath day holy.

Overwhelmed with feelings she had never felt before

I mentioned last week about a Chinese couple that we met. They are sooooo solid! We ended up having our follow-up lesson with them, and the Spirit was so strong, right from the beginning! In fact, as we offered the opening prayer, we found Y_ was crying, because she was so overwhelmed with feelings she had never felt before. We taught her simply about God, about how he is our loving Father in Heaven. He created a plan where we would come to earth to gain experience to become like him, and we would be able to learn and grow from life on earth. We spoke of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for us, that we might live. And we spoke of the importance of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through exercising Faith in Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the Gift of the holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. Y_ in particular expressed that she would love to know that these things were true, and we were able to testify of their truth, and teach simply how she could come to know truth. We taught her and her husband to pray simply, and Y_ offered our closing prayer. What a sweet experience! She explained in the English she knew that she felt at peace and warm as she said her prayer. How neat!

"I feel like a new person. I feel CLEAN!"

They ended up coming to the Baptism on Saturday. There was quite a bit of adversity, and many blessings, as the week progressed in preparation for the baptism. Individuals assigned to give talks had other things come up, the program went wrong, and the Adversary worked very hard to make this special day less special. But as always, light and goodness prevailed. The Baptism was a wonderful experience. I was blessed to be able to perform the Baptism. Victor described his experience when he said "I feel like a new person. I feel CLEAN!" Y_ and S_ didn't have words to express their feelings. They loved it! They didn't know what to expect, but the other missionaries, and the ward helped them to feel welcome and answered their questions. It was a powerful experience!

Elder Larsen, V_, and Elder Hayward

Something that I have done this week to help me more readily recognize answers to prayers is to record the questions I want to ask before I begin the prayer, and to listen after I pray for answers, and record on the same note card in a different column specific answers to the specific questions I have been asking. I was amazed at how readily the Lord answered my prayers. It is incredible! I would encourage anyone who wants to be able to see the Lord's hand in their life more fully to record questions and answers received.

Go greenie fire!

In response to your questions, Elder Hayward is the Man! He is adjusting well to Aussie-land. We have been having fun. It was funny to hear how his experience leading our area went. It was a bit discouraging for him, but it is helping him to grow. Janes and I are going on trade-offs tonight with Elder Losa and his trainee (I'm going to Losa's area with him) so Hayward is going to be with Cummings again hahaha! And then this Saturday they are going to be together again working in Dapto when Janes and I are on trade-offs with the other District Leader in our zone. Go greenie fire!

Anyways, that's my week!

Kaysie, my favorite color is blue!

JJ, sounds like you are having fun with everything going on! Hope you are enjoying school!

Ez, I have lots of favorite things to teach. I think my favorite is just seeing people change because of the things I get to teach them.

Okay, that's all folks, love you heaps!!!
Elder Larsen

My new Chinese name means "Thunder Shock"

Gday family!

What a week! Phew! It was quite busy as missionary work usually is.

They wished that I could stay longer on my mission. Can I? :)

So, I'll just jump right into it. My favorite moment with the Spirit (closely rivaled by my studies) was yesterday, an experience that emphasizes the power of fasting and prayer. President and Sister Back had stopped through Wollongong briefly on their way back to Mortdale, and they wanted to meet up and talk briefly with us and the other Wollongong missionaries. It was a great chat. A lot of the conversation was kinda laughing at old mission war stories (a lot of them that I was involved chasing missionaries or babysitting haha). They are so awesome. They expressed that they wished that I could stay longer on my mission. Can I? :)

Two years ago...

Anyways, all yesterday, we had been struggling to contact anyone that wanted to have anything to do with us, because it was Aussie Father's Day. It was kinda frustrating. Basically all afternoon after church we had zero luck. We both had faith in the power of fasting and prayer, but nothing seemed to be happening. Finally,  after the uplifting experience of talking with the Backs, the thought came to mind to visit someone that we wouldn't have the obstacle of Father's Day to work around. A Chinese student named Tom that we had tracted into previously came to mind, so we decided to drop what we were doing and try and contact him.

My new Chinese name means "Thunder Shock"

When we pulled up to his house, I had the impression that we should say a prayer, just for a bit of extra spirit "juice", or guidance from the Holy Ghost. I offered the prayer. We got out of the car, and knocked Tom's door. Another Chinese brother answered. He was very nice. He welcomed us into his home while he went to check and see if Tom was home. It turned out he wasn't. We spoke with him briefly, and the opportunity presented itself to use some of the Chinese that Elder Tai and Elder Wu both taught me when I was companions with them. He was shocked and delighted that I was saying those things. He invited us to sit down, and then excitedly proceeded to give us new Chinese names. My name means "Thunder Shock". It's pretty cool. Elder Hayward's is confusing hahaha.

Anyways, it turns out that this guy's wife is super curious about Christianity. We invited them to come to the Baptism we are having on Saturday, and they asked us to come back and teach them a bit about it on Thursday. They also asked for more material to read, and are really hyped up to learn. Thank goodness for language! And for my past comps! I learned, or rather it was re-emphasized, that there is great power in combined fasting and prayer, for I had fasted that day to be led to those whom the Lord had prepared. And I definitely feel that the extra prayer had everything to do with our experience!

My mind and heart are wide open, waiting for revelation

I also have made some changes to the format of my studies. I have observed that when I study, I have gotten into the habit of always starting with reading the Book of Mormon. I'll have really uplifting prayers, and then because the reading I do is pretty low maintenance, not always too keyed in and focused, sometimes I will lull myself into a state where I am still feeling the Spirit and learning, but not at the same level as I should, and I find that even after I change gears and start studying something that requires a bit more thought that I still am in that mode where I struggle to learn much. So to change it up, I have decided to first do the "heavy lifting" so-to-speak, meaning search the scriptures for answers to questions, study things by topic, or do whatever it is that I would previously do at the end first, and I have found that not only is that part more enlightening, but also my Book of Mormon reading is more productive, because my mind and heart are wide open, waiting for revelation. For example, I found some really neat scriptures that really touched me in D&C 75:2-5, as well as Alma 5:49 and D&C 67:10. Really neat scriptures!

A missionary and his spear gun.....

My laughs for the week would have to be first, my companion's first driving experience here, and second, a missionary and his spear gun.....

President told me to get Elder Hayward to start driving, so we got him behind the wheel. What was funny to me was just that the exact same things came out of his mouth that came out of mine my first driving trip. "There is way too much car on the left side, and way to little on the right." Hahaha it brought back fond memories. No one died (our neighbor's car almost did as he reversed). That was good. The other funny was that a missionary from Tahiti bought a spear gun here in Aussie (Pres Back took it away, and just gave it back) and he showed me it. It is pretty sweet. He is sending it home now, that's why he has it back. The thing is like 6 feet tall. And looks dangerous! A great toy for missionaries!

And yes, Pres did end up calling me to be a zone leader, so this coming week we get to go to MLC (Mission Leadership Council), then do ZTM (Zone Training Meeting) on Friday. Sunday night we are driving down to Elder Rose and doing a trade off with him and his companion till Wednesday morning. So basically things just got 12 times busier! And Elder Janes' and my greenie companions are going to be together, trying to figure it out by themselves. Woohoo!

Okay, I gotta go now, that's my week, Love you heaps!

Elder Larsen