Tuesday, November 27, 2012
November News from home
November 4th
Dear Mom and Dad,
I'll tell you a little about my week. My core experience with God
this week has been for me to be used as a fine instrument in the hands
of the Lord. I use the term fine instrument as opposed to tool because
of the miraculous work being done. So the man that came last week to
church, Brother Havea, a non-member has been learning from us every day
this last week and is getting baptized this Saturday. He was the only
non-member in his family but has had some life changing experiences
lately. For one, he saw his 14 year old sons life change when he was
baptized and wanted it for himself. He is a very awesome Tongan guy who
is probably one of the coolest people I have met on my mission, or even
ever! We taught him 4 times before he was interviewed to be baptized.
It has been amazing to see the gospel change his life. I don't use the
word tool in this case because I sorta view a tool as the thing that
does the main chunk of work, like an ax
chopping down a tree. But a fine instrument could be seen as the sand
paper used to finely smooth off the wood after being built into a piece
of furniture or something. Brother Havea had been so prepared by other
tools in the hands of the Lord, that Elder Bringhurst and I only had to
be used as fine instruments to finish off all the formalities. We went
to a recent convert fireside last night with the Havea family and it was
very nice. I loved it. In one year from now, the family has hopes to be
sealed in the temple for eternity and I should still be here to witness
it! :) I love the gospel happiness!!
I have learned about hope this last week from the True to the Faith
book. Sometimes hope is used in everyday language as hinting
uncertainty. But in the gospel, the word hope implies certainty, and
unwavering sureness. I thought that was very profound. If you want to
learn more about hope, read about it in True to the Faith!
So glad the family is ok with the storm back east! That has worried
me quite a bit! Oh yeah, and the baptism we have this Saturday with
Brother Havea is on Moms birthday 10 November! How cool huh? I need to
send home a package or something.. what do all of you want for
Christmas?? I thought of something that I want if it's not too late.
So... the mac and cheese here is the WORST!! all they have is easy mac
stuff that's not even good. I was wondering if Icould get a box or two
of quality mac and cheese? hahaha I know, nothing has changed!
We didn't go tracting or anything on Halloween though. Halloween
here is a major fail. They need to rethink their holidays hahaha! We
just taught lessons that night, which is something that I would rather
do than go tracting. Anyway, look for another email with pictures
attached. They are good ones :) Til next week, stay safe and healthy!!
Love, Elder Thompson
Happy Halloween
Note: a stake leader had me ask Kuyler some questions that they are
asking the missionaries in our stake so they can use the answers in a
standards night activity, you'll see the answers below.
October 28th
Hello again,
This
week has just been so amazing! We did a lot of work with less active
members and saw A LOT of success. The chapel was full to the brim with
people in sacrament meeting. The ward/stake has been praying and fasting
for these members for the past few weeks, and the fact that a lot of
them are coming back and becoming happy just isn't a coincidence.
Because of these happening re-activations, not only are less active
members coming back to church, but people are starting to progress
toward baptism especially in part member families. This is my core
experience with God this week, to see how he answers prayers and
fasting. It has been really great to see His hand in His work.
I have grown a lot through my studies of faith this last week. I have learned that faith is WAY more than just believing, it is acting, it is knowing, it is changing, it is helping. If faith does not lead to all these works, then it is not true faith. I like a quote that a man said yesterday in sacrament meeting, "If the Church is not true, to you--then you are not true to the Church. How true that is. I have also started exercising even more faith in my prayers. Praying for little things, specific things. It helps a lot because it actually happens! So cool. I love the power of prayer when coupled with faith.
So,
I think I can play Mormonopoly. I know we can play board games and
stuff on P-day so maybe! As far a a GPS, I know that you can load maps
onto one from the states but it would be more simple to get one here
with the right maps already on it. That's good to hear about the
retainer. I'll talk to president Howes tonight and see if he knows
anything about that. Ha ha about finding P. Sherman 42 Wallaby way!
Halloween
really isn't anything here. They don't even care about it. I think we
might do a little tracting though, just to see if we get some candy :)
Still haven't gotten a package but maybe it will be there tonight for
zone leader council? I hope so!
Oh
yeah, the Harbor Bridge and stuff! We didn't get to see the 3D movie or
telescope because when we got there, a bunch of asian people reserved
every showing that day.... lame!! Maybe next time though. So we just
went up the bridge pylon, went to the opera house, and a place called
pancakes on the rocks which was yummy :) we got inside of the opera
house for a few minutes. IT WAS SWEET! I forgot to take a picture in
there though.. I have pictures attached!
I'll answer the questions before I go.
1.
Something I would have done differently to spiritually prepare for my
mission would definitely be to become more acquainted with Preach my
Gospel. I would have read it at least 5 or 6 times before my mission.
2. I often get asked the question, "How do you know that it is true?".
3. I wish I would have paid more attention to what my mom said about what kind of things I should eat or avoid when I am sick.
4.
What I eat the most is probably Islander food. A lot of taro which is
like a root type thing with no taste that supposedly has natural
steriods that makes islanders huge. I think it has worked for me....
unfortunately. I also ate a lot of McDonald's before my diet. Now I
still eat a lot of McDonald's.. but it's all in my head :(
Anyways, I hope you have a great week. Talk to you soon!
Love, Elder Thompson
Octoberfest
October 21st
Good Evening! ?
Elder
Thompson here again, just checking in from Sydney Australia. Things
are going really well! I love my new companion. I am losing weight, and
the missionary work is doing awesome! I love the week you guys had! I
love the new missonary age change! I can't wait til we start getting the
new missionaries in here. Maybe I'll even get to train one of them :)
I'll tell you a little about my week!
My
core experience with God this week was being part of a mass
re-activation. With the new standard of excellence of 20 lessons a week
we decided to hit two birds with one stone or maybe even three birds. We
pushed hard for the twenty lessons by teaching as many planned member
lessons, lessons to recent converts, and less active members as
possible. We also wanted to create a better atmosphere between the
members and missionaries and really create strong, missionary focused
relationships with everybody. Elder Bringhurst is a great companion and
we work really really well together. I am blessed to be paired with him
because we experienced heaps of miracles this week. I think we helped
re-activate at least two families this week! Doing this has helped the
work a lot. I am thankful for Heavenly Father guiding us to have a lot
of success!
Something that touched me at church this week was in the Elders Quorum lesson. The President assigned the lesson to someone that I wouldn't have thought to ask because I wouldn't know if he'd want to do it or not. I know that because of that small little first step it may open up confidence in himself and in the Lord. This was a good example to me by our Elders Quorum president in being thoughtful and having the vision of how to help someone.
Something that touched me at church this week was in the Elders Quorum lesson. The President assigned the lesson to someone that I wouldn't have thought to ask because I wouldn't know if he'd want to do it or not. I know that because of that small little first step it may open up confidence in himself and in the Lord. This was a good example to me by our Elders Quorum president in being thoughtful and having the vision of how to help someone.
Oh
yeah, I thought of something else that would be cool to have for
christmas or something. The Mormonopoly game! haha... woops.. ha-ha!
Also, my retainer broke a few days ago. One of the wire parts came off
of the main part.. I'm not sure what to do to get a new one? I would
need it soon..
Anyway..
today we are going to the Sydney Observatory to look through a big
telescope and watch a 3D movie thing then go climb the Harbor bridge! :)
I am so excited! Still haven't gotten a package or anything yet but
I'll keep looking! Hope you have a great week!
Oct letter of the week
October 15th
Been a crazy week here. Transfers!!!!!!! and...... I'm staying an Bankstown! I got a new companion Elder Bringhurst, he just became a Zone leader and we really get a long. I think we will be together for quite a while which is cool! Elder Bringhurst is from Ohio and loves to work out and diet and stuff. So now I'm on a diet.... :( oh well I need to lose weight anyway. He also loves cars too so we talk a lot about cars and stuff. It's fun.
Sounds like another busy good week for you guys! So, I watched conference! You can tell me about your favorite talks and stuff now if you remember. General Conference takes on a whole new meaning when you are a missionary. The significance of who they are and what they say is really noticeable. This is a cool experience between me and God because all the people who spoke, especially the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are all his mouthpiece. They say exactly what He would want us to hear. I really liked all the messages but I think my favorite one was probably Elder Bednar. I like how he distinguished between testimony and conversion. When that doctrine is understood by people, it will really change their lives.
Something I would tell someone if they were leaving on a mission next week would be a simple piece of advice I got from coachThrow, he said, "You don't have to be a different person, just be the best version of yourself." I really like that, because it says to still be yourself, keep all the good attributes that God has blessed you with, magnify them, and get rid of anything else that takes away from that. So profound! This applies to life as well as missionary work. I don't think I'll ever forget that one.
We haven't heard anything about skype yet. We'll probably decide what happens for that at the next zone leader council. All the zone leaders in the mission counseled together last year to decide not to do skype because of inequality reasons but it might be different this year. We'll have to see. I just want to let you know of my testimony of personal revelation,revelation for ourselves, and for those in our stewardship. God speaks to us personally through the spirit. He wants to help us because he loves us. Because he wants us to learn and grow, he often waits until we are humble enough to ask him for help. Nothing in the world can teach us the things we learn from revelation. No one is neglected by God. It's true! :)
Have a great week! :)
Love, Elder Thompson
Friday, October 12, 2012
Confrence Time
Oct 8, 2012
Hey there!
Sorry, I have hardly any time to email this week. We had temple day
today and my time to email right now is on an iPad while riding back
home in a van. I probably won't be able to read your whole email but I
will forward you the email I sent to president Howes.
"My core experience
with God this week was the excitement I got to see in the members of the
Bankstown first ward becoming great missionaries! We haven't gotten
very many referrals lately but this week as we have been visiting more
members to teach more lessons, I have noticed that they have become more
missionary focused and are looking for people that we can teach. We
have even been helping them develope skills and things necessary to
reach out to their friends and not be afraid. At church, there were
heaps of nonmembers who came with their member friends. It makes me so
happy to see the work develope, nothing can stop it!
One thing I admire about my bishop is how humble he is. He used to
be less active and is a convert to the church. That being so, he
knows that he is not perfect and doesn't ever raise himself up. Also,
he is really young, looks like a young single adult, but is one of the
most dignified and polite people ever. What a great guy."
Hope to be able to write more next week! Sorry!!!!
Love, Elder Thompson
Note from Elder Thompsons mom: I have been wondering about Elder
Thompsons choice of words in saying "My core experience with God this
week..." after reading this email I realized that he is also sending us
what he emails to his mission president. His new mission president
must encourage them to write a core experience with God and also to look
for qualities in others that they admire and/or want to emulate, and
Christlike attributes that they want to emulate and improve on. I got
to thinking that if I would think about and/or write down weekly,
monthly etc... my core experiences with God and Christlike attributes to
emulate and look for people whom I admire that I would be very busy
thinking good thoughts and be more aware of positive things in my life.
I bet I would feel a lot more gratitude and love. We are all
promoters of something each day, I need to rethink what I am
promoting. I can better help my fellow man by being a "civilian"
missionary and promote love, kindness, help, understanding, a listening
ear etc... Those who know me, know I love to talk so the listening ear
may be the hardest, that's where duck tape comes in handy:) This is
just an aha moment from the momma. I sure do love this
missionary!!!!!!!!
It's a zoo out there
Sept 30, 2012
G'day,
HAHAHAHAH I laughed really hard when I read the part about the Gorilla! That's super hilarious! Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun at the zoo. The Hogle zoo is actually a really good zoo, even though it's small. I was brushing my teeth the other night and was thinking about and replaying in my mind when I would sneak up behind mom and scare her when she was vacuuming or something. I couldn't help but start laughing and the Elders in the other room asked why I was laughing hahaha
This week has been really awesome also, as usual.
My core experience with God this week was another one of those perfect timing, perfect placing type of things! The Lord strikes again! It was after district meeting, going to get lunch as a district all together. Had to walk to an ATM that was quite out of the way but did it anyway. When we were walking back, a middle eastern looking man approached us above the train station and started asking us about Jesus. He had been given a pass along card about 6 months ago and still had it. Long story short. He needed us. He needed God. He needed the gospel. We invited him to church and set up a lesson to teach him the next day. We taught him and he accepted a baptismal invitation but we did not set a date yet because it will be a long time and a lot of work for him. Apparently he is being medicated for schizophrenia and has problems with drugs, alcohol and other things. He came to church though the next day but left halfway through sacrament. Not sure why. We still need to get a hold of him and find out why but I'm just glad to be a part of his life. I pray that the changing effects of the Gospel and the attonement will help him change, because nothing else can.
If I had to talk about which Christlike attribute best describes Elder Honeycutt, it would probably have to be knowledge. I'm really glad to have him as a companion to help me learn things about simple principles that are easily questioned. Especially in this area where a lot of objections are raised, I would have no answer, but I have learned a lot about the truthfulness of the gospel since being with him here. It's really good. I hope to stay with him for longer. Things are going really well right now.
Today we are going into the city to some shops, it's a public holiday though so if the shops are closed, we might pop over the the opera house and snap some pics! :)
I can't wait for general conference!!! There's only one rule though, you guys can't tell me about anything that happens in general conference! Because I don't get to watch it until the week after!! Don't spoil it for me!!! :) hahahah this is one of the most exciting things for a missionary. Haven't been to the mission home yet, I go there tonight for zone leader council so hopefully it's there!
Anyway, my time is up. It's been great to hear from you again. Look forward to next week!
Love, Elder Thompson
Keep on Keeping on
Sept. 23, 2012
Hello again!
Sounds like another fun week! It doesn't seem like that much fun stuff went on back when I was home but maybe I just didn't appreciate it enough or was too much of a party pooper to get involved! hahah either way, the things you guys all get to do sound really awesome! :) I'm missing out but at the same time I wouldn't trade what I am doing!
Yeah letting virture garnish thy thoughts unceasingly. Thats part of D&C 121:33-46. Since President Howes has been here the whole mission has memorized that section! Cool stuff.
Oh yeah, so about 3 weeks into the mission I got an ingrown toenail and 6 months later it was ingrown on both sides and really infected and messed up so I finally went to a doctor and he did surgery to cut out two HUGE chunks of toe nail. Before that, though, I was soaking my foot in epsom salt and noticed that it said it was good for the soil in gardens.That might help out your garden. Look into it! Oh yeah and this last week I learned how to solve a Rubick's cube! haha yes!
My core experience with God this week came in a lesson. Surprise! I love teaching lessons, probably one of my favorite aspects of missionary work. Anyway, we taught a lesson to someone named Jackie who we found going through former investigators. She is 22 and from Sudan. Weren't quite sure what to teach her so we applied some of the tactics from preach my gospel in the How to begin teaching section. Long story short. Her language wasn't the best and she talked really quiet but the spirit there was really strong. We taught a lot of principles from the Plan of Salvation and mostly helped her to be comforted because she misses her mom who died a few years ago and her whole family is back in Sudan. By the end she said she would be baptized. Would not commit to a date yet though. It's all good. The miracle is that through the Holy Ghost, we were able to teach her and understand her even though we really couldn't even understand her or hear her. I know she felt the spirit and felt hope enter her life. I love to see the change in people who receive the gospel. It just reminds me of how lucky or rather blessed I am to have this in my life.
We had the opportunity to give some service this week.... to a baptist church! Some rude person dumped two dump truck loads of mulch and dirt into their parking lot. They needed help to move it all because all the people at that church are really old. We ran into the guy in charge of it while tracting and he was very thankful for our help. It felt good to help others. Now I see why you love doing things for others! I am thankful for opportunities to help others in need and be a good Samaritan. I love my mission!!
Sounds like another fun week! It doesn't seem like that much fun stuff went on back when I was home but maybe I just didn't appreciate it enough or was too much of a party pooper to get involved! hahah either way, the things you guys all get to do sound really awesome! :) I'm missing out but at the same time I wouldn't trade what I am doing!
Yeah letting virture garnish thy thoughts unceasingly. Thats part of D&C 121:33-46. Since President Howes has been here the whole mission has memorized that section! Cool stuff.
Oh yeah, so about 3 weeks into the mission I got an ingrown toenail and 6 months later it was ingrown on both sides and really infected and messed up so I finally went to a doctor and he did surgery to cut out two HUGE chunks of toe nail. Before that, though, I was soaking my foot in epsom salt and noticed that it said it was good for the soil in gardens.That might help out your garden. Look into it! Oh yeah and this last week I learned how to solve a Rubick's cube! haha yes!
My core experience with God this week came in a lesson. Surprise! I love teaching lessons, probably one of my favorite aspects of missionary work. Anyway, we taught a lesson to someone named Jackie who we found going through former investigators. She is 22 and from Sudan. Weren't quite sure what to teach her so we applied some of the tactics from preach my gospel in the How to begin teaching section. Long story short. Her language wasn't the best and she talked really quiet but the spirit there was really strong. We taught a lot of principles from the Plan of Salvation and mostly helped her to be comforted because she misses her mom who died a few years ago and her whole family is back in Sudan. By the end she said she would be baptized. Would not commit to a date yet though. It's all good. The miracle is that through the Holy Ghost, we were able to teach her and understand her even though we really couldn't even understand her or hear her. I know she felt the spirit and felt hope enter her life. I love to see the change in people who receive the gospel. It just reminds me of how lucky or rather blessed I am to have this in my life.
We had the opportunity to give some service this week.... to a baptist church! Some rude person dumped two dump truck loads of mulch and dirt into their parking lot. They needed help to move it all because all the people at that church are really old. We ran into the guy in charge of it while tracting and he was very thankful for our help. It felt good to help others. Now I see why you love doing things for others! I am thankful for opportunities to help others in need and be a good Samaritan. I love my mission!!
Oh yeah, how come Kolton is working in Texas?! Also, keep me updated on the NFL! haha Thanks! Haven't gotten the package yet, it's probably at the mission office. Should get it next week though. For our temple trip our zone travels together on the train to the Sydney temple in Carlingford. Too bad we can't go to Melbourne or Brisbane or anything. Look forward to hearing more next week!
Love, Elder Thompson
Season Changing
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening or whenever you read this!
Good to hear that Makayla liked her little package :) I'll be thinking of what I want for christmas too! I haven't really thought about it hahah but I will. I still need to get my ballot thing filled out. When do I need to have it done by?
Winter hasn't been to bad really, I think it rained more during the summer! But I hear it was a lousy summer. I actually have enjoyed the winter and am not excited for it to heat up again. So much easier to just throw on a jacket and adjust layers to get comfortable. When its hot, you are just out of luck. I will get a tan back though I think! Just need to do a lot of tracting. I'll probably get my new card at the beginning of next month, thats when I'll go to the mission office again.
For me it'sbeen another great week. Last transfer, Elder Honeycutt and I were buzzer tracting at a big block of units and while doing so a lady walked up to enter the units with her child in a stroller. Perfect, we got to talk to her and she was going to unit 4 which we had already buzzed unsuccessfully. After talking, we found out she was from the Cook islands and was keen to learn from us. We set up a time to see her the next week. Elder Honeycutt went to see her at that appointment on trade-offs and called her beforehand to confirm it. Her mom was visiting her and she said that she couldn't meet with us because her mom was opposed to it, and our potential investigator, Cecilia, "had her own church". So that was that. It seemed as though she was crossed off the list. A couple weeks ago I suggested that we go try her again. We buzzed her unit and she answered on the intercom. We set up an appointment for a few days in the future. When we went to teach her, our fellowship flaked and we weren't able to go inside to teach her because her partner wasn't home. Luckily she said to come back that weekend when he was home. FINALLY, we got to teach her. She has amazing questions. Probably the most humble, most teachable person I have ever met! She is very very receptive to the spirit. Her gospel knowledge is very low. We had to first teach her that only good things come from God and only bad things come from the devil. That's how little she knows. We didn't teach the whole restoration so we set up to go see her the next day. When we went to see her, she said that she felt like texting us and making up an excuse to not meet with us, but then she said she remembered the things we taught her and recognized that she was being tempted, so she didn't cancel and she said she felt so so good that she didn't cancel. She is learning that through Jesus is the only way to be happy and to be saved. I have never observed the spirit working so quickly and obviously with someone before. I feel so blessed to be a part of this experience.
One area in my life that I have improved on this last week would have to be virtue. Virtue is a tricky thing to have. It is so easy to misuse our mind or thoughts or desires. I feel as though the spirit has taught me a lot about obedience being a burden vs a choice. Doing good things because we have to vs doing good things because we want to. I am truly learning to be "freely obedient" as the days goes by. The feeling of committing to do something and knowing that you will never ever waver from that commitment is a very good feeling. I am so glad that I have the opportunity to learn valuable things each day and also for this chance that I have to serve the children of the Lord. My brothers and sisters.
Look forward to hearing more next week! :)
Love, Elder Thompson
We had a little fun with the mirrors, the videos are even better.
The KillaBurger
Close up
Zone Pday after Killaburger. all the Elders except the Samoan speakers are in this picture.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Kids Camp
G'day Mates,
Wow! I completely forgot about kids camp! That's awesome that Makayla got to go on her first one. Does it feel weird to be doing your own kids camp now? hahah I bet it does. Can't wait until my kids get to go too :) Oh, a couple things I forgot last week: They don't have labor day here, I think they might have something like it but it's at a different time of the year, AND last week was Australian fathers day! So happy Australian fathers day, dad! haha Did Makayla get her letter yet? Thank you Makayla for your email telling me all about your baptism and kids camp, sounds like some fun times for you!
Thats a funny story about Polly hahah she's probably been looking at that trailer all summer wishing she could go in and explore it! Then she finally got the chance and took it! Just be glad she didn't sneak in there for the camping trip! haha
A little about my week! I had quite a subtle experience with God this week. We were teaching an investigator, Chelsie, who wants to get baptized but her parents won't let her. As of late, she has been pretty discouraged and during our lesson this week with her we really dug at her concerns to try and figure out why she was not progressing or even excited about the gospel. We eventually found out that she hasn't been praying for a long long time and that she has not read the scriptures in a while either. That would explain a lot about why she has been so down lately. We worked really hard to help her to pray right then and there but she would not. I don't know why, but I knew it would be helpful to her. They must be taught the doctrine by the spirit and then it's all up to them to act on it, Heavenly Fathers plan is about agency. I was moved upon by the spirit to say to her something along the lines of "My companion and I have been specifically called by God, through a living prophet, to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do everything in our power to help people come unto Him. The reason we are so pursuing in getting you to pray is because if we were to do anything less, then we would be failing God, and failing you. As representatives of Jesus Christ we are here to act in his name and do everything he would do, and I know that if Jesus were here right now, he would be teaching you exactly what we are telling you now." She still did not pray, but I know that the Holy Ghost testified to her of the truth. In saying that statement to her, the reality of my calling really hit me. The things I teach aren't just things from a manual, but they are the teachings of Jesus Christ himself, and when we teach these doctrines with the spirit of the Holy Ghost, it's just as good as if He were to be teaching it Himself. Wow. I am called of God.
A scripture that really touched me this week was I think Alma 34:17 "Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you." It prompted me to focus on having a lasting prayer in my heart all day. Something with a specific purpose. Obviously I can't be crying unto the Lord all day everyday. You can't get a whole lot done with your eyes closed, head bowed, and arms folded.... especially if you are driving! haha but this scripture reminded me to be prayerful in my heart all day long. I know this will help.
I'm gonna take some good pictures today. we organized a Zone p day at a place called KillaBurger! They have these massive burgers that are 30 cm wide! I've only eaten there once before but I didn't have my camera but I will this time >:) Anyway! I'm having a great time here doing missionary work! Wouldn't change a thing! I love yous! Have a great week! I'm gonna go look at all the pictures you sent me now :)
Love, Elder Thompson
Wow! I completely forgot about kids camp! That's awesome that Makayla got to go on her first one. Does it feel weird to be doing your own kids camp now? hahah I bet it does. Can't wait until my kids get to go too :) Oh, a couple things I forgot last week: They don't have labor day here, I think they might have something like it but it's at a different time of the year, AND last week was Australian fathers day! So happy Australian fathers day, dad! haha Did Makayla get her letter yet? Thank you Makayla for your email telling me all about your baptism and kids camp, sounds like some fun times for you!
Thats a funny story about Polly hahah she's probably been looking at that trailer all summer wishing she could go in and explore it! Then she finally got the chance and took it! Just be glad she didn't sneak in there for the camping trip! haha
A little about my week! I had quite a subtle experience with God this week. We were teaching an investigator, Chelsie, who wants to get baptized but her parents won't let her. As of late, she has been pretty discouraged and during our lesson this week with her we really dug at her concerns to try and figure out why she was not progressing or even excited about the gospel. We eventually found out that she hasn't been praying for a long long time and that she has not read the scriptures in a while either. That would explain a lot about why she has been so down lately. We worked really hard to help her to pray right then and there but she would not. I don't know why, but I knew it would be helpful to her. They must be taught the doctrine by the spirit and then it's all up to them to act on it, Heavenly Fathers plan is about agency. I was moved upon by the spirit to say to her something along the lines of "My companion and I have been specifically called by God, through a living prophet, to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do everything in our power to help people come unto Him. The reason we are so pursuing in getting you to pray is because if we were to do anything less, then we would be failing God, and failing you. As representatives of Jesus Christ we are here to act in his name and do everything he would do, and I know that if Jesus were here right now, he would be teaching you exactly what we are telling you now." She still did not pray, but I know that the Holy Ghost testified to her of the truth. In saying that statement to her, the reality of my calling really hit me. The things I teach aren't just things from a manual, but they are the teachings of Jesus Christ himself, and when we teach these doctrines with the spirit of the Holy Ghost, it's just as good as if He were to be teaching it Himself. Wow. I am called of God.
A scripture that really touched me this week was I think Alma 34:17 "Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you." It prompted me to focus on having a lasting prayer in my heart all day. Something with a specific purpose. Obviously I can't be crying unto the Lord all day everyday. You can't get a whole lot done with your eyes closed, head bowed, and arms folded.... especially if you are driving! haha but this scripture reminded me to be prayerful in my heart all day long. I know this will help.
I'm gonna take some good pictures today. we organized a Zone p day at a place called KillaBurger! They have these massive burgers that are 30 cm wide! I've only eaten there once before but I didn't have my camera but I will this time >:) Anyway! I'm having a great time here doing missionary work! Wouldn't change a thing! I love yous! Have a great week! I'm gonna go look at all the pictures you sent me now :)
Love, Elder Thompson
Labor Day
Hello again,
Holy cow! Sounds like life back in Deseret is pretty awesome! That's awesome to hear about Makayla's baptism and everything. I sent her a letter that I think she'll like :) Thanks for the Absentee ballot form! I'll get that done soon. Yeah I've tried putting batteries in the camera but they always die really fast and when it does turn on sometimes randonly it says there is full battery. I think it might drain the batteries pretty fast though because of how big of pictures it takes so I will downsize it once I get new batteries.
Anyway, this week has been really good! My core experience with God this week, I would say, was on exchanges with Elder Menzie, one of the assistants to the president. We had scheduled to go see a less active member and teach the restoration that night. We got there and were greeted warmly. We got a little more aquainted with each other and then started to listen to the spirit and ask inspired questions. It soon became evident that the restoration wasn't going to be the most effective lesson to teach. I knew we should not begin teaching the restoration and instead teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just then, his neighbor rang the doorbell to drop off some little pizza things which was perfect because Elder Menzie and I were able to quickly talk to each other and found that both of us had been prompted to teach the same thing. The whole lesson was just so thick and so strong with the spirit. I bet you could have probably even smelled the Holy Ghost! The miracle is just that this man had the chance to really feel the spirit and hear God speaking to him again. He knew exactly what was to be done and had the desire to do it. I'm thankful for that opportunity.
I grew from the Zone Leader Training in an interesting way. The night before the training I acknowledged once again to myself that I really don't know very much. I'm still a young missionary. How can I be the one teaching an entire zone of missionaries?? I then realized first of all that I am there to be learning from the missionaries that I will be teaching. Interesting how that works but it does. More than that, myself and the rest of them should be learning from the Holy Ghost. That's the real teacher in the situation. I've had the knowledge before that this should be the case, but this time, the spirit really helped me understand how I can step out of the way and let Him do all the teaching. I'm also very thankful for that revelation. I am a true believer of personal revelation.
My email is one day late again because we just had transfers. I'm still in the same area, but in the Zone 6 missionaries got transferred. That's half the zone! It should be fun getting stuff done but I think it will be good. 2 areas got shotgunned. (where both elders get transferred and two new ones come in). They will be training in their new areas too. Bright future for the Mortdale Zone!
Its been great to hear your testimonies and experiences. It is always great to hear about what kind of stuff is going on with all my loved ones back home. Heavenly Father is really blessing you guys. That is very comforting to me.
Anyway, we are going to try to go to costco today and get some american cheese! :)
Til next week! Love you!
Love, Kuyler
Holy cow! Sounds like life back in Deseret is pretty awesome! That's awesome to hear about Makayla's baptism and everything. I sent her a letter that I think she'll like :) Thanks for the Absentee ballot form! I'll get that done soon. Yeah I've tried putting batteries in the camera but they always die really fast and when it does turn on sometimes randonly it says there is full battery. I think it might drain the batteries pretty fast though because of how big of pictures it takes so I will downsize it once I get new batteries.
Anyway, this week has been really good! My core experience with God this week, I would say, was on exchanges with Elder Menzie, one of the assistants to the president. We had scheduled to go see a less active member and teach the restoration that night. We got there and were greeted warmly. We got a little more aquainted with each other and then started to listen to the spirit and ask inspired questions. It soon became evident that the restoration wasn't going to be the most effective lesson to teach. I knew we should not begin teaching the restoration and instead teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just then, his neighbor rang the doorbell to drop off some little pizza things which was perfect because Elder Menzie and I were able to quickly talk to each other and found that both of us had been prompted to teach the same thing. The whole lesson was just so thick and so strong with the spirit. I bet you could have probably even smelled the Holy Ghost! The miracle is just that this man had the chance to really feel the spirit and hear God speaking to him again. He knew exactly what was to be done and had the desire to do it. I'm thankful for that opportunity.
I grew from the Zone Leader Training in an interesting way. The night before the training I acknowledged once again to myself that I really don't know very much. I'm still a young missionary. How can I be the one teaching an entire zone of missionaries?? I then realized first of all that I am there to be learning from the missionaries that I will be teaching. Interesting how that works but it does. More than that, myself and the rest of them should be learning from the Holy Ghost. That's the real teacher in the situation. I've had the knowledge before that this should be the case, but this time, the spirit really helped me understand how I can step out of the way and let Him do all the teaching. I'm also very thankful for that revelation. I am a true believer of personal revelation.
My email is one day late again because we just had transfers. I'm still in the same area, but in the Zone 6 missionaries got transferred. That's half the zone! It should be fun getting stuff done but I think it will be good. 2 areas got shotgunned. (where both elders get transferred and two new ones come in). They will be training in their new areas too. Bright future for the Mortdale Zone!
Its been great to hear your testimonies and experiences. It is always great to hear about what kind of stuff is going on with all my loved ones back home. Heavenly Father is really blessing you guys. That is very comforting to me.
Anyway, we are going to try to go to costco today and get some american cheese! :)
Til next week! Love you!
Love, Kuyler
Some pictures
Sorry I haven't sent pictures in a while. My camera has been having
problems turning on and staying on. I'm not sure what's wrong with it
but I finally got a hold of a card reader so I can send some home. I
haven't really taken a lot of pictures lately though. :/
zone p day at the beach
me at the beach
huge sand pile
the whole zone
me and my ward mission leader
Lauren, Gum, Tahi, Tiama, and Kalia
the Biddle family
the Sengchanh family
the Pukeroa and Stephens family
zone p day at the beach
me at the beach
huge sand pile
the whole zone
me and my ward mission leader
Lauren, Gum, Tahi, Tiama, and Kalia
the Biddle family
the Sengchanh family
the Pukeroa and Stephens family
Feeling better
Hello again!
Yup so I'm definitely feeling better now. Sickness is pretty much gone. Just getting over the last of the cough and am starting to be able to sing again. :) Thats the worst part about being sick. You can't sing...
Yup so I'm definitely feeling better now. Sickness is pretty much gone. Just getting over the last of the cough and am starting to be able to sing again. :) Thats the worst part about being sick. You can't sing...
I will definitely be praying for Katie and Robert and family.
As a result of the mission conference, I have definitely been benefited by a revert to the basics of revelation. We learned so much just about the Holy Ghost and it's role in missionary work and also in future individual lives. I learned more about humility and faith. I was reminded about just how much help we need from Heavenly Father to do His work. This will come as a great benefit to me, and hopefully also as a benefit to the Zone. Elder Honeycutt and I have prayerfully seeked and received a lot of revelation of what we can do to help the zone. I trust that the Lord will lead us in our responsibilities as long as we humbly and prayerfully seek His guidance.
I'm excited for Makayla to get baptized. I have just one international stamp left for this month til I have new money to get more and I'll use that one to send her a letter. :) Tell Tia that I am still brushing and flossing twice a day. I have my floss sitting right on my study desk and sometimes floss my teeth just because I like to. haha
Let everyone know that I love them. I especially love you Mom and Dad. You have just done so much for me and made so much sacrifice for all 20 years of my life and even before that just so I could have a great life. It really reflects the pure love of Christ and I wouldn't have it any other way. Love you so much. Take care til next week!
Love, Elder Thompson
Saturday, September 1, 2012
August News
Hey there!
Sounds like again you have had a very awesome week! My week has definitely had it's ups and downs. I caught a really bad flu on Wednesday and was in bed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with a temp. sometimes as high as 102.8! I am feeling well now though so no worries. Still have a pretty bad cough and stuff but at least I can function without nearly passing out or falling over! I'm back to full working health now, finally, so I am very excited to keep on rolling and serving the Lord at a greater effectiveness. :)
Despite being really really sick for most of this last week. It has been a really good one still! The first part of the week was really sweet because when we showed up to teach one of our investigators at the chapel and upon arrival we discovered that she and her member friend brought 6 more of their friends to come learn as well! What a miracle! We gave them a tour of the chapel and then taught them all the restoration. It has been confirmed too, that they are coming again this week! That's awesome news. We also had a great experience with one of our investigators being baptized on Saturday! Her name is Fane. She is now the only member in her family, 27 years old she is really humble and loves coming to church! An investigator named Monty was at the baptism and said that he wants to be baptized in 3 weeks too so hopefully we can help him and make that happen!
The mission conference yesterday was really great as well! I got A LOT of notes and great revelation that will definitely help me immediately and for a very long term. Elder Pearson and Elder Christensen are very inspired men and did a great job of helping our misson. Haven't taught Semu again, he is in a completely different area but hopefully he will still be getting baptized soon. There will be a lot of chanllenges for him but the Lord will provide... like always.
I really like the subject of the talk you gave, Dad. Using preach my gospel is the perfect reference! I'm really glad that you mentioned member missionary work too. Hopefully it gets the rest of the ward pumped up to do some missionary work too.
I miss everyone and look forward to hearing about all the things going on next week! I love the pictures from camping. Looks so fun and the kids look so cute!! hahah anyway, til next week!
Love, Elder Thompson
Sounds like again you have had a very awesome week! My week has definitely had it's ups and downs. I caught a really bad flu on Wednesday and was in bed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with a temp. sometimes as high as 102.8! I am feeling well now though so no worries. Still have a pretty bad cough and stuff but at least I can function without nearly passing out or falling over! I'm back to full working health now, finally, so I am very excited to keep on rolling and serving the Lord at a greater effectiveness. :)
Despite being really really sick for most of this last week. It has been a really good one still! The first part of the week was really sweet because when we showed up to teach one of our investigators at the chapel and upon arrival we discovered that she and her member friend brought 6 more of their friends to come learn as well! What a miracle! We gave them a tour of the chapel and then taught them all the restoration. It has been confirmed too, that they are coming again this week! That's awesome news. We also had a great experience with one of our investigators being baptized on Saturday! Her name is Fane. She is now the only member in her family, 27 years old she is really humble and loves coming to church! An investigator named Monty was at the baptism and said that he wants to be baptized in 3 weeks too so hopefully we can help him and make that happen!
The mission conference yesterday was really great as well! I got A LOT of notes and great revelation that will definitely help me immediately and for a very long term. Elder Pearson and Elder Christensen are very inspired men and did a great job of helping our misson. Haven't taught Semu again, he is in a completely different area but hopefully he will still be getting baptized soon. There will be a lot of chanllenges for him but the Lord will provide... like always.
I really like the subject of the talk you gave, Dad. Using preach my gospel is the perfect reference! I'm really glad that you mentioned member missionary work too. Hopefully it gets the rest of the ward pumped up to do some missionary work too.
I miss everyone and look forward to hearing about all the things going on next week! I love the pictures from camping. Looks so fun and the kids look so cute!! hahah anyway, til next week!
Love, Elder Thompson
News for the week
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am SOOOOOOO glad that it is P-day today. It is very much needed. Going two/three weeks without a real preparation day really hinders the work for the rest of the week. Elder Honeycutt and I have had a harder time than usual focusing and stuff. We have still worked hard though. I'm just glad I can relax today. :)
A few of the appointments that we set up fell through but miracles have not ceased to happen. We see them every day. I am very grateful for this past week. I have been able to truly grow as a servant of the Lord and really follow his example in missionary work. My core experience with God happened on Friday after Zone Training Meeting (or ZTM, which is a monthly meeting that we the Zone leaders conduct and instruct. It's meant to pump up the Zone and to set goals and make plans all together.) During ZTM, Elder Honeycutt and I felt inspired to introduce a culture into the Zone based on the scripture 2 Timothy 1:8 "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;" Later that day while we were tracting, we came across a large group of Muslim people who began to follow us from house to house and tell us that they owned the houses we were knocking on and that no one lived there. A few houses later one of their friends walked up to us (followed by about 10 of his friends who had come out of their houses as well) and began to blaspheme to us. He tried to argue everything we believed in, all while trying to scientifically and logically prove to us that the Koran is true. We withstood everything he could throw at us. He would not stop talking. His friends chimed in on the conversation every once in a while but mostly just swarmed around us while laughing and mocking us and our beliefs. I felt like a Book of Mormon missionary or something! After almost an hour of this man talking at us, even his friends got bored and they had to leave. In one instant, they all just left. We carried on knocking on doors. The time came to start back up the other side and tract back toward where we would knock on those peoples doors again. We really didn't feel like doing that..... when all of a sudden I remembered 2 Timothy 1:8. I said out loud. "I am not ashamed of the tesitmony of our Lord." and Elder Honeycutt agreed. We starting knocking on doors toward them who would ridicule us. The next person who answered the door was a born again christian who let us in, let us teach him, accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, and who we have a return appointment with. The Lord is preparing people for his restored gospel. We just have to not be ashamed to follow the promptings of the Spirit. That was my core experience with God this past week.
I'll be preparing for the upcoming mission conference with Elder Pearson and Elder Christensen by reviewing the notes that I got from the previous mission conference and comparing them and matching them up with references from the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. That way I can remember all of the valuable information and revelation that I receive and can look forward to receiving this time.
Anyway, sounds like you've had a great week as well! I should be able to get a letter sent home this week!
Til Next time!
Love, Elder Thompson
P.S. Oh yeah, we are at 49 jacobs street in Bankstown, NSW
I am SOOOOOOO glad that it is P-day today. It is very much needed. Going two/three weeks without a real preparation day really hinders the work for the rest of the week. Elder Honeycutt and I have had a harder time than usual focusing and stuff. We have still worked hard though. I'm just glad I can relax today. :)
A few of the appointments that we set up fell through but miracles have not ceased to happen. We see them every day. I am very grateful for this past week. I have been able to truly grow as a servant of the Lord and really follow his example in missionary work. My core experience with God happened on Friday after Zone Training Meeting (or ZTM, which is a monthly meeting that we the Zone leaders conduct and instruct. It's meant to pump up the Zone and to set goals and make plans all together.) During ZTM, Elder Honeycutt and I felt inspired to introduce a culture into the Zone based on the scripture 2 Timothy 1:8 "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;" Later that day while we were tracting, we came across a large group of Muslim people who began to follow us from house to house and tell us that they owned the houses we were knocking on and that no one lived there. A few houses later one of their friends walked up to us (followed by about 10 of his friends who had come out of their houses as well) and began to blaspheme to us. He tried to argue everything we believed in, all while trying to scientifically and logically prove to us that the Koran is true. We withstood everything he could throw at us. He would not stop talking. His friends chimed in on the conversation every once in a while but mostly just swarmed around us while laughing and mocking us and our beliefs. I felt like a Book of Mormon missionary or something! After almost an hour of this man talking at us, even his friends got bored and they had to leave. In one instant, they all just left. We carried on knocking on doors. The time came to start back up the other side and tract back toward where we would knock on those peoples doors again. We really didn't feel like doing that..... when all of a sudden I remembered 2 Timothy 1:8. I said out loud. "I am not ashamed of the tesitmony of our Lord." and Elder Honeycutt agreed. We starting knocking on doors toward them who would ridicule us. The next person who answered the door was a born again christian who let us in, let us teach him, accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, and who we have a return appointment with. The Lord is preparing people for his restored gospel. We just have to not be ashamed to follow the promptings of the Spirit. That was my core experience with God this past week.
I'll be preparing for the upcoming mission conference with Elder Pearson and Elder Christensen by reviewing the notes that I got from the previous mission conference and comparing them and matching them up with references from the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. That way I can remember all of the valuable information and revelation that I receive and can look forward to receiving this time.
Anyway, sounds like you've had a great week as well! I should be able to get a letter sent home this week!
Til Next time!
Love, Elder Thompson
P.S. Oh yeah, we are at 49 jacobs street in Bankstown, NSW
Camping out
Hello!
Wow I'm so jealous that you all get to be out camping! I really miss it! haha I hope to have some pictures sent to me pretty soon. I guess I'd better send some as well.. I have to go get batteries for my camera though.. woops!
I have had a really great and very fast week! I had one of the most amazing experiences in my mission and life this week. I got to share my core experience with God, with three other people at once. I was on trade offs in Sutherland. I was on trade offs with Elder Lee. We had planned to see a less-active member at night but we had to reschedule with her to a time earlier in the day. We had no guy to go with us so we figured we would just at least go have a door chat. When we got there, we found out that her little brother who is 18 was unexpectedly home at that time. So we got to go inside! Miracle #1. We shared a message with her but her brother just kinda sat at the computer and didn't really interact much or show interest. As we talked with the girl, Sah, she said that her little bro wasn't a member of the church. What a perfect opportunity. He didn't seem interested but it was worth a shot! We started to talk to him and inquire about his beliefs. He had been to our church before but didn't really like it because he was too confused as a kid and stuff. We told him that our job was to teach people that basic foundation of knowledge so that they aren't confused at church. After a few minutes of talking about helping him understand our purpose, his sister and us were able to convince him to hear the message of the restoration. He said ok and agreed to just turn around in his chair at the computer. To make a long story short, we began teaching and delivered the best lesson that I have ever taught. That's because the spirit was so strong. So strong!!! At the time of explaining the first vision, a little toddler was running around jumping and getting chased and making disruption but Semu (the one we were teaching) was locked on the picture of Joseph Smith in the grove. It was amazing. His sister Sah did an excellent job of helping him understand as well. By the end of the lesson the spirit pretty much forced me to invite him to be baptised and he accepted a date 3 weeks away. At the end of the lesson the only question he had was "Is it true that this will change my life?" We said yes and he was very comforted. He said he just wanted a better life and future. Before we left, he looked down and the Book of Mormon in his hand and said "Never thought I would have ever gotten into this... but.... ". He didn't know what the Holy Ghost was before but we clearly helped him understand that this feeling he had, which he had never felt before, was just that. God telling him that this was true, that he loved him, and that everything would be okay. This was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. Really the first time I have met someone that was so open to the spirit and humble enough to change. The Sutherland area has REALLY struggled for new investigators lately and with the snap of a finger (Gods finger) they now have someone to baptize. I am so thankful that I could be a part of such a miracle.
I'll be looking forward to the mission conference next week so that I can become even more focused on my purpose as a missionary and be reaffirmed that the Lord in on my side. I wish to be humbled and learn new things that I can apply in my life as a missionary and also for the rest of my life. I hope that all these experiences help me grow and progress toward eternal life.
Love, Elder Thompson
PS- There is an Elder here who's name is Elder Smiler. He is from New Zealand haha. There is also and Elder Elder. hahaha
Wow I'm so jealous that you all get to be out camping! I really miss it! haha I hope to have some pictures sent to me pretty soon. I guess I'd better send some as well.. I have to go get batteries for my camera though.. woops!
I have had a really great and very fast week! I had one of the most amazing experiences in my mission and life this week. I got to share my core experience with God, with three other people at once. I was on trade offs in Sutherland. I was on trade offs with Elder Lee. We had planned to see a less-active member at night but we had to reschedule with her to a time earlier in the day. We had no guy to go with us so we figured we would just at least go have a door chat. When we got there, we found out that her little brother who is 18 was unexpectedly home at that time. So we got to go inside! Miracle #1. We shared a message with her but her brother just kinda sat at the computer and didn't really interact much or show interest. As we talked with the girl, Sah, she said that her little bro wasn't a member of the church. What a perfect opportunity. He didn't seem interested but it was worth a shot! We started to talk to him and inquire about his beliefs. He had been to our church before but didn't really like it because he was too confused as a kid and stuff. We told him that our job was to teach people that basic foundation of knowledge so that they aren't confused at church. After a few minutes of talking about helping him understand our purpose, his sister and us were able to convince him to hear the message of the restoration. He said ok and agreed to just turn around in his chair at the computer. To make a long story short, we began teaching and delivered the best lesson that I have ever taught. That's because the spirit was so strong. So strong!!! At the time of explaining the first vision, a little toddler was running around jumping and getting chased and making disruption but Semu (the one we were teaching) was locked on the picture of Joseph Smith in the grove. It was amazing. His sister Sah did an excellent job of helping him understand as well. By the end of the lesson the spirit pretty much forced me to invite him to be baptised and he accepted a date 3 weeks away. At the end of the lesson the only question he had was "Is it true that this will change my life?" We said yes and he was very comforted. He said he just wanted a better life and future. Before we left, he looked down and the Book of Mormon in his hand and said "Never thought I would have ever gotten into this... but.... ". He didn't know what the Holy Ghost was before but we clearly helped him understand that this feeling he had, which he had never felt before, was just that. God telling him that this was true, that he loved him, and that everything would be okay. This was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. Really the first time I have met someone that was so open to the spirit and humble enough to change. The Sutherland area has REALLY struggled for new investigators lately and with the snap of a finger (Gods finger) they now have someone to baptize. I am so thankful that I could be a part of such a miracle.
I'll be looking forward to the mission conference next week so that I can become even more focused on my purpose as a missionary and be reaffirmed that the Lord in on my side. I wish to be humbled and learn new things that I can apply in my life as a missionary and also for the rest of my life. I hope that all these experiences help me grow and progress toward eternal life.
Love, Elder Thompson
PS- There is an Elder here who's name is Elder Smiler. He is from New Zealand haha. There is also and Elder Elder. hahaha
6 months down
Hey there!
Sorry I haven't been able to write any letters home yet. Things have been crazy. The last two p-days have been zone p-day so we have done a lot of travel and activities and today we got to go to the temple. We had to ride the train so it took a few hours and tonight we have to cut our preparation off a little early because of appointments. So we have to email, wash the car and do our shopping.It's nearly 4 pm and I haven't even eaten anything yet. That leaves me with 0 min of free time today but I promise I will find the post office next monday and send a package home. By that time I will have the funds to send it too. I have some cool things to send :) One letter per P day doesn't sound too bad. I think I can manage that :)
Sounds like you have all had a really great week! So many things going on I wish I could comment on all of it! The main thing I have to say though is that I miss everyone so much! All the holidays and things sound so fun. I love my family more than anything! Oh yeah... and since when have we celebrated christmas in July??? hahahaha I never even heard of that until a few weeks ago and now I find out my family does it! hahah oh well whatever gives the excuse to gather with loved ones.
My core experience with God this week has definitely been the strength and support that I have received from Him. Prayer really is a two-way communication. It is interesting to be able to really seek and receive revelation from the spirit, for those that I am in a position to help. I am very excited and looking forward to the time that I have to serve as a Zone Leader. I long to stay humble, teachable, and committed. I am firm in my belief that I will learn wayyyyy more from the Elders that I serve around, than they will learn from me. The bottom line is, however, we can't teach each other anything. The spirit teaches us, through other people. It strengthens my faith in Christ when I observe other people's desire to obey and serve the Lord. When the Holy Ghost comes as the Holy Spirit of Promise, it confirms to us that we are doing the right thing. I know that it can also testify to us when others are doing the right thing, and I am so thankful for that gift that we have from Heavenly Father.
I received guidance from the verse in D&C 121 that talks about faithfulness being stronger than the chords of death. That just comforts me and encourages me to continue to develop the faith that is really stronger than the chords of death. I have been working more on exercising faith lately. Yesterday, Elder Honeycutt and I decided to make a goal for a number of return appointments we wanted to get during finding. We held up our fingers with our goals. I help up 3 fingers, Elder Honeycutt held up 7. We decided that 7 would be our goal. We worked our hardest and exercised all of our faith. We saw heaps of miracles!! We ended up at the end of the day with 5 return appointments, right in between 3 and 7. I know that the Lord prepared each of those people to be ready to receive the restored gospel. I am grateful that I could be the tool that He used at that time to be able to reach out to them.
I am excited for my first Zone Leader Training Meeting this week. Once a month the Zone leaders will gather the entire zone to train them. Kinda like a district meeting but bigger. We also go on a 24 hour companion exchange with each companionship in our zone per month. We also organize district leader councils and work closely with President Howes to keep the mission running smooth. There are 14 missionaries in my Zone and I love them all. I will have lot's of fun. My new area is full of lebanese, muslim and asian people, they are all really nice. For my new mail address it would be best to send things to the mission office.
Elder Kuyler Thompson
Australia Sydney Mission
756 Pennant Hills Road
Carlingford, NSW, 2118
Australia
Anyway, It's so good to hear from you as always. Have fun camping for me! :)
Sorry I haven't been able to write any letters home yet. Things have been crazy. The last two p-days have been zone p-day so we have done a lot of travel and activities and today we got to go to the temple. We had to ride the train so it took a few hours and tonight we have to cut our preparation off a little early because of appointments. So we have to email, wash the car and do our shopping.It's nearly 4 pm and I haven't even eaten anything yet. That leaves me with 0 min of free time today but I promise I will find the post office next monday and send a package home. By that time I will have the funds to send it too. I have some cool things to send :) One letter per P day doesn't sound too bad. I think I can manage that :)
Sounds like you have all had a really great week! So many things going on I wish I could comment on all of it! The main thing I have to say though is that I miss everyone so much! All the holidays and things sound so fun. I love my family more than anything! Oh yeah... and since when have we celebrated christmas in July??? hahahaha I never even heard of that until a few weeks ago and now I find out my family does it! hahah oh well whatever gives the excuse to gather with loved ones.
My core experience with God this week has definitely been the strength and support that I have received from Him. Prayer really is a two-way communication. It is interesting to be able to really seek and receive revelation from the spirit, for those that I am in a position to help. I am very excited and looking forward to the time that I have to serve as a Zone Leader. I long to stay humble, teachable, and committed. I am firm in my belief that I will learn wayyyyy more from the Elders that I serve around, than they will learn from me. The bottom line is, however, we can't teach each other anything. The spirit teaches us, through other people. It strengthens my faith in Christ when I observe other people's desire to obey and serve the Lord. When the Holy Ghost comes as the Holy Spirit of Promise, it confirms to us that we are doing the right thing. I know that it can also testify to us when others are doing the right thing, and I am so thankful for that gift that we have from Heavenly Father.
I received guidance from the verse in D&C 121 that talks about faithfulness being stronger than the chords of death. That just comforts me and encourages me to continue to develop the faith that is really stronger than the chords of death. I have been working more on exercising faith lately. Yesterday, Elder Honeycutt and I decided to make a goal for a number of return appointments we wanted to get during finding. We held up our fingers with our goals. I help up 3 fingers, Elder Honeycutt held up 7. We decided that 7 would be our goal. We worked our hardest and exercised all of our faith. We saw heaps of miracles!! We ended up at the end of the day with 5 return appointments, right in between 3 and 7. I know that the Lord prepared each of those people to be ready to receive the restored gospel. I am grateful that I could be the tool that He used at that time to be able to reach out to them.
I am excited for my first Zone Leader Training Meeting this week. Once a month the Zone leaders will gather the entire zone to train them. Kinda like a district meeting but bigger. We also go on a 24 hour companion exchange with each companionship in our zone per month. We also organize district leader councils and work closely with President Howes to keep the mission running smooth. There are 14 missionaries in my Zone and I love them all. I will have lot's of fun. My new area is full of lebanese, muslim and asian people, they are all really nice. For my new mail address it would be best to send things to the mission office.
Elder Kuyler Thompson
Australia Sydney Mission
756 Pennant Hills Road
Carlingford, NSW, 2118
Australia
Anyway, It's so good to hear from you as always. Have fun camping for me! :)
Thursday, August 2, 2012
First Transfer
Hello!
Well, this last week has been hectic! Probably the most busy week I have ever had as a missionary! Lots of lessons to teach and things to do. We knew transfers were coming up and so I figured I was going to be transferred after being in Manly for 6 months, it still being my first area! We don't find out about transfers until Saturday night and we leave Monday morning. President usually calls up people who will be trainers and zone leaders on Thursday but we got no call Thursday, Friday, or Saturday so we figured it would be a pretty simple transfer. Saturday afternoon I got the call from President Howes to be a Zone leader! I accepted it. So now I'm in a new area called Bankstown and am a Zone Leader for the Mortdale zone. We have 12 missionaries in our zone. Get this! My companion now is one of my MTC companions, Elder Honeycutt! Right now me and both my MTC companions are all zone leaders. Crazy.
I am so thankful for the opportunity that I had to be able to serve the people of Manly for the last 6 months and I am excited now and grateful for the chance that I have to be able to serve the people of Bankstown and the Mortdale Zone.
My core experience with God this last week was being able to speak in Sacrament on my last Sunday in Manly. I spoke just before the temple president and his wife and it was one of the best sacrament meetings I have ever been to. The spirit was so strong and I felt so confident in the Lords work and in the role of the Holy Ghost in teaching and testifying to people. We have had an investigator named Lesley who has struggled to desire to pray and come to church but this last week was a miracle with her. She prayed with us no problem and then showed up to church the next day and received a very warm welcome from the members. I am sure that she will be back next week. To see the change in her over the last few weeks has been amazing. God really loves his children and will give them every resource they need in order to return to Him forever.
Doctrine and Covenants section 121 has helped me a lot lately. I just about have it memorized, just the last two verses to go. I am a Zone leader now which is kind of daunting but it's comforting to have the warning and the guidelines that this section gives to me. At first, my duties look a little unclear but I know that as I exercise persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness and love unfeigned, by kindness and pure knowledge then my soul really will be enlarged by the Holy Ghost. I look forward to all the responsibilities and things that the Lord has in store for me. I thank him daily for this chance I have to help others so intensely.
Anyway, I enjoyed the email from you guys this week! I did hear about the massacre in Denver! So messed up! Oh and I was wondering how I can vote! Oh yeah, and the number of full time missionaries is actually about 55,000!
Well, I can't wait to hear more next week! Love yous!
Elder Thompson
Well, this last week has been hectic! Probably the most busy week I have ever had as a missionary! Lots of lessons to teach and things to do. We knew transfers were coming up and so I figured I was going to be transferred after being in Manly for 6 months, it still being my first area! We don't find out about transfers until Saturday night and we leave Monday morning. President usually calls up people who will be trainers and zone leaders on Thursday but we got no call Thursday, Friday, or Saturday so we figured it would be a pretty simple transfer. Saturday afternoon I got the call from President Howes to be a Zone leader! I accepted it. So now I'm in a new area called Bankstown and am a Zone Leader for the Mortdale zone. We have 12 missionaries in our zone. Get this! My companion now is one of my MTC companions, Elder Honeycutt! Right now me and both my MTC companions are all zone leaders. Crazy.
I am so thankful for the opportunity that I had to be able to serve the people of Manly for the last 6 months and I am excited now and grateful for the chance that I have to be able to serve the people of Bankstown and the Mortdale Zone.
My core experience with God this last week was being able to speak in Sacrament on my last Sunday in Manly. I spoke just before the temple president and his wife and it was one of the best sacrament meetings I have ever been to. The spirit was so strong and I felt so confident in the Lords work and in the role of the Holy Ghost in teaching and testifying to people. We have had an investigator named Lesley who has struggled to desire to pray and come to church but this last week was a miracle with her. She prayed with us no problem and then showed up to church the next day and received a very warm welcome from the members. I am sure that she will be back next week. To see the change in her over the last few weeks has been amazing. God really loves his children and will give them every resource they need in order to return to Him forever.
Doctrine and Covenants section 121 has helped me a lot lately. I just about have it memorized, just the last two verses to go. I am a Zone leader now which is kind of daunting but it's comforting to have the warning and the guidelines that this section gives to me. At first, my duties look a little unclear but I know that as I exercise persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness and love unfeigned, by kindness and pure knowledge then my soul really will be enlarged by the Holy Ghost. I look forward to all the responsibilities and things that the Lord has in store for me. I thank him daily for this chance I have to help others so intensely.
Anyway, I enjoyed the email from you guys this week! I did hear about the massacre in Denver! So messed up! Oh and I was wondering how I can vote! Oh yeah, and the number of full time missionaries is actually about 55,000!
Well, I can't wait to hear more next week! Love yous!
Elder Thompson
Time Flies
Hello again!!
Sounds like you guys have had another pretty exciting week! Isn't
it crazy how fast each week goes by? Days are starting to go really fast
for me. Every time I kneel down to pray and night, it feels as though I
was just there and when I wake up in the morning, it feels like I just
barely fell asleep. Each week when we do weekly planning, it feels like
we just did it yesterday. Time flies... too fast.
I do miss everyone so much! I miss hanging out with my family and
friends and just being surrounded by my loved ones. There are still
people that I love here but it's just not the same. In preach my gospel,
it says that Heaven is a continuation of the ideal home. PMG pg 85. I
was thinking about that. It's a really nice thought. What is your ideal
home? When I think of that, I think of Christmas time. Everyone is off
work and school, there are no worries. Everyone is together and happy.
There is a good feeling in the air. There is Jesus everywhere. There's
lots of uplifting and happy music. Just stuff like that. If Heaven is
just eternal Christmas then I will be pretty happy! hahaha
Well I'm gonna head off! We're going to play touch rugby at
Freshwater beach today with the zone. We might even have a few National
Rugby League players there with us :) haha courtesy of the Manly
Elders. Hope you all have a great, not too hot week!
Love, Elder Thompson
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Hot Hot Hot
Mom and Dad,
This
week was really good! The actual week felt a little slow and stuff but
Sunday was amazing! 3 of our investigators came to church. I've never
had that many people come before! I was pretty overwhelmed! The busker guy is named Andre and he actually came to church this week! He really liked it a lot!
There
is a really good feeling in the mission right now. I really enjoyed the
Zone Conference/Special training that we had last week. We got to meet
President and Sister Howes. They are REALLY GOOD. He is really smart
with scriptures and so gentle and loving and so is Sister Howes. We
were all so spiritually pumped up and ready to go. I'm really excited to
have them here. I already feel as if I have spent heaps of time with
them because we feel so close already. It is going to be a really great
experience getting to serve with them.
The
Lord is continuing to bless this area. There was a period of time where
a lot of people were on vacation and things but now they are all coming
back and the members are starting to really get excited about missionary work. There is one investigator we have named Lesley and she really reminds
me of Mom a lot. She is really nice and loves to do gardening! She even
baked Elder Ng and I a nice banana cake! This has been a really great
first area for me. The members have been so great and I have built a lot
of really valuable relationships here. I think I am ready for something
new though. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for
me on the rest of my mission. The people I will meet. The service I can
do. The growth I can experience. I am just so excited for it all! The
feeling of working hard is the greatest feeling, especially when it is
the Lord's work!
Sound
like things are going really well! July 4th celebration and Antelope by
Moonlight sounded really fun. Two things I really miss!
I send my love! May the Lord continue to bless you!!
Love, Elder Thompson
Happy 4th of July
Mom and Dad,
I love to hear from you two each week. I am sorry to hear about
Aunt Debra. It is comforting to know the plan that Heavenly Father has
for us. We teach people that death is just the separation of body and
spirit. The spirit lives on and the body just waits until the
ressurection. I love Aunt Debra and am glad to hear that she went so
peacefully. I am grateful to be part of a family with the knowledge and
testimony to be able to bear a trial like this. I know that Aunt Debra
will be a great missionary in the spirit world and will definitely be
taken into a state of happiness. I wish I could be there to help. Will
you send me their address so I can write to them?
Good to hear about the new job, Mom! Sounds like you will be able
to get out and be more active now! That's good! I can't believe how hot
it is there! I just realized this week that I spent 3 years in a row of
4th of July away from home. That's kinda a bummer! haha I miss fireworks
and BBQ!
This last week has been pretty good! Pretty fast too! We got a new
investigator. This guy who is a busker (street performer). He hand makes
his own flutes out of pipes that he collects! It is really cool. He
said he can make about $40 per hour on average! Wow I want to do that!
hahah sounds awesome. Can't wait to go back and teach him. I think I
will get transferred at the end of this transfer. So about 3 weeks left
in Manly. In President Simmons last email to me he pretty much told me
that. But the new mission president could change that. Ya never know!
Still haven't met President Howes yet but we have Zone Conference this
Thursday so I look forward to meeting him! Still have no idea where I
could be getting transferred though. Got my fingers crossed for
Canberra.
Can't wait to hear how Independence day and everything goes! Hope
you get to meet President and Sister Simmons. They are awesome. Oh yeah
and Sister Sheen has given us cupcakes and Chinese snacks. And Sister
Simmons gave us cookies too! Usually enough treats to last us 2 or 3
days. :)
Love you guys!
Elder Thompson
One Year
Mom and Dad,
It's been one year already haha wow I hit my year mark since going
in to the MTC a few days ago. Today is my 5 month mark of being in
Sydney. Wow, it doesn't feel like that long at all.
Right now, it seems like we are doing a lot of waiting. Lot's of
people are on vacation and stuff so we just have to wait until they get
back to keep teaching. In the mean time though we are spending time
looking for new people to teach and also working on strengthening the
ward. I am constantly working on Improving my Christlike attributes.
This coming Saturday is President and Sister Simmons last day. I will
miss them a lot but I am also looking forward to seeing what happens
with a new mission president. I know that you two will love the Simmons!
Thank you for all that you do for me! I was just thinking how great
you two would be as a Missionary Senior Couple. You could even be the
one's that go around and take care of missonaries houses and stuff. One
office couple we have that take care of houses is the Sheens. Sister
Sheen is always bringing us cookies and stuff while Elder Sheen fixes
things. I could totally see you, Mom and Dad,
doing that kind of thing and loving it!!!!
We are constantly finding people who are interested in meeting up
with us again but it's just a matter of that desire of actually
following through. It's a bummer when we end up not being able to teach
someone but we will just keep working and working.
Today, we are going golfing with our friend named Gum. He is a
member and his partner is a non member and she is awesome! They came to
church this week and people were pretty much lining up to meet them. I
can always trust the Manly ward to help someone feel at home. I am so
excited to go golfing!!!! I love golfing!!!!! I can finally use my new
golfing shirt that I acquired here!
I look forward to hearing more next week! I love yous and hope you have a great week!
Love, Elder Thompson
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Happy Fathers Day
Wow! So good to hear that Lila is here and healthy!!! I've been so
excited to hear about it! I can't believe I have been gone that long.
When I left, Allison was just barely starting to look pregnant and now
there's a new soul in our family!! Wow! She is really cute too. I can't
wait to see more pictures of her and see how she grows and stuff!
Congratulations Tage and Ali! :) You have a beautiful family.
This week has been a good one for us! Although Elder Ng has been
really sick lately we still managed to get some work done. At our
baptism just two little boys were baptised. Their grandpa is the one in
white who baptised them. The family that we were referred to is a house
full of Phillipino people. There are about 8 of them that live there and
4 of them are new investigators now. The only problem is that they will
be in the Phillipines for about 3 more weeks..
It is really neat to see the change in people as they learn to
accept the gospel. I remember when we first started teaching Decan, he
didn't even know what prophets were or what the Holy Ghost, or Joseph
Smith was. He now has a better understanding of the first principles and
ordinances of the gospel than I did when I was like 16. Decan described
how good of a feeling it was to be baptised. He recognizes the Holy
Ghost and loves Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father so much! What more can
you ask?
It's been really rainy lately but our finding has still been pretty
good. We have met a few people lately who want to learn. One of them
lives just on the street that runs perpendicular to our flat's street,
he has even read portions of the book of Mormon and is 19 years old. He
is a prospective missionary! I just met him down in Manly Corso near the
beach. It is so beautiful here! So funny, down in the Corso the other
day there was a little kid with cardboard boxes on his head and body
wrapped in tin foil and he was standing in one spot doing the robot.
hahahahaha he was terrible at it too! You couldn't see his face, he just
had a bucket for people to put money in and he was actually making
quite a profit. I didn't have my camera with me :( it was so funny
though!
On Friday we had our last Zone Conference with President Simmons.
It was really good! AHH I don't have my camera with me to send pictures
of me with them.. next week. After the conference, Sister Simmons got
special permission to hug all the missionaries. It was fun :) You will
love her, mom!
Anyway, this next week should be a good one. All we have to do is
work hard and that's where the satisfaction is. There is nothing better
than kneeling down at night and telling Heavenly Father that I did my
best that day. Getting in bed and knowing that I should have no regrets
and feeling satisfied. That's enough for me, if baptisms are the result,
then so be it :) Have a great time this week! I look forward to more
news and stories! Love you so much!
Love, Elder Thompson
News of the Week, Baptisms
I'm really excited for this new transfer! Lot's of good things are
going to happen. I just know it! The Lord always provides when we have
the faith sufficient. I don't have a whole lot of time today but that's
ok because I don't have a whole ton to say besides the fact that I was
blessed enough to be a part of someones baptism and commitment to the
Lord. This work is great and brings greater happiness than is
imaginable. I love you all and look forward to hearing from you next
week!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Happy June
Yup yup! It's been a good week! haha that makes me think of the yup
yups from seseame street! yup yup baby, yup yup, family! Well it's a
new month so we can drive again! We are going to be careful about how
much kilometerage we use though! Thats cool to hear about the video you
watched about gardening being related to the gospel. It's true though.
Did they make any references to Alma chapter 32? if not, you need to
read that chapter. its a really good one which we actually read with a
part member family this week :)
I can't believe how warm it is getting there! Sounds like you should be swimming now huh? Lucky!
My first baptism is this Friday! It is really solid too. Everything
is ready to go! I'm really excited. I should have pictures to send next
week of it! Yeah it is weird having winter right now, it's pretty cold
sometimes but mostly wet. It's not too bad though, I got myself a jacket
here which keeps me really warm in the flat. I don't really need
anything else clothing wise. I'm all set! The other day we went down
into Manly to do street contacting and the rain was pouring down! People
were just crowded under the little over hangs outside of shops. It was
pretty funny. We met lot's and lot's of interesting people! We met a
lady the other week while tracting with heaps of animals. Birds dogs
cats, who knows what else! She calls her house "The Ark" hahaha I
thought that was pretty clever. She is really nice though and let us
come back to teach!
Oh, so how do I vote? I want to vote! How's the project coming
with the shed? Is it brand new yet or still a work in progress? If you
need help, get the missionaries over to help you! ;) hahah
Well it's been a good week! Transfers are next Monday and there is a
chance that maybe I will be moving. I would be ok with that, I'm ready
for something new. I hope to go to Canberra! It sounds really cool
there! Anyway. Keep having fun at home and doing awesome things!
Happy Memorial Day
Mom and Dad,
Yeah President Simmons is way awesome! The interview was really
fun, we don't really get to see president a lot.. He asked me to give
him our home address though so that if he is ever going by Clinton he
will stop by and say hello! We didn't have any baptisms yet, postponed
again but looking more solid than ever, now! Sounds like you have
actually had a really good week! That's too bad that the air show got
rained out. I love the air show!!
When I was reading that you had a NUAMES bus driver come help you I
immediately knew it was Rob!! Wow! He was one of the coolest guys ever!
He always stopped by Tasty's donuts and bought the whole bus donuts,
and on fridays usually he would buy the whole bus candy and or cans of
soda and every once in a while as we were going home from school he
would do trivia over the bus intercom and give prizes to people who knew
the answers. Usually it was movie trivia! hahah he even rented out all
of Lazer Zone one time and another time a whole theater for the kids to
go see Harry Potter! Much much more than a bus driver I'd say! Tell him I
say Hi!
This week has been a good one! It's getting pretty cold here. Since
we are low on kilometers on our car that we are allowed to use, we have
been doing a lot of walking lately. Which isn't too bad! We get
exercise and we talk to everyone as we walk around. It is actually a
pretty smart thing to do! I'm learning so much everyday! It's kinda
crazy. On the mission it kinda feels like to me there is a constant
sense of urgency. It's like you should be doing something every second
of the day to fulfill your missionary purpose. Even if we just have to
sit in the car for like 5 minutes and wait for someone, it makes you
feel sorta guilty hahaha crazy how that works. I never thought I would
be a missionary who has a hard time adjusting to normal life, because I
like to relax. However, I could see myself now having problems feeling
guilty because I should be out tracting or something hahahah. Oh well,
I'm not going to really worry about that right
now..
I'm excited for the rest of my mission! I just recently passed the 4
month mark. still feels like 2 years though but It almost makes me
cringe when I realize that I really only have 1 year and 8 months left.
Weird. I should be in the Manly area for at least one more transfer
after this, so probably about 2 more months. Who knows though? God.
Thats who!
Continue to have a great week and don't forget to send me pictures! Remember to love the Lord with all your heart!
Love you all!
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