Week 13 Buriram

Dear Family and Friends,

I was thinking this last week about why 18 year old Elders and 19 year old Sisters go on missions. I have been thinking about why would Christ want such young to direct His church. I mean I am only 20 right now (even thought that is weird for me to say now ha) being a missionary. I came to one conclusion, I am still studying the topic. I came to the conclusion that the hearts of the fathers must turn to the children and the hearts of the children must turn to their fathers. I think its is because us young people will be an example for our fathers or people who are older than us. If you think about it us 18 and 19 year olds take care of the church. It is said that if this church wasnt true missionaries would have destroyed this church a long time ago. That is not the case. I think it is amazing how we talk to people who are 2, 3 or 4 times our age and we try and help them change their lives. We teach them the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help them make changes to follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So many people think," He's so young, he doesnt know much about life." Well that is true to a certain extent. I dont know much about life and tell lots of people that. I do know that abiding by its precepts will bring you so many blessings: happiness, better health, help you with money problems, personal blessings and so much more. I had a guy call us and ask us to come over this past week. His wife left him and he wanted us Elders to come help him feel better. I cant council you but I did read a scripture or two that I hope helped him. He said each time the Elders come over I feel better. I challenge you if you are learning about the gospel from missionaries to give them a chance. I know we many not know much but they know what they are talking about when it comes to the Gospel. 

Elder Parish and I have been working really hard to in this area. We have so many people to watch over and make sure there are progressing. It is hard. I will say that it is not easy. Elder Parish said the other day," Look at all these people we have to watch over!! How will we do it all!?" I thought to myself that we will be patient, work hard and trust in the Lord. I read about patience this week and how it is not just waiting. We have to keep going and trusting in the Lord and in his time miracle will happen, but we must be patient. Things just wont happen right away. We have to use faith and trust. I hesitate to use the word "wait". We do have to use time as we are patient though. I know that things just wont happen over night here in Buriram. Was Rome built in a day? Did we get to the moon in a hour? No. It took time and patience. When the time is right is when miracles will happen. We were finally able to talk to the bishop yesterday about things that need to get done. I want to see this ward grow. At times I want it grow really fast and I want things to happen right away but that might not be the Lords will at that moment. We did talk to the bishop about doing ward council twice a month to discuss missionary work. Talked about getting a new WML (Ward Mission Leader) and about ward missionaries. It was a great time to meet with him, why because we wanted us to do a few things as well. We have a big job here in this area but it is possible. Well yes of course it is. I dont doubt that we can do it. Patience, faith, trust all play a factor. 

I had a bad day for inviting one day this week. Nothing was coming or going. I couldnt get anyone to stop and talk to me or to listen. I was like why isnt anyone listening to me. It is because I am white? It is because my Thai speaking isnt good? I had no idea what! So I stopped. I went over to a quite spot and I said a prayer. I explained my situation to my Heavenly Father. I asked Him to help me know who to talk to and what to say. I said " Heavenly Father I really dont know. Will you please help me so that I can do Your work?" As I opened my eyes I saw a person right in front of me. It was a women. I got her to stop and I asked her, What religion she was. She said that she was Buddhist. I asked her, So why are you still a Buddhist? She didnt understand the question so I rephrased it. I asked her, Why do you still like Buddhism? What has it done for you? She told me a little bit why she was still with it. I asked her a question, What does Buddhism teach about after life? She explained it to me in just a few seconds. I said is that it? I asked if I could explain about what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe. She said okay and I went of talking about the spirit world, when Christ comes again, the resurrection, judgment and the 3 kingdoms. When I was done she asked, Where do I learn? I was like wow!! I know that the prayer that I said was heard and that Heavenly Father responded. He guided me to who I was to talk with and what I was to say. I know if you dont know what to say or do go to Heavenly Father and ask for guidance. 

I had a recent convert who is 82 tell me this last week that he wanted to pray to Heavenly Father until he is 100 years old! Wow!! What a great example to me!! 

Also this week I invited a lady, who when she saw me, lite up. She wanted to shake my hand so I shook her hand. Then she touched my face. Then two of her other friends came over to me and wanted to hold my hand. These women would stop. I had to run!! I was went over to my companion and said where were you? He just laughed ha! I guess some people have never seen a white guy before ha. I thought it was funny though. 

Well lets do it again this week! 

Love,

 

Elder Hinckley 

Sorry no pictures this week. 

Week 12 Buriram

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week there was a lot of moving around, a lot of travel and a lot of learning. Not yesterday but the Sunday before that, a big majority of church members met in Bangkok to be taught from Elder Holland. Last weekend was so great! I learned a lot. To keep go on from last week about how Elder Holland talked about being persistent. He told us of a story of how 2 Elders were in Europe were tracking. They came to a house and knocked on the door. A woman answered, but only opened the door a little bit. Looked at the missionaries and slammed the door. The missionary was upset at this and said," We didn't even tell her why we were here". He knocked again. The women answered the door again. He said," Why did you do that?" The woman cut him off and slammed the door again. This Elder was determined to get some answers. He knocked again and this time the lady answered the door and said," I don't want any ministers here and I don't want to talk to you every again." Before she could slam the door a 3rd time he got his foot in the door and wanted to know why she didnt want to talk to them. It came down to it that she had not gone to her church in a few weeks because her daughter had died or her husband, I can't remember. Anyways when she went to her church to seek for help the minister said well we can't help you, you didn't come to church the past few weeks, something to that affect. She was angry and upset. She wanted to know where her daughter or husband was. She said I don't want to see you people around here again and tried to shut the door. The missionary said to the women,"Do you want to know where your loved one is?" At that moment she stopped forcing the door shut and listened. The missionary went on to tell the woman. We can tell you where your loved one is. To make this short she opened the door and the missionaries were able to teach and baptize her. Persistence! If someone says no the first time are you just going to take that as a final answer? Or are you going to try at least 3 times like this Elder did? Dont give up just because someone said no, go away or shuts the door in your face. If I would give up each time someone told me no I dont think I would be here. Just like Christ when He appeared to the Nephites. He went 3 times. He taught them on separate occasions. Do as Christ did and try at least 3 times in whatever aspect it may be. 

Elder Holland, on Sunday, talked about how each family wants their missionary to have a good mission. He told the members how they needed to help the missionaries have good experiences. He told the members to go out and help the missionaries have someone to teach. He also said how each members needs to do missionary work. It was a great talk. He also talk about how we need to prepare to go to the temple. He gave an example of a little boy who worked hard to give his friend a birthday gift, and the friend didnt accept it. How does that make the giver feel? Horrible! Think about it like this as well. Heavenly Father as said it is time for a temple to be built in Thailand, if we are ready to receive it or dont care about it when it comes, how does that make Heavenly Father feel? We need to prepare ourselves to go by helping the church grow, do missionary work and learn about the temple. It was a really good talk. He is really good at talking and what he does. It was great to learn from an Apostle of the Lord this last weekend. 

Since I have been here in Buriram for a while I have thought about inviting. I told myself, I need to go where we haven't gone before. Go somewhere where it would be unexpected for the missionaries to go. Now I wont go anywhere bad but going someplace new is good. If you see the same people everyday I think there is a problem. It gives you a chance to see what is new and different. You will meet so many new people who have never see the missionaries before. Even though nothing has come of it yet I know that we will see success from it. Also with inviting you have to be really patient. That is all I will say about that. Sometimes you get some crazy people and it is hard to talk to them. 

I talked to one lady this week and found out that her child had died. I asked her is she wanted to know where her child was and if she wanted to see her child again. The response I got was not what I expected. She said, no it is better without that child then before. After I left that lady I didnt know what to think. Why wouldnt you want to meet your child again? Why do you want to know where your child is? That showed me how much love that lady had for her child. If that was me I would want to know all the answers. Why, because I would love my children. When I become a parent I will love my children weather they are dead or alive. I came on a mission to help families become eternal. I can't do that if people dont love their children. It is true about what it says in D&C 45, when mens hearts shall fail them they lose their self confidence. This is vital! We need to have confidence in the eternities and what is to come.  

Somethings I learned from the July Liahona was that if you want to receive personal revelation, you need to go to bed early and wake up early. I have been putting this to the test. My companions and I have started to get up at 5:30 am everyday. We go running and work out when we get back home. As well as go to be as soon as we get things done. The article tells how our health will be better, how we will receive blessings and how this will help students get better grades and test scores. I took this advice that I read and Im putting it to the test. When I was at home I shouldve done these things. I didnt and I believe if I would have gotten to bed early and arose early I would have been even better. I think this is why we serve missions, to learn ha. For all you students out there, take the advice and go to bed early.

I got a new companion. His name is Elder Parish and he's from Utah. He is younger than Elder Polu my last companion. We are flying solo here in Buriram. They took the other set of Elders out. It is just the 2 of us here. So we have to take care of both areas here. It is a little hard because we have met with many many people. We took a good 2 hours yesterday to plan for all this and to make specific goals that will help us reach our vision for this area. It is possible. We plan to boost the attendance at church members and recent converts. Along with how many less actives we are going to bring back. It'll take some work but it will be well worth it. 

Something I want you to think about is your discipleship. I read a talk from Russell M. Nelson today from the August Liahona. Are you showing your true discipleship? Are you only showing it on Sunday or Sunday morning to Saturday night? 24/7? Are you a part-time disciple? If you are what do you need to chance? Are you ashamed of the gospel? and are you lives centered on it? Something that he said really stuck out to me was, Sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God!! Think about that or if you have time look for that talk. 

Well the sunshine is what keeps me going from day to day. It rains every now and then. I go running everyday with a companion who loves to run as well. I get to ride my bike everyday all day! I get to be a full time missionary for my Savior. I am in the Thailand, Bangkok Mission, AKA:The Best Mission. I love my time and what I am doing here. I wouldn't have learned what I needed to learn if I didn't come here I can testify of that. I love the gospel and everything it has done for me. I don't know everything but I am consistently searching for the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ everyday. 

Love Elder Hinckley

I was able to see some of my recent converts as well last weekend. One of them is doing to so good! She is helping her friends get introduced to the gospel. I got to see two of guys that have really helped me in my journey here in Thailand. I share a birthday with a great friend from my greenie area. He surprised me with a cake ha. My trainer and my follow up trainer finished their missions this past week. I had to cut my way through the tall grass to find some investigators!    

 

I got to visit Samut Prakkan for the weekend because Elder Holland came to Bangkok to speak to the missionaries. I saw one of my RC's. She has started to invite her family into the gospel.

Some of my favorite people ever in Samut Prakkan.

Saturday August 15, 2015. Mine and Won's birthday. Won and I are both 20 years old, born on the same day. I was born maybe three hours before Won. Won surprised me with the cake and everyone singing to us Happy Birthday.  A great surprise!  I gave him a tie for his birthday and he gave me a robe.

My trainer, Elder Robbie Gage and I at the special meeting with Elder Holland and some of our RC's.

Two awesome people I love, Jade and Won!

My good friend Jade, my RC came down from Chiangmai for the meeting in Bangkok!

Out in the fields of Buriram.

Elder Polu through the blades of grass.

Elder Klein is going home along with Elder Gage in 4 days, back to Utah.  Elder Klein was a great companion!

Tow of my favorite people!

I have decided to look for some investigators in the fields and tall grass of Buriram.

A delicious meal of squid! it's really good!

 

Week 11 Buriram

Dear Family and Friends,

Elder Polu and I did as much as we could this week with only a few days to work. It was hard but we got some things done that needed to get done. 

This week it rained pretty hard! On Monday Elder Polu and I made some homemade rolls at a recent converts house. It was really fun. We made them for a family that needed the rolls more than we did. The recent convert that we were with took them to the family for a FHE. She said that the family enjoyed the homemade rolls. I got a few and I tell you what homemade rolls are better than store bought rolls by far! It means so much more to you when someone will eat what you have made. We went to a different FHE and on the way there it started to rain. I thought, "Oh this is a little sprinkle, it should stop in a min." It didnt stop. It actually rained and then down poured!! I got all drenched! When Elder Polu and I got to FHE the host said I will give you some different pants to change into. By the time I got there I told Elder Polu we might as well go swimming! Well at least my shoes are water proof ha! 

This last week as well as this week Elder Polu and I have given many blessings to our members and their family who arent members. It is always great and a great opportunity to give a blessing. I always have to talk to the person before the blessing how what I am about to do is not from me. It is the priesthood and it is from Heavenly Father. He can heal you through me. I am grateful for all the opportunities to give blessings to Gods children. It gives Him and chance to say whatever He wants to His children. We gave one to a lady who is a amazing lady. She hasnt been able to come to church because of a accident but we were able to give a blessing to the lady of healing. We have give some blessings who werent able to speak to us at all. One person was a lady of a different religion who was I guess you could say a leader. Or someone who works at their temples here. It was a members mother. I know that every blessing that we give is through the authority of the priesthood. The priesthood is the power to act in Gods name. I know whoever we place our hands on can be healed. I try to image what Christ would do if He were here to give a blessing. I am a representative of Christ, I need to do the things Christ did and would do. 

This is funny! I have been trying to get Elder Polu to go running with me every morning. He comes sometimes. One night he told me, hey we are going running in the morning and I said yeah we are. 5:30 a.m. rolls around. Hey are you ready? No, I cant! Go with out me! It gave me a good laugh. He is doing great! Us running in the morning is doing us well. Why? Because us playing basketball is reaching more people than we know. We have met many people on the streets because we go once a week to play basketball. I know we may not be doing a lot but we are planting little seeds right now. We share all that we can. It is a great way to spread the gospel in a different way. The other day Elder Polu and I asked if we could help a man unload his truck full of food that he was going to sell. He said yeah. We helped unload all the food and then left. He came running to us as we walked away with some fresh, very much needed, water! He expressed his thanks and we told him if he ever needs our help to call us. A recent convert called us as well. He said I need you to come to my house really quick. We get there and he said okay we will hoe weeds in the garden. It was a sweaty hour later that we finished. I looked at Elder Polu drenched from head to toe and said job well done. I was so happy to serve the people this way. Makes me happy! I dont get a lot of service projects here, so I need to take what I get. Mosiah 2:17, we must serve, it is a commandment. My father taught me my first lessons of service who he got from his father.  

We had a switchoff this past week. I was with my district leader. He wanted to try and find some less actives. I said lets do it. We had about 5 or 6 less actives and their address's. We biked around for about a good 2 hours. We found some houses but not a lot of luck. Some people moved and others we have no idea. We did have success with one person. We found some people that new this member. They told us where this person worked. So my district leader and I went to find the person. When I walked up to the member, I looked at the member, the member looked at me and then back down to what the member was doing. I said the members name. 

The member said no, stood up and walked briskly away. I was like, well we found the member. I dont know why the member didnt want to talk to us. Anyways we talked to some other members who worked really close. We asked if they new the member, who was less active, and they said yes. I looked at them and asked,"Why didnt you ever tell us there was a less active right here?" They were like it never crossed my mind. All I could think was if you know of any less actives that we or missionaries can help please tell us. I want to help all the less actives with whatever they need help with. Finding less actives is hard but with help from the members and good record keeping you can do it. 

Today all missionaries gathered together to hear and be taught by an Apostle of the Lord. Elder Jefferey R Holland came to our mission today. As the missionaries gathered we sent up for a picture first thing with Elder Holland. Following we were able to shake his hand and talk to him for about 5 seconds. It would have taken a long time for a one minute conversation. Today is my birthday and I tell you what, shaking a hand of an Apostle is a great birthday present! We were on how we need to be converted. We need to be that one convert that comes from our time as missionaries. He told us that the Restoration happened through a 14  year old boy and how he was very mature. He explained to us how we need to be even more mature as 18 and 19 year old missionaries. He said I dont care if you are sad, mad, if it rains, if its hot, a lot is expected of us. We are here to safe one soul, ours. He said, "DONT YOU MISS IT!" So many times he raised his voice to proclaim that what we needed to do was serious and not something to mess around with. We have 18-24 months to change what we need to change. The mission will shape us, form us, mold us and refine us. It will help us get rid of the things that we dont need. Help us get what we want. He explained how he cant understand how a missionary who goes less active after the mission can throw away all that they did on their missions. All the studying, testifying, witnessing, praying, reading, what happened? Do not go and return in vain. He explained how we will lose a few sheep but we better not lose one Shepard! He told us to change if we need to change, repent if we need to repent and stay loyal to the principles we have learned here on our missions. One of the last things he said was how we are Gods investigators. God as invested a lot in us. We may say why wont anyone listen to us(investigators)? We need to say, Are we listening to God? When was the last time we did? He explained how Christ came to talk to the Nephites 3 times in 3rd Nephi. One time is not enough! I think next time I email I will explain more about trying at least 3 times. 

It was amazing to see and hear a Apostle of the Lord! Elder Holland bore powerful testimony as well! You can feel it! Many times I felt like he was looking right at me! I was a amazing chance to learn from an Apostle! 

I testify that Elder Jeffery R Holland is called of God! He is a special witness of the work of the Lord. I know that all that I have written today is true. So many amazing experiences and so little time! I have come to love my Savior more and more! I know Him more and more! 

I love you all!

Elder Hinckley

Monsoon season is upon us! Elder Polu brought out the good towel!

Dig those shorts!

My dad's recipe for bread came all the way over to Thailand!

I shared my rolls with the people of Thailand!

These turned out really good!

My trainer, Elder Gage is going home August 20, 2015.

Bangkok Thailand August 15, 2015. My 20th birthday!

Week 10 Buriram

Dear Family and Friends,

I have to say that this last week wasn't the best week I've ever had. It was just one of those weeks were not a lot happened. We tried to do all that we could but no results. To be very honest, it sucked this last week. Yeah, so? I talked to Elder Polu about this last week and he had similar thoughts as well. We only have a few days this week because all missionaries will be going to Bangkok to meet with Elder Holland on the 15th. We only have about 3 1/2 days of work so we agreed that we have to work hard, work diligent, have faith, be obedient and trust in the Lord. I talked openly with Elder Polu about a few things this week and we are in agreement. We just had to change a few things and hopefully those things will help us get going again. 

We taught his investigator this week who has been taught just about everything. He doesnt have a date because he teaches English everyday. He is the owner and wont stop work to come to church. It is hard decision, I understand. He is a really awesome guy. We taught him about tithing and fasting. We told him about how when he pays 10% of his income he is showing faith in the Lord and His commandments. He was really quick to understand tithing. After we taught him that day we gave him a tithing slip so when he is a member he can pay tithing. When I gave him the slip he took out his wallet and put his tithing in there. I told him that he didnt need to do it. I could tell that this man wants to keep the commandments whether he is a member or not. I know that God gives us commandments that will help us have safety, happiness and blessings. I know that this investigator whether he gets baptized now or later wants to keep the commandments. He is a really great example to me. I know that all commandments are important and that there is no shortcuts to keeping them.  

This past week I called two or our other investigators to see how they were doing. They said they were doing great and that was about it. About 15 min later they came to the church. They said that they wanted to talk. So Elder Polu and I sat down with them and they expressed how they found something that was "better" for them. They told us about his other "organization" with 5 religions in it. I have no idea what it is. They showed me a picture of a symbol and I was like what is this? The investigator said this is God. I pulled out a picture of Christ, put it on the table and said this is God! Then they went on to tell me how there is 5 Gods in this organization. I said in God there are 3 separate beings, there is Heavenly Father who has a body, there Jesus Christ who has a body and the Holy Ghost who doesnt have a body. After that it went silent. They wanted to show me more pictures about his stuff and I had a strong impression to stop this. I said no more in this building. Elder Polu and I said you have your agency to choose, God wont take that from you. If you want to come back you can. We both shared powerful testimonies that left them speechless and after that they left. I cannot begin to explain how much Satan is trying to deceive the children of men. He will chew you up and spit you out. Dont let this happen to you. Dont let you faith be shaken by something you know is not true. Right now we dont have much as investigators go. Can you please pray from Elder Polu and I? 

I got a call this week from a member. "Elder are you free?", "yes I am", "Can you come fix my fan, it is really hot in my house?", "Okay Ill be right there". I went over to this members home and found out that much was needed to fix the fan. I told the lady what I needed to fix it. She got me all I needed. I said I will take the whole thing apart and put it back together. Took it all apart, cleaned it, oiled it and put it back together. No more squeaking or shaking. The lady was very happy! Sometimes for us to fix a problem we have to go to the core. We need to look deep within and work our way out. Putting little drops of oil or spiritual nourishment that will help us work better and be happier. Cleaning us the mess that we made and hopefully remembering how it all goes back together ha. I loved this little experience which taught me so much! 

We had special training this week from our zone leaders this past week on unity, desires and planning. Something talked about was how we need to work with the ward council. In ward council you are able to talk about goals you want as a ward, the less actives you will visit and what service needs to get done. We dont have ward council here which is a slit problem. None the less if you are in ward council work with the missionaries to get things going. They know a lot that needs to get done as well as the ward. You can only benefit from each other. Yesterday we had the senior missionaries come to our ward to train us on PEF which I dont know much about, but I got some great tips from that for my owe life ha. Also training on Family History. All I can say is that it is the gateway to Salvation! Only through you and your efforts will you be able to help your ancestors get to Heaven. I know that it needs to get done. If you havent started, get started now.

Love Elder Hinckley

Dont get me in the kitchen ha!

I made some brownies to share with the people of Thailand.

I did a pretty good job!

A meal we made for ourselves.

It's monsoon season, ba-by! I'm glad I grabbed my rain jacket right before I left home.

Mangos I ate for breakfast! Yum!

Week 9 Buriram

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week was just a harder one for both my companion and I. It wasnt that we weren't working hard. Lot's of appointments didnt happen. It is okay. We work harder, be obedient and trust in the Lord and I know that we will have success! This success isn't for me, it is for God, the Lord and the Kingdom of God. 

I met a kid this last week. He was about 25 years old. I met him while inviting at a mall. He was on his break, so I went and sat next to him and started to talk to him. He was telling me about how he wasnt interested at all about what I had to say. He told me how he only believed in himself and that was it. I told this kid,"God knows everything about you. He watches you everyday and loves you." As I said that I could tell that he went into a deep thought. I could tell that something inside of him was going on. As we talked more and more I told him about how we can communicate with Him whenever we want. He asked some great questions like, If I pray wont it just be a burden for Him? Will He really listen? and some others. I answered the questions that best I could. I didnt have a whole lot of time because of my next appointment but I had a inviting card that I wrote how we should pray. That was that. I had thought about this kid for a day or so. I found him the next day in just about the same spot. I talked to him just the same. I asked him if he had a chance to pray. He told me that he hadnt but that he still had the invited card. I explained about prayer more and the whys and hows. I asked him if he wanted to try it out. He said yes. I said pour out your soul to him. He prayed that everyone would have happiness. I thought it was a great prayer. I said one as well as an example. After my prayer he asked what time is church and what do I need to wear. I was shocked by his question. I told him what he needed to know. He didnt come to church on Sunday but what I know is true is that a little seed is planted in that kid. That seed will stay there until it is ready to grow. He may not be ready now but he will be in no time. 

We met with some RC's this past week. I really wanted to talk about temples and family history work. As we talked about it some of the new members that we were teaching we shocked to to find out that they could go to the temple right now. I said yes you can go and do baptisms and confirmations. They were happy about this. I still think that they will wait for the temple to be built here though. I told them that they needed to prepare before they went, keep commandments, talk with the bishop, be worthy and so on. I told them about family history work and that they need to help their families have the opportunity to accept baptism and Jesus Christ. They said okay. I told them about my experience with my sister. My sister adopted a little girl. She was able to take her to the temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. My sister told me that she wished that I could be there with her. I told her that I couldnt because I was here in Thailand doing all I could so others could have an eternal family and be sealed for time and all eternity. Many of you have had the chance to go already. How many havent had the chance? I encourage you to help you family and friends learn about the temple and what they are capable of doing. I have such a special place in my heart for the temple. While I was in high school I was influenced by great friends. I had a friend ask me once, do you want to go to early morning seminary with me? I thought, why would I want to go, I already have my own class. I went with him and other friend. We learned a lot and enjoyed the time that we were there. After that class I looked to my friends and just suggested it would be funny if we went to the temple tomorrow morning. I thought they would have said no but I go the opposite. They said yes and we went. That very day we went sparked something in me, myself and my friends. From that day on we went to the temple as much as possible just about every week. I dont say this to brag at all but I say it because of what I felt when I went into the temple every time. I saw so many of my friends make sacrifices to go the temple Wednesdaymornings. I know they helped so many on the other side of the veil. I cant explain to you how much the temple influenced me to go on a mission. Go to the temple! It is where miracles happen! 

I was calling people from my phone the other day when I called someone that I didn't know. I asked how he was doing and if he needed anything. He told me that he didn't live in that area anymore. I said hey if you need anything you are more than welcome to call me. He stopped me before I could hang up and said I need help. He explained to me how he is having a hard time right now. I explained to him that we can all start over as long as we repent and look to Christ. I told him a quote from this last conference," The church is like a big hospital. It is a place we go to, to get healed." something like that. I told him we are all not perfect and thats okay. We need to put forth the effort. I told him to start with the small things, read, pray and go to church and work up to the hard stuff. Sometimes people expect us to deal with the hard things right away, we can or we can make small baby steps to help us. I dont know this boy or anything about him. All I know is that I tried to do and say the things that Christ would say or do if He was here. 

One day a week my companion and I will go play ball near a hospital. We started playing a few weeks ago and have made some new friends. I know that we need to get the word out about Christ and we have been thinking about how we can but do it differently. We thought, hey basketball! We are making small steps towards helping some of our new friends learn about the Word of God. It is different, something that we havent tried yet. We have tried many different things and none seemed to work. We didnt give up. The Lord gave us this chance to help others in a different way. If we/you think there isnt another way then you or I have given up. Keep trying! This is for all you missionaries out there, members included, do not give up! What haven't you tried yet? I know you can do it! 

Every Saturday us missionaries will go and clean the church. In America we have members who are scheduled to do it, right? Well here it falls on our shoulders. We have members that come and help some times. I love cleaning it! I am so thankful for the rented building that we have to have to learn more about our Savior and partake of the sacrament. I know that cleaning isnt the greatest thing to do but I tell you it is worth it. You will sit in sacrament that next Sunday and think I helped clean this so that others can have spiritual experiences today! I challenge you to make an extra effort to clean your ward building! Go the extra mile and even look under the couch!! ;) Our investigator/new member got the Holy Ghost this last week! She was beaming with joy and happiness! She brought we 3 year old son with her too! He is so well behaved, so many comments about him. She is so happy and doing well! I am so happy for all that I have been able to teach while here on my mission! I know that I will teach many more and hope to teach many more.  

More to do and learn! 

Love Elder Hinckley

A night of pick up games to help spread the gospel.