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.
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