Week 1 Bang Naa

Dear Friends and Family

This last week I got moved out of Buriram and got put into a new area this week. I am very thankful for the members and the missionaries that I was able to work with in Buriram. It was a great building block for me. I learned so many things that I know I will use in my other areas. That is what is great about an area, you learn many things that you want to use in your other areas. I learned to really love the Thai people even more. To some it was really hard to say goodbye. I almost felt like my heart was getting ripped right out of me. It is okay. I did what I was supposed to do in that area with the time and companions that I had. I will make it an effort to go back and visit those that I left. One of my RC's, when I told her that I was moving she began to cry. I really didnt want to see her cry at all. It was a very special moment and I hope she will be able to go on even though I am not there. I will be able to call them each Monday so that will be fine. I got sent pretty much back to my greenie area. I am in Bang Naa. It is right next to Samut Prakaan. My new companion is Elder Raleigh. He was in the MTC with me so we already know each other. 

The Monday before I left we had a Family Home Evening with some recent converts and one of our investigators. We talked about the Word of Wisdom, which I didnt know our investigator had such a strong opinion about. Her job deals with Health, Im not really sure what it is, but it deals with food and health all over the state. She talked about how we need to eat meats (not a lot), grains, fruits and lots of vegetables. She had a way strong opinion about it which was great! I was just way impressed with her! She was even giving us things that we could do to stay healthy. I am all about staying healthy and being fit. Since the start of my mission I have not missed a day of exercise. Now I know that some of you may think that Sunday is a day of rest and that is true. Now I will just share my opinion. Monday to Saturday I work out really hard. I will run and lift weights as much as I can without hurting myself. On Sunday I stay inside and do my push ups and sit ups. Its not to much but I have found that I am less tired on Sunday to focus on what I am learning in sacrament and my other classes. I have found that as I have been working out I am less stressed and I have more energy during the day. The Word of Wisdom is something you and I should all take into consideration. By eating healthy and exercising you will be happier and healthier. By not taking drugs of any kind, alcohol, tea, coffee or smoking of any kind into your body you will find that you will be blessed for that decision. If you have health problems and you are using these things, give them up and see what a difference you will make to your body. You may not see it right away but in the long run it will pay off. I am an athlete and I know that I cannot eat or use those things that will jeopardize my ability to play hard and be effective. I promise you by taking the time to watch what you eat and exercise you will be blessed and will have less stress. 

Have you ever been asked to go do errands for your mom or your boss before? Have they given you a list of what is needed and when it needs to be done? Once my mom asked me to go to the store and buy some food that we would make for dinner that night. I had a list, went to the store, got the the food, went home and made dinner. We ate dinner on time and everyone was happy. What would have happened if I didnt go right away? Or if I lost the list? I would be able to make dinner and there would be some grumpy hungry kids and/or adults ha. Well have you ever thought that God your Heaven Father has sent you on an errand? What time has He given you? What does He want you to get done? Now for all of us our errands are different and we have different times, right? Well I want you all to take a minute and think what your errand is. You may be a missionary, have a calling at church or you may not have any calling. What ever your calling is what is it that Heaven Father wants you to get done? I know that we all have something to do and get done. I know that right now I am a missionary. I have two years to find, teach, baptism and reactivate. I have a lot of things that I need to do for Him so when Jesus Christ comes again all will be ready. I have this saying on my scripture case that says,"In His own time, in His own way". I have thought about that time and time again. You may think why does this person need to be taught this right now or why do we have to go visit this guy even though he doesnt accept us. Every errand of the Lord has a reason and a purpose. Things will all work out in the time of the Lord. You are on the Lords errand, do you want get it done timely or wait? Do you want to get the items on the list or just a few? I just want all of you to remember that you and I are on the Lords errand. From the newest member of the church to missionaries to bishops to the prophet. You will be blessed for running the Lords errands, I promise. 

I saw a sign the other day, it read pause. Have you ever thought to yourself that you are going a hundred miles an hour, doing this and that? Are you going to fast that you dont have time for important things in life such as family and church. How often do you just pause and take a break. I know that there are many people that work non stop. They never take a break. People here in Thailand work all day every day and it is really hard. I ask people dont you want a break? They say yeah and I tell them okay just take a day off. Oh no I cant do that. I wouldnt get any money. Is that all you are thinking about is money. Or do you have a day off, yes. Okay can we meet on your day off? No I am working. Wait you have a day off but you still work? Yes. I know that at times I am working really hard and I may not be thinking about what is really important. Did we pause to talk to our son or daughter? They may be struggling with a problem and they are trying to seek help? Did we pause to visit a sick member? Did you pause to think what the Lord would have you be doing right now? How often to you pause to say a prayer of thanks to your Heaven Father? I know that at times we are in a hurry and we dont think about pausing. What would happen if we did? At times I have just stopped while I was inviting and I just stood there and paused. I looked out and say many many things. The whole world and the hustle and bustle of life going a million miles an hour. Take a minute to pause and think. I know that we all need to hit the pause button every once in a while. 

We had a baptism just yesterday. It was a man who my companion found just a week or so ago. He was a way prepared man. He pretty much said that each time the missionaries taught him something he was like well its from God so it has to be true. He accepted everything and got baptized just yesterday! The man is a boss and you can see how much good he will do for others. We met with another lady yesterday as well, another one of our investigators. She is totally willing to follow Jesus Christ and get baptized! We plan on helping her prepare for this Sunday. She is prepared. There are prepared people out there. The Lord prepares all who will receive the gospel. Everything happens, In His own time and HIs own way. I am just his servant here to do His work. I am so grateful to do His work. 

Do His work

In His own time, in His own way

Pause

Word of Wisdom

Love the people you serve

I love you all 

Elder Hinckley

Elder Hinckley with the two convert baptisms he had in Buriram. Elder Parish was his third companion there.

The two young men that were baptized in Bang Naa.

Elder Hinckley with his new companion, Elder Raleigh and the two young men were Elder Raleigh's converts.

Elder Hinckley loves to cook French fries.

Elder Hinckley and his new companion in Bang Naa.