Week 16 Bang Khae

Dear Family and Friends

This last week we had transfers and I ended up staying in Bangkhae. I am happy to be staying here for the remainder of my mission. 6 months in an area I think is great. You can do a lot in one branch or ward. President sent out a letter this last week telling us that lots of us missionaries would be staying in areas longer so that we can work and know the leaders. I like that! Elder Taylor and I will be staying together for the rest of the transfer. We also received to more Elders in the area. 

Elder Taylor and I had some great lessons this last week that really boosted our faith and testimonies. We had a interesting lesson with an older gentleman about the Restoration. The whole lesson we could feel the spirit just in the room. By the time the lesson was over we just had a smile on our face with a good feeling inside. Elder Taylor said," I dont know what it was but I think you and I were learning new things in that lesson. I just cant say what it was that we learned." I feel as if we learned how to teach in greater unity. 

We met one of our Christian investigators the other day and she was telling us how she wanted to give the Book of Mormon back. When we asked her why she said," You worship Joseph Smith. Also my preacher or priest said,'Those Mormons play the lottery, drink, smoke and party.' That is why I dont want this Book of Mormon anymore." Well we had to take the next few minutes to explain that all of that wasnt true at all. I dont get it why do people have to lie like that. Are you serious?! Why cant Christians be more Christian. They are just ignorant, they just dont know I guess. 

We taught a new investigator this last week who was really prepared! He was open with what we talked about which is great. He is interested in learning because of things that his older sister told him about Jesus Christ. He is really willing to keep commitments as well. I love investigators like this! The investigators that we are teaching right now are soo good! They are just progressing right along and it is great to see their progression! I know that the Lord put Elder Taylor and myself her for a reason! We have been going through all the members records and updating them because they are not up to date. This last week we found maybe 10 or so houses with right and wrong address. It takes time to update records but it is worth it. 

I called a referral this last week who was given to us about 3 or so months ago. I knew this lady was Christian already but still persisted in trying to meet with her. She told me how at the church she was going to go to she had to learn for a year before she could be "baptized". I told her she could get baptized whenever she wants here BUT she has to have prayed about what we teach and more than likely have a testimony about those things as well. She was shocked! She wants to meet with us know! I hope this goes well because we spent a hour talking on the phone! Jenny is her name, she said,"Wow you are really persistent in meeting with me. I feel like this means a lot to you." Yeah it does!

Sister Rung interviewed this last week and she passed!! Sunday was a great day! We had a good number at church which was good as well. The baptismal font took a while to fill for some reason. The electrical wasnt working that well but we got it filled in time for the baptism. Her daughter was even able to watch as well. Sister Rung was baptized before about 11 years ago somewhere else and she said that she knew this baptism was the correct one and the only one. Her daughter wants to be baptized as well. She is partly handicapped but that is okay. She has a great mother who will help her along the way. The last 3 baptisms here have been great because of the members. They are able to help teach and meet with them. Right now these last 3 are doing well because of the member help. 

Our investigators at this time are Kwan,Tong, Boot, Tin, Braseat, Mong, Ooy, Kim, May and Ploy, Brasan, Newk, Om and Hang. They are doing so well and many of them will and can be baptized in the coming weeks. Please pray that they will receive their answers. I like it so much here that I think I will ask my mission president if I can stay here for a few more months! Before I go something that I want you all to think about is: What is the culture of Christ like?

Love

Elder Hinckley