The two attached pictures are from today--we were studying this morning when we heard some commotion in front. We peered out the window of our bedroom and saw these to guys standing there, talking in our front yard (the 1st picture). It is the 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency and the Elder's Quorum President! And they brought their weed wacker (sp?) to cut the forest that was our front yard. We've been trying to figure out a way to take care of it for weeks now...and no solution...until they just showed up today! It was the 2 Pa's, Pa Samran and Pa Gera. They are 2 of the most hilarious old men I've ever known, that are always trying to speak English to me. Hahaha. They're retired, and always free to help us teach, usually spending their free time at the church playing golf, ping pong, etc. They love sports. (I've invited them to come to Utah and play golf with my brothers...that okay?) They are so great. Gratefully we ran to the Market this morning for a couple things, and we had some veggies/meat in the fridge. We whipped up some rice/dishes and fed them lunch. But, being a rule, we can't be in the house at the same time, so we just moved our kitchen table out in our front yard and ate outside! This is picture number 2. They were so sweet to serve us!
It was so nice. I cannot believe how much these members have opened their hearts. It's amazing to me, just seeing the change the past few months. Miracles have happened! The other day the Relief Society President invited us to eat dinner at her house, so she could teach us how to cook! And we have another dinner appt this Saturday with a member, and a Family Home Evening tonight with a few of our investigators at a member's house. Things are going well.
I love investigators getting answers.
Nat: He knows the Book of Mormon to be true! He says he loves reading it. It gets more and more fun with every chapter, and he needs to read everyday or else he isn't fully happy.
Nay: He needs to pray and read everyday, because when he doesn't, he's not happy. Plus, he says he can fill out his own job application ever since he's started learning with us--he's Laotian and hasn't been able to write in Thai himself until now! He knows God has helped him. And every commandment he hears in church/learns with us, he immediately changes his life to follow it. The other day he said, "I stopped smoking and drinking a few years ago, but when I heard the God's commandment included tea and coffee as well, I have stopped those, too. I've never felt so much energy, sisters!" We didn't even teach him that one--he heard it in a talk in church. People are prepared.
Taay: She told me last night, "Sister, I prayed and asked if God was real, like you asked me too! I don't know if I got my answer, I didn't hear anything....but I know that I felt really really warm in my heart when I asked, and felt peaceful." That made for a really easy testifying session to help her see that those feelings come from God. She's committed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon now!
Somkhid: This woman is setting the example for her 2 children and husband--who are all learning together. After our first time meeting, she found time to pray alone that night. She said that night she dreamed about Christ coming to visit her (she's never learned of Christ before, doesn't know anything about Him other than He was crucified--pretty typical). He told her that she shouldn't put down a certain political leader with her friends anymore, that all were children of God. Ever since that day, she hasn't--and has even shared prayer with her friends! People get answers in their own way, that's for sure. :)
Khwan: This cute prefnant woman, due in December. She's having a girl, and we're still working on her very Buddhist husband. She told me last Sunday, "Sister, I prayed about Joseph Smith....and I know he's a prophet. I'm ready to be baptized. This is the only church with God's power." I don't need to say any more about that.
Non: Prayed about the Book of Mormon, and he had a dream as well! I don't know what it is with Thai's and dreaming....haha. But he knows it's the word of God! He says he's more confident that is the only true church on earth. Just need to help this 17 year old receive permission from his parents.....
Naa: Reads the Book of Mormon every night before bed ever since we've given her the book, and she prays every single time that she'll be able to get baptized. She even has decided to not change work because the area she'd move to doesn't have a church/missionaries.
I know these examples are super awesome. I want you to know that each of these have several serious downers in between them........missionary work is not peachy like this all the time. But when I take time to understand and see the miracles that He is blessing us with, I cannot help but KNOW that He is directing this work. Just writing this email gives me that confirmation. These people are amazing and prepared! It's still a challenge to get them progressing the way they should for baptism, but we're working on it.
Last week at Zone Conference, Sister Tano and I were asked to do the special musical number. She plays the violin and has some books with a piano accompaniment. President said it was the best part of the conference.....which led us to get the assignment to play for a fireside next week. This is ALL the members in Bangkok, coming to hear Elder Gong (the new 2nd counselor in the Asia Area Presidency) speak with Elder Ochoa (YM presidency) and Elder Osguthorpe (Sunday School presidency). I AM SO NERVOUS.......it's going to be huge. Pray for us this week as we practice! It's next Wed, the 31st.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dad, Randy, and Daniel! I hope you all have wonderful birthdays, and know that I love you and I am thinking of you.
This is still the work of the Lord! I know that you are all being blessed for your sacrifices. Heavenly Father has prepared the gospel for us so we can be cleansed from sin, by the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and be prepare to return home to His presence with our families. There is not greater message to all the world. Find someone to share it with this week! I know this is the work of the Lord! Time's a tickin'....but I'm still a workin'.....Make it a great week!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." --Helaman 5:13
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