Singapore and Malaysia - Selamat Tinggal‏

June 5, 2012

Hello Dearest Family,

     As this is my final weekly letter as a missionary, I hope that I can convey the great spirit of missionary work within my words. This has truly been the greatest time of my life thus far. There have been times of great joy and times of great sorrow. I would have asked for almost all of them again, as I have grown in all situations. These past 25 months have been the greatest education I could ever receive. A true understanding of the Gospel will reach into all facets of ones life. The Doctrines and principles taught are not only applicable in the classroom, but in the very breath of life itself. It has helped me to live with people, understand others more clearly, love others more unconditionally, and serve others more fully. "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." ~ Pres. Boyd K. Packer. There has never been a better time in which I was able to solely study the gospel and apply it in every facet of my life. This has wrought a great change in my heart, one that could never have been accomplished by any other means. I would implore and invite everyone who reads this email to prepare themselves to follow the Savior and serve God as a Full-time missionary. Young Men and Young Women can prepare to serve. Senior couples or Sisters can serve as invaluable support roles. They really do keep the young missionaries alive and well here. If one prepares well and serves well, the greatest adventure, experience, and improvement will come to your life. This has truly happened to me. 

    The people whom I have served have truly touched my life more than theirs. In Kota Samarahan I was able to teach, inspire and uplift many of the Village-folk to follow the Saviors example and be baptized. There I was taught about how to work hard and to love people with all of your heart. In Sandakan, I learned about the importance of Hope, and Hope that is based upon the Atonement of the Savior. Never is such a time did I have to rely upon the merits of Christ, to keep me going every day and to come together with my companion, despite our differences, and to preform the work of the Lord. Later in Kota Kinabalu I was able to witness the Church of Malaysia in its greatest efficiency, and about the faithfulness of these people. I learned about humility from many of my investigators, who were truly living on threads at times. However, God used my vessel to reach out to these people and deliver the words which he would speak. "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." It truly was some of my greatest joys and I developed some eternal friends there. Upon moving to Miri, I discovered the wonderful world of Positive Attitude. There was not a day in that area in which I did not roar with laughter, or feel great joy! The Hodders (Senior Couple) taught me by example about the Spirit of Christmas, and how it can bring incredible Charity to ones life. It truly was a Miri-aculous time. Then came the call to serve as an assistant to President Clark. Boy I had no idea what that would entail. I have learned more, grown more, and become more in these past 6 months than in any other time of my life. My most treasured times were when we would sit in council with President Clark in his office, and he would teach and train and expound the doctrines of the Kingdom to us. I feel as if that man has altered the course of my life. Serving other missionaries has proved to be a challenging and rewarding task. When one gives their whole heart and mind, the duties of being an assistant really can seem heavy, yet the rewards of seeing others success and growth in equally light. This has truly been the greatest time of my life. I love being a missionary :D

     This last week in Sabah I was able to see many an old friend, recent convert, and see the growth that the area has made in my absence. It has been so incredible to see how the Lords work goes forth even when we as individuals are gone. It really attributes to the power of the work. It is not about the missionary, but those whom he serves. His investigators, his companions, his family, his God. I have loved me mission and it has been the greatest decision I have ever made. I love the Lord, I Love this Gospel.

   Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son

    Elder Willem Kampenhout

P.S. Picture is us with the Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder Hallstrom (Presidency of the 70) , Bishop Davies (Presiding Bishopric), and Elder Watson (Asia Area Presidency).

Singapore & Malaysia - Land of the Miracles

May 30, 2012

Hi Family!!!!

     Wow!!! How the crazy weeks just keep flying by!!! This past week I went on exchanges in Miri and have begun my last set of exchanges in the Land of Sabah!!!! I love Sabah, especially how diverse the people are here. I never really noticed it until i left, but the people hear (particularly the youth) have a love of the Rock and Roll music, the atmosphere and the style of dress. Its pretty cool as it gives the people here their own unique feel. Ha ha!!! I don't think it gets any better than the public transport buses that sport flashing disco lights, disco balls, blaring beats, and LED lights ALL OVER THE BUS!!! It looks like a blue and purple Christmas tree driving down the highway and feels like you have entered a dance club once you get inside (Sorry President). In addition is the great kids who will trick out their BMX bicycles with lights, speakers and flashing lights as well! These people really do have some style! Its just super fun. They will all bike around in little groups of 4-8 kids and just cruise the town together. So much fun. I wish i had that type of creativity as a child.

     So things are awesome here :D It has been great to serve the missionaries in the Singapore Mission. One thing in particular that I love is how everyone here in this mission wants to be here. It is the Greatest Mission on the Earth! The people are kind and accepting, and the food is fantastic, and the church is growing and doing well. It is advancing in ways one can never imagine. These saints over here and standing strong amidst a world of sin and transgression and they are developing testimonies that will bring thousands of others to the Gospel. Its pretty awesome to help them write the History of Malaysia :D We are called to such a great cause :D
         We are right now led by a Mission President who has been called and set apart by God. He has reached out and touched the lives of too many to count. The stories are too many to tell, and even more left untold. Just this past week I was able to participate in a miracle wherein the President called me in the middle of an exchange with my beloved son Elder Steadman (LOVE YOU!!!!) and asked me to go preform a particular task. I called for the assistance of the two Zone leaders in the area who came willingly and as soon as they could. They even beat me to the destination! As we were about the enter the home of a family who was in need of feeling the Lord's love and comfort, one of the zone leaders (a former companion) offered a prayer. As soon as he prayed, I felt as though legions of angels had suddenly descended around me. My hair tingled and my heart swellled with comfort. I felt as though an energy were pulsing between my muscles and veins, and that my heart and soul was filled with pure light. While we were just 3 strong in the flesh, I know that there were thousands more around us. This is probably because the disembodied family members both to come and already gone were coming to support those who are experiencing a challenge in the flesh. These angels were definably in our presence as we entered the home. I had never felt so protected, and the following meeting was life changing, and led to another life changing meeting the following morning when I witnessed a man who was called of God reach out a hand in love to a distressed daughter of God. God really does work through his servants, and the spirit that dwelt in that room as we left was evidence of the work which we had preformed. We were truly "on the Lords errand." I wish all of you could feel such a moment as that, and I know that you can and will as you fulfill your own callings to the best of your abilities. Your own efforts have unseen effects. I still remember the great times I had going Home Teaching with Randy Lawrence, back in Troy Idaho. He can and got me and always tried to make me feel included and important. Thank you Randy. I know that as each of us fulfill our callings in life, we can become part of something a lot bigger, a lot better, and a lot more impactful than anything we could ever do on our own efforts. I invite you to unbind your tongues and speak miracles. Do you want to see miracles in your life? Are you willing to do what it takes to facilitate one's creation? Go and Do.

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

     Elder Willem Kampenhout 

Singapore & Malaysia - Humility is in the Apostles and in the Children‏

May 25, 2012

Dear Family!!!!

    So, once again, I had the incredible opportunity to meet an apostle on my mission. Elder Dallin H Oaks is an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having shaken his hand one on one, heard him speak, and seen him laugh with love, I know that God is a happy and delightsome God. Elder Oaks has such a great manner about him. I wish you could all see it :D He came and have a conference with the District Leaders from Malaysia and the Stake Leaders from Singapore, and WOW!!! Talk about being taught from on high! If we truly relish those times in which we can "gaze into heaven" whether it is during sacrament meetings or meeting with leaders or children, we can gain so much. Now why do I mention children? I'm not entirely sure, except that I feel that the one thing that Children and Apostles have in common is that they are simple. They are just simply pure. It's incredible.
    I also saw that same humility this week in one of the missionaries whom I serve. His dedication to the work and his desire to do what is right has endowed him with great power. One can see the the great level at which he serves when he teaches, plans and works as a missionary. He has certainly gotten it right. I think it might have something to do with Helaman 14:13 which states:  . For me, this missionary really does believe in Jesus Christ, so he continually repents and becomes better. Repenting is not always mopping up paint which was spilled on the floor, but it is refining and repainting the painting with even more perfected detail. Every time I have read this scripture, it has hit me like a wall of force and has caused me to reflect and look within myself and ask, do I really believe? What am I going to do differently because I believe? In my time with this missionary, he taught me how that when one goes the extra mile, which we did together, we will find miracles. After praying along a roadside to find someone new to teach with the hour of extra time that we had, we both found us riding our bikes down this turn off at the same time!!! We weren't discouraged when the first person we saw ran into his house, slammed and locked the door, and neither was this Elder discouraged when the first person who let us into her home did not want us to come back. When I asked "should we go back?" this Elder responded "lets knock a few more."That is when we found the miracle, the family of 3 resting behind a door and her brother another 3 doors down, who all wanted to hear more about the gospel message. It wasn't easy though. As the mother was about to close the door, an inaudible voice spoke to both of us saying "say something!" so we did, and after conversing, she let us in :D "Unbind your tongues and speak miracles" said Elder Holland two conferences ago. I invite you to do the same. Open your mouths about the gospel to yourself, to your family every day but most especially Monday nights, and open your mouth to your God every day in prayer. Find the hand of God in your daily life and a new spirit will enter into your life. If ye know these things to be true, happy are ye if ye do them. I love you and I know you CAN do it :D

Your loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 94 - Singapore & Malaysia - Time Well Spent‏

May 16, 2012

Hello to all!!!

    Today we went with the Johor Bahru Zone, and the Singapore Zone out to Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island) and went bike riding ALL DAY!!!! It was so much fun! The morning we spent Mountain biking on some black diamond courses and a couple double black spots. SUPER FUN! We rented bikes, and while mine was not the best, I made it work. One of the other missionaries who had down mountain biking in the past was impressed with my ability to ride! It must have come from my trail riding days on the motorcycle, and my bike riding in my youth. It was such a blast flying through the jungle riding bikes, avoid rocks and cliffs and climbing up steep hills. It was the best Zone activity yet! It definitely helped the missionaries in the zone to bind together in spirit of unity. I feel that this is one of the most important things to do. Do something together. In families especially, sometimes you just need to set some time apart and do something outside of the normal together. Whether it is a movie, going to the park, painting together, whatever the activity, I still remember all the times my father took me out. They are times in which I will never forget, and will help build immortal families. Eventually if you keep saying "Tomorrow" it will become an empty pile of "yesterdays". So I am ever grateful for my parents going out and doing things with us :D

     Another great event of this last week was my last Zone Conference. It was also an all East Malaysia conference, with over 70 missionaries together!!! Wow!!! Talk about an army to feed! It was such a great spirit there, and the missionaries were so obedient and incredible and easy to work with. The final testimonies were amazing (and there was also more than 11) all the final testimonies of departing missionaries. Including mine :(. It was so great to see missionaries share about how they've changed, but the most incredible were their testimonies, when they testified about the savior and how he has changed. As I gave my own, I could barely speak at times as I spoke about the power of repentance. I was brought to tears, and all because I knew that what I was stating was true. It was a huge memorable experience. Testimonies are huge. President Clark's testimony was incredible as well. I can't describe. Just pure spirituality :D

     Well i hope each and every one of you will find some time to spend with family, and bear testimony to your children, parents, friends about the truths of the gospel. It will change your life :D

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

       Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 92-Singapore & Malaysia - Elder Koay has landed!!!‏

May 1, 2012

Elders Koay and Kampenhout

Hello family and Friends!!!

     This past week has been fantastic!!! We went on exchanges last week in Butterworth and Ipoh, where I got to meet and teach some Malaysian Indians! Such wonderful people!! I love this people. Elder Nowland and I were able to experience a couple cool miracles too when his hunch to want to go contacting in a certain area led us to a house. The contact went like this: We walked up to the gate and announced our presence. The tall and slim Indian woman came outside as her older boys moved around and arouse from their tv watching position in the house. She asked us "Hello? Can I help you?" "Hi!! My name is Elder Kampenhout! This is my friend...." " Elder Nowland!" At that point I remembered how we have been trained to observe their surroundings and to compliment them. So i quickly said "You have a very nice nice!" She paused for a second, then said "Do you want to come in?" Wah!!!! and we were inside. There we met a wonderful family and her son, who had been studying all the religions of the world trying to find God. "Well we have just the book for you" said Elder Nowland. So amazing. I love missionary work!!

     Just two days ago, my new companion, Elder Koay, arrived! Since the moment he arrived we have been planning and preparing and just having a great companionship together. I can tell that we are going to have the best of time together. His energy and excitement for the work is phenomenal. He is a Chinese Malaysian, so can speak English, Malay, and Chinese!!! Its been super cool so far. He can actually place correct orders at Chinese restaurants! Oh the uses of being in companionships. That has been the real eye opener. Over the past two weeks I have been having to do a lot for East Malaysia while I have been attached to other companionships. Elder Jones and Elder Whittaker have been incredible in helping and encouraging and being there for me. I learn so much from those two. But I have now come to realize the strengths of pairs. They not only keep each other safe, but they can communicate better with more people, they can focus their spiritual thoughts and counterbalance each other. They can support each other in lessons, and you have twice as much spiritual knowledge than when you are on your own! You can call twice as many people, while still being able to preform other tasks. Plus you both will have different approaches to all the situations you encounter, and those different approaches teach you to "Teach people, not lessons." So huge. I love it :D

    Things have just been great. We had 2 confirmations last week, and have another baptism this week!!! That has been the cool miracle, that we as the Assistants have been able to do our duty as assistants AND have an area too! Not to mention an area that baptizes monthly! This has been some of the best times of my mission. I love serving the Lord, serving his servant President Clark, and serving the missionaries. Its amazing how they really are the mouth out of which the prophets message is declared. Its pretty amazing :D Try it yourself. Missionary work is the greatest work you will ever do. Don't let a day go by without doing something.

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

       Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 90-Singapore & Malaysia - Zone Leader Council and Bintulu‏

April 17, 2012

Dearest All,

     I LOVE MY MISSION!!! Just to let you know ;) We were just talking a few minutes ago about how serving a Mission for the Lord is the best thing any young man could do at this point of his life. As President Clark always says: "The Mission is the Lord's University, what did you learn today?" Its pretty incredible. While much of the learning is not in factual knowledge, but it is in Heavenly Wisdom and in the development of Character, things that no human institution can replicate. The admission requirements are worth it! If you are not able to get in, make yourself ready. It is never too late for a young man. I can testify of that.

     So what makes a mission so awesome? Well this past week we went to Sibu for our Zone Leader Council, and it was such an incredible experience. The attitudes and the righteousness of the Missionaries was huge, and inspiring. They were a bit newer, and so the reports were not the best, but whenever President or us gave trainings, they listened intently, asked great questions, and truly sought after knowledge. I feel that ALL were edified and uplifted. It was great :D

    After Zone Leader Council, we took a bus with the Bintulu Zone Leaders up to Bintulu, about 4 hours on a roller-coaster like bus, where I went on exchanges with a Trainer and his trainee who are serving in a struggling Branch. It would be so easy to lose hope in the situation they face, but I was impressed with the brightness of Hope that they had towards it all. We met some really really great investigators and recent converts, and experienced miracles that came as an answer to prayers. Prayer. I love it. That day, as we prayed before we preformed our priesthood duties, I could feel a greater sense of the Spirit, and it helped remind me that this is not the work of men, but the work of Heaven. There really are angels all about us :D

     So another cool story. On Monday, when we had already returned to Singapore, some of our missionaries were coming in on Visa-runs, and one of the missionaries was a Local Malaysian who had lived in Singapore for quite some time. I had a distinct impression to take him on an assignment from the Bishop of our ward to teach another Malaysian about the Melchizedek Priesthood, so he could be prepared to receive it next stake conference. This brother can't speak English very well, so he really needed our help. After jumping through many hoops, the timing worked and in this ever so small window of opportunity, this Elder and I were able to meet his fellow Malaysian Brother. They were best friends, but I was most surprised how they didn't get too overly excited, but how this Malaysian Elder remembered his Duty and his role as a Missionary. Afterwards, as we were talking, we spoke about how an Assistants main concern is the welfare of the missionaries. Its not about the numbers, nor the investigators, but the missionaries. As I related this principle through the fairy tale of the rich man and the goose that laid golden eggs, a light seemed to click on for him. He realized how if one will inspire and uplift the missionary (goose) that he will go out and find and teach and baptize more investigators (golden eggs). If you kill the goose trying to get inside to find more eggs, like the rich man sadly did, than all is lost. The Missionary pondered this principle much, and we went on to set some goals on how he could apply this principle in his own companionship. WOW!!! I was so excited that the Lord was able to lead me to relate a teaching that I had received from my Mission President so that it could help another missionary. All because of a still small whisper. He really does lead and guide us. We just need to listen. He is speaking.

    I love my mission, and the Lord, and All of you. Be the Best you can BE!!!!

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 89 - Singapore - Open Your Mouth and Speak Miracles‏

April 10, 2012

Dearest Family!!!

    Another Fantastic week here in Singapore. I think among all of the Singapore wards, that I have been blessed to attend the ward that fits me the best! The Filipino ward! In case you have never met a Filipino, they are a smaller people, but very loving, friendly, bubbly and love to eat! They are a super passionate people and they are quick to make friends. They also know EVERYBODY! Their memory is incredible. And they speak English really well :D

    This past week we had a Ward Sports Fest on Friday which allowed Elder Martin and I to get to know a lot of the Ward members very quickly, which is helpful due to our frequent absence. It was such a blast, and we had the coolest jerseys made too :D

    But!!! Story Time!!!!

    So it starts back when a certain Elder became the office Elder, and he is still very young in his mission, but had excellent training in a really tough area, but his desires continue to burn bright, and he literally TALKS TO EVERYONE. It is inspiring! He has inspired me to do more contacting while going out and about, and to ask for numbers and give referrals. It has turned out really well :D But I would like to talk about the Miracle that occurred yesterday. After having a lesson with an investigator and grabbing lunch with the members who came along, we attempted to catch a free shuttle back to the train, but we took a wrong turn and just barely missed the bus. Like by 15 seconds. So instead we decided to take a bus back to the church. We were planning on taking bus 175 to Orchard and then get on a train to Novena, but our member sister Noemi kept mentioning that bus 5 will take us to Newton (close to the church) so we didn't have to switch over. Well, before bus 175 showed up, bus 5 did, and a last second decision brought us to jump on that bus, and Sister Noemi and I stood next to this Filipino woman on the bus, and I immediately struck up a conversation. "hello, how are you today?" She responded good, and then Sister Noemi jumped in and asked her if she was Filipino, and then went on to talk about where they were from. Our conversation quickly led to us inviting her to come to church this Sunday, which she agreed to. She gave us her number and the contact was successful! But still had time on the bus! So we asked her if she was busy this afternoon, which she wasn't, so we offered to take her on a tour of the Church, and she agreed! After the tour, we taught her about the message of the restoration, and she was extremely interested, and when she was giving the closing prayer, she couldn't utter a verbal word, as her heart was so full of the Spirit. She kept touching her heart and saying she felt warm, and that this is something she has been looking for for a long time. She needs the guidance in her life. After the lesson, she went out to eat dinner with one of our members, Bev, and then they watched the Restoration at the office while they were waiting for a Chinese Ward baptism to start. Wow.....talk about an incredible day!! All because we missed the shuttle, and because one was willing to open his mouth and speak miracles. We have such a unique message to the world. We NEED to share it, and to invite others to learn for themselves about the happiness which we radiate. I am so glad that Sister Estralita accepted our invitation to come on the Church tour, because not only will this gospel change her life, but her faith has changed mine as well. 

 I love you all, and hope you all will find opportunities to speak miracles in your lives. Its a great feeling :D

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

    Elder Willem Kampenhout