Week 71 - Malaysia - A Rock in the Storm‏

Nov. 29, 2011

This week some of our first investigators were baptized :) It was so cool to see then make these steps in their lives, but they also began to feel the storms that come with life. The night of their baptism, their Grandmother was admitted to the hospital and the only one who could attend the baptism was their aunt. As Maria was preparing herself to be baptized, you could see the concern and stress in her face, but when I pulled her up out of the water, the face that came out was calm as could be. She later went on to tell me that she didn't even feel the water around her, but it was a sudden rush of lightness and brightness.

    They also began to encounter some of their first anti-Mormon activity. Now this kind is not quite like it is the the states. It's not coming from information sources, but just random people who will tell them that their church is lost, that those white devils are snatching souls. As we were talking about the great apostacy, and about all of the people who have been talking to them and "laughing at the Book of Mormon" we read 2 Nephi 28:3-4 and I pointed out how people deny Christ when they would tell her that "The Church of Jesus Christ is a lost church." The realization that came to their face was shocking, but they were so grateful that they found the True Church of Jesus Christ. They had found safety upon the Rock of our Redeemer :) It was amazing. These people are so humble and so great. Love these people :) 

I love you all and hope you enjoy this Holiday Season.

Elder Kampenhout

Thanksgiving Day Shenanigans

Literally climbing the walls!!! 

Miri and Bintulu Zone Conference

Week 70 - Malaysia - A very Great-Full day :)‏

Nov. 24, 2011

So even though we are so far away, we have managed to keep the wonderful tradition of gathering together and feasting in celebration of Thanks. We had a buffet meal at the local Marriott hotel after playing some beach volleyball, playing with frisbee's and soccer balls, and ping pong! It was so wonderful to hear what everyone was grateful for as they went around the room talking about the things which they were grateful for.

I would like to share a few things I am grateful for.

   1) I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He has made possible that I can change who I am, and how I perceive myself, and become someone better. I never quite appreciated the Atonement until I really let it work within my heart. Controlling one's habits and desires is something that most people can do with self control, but by drawing close to the Savior, He can change our hearts into desiring righteous and wholesome things. I am so grateful for this, as I have changed a lot in the desires of my heart :)

     2)  I am grateful for my family. I have one of the wisest fathers and one of the most loving mothers. They are both Rock stars in their own way. Both Valiant. Both pure and true, and always desire to do the right thing. As I look back I can see the countless sacrifices they have made on my behalf, and how they have helped me become the man I am today. They are troopers to the max. I am also grateful for my Brave Brother. As I have been away from him, I have been so impressed with great decisions he has made in his life. Choosing to do something with his life by joining the military has turned out to be a great blessing, and now has made an even better decision in deciding to take a "Leap of faith" and marry an incredible Carrie Hunt. They are going to be good to each other. I am so grateful to have such a valiant brother, who has always done his best to do right.

    3) I am grateful for my Priesthood leaders, who have been an unmoving source of divine guidance and truth in my life. Their examples are burned into my memory, and their purity and virtue will continue to be an inspiration to me.

    4) I am grateful for the Scriptures. I never appreciated them before. But now? Well....let's just say that I never want to go another day without reading from them again. Their ability to guide my thoughts and life are invaluable. I love holding them in my hand. I love marking them. I love reading what I have received as revelation and writing down as the Spirit unfolds mysteries of God to me. It's incredible. Read it.

    5) I'm grateful for My Mission President. His example, spirituality and teaching. He has taught me how to teach. He has been a source of great knowledge, love and diligence in my life. I feel that the Lord has blessed me with the man whom I was meant to serve under. President Clark has this way of being loving, inspiring, and has a fire about him. He is so passionate about this Gospel, and about this Kingdom. This truly is the Kingdom of God. It will go forth and no unhallowed hand can hinder the work :) It feels good being on the winning team.

   So many things to be grateful for. Wow....I would suggest that each of you write down maybe once a day something new that you are grateful for. Like one? Bananas.....they are great for smoothies. And for those of you who have enjoyed my Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshakes in the past.....just you wait ;) Now "this guy" has variety ;) I love you all so much and am grateful for the support you give me in your thoughts, prayers, and emails. Some may go unnoticed by man, but they never are unneeded, and they always make a difference.

Your are all the BEST!!!!

     Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 69 - Malaysia - Something to Smile About‏

Nov. 15, 2011

Dearest Family!!!

This must be the Chief!

Look out for the natives!!

Elder Steadman

A day in the caves

Is that a submarine??

    So we finally have our ducks in a row, and I can send pictures!!! 

    

     This past week we went to the Niah Caves in Miri here, and WOW!!! Talk about cool. We crawled through small tunnels and also walked in huge caverns!!! It was amazing to see the long tiny poles that the Natives will climb to harvest the bird nests to make the famous, Bird Nest Soup. I here Chinese people like to eat it. It was pretty incredible cave to behold, and even though it took ALL day (due to being nearly abandoned by our driver) it was still a great building and bonding experience. 

    Things are going well here in Miri, and the member based Missionary work continues to go forth. As the investigators continue to read, pray, and come to church, they are making changes in their life. Small changes first, like cutting their hairs, washing their clothes, and then some big changes: Like praying for friends to come back to church and then actually bringing them. It has been incredible to see these people change their lives :) I love this work. I can't help but have a big beaming smile, and smile at everyone. I still remember one grumpy old Chinese woman in Singapore remarked at me: Why so smiley?. If she knew what I knew.....She would be just as "smiley" I love this gospel. Life is great!!! We have some baptisms coming up and even more coming up in December. It has been so rad to be here at such a time. We should always have a smile on our face. We have the oaths and covenants of the Gospel in our life. What is there to frown about? Most things which cause us great concern, stress, grey hairs, are of no eternal consequence. TRUE FACT. Let others know. Let your light so shine. I have always loved 3 Nephi 13:19-21. You should check it out :)

I love you all.

Your loving Friend, Brother, and Son

      Elder Kampenhout

Week 68 - Malaysia - Working in a world of Trial and Tribulation‏

Nov. 10, 2011

Dearest Family and Friends,

    Something my father wrote me, and recent talks in conference about "dribbling out of bounds", and events in the world today have led me to think greatly about the ideal of Keeping our Covenants. Being a covenant keeping people. The first covenant comes at Baptism, which most of us have made at one point in our life, mostly in our younger years. However, those promises we make are tested every day, and everyone needs support. We can no longer afford to "let others take care of themselves" but we must take a pro-active role in being our brother's keeper. When we deliberately withhold help, or time, or assistance in helping someone keep a covenant, then in a sense we are the ones putting the nails into their spiritual coffin. A prophet's role is to be a voice of warning, and every day he prays for our assistance in helping our brothers and sisters. We must begin to help them before baptism and continue to do so after baptism. I know that if you REALLY understood how important you are to those who are struggling with covenants, or starting to make new ones, you would take every opportunity to attend their baptisms, be their Diligent Home Teachers, and exemplify the Savior in their life.
    Keeping our covenants really is the key in obtaining righteousness and happiness. The world is going to continue to decline in unbelief and corruption, and that is why we need to stand strong in our covenants. As we stay focused on the important things, then other things will be easier to deal with. I find this so important as well in missionary work as well. I know that as a missionary it can be very lonely sometimes when trying to help someone make such hard steps in their life. Most members have no idea what it is like to change your previous life to the Gospel life. That is why I feel they are apathetic to assisting others to "join". Every time a member comes to a lesson, or better yet takes a pro-active role in the investigator's church attendance, in class, or between lesson fellowshipping, or in attending their baptism, giving talks, prayers, I feel like it is no longer just us us missionaries helping this man, but the ward/branch. I know that if you take a more active role in helping the recent converts, you will feel a stronger spirit in your daily life. You will feel God's love stronger than before, and you will be serving your fellow man in eternal steps towards their eternal happiness. Don't you want these things? Doesn't everyone? "Arise out of obscurity" (2 Nephi 1:23) and be the helping hand that the Savior was for us. Now I may be preaching to the choir, but I know that there are many who could lift a little more.
    Lately here in Miri, our area has taken off with people committing to baptism and desiring to learn and come to church. 95% of our investigators have a baptismal date and actively attend church. Now this is not because Elder Steadman and I are the perfect missionaries (we are trying though) but it is because of the member's involvement. They are talking with them between appointments, reading with them, helping them go to church, sitting by them in church, and being what the Savior would be for all of us. This help is so greatly appreciated and because so, the work has been going very, very, very well. We are keeping so busy that we have needed to try some new and fun strategies in our planning. It has been pretty rad :) We are dividing each hour of the day into "points" and during our weekly planning we decide  how many investigator points (hours set aside to meet investigators) we have and then allocate them to our investigators according to their needs. I'm excited to see how it turns out :) Now.....we may use a little bit more nerdier gamer terms in actual execution, but that is another story :)
   I know that the Lord loves you all and desires the utmost for all of us. He desires to bless His children so much, and I feel that love everyday. I can't imagine how big His heart is. It's probably the size of a pumpkin. Here are a couple suggestions I would like to invite you to do:
     1) Read from the Scriptures daily. Not from the internet or from the iphone or ipad, but from the paper scriptures themselves. They are not meant to be read when you have a second here or there, but to be given specific dedicated time. If you feel you are "too busy" then I would suggest you rearrange your priorities. Go Slow to go Fast.
     2) Ask for the Holy Ghost to guide your prayers. It may seem odd, but try it. Bring your Spirit and thoughts into submission before you begin your daily personal prayer, and then plead that the Spirit will guide you before you have an "Interview" with the Lord. That is what prayers in essence are.
     3) Spend the time in Sacrament meeting thinking about YOUR covenants, and YOUR efforts to fulfill them, and recommit yourselves for the coming week. Now it's really easy to get distracted and think about other things, but that is why they don't have pictures in the sacrament room, why they don't play music while it is being passed, and why our incredible Aaronic Priesthood humbly dress and administer this most sacred ordinance. Now, you may think that you can't concentrate because "that baby keeps crying in the back" or the kids are being noisy in front of you. But I know you can do it :) I wish each of you could see a typical Iban sacrament. 10% of the branch are children, and with parenting techniques in need of help, most children run free during the sacrament meeting. But it is still possible to concentrate :) If I can do it, you can do it. :)

    I love you all so much, and pray that sometimes what I have said, that the Spirit has said, or that the speakers, leaders or teachers in church have said has stirred you to become more in your service towards your fellow man, your family, and your God. It really is the greatest thing you could ever do. All other walks of life are imitations, or supporting roles in helping us return to our Heavenly Father. Don't forget the big things :)

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

     Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 67 - Malaysia - Miri-cles‏

Nov. 1, 2011

Dearest World,

 

      And my lovely family included in it. How are you? Nama Beritah? Nee how ma? Anu Abarnu? Comosta? Ani Agahmu? Abar Kariba? - - - -- Those are just a few of many ways I have learned to ask people how are you. Let's just say there are so many mixes of languages here in Malaysia :D It makes life amazing.

      Yet despite all of the languages, communication seems to be one of the things which lacks the most. In fact, I would believe that most of the world's struggles come because of lack of communication. People feel sad in heart when they lose communication with their Heavenly Father. Couples get upset when they don't properly communicate and understand one another, and in this world of so many languages, people just don't communicate well, sometimes. Food for thought....how could you better communicate with your family?

      Well, communication has been a big thing in Miri as of late. Even though the Zone lives alot closer (all in one town finally), the nightly phone conversations are not as big, and that results in a lack of knowledge about what is actually going on. It's kinda amazing how one can be so close to someone else, yet really be so far away. However, that does not prevent the Lord working his wonders and making miracles happen. One incredible miracle was actually a result of another.

      On Thursday last week we had an appointment with the Lord to go finding in Tudan (a very distant area in our area) at 2:30pm, and due to some lateness of events, we were a bit delayed and even though we had better things to do, we followed through with our appointment we had prayerfully set earlier. We weren't sure where or who, all we knew was when. And sure enough, it happened. As we were riding by this little house off the beaten path, these two women began calling to us, and Elder Steadman and I both had the impression to turn back and go visit them. When we approached the house we were recieved by a screaming child who was terrified of us and slammed the door in our face. We stood in amazement for a minute before the mom and grandma opened the door again and invited us in. Haha. They later recapped that they had no idea why they called us over, but they were just acted upon by a power, and when we began talking about following Jesus Christ into Baptism for the remission of sins, the mother broke down into tears in how badly she wanted this, and how she doesn't want her children to follow in wicked paths but to learn about God. It was pretty exciting :) Now the sad second half of the story is that the husband had different ideas and convinced the mother that their old church was good enough, but that brought us to the same area another day where we ran into some kids and out of unknown reasons we started playing soccer a bit, and then turned it into a Gospel discussion. The most interested was a young woman of 14 years of age named Gelang. While I was a bit hesitant at first to invite them to church, I was brought back to reflect upon what 14 year olds have done for the world....Joseph Smith for one. He was only 14 when he experienced one of the most incredible visions of all time. My own father was only 14 years old when he accepted this Gospel into his life and therefore altered my eternal salvation and all of my posterity. Thank you. This little 14 year old girl has begun to do the same, and made the steps to take her sister and her neighbor to church with her the following day. Miricles do happen. By small and simple things, do great things come to pass, and in many ways doth confound the wise.

       The Lord will call us in our weakness, and will give us challenges we are unable to overcome in our current state. That is why h\He gives them, so we can grow to become what He sees we can become :) I know He does this out of love, and it is by the same love that I invite you to look in your own lives how your communication between your family, friends, enemies and unknow associates are being disrupted by greed, disbelief, assumption, hate, and discontent. Write them on a piece of paper and burn them in a fire, and try to put yourselves in their shoes. Most people are trying to do what they feel is right. Help them do what is right, and inspire them to do even more :)

 

Your Loving Brother, Friend, and Son,

 

       Elder Willem Kamepnhout

Week 66 - Malaysia - Goodbye Sabah Tribe, Here Comes Miri!!!!!‏

Oct. 18, 2011

Dearest Family,

     The KK (Kota Kinabalu) members unknowingly prophesied that I would be transferred, and it once again came to pass. I can always tell because they will start to give me their books of remembrances to write in and say "You never know when you will leave." Its been 2/2 so far ;) But!!! The news came in, and I will be transferred to Miri to take on even greater challenges. I will be serving as a Zone Leader, but also training at the same time!!! Woah!!!! This will be a new interesting challenge, but for a change our zone will be able to easily meet for activities and meetings. It is a bit hard to leave behind Sabah, and its great mix of nationalities and languages and faithful people. The Sabah Zone is really starting to boom, and and they are even getting another companionship of Elders in KK as well :D Things are just looking good. But worst news of all....next week Pres Clark comes to KK and is taking the Missionaries to Mount Kinabalu. ARG!!!! Just barely missed it. Haha.....its ok though. I got the best part of Sabah, that is serving and teaching its people :)

    This transfer was a bit different, as after Sunday we still had a full two days of work, which is unusual. So we spent some time on Monday preparing the house for holding 4 Elders, and getting my stuff all together. This allowed for us to have an incredible Tuesday, where we taught some very good and memorable lessons with Investigators and even contacted a few new ones!!! Working up until the very end ;) One of the most special experiences was what happened with a part member family. The Mother and her younger sister have been baptized about a year and a half, and the Husband had been learning before, but due to pressure from his family, he stopped. This absolutely broke the heart of the Mother, but she kept that desire burning within her. After some recent events (death of family members who gave opposition) the mother finally felt that it was time to try again, but she knew that the Sister Missionaries whom always visited her and taught her were not what her husband needed. So she asked us to come, and befriend him and then spark a conversation about the Gospel, so we did. Skipping out on a Going Away Party, we went to their tiny little shake where they sell and cook food, we sat down and ate and drew the husband into conversation about kids, cars and man things :) It was really awesome :D He went from just sitting and holding the kids inside to coming out and sitting with us. As we turned the topic into the Gospel by inviting to come to a branch activity, he then surprised us by willing saying that he could and would go to church. "apa?!?" (what?) responded his wife. She had told us he worked on Sundays, so going into the meeting we weren't sure if it would be of any use, but he told us that he could not make it to the morning session, but the 11am session he could make it. It was so amazing, and as we continued to teach him about prayer and blessings that could come to his family, he really just listened and took it in. At the end He offered a very humble and good prayer, and as we were leaving the mother looked at us and with water beginning to form in her eyes she said " Elders.....Thank you." Such a simple saying, but at that moment, at that time, it meant the world to me. It was so joyful to see that families can be repaired, wounds can be healed, and that nothing is impossible with the Lord. I know that this mother and her husband still have a lot to learn, but she now has a hope. It is hope that keeps us going. A hope of good things to come. If you don't have hope, you can't have faith. I really saw hope fill her eyes at that moment, and it has given me hope for my own life, family, and future :)

     What kind of things bring you hope in your life? For me, the biggest one is my Family. I have one of the greatest families in the world. Yes, its not perfect, but that is why I have that hope, because one day it will become the perfect family. It will be sealed together for all eternity by the Love of the family members, and the Love and Priesthood of the Lord. I also find Hope in children. Each child has such great potential, and only needs proper guidance and direction in order to become one of the Sons of God (Moroni 7:48). What can we do in order to make this happen? We can all assist each other in helping each other. Sometimes one may feel that their service is of no use, or not good enough, or that no one really cares. This is False. Many many times I think back to the Leaders and the Teachers and the people who were there to support and strengthen me at the times I needed it most. They had no idea what I was going through in life, or what the condition of my heart was, but the fact remains that they were doing their own best. Anything worth doing is worth being done poorly. Even if you don't do the best job at it, by doing it you get better, and you become a better person and uplift others :D Whether it is a little or a lot, you are still lifting where you stand. Keep on walking, keep on talking, and keep on serving with all your heart, might, mind and strength. Our Loving Heavenly Father is happy with all good that you create :D

      Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
                          Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 65 - Malaysia - Practice Makes Perfect

Oct. 13, 2011

Hello Family!!!!

    Another incredible week :D Things are going well here in KK. The Weather is warm and sunny (as usual) and the tropical storms are big and bangy :D They really do thrown down the rain. I wish I could run around and play in the rain. Maybe when I'm no longer "on the clock" as a missionary :D

    These past few days we have been in Kuala Lumpur again for another Zone Leader Council and for a Missionary Leadership Training. These meetings require a lot of money from the church, and a lot of time from the missionaries, but they are invaluable in the work. In the time we are spent "sharpening the tools" we become much more effective, and in turn can uplift and support and train our Zone, our investigators, members, and even our future families. I now see the benefit the Lord sees in going at great expense to make these happen. No one has to travel nearly as much as the Sabah Zone, because we have to fly from our State to the Malaysian peninsula. Everyone else takes buses. But what we learn, practice and use in our missionary work is so incredible. The things we learn really are needed, and every time we meet, we always leave better men, and better able to preform the Lord's work. I have heard others claim that they are pointless, but it really just shows that what you put into it, you get out of it. Look at Nephi and his brothers. They all went the same places, did the same things, yet one had a good attitude and practiced what he learned, where as the others complained and just kept on living life the same way. Which one would you rather be?

    I would like to include a little miracle that highlights the principle of practicing, and training. This past week Elder Hawkins and I finally got an appointment set up with a referral from the Larsons, and she right away wanted to ask us about her young daughters little problems here and there and went on to talk about how uncontrollable she is (like most of them). However, after Elder Larson managed to bring her back into the lesson, we immediately ditched our plans and instead taught her about how she can accept God's help in what she needs to do with her kids. Praying, Reading and Church. Once she committed to pray, we asked her when she would commit to pray with her kids every day. She said in the morning in the car would be best. So what did we do? ROLE PLAY!!! We arranged the seats accordingly, and when this mother began to offer up her heart for the first time to her Father in Heaven, she just broke down and offered up her contrite spirit. It was so powerful, and the once bickering family was united in love. And just from one prayer. Her kids are being better, and the Mother has began reading the Book of Mormon every day before bed, and she even came to church last week! God Answers the humble prayers, and Role Playing (even in lessons) is essential in this work. Practice makes perfect :D

    What are some things you can practice in your life? Asking your boss for time off, maybe asking someone for help. Practice how to give constructive criticism. There are so many things we can practice. But most important. Practice the Gospel in your life :) Practice using what the Savior said during him ministry :D It works. 

I know that as you continually strive to follow the savior in your life, you will be blessed in innumerable ways. Keep the Faith, and remember. CPR = Church, Praying and Reading. It will bring any dead testimony back to life :D

Your Loving Friend, Brother and Son,

                         Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 64 - Malaysia - Go Slow to Go Fast‏

Oct. 4, 2011

Dearest Family,

    I would first off like to thank each and every one of you for the Faith, Prayers, and Testimonies which each and every one of you have sought to develop in your respective areas of Life. Every one of our actions has eternal consequences. The story I am going to share will highlight what I am talking about.
    Just two days ago we were attending a Young Single Adult (YSA) Family Home Evening (FHE) which is put on by the Senior Couple (The Larsons) here in KK. One of the YSA gave a really good lesson about how she was so grateful for the one and Only True and Living Church upon the face of the earth, and then invited everyone to stand up and bear their testimonies. Right as we were about to leave (and go to another member FHE nearby) Elder Larson stood up and asked me to come translate for him. Oh am I ever grateful that I had this opportunity. When he stood, he spoke about his great great Grandfather, who was the first member of his family to join the church. Since that day, his posterity has grown to more than 30,000 people, most of which are members of the Church. When I heard that, I then realized how grateful I am for my own father and mother, who have had no easy life being a convert in the Church. However, I know just as much as they do that the Testimony they hold onto is worth more than the Kingdoms of the Earth. They are invaluable. Now I imagine the numbers of people who will reap the benefit of my Father's decision as a young boy to desire and find the truth. I know that I will ever be grateful for his desire to hold to the truths, but also for those who have helped him along the way. We are never alone at any point in our lives. There are constantly Angels round about us, bearing us up, seen and unseen. Countless thousands praying that our every action will be of righteous influence. And every time we make one of those critical, difficult yet eternally impacting decisions, our future generations leap for joy as they await their earthly existence.
     Now how does this relate to Missionary work and what is going on here in KK? Let me tell you. Long ago, when I moved into the then-disasterous KK house, I found a little piece of paper which is now posted on my wall. It reads: A Missionary gives up two years of his life so those he teaches can live with theirs for Eternity. That my friends, puts things into perspective. I often think about that. It makes me leap for joy when I see long time members still strong in the Gospel, but I also understand that there are those that fall into hard times and inactivity. Inactivity is not anything to frown at. It is merely a chance to help. God values them just as much as he does those who are active. Why shouldn't we? Every time we serve our fellow man, we are sowing seeds of righteousness which will one day bear fruit. Most of the fruit we will never see in this mortal life, but is it not worth the wait? I don't think that Elder Larsons Great Great Grandfather has any idea that his baptism would lead to a posterity of 30,000 whose lives have been blessed by the Gospel. We have no clue what our actions will lead to in the Future, but the Lord does. Lean on Him. Use His word as guidance. Follow the incredible counsel you have just received from the Prophets and Apostles (we get it in 2 weeks). And He will guide you :D Have Faith.
      The work in KK (Kota Kinabalu) is moving pretty slowly right now, but that's OK :) Because the Lord is moving right along with His plans. We are working our hardest and putting every effort into every day. The past few days Elder Hawkins voice has been gone, so I have had to do a lot of the talking, and communication, but I definitely feel that we are still united. He has gotten better at making the most of what he has said, and is a great Missionary. I encourage all to take part in the Greatest Mission on the Earth, that is the Mission of the Savior. Go forth and Preach the Gospel, and sometimes use words.

    Your Loving Friend, Brother and Son,
    Elder Willem Kampenhout

Malaysia – Week 63 - Faith Promoting and Faith Perfecting‏

Sept. 27, 2011

Dearest Family,

      I am delighted to hear about the news on the home front. As the great Master Oogway says (Kung Fu Panda): "There is no good or bad news, just news." It’s all about how you look at things. I guess that is a lesson I have learned a little about this week.

    This past week, things seemed to be going super well. As usual the beginning of the week wasn't too busy, but we had some good things planned out for the end of the week. We also had an incredible day on Thursday last week in which we contacted 2 little families living in a flat, and they were pretty willing to attend church. It was such an incredible little lesson and a Faith promoting experience. Our number of investigators at church on Sunday has struggled as of late, but as of Thursday night, there were 21 people who had a great potential to attend church. We were stoked :D However, from there things did not get any better. Lessons fell through, no returns on phone calls, and lots of "failure" seemed to happen. In the end, we only had one investigator attend church. From 21 to one.  Let’s just say I was a little disappointed. As my family knows me, I am a very passionate person, and when those passions fall on hard ground, I tend to turn inward and get myself all sad. However, the words and encouragement of Elder Hawkins were of great influence and uplifting to me, even though at the time they were given they were not wanted. One of the things we talked about, which has been discussed by our Mission President, has been the difference between Faith Promoting and Faith Perfecting.

    Faith Promoting Experiences: These are the great visions, the amazing contacts, the witnesses from the Spirit that the Gospel is true. These are the healings, the finding of work, the answers to prayers, the returning home of wayward children, the great Spiritual Victories that occur in life. These experiences build up our belief in God and inspire us to act with Faith :D

   Faith Perfecting Experiences: When we act with faith, and the results are not what we wanted, prayed for, or desired. This is when our expectations are not met, and our Faith in God is tested. This is the storm which throttles and thrashes the newly grown sapling. Many of us will ask, why? Each of these experiences gives us an opportunity to reflect back, and to remember that "but not my will, but Thine be done." These are the more important experiences. These experiences, if handled appropriately, will give us an even greater love for God. They solidify our belief in Him, our trust in Him.

    We all have both of these experiences. No examples needed. You know which ones you have experienced. Many of us remember the great visions and revelations given to Joseph Smith, and all of the incredible things which he did in his life. But how often do we remember the faith perfecting experiences he had? The death of many of his children, the death of his brother Alvin, his tar and feathering, which later resulted in the death of another one of his children, his imprisonment, and so many more. Which ones made him the Prophet he is today? Both. If we only had Faith Promoting, we would be like a soft piece of ore in a blacksmith’s shop, heated and mold-able by a fiery, faith building experience. Valuable, and precious, yes, but not very useful. However, add in the painful hammerings of trial, which requires much effort, aching and strain on our soul, but in the end, we come out as a beautiful, firm, and strong tool in the hand of the Lord. We will become as He is. :D

    The Hammers of Faith Perfecting Experiences will continue to come. However, as you spend the time to fuel the fire and pump the bellows by fueling your Spirit with the scriptures, pumping your spiritual muscles in the service of others, and praying for the guidance to do what is right, in the end, we will be pure, even as He is pure. I know these things are true. They are happening to me now, in my mission, in my family, and in my heart, and they will continue to happen. I can choose to be an agent unto myself and choose to see the end product, see why all of these trials are important, and find gratitude for them. Go thou and do so likewise. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it :D

    I love you all, and know that as we continue to seek guidance by the Spirit by daily prayer, scripture study and church attendance, we will be led in the right direction. :D

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
       Elder Kampenhout

Malaysia - Week 62 - Good to Great!!

Sept. 20, 2011

Hello Family!!!

Kota Kinabalu Zone Conference 9.19.11

    Another crazy week in the mission field :D Wow. In preparation for having all of the missionaries from all over Sabah stay in our home, we have our air conditioning serviced to make sure they were up to maximum capacity. When they workers came back from lunch, we got on a subject of religion (a topic we love to talk about) and the next thing you know it, I am bearing testimony and teaching right there in the middle of our living room! They walked right into it :D One of them expressed desires in learning more, and we met him last night, but didn't get a whole lot accomplished because even though he said he read and understood the The Restoration pamphlet, he could not wrap his mind around the idea that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ together. We bore testimony and taught him but he just kept saying he didn't understand. It was incredible to feel and know that he was not open at all to what we were teaching, but that he was just trying to take what we taught and add to what he already knows, but only the things that agree. He finally asked for a scripture that proves that Jesus and God the Father are different, and thinking we didn't have any, he was shocked and dumbfounded when we told him about the story of Stephan having a similar vision in Acts 7:55-56. He sat there staring at the scripture reading it over and over again. Sadly, he still didn't do anything, but agreed to pray some more about it. I hope his true desire to find truth is not squashed by the Pentecostal Church he is currently following. But its all in his hands. Interesting story though about how some people are just not open to the truth, so the truth does not make sense to them. We hear about a lot of weird "visions" and happenings around here, like Jesus Christ appearing in a coconut tree and things like that, but in the end one should ask themselves, "What is the purpose of this?" God only works for bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. He doesn't just show off for kicks. :D

    The Conference itself was way cool. It was amazing to see my old branch (Sandakan) and some of my Recent Converts come to KK and gather together. It was such a joy, especially to see the Sandakan youth and leaders who had gone to the temple. There was a visible difference in them. You could just see in their eyes and by their countenances that they had be wrought upon by the Spirit, and forever changed by the House of the Lord. No words needed to describe what they felt. A smile and a mutual spiritual understanding was all that was needed. They now know that this is not just some club to go to on Sunday afternoon in a little rented house, but the Lord's Kingdom on the earth :D

    I would also like to share with you something I experienced last week. We had made a goal to have 8 investigators come to district conference, and we felt that it was something that was doable. However as the week wore on, this goal seemed more and more impossible. That Sunday morning as I sat in the back, I could not help but feel a bit disappointed in myself, and felt that I had failed in my duty and in my goal, and I began to wonder "why am I here?. At that moment, in walked our recent converts, and then in some formerly less active recent convert. At that moment in time I realized that I had done my best, and that I should be happy for the work which I have done here. The worth of Every Soul is great in the eyes of God. I may not be the crowd baptizing missionary that I want to be, but I know that I made a difference in those whom I have helped grown closer to Christ. I was overcome by such a peaceful feeling that I had a good job. :D

   I know that as we continue to look to the good things in life, on the important things, and strive to go from Good to Great, we will find a newer peace and happiness. It is so easy to get caught in the captivating thoughts of failure, defeat, and worthlessness. However, upon seeing the good that is wrought from every situation, and adopting that forward thinking mindset, we will find a spark in our spirits that was not present before. As my companion Elder Hawkins says: "I didn't lose the game, I was only behind when the clock ran out." :) If you are feeling that you are behind in life, remember that by returning to the basics, by Daily Prayer, Scripture Study, Church and temple attendance, adopting the attributes of Christ into yourself, you will will find that you are actually ahead :D

 I love you all and know that as we all make a greater effort in feasting upon the word of God daily, we will be endowed with power.

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
      Elder Kampenhout    

Malaysia - Week 61 - Faith Finding and Temple Teaching

Sept. 13, 2011

Hello family,

    Wow, things have been absolutely amazing these past few days. After coming back from exchanges last week. Elder Hawkins and I set out and began our search for more investigators. It was incredible! We have always struggled a bit in finding new people, but they just seemed to jump out of the wood work! So many potential investigators finally we were able to meet, and we finally got in touch with a Tamil family which the Branch President has been nurturing for a while. They are good ones. It was amazing to see how once we set our minds and hearts and became unified in Prayer, things just began to happen. It was not any one goal, or the role plays we do, but it was the attitude and the mind set that we have been setting within ourselves that has been making the difference. It has become a filter in our minds, to always be asking about families, talking about families, visiting families. Its awesome stuff :D

    I also was able to teach about the Temple for the 1st time in a long time to our recent converts yesterday. The experience was a sacred one, and all that I can really share is that it began with a prayer of faith. Yes, Jeffery was praying in Tagalog, but at the same time I was pleading with the Lord that He might be able to help these people understand through feelings and impressions in their hearts the importance of the temple. They had never been there. They are so far away, but through the power of God, all things are possible. Even though the nearest temple was hundreds of miles away (if not thousands) and over seas, that little concrete room was filled with the Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, anyone can gain understanding about anything, whether they are there or not. Oh, how important it is for us to have the Holy Spirit with us at all times, so we can understand our purpose and our potential at all time. This reliance upon the Holy Ghost had never before played such an influential role, and has left a lasting impression. I know that the role of the Holy Ghost is an ever so important one. How can we even try to function without it? We can't....

   With that, return to the Lord's house. Often. You have no idea how lucky you are where you are. Before I used to think the temple was far away (2 hour drive to Spokane). Now....that is something I would easily do weekly for the outpouring of the Spirit and heavenly guidance that can come with attending the temple. I nearly wept in our meeting as I reflected on my times spent in the temple, and as I pondered and envisioned these 4 beautiful children of God one day journeying themselves to the temple. It is the most incredible place we can visit. How often to you set aside the world and the time to go to a place of celestial communication?

    I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, and He loves us more than we love ourselves. He is so full of Love...Love so great that we can't even comprehend it. Yet we can feel it. Every time you pray with the full energy of heart, every time you sit next to your companion in church, every time you read the letters God has sent you through His prophetic mail service, and every time you go to His home. There you can feel His love. It will be a long while before I have the possibility to return home. Take the opportunities I can't. You will never regret it.

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

P.S. In one of the attached pictures is a Chinese woman playing with her son in the kiddy pool at our apartment complex. It began to rain ever so lightly, so she takes out an umbrella to keep the water off of her....as she is playing in a pool..... Ha ha! She soon realized her own silliness :D

Malaysia - Week 60 - On the Move!‏

Sept. 7, 2011

Hello Family!!

    So this past week I have been in my area for about....oh...3 days total? Thursday morning we had a combined branch activity (Picnic at the Beach!) in which we had a couple potential investigators come (who were brought by members of the branch). It was a good opportunity for people to bring friends to meet and fellowship with members of the branch, and see just how friendly and kind we are. We have families, kids, eat regular food, and love to have fun :D

Right after the beach activity we ran home, showered and headed off to Kuala Lumpur for another Zone Leader Council, which was incredible! Every time I go to a meeting, training, or church meeting, I always feel inspired and take something away from it. I always prepare myself first though, and expect to take something away. If you don't put anything into it, you won't get anything out of it. Also while we were in KL, I bought a painting. So pretty! The man painted it in 30 minutes while I was shopping, after I described what I wanted. It was amazing. He is definitely a talented man, and I was so impressed I was just so happy when he offered to paint one for me right there and them and that happiness just spread like wild fire. Mr. Pheng is one of the most incredibly kind person I have met, and could have gone pro in painting and selling his paintings for thousands of ringits, but instead chooses to live the humble life and paint so he can brighten peoples days, and spread beauty in the earth. Now that is a Christ-like man. Even though he was not ready for the Gospel, he is a good person, going about doing good things. The world needs more people like him.

      We then came back Saturday morning, and from there prepared for the baptism which was going on that evening. Wow....it was the most incredibly spiritual baptism I have ever been at. There have been so many spiritual battles, so much effort, love, and prayers put into this one day, and finally, Jacky, Jeffery, Nanai and Ariane were ready and willing to make their own personal covenant with God. It was amazing! The Spirit was so strong you could have cut it with a knife. As I walked around in my baptismal clothes, my heart felt like it was inside the temple. I felt for just a second, what Heaven feels like. So full of Joy, surrounded by family, and full of Godly Love. I could feel the Spirit telling and confirming to my heart "Well done my good and faithful servant." All of the failed contacts, the long hard days, the sicknesses, difficulties, were all swallowed up in these few hours. It was not like we did anything extraordinary for this service, all we did was get all of our ducks in a row beforehand. The plan was set, and it went very well :D The only disturbance was a bus contact named Sylvia texting me that she wanted to come to church the next day. Also Can!!! The Lord works in mysterious ways, and his work is the greatest one you can ever get involved with. You never lose, you only win :D

     After such a wonderful Baptism, and great confirmations on Sunday, these past two days I have been back in Sandakan, doing Zone Leader Exchanges with Elder Brown and Putnam. I was also able to meet Elder and Sister Lee, the new senior couple serving in Sandakan. They are the very first Malaysian Senior couple to serve a mission, and were called to the Singapore mission. They are from KL and speak English, Malay, and Chinese. Wow....they are a perfect fit for Sandakan. We can already tell that the number of Chinese going to church is going to increase :D They are very young for a senior couple as well, and have made incredible sacrifices to be here, but are receiving much. I was there when Elder Lee opened his call at the Missionary Leadership Training many months ago, and was very excited to see him in his assignment. The Lord definitely calls his missionaries. It is done through men, but it comes from the Lord. I love serving Him, and know that every waking hour and minute that I give unto him, I receive numberless treasures of knowledge, comfort and peace. This is the best time of my life!! :D

Your loving Son,
    Elder Willem Kampenhout

Malaysia - Week 59 - Hari Raya!!

 Wed. August 30, 2011

Hello Family!!!

    Things are going well here in Malaysia. The End of the Islamic month of fasting is here, and yesterday downtown KK (Kota Kinabalu) was absolutely packed!!! I ironically chose to start a fast on the very day that the Muslims were breaking theirs, so when we went into a jam packed KFC after District meeting, I was now on the opposite end of what had been happening all month. For those who don't know, around august every year the Islamic holds a time of fasting called Ramadan. They will begin fasting every day at 4am, and break it at 6:30pm. So they don't eat all day, but will stuff themselves at night right afterwards, and wake up at 3am and eat before the fasting starts. Fairly unhealthy, but they do it with good purpose. Many many restaurants are empty during the day, so it is mainly Elder Hawkins and I and the Chinese here eating lunch :D But its now over and we can all eat together again :D

   Some more amazing news is that our brand new Branch is going to have a baptism this weekend!!! Yay!!! This incredible little group of Filipinos has been through many challenges and trials, and been taught very well the doctrines of the Gospel. Each and every one of them is loved by the branch, even though there is a bit of a language barrier (they only speak English, and only a few select members speak English) but they are all so friendly towards one another. Each and every one of the four people who are being baptized this Saturday will be making sacred covenants with God, after having faced many life changing decisions. Upon reflecting, Elder Hawkins and I are just blown away at how far these people have come. They are so incredible and their faith is amazing. It inspires me to know that the Lord is preparing his children, and that the Gospel really will change lives if they let it :D

   Last week I also had the opportunity to fly down to Tawau, the edge of the world when it comes to missionary areas. It is so far away from the mission home, and has a little branch of its own and a senior couple and a pair of elders there. For many months at a time there is no senior couple either. Oh, what amazing trust the Mission President must have in his missionaries. Honestly, it would be pretty easy for them to do whatever they wanted, and get away with it all, but instead they choose to wake up on time, study the scriptures, and follow all the little guidelines they are given. Now, let me ask you this. How many 19-21 year old boys will pay to go somewhere foreign, and obey a voice that is thousands of miles away, and give up things such as movies, video games, girls, cars, music, and go and talk with people about religion? Only the sons of God. It is because they walk on a higher path, and obey not because they are motivated by guilt or fear, but because they love their Heavenly Father, because they love their families, because they are obedient out of the desires of their heart. In this world where standards of morality and family values are crumbling before our eyes, I have never seen such faith, devotion, and firmness than I have seen here in the Sabahan Missionaries. No one is looking down their backs, but they continue to choose the right when a choice is placed before them. They are Missionaries of the Lord Jesus Christ, and are doing their best to follow his lead :D I am proud of the missionaries in my zone, and know that they will continue to do great and marvelous things.

   "When obedience ceases to be an Irritant, and becomes our Quest, in that moment God will endow us with Power." ~ Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

    Sometimes it feels so easy to just let a little bit slide here or there, but I know that when it does become a desire to be obedient, one being motivated by the blessings which are bestowed upon the obedient, you really do have the Lord's promises and power backing you up :D

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

P.S. Attached Pictures are of a Family home evening help for the YSA (Young Single Adults) in KK, and the second is a majority of the group of Filipinos we teach, sitting on their single bed in their one room home :D

Malaysia – Week 58 - Faith Finding

Aug. 23, 2011

Hello family!

 

Another good week of Missionary work. Life is going along pretty well here in Kota Kinabalu. Elder Hawkins has been a bit ill since yesterday, so we have been playing it pretty easy, which has given me some time to do some chores around the house, do some good in depth studies, and get caught up in my journal!! I’m still writing an entry every day, and have less than a month to catch up on between Mar 5th and Mar 27th of this year. The little notes I jotted down really do help to jog my memory. I can't imagine what these journals will do when I’m old and feeble.
     But another cool update. So Elis, whom I met while walking off the bus, and met last Wed., has just been a shining star in our lives. She came and toured around the church and said that it was the prettiest Church she has ever seen, but that was not the best part. When she finished reading 1st and 2nd Nephi in 5 days from the time we gave her the Book of Mormon we nearly dropped our jaws. We were so stunned! She is just taking everything and loving it, because the Spirit is just speaking to her heart.  :D She has definitely been prepared by the Lord.
     Also, another little FYI, exercising is the best! We have a little gym here where were live, and every morning we go down for 30 minutes and work out to start our day. I never used to be a morning person, but since I began exercising in the morning, I have also begun eating and drinking healthier, and because of that, my body is in the best condition it has ever been! For the first time since 8th grade I have dropped below 175 pounds, and am around 165 actually. The only bad thing is that my clothes are a bit more roomy, but I don’t mind. :D I also have a lot less aches and pains, and more energy and just feel amazing. It’s just a little testimony of how something good each day (exercise, scripture reading, pray, family time) is a lot better than doing it in large doses infrequently. I would highly recommend trying to exercise a little every morning. Walking, or running, or lifting weights. It works! This has in turn given me a stronger confidence in myself, and in my work . :D Give it a try ;)
    Selain semau itu (Other than all that) life is good. Never been happier, and just living a great life and enjoying the greatest mission in the world right now.  :D It’s probably a good thing I don't go into too much detail, that way you don't get too jealous. Although I don’t think a lot of people would like to run around in the weather we do, wearing shirts and ties and slacks. :)

Elder Kampenhout