Malaysia - Week 38 - Hope in the Home‏

April 5, 2011

Hello Family!!!

   Never before have I really relied on the Home as much as I have this week. Elder Martin and I are much like a little old couple now. We know all of our little habits, and how we each work, and have successfully worked together to create an amazing unity in our home. Every day, as we go through our studies, I can just feel the spirit growing and swelling to fill the whole house. It is incredible, and as we walk out of our house everyday to go and battle the evils of the world, I can feel the Spirit coming with us. When the day is done, and the work has to be stopped for the night, coming home feels like walking back into a place of comfort, safety, and rest. It is incredible.  :D If this is just an inkling of being "of one heart and one mind" then I can't wait for Zion to come . :D

Now THESE are BIG leaves!!!

Elder Kampenhout pointing out the cockroaches that were all over the railings in the cave they visited last week

Elder Martin, Sister & President Wieland at dinner at a member's home

Elder Martin studying on our hamoc

Largest Triple Combination I have ever seen

   This past Friday we had an amazing branch social, and while it started 30 minutes late, we all just sang hymns together until the leaders arrived. It was so amazing how the music brought everyone to come in and sit down and participate, and it ended up being the most attended Branch Social yet! Excluding the Christmas Party. You can't beat the birth of the Savior as a day to celebrate. But it was such a fun social, and wasn't even all that complex. A couple songs, a short talk, and playing Pictionary, and eating. It is finding joy in the simple and plain things that brings true happiness.

   So just yesterday, I ran into my first "ONLY ONE BIBLE" person. Wow....11 months and only one thus far. Ha ha. It was really incredible to see how she had placed her faith in Her Church and not in Christ, and the true nature of God. We didn't argue with her, but instead asked her questions to invite her to think. She told us that she only needs the bible, and then we asked her if she believes that God still lives, and she said yes. Does he still talk to us? Yes! Well, couldn't he reveal more word to us in a time when we desperately need it? Her mouth remained closed. "I can't answer that question." She didn't accept a Book of Mormon, but she accepted a pamphlet, and said she would read it. It certainly was an interesting experience, because she was the one who sought us out when we were following up a contact. We acted in a calm and reverent manner, and the scriptures proved right in that "therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men" I know that the word of God will always be proven right :D

I love you all so much, and hope you all enjoyed General Conference. We get it in 2 weeks. Woot!!! Can't wait!!!

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

   

      Elder Willem Kampenhout