Week 45 - Malaysia - The Apostle of the Lord‏

May 24, 2011

Elder David A. Bednar

This week I was able to have a very special experience. Elder David A. Bednar had some business in West Malaysia, which just so happened to be when we were having a large Zone Conference. What great planning by our Mission President! :D About 40 of us single missionaries were able to sit and talk with Elder Bednar, his wife, and Elder and Sister Pratt of the Area Presidency for about 3 hours. WOOOOW. Talk about an incredible experience. The windows of heaven were open as we openly discussed many topics and principles, and it was just incredible. It has completely changed my life, and that was just 3 hours. It was an incredible experience. It was not just seeing a man and sitting 5 feet away from him, but it was that we had read two of his talks "Ask in Faith" and "Learning by Faith" and were thus prepared to discuss and be edified by all. We talked freely and openly, with laughter and seriousness as well. It was awesome. There were many a spiritual treasures which were opened to my mind and which I am currently writing down in my own "Personal Plates." Do you write down the spiritual impressions and understanding you receive in church and when reading the scriptures? I would suggest that doing so will change many a perspective in your life. Just listening and feeling the spirit can only last so long, but when you write it down, it becomes eternal. Where would we be if Nephi had only just remembered his stories and kept them to himself? I hope and pray that you would all find and do something similar. :D

      So a little bit of my observations about Elder Bednar. He is not the tallest man, yet he carries himself in such a way that is humble yet powerful at the same time. He has an intensity to him that shows just how much he loves this Gospel, and is serious in his discipleship. He is always down for a good laugh and can do so very well when he wants to, but he is aware of  himself at all times. Seeing a man of such faith is so inspiring, and with how much he has inspired me to be closer to God, I too desire to be a more shining example of the Savior in everything I do. It’s hard at times, in fact all the time, with the pressures of the world around us, but it is possible :) When he bore his testimony, it was done so simply, but there was such a unity with the Savior in his voice that it just absolutely vibrated you to the very soul if you were listening. I know that the Lord is directing His work on this Earth, and you will see many a miracle in the years to come that will testify of that.

    Sorry to write so little about that. It was such a sacred and moving experience. It was amazing. 

     As for the rest of my week, we had an incredible Zone Leadership training by President Clark, and it has completely driven me to become a better leader for those around me. The more and more I learn and progress in this work, the more I realize that I am so very little and can do nothing in and by myself, and that I realize how much I need to rely on the Lord. It really is His work, and we are only instruments. If we let Him tune us and sharpen us, we can be present when He makes His wonderful music for all to hear :D

    Well I hope that you all are doing well. I would HIGHLY suggest and urge you all to take a look at Elder Bednar’s talk "Ask in Faith."  

I love you all so much. I know the Savior Lives, and that as we draw closer to him, we draw closer to our true potential. 

    Your loving friend, brother, and son,

 Elder Willem Kampenhout