Hello Family!!
A good week this one was :) A lot of last minute change of plans, going to hospitals, birthdays, lots of good stuff :D Some pretty good highlights:
Sunday afternoon after another spiritually uplifting Sunday, we were just about to head out to a member's house when when we got a call that one of the sisters in the ward was just admitted to the emergency room for severe stomach pains! Oh no! So we headed out to the member's house to grab him and then head to the hospital. We were expecting to meet him at his house, yet when we got off the bus stop, he was already dressed in his shirt and tie, and waiting next to his car. "Lets go" he said, and we were off. Now that is the Priesthood in action :) Always ready and waiting to serve. Arriving at the hospital we took a look at the x-ray, and it appears that there was a spring in the woman's stomach. What?!? Hahaha we just started laughing because everyone was just confused as to how it could have happened. Elder Sorensen then started talking about how "She'll bounce back from this one fast" and " she'll rebound in no time". Haha it was good and we were probably the only ones laughing in the hospital. We then administered to her and went on our way. We later found out that the spring was actually a pen that was in her pants, but in fact she really had kidney stones. She said she would be ok though. :) She's already home with her kids :D
Saturday night we somehow managed to get "kidnapped" by a member and driven out to this huge shopping mall called One Borneo. It's super big. We thought we were just going with her to drop off her niece for her Fashion Show practice, but....nope. We were wrong. We ended up being there for the whole finding of dresses in the store, all the girls trying them on, and finding the jewelry they want to use. Haha. Elder Sorensen said "This is only happening because we are missionaries." There is probably some truth to that. It was an adventure though. The member then asked us to come next Saturday to the actual show, in which we politely declined and told her that we had already seen the show :) We don't need any more unnecessary distractions as missionaries :D
In light of all of these rather comical events, some very spiritual lessons can be learned. Having had many conversations and seeing the way that people live here in Malaysia, and even home in America, the one thing that I think everyone needs a little bit more of is comprised of four letters. Love. Such a powerful word. It can be shown in many ways, and also has many "look-alikes" but nothing can really replace Love. It is Love that you show when you visit the hospital to visit the sick, it is Love you show when you spend time with your kids, and support them in their activities. Many people will participate in things because they just want to be accepted and loved. The adversary then easily tricks them that if they do "this or that" then people will love and accept them. That love and acceptance only lasts for so long. Real Love and Acceptance comes from when you really do show them that you care about them. Whether it is a thank you, a wave, a smile, a hug, a kiss, or even just a little note left on the desk, there are innumerable ways to show love. And yes....you can buy flowers on days other than February 14th. Show someone that you care this week. Be the person that brightens someone's day. This is the Love of Christ :D It is not just something we talk about during Sunday School or Sacrament meeting, but is what we do each day of our lives.
From your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
Elder Willem Kampenhout
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Malaysia - Week 49 - Sabah Exchanges
June 22, 2011
Selamat Pagi!!!
So this past week was the first time I got to go on Zone Leader Exchanges to A) give trainings to our district leaders B) Support and Uplift and Evaluate how the companionships are doing so we can help them. It was a way cool experience. I got to return to my old area in Sandakan, and had an amazing time. Getting to see a couple families and recent converts was really a needed experience. They were so happy to see and visit, and while it was only for about 30 minutes for most, it was good and spiritually uplifting. The best was probably when we went to Roderick's new place and met with him and Helen. They had had a lot of problems since I left Sandakan, but had been to church the week before I came back, and so I was able to help encourage them to continue to go to church, read, pray, and help Roderick prepare for his talk next week. That's right. President Wieland in Sandakan knows how to activate the inactive :D Especially with Roderick. He is a Diesel Engine. That man is going to to great things if he remains faithful.
Part of the exchange required a 6-7 hour bus ride through the mountains and hills of Sabah. Wow!!! Talk about incredible. These buses are the biggest things on the road, and yet are the fastest too. They pass smaller cars, trucks, and vans. It is amazing. Especially considering the roads, which are like 2 lane highways on old mountain passes. Pot holes everywhere, big bumps, and yet these buses and their crews know them like the back of their hands. My first bus driver has been driving for over 10 years, all on the same road. You would probably get to know it pretty well :D But, accidents still happen. We actually got hit by a small Lori on the trip to Sandakan. He had tried to pass us, but saw incoming traffic and turned back in, but misjudged his distance and clipped the back of our bus. I didn't even notice this happened until the bus driver told me at lunch. The front of the Lori was pretty well messed up, but the bus only had a broken light. It was nuts. In the meantime while the drivers were talking about the accident, I went and bought some shell necklaces for my mother at the little stands right next to the road :D Got a good deal too!
On a more spiritual nature I have been thinking a lot about the idea of 'Praying for others' and if it really is useful? We can't change other's wills or God's will, so what is the point? I am then brought to think of Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger in Mosiah 27:12 is it? The Angel visits Alma's wayward son and states that he is here simply to answer the prayer of his servants. The Lord is doing the same for you. He does for me too, so he has to do the same for you. I know that He is a Lord of Miracles, and most times it is the miracles that work within the hearts of man. It is easy to move mountains of dirt, but to move mountains doubt is a miracle. I have felt the Lord working in a miraculous way in my life, and coming unto the Savior truly is helping me change. I still have many problems, and the adversary works hard on me daily, but I know that as I continue to press forward with steadfast faith in Christ, that the Savior and I together will emerge victorious. I love these people here in Kota Kinabalu and in all of Sabah. I love this work, and I love my mission. Now being in the midst of one, I am confused as to why before my mission I even contemplated not going on a mission when things got hard. I am eternally grateful for the people the Lord placed in my life who encouraged and helped me make this step of faith :D It is going to be one of the best decisions I have made in my life :)
Your Loving friend, brother, and son,
Elder Willem Kampenhout
Selamat Pagi!!!
So this past week was the first time I got to go on Zone Leader Exchanges to A) give trainings to our district leaders B) Support and Uplift and Evaluate how the companionships are doing so we can help them. It was a way cool experience. I got to return to my old area in Sandakan, and had an amazing time. Getting to see a couple families and recent converts was really a needed experience. They were so happy to see and visit, and while it was only for about 30 minutes for most, it was good and spiritually uplifting. The best was probably when we went to Roderick's new place and met with him and Helen. They had had a lot of problems since I left Sandakan, but had been to church the week before I came back, and so I was able to help encourage them to continue to go to church, read, pray, and help Roderick prepare for his talk next week. That's right. President Wieland in Sandakan knows how to activate the inactive :D Especially with Roderick. He is a Diesel Engine. That man is going to to great things if he remains faithful.
Part of the exchange required a 6-7 hour bus ride through the mountains and hills of Sabah. Wow!!! Talk about incredible. These buses are the biggest things on the road, and yet are the fastest too. They pass smaller cars, trucks, and vans. It is amazing. Especially considering the roads, which are like 2 lane highways on old mountain passes. Pot holes everywhere, big bumps, and yet these buses and their crews know them like the back of their hands. My first bus driver has been driving for over 10 years, all on the same road. You would probably get to know it pretty well :D But, accidents still happen. We actually got hit by a small Lori on the trip to Sandakan. He had tried to pass us, but saw incoming traffic and turned back in, but misjudged his distance and clipped the back of our bus. I didn't even notice this happened until the bus driver told me at lunch. The front of the Lori was pretty well messed up, but the bus only had a broken light. It was nuts. In the meantime while the drivers were talking about the accident, I went and bought some shell necklaces for my mother at the little stands right next to the road :D Got a good deal too!
On a more spiritual nature I have been thinking a lot about the idea of 'Praying for others' and if it really is useful? We can't change other's wills or God's will, so what is the point? I am then brought to think of Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger in Mosiah 27:12 is it? The Angel visits Alma's wayward son and states that he is here simply to answer the prayer of his servants. The Lord is doing the same for you. He does for me too, so he has to do the same for you. I know that He is a Lord of Miracles, and most times it is the miracles that work within the hearts of man. It is easy to move mountains of dirt, but to move mountains doubt is a miracle. I have felt the Lord working in a miraculous way in my life, and coming unto the Savior truly is helping me change. I still have many problems, and the adversary works hard on me daily, but I know that as I continue to press forward with steadfast faith in Christ, that the Savior and I together will emerge victorious. I love these people here in Kota Kinabalu and in all of Sabah. I love this work, and I love my mission. Now being in the midst of one, I am confused as to why before my mission I even contemplated not going on a mission when things got hard. I am eternally grateful for the people the Lord placed in my life who encouraged and helped me make this step of faith :D It is going to be one of the best decisions I have made in my life :)
Your Loving friend, brother, and son,
Elder Willem Kampenhout
Week 47 - Malaysia - The Sick Season
June 14, 2011
Hello Family :)
It is always a joy to hear from people back home. Not that it makes me miss home all that much, but it reminds me of what my life was like before my mission and how it's changed. It helps me appreciate and love it even more. It also gives me a refreshing course of just how crazy Malaysia is :D I love it. Every day is an adventure :D But that is just Missions. Always and adventure.
This week's adventure took Elder Sorensen and I to visit a lot of member's houses and to listen to their stories and also to teach and share the gospel with their friends and family. We have been focusing on working through the members here in Kota Kinabalu, and really training them how to be good members, how to fulfill callings, follow the line of authority, and so on. I think they are doing a pretty good job here. It's easy to complain, but when you think about how the Saint in America have had....oh....180+ years of practice, and Malaysia has had....oh...14 years? I think we are doing pretty good :D Yet, it's not how long you have served, but how you have served :)
So it looks like my run of poverty will end later on today (or maybe tomorrow morning). I think I lost my wallet....oh...4 weeks ago? Since then I have only had less than $180 US dollars to spend, where we take transport everywhere, have left the country twice, and even went to a large shopping festival. I have been borrowing money when I need it from my companion (about $50) and always kinda laugh at myself when I run out of money. It's not a budgeting thing. I'm about as tight as I can get. I spend about $5 on groceries a week, and I make it work. Bread and water has been the staple of my diet. Makes life colorful eh? But it will be good to have financial support again, but I wonder how much I will actually spend?
Sadly, the change in the seasons have left Elder Sorensen and I sick with runny noses and coughs. I had the runny nose. He had the cough. Together we were one sickly flock of ducks. The worst was that I really got sick over Fast Sunday. That is when it got the worst. So having no money, no proper medicine, and only bread and water to eat, didn't leave me with a lot of vices. But thankfully my companion came in and made me some amazing hot Milo, and I just had to forget about the rest :D He has truly got my back :D
One of the most powerful appointments we had this week was when we met with our investigator Sofinah. She is the younger sister of a member in Singapore. She came to church, and had a wonderful time. On a spur of wisdom, my companion suggested we just answer questions she will have for our next appointment, which ended up being the best thing ever. Armed with the Senior Couples house, a dynamite member named Cicie, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we sat down and had a wonderful discussion. My companion and I did about....oh....10% of the talking. Sofinah did have some worries, such as what was the role of Mary in our church, but also with Rev. 22:18. Our member at that point took over, and not only overcame that concern of hers, but also solidified the reality of the Book of Mormon, and the need of Joseph Smith, and the need for each and every one of us to ask God himself about these things. It was incredible. All we did was really talk about what are priesthood keys. At the end of that lesson Sofinah came out and told us that she was very touched by everything and really wants to find her own answer, and that she was feeling the Holy Ghost :D It was amazing. The Spirit was so strong in that lesson that it lasted throughout the rest of the night, a peaceful feeling that can only be experienced, and not be described. The Spirit really does witness of truth. To me that night really told me what teaching really is. It is not stepping up on a box and pounding down your students throats the ideas you have, but explaining a little, and then asking questions and listening, discerning, checking understanding and then responding. The most important part is to listen with your heart. Listen because you really want to know and to help them and yourselves. Don't have a hidden agenda. Of course there are things which they can do which will help them, but if it does not come around in the discussion, it's ok. What is important is that they do get something that helps them progress a little bit better. Build their desire. Teach them to love the Sea, and they will build a boat themselves to get there. Invite. They Commit. You follow up. This is the Lord's way of Teaching.
I would like to share my testimony very quickly about the power of Priesthood Blessings. It is real. It is not always flashy or instant, but it is real. It opens doors into people's hearts and minds, and invites the help of the Lord in overcoming sicknesses, ailments, and injuries. You may not think that "this is serious enough to need a blessing," but would you ever not want God's help? I would always want his help, his inspiration, his guidance. Think about the billions of people who don't have the opportunity of Priesthood Blessings. What would they give to have one? Fathers and Sons. Live worthy enough to always be able to act in the place of the Savior to administer to the sick and the afflicted. The need will always come when you least expect it. We have been given a power from on High. Don't hang it up on a shelf and look at it. Take it down and use it to do some good in the world. Serve in your callings. Fulfill your Offices. Be All that you can be :) We are the Children of God. Lets preform in such a manner.
Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
Elder Kampenhout
Hello Family :)
It is always a joy to hear from people back home. Not that it makes me miss home all that much, but it reminds me of what my life was like before my mission and how it's changed. It helps me appreciate and love it even more. It also gives me a refreshing course of just how crazy Malaysia is :D I love it. Every day is an adventure :D But that is just Missions. Always and adventure.
This week's adventure took Elder Sorensen and I to visit a lot of member's houses and to listen to their stories and also to teach and share the gospel with their friends and family. We have been focusing on working through the members here in Kota Kinabalu, and really training them how to be good members, how to fulfill callings, follow the line of authority, and so on. I think they are doing a pretty good job here. It's easy to complain, but when you think about how the Saint in America have had....oh....180+ years of practice, and Malaysia has had....oh...14 years? I think we are doing pretty good :D Yet, it's not how long you have served, but how you have served :)
So it looks like my run of poverty will end later on today (or maybe tomorrow morning). I think I lost my wallet....oh...4 weeks ago? Since then I have only had less than $180 US dollars to spend, where we take transport everywhere, have left the country twice, and even went to a large shopping festival. I have been borrowing money when I need it from my companion (about $50) and always kinda laugh at myself when I run out of money. It's not a budgeting thing. I'm about as tight as I can get. I spend about $5 on groceries a week, and I make it work. Bread and water has been the staple of my diet. Makes life colorful eh? But it will be good to have financial support again, but I wonder how much I will actually spend?
Sadly, the change in the seasons have left Elder Sorensen and I sick with runny noses and coughs. I had the runny nose. He had the cough. Together we were one sickly flock of ducks. The worst was that I really got sick over Fast Sunday. That is when it got the worst. So having no money, no proper medicine, and only bread and water to eat, didn't leave me with a lot of vices. But thankfully my companion came in and made me some amazing hot Milo, and I just had to forget about the rest :D He has truly got my back :D
One of the most powerful appointments we had this week was when we met with our investigator Sofinah. She is the younger sister of a member in Singapore. She came to church, and had a wonderful time. On a spur of wisdom, my companion suggested we just answer questions she will have for our next appointment, which ended up being the best thing ever. Armed with the Senior Couples house, a dynamite member named Cicie, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we sat down and had a wonderful discussion. My companion and I did about....oh....10% of the talking. Sofinah did have some worries, such as what was the role of Mary in our church, but also with Rev. 22:18. Our member at that point took over, and not only overcame that concern of hers, but also solidified the reality of the Book of Mormon, and the need of Joseph Smith, and the need for each and every one of us to ask God himself about these things. It was incredible. All we did was really talk about what are priesthood keys. At the end of that lesson Sofinah came out and told us that she was very touched by everything and really wants to find her own answer, and that she was feeling the Holy Ghost :D It was amazing. The Spirit was so strong in that lesson that it lasted throughout the rest of the night, a peaceful feeling that can only be experienced, and not be described. The Spirit really does witness of truth. To me that night really told me what teaching really is. It is not stepping up on a box and pounding down your students throats the ideas you have, but explaining a little, and then asking questions and listening, discerning, checking understanding and then responding. The most important part is to listen with your heart. Listen because you really want to know and to help them and yourselves. Don't have a hidden agenda. Of course there are things which they can do which will help them, but if it does not come around in the discussion, it's ok. What is important is that they do get something that helps them progress a little bit better. Build their desire. Teach them to love the Sea, and they will build a boat themselves to get there. Invite. They Commit. You follow up. This is the Lord's way of Teaching.
I would like to share my testimony very quickly about the power of Priesthood Blessings. It is real. It is not always flashy or instant, but it is real. It opens doors into people's hearts and minds, and invites the help of the Lord in overcoming sicknesses, ailments, and injuries. You may not think that "this is serious enough to need a blessing," but would you ever not want God's help? I would always want his help, his inspiration, his guidance. Think about the billions of people who don't have the opportunity of Priesthood Blessings. What would they give to have one? Fathers and Sons. Live worthy enough to always be able to act in the place of the Savior to administer to the sick and the afflicted. The need will always come when you least expect it. We have been given a power from on High. Don't hang it up on a shelf and look at it. Take it down and use it to do some good in the world. Serve in your callings. Fulfill your Offices. Be All that you can be :) We are the Children of God. Lets preform in such a manner.
Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
Elder Kampenhout
 |
| Elder & Sister Bednar in Kota Kinabalu with Missionaries |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)