August 16, 2011
Hello Family!!!
So it has been about 2 weeks since I last sent one of these out. I do apologize. Last Wednesday I was in Singapore on a Visa run (so I don't over extend my stay in Malaysia and get kicked out) and we were short on time ‘cause we needed to catch a bus to Kuala Lumpur for Zone Leader Council and our Missionary Leadership Training. But....it was an amazing trip.
So it has been about 2 weeks since I last sent one of these out. I do apologize. Last Wednesday I was in Singapore on a Visa run (so I don't over extend my stay in Malaysia and get kicked out) and we were short on time ‘cause we needed to catch a bus to Kuala Lumpur for Zone Leader Council and our Missionary Leadership Training. But....it was an amazing trip.
Elders Hawkings & Kampenhout in Kuala Lumpur
This past week we really learned about how we, as an individual, really do make a difference. How our every action can have a positive effect on those around us. Having an energetic and enthusiastic attitude really can brighten and help those in need. If you are always acting negative, you will accordingly become a negative person. If you are positive, you will be a positive influence in your own life, and in the life of others. This is so true! :D In my life, when I look at my friends and family who were always making the best out of every bad situation, they seemed so much happier than those who dwelt on offenses, hard feelings, and wrongs done. Live the Gospel. Have faith they didn't really mean to be evil, repent of your wrong doings, forgive them for theirs, and remember that you can be forgiven and that the feelings of guilt and shame can be taken away. When this is done, the Holy Spirit will fill your soul and bring you to such a level of happiness that you will want to have it with you the rest of your lives. :D Like Bob Marley Said "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Everything will work out. Don't sweat the little stuff.
So one thing that has been a constant theme amongst our investigators, and in life, is that those who read the Book of Mormon get converted. Those who are reading will often have the biggest challenges, but they will always receive strength from its pages, and will gain a strong testimony of its truth. Those who barely read, or don’t read with their own desire, are often lacking in testimonial strength. The reading of the Book of Mormon is not just important, but Essential in gaining a true testimony of all things. Of Joseph Smith, of Jesus Christ, of our Heavenly Father. Those who have read it and pondered its teachings know of what I speak. :D It is so incredible to see people who begin to read their Book of Mormon and find the strength and truthfulness of it. I know this work is true. Miracles come because of Faith. :D
This past week we really learned about how we, as an individual, really do make a difference. How our every action can have a positive effect on those around us. Having an energetic and enthusiastic attitude really can brighten and help those in need. If you are always acting negative, you will accordingly become a negative person. If you are positive, you will be a positive influence in your own life, and in the life of others. This is so true! :D In my life, when I look at my friends and family who were always making the best out of every bad situation, they seemed so much happier than those who dwelt on offenses, hard feelings, and wrongs done. Live the Gospel. Have faith they didn't really mean to be evil, repent of your wrong doings, forgive them for theirs, and remember that you can be forgiven and that the feelings of guilt and shame can be taken away. When this is done, the Holy Spirit will fill your soul and bring you to such a level of happiness that you will want to have it with you the rest of your lives. :D Like Bob Marley Said "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Everything will work out. Don't sweat the little stuff.
So one thing that has been a constant theme amongst our investigators, and in life, is that those who read the Book of Mormon get converted. Those who are reading will often have the biggest challenges, but they will always receive strength from its pages, and will gain a strong testimony of its truth. Those who barely read, or don’t read with their own desire, are often lacking in testimonial strength. The reading of the Book of Mormon is not just important, but Essential in gaining a true testimony of all things. Of Joseph Smith, of Jesus Christ, of our Heavenly Father. Those who have read it and pondered its teachings know of what I speak. :D It is so incredible to see people who begin to read their Book of Mormon and find the strength and truthfulness of it. I know this work is true. Miracles come because of Faith. :D
Elders Kampenhout & Hawkings with a Malay family
One cool thing that happened last week was that as requested by one of my District Leaders, I asked the Assistants to the Mission President where the success was happening in the Mission so that we could find some hope and inspiration. The past few months have been a bit tough, and a bit of a baptism drought, but we are pulling out of it. The success they told us about was actually from the Sisters in the old Zone I use to serve in. In the Month of June they had 20 baptisms!!! Woah!!! And that was with a trainee, and they still have 11 on date to be baptized. Hearing about this great news rekindled that idea that there are people just waiting to hear the Gospel, just don’t know where to find it :D The Miracle that followed was that as we were getting off the bus to go to a member referral, there were a few people who were talking alongside us towards the Giant (kinda like the American Walmart). I had this little feeling I should start talking to this YSA aged girl just about little stuff, and did so, but right before we went our separate ways, I asked her if she was Christian, and she said yes. I told her that my friend and I are teachers, and gave her our card and invited her to learn, and she said Yes! She then offered her number to us! Now this has happened many, many times, but a few days later, she called us! She asked us how she can follow this church, and we just met her this morning, and she totally accepted the message of the Restoration, and is willing to be baptized. She has lots of friends too who would love to learn. :D The little things the Spirit whispers are often the most important ones. :D You never know what little actions will bring. What little things can you do today?
Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
Elder Willem Kampenhout
P.S. The Missionaries are all the District Leaders in our zone and the Singapore Zone Leaders! Woot! From Left to Right : Elder Hawkings (my companion) Elder Teng (Singapore Zone Leader from China) Elder Brown (Sandakan, Sabah District Leader) Elder Williams (Tawau, Sabah District Leader) and Elder Vance (Singapore Zone Leader) All awesome guys! :D
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