Singapore and Malaysia - Selamat Tinggal‏

June 5, 2012

Hello Dearest Family,

     As this is my final weekly letter as a missionary, I hope that I can convey the great spirit of missionary work within my words. This has truly been the greatest time of my life thus far. There have been times of great joy and times of great sorrow. I would have asked for almost all of them again, as I have grown in all situations. These past 25 months have been the greatest education I could ever receive. A true understanding of the Gospel will reach into all facets of ones life. The Doctrines and principles taught are not only applicable in the classroom, but in the very breath of life itself. It has helped me to live with people, understand others more clearly, love others more unconditionally, and serve others more fully. "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." ~ Pres. Boyd K. Packer. There has never been a better time in which I was able to solely study the gospel and apply it in every facet of my life. This has wrought a great change in my heart, one that could never have been accomplished by any other means. I would implore and invite everyone who reads this email to prepare themselves to follow the Savior and serve God as a Full-time missionary. Young Men and Young Women can prepare to serve. Senior couples or Sisters can serve as invaluable support roles. They really do keep the young missionaries alive and well here. If one prepares well and serves well, the greatest adventure, experience, and improvement will come to your life. This has truly happened to me. 

    The people whom I have served have truly touched my life more than theirs. In Kota Samarahan I was able to teach, inspire and uplift many of the Village-folk to follow the Saviors example and be baptized. There I was taught about how to work hard and to love people with all of your heart. In Sandakan, I learned about the importance of Hope, and Hope that is based upon the Atonement of the Savior. Never is such a time did I have to rely upon the merits of Christ, to keep me going every day and to come together with my companion, despite our differences, and to preform the work of the Lord. Later in Kota Kinabalu I was able to witness the Church of Malaysia in its greatest efficiency, and about the faithfulness of these people. I learned about humility from many of my investigators, who were truly living on threads at times. However, God used my vessel to reach out to these people and deliver the words which he would speak. "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." It truly was some of my greatest joys and I developed some eternal friends there. Upon moving to Miri, I discovered the wonderful world of Positive Attitude. There was not a day in that area in which I did not roar with laughter, or feel great joy! The Hodders (Senior Couple) taught me by example about the Spirit of Christmas, and how it can bring incredible Charity to ones life. It truly was a Miri-aculous time. Then came the call to serve as an assistant to President Clark. Boy I had no idea what that would entail. I have learned more, grown more, and become more in these past 6 months than in any other time of my life. My most treasured times were when we would sit in council with President Clark in his office, and he would teach and train and expound the doctrines of the Kingdom to us. I feel as if that man has altered the course of my life. Serving other missionaries has proved to be a challenging and rewarding task. When one gives their whole heart and mind, the duties of being an assistant really can seem heavy, yet the rewards of seeing others success and growth in equally light. This has truly been the greatest time of my life. I love being a missionary :D

     This last week in Sabah I was able to see many an old friend, recent convert, and see the growth that the area has made in my absence. It has been so incredible to see how the Lords work goes forth even when we as individuals are gone. It really attributes to the power of the work. It is not about the missionary, but those whom he serves. His investigators, his companions, his family, his God. I have loved me mission and it has been the greatest decision I have ever made. I love the Lord, I Love this Gospel.

   Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son

    Elder Willem Kampenhout

P.S. Picture is us with the Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder Hallstrom (Presidency of the 70) , Bishop Davies (Presiding Bishopric), and Elder Watson (Asia Area Presidency).

Singapore & Malaysia - Land of the Miracles

May 30, 2012

Hi Family!!!!

     Wow!!! How the crazy weeks just keep flying by!!! This past week I went on exchanges in Miri and have begun my last set of exchanges in the Land of Sabah!!!! I love Sabah, especially how diverse the people are here. I never really noticed it until i left, but the people hear (particularly the youth) have a love of the Rock and Roll music, the atmosphere and the style of dress. Its pretty cool as it gives the people here their own unique feel. Ha ha!!! I don't think it gets any better than the public transport buses that sport flashing disco lights, disco balls, blaring beats, and LED lights ALL OVER THE BUS!!! It looks like a blue and purple Christmas tree driving down the highway and feels like you have entered a dance club once you get inside (Sorry President). In addition is the great kids who will trick out their BMX bicycles with lights, speakers and flashing lights as well! These people really do have some style! Its just super fun. They will all bike around in little groups of 4-8 kids and just cruise the town together. So much fun. I wish i had that type of creativity as a child.

     So things are awesome here :D It has been great to serve the missionaries in the Singapore Mission. One thing in particular that I love is how everyone here in this mission wants to be here. It is the Greatest Mission on the Earth! The people are kind and accepting, and the food is fantastic, and the church is growing and doing well. It is advancing in ways one can never imagine. These saints over here and standing strong amidst a world of sin and transgression and they are developing testimonies that will bring thousands of others to the Gospel. Its pretty awesome to help them write the History of Malaysia :D We are called to such a great cause :D
         We are right now led by a Mission President who has been called and set apart by God. He has reached out and touched the lives of too many to count. The stories are too many to tell, and even more left untold. Just this past week I was able to participate in a miracle wherein the President called me in the middle of an exchange with my beloved son Elder Steadman (LOVE YOU!!!!) and asked me to go preform a particular task. I called for the assistance of the two Zone leaders in the area who came willingly and as soon as they could. They even beat me to the destination! As we were about the enter the home of a family who was in need of feeling the Lord's love and comfort, one of the zone leaders (a former companion) offered a prayer. As soon as he prayed, I felt as though legions of angels had suddenly descended around me. My hair tingled and my heart swellled with comfort. I felt as though an energy were pulsing between my muscles and veins, and that my heart and soul was filled with pure light. While we were just 3 strong in the flesh, I know that there were thousands more around us. This is probably because the disembodied family members both to come and already gone were coming to support those who are experiencing a challenge in the flesh. These angels were definably in our presence as we entered the home. I had never felt so protected, and the following meeting was life changing, and led to another life changing meeting the following morning when I witnessed a man who was called of God reach out a hand in love to a distressed daughter of God. God really does work through his servants, and the spirit that dwelt in that room as we left was evidence of the work which we had preformed. We were truly "on the Lords errand." I wish all of you could feel such a moment as that, and I know that you can and will as you fulfill your own callings to the best of your abilities. Your own efforts have unseen effects. I still remember the great times I had going Home Teaching with Randy Lawrence, back in Troy Idaho. He can and got me and always tried to make me feel included and important. Thank you Randy. I know that as each of us fulfill our callings in life, we can become part of something a lot bigger, a lot better, and a lot more impactful than anything we could ever do on our own efforts. I invite you to unbind your tongues and speak miracles. Do you want to see miracles in your life? Are you willing to do what it takes to facilitate one's creation? Go and Do.

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

     Elder Willem Kampenhout 

Singapore & Malaysia - Humility is in the Apostles and in the Children‏

May 25, 2012

Dear Family!!!!

    So, once again, I had the incredible opportunity to meet an apostle on my mission. Elder Dallin H Oaks is an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having shaken his hand one on one, heard him speak, and seen him laugh with love, I know that God is a happy and delightsome God. Elder Oaks has such a great manner about him. I wish you could all see it :D He came and have a conference with the District Leaders from Malaysia and the Stake Leaders from Singapore, and WOW!!! Talk about being taught from on high! If we truly relish those times in which we can "gaze into heaven" whether it is during sacrament meetings or meeting with leaders or children, we can gain so much. Now why do I mention children? I'm not entirely sure, except that I feel that the one thing that Children and Apostles have in common is that they are simple. They are just simply pure. It's incredible.
    I also saw that same humility this week in one of the missionaries whom I serve. His dedication to the work and his desire to do what is right has endowed him with great power. One can see the the great level at which he serves when he teaches, plans and works as a missionary. He has certainly gotten it right. I think it might have something to do with Helaman 14:13 which states:  . For me, this missionary really does believe in Jesus Christ, so he continually repents and becomes better. Repenting is not always mopping up paint which was spilled on the floor, but it is refining and repainting the painting with even more perfected detail. Every time I have read this scripture, it has hit me like a wall of force and has caused me to reflect and look within myself and ask, do I really believe? What am I going to do differently because I believe? In my time with this missionary, he taught me how that when one goes the extra mile, which we did together, we will find miracles. After praying along a roadside to find someone new to teach with the hour of extra time that we had, we both found us riding our bikes down this turn off at the same time!!! We weren't discouraged when the first person we saw ran into his house, slammed and locked the door, and neither was this Elder discouraged when the first person who let us into her home did not want us to come back. When I asked "should we go back?" this Elder responded "lets knock a few more."That is when we found the miracle, the family of 3 resting behind a door and her brother another 3 doors down, who all wanted to hear more about the gospel message. It wasn't easy though. As the mother was about to close the door, an inaudible voice spoke to both of us saying "say something!" so we did, and after conversing, she let us in :D "Unbind your tongues and speak miracles" said Elder Holland two conferences ago. I invite you to do the same. Open your mouths about the gospel to yourself, to your family every day but most especially Monday nights, and open your mouth to your God every day in prayer. Find the hand of God in your daily life and a new spirit will enter into your life. If ye know these things to be true, happy are ye if ye do them. I love you and I know you CAN do it :D

Your loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 94 - Singapore & Malaysia - Time Well Spent‏

May 16, 2012

Hello to all!!!

    Today we went with the Johor Bahru Zone, and the Singapore Zone out to Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island) and went bike riding ALL DAY!!!! It was so much fun! The morning we spent Mountain biking on some black diamond courses and a couple double black spots. SUPER FUN! We rented bikes, and while mine was not the best, I made it work. One of the other missionaries who had down mountain biking in the past was impressed with my ability to ride! It must have come from my trail riding days on the motorcycle, and my bike riding in my youth. It was such a blast flying through the jungle riding bikes, avoid rocks and cliffs and climbing up steep hills. It was the best Zone activity yet! It definitely helped the missionaries in the zone to bind together in spirit of unity. I feel that this is one of the most important things to do. Do something together. In families especially, sometimes you just need to set some time apart and do something outside of the normal together. Whether it is a movie, going to the park, painting together, whatever the activity, I still remember all the times my father took me out. They are times in which I will never forget, and will help build immortal families. Eventually if you keep saying "Tomorrow" it will become an empty pile of "yesterdays". So I am ever grateful for my parents going out and doing things with us :D

     Another great event of this last week was my last Zone Conference. It was also an all East Malaysia conference, with over 70 missionaries together!!! Wow!!! Talk about an army to feed! It was such a great spirit there, and the missionaries were so obedient and incredible and easy to work with. The final testimonies were amazing (and there was also more than 11) all the final testimonies of departing missionaries. Including mine :(. It was so great to see missionaries share about how they've changed, but the most incredible were their testimonies, when they testified about the savior and how he has changed. As I gave my own, I could barely speak at times as I spoke about the power of repentance. I was brought to tears, and all because I knew that what I was stating was true. It was a huge memorable experience. Testimonies are huge. President Clark's testimony was incredible as well. I can't describe. Just pure spirituality :D

     Well i hope each and every one of you will find some time to spend with family, and bear testimony to your children, parents, friends about the truths of the gospel. It will change your life :D

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

       Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 92-Singapore & Malaysia - Elder Koay has landed!!!‏

May 1, 2012

Elders Koay and Kampenhout

Hello family and Friends!!!

     This past week has been fantastic!!! We went on exchanges last week in Butterworth and Ipoh, where I got to meet and teach some Malaysian Indians! Such wonderful people!! I love this people. Elder Nowland and I were able to experience a couple cool miracles too when his hunch to want to go contacting in a certain area led us to a house. The contact went like this: We walked up to the gate and announced our presence. The tall and slim Indian woman came outside as her older boys moved around and arouse from their tv watching position in the house. She asked us "Hello? Can I help you?" "Hi!! My name is Elder Kampenhout! This is my friend...." " Elder Nowland!" At that point I remembered how we have been trained to observe their surroundings and to compliment them. So i quickly said "You have a very nice nice!" She paused for a second, then said "Do you want to come in?" Wah!!!! and we were inside. There we met a wonderful family and her son, who had been studying all the religions of the world trying to find God. "Well we have just the book for you" said Elder Nowland. So amazing. I love missionary work!!

     Just two days ago, my new companion, Elder Koay, arrived! Since the moment he arrived we have been planning and preparing and just having a great companionship together. I can tell that we are going to have the best of time together. His energy and excitement for the work is phenomenal. He is a Chinese Malaysian, so can speak English, Malay, and Chinese!!! Its been super cool so far. He can actually place correct orders at Chinese restaurants! Oh the uses of being in companionships. That has been the real eye opener. Over the past two weeks I have been having to do a lot for East Malaysia while I have been attached to other companionships. Elder Jones and Elder Whittaker have been incredible in helping and encouraging and being there for me. I learn so much from those two. But I have now come to realize the strengths of pairs. They not only keep each other safe, but they can communicate better with more people, they can focus their spiritual thoughts and counterbalance each other. They can support each other in lessons, and you have twice as much spiritual knowledge than when you are on your own! You can call twice as many people, while still being able to preform other tasks. Plus you both will have different approaches to all the situations you encounter, and those different approaches teach you to "Teach people, not lessons." So huge. I love it :D

    Things have just been great. We had 2 confirmations last week, and have another baptism this week!!! That has been the cool miracle, that we as the Assistants have been able to do our duty as assistants AND have an area too! Not to mention an area that baptizes monthly! This has been some of the best times of my mission. I love serving the Lord, serving his servant President Clark, and serving the missionaries. Its amazing how they really are the mouth out of which the prophets message is declared. Its pretty amazing :D Try it yourself. Missionary work is the greatest work you will ever do. Don't let a day go by without doing something.

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

       Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 90-Singapore & Malaysia - Zone Leader Council and Bintulu‏

April 17, 2012

Dearest All,

     I LOVE MY MISSION!!! Just to let you know ;) We were just talking a few minutes ago about how serving a Mission for the Lord is the best thing any young man could do at this point of his life. As President Clark always says: "The Mission is the Lord's University, what did you learn today?" Its pretty incredible. While much of the learning is not in factual knowledge, but it is in Heavenly Wisdom and in the development of Character, things that no human institution can replicate. The admission requirements are worth it! If you are not able to get in, make yourself ready. It is never too late for a young man. I can testify of that.

     So what makes a mission so awesome? Well this past week we went to Sibu for our Zone Leader Council, and it was such an incredible experience. The attitudes and the righteousness of the Missionaries was huge, and inspiring. They were a bit newer, and so the reports were not the best, but whenever President or us gave trainings, they listened intently, asked great questions, and truly sought after knowledge. I feel that ALL were edified and uplifted. It was great :D

    After Zone Leader Council, we took a bus with the Bintulu Zone Leaders up to Bintulu, about 4 hours on a roller-coaster like bus, where I went on exchanges with a Trainer and his trainee who are serving in a struggling Branch. It would be so easy to lose hope in the situation they face, but I was impressed with the brightness of Hope that they had towards it all. We met some really really great investigators and recent converts, and experienced miracles that came as an answer to prayers. Prayer. I love it. That day, as we prayed before we preformed our priesthood duties, I could feel a greater sense of the Spirit, and it helped remind me that this is not the work of men, but the work of Heaven. There really are angels all about us :D

     So another cool story. On Monday, when we had already returned to Singapore, some of our missionaries were coming in on Visa-runs, and one of the missionaries was a Local Malaysian who had lived in Singapore for quite some time. I had a distinct impression to take him on an assignment from the Bishop of our ward to teach another Malaysian about the Melchizedek Priesthood, so he could be prepared to receive it next stake conference. This brother can't speak English very well, so he really needed our help. After jumping through many hoops, the timing worked and in this ever so small window of opportunity, this Elder and I were able to meet his fellow Malaysian Brother. They were best friends, but I was most surprised how they didn't get too overly excited, but how this Malaysian Elder remembered his Duty and his role as a Missionary. Afterwards, as we were talking, we spoke about how an Assistants main concern is the welfare of the missionaries. Its not about the numbers, nor the investigators, but the missionaries. As I related this principle through the fairy tale of the rich man and the goose that laid golden eggs, a light seemed to click on for him. He realized how if one will inspire and uplift the missionary (goose) that he will go out and find and teach and baptize more investigators (golden eggs). If you kill the goose trying to get inside to find more eggs, like the rich man sadly did, than all is lost. The Missionary pondered this principle much, and we went on to set some goals on how he could apply this principle in his own companionship. WOW!!! I was so excited that the Lord was able to lead me to relate a teaching that I had received from my Mission President so that it could help another missionary. All because of a still small whisper. He really does lead and guide us. We just need to listen. He is speaking.

    I love my mission, and the Lord, and All of you. Be the Best you can BE!!!!

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 89 - Singapore - Open Your Mouth and Speak Miracles‏

April 10, 2012

Dearest Family!!!

    Another Fantastic week here in Singapore. I think among all of the Singapore wards, that I have been blessed to attend the ward that fits me the best! The Filipino ward! In case you have never met a Filipino, they are a smaller people, but very loving, friendly, bubbly and love to eat! They are a super passionate people and they are quick to make friends. They also know EVERYBODY! Their memory is incredible. And they speak English really well :D

    This past week we had a Ward Sports Fest on Friday which allowed Elder Martin and I to get to know a lot of the Ward members very quickly, which is helpful due to our frequent absence. It was such a blast, and we had the coolest jerseys made too :D

    But!!! Story Time!!!!

    So it starts back when a certain Elder became the office Elder, and he is still very young in his mission, but had excellent training in a really tough area, but his desires continue to burn bright, and he literally TALKS TO EVERYONE. It is inspiring! He has inspired me to do more contacting while going out and about, and to ask for numbers and give referrals. It has turned out really well :D But I would like to talk about the Miracle that occurred yesterday. After having a lesson with an investigator and grabbing lunch with the members who came along, we attempted to catch a free shuttle back to the train, but we took a wrong turn and just barely missed the bus. Like by 15 seconds. So instead we decided to take a bus back to the church. We were planning on taking bus 175 to Orchard and then get on a train to Novena, but our member sister Noemi kept mentioning that bus 5 will take us to Newton (close to the church) so we didn't have to switch over. Well, before bus 175 showed up, bus 5 did, and a last second decision brought us to jump on that bus, and Sister Noemi and I stood next to this Filipino woman on the bus, and I immediately struck up a conversation. "hello, how are you today?" She responded good, and then Sister Noemi jumped in and asked her if she was Filipino, and then went on to talk about where they were from. Our conversation quickly led to us inviting her to come to church this Sunday, which she agreed to. She gave us her number and the contact was successful! But still had time on the bus! So we asked her if she was busy this afternoon, which she wasn't, so we offered to take her on a tour of the Church, and she agreed! After the tour, we taught her about the message of the restoration, and she was extremely interested, and when she was giving the closing prayer, she couldn't utter a verbal word, as her heart was so full of the Spirit. She kept touching her heart and saying she felt warm, and that this is something she has been looking for for a long time. She needs the guidance in her life. After the lesson, she went out to eat dinner with one of our members, Bev, and then they watched the Restoration at the office while they were waiting for a Chinese Ward baptism to start. Wow.....talk about an incredible day!! All because we missed the shuttle, and because one was willing to open his mouth and speak miracles. We have such a unique message to the world. We NEED to share it, and to invite others to learn for themselves about the happiness which we radiate. I am so glad that Sister Estralita accepted our invitation to come on the Church tour, because not only will this gospel change her life, but her faith has changed mine as well. 

 I love you all, and hope you all will find opportunities to speak miracles in your lives. Its a great feeling :D

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

    Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 88 - Singapore & Malaysia - A Man of Change‏

April 3 , 2012

Elder Tovar and Myself. Both a changed man!

A snapshot in Singapore. A bit different than the jungles of Malaysia.

Elder Martin, Inus (Recent Convert in Singapore), and Myself

Eve and the newest chapel in Singapore. Baptism NIGHT!!!!

Noemi, Porxia (Investigator) and Bev with Elder Martin and myself. Porxia just received permission from her family to be baptized after much fasting and prayer. She was so happy she was literally jumping and squealing with joy in the office here :D

Sister Burtis and her deaf Malaysian investigator in Singapore. That little girl is permanently smiling :D

Dearest Family,

     This age is so full of technological advancements, isn't it? Here I can click a button and on the OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD you can receive an image of my life captured in time by a camera almost instantaneously. Now just think about those in the 1700's and tell them that this was possible. Hahaha!

    So the life keeps on getting better here. This past week was our first big transfer that went down, and honestly is was pretty painless to figure out with President Clark. It seemed that the revelation just flowed into the room and the assignments just came. Some changes were made last second (due to inspiration) and it just made the entire transfer feel right. It was a pretty big transfer too. I think 7 of 48 companionships were not affected. THAT'S A LOT!!!!

   Last night we sent home the group of missionaries that came before my group, and in that group was a missionary who literally turned his whole life around. In his closing testimony this Elder talked about how when he came into the mission he didn't know anything about the gospel. He knew it was true, but if you asked him how old Joseph Smith was when he had the first vision, he had no idea. From there he had many experiences and met many people, but was still fairly the same person until there came a turning point in his life. I don't know what it was, and I probably never will know, but the fact remains that this Elder has completely changed his life. As he stood there bearing testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, I realized within myself how much I have changed. I can relate in a sense to that my Gospel knowledge was not very deep before the mission. I had never really read the Book of Mormon all the way through either, but that all changed when I went on my mission. As I look back to where the change began, my mind turns to the point when I was getting ready to be set apart as a missionary. I had just sent a goodbye text message to Amanda N. and then turned off my cellphone while standing in the doorway of my mother's living room. I placed the phone down on the little table next to her love seat where she and Papa watch movies together. I feel that at that point I made a choice. I made a choice to serve the Lord and to give my all to Him. I shut off my desires to participate in Non-missionary activities. It's not that those things aren't fun or good and wholesome, but during the next two years, I didn't quite know it then as I do so now, but I was enabling myself to truly enjoy doing things that I could only enjoy and do as a Full-time Missionary. Once I made the choice, the rest was easy. Well, there are still difficulties, but I knew where I stood. Since that moment of time, I have truly changed. I promise each and every one of you that I am a different man than I was before. I am a better one. Not because of anything I did, but what the Lord was able to do with me. I feel that I am more personable, quicker to observe, more positive, patient, and personally confident. These have all been gifts from God. There is no earthly shopping center where one could purchase such gifts, but when you give your whole heart to someone who has given you everything, He is able to give you more. This change in my life has been the sweetest repentance I have ever enjoyed. Because of Jesus Christ's atonement I have been able to repent and allow Him to change my heart's desires. It has not been easy. It was never meant to be easy, but it has been worth it. I feel such a spiritual high that if I don't read the scriptures in the morning that I am missing something. I NEED to keep this going the rest of my life. It is so great :D Miracles never cease. Where are the miracles in your life?

    Look for them. They are there.

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 87 - Singapore and Malaysia - Kembali ke KK!!!!‏

March 28, 2012

Obviously Singapore!!

Hello all!

   Ni hau ma? Haha! So my Chinese has been getting a bit better. Im still not able to have a conversation, but i can banter back and forth with other Chinese missionaries about certain subjects, and I can recognize words they are saying. Its so much fun learning other languages. Its amazing what you can pick up if you just try. 

  So this past weekend we were able to go to KK for a Special Missionary training (which we held on Mount Kinabalu) and then stayed in town for the Sabah District Conference. WAHHH!!!! SOOOO AWESOME!!! of the 4 branches there, I had only not served in one, but i know a few the of the members really well. It was a a pretty sweet re-union, especially with Jacky and Jeffery (some of my recent converts from KK). They had fallen on hard times, but came to district conference to see me, and they were able to hear some messages which both they and I realized was prepared for them it was incredible to see how the Lord works through inspiration. He really does lead us through the inspiration of his Word.

   Another cool opportunity was that over 20 members of the district are planning on going to the Temple soon. WOW! So awesome. 4 of the people being interviewed were Young Single adults who had received mission calls. SO COOL! They are all waiting on their visa's but should be able to leave in April. Two of the missionaries are the identical twins (Laura and Elsie) who's older brother is currently serving a mission in SLC Utah. WOW! Having 3 kids out on a mission. Talk about a blast! They have such great Spirits, and will be able to do a lot of good. 

   As the KK District Conference came to a close, we flew with the Senior Couples to Singapore where we had another Senior Conference, but we were also waving farewell to the Cunninghams (Mukah Senior Couple) and the Larsons (KK Senior Couple). They have both been an extraordinary assistance to the mission and the missionaries. Both Elder Larson and Elder Cunningham are Patriarchs, and every Elder who has served underneath them has really grown from their testimony and wisdom. It is pretty incredible how the Lord can take someone and work them and shape them to be a powerful servant. When we give ourselves, our whole selves, the Lord really will make it happen. Their testimonies were astounding, and I will greatly miss them in the mission-field.

  That same evening we were blessed with the testimonies of Brother and Sister Bradford, who were Ex-pats living in Singapore, who spoke to us about the Atonement. They lost their oldest Son Parker when he was 17 when he attempted to save a drowning friend, but was knocked unconscious and drowned. He was taken to the Hospital where he was put on life support, but after two days was taken off. It was an incredible story of how they found comfort and healing through the Saviors gospel and his Love, and through the sealing power of the Priesthood. It was incredible. It really helped me see that work is being done on both sides of the veil, and that as angels over there are assisting others, we are serving as the Lord's angels here on this earth. That never became so real to me until this point in time. It was particularly touching to know that :) There is so much to be learned and to be gained in this life. This life is truly one worth living. LOVE IT!

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

     Elder Willem Kampenhout   

Week 86 - Singapore and Malaysia - Bintulu and KK‏

March 23, 2012

Elder Kampenhout in front of Mount Kina Balu! 4K high!!!

President Clark and Myself in the middle of the hike

Waterfall on Mount Kota Kinabalu

Dearest Family
 
    This past weekend we were able to have lots of missionary appointments
in Singapore on Saturday and Sunday, and WOW!!! It was awesome! I love
teaching the Gospel, and it was amazing how it flowed so much easier when
teaching in English. WOW. Super Rad. We had double digits on investigators
at church this Sunday, and it was especially great because out investigator
Enos has quit smoking on the drop of a hat so that he can be baptized this
week!!! YAYA!!!!! He has progressed so well over the years. He has taught
himself how to read (slowly) and absolutely loves the gospel and the
church. He understands that when he moves back to Sabah that he is still a
member of the Church and that he is going to do his very best to move to KK
to go to church. So rad.
 
    Well, we quickly went to Bintulu Sarawak early this week, which is the
factory central of all of Sarawak. There are 4 growing branches there
though! There I was able to help President Clark translate over 20 Temple
interviews, which was an awesome experience. To these people, and temple is
something which requires great sacrifice to attend. Many of them can only
go once or twice in a lifetime, but will renew their recommend so that they
can always live worthy of their covenants. It is so important to always
live worthy of that standard. Also while in Bintulu we drove up to the Niah
Caves where we hiked through the gaping caves and had a devotional in which
we shared our latest enlightenment and testimonies from the scriptures. It
was incredible to see the growth and strength in the testimonies of the
young Elders, and the maturity in the older ones. Their studies in the
scriptures may play the most important role in their lives. Imagine our
world without scriptures today. Do we really appreciate the greatest gifts
we have given? We should be ever so grateful that Nephi returned to
Jerusalem to retrieve the brass plates, that William Tinsdale made his
efforts to translate the bible, and to all of those who have sought to
bring forth the Word of God. We have been given the source of knowledge.
Often there are many questions that I want to ask, but then I realize that
the answer is already made available in the scriptures. Oh how I need to
read them more diligently.
 
    Last night we flew into Kota Kinabalu, My longest area in the mission,
and I was able to accompany Elder Brodie in teaching some of their
investigators, all of which are solid. The most special though was when we
visited Joebort and Marilyn. They are a young Filipino couple whom Elder
Hawkins and I contacted into over 6 months ago. They are not yet baptized
because they are waiting to be legally married in the Philippines first,
but they have been faithful since the day we met them. When I saw them last
night, there was a noticeable difference in just the way that they looked.
Their countenances had completely changed, and they were happier, more
active, and the Light of Christ more prevalent. I was nearly brought to
tears when we were teaching them about enduring trials and doing good. I am
ever so grateful that I was directed by the spirit that day to go knock on
their door. Perhaps I can retell the story.

Elder Kampenhout, Joebort and Marilyn

     We would often ride the bus out to appointments in our area, and we
always bussed past these apartments that we located close to the church.
After a while I felt an impression to go knocking there, and my companion
and I set a day and off we went. Our initial success was poor, as most of
the doors had already received and rejected missionaries, but Elder Hawkins
and I persevered all the way up the 6 flights of stairs. By the time we
reached to top, things were not looking good. When we knocked on a door, a
man answered and told us that while he was not interested, his friend would
be, and he pointed us to the door across. So we eagerly knocked that door,
talked with the woman who answered, and gave her a pamphlet. She seemed
rather interested, but was unable to meet right then. When we closed our
discussion, President Clark's training about Following Up with referrals
came into my mind, and I felt prompted to return to the mans door and tell
him how things went. When we knocked he opened again and we told him how
things went and invited him again to learn himself. This time he let us
into his apartment where we sat down and talked with him about God and
Prayer and he told us an incredible story about how God answered a prayer
of his. When we invited him to learn more, he asked for us to wait for his
wife to come back from the Philippines, and the following week we were able
to meet Marilyn. Joebert has since quit all of his addictions, and is
living the commandments, and is progressing incredibly well. Marilyn too
has changed more dramatically. I still remember the first day we met her.
In her closing prayer she thanked God for sending his servants to find his
lost children. This touched me so much. I don't know what all was going on
in their life, but I know that the one whom we represented was able to heal
them. This Gospel is true. It can Heal the broken hearted, restore sight to
the blindness of emotion and blindness towards one situation. It can
restore strength to family relationships. This Gospel is True. I love the
man whose message I bear.
 
Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
 
     Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 85 - Singapore and Malaysia - Mission Tour Part 2‏

March 13, 2012

Elder Thurman (tallest missionary in the mission) at his farewell dinner.

Elder Steadman and I with Sister Foo, Gelang, Kadam, Jessica, and the little boy. All Recent Converts!!!

Instructions in a hotel on how to wear a Sarong (they have them in the rooms!)

Recent Coverts (Sivista, Peny and their Children) w Elder Laycock in Sibu Jaya

Hey Everyone!!!!

    So things have been awesome. We are now done with the incredible Mission Tour with Elder Perkins, and finished up Saturday and Sunday with a District Leadership Training (to all of the District Presidencies from all of East Malaysia) and then had Miri District Conference. It was soo cool to be in those meetings with the Leaders of the Church, where they discussed the progression of the Church on a broad and vast scale, yet focus on the individual. This Church is led by men who have been called of God. One of the areas of focus was to get the Youth Serving missions, and they showed a video from LDS.org that testified about the great duty and calling of missionaries. As we watched this little video, the Spirit of the Lord descended into the room and testified to ALL that this was the way that the Church was going to grow in Malaysia. Not upon the sole efforts of the American missionaries, but largely upon the Returned Missionaries serving from Malaysia. After the video, Elder Perkins stood up and bore a simple testimony in which he said "that not a day goes by where the things I learned on my mission don't have an effect." He testified about how much he loved his mission, and the tears welled up in his eyes as he testified about the guidance and direction it has played in his life. As he spoke these words, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that the same influence would be played in my life. I am so grateful that I have chosen to serve a mission, and that I had been prepared by my parents and by the Lord to be able to do so. Amongst the Billions upon billions who have ever lived on this earth, how many have the opportunity to serve mission? How many have the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ of which to share with the broken hearted? How great our calling is! :D We can be the personal messenger for the Savior, and see how the Gospel heals the lives of those who accept it. This really is the greatest calling ever :D At the District Conference I was able to reunite with a family in whom Elder Steadman and I had taught and baptized, and all of the family members came to church (even the less active daughter). The mothers countenance had completely changed, and her intelligence and brightness had increased. The Gospel is working within them :D It is so true. It was an incredible trip.

   I will never be able to forget the effects of this mission tour. I will never be able to forget the things which God has taught me on my mission. It is of utmost importance. With Elder Bednar nearly a year ago, I learned about the importance of agency, and the principle of Faith being built upon agency. This time with Elder Perkins I learned about the important use of correction, and how chastising opens the gate for repentance and eternal life. When one rejects correction, they are damning themselves to improvement. Let us accept the correction that other give, no matter how rude or poorly given, if we seek out the truth in what they say, and seek to continually improve, it is then that we begin our journey on eternal life. I would invite all of you to read the scriptures and pay attention to the correction that Heavenly Father and our Earthly Leaders give us. I know that by doing so we will become happier and better people.

   I love you all, and can't wait to hear from you again. 

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 84 - Singapore & Malaysia - From Sandakan to a General Authority‏

March 6, 2012

Elder Kampenhout and a GIANT jackfruit

Look Closely on the stick---A super poisonous centipede! Yikes!! It almost got Elder Ahmad

Elder & Sister Perkins (L) visiting President & Sister Clark  (R)at the Hospital, 2 days after President Clark's heart surgery. He looks good!!!

Sister Marlita and her family we visited. Super Spiritual lesson there!

Hey Everyone!!!!

    This past week Elder Martin and I went on exchanges in Sandakan! Yay!!! It was way cool being back, even though the missionary work has slowed down where we were at. It was incredible to see who sticks around and who leaves. In the end, the choice is in everyone's own hands as to what they do in life. Many people choose less than great, but when one does choose to empower themselves in always doing right, and imitating the Savior in all things they do, it makes those around them so much happier. As my father consistently guides me to do, by just being Kind, so many of our lives will improve. I start by just talking to everyone and making them smile. Saying hello to all the countless check out clerks, the immigration cops to chop my passport, the bus drivers. Everyone. It really is amazing to see how your simple expression of energy and love can lighten their day. Try it :D
     Wow. So after working for a few days hunting out some new investigators, visiting less actives, and attending Sacrament Meeting in Sandakan, we flew back to Singapore. It was a bit sad to see how the Branch has fallen on hard times, and how the missionary area has dwindled. I could feel this evil spirit resting over the city as we were there, and it left as we too left. It will take some real killer missionaries combined with a re-dedication from the Branch to cease its wickedness and follow the Saviors call to "Love one another." The gospel one day will flourish in Sandakan though. Of that I have no doubt. I know there will be a stake there someday :D.
    So as we flew back to Singapore, we were welcomed into the presence of Elder Perkins, the Area President. Wow!!! It was way cool to be around him. It wasn't as awesome as it should have been because President Clark was still in the Hospital waiting to be released after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, but it was still great to be around him :D (By the way President Clark is in great condition, out of the Hospital, and could go on a 10 mile run tomorrow [he probably will]) So since President Clark has been grounded for the Mission Tour, we as the Assistants have had to step up to the plate and fill in his role. Intimidating? Yes....but definably possible. On Monday when we met in Singapore, the West Assistants (Elder Whittaker and Jones) did an amazing job, and the meeting truely was a revelatory experience. Elder Perkins talked with us about approaching our sacred experiences (sacrament meeting, scripture study) with questions on our mind that we want answered. Instead of going to a meeting waiting to see what they say that makes you feel good, go to a meeting seeking to have a question answered. Go Hungry. Seek and ye shall find me. That alone completely turned around the SMT and made it a revelatory experience. He also had so much good counsel that I just wrote it all down. So much good things! Like:
1) Doubt not, but be believing (We need to talk with a language of faith) (We need to eliminate fear out of the equation)
2) Use Joseph Smith's own words when describing the first vision.
3) We need to create a record (Area books for missionaries)(Family History and Journals for the rest of us)(If the Savior showed up at a missionaries house, he would ask to see the areabook)
4) Obedience will empower you. You might be able to get by for a little while living a wicked life, but things will eventually get fouled up.

And so much more. Wow. I can't wait for tomorrow when we get to hear from him tomorrow. I certainly hope I can continue to progress in my Missionary work and become a better Man in all things. I have been thinking alot how being a leader is much like being a Father. Lots of lessons to learn. One thing I want to do is read through the Book of Mormon again and look for where the Father is Present or talked about. :D I would invite you to do similar. We need to study the scriptures looking for examples and patterns of what the Apostles, Prophets and the Savior have done. Look for the real life application :D I know that whenever I have preformed a work with an objective, it has always gone better. I know you can do so as well. Im not sure what you need, but the Lord does. Whether newly married, long time married, single, or seeking how to deal with wayward children, deal with co-workers, parents, all of the answers really are in the scriptures.

Well I hope this letter finds you well. I love you all and hope that you will make choices that bring the best of life upon you.

Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,

Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 83 - Singapore and Malaysia - On the Road‏

March 1, 2012

Hello everyone!!!
 
    This past week has been a bit crazy. Went out to Bintulu (a big
factory town) where we have 4 branches, with one newly split. Well it
was a pretty humble place, and I loved my time out there. The air is
pretty horrible though, and I have caught the "Bintulu Batuk"
(batuk=cough) and I have some junk in my throat, but its not big deal.
Only comes out in the mornings i think. But it has been fun.
 
   This week we were able to attend church in Singapore. So amazing. I
love Sacrament meeting. I love meetings in which the spirit are
manifest (like when we meet weekly with Pres. Clark). I can't imagine
being late to such a meeting. Being prompt is so important, that way
you get to feel the full blessings of the appointed time you have to
meet with the Lord. Can you imagine being late to a personal meeting
with God? Woah..... Haha :D
     Afterwards we went to a park where we were able to meet some
member's friends and contacted them while I sang happy birthday in
Dutch to the Birthday girl. They loved it. Everyone does. Especially
the mission president's wife. She makes me do it at every conference.
EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! I always try to escape but someone always reminds
her. There are probably going to be a couple hundred videos of me
singing it online after my mission. Haha.
 
    Well, we just got off a bus from Tawau (the furthest branch in the
mission, a 2:50 hour flight!)  going to Sandakan! I love Sandakan. It
was about a year ago that I was serving here and we are excited to be
able to go on exchanges with the missionaries here and help them get
some people to church this Sunday. That very Sunday though we fly back
to Singapore and have a dinner and interviews with the Asia Area
President! Wow!!! Im pretty excited for that opportunity. Elder
Perkins is a pretty cool guy. Met him about a month ago in Singapore.
The leaders of this Church really are the most incredible people.
Everyone really is preforming above and beyond the call of duty. The
more I learn about the apostles and prophets, the more I am able see
and imagine what the Savior must have been like. I have especially
liked this March's edition of the Ensign on President Monson. So
awesome. I was also able to watch his biography film. So incredible.
There is no one more fit to serve as the prophet :D I fully sustain
him in his calling. He needs all the help he can get. He needs our
help, in reaching out and doing good to those around us. Smiling.
Being happy, even if we have so many reasons to be down. Being down
never made anyone happy. Did it? I know that as we smile, even when we
are talking to people on the phone, they will be able to notice a
difference. Try it. Smile in a mirror before you answer the phone. The
person on the other end of the line will be able to tell :)
 
    I love you all and hope that this email finds you in good health
and happiness. :D
 
Your loving friend, brother, and son,
 
    Elder Willem Kampenhout
 

Week 82 - Singapore and Malaysia - Be the Example‏

Feb. 21, 2012

Hello all!

Elder Kampenhout  with recent from converts & members from Miri

Sibu (taken from church window)

    So things are going well here. Elder Martin and I have been on the road every week. We average at LEAST 4 flights a week. It's kinda of crazy how much time we spend traveling. It's fun though. We have grown super close, and even though at first we had some pretty HUGE differences, we have been able to teach one another through example. It's kinda funny how that works. When missionaries tell each other that "you need to do this or that, or be like me", it rarely has good effects. Often times it creates rifts. But with Elder Martin and I we have been able to see one another's example, and take from it what we desire. It's been amazing to see the improvement :D With that in mind, I would like to stress the fact that we live the Gospel that we have covenanted to keep. That is one of the best ways we can do missionary work. Be the Charity that you read about, show the love that is so needed, and be patient, even as our Father in Heaven is patient with his children. In my pondering I have learned much about the role of Father from thinking about how Heavenly Father treats us. I have a feeling I will yet learn more.
    But other than that, things are going well. Our investigator Enos has gone to church twice here in Singapore while we have been out of town, and is progressing well. He can't read hardly, but is trying. If we text him scriptures, or if he texts himself, he has a program on his phone that will read it out loud so he can hear it and know what it says. Oh the advancing technology! Enos is from Sabah, and it is way fun to teach him in Malay amongst a ward of English speaking Filipinos. The Indonesian/Malaysian community in our ward is very close knit, and super great at fellowship at church. I have never quite learned to appreciate the importance of fellowship until I came out on a mission. Its Gi-huge.
    So as far as conferences, last week we had our Zone Leader Council, which was good, and then we went on splits with some of the missionaries in Sibu. We were also graced with the return of a former missionary, Elder Pace. He finished his mission in Sibu about 2 years ago, and came back with his wife to go on vacation. Well....vacation meaning taking the Elders around to show them all of the "lost coins" that were the members back in his day, and they dug up tons of new investigators who in turn came to church and wanted to be baptized. From the previous week, the church attendance more than doubled. It was incredible! The influence that one missionary can have is amazing. With the lessons taught, anyone could have read those scriptures, but when the missionary that baptized them read those scriptures, and lovingly and boldly invited them to turn their life around, it came with a greater force. All of this because a love existed between them. There was already a bond. I see this much like a bond between a parent and a child. The parent is the most influential person in a child's life, and that Love needs to be nurtured and grown so that when the storms of life arise, that connection will be strong enough so that the parent can guide and direct the child in a direction they need to go. So with that love existing, Elder Pace was able to stir his recent converts (of which are many) to a remembrance of their covenants. It was amazing to see.
     Now everyone should see and respect the missionaries as messengers of Jesus Christ, but the world is just not that way. That is why each and every Elder, and member who has taken upon themselves the name of Christ, needs to start being like the Savior. In our actions, in the way we treat others, and in the very words we say. As my great soccer coach once said: "You can do better." Let us be better men and women for a better cause, because we realize what a better world we can help create. Maybe that better world won't come in our surroundings, but within our own hearts and homes. I love you all and know that life is the greatest thing we have been given. We should be smiling every day :D

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