Dec. 21, 2011
Dearest All,
At this time of year, I know that many of us are invigorated with the Spirit of Christ and Christmas. It's a bit tough here because there is no snow or decorations, but Malaysia has its own kind. They still have Christmas Songs playing in all shopping malls, and usually techno-remixed versions too. Luke (my older brother) would love shopping in Malaysia! The churches here also go caroling very often and people very freely and openly invite you over to their homes to eat with them at Christmas time. This is one trait that I feel we can sometimes lack. The Spirit of reaching out to others.
As I just watched the Story from Heber J Grants youth, tears came to my eyes as I realized that this is TRUE religion. Taking care of the poor and the needy. Loving those who need our love, and being there for those who need it. I know many a friend who was there for me when I needed it, and how they unknowingly acted like Christ. I know that many of us do like things. Let us keep doing so more often, but with a more conscious effort. One often can easily fall into the same routine for prayer and life as they go on with life, but when one stops and begins to pray with purpose, with heart, with love, they are then endowed with the Love of Christ. How many helping hands are there in this world? Too many for us ourselves to help, but when we follow the Savior's steps and help them one by one, it makes a difference to each and every one. Keep on going :) Keep praying, and serving your fellow brethren. Especially those that need you most.
We just enjoyed our Christmas P-Day in which the Senior couple cooked us a breakfast of French toast, croissants, fruit, yogurt, sausages, bacon, granola, grapes, and so much else. I am STILL full. They then sat us down in the living room and gave us all gifts. Each and every one of us was touched by this Kindless act. Elder Steadman mentioned that maybe they have not realized that "We are not their children" but I think they have realized something greater. We are their fellow brothers and sisters. They do it because they love us. It was a huge outpouring of love, and I definitely felt it. We all did. Let this Christmas Spirit Shine throughout your soul, and don't let the darkness of the world taint this season :) We have forgone all of our evening appointments this evening so far to go caroling with investigators, members, and leaders. This works though as we can see all our people during the day though, so it is being a productive week to the max. When you make way for Christ, He makes way for you :) I love you all. God Bless every one of you.
Your loving friend, brother, and son,
Elder Willem Kampenhout
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Week 73 - Malaysia - No Missionary Work for the Missionary
Dec. 13, 2011
Hi Family,
So this week was a new one. As expressed by the title, there was a lot of "things" being done this week, but not as much "missionary work". It was rather tough actually. Monday last week = Moved ALL DAY
Tuesday = Travel to Sibu for Zone Leader Council
Wednesday=Zone Leader Council and P-Day and Bus Back ALL NIGHT
Thursday = Weekly Planning and Night appointments (all fell through but one)
Friday = Baptismal Interviews with Other Elders
Saturday = Branch Party at the Park and Baptism
Sunday = Full night of Proselyting
Monday = Moving AGAIN (but got in one appointment :)
So as you can see it was a bit of a crazy one, but things we still good. I definitely had some good time to grow close with Elder Steadman, and I absolutely love the man! So fun, energetic, and always as a new look on his face to get you laughing. Ive never laughed so much as i have with him. He is a one of a kind guy. He's great! One of the sister missionaries here already has a wife referral set up for him :) Lucky Duck.
But! Things are still going really well. We are looking to have 5 baptism before the end of the year, 3 being on the 31st! This is going to be necessary for us to hit our goals, but it is definitely stretching us and making us focus. Its really been amazing to see how Goals and plans have changed my way of thinking. Before I just kinda did things to do them, and did a reasonably good job. However, when I set goals that push me, it makes me go the extra mile and empower myself. It's been awesome~ Sometimes goals are meant to get people going, and other times to get people going faster. I know that This is going to be a good trait to keep around.
So also, the new house we moved into is SO NICE! AND NEW! and it has junky floors. Oh man.....I feel sorry for the landlords. Note to self. If you ever want to rent a house, don't get cheap floors. The cement walls are nice because they can always patch it up. Floors seem a bit different though......oh well. So in life, always do things the right way, the good way, so it lasts. :)
I love you all and wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Elder Kampenhout
P.S. Throw a snowball at someone for me. The closest thing we have here is McDonald's Sunday Cones. Those are a bit pricier.
 |
| Farewell dinner for Sister Lowe |
Week 72 - Malaysia - Deadly Storm Threatens Village
Dec.7, 2011
Dearest Family,
Don't worry, the Village is saved from the Deadly Storm, but Miri did have some casualties. This past week, a couple member's Mother died, and the whole family went into mourning and once again The Church had to spring into Funeral mode. Having been through this twice before in Kuching, I was ready :) It was a bit interesting going through it again, as this one had a large number of members that are investigators affected, and like many times in the past, these gatherings and stress often bring relapses on the Word of Wisdom and a lack of spirituality. It's a bit sad, but a lot of it is based off of their lack of knowledge about the Plan of Salvation. Its amazing how some people believe in it....but when trials such as this come, it really shows who KNOWS. You can see it in their eyes. I would compare it to the video that they just released on LDS.org. It is at moments like this that the Peace that the Gospel brings is invaluable.
But this also gives me a chance to talk a bit about the Iban Funeral tradition. Typically they will lay the body in a coffin out in the middle of the family room floor and keep it there for 3 days of mourning. Many people will come and mourn and cry, and throughout those whole days it is non-stop work for the family in cooking food and providing for all the family and guests who come. They will pass around a can in which people are expected to donate money for purchasing the graveyard spot and to pay for the coffin. Then after 3 days they will bury the body. They will travel in a massive group of people and many are in attendance, as funerals become family reunions and a chance for everyone who is of any relation to come together and meet each other. It is rather rad. :)
So that has taken quite a bit of our time, with helping the family set up, and then helping the Branch do special funeral services for the family.
We also had to move out of our house on Monday, and are temporarily staying at these super nice suites while the contractor is finishing our new house here. Wow.....I feel spoiled. But we are working hard, and earn it :) Right now I am in Sibu having just finished another inspirational Zone Leader Council. I love these gatherings of church leaders. We are learning how to work with the Branches better and how to coordinate our efforts. It really is awesome :) But all of that translated....let's see. Friday was the last day we had regular Missionary work. Haha :) We had a baptism this past Saturday, and it was really awesome to see more people commit to God to follow him, and we are way excited for Gelang, Kadam and Jessica :) Now we are working with their mother, who has come to church many times, and joins us in prayer, but is just a very shy and nervous woman. She is Chinese/Iban, but according to the Chinese Elders her habits shows that she considers herself a part of our church. We feel that too when she keeps telling us "See you Sunday." :) It's cool. This Gospel is So true.
So in the coming weeks before Christmas, this will be a great time for us to give back to others around us. But what can we give back to our Heavenly Father? Our Will. Many of us have little sins that hold us back from allowing the Lord to bless us fully. Look into yourselves and pick one. Give it to the Lord this Christmas Season. Whether it be pride, wrath, greed, lust, poor eating habits, dishonesty, or many other potentials for sin, if we give ourselves more fully to the Lord, the blessings will come :) I know it's true. I know that this Gospel is true, that families can be forever, and that Jesus is the Christ. We will all see each other again :)
Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
Elder Kampenhout
Dearest Family,
Don't worry, the Village is saved from the Deadly Storm, but Miri did have some casualties. This past week, a couple member's Mother died, and the whole family went into mourning and once again The Church had to spring into Funeral mode. Having been through this twice before in Kuching, I was ready :) It was a bit interesting going through it again, as this one had a large number of members that are investigators affected, and like many times in the past, these gatherings and stress often bring relapses on the Word of Wisdom and a lack of spirituality. It's a bit sad, but a lot of it is based off of their lack of knowledge about the Plan of Salvation. Its amazing how some people believe in it....but when trials such as this come, it really shows who KNOWS. You can see it in their eyes. I would compare it to the video that they just released on LDS.org. It is at moments like this that the Peace that the Gospel brings is invaluable.
But this also gives me a chance to talk a bit about the Iban Funeral tradition. Typically they will lay the body in a coffin out in the middle of the family room floor and keep it there for 3 days of mourning. Many people will come and mourn and cry, and throughout those whole days it is non-stop work for the family in cooking food and providing for all the family and guests who come. They will pass around a can in which people are expected to donate money for purchasing the graveyard spot and to pay for the coffin. Then after 3 days they will bury the body. They will travel in a massive group of people and many are in attendance, as funerals become family reunions and a chance for everyone who is of any relation to come together and meet each other. It is rather rad. :)
So that has taken quite a bit of our time, with helping the family set up, and then helping the Branch do special funeral services for the family.
We also had to move out of our house on Monday, and are temporarily staying at these super nice suites while the contractor is finishing our new house here. Wow.....I feel spoiled. But we are working hard, and earn it :) Right now I am in Sibu having just finished another inspirational Zone Leader Council. I love these gatherings of church leaders. We are learning how to work with the Branches better and how to coordinate our efforts. It really is awesome :) But all of that translated....let's see. Friday was the last day we had regular Missionary work. Haha :) We had a baptism this past Saturday, and it was really awesome to see more people commit to God to follow him, and we are way excited for Gelang, Kadam and Jessica :) Now we are working with their mother, who has come to church many times, and joins us in prayer, but is just a very shy and nervous woman. She is Chinese/Iban, but according to the Chinese Elders her habits shows that she considers herself a part of our church. We feel that too when she keeps telling us "See you Sunday." :) It's cool. This Gospel is So true.
So in the coming weeks before Christmas, this will be a great time for us to give back to others around us. But what can we give back to our Heavenly Father? Our Will. Many of us have little sins that hold us back from allowing the Lord to bless us fully. Look into yourselves and pick one. Give it to the Lord this Christmas Season. Whether it be pride, wrath, greed, lust, poor eating habits, dishonesty, or many other potentials for sin, if we give ourselves more fully to the Lord, the blessings will come :) I know it's true. I know that this Gospel is true, that families can be forever, and that Jesus is the Christ. We will all see each other again :)
Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
Elder Kampenhout
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