Hello Everyone!
It seems like not so long ago I was emailing you, right? Wow, our schedule gets jumbled around.
So this past week and weekend we have our Tri-Zone Conference in Bintulu, which included the Sabah, Miri and Bintulu Zones. It was my first time being to Bintulu, and I had always heard good things about Bintulu, and it all turned out right. Its pretty undeveloped, and I can tell that from without having to go around a lot. But the strength of the Saints there is amazing. It just recently split to become 4 branches, after having been its own district for barely over a year. How fast the Kingdom of Heaven progresses :D
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| Elders Kampenhout and Steadman reunited! |
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| (left to Right) Elders Lewis, Putnam, Teh, Brown, Pendleton singing a musical number |
It was a good opportunity for us to meet face to face with many of the newer missionaries whom we have not yet met, and to strengthen those who are feeling down. When preparing agendas, I have always felt that those who need to most help are the ones who should bear their testimonies at the end, and it has always been amazing to see the miracles, the changes of heart, the realizations that have come to these missionaries who are in need. They have come away with a stronger desire to work, to no longer yearn and desire home, but to thrust in their sickle with all their might. It has been amazing. Testimonies and Service is a great thing. It strengthens the weak who are giving it, and strengthens those who are receiving it. It is a win-win :D
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| Sisters Jensen, Gopinath, Fergusen |
Probably the most amazing thing is what was talked about at the Zone Conference. President Clark had been praying and fasting much so that he could effectively give his talk about The Atonement of Jesus Christ. It was an absolutely amazing presentation, and many tears where shed in appreciation for this great sacrifice that our Savior made. And yet it is so hard to REALLY appreciate his sacrifice because we have been unable to witness or see him ourselves. But for me, what helps me realize the power of the sacrifice that He preformed is by looking at the sacrifices that have been made by those whom I do know. The Sacrifices of my friends, my family, my brothers and sisters, and most especially my parents. They have endured much, and they have given much, but their sacrifices are recorded and remembered. Each and every thing which we give unto one another will be remembered, and God will always have a special place in his heart for those who Sacrifice for the sake of His children. Thank you. It also made me realize how loveless we are at times. Do we really understand that Christ didn't just suffer for those who know him, but he suffered, prayed for, and bled for the ALL who have ever, currently, and ever will live. He knows their every pain and sorrow, and has felt it personally, so that when they are ready, the way will be open for them to come unto him and receive Heavenly Glory. And I digress.....but the fact is that we know and understand so little about this central act. It is the climax of History. It was the most heroic event ever to take place. It was the most difficult challenge one has ever faced. And He did it. He won, and yet so many people do not find the great joy and appreciation that comes from this great victory. Oh how lucky we are that we have an opportunity to know, and how needful it is for us to develop our testimony of this Pearl of Great Price. I would invite you all to study it in more depth in the coming month. Doing so will build a stronger love in your heart, develop a greater appreciation, and be more Christlike in your actions. Is this something you desire?
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that through following him, we can be sanctified :D
Your Loving Friend, Brother, and Son,
Elder Willem Kampenhout
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