Week 80 - Singapore & Malaysia - The Atonement‏

February 8, 2011

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

Elders Kampenhout and Steadman reunited!

(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

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

Week 79 - Singapore and Malaysia - Return to Samarahan‏

February 3, 2012

Hello Everyone!!!

 

   So the latest news is that for our first exchanges (going out with a specific companionship) we ended up going to Kuching Sarawak, and I was specifically assigned to go to Kota Samarahan!!! That is my first area!!! It was so awesome being back. The new missionaries there we in need of help getting to know the area due to being whitewashed, so I brought them around and was able to show them where all of my recent converts lived, great members, and so forth. The visits went super well as well. I was a bit sad that so many of them were less active, some because of the lack of transportation, others because of life's challenges, but all of them were still open and willing to invite us in, and there was a special glow in their eyes. I now realize that I need to do a better job of staying in touch, writing letters and eventually making phone calls when I am no longer a missionary. These people have been placed under my stewardship forever. I should always live worthy of my calling as their missionary. How devastating would it be for them to hear that I later on did not live the teachings I taught as a misisonary? Never.......

 

  But things went super well, and the exchange was a good one, as they had the highest number of investigators at church that weekend than the missionaries in the past 8 months had had. It was way cool to see :D We then right away turned and had to prepare trainings for the Zone Leader Council and for the Zone Conferences that were going on this week, and both were huge successes. It was a blast! We have been making a huge use of Preach My Gospel, and it has brought a whole new spirit to the missionary work. So often people try to find other sources, or tricks, but it really comes down to all the things which the modern day prophets have place into one book. Preach My Gospel. For all who wish to have a stronger spirit with them, be a better Member missionary, look to Preach My Gospel. It's amazing how when one sticks to the basics, and constantly works on his fundamentals, their overall "game" gets better. It so great.

 

  Well, things other than that are great. I basically live out of a suitcase, but thats ok. I get up early every morning to excercise, which keeps me healthy and fit. It's amazing how much healthier I feel now. When I eat greasy or unhealthy food, I can just feel it sitting poorly with my stomach (which is getting alot smaller too). It's amazing how when we pay attention to things, we can find out what is good and what isn't. This works both temporally and spiritually. We need to be quick to observe in all things.

 

  Well I must be going. I have to translate some papers for the Mission Mom, and then do more translating for the District Conference tonight. We are in Bintulu, Sarawak now, which is a pretty cool place :D Stay tuned for more!!!

 

Love you all,

 

     Elder Kampenhout

Week 76 - Singapore - A Life of Assisting‏

January 12, 2012

Hello Everyone!

     So this past week has been absolutely nuts! I have woken up at the regular time once. I have also flown to different countries, translated talks, made trainings for zone leaders, taken new trainee's contacting, washing clothes, taking cold showers(in my bathroom that is 2.5ft by 5ft) . It has been so much fun. It has been a time of growing and developing for sure.

     I think a little miracle has begun to develop. I have been able to see how important the power of a Positive influence is. One of the other assistants here, Elder Jones, is so gifted with the kindness to always look and find the positive in people, and has an incredible gift to be able to lift ans inspire all, in such a humble manner too. It has really helped me to try to push out my negative thoughts, put downs, and ill feelings, and to replace them with love, joy, excitement, and peace. In his personal example I can catch a glimpse of the Saviour. If correction is needed, it is given, but you feel empowered afterwards, not torn down. Correction should be something we seek, and when it is presented and received properly, it functions like a well oiled machine. I have found that by having a living example of this living working and walking beside me, I have been able to spread this energy and love to others. I know that if all others saw the positive aspects of life, leaving whining out of their vocab, and took on the happiness of the Saviour, that others around us will feel of this love and light, and begin to reflect it as well. I would like to invite you all to hold your tongue next time you wish to speak evil, or think poor. It mostly has no use. Speak well of others, and you will feel that well being reverberate within your soul.

    Much of this has developed from my personal study of the talk "What Manner of men and women ought ye to be?". I would suggest you read this and think about what "Be's" you would like to improve on in your life.

  I love you all and hope that your scripture study brings you to seek change and improvement in your life.

Your loving friend, brother, and son,

Elder Kampenhout

Week 75 - Malaysia and Singapore - AP/Singapore Transfer‏

January 4, 2012
Dearest Family,

    So..... I have a bit of news. Last Friday President Clark called me and asked me if I would be willing to serve along side him as an Assistant to the President, with the assignment of East Malaysia. I readily and excitedly said yes, and was informed that Elder Martin would be my companion. Elder Martin was my companion back in Sandakan. Wow!!! It took some big changes to get things ready for becoming assistant, as I had less than two days to get to Singapore, but in that time we had 3 baptisms, went to church, mailed off a huge package for you all, and got stuck in airports, talked with a wonderful Dutchman named Jos Burgers, and met some other good people :) It has been a blast.

   Now the changes between going from Zone Leader to East Malaysian Assistant are very very drastic. For one, going from a small little humble town where you are constantly speaking Malay, to a sprawling metropolis where millions live, tons of visitors, lots of immodest clothing, and super modern way of life. Its a bit shocking. I also have gone from riding on a bike and teaching lessons while sitting on the floor to traveling by subway system and sitting in office chairs most of the day. It's been quite the change. But I am loving it. We haven't traveled yet, but will be going to Sibu this weekend. We also will be sharing a ward with the other Assistants (over West Malaysia) but have yet to start working on that. All in due time :)

  This new change will make my schedule less routine, and may miss some emailing days, or email late. I promise I am OK. If something happens, President Clark will tell you. He's with me all the time :) So don't fret mother ;)

   I love this mission, and love my Savior. I know that many people feel the love of the Savior through our actions. I know this is true. When I was saying goodbye to little 12 year old Rosechilla (baptized Dec 31) she ran up and wrapped her little arms around me and started crying, not wanting me to go. Her friends and family wanted to do the same, but were able to hold themselves back. It was very hard, but I was able to tell them that if they stuck with the Gospel, kept going to Church, that we would meet again. I know that if they do their part, I will be there. I guess this is much like the Promise our Heavenly Father gives to us. Let us always remember that :)

Your Loving Son,

      Elder Willem Kampenhout

Week 74 - Malaysia - Christmas‏

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

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