Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Chiang Mai Days!
March 29, 2010
Dearest Family,
Chiang Mai. Ah! It's the best. I have fallen in love with Chiang Mai so quickly. This place is different from everyplace else in Thailand. First of all, there are tourists everywhere. There is so much Chinese influence along with a great deal of Burmese influence. It's funny to see how the signs for traffic, temples, and other places have both Burmese and Thai written on them. Chiang Mai is beautiful too. The skies are so blue and the people are so happy. Granted, some of the tourists give us a little bit of a hard time for being here in Thailand. We got chewed out by a 50 year old man on a motorcycle the other day. That was a little bit of a shock for me. Typically, here in Thailand, if people aren't interested, they are super cordial about it. I can only remember a handful of times where people have gotten "mad" at us. But, we have to take into account that getting mad as a Thai would just be like us getting slightly frustrated. Sad to say, but not everyone is as nice as Thai people are!
We had Zone Conference this week. What a great time! I had fun trying to translate for President and Sister Smith for the Thai elders who sat in front of me. Our Zone Conference focused on our purpose as missionaries - to invite others to come unto Christ. I enjoyed this Zone Conference the most out of all that I have had in Thailand. It was small - there were only 12 of us - that's our Zone. It felt really personable. I feel refreshed and eager to go out and help people come closer to Jesus Christ. The Zone Conference also reminded me of the biggest change that I think Thailand has brought for me - my conversion to Jesus Christ. Since coming to Thailand, my faith in the cleansing power of the atonement has developed beyond my wildest dreams. That change and the influence of companions, along with seeing how we can be instruments in God's hands, are the greatest lessons.
I have seen so many miraculous things already that I can't wait to see what my stay in Chiang Mai will bring me! We are seeing some progressing investigators, we are finding new people and we are working with the Branch to really get things off the ground. Chiang Mai has a goal to become a stake in 10 years. That would mean two wards in Chiang Mai, one in Chiang Rai, one in Lampung. It's a goal that the members are really excited about.
The membership here is incredible. Multigenerational families are the roots of the branch. The branch is full of members who are endowed, returned missionaries, and new converts who are missionary age. There are many active priesthood holders and many great members. People raise families in the gospel in Chiang Mai. Many of the members here are from the 1970s and their children and those children's children are members. The family is the beating heart that keeps Chiang Mai branch strong.
We've been working on finding new investigators this week. We've found a lot of people and we're going to be working with them. We continue to work to find new people who will be willing to listen to us. As Elder Day and I work together with the Spirit, miracles will happen! Smiles on our faces and a song in our hearts and Chiang Mai - it's a wonderful time to be in Thailand.
This week we met with a man named Jo, a friend of a member, and I thought about humility. His wife left him and took his daughter. He's been drinking to avoid the pain. But he said as he prayed, he felt that God was there. He felt that God was willing to help him. As we talked to him, he expressed how in the past, he was... hard hearted. I thought about how as we give our hearts to God, something that God asks of us - a broken heart - we see how He stands ready to help us. It's not that we earn His help; it's that He loves us. As his children, He wants to help us. I also thought about this intimate relationship a lot this week. In Thai, I love walking around to people and saying hello older brother, younger brother, mother, father - these are how you say you in Thai depending on how old someone is. We are all part of God's family and in Thai we are all quite literally family. Thai is such a close language.
We've also been working to encourage the youth to serve missions. I am so grateful that I made the decision to do it! In the past, it wasn't on my radar at all. Actually, if you had told me that I would serve a mission, I probably would have laughed. But, this is the single best decision I have ever made in my life. And I never want to forget that. A mission isn't about the number of baptisms or the numbers of anything; it's about seeing the power of God in our lives. I understand the gospel so much more, I know what I want from life and I feel so close to God. While I'm still not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, my mission has taught me that the development of the soul, of the relationship between us and God is the greatest, most complex but ultimately most rewarding quest of our lifetime. So, any one who has doubts about going on a mission should reconsider. I'm not going to say it's all roses because that would just simply be a lie but I will say that it's simply worth it. I know it's a big social pressure in Mormon culture to do it so a lot of people feel pressured. But really, it's just the thing that God wants to bless us with. Everyday, we get to go out and wear the name of the Savior and be a witness of Him. And it's so much fun! I love it.
Anyway, I love you all. I'm healthy and everything's going great here in the wonderful place! I hope you all continue to do well. Hope you all enjoy conference!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
Dearest Family,
Chiang Mai. Ah! It's the best. I have fallen in love with Chiang Mai so quickly. This place is different from everyplace else in Thailand. First of all, there are tourists everywhere. There is so much Chinese influence along with a great deal of Burmese influence. It's funny to see how the signs for traffic, temples, and other places have both Burmese and Thai written on them. Chiang Mai is beautiful too. The skies are so blue and the people are so happy. Granted, some of the tourists give us a little bit of a hard time for being here in Thailand. We got chewed out by a 50 year old man on a motorcycle the other day. That was a little bit of a shock for me. Typically, here in Thailand, if people aren't interested, they are super cordial about it. I can only remember a handful of times where people have gotten "mad" at us. But, we have to take into account that getting mad as a Thai would just be like us getting slightly frustrated. Sad to say, but not everyone is as nice as Thai people are!
We had Zone Conference this week. What a great time! I had fun trying to translate for President and Sister Smith for the Thai elders who sat in front of me. Our Zone Conference focused on our purpose as missionaries - to invite others to come unto Christ. I enjoyed this Zone Conference the most out of all that I have had in Thailand. It was small - there were only 12 of us - that's our Zone. It felt really personable. I feel refreshed and eager to go out and help people come closer to Jesus Christ. The Zone Conference also reminded me of the biggest change that I think Thailand has brought for me - my conversion to Jesus Christ. Since coming to Thailand, my faith in the cleansing power of the atonement has developed beyond my wildest dreams. That change and the influence of companions, along with seeing how we can be instruments in God's hands, are the greatest lessons.
I have seen so many miraculous things already that I can't wait to see what my stay in Chiang Mai will bring me! We are seeing some progressing investigators, we are finding new people and we are working with the Branch to really get things off the ground. Chiang Mai has a goal to become a stake in 10 years. That would mean two wards in Chiang Mai, one in Chiang Rai, one in Lampung. It's a goal that the members are really excited about.
The membership here is incredible. Multigenerational families are the roots of the branch. The branch is full of members who are endowed, returned missionaries, and new converts who are missionary age. There are many active priesthood holders and many great members. People raise families in the gospel in Chiang Mai. Many of the members here are from the 1970s and their children and those children's children are members. The family is the beating heart that keeps Chiang Mai branch strong.
We've been working on finding new investigators this week. We've found a lot of people and we're going to be working with them. We continue to work to find new people who will be willing to listen to us. As Elder Day and I work together with the Spirit, miracles will happen! Smiles on our faces and a song in our hearts and Chiang Mai - it's a wonderful time to be in Thailand.
This week we met with a man named Jo, a friend of a member, and I thought about humility. His wife left him and took his daughter. He's been drinking to avoid the pain. But he said as he prayed, he felt that God was there. He felt that God was willing to help him. As we talked to him, he expressed how in the past, he was... hard hearted. I thought about how as we give our hearts to God, something that God asks of us - a broken heart - we see how He stands ready to help us. It's not that we earn His help; it's that He loves us. As his children, He wants to help us. I also thought about this intimate relationship a lot this week. In Thai, I love walking around to people and saying hello older brother, younger brother, mother, father - these are how you say you in Thai depending on how old someone is. We are all part of God's family and in Thai we are all quite literally family. Thai is such a close language.
We've also been working to encourage the youth to serve missions. I am so grateful that I made the decision to do it! In the past, it wasn't on my radar at all. Actually, if you had told me that I would serve a mission, I probably would have laughed. But, this is the single best decision I have ever made in my life. And I never want to forget that. A mission isn't about the number of baptisms or the numbers of anything; it's about seeing the power of God in our lives. I understand the gospel so much more, I know what I want from life and I feel so close to God. While I'm still not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, my mission has taught me that the development of the soul, of the relationship between us and God is the greatest, most complex but ultimately most rewarding quest of our lifetime. So, any one who has doubts about going on a mission should reconsider. I'm not going to say it's all roses because that would just simply be a lie but I will say that it's simply worth it. I know it's a big social pressure in Mormon culture to do it so a lot of people feel pressured. But really, it's just the thing that God wants to bless us with. Everyday, we get to go out and wear the name of the Savior and be a witness of Him. And it's so much fun! I love it.
Anyway, I love you all. I'm healthy and everything's going great here in the wonderful place! I hope you all continue to do well. Hope you all enjoy conference!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
Monday, March 22, 2010
Chiang Mai
March 22, 2010
Dearest Family,
Hello family and loved ones! I hope and pray everything is going well for all of you. And, no I am not losing weight anymore. I have leveled out at about 70 kilos. None of my clothes really fit, but I did get that new suit cut.
So this week was a bit... unexpected? Is that the right word? Probably something close to that. Let's start off with my last little bit in Nong Khai and then move on.
Ever since Elder Crowley came to Nongkhai, I kind of wondered how it was going to work out due to the fact that we were in the same group. I suspected that one of two things would happen - either I would leave or we would become a threesome together. This last week, as we had many events to see Elder Peterson off - family home evenings/dinners at the home of first Sister Bone and Brother Terdsak and then the new branch president's house. I came to realize that I would be leaving. It hit me as I sat there, as I rode past landmarks in my area and as I talked with the other two Elders. Monday we spent our day packing... well... Elder Peterson did. Then Tuesday came - the day we get the moves phone calls. It became official. I was moving and Elder Crowley and Elder Chiu would be staying. So I packed my bags that day and Elder Peterson left for Bangkok. It was a bittersweet goodbye - Elder Peterson was an amazing guy and did such wonderful things for all of Thailand. When he left, I was left with the other two Elders. We taught English and then headed home. The next day we finished up packing. I showed them around my area in the morning, told them what they needed to do to get ready for Jiab's baptism and taught Jiab. Jiab has seen a lot of changes in her life. I see in her face, a changed person. From the first day I met her, I remember how indifferent she was towards the teachings of Christ. I saw how, slowly, but surely, that all changed. I saw how she started to pray with greater intent, how she liked coming to Church, how she expressed her faith in the Savior.
When we went to the train station with Sister Adchara, I looked back at the house and felt sad. But I knew a new adventure waited for me. We arrived at the train station and the members saw us off. I said goodbye to some memorable members from Sister Noyna (Custard Apple) to Brother Troy to Sister Bone and everyone in between, I realized how much I would miss the faith of the members and the joy of Nong Khai. We got on the train and I said goodbye. Thus ended my short time in Nongkhai.
We took the long train ride to Bangkok. I was tired by the end of it. I can never sleep on the train. We arrived in Bangkok at around 6:30ish. Then we got in the trucks to take us to moves meeting and we arrived at the Pakkret chapel. I put the dark blue tape on my bags and waited. Moves meeting started and President Smith gave a short talk. President Saamaad- the secretary of the mission and a district president- just passed away in a car crash on the way to a funeral. It's a huge blow to the mission. He has served faithfully for years. His children are still in serious condition from what I hear. Life is so fragile. That's a realization I make almost everyday. Life is precious and fragile.
Then we got to the moves part of the meeting. President Smith described me as a "well-traveled missionary" and announced that I would be going to Chiang Mai with Elder Day. I was shocked. We rode the train up here and it was majorly delayed. We kept going backwards and stopping. Something first about the engine and then something about another train.
Two words: Chiang Mai. Words to describe it? I don't really know if you can! It feels so different from anyplace I've ever been before. Granted, it's still Thailand but it feels so different from the Isaan and from Bangkok. It feels like... Chiang Mai. There are tourists everywhere, one way streets abounding, Chinese influence that's prevalence surprised me, a beautiful Church building, and green everywhere. The weather is cooler than in Bangkok or in Nongkhai and the people all speak Thai rather than Laos. It's weird to be on the street and hear Thai again. Granted, they do have northern language up here but that's mostly spoken inside of homes. The branch is HUGE. This past week there were 90 people there and they said it was small. Usually, there are about 120. I was so impressed with how simply amazing the branch really is. Wonderful talks, great lessons and lots of really nice members. I feel so grateful to be here! As I reflect back on where I have been, I can't help but think about how blessed I've been. I feel God's hand in where I've come for sure. We live really close to the church which is close to a place that's called the walking market in Chiang Mai, also close to Wad Phrasing.
As for my new companion, Elder Day! He's great! He's from Springville UT. He's funny, great at Thai and is a really fun guy. He's served in Nongkhai too, actually. We live with the Zone Leaders, Elder Brown and Elder Perry. The house is pretty nice, it's literally right next to the Church. Companion wise, I have been way blessed. Every companion has something new to teach me. God knows what we need and who we need in our lives.
Wow! Thailand is just fantastic. I have loved this past week even though it's seemed like a blur. I have had great studies in the Book of Mormon and scriptures this week. I really encourage all of us to keep a study journal. I found this week as I used that more effectively; I saw great help from God in understanding the scriptures. At Church, I felt the power of building our foundations upon Christ and upon the simplicity of the gospel. I came to realize some things about Thailand and about myself as I moved up here. I came to see more clearly how Thailand is different from the rest of the world when it comes to preaching the gospel. Some realizations still come though. And as they do, I realize that my mission so far is a journey of discovering myself. Someone here told me that the reason they think they came to Thailand is to convert themselves more deeply. I feel much the same. We just simply don't see many baptisms here in Thailand. However, I think as I have served here, I have seen myself come to Jesus Christ. I have seen how I have had to humble myself to heed his call. I know that often we will be faced with situations where we are simply just inadequate. That's why we need the Savior. We don't just need Him when we sin; we need Him when we're weak. And He will carry us. Right now we are going to be working here in Chiang Mai to find new investigators. I hope and pray that as we do so, we will be led to those who are longing to come unto Christ. Often, these people don't realize that they long to come unto Him. But they seek for something in their lives that only the Savior can bring.
Anyway, I love you all. Thailand's amazing and I can't wait to serve here in Chiang Mai.
God bless you all,
Elder Jacob Newman
Dearest Family,
Hello family and loved ones! I hope and pray everything is going well for all of you. And, no I am not losing weight anymore. I have leveled out at about 70 kilos. None of my clothes really fit, but I did get that new suit cut.
So this week was a bit... unexpected? Is that the right word? Probably something close to that. Let's start off with my last little bit in Nong Khai and then move on.
Ever since Elder Crowley came to Nongkhai, I kind of wondered how it was going to work out due to the fact that we were in the same group. I suspected that one of two things would happen - either I would leave or we would become a threesome together. This last week, as we had many events to see Elder Peterson off - family home evenings/dinners at the home of first Sister Bone and Brother Terdsak and then the new branch president's house. I came to realize that I would be leaving. It hit me as I sat there, as I rode past landmarks in my area and as I talked with the other two Elders. Monday we spent our day packing... well... Elder Peterson did. Then Tuesday came - the day we get the moves phone calls. It became official. I was moving and Elder Crowley and Elder Chiu would be staying. So I packed my bags that day and Elder Peterson left for Bangkok. It was a bittersweet goodbye - Elder Peterson was an amazing guy and did such wonderful things for all of Thailand. When he left, I was left with the other two Elders. We taught English and then headed home. The next day we finished up packing. I showed them around my area in the morning, told them what they needed to do to get ready for Jiab's baptism and taught Jiab. Jiab has seen a lot of changes in her life. I see in her face, a changed person. From the first day I met her, I remember how indifferent she was towards the teachings of Christ. I saw how, slowly, but surely, that all changed. I saw how she started to pray with greater intent, how she liked coming to Church, how she expressed her faith in the Savior.
When we went to the train station with Sister Adchara, I looked back at the house and felt sad. But I knew a new adventure waited for me. We arrived at the train station and the members saw us off. I said goodbye to some memorable members from Sister Noyna (Custard Apple) to Brother Troy to Sister Bone and everyone in between, I realized how much I would miss the faith of the members and the joy of Nong Khai. We got on the train and I said goodbye. Thus ended my short time in Nongkhai.
We took the long train ride to Bangkok. I was tired by the end of it. I can never sleep on the train. We arrived in Bangkok at around 6:30ish. Then we got in the trucks to take us to moves meeting and we arrived at the Pakkret chapel. I put the dark blue tape on my bags and waited. Moves meeting started and President Smith gave a short talk. President Saamaad- the secretary of the mission and a district president- just passed away in a car crash on the way to a funeral. It's a huge blow to the mission. He has served faithfully for years. His children are still in serious condition from what I hear. Life is so fragile. That's a realization I make almost everyday. Life is precious and fragile.
Then we got to the moves part of the meeting. President Smith described me as a "well-traveled missionary" and announced that I would be going to Chiang Mai with Elder Day. I was shocked. We rode the train up here and it was majorly delayed. We kept going backwards and stopping. Something first about the engine and then something about another train.
Two words: Chiang Mai. Words to describe it? I don't really know if you can! It feels so different from anyplace I've ever been before. Granted, it's still Thailand but it feels so different from the Isaan and from Bangkok. It feels like... Chiang Mai. There are tourists everywhere, one way streets abounding, Chinese influence that's prevalence surprised me, a beautiful Church building, and green everywhere. The weather is cooler than in Bangkok or in Nongkhai and the people all speak Thai rather than Laos. It's weird to be on the street and hear Thai again. Granted, they do have northern language up here but that's mostly spoken inside of homes. The branch is HUGE. This past week there were 90 people there and they said it was small. Usually, there are about 120. I was so impressed with how simply amazing the branch really is. Wonderful talks, great lessons and lots of really nice members. I feel so grateful to be here! As I reflect back on where I have been, I can't help but think about how blessed I've been. I feel God's hand in where I've come for sure. We live really close to the church which is close to a place that's called the walking market in Chiang Mai, also close to Wad Phrasing.
As for my new companion, Elder Day! He's great! He's from Springville UT. He's funny, great at Thai and is a really fun guy. He's served in Nongkhai too, actually. We live with the Zone Leaders, Elder Brown and Elder Perry. The house is pretty nice, it's literally right next to the Church. Companion wise, I have been way blessed. Every companion has something new to teach me. God knows what we need and who we need in our lives.
Wow! Thailand is just fantastic. I have loved this past week even though it's seemed like a blur. I have had great studies in the Book of Mormon and scriptures this week. I really encourage all of us to keep a study journal. I found this week as I used that more effectively; I saw great help from God in understanding the scriptures. At Church, I felt the power of building our foundations upon Christ and upon the simplicity of the gospel. I came to realize some things about Thailand and about myself as I moved up here. I came to see more clearly how Thailand is different from the rest of the world when it comes to preaching the gospel. Some realizations still come though. And as they do, I realize that my mission so far is a journey of discovering myself. Someone here told me that the reason they think they came to Thailand is to convert themselves more deeply. I feel much the same. We just simply don't see many baptisms here in Thailand. However, I think as I have served here, I have seen myself come to Jesus Christ. I have seen how I have had to humble myself to heed his call. I know that often we will be faced with situations where we are simply just inadequate. That's why we need the Savior. We don't just need Him when we sin; we need Him when we're weak. And He will carry us. Right now we are going to be working here in Chiang Mai to find new investigators. I hope and pray that as we do so, we will be led to those who are longing to come unto Christ. Often, these people don't realize that they long to come unto Him. But they seek for something in their lives that only the Savior can bring.
Anyway, I love you all. Thailand's amazing and I can't wait to serve here in Chiang Mai.
God bless you all,
Elder Jacob Newman
Monday, March 15, 2010
Stubborn Children and the Milk Jug
March 15, 2010
Hello Dearest Family,
This week I will be heading down to Bangkok for moves meeting. I don't know if I will be moving or not but I have a feeling that this might be my last week sending e-mail from Nongkhai. All four of us are heading down, with Elder Peterson heading down on Tuesday, a day before. We will leave here Wednesday night and get back Friday morning. The train is always an adventure - I can't ever really sleep that well on it but it's fun to be on a train in Thailand. Should it be my last week in Nongkhai, I will be sad, but I guess we will just have to see. Who knows where I could be emailing you from next week!
This week I really learned some valuable lessons from the most unexpected sources. We started off with P-day, which went well. We met with a new investigator named Pradid. His son is a Christian missionary in a different amphoe (province). We will have to see if anything comes of him. On Tuesday, we met with a less-active named Brother Tawng and he is spiritually more in tune it feels like. He didn't end up coming to Church this week but he's progressing. He drives a saam law for a living which is like a three wheeled car. The traditional ones are bicycle powered but the ones here are all motorized. After that we met with Ex who is doing really well. He's really committed to learning and desires to come to know God. He, unfortunately, couldn't make it to Church for some unknown reason but we will keep working with him. We also met with Yo and Jid who are slowly but surely coming along. We taught about keeping the Sabbath day holy but this Sunday they left early. We were a little disappointed that they only stayed for sacrament meeting. The good news is that they are attached to the members, in particular Brother Sitiwong. They want him to be the person to baptize them.
The main story of the week though is a meeting with Sister Laantaa, a less active. Sister Laantaa has been a member for over a year. But she hasn't attended Church since her baptism too regularly. She in her words is stuck on her friends more than Church. She says this every time we go to visit her. We saw her at her guay tiaw - a noodle dish - shop and talked. We read from the scriptures together and examined her desire to become more spiritually strong. She said something they struck me in such a profound way. She said, translating roughly from Thai, that she knows that Heavenly Father will forgive us every time. That He will give to us, if we ask. The question is, she proceeded to say, are we, as stubborn children, willing to ask or to accept his help? I thought about that quite a bit.
In reality, we all are children of God. But another thing we are is stubborn. God gives us all good gifts, gives us love and hope and the atonement, but how often do we, in our stubborn states say to God "I don't want it." I think we do this often. I know in my life, I have seen it. God has offered me peace of mind, forgiveness, purity, and often I have said to myself, I don't deserve it, which is just like saying I don't want it. The thing is that we don't really deserve it, but God loves us so much that He wants us to have it. We will make mistakes every day but I have come to see, we have to be humble enough to take God's help. Sometimes we find that we have challenges in life that just seem too hard but we won't take God's help.
I read a story from the Ensign about a mother who entered a hard time in her life and then had an experience with her daughter that changed her outlook. She didn't really rely on God during this struggle until one day she was bringing in groceries with her young daughter. Her daughter carried eggs and bread just fine but then she started to try to carry a milk jug and she couldn't lift it. Still she refused her mother's help, until she eventually said "Too heavy. Can't do it". Then she asked her mom to carry her and then she would carry the milk with her mom. God's just like that. How often do we have that milk jug sitting before us and yet we, in our stubborn nature, forget that God can lift us. God wants us to ask. He loves us so much that He gave Jesus Christ to help us lift that milk jug. Don't dely. Let God lift your milk jug - don't be stubborn and refuse God's help. Come to Him and just pour out your soul.
We planned for Jiab's baptism this Sunday. She's getting really close. She passed her interview and her baptism will be this next week. Her husband will be baptizing her. It's really exciting to see how her change happened. I also loved seeing how the words she used changed as she gained her testimony. Typically in Thai prayers, at first you will hear the formal word for I, khaphajaw, but as people gain more faith it becomes khaaphra?ong. Khaaphra?ong implies a servant to a royal being. It's a beautiful word that I have come to love in prayers. The language of prayer in Thai is expressed through royal words that are simply beautiful.
I have seen a lot of hope here in Thailand, granted, I have seen many disappointments but in the end, I don't really remember the disappointing things. I have been so grateful for the opportunity to be here in Nongkhai with Elder Peterson. He has been an answer to prayers and we've had a great two moves together. It's pretty crazy to think that when I got to Thailand, he came up here to Nongkhai to be branch president. Anyway, it's been amazing here. I don't know if I will move or not, but should I, I will long remember this magical place.
I've been so grateful for all of your support lately. I have come to see how the gospel blesses our families. I am so amazed that despite what comes our way, sorrow or heartache or pain, we know that we as a family will always love each other and be together. God's kindness will not depart from us and God will be with us forever and ever. Thailand continues to be a dream of a lifetime. And I know that I came here for a reason - I'm still working hard to figure that out but that will come. As long as we are serving God, it doesn't really matter if we fully understand.
Bless you all and remember to eat lots of Thai food!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
Hello Dearest Family,
This week I will be heading down to Bangkok for moves meeting. I don't know if I will be moving or not but I have a feeling that this might be my last week sending e-mail from Nongkhai. All four of us are heading down, with Elder Peterson heading down on Tuesday, a day before. We will leave here Wednesday night and get back Friday morning. The train is always an adventure - I can't ever really sleep that well on it but it's fun to be on a train in Thailand. Should it be my last week in Nongkhai, I will be sad, but I guess we will just have to see. Who knows where I could be emailing you from next week!
This week I really learned some valuable lessons from the most unexpected sources. We started off with P-day, which went well. We met with a new investigator named Pradid. His son is a Christian missionary in a different amphoe (province). We will have to see if anything comes of him. On Tuesday, we met with a less-active named Brother Tawng and he is spiritually more in tune it feels like. He didn't end up coming to Church this week but he's progressing. He drives a saam law for a living which is like a three wheeled car. The traditional ones are bicycle powered but the ones here are all motorized. After that we met with Ex who is doing really well. He's really committed to learning and desires to come to know God. He, unfortunately, couldn't make it to Church for some unknown reason but we will keep working with him. We also met with Yo and Jid who are slowly but surely coming along. We taught about keeping the Sabbath day holy but this Sunday they left early. We were a little disappointed that they only stayed for sacrament meeting. The good news is that they are attached to the members, in particular Brother Sitiwong. They want him to be the person to baptize them.
The main story of the week though is a meeting with Sister Laantaa, a less active. Sister Laantaa has been a member for over a year. But she hasn't attended Church since her baptism too regularly. She in her words is stuck on her friends more than Church. She says this every time we go to visit her. We saw her at her guay tiaw - a noodle dish - shop and talked. We read from the scriptures together and examined her desire to become more spiritually strong. She said something they struck me in such a profound way. She said, translating roughly from Thai, that she knows that Heavenly Father will forgive us every time. That He will give to us, if we ask. The question is, she proceeded to say, are we, as stubborn children, willing to ask or to accept his help? I thought about that quite a bit.
In reality, we all are children of God. But another thing we are is stubborn. God gives us all good gifts, gives us love and hope and the atonement, but how often do we, in our stubborn states say to God "I don't want it." I think we do this often. I know in my life, I have seen it. God has offered me peace of mind, forgiveness, purity, and often I have said to myself, I don't deserve it, which is just like saying I don't want it. The thing is that we don't really deserve it, but God loves us so much that He wants us to have it. We will make mistakes every day but I have come to see, we have to be humble enough to take God's help. Sometimes we find that we have challenges in life that just seem too hard but we won't take God's help.
I read a story from the Ensign about a mother who entered a hard time in her life and then had an experience with her daughter that changed her outlook. She didn't really rely on God during this struggle until one day she was bringing in groceries with her young daughter. Her daughter carried eggs and bread just fine but then she started to try to carry a milk jug and she couldn't lift it. Still she refused her mother's help, until she eventually said "Too heavy. Can't do it". Then she asked her mom to carry her and then she would carry the milk with her mom. God's just like that. How often do we have that milk jug sitting before us and yet we, in our stubborn nature, forget that God can lift us. God wants us to ask. He loves us so much that He gave Jesus Christ to help us lift that milk jug. Don't dely. Let God lift your milk jug - don't be stubborn and refuse God's help. Come to Him and just pour out your soul.
We planned for Jiab's baptism this Sunday. She's getting really close. She passed her interview and her baptism will be this next week. Her husband will be baptizing her. It's really exciting to see how her change happened. I also loved seeing how the words she used changed as she gained her testimony. Typically in Thai prayers, at first you will hear the formal word for I, khaphajaw, but as people gain more faith it becomes khaaphra?ong. Khaaphra?ong implies a servant to a royal being. It's a beautiful word that I have come to love in prayers. The language of prayer in Thai is expressed through royal words that are simply beautiful.
I have seen a lot of hope here in Thailand, granted, I have seen many disappointments but in the end, I don't really remember the disappointing things. I have been so grateful for the opportunity to be here in Nongkhai with Elder Peterson. He has been an answer to prayers and we've had a great two moves together. It's pretty crazy to think that when I got to Thailand, he came up here to Nongkhai to be branch president. Anyway, it's been amazing here. I don't know if I will move or not, but should I, I will long remember this magical place.
I've been so grateful for all of your support lately. I have come to see how the gospel blesses our families. I am so amazed that despite what comes our way, sorrow or heartache or pain, we know that we as a family will always love each other and be together. God's kindness will not depart from us and God will be with us forever and ever. Thailand continues to be a dream of a lifetime. And I know that I came here for a reason - I'm still working hard to figure that out but that will come. As long as we are serving God, it doesn't really matter if we fully understand.
Bless you all and remember to eat lots of Thai food!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A New Branch President- A คนไทย even! (A Thai Person), A Cry out to God.
March 8, 2010
Dearest Family,
This past week was a historic week for the Church in Nongkhai as we got a new branch president. But let's go over the rest of the week first and let you all know how things are going.
This week started out with a great Monday morning. We started off the day hoping to go golfing but instead we went mini golfing which was about a 12 kilo ride away from the city. We got there and played for free. We also got some of the best pictures ever! The fields are so lush and green. I have never seen anything greener in my life. We were right behind a member's house and he just happened to show up on his way to work as we were taking pictures. He said hello and we all laughed at how ironic it was that he came. That day Jiab also interviewed for baptism. We knew beforehand that she would have to interview with a member of the mission presidency so we did this interview to make sure everything else was set to go. It was Elder Chiu's first interview and he did great! She also did really well too.
On Tuesday, Elder Peterson did some interviews in the morning and after that we went out and invited. We are still having a slightly hard time finding new investigators but we press forward. Ultimately, in the end, it's the effort we put forth that's the important part, not the actual numbers. The number of souls isn't the important thing, but rather the soul itself. We see people who come from different backgrounds everyday, people whose lives are all so different but yet we find commonalities in them all. We see within each of them, a child of God, no matter what their situation is.
I am reminded of Professor Sederholm at BYU when he talked about his experience on a Canadian subway where he just all of the sudden felt an intimate connection to all those around him as children of God. I have seen that many times in Thailand. I see that almost every Church in Sunday. I look around and realize that I am surrounded by people 8,000 miles away from my home, who all share the desire to follow Jesus Christ. I am among the children of God. What a powerful thought! We have a divine heritage and a divine future. We can't ever forget that- before we speak harsh words, remember who we are talking to! We are talking to someone who is the son or daughter of the King of the Universe! In Thai the royal word for son and daughter means prince and princess respectively. When we say that we are sons and daughters of God, we are expressing our royal heritage and our royal future. Never forget the value of every soul!
That same day, we taught Yo and Jid, who are both doing very well. We taught with Brother Sitiwong who has lived in America, in Orem, and formerly ran the Thai Chili Garden. He and his Laotian wife, Sister Sitiwong (the only people in Thailand I know who go by Brother Last Name and Sister Last Name. Even Missionaries are Elder First Name and Sister First Name), are great members here in Nongkhai who helped Yo and Jid now set a goal to get married in the temple!
Wednesday we had a fascinating experience. Earlier last week, we met a potential randomly again named Chay. He was working at his repair shop when we invited him. We met him on Wednesday and proceeded to discover, he's not Christian, but he prays to God and also knows a LOT about Christ. He told us about how Christ was baptized. That's not a story that most Thai people know as well as he did. It was a great lesson and we will have to see what comes of him.
Thursday was really fun! We went to do service at the house of an investigator family of the other Elders, named Phaw (father) Tia (Short) and Mae (mother) Daeng (red). They needed a big pile of dirt spread around their house. They live in such simple circumstances and Tia has been out of commission for a bit since he hurt his leg. After that, we ate burnt fish wraps with the members. Basically it's the whole fish cooked then served with lettuce that you use to make your own wrap and a bunch of little vegetables and some sweet peanut sauce. Sister Nang made the fish for us. They also had coconut treats. It was great to see how that service helped their family, softened their hearts and made them even more receptive to when Elder Crowley and Elder Chiu went to teach.
Friday saw switch offs with the zone leaders. We did lots of inviting, found some good potentials, taught Sister Priaw about making prayer more meaningful, and attended correlation. That day, President Smith also came up to Nongkhai and interviewed two Laotian possible missionaries. They may start serving in June. Anyway, we saw him and Sister Smith- who was taking pictures with “Flat Stanley” for her grandkids- Stanley went to the Mae Khong river. Then he also interviewed Brother Sitiwong, which I only found out later.
Saturday we had a lot of lessons with some potentials that we found on switch offs. The one I want to talk about is a man named Egx ( think X). Elder Peterson and Elder Brown were inviting another man at a table in the middle of an apartment complex when a large man with no shirt came out and put his shirt on and asked who he needed to talk to in order to be cleansed from sin. They made an appointment for the next day. We went to him and we saw that he was humble and willing to learn. When we finally got him to pray, he was a little scared at first, he prayed and cried out to God. I felt the Spirit strongly as his heart, laden with pains that I don't know, cried out to God and asked for comfort. I realized that so often our prayers are the same because we have done it so much but with him, it was his first time crying out to God. He was desperate to communicate.
It made me think about how we talk to God. Are we casual? Or do we ponder the fact that we are talking to a supreme being? Brother Nui, who helped us teach Priaw, told us that when he talks to God, he doesn't really ask for that much, he just likes to talk. I think that's what God wants. Of course, God is willing to help us but I think He really just wants us to talk. That's the important thing- talk to God likes He's right beside you. Don't just give a rote prayer, actually talk to God.
Sunday we got a new branch president. President Sitiwong was installed as Branch President with Brother Egg as the counselor. Elder Peterson is now released with a week left! Fast and Testimony meeting was good- lots of great testimonies that really made me think. One talked about the 10 virgins, another talked about the different laws of God, and another was given in Laotian.
Anyway, this week was just really great. I think the most valuable things we learn as we serve missions are the things that are simple. I think we learn a lot about ourselves. We change. We see how people around us change and then we go out there and try to change the world. Besides that I am so grateful for my family who I love so much. I love you all SO much! I appreciate you so much more since I am here now. I pray for you all daily and know that God will watch us. Remember to do the things that are right and to always have love for everyone!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
Dearest Family,
This past week was a historic week for the Church in Nongkhai as we got a new branch president. But let's go over the rest of the week first and let you all know how things are going.
This week started out with a great Monday morning. We started off the day hoping to go golfing but instead we went mini golfing which was about a 12 kilo ride away from the city. We got there and played for free. We also got some of the best pictures ever! The fields are so lush and green. I have never seen anything greener in my life. We were right behind a member's house and he just happened to show up on his way to work as we were taking pictures. He said hello and we all laughed at how ironic it was that he came. That day Jiab also interviewed for baptism. We knew beforehand that she would have to interview with a member of the mission presidency so we did this interview to make sure everything else was set to go. It was Elder Chiu's first interview and he did great! She also did really well too.
On Tuesday, Elder Peterson did some interviews in the morning and after that we went out and invited. We are still having a slightly hard time finding new investigators but we press forward. Ultimately, in the end, it's the effort we put forth that's the important part, not the actual numbers. The number of souls isn't the important thing, but rather the soul itself. We see people who come from different backgrounds everyday, people whose lives are all so different but yet we find commonalities in them all. We see within each of them, a child of God, no matter what their situation is.
I am reminded of Professor Sederholm at BYU when he talked about his experience on a Canadian subway where he just all of the sudden felt an intimate connection to all those around him as children of God. I have seen that many times in Thailand. I see that almost every Church in Sunday. I look around and realize that I am surrounded by people 8,000 miles away from my home, who all share the desire to follow Jesus Christ. I am among the children of God. What a powerful thought! We have a divine heritage and a divine future. We can't ever forget that- before we speak harsh words, remember who we are talking to! We are talking to someone who is the son or daughter of the King of the Universe! In Thai the royal word for son and daughter means prince and princess respectively. When we say that we are sons and daughters of God, we are expressing our royal heritage and our royal future. Never forget the value of every soul!
That same day, we taught Yo and Jid, who are both doing very well. We taught with Brother Sitiwong who has lived in America, in Orem, and formerly ran the Thai Chili Garden. He and his Laotian wife, Sister Sitiwong (the only people in Thailand I know who go by Brother Last Name and Sister Last Name. Even Missionaries are Elder First Name and Sister First Name), are great members here in Nongkhai who helped Yo and Jid now set a goal to get married in the temple!
Wednesday we had a fascinating experience. Earlier last week, we met a potential randomly again named Chay. He was working at his repair shop when we invited him. We met him on Wednesday and proceeded to discover, he's not Christian, but he prays to God and also knows a LOT about Christ. He told us about how Christ was baptized. That's not a story that most Thai people know as well as he did. It was a great lesson and we will have to see what comes of him.
Thursday was really fun! We went to do service at the house of an investigator family of the other Elders, named Phaw (father) Tia (Short) and Mae (mother) Daeng (red). They needed a big pile of dirt spread around their house. They live in such simple circumstances and Tia has been out of commission for a bit since he hurt his leg. After that, we ate burnt fish wraps with the members. Basically it's the whole fish cooked then served with lettuce that you use to make your own wrap and a bunch of little vegetables and some sweet peanut sauce. Sister Nang made the fish for us. They also had coconut treats. It was great to see how that service helped their family, softened their hearts and made them even more receptive to when Elder Crowley and Elder Chiu went to teach.
Friday saw switch offs with the zone leaders. We did lots of inviting, found some good potentials, taught Sister Priaw about making prayer more meaningful, and attended correlation. That day, President Smith also came up to Nongkhai and interviewed two Laotian possible missionaries. They may start serving in June. Anyway, we saw him and Sister Smith- who was taking pictures with “Flat Stanley” for her grandkids- Stanley went to the Mae Khong river. Then he also interviewed Brother Sitiwong, which I only found out later.
Saturday we had a lot of lessons with some potentials that we found on switch offs. The one I want to talk about is a man named Egx ( think X). Elder Peterson and Elder Brown were inviting another man at a table in the middle of an apartment complex when a large man with no shirt came out and put his shirt on and asked who he needed to talk to in order to be cleansed from sin. They made an appointment for the next day. We went to him and we saw that he was humble and willing to learn. When we finally got him to pray, he was a little scared at first, he prayed and cried out to God. I felt the Spirit strongly as his heart, laden with pains that I don't know, cried out to God and asked for comfort. I realized that so often our prayers are the same because we have done it so much but with him, it was his first time crying out to God. He was desperate to communicate.
It made me think about how we talk to God. Are we casual? Or do we ponder the fact that we are talking to a supreme being? Brother Nui, who helped us teach Priaw, told us that when he talks to God, he doesn't really ask for that much, he just likes to talk. I think that's what God wants. Of course, God is willing to help us but I think He really just wants us to talk. That's the important thing- talk to God likes He's right beside you. Don't just give a rote prayer, actually talk to God.
Sunday we got a new branch president. President Sitiwong was installed as Branch President with Brother Egg as the counselor. Elder Peterson is now released with a week left! Fast and Testimony meeting was good- lots of great testimonies that really made me think. One talked about the 10 virgins, another talked about the different laws of God, and another was given in Laotian.
Anyway, this week was just really great. I think the most valuable things we learn as we serve missions are the things that are simple. I think we learn a lot about ourselves. We change. We see how people around us change and then we go out there and try to change the world. Besides that I am so grateful for my family who I love so much. I love you all SO much! I appreciate you so much more since I am here now. I pray for you all daily and know that God will watch us. Remember to do the things that are right and to always have love for everyone!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
Monday, March 1, 2010
Nong Khai continues to be beautiful and full of wonderful people.
March 1, 2010
Dearest Family,
The weather here is starting to heat back up again. Every day it gets just a little hotter. With this new schedule, however, it should be nice and cool. I imagine we will eat breakfast on the street from now on. We will probably be eating either muu ping (which is like pork on a stick with a sweet taste and eaten with sticky rice) or fruit. Anyway, this week was really great and
had some exciting and unique opportunities for me. Things just keep moving forward and Nongkhai continues to be beautiful and full of wonderful people.
Tuesday we met with Yo and Jid who are still doing really well. They are reading out of the Liahona, answering friends’ questions about the Church and demonstrating faith little by little. We taught with a Brother named Brother Terdsak, whose family are all members. He is the branch elder's quorum president and ward clerk (there aren't quite enough priesthood holders to fill all the roles needed, hence only one counselor in the branch presidency). Yo and Jid got along with him really well. Brother Terdsak works for the police and has a really great testimony of prayer and keeping the commandments.
On Wednesday we spent a lot of the day inviting. We didn't really see too many interested people but we had a fun time. We ran into a man whose son is a Christian missionary in a different amphoe (a division for provinces - there are many of them in a province). He offered us water and sweet potatoes to eat. Then we also home taught Brother Arm who is another great member. He has plans to volunteer for the army for 6 months then go on a mission. He's got a great testimony. A lot of this branch is younger people. In fact, in the early days of the branch many of those baptized were young children. Many are still active, many are not. Those who are, however, are pretty solid. They have testimonies and faith in Jesus Christ. I really like that idea of being rooted in the gospel. Our testimonies must be rooted in eternal truths not in cultural traditions or social expectations. Testimonies that are rooted in Christ and in eternal truths are testimonies that can endure the winds of life. I have seen how sometimes our testimonies become rooted in other things and when things don't work out exactly as we planned, we wonder why. I have come to the realization that God, while infinite in his power and scope, doesn't always protect us from hard things. If we didn't have hard things, there would be no point in life. Our purpose is to learn and grow.
Thursday brought a short meeting with Sister Jiab. She is doing really well. I felt touched as I have seen her change so much. She started out against the Church before I came here, and then became somewhat indifferent, until today she said that her family is complete. She says she wants her family to be an example for investigators. She prays often, she wants her son to learn the gospel to be a better teenager. She has faith in Jesus Christ. I love that I have been here to see the change. Conversion, like I have said, is not a sudden thing. It's more of a process. We are all working to build stronger foundations everyday of our lives. When we neglect to nourish ourselves, we often find ourselves starving spiritually. Read the scriptures daily - really. That makes the difference between a great day and a less than great day. We may not think we have anything new to learn from them but they will often teach us things that we didn't know they could.
On Saturday, I had a very interesting experience. I went with Elder Peterson to a conference in Udorn that was training for all priesthood holders/all auxiliary leaders. It turned out a man from Sakon Nakhon, who is from Alaska and doesn't speak an ounce of Thai, needed a translator. Well, I was the only one who could do it, so I did it for him. I was amazed that I could do it. I finally saw how my Thai has improved to the point of doing that. It was still really hard because, well, I understand the Thai but to put it back into English takes a lot of thought process. The meeting was good but I found myself more focused on the translation.
My favorite part, however, was the end where all the branch presidents in the district got up to bear their testimonies. They all speak as if they come from different backgrounds - from Elder Peterson, the missionary in his last moves in Thailand, to the Laos Branch President President Khampii (ironically means scriptures) to many others. Then they asked the district relief society president to stand up and bear her testimony. Imagine this - a 68 year old Thai woman, gets up and begins to bear her testimony of her 32 years in the Church. All of her 8 children are members along with her grandchildren. She's been endowed and has a legacy in the Church. I will long remember her voice - it was hearty and strong and so determined. She loves the Church and has served in it since 2 weeks after baptism to this day. Talk about dedication!
Then on Sunday, we had a wonderful Sacrament Meeting even though Elder Peterson ended up speaking for 20 minutes due to some complications with the speakers (didn't speak quite long enough and one didn't show up). Jiab was in Korat so she did not get a chance to go to Church this week, Jid was sick but Yo came along with Brother Sitiwong's referral Taengthai (cucumber).
What a time to be in Thailand! I love seeing the little seeds of faith coming forth. I love seeing how sometimes we can make a difference with God's help. With God's help we really can do anything. We can speak this crazy language, find people who are prepared and willing to listen, and help our brothers and sisters here in Thailand come closer to the Savior. I know that the Savior will heal all the broken branches of our own trees. I feel like at times we will have, periods where we have storms of life. But I know that the Savior will lovingly tend to us. He will heal us. His kindness will not depart from us! He will be with us forever and always!
Anyway, everything's great and I think you're all great. I pray for you all always and know that God will watch over you all. I pray that you all experience happiness and success in all you do!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
Dearest Family,
The weather here is starting to heat back up again. Every day it gets just a little hotter. With this new schedule, however, it should be nice and cool. I imagine we will eat breakfast on the street from now on. We will probably be eating either muu ping (which is like pork on a stick with a sweet taste and eaten with sticky rice) or fruit. Anyway, this week was really great and
had some exciting and unique opportunities for me. Things just keep moving forward and Nongkhai continues to be beautiful and full of wonderful people.
Tuesday we met with Yo and Jid who are still doing really well. They are reading out of the Liahona, answering friends’ questions about the Church and demonstrating faith little by little. We taught with a Brother named Brother Terdsak, whose family are all members. He is the branch elder's quorum president and ward clerk (there aren't quite enough priesthood holders to fill all the roles needed, hence only one counselor in the branch presidency). Yo and Jid got along with him really well. Brother Terdsak works for the police and has a really great testimony of prayer and keeping the commandments.
On Wednesday we spent a lot of the day inviting. We didn't really see too many interested people but we had a fun time. We ran into a man whose son is a Christian missionary in a different amphoe (a division for provinces - there are many of them in a province). He offered us water and sweet potatoes to eat. Then we also home taught Brother Arm who is another great member. He has plans to volunteer for the army for 6 months then go on a mission. He's got a great testimony. A lot of this branch is younger people. In fact, in the early days of the branch many of those baptized were young children. Many are still active, many are not. Those who are, however, are pretty solid. They have testimonies and faith in Jesus Christ. I really like that idea of being rooted in the gospel. Our testimonies must be rooted in eternal truths not in cultural traditions or social expectations. Testimonies that are rooted in Christ and in eternal truths are testimonies that can endure the winds of life. I have seen how sometimes our testimonies become rooted in other things and when things don't work out exactly as we planned, we wonder why. I have come to the realization that God, while infinite in his power and scope, doesn't always protect us from hard things. If we didn't have hard things, there would be no point in life. Our purpose is to learn and grow.
Thursday brought a short meeting with Sister Jiab. She is doing really well. I felt touched as I have seen her change so much. She started out against the Church before I came here, and then became somewhat indifferent, until today she said that her family is complete. She says she wants her family to be an example for investigators. She prays often, she wants her son to learn the gospel to be a better teenager. She has faith in Jesus Christ. I love that I have been here to see the change. Conversion, like I have said, is not a sudden thing. It's more of a process. We are all working to build stronger foundations everyday of our lives. When we neglect to nourish ourselves, we often find ourselves starving spiritually. Read the scriptures daily - really. That makes the difference between a great day and a less than great day. We may not think we have anything new to learn from them but they will often teach us things that we didn't know they could.
On Saturday, I had a very interesting experience. I went with Elder Peterson to a conference in Udorn that was training for all priesthood holders/all auxiliary leaders. It turned out a man from Sakon Nakhon, who is from Alaska and doesn't speak an ounce of Thai, needed a translator. Well, I was the only one who could do it, so I did it for him. I was amazed that I could do it. I finally saw how my Thai has improved to the point of doing that. It was still really hard because, well, I understand the Thai but to put it back into English takes a lot of thought process. The meeting was good but I found myself more focused on the translation.
My favorite part, however, was the end where all the branch presidents in the district got up to bear their testimonies. They all speak as if they come from different backgrounds - from Elder Peterson, the missionary in his last moves in Thailand, to the Laos Branch President President Khampii (ironically means scriptures) to many others. Then they asked the district relief society president to stand up and bear her testimony. Imagine this - a 68 year old Thai woman, gets up and begins to bear her testimony of her 32 years in the Church. All of her 8 children are members along with her grandchildren. She's been endowed and has a legacy in the Church. I will long remember her voice - it was hearty and strong and so determined. She loves the Church and has served in it since 2 weeks after baptism to this day. Talk about dedication!
Then on Sunday, we had a wonderful Sacrament Meeting even though Elder Peterson ended up speaking for 20 minutes due to some complications with the speakers (didn't speak quite long enough and one didn't show up). Jiab was in Korat so she did not get a chance to go to Church this week, Jid was sick but Yo came along with Brother Sitiwong's referral Taengthai (cucumber).
What a time to be in Thailand! I love seeing the little seeds of faith coming forth. I love seeing how sometimes we can make a difference with God's help. With God's help we really can do anything. We can speak this crazy language, find people who are prepared and willing to listen, and help our brothers and sisters here in Thailand come closer to the Savior. I know that the Savior will heal all the broken branches of our own trees. I feel like at times we will have, periods where we have storms of life. But I know that the Savior will lovingly tend to us. He will heal us. His kindness will not depart from us! He will be with us forever and always!
Anyway, everything's great and I think you're all great. I pray for you all always and know that God will watch over you all. I pray that you all experience happiness and success in all you do!
Love,
Elder Jacob Newman
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