Will I Stay, Will I go ?

Here is a cool story to start out here. Remember when I spent 2 weeks in Kuala Lampur?

Yeah I met a lot of great people up there but we were trying to find new people to teach that were solid. Well, two days before I left that place we met a small girl on the side of the road as we were walking and we contacted her. Well, she was great at English and she was from Sabah, Malaysia. We scheduled an appointment with her the next night and that was my last day in KL. That was my last lesson there and we taught the Restoration with power and the spirit. She said she would commit to being baptized and I just knew the second I heard that, she was going to make it there.  I knew she was awesome. So, anyways fast forward 4 months later and I am here in Matang and all of the sudden I see this baptismal picture pop up on the mission weekly email and it has Elder Bonrostro dressed in white with this tiny girl dressed in white as well too! I was like, "No way! She made it!" Her name is Emma or at least that is what I wrote in my journal on that day. You never know the impact you will have in someones life. Even if it is just for 30 minutes, in a coffee shop, reciting a "First Vision" that you have said over hundreds of times. God lives.

On a another note, last P-day here in Matang was 'sick.' We went exploring Muslim Mosques and Chinese Temples for the day. Thanks to the senior couple Wisers for the car! So, it was kinda like a temple trip, but not really...still very cool though.

  

 

I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with an awesome Elder Schwemmer in my district and work with him for the day and well as I got to go with Elder Bloem again. Always fun working with these Elders and learning so much.

I have been repeatedly amazed at the faithfulness of some of these members here in Matang. Some of these YSA and youth coming from brutal and horrible homes and families, and making it to church each week on their own. They have such strong personal testimonies. So much so, that most of them are prepared to leave their families, with or without their blessing, and serve missions. Some have been threatened and others will "not be confessed as their sons or daughters anymore" if they go. It is heart-breaking to hear but they have already made their decision. For that I love them and for that I have to learn how to build my faith to be that strong. I love these people. 

 

 

 

That is all I have for this week! Love you all! Transfer news should be coming in pretty soon here so I will send another email with the results! I am either staying or going!

Elder Thompson

PS: On Mon, Jan 16, 2017 : Parker Thompson <pthompson@myldsmail.net> wrote: 

I am staying in Matang and my new companion with be Elder Williams! Elder Halsam is going to

Sandakan,Sabah! Elder Williams is from Samoa and we his way cool! He came out with Elder Haslam! It should be a fun next transfer!

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Draper, Utah Missionary Letters seen thru Jan 8-2017