Asoke

​I have moved from my precious area of Bangkapi. I am going to miss so many people!! I do not have too much to say this week(literally) so it will be kept very short and concise. I have moved to Asoke. It is central Bangkok and I get to work pretty closely with the Office Elders, Assistants to the President, and President Johnson himself. It seems they are keeping an extra close eye on me..Not to mention my companion being the District Leader!

My new companion is Elder Nance. He is from Salt Lake City Utah. He is a very interesting guy in the best way possible. Anyways, I will send a more indepth email next week. With much love and everything else that is good inbetween, Elder Miyagi.

The picture where Elder Libey and I are sitting on a bunch of chairs is one that might require a small explanation. 1 chair signifies 1 month left we have on the mission.

Home

Ashamedly, I feel that I have been to some degrees holding back. There are moments I should have been more bold. Moments where I should have been more mentally invested in discussions. However, I am determined to do more. I am determined to give more of myself up. By doing so, the Lord showers us with the blessings of Heaven.

Yesterday night, we were inviting at a park on Nawamine. It was about 6:30 to 7:00. It was dark, and I was tired from inviting for the last two hours. However, I wasn't giving it my all. Meaning I wasn't truly seeking to find the one. I wasn't truly seeking to have a meaningful conversation with those I invited. The repetitive words of "Have you ever heard of Jesus Christ?" or "Are you interested in learning about Jesus? came out of my mouth. Without any conviction or pride of who I represented. Moments before going home, I caught on to the terrible sin of omission I was committing. Something changed, as I desperately relied on the Spirit to guide my words and actions. Phrases I never used to invite came out of my mouth. Questions and thoughts I never used for first discussions came into my mind. The difference was like white and black. It was lightning. The difference between a missionary who simply lived in a moment and a missionary who seized it as if he feared the moment would perish as soon as he let go became so apparent to me. Those fears were well warranted. The previous two hours, my half hearted inviting resulted in zero persons of interest. The final fifteen minutes of devoted effort resulted in four persons of interest. I was full of the Spirit, and at the same time I felt guilt. Should I have served how I served at that moment, I could have made much greater of a difference.

Before my mission, I feel that I was wrapped up in the same type of weakness and error. I did not realize the great work I was a part of. In home teaching and with callings within the church, we are a part of a great work that involves the salvation of human souls! Callings to watch and preside over one another, to protect one another against the spiritually destructive dangers of the world! How often I neglected church duties because it wasn't convenient at the moment. I now understand how selfish of an act that was!

I still have mountains to climb. Truly. I just hope that I am moving in the right direction. That is the beauty of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am convinced that the more you come to know of him, the more aware you become of your weaknesses and inadequacies. But he has provided us with a path to become perfected through and in him. A path where as C.S. Lewis(I think) told us that littering is even discouraged. In ridding ourselves of all things that render us unfit to dwell in the presence of God. I know that this church is true. I know that it is a gospel of happiness, hope, and love. I am so blessed to bring this message to all of the world. To get to invest all of my time into the salvation of souls! How blessed I am. How happy I am!

On an off note, I have started eating at home.  Contrary to popular Thai Missionary belief, it is in fact cheaper to eat at home should you know where to buy food. Instead of spending ฿50 a meal, I only have to spend around ฿20 eating at home. By so doing, I consume less grease and "in theory" amp up my vegetable intake. The only con is that the other three Elders wish to do the same and we have a very small kitchen, fridge, and one stove. However, it's worth it.

Did You Love Me?

This past week I have been reflecting about faith. In Preach my Gospel, faith is defined as our belief in Jesus Christ. Our belief that he is the Savior of the world. Faith leads to action. This is how faith and simple belief differ. One sparks change and needs action. *I'm sorry this isn't worded as pretty as it could be. I'm used to teaching this segment in thai.

Anyways, lately I have had the thought that faith is not only this(meaning our belief in Jesus Christ)but especially so, our love for Jesus Christ. This real and pure love invokes within us a desire to follow him. What is needed to follow him? To abandon everything that is not of him. To sacrifice the natural mans desire to do evil. And not only evil, but the desire to seek lesser things. Things that are not necessarily evil but things that will have no place in the kingdom of God. Therefore the question that might be phrased in the life to come is this. "Did you Love me?" He will know us by our fruits. Our choices, thoughts, and actions will determine our fruits.

Am I prepared? Well personally, no. I am definitely still learning to surrender my will to him. All of it. So that one day I might stand blameless before him who loves me most. Who has placed me before everything else. He only expects us to "try" to do the same. He has prepared the way as he has won the victory. This isn't some hard unattainable goal. It isn't simple theology or religion. It is the truth. He has prepared a way for us to return to live with him again. For he loves us. I know of this to be an irrevocable truth under heaven. I do so testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

As the Children Are

So I bought a 1 terabyte hard drive a few weeks ago. As I type this letter, I am copying over 45Gbs of photos and videos. About 5 to 6 months of digital documentary. Sweeeet.

For about two weeks, I with my companion have been teaching these three thirteen year old kids. Surprisingly, they are attentive throughout the discussions (Although it is taught more simply to them). They without any exaggeration, pray as if it has been a normal part of their lives since birth. I was blown away as how they could pray. Never have I heard an adult pray like them their first time praying. Anyways, it was made known to us that one of the boys, Brother อิ้ว had a birthday coming up. So Elder Wannasri and I bought a cake, snacks, and of course candles to celebrate our investies birthday! It was so much fun as many other kids came over and celebrated with us. Two Elders who didn't have plans also came with us so it was a night for the books.

A moment that left an impression on my heart was when a cute little girl just watched and stared at the last piece of cake. It took time, but she eventually found the courage to grab it. She ran off and then slowly rejoined us. She found joy simply holding onto it. She explained how she didn't get a birthday cake her last birthday (Or a very long time. Thai can be tricky). A little child, perhaps 7 to 9 years of age didn't get a birthday cake? It was something I always took for granted. But to her, it was something most precious. I took a candle and lit it for her. We sang happy birthday to her, she singing the loudest out of us all.

Brother Mighty, a member who lives in the same general area explained to me how her dad passed away. I can only imagine the financial strain that is upon that family. For this is the neighborhood where the kids wear second hand T-shirts donated from the States and this being no small exaggeration! I was wracked with sorrow and thanksgiving for all that I have been blessed with. I have been spoiled rotten. So blind to the great many blessings that I have already been given. How funny, how those that have the littlest of all find the greatest joy. How those that are seemingly shunned from the world sing the loudest.

The Savior teaches us to be as the children are. He has taught us to believe without doubt and to love God with all of our might, mind, and strength. One of the greatest truths under Heaven, is that God loves us with all of his might, mind, and strength. He only wishes that we learn to love as he does. Why? For this love is what will bring us the greatest joy in all of the world! In the Book of Moroni Chapter 9, we are taught to rid ourselves of all ungodliness. I believe that he is only asking us to put him first. Not out of selfish desires but because the things of the world cannot dwell in Heaven. It will literally hold us back from returning to him. In a meager 5 months, I have learned the blessings that come of ridding myself of ungodliness. I by no means do so perfectly, but by the Missionary's set of rules I am allowed to do so more fully than I have done in the past. I am more receptive to the love of God. I feel that I have grown more tolerant. And more than anything else, I am sorrowful for some of the actions in my past that were not in line with the will of the Father. But there must be opposition in all things. That we might learn and grow! That was God's plan for us. Let us not be discouraged by our mistakes but let us continue moving forward with renewed convictions to do our best. That is all the Lord has expected from us. That we do our best and learn to love him more fully.
I am a believer of second chances. I am a believer of hope, love, and charity. Most importantly, I am a believer of our Savior Jesus Christ. As His representative and disciple I do so testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Swallowed Up in His Will

A second group of members are “honorable” but not “valiant.” They are not really aware of the gap nor of the importance of closing it (see D&C 76:75, 79). These “honorable” individuals are certainly not miserable nor wicked, nor are they unrighteous and unhappy. It is not what they have done but what they have left undone that is amiss. For example, if valiant, they could touch others deeply instead of merely being remembered pleasantly.

This morning, we had plans to go to an amusement park for P-Day. Elder Wannasri my companion opted not to go as he doesn't like roller coasters. The two other companions living near the mall Bangkapi didn't want to go either as it was about 400 baht. About$14. That's a lot in Thailand. Anyways, it would have resulted in 3 Elders going and 3 Elders staying and doing something different for P-Day.

Early in the morning however, I felt that I shouldn't go. For what reason I don't know. Perhaps the feeling of irreverence. Or perhaps and more importantly, because it was contrary to the will of Him that sent me. Early in that morning I brushed away the feeling. During my morning studies that day, I again felt impressed that I ought not to go as I was praying. This time, it wasn't just a thought, as it somehow and indescribably pierced my soul. Though I may not know the exact reasons I ought not to go, I am happy to say that I heeded to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost. By so doing, I walk with peace and a firm determination to complete His work.

Neal A. Maxwell has a talk entitled "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father." This talk has been one that has again, left an indelible impression upon my soul. He describes three groups of people. More often than not, I think I might fall into the second or third category. The quote above describes the second group of individuals. Those that are honorable but not valiant. I feel that missionaries especially myself must exert a great amount of effort in seeking humility and trust in Jesus Christ and in giving the glory unto our Father in Heaven. It is very east to take the glory of many miracles that we have seen here in Thailand. However, this ought not be confused with having great joy, confidence, and pride not in ourselves but in the most high God. Confidence in Him is where true power, miracles, and even love is born.

I testify of the living Christ. I know that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us perfectly. Who knows our struggles, burdens, pains, and afflictions. I know that he has a plan for each and everyone of us. I know that should we accept His plan, or accept His will, we will have the strength to overcome these trials. Though our burdens may be great, compared to the glory of God it is nothing. Of these things I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I Found Him

I met a man with great faith this week. It was actually right about when we finished our inviting session at the Mall Bangkapi. His name was Brother X. We were meeting up with some other Elders for lunch and I felt that I might as well invite the man right next to me. It was the usual conversation. He gave me his number and I quite honestly didn't expect too much out of it. Thursday, I received a call saying that he can't come to the church on Friday as he had said he would earlier. I wasn't even discouraged. It was the same old with potential investigators dropping appointments. But then he asked if we could meet that day. That had never happened before. So we met.

A former monk, a Buddhist from birth, was completely lost and without direction at 32 years of age. He said he just wanted something to believe in. He soaked up every word that passed through our lips. We ended up meeting Friday as well. We committed him to be baptized on the 5th of March with a goal to stop smoking as well. He told us that he has always wanted to stop smoking but it was just hard without having any purpose in doing so. He really wants to be baptized. I really want to help this man. Never had I had an investigator that I myself physically invited. He feels like a great friend to me. Someone I was called to help from the beginning. He came to church as well. He loved it. He gets along with the members and said it feels like family. The joy that I felt is just indescribable. The mission has become extremely personal to me. These sacred 2 years I would not trade for anything.

I know that I was called to Thailand by our loving Heavenly Father. How easily I could have missed Brother X. I am so grateful that the Lord gave me courage to open my mouth and speak. I found him. At least one of the people I have been called to save. A great man, an investigator, a friend, and brother. I know that my paths have been directed. I know that the Lord has been preparing the people here in Thailand to receive this gospel! To soon have a temple! I pray that I will never voluntarily bind my tongue to the things that I know are true. That I might testify always in thought and deed of the living Christ. Of these things I know to be true, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Pictures are of me fishing for alligators and eating food.

I Will Not Shrink

New Companion Same Area
Elder Wannasri! He is Thai! Therefore, most of our conversations are in Thai. He likes to joke around in English which is a lot of fun. Although I am technically the Junior Companion, I am the Senior of the area so planning and everything else in between hinges on me. However, it has been an exciting past few days. Honestly, he is one of the most humble people I have ever met. So lucky to be his companion.

The Work
Our investigator pool is rather shallow at the moment. Too many baptisms last transfer (Not complaining), and not enough inviting (Needs repenting). Therefore, we have to go through a sort of repentance process by finding investigators all over again. We have been doing a lot of that. Inviting. It is so funny to look back to my first time inviting here in Thailand. The fear that once was no longer is. I now have no reservations to talk of Jesus Christ. I don't even beat around the bush. They are either interested or they are not and it is their very salvation on the line. I have no right to hold the burden of fear. The root of it all is that I feel that I am just forgetting myself as I learn to more fully follow the Savior. I feel that I was often one of those people the Savior talked of pre-Thailand. "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." I simply didn't know. I couldn't know! Not with how I was and what I allowed to influence me. But it is only when we are on this higher plane, that we can see the great obstacles we have overcome. It is only then, that the Lord expects us to never retreat, and to keep pressing forward. To keep drawing closer and closer unto Him. I have come to the realization that the purpose of life is in learning to more fully accept the Savior into our everyday lives and by so doing returning to live with our Father in Heaven once more.

I Will Not Shrink
Elder Holland gave a humbling Easter address regarding the mortal ministry of Jesus Christ and his atonement. He talks of how his circle of supporters grows smaller and smaller until even his most trusted disciples reject him. I have so often criticized the actions of his apostles. How could they who have seen Him do such a thing! How could they ever reject the Christ! Too rarely do we think "Was it I?" When my actions stand contrary to his, I reject him. When I refuse to open my mouth and testify of him, I reject him. With what I have felt, I cannot reject Him. Should I not dare reject him, I must stand for him. Therefore, I will do these things. Lest I be convicted by my own conscience.

Ending On A Lighter Note
I really get into some of these emails. Anyways, the work is indeed progressing and it is just such a blessing to be a part of it here in Thailand. I'm going to China Town and some sort of puppet show so that should be exciting! And a Thai village of a sort. I believe. We tend to have pretty awesome tour guides taking us around (Members or our next door neighbors) so P-Days tend to be exciting.
English Class, Some Thai Wat?, and Favorite Place to Eat. (This is me not using Google Drive so everyone can see everything.) Sorry for the headache. I love you all very very much.