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| With my former companion Elder Hansen |
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| With my former companion Elder Parker |
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| With my former companion Elder Misa |
Hey everyone!!
This week was terrific and hard! Terrifically hard!! Hardly terrific!! .... Wait, that last one didn't make sense. Whatever. It was a good and tough week. But somehow I can't remember the details of the difficulties. I only remember the good. I prayed for these blessings and feel like I've received them :
Alma 31: 31 "O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people." (a verse from the Book of Mormon)
Singaporeans are incredible because they really want to do big things and educate themselves and make it in the world!! And, as everyone who has ever been to Singapore can attest, that which they have built already is truly a wonder. Their dedication and perseverance is remarkable and worthy of emulation. However, for a missionary, it can be tough because people just see the name 'Jesus Christ' on our name badges, then turn away and shake their hands at us. That can be really tough!!! But those who are willing and open to receive it, those who have a sincere heart, they are benefiting so much from this gospel. The Singaporeans I know in the Church have really undergone the change of heart spoken of by the prophets, and they stand as a light to the nations. I just hope and pray I can be God's instrument to help Him bring about this change of heart in their lives.
I'm glad to be here. I'm using this time as a time to prove to God that I'm willing to do whatever He asks of me. And my companion, Elder Wang, is a straight up legend!!! I've been trying to help him improve his English lately, which has been hard and sometimes having to repeat something 4 or 5 times can be frustrating, but the Lord is working in me a greater desire to learn Chinese and patience! hahaha
Something I love to see among our investigators is legitimate desire. One of them, a kid / professional Ping pong player from China, really exemplified that this week when we were teaching him the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He kept on saying, "What's the point of being baptized if I'm going to sin again afterwards??" When we taught him that he needs to ask forgiveness from Heavenly Father, he again asked "Why?? I'm just going to sin again??" We could tell he was tired of dealing with sin and repeatedly falling into transgression. Elder Wang opened up the Book of Mormon to Ether 12:27, where Jesus Christ teaches us the following:
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
It was amazing to see the verse affect him. Though its words are so familiar to us in the church, I saw this young man realize that God is okay with us being imperfect as long as we recognize our weakness and strive to repent - to change our actions AND our natures to be in line with God's teachings. He was struck with force. I want to testify that Jesus Christ's grace IS sufficient that we can repent and improve in our lives. I am so grateful for his sacrifice for me.
Zone Conference was fantastic. I've met so many wonderful, hilarious people I hope I can be friends with for the rest of my life. It was awesome to see so many of my KL mission buds come down to Singapore and to see them again. The mission has been such an awesome experience, and I hope I can see all of these missionaries again once we head back to the States. I've met so many fun friends from New Zealand and from Australia and Malaysia. I'm going to miss them so much! I don't know how I"ll see them again, but it'll happen sometime.
I want to offer my testimony here again. I believe Joseph Smith was the instrument in God's hand in restoring His true gospel and true priesthood authority back onto the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God by divine manifestation. I know and testify that Jesus Christ is there for us to pick us up whenever we need him, and that if we can just trust him, he will deliver us out of our trials and our troubles and our afflictions.
I love you all so much!!
Elder Clay Coleman
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