My Whole Desire

With the Sylvester family 

LOVE this Malaysian food!

Hello hello!

This was a good week. Elder Stewart and I got out and worked hard. We spent as much time as we could out of the house talking to people. As a Zone Leader, if I'm asking the missionaries under my stewardship to work hard, I've got to be a good example for them. We felt like we did our best this week. We have a whole ton of potential in our area!! We work in Miri 2, in an area called Permy Jaya. Elder Stewart and I have been saying we're gonna work with the Lord until Permy Jaya is the new Sibu Jaya! Hahahaha So we're feeling motivated and dedicated to the work. We've got an investigator going to be baptized in two weeks. So excited!!

Elder Stewart and I are becoming good friends. We were meant to be companions!! He's got 3 sisters and no brothers - just like me! He works hard and is pretty funny. He is way dynamic and Iban people love him! He's kind of famous in our mission. We're hopeful that everything we do together will have a long lasting impact in Miri here. He's transitioning well into his role as Zone Leader and is a very hard worker. It's a great dynamic to be in a companionship where you treat each other as equals - it really allows you to both contribute a great deal to the work. 

This week I had an experience that reminded me of the importance of families. I was at Brother Sylvester's house - one of the best members here in Miri - and we were gathering to say a prayer before we started to eat, when I just looked around and saw the light of the gospel in all their faces. They just laughed and smiled and the love of the family was so visible. It felt like our family back at home. I began to tear up. While we were praying, I was pouring out my heart that I can find a family just like this and change their lives with the gospel. That's my whole desire - to allow families to have the love and good feelings that we have in our family and that exists in Brother Sylvester and Sister Jennifer's family. That's my whole desire! To bring them unto Christ so they can be happy!

Missionary work is just the best. It's so great. In Miri, we only teach the native people, called Ibans. They don't learn Malay as their first language, and so they don't always understand what we say to them. People often just stare at us and say "orang putih!" (White people). They're all 'Christian', but about 40% of people only go to church and don't understand what Christianity actually is...and the rest don't even go! So we teach people with limited Christian backgrounds, which makes for interesting lessons. In their churches, the pastors say "Run away from the two white kids in white shirts and ties." And sometimes they do! hahaha But even so, these people are so nice and generous. They are so willing to serve us or give us water or something, even though they often don't care a bit about what we have to say to them. hahaha I love my mission.

Usually, we try to have the members of the church in Miri bring their friends to us. They can testify that we aren't sketchy people, but that we're just good guys and that what we bring can change their lives!! So that works pretty effectively - but we work on teaching them how to tell their friends the gospel will bring them great joy and happiness. The Mormon people here, though they are just as poor and in the same situations as everyone else, are so happy and so content in their lives. They walk around with smiles, while a lot of people walk around looking less than happy. It's just a little difference, but something that strengthens my desire to share the gospel with these people.

The branch is working on getting home teaching going. I regret being a pain about it when I was a teenager - I am now trying to get these Iban people to do it!! hahahaha So interesting to literally be building the church on my mission. 

Malaysia Boleh!

Love you all!

Elder Coleman

SO great to see my "son" Elder Yang at Zone Conference a couple of weeks ago

The Work Goes On!

Goodbye to Elder Bodhaine

P-day adventures

It was a thrill for me to meet so many of Elder Coleman's fellow missionaries in the Singapore mission

Hey everyone! 

Well! Usually I send this message to my mom before I send it out to all of you, but it's weird because she was within 750 miles of Miri! Momma Coleman hit up Singapore on her way to Tokyo to meet jonnycc. So she was wayyyyyy close to me. And met all my missionary friends currently serving in Singapore! So weird to get some pictures of her with them. (Mom, feel free to include some.)

So this past week, Elder Bodhaine went home. He served a great mission and worked hard. It was interesting to watch as this hard-working elder finished his service for the Lord and returned home. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes! Definitely not ready to come home, let alone think about it. Good thing I have 14 months left. :)

So! My new companion is Elder Stewart and he came to Miri this past week. He has been serving for a year and a half already, and so we feel we're going to do a ton of great work together. We got out right away and have been trying to go as hard as we can. We're excited to see what is going to happen in Miri together!

A couple of awesome experiences this week. The first one came on Wednesday, after we dropped off Elder Bodhaine at the airport - I had no companion! So I went out to my area, and after visiting with some members, I had a 16 year-old member named Patrick follow me to an appointment along with his little brother and their friend, who is an investigator but wanted to follow to visit some less-actives! Hahaha We were a funny group going around.

Anyways, earlier that day, I felt like I should visit this man D and his family - some investigators - but then when I called, he said that he had no time to meet! But I still had this feeling I should go to his house. So I wasn't going to argue with a prompting like that! I just said okay! So I led Patrick and the other to D's home - and when we got there, Patrick and the kids started walking to another home. Suddenly, I remembered that Sister P, a less-active woman whose husband just recently died and whom I had never met, apparently lived right near there. I instantly recognized that she was the reason we went to D's home and so we went up there and knocked - she let us in and began to tell us about how hard her circumstances were. Her heart was opened and we were able to teach directly to her heart. It was a great lesson, and we feel that she really might come back to church. Even if she decides not to, I know that I did all I could and followed the Spirit to do the Lord's work. 

I know that the Lord is ever aware of us and will use those around us to meet our needs. He is ALWAYS aware and anxious to help us out!

Another funny experience. I tricked my new companion by having my branch president, or leader of my congregation, act like a brand new investigator. He was just priceless. President Augustine told my companion that he was looking for the truth, that he thinks it makes sense for God to send us more scripture. Elder Stewart was getting so excited! He was like "Man, these guys are gold!!" We also threw in little things that didn't make sense until afterwards. While pretending to get to know each other, President guessed my age and was like "You're 19." and I said "Wow, it's like you already knew!" Then I totally 'guessed' his age correctly at 39. So funny.

The work goes on! I know the Lord is with every missionary around the world and He sends His Spirit to guide and direct us. 

Malaysia Boleh!

Love you all!

Elder Coleman

Elder Coleman's new companion, Elder Stewart (photo from his mom's FB page)

Elder Johnson (in the center) was Elder Coleman's zone leader back in Tawau and one of Clay's favorites.
His grandmother and Elder Coleman's grandmother are friends from their teen years in Mississippi

This is me with Sister Bourgeois, who is a cousin of one of Elder Coleman's high school classmates. Sister B actually attended the Tesoro high school graduation when Clay graduated. Small world!! She has such a darling, funny personality as it shines through in her missionary blog. Loved her!

Gawai Party!

Branch Gawai party

No time to share much this week. Sorry!

But my week was GREAAAAAAT! Elder Bodhaine literally has 2 days left in Malaysia. He is a really great missionary. He's taught me so much about leadership and missionary work in the past six weeks. I'm very grateful to have been able to serve with him. I'm getting a new companion - Elder Stewart from Dubai!!!! He's way fun and way hard working and Elder Bodhaine's former companion, too. This is going to be so fun. We're going to work our heads off and do WORK! So stoked. 

This week we had a branch Gawai party. (See below for a description of what that is.) They had a traditional dance called "ngajat" and there was a girl competition, and so I was like "Hey, let's do a guy one!" So they did it, and I won!! hahahahaha I just tried to follow what they did and imitate it. The whole Gawai party just DIED of laughter!! hahaha

More next week!

Malaysia Boleh!

Elder Coleman

From http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestiva2/a/gawai_dayak_festival_malaysia.htm 

"Celebrated with enthusiasm across Sarawak both in cities and rural villages, Gawai Dayak is a multi-day festival to honor the indigenous people. Gawai Dayak translates to "Dayak Day"; the Dayak people include the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit and Murut tribes which once roamed Sarawak and relieved unsuspecting traders of their heads.

Although steeped in headhunting traditions of the past, the only head removed these days during Gawai Dayak belongs to a chicken sacrificed to honor a successful rice harvest.

Gawai Dayak is celebrated with genuine joy and enthusiasm. Weddings take place, singing and toasts fill the air, and families are reunited with one another after being separated all year."

God is With This Work

Coleman pan popcorn! In my apartment in Miri

With my companion Elder Bodhaine at the airport.
We have to wear street clothes when we enter or exit Malaysia.

Crab anyone?

Wow! Sorry, everybody, for not getting time to shoot an email off on Monday.  I was flying into Singapore for Zone Conference. Last week was another crazy, eventful week.

So Monday, we drained the font again - another 3 hours hahah but whatever! Just a few days later we actually found out that the pump wasn't broken... There was just another switch in another room that was off and controlled the pump. Ohhhhhhhhh well! At least we know we're dedicated enough to go hard and do it!

Tuesday was a great day. Elder Bodhaine and I gave a Zone Council training - my first time. We put a lot of work into it and it turned out fantastic. Our Zone is way more committed to fully dedicating ourselves to the work and becoming truly consecrated. We're stepping up our game to try to talk to everyone and to make sure we are opening our mouths!! We're working to qualify for Miricles. Get it??? hahahah MIRIcles?? haha (They are serving in Miri.)

So Wednesday, we decided to put that into practice. We opened our mouths several times, stopping by the way to talk to people - and we taught a spontaneous lesson! Another time, Elder Bodhaine and I knocked on a gate and asked for some water - we were invited in, just had a fun time with them and blew their minds because we speak their langauge (literally, no one ever thinks we speak Malay or even a little Iban). Then we got a return appointment, and later in the week (Saturday) we went back and taught them and it was awesome! Four new investigators and perhaps even more later this week!!!

On Thursday, I got sick and threw up. hahahah Yummmmmmmmmm but whatever, you only have to endure the negative aspects of Malaysian food once, right? So that was a bummer, but the day after I felt fine! Woo!

Friday was an interesting day.We did our weekly planning and made pizza! Elder Bodhaine is this epic cook and just loves to eat at home, and so we made pizza! Way fun and pretty good. He's an impressive guy.

Saturday, I went on splits with Elder Warner, the Chinese-speaking elder. We had a great time and taught that family with Durin. Another miracle! We felt like going to a member's house, and we go there and Brother Masir wasn't there.... but then we go inside anyway, and boom! An investigator that was lost for a couple weeks was there! We had a good lesson with her and then she came to church on Sunday!!! Sooooo great!

Sunday, we taught Jimbun again. He's a very simple man but amazingly, defying his entire culture's standards, will do anything possible for our church! He literally walked through the rain to get to the bus stop and then come to church. Let me repeat that - HE WALKED THROUGH THE RAIN. If rain happens, Malaysia stops. Ibans will just not leave the house. If it rains on Sunday, attendance drops by like 30-40. You ask them to do something and all they say is "Elder, ada hujan." / Elder, have rain. hahahahah So funny!! Jimbun is on a baptismal date for the end of August - he can't read so we're taking it slow with him.

Love you all! The work goes forward when we do all that we can! I know God is with this work and no matter what, He is with us. 

Malaysia Boleh!!!

Love, 

Elder Coleman

More Niah Cave shots from last week.

Can you spot me in these two pics?

Look how awesome this is.

Happy Father's Day!

Niah Caves

Climbing in the caves

Hello All:

Crazy past two weeks!

Here's a list of all that went on.

- My birthday!

- First Mission Leadership Conference in Singapore!! (all the Zone Leaders of the mission and the Sister leaders as well)

- bailed out a baptismal font with a trash can, a hose, and siphoning... 3 hours...

- went to world-famous caves at Niah

- FATHER'S DAY! Happy Father's day to all you dads out there, you're epic and thanks for all you do!

- President Mains came to Miri and did interviews!

- Elder Bodhaine (my companion) only has two weeks left on his MISSION. So weird. 

- I gave a last minute talk at Sacrament meeting. That's always fun!

- We found a 4 inch long caterpillar at a member's house. Sometimes there's just stuff like that which remind me I'm in Southeast Asia! 

- Elder Bodhaine and I won every ping pong doubles match at the MLC thing. He's way good and I'm a good doubles partner, so that was fun.

- Discovered that powdered milk is actually WAYYYYY good. I've been drinking it nonstop for the past week. Also found out our grocery store has Waffle Crisp cereal in it - so good!!! 

Lots of stuff has been happening. I didn't really get to expound on much this week and I feel bad - I instead responded to all of your birthday wishes!! Thank you so much for the love and support!! I really love it and wouldn't be the happy and blessed Elder Coleman I am without all of it.

Here's my little message for the week. It's Father's Day, and I think it's important to honor the common Father of us all. God truly is our loving Father in Heaven. I know He exists and loves us so much, despite of all of our weaknesses and mistakes. I think He sees us as mortals with the potential to do so much good, even if we're flawed- so He is patient with us and loves us no matter what. He loved us enough He sent His only perfect child, even Jesus Christ, to come to this mortal world and suffer and die for us. Our Father in Heaven is the most kind, gentle, loving being we know - and I know that He loves and knows us perfectly. I invite us all to take a few moments and offer a prayer of gratitude and love this week to let Him know how grateful we are for His perfect and unfailing love.

I love you all too! Work hard and do what you're supposed to and go forward with faith!!

Malaysia Boleh!!

Love,

Elder Clay Coleman

ulat beluncas and my new sick birthday watch

Why We Want to Share the Gospel

Shout out to Sharon Yeap for these darling videos she sent for Elder Coleman's birthday

Got this from the Tawau branch. Wow, I guess they really loved me.... No greater feeling in this world especially 

when seeing an investigator of mine at church!!!

Hello!!!

Literally NO time this week. Super busy day!! Tune in next week for EPICCCCCC pictures of going to some natural caves.

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, get a copy of Clayton Christensen's "The Power of Everyday Missionaries." It will change your life.

If you are not a Mormon, just know we try to share the Gospel with you honestly and truly because we know it can bless your life and we truly believe "The Church of Jesus Christ" is not just a title - it's a truth.

Love you all!! 

Malaysia Boleh! 

Elder Clay Coleman

PS LOVE THE BIRTHDAY BOX!! Thanks to everyone...I got over 80 birthday emails and I couldn't even get to 49 of them yet! 

Cleaning House as an Analogy for Life

These handmade ties are SWEET! These members make them and are saving for their temple fund!

The Malaysian versions of my cousins Nick and Gillie--they are so similar, it's weird!

Beetles

Hello everyone again! 

Glad to be here after a full week in Miri, Sarawak! This place is beautiful!! And I'm now back among Ibans, one of the native peoples in Borneo (which is the name of the island that has Sabah, Sarawak, and a bit of Indonesia). They're great and I'm glad to be serving them again!!

Let me introduce you to the missionaries of my Zone:

- Elder Bodhaine: My companion and fellow Zone Leader, he's from Claremont, California about an hour north of my house and goes home in 6 weeks. Pretty nuts. I really look up to him; he's a great example for the kind of person and missionary I want to become.

- Elder Coleman: Me!

- Elder Griffin: From Mapleton Utah, he's a district leader and a great guy overall. He's writing a book that has similarities to Eragon! Impressive!

- Elder Kavapalu: A Tongan elder from Australia! He's a dang good Rugby player from what I understand. He's got 10 siblings, which is epic.

- Elder Flynn: From Utah, played baseball, he's a great guy. He is a Chinese speaking elder and he is finishing Elder Warner's training!

- Elder Warner: A greenie! I love this guy. He's aweomse and cheerful and humble. He's going to be a great missionary.

- Sister Rigby: From Indiana! She's a Malay speaking sister and is working way hard. Has a twin!

- Sister Hawea: A Maori from New Zealand. Lots of missionaries from that area. She's going home soon as well - but is a great, great sister.

- Sister Coward: Also from New Zealand, came in with Elder Yang's group, and is a dancer. She apparently was on the New Zealand equivalent of the Wiggles, the Polka Dots...?

- Sister Nixon: Another greenie! She's quiet but a really great sister. She used to play rugby, too!!

- Elder and Sister Riser: An EPIC senior couple! This is their third (yes, 3rd) senior couple mission. They served previously in Laos/Thailand and Africa. Now Malaysia. Pretty cool, huh?

I love my Zone. They're awesome and I just hope that I can serve them to the best of my ability!

This week was interesting. I developed a bit more patience :) For two major reasons, not as much missionary work was done as possible. 

1) Gawai. Gawai, or June 1, is the Iban's harvest festival - or at least, that's what it used to be. Now it's really just an excuse to gather with your family and drink and drink and drink and drink. Hahahha literally, the Ibans make a wine called Ait Tuak that is rice wine! and it's what they drink ALL THE TIME. Additionally, Ibans always "balik kampung", or go back to their little village in the middle of the jungle. Google "iban long house" and you can see what their original homes are - they're pretty incredible. but anyways, many people just left Miri to go back to kampung and so we didn't have a lot of things to do. Which brings me to my second point...

2) We moved! All the missionaries of Miri switched houses. We closed down three homes, and all 12 of us (including the Risers) moved. So that took a ton of time!! But, while all the Ibans were gone for Gawai, we were able to focus on moving and cleaning like crazy!! Woo. Glad that's finally over.

So! Because we focused on cleaning houses this week, I have a little analogy for us. It's pretty good (at least I think so). Oftentimes in life, we meet problems that are difficult to solve. Like really hard to solve. Even though we work our hardest, we still don't know how to overcome them. It's like a way dirty bathroom sink. Or toilet. Or greasy dish/pan. We scrub and we scrub and we scrub, but no progress is made. Let me give us two ideas that can change such situations to allow us to overcome: 

1) Change the temperature of the water! Everyone knows that hot, molecularly excited water is much more effective for cleaning than cool and complacent water. When we don't actually believe we can overcome, or we get discouraged, that's ADDING to the situation's difficulty! Rather, focus on being upbeat and with an attitude of faith, we can overcome anything. President Monson taught this in an Ensign article I just read yesterday: "So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude." I love that!!

2) Get the right soap / cleaning materials. If we scrub at a sink without any chemicals that are at the ready to get rid of all that... gross stuff that's accumulated, of course we're not going to make any progress! Now, not to diminish God's help by comparing it to soap and cleaning supplies, but when we work with the Lord, we can do things that just hard work and elbow grease cannot! Divine help is ready when we request it - so if you're confronted with a problem, of course be ready to work until you drop, but make sure you offer a prayer for guidance and direction. The Lord's help and grace can take any problem that just sticks or won't go away and eliminate it. 

I know that these things are true! I know that the Lord watches over missionaries and us all! Just ask Him, and He'll let you know just how much He cares.

Love you all so much! Thank you for all your emails and support - you really do mean so much to me. If there's anything I can do for you, shoot me an email! I'd love to hear from you.

Malaysia Boleh!

Elder Clay Coleman

Nasi Goreng Pattaya---yum

Beautiful place, Miri!!

   iban datok dan nenek / grandpa and grandma. you call people that here.
hahah like "hey nenek, dasfdasd" hahah so funny.