Impact on Your Life: Water Flowing

Bula Vinaka में तुम्हे याद करता है




[What is going on with his eye?!??  Read on...]


The precious and priceless value of You

The Savior sacrificed everything for you. 
Joy and Light, Always Win. 

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That is the message this week. 

These Two Friends will always prove you right.  They will stand by your side if you are faithful to them even in hard and dark phases of this brief sojourn on earth. 

The whole mission here has caught fire with the motto "Attitude is The Key" Choose joy!  CHOOSE.  Smile non stop.  Lift the world.  Shine light.  Invite people to follow Christ through Baptism at any opportunity that ever opens itself.  These are things that the Lord had always been training me on for the past 3 years.  It is wonderful to see small matches of determination and integrity eventuate to a wildfire across an entire nation.  The Lord is working in the hearts of all.  

Light and truth forsake the evil one!  We have one job! Break down the walls of the world that have caked up around our consciousness and let them crash down so light and joy and enthusiasm can pour in and vanquish! Conquer! Come rushing in!  The white flag raising, is the way to raise your potential.  The Lord can remodel our very nature and being if we let Him in.  

Matthew 11!  

"I stand at the door and knock.  If any man will hear, and let me in, I will come in unto Him."  

Ask Him to help you choose joy, choose enthusiasm, choose full potential!  Now the Fiji Suva Mission is doing trainings about it all across each Island of the whole nation and it is changing everything.  

Our dear President saw that the missionaries lacked only one thing:  the key to realizing that attitude is fully in no one's hands but their own.  God has unlocked the door to everyone's minds and light is finally just flooding unrestrained!  A revolution is pouring over the souls of men.  

How powerful it is to see, that only the letters of the words A T T I T U T E as numbered with the alphabet, add up mathamatically to 1 0 0 !  It is 100% If we want to see our full potential, gratitude, love, enthusiasm, prayer simply asking God to help you choose a higher mark to set your eyes up upward upon.  Up Up UP! 

This morning, workers came in to fix things in our mansion.  Everything was trying to go south and rotten(in ways I can't write in email)--but as usual in life; I never let it. I chose to run to a room, kneel, pray, connect to the power of my Savior's Atonement, get up, and He did the rest!  I immediately chose joy, and went about talking with the workers in Hindi and made buddies out of them; then cleaning the whole mansion while singing songs about the Savior Jesus Christ and the Gospel.  The workers listened in, and one of them was like, "I am Christian as well!"  We had a great time.  Let your faith show, for it is to other souls around you, what sunlight is to plants! The world around you will grow green and sweet if you unabashedly and matter of happy factly let your faith show.  The workers want us to come over to their houses and meet them there.  We'll teach them. 

Every time EVERY TIME--ever in our whole lives--we're down; it is always a sign that if you choose Christ, choose to hold to your Covenants with Him, choose joy, choose to pray and then do something, then it is going to uncover the best gift your life has met yet!  The sad or challenging hard times are the wrapping paper for the best of life's gifts--if we choose to be the masters of them and UNWRAP THEM by those steps listed above. 

For instance, Joseph and Hyrum gave everything for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are we willing to do the following for Jesus Christ?

Something our Mission President said today:

"172 years ago today, Joseph and Hyrum were killed in the Carthage Jail. When Joseph was attacked and killed by a mob, he was the mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois, and running for President of the United States. In the Doctrine and Covenants section 135 it states:

3 Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!

"Like Joseph and Hyrum, we as missionaries are asked to do hard things. We know their legacy, what will our legacy be?"

​

That is a question

proving our answer
is our few remaining days' quest.

In all phases of life we learn (1) the Lord loves us and (2) to serve our fellowmen.  We keep learning this over and over.

That which I share is from my heart.  These things are special to me. 

The week produced a lot of fruit, fun, progress and growth only because it was prefaced by a Sacrament Moment that defined all my choices. That defining moment built a broad and steady foundation for the whole week.

The transformation that has taken place:
Nothing is so important to me as to meet the need of one cherished soul.

"Heavenly Father," I said as I held the bread in my hand for many minutes, "I promise this moment and this promise will define and be the power behind all my choices this week."  The Holy Spirit pulsed and poured over me in goose-bump waves over my entire body.  I was filled with what was a real energy, power, and virtue that sprang from sources above.  Like a bucket of warmth and charge of power poured right over my head.  I held the cup for many precious moments of introspection and reflection and as I reflected on the blood of Christ, came these words in my heart, "I ask the Holy Ghost bring this moment to my mind every day and every choice this week."  (John 14:26)

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Later in the week, another experience that connected me to the Savior, was that Elder Hogge was sneezing non-stop and coughing so repetitively that we both agreed it was time to call our Mission Nurse. He was sweating and weak. 

When Elder Hogge was sick and couldn't go out and proselyte on this our most important day, after discussing with the Mission Nurse, he at length approached me seeking a blessing.  "I need 10 minutes..." I said, "to prepare myself."  He went to the room to rest, and I brushed my teeth, put on my tie, washed my hands and face, went somewhere private, closed the door and knelt on the floor alone. As I prayed for my companion and tears formed in my eyes for him, I began to picture my Savior kneeling in the room before me.  In the mind's eye, beholding Him so clearly and vividly in the agony of Atonement, He writhing in anguish and soul tearing hurt, crushed under a burden no shoulder's could fit, His face and eyes beholding me and speaking with me from His eyes--not mouth... I withered with Him.  I saw that He did this for my Companion.  He did this for someone He loves.  

Next, the mind and heaven brought that moment's counterpart forward to me, to have the blood of the anguish and burden of pain and sorrow and grief that bore Him under, all wash over me.  Imagining the Savior's blood starting from my head, I imagined it very slowly... purifying out all impurities from my whole system and consciousness.  Things so deep in my nature and in the core of my being were touched.  Going down the whole body, until all natural had been replaced by His virtue.  

I stood up, humbled and in reverent sobriety.  

The sacred blessing was administered upon my companion, and tremendous words flowed from Father's mind and heart through my lips, to the soul of Elder Hogge, and he was healed. 

This was the day of a long planned for and anticipated Branch Activity.  In the Blessing, he had been promised that he would be fine to go and run the activity that evening.  

After the successful completion of a phenomenal activity, Elder Hogge said, "I didn't sneeze once . . . that is a miracle!"  

My heart was warm, knowing His Savior knows Him, and cared to trust one weak and simple as me to be His channel.  

That day, determined in my heart, "I want this kind of service to be the substance of my life."  To see my Savior and me so close that others are close to Him--eyes in my head now see this which eyes in my spirit knew clear all along. 

In District Workshop on Tuesday, Elder Vitiarai gave assignment for me to lead our Training.  It was on the Atonement.  How to access it; flowing into every aspect of our daily lives.

Object: Christ's power flow in every aspect of every day this week.

Started by sharing a story of a Mission President and one of his Missionaries talking.  The Missionary wasn't feeling the Spirit strongly.  The President was inspired to ask regarding his Sacrament partaking on Sundays; to which the Elder surprisingly responded that he had been too busy trying to help investigators to church to actually arrive on time and partake for himself.  

Then reminded us all that The Church, Area, and District Presidencies had all indicated that Sacrament is in Heavenly Father's top 5 priorities for His Children NOW. 

Then gave it over to them to read aloud Alma 33:16. 

"Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son."
Next, Alma 26:12, 

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea,behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

 Asking, 

"Who wants this kind of success in their area?  Who wants to see these miracles flowing freely in their Branch?  Who wants to find those who are truly seeking, contributing members, satisfying personal development of Christlike qualities?" 

Everyone enthusiastic, awake, eagerly affirming this is what we all want. 

Then drawing this picture, 

Showed that God is unlimited and has unfathomable power

​
Christ is our only connector to that full power, like a vast reservoir.  From which, a pipe travels to your home, with 5 switches from there to you, in order to get it flowing your electricity, washing, sinks, showers, toilets, and so on. 

1. Heaven's Power 
2. Christ's Atonement
3. Flowing Thru Men

How do we get this flowing in every facet of our life?  

We then read the Sacrament Prayers carefully, drawing out what they felt were the elements in it that most lead us to action and change.  

After discussing that, we then reflected on a formula:

First, we 

1. Remember His Example

• Bore our everything
• Remembers me personally, always
• Exchanges whatever negative I will drop at His feet
• Absolute surrender to Father
• Demonstrated, "Don't quit!" 

      2. How do we access?  "Ask in heart and prayer.  He makes it that simple.  Faith with eyes on Christ is enough.  One deliberate action of change will set it flowing.  Just, through prayer, ask to access it!  Simple."

      Then each member of the District gave separate presentations of the 5 keys,

Elder De Moors, Work
Elder & Sister Petero, Attitude
Elder Howard,(sisters weren't in attendance,) Teachable 
Elder Vitiarai, Exactness 
Elder Hogge, Relationship

And then, 

      3. Just testified, that we had it all along.  the five keys are what gets the water flowing, from God, through Christ, all the pipes and 5 switches, to all aspects of our system, and the work itself: 

• W ork
• A ttitude
• T eachable
• E xactness
• R elationship 

The answer to getting the water flowing, is in the word itself. 

I know the Lord requires our very best to lead in the Savior's way.  Helping individuals feel His pure acceptance and love, then improve from wherever they are; begin there. The love demonstrated, and to feel then in themselves the light growing, is all it takes for them to walk on--self-fueled and Christ as their co-pilot.


Branch Activity was a blast, and now, all the members are giving referrals of their friends who are ready, left and right!


What word is most important in life? 

For happiness, joy and richness to flood our life, I believe it's this word:


Atonement . (https://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=ATONEMENT)


Praying for new eyes to see all things from eternity's perspective, and Heavenly Father's eyes, my eyes literally fell under remodeling.

There is a boil on my forehead that has rushed swelling over half of my face.  It looks like what Missionaries and Prophets must look like when they get stones thrown at them, as in days of old.  My eye's like a little water melon and is stuck shut. 

We planned and carried out another Branch Activity this week.  We taught about Eternal Families from these 2 sources:

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father 


We're Still a Family 

Key to Keys

Sometimes I wish tears could type. 

Feeling the Lord's great love for people is... brings me to my knees daily.  I'm feeling a huge transformation as my life is melted, swept and lost away to the love of these good Children of God in Fiji.  I find myself yearning and wishing they could see what He sees in them.  
  
The greatest event of the mission in my experience lately has been the Sacrament at our little Branch Chapel here on this island.  In reflecting on the most sacred and spiritual experiences with God, my personal loving Heavenly Father, in the Washington D.C. Temple before my mission, I feel the same feelings on the same level now when partaking of the Sacrament.  Realizing that it isn't just a renewing of the covenants made, but, rather much more--it is the next step forward and upward in them.  Maybe the Temple is too far for away for this Missionary during his whole mission; but I know I have one thing: The Sacrament.  

In the Missionary Daily Planner, written on the top of each page of the week is the gentle words, "I Promised" with a small drawing of bread and a cup to remind me of Christ and me.  Next to each "I Promised," --written big and bold-- is a place where I can at the end of the day personally check mark in personal reflection if I did in full honor truly prove that to my Heavenly Father this day. 

Lately it has dawned on me, and now I'm settled in my mind about it:

I believe the Sacrament is the Key to the Keys of Success.

• It is where I've learned I can get the most saturating power of a personal relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. 

• It is where I've learned I can get the most clear assurance that He too has promised all things contingent on Obedience.

• It is where I've learned I can take divine energy; a full tank-up on Charity to work hard each day. Remembering all He gave.

• It is where I can grieve Natural Man: humble this prideful heart; break and contrition. Teachable to remold; "soul pruning."

• It is where I've learned I can "have His spirit to be with [me], always."  That's where daily attitude links up to Celestial altitude. 

In the nights I cry and pour out my heart to the Lord on behalf of His dear children in Labasa--I plead with Him to give me new eyes to discern what He wills that I do for others.  6:30AM starts the day with a prayerful listing of blessings received and then, from Him, a listing of blessings to perceive someone can receive from me in hours ahead.  The Book of Mormon, Comp Prayer, Listening and Thoughtful Planning help the day be laid out in simple plans to meets small unseen needs of those I'll meet.  

Sanjeeta's Baptism and Confirmation were so sweet.  I couldn't control my emotions for just inner joy--knowing the Holy Ghost approved it all.  That's all I could ask for!  She has memories to secure her roots now for years to come.  

We have a "Missionary Fun Evening" for the Branch this Saturday, and another for their non-member friends to come to the Saturday following.  Elder Hogge and I laid out and secured approval for a wonderful Activity we will report on next email.

He has mastered Hindi symbols; is strong in the language.  Wonderful initiative and diligence in focusing on a task in this Elder.  His heart is close to the Lord--it pours out in his quiet, humble actions and approach to his work and relationships--thus his mouth needn't open. Such a pleasure to serve with. 

We teach short lessons to cut off at Spiritual High, Commit, get out so they can feel it and want --using the First Vision and Baptismal Invitation as our main focus... it works!  

That's what I felt like sharing. 

I love my Savior.  I love Elder Hogge.  

We love you.  

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

yaya!

I am enjoying my mission!  The people Elder Hariprasad and I work with, are NOT like investigators.  They are friends! Real family--almost.  They are really connecting to the Savior.  There is passion and fun, and the Holy Ghost in every aspect of the relationships we have here.  People's real needs are freely accessible, for, enjoying the mission God's got for you, is inspired advice that will always lead to the next level of productivity in our lives.

Elder Hariprasad and I take down time together, just to talk openly, just to relax when appropriate, banter, joke, comfort, cook together, take videos together, just sing hymns together.  One day, we were both fasting.  We were so exhausted that we didn't know if we could go and get to the Chetty's house so many kilometers deep into the jungle's dusty, dark, endless roads.  We stopped together, side by side on that dusty road in the middle of nowhere, and we prayed for the strength from heaven to work a miracle in our useless mortal drained systems.  We ended the prayer and marched into utter darkness side-by-side.  Soon, in a murmuring hum, we quietly began to break into solemn, powerful song together.  The kilometers melted away and our souls seemed to fly as one as our voices grew more enthusiastic and upbeat, until we had together gone from down, to up, at the same rate, to the highest level. We were waking up villages with the mighty Hymns of our joy and spirit for this gospel. Then we taught a powerful lesson where we just in full unity bounced off each other's perfect songs and thoughts and scriptures and commitments.  It was one of my favorite nights of the mission.  

Every companionship study, we sit down and to build unity, we just relax and kick back to ask each other openly INSPIRED QUESTONS.  We have made lists and lists of them!  It is transforming the whole way I even think!  I am thankful to know others so deeply, not just on a surface level, but really know what burdens those I love are facing in heart and mind.  

We know when to bite our tongue and let small things go.  We know how to love anyone we're with.  I finally eliminated a weakness I had been carrying; I realized how I pinprick and speak out a little more than is needed.  Now, that's neutralized!   I have also learned that you don't always need to offer counsel or advice.  It is enough to just be an ear and a heart, not a mouth or directing finger.  These are gentle transformative steps in my nature that have fixed the kink that was between my old way and God's gold way. Now I can relate to and enjoy and get wonderfully along yet deeper with those who need it, in the way angels work.

Aren't we always growing in life?

We are working by having people picture themselves in white with God and their families forever.  It is helping them so clearly to see the "Why" of and then the "How" of Baptism, Temple, Joy as a Family. 

Connecting people to heaven is something we all can do, working miracles! 

There was a less active man who now has a clear goal to bring his wife and children to the Temple!  

There was a man and his wife we were just prompted to talk to one day, who are now begging to follow the Savior through Baptism, tasting the fresh, sweet fruit.  If any child of God would taste it--they would want it!  This beautiful message does have what everyone needs!(: 

In Weekly Planning, to just see a problem and smash action fix it, we just made a list of all the key powerful members we have in the Branch and then drew in 2 colomns: Members, and then, Investigators.  And we drew lines from name to name matching which Member we will have personally meet each specific name on our list of Investigators.  We are connecting the carts and the engine is full of coal!  This place is about to see Results!! 

Elder Lemalu taught me so much on our exchange. It really made all the difference.  We really feel that he was here so that I could see and obtain all his good qualities--and boy oh boy are they numerous and effective!  He radiates security, confidence, seen as a father and friend who isn't there to point out and judge, he bites his tongue on what doesn't matter or when it isn't the right time to correct.  He proves that his desires are for us!  He sets expectations so well.  These are things I have now implemented into myself, and growth every day is what it's about!

After Transfers:

​We are changing up the way we work in this area.  This week we're focusing on doing 10-minute lessons on the first meeting with as many people as God gives us this week. The first Vision is our main focus.  We are putting together several weeks worth of Branch Activities, getting the membership fired up about the blessings we have thanks to the First Vision and how to do Missionary Work Effectively from their side. We are focusing in on Members and working through them for our Teaching Pool. 

Now I have received a new companion:

Elder Hogge from California, age 20, 3 months out on the mission, is twice the man I hoped to meet!

The Holy Ghost approves his approach to things, for I can feel that Spirit radiate in what he does.

What a fast learner!  He picks up everything we discuss, and uses it.    Elder Hogge!  Such a humble, sincere, meek, genuine Elder.  This is the first time I have had a Caucasian companion since before coming to Fiji. Haha,  What an experience!  The changes we are making to the area, I want to directly say, are thanks to his initiative and inspiration.

On the first day, instead of jumping right into the grind of the area, we stopped in town to enjoy lunch and get to know each other.  We talked and enjoyed, while talking to everyone we met to share the gospel, and then upon coming home we conversed openly about who we are and our "Why's" of what we do and of mutual clear understanding.  We sat and painted a clear vision of this area, and especially of the importance of our communication with each other.  We asked each other wonderful inspired questions for about an hour, casually, as what we felt was a most productive aspect of our Weekly Planning.  

That practice led me to clearly see his backround, understand the way he sees and thinks, what he wanted me to know about how he doesn't talk very much but it doesn't mean he is angry or anything. Just a very humble, powerful Elder.  His actions speak profound things about him. This time enjoying together and talking openly was a foundation I am grateful the Lord directed us to do.

Last night while breaking my Fast, I was crying and conversing with the Lord about what He would have me do here and what He hopes of me, eyes only He sees through, how I can be more truly good and bear fruit unto Him pleasingly, I begged Him for a friend I could openly talk with.  Not 3 minutes after those words left my mouth, Elder Hogge and I were once again relaxing while eating dinner together and my prayer was answered full to a 'T';  The Lord gives blessings in response to sincere heartfelt prayer only as fast as our feet get moving after the prayer's "Amen."  
The other day, we were working far away from town, and we received a call to give a blessing in the Hospital. We rushed as fast as we could to the Hospital. It was for our District President of Vanua Levu, President Bull. We entered the room to see his Christlike person who had served and loved with no limits in his tremendous calling over leading the entire Vanua Levu... motionless.  He passed away due to heart failure, but God had us sent to bear his soul unto the eternal world with a blessing and prayer upon him.  The entire island is in shock and mourning together.  This man had affected all of Fiji with his meek life.  He was to each one of us, "My Hero."

It is the 2nd time in my mission I have witnessed one I love cross the veil in Hospital halls.    

Our Mission President expressed something like what I echo:

Without the Gospel of Jesus Christ the passing of such a great man would be unbearable. Even though we mourn his loss, we and his family know that we will see him again because of our Savior Jesus Christ. This is the message that you and I are taking to those we seek out to teach in these very last few chances we've got before the 2nd Coming.

Each soul you find is precious to our Father in Heaven. Last week our Mission President visited with President Bull in Suva and President Bull was so grateful for what the gospel has done to bring him and his family close together. He was baptized in June 2011, just five years ago, and according to he and his family the gospel completely changed his life. He is one who put off the natural man and became a Saint.

We can be the Lord's hands.  Let's go find some more Saints this month  who can experience this  same change in their lives.

You ARE important and needed in the Lord's work.
There is so much more! 

But, testimony time: I know we Missionaries are Apostles... with a lower case "a".  We have this call to speak boldly from heaven--to be a open tunnel right up to it to speak the Father and Savior's love and very voice to the hearts of His wandered children.  Using that special commission in my mission enriches every lesson.  To know what is coming from our acts and lips is the very will and mind of the Lord, is the best. My conversion to this gospel, and ability to teach it simply and clearly is deeper than any day before in my life.  

Climb time, up and up to the brightest sun shine.  Taking the nation to see the vision the Savior paid to paint.  

This is joy:
Preach Repentance
Baptize Converts.

In the name of my personal friend, 
even, Jesus Christ, the Holy One of my life,
amen.

_Elder Watchman on a Beacon Hill, Elder Howard
Labasa Hindi