Transfer #9/Thailand Week 57: Bangnaa

Aloha!!!

I'm still here in Bangna with Elder Tun! Haha. Life is good.

Little follow up with Sister Jazz. We made the effort to visit her at her house this past week. It wasn't until we tried finding her place that we noticed that she actually lives pretty far. Anyways, when we got there, we actually got to meet her mom! Sister Boom (บู๋ม). She's the nicest woman ever! With the help of Sister Jazz, Sister Boom and Sister Kwan (ขวัญ), we were able to make some macaroni and french fries for dinner. It was a fabulous dinner. All the neighbor were stopping by interested in what's going on and just kept chatting with us. After the filling our tummies, we shared a simple message of who Heavenly Father is, our relationship to Him and how to communicate with Him. We then invited her to say a closing prayer. It was so cute! This is what she said... "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for these cute elders and sisters for coming today. Thank you for the delicious dinner that we had. Please bless them to have safety and happiness in their lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." :) It was so beautiful. You could definitely feel a sense of peace as soon as Sister Boom said the prayer. Elder Tun and I especially noticed it in Sister Jazz, just as all of her worries and fears fled from her. The next day, they brought so much happiness in my life as they decided to sacrifice their time to come to church... They stayed for all three hours. Ever since I came into Bangna, they are the first investigators that I have had that stayed for all three hours, plus lunch. 😂 The Bangna ward is amazing, the leaders here are amazing, the work is amazing. Oh... God is so merciful.

Miracles: There are so many. I'm doing all that I can to write them in my journal daily. :) Here are some. These miracles occur, whenever I willingly follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

1. Met a couple. Walked pasted them, felt horrible... turned back and started talking to them. They were so nice! They were Buddhist, and didn't want anything to do with Christianity. Apparently, many missionaries from other sects that has invited them consequently having them have absolutely no interest in what they or we had to say. But after just chatting a bit, we came to conclusion that we both have a great respect to those that apply their religions in their lives... and change to become better people, not by force... but by changing their nature. It wasn't long that we started talking about God and how who we are to Him, along with Jesus Christ and His Atonement. They later on gave us water, bid farewells, and invited us to stop by again.

2. Met a security guy. Again, walked pass him. Felt horrible. Turned back and talked to him. He immediately said, "When? I'll be there." Haha. He'll probably be going to church this next Sunday.

3. MANY MORE!

I don't know everything. I'm not the best at reciting scriptures. I can't pronounce ป and บ correctly, I'm not the best at Thai or the best teacher. I'm not perfect. But it brings me joy to know that as long as continue serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength, it will work out.  I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and am deeply impressed by the fact that the Church continues to grow, regardless of the attempt made by others to destroy the Church. It really does show that it's not the Church of Joseph Smith, let alone of mankind.It is the Church of God. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His Church. I know that Jesus is our Shepard, and rejoices when we bring people back into His fold. I am humbled to have this opportunity to help in His work. He loves us. It sometimes takes time to realize the evidence, but it's there. Life is good. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

-Elder Santeco

#shoutout to sister Kwan... Pii Poo!!! WHOOHOO!😎

Fishing Trip the last transfer.

Our district last transfer... This transfer, Sister Strickland moved out and Sister Courchaine moved in. :)

I got to feed a tiger again! :D :D :D But this time, it's just me... without Marvy. 😭'

Here's the text from President Johnson. :)

Cool story! In every area that I've served, there is always problems with the AC unit. There's always water leaking. We would pay about 200 baht per unit, and we had 2 units in our apartment. Not really having any house money, I decided to try fix it up myself. Took it apart and started to clean it up. Took out the drain hose, poured water, blew it through. Repeat a couple times... As of today, there is no leaking problems. Haha. I saved us 400 baht. Whoohoo!

And I still don't have a camera. And funny enough, Elder Tun lost his. D:

We'll go shopping for one today. :)

Got to go! LOVE YOU! :)

Thailand Week 56: Bangnaa

Ain't got time!

Sorry. I don't have a lot of time. I spent a good amount on sending a long email to President Johnson. Haha. This past week has pretty much filled up ever since last week's Monday. It consisted of 2 swtich offs, and a zone conference. That being said, we didn't have a lot of time to proselyte, but that's okay. 

I just want you all know that I'm doing good. Having the time pass by so fast, there's been several times where I thought about that day that I return home to resume school, eat out, hang out with friends and family, watch movies, etc. Funny enough, every single time I would quickly leave that thought and begin to remember how much of a blessing it has been out here in the mission. I love it. I only have two years, so I got to keep giving it my all. 

I learned a lot about the gift of Agency this past week. The ability to choose is the only way that we can truly learn and grow. Last Tuesday, I was impressed to share this with one our investigator. She knew that Church true and that everything we taught is true, but was scared that she couldn't keep the commandments, preventing her from taking that next step with baptism. So I gave her a Gospel Principle Book, and had her read up chapter 3, talking about the ability to Choose and told her that I would follow up in the next couple days... She read the entire book. She absolutely loved it. Understood it  and had no headaches. Haha. I then explained to her that it's teachings came from the scriptures/prophets, so I encouraged her to continue to read the Book of Mormon to learn even more. She said that she will. I then asked her, what was her favorite topic/chapter. Said that it would have to be about the Holy Ghost, Baptism, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. These things coming from an investigator that from a different Christian Faith, is amazing. It brought me peace, and more than that... I know that it brought her peace. She then naturally brought up her concern for our other investigators, and wanted us to reach out to them more. She also said that she wants us to teach her mom. Sister Jazz is growing beautifully. :)

I know that God, our Loving Heavenly Father loves us. He loves so much that sent his Beloved Son to come to this earth for all of us. Jesus Christ is His Beloved son. He died, and lived again for us. Because of Him, we will all live again. And because of Him, we can be washed from our sins and have our lives filled with peace, love, and hope. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

- Elder Santeco

Last P-day, I went fishing. :D I don't have the pictures, but I'll get them later on and will try to send them next week. :)

LOVE YOU ALL! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!

Ward Bangna had 2 Baptism!!!

Funny Story: I had a huge headache this past couple days... The baptismal candidates asked me to baptize them, but because I was sick... I last minute asked if I could have Elder Tun baptism them. They said it was okay. After that, I went ahead and asked Elder Tun to prepare his stuff.. here's how the conversation went.

"Elder Tun! Get your stuff ready. You're going baptize today."

"What?!? No."

"You're going to baptize today..."

"Wait. Why?"

"I'm sick."

"No. I won't do it."

"Well if you don't then Brother Mana will do it."

 "OKAY! I'll do it!" *Runs and starts packing. HAHA

Baptismal canidates...

Brother จิน and Sister แพร

Got to go!

LOVE YOU ALL! Love the gifts. :) HEHE

Take care!

Thailand Week 55: Bangnaa

Families.

Aloha Family!

After a week's work in Bangna, it wasn't until I attended church that I started to connect the dots of why I am here. What is my purpose? Why do I want to share this gospel?

That very moment that things "clicked", helped me remember the special role the Holy Ghost has in my life. I am so thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. As of today, I am filled with great gratitude to be able to receive guidance and knowledge through the still small voice of the Holy Ghost, strengthening my testimony of the restored gospel.

Families.

"God has established families to bring happiness to His children, allow them to learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and prepare them for eternal life." Happiness. That's what God wants for each one of us. As a missionary, I have been able to recognize that when families are able to learn, love and care for each other, will have peace, joy and happiness in our lives. It all starts off with learning and applying the correct principles in our lives. These principles are offered to us which are from our Loving Heavenly Father. It's the Gospel. I know that love is central to everything that this Gospel. God gave this gospel to us because He loves us!

" 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." - Moroni 7:47

Love.

It is all centered on love.

I wanted to talk a bit about marriage, but as soon I typed it... It didn't make sense. Haha. But I've been reading a lot about families this past week. I learned that Satan is progressively attacking families, especially through pornography. It really does do damage to families. But, thankfully, through the gospel, which is centered of God's love for us; Jesus Christ's atonement. We are able to repent, forgive, and become more like our Savior Jesus Christ. This past week, I have been able to witness for myself the great and tender mercies of the Lord. I was able to see hearts healed, families come closer together, and peace restored within their homes. This is why I want to share the gospel. 

It blesses families beyond imagination.

I know that Jesus is the Christ. That through Him, families are able to be together forever. I know that Joseph Smith restored this Gospel once again on this earth. I know this because I did read the Book of Mormon, and I did receive a witness from the Holy Ghost. I know that I am a part of this "marvelous work" of the Lord, and I am thankful that I am. It's such a blessing. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

- Elder Santeco!!!! ☀🌮

I had Mac and Cheese. It was so good.

This is Brother Wseem. :) He's awesome.

I have a bunch of other pictures from the previous weeks... but I don't know which one I sent already... so I'll just wont send them. Haha

I also got in contact with Uncle Chadchai and Pine yesterday. :) We'll see if we can meet up someday! :)

LOVE YOU ALL! GOT TO GO NOW! BYEEE!! :)

Thailand Week 54: Bangnaa

It's getting HOT!

It's literally hot here. Haha. But our missionary work is also getting pretty good! We are scramming everywhere and all the time. It's exhausting, but it's so rewarding. Every week we are getting better results. On top of that, we are constantly thinking of better and new ways to make things better. This week, I need to reorganize myself. Haha, there is so much to juggle but it's so fun. :) I'll do better.

There's nothing better than being out here. It's seriously the best. I've spent a good amount of time watching "The Best Two Years" today, and I honestly believe it has been the best time of my life so far. As the days go by, as I apply the gospel in my life, I see the Lord molding my life, my perspective, my nature. I know that Jesus is my Savior, the Holy Messiah. I am so grateful to know that I am saved, and that I will live with my Heavenly Father and my family as I continue to be faithful to my covenants. I know that this is the true church of God. I know that He loves us. I say these things in the same of Jesus Christ, amen.

Don't really have much time! But today was fun! Hanged out with Sister ปุ้ย and the Sister Missionaries from Bangnaa. We went to Ayuthaya... :)

I love you all!

- Elder Santeco

My new name is "Sun Rise Tacos..." ☀🌮 

Hahahahha. Life is good. :)

Switch off with Elder Brinkerhoff! :) We did service.