Sundazed

Sunday is a powerful day. One of the favorite things that I have grown to love in Thailand has been the after church pot-lucks. Sunday, the day of  rest. Also GAME DAY!

Sunday potlucks with these rocking members

So this week. It was a grind. Probably one of the most tiring and exciting weeks I have had on my whole mission. Working with all of our investigators that are progressing towards their baptismal date. It's pretty crazy how much work there is here. We've been going out and just chasing down people from house to house, constantly looking for those elect that are super prepared and ready. All this fast paced work really makes you tired. There has hardly been a night where me and Elder Cheney are able to stay up past 10:00 pm. But wow. It was a grind of teaching and trying to help people the best that we can and then just like. Bruh. By Saturday night we are just dragging. Making calls trying to get people stoked about Church on Sunday. Then Sunday comes around and you're rushing and you and your comp go and splits with some members cause you gotta double your effectiveness. Then everything is rushing like woah we got so little time, gotta move faster. Then you get to church and just wait. And relax. And somehow, every little thing just works out. All these people show up. Interviews for baptism go smoothly. People are just walking through the doors and. Finally. Yes. A day of rest. Finally seeing the labors of all week come to something.

2 Nephi 25:23-"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

Yes. It is true through grace we will all be saved. But there's the condition right there. After we do what we can. After we give it our all. There have been so many countless times since coming to Thailand where we give it our all. And then somehow. Something more happens. God loves us so much that he helps us, helps us do so much more that we think we can do on our own. HAHAH I love this. Being in Thailand is sick. 

pic credit to Elder Cecil in the district

​Also we went back to my stomping grounds (China Town). I love it here. But you see. This is how badly we stick out. Just a tall white guy casually walking through, no big deal. Hahaha. Also try to see if you can spot me in the pic. I feel like I blend in pretty well.

OH Hey. funny story.

Well fav miracle of the week and then the funny story.

We were calling a ton of former investigators with the last few minutes of each night this week, just trying to get people STOKED. Sunday came around and plot twist, some number calls us. We just sorta assume it was someone that we forgot to save in the phone but he showed up. Drove 1 hour to get to the old church building. Calls us cause it was closed. So then proceeds to drive another 1 hour to go to the church in Srinakharin. And then he expresses how much faith he has, after being taught by the Assistants to the President. Quick back story, he was taught by the APs in Asoke, then moved and disappeared. And now he's back. Woaj

OK FUNNY STORY READ THIS ONE IF YOU DON't READ ANYTHING ELSE

So we are heading back to our area after having a meeting in Bangkok. Just chilling on the BTS (attach pic on the blog of the...train. in the sky....uh i dont remember what it's called). A few of the elders are together talking, we find a few people that were former investigators so they're talking with those people. I move a bit to a space with a little bit more room, then I notice this group taking pictures of all the tall white people speaking Thai. It's pretty funny because they think that they are so sneaky. Like making selfie poses and then really just taking videos of the other elders. So then they continue taking video and pics. So I watch them for around 15 minutes. It comes to the last stop, they get off so I ask them "Hey which person do you want a picture of?" The group just loses it cause they realize they've been caught, everyone on the car loses it also cause they've been watching it for such a long time, and then we proceed to take the phone and give a nice good solid selfie. Plot twist on our part....it was actually a video. But hey, there's now a video on someones FB of some white guys speaking Thai inviting people to church!

Never gonna not love Thailand.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

If this wasn't one of your childhood dreams....

​This is Bow Fight. A converted soccer field into a death match style game in which you shoot bows and (foam tipped) arrows against your opponents. Literally if this was not one of your childhood dreams. Idk.

Bow Fight, complete with paint ball barriers, and just so much craziness. Starting from the back line, you have to run to the center, grab a bow and some arrows. And then the madness begins. 2 hours of running and crouching and diving and ducking. 

Here I am, staying for another 6 weeks in Samut Prakaan. Same comp same area, but now we are more experienced with the area. Good things always coming from Samut Prakaan.

Epic story of the week: 

We were waiting for an investigator to show up for our lesson, chilling in a food court of a Tesco Lotus (The equivalent of maybe like a K-Mart/Wal-mart in Thailand) just waiting in the food court. As we are waiting and making calls, a lady comes up and gives us a strange look, so we notice her, but don't think much because this is Thailand. And we are foreigners. But then she comes closer, so we start talking to her and shares how she has a daughter interesting in switching religions and wants to know "How do you change religions?" So we get her number, set an appointment. First appointment doesn't go through, so we try again. Second time is the charm, we go and meet her at her house, thinking her daughter was the only one interested. Turns out, her and her two daughters and her son were all interested in learning about Christianity. And on top of all this, they share that they met some other white people who gave them some pamphlet about Christianity. So me being...me goes and thinks, oh well that's nice probably wasn't missionaries like us. We ask them if they can go and grab the pamphlet and bring it here. And then here's the trippy part.

OUT COMES A BOOK OF MORMON. Old translation, probably around 5+ years old. WHAT. This family has been reading from the Book of Mormon for around 5 years, but just never found the missionaries again that gave it to them. Until that one day, she had no idea what she was going to Tesco for, just sorta in there cause she had some free time. Then she saw two white guys, dressed nicely, wearing ties and slacks. And WHAT. WOAH. And then this happened. They all had told us that they wouldn't be willing to meet with us if they weren't willing to change religions.

Wow that was way long. But probably the highlight of my whole week. So totes worth it.

Just a quick thought...

I'm not as young as I think I am being a missionary. I've been serving as a missionary for just over a year already and through my service I have found some scriptures that really really motivate me and get me pumped to be a missionary. Keep in mind, these are just my personal ideas, and everyone has to go out and do what works for them but here it goes. (feeling lazy so go search up the references on your own some time)

• D&C 58:26: Be willing in doing all things, if you're not gonna do it with your heart in it, don't waste your time.
• 2 Nephi 4:26-35: Never give up. Once you understand the blessings, there's no turning back. Trust in the Lord and ask for help in all things. Work hard, and then get help from our Heavenly Father who LOVES US. Unconditionally จริงๆ.

Stoked for another 6 weeks here.

Forgot to take pics this week, so this will have to suffice.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

Chonburi, and the Homies, Thailand Zoos and Investigators

Chonburi, and the Homies

Well. I emailed just a few days ago. And it feels like nothing much has changed except a lot.

Took a trip to work down in Chonburi going out and supporting the members and meeting some of their friends that are interested in learning about Christianity. Just gotta say, the people down in Chonburi are amazing and SO prepared. There are so many humble hearts that truly have a desire to learn and to serve and to change! One day missionaries will be serving in Chonburi full time. 

Also down in Chonburi, got the chance to go down to the city called SRIRACHA! As in the amazing hot sauce stuff. Yeah, went there, visited a few member families. SRIRACHA! ****pictures of the red rooster on the bottle of hot sauce yeahhh****

So sad, but this great Laos guy is headed home back to Laos to take care of his family. It's been real. And he's a crazy strong example of faith. A small trial because the village that he is from is a few hours away from the only church building in Laos. We know that he will stay true and strong. And to even help him out more so, we had set him up with a bunch of extra pamphlets and Book of Mormons in Laos. He has the strongest desire to share the gospel with all his friends and family!

Thailand Zoos and Investigators

So some background on why I find this picture HILARIOUS. Last time we came to the zoo, we were taking epic pictures of the animals and getting up like 2 inches away from the cages....And then we get to the monkeys and the monkeys were chilling and holding out their hands so we get some sweet pics of real close to the monkey's face. And then yeah. The monkey was stronger than us....จบ. HAHAHAHAH, same monkey, surprised to see that the monkey is like still doing good after eating the whole camera....But yes. The monkeys are smart. These animals are smart. The first cage is to keep the animals in. But the second fence is to keep the humans out.

Whats goood. (Thailand)

So this past week we had some interesting scheduling of conferences and interviews and therefore full effective work days were reduced to Thursday-Sunday. Didn't let this stop anything and we have gotten the ball rolling with some really amazing people.

กิ/Ki

He actually has been searching for answers in life because he's been feeling that the path he is currently on isn't as peaceful as it should be. One day, he's driving in downtown Asoke and passes the mission office. He parks his car, walks into the office, and just asks very strongly for someone to teach him about religion. Since that time he has been reading, and really trying to apply himself and search for a sincere answer to his questions.

ข้าวฟ่าง/Khaw fang

She was actually taught by missionaries over in a different province around 2 years ago. Then she moved to Bangkok and then lost in contact with missionaries. She thought she could read the scriptures and pray and that was enough. But no, she got in touch with one of the original missionaries who taught her, he reminded her how important going to church and getting baptized really is. Long story short, she's back and is way legit.

เฮนรี่/Henry

He's hapa! He's half Thai and half African. His dad has been a member for around 1.5 years, but moved to Samut Prakaan a few months ago and couldn't find the church. One day we reach out to him thinking that he was an investigator, but then we realize that he's a father! Father of Henry! And Henry is 9! Once his father's records are moved WEEHA!

Just gotta say, this area has changed and grown so much. Way more than we thought was even possible. Going out and working and praying and not just praying and asking but also praying and doing. Going and applying and searching for the things that we ask. It doesn't matter if we don't get what we ask or need for at first. Because if it's truly necessary, we will get these things. We can just never give up, and never lose the faith.

I love being a missionary in Thailand.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

Faith overcame doubt and thousands WHERE baptized-Elder Cheney

A prime quote from Elder Cheney. You can see how the Thai language has really effected our English abilities (where/wear/were all sound the same).

​Weehaaa! 

So here's a way awesome story. These 4 guys are all from Laos and have been living in Thailand together for work. At first the missionaries had invited one of them. Then that original person had actually handed the card off to the guy on the far right. One day the elders get a random call from someone speaking broken Thai asking to learn about Jesus Christ. That was 6 months ago. There Thai language ability has improved and finally as of this past weekend, all 4 of them that live in the same room have been baptized! FIRST BAPTISM IN THIS WARD IN 5 MONTHS. Hallelujah.

But yes, life is good. Thailand is great. It's a slow grind. Having to work a bit harder and focus a lot more with the investigators that we have. Every single person has the opportunity and ability within them to really be converted, but often times they don't know where to go. Just takes a bit more patience and love. Just the way we like it.

Also for all the missionaries that will be coming to Thailand. A piece of advice: Getting stuff cut in Thailand is way cheaper than it is buying them in America. And you can do cool stuff like put flower patterned liner in the pockets.

Alma 29:9-10

"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me."

Patience+Charity=Joy

Walking down a sketchy alleyway one night trying to get home. Gotta take a pic?

Sometimes you just get lucky and the buses are free and no one is on them.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY พ่อ and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHTON---Dead areas? เป็นไปไม่ได้เลย!!!!

Two awesome things happening today in Hawaii.

1-Fathers day for my พ่อ! Cause he's awesome and loves the ocean and is a way strong example of hard work and dedication in my life.

2-ASHTON'S BIRTHDAY yes, my younger brother is now....13? Yeah that sounds about right. He's old. I'm old. Everyone is old. WOOOOO. Stay stoked Ashton (aka Da best ellis).

The phrase "dead area" refers to an area or a place that missionaries serve that hasn't seen much success or much change in the branch/ward/unit that they have been working with. It's really rather sad when people will say "Oh yeah, that area, it's dead, you can't and won't get any work done."

Many people familiar with missionary work will have probably heard this already saying: "There's no such thing as dead areas, only dead missionaries."

So true. So. So. So much truth ringing in this sentence. There's no such thing as a dead area in the vineyard of the Lord. Only people who aren't willing to give more. Sacrifice, but really it isn't a sacrifice at all. It's a submission of doing more. I feel like I come back to this same though every single week. Probably not every week. But quite a majority of the time.

For every thing that you do, there is a price. Let us think of this price not in a negative sense (as in a loss) but rather as just a switch-off, a choice between two (or more) paths. There is always a "price" sometimes the price is our time or our talents. Things that God has actually given us. The much larger and bigger and way more valuable "price" would definitely be our will. Our heart. Our desires. Things that God actually can't take away. Every single person has moral agency, the ability to make choices in every circumstance. We can choose to follow our heart and our desires or we can try to follow the desires of something higher and stronger.  But it's up to us. What we do, what we say. Even down to what we think. There's a price for every action.

Moroni 7:5-6

5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. 6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.

So let us all work with real intent. Put forth a strong desire. Do more! NO MORE DEAD MISSIONARIES. Dead missionaries are the only reason that people will talk about "dead area." Change the desire, change the intent, make something out of this time that you have. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing. Be there with full intent and purpose. No need to waste your own time.

NO DEAD MISSIONARIES ALLOWED.

also got my camera to work and send the pics so cheeeeeeeee Pono!

The kids at the church had an activity where they wrote letters to the missionaries. Is there like a new movie or another rendition of Alice in wonderland that came out? I have no idea why, but ever place that I serve the kids love to call me Alice.

I love how we get to ride a ferry in this area. Night vibes.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

Night Life

Samut Prakaan. We are out here. Just two of us. Two foreigners from America. One 19, the other 18. Going out riding truck taxis and buses and mini buses and every sort of transportation (except for motorcycle taxis) and then dinner comes. then it gets dark. Then we keep on working.

Lot of the people here in Samut Prakaan are super hardworking and have the typical day job. They come home in the evening and then that time is their only time free. Which leaves our companionship running around Samut Prakaan trying to find and teach and help them in the evening.

Its fun. Its rewarding.

My pictures still arent uploading.....well....

But this week was some thriving work. We have been focusing a lot more on working with members and anyone that we talk to, to find and teach their friends or anyone they think would be interested in learning about Christianity. But rather than just get a number and a name and call it done. We take it one step further and have that person set up an appointment with the friend or person that is interested and then invite us over. We are letting these people take a more active part in missionary work, having them set up the appointments, having them really be the person that introduces and shares the gospel.

This is probably the happiest I've been in a long time. It's also just a common fact that there is no comfort in the growth zone. Constantly trying to make things just a bit more uncomfortable. 

For example....

-Walking down the street and you see some of those amazing fried bugs! Because Thai people are probably some of the nicest in the world, if you ask to try a single bug they let you grab and eat one. Bonus points if you a)hold it together and reply to them in Essan or b)if you contort your face and make them laugh

-Sometimes when you see a thai person rocking out, you just gotta go rock out with them and then pretty soon you became such good friends in those 2 minutes that he offers to share with you some of his sticky rice and fried meat

-Or the all time favorite of talking with the little thai children because they follow you in a hoard and start speaking in English with you (literally just walking down an alley way and all of a sudden a little girl shouts in thai and then these children like 4-8yrs old come out and start swarming my companion and talking to him in English)

Normally no. I would never do these things. I tend to be rather refined. In my own personal bubble. Chilling, doing my own thing. But its those things that make it a bit uncomfortable that I have learned to find the most joy. The more uncomfortable it is, the faster we grow and adapt. Then just when you think you got it down. The game changes and gets harder and now you gotta keep progressing. And pretty soon its like woah. Where did the past year even go? (into my LOST.DIR folder...so if anyone has some tips on how to retrieve these files SUPER fast hit me up. If not i'll just wait a bit longer and then retrieve them if I ever make the time....)

Its the little things that make life fun.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

New Companion and Computer problems in Thailand - คอมพิวเตอร์ที่ตายแล้ว

For some reason these comps aren't uploading the pic. So yeah. Oh well. Life goes on. I'm paying 10 baht an hour so that was like 5 baht worth of restarting this computer......Bruh. If you could see how many windows I have open on this computer right now. Trying to copy things onto SD cards, moving around pictures, typing this email, and lds.org. I wish I had a bigger screen.

So info on my new comp - Elder Cheney
He's tall. 193 cm. Not sure how tall that is in inches (6' 4"), but he's quite a bit taller than me and loves running! He came into the country at the same time as Elder Bouwmeester and is from Oregon. Samut Prakan is only his second area, it's going to be so sweet. First day we were just talking about like "What do you want to do" and "What kind of change do you want to see?" His response was perfect 'I'm ready to work." This transfer will be a great transfer of going hard in the paint!

Already from the very start, we hit the ground running. We got back into Samut Prakan, dropped off his bags, and got right away to teaching. And on the times that we were traveling to and from our appointments, one of us would be making phone calls and the other would be inviting and talking to whoever was around us. Epic. This is how work gets done. Consistent diligent effort really makes all the difference. But all work and no play? Gotta find joy in the little things. Especially when there are two absurdly tall foreigners, you get some pretty awesome looks coming from the little kids. And they are even more shocked when you understand them and then start talking back to them. The amount of amusement on their faces are so fun.

Something funny...
Me and Elder Cheney both have the great blessing and talent of being able to fall asleep on public transportation within a few minutes. A simply 15 minute taxi ride is usually an amazing nap for me. But then I remembered, wait. I'm the only one in the car that knows where we are going. So I guess I need to stay up. I see potential for some funny situations in the near future. Just imagine: Me and Elder Cheney, both asleep on a bus. And none of the bus workers wanting to wake us up to get off the bus. We get off a few hours outside of Samut Prakan. Hahaha. Yup. It'll be a fun transfer.

There's so much going through my head, so much rushing about everything. There has been such an amazing change happening here in Samut Prakan. Because of the travel situation there has been a lot of members not willing to travel to church. But the elect of the elect will still come. And they have been coming and they are returning now. To speak straightforward, I was rather impatient last transfer, seeing all this work and very little results. But change is coming. We've been laying the foundation and now it is the time to really start the change.

Mosiah 4:27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

Stay stoked นะ

Aloha,
Elder แอลลิส
Forward Ever. Stopping Never.
Take a look around.