The Magic of Phone Calls

​Balling in Buriram. The usual.

So this transfer has been quite a change in pace. Elder Martindale is a boss of a missionary, the end is near for him! Being the younger, still super super super super rather inexperienced missionary. I'm the one making the calls, be it I understand or not. Yup I'm the one making the calls.

Therefore, this picture accurately describes us. We sit and wait for our investigators, but the whole time waiting, will always be spent calling.

On that point some funny stories.

1. I tend to call people around 3 times a day. Every single former, potential, and current investigator. At around noon, then around 4/5, then at night. So I give them three chances for like a week or two. Because of my constant calling. It seems that the number of people that have blocked our phone has gone up! 
2. But on the same point of calling people all the time, it helps them really stay strong on their commitments to pray and read the scriptures. If they know that you will constantly be calling them, they will constantly be reading and trying their hardest to keep their commitments. So phone calls. All the time. Because what use is a commitment that isn't followed up on? It's not helping anyone really.
3. We picked up some way good investigators because of our persistence in calling. These people are going places.
4. Sometimes...well all the time really, the Thai language and phones don't always get along. Other times, it makes me sound like I can speak Thai LIKE A BOSS. e.x. Talking to an investigator for like 10 minutes about some stuff she learned in her personal study of the Book of Mormon. So we have this legit conversation and then like the signal goes bad, and then she has one last question and I cant figure out what she says. So I hand the phone to Elder Martindale. And he doesnt understand either hahhahahahahhah. So we end the call, call her back, and the signal is good now. Her question was just "Who is the elder talking to me? Elder Martindale right?" Nahhhh, it was me. Hahahaha. She just went crazy like "WHAT! Why do you speak so clearly over the phone! Elder! SO GOOD!"

Yup. so maybe something is going right. 

So much of the work here in Thailand has changed. It's way amazing now to see this almost total 180 degree shift. The goal is so much to truly baptize those people that are converted. We want their hearts to be changed. CHANGED. Witnessing people make these small steps of faith, and prayer. And then seeing how much these things have changed their life, from the small and simple means, large things are brought to pass. Small and simple steps can lead to the biggest change and improvement in your life. Just gotta try take those steps.

Alma 37:6: "...but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise"

Take it slow. Nice and easy. Breathe in. Breathe out. Chill.

Happy Valentines Day.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.