/pəˈnəltəmət/
adjective
- last but one in a series of things; second to the last.
Crossed the border to go to Laos and do some passport work and also have a companion exchange with the elders in Laos. "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."
Such an AMAZING EXPERIENCE. This is a country where you don't proselyte like a normal missionary. You go there, and you are literally a full time English teacher. But these missionaries are still preaching the gospel through their dedicated service and constant love! They have been baptizing like crazy. We had the opportunity to teach with the Laos elders and it was amazing. One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in my life. Just a quick summary of what has been happening in Laos the story goes a little like this...
Almost 8 months ago, all missionaries in Laos had gotten taken out of the country. Which is a pretty big deal when there are only 6 missionaries for a whole country. So then the work there went dark. Occasional visits were allowed but at that time, there were no church meetings and no missionary work happening at all. Just recently, missionaries were allowed back into the country, but still could not do much missionary work. Then they finally got a church building. To understand the magnitude of how important this church building is, as long as they are on the church property they can teach and preach. The Laos elders have people in their investigator pool, not just people but families, that have been waiting for 7+ months to get baptized.
I met a family and one such person that has been waiting. Ever since the last missionaries left the country, this person had still read and prayed every day. One of the reasons she gave as to why she wanted to learn was because she wanted to be a missionary and share this gospel. This is someone that just had a desire and that desire carried her for 8 months. Then the other family is absolutely adorable. A whole family unit with two children that aren't 8 years old yet. And they have waited together and have supported each other the whole time through. Laos is a land of a million elephants and twice as many miracles.
The rest of the week. The time flew by. Just woah. Where has it all gone? I'm not too sure myself, but things have really been going well.
This is probably the last baptism we'll see in our companionship. She is the mother of a member from Bangkok. He had just gotten baptized and really wants the rest of his family to learn of the gospel. So yeah. We biked out almost 20 kms multiple times a week to go and teach her and help her. When she comes to church her first Sunday in Udon, funny story, half of the branch is her family. They all know each other and everyone is so excited to see God's hand working in everyone's life. Miracles are happening. Lives are being changed. Stoking so hard.
Ether 12:34
"And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father."
Keep on loving.
Aloha,
Elder แอลลิส
Forward Ever. Stopping Never.
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