Week 45 Darwin Au

Week 45 Darwin NT

Kia Orana Family!

What a Beautiful Day it is in the Northern Territory! Had an amazing opporutnity yesterday, to be able to baptise one of our investigators. The chapel font is under construction so got to baptise him in a members pool :D (Probably the closest/ first and last time ill ever get to go in a pool lol) But what an experience it was.

Been really hektic up here, ive never wanted to be in Leadership on the mission because ive seen the stress it has bought to other missionaries lol. Yet my companion is helping out alot with it. So many things to do up here, had to move a few flats, teach, find, help, uplift, inspire, encourage and at the end of the day, we still baptised. First baptism in Darwin for many years! 

Ill be honest with you all here. Many things have changed since ive been out here. Im not sure if most of you already knew, but my desire to serve a mission back before i came out, was not even strong... I guess i came out on selfish reasons you know? Like because i did know it was the right thing to do, yet i was so prideful... and liked the attention from people being happy that i was leaving.. It wasnt for the Lord at first... it was me being selfish aye.

Being out here for almost a year now (OMG) ive come to look at things in a different perspective. And I wish I could have seen this a long time ago. There truly is more that meets the eye. Take that time to sit back and ponder in your busy lives. That everlasting peace that some search for can be closer then you really think. The skills ive learned as a missionary thus far, are not just for here, but they are skills, talents and ideas to take home too. I can say now that this has been the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. (of 19 years lol) It has not been about me anymore, but more so doing what needs to be done. Im grateful to have been raised up in one of the Hardest working families, surrounded by the Hardest working people I know. And i apologise for being real lazy back home -.- But my eyes have been opened. There is work to do, and im forever grateful for the family I have. You are my rock, my motivation and my blood.

I pray for each one of you every night.. (even though i may fall asleep during it) I still finish when i know you have all been mentioned. No matter what the future holds, i know that as our "hearts are knit together" we can accomplish anything.

I leave my testimony of a loving savior, who is here for all of us, no matter who you are, where you are or even what you are going through. There is someone there. I know each of you have had your own spiritual experiences down the track, that is something that has been revealed to me, God lives, Jesus IS the Christ, there is only one way to find out. Ill let you figure the rest out ;) But always remember, that I love you no matter the choices you make, we are and will always be family. 

"In a world of Give and Take, there are not enough men willing to Give what it Takes."

Forever in my Heart.,

Elder Makai

Celebrating Abs Win last Mon on our Pday

Lunch is served to our Zone.

Week 29 You are the Key

Week 29. You are all the key

Q2 from your 21 questions Mum:)

2. What should we do to be better missionaries at HOME while you are gone?

I love this question.. and have been pondering it alot. 

Members are the key to this work. Honestly, without them there is no Church. 

Mosiah 27:13 "Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people" No one can bring this church down but the church itself, because that is how powerful Gods true church is. I could go on and on about how this is the true church honestly, like ive learned so much, and have the evidence to back it up (: But thats not what we are here to do, we are not here to prove people wrong, to shame them and force them to DO something that they dont want to do. No our purpose is to "INVITE others to come unto Christ by HELPING them receive the restored Gospel." As members at home the best thing we can do, is work. Members find and missionaries teach. People wonder why Utah has a baptism like literally every week? Its because the members find people to teach and the missionaries do the teaching. Now some members may feel as if they are great teachers and they are, im not saying they are not. But something that I KNOW is that missionaries bring a different spirit into the home, Why? Because they are SET APART for this work. They have a special and sacred calling to teach, preach and administer ordinances. 

As a missionary at home i believe that assisting in missionary work is the best tool for not only hastening the Lords work, but also receiving the blessings that the Lord has in store for you. They are there just waiting and the Lord just wants to see us act and apply the things that we learned. D&C 4:7 "Ask and ye shall receive, Knock and it shall be opened unto you" Pondering on the second half of this scripture i really wanted to know what it meant to knock, and as i thought and thought about what knocking is, its an action right? Asking is also an action, its acting in faith through prayer. Knocking is where the action comes in. When we receive an answer to what we asked for, he is telling us to "knock" or to act on that prompting we received, if we do act he will open the door and show us what he sees. That is the principle behind that scripture. Pray that the Lord may bring people into your paths that are seeking this truth. "For there are many yet upon this earth that are lost, that dont know the truth because they know not where to find it" (D&C 123:12) Pray for the missionaries in your area, and support them as much as you possibly can, they will love you as much as they possibly can. Just do what you can to assist the missionaries in their work to bring more souls unto christ, that is the best thing you can do (': Hope it answered the question lol.

Love Love

Elder Makai

My Zone Leaders

Elder Togia from Brisbane (Centenary Stake)

Elder Fleming from SYD

Week 28 Patience

Week 28 Patience

Hey family
I thought I'd answer 1 of your 21 questions Mum:)

1. When was the last time you laughed with your companion and why? What makes you laugh in your area? How do you stay light hearted?

Ill be honest this companion that im with now has been a bit of a struggle, We haven't always seen eye to eye with eachother and to be honest I hate his attitude. He is negative about everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. But... I didn't even worry about it... I had a talk with him last night about things, because we have been struggling a lot in our area, He asked me if I like being with him as a companion, I told him... I love you elder, you can be a real pain a lot of the time but ive learned so much off you, we were put together for a reason, and I believe that the lord still has plans for us, we just need to embrace the path that he has laid out and continue moving forward. It was funny because I asked the same question to him and he said that im the man hahaha, that he loves me so much. He says "I hate that your so humble. Im sorry to say that but its frustrating some times. But the thing that I love, is no matter how much I changed, whether I was a complete fool to you or worse, you never treated me different, you always treated me like you cared, like you looked out for me..." I was touched by his remarks, and our relationship did grow, there will always be small things that try and take us away from our true goal, from where we are heading, yet keeping in mind that our father in heaven sees things from a different angle, that he can see our potential far from what we can see. Knowing that he is there, that he loves us and is helping us gain what we need to press forward is a testimony in itself of how much God loves his children. God Lives, Jesus is the Christ, God has a plan for each and every single one of his children. Learn it, Live it, Love it. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Sorry that was a long answer and idk if it answered the question, but its just what has come to mind as I pondered that question. We are in Adelaide atm meeting our new mission president tmoro, Thank you so much for the shopping, I love you, my companion loves you... and our zone leaders love you hahaha!  was much appreciated :D 

Love you family and friends

Elder Makai

ZAAM

Here's a pic of your online Woolworths shopping:) all my favorites hahaha!!!

Week 27 Prompted to teach about Prayer

Week 27 Prompted to teach about Prayer

How are we familia!

Its a beautiful day here in the zAAM! We are no longer on bikes haha, we finally got a car, because the Zone Leaders cant drive so the office gave us the car lol. But it should be good, hopefully dont put on too much weight aye haha. Its been pretty amazing seeing all the photos of home, especially your time with the lucky Missionaries. They're lucky I miss your cooking hahaha. Algoods hope everything is going well, was awesome to see some pictures of Kiki (: She looks heaps bigger aye!

Got a few emails from the family, which is awesome! Its funny people are starting to ask questions, the most common one is "How is the mission going?" -_- That is one of the hardest questions ever haha! There is so much that I can say and not enough words to describe it. But what I can say is that its been one big experience. An amazing experience, and yes I have had my struggles, emotional, spiritual, physical, temporal and all the above, but without that there is no learning and growing. Without us being able to access the atonement I have no idea how we can progress eternally. Maybe each week when you email me you can come up with some questions? It makes it easier to email back haha, because its hard emailing, too many thoughts going through my head and trying to organise my thoughts and such. Been really good lately though, just working so close with the members, setting appointments and things, had some pretty cool miracles with members. Monday night we went to see our investigator but this time we took a member, we were able to enter the home and have a little sit down, we felt prompted to teach about prayer, what a great inspirtation that was, it touched his heart and he had tear filled eyes as he closed with a prayer. That moment, from the experiences and testimony born by the member we invited, he was able to touch our investigators heart. Its amazing how much of an impact members can truly have, they dont even know it untill they go out and find out for themselves! And thats what i cant wait to do when i come home, but before i even think about coming home my focus is on the people here, the people i serve, that we serve and help bring closer to Christ.

Yesterday we witnessed one of the boys here in Mildura opening his mission call. He was called to serve in the Phlipines Naga mission! Leaves August 14, awesome experience, his twin brother is currently serving in PNG! To great boys, To amazing missionaries. The work is hastening alot in mildura and we are working to keep it progressing (: Hoping, Praying and Fasting for the best.

Oh I met a couple from Brisbane yesterday too! Its a return missionary who was the AP in this mission before. He finished Decemeber last year so when i came he finished. Him and his wife came and visited mildura, and guess what, they are in Marsden Ward. And also the wife did your hair a few times haha. Had a good chat and catch up with them and it was cool to see some people that I sort of knew lol. She updated me on some of the boys back home that have left or leaving on missions so cant wait to hear more about that (':

It was great to hear how you are all doing. We have a busy week ahead of us. Thank you all for writing and emailing me, I'm so grateful. Love you all, always for all time and eternity.

Elder Makai

ZAAM!!!

Week 26 Another Miracle!!

Week 26. Another Miracle!!!

Hey its me! Just emailing a bit late because this morning we went and did a service, just helped a neighbour move house so it was pretty cool. Got heaps new missionaries in the zone which is great. Met another Elder named Elder Togia who is also from Brisbane lol. We know alot of the same people and just getting closer together as well as working harder than ever! 

Really weird week this week, So many different things happened, things just escalated real quick but its no worries we still have alot of work to do. Ended up being a good week though, we found someone tracting who wanted to be baptised! LIKE SERIOUS THATS A MIRACLE! When do you ever knock on someones door and they want to be baptised!? Here is the story behind it:

Elder Togia and I were tracting (door knocking) on this one street, it was literally the first house. Funny thing about this one street is that for so long we have planned to tract there, yet something else always seemed to take us a different way and we didnt know, yet the other day we just manned up and went to the street. Then the first door we knocked and a lady came out and was talking to us, out of the blue just an impression came to mind about baptism (By the way we werent talking anything about baptism before) and i was going to bring it up but hesitated and spoke about something else. Then again the same feeling came and i just asked the question "Have you been baptised before?" in the middle of a conversation, honestly it was random as! But she looked at us and replied "No, but I want to be..." We paused for some time and allowed the spirit to work on her, but really we were just shocked with the response. We told her abit about ourselves and what we do and invited her to take discussions or to learn more and understand about our unique message to the world (': It was a great experience from tracting and cannot wait to see how many other people the Lord is preparing for us.

I love you all, with my heart and soul. Families are certainly Forever Mum!!

Elder Makai

ZAAM!

Week 25 It's been Tough

Week 25

Sorry about last week! Its been really tough lately. The work is hard atm, people not progressing and so forth. Transfers up, im staying in Mildura for another 6weeks, with Elder Martineau again, we are getting 3 new missionaries and plus 2 new areas are being opened up in our zone, so we will have quite a large zone now (: 

Its been a rough few weeks aye haha. My companion has been sick for the past 2weeks so i was stuck in the flat which was absolutley horrible >.< I tried to use the time productively, so I studied as much as I could. I did not want to sleep during the day because I didnt want to be up all night, and though it was really difficult i got through. May not sound like one of the hardest times on a mission, staying in the flat for 2weeks straight, like people would think thats a mean holiday. But its honestly its real hard... especially for missionaries. Throughout the 2weeks my companion slept basically, I was awake, by myself, in the flat.. doing all i could to stay sane. Temptation always crept, thoughts always came to mind, and I could tell he was playing around with me. It really tested me but I got through it mum I got through it, I really dislike  staying in the flat, I just am eager to go out and work, always am always have been, its funny at home I would rather stay indoors and play games all day, yet now im eager to be out, doing something productive! 

I hate to sound like im complaining but yeah its been really tough lately, but im still standing strong! Our zone leader Elder Flinders is being transferred, one of my favourite missionaries, he is the man! But im looking forward to the new transfer, I cannot wait, just have to really knuckle down and get to work, do everything that I can, letters and emails from you and the family have always been encouragement, motivation etc. It honestly is one of the highlights when being a missionary, seeing a package or letter that is for you :L Seriously it is! :L Like this morning i got a package from Marcia Crichton, sent some cool things as a birthday gift.  Please thank them so much!!!(:

During the time that I was in the flat I had alot of time to think... back on the past, on things i have done, things i have been taught and also lessons i learned. Looking back ive been a pretty selfish person, haha. I remember alot of times I would get compliments from other people back then saying how humble i was, but looking through my past, there have been alot that I have done. Lol its only 19years but that was alot of things. Its been a big rollercoaster but there have been unique moments in my life that have helped me along the way. You and dad play the major role in my life, as parents and best friends. I will forever be grateful for that. The scriptures say alot, but I cant explain it to be honest, i dont want to go too deep on things I have learned, but though im like so drained it has been an awesome experience! Sorry not been, it IS an awesome experience, I only have 18months left and thats crazy, time has flown by so fast! 

Its funny I had this experience that I dont think I shared with you before. It was the end of my first transfer (First 6weeks) in the mission. I told my companion I want to go home, he was very suprised to hear that lol but it wasnt for the reason that he was thinking. My first 6weeks were tough but great. I told him that I wanted to go home and teach my family and everyone about everything that I have learned so far. Then i thought about how much more I can learn. Its not the fact that I want to come home, its the fact that from what I have learned, I want to share it with others. Not just over an email, a blog or a computer. But to be there, to expound all things, to share, to testify, to nurutre and to love. I cannot turn my back, not after the past 6months, not even after the 2years. Its not a 2year service, but its the beginning of a change, so many uplifting moments, though we get dragged down. So many spiritual highlights, even when we are tested hard. The love and kindness of our saviour is perfect, the mercy is granted under a condition. "Go and sin no more..." 1Nephi 1:1 - "...and i was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father..." We can learn alot from our father in heaven. If we have the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the heart to feel, we can BECOM

I love you alL

Elder Makai ZAAM

Week 22 Read, Ponder and Pray

Week 22 Read Ponder and Pray

God is our father and we are all his kids,

he loves everyone of us every child is his,

he promise us happiness when we live righteous,

but only through Jesus can we live in Gods presence.

Thank you for the long and inspiring email Mum, What a great experience that was Last week. This week for us it was pretty tough to pick up the pace, but we talked about it last night and sorted out what to do, so hopefully we see the friuits and blessings in our results the following week. we are using the members more here! Alot of great potential in Mildura. But we have seen the blessings and fruits from being obedient and working hard. Something i have improved on is studying, being more in depth with the scriptures, there is so much that the scriptures tell us that we do not even know! Its amazingly suprising, dont just read, but follow what Moroni says. Read Ponder Pray, through these 3 simple steps i promise you all, that you will gain a deeper and more richer insight on the impact of one simple verse. It leads to a deeper understanding and knowledge of how true the book of mormon is, the promise made and sealed at the end is true, i testify this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

I love you all (: ! 

Elder Makai ZAAM

Week 20 Mothers day

Week 20 Happy Mothers/Sisters day

Kia Orana,Talofa! Malo! G'Day!

Hey family, sorry for the short email last week, had to drive down to Adelaide to get my new companion! Man he is awesome, solid missionary, he is from Utah. 3 missionaries were transferred meaning 3 new missionaries in our zone, awesome!!!

Elder Martineau - My companion from Utah

Elder McClutchie - New Zone Leader from Gisborne, Nz

Sister Siale - From Brisbane somewhere yet I have never met her lol.

So anyway its 3 great additions here in the ZMZ - Zion Mildura Zone! Oh what an exciting week it has been. We have been teaching a tongan/cookie family for quite some time now, and now we have a new investigator from within the household. Its exciting because she is more excited than the other two lol. Always keeping her commitments to read the book of Mormon and pray, just seeing the happiness from people is awesome! Im excited to be able to Skype you all tonight! Excuse me if I cry :L But yeah im pretty nervous too I don't know why. It will be cool though ill introduce you to the Seve family, its a samoan family that im really close with, great young family also we love them to bits. We have been out there just smashing finding. Its tough knocking doors all day and having them slammed in your face, but I turn to my companion and say "That's one door closer to our miracle". I know the Lord is preparing people for us to teach, and unless we go through our trials we will never reach our miracles. I hope my mothers day card arrived to you yesterday, I sent it through express mail on Saturday so anyway HAPPY MOTHERS DAY FOR YESTERDAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS <3

I think that something I really learned this week was to really study in depth, ive been utilizing my time more wisely but really pondering on things that I read. 1Nephi chapter 1 says more than I ever thought it would say, studying chapter by chapter, word by word and grabbing the deeper meaning behind it has helped me increase spiritually (: Study hard and with real intent, actually ponder the words to find the hidden message.

Anyway family I hope and pray that everything back home is going swell! Your always in my prayers, forever and always! Love you all endlessly, family is not by blood, we are all family.

ZAAM to no End

Elder Makai

Week 18 Hasten the Work

Good Week in Mildura

How great the joy of my heart is to hear of a wonderful deed done by more family which has been found again. From the second week of my Mission, it has always been on my mind about doing the work for nana and papa, i wasn't sure if you and dad had set a specific date, So i prayed and asked Heavenly Father to make it known whether this work has been done, or needs hastening. There is my answer. What exciting news to hear of our family history work picking up again, i wish i was there to assist in the work, its something i really would love to do. But its okay, get as many people done as possible.

What a wonderful Miracle that is though to witness,. Thank you mum for sharing that with me.

My Blessing, letters and photos arrived today, thank you so much they are perfect. The family looks amazing!

This week in Mildura we have done a lot of work, one of our investigators is now committed to baptism, we told her she can choose the date, she said "I want to be baptised the day after my birthday... 30th May" I didn't realise straight away until a bit later... shes born on 29th May as well :L We are getting her Uncle to Baptise her because he is a Solid young man in the Gospel. The family we are teaching are half Tongan and half Cook Island from Penrin. Had a lot of great lessons with the family and they seem to be getting a spiritual vibe. We have worked with them to set goals and make plans for something to work towards. May is going to be a great month, we are going to hasten the work in Mildura South. Its been a good week here in Mildura i guess, we have our challenges, spiritually, physically, mentally, temporally and emotionally. But we still persevere. Its true the quote "A Mission is the Best but Hardest 2 years of your life, you will struggle physically, spiritually and emotionally." It has been painful at times, im praying a lot for strength, not only for me but for you all as well. Just hoping and praying that everything goes well, its hard at times but i like the challenge. Just a scripture that really stands out to me "For we walk by Faith and not by Sight" - At times its hard to determine whether this is right or wrong, whether we are on the right path or not, our faith gets tested so much that we will tend to give up. We need to stop looking ahead at our future and start trusting that the Lord has things planned for us and is waiting for us to take those steps in order to receive the blessings that he has in store. We cannot see our future, so we must rely on the man who can. I leave you my testimony in the name Jesus Christ Amen.

Love you all

Elder Makai 

ZAAM Zion Australia Adelaide Mission

Week 17 Branch becomes a Ward

Week 17, Our Branch becomes a Ward!!!

We had a a great FHE with Koia family. It was amazing, just a great  fellowshipping activity that started with an awesome lesson from sister Koia about who we really are and ended in an activity famous in our household... Charades! 

It has been a pretty productive week. I believe that my spiritual highlight happened on Sunday. President and Sister Carter came up as well as the Firle stake Presidency for a special zone conference. A miracle occured. Mildura Branch is now Mildura Ward and part of the Adelaide Firle Stake. It was such a blessing to see the reactions on the members faces when it was announced, the whole chapel was filled with the spirit, many years this ward has laboured hard and now they have been found worthy and qualify to become a Ward and part of a stake! 

As the announcement was happening i payed close attention to the Branch President who has been newly called as the Bishop in Mildura Ward, its just a blessing to see the Fulfillment of D&C 88:73, the lord is hastening his work, their is an excitement here in the Ward and work is moving forward, we are working close with the members and really doing all we can to build Zion, its a great blessing to see the excitement for Missionary Work and we are excited to see what the Lord has in store (': It has been a pretty full on week this week, just alot of finding and teaching been happening and its pretty exciting! Transfers end in 2weeks then i will be hitting my 5month mark. I cant believe i turn 19 next month, i feel old hahaha.

 Well anyway im still loving it here on the mission field, its an amazing experience and i have learned sooo much. The thing i love here is getting to know certain doctrines more deeper, every monday is DEEP DOCTRINE MONDAY! and its suprising how much the scriptures tell us that we dont know :L I encourage you to follow the invitation that Moroni gives to us in full detail. R.P.P Read Ponder and Pray, emphasis on the Ponder and Pray part, pondering on a scripture or better yet a topic can take you to places never before seen, your view on the scriptures will be different and you will look at life in another perspective :D 

I testify that the scriptures are true, that through modern day revelation the true church of Jesus Christ was restored once again to the Earth, im grateful for our leaders, for my father in heaven and for Jesus Christ and all he has done for us. Love you family so much! 

Family Home Evening with Koia family

Elder Makai

Week 16 General Conference

Week 16 General Conference!!!

Yes this week we had the beautiful blessing to attend all 5 sessions of General Conference, that is 10hours :O I was afraid that I would fall asleep, but i took notes and that kept me awake! We were able to get 2 Investigators and a Less active to the conference also :D But the talks that hit me were yes as always Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. I love the things you shared about some of the talks that impacted you Mum, just listening to the talks from the 1st Saturday morning conference whereas basically all the talks were based upon families and marriage. Its an obvious top subject and a true ordinance that we must all embark on one day, but at this moment here on the mission field im not worrying about it. Im here to serve the Lord, i can worry about myself later. Of course there is a need to focus on our future but at this present moment i will leave to the Lords hands.  I have been able to focus on many positive things about life, many positive things about my future. The Lord, The Apostles and the Prophet Thomas S. Monson have helped me to understand to never give up. "Twas I, but Tis not I" is a quote an apostle said, meaning "It was me, but it is not who I am". Who am I? is the question I have pondered on.. Am i who he wants me to be, am i doing what he wants me to do? am i where he wants me to be. No. I am who he needs me to be, im doing what he needs me to do, and i am where he needs me most. "You have been suffered here for a reason" We have been working with a young man who was baptised back in Auckland, he has been here in Mildura for 8months now looking for a job with no success. Yet he is living in his sisters house with a house full of non-members. One of his nieces is our new investigator, we expressed to him that he is here for a reason, he met us for a reason, the Lord knows that reason so find HIM.

The journey that I have overgone in my life was all done for a reason. The experiences i have endured throughout my life have helped me to become who i am today. You, Dad, Family, Catherine, My Close Boys, My school friends, Home teachers, Church Leaders (Both Mormon and other Religons) have ALL impacted my personal growth. The things i have learned, the support i have recieved, all helped me to become WHO I AM. So who am i? Well I am Taylor Matamaru Takairangi Makai, I have been born of goodly parents who love me and i love them. I am surrounded by the love of family and friends, who strives not to lead by example, but to show them who is leading by example. Our savior Jesus Christ. Twas I, But Tis not I. I was a boy once, but now im becoming a man. So what does it mean to become a man? 

1Cor 13:11 - "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when i became a man, I put away childish things." <--- That is how we become men.

I still have a lot to learn, and im grateful for the experiences i have endured in this life. For the love i have felt the love i have given, im excited to see what the Lord has in store for us all. I leave my testimony that I know these things are true, i sustain President Thomas S. Monson and the rest of the Church Leadership. I love you all my family with all my heart. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love you all

Elder Makai

ZAAM

My new Companion Elder Callahan far left from Utah

Week 15 Mildura

Week 15 Easter in Mildura

Hi everyone
It has been an awesome week here in Mildura South. We have had a lot of progress, we used this week to focus alot on Easter and the true meaning behind Easter. I learned that the word Easter is only mentioned ONCE in the whole Bible in Acts 12:4; through sharing that with people we went through what it says about Easter in the Bible Dictionary. A highlight for this week was being able to use the Easter Video in our finding efforts. We had decided to do a District Find this week from 6-7pm. Elder Callahan expressed how he has had a feeling towards this one street in our area for quite some time but he didnt want to go into it yet. Well that day i told him we will go on that street and see how it goes. We were having no luck at all and there was a point where discouragement was kicking in, Elder Callahan was beginning to doubt his feeling, but i remembered a small quote from Jeffrey R. Holland. "Doubt your Doubts before you Doubt your Faith" that is something i shared with him, and then after the next 2 houses we came across a man who was just getting ready to have a shower, we told him who we were and why we were here and asked if we could take 3min of his time to share a video. He accepted the invitation and let us into his home, then we watched the video. I paid close attention to his body language, and as the video progressed i could see him becoming more and more interested. At the conclusion of the video he expressed he grattitude to us in helping him to rekindle the spirit of Easter. We ended up staying at his place for around 30min because we shared with him part of the Restoration. He was our miracle, he was the reason why we were there. He is the reason why Elder Callahan had that feeling, that was the spirit prompting my companion to go there. We listened, We went and We worked (: Great week.

Here are some last pics with my companion Elder Purve-Ochir from Mongolia and our District leader before transfers. 

Love you all family and friends
Elder Makai
ZAAM

Week 14 Zion Mildura

Zion Mildura:)

Hi Family and friends

I'm now serving in the ZION MILDURA SOUTH Area which is in VICTORIA! haha its closest to Melbourne. This place reminds me of home lol, its FULL of polynesians AND ive met some cook-islanders! 

The Koia family are absolutley amazing and also the Ariki family. They are 2 young couples both of 2 kids and just THIRST to do missionary work.

But ill start off from when i arrived. im teamed up with  the new district leader here in Mildura. We had to go to some outline areas in our zone, so i was on trade offs with one of my boys from the NZ MTC, who also is serving here in mildura which is great. 

We had a great time in Mildura North and South for 2 days. On my 3rd day back with Elder Callahan who is this big canadian boy, very very  humble guy though, we went to visit this samoan family. As we rocked up the husband yells out something to his wife in samoan and next minute she leaves and comes back with cornbeef, chicken, coconut cream, taro and fish and whips up a big feed for us and makes us finish it :L >.< Then we biked home that night and found a dinner box of maccas on our front door step!? then when we walked into our flat we get a call from Brother Koia saying he is dropping off some pizza for us! :L haha 3 dinners in one night but we didnt eat it all. Its still in the fridge. Im happy that im still full-time biker otherwise all that weight is going to come back. But its great in our flat we have some great weights, bench and boxing bag given by the members so im exercising every morning from 6.00am-7.30am. 

I love it here in Mildura everyone is sooooo nice! It suprised me but whether they are members or not they have a friendly nature about them. Its weird not being in the city but then again the Lord needs me here for a reason so im seeking it out. We have a pretty good teaching pool here at the moment and the work is just hastening.

. So brother Koia is from the Cook-Islands and so is his brother in law brother Ariki. Brother Ariki just got off a mission from Perth 2years ago and Brother Koia actually served here in the ZAAM! When he lived in melbourne he served here in Mildura and now he lives here lol. He is the current young mens president but does all that he can for missionary work. Its different from the city, in the city, here they WANT to do the work. This is like the most ACTIVE cook-island family, that i have ever seen :L It was so funny so we did a service for some non members by helping them move. And sister Koia was talking to the guy and they had a good conversation, then she invited him to come to church, and committed him to be baptised :O Im just like wow... i said to my companion "Elder, the members are doing our job" and then we both started laughing. But honestly mum thats what Mildura is like. All the missionaries have told me that Mildura is the place to serve, it truly is ZION! 

I can truly testify of what you said mum, The Savior Jesus Christ came to this Earth, he bled from every pore and suffered for us. He did this so that HE could UNDERSTAND how we felt in our darkest times, and that is why we always turn to him for help. Mosiah 7:33. The savior is always there. He wants to forgive,

but we need to act and ask.

Mildura:)

I love you all family and i seal this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Elder Makai

ZAAM

Week 13 Transferred!!

Humble thy self

Hey mum,

So we had a conference call this morning and i found out that im getting transferred! So ill be leaving downtown tmoro and in to my next area which i will find out tmoro.

But this week was a tough yet good week. We have found 2 of our brothers who are now preparing for baptism and the blessings keep rolling on. I love who the lord has turned me into, he has changed who i am and made me more humble. Repentance has been a hard thing for everyone, but i have learned that as we forgive those who have done wrong to us, the Lord also forgives us. As my parents, you have both shown that love for me. No matter how hard things work or how wrong the things i did, you loved me. And i will always forgive the ones that i love as our father in heaven forgives us.

I have a powerful testimony about being an example of the believers, as we strive to align our will with gods will then the spirit will radiate itself and touch the hearts of those around us. As we focus more on progressing towards eternal salvation but not just for ourselves but also for others then we show true humility, charity and love. These attributes are among the most powerful of Christs attributes, Humility opens the door to the attributes of Christ and as we gain these few things we can show a brighter light within ourselves. Be dignified where ever you are because people are always watching.... God is always watching. I love you family so much ill try send some letters home. But this small message i testify to be true in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Luv you all

Elder Makai

ZAAM

Week 11 keeping the Faith

Keeping the Faith

Hi Family 

Sorry I couldn't email yesterday due to it being a public holiday here in South Australia (Adelaide Cup) so all the libraries and shops were closed.

Its good to hear of great blessings the Lord has given you all, mum don't say that because of me you are all receiving blessings. I have been reading through Alma lately in my studies and found that the Lord has said unto the Alma and Ammon and all those great prophets "according to your faith, and the desires of your heart will I grant unto you the things which you ask for. From your recent emails of you saying how your not worried about anything because your relying on the lord for help and the fact that you are acting on that faith by looking for houses and praying of such is showing your faith. So I say unto you, that it is because of your faith and the desires of your heart that our family is prospering in the land. I am on the Lords errand with the trust that he will take care of you all, but imagine if you all had no faith and were relying only on my faith and works? Its not how it works, for in the bible it teaches that the Lord "looketh not upon a mans countenance, but upon a mans heart" and if his or her heart is good, then he will grant unto them the desires of their heart. That is the reason that Joseph Smith was chosen to be the prophet of the Last Dispensation or as explained in Ephesians 1:10-11 the "fullness of times". For the Lord said unto him that "these people draw close to me with their lips, but their heart is far from me" something that I want to share and leave with you to share with our family is a principle concerning Faith. Now Faith is a principle of Action, and in James 2:17 it says that "Faith, having no works is dead, being alone." We will be judged not only from our faith but also the works that we do. We have come across many people that say to us that they are saved because Jesus Christ died on the cross for them. I pondered on that statement and read through Helaman 5. and in Helaman 5:10 it states "He will come and redeem the people IN their sins, but not FROM their sins." Though Jesus Christ died for us to cleanse our sins and loosen the bands of death, he did not eliminate our personal responsibility to do good works. We take the sacrament every sunday to REMEMBER him and to RENEW our Baptisimal and Temple Covenants. I studied a lot about repentance the past few weeks and found that it has been a principle since the time of Adam. Heavenly Father has made it clear that other than Jesus Christ, no man that has walked the earth today is perfect. We are all sinners, and repentance is given to us as a GIFT and it should be used every day. I am so thankful for the gift of repentance to feel godly sorrow when I didn't work to the best of my ability, which I strive to do every day. Yet I re-commit myself every night that I will work stronger, harder and with a stronger desire. I have grown in love for the people that I serve, for the family in my ward and for my fellow elders and sisters here in the ZAAM.

Again I say this mother, that your heart, and your desires have left a beautiful blessing upon our family. That dads hard work to provide for his family (which God sees as the most important social unit in time and eternity) has shown a marvelous love for the lord and for you all. Through the both of you working in unity to provide for the family temporally and spiritually the Lord is pleased and deems you worthy to receive the blessings that he has awaiting. So I thank you, for your hard work, your effort, your desires and your loving heart that has shaped me into the young man that I am today. I am Elder Makai, I know who I am, I am a Son of a loving Father in heaven who has blessed me with a beautiful family. My purpose is to Invite others to come unto Christ, and I am a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I testify that the things that I have shared, the things that ive learned and the things that I will continue to share are true. I have gained an unshakeable amount of love and faith for this Gospel. It is through the divine power of the Holy Ghost that we can achieve all things. Through exercising faith, repenting of our sins, being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority, receiving the gift of the holy ghost and enduring to the end, I know we will find everlasting joy and happiness. "Remember, Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Brotherly Kindness, Godliness, Charity, Humility, Diligence. Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." These things I share with you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love you all

Elder Makai

ZAAM

our Zone Leader turned up with Pizza lastnight

Week 10. Testimony

Share your testimony

Hi all

Well the bad weather that hit Melbourne didn't come anywhere near us at all. We had nothing but sunshine all week >< Wish there was a storm though its been hot, hope our families and friends are well.

I have been thinking about what to study when i come home. I have a strong desire to study in Uni, not sure what but i know the desire will come from above:)

Well im putting all my heart, might, mind and strength into this work so I can help my family. Help my brothers and sisters that roam the streets of Adelaide and invite them to come unto Christ and experience the tender mercy of the Infinite and Eternal atonement.

I have been thinking of brother and sister vessy, tell her I still use some of those ties that she gave me years ago! They came in handy :D I love her enthusiasm in the church and just the way that her and her husband conduct themselves wherever they are, true examples of Christ-like love for anyone and everyone (:

Yesterday was testimony sundays and we had a feeling that  it we were going to hear great testimonies from the ward members. Every single one talked about the atonement and the sacrifice Christ made for us, we had 3 investigators at church and they all felt the spirit. With smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes, they humbly thanked us for inviting them to take part in this beautiful Sacrament service, we have a few more baptism dates now and are working hard to prepare them for this sacred covenant or promise in baptism. That was my highlight for the week, to see the joy and happiness in the eyes and in the hearts of my brothers and sisters, of our investigators who are feeling the spirit strongly. It is through the joy of others that mine is created (: Something I picked up on interstingly while studying the Book of Mormon I wanted to share. in 2Nephi 9:39 the last 5 words "Spiritually Minded is Life Eternal" take the 1st letter of every word and its SMILE. Keep a smile on your face to be spiritually minded for as the scriptures teach THAT is life eternal. The happiness or that simple smile has the POWER to make someones day. The power to turn a bad day into good. It is a wonderful gift given from God to enlighten the hearts of others. A simple SMILE is Life Eternal that can go a long way (:

Well tell Tiana keep studying hard in seminary, im very proud if her, ill be sending a few letters back (individual ones) for everyone (: Thank you for everything family!
I love you all with a willing heart!

Elder Makai

ZAAM!

Week 9. Miracle Week

Amazing Miracles

Today was our Pday than back to Monday from next week.

We had such an eventful week full of miracles, blessings as we went to the Temple this week.

First of all thank you Mum for your 100 page letter hahaha. It has been an eye opener and I was able to share some of the things you said in it with some investigators which helped a lot!

This week My companion and I were asked by the district leader to give a training to the district on accountability. I asked my trainer if missionaries usually get assigned for this and he said no that's actually rare. So we were both grateful to give the training. Through the training I honestly was lost, I didn't know what I said neither can I remember. But it must have been good because I got really great comments and feedback..lol.

We have been teaching this Vietnamese man in his home. Its funny how we found him, we were about 100m away and we saw him turn into his complex ,We caught up with him before he got to his apartment, he then invited us to come into his home. We taught him the restoration and invited him to pray. After his prayer he stood up with a big smile on his face. he said " I received something" we asked what it was that he received. he said "I felt something in my heart.  My companion and I were blown away, expressed our love and confirmed it to be the holy ghost testifying the truth to him. He attends church now:)

 Our recent convert Mark has informed us that he is teaching his mother the gospel. He skypes her because she lives in China and has been teaching her to pray. It is so great to see the example of young new converts to the Gospel already doing missionary work!

We had... an amazing miracle this week. So we visited a less active member of our ward and shared a great lesson, he told us he wants us to visit his friend who lives around the corner. So after that we went straight there. But to our surprise the house was empty and no one home, we made the decision to knock on the neighbors door and see if they knew where he moved to. A young lady answered the door and freaked out. She poured out in tears and told us she cannot believe we are here! We didn't know who she was and as she stepped outside in tears and sat on the ground crying we calmed her down and asked if we could be of any service. She said that she had JUST finished saying a prayer to God to help her because she had so many problems. As soon as she said Amen, WE KNOCKED AT THE DOOR. She was explaining about how when she answered the door it absolutely tripped her out. But after the visit she felt the presence of the savior and she wanted to learn more. We invited her to church and she actually came. It was such a blessing to see the Lord preparing people for us to teach. We love this work we do for we see it blessing the lives of others. I can testify that through obedience and diligence in the work that we do that the Lord will show unto us the people that HE has been preparing to receive his Gospel. It made me love this gospel more and strengthened my testimony immensely.

Love you family so much, but I know your all fine, I keep you in my prayers day and night and have trusted in the Lord to keep you safe, he has answered by keeping you safe from those cyclones. It really has been an eventful week mother, for the both of us. Give my love to all the family, friends and our ward. I love you all! Forever will!

Love always,

Elder Makai

week 8 Blessings from being patient!!

Great blessings come from being Patient.

Hi everyone

I must say that something that has really stood out to me here on the mission is Christlike Attributes. One in particular which is Patience. President Thomas S. Monson quotes that " Patience is a heavenly virtue that is frequently forgotten" Back on the 11th of January we had contact with this Asian young man on the street and he was reluctant at first, he told us he is hardout studying and said maybe call him on the 13th of February to organize something. We didn't take it as much but we just put his name down on the 13th. So Friday was the 13th of Feb right and we looked at our calendar and saw his name, we both discussed who this "Peter" was for we could not remember him, and we looked for his number and found it in our phone. Still confused in our minds we called the number... he answered, we introduced ourselves as the missionaries. he replied "Yes I remember you, ive finished my exams and im free to meet you both tomorrow." It surprised us both but we still just set a time to see him. So it came to that day and when we saw him we remembered him lol. We taught him the Godhead, and through the influence of the Spirit, which I sort of doubted whether it was the spirit or not, but I felt to invite him to be baptized. To lead to it I spoke about Jesus Christ and his example here on Earth. After teaching a little bit about him I asked that question. "Will you Peter follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God?" With a smile on his face he said "I will". Patience is a heavenly virtue... if we had not written that mans name on our calendar we would never have called him. For that whole month the Lord prepared him to be taught by us and to make that sacred covenant with our heavenly Father. This is 1 of the great experiences I had this week.

My second experience came in what you have maybe seen in my letter if you have received it yet Mum. But it goes along the lines of how we had to stay in our flat for the whole of our day off. Though I was upset I pondered on Laman and Lemeul. They saw an angel and still murmured. I have seen the work of the Lord and his hand in our lives yet I murmured over LITTLE things. I was disappointed in that state of mind that I had and decided to turn to the scriptures. I studied the scriptures for 5hours straight. Reading... actually studying the book of enos helped me a lot. After I read Enos I myself dropped to my knees, and offered a mighty prayer unto the Lord asking for his forgiveness in my transgressions and short comings. It was then that I lifted my head and saw the picture of Jesus Christ with his hand out to a child lifting her from her bed, and I asked my self "What more can I do" through that question I continued my study of the scriptures on our day off. Just before I finished studying the scriptures we received a random text message from a number we had never before seen. It read " Hi elders, my name is Lisa, my friend introduced me to God and gave me this number to organize a time. I want to learn more. Thank you." Me and my companion looked at each other with amazement. Has the Lord answered our prayers? In all honesty we thought it was one of the missionaries playing a prank for that was transfer week and we don't have EVERYONES number. So we decided to call that number. To our surprise a Asian woman by the name of Lisa picked up the phone, we asked how she came in contact with the Mormon church and she said no her friend was Christian but gave this number because she was interested in learning more. We have no idea who this Malaysian friend is that she spoke of but we organized a time. So we taught her the next day the Godhead because she knew nothing! She loved the lesson and wanted to learn more. The next lesson we followed up on what she learned, we asked "Who is God to you" and she said "God is my loving heavenly father and he loves me and knows me individually" That surprised us immensely... She was prepared and ready. Lisa is now attending church and has committed to baptism. Can you see the Hand of God in this work!

Valentines day was our favourite, we knew people would be going to the city and we used it as an opportunity to find new investigators. Through it we found 2 new! It really shows that if we are truly diligent in our efforts and seek the Lords help that we can achieve what we have set out to do. 

Today after emails we as a Mission are all going to watch "Meet the Mormons".

Love you mum, love you family and friends. I hope all is well back home! <3

Elder Makai

ZAAM