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