Aug 26th

Since there's a new rule where we can go to the temple with our recent converts if they go with their own names, we decided to take a shot at finding names for our first convert. We thought it would involve complex computer work and struggling through Cambodian writing to find anything until we visited the Family History Center and they pulled out a sheet of paper where all our recent convert had to do was write down the name of his parents and voilà! We can go! We haven't been able to meet with him yet to get the info and plan the day to go (which is pretty important) but the fact that we can potentially go to the temple with him is so exciting!

Other than some more service and finding two new investigators (yes!), it wasn't as busy a week as we'd hoped. We do have a baptism planned for this Friday! It's a 50 yr old man that's come to church twice, has been taking the lessons for awhile and loves it, so we're hoping that he'll be able to get time off work soon to go to Sunday school as well as Sacrament mtg with us - we're so desperate to get members to Sunday school. We haven't held it in a few weeks because one key member's out of town, and the other knows English well enough to go to the English classes, so we've been seeking some Cambodians that are willing and available to come. 

As I've met several interesting people at door-steps, and heard their arguments about their concept of God and life in general, it's really sad to hear some of their misconceptions, but it gives me a chance to read the scriptures and find answers to their questions. Recently I read these two scriptures:

  

"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." (2 Nephi 26:24)

 "Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves - to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life." (2 Nephi 10:23)

That's basically the sum-up of our purpose in this life. It's so easy to get caught up in little priorities that draw us away from the main focus of life, or ideas that there's just some things about ourselves that can't change, and that's false! We have the agency to change, no matter how long or hard it may be. We have the Atonement to help us through any challenge we may face and I'm not just talking about repentance, but about believing in and receiving support from someone who knowsthe effort and pain it takes to change. It doesn't have to be something major, because as Elder Neil A. Maxwell put it, "God's personal shaping influence is felt in the details of our lives." (Becoming a Disciple, June 1996) So even if it's as simple as being a little more patient, or finding joy in someone else's achievement, it's possible!

Sister Dunster