Elder samuel haycock's
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bringing the light of the gospel to the people of kiribati
Elder samuel haycock's
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As we spent time with her this week and buried him, a feeling of peace and testimony came to me that this life is not the end, that there is a place and continuation of progress in the life to come. Mauri Mom, This week has its highs and its lows: we finished up the bootaki in Matang, performed a funeral service for Tearabi's husband, and had a Sunday full of trials as events just didn't go our way. The bootaki ended officially on Monday night, so we went and participated, but of course it didn't end until midnight. Well Tuesday after getting back late from the bootaki on Monday, we slept in because we didn't hear the alarm to get up. Well Tioman comes on his bicycle and tells us that we need to go to Tearabi right now. When we asked him why, he wouldn't tell us and so we asked again and he said someone died. We then knew that it is was Tearabi's husband and that we needed to be there to help her. Tuesday we stayed with Tearabi and were there for her as we comforted her by playing Sorry and Kanitita and giving our love to her. She desired that he be buried as quickly as possible, so we woke up early the next day to help her dig the grave, but the turn out of people was amazing as they desired to help her and showed their love. What we did instead, was we went and bought the stuff that she needed for the food for the funeral. The spirit of the funeral service as neither Elder Fonseca nor I have ever performed a funeral or really have ever been to a funeral service was good. We tried our best and referred to the Church policy Handbook 2 as it has some direction. The testimonies or Maroro or pieces of advice that were offered to Tearabi, is that he lives and that he is happy and that there is life after this life. You know you are doing something right when Satan tries his hardest to stop every action and tries to stop the work from going forward. This week we had a bootaki to welcome the new members that just came from Tarawa. So we hired two cars for Sunday services. Only one went, but didn't go until it was time for church and then it didn't stop at the people's houses. So only one person sat on that car! Next we went North since the car didn't come, and we had church in Teuabu and Temanoku (on the end of the island) and we were on our way to Koonono's house when the tire on the motorcycle popped. We tried to fix it but the hole was on the stem and the only tires on the island were in Matang (in the middle of the island) but by this time the store was closed, so we had to sleep in Temanoku. My thought for this week comes from when Jesus Christ is visiting the America's and has just arrived. 3 Ne 11:11 "Ao nooria, Ngai te oota ao maiuin te aonaaba; ao I a tia ni mooi n te mwangko ae mao are ea a tia n anganai te Tama, ao e a tia ni mimitong te Tama irou ngke i katoka iaou buren aonaaba, are I a tia ni kainnano iai ibukin nanon Tamau ni bwaai ni kabane mai i moana." I know that my Savior lives and that he cared enough to die for me. That the Atonement is the work that he has given as a gift to everyone and he has already made that infinite and eternal sacrifice for everyone. I atongi bwai ikai n aran Natin Iesu Kristo ara Tia Kamaiu, Amen. I tangiriko, Elder Ekaki The picture attached is the ba from the bootaki from Tearabi on Monday. Mauri Bro, Currently the sky is up. Work is picking back up as events have finally ended. I love the work! I love testifying about Jesus Christ and His eternal work that He did so that we may return back to our loving Heavenly Father. My companion is awesome and teaches by the Spirit and when he testifies you can feel his love for the gospel. I'm doing great! Your Heavenly Father loves you and he wants to keep you safe as He desires us to return to him, to partake of the Fruit of the Tree of Life and then invite others to do the same. Here's something you can try every time you are mad. Instead of going off yelling, hitting, etc. Remove yourself from the situation and do something new. Develop a new trait by reading your scriptures, washing the dishes, singing a hymn, etc. But, the most important thing you need to do if you are changing anything and you need help is to ask your Heavenly Father. He is just waiting for you to ask Him and wants you to. He wants to bless us, but we must ask first as it says in 3 Nephi 14:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. This promise is true to everyone.Heavenly Father wants us to ask. The major event that happened this week is that Tearabi's husband passed away this last Tuesday. As we spent time with her this week and buried him, a feeling of peace and testimony came to me that this life is not the end, that there is a place and continuation of progress in the life to come. I tangiriko, Elder Ekaki
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Mauri Utu, (We asked about his language oopsie last week at Teebwa's baptism.) Teebwa's baptism - Let's say she just laughed and life is still good. It is now a joke of the aro (church/religion) so now.... well we will have to see how long it lasts. Numatong: We woke up at 3:00 in the morning to get Teuabu to take Tekaie's boat because that is the only way to reach Numatong. We walked around the island looking for the eggs of the birds but none could be found, so we left that island and went to it's neighboring island and looked for eggs there. None to be had, but found that rock path that was really cool. After that we went to Abemwakuro and gave our thanks to Uni Mwaane for allowing us to be there and ask for his luck (the tradition of Nonouti). We went on a tour of the island and then took a nap while waiting for high tide. Finally we went to Nangnii and toured that island. Lots of birds in a place on Kiribati that looks like the Jungle Book, and a beautiful sunrise that I couldn't capture. This week so far was the start of the Koro Mwaneaba in Matang. This means that nearly all of our investigators are checked into the mwaneaba. The bootaki started last Saturday and so we went to lunch and dinner but skipped Sunday because of the Taoramauri's. We held and just finished the morning part of the bootaki today and still have tomorrow. Sunday: Elder Fonseca and I are little frustrated with the car that we hired. In the past, we haven't had problems but yesterday after we got back from doing our church services in the North of the island, a car hadn't gone yet which would mean that church would be starting later on the south side of the island. We got the car started, but it didn't get back from Nanoraoi until a little after 5:00. We finished our church service and waited for the car until 8:00. It still didn't come, so we motorcycled back to Tekai's house and got him to take the motorcycle and take back the people back to Nanoraoi. The car didn't come until 9:00. By that time they were already on their way back. Just a little frustrated. Mauri Hannah, I love you and hope you are helping mom out with chores. Mauri Sarah My favorite thing that has happened this week is spending time with Tearabi and dying her hair black this last Friday. Well hope all is well. Mauri Josh, The baptism last week was a lot of fun. Sounds like you are having a lot of fun with soccer practice. Sounds like the project was a lot of fun. Love to hear more about your aeronautics class. Mauri Bro, Te Kekeaki, I tangiria naba toau, ao akea e bou te investigator ibukin te bootaki n te wiiki aei. Ti kataia ukoukouia te investigator. (I'm hanging in there. I love my companion. And no new investigators because of the party this week in the kaawa. It sounds like quite the project! I'm glad that you were able to spend time with Dad. (Project was installing shelving in the garage.) Mauri Sis, Haven't heard from you in while. I know the dance has come up. I hope all went well and I hope that you had a good time. I want to hear all about it. I'm sending some pics of the beautiful sunsets this last weekend. I attached some pictures the first being the sunset on Thursday, second being the bootaki, the third being sunset on Sunday, and the last pic Tearabi before her hair is dyed. My thought this week is simple. CTR in Kiribati is Rinea te Eti. Just the small decisions we make help us stay on the path and we are guided by the Holy Ghost in what decisions we should make. (see 2 Nephi 9:49; 1 Nephi 10:17-19). I know that God loves each of you and knows you by name. I love this gospel as it is simple and easy to teach, but at times hard to understand. I love you guys and want you to keep moving forward. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Love you All, Elder Ekaki 2 Nephi 9:49 Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God. Mauri Utu, First - answers to your questions from last week! A "retired" missionary means that they are not willing to change and they have lost their testimony of the truth. This last week, the "retired" missionary I spoke of last week, came with his wife and their child. Four of the other children followed them in coming to church. He is honestly almost there (in recommitting). In regards to being bad at getting up on time, it has gotten better as this week has moved along. You asked about The Kiribati games that I have learned with cards: te roka played like uno but the seven of hearts ends the game and can be played in companionships, another game called one two five is a lot like scum, but you can play 1 card 2 cards or 5 cards. The other thing different is that the suit of the cards have power - hearts having the most power, with the 2 being the highest. The last game that I learned to play and that you play with old people is te Kanitita (Canasta). Honestly it is such an easy game to play! Kiribati techniques I've learned for example are for when you are handwashing your clothes, you use the palm part of your thumb and use that to scrub. I've learned as well how to make some of the Kiribati shirts. This week: Three big events! The first was Fou's Eighth Birthday which was a lot of fun! We helped in decorating the cake and that cake was actually really good with the frosting that was on top. Then we asked if he wanted to be baptized this Saturday and he said yes! Second was my first baptism that I performed Feb 11. We hired a car the day before to pick up the members in Matang to take them to the baptism at the JSS. Well Elder Fonseca and I waited at the JSS until two. When it didn't come, we borrowed a motorcycle and started the kids walking, told Teebwa to come on her motorcycle and carried Tearabi and Marebu's stuff for the baptism so that they can walk to the baptism. We didn't start the baptismal service until 4:00 which at this time the tide was really high. So after we had the talks it was time for the baptisms. Teebwa, an investigator, was to be baptized with Fou who had just turned 8, but the waves were so huge on taan rake, that we just did Teebwa on the ocean side. You know how you have to say their first and last name to baptize them? Well in Kiribati, their surname is their father's name. Well I didn't know her father's name so I asked her. She said "ten rebu" and I said "ten rebet", "tiaki" she replied "ten rebu". Then I said "ten rebu". I get her ready for the baptism and I say "Teebwa ten kiri ma te ...." at this time there was a big wave coming in and smashed us right before I said her last name. I finished the prayer and ordinance just fine and baptized her correctly. It wasn't until after the baptism when we were on dry land that she told me what I said. I found out because I didn't know what "kiri" was at the time. To put it nicely... (women's parts). No clue at the time what I said! We baptized Fou on the lagoon side where it was nice and calm. Third, yesterday Elder Fonseca and I explored the etimwakuro of Nonouti. We went to Numatong, an island right next to it, abamwakuro, te nangnii. We left at three in the morning and didn't get back until five at night. We had so much fun! (The spiritual thought is found in the Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 15:8-9,11. Laman and Lemuel are complaing to Nephi because they don't understand Lehi's vision. And Nephi speaks to them the following. 8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord? 9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us. 11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you. Te kanami Tamneira e menia Ana Boki Moomon, te Moan ana boki Nebwaai, Mwakoro tebwi ma nimaua, kibu waniua, ruaiua, ao tebwi ma teuana. Ngkai Reimwan ao Reimuera a ngurengure bukin a aki ota ana mii ae burabate Riaai. Ao Nibwaai I tuangiia ni Kangai "Kam atia n titirakina te Uea? Ao a taku nkoiu: Ti tuai; bwa te Uea e tuai ni kaoti bwaai aron aikai nakoira. Kam aki uring bwaai ake e taekin te Uea? - Ngke arona bwa kam aki kamatoai nanomi, ao n titirakinai ma te onimaki, ni kakoaua bwa e na reke iroumi, ma n teimato ni kaawakin au tua, ao e koaua bwa a na bon kaotaki nanon bwaai aikai nakoimi." I ataia bwa ngkana ti bubuti Tamara are i Karawa ma te onimaki bwa ti kona n reke ara kaeka nakon ara titiraki. Bwa ti kona ni karekea te ibuobuoki mai iroun Tamara are i Karawa. I tangiringkami, I atongi bwai ikai N aran Iesu Kristo Amen. I know that when we ask our Heavenly Father with faith that we can obtain answers to our questions and that we can receive the help from our Heavenly Father. I love you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I Tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki Mauri Mom, Highs: We found a return missionary and we have been teaching him and his wife and they are planning on getting baptized at the end of next month when the baby turns 1 and when all of the family is gathered together. When we first met him, he was we thought he was a retired missionary but no, his testimony is still there, but he is shy in coming back because he is afraid of being judged by other members. We'll have to work on that. Lows: Personally I'm struggling waking up on time and starting my studies on time as we get back late from dinners but we are getting better at that. Funny: Playing cards with Ritebwa she loves to mimic you if you do something funny and then you can't help but just laugh. Sad: When your investigator relapses and decides that it is okay to drink beer. But the good from this is that Tearabi was involved. This is probably bad, but Tearabi made the beer but she didn't drink it she just added yeast to it and so when Ebeta drank it, it filled her stomach and made it hurt causing her not to want to drink it anymore. Frustrations: When the person you are trying to share a lesson with tells you he is busy or makes an excuse and tries to avoid you, or they tell you they are coming to church but really they are not. Excitement: When you learn a new kiribati game or are taught a kiribati technique. Joys: Being able email write now. Spiritual Thought of the Week: Comes from Moroni 8:26 Ni Kangai "Ao kamaunan buure e uota te nimamannei, te nanorinano n te nano; ao ibukin te nimamannei ao te nanrinano ne te nao ao e roko te Tamnei are e Raoiroi, are te tia karaunano are e onrake n te kantaninga ao te tangira ae kororaoi, are te tangira are e teimatoa n te botumwaaka n tataro, ni karokoa e a roko te toki, are a na bane aomata aika a itiaki ni maeka ma te Atua." I tangiria te kibu aio. E buokai n te wiiki aei. I atia n namikin ana tangira te Atua ibukiu. I karabwa ibukin Te Tamnei ae Raoiroi ao bwa e bon te Tia kakoaua, tia karaunano, tia buobuoko, ao te tia kaururing. I atia n namakin te Tamnei ae Raoiroi Ngkoananoa. E bo te aki mamatam ao te taoramauri. I namakin te kukurei ao te rau mai irouiia kaoti koaua. I ataia bwa e tangiringkami Tamara are i Karawa. I ataia bwa e kakoaua te koaua te Tamnei ae Raoiroi. I atongi bwai ikai n aran Iesu Kristo, Amen. (Moroni 8:26 I love this verse. it helped me this week. I have felt his love for me Heavenly Father. I am thankful for the Holy Ghost and that He is the Testifier of truth, the comforter, the helper, and the rememberer. I felt His presence yesterday. It was Fast and Testimony meeting. Wow I felt the happiness and the peace from their testimonies yesterday. I know that Heavenly Father loves you. I know that He testifies of truth the Holy Ghost. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. I tangiringkami, Elder Ekaki PS For the MP3 file I have a trick you know how to upload a youtube video well if you search youtube to MP3 you can convert it really quickly and it is just the audio. One need I do have is I need some more AAA rechargeable batteries. And my birthday present I'd really like a hammock and if you can get one with a mosquito net - even better.
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Elder Samuel HaycockI am called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This blog is about my adventures in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ for the next two years in the Republic of Kiribati. Archives
July 2018
CategoriesContributorRachel Haycock - I am the mother of 6 amazing children and the lucky wife of a dear, sweet man. I love to write, read, cook, teach and sew. I hope you feel the Spirit of the Lord as you read about Elder Haycock's adventures in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. |